Faith, Football and Friendly Rivalries

The FIFA World Cup has once again captured the imagination of millions around the world. Victories are celebrated, dreams are fulfilled, and for others, the tournament ends in disappointment.

At the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, we have also been enjoying a little World Cup fun and friendly banter, especially with our very own “Andrezinho”—Fr. Andrew’s football-loving alter ego!

Beyond the goals and the trophies, sport teaches us important lessons about life and faith. There are moments of triumph and moments of heartbreak. There are seasons of waiting, perseverance and new beginnings.

As Christians, we are reminded that our lives are also a journey. We may stumble, experience setbacks, or see our hopes delayed, but God continually invites us to keep moving forward with faith, hope and trust in Him.

As St. Paul writes:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
(2 Timothy 4:7)

May the World Cup continue to bring families and friends together in joy and fellowship. Let us celebrate the beautiful game with good humour, healthy rivalry and gratitude for the gift of community.

And to all whose teams have already “departed”—there is always another World Cup!

As for Andrezinho, his flight to Rio de Janeiro appears to have been delayed until 21 July 2026! 🇧🇷⚽✈️

Confirmation Day at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima

On 26 June 2026, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima joyfully celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation as 23 young parishioners were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Eucharistic Celebration was a grace-filled occasion, bringing together various parish ministries, catechists, parents, sponsors, and volunteers in support of the confirmands and their families. The celebration marked an important milestone in the faith journey of these young Catholics as they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit and commissioned to live as witnesses of Christ in the world.

During his homily, Archbishop Julian Leow encouraged the confirmands to listen attentively to God’s promptings and to respond generously to His call. Sharing his own vocation story, he spoke about the support and encouragement he eventually received from his father, reminding the young people that God often works through the people closest to us.

Following the celebration, the Archbishop spent time with the newly confirmed over tea, chatting with them about their aspirations, their lives, and even football, creating a warm and memorable encounter for the young parishioners.

Addressing the confirmands, Fr. Andrew Manickam reminded them that God has a purpose and mission for each person and encouraged them to discover and fulfil God’s plan for their lives.

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima congratulates our 23 newly confirmed brothers and sisters and prays that they may continue to grow in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live as joyful disciples of Christ.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Kick. Score. Win. – Coffee Morning Fundraiser

The OLF Sunday School Level 3 students warmly invite parishioners and friends to a special Coffee Morning on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at Dewan Fatima.

As part of their fundraising efforts for their upcoming First Holy Communion Camp, our young parishioners have put their creativity and teamwork into organising a fun football-themed activity, aptly named “Kick. Score. Win.”

The children themselves brainstormed the idea and look forward to welcoming everyone for a morning of games, fellowship, and community spirit.

Join us for tea, coffee, breakfast, and a friendly challenge as we support our young people in their faith journey.

📅 Sunday, 5 July 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 7.00am
📍 Dewan Fatima

Come dressed in your favourite team’s colours, cheer the children on, and help make a difference together!

St. Teresa’s 69th Annual Sports Carnival | June 27, 2026 ⚽🏆

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima was pleased to support St. Teresa’s School, our neighbour in Brickfields, during its 69th Annual Sports Carnival held on 27 June 2026.

Fr. Andrew Manickam was invited as the Chief Guest and officially inaugurated the carnival, joining the school community in celebrating a day of sportsmanship, teamwork, healthy competition, and fellowship.

The event also reflected the longstanding spirit of friendship and neighbourly support between St. Teresa’s School and the Church of Our Lady of Fatima. The parish is grateful for this relationship and for the many ways both communities continue to support one another.

Fr. Andrew, together with Santhana Rengan from our parish, also assisted in judging the parade, group coordination, and mascots.

We congratulate the Principal, teachers, students, staff, and organisers of St. Teresa’s School on this joyful occasion and wish them continued success in nurturing teamwork, discipline, and school spirit through sports.

Thank You for Celebrating Father’s Day with Us

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating Father’s Day over the weekend.

We thank all parishioners who participated in the special blessings for fathers, visited the Youth Ministry’s Father’s Day booth, shared messages and prayer intentions for their fathers and father figures, and remembered deceased fathers through prayer and the lighting of candles.

Your presence, prayers, and participation helped make the celebration a beautiful expression of faith, gratitude, and family.

May God continue to bless all fathers with wisdom, strength, and loving hearts as they fulfil their vocation within their families. We also remember with gratitude those fathers who have gone before us, praying that they may rest in the eternal peace of Christ.

Thank you to the OLF Youth Ministry and everyone who contributed their time and effort in making this celebration meaningful for our parish community.

St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family, pray for all fathers.

🕊️ Confirmation Mass – Parking Notice

Parishioners attending the Confirmation Mass on Sunday, 28 June 2026, are advised that St. Teresa’s School will be available for parking from 3:30pm to 8:00pm.

To help ensure a smooth arrival and departure for everyone, all candidates, parents, sponsors, family members and parishioners attending the celebration are encouraged to make use of this designated parking facility.

We thank everyone for their cooperation and look forward to celebrating this joyful milestone in the lives of our Confirmation candidates.

Celebrating the Gift of Fathers at OLF

Father’s Day was celebrated across the parish with gratitude, prayer, and fellowship as parishioners gathered to honour fathers and father figures whose love, sacrifice, and guidance continue to shape our families and communities.

At all weekend Masses, a special blessing was offered for fathers, entrusting them to the care and intercession of St. Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer and protector of the Holy Family. The parish also came together in fellowship after Masses, sharing moments of conversation and community at Dewan Fatima.

The OLF Youth Ministry coordinated a special Father’s Day booth where parishioners were invited to write messages, wishes, and prayer intentions for their fathers and father figures. These heartfelt offerings were later presented during the Offertory at the 10.30am Mass as a sign of thanksgiving and prayer.

A particularly moving aspect of the celebration was the remembrance of deceased fathers and grandfathers. Parishioners lit candles in their memory, giving thanks for their lives and praying that they may rest in the peace and love of Christ.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, we thank God for all fathers, grandfathers, guardians, mentors, and father figures who reflect God’s love through their care, sacrifice, and faithful presence in our lives.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Remembering Our Deceased Fathers and Grandfathers

As part of our Father’s Day observance, parishioners gathered to remember and pray for their deceased fathers and grandfathers with gratitude, love, and faith.

Throughout the day, candles were lit in their memory and prayer intentions were placed in the petition box, entrusting them to the loving mercy of God and seeking the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus and patron of fathers.

Father’s Day provides a special opportunity to give thanks for the men who have shaped our lives through their love, sacrifice, guidance, and example. Though they may no longer be with us, their influence continues to live on in our families, our faith, and the values they passed on to future generations.

As a parish community, we remember all deceased fathers and grandfathers in prayer, asking the Lord to grant them eternal rest and everlasting peace.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

St. Joseph, pray for all deceased fathers and grandfathers.

Father’s Day Appreciation Messages

In conjunction with Father’s Day this weekend (20 & 21 June 2026), the OLF Youth Ministry warmly invites parishioners to visit their special booth this weekend and take part in a meaningful initiative to honour fathers and father figures.

Parishioners will have the opportunity to write messages of appreciation, wishes, or prayer intentions for their fathers, grandfathers, guardians, mentors, and all those who have played a fatherly role in their lives.

The booth will be available during the Sunset Mass and before the 10.30am Mass. All messages received will be prayerfully presented during the Offertory at the 10.30am Mass as a sign of gratitude and remembrance.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us take a moment to thank God for the fathers and father figures who have guided, supported, and loved us throughout our lives.

The OLF Youth Ministry looks forward to welcoming you to the booth and helping our parish celebrate this special occasion together.

Outreach Mission to Kerling and Kuala Selangor

In the spirit of the Gospel and the Church’s call to serve those in need, parishioners from the Church of Our Lady of Fatima participated in an outreach mission to Kerling and Kuala Selangor on 16 June 2026.

Working together with OLF’s Inter-Human Development (IHD), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP), and the Creation Justice Ministry (CJM), volunteers visited families facing financial and social challenges, distributing provisions and offering encouragement, solidarity, and hope.

This outreach reflects the vision expressed by the Second Vatican Council in Gaudium et Spes, which reminds us that the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties of those who are poor and afflicted are also the concerns of Christ’s followers. Through simple acts of generosity and service, the parish seeks to respond to this call by accompanying those who are most vulnerable within our communities.

The parish extends its heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity made this mission possible. Their contributions continue to bring relief, dignity, and hope to families in need.

May God bless all who serve, give, and support these efforts as we continue to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.