March 26, 2012
In a few weeks, catechumens and candidates will become full members of the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil. Landings, a Paulist ministry of reconciliation which welcomes Catholics back to the church, has been thriving not only in the United States Canada and Great Britain, but in Singapore as well since 2008. Coordinator Tony See reflects on the impact Landings has had over the past four years in Singapore-Malaysia during this season of welcome.
A tourist stopping at Old St. Mary’s Church San Francisco saw a bulletin board notice for Landings, and the Holy Spirit did the rest. This would typify the reconnection to God for the many participants of Landings in Singapore – the rediscovery of God through the events of our daily lives.
Landings first came to Singapore in April 2008 at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Only one other parish, Blessed Sacrament, works with us to reach out to “away” and “inactive” Catholics. More than 200 participants have experienced the warm welcome of this wonderful process since its begining.
When we first encountered Landings, we incredulously asked ourselves if there was a need here. Our church in Asia is focused on growth, and initiation processes are active in most of the 31 parishes here. But our experience in Landings has told us that returning Catholics are present in every parish community. Some of them really do want to come home.
We had expected more parishes in Singapore to adopt Landings, and this will happen in God’s time. We now focus on promoting awareness on two fronts. First, we raise awaress among active Catholics that there are brothers and sisters in every parish community struggling with their faith. Second, we want “away Catholics” to know that church want them home and will journey with them in a process of reconciliation. Some are not even aware that they could come home.
Landings is the vehicle of this “awareness.” If it means more Catholics coming home, with or without the Landings program, then heaven rejoice!
In these four years, we have seen a need to evolve our work in Landings. We began as a ministry – just running a program – but have been Spirit led to form a community among our welcomers. We have met as a community every week for 18 months strengthening ourselves through prayer, Scripture and formation to improve the welcome we offer.
In turning ministry into community, we can welcome a returning Catholic any day of the year. We offer our companionship to the returning on their journey of faith – hopefully as long as it is required according to God’s plan. In effect, our community has grown into a small Christian community with bonds extended to spouses and family members.
Singapore is a tiny island city-state fronted by a lovely harbor. It promotes a safe environment for business, and its progress up the economic ladder has been remarkable. But lifestyle and culture in well-to-do cities often threaten values and faith life. As such we are certain that Landings in anchored here for a long time to come.