By Stella Chok
As I stood at the back of the Church of St Theresa on Sunday morning, watching the children line up for their First Holy Communion, my heart brimmed with gratitude. The Feast of Christ the King; a celebration of God’s eternal reign; felt like the perfect day to witness these young souls receiving Jesus for the first time.
This year has not been easy. I often wondered how we would manage with a shortage of catechists and so many holidays disrupting our rhythm. By God’s grace, we stayed committed, ensuring the children learned everything they needed for their First Confession and this precious moment of Holy Communion.
Teaching in a small town like Nilai presents unique challenges. Unlike bigger churches in Seremban or Selangor, where classes can be conducted in separate languages, we work with what we have; often switching between English and Malay to ensure every child understands. Yet, amidst the challenges, the children’s eagerness to learn their prayers and participate in class strengthened me.
I’ve learned to lean deeply on my role as a catechist. It is not just about imparting knowledge but about echoing God’s Word, setting good examples, and sharing my faith journey. Most importantly, it’s about loving these children and trusting that God will do the rest; planting seeds of faith in their hearts and letting His “magic touch” bring them to life.
As I reflect on the months of preparation leading up to today, I am reminded of the simple yet profound moments, a shy child reciting the Hail Mary for the first time, the sparkle in their eyes when they understood a parable, or their earnest confessions as they prepared their hearts for Jesus. These moments remind me why I do this work.
But there is more to be done. Many children do not read the Bible at home, and some have never heard the incredible stories within its pages. It is my hope — and my prayer — that I can share more of these stories with them in the coming years. Stories of courage, love, and redemption are not just tales but living testaments of God’s love.
I also pray for the parents that they may find time to journey with their children through the Bible. A shared moment reading about Noah’s Ark, David’s bravery or Jesus’s miracles can light a spark of faith in their hearts. The Bible, after all, is the greatest love story ever told — a story that invites us all to be part of it.
As the children returned to their seats after receiving the Eucharist, their faces radiant with joy, I whispered a silent prayer of thanksgiving. The Feast of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus reigns not in distant realms but in our hearts. And today, these children took their first step in welcoming Him into theirs.
May this day be the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith for them, and may God continue to guide me — and all of us — in echoing His love to the next generation. – Herald Malaysia
