Some words by Darren...

Good evening everyone; my most sincere greetings to Fr Erbin Fernandez, Brother Valerian, our parents, the GII alumni, and all present members. I am Darren Leong; member, leader and servant of the current generation of Genesians.

Today we come together to celebrate and to give thanks to God our Father for 20 years of inspired singing, great friendships and spiritual guidance. Each and everyone of you, through the movement of the Holy Spirit, has contributed to and taken an active part in the growth and life of this special community.

We praise and thank almighty God, our Heavenly Father, creator and chief architect, for igniting the fire of our founders Valerian, Christopher and Melvin; for watching over us His work, for blessing us with trials and tribulations and weathering them together with us.

We give thanks and honour our alumni, who built the foundations of our choir with God, who steered GII through the last 20 years, ensuring the continuity of our service to God through our singing.

We thank our parents, for giving us life and bringing us up as Catholics in Holy Family Church, who are always there to motivate and spur us on. Your presence in numbers/force tonight stands as testimony to you being GII’s pillars of support.

We, the current bricks and mortar, like those who have gone before us, continue to serve God and His church. Special mention goes to Marissa, Noel, & Genevieve, our musicians; June, Augustine, Winnie & Duane, our conductors; Daphne, Desri, Melvin & Michaela, our animators; cantors, section leaders, all present members and to the new generation of GII led by budding pianists Jonathan, Nicole & Jasmine.

Since our last anniversary in November 2002, we have had a memorable year-end retreat; went advent caroling; sang & facilitated for Lenten Vigil; enjoyed our secret pal Revelation Day, amongst the weddings, prayer meets, practices, outings, suppers and joining of 20 new members.

The highlight of this year’s activities is the GII Camp in December. It is during this camp that we retreat from the world around us, and be there for each other in prayer, song, fun & suffering, for 4 solid days. This rejuvenates us and strengthens the bonds of friendship we have, with Jesus at the center of everything.

What can we expect next year? AGM and elections will see new leaders coming forth to serve; a Lenten Vigil presentation or Easter presentation may be conceptualized; more prayer meets to nourish our spiritual selves; continued strive toward inspiring and uplifting music for mass and services; outreach to non-Christian youth, to the underprivileged.

Will we see another 20 years? GII has been of service to the church through her facilitating of mass, and is an avenue for youths searching for direction. I believe in the ability of this generation and the next to see us through the years to come. I believe that as the church grows, and as more youth begin to turn away from the secular world and seek God, the choir will have bigger shoes to fill. We would definitely need your continued prayers and support.

We have prepared a very unique and special night for you all. The rest of the night from this point forth is of a less serious tone, so do take things with a pinch of salt and let your hair down.