May 2023 (Part 1)
AVE MARIA (Part 1 - Feb & Mar 2023)
It’s been a while since the Outreach Office gave an update of our ongoing outreach efforts. The first half of 2023 has been full of grace-filled blessings to our church community and those whom we encountered. With May being the month of Mary, the Outreach Office would like to give thanks to Our Mother for the many blessings she has bestowed on us, and we pray for her continued intercession and protection to all her children.
Collaboration with Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation Singapore (RLAF)
In February 2023, RLAF warmly extended their wonderful “Blessings-to-All” (BTA) initiative to our Friends in need (FINS) from Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP). BTA projects are supported by organizations such as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (PA MESRA) and Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC). Through the distribution of grocery vouchers and items for personal hygiene, BTA projects are aimed at bringing festive cheer to disadvantaged families and individuals, during the season of Ramadhan. BTA radiates compassion and kindness to the poor, underprivileged and disaster victims regardless of their religious backgrounds or race.
A total of $2,070 grocery vouchers were given out to 69 of our FINS families on 7 May. On behalf of the FINS, members of SSVP extended their heartfelt appreciation to RLAF for generously extending their almsgiving (Zakat) efforts to us. The Church stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from the RLAF committee in serving the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community.
Conversations over a Bowl of Soup
During the season of Lent, themed "A Gentle & Quiet Lent", we had a very well-received initiative called "Simple Fridays", which was held after the Stations of the Cross at the piazza. Parishioners broke fast together over a simple bowl of soup and bread rolls. We had more than 150 people turning up each Friday.
The meal may be simple, but the fellowship experienced at every table was undoubtedly rich. We caught up with many old friends, met new faces, and welcomed visiting brothers and sisters from another parish. Every Friday evening in Lent was filled with the warmth of laughter and chatter as we gathered to share a meal.
A Visit by Students from CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace
When the school teachers from the school reached out to us and requested a behind-the-scenes tour of our church sacristy for their school girls who serve in their school Masses, we knew we had to say yes.
The girls had a short tour of the church and sacristy in March where they learnt more about the sacramentals used at Mass from our altar server Dinesh, and also about the Franciscan habit by Friar Aiden. Many of the girls probably thought that the sacristy looked almost like their school hall's backstage! Hopefully this experience will inspire them to serve Mass with greater understanding and reverence.
Ranjith conducting a tour around St Mary’s
Friar Aiden explaining about the Franciscan habit in the sacristy
Financial Assistance to our Parishioners in Need
Although our Jubilee Solidarity Fund (JSF) Program is officially closed, we still receive calls from those seeking financial assistance. We do not turn them away and continue to assist those with serious issues as best we can.
Here is a testimony of M&G (initials of couple) who recently received some assistance from the church:
"St Mary's has always been close to our hearts. Being raised as Catholics and as Marian devotees, we always feel at peace whenever we go to this church.
Our situation was very uncertain recently and it didn't seem there was any hope in sight. We felt so restless, helpless and vulnerable. St Mary’s embraced and helped us in all ways that they could. They provided food, emotional and financial assistance during these distressing times and we can't thank them enough.
We might have at times questioned Mother Mary and God's plan for us but we knew that HE won’t give us battles we can’t win. St Mary's gave us that hope to continue believing and have a stronger faith. To all the Friars of St Mary’s and its community: Thank You, and may our Almighty God bless you to continue giving a big hand to those in need like us."
(To be continued… in Part 2 of our May Mini Bulletin) COMING SOON!
