After the Mass, there was a short reception in the canteen. We then brought our FINs for a dinner at the coffeeshop opposite the church at Toa Payoh.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Mass for the Sick
Today, we celebrated the Mass for the Sick at the Church of St. Ignatius. At 2pm, we left Church of Risen Christ on a bus with our unwell FINs. The Mass was being celeberated by our Archbishop Nicholas Chia. He urged us the need to take care of our sick brothers and sisters in Christ, and friends. Members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul play an important role in looking after the sick as we do our visitations and provide care for FINs.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Serving the Poor
On 17th Mar 2012, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Conference of the Risen Christ organized a talk on serving the poor. Conducted by Mr. Brian Shen, the talk was also attended by Vincentians from other conferences.
Mr. Shen started with a simple of outline of social psychology. He also emphasized that help should be provided to a level where the poor is motivated to act on their own to achieve their own subsistence; rather than be provided with everything.
With examples, Mr. Shen also highlighted that we should identify with the poor and not be seen as "one up"; for example eating the same food in a feast.
Mr. Shen also quoted from the Bible to show how Jesus identified with the poor and that there are lessons to be learned from them.
Mr. Shen also quoted from the Bible to show how Jesus identified with the poor and that there are lessons to be learned from them.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
IT in the Conference
Using spreadsheet, the Conference has maintained a database of its Friends-In-Need (FINs). This has enabled Vincentians to retrieve essential data of FINs during meeting and keep them updated (monthly) on the FINs under their care.
The accounts is computerised through a spreadsheet which makes the Treasurer's job a breeze.
The Conference has also an active blog - you are looking at it. Thanks to some very young and IT savvy Vincentians.
And the Conference has just acquired a photo printer which enables photographs to be printed at the site of the event. This has really enhanced the experience of those participating in the event as they get to keep the wonderful memories instantly - especially the young ones.
All these to help us serve our FINs better, happier and faster.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Visit to Villa Francis Home
On 11th Febraury 2012, the SSVP and Youths of Risen Christ went on a combine visit to Villa Francis Home for the Aged.
Villa Francis Home for the Aged was built to house old folks, destitute and sick, who were kept in ad-hoc shelters not much better than chicken coops in the 60s & 70s. In July 2006, the Canossian Sisters were appointed by the Archbishop to manage and operate the Home. Villa Francis Home strives to provide a positive and cheerful living environment for its residents, a community where residents have a sense of belonging and are happy to call it "our home". (Source: Catholic Welfare Services)
At around 2pm, the residents were wheeled and ushered into the dining hall. This is where they have their meals and see performances. They have periodic visits from various organizations and volunteers. We set up the stage and started our performance with a few hymns by Mark Leong and Lew May May.
Next, the youth group picked up their guitars and stood together to present a few modern songs. It is reassuring to see young people show care for the poor and aged with so much energy. We waved and clapped our hands to the rhythm, and encouraged the residents to participate as well. After the performance by the youths, it was the residents' turn to sing. The mike was passed around and many had a go at exercising their vocals.
The next item was a game of Bingo. Small cards were given out and the numbers were written on a board as they were being called out. This is a simple game that many residents were familiar with, and helped them to coordinate their thoughts. Members scattered around the tables to assist the residents with crossing the numbers. Snacks were distributed as prizes, and everyone was a winner in this game.
The SSVP band continued next with some Mandarin and Dialect songs, in an effort to rekindle some old memories. Dinner was promptly served at 4.30pm. They enjoyed catered food today, instead of the regular meals, and members help to feed some of the residents.
After dinner, we helped to wheel the residents back to their quarters and clean up the dining hall. The sister-in-charge notified us that the home would be shifting to Yishun next year. Many people living in estates in that area of Yishun were against the move and have a flawed perception of the 'Bad Luck' that follow when an aged home is situated in their estates. On the contrary, it is important for us to empathize with the predicaments of the aged and homeless, and that our children understand this value through our actions.
After a short debrief, we dismissed to a Tze Char in Toa Payoh for our own dinner.
Written by: Vincent
Villa Francis Home for the Aged was built to house old folks, destitute and sick, who were kept in ad-hoc shelters not much better than chicken coops in the 60s & 70s. In July 2006, the Canossian Sisters were appointed by the Archbishop to manage and operate the Home. Villa Francis Home strives to provide a positive and cheerful living environment for its residents, a community where residents have a sense of belonging and are happy to call it "our home". (Source: Catholic Welfare Services)
At around 2pm, the residents were wheeled and ushered into the dining hall. This is where they have their meals and see performances. They have periodic visits from various organizations and volunteers. We set up the stage and started our performance with a few hymns by Mark Leong and Lew May May.
Next, the youth group picked up their guitars and stood together to present a few modern songs. It is reassuring to see young people show care for the poor and aged with so much energy. We waved and clapped our hands to the rhythm, and encouraged the residents to participate as well. After the performance by the youths, it was the residents' turn to sing. The mike was passed around and many had a go at exercising their vocals.
The next item was a game of Bingo. Small cards were given out and the numbers were written on a board as they were being called out. This is a simple game that many residents were familiar with, and helped them to coordinate their thoughts. Members scattered around the tables to assist the residents with crossing the numbers. Snacks were distributed as prizes, and everyone was a winner in this game.
The SSVP band continued next with some Mandarin and Dialect songs, in an effort to rekindle some old memories. Dinner was promptly served at 4.30pm. They enjoyed catered food today, instead of the regular meals, and members help to feed some of the residents.
After dinner, we helped to wheel the residents back to their quarters and clean up the dining hall. The sister-in-charge notified us that the home would be shifting to Yishun next year. Many people living in estates in that area of Yishun were against the move and have a flawed perception of the 'Bad Luck' that follow when an aged home is situated in their estates. On the contrary, it is important for us to empathize with the predicaments of the aged and homeless, and that our children understand this value through our actions.
After a short debrief, we dismissed to a Tze Char in Toa Payoh for our own dinner.
Written by: Vincent
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Chinese New Year Outing 2012
At 11am, there were members who already came down to help with the packing of rations, money, oranges, and snacks. Today is going to be an exciting day as we are bringing the FINs for an outing in Chinatown followed by a feast to celebrate Chinese New Year 2012!
The FINs streamed in at about 1pm. We started distributing the rations, snacks and oranges to the FINs and those who were following us on the trip stayed back.
For many of the FINs, outings like these are an opportunity for them to buy something that they like for the New Year. Chinatown has a long historical significance in Singapore, and till today, many people go to Chinatown to buy affordable clothes and food stuff.
We reached Chinatown at about 3.30 pm. Members were armed with fluorescent flags to guide the FINs, in this crowded shopping area. The streets were super-packed as residents were looking to get something before the Chinese New Year that was only two weeks away. The crowded atmosphere brought an experience of sweat, loud touting and nostalgia.
Some FINs were buying goodies, while others just wanted to sit back and enjoy a drink.
At about 5pm, we made our way to Kian Seng Food centre for dinner. We started off with Grace, and a traditional Lo Hei. We enjoyed the multi-course meal, and there was even time for a lucky draw.
The FINs got back to church at about 8.30pm. They collected their monthly rations before retiring from a long day. I am happy to have shared my first Lo Hei with FINs, it was indeed meaningful.
The FINs streamed in at about 1pm. We started distributing the rations, snacks and oranges to the FINs and those who were following us on the trip stayed back.
We reached Chinatown at about 3.30 pm. Members were armed with fluorescent flags to guide the FINs, in this crowded shopping area. The streets were super-packed as residents were looking to get something before the Chinese New Year that was only two weeks away. The crowded atmosphere brought an experience of sweat, loud touting and nostalgia.
Some FINs were buying goodies, while others just wanted to sit back and enjoy a drink.
The FINs got back to church at about 8.30pm. They collected their monthly rations before retiring from a long day. I am happy to have shared my first Lo Hei with FINs, it was indeed meaningful.
Written by: Vincent
Friday, 23 December 2011
Christmas caroling
From 21st Dec to 23rd Dec 2011, some Vincentians did caroling at homes of some of the FINs and also at the void deck of Blk 170, Toa Payoh.
This is the first time the Conference has carried out the activity and Vincentians were received warmly.
Vincentians sang familiar Christmas carols like Silent Night, Mary's Boy Child and some more contemporary favourites like Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad. We also added some Hokkien and Cantonese songs.
The session at Blk 170 started off coolly but was soon join by more people.
Vincentians also gave out chocolate and other snacks to spread the Christmas cheers.
This is the first time the Conference has carried out the activity and Vincentians were received warmly.
Vincentians sang familiar Christmas carols like Silent Night, Mary's Boy Child and some more contemporary favourites like Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad. We also added some Hokkien and Cantonese songs.
The session at Blk 170 started off coolly but was soon join by more people.
Vincentians also gave out chocolate and other snacks to spread the Christmas cheers.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Interesting talk by Father Daniel McCaffrey
Listen to these talk. It is very relevant to us being Vincentians.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Christmas Celebration for FINs
Christmas is never the same without the act of charity and the share of joy with the poor. While we do countdowns at events and exchange presents at house parties, it is important to remember the less fortunate who might not have such a festive atmosphere.
At 4pm, SSVP members started preparing and decorating the church hall, while others packed rations at the Charity Corner. The hall was well decorated with Christmas lightings, the microphones and tables were being set up and the catered food was positioned just outside the hall.
The FINs started trickling in around 6pm, and so did the rain drops. After they received their rations, they were ushered into the church hall, a good choice, since the drizzle developed into a massive downpour. The hall started getting crowded and the additional tables emphasized "The more the merrier".
While members helped to dish out the delicious meals to the FINs, a mixture of Christmas Carols, English, Mandarin and Hokkien songs were being performed by Mark and Mark. We took the opportunity to present education awards to the children who did well for their exams; a nice treat for the holidays.
There were also Christmas presents for kids.
The FINs played a game of Bingo, where the adults had to exercise their brains and work their hands.
Laughter, feasting and singing ended around 9.30pm and the FINs went home with rations, and many Christmas presents.
The only real blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart. — Helen Keller
At 4pm, SSVP members started preparing and decorating the church hall, while others packed rations at the Charity Corner. The hall was well decorated with Christmas lightings, the microphones and tables were being set up and the catered food was positioned just outside the hall.
While members helped to dish out the delicious meals to the FINs, a mixture of Christmas Carols, English, Mandarin and Hokkien songs were being performed by Mark and Mark. We took the opportunity to present education awards to the children who did well for their exams; a nice treat for the holidays.
There were also Christmas presents for kids.
The FINs played a game of Bingo, where the adults had to exercise their brains and work their hands.
Laughter, feasting and singing ended around 9.30pm and the FINs went home with rations, and many Christmas presents.
The only real blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart. — Helen Keller
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Great dinner
10 Vincentians went to the Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant on 30th Nov 2011 and had a great dinner. The set dinner was offered at 40% discount and consisted of Beijing Duck, sharksfin soup and abalone. Desert consist of special banana fritters and I must say the noodle dish was nice.
And the restaurant revolves too. Too bad it is dinner. Otherwise we would have a pretty nice view of the southern part of Singapore.
You can find out about the restaurant by visiting its website : http://www.pfs.com.sg/restaurants/prima_tower/
Monday, 14 November 2011
SSVP Retreat
On 13th Nov 2011, the National Council conducted a retreat for Vincentians of Singapore. The theme of the retreat is "Awakening and Beyond" and it was conducted by Fr. Stephen from Ipoh. In the talk, Father discussed about awareness, detachment and mortification as stages involved in the awakening process.
After awakening, comes the illuminated state where one displays more virtues and positive attributes as oppose to negative virtues and attributes. Father challenged us to examine our behaviors to see if we have achieved this state.
During the retreat, Vincentians were also allocated quiet time to reflect on the following:-
- Using Romans 13:11-14, let us explore our lives.....Where are we a people of God? Are we moving towards to become people of Light, or are we in darkness?
- As we ponder upon illuninative stage of spirituality, do we see the need to make the change? Name the changes you like to make.
- How can the Society of St Vincent de Paul become an evangelizing group as it ministers to people in need.
Vincentians were also urged to model after Jesus in humility in the washing of feet. Vincentians were encouraged to allow their feet to be washed, like those of the Disciples, so as to become Disciples.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Recruitment Drive
This weekend, we held a recruitment drive, which has been a while since the last one. We attached an informative brochure to the church bulletin and set up a table to answer questions from the parishioners. This also coincides with our First Sunday collection.
A few parishioners expressed their interest and we look forward to more volunteers to the society. This will allow us to conduct more exciting activities and better engage our FINs!
