Singapore, Sep 7, 2013 / 12:01 pm
Through a special website and numerous events to help offer catechesis, Risen Christ parish in central Singapore has promoted spiritual growth for its diverse parishioners throughout the Year of Faith.
"It is important for us that the Faith has to be shared and we can't take it for granted," Fr. John Sim, pastor and head of the Year of Faith committee at Risen Christ, told CNA Aug 31.
When Benedict XVI announced the Year of Faith, the parish formed a committee to "brainstorm and propose" various activities to help parishioners in rekindling their faith life, given the diverse ages and backgrounds of those who come to the parish.
Fr. Sim said he has 8,000 parishioners of various nationalities, including Malaysians, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans and Indian. In addition to English, Masses there are said in Mandarin, Tamil, and Tagalog.
The parish's Year of Faith website, http://yof.risenchristmedia.org, contains materials including Benedict XVI's apostolic letter Porta Fidei, information on the Year of Faith, the Catechism, and other resources.
"We also have 40 strong lay apostolate groups. And it's our responsibility to form them," said Fr. Sim.
Risen Christ's "Parish Renewal Experience" has been initiated to strengthen parishioners' faith, and will be an ongoing program, he explained.
The parish has hosted workshops, seminars, and video screenings, as well as a 10-week series of quiz gatherings on the faith, which Fr. Sim described as "encouraging, interesting and successful."
The quiz topics included the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacraments, Second Vatican Council, and Catholic teaching on human life, mission, and evangelization.
Observing October as Mary's month, Risen Christ is working to prepare an exhibit on Marian devotion and her role in salvation.
Located in the central Toa Payoh district, Risen Christ parish serves the faithful in the Archdiocese of Singapore. The archdiocese includes 185,000 Catholics, slight less than 4 percent of the total population.