Panbil Daily Bread Mission @ Batam

25 parishioners travelled to Batam for a 4-day mission trip from 13-16 Feb 2025. Eschewing the relaxation and shopping that Batam is typically known for, the missionaries chose to dedicate their time to visiting shelters and soup kitchens.

Purposeful: We set off with a clear mission in mind, equipped with many bags of essential items and toys for the youth in the shelters. Pope Francis exhorts us not to be “[a] Christian who is ‘on the balcony’” – we are not called to observe with detachment, but to approach others in need intentionally.

Eye-opening: Nothing prepared us for the conditions of the slums, yet the children there remained joyful despite the challenging living conditions. This prompted many of us to ponder on and express gratitude for the blessings in our own lives.

Meaningful: Every location we visited was an experience in itself – from cutting vegetables at the Panbil Daily Bread Food Kitchen to visiting a shelter for young abused girls (Shelter St. Theresa). Many were moved to tears at an orphanage for children orphaned by tsunamis (Yayasan Global Asia Sejati).

We remain extremely grateful for this chance to play a small part in reaching out to our marginalised brothers and sisters – and for the bonds forged during this journey! 

CDM Youth Band 

“Many youths in our community have different talents – singing, dancing, playing an instrument, acting etc. I can use this gift given to me (by God) to inspire others.” – Cayleigh Lim

“I hope to motivate the youth to use their talents in ministries in the church and contribute to CDM.” – Isaac Tan

Our Youth Band brought CDM closer to the community when they performed at the Elias Community Centre Chinese New Year dinner on 9 Feb. 

“I’m truly grateful for the chance to be part of something so meaningful, where we can connect with others through music…Through music, I can inspire and connect with our youth, drawing them nearer to God through songs and worship.” – Seth Ghin

As part of our Missionaries of Hope local mission, our youth band, despite their young age, shone at the Elias Community Centre as they belted popular songs to the cheers of the audience. Thank you to our parishioners who turned up to show support to our youth!

Our Youth Band and its ardent CDM supporters 

Catholic Watchmen @ Canossaville Pre-School

CDM Catholic Watchmen recently embarked on a local mission at Canossaville Pre-School, lending a helping hand to repair bicycles and organise the storeroom. Through their service, they brought care and order to the school, reflecting Christ’s love in action.

Let us be inspired by their dedication and find ways to serve in our own communities!

Community Outreach by HAPPY Exercisers @ St 72

The first session of the Healthy Ageing Promotion Programme for You (HAPPY) began in Jan at Pasir Ris St 72. The HAPPY programme aims to help frail senior citizens improve their mental well-being, memory, functional ability and strength through cognitive and physical ‘dual-task’ exercises.

Contact Aloysius at 96314782 to join their subsequent sessions!