Module 1: Is There A Christian Way to Be on A Mission?
"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself." - Mark 12:30-31
Rev Fr David Garcia, OP
Dominican Friar
A society that wants to develop healthily must practice the principle of solidarity. This principle tells us that we should take responsibility for each other and stand in solidarity with those who need help the most, especially the poor and disadvantaged.
The Church always shown a special concern for the poor, and in recent documents she refers to this concern as a “preferential option for the poor”.
“The preferential option for the poor should be reaffirmed in all its force.” (St John Paul II, Puebla 1979 in Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church #182)
Module 2: Awakening - Come and See
Imagine Jesus asking us: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” - Mark 10:51
Justin Khoo
Director of Catholic Architectural Guild (CAG)
Like Bartimaeus the blind man, perhaps we should all answer... Let me see again! If you feel a tugging in your heart or an interest developing in social mission, come and see.
Perhaps you have not yet identified God’s will for your life. Get closer to God, search your heart’s desires, and seek the Lord to elucidate His plans for you.
Peng Beng will speak on how the hearts of lay missionaries may be stirred and awakened when God the Father calls them to serve in overseas missionary work. Be inspired by the missionary saints and learn about how we can be transformed by their lives and walks with Christ.
Module 3: Answering the Call - Love in Action
"Here I am. Send me." – Isaiah 6:8
Christopher Chan
Committee Member of A Call To Share (ACTS)
Answering God’s call is something that we all strive to do. To be Christ-like to all we meet and serve - bringing His light not just to those in Singapore but also to our brothers and sisters overseas.
Even though there are many different varieties of overseas missions, all can be challenging. There are many aspects to consider, many things to plan for and inadvertently, problems to deal with.
Listen to Christopher’s sharing on how ACTS has organised overseas missions. Besides gaining insights on the nuts and bolts to consider when going on such missions, the session will help shed light on how we can differentiate ourselves from non-Catholic organisations who go on similar mission trips.
Module 4: Humanitarian Principles
"Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow." – Romans 13:1-2
Mervyn Lim
Executive of CHARIS
Mervyn's discussion revolves around understanding the core values of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence that guide ethical aid delivery. It emphasised the importance of prioritising needs without discrimination, avoiding political influence, and maintaining trust. Participants gained practical insights into applying these principles in global crises.