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Commencement of School Year Homily – Part 3: Servant Leaders

Those of you who are educators, don’t forget to feel for the weakest students. Educators, please, don’t just teach. You need to focus on our Lord. You need to acquire the heart of Jesus, the wisdom of Jesus.

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Commencement of School Year Homily – Part 2: Living with Integrity

What we believe is what we teach, and what we teach is how we live. Consistency. Integrity of life. It is very important that as educators, we form more young people to be people of integrity, believing in righteousness.

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Commencement of School Year Homily – Part 1: Forming Virtuous Students

Beatitudes is a compound word, of the “Be Attitudes” – what are your attitudes in life? Your attitudes in life will determine how you respond to situations, how you look at life, and how you live your life positively, meaningfully.

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Maria Montessori: The Child is Father to the Man

The Montessori method has become synonymous with excellence in early childhood education. Even secular institutions have implemented the pedagogy of the Italian paediatrician Maria Montessori, who understood that children have an innate drive to learn and develop their interests and talents.

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Kateri Tekakwitha: Lily of the Mohawks

St Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American saint. Following a petition by 906 Native Americans and two certified miracles, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

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Sir Thomas More: Lord Chancellor, Loving Father and Martyr

Although he abided by his conscience and sacrificed an earthly fatherhood, Saint Thomas More’s courageous witness to God’s truth makes him a steadfast spiritual father for time immemorial.

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Humour & Humility: St Philip Neri

A friend of St Ignatius of Loyola, and the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, known as the Oratorians, St Philip is called the third Apostle of Rome after Sts Peter and Paul.

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May Day: St Joseph the Worker

Being God, Jesus could have chosen to be raised by anyone, at any time in history – a king, a merchant, a doctor, a professor… but He chose a humble carpenter to be His foster father.

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Divine Mercy

While private revelation is not binding on the faithful, God continues to speak directly to us today through heavenly apparitions to the saints. One relatively modern vision was when Jesus appeared to St Faustina Kowalska in the form of the Divine Mercy image.

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The Blessed Sacrament: Jesus’ Gift of Love

As Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, usually falls within the month of April, this month is dedicated to the Most Blessed Sacrament.

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St Joseph, Foster Father of God

March is the Month of St Joseph, whose feast is celebrated on the 19th. As the protector of the Holy Family, he became a patron of the Universal Church, as proclaimed by Pope Pius IX on 8 December 1847.

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St Katharine Drexel: Multi-Millionaire Servant of the Marginalised

Can a millionaire become a saint? Yes. God calls everyone to be a saint – it is probably more difficult for those who are attached to earthly things like wealth and prestige, but Katharine’s rich parents taught her to find her real treasure in the kingdom of Heaven.

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The Chair of Peter

Today’s feast celebrates the establishment of the Catholic (Universal) Church when Christ said to Simon Bar-Jonah: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

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Angela Merici, Foundress of the Ursulines

St Angela Merici’s life is a testament to the good which can flourish when a single person assents to God’s calling, becoming a flame which lights other candles, causing a cascade of love throughout space and time.

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Outgoing CHIJ Katong Convent Principal: God Has a Plan for Everything

After eight years of service as CHIJ Katong Convent’s principal, Ms Patricia Chan has taken on a new posting at the Ministry of Education (MOE). Read her story as she reflects on her time in the CHIJ family.

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Parents: How to Address Youth Mental Health

Youth, in general, lead challenging lives full of commitments and fast-paced activities. Because of these, there seems to them very little time for self-care. This is where family support is essential.

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Advent: The Coming of the Lord

Just as we prepare for the glorious joy of Easter with Lenten fasting and penance, so do we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ with the quiet contemplation of Advent.

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John Paul II & the Importance of Friendship

For many who graduate from school, what endures beyond the grades and accolades is friendship. True friends help each other grow in virtue, knowledge and maturity.

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Celebrating the Jubilee of Blessed Nicolas Barré

This evening, the Infant Jesus Sisters invite everyone to join in the celebration of Holy Mass commemorating the 400th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Nicolas Barré.

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The Rosary: A Sanctifying Repetition

In school, teachers often repeat learning points so that they will sink into our heads. As we study at home, we memorise and exercise knowledge through repetition. The same principle applies in the spiritual life.

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Catholic Education Sunday Homily – Part 3: God With Us

There are too many attractions, distractions, temptations and different ways of living that can take us far away from God and living in God’s ways. But God is indeed near, and God will help us.

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The Art of Compassionate Accompaniment

Mother Mary, the first disciple of Christ from the moment He was incarnated in her womb, is the pre-eminent example of compassion, the ability to suffer with another person.

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Catholic Education Sunday Homily – Part 2: Who Are We?

“Who do you say I am?” is also a question we ask each other. I wonder what Jesus would say to you and me if we dare to ask Him the same question, “Jesus, who do you say I am?”

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Catholic Education Sunday Homily – Part 1: Who Is Jesus?

“Who do you say I am?” Jesus asks His disciples this question in today’s Gospel. Jesus asks us the same question in our prayer, when we are on retreat, in the best and worst times we have, and even when we act wisely or foolishly. I wonder what your answer and my answer will be.

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Catholic Education Sunday 2021: The Blessing Virtual Choir

St Magdalene wrote that the Daughters of Charity are to be “detached from everything… and ready for the divine service and to go anywhere, even to the remotest Country.” Canossa Children and Community Services (Canossaville) continues the mission began by St Magdalene in Italy two centuries ago.

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Canossian Village Celebrates 80th Anniversary

St Magdalene wrote that the Daughters of Charity are to be “detached from everything… and ready for the divine service and to go anywhere, even to the remotest Country.” Canossa Children and Community Services (Canossaville) continues the mission began by St Magdalene in Italy two centuries ago.

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The Assumption: Following in the Footsteps of Christ

The name of today’s feast comes from the Latin “assumptionem”, meaning to be taken up or received. Mary, as the Ark of the New Covenant, having borne the Word of God, the Lawgiver and the Bread of Life in her womb, is taken up to Heaven by God upon her death (Revelation 11:19).

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Address of Archbishop William Goh at CEC2021 – Part 5: Life-giving School Communities

Following a successful Catholic Education Conference 2021, we are proud to present a five-part series based on Archbishop William Goh’s address at the conference. In part 5, we contemplate how to build supportive school communities which provide meaning and comfort for students, especially in their times of trial.

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Address of Archbishop William Goh at CEC2021 – Part 4: A Gift from God

Following a successful Catholic Education Conference 2021, we are proud to present a five-part series based on Archbishop William Goh’s address at the conference. In part 4, we focus on how Catholic schools can provide a space for encountering the Divine.

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Tips for Stay-Home June Holidays

With all the COVID restrictions, your family might be going a tad stir-crazy these holidays! Here are some suggestions to maintain peace and harmony at home despite cabin fever.

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Address of Archbishop William Goh at CEC2021 – Part 3: Parents’ Hopes and Dreams

Following a successful Catholic Education Conference 2021, we are proud to present a five-part series based on Archbishop William Goh’s address at the conference. In part 3, we reflect on parents’ expectations of a Catholic education for their children.

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ACCS to Lead Catholic200SG Intercessory Prayer Session

Start the June holidays the best way possible—in prayer! On Tuesday, 1 June, from 8pm to 9pm, the ACCS will be leading an intercessory prayer session on Zoom, in conjunction with Catholic200SG, celebrating two hundred years of Catholicism in Singapore.

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“Zoom in His Room” Keeping Students Connected to Christ During HBL

Saint Max, the video production arm of the Archdiocese Communications Office, is producing a series of short videos meant for Catholic schools and parents to use freely in this season of Home-Based Learning (HBL).

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Address of Archbishop William Goh at CEC2021 – Part 2: Encountering God

Following a successful Catholic Education Conference 2021, we are proud to present a five-part series based on Archbishop William Goh’s address at the conference. In part 2, we consider how our Catholic schools facilitate a relationship with God.

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Archbishop’s Prayer for Our Catholic Schools

A prayer for our schools, educators and students composed by His Grace Archbishop William Goh.

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Uplifting students the Montfortian way

Besides focusing on the pursuit of human and academic excellence, The Assumption Pathway School (APS) celebrates the full power of its founding mission and principles of inclusive education to contribute to the community and uplift the disadvantaged.

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Charting new pathways, serving with love

St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (SACSS) has marked 140 years of education serving not only those who are poor financially, but also those who are marginalised and poor in spirit. Since 1989, the school has lived out its foundress St Magdalene of Canossa’s charism of inclusion so that every girl can achieve her fullest potential.

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Address of Archbishop William Goh at CEC2021 – Part 1: Our Blessed Inheritance

Following a successful Catholic Education Conference 2021, we are proud to present a five-part series based on Archbishop William Goh’s address at the conference. In part 1, we recall the legacy of our Catholic schools’ founders, the missionaries who sacrificed everything to answer God’s call to bring the Gospel to the ends of the Earth, serving our local community by providing quality education and human formation.

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Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse Open House

If you’re thinking of putting your little ones to pre-school, join Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse at their open house this Saturday! Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse (LSS) family of pre-schools offer authentic learning experiences, built upon the Education in Virtue® programme.

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Homily of Fr Adrian Danker SJ at the Catholic Education Conference 2021

At the Catholic Education Conference 2021, Fr Adrian Danker SJ invited us to celebrate Catholic education, know the goodness of God, and share the good news that we are in God’s holy presence.

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Creating with God through Education

Through our creative natures, we participate in the salvific work of God, restoring His creation to what it was meant to be. God created a universe based on logic and natural laws, which we are able to discern through our intellects.

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Assumption Pathway School to Showcase Art Exhibition at National Gallery

National Gallery Singapore is collaborating with Assumption Pathway School (APS) this year for their annual student art show, from 9-15 October. Entitled “Icon”, the week-long exhibition will showcase over 20 artworks inspired by Singapore and Southeast Asian artists from the National Collection.

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Being Thankful for Catholic Education

Catholic Education Sunday 2020 was celebrated with a special livestream of mass this past Sunday, 13 September 2020. Listen to the homily by Rev Fr Adrian Danker SJ, Principal of St Joseph’s Institution:

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Remembering Sr. Deirdre O’Loan, IJ

The Infant Jesus Sisters would like you to join them in celebrating Sr. Deirdre’s Memorial Mass on the feast of the Assumption of our Lady on 15 August 2020 at 9am. Come and be united with Sr. Deirdre in prayer and love.

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Adjusting from ‘Circuit Breaker Mode’ to Ordinary Time

By Adeline Low and Fr Edward Seah Soon after we welcomed the New Year and even before our first term break, our world entered a very unusually challenging time. We have yet to fully recover from it. COVID 19, which became a pandemic, continues to affect us all with no regards for social status, race, […]

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Remembering Br John Lek FMS

“All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus” was the motto of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of Marist Brothers, a religious community which follows Jesus in the way that Mary did. One of the important feast days of the Blessed Mother Mary, “Our Lady of Guadalupe”, is celebrated on 12 Dec. It is […]

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It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Christmas light-up at Orchard Road signals the start of shopping frenzy for gifts, new clothes, decorations and the like. It is such an exciting period especially when you think of your loved ones and consider what gift they may want to receive this Christmas. Hustle and bustle before Christmas You pull your hair out […]

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Sneak Peak: Mini-Exhibition at Selected Parishes Celebrating 165 years of Catholic Education in Singapore

Here’s a sneak preview of what will be on show at some parishes during the upcoming Catholic Education weekend on 8-9 September:

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School Chaplaincy Team Formation: A Participant’s Sharing

By Susan Ng-Thian, parent-volunteer The School Chaplaincy Team Formation was held over three mornings from 19-21 April. As I am currently helping with the mass set-up in my youngest child’s school, St Joseph’s Institution Junior, I was quite interested to find out how the formation will help me in my vocation. The formation course was […]

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Selective Cloth Folding and Stone Moving Easter

By Errol Chang When ice melts and green shoots spring from the ground, a very visible sign of change in season and new life can prompt us to reflect on the changes in our lives. Spring therefore, lends itself nicely to indicate the change from Lenten to Easter season in our liturgical calendar, where the […]

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St Brother Solomon: A La Salle Brother, Teacher, Martyr

By Bro Nicholas Seet, FSC Nicolas Leclerq was born in 1745 in the northern coast of France in Boulogne-sur-Mer Boulogne, a major port. His family was well-off and dealt in food and wines. He studied in the same school as his father which was managed by the La Salle Brothers. As a young boy, he […]

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In Memory Of Sr Deirdre O’Loan IJ

Catholic educators in Singapore, along with the CHIJ family of schools, mourn the loss of Sr Deirdre O’Loan, supervisor of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Schools. Sr Deirdre – or “Sister D”, as her students fondly called her – returned to the Lord on the morning of 13 August, Saturday, at 83-years-old. […]

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Celebrating the work of the IJ Sisters

“Do you want to live in community, on the understanding that you will not have any security? You will have enough to live on but only just enough … You must be ready to die by the wayside, abandoned by everybody, and remain in this attitude throughout your life.” This was the question which Father […]

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Men For Others: Montfort School Celebrates 100 Years

This year, Montfort School celebrates the 100th year of its founding since its inception as Holy Innocents’ English School in 1916. We revisit the school’s rich history as a holistic Catholic institution.   In commemoration of their 100th year, Montfort School is holding a year-long series of celebrations. Beginning with the Anniversary Mass on 16 […]

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Pope John Paul II and Divine Mercy

  Saint John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła on 18 May 1920, was the longest serving pope of the 20th century. Born in Wadowice, a small city not far from Krakow, the widely-travelled pope is well known for his teachings on Divine Mercy since his election to the papacy in 1978. Throughout his pontificate, the pope […]

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Remembering Fr Robert Balhetchet

  On the morning of 15 March 2016, Tuesday, the Singapore Church lost one of its brightest minds. As we remember Rev Fr (Dr) Robert Balhetchet, former Rector of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, we also examine the lessons we can learn from his service as educators. Fr Robert – or ‘Fr Bob’, as […]

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Being a good man: lessons from St Joseph

  What does it mean to be a man? It is a question running through every boy’s mind in the course of their maturity, and one that defines their identity. It is also, one of the most difficult life questions to answer. Scripture shows us examples of the role of men in God’s plan of […]

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Grace in the midst of trials

Born in Roman Britain on 17 March 387AD, St Patrick is one of the world’s most popular saints. Despite being born in a Christian family, Patrick didn’t really believe in God. It was only after a turn of events that led him to seek out a relationship with the Lord. Let us look at the life […]

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Pope Francis’ address during his audience with Representatives of the Catholic Schools Parents’ Association

Here is Pope Francis’ address to representatives of the Catholic Schools Parents’ Association on 5 December 2015. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am pleased to welcome you all, representatives on the Catholic Schools Parents’ Association, on the occasion of the 40 years of your foundation. You are here, not only to be confirmed in your […]

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Pope John Paul II on the school’s role in catechesis

The following is from Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation Catechesi Tradendae, given this day, 16 October, in 1979. 69. Together with and in connection with the family, the school provides catechesis with possibilities that are not to be neglected. In the unfortunately decreasing number of countries in which it is possible to give education […]

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Address of Pope Francis to Students in Cuba

Unprepared remarks of the Holy Father given at the Fr Félix Varela Cultural Center, Havana on the occasion of his visit to Cuba on 20 September 2015.   You are standing up and I am sitting. How rude! But you know why I am sitting; it is because I was taking notes on some of […]

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Canossian schools choir perform at interfaith concert to mark SG50

Our Canossian schools — St Anthony’s Canossian Primary and Secondary, Canossa Convent Primary and the Canossian School for the hearing impaired — made up a 180-strong combined choir to perform in an interfaith concert celebrating SG50. They sang Let There Be Peace on Earth at the concert titled Harmony in Diversity, celebrating religious and racial […]

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Chasing a Life Worthwhile

St Benedict was young, wealthy, and healthy at the time he decided to step back away from the world to pursue what he thought mattered most. Do parents and teachers value the same things today?   On 11 July, the Church commemorated the life of St Benedict of Nursia, one of the most well-known and […]

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A day in the life of… Sr Delphine Kang RGS

Sr Delphine Kang RGS is the supervisor of Marymount Convent School.   What are your roles and responsibilities at Marymount Convent? As supervisor in the only Good Shepherd School in Singapore, I ensure the school is on track in its mission, “reaching out with compassion and respect and empowering each person to develop her full […]

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Join Archbishop William Goh in praying for our Catholic schools!

Archbishop William Goh’s prayer intention for June 2015 is for Catholic schools: “That Catholic educators will be more courageous in the proclaimation of the Gospel as they form young people in truth and love; that the Catholic Ethos to be strengthened in our Catholic schools.” Please make a mention for this intention when you pray […]

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Proclaiming the Word: Telling Bible stories to young children

Over dramatisation of any scripture text is never a good idea especially when you want to create the understanding that God speaks through his word. However, when telling Bible stories to young children, some emphasis and additional inflection may be needed for better grasp of the story and for greater engagement. The teacher’s personal preparation […]

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The Catholic school at the heart of the Church

The complexity of the modern world makes it all the more necessary to increase awareness of the ecclesial identity of the Catholic school. It is from its Catholic identity that the school derives its original characteristics and its “structure” as a genuine instrument of the Church, a place of real and specific pastoral ministry. The […]

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Living as Spirit-filled educators

As we celebrate Pentecost, let us remember the gits that God freely blesses us with, and what they mean for us as educators and parents.   Have you ever been so absorbed in the busyness of life that you forgot to open a gift? Perhaps a Christmas present you only opened after the New Year? […]

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Pope Francis: Parents must “re-assume fully their educational role”

At his General Audience yesterday, Pope Francis encouraged parents to not “exile themselves from the education of their children”, but to take responsibility of educating their children, in partnership with schools and teachers. Continuing his weekly catechesis on the family, the Holy Father focused on the importance of the education of children, “an essential characteristic […]

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St Vincent Pallotti: From Dimwit to Light of the World

Today in the Roman Martyrology, we commemorate St Vincent Pallotti, a Saint much less well-known than the likes of Francis of Assisi or Maria Goretti, but nevertheless has much to offer us for reflection. In his records the life of Vincent Pallotti, the great English priest and hagiographer Alban Butler makes it a point to […]

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Children and Reverence in Church: A Workshop with Dr Margaret Carter

Behaviour-change specialist Dr Margaret Carter once again afforded us her time and expertise when she held a workshop at the Church of St Ignatius for catechists on children and reverence in Church. During the workshop, Dr Carter discussed behavioural expectations for children, and shared the processed by which children learned how to behave. She exhorted […]

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Archbishop William Goh’s Pastoral Letter on the Catholic Church’s Position on Sexuality

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Some of you may have heard or read about the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Sexuality posted on the Health Promotion Board (HPB) website. I want to assure you that our non-public engagement of the opposing groups on this issue is by no means evidence of our flight […]

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Foundations for Sexuality Education

The following is an extract from the CMECS (Civics and Moral Education for Catholic Schools): Foundations for Sexuality Education Programme, created by the Family Life Society (FLS) in collaboration with ACCS.   The prevalent perspective on sexuality says “I am free to do what I want (with my body) provided I don’t hurt anyone” and […]

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Archbishop Nicholas Chia’s message on Sexuality Education in Catholic schools

Dear Principals, Vice-Principals and Heads of Department in our Catholic Schools, Greetings for the New Year! My prayers and blessings on all of you as you begin a new academic year. On the occasion of the World Day for Peace on January 1st our Pope Benedict has dedicated his message to peace which he connects closely […]

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