Saint Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) on November 14, 2024, he reiterated the importance of empowering people to first encounter Jesus in their lives before inviting them to build the Kingdom of God. Catholic Foundation’s role is to enable Archdiocesan organisations to do this.
His Eminence, Cardinal William Goh delivering the homily at Catholic Foundation’s 2024 Thanksgiving Mass. Photo: Catholic Foundation.
In the Gospel reading from Luke 17:20-25, Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God would come when we least expect it, for it is already in our midst. This helps us understand the role of Catholic Foundation in building His Kingdom; the Foundation is not a mere fundraising mechanism.
Empowering people
It is important to understand that we need to first make Jesus present in our daily lives – in our families, our places of work, and within the Church. God’s Kingdom is manifested in Jesus’ life, in His passion, death and resurrection. It is also present when Catholics come together, showing that Jesus reigns in their hearts and when they continue to live out the values of the Gospel.
Therefore, we need to empower people to reallyencounter Jesus in their lifefirst. It is also important for us as Church that we reach out to the many people who thirst for an encounter with the Lord.
To support the operations of key Archdiocesan organisations, Catholic Foundation was formed. It plays a vital role, for without it, these organisations will not have the necessary resources to be empowered to bring Jesus to the people of God. Our offices need to collaborate and synergise with one another, working together with our priests, as we cannot depend on our priests alone to fulfil the mission of the Church.
Growing our Church
All of us, together, play an important part in this mission. It is critical that we strengthen our offices, to allow our Archdiocese to manage the operations of the Church efficiently, so that we can grow in strength.
These organisations funded by Catholic Foundation are not just recipients of the funds raised, but they act as instruments to garner more givers. When people have benefitted from the various programmes offered by these organisations, they are then better equipped to build the Kingdom of God through the Foundation.
I am also happy to see many young people who possess specialised skills and expertise, willingly step up in service to grow and build the Church. These people come freely and generously, all because they have encountered the Lord. We need to empower more young people who possess creative insights to come and work for the Church.
Fulfilling our mission
It is only when we do everything wholeheartedly for the Lord that we are able to build His Kingdom, bringing more people to encounter the Lord and share this mission of the Church.
I seek your continued support for the work of Catholic Foundation as they strive to build the Kingdom of God, and to share the mission of bringing more people to encounter Jesus.
Representatives from the Archdiocesan Organisations funded by GIFT and Catholic Foundation offering up gifts which symbolise their work and the generosity of supporters, volunteers and benefactors. Photos: VITA Images.
