The GIFT (Giving in Faith and Thankfulness) campaign was launched in Advent 2016 to support the Archdiocese of Singapore’s vision of a more vibrant, evangelising and missionary Church. This report provides updates on its progress for the first quarter of 2024.
The first quarter (January to March) of 2024 saw a total of $3.63 million collected for the GIFT programme, a decrease from $3.78 million during the same period in 2023.
Catholic Foundation continued to rally support for the Catholic Hub building project. Thanks to the faithful’s generous response in January 2024, all ad hoc contributions and parish collections in that month went towards the Catholic Hub – our Archdiocesan spiritual oasis, which will equip the Church for greater communion in mission and expand efforts to share the message of God’s love to more people.
We urge all Catholics to sign up for a pledge, “generously as your means can afford” (Sirach 35:12, NRSVCE), as a GIFT pledge is the most sustainable source of funding for the Archdiocese. We also ask for your continued support and prayers as we work as one to build the Church today for tomorrow.
In addition, Catholic Foundation will be fundraising for the Papal Visit to Singapore. Please help to defray the cost of the Visit. More details below!
Welcoming His Holiness, Pope Francis to Singapore, 11-13 September 2024
We are excited that His Holiness, Pope Francis will be visiting our island from September, 11 – 13 2024! The Papal Visit to Singapore is a momentous occasion for all of us. He will be the second Pope to visit Singapore, the first being Pope Saint John Paul II in 1986.
As shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, the Holy Father will also have an opportunity to connect with the Catholic community in Singapore in Unity and Hope.
Visit www.popefrancis2024.sg for more information about the Papal Visit.
Support the Papal Visit to Singapore
Tickets to the Papal Mass are free of charge. To make this possible, we need financial help to defray the costs.
Catholic Foundation has set up a new restricted fund, the Pope Francis Singapore 2024 Fund, to appeal for and receive donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful impact to help create a welcoming and inclusive experience.
You can soon look forward to the launch of official souvenirs! Proceeds from the sales will go towards the Pope Francis Singapore 2024 Fund.
Visit www.catholicfoundation.sg/popefrancis2024 to find out how you can contribute.
Activity Highlights in Quarter 1
The Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore held the graduation ceremony in March for 34 students who completed their studies in the Certificate in Theology Programme as well as nine others who completed the Diploma in Theology programme. Congratulations to the graduates! Currently, 260 students are pursuing the Certificate and the Diploma programmes, offered in either English or Mandarin.
The Office for Young People organised the School Of Witness from 9 January – 2 March. Over the course of the 8-week discipleship retreat, 36 young people were challenged to go deeper in their walk with Jesus and to witness His love and light. The Office also organised the SHINE retreat for over 75 Polytechnic, ITE and Private Diploma students from 20 – 23 March.
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