09/06/2014, 00.00
SINGAPORE
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Singapore: lunch time Masses for Catholics in Changi Business Park

Over a hundred faithful at the inaugural celebration of the Eucharist, August 20. For the workers it represents "a break" from "every day worries." It is also an opportunity to share experiences, make friends and see "a smile on a friendly face" in a competitive environment.

Singapore (AsiaNews) - Catholics working in the Changi Business Park can now attend weekday lunchtime Masses just like their office counterparts who work in different areas of the city-state. The initiative is organized by the Catholic Prayer Society's (CPS), which celebrated the opening Mass on August 20, in the Meeting Room of the EU Convention Centre, in the presence of over a hundred of the faithful.

The daily Mass aims to promote reflection and prayer in the workplace. Moreover in recent months, the Archbishop of Singapore Msgr. William Goh Seng Chye had invited employees of parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions of the city-state to "pray at work" as "a sign of Christian witness".

In his homily, Fr Terence Pereira, CPS spiritual director, noted that in today's world, things are seldom fair. Some are paid more, while others less. He invited Catholics as believers, to simply do the work they are called to do, because what matters to God in the end when we meet Him is what we, and not what others, have done, he said

The new lunchtime Mass was welcomed by those who attended.  It is "a good break from our busy work schedules and it allows us to praise God", said one participant. Another said he enjoys the fellowship which comes from a "smaller congregation and the warmth of the smiles from total strangers".

The idea to have lunchtime Masses in Changi was first mooted by some members of Couples for Christ who work in offices at the Changi Business Park. The functions are scheduled every Wednesday and during Holy Days of obligation, at 12:15 pm (click here for more information.)

The Changi Industrial Park is located in the southern part of the district of the same name, which lies in the eastern part of Singapore. Launched in July 1997, it is the second biggest center for production and business, after the International Business Park in Jurong East.

The Changi Park consists of a mix of businesses related to high technology, software, with the leading international research and development companies, as well as in finance and trade. Prestigious brands who have bases there include Nestle, IBM and CreditSuisse.  

In Singapore Catholics number more than 200,000, or about 5 per cent of the total population. Buddhism has the largest following with 33 per cent, followed by Christianity with 18 per cent, Islam with 15 per cent, and Taoism and Hinduism with 11 and 5 per cent respectively.

The local church is going through a phase of growth and dynamism illustrated by the opening of a theological seminary, a real "milestone" for the local community.

 

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