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Parishioners of Risen Christ played host to 120 visitors to the church
on 23 February 2008, who were on an educational heritage tour organised
by the Bishan East Inter-Religious and Racial Confidence Circle (IRCC).
Risen Christ was one of four destinations in the outing that aimed to
promote better understanding and harmony among Bishan East residents of
the different religions, races and languages.
When the visitors arrived, they were warmly greeted by a Welcome
Committee. They were then ushered to the main church where they
experienced what it was like sitting in the pews of a church. Two
representatives from Risen Christ Church explained the basic elements
of the Catholic Church and the Catholic faith in English and Mandarin.
The visitors, made up mostly of senior citizens and some families,
listened attentively as they were brought to a deeper understanding of
Catholicism.
“We learnt a lot from today’s event,” said Mr Cheong
Chee Onn, head of the Bishan East IRCC. “We never knew we had
such a large place of worship in this area. I hope more youngsters will
learn more about Catholicism, and about the services in this parish,
such as free legal counselling and care of the old folk. It’s the
first time some of the participants are on such an outing.”
IRCCs comprise of leaders from religious and ethnic-based
organizations, as well as community-based organizations located within
each constituency. There are 84 IRCCs throughout Singapore, one in
every constituency. Risen Christ’s Teresa Tan, who is the head of
the parish’s Small Christian Communities, is part of the Bishan
East IRCC comprising 22 members. It organizes such tours annually, but
this is its first time to Risen Christ.
“I would like to give special thanks to Teresa for arranging
access for us into the church, to allow us to know more about
Catholicism,” said Mr Cheong. “We need more people to
understand that Christians do no harm to other religions.”
Tour participants also visited Harmony Centre, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Sri Mariamman Temple.
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