Filipino Community

History & Description

The Simbang Gabi was first introduced at the Church of the Risen Christ by Fr. Angel Luciano, CICM to Fr. John Sim. The first Simbang Gabi was then held last December 2009 and was officiated by Fr. Kamil Kamus, CICM. Upon realizing the big number of Filipino parishioners residing in the area, the parish opened its doors to the first Tagalog Mass on 24 January 2010 officiated by Fr. Angel Luciano, CICM thus giving birth to the Filipino Community.

On November 2010, Fr. Kamil Kamus became an official resident priest at the church and since officiated the Tagalog Mass until the year 2017. Fr. Charlie Oasan, CICM became the chaplain for filipino migrants on November 2017 (and with Fr. Kamil Kamus transferred and became parish priest at the Church of St. Bernadette) since officiates the Tagalog Mass and Simbang Gabi until now.

The Filipino community is composed of Filipinos based in Singapore. Although the church is situated in Toa Payoh, its members come from various parts of Singapore. Its members come from all walks of life from professionals to domestic helpers collaborating harmoniously into one vibrant community.

The community aims to provide a sense of ‘home’ and belongingness to the filipino migrant workers, allowing them to cope from homesickness and from being a stranger in a different land. It also aims to gather all Filipinos and provide a venue to grow spiritually and to share their God- given talent.

What we do

The CRC-FilCom main activities are:

  1. Monthly Tagalog Mass
  2. Annual Simbang Gabi

The community also participate in the activities of the parish in reaching its goals and the values it wishes to attain. We take part, help out and support the parish activities such as running the canteen every second Sunday of alternate months, Lay Apostolate Sunday, Holy Week Activities including the Feast Day Celebration.

Who can join

Filipinos of all ages willing to serve as CRC-FilCom Wardens, Lectors, Choir, Altar Boys, and other outreach and parish involvement activities.

Meetings

Regular Meeting - Once a month St. Joseph Room

Choir Practice - Every Sunday 1pm- 5pm St. Joseph Room

Milestones

October 2014 - Participated in ACMI’s celebration of Migrant’s Day

July/August2013 - First Filipino Community to be featured in PINOYSTAR (Filipino Magazine in Singapore)

December 2013 - Staged a big production repeating Christmas Pageant for Simbang Gabi at Risen Christ

December 2012 - Staged a big production for Christmas Pageant at Risen Christ

June 2011 - Participated in Philippine Independence Day – June 2011

2014 - Present - Start of Bible Sharing for members and non-members of Filcom

2012 - Present - Launching Mother’s Day Flower Fundraising that funds the group’s activities

2011 - Present - Runs the Canteen on a regular basis

2010 - Present - Participates in Block Rosary Rally held every year

- Hosts Penafrancia Festivities

- Participates in Parish Annual Feast Day and Apostolate Sunday

Contact

Representative contact: Stephen Jude C. Oreste

Tel: 9879 4729

Email: sjcoreste@yahoo.com