Reported by Audrey Fung, Secretary for St Simon Likas Caritas
1. SUNDAY AND SPECIAL MASS VOLUNTEER MINISTRY
Every Sunday and during Special Masses, volunteers fetch four Catholic residents—Aunnie, Johnny, Ah Hok and Suzanna— from the nearby Cheshire Home (walking distance) and escort them to St. Simon Likas. As Aunnie, Johnny, and Suzanna are wheelchair users, volunteers assist by pushing them to and from the church. After Mass, volunteers escort the residents to the parish canteen for breakfast, ensuring they are comfortably settled. A volunteer also assists with feeding Suzanna, who is unable to feed herself. Breakfast and hot drinks for the residents are prepared and generously sponsored by St. Simon Likas.
This activity enables the residents to fulfill their Sunday obligation and participate in Special Masses. It also fosters a deep sense of parish community between the residents, volunteers, and the wider congregation, particularly during the post-Mass breakfast hour.
Note: This activity is subject to weather conditions.
2. CARITAS BLOOD DONATION DRIVE
On Sunday, 22 February, St. Simon Likas Parish Hall was transformed into a hub of community service for our first Blood Donation Drive of the year 2026. Organised in collaboration with the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (QEII) Blood Bank, the initiative aimed to support a sustainable local blood supply while fostering a deep-rooted culture of giving within our parish.
St. Simon Caritas handled the logistical setup, preparing 7 registration tables and 25 chairs to welcome donors comfortably. The medical technicians from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lorna and her team expertly set up 5 donor beds and specialized medical equipment right on the parish hall stage. A total of 37 parishioners stepped forward to register, with 26 qualifying as successful donors after health screenings. Every single drop collected goes directly toward saving lives at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.
As the need for blood never stops, St Simon Likas is already preparing for our 2nd Blood Donation Drive, planned for June 2026.
3. FELLOWSHIP AT THE SENIOR PARISHIONERS BREAKFAST
On Sunday, 26 April, the St. Simon Likas parish community came together for their first 2026 Senior Parishioners Breakfast Fellowship. Held right after the 8:30 a.m. Mass from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the event was an opportunity to foster a deeper sense of community specifically for our senior parishioners aged 60 and above, along with their spouses.
The turnout was heartwarming, with over 90 senior parishioners and their spouses filling the venue with laughter, stories, and vibrant energy.
The morning began on a particularly joyful note as our new Rector, Fr. Michael Modoit, joined the gathering. This marked his very first time attending the fellowship since taking over leadership at St. Simon Likas.
Fr. Michael extended his heartfelt gratitude to see such a wonderful turnout of seniors. Following his warm words and opening blessings, a special birthday cake-cutting ceremony was held, officially kicking off the breakfast.
The event was organized and prepared by St. Simon Caritas, who treated the attendees to a delightful spread of comforting home-cooked dishes and specially catered food.
Adding to the warmth of the morning, our Parish Youth Ministry stepped up to help serve the seniors. The youth kept the hot tea and coffee flowing, and they also served refreshing, cooling chendol—which proved to be an absolute hit given the recent hot weather!
Many of our senior parishioners expressed how happy they were to be invited and appreciated, with many noting that they are already eagerly looking forward to the next fellowship event.
