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CPS SuntecTHE BLOSOOMING OF CPS SUNTECI999 saw a big shift of offices comprising major banks and multi-nationals from the downtown business district of Raffles Place to the new created business center called Suntec City. To cater to the spiritual needs of the working Catholics in this area, the Catholic Prayer Society went in search of a venue and people to form a new center. Thanks to the support from a very dedicated group of Catholics from Kelvin Chia (KC) Partnership, the planning meetings were held on their premises. The first choir came from the staff of KC Partnership complete with the most dedicated Choir Mistress in Mary D Souza. The team also took care of the set-up and mass readings. A small sub-committee was formed comprising the people who worked in the Suntec area as well as some retirees who have been our best supporters. The latter ensured that the altar and the sound system were set up; mass intentions are registered and welcomed the people who came to join us in the weekly celebration. Another prime group of supporters in facilitating the mass celebrations are the Priests. For the past 10 years, we have had the unfailing support of Fr Terence Pereira, Fr Mike Sitaram, Fr Bill Heng and many more who have unstintingly prepared great homilies and spent the time celebrating a minimum of two masses on a given day. CPS Suntec celebrated its first mass on Tuesday, Sept 14 1999 in a small room (which is now the store- room!) of The Rock. As the numbers grew, we managed to secure the foyer of the auditorium of The Rock where we can comfortably seat 150 people per mass and growing to 300 during Days of Obligation. Suntec is often challenged by the need to change venues when The Rock is used. So at times, we have been like ‘nomads’ shifting the celebration of the mass from The Rock’s foyer to the Convention Center and occasionally even to Eng Wah cinema. Suntec prides itself at having the most dedicated and committed choir. With a team of 15 people on the average, it was formed under the leadership of Mary D Souza. Whilst we are having our lunch or on our way home, this group will be practicing their singing for the mass the following week. Mary and James Thong the choir mistress/master have moved on to other locations but she has nurtured this group well. The bond is so strong that they still practice regularly together with the musicians Jerry Neo and Anthon Lim. Their fame has spread far and wide. They have sung carols during the Christmas season and have performed at Lawry’s, the Steakhouse. This is a great example of a strong, well-built small community. When CPS wanted to diversify its activities from just mass celebrations, CPS Suntec was one of the first to help with organizing workshops. The choir has been a permanent fixture for various activities including the annual Thanksgiving mass as well. Last year, as one of its evangelical activities, ‘A Small Community’ was started under the leadership of Cynthia Chia. The group meets every Friday to reflect on the readings of the past week and to share their own experiences. The group is seeking more individuals to form other cell groups. In penance together, Suntec has also organized Stations of the Cross during Lent. This is well attended and the people really appreciate it. Now in its 10th year, Suntec continues to face its challenges of finding a regular venue to worship and the associated rental costs of this central location. As more financial institutions continue to migrate to Raffles Place and Harbour Front, there is a continual need to reach out to new people to join us in our worship. |
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