Question Archive

Q: We recently attended the Indoor Stadium Lourdes event. The Straits Times mentioned that the Lourdes holy water in bottles would be handed out to the parishioners attending the event. Why were the bottles not given out? The rumour going the rounds is that certain groups of people shared the holy water among themselves and their friends. An answer to the parishioners is in order...especially after the Fr. Kang debacle.

A: Firstly, the Straits Times reported wrongly and a very practical reason is that there was only a limited amount of water brought in. Therefore, it was impossible to provide everyone with a bottle. What the organizers did was to give about 4 litres to each parish for them to distribute it. 10 smaller bottles were also given to each parish for the very sick of the parish. It was up to the parish priest to give out to the very sick of the parish. What some parishes have done was to multiply the water by mixing it with their holy water and making it available for everyone.
(Posted on 17 Dec 04)

Q: Where can I get a copy of my Baptism/Confirmation/Marriage Certificate?

A: To maintain traceability, the Church maintains records of all certificates at the church of baptism. To obtain copies of such certificates you should contact that church in the first instance. All available contact details for Singapore churches are on the left hand side of all Veritas! pages under Parish Communities.
(Posted on 27 Oct 04)

Q: i would like to know more about the catholic religion. are there any classes or course that i can attend?

A: The Veritas "Social Services" section has a "join the Church" link which provides lists of current and upcoming courses.
(Posted on 10 Jun 03)

Q: Can a muslim convert to a catholic?

A: In the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, the Freedom of Religion is enshrined and hence anyone is free to believe and follow any religion. That freedom would also imply the freedom to choose or change a religion according to one's conscience. The Catholic Church upholds the freedom of religion and respects the conscience of the individual in wanting to know more of the faith. The Catholic Church would respect that free choice if after having been carefully catechised in the faith, he or she makes an informed choice to be baptised in the faith.
(Posted on 9 Jun 03)

Q: What version of the bible is endorsed by the Catholic church? I seem to remember that the King James version was the protestant version. Please advise> Thanks

A: According to http://clawww.lmu.edu/faculty/fjust/Bible/English_Translations.htm * "Catholic" translations: Douay-Rheims, JB/NJB, NAB * "Ecumenical" translations (approved and used by both Catholics and Protestants): NEB/REB, RSV/NRSV Singapore uses JB (Jerusalem Bible) for its readings.
(Posted on 7 Jun 03)

Q: Is it possible just to have a blessing from Father for our wedding? A blessing without a Mass, just a normal blessing. Please advice. Thanks

A: It depends on what you mean by "blessing". There is the Marriage Rite which is a formal rite and it does not need to include the portion of the Mass. Normally, in a marriage where one party is not catholic, the Marriage Rite is performed without the Mass.
(Posted on 14 May 03)

Q: If one receives the calling for Holy Order, how does one proceed? Is there a person I can contact to find out more? Interest is to be Diocesan priest in Singapore.

A: The best way is to approach your parish priest who will put you in touch with the proper person. That would be the first line of enquiry.
(Posted on 22 Apr 03)

Q: where can i find out 'daily reflections' from? thanks god bless

A: daily reflections can be found in Veritas! and various other sources. in Veritas!, simply click on the verse in our banner at www.catholic.org.sg.
(Posted on 10 Oct 02)

Q: Is there a link that provides a listing of scheduled masses for each of the local SG catholic churches?

A: All scheduled Masses are listed in the Church Directory under Parish Communities at the left hand side of every Veritas! page
(Posted on 3 Oct 02)

Q: Which translation does the Archdiocese use for the readings in masses?

A: The Jerusalem Bible version is used for readings.
(Posted on 7 Sep 02)

Q: What are the days of obligation in the Archdiocese of Singapore?

A: On top of Sundays, the days of obligation are:
1. Ascension (40th day after Easter Sunday)
2. Assumption (15 August)
3. All Saints (1 November)
4. Christmas (25 December).
(Posted on 10 Oct 02)

Q: What are the churches that offer lunchtime masses?

A: There are 2 churches offering lunchtime masses today.
1. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd(1.15pm)
2. The Novena Church (12.15pm).
(Posted on 20 Aug 02)