If a man who was rich enough in this world’s goods saw that one of his brothers was in need,

but closed his heart to him, how could the love of God be living in him?

My children, our love is not to be just words or mere talk,

but something real and active;

– 1 John 3:17-18

ARC is an outreach project to reach out to the poor and underprivileged through the parishioners at St Joseph’s Church, Bukit Timah.

During the weekend masses on 17 & 18 June 2023, we shared with our parishioners our activities in befriending and helping those in need and more importantly, to contact and connect us to anyone they know who needs help.

We also wanted to share with our parishioners our free tuition programme for students from underprivileged families who cannot afford private tuition. Our volunteers mentor and tutor these students and the Conference supports by providing 2-way transport, refreshment, annual rewards and outing.

The project roadshow was also announced in the St Joseph’s Church bulletin and our specially created SSVP video was screened before mass and an SSVP roadshow slide was shown during pulpit announcement.

SSVP cards were also distributed by members as well as placed at church exits and the parish office. The card included a QR code for convenient access to our Conference webpage with information on the Society of St Vincent De Paul, activities at Conference of St Joachim, the free tuition programme, FAQs and our contact information.

At the ARC Roadshow in St Joachim Room, posters prepared by our SSVP Conference Youth were displayed, along with SSVP Thrift Shop posters. SSVP members were on hand to answer questions and chat with visitors while others were giving out our SSVP Conference of St Joachim cards and SSVP Thrift Shop tissue packs near church exits.