CHAPTER 4
FIDEI
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
In 2024 , the SJI FIDEI programme remained a rich Josephian tapestry of prayer , community and faith-building among everyone present in the SJI family . Guided by the teachings of St . John Baptist De La Salle , the variety of events brought both Catholics and non-Catholics in SJI , to recognise the essentiality of faith .
FIDEI in SJI was exemplified in the following manner .
F – ( BEING IN A ) FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY ;
Way of the Cross during Lent
FIDEI programme provides a supportive and welcoming environment to all students aimed at the need of building a Christ-centred community . In 2024 , various FIDEI groups organised lunch gatherings and mini-game sessions to allow members time for fellowship .
I – ( GAINING ) INSIGHTS INTO THE FAITH ;
FIDEI groups meet up for weekly sessions . Led by individual teacher ICs and their respective leaders , the SJI students spend time in contemplation and prayer . This structured timetabled slot creates an intentional time for Catholic Josephians to gather for prayer and sharing faith - a key responsibility of a Catholic school . Each of these weekly sessions constitute segments of Bible sharing , reflective activities and prayer time . Occasionally , guest speakers are invited to give talks on interesting faith-based topics . These include priests and religious figures who share about their own faith-journey and vocation . Groups have also gone on learning journeys to learn more about the heritage of the Singapore Catholic Church .
E – EVANGELISATION THROUGH SERVICE ;
Over the course of 2024 , Catholic Josephians supported a number of major Catholic events held . These included those organised by the Singapore Archdiocese . For example , SJI students supported the annual Commencement of School Year Mass 2024 that was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd .
In addition , over the weekend of Catholic Education Sunday , SJI students volunteered at three parishes St . Joseph ’ s Church ( Victoria Street ), Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Risen Christ Church where they supported the eucharistic celebration through roles such as lectors and hospitality ministers . Parents of the Catholic students were also present for the various Masses to lend their support to the Josephians .
Catholic students from SJI also supported as altar servers at the 2024 Papal Mass in September and the CHIJ 170th Anniversary Mass in May , both of which were held at the Singapore Sports Hub .
I – INTIMACY WITH THE LORD ( ANNUAL RETREATS )
Each Catholic Josephian attended one spiritual retreat over the course of 2024 . These took the form of Residential retreats ( Y3 and Y4 students ) or day retreats ( Y1 , Y2 and Y5 ). In each of these retreats , specially curated programmes were planned to give the students time to reflect , reconnect and strengthen their faith in God . In addition , time was set aside during each retreat for participants to spend time in silent reflection .
Altar Servers with Cardinal William Goh
D – ( HAVING ) DEVOTION TO PRAYER ;
Fellowship through Camp |
Prayer is central in everything that takes place at SJI . Each day begins with daily reflection and prayer during assembly . In addition , each lesson commences with quiet time of prayer . In addition , devotion to prayer is fostered through observances of the Church ’ s liturgical calendar . Days of obligation are marked with Mass and key moments like Lent and Easter are celebrated as a school during assembly . |
Group photo at the Franciscan Mission of Mary House after the Year 4 retreat |
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Parmenie Experience for Year 5 students |
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