Parish Initiatives

C4C Haven

Church of the Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Haven Butterfly Garden

The Haven Butterfly Garden is committed to sustainable gardening and educating young children about the transformation process of caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. The kindergarten teachers requested that the group create Butties Haven, which they began working on about a year ago. After researching the best plants for caterpillars, nurturing them, and inviting caterpillars to the garden patch, the group continually replenished the plants to satisfy their voracious appetite. As a result, Butties Haven has become a popular butterfly sanctuary, particularly loved by children.

In-house composting

The group creates “black gold” compost using pruned plant cuttings and donated dried leaves, which is nutrient-rich for Haven Garden plants.

In-House Garbage Enzymes

They call it “trash-to-treasure” in action. The team creates enzymes from fruit peels to enhance soil and deter pests, providing a no-cost solution for maintaining a healthy garden.

Plant Adoption and Freecycle box

The team repurposed an old shelf by offering plants and other items to anyone who wants them. This initiative has been successful, with parishioners offering sugar, pots, and canned goods in exchange.

Bee Hotel

Their latest project aims at attracting solitary bees to come for a staycation at Haven.

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245131211188785/media

Salva Terra

Church of the Transfiguration (COTT)

Recycling Contest

During the Transfiguration Feast Day Carnival of 2023, a Recycling contest was held to promote awareness about Singapore's recycling system and educate the parishioners on the 3 R's - reducing, reusing, and recycling.

A total of 72 parishioners participated in the Mentimeter Quiz on Re-cycling/Go Green questions and were presented with a free reusable bag containing a prayer for creation. To further encourage eco-friendliness, the parishioners were urged to bring their own reusable bottles and receive a free drink coupon. As a result, 58 free drink coupons were issued to those who brought their own bottles.

“Bring You Own Bag” Initiative

The parish has launched an initiative to encourage its members to reduce their use of single-use plastic bags. To raise awareness about the issue, the Salva Terra ministry has placed a donation box at the canteen and put up a poster featuring artwork from a competition held by COTT children in 2022 during the Salva Terra Art Competition. The poster reads "Say Yes to Wasteless" and provides ideas on how to reduce and switch to more sustainable materials.

Church Of Saint Vincent De Paul (SVDP)

The Sewing Circle

A group called The Sewing Circle was formed to promote the 6Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Renew) while building community and following the spirit of Laudato Si'. The group began in 2023 when a retired parishioner felt called by God to start a sewing circle in their own home. Since then, the group has grown and now meets once a month to sew eco-bags from donated pre-used curtains. Members find fellowship, fun, warmth, and even emotional and physical healing through this activity. Over a dozen volunteers participate in the initiative. During Laudato Si' Week in May 2023, the group sold over 50 bags and raised more than SGD500 for the church. They recently met on July 18-20 and August 15-17 to sew more bags for sale on Sunday, October 1, to mark the Season of Creation 2023.

Spiritual Eco-Walks

The Laudato Si' ministry at SVDP church organises Spiritual Eco Walks to provide a space for reflection and encounter with God through his creation. These walks have taken place twice at the Sengkang Riverside Park, once in the early morning of July 22nd and again during the Season of Creation on September 2nd in the afternoon. The walk begins with prayer and scripture reading, followed by a contemplative, self-paced walk to meditate on God's artistry in nature. These activities not only encourage care for our environment but also foster community among parishioners.

Socials: https://padlet.com/melissa_lim_ai_lin/church-of-st-vincent-de-paul-laudato-si-community-ipm2p0geuywcjopg

Saint Ignatius Green Movement

Church of St Ignatius

The St Ignatius Green Movement was initiated in response to Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical, which called for the care and protection of the environment. The movement aims to raise awareness of the impact of human actions on the planet, to foster a sense of appreciation for God's creation, and to encourage individuals, families, and communities to take steps towards a sustainable future.

One of the initiatives led by the St Ignatius Green Movement is the Farmers' Market, a community-led gardening group that sells fresh produce from small-time farmers in Pontian and parish-grown fruits and herbs.

The most recent event was held on September 3rd, 2023, and included a corner for children to grow their own plants, led by the youth ministry. This initiative aims to educate the younger generation about the importance of caring for our common home.

In addition to the Farmers' Market, the St Ignatius Green movement has implemented other sustainability initiatives. The church, halls, and classrooms have adjusted their air-conditioners to 25 degrees Celsius and lighting schedules, resulting in a reduction of electricity consumption by 17-21% and monthly bills between 27-32% over a 2-and-a-half-year period.

The parish and ministry gatherings use reusable cutlery and crockery from the canteen, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles. The parish also encourages wedding parties to choose caterers that use biodegradable cutlery and crockery.

Socials: https://www.stignatius.org.sg/st-ignatius-green-movement