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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170730
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170731
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T011837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170918T194439Z
UID:624-1501372800-1501459199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - Kuala Lumpur
DESCRIPTION:INTER-FAITH JOINT DECLARATION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING \nBy Wilhelmina Mowe \nOn 30 July\, 2017 in conjunction with World Day against Trafficking in Persons\, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur gathered 10 religious leaders to sign an Inter-Faith Joint Declaration against Human Trafficking.  The event was organised in collaboration with the Conference of Religious Major Superiors Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei. \nThe historic event was also witnessed by Cardinal Soter Fernandez and Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam. \nIn support of the event\, 4 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and the Archdiocese Office for Human Development (AOHD) were invited to set up a booth each to create awareness of the issues in relation to trafficking in persons in Malaysia. The NGOs were Pusat Kebajikan Good Shepherd (PKGS)\, Tenaganita\, New Thessalonians Apostolate and Suka Society (a child advocacy group). \nPKGS and AOHD worked together to create a “forced labour – trafficker’s bus” and an advocacy booth on sex trafficking.  The bus showcased the journey of hope for migrants which eventually ended up in a journey of despair when they found out that they were cheated and exploited by the agents and traffickers.  At the end of the bus tour the visitors were informed that as consumers we can do our own advocacy in being better informed of the source of the products that we purchase. To create this awareness\, we encouraged the visitors to do the survey at the “slaveryfootprint.org” website and learn how they may do their part in reducing the use of forced labour in the production of goods. \nAt the booth\, we had visitors hold signs for a photo shoot with personal messages on their stand against trafficking in persons. \nThe whole event culminated in the signing of Inter-Faith Joint Declaration by the faith leaders.  In his speech\, Most Reverend Julian Leow said “This joint declaration is just our first step. People of faith must play their part in the fight against human trafficking\, and I ask everyone to consider what each of us can do.” \nThis joint declaration was pursuant to the release of the 2017 Trafficking in Person Report by the US State Department.  This year Malaysia’s ranking improved to Tier 2 after two years of being on the Tier 2 Watch list.\n \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons/
LOCATION:Archdiocese
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Interfaith-KL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170731
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170801
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170815T174059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170918T194721Z
UID:896-1501459200-1501545599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Blessing of New PKGS Shelter in Kuala Lumpur
DESCRIPTION:By Wilhelmina Mowe \nFollowing on the Government’s appointment of PKGS as a shelter provider for trafficked survivors\, two shelters have been set up\, one in Kuala Lumpur and another in Kota Kinabalu\, each with a capacity of 20 beds.  The appointment will commence on 1 August 2017.  \nThe shelter in Kuala Lumpur will potentially receive trafficked survivors from 3 shelters in Peninsular Malaysia.  This collaboration signifies a new level of trust and willingness by the government to work with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) to ensure that the survivors of human trafficking are given opportunities to freedom of movement and employment\, enabling them to recover their dignity and lives. \nAfter much preparation by the enthusiastic new team\, the Kuala Lumpur shelter is ready for admissions.  We were privileged that The Most Reverend Julian Leow\, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur\, agreed to bless the shelter on 31 July 2017\, which we believe is not a coincidence\, is the birthday of our beloved Mother Foundress\, St Mary Euphrasia. \nThe gathering comprised Good Shepherd Sisters\, staff\, volunteers and lay associates.  The event began with a welcome speech by Executive Director\, Ms Chin Poh Choo\,  who explained the concept of the shelter; that it was a historic moment of collaboration with the government.  This was followed by prayers led by Sr Salomi. \nHis Grace then said a short prayer for safety and protection of the mission before blessing the entire shelter with holy water. \nThe  participants enjoyed fellowship over some drinks and snacks.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/blessing-of-new-pkgs-shelter/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170731
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170801
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170815T192541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170920T222040Z
UID:909-1501459200-1501545599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Marymount Convent School Celebrates 60th Anniversary
DESCRIPTION:The Good Shepherd Sisters’ Annals recorded that on 16 January 1958 Marymount Convent School (MCS) was blessed after it was officially opened in 1957. Sixty years have gone by and MCS went through two big shifts and face lifts.  Starting out as a full school with a Chinese Primary Section which phased out when Singapore ceased the Chinese Medium Schools in the 1980s\, its Secondary Section also phased out in 1995 when it became necessary for the school to undergo re- building and be equipped for 21st century education.  Spending 2 years at a holding school in Lorong 8 Toa Payoh\, MCS returned to its Marymount Road premises in June 1999.  Incidentally 15 years later\, the Good Shepherd Sisters relocated with the kindergarten and social services to the school’s holding site after the land and buildings at Thomson Road was compulsorily acquired by the Government.  The then Minister of Education\, Mr Teo Chee Hean officiated the opening of the new school building on Foundress Day\, 24 April 2001. \nThis year MCS celebrates her 60th anniversary with year-long activities giving thanks to God for all the blessings received\, and opening themselves to more blessings to come.  Using St Mary Euphrasia’s favourite quote “Gratitude is the memory of the heart”\, a quote by Jean-Baptiste Massieu\, a pioneering deaf educator and contemporary of St Mary Euphrasia\, students and staff reflected on\, acted from and encouraged grateful hearts to flourish and grow. \nCelebrations were highlighted with pomp and pageantry on 31July 2017\, the birthday of St Mary Euphrasia. \nThe morning began with the school singing “Glory and Praise to our God”\, remembering the goodness of God and all the good people who had served over the last 60 years.  The students were then taken on a picture tour to various places in France\, to the places where their Foundress lived and worked.  Some Good Shepherd Sisters shared with the cohorts of different levels their experiences\, their ministries and their hopes.   The day climaxed with a Homecoming Dinner Event coinciding with the official opening of the upgraded premises and a new Heritage Gallery.  The school had the honour of having DPM Teo Chee Hean\, who had graced various other occasions\, officiating the event. \nAmong the guests were former principals\, Mrs Angela Tan and Ms Cecilia Lim.  The latter saw to the completion of upgrading of the school but was transferred out of the school to serve at St Anthony’s Primary School at the end of 2016.  In its 60th year MCS is helmed by its 6th principal\, Mrs Allison Lim.  Fr. Edward Seah\, Director of ACCS was also present. \nThe students put up a musical reminiscing the past.  The vibrantly sarong kebaya clad choir sang\, and the gymnasts put up amazing displays of their prowess.  The music ensemble was complete with a young harpist adding melodies to their recital.  Modern dancers were impressive. Guests were thoroughly entertained. \nFormer pupils who attended the dinner included local celebrities and many other grand personalities.   Parents of current students also joined in the celebrations.  It was heart-warming to hear former pupils think of the school so fondly.  “I’m so happy to be back”\, “I love this school”\, “Marymount is so much a part of my life”\, “I owe my life to my Alma Mater” were some of the comments they made.  They sang the school song with much gusto and repeated it after it was over. \nMany missed the Convent “next door” and especially the Convent Chapel and the Grotto of our Lady where they remembered best going over to pray during exams and in times of need. \nThe school now has a small Prayer Room where children’s adoration are held weekly.   Recently four volunteers\, one of whom is a parent of an alumna\, painstakingly decorated the wall with a mosaic image of the Good Shepherd using aluminum drink cans (see picture below).  The brilliant idea created a more conducive and prayerful atmosphere welcoming all visitors to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. \n \nDPM Teo Chee Hean wrote in his Facebook the day after the celebration:- \n“Happy 60th to Marymount Convent School! Great pleasure to be back at MCS and be part of its homecoming dinner celebrations. Happy to see the strong school spirit and the lively energy of the students. My best wishes to MCS as it marks this significant milestone and wishing it many more years ahead.” \nIndeed\, all glory and praise to God\, for his love and blessings.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/909/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170820
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T202639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170818T035132Z
UID:649-1503100800-1503187199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Feast of St John Eudes
DESCRIPTION:337th Anniversary \n“You must never separate what God has so perfectly united. So closely are Jesus and Mary bound up with each other that whoever beholds Jesus sees Mary; whoever loves Jesus\, loves Mary; whoever has devotion to Jesus\, has devotion to Mary.” \nSt John Eudes \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/feast-of-st-john-eudes/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/St.-John-Eudes-Confessor-e1502873436587.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170901
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170904
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170822T214203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170823T174912Z
UID:1042-1504224000-1504483199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Mission Link Celebrates 10th Anniversary
DESCRIPTION:  \nTheme for Mission Link 10th Anniversary Partnership Gathering: \n“Remembering… Celebrating… Together\, We Risk for Mission” \nThis Gathering is a special opportunity to:- \n1) have a meaningful celebration of Good Shepherd Partnership in Mission\, and \n2) strengthen our Mission journey with newness\, zeal and partnership. \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/mission-link-celebrates-10th-anniversary/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-17.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171005
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171006
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20171002T193547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171008T222032Z
UID:1058-1507161600-1507247999@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Marymount Convent School Celebrates Children's Day
DESCRIPTION:By Martha Teo \nChildren’s Day has been celebrated in Singapore since 1961. It used to be observed on 01 October until 2012\, when the Ministry of Education decided to move Children’s Day to the first Friday of October. Primary school children get a holiday on the day\, this year on 06 October. \nThe girls of Marymount Convent School (MCS) are excited on the morning of Thursday\, 05 October 2017 as they greet each other\, many of whom are dressed in their favourite outing clothes instead of the ubiquitous school uniform. They are looking forward to celebrating Children’s Day; a day specially set aside to celebrate the joys of childhood. The theme for this year’s celebration is\, “Colours of the Rainbow”. Thus teachers and students came dressed in the cheerful hues of the rainbow. \nSqueals of laughter could be heard all over the school as class parties got under way. Food\, games\, and all the frills and trappings of having a wonderful time are evident in every classroom\, especially in the lower primary ones. See photos below. \n \nOne of the higher level classes is said to have turned their classroom into a disco. The girls of MCS obviously know how to let their hair down when it is time to do so. As the clock ticks towards eleven\, it is time to clear up in readiness for the concert to be presented by the adults. Girls in beautiful clothes are seen scurrying around with black garbage bags\, disposing them appropriately into the different bins. It is heartening to observe that the children practice ecological justice amidst their partying and fun. \nI could hear the voice of the Discipline Master calling the school to order as the girls filed into the Hall to take their seats on the floor\, lining their colourful bags by their sides. See photo below. \n \nJust a little after 11.30am\, the emcee teases the children into a mood of expectation for a good time hosted by the teachers and staff. The principal\, Mrs Allison Lim wishes the attentive girls\, “Happy Children’s Day” and reads a message from Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim\, Senior Parliamentary Secretary\, Ministry of Education\, who calls on the children of Singapore to use their gifts to reach out to the less fortunate\, so that together the nation will progress in strength and build our future together. \nSr Del leads in a time of prayer\, during which she urges the girls to remember other children who are not able to receive an education and are in various situations of risk and danger. The mood is sombre when the session concluded with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. See more details under “International Day of the Girl” which is observed on 11 October 2017. \nLet the show begin! Teachers of every level\, and various departments\, as well as members of Parents’ Support Group contribute items to entertain the children who eagerly participated when invited. The hall is filled with unbridled enthusiasm and laughter as teachers and staff show that they too could let their hair down. It is clear that the hosts of the concert put in great efforts to entertain their young guests who show their appreciation by clapping loudly. See photos below for an idea of the two hours of celebration. \n \nAs I stood at a corner of the school plaza watching parents and significant other adults fetch the children home\, I heard comments such as\, “it was so fun”\, “you know my teacher was a very cute baby”\, “my class won a prize”\, “my teachers were so cool\, they dance”…. All around me\, children are busy unwrapping their snacks without a care in the world. It is a privilege for me to attend “Colours of the Rainbow @ MCS”. I remember my own carefree childhood and whisper a prayer for all the children of the world who are deprived of theirs.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/marymount-convent-school-celebrates-childrens-day/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MCS-CD2017-e1507270462275.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20171011T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20171011T235900
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T200802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171024T222442Z
UID:450-1507680000-1507766340@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Marymount Convent School Observes International Day of the Girl
DESCRIPTION:  \nBy Sr Del\, RGS \nAs part of Children’s Day celebrations\, staff and students of Marymount Convent School (MCS) held a prayer session\, in which they remembered the millions of children\, especially girls who are in situations of deprivation\, health risk and in danger of abuse and exploitation. These suffering children in Africa\, Thailand\, Myanmar\, Vietnam\, Indonesia\, Cambodia\, Laos and Philippines have lost their childhood. Huge number of young girls are mothers caring for their babies in impoverished slums\, working on farms and in factories\, or begging on the streets\, some with limbs cruelly hacked off. In Singapore\, while there are some children who also suffer abuse and other social injustices\, the majority have full education and enjoy their childhood\, surrounded and supported by their families\, teachers and friends.\nThus\, MCS intentionally raise awareness to International Day of the Girl and urge the students to join in prayer for their peers around the world who have lost their rights to their childhood. Candles symbolising Hope were lighted for the following groups of children:- \n \nA missing child is a parent’s worst nightmare. Every day\, thousands of children go missing during calamities\, e.g. tsunamis\, floods\, and earthquakes; tragedies\, such as riots\, wars\, and accidents; in crowded places\, like railway stations\, and malls. Some children run away from their homes or are kidnapped; many of these children end up being trafficked for child labour\, sex exploitation\, begging in the streets and even beaten to death. \n                                         \nChildren with special needs may have autism\, cerebral palsy\, muscular dystrophy\, epilepsy\, Down Syndrome\, mental retardation\, dyslexia\, sensory or speech disorders like vision or hearing impairment. They require assistance for the developmental disabilities that may be medical\, mental or psychological. These children are sometimes ignored and excluded from the mainstream and need the inclusion and services of therapy and education that they deserve. \n                                    \nFood is the most basic human need. Lack of food causes malnutrition which threatens life and limits physical development and mental capacity to grow and learn. Every six seconds a child dies because of hunger. Malnutrition costs valuable lives; 50 per cent of all childhood deaths are due to malnutrition. In India alone 15 million children die of hunger each year. \nThere is more than enough food on the planet to feed everyone. The world has the knowledge\, resources and the tools to conquer hunger but sadly there is not enough effort worldwide to bring food security to the poorest. \nLet us do our part to cut down food wastage and share what we have\, whenever we can\, so that no child goes to bed hungry and no child is born underweight or stay undernourished. \n                                   \nThe life of an individual human being begins with conception and ends with death. In abortion an unborn child dies. Abortion is killing a very young human life and is against God’s prized creation. The ‘culture of silence’ of those who know better and yet cannot protect the voiceless unborn is ironical. \nEvery year\, about 11 million babies are killed before they are born\, and around 20\,000 women die every year due to abortion related complications. \nIn Singapore about 10\,000 babies a year are not given a chance to live. \nLet us pray for responsible living in our world. \n                                   \nChild labour is work that harms children and keeps them from going to school. Millions of children are occupied in work that deny their right to survival\, education and development. They are often abused and neglected. It is estimated that 215 million children currently work at all sorts of dangerous jobs around the world because of poverty. They labour in agriculture\, are exposed to pesticides\, in cotton fields and plantations; in carpet manufacturing\, fireworks\, brickworks\, glassworks and footwear factories. They work in mines and quarries\, in setting explosives\, sieving and carrying ore. \nThere are also the Street Children who are abandoned by their families or those who run away from home due to constant abuse. They live off the streets looking for odd jobs to earn a living\, searching for food in rubbish heaps and sleep on the pavements. Some are recruited as child soldiers\, some for the drugs trade and others sold for other illegal services. \nStreet life is unpleasant\, risky and always exposed to intense sun\, rain\, cold\, dirt\, smoke and pollution. Street children work as rag pickers or pickers from rubbish bins and garbage heaps for recycling waste paper\, plastic\, glass\, scrap metal\, and the list goes on.Often\, people regard street children as lawless\, crime-prone outcasts. Police and local officials use violence and force against them\, arrest them and dump them in jail-like remand homes. Though they live in hardship and poverty they survive in groups\, sharing things like food and clothes in a spirit of friendship – they sleep together under the same night sky\, teach each other trades like rag-picking\, protect each other from street violence and the police\, and take care of each other when they are sick. \nLet us pray for these unfortunate children who face great difficulties through no fault of their own and remember that in small or big ways we can offer them some help by being grateful and sharing our blessings. \nWe pray the Lord’s Prayer for all the children of our world\, especially those whose lives are hard and miserable and lift them up to God who is Father.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girl-child/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MCS-Childrens-Day-051017-e1507002146936.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20171015T000000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20171015T235900
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170816T220913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171024T221909Z
UID:947-1508025600-1508111940@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day of Rural Women
DESCRIPTION:“Rural women\, the majority of whom depend on natural resources and agriculture for their livelihoods\, make up over a quarter of the total world population. In developing countries\, rural women represent approximately 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force\, and produce\, process and prepare much of the food available\, thereby giving them primary responsibility for food security. \nBearing in mind that 76 per cent of the extreme poor live in rural areas\, ensuring rural women’s access to productive agricultural resources contributes to decreasing world hunger and poverty\, and make rural women critical for the success of the new Sustainable Development agenda for 2030. \nThe first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. This new international day\, established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007\, recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women\, including indigenous women\, in enhancing agricultural and rural development\, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.” ”  \nSource: http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/ \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-rural-women/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Rural-Women.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171115
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20171130T223439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171130T223711Z
UID:1287-1510617600-1510703999@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Senior Citizens Support Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence
DESCRIPTION:Every weekday a group of senior citizens gather at the Adventist Active Centre in Golden Clover\, a HDB Studio Apartment Block in Toa Payoh to exercise\, play games\, sing\, dance and enjoy each other’s company\, sometimes over home-cooked meals. On 14 Nov 2017\, about 20 of them responded to a call to volunteer for an activity they have not done before. Under the supervision of Centre Manager\, Gillian Chong\, these men and women\, mostly in their 60’s to 80’s cheerfully took their positions at a line of tables to prepare orange coloured ribbons. \nFrom 25 November\, which marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December\, which is Human Rights Day\, the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991. \nCurrently\, more than 3\,700 organizations from approximately 164 countries participate in the campaign annually. This year\, Marymount Centre which provides care and shelter to women and girls\, some of whom are victims of violence\, bring awareness to this injustice by encouraging people\, young and old\, male and female\, to wear an orange ribbon prepared by the senior citizens to show their support to eliminate violence against women and girls \nWe thank the management and members of Adventist Active Centre in Golden Clover for their time and effort in preparing the ribbons\, and their support in eliminating gender-based violence. \nHere are some photos of the hard work contributed by the senior citizens:- \n \n                                                                                                      
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/senior-citizens-support-campaign-against-gender-based-violence/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171126
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T201302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171025T233815Z
UID:635-1511568000-1511654399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
DESCRIPTION:  \nWhy This International Day? \n• Violence against women is a human rights violation.\n• Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women\, in law and also in practice\, and of persisting inequalities between men and women.\n• Violence against women impacts on\, and impedes\, progress in many areas\, including poverty eradication\, combating HIV/AIDS\, and peace and security.\n• Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential.\n• Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. \nOne of the major challenges to efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls worldwide is the substantial funding shortfall. As a result\, resources for initiatives to prevent and end violence against women and girls are severely lacking. Frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals\, which includes a specific target on ending violence against women and girls\, offer huge promise\, but must be adequately funded in order to bring real and significant changes in the lives of women and girls. \nFrom 25 November through 10 December\, Human Rights Day\, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence aim to raise public awareness and mobilizing people everywhere to bring about change. \nAdapted from:- http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/ \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Orange-the-World-e1509002436837.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171211
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T201429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171106T214309Z
UID:637-1511568000-1512950399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence - Singapore
DESCRIPTION:From 25 November\, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women\, to 10 December\, Human Rights Day\, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991. Currently\, more than 3\,700 organizations from approximately 164 countries participate in the campaign annually. \nAWARE conducted a survey in 2013 which inferred that violence against women is a pressing issue in Singapore. 1 in 10 women in Singapore experience lifetime physical violence by a male (International Violence Against Women Survey\, 2010). 6 in 10 victims of physical violence suffer repeated victimisation.\nOutrage of modesty cases reported remain high between 1\,369 and 1\,450 over the past three years (Singapore Police Force\, 2015).  \n Sexual Violence – Victim blaming attitude is common\, 1 in 10 respondents think women who are raped are often “asking for it.” 40 percent of respondents aged 18-39 and over 50 percent of respondents aged 40 and above agree that women who wear provocative clothing are “asking for it” and should bear responsibility for harassment. Such victim-blaming attitudes contribute to restricting women’s sexual freedom\, legitimising sexual harassment and resulting in unsupportive first response to victims. \nRecommendations  \no Raise public awareness on violence\, with understanding that age\, gender\, and background affect beliefs and attitudes.\no Educate and inform bystanders with knowledge and tools to reduce violence against women.\no Provide social support for women in violent relationships so they have a choice to leave.\no Challenge beliefs and attitudes about gender roles and expectations\, especially in men and youth \nWhether or not you had been a victim\, a witness or a perpetrator of violence or oblivious to issue\, you can and must do your part to eradicate this menace that impedes peace and respect to humanity. Besides awareness\, change of attitude\, and respect for every human being\, you can also pray often for victims who are hurting\, and for perpetrators to cease their despicable actions. \nWe will pray for healing. Every time we welcome someone as they are\, we are helping to heal. Every time we show friendship\, inclusion and kindness\, we are helping to heal. Every time we stand up for the dignity of someone’s culture and identity\, we are helping to heal. \nPRAYER  \nOPENING PRAYER \nWe pray: In the name of the Father\, and of the Son\, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. \nGod\, our Loving Creator\, you heal broken hearts with your love\, and call us to share this love with one another. Open our hearts to your word that we might learn to walk in peace with one another along your healing path. We are sorry that we have not always loved our neighbour as ourselves\, especially when we have failed to respect or have ignored our sisters and brothers who suffer or caused suffering. Forgive us and strengthen us that through our words and actions we may show that we are truly sorry for our actions and non-actions. \nWe make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. \nREADING: From the prophet Isaiah (Is 41:10) \nDo not fear\, for I am with you\, do not be afraid\, for I am your God; I will strengthen you\, I will help you\, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. \nThe Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. \nREFLECTION QUESTIONS \nGod is always with us. He is our strength along the healing path. \no What can I do to help others to heal today?\no What kind word can I say to make someone feel welcome and remind them that they belong?\no Can I reach out in friendship to someone who needs help?\no Can I include someone in a game or a conversation?\no Can I hold the door for someone?\no Can I stand up for someone who is being teased? \nAll of these things can bring healing to our hearts\, our families and society. Let us say\, “Yes” to God’s call to help others heal. \nJesus taught us to call God\, OUR FATHER. Let us be reminded that we are family as with confidence\, we lift our hearts to Him: Our Father who art in heaven\, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come\, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen. \nWe also ask Mother Mary to pray for us and all who need healing and forgiveness: Hail Mary\, full of grace\, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb\, Jesus. Holy Mary\, Mother of God\, pray for us\, sinners\, now and at the hour of our death.\nAmen. \nCLOSING PRAYER \nGod of all people\, we thank you for the gift of love. Help us to love our neighbour as ourselves so that everyone will respect each other and live in harmony enjoying the peace which Jesus came to give. We make our prayer in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.\nAmen. \n \nhttps://gssmmission.org/justice-peace-solidarity-in-mission/
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-violence/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Orangetheworld-2017JPEG-e1510031865639.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171211
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20171130T230245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171130T233204Z
UID:1299-1511568000-1512950399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - Malaysia
DESCRIPTION:Click here to read more at Good Shepherd Malaysia:- https://goodshepherd.my/orange-world \n  \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence-malaysia/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Orange-the-World-e1509002436837.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171203
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T201528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170808T201706Z
UID:639-1512172800-1512259199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-for-the-abolition-of-slavery/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171206
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T201758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170808T201758Z
UID:641-1512432000-1512518399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Volunteer Day
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-volunteer-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171210
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171211
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T202105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171027T030251Z
UID:643-1512864000-1512950399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Human Rights Day
DESCRIPTION:What are human rights? \nHuman rights are rights inherent to all human beings\, whatever our nationality\, place of residence\, sex\, national or ethnic origin\, colour\, religion\, language\, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated\, interdependent and indivisible.\nUniversal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law\, in the forms of treaties\, customary international law\, general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts\, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups. \nUniversal and inalienable \nThe principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This principle\, as first emphasized in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948\, has been reiterated in numerous international human rights conventions\, declarations\, and resolutions. The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights\, for example\, noted that it is the duty of States to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms\, regardless of their political\, economic and cultural systems.\nAll States have ratified at least one\, and 80% of States have ratified four or more\, of the core human rights treaties\, reflecting consent of States which creates legal obligations for them and giving concrete expression to universality. Some fundamental human rights norms enjoy universal protection by customary international law across all boundaries and civilizations.\nHuman rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away\, except in specific situations and according to due process. For example\, the right to liberty may be restricted if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of law. \nInterdependent and indivisible \nAll human rights are indivisible\, whether they are civil and political rights\, such as the right to life\, equality before the law and freedom of expression; economic\, social and cultural rights\, such as the rights to work\, social security and education \, or collective rights\, such as the rights to development and self-determination\, are indivisible\, interrelated and interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Likewise\, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others. \nEqual and non-discriminatory \nNon-discrimination is a cross-cutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in all the major human rights treaties and provides the central theme of some of international human rights conventions such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.\nThe principle applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of a list of non-exhaustive categories such as sex\, race\, colour and so on. The principle of non-discrimination is complemented by the principle of equality\, as stated in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” \nBoth Rights and Obligations \nHuman rights entail both rights and obligations. States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect\, to protect and to fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. At the individual level\, while we are entitled our human rights\, we should also respect the human rights of others. \nAdapted from:- http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Pages/WhatareHumanRights.aspx
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/human-rights-day/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Human-rights-hand.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180308
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180309
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T202155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180130T223825Z
UID:645-1520467200-1520553599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Women's Day 2018
DESCRIPTION:Adapted from:-http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/international-womens-day \nQuote \nThe theme for International Women’s Day\, 8 March\, is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”.\nThis year\, International Women’s Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women’s rights\, equality and justice. Sexual harassment\, violence and discrimination against women has captured headlines and public discourse\, propelled by a rising determination for change.\nPeople around the world are mobilizing for a future that is more equal. This has taken the form of global marches and campaigns\, including #MeToo in the United States of America and its counterparts in other countries\, protesting against sexual harassment and violence\, such as #YoTambien in Mexico\, Spain\, South America and beyond\, #QuellaVoltaChe in Italy\, #BalanceTonPorc in France and #Ana_kaman in the Arab States; “Ni Una Menos” (‘not one less’)\, a campaign against femicide that originated in Argentina; and many others\, on issues ranging from equal pay to women’s political representation.\nInternational Women’s Day 2018 is an opportunity to transform this momentum into action\, to empower women in all settings\, rural and urban\, and celebrate the activists who are working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realize their full potential.\nEchoing the priority theme of the upcoming 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women\, International Women’s Day will also draw attention to the rights and activism of rural women\, who make up over a quarter of the world population and majority of the 43 per cent of women in the global agricultural labour force.\nThey till the lands and plant seeds to feed nations\, ensure food security for their communities and build climate resilience. Yet\, on almost every measure of development\, because of deep seated gender inequalities and discrimination\, rural women fare worse than rural men or urban women. For instance\, less than 20 per cent of landholders worldwide are women\, and while the global pay gap between men and women stand at 23 per cent\, in rural areas\, it can be as high as 40 per cent. They lack infrastructure and services\, decent work and social protection\, and are left more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.\nMaking the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality\, to leave no one behind\, needs urgent action in rural areas to ensure an adequate standard of living\, a life free of violence and harmful practices for rural women\, as well as their access to land and productive assets\, food security and nutrition\, decent work\, education and health\, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights.\nRural women and their organizations represent an enormous potential\, and they are on the move to claim their rights and improve their livelihoods and wellbeing. They are using innovative agricultural methods\, setting up successful businesses and acquiring new skills\, pursuing their legal entitlements and running for office. Recently\, as hundreds of courageous women from the film\, theatre and art industry in the USA started speaking against sexual harassment and assault by powerful men in the industry\, they found a powerful ally in Alianza Nacional de Campesinas\, the national farmworker women’s organization\, no stranger to the abuse of power.\nOn 8 March\, join activists around the world and UN Women to seize the moment\, celebrate\, take action and transform women’s lives everywhere. The time is NOW. \nUnquote \nAs at 30 Jan 2018
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-womens-day/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IWD-2018-Rural-Urban-Women-1-e1517380667274.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180311
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180312
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180321T164839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180321T164839Z
UID:1335-1520726400-1520812799@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:IWD 2018 Celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church\, Ipoh
DESCRIPTION:Greetings from Bougainvillea City\, \nA while back I was asked by the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church to address the needs of women in the parish as he and others observed that some were living in abusive situations and were too steeped in traditional Indian culture to make effective changes. While I agreed to the call to mission among this group of mostly homemakers\, I felt that I could not do much on my own\, so we formed the Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s League. \nOn Sunday\, 11 March 2018\, 130 women gathered at the church to celebrate International Women’s Day\, the second time we were doing so. We kept to last year’s theme\, “Be Bold For Change” as we felt that the women needed time to adapt to changes. The event was well publicized in the parish with the permission and full support of the parish priest. We were pleased that the attendance jumped from 95 last year. \nThe talk on domestic violence by lawyer\, Sheanna Santa\, which focused on women’s rights and the available venues to seek help and redress\, captivated the women’s attention\, and set off a barrage of questions. This flowed well into the next talk and group sharing on the topic\, “Be Bold For Change”. The gathering also gave the women a chance to let their hair down and have some fun\, as can be seen in the following photos. \n \nGroup Discussion on “Be Bold For Change” \n \nTime to let our hair down \n \nOur Lady of Lourdes Women’s League \nI am invited to sit on the panel for a celebration organised by another women’s group\, Shine on 17 March 2018 at Syeun Hotel\, where about 800 women from across the country are expected to attend. \nAsian women are on the move\, and Good Shepherd mission is powering ahead! \nBy Sr Veronica Saminathan \nIpoh\, West Malaysia \n12 March 2018
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/iwd-2018-celebrated-at-our-lady-of-lourdes-church-ipoh/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180422
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180423
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180416T231444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180416T231657Z
UID:1356-1524355200-1524441599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Marymount Convent School Remembers Earth Day 2018
DESCRIPTION:By Sr Del Kang \n“The Lord’s is the earth and all its fullness\, the world and all its people.  It is He who set it on the seas; on the waters He made it firm.” Psalm 24:1-2 \nWe thank God for the beautiful world we live in and for all that He has put into our earth for our use. The Earth is the only planet that supports life.  It is the only one where life as we know it can exist. Wherever we are\, each one of us occupies a small space in the world\, the place we call earth. Like a fish in the water that does not know it is in an ocean\, we are on earth and often do not think about the Earth we live in. \nThe Earth provides us with so much\, with all that we need.  But sadly many people\, even us\, take it for granted and sometimes abuse it.  We use more than we need\, waste lots and even exploit the gifts of the earth. We now realise that many things we do contribute to climate change which harms the environment and other life forms causing wide spread destruction to our earth. \nEach one of us can help by doing the 3 Rs … to reduce\, reuse and recycle.   \nHere are some practical things we can do:- \n\nWe have the recycle bins: Put your drink cartons\, plastic bottles\, aluminium cans\, dry paper\, cardboards\, unwanted books\, newspapers into the right bin for recycling.\nBe considerate and do not put food bits\, wet tissues\, wet stuffs or dirty objects into the recycle bins but put them into the rubbish bins not outside or around them.\nSwitch off the lights\, fans\, air conditioners when you leave a room. When you use a small corner or space in a room\, switch on only the lights/fans for that area and not all the fans and lights that are meant for the whole room.  Regulate your air conditioners to 25 degrees Centigrade when you use them at home or in school.  On cooler days (November\, December\, January)\, open your windows for fresh air when you sleep.  Give your air conditioners a break even on rainy days which are often windy.\nDo not keep your fridges open for a long time. Decide what you want to take from it beforehand.\nDo not leave your computers\, televisions and other electrical appliances on for long periods of time when you are not using them.\nWhen printing or duplicating papers\, print on both sides and print only what you need.\nWhen using paper napkins\, paper towels or tissues\, use one sheet. There is no need to pull out a few sheets.  We do not have giant hands.\n\nDo Not Waste Water and Food \nThough we are blessed with an abundance of water and food\, it does not mean that we could waste.  Cutting down wastage helps our environment. \n\nTurn off the tap as soon as you finish your washing.\nAvoid talking to people while you are washing your hands or utensils … more water than you know runs into the drain.\nShorten your shower by one minute or two.\nWash your clothes in a machine only when you have a full load.\nWhen you drink from a bottled water\, finish it up and recycle the bottle.\nAvoid turning on the tap to a full blast. Besides getting splashed\, more than 50% of the flowing water get wasted.\n\nA gentle flowing tap from a half opened tap does a better job and help save our precious resources.  Do your part to cut down wastage of food.  While millions of people are hungry\, we are throwing away food that turn into toxins that pollute our Earth. \nEnd Plastic Pollution \n\nUse your own water bottle and remember not to leave it behind at the places you go to.\nUse your own reusable shopping bags.\nUse our Foundress Day tote bag for your shopping and to carry your things instead of taking and using bags from the supermarkets and shops. Use this bag often and remember that we can do our part to help save our world.\n\nOur earth is God’s wonderful gift to us and we show our appreciation by loving it\, respecting it while we live in it. We need to have compassion even for our Earth. \nEvery single person is responsible to do our part to save our Earth from further destruction. \nDid You Know? \n\nA glass bottle can take up to 40\,000 years to decompose if it is not recycled\nPlastic bottles take over 500 years to decompose\nBy turning off your computer instead of leaving it in sleep mode\, you can save 40 watt hours a day\nHalf a million trees have to be cut down just to produce the Sunday papers each week.\nWhen newspapers are recycled\, it takes only 7 days for it to become a brand new newspaper.\nOur school uses over 100 reams of paper for printing each week.\nRecycling a single aluminium can saves enough electricity to power a TV for 3 hours. If you throw away that aluminium can\, it will stay in that form for up to 500 years or more.\n20 recycled aluminium cans can be made with the energy it takes to manufacture one new one.\nEvery 2 minutes you save on your shower can save 38 litres (10 gallons) of water\nSingapore used 3 billion plastic bags a year (2007 stats) and the amount of food waste generated in 2016 was 791\,000 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of more than 3\,500 MRT trains.\n\nLet us seriously do our part to Reduce\, Reuse\, Recycle and Refuse what we do not really need. \nThink of some ways you would like to show your appreciation for our Earth. \nLet us remind and encourage each other to do our part.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/marymount-convent-school-remembers-earth-day-2018/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Earth-Day-2018-Feature-Image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180424
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180425
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T202728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180415T221800Z
UID:651-1524528000-1524614399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Feast of St Mary Euphrasia - 150th
DESCRIPTION:“Gratitude is your inheritance. Engrave it on your heart. Let its remembrance be your consolation\, your hope.”
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/feast-of-st-mary-euphrasia-2/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SME-e1523859413615.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180605
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180606
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180122T235727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180514T005419Z
UID:1312-1528156800-1528243199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Environment Day
DESCRIPTION:The theme for 2018 is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. All of us can reduce plastic pollution by refusing single-use plastic bags. Carry a cloth tote bag with us at all times. \n \nSome Plastic Pollution facts that might spur us into action: \n\nEvery year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags\nEach year\, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans\, the equivalent of a full garbage truck every minute.\nIn the last decade\, we produced more plastic than in the whole last century\n50 percent of the plastic we use is single-use or disposable\nWe buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute\nPlastic makes up 10% of all of the waste we generate\n\nSource: http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/news/india-host-world-environment-day-2018 \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-environment-day/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cloth-bag-e1526286919346.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180608
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180609
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T202929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180123T001731Z
UID:655-1528416000-1528502399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Feast of Blessed Maria Droste
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/feast-of-blessed-maria-droste-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180621
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180122T235633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180123T001756Z
UID:1310-1529452800-1529539199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Refugee Day
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-refugee-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180728
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180729
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180802T003351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T004351Z
UID:1412-1532736000-1532822399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:OUR MISSION IS ALIVE TODAY
DESCRIPTION:CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST MARY EUPHRASIA’S PASSING: \n Our Mission is Alive Today! \nBy Sr Salomi Cruz \nFor one year\, from 24 April 2018 till 24 April 2019\, we commemorate and celebrate the 150th death anniversary of St. Mary Euphrasia (SME).  We are invited by our Congregational Spirituality Center Team to meditate on “Our Mission is Alive Today” \nSt. Mary Euphrasia continues to inspire mission partners (sisters and lay partners) to go beyond boundaries to be the compassionate presence of Jesus the Good Shepherd by empowering lives\, restoring rights and upholding dignity of persons. \nOn 03 June 2018\, Volcano de Fuego in Guatemala erupted\, unleashing a deadly flow of toxic hot gas and volcanic rocks. Reports of high numbers of dead\, injured\, displaced and missing people in the surrounding villages moved our Sisters in Guatemala to respond quickly. \n \n \nAn urgent appeal was made from our congregational website for help to fund the relief and recovery efforts of our sisters in Guatemala\, estimated to cost USD27\,700 in the next six months. \nOur reflection on St. Mary Euphrasia’s call to go beyond boundaries urged us to respond to the appeal for financial help. The mission partners of Madonna Heights decided to have a fundraising project among our close circle of mission partners during the month of July and culminating with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration on the 28 July to mark the 150th Death Anniversary of SME. \nWe sold home cooked ikan bilis sambal which were quickly snapped up by those who were familiar with the taste and quality. Many others simply contributed cash. \n \n  \n \nOn Saturday\, 28 July 2018\, about 100 mission partners gathered at Madonna Heights for the celebration of the Eucharist to commemorate the gift and life of our foundress\, a visionary\, audacious and zealous woman.  At this celebration\, we expressed our gratitude to mission partners for their efforts to raise funds and prayed for those affected by the volcanic eruption in Guatemala. \nFr. Simon Lau\, a newly ordained priest celebrated the Eucharist. Fr. Lau’s homily touched the hearts of many. He asked “who we are”: the lost sheep\, 99 sheep or the Shepherd.  At different times in our lives\, we experience being at one of the three places. He asked what is lost within us that we need to look for.  In his conclusion\, he reminded us that we are all called to be disciples of Jesus. \n \nThe Eucharistic celebration concluded with a short video clip on the volcano eruption in Guatemala and a slide presentation on the fund raising efforts. This was followed by lunch fellowship. \nDuring the lunch fellowship\, these were some remarks that we noted:- \n\n“The word ‘compassion’ seems to speak to me so much.” – Jackie Yip\n“It was such a joyful and meaningful event. Well organized. Everyone contributed to the occasion to touch the lives of those suffering” – Jacintha Cruz\n“The celebration was like a family gathering\, a time to connect and bond’ – Andrew Han\n“Thank you so much for inviting us for this occasion. The Eucharistic Celebration was meaningful. I will remember the homily which spoke to me so much and touched my heart.” John Chin\n\n \n \nWe are grateful for the hard work by the mission partners who made the ikan bilis sambal\, and all our benefactors for their support and cash contributions.  The total amount raised from the sales and donations received is about RM28\,000. This fundraising project is now closed. \nThough it rained heavily just before the celebration\, it did not dampen the spirit of the celebration. Many saw the rain as a sign of abundant blessings\, such as God provided a ‘natural air conditioning’ which cooled the atmosphere for the occasion. \nSt. Mary Euphrasia continues to challenge us to be authentic witnesses of the Good Shepherd. \nOur unity and inter-connectedness is the driving force to keep our mission alive!
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/our-mission-is-alive-today/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180730
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180731
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180122T235819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180718T182630Z
UID:1314-1532908800-1532995199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
DESCRIPTION:Prayer for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons\nTrafficking of Women and Girls \n \nThe updated Good Shepherd Position Paper on Trafficking issued in June 2018 (click here)  1 is the focus of this reflection. You are invited to take a copy of this Paper and use it for reflection\, personally or with a group. \nThe Position Paper clearly articulates the issue of Trafficking in our world today. \nThe impact and effect of the trafficking of women and girls is deeply distressing and rips apart their families and communities. As noted in the Position Paper\, trafficking is a growing global criminal industry that defies human rights and affronts human dignity. Trafficking affects men\, women and children in different ways\, but for us\, Good Shepherd people\, it is the women and children – especially girls\, who are our focus. \nThe Position Paper notes that “the phenomenon of trafficking converges with current global flows of migration\, patterns of armed conflict and war\, climate induced displacement and economic supply chains of consumer goods.” \nWe can find ourselves drawn into the issue in a multitude of ways without even realising it – by what we buy\, wear\, use… \nSuggestion: Gather as a group\, take the revised Position Paper as the reading for a time of reflection and sharing. \nThe following are sections from the revised Position Paper that may be helpful for reflection: \n“Trafficking is an injustice rooted in dynamics of our global world and current global economy. \n“Structures and systems that intensify social inequality\, support patriarchal power\, prioritize economic profit above the value of the human person\, and diminish the value of social relationships render untold women and children vulnerable to being trafficked for labor\, human organ harvesting\, surrogate pregnancy\, and/or sexual exploitation.” \n“Our first response is to express solidarity with those who have suffered victimization through this repulsive crime…. \nSecond as we listen to the experiences of persons who have been trafficked\, we develop holistic programs to respond to needs…. \nThird\, we continually increase our capacity to understand the persistent and complex dynamics of trafficking.” \nPonder the questions:\nWhat do I know of the issue in my city or country? \nHow may I/we be complicit in trafficking? Do I/we know where the clothes and other consumer goods I/we buy come from\, how they are made\, who makes them? \nWhat might I/we do to better understand and effectively respond? \nShare your responses (if in a group)\nTake a few minutes of quiet reflection on what you have heard from each other. \nThere may be an action you can take regarding a situation you know of in your country. Discuss what may be possible. \n“Love and Justice bind us together”. St Mary Euphrasia \nPrayer to Conclude:\nGod of Compassion and Hope: We pray for all who are trafficked. \nWe pray for those living in situations where their innate dignity is not respected. We pray for women and girls whose human rights are disregarded. \nWe pray for those who are in bonded labour or sold into domestic or sexual servitude. Fill each of them with courage and strength to each out for help. \nFill us with your compassionate love to respond fully. \nGive us strength\, give us courage and energy to work for change and to confront the great injustices created by trafficking. \nGod of Life – Give us hope! \n“Have a great and merciful heart\, \nthe healing touch that raises and restores to wholeness and gives courage to start again.” \nSt. Mary Euphrasia \n \nPrayer Prepared by Caroline Price\, Province of Australia/Aotearoa-New Zealand
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons-2/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180820
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20170808T203014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180815T180818Z
UID:657-1534636800-1534723199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Feast of St John Eudes
DESCRIPTION:The following article is taken from Sisters of the Good Shepherd\, Province of Mid-North America \n http://sistersofthegoodshepherd.com/our-history/st-john-eudes/ \n\nST. JOHN EUDES\n\nIt has been well said that of all great hearts\, the greatest is the heart of a Saint. \n \nJohn Eudes (November 14\, 1601 – August 19\, 1680) was a French missionary and priest who founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Refuge. \nFr. John Eudes was born at Ri\, Normandy\, France\, on November 14\, 1601\, the son of a farmer. He went on to become one of the most remarkable priests for the role he played in the religious renewal of 17th century France. He is especially known as the father\, the doctor and the promoter of the liturgical devotion to the Heart of Jesus and Mary. \nJohn Eudes went to the Jesuit college at Caen when he was 14\, and despite his parents’ wish that he marry\, joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France in 1623. He studied at Paris and at Aubervilliers. He was ordained in 1625 and worked as a volunteer\, caring for the victims of the plagues that struck in 1625 and 1631. He spent the next decade giving Missions and building a reputation as an outstanding preacher and confessor\, and for his opposition to Jansenism. \nJohn Eudes forms a refuge for women\nIt was during his missionary travels throughout France that Fr. Eudes became increasingly aware of the moral distress and exploitation of many girls and women. In 1641\, in order to help and assist women who wanted to change their lives\, he established a refuge in Caen which he entrusted to some women who wished to share with him this service of charity. It was the beginning of what would become the Order of Our Lady of Charity. To demonstrate the beauty of their vocation and to ensure that the Sisters remained faithful to their specific mission\, he gave them a fourth vow: zeal for the salvation of souls. \nIn 1666 the Refuge sisters received Pope Alexander III’s approval as an institute to reclaim and care for women. The first community of Caen had a difficult and turbulent beginning. A few years later\, the help of the  Sisters of the Visitation and the official recognition of the civil and religious authorities ensured the stability of the house. In 1673 the community of Caen was able to build a new house in Rennes\, followed by the construction of others. Each community was independent\, while maintaining contacts with the others\, particularly with that of Caen. \nIn 1789\, when the French Revolution broke out\, there were seven monasteries of Our Lady of Charity in France\, faithful to the mission received from their founder: assisting women in difficulty. At that time\, France went through a period of violence and anti-religious fights. One after the other\, the houses had to close\, leaving the communities scattered throughout the country. \nOver time almost all of the communities gradually reestablished themselves\, though remaining in precarious conditions. Tours\, which had been founded in 1714\, was restored as a community in 1806. It is in Tours that Rose Virginie Pelletier entered the Order of Our Lady of Charity. She was given the name Mary of St. Euphrasia. Formed in the sources of the Sacred Scriptures and the Eudist spiritual traditions\, she spent the early years of her religious life serving in an active ministry taking care of young women. \nMary Euphrasia longed that the whole world would benefit from the saving work that John Eudes initiated. She saw the need for a central government so that the Sisters could be sent to all parts of the world. Upon her death on April 24\, 1868\, there were 110 houses worldwide. Sister Mary Euphrasia was canonized on May 2\, 1940. \nFr. John Eudes died at Caen on August 19\, 1668. He was canonized in 1925. \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/feast-of-st-john-eudes-2/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180920
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181012
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180123T000003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180919T215428Z
UID:1318-1537401600-1539302399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:11 Days of Action for International Day of the Girl Child
DESCRIPTION:Every year\, the Good Shepherd International Justice Peace  (GSIJP) office  engage with the 11 Days of Action that lead up to the International Day of the Girl by hosting a day of action. Singapore submitted a couple of contributions from girls attending our Student Care. These will be featured at the Girls Speak Out\, to be held in the United Nations on 11 October . \nDuring the 11 Days of Action\, the GSIJP office will be sponsoring day 4 (04 October). The theme of the day will focus on the tools girls need to break the cycle of poverty. They will be promoting #MahilaFIlm and carrying out a Twitter campaign with a Twitter chat from 11 am to 12 pm\, New York time\, which is 11 pm to midnight local time. \nThese 2 questions will lead their discussion:- \n\nHow do girls break the cycle of poverty and successfully transition into adulthood?\nWhat tools do girls need for a bright and successful future?\n\nDuring that time they will be putting out Tweets guided by those questions. Please join in tweeting about this topic using the hashtags #MahilaFilm\, #ToolsfortheFuture\, #GenerationGirl and #IDG2018. You may also create your own tweets\, respond to their tweets or retweet them. \nThey  also want to tweet your words! Think about the tools that the girls you serve need to break cycles of poverty and discrimination. Use these questions to guide your reflection: \n\nWhat do you think about your own rights as a girl? What has influenced your views?\nHow does your society view girls’ rights?\nWhat organizations are available in your local area to promote girls’ rights?\nDo you participate in the efforts to promote the rights of girls? How?\nHow has your spirituality encouraged you to promote girls’ rights?\n\nSend an email to: aschutzgsijp@gmail.com by 28 September  with your thoughts and responses so they can use them to form their tweets for 04 October .
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girl-child-2/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180921
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180922
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180122T235904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180919T181351Z
UID:1316-1537488000-1537574399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day of Peace
DESCRIPTION:You can access a prayer for peace:- NGO Prayer Network for September 2018 \nPlease share widely. \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-peace/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180929T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180929T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20181003T183937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181003T184556Z
UID:1504-1538215200-1538240400@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Voice Out 8 - Youth Festival in Tambunan\, Sabah
DESCRIPTION:The eight instalment of the “Voice Out” youth festival was a resounding success\, with more than 800 visitors gracing the event with their presence on September 29 in Pisompuruan Square\, Tambunan. \nThe highlight of the festival was a forum entitled “Just A Child\, Not A Bride” which discussed the issue of child marriage with panellists such as Amy Dangin (KK12FM radio announcer)\, Elsie Primus (High Court deputy registrar)\, Philip Kitingan (District Chief) and Rex Alvin (previously with UNICEF). \nThe panellists broached the delicate subject by using humour\, as well as language that could be easily understood by the audience\, which mostly comprised students from schools around Tambunan. \nAmong those performing at the festival are Ayumi Yusof\, Jay & The Rockafellas\, Hector John and the Martinian Band. \nOther attractions at the festival include a Free Market\, as well as booths by Magic Bamboo\, Thalassemia Sabah\, Tambunan Community Booth\, Aranggoi\, Sabah Skills & Technology Centre\, BeFrienders\, Hospital Tambunan\, Kivatu Nature Farm and Kounduan Kampung Nulu Enterprise. \nThe theme of the festival was “Dare to Stand Up —Bangkitlah”. \nSource: https://goodshepherd.my/voice-out-8-festival-tambunan-raises-awareness-sexual-gender-based-violence \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/voice-out-8-youth-festival-in-tambunan-sabah/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181004
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181005
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180919T213049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181003T175538Z
UID:1484-1538611200-1538697599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Day 4 of Action for International Day of the Girl 2018
DESCRIPTION:The theme of Day 4\, sponsored by GSIJP office focuses on the tools girls need to break the cycle of poverty.  The Twitter campaign is from 11 pm to midnight  (11 am to 12 pm New York time).  How about spending this one hour engaging with people from all over the world? \nThese 2 questions will lead their discussion:- \n\nHow do girls break the cycle of poverty and successfully transition into adulthood?\nWhat tools do girls need for a bright and successful future?\n\nDuring that time they will be putting out Tweets guided by those questions. Please join in tweeting about this topic using the hashtags #MahilaFilm\, #ToolsfortheFuture\, #GenerationGirl and #IDG2018. You may also create your own tweets\, respond to their tweets or retweet them. \nHave a meaningful time of tweeting.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/day-4-of-action-for-international-day-of-the-girl-2018/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181011
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181012
DTSTAMP:20260404T142528
CREATED:20180926T185019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180926T185625Z
UID:1498-1539216000-1539302399@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL 2018
DESCRIPTION:Since 2012\, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face\, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. \n2018 theme: With Her: A Skilled GirlForce \nToday’s generation of girls are preparing to enter a world of work that is being transformed by innovation and automation. Educated and skilled workers are in great demand\, but roughly a quarter of young people – most of them female – are currently neither employed nor in education or training. \nOf the 1 billion young people – including 600 million adolescent girls – that will enter the workforce in the next decade\, more than 90% of those living in developing countries will work in the informal sector\, where low or no pay\, abuse and exploitation are common. \nOn 11 October\, International Day of the Girl\, we are working alongside all girls to expand existing learning opportunities\, chart new pathways and calling on the global community to rethink how to prepare them for a successful transition into the world of work. \nUnder the theme\, With Her: A Skilled GirlForce\, International Day of the Girl will mark the beginning of a year-long effort to bring together partners and stakeholders to advocate for\, and draw attention and investments to\, the most pressing needs and opportunities for girls to attain skills for employability. \nSource: http://www.un.org/en/events/girlchild/
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girl-2018/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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