14 Catholic churches for Filipinos working in Singapore

Expat life
03 Aug 2023
15 mins read
Written by Riona lye

Moving to a new place can often be stressful and overwhelming. When it comes to finding comfort and support in a new environment, religion can play a significant role. This is especially true for Filipinos, for whom Catholicism is a deeply ingrained part of life. For those moving to Singapore, searching for a Catholic church can provide a sense of continuity and connection to one’s traditions.

 

Fortunately, there are several Catholic churches in Singapore to choose from, each with its own unique community and atmosphere. By attending mass and engaging with other members of the congregation, newcomers can build new relationships and find a welcoming home away from home.

 

We have also listed down the Catholic church mass schedule – there’s no better way to heal the isolation of moving than to find a supportive group of like-minded people.

 

With a bit of effort, adapting to life in a new place can be a fulfilling and comfortable experience.

 

Here is the list of Catholic churches in Singapore:

 

City District

  • Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
  • Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Church of St. Alphonsus (Novena Church)
  • Church of St. Bernadette (Recommended by Filipinos)
  • Church of St. Michael
  • Church of St. Teresa
  • Church of St Peter and Paul
  • Church of the Sacred Heart
  • St. Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)

 

East District

  • Church of the Holy Family
  • Church of the Holy Trinity (Recommended by Filipinos)

 

West District

  • Church of St Ignatius

 

North District

  • Church of Christ the King (Recommended by Filipinos)
  • Church of St Francis Xavier

 

PS: Don’t hesitate to check out the Catholic Directory for even more options.

 

 

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore is a historic landmark that has stood tall and withstood many challenges over the centuries.

 

As the oldest Catholic church in the country and the official seat of the Archbishop of Singapore, it serves as a symbol of unity for all who share the faith. The church was dedicated to the Good Shepherd in memory of St Laurent Imbert, who wrote a letter that is regarded as the first known record of Catholics in Singapore.

 

Today, the Cathedral is a national monument and has won numerous conservation and heritage awards, due in no small part to its beautiful neo-Palladian porticoes and steeple, as well as its stunning liturgical elements.

 

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a place to gather in the community, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is a must-visit destination in Singapore.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday – Friday: 1:15 pm

 

Confession

Weekend: 15 minutes before Mass when the priest is available

 

Other key information

Address: A Queen St, Singapore 188533

Languages Offered: English

Anniversary of Cathedral Dedication Mass: 14 February

Contact: +65 6337 2036

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is not just a church- it represents a community that has a long history of overcoming challenges. Built as a place for Catholic Indians to come together in 1888, the church has grown and evolved to minister to all Catholics in Singapore.

 

Despite sustaining damage from the war, the church has stood the test of time and has undertaken various social initiatives, such as helping migrant workers.

 

The church building itself is modelled after the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes, France – a beautiful neo-Gothic building – and was named in commemoration of an important Marian apparition. It is an important piece of history, having been gazetted as a national monument in 2005.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 9:30 am, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm (Tamil)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 9:00 am (English), 10:00 am (Tamil)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday – Friday: 12:30 pm (English), 7:00 pm (Tamil)

 

Other key information

Address: 50 Ophir Road Singapore 188690

Languages Offered: English, Tamil

Feast day: 11 February

Contact: +65 6294 0624

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of St. Alphonsus (Novena Church)

The Church of St Alphonsus, known as the “Novena Church,” is a shrine founded by the Redemptorists. Its mission is to evangelize and adapt to the changing needs of society, offering a range of missions and retreats for schools, youth, parishes, religious sisters and laity.

 

With its renowned novena devotions and vibrant community, the church draws Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Despite its popularity, it remains committed to social outreach to the underprivileged, elderly, migrants, and sick, as well as the work of the family apostolate.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm
  • Public Holidays: 9:00 am

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 12:15 pm, 6:30 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 300 Thomson Road Singapore 307653

Languages Offered: English

Feast Day: 01 August

Contact: +65 6255 2133

Email: [email protected]

 

Nestled in the heart of River Valley, Singapore is The Church of St Bernadette, a marvel of post-war modern church buildings. With its unique architectural design, the church features the wingspan of an aeroplane and a blue neon-lit crucifix atop its roof. The interior walls boast 12 crosses that represent the 12 apostles.

 

Dedicated to St Bernadette, the church opened its doors in March 1959 to a congregation of just 900. The Church of St Bernadette has become a beloved landmark in Zion Road and was granted conservation status in April 2009.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 6:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 10:00 am, 11:45 am, 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 8:30 am (Mandarin)
  • 4th Sunday: 2:00 pm (Tagalog)
  • 1st, 3rd Sunday: 3:00 pm (Indonesian)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 7:00 am, 6:30 pm (English)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 9:00 am (English)

 

Other key information

Address: 12 Zion Road Singapore 247731

Languages Offered: English, Mandarin, Tagalog, Indonesian

Contact: +65 6737 3529

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of St. Michael

The Church of St Michael came to life in 1961 with a two-storey bungalow as its home and Church. The church, with its bare essentials, had to resort to borrowing pews, altar candle stands, and altar boys from the Cathedral and other churches in the vicinity.

 

In 1964, a new church and presbytery were built, which were functional for almost three decades until the foundation gave way. The church was rebuilt, and after three years of holding Masses in a tent, the new church with beautiful stained-glass panels was ready by Christmas 1993.

 

Over time, the church grew in the Boon Keng – Whampoa area, becoming a haven for various ministry programs and events while continuing its warm and welcoming spirit.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 6:30 am, 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 7:45 am (Mandarin)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 7:30 am (English)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 6:30 am, 6:00 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 17 Michael’s Road Singapore 327976

Languages Offered: English, Mandarin

Contact: +65 6291 9272

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of St. Teresa

Built in the early days to accommodate the Hokkien-Fukien Catholic community, the Church has stood tall and is known to provide refuge in times of need.

 

The completion and blessing of the church is a tribute to the devotion of its Teochew and Hokkien congregation who showed unwavering support to its Parish Priest, Fr Emile Mariette.

 

The Church’s architecture boasts inspiration from the Romano-Byzantine design of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre, Paris. The Church of St Teresa served as headquarters to the Apostleship of the Sea, a Catholic association that serves the spiritual needs of seafarers.

 

In recognition and appreciation of its unique significance, St Teresa’s Church was designated a national monument in 2009.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm
  • Public Holiday Masses: 8:00 am

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 6:00 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 510 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 099446

Languages Offered: English

Feast Day: 01 October

Contact: +65 6271 1184

Email: [email protected]

 

 

Church of St Peter and Paul

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul holds a special significance in Singapore’s history. It was the original home of the early Chinese and Indian Catholic communities, built in 1870 under the leadership of Fr Pierre Páris. Over time, it became the branch-off point for the various ethnic communities to establish their own parishes.

 

The parish was a beacon for Chinese converts from all over Asia, and newly arrived European missionaries would be sent here to learn the Chinese dialects before moving to other postings. The parish also nurtured the first local-born priest, Fr Michael Seet, who was ordained in 1911 in a highly celebrated affair.

 

Apart from its religious significance, the parish played a significant role in local education, as it was one of the first institutions to promote bilingual education.

 

In 2006, it was declared a national monument.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 7:20 am, 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 11:00 am, 4:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 8:30 am (Mandarin)
  • Sunday: 2:00 pm (Cantonese)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday – Friday: 7:20 am, 6:00 pm (English)

 

Other key information

Address: 225A Queen Street Singapore 188551

Languages Offered: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Feast Day: 29 June

Contact: +65 6337 2585

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of the Sacred Heart

In Singapore, the Church of the Sacred Heart has a rich history spanning over a century. From humble beginnings, the church has grown to become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

 

Tasked with forming a new church for the growing population of Catholics in Singapore, Fr Vincent Gazeau went to great lengths to secure a suitable location.

 

Through perseverance and faith, he succeeded in his mission, and the church was finally opened in 1910. Despite experiencing significant damage during World War II, the church was rebuilt and expanded in later years under the leadership of Fr Paul Tay.

 

Today, the Church of the Sacred Heart stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Catholic community in Singapore.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 7:00 am, 5:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 8:00 am (Mandarin)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 7:00 am (English)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday – Friday: 7:00 am (English)

 

Other key information

Address: 111 Tank Road Singapore 238069

Languages Offered: English, Mandarin

Contact: +65 6737 9285

Email: [email protected]

 

 

St. Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)

St Joseph’s Church in Victoria Street has been a pillar of the Portuguese Mission, ministering to Catholics, mainly from the Portuguese and Malacca Eurasian lineage, since 1853.

 

The church has a deep historical significance in Singapore, and many families have long-standing ties to it. St Joseph’s Church is known for its religious traditions and beautiful structure, which was completed in 1912 and contains a collection of religious stained-glass windows.

 

Although undergoing restoration, the church premises still hold an important place in the hearts of many Singaporeans.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 5:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 10:00 am, 5:00 pm (English)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 9:00 am

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 6:30 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 143 Victoria Street Singapore 188020

Languages Offered: English

Feast Day: 19 March

Contact: +65 6338 3167

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of Christ the King *

Back in the late 1970s, Catholics residing in the newly developed Ang Mo Kio New Town were faced with the inconvenience of having to travel to nearby churches for Mass.

 

However, in 1979, Fr Louis Fossion, Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) was appointed to build and nurture a new parish community with the mission to construct a new church in Ang Mo Kio, and over the next three years, funds were raised and the foundation for the church was built.

 

Finally, on August 1, 1982, the Church of Christ the King was officially opened to the public, striking an emotional chord with countless Christians. Since then, the church, whose ministries have grown exponentially, has undergone several renovations, with each redesign adding new beauty to the structure.

 

In 1989, the church played a significant role in fundraising for the new Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and was presented with a statue of Christ the King.

 

Today, this statue remains the holy symbol of the Church of Christ the King and stands as a beautiful reminder to all who enter its doors of the unwavering love and serenity this church provides.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 5:00 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 7:00 am (English)
  • Sunday: 8:30 am (Mandarin)
  • 1st and 4th Sunday: 5:00 pm (Malayalam), 6:30 pm (Tamil)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 7:30 am, 5:00 pm (English)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 am, 6:00 pm (English)

 

Other key information

Address: 2221 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8

Languages Offered: English, Malayalam, Tamil

Contact: +65 6459 9958

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of St Francis Xavier

In 1957, Archbishop Olçomendy purchased land to build a parish and primary school in the Serangoon Garden Estate. The church-building efforts were led by Fr Philippe Meissonnier, who appealed for funds from neighboring households. The church building was finally completed and blessed in 1959, a record time of eight months.

 

Today, St Francis Xavier Church serves a population of 5,000 Catholics living in the Serangoon area and is known for its multi-faceted youth communities. The Parish Social Centre provides religious education for youth and a gathering place for adults.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 6:30 am, 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 5:30pm
  • Public Holiday Masses: 9:00 am

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday: 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:30 am, 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am, 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 6:30 am, 6:30 pm
  • Friday: 6:30 am, 8:00 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 63A Chartwell Drive Singapore 558758

Languages Offered: English

Feast Day: 03 December

Contact: +65 6280 6076

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of the Holy Family

The Church of the Holy Family in Singapore has a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 20th century. The church was originally housed in a humble timber hut, built by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Over time, the congregation grew exponentially, and plans were made to erect a new church building on the existing site.

 

In 1932, the new Church of the Holy Family was completed and quickly became a vibrant focal point for the Eurasian and Peranakan communities in Katong. The unique blend of two communities made for an eclectic mix of culture, food and fashion that is still unique to the area around what is now affectionately called the “Katong Church”.

 

Today, the Church of the Holy Family remains a cherished institution and continues to celebrate Peranakan Masses on the eve of every Lunar New Year, in the Baba Malay language of the Peranakans.

 

The church has expanded over time and is now accompanied by other Catholic institutions, but it remains a beloved centrepiece of the community, rich in history and tradition.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 6:30 am, 5:30 pm and 8 pm
  • Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 6:30 am and 6:30 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 6 Chapel Road Singapore 429509

Languages Offered: English

Contact: +65 6344 0046

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of the Holy Trinity*

The Church of the Holy Trinity is an iconic building that stands out among the many structures in Singapore.

 

Built in 1990, it was the last church commissioned by Archbishop Gregory Yong. Its unique design, shaped like a fish, showcases the faith and symbolism of Christianity. However, the church is more than just a stunning building – it is a vibrant community. Fr Paul Tay, the first Parish Priest, was instrumental in building a parish where people were at the heart of everything.

 

Today, the Church of the Holy Trinity stands proud as one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese, serving an estimated 10,000 parishioners.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 6:45 am, 10:15 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm (English)
  • Sunday: 8:30 am (Mandarin)
  • Public Holiday Masses: 9:00 am (English)

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 6:30 am, 6:00 pm (English)

 

Other key information

Address: 20 Tampines Street 11 Singapore 529455

Languages Offered: English, Mandarin

Contact: +65 6784 2332

Email: [email protected]

 

Church of St Ignatius

The story of the Church of St Ignatius is one filled with serendipitous twists and turns. In the late 1940s, Bishop Michel Olcomendy approached the Society of Jesus to establish a school in Singapore, but nothing came of it. Later, by a strange coincidence, Fr Paul O’Brien SJ found himself travelling with the very same Bishop and, eventually, discussions concluded that the Jesuit Fathers would come to Singapore in 1951.

 

From there, their first ministry was a hostel for Malayan students, and it wasn’t long before a church became a necessity.

 

The Church of St Ignatius was fittingly blessed and opened by Archbishop Olcomendy on 12 February 1961. The new parish didn’t just serve the regular congregation but was also involved in the local community, with residents being served by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and catechism classes held for children who attended non-Catholic schools.

 

In 2011, the church building was replaced with a new one, envisioned to enable the full and active participation of its thousands of parishioners in all activities.

 

Even though this was a tumultuous journey, it is a story of community, faith, and of a church making a difference for its people.

 

Catholic church mass schedule

Weekend Masses

  • Saturday: 7:30 am, 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm

 

Weekday Masses

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 am, 6:00 pm

 

Other key information

Address: 120 King’s Road Singapore 268172

Feast Day: 31 July

Contact: +65 6466 0625

Email: [email protected]

 

Before you go…

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

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