OUR WORK
WHAT IS OYP?
OYP is an office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, established in Nov 2013 by Archbishop William Goh.
WHAT OYP DOES
OYP’s mandate is the pastoral care of young people in the post-confirmation years: between 16-35 years of age.
OYP'S VISION
OYP dreams of raising up a generation for Jesus Christ that is deeply in love with Jesus and His church.
OUR MISSION
OUR TEAM
Fr Brian D’Souza, OYP Chaplain
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia appointed me to the office as a chaplain.
2. What are three things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
I am grateful for my fellow chaplain Fr. Jude, staff and fellow collaborators who come alongside us to do this work.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
Anything by Henry Nouwen. His books are easy to read and offer practical insights for discipleship.
Fr Jude David, OYP Chaplain
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
God called me to OYP through the Archbishop, who appointed me to this responsibility.
2. What are the things that give you joy in your work?
I appreciate the opportunity to co-labour with many passionate people for the Lord and His Church and to concretely impact the lives of young people in living a more abundant life in Christ.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen. It was a book that spoke to my heart when I was younger, and it is a book I often recommend as the first book to read to young people I journey with.
Juliana Aloysius
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
Many years ago as a full-time missionary, God revealed to me His call to work with young people. So 7 years ago when I was at a crossroads in my life and Fr. Jude invited me to consider the possibility of working with uni students through OYP I said yes!
2. What are the things that give you joy in your work?
The opportunity to work with young people, to be inspired by their fervor and desire to know Jesus and the privilege of walking with them and encouraging them to seek the Lord in all seasons and situations in their lives.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
The Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. It has been instrumental in my own faith journey of continually running away and returning to the safe and loving arms of my Father.
Joel Lau
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
While spending time with my father when he was unwell, Jesus revealed to me a desire to minister to and care for his communities. He told me that He wanted me to give Him the best hours of the day. This filled me with a lot of hope and excitement and so I said, “Yes Lord”.
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
The Lord has first called me because He wants to save me through the work; I am the first hearer of any preaching, prayer or encouragement that I give. Jesus has also shown me that I can do great things for Him, even beyond what I think is possible myself.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
In different seasons of my life, God has brings me to the books that I need to read! My favourite authors are Fulton Sheen, JP2 and B16. Two secular books that I hold close to my heart are “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi and “How Will You Measure Your Life” by Clayton Christensen because they offer wisdom on finding meaning in life that resonates with me.
Christina Chua
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
I was studying spirituality in Melbourne when I was invited to join the newly formed OYP. The mission of the office to young people resonated with me as I was evangelised in university and came to know the Lord in a personal way then.
2. What are three things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
To be able to continue to live the dream of serving God full time after returning from being a full-time missionary overseas. To hear young people share their lives and inspire me by their faith, courage, and big desire for more of God. To work in an environment of lively faith, where nothing is routine.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
I don’t have an all-time favourite book but I recently re-read CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. In the last book The Last Battle, the theme of newness resonated with where I am in my life right now: “The difference between the old Narnia and the new Narnia was like that. The new one was a deeper country: every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more.” And the story of each person in this new Narnia cannot be written down, only lived!
Melissa Lee
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
I graduated from uni this year and decided to give God the rest of the year to work in his vineyard!
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
I think in my work, God has helped me to look at things through His eyes, rather than my own and to expand my heart to love the people that I meet.
3. What are three things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
The ability to spend time with Jesus in between my work hours. The people that I work with who are like family and being pushed out of my comfort zone.
Debbie Lee
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
Having encountered Jesus through Treasure and SOW, my life has truly been transformed by the work and love of OYP. It pained my heart to know that there are many people out there (like me), who are living a life without knowing Christ and I simply desired to share what I have freely received.
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
That it’s okay not to have it all together, that God can use me despite my weaknesses, and bring beauty out of every ugly and painful part of my life for His glory!
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. This book has facilitated a healing work in me through different seasons of the period of a year. It has helped me to gain much insight into my identity as a beloved daughter of God.
Melvin Lew
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
God stirred a desire in my heart to be more and do more with young people. I feel more alive in this mission field while learning to always be mindful that it is Christ that centers everything.
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
That I can love unconditionally and not count the cost, that I need to be ministered to myself in order to minister and that I can participate in His mission even in small ways
3. What are 3 things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
A life-giving community in the office, Jesus calling me into this mission that does not feel like work and the adoration room just above the office!
Wu Biqi
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
I experienced a deeper pain of others not knowing Jesus. As an adult convert myself, that pain resonated deeply in my heart. That was how I knew that God was calling me to live more for Him, and to surrender the dreams and plans I had for myself.
2. What are the things that give you joy in your work?
Sharing faith, and witnessing the transformative work of God in the lives of many young people! Working alongside many other young people who are passionate about God fills my heart with much joy and consolation too.
3. What are 3 things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
The authentic Christian fellowship with colleagues and friends in the OYP family who love and serve the Lord, Walking alongside young people: it is truly a blessing to be a part of their lives, Being able to live out a more integrated Christian life in my work and everyday life.
Sharon de Roza
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
I had been working in a parish for 2 years and decided it was time to move on. I was asking God about what was next and a friend happened to ask me if I was interested in working at (what was at the time called) CAYC as a part-timer. God has been good and it has been 10 years since then!
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
It has taught me more truths about my identity in Him. I have also learned that it’s okay not to be okay and to cry it out. This is a big deal for me because this was a result of the healing I received from the childhood belief that crying is a bad thing.
3. What are 3 things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
I’m grateful that OYP has built me up and deepened my own discipleship. It has helped me in my various roles as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, granddaughter, community member and so on.
Irene Tan
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
Four years ago, I had just quit my job of 25 years and was ready to spend my time doing things for myself. But God had other plans and called me through Fr Jude to work part-time here at OYP.
2. What are 3 things that you are grateful for in your time at OYP?
Witnessing the conversion and growth of many young people, being part of the mission to raise a generation for Christ and colleagues who are like family to me, and who care for me as a whole person.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
At the moment, it’s Stunned by Scripture by Dr. John Bergsma, which is about the biblical support he found for even the stickiest teachings of the Catholic Church before becoming Catholic himself. Dr. Bergsma’s conversion story is not only inspiring, but he also has the gift of explaining our faith in simple terms without compromising on its richness and depth.
Anita Zidar
1. Tell us about how God called you to OYP.
I have always had a desire to serve the Lord and share His love with others. However, I never dared to pursue it until a friend encouraged me to take up the opportunity to work at the office (called CAYC at the time). Eight years later, I am still here!
2. What has the Lord taught you about yourself through your work?
He has used this work to first save my life. He reminds me over and over again that I am His and I am called. Through this work and my beloved colleagues, I have learned forbearance, humility and experienced a capacity for love that I know could only come from God the Father.
3. What is your favourite book, and why?
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Ever since I first read it as a child, Aslan the lion has always been a character that resonated with me. In my mind, there are such parallels to the Lion of Judah, which has always been God’s reminder to me that He is my champion who fights for me unceasingly.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US!
General Enquiries
Tel: 6285 2571| 6286 0341
For general enquiries, please email us at:info.oyp@catholic.org.sg
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Retreat Bookings
In light of the COVID-19 situation, we will not be taking any bookings at this time.