St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah is ramping up its emergency preparedness and psychological support efforts following the stabbing of a priest during a children’s mass on November 9.
Jane Lau, coordinator of the church’s pastoral teams, stated that the Parish Emergency Preparedness Taskforce (PEPT), established in 2018, is expanding its team and refining its protocols to ensure parishioners’ safety. The taskforce, composed of trained volunteers, serves as first responders during emergencies.
In response to the attack, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore has urged all churches to enhance security measures and encouraged parishioners to remain vigilant. In its December 1 newsletter, St Joseph’s Church announced additional safety protocols for the Advent, Christmas, and New Year periods. Taskforce members will now attend every mass, and parishioners are advised to report suspicious behavior or unattended items immediately.
The church also plans to extend its psychological first aid (PFA) program. Thirteen volunteer catechists completed advanced PFA training in July 2023, and efforts are underway to expand the program to support the broader parish community.
The November 9 incident occurred during a monthly children’s mass, where many young attendees witnessed the attack, causing panic and distress. In collaboration with Catholic Family Life (CFL), the church organized counseling sessions for affected parishioners the following day.
A psychologist held a talk titled “Helping Kids and Teens After a Traumatic Event” on November 13, offering guidance to families on coping with the aftermath. Catechists across Singapore were also advised to monitor children and teenagers for signs of distress, such as irritability, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating.
Daniel Ng, principal therapist at CFL, emphasized the importance of addressing trauma through psychological first aid and, when necessary, trauma-related mental health treatment. He also encouraged individuals to maintain regular routines and engage in activities that promote psychological safety and resilience.
This incident has highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure safety and mental well-being within church communities. Further updates on St Joseph’s Church’s initiatives are expected in the coming months.
