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The Weekend
FAQ
What is the Choice Program?
Tens of thousands have attended a Choice programme Weekend in more than 10 countries including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, USA and UK. It is about people: the important people in our lives, how we communicate with them; and it is about ourselves: the decisions we make, making a commitment to be free. In Singapore, it begins with a Weekend retreat from Friday to Sunday, followed by three short 2-hour meetings over the subsequent weeks after the weekend, as a follow-up.
Who is it for?
Choice in Singapore is for Young Adult 18 to 40, for those of us who would like to take a break from fast-paced urgency-driven activities in favor of time to reflect, recharge and consider what matters most, in life, in the next year, the next month! It is open to anyone, Christians & Catholics, Buddhists, all faiths and free-thinkers. This is because the content of the program is universal, in nature. focusing on communication skills, people and choices. Participants often come with working colleagues and their classmates from various faiths.
Isn't Choice a sort of match-making program?
Not at all. The emphasis is to love, not to look for love. The program is applicable to everyone including priest and religious.
Why the name Choice?
The choices we make in our lives determine the direction of our lives. All that goes on around us frequently lead us to lose sight of what is really important in life - love. Do we make our decisions based on love? Not the kind of love that is shown on TV but the kind that makes us loving - the kind of love prescribed by Christ - being patient, humble, understanding, never jealous, always encouraging, giving special care to your enemies, bearing the faults of others, forgiving, etc. How we make our choices does affect others around us, directly or indirectly. The aim is not just to improve decision making but to lead our hearts beyond materialism, status, money, power, fame, laws based on fear, and even our ideas about love.
Who runs Choice?
Choice is run by volunteers, Catholics from all over Singapore, from various parishes, and all walks of life. There are priests, nuns, brothers, couples, singles, currently totalling about 70 people. It is an archdiocese program.
Is Choice a local program, or is it international?
Choice began in the United States in 1976. It was brought to Singapore in 1981. Choice has spread to many countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. While there are standard programs and formats, Choice in each country is local in nature appropriate to the needs of the society. Choice Singapore however is also part of Choice Asia which is made up of the countries stated above. Choice Asia do come together to share experiences and keep in touch with each other.
What happens at a Choice weekend retreat?
It begins on a Friday evening at 7 pm and ends on Sunday evening at 6:30 pm after Mass.
You will be listening to a series of honest and heartwarming presentations by a team of singles, couples, a priest and a religious.
MUSIC
Song and and ballads, pop and gospel are a big part of the weekend......we may be joined by Jewel, Leanne Rimes, Mike and the Mechanics, Sandy Lam, Celine Dion, Michael Smith, Elton John, Michael Talbot, Andrew Lloyd Webber and others.
TALK SHOPS, MAKING FRIENDS
There are "talkshops" for interaction between participants to exchange ideas and experiences.
INNER VOICE
There are also solo sessions for self-reflection to listen to your own inner voice.
ACCOMMODATION
It is a full stay-in retreat held at Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West Street 42, along with the accommodation, will be breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea provided. Costs : $50/- per person to register. Donations during the Weekend's Sunday Mass will be appreciated.