What if faith found a home in a bustling new town? Here at Church of Christ the King, that’s exactly what happened. This is the only Catholic church in Ang Mo Kio.
Before this church existed, Catholics in Ang Mo Kio traveled to worship. They went to churches in Upper Thomson Road and Serangoon Gardens. The Archdiocese saw the need for a local church in the 1970s. So, they decided to build one right here.
Father Louis Fossion, a Belgian priest, took on a big task. He had to raise funds for the new church. For over three years, he collected donations. He got them from Catholic parishes far and wide. The Church of Christ the King was completed in 1982. It cost $3 million.
The Church of Christ the King quickly became a central place for Ang Mo Kio Catholics. Over time, the congregation grew. The original building became too small. So, it was torn down and rebuilt in 1999. The new church opened its doors in 2002.
This church houses two special items. First, there is a statue of Christ the King on the front of the church. It was carved in Kerala, India, in 1956. The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Yishun gifted it. This was to thank the Church of Christ the King. They supported their fundraising efforts.
Second, there is an icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. It dates back to the 1950s. A devotee donated it during the rebuilding.
In its early days, the Church of Christ the King was already making waves. The Straits Times reported on its opening. Weekly services had 3,200 to 3,500 people attending. That was a huge number back then.
The name “Christ the King” was carefully chosen. It reflected a global focus on Christ. He is seen as the central figure of the faith.
In January 2019, the Church of Christ the King opened its doors as a night shelter. It provided a safe place for people sleeping on the streets. They received mattresses, pillows, and fans. They could stay from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Today, the Church of Christ the King continues its mission. It serves as a vital center. It provides fellowship and spiritual life. It is for the Catholic community in Ang Mo Kio. As you stand here, consider the generations who have found solace and community within these walls.