Parish Emergency
Response Team
Serving with Faith. Protecting with Care.
How can service become a form of worship?
Although our eyes and minds
are constantly watchful and alert,
when our hearts are with the Lord,
God’s grace abounds.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1
Our Mission
We share our skills and talents to respond to and manage security and emergency situations in our parish, thereby contributing to a welcoming, peaceful, and safe environment for all to worship and encounter God.
We are one body with many parts, and we all have a part to play to ensure
that our holy places of worship remain safe for everyone.
Do you feel a deep sense of responsibility toward safeguarding the Church’s leaders,
your fellow parishioners, and the wider community?
Do you share a spirit of service and pastoral care?
It Started with CPR... and a Calling
It was not just another ordinary day in the parish. On 28 July 2018, some 90 parishioners, young and not so young, gathered in the parish hall, many of whom were down on their knees! ‘One and two and three and four and five...! One and two and three and four and...!’ was the enthusiastic chorus being chanted by the others, as they watched their friends doing CPR on the cooperative mannequins on the floor. Setup by a team of dedicated volunteers, this was the humble beginning of PERT,
our Parish Emergency Response Team.
Our Areas of Responsibility
First Aid
Fire Safety
Security
We receive training from various organisations that train and equip first responders with useful skills in first aid and fire safety. For security training in particular, we are blessed to have full support from AERO (Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations) who regularly hold training sessions for us. The purpose of these sessions is to enable us to help keep our parishioners and our church premises safe from persons with possible malicious intent and unlawful intrusions, ensure fire safety, and perform first aid where needed. From AERO’s well-planned and interactive TOPSIS programme (Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System), many parish volunteers have learnt the observation skills that are used to detect persons, who, by their behaviour, may have malicious intent.
Our Stories of Grace and Action
We are not just volunteers—we are a family serving together in faith.
Serving in PERT and AERO has been a deeply humbling and faith-affirming journey for me. At the Papal Mass in September 2024, despite the crowds of people and the intense security focus, I experienced a profound stillness and unity in prayer. This reminded me that service is in itself a form of worship. The bond that I have with my fellow team members, rooted in trust and shared mission, has been a source of great strength and fellowship. It is in the quiet acts of protection and presence during my times of service that I have encountered God’s grace most clearly.
- Philip, current PERT member
My favourite memory was the first time we served at a Mass presided by Cardinal William Goh at St Bern’s. I remember feeling great honour and humility in being tasked to protect His Eminence and the parish community. I also cherish the memory of the entire community coming together as one with the Cardinal for the Eucharistic celebration in our church. Thanks to the humble efforts of our PERT members, the people of God could feel safer and freer to embrace God’s presence. This gave me great joy.
- Stefano, moved overseas
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a member of PERT to help keep our church safe and secure. The joy of camaraderie and the sense of fulfilment that I feel after serving at Mass, especially if nothing extraordinary has happened, well... you have to serve too, to understand what I mean.
It is indeed a privilege to be part of the PERT community!
- Edil, Current PERT member
When I joined PERT, I felt inspired and happy to serve. I felt that I was not just an ordinary parishioner; I also had a mission to help keep our church safe. This helped to strengthen and deepen my faith
- Rosemarie, Current PERT member
The first time I was ‘activated’ was when I attended to an elderly lady at a weekday evening Mass in our church. She was bleeding at the bridge of her nose and was dazed and frightened. I was able to stop the bleeding and managed to comfort and reassure her. I experienced joy in service and felt motivated to serve in PERT
- Leticia, Current PERT member
Serving in PERT has been a rewarding experience for me. Strong leadership and the cohesiveness of the team during each duty shift create a reliable and supportive environment. Serving regularly with fellow PERT members allows us to build meaningful connections with fellow parishioners and helps us to understand the unique dynamics and culture of our parish community. Volunteering in this way to serve the Lord by helping to keep his house safe gives me joy and a profound sense of purpose.
- Celestine, current PERT member
I am happy to have the opportunity to serve God through PERT, together with the wonderful PERT team. The training that I have undergone has given me skills that are not only necessary for my PERT duties, but are also useful in my daily life.
- Eka, current PERT member
Curious About Serving?
What is PERT and what does PERT do?
Parish Emergency Response Team. PERT responds to various emergencies within our parish, like medical emergencies, fires, and security threats. PERT members are trained to manage such situations and provide immediate assistance to those affected until professional help arrives.
What are the different roles of PERT members?
•Medics or medical professionals assess the situation, provide basic first aid, and alert the appropriate authorities.
•Security personnel identify abnormal, irregular, strange, or unusual behaviour so as to respond to any real or perceived threat.
•Close protection officers ensure the safety of our Church leaders and priests, especially during Masses with a high volume of attendees.
Can I be a PERT member if I have no experience at all?
Yes, you can. We conduct regular training sessions to equip you with the necessary skills
If after I have undergone training and I am still not confident that I can handle an emergency, can I still be a PERT member?
Yes, you can, because PERT members work as a team and we support one another.
What kind of person makes a good PERT operative?
Someone who does not sleep during Mass and can make sure the Mass celebrant does not sleep either
How much commitment is required to be a PERT member?
Aside from pledging your undying loyalty, just come for your assigned Mass half an hour before time, and attend the regular training sessions organised by the PERT ministry. Social events are mandatory unless you have a good reason not to want to
join in the fun.
How are PERT members scheduled for duty?
The duty roster is planned based on each member’s availability and takes into account changes in members’ personal schedules.
What kinds of training do PERT members undergo?
•First aid, CPR, and use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
•Basic fire safety and evacuation procedures.
•Incident command and communication protocols.
TOPSIS (Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System) training equips PERT members with the proper approach to security questioning in order to identify potential hazards or security threats within the parish
Are there any specific qualifications or requirements to become a member of PERT?
NONE at all, as long as you are able-bodied, reasonably fit, and have a willing heart. (Or if you bring your slingshot and a few stones, we will show you how to take down Goliath.)
What are the benefits of being a PERT member?
Possible reduction of purgatory time for each Mass with no incident. Additional bonus reduction if you render assistance in an emergency incident. Direct access to heaven if KIA
