KUALA LUMPUR : The youths of Church of the Divine Mercy Shah Alam (CDM) organised a Christmas project called CDM HEARTS OF JOY, which ran from December 14th to December 20th, 2025. It was a meaningful initiative aimed at bringing the joy of Christmas to members of the community who needed it most. The program aimed to go beyond simple acts of charity by creating meaningful experiences that allowed others to truly feel the joy of Christmas. Through various organised activities, outreach efforts, and the generous distribution of gifts and essential supplies, the initiative helped foster a sense of belonging and reminded others that they were part of a caring and supportive community during the festive season.
On the 14th of December 2025, the youths first gathered for a special youth animated mass led by the CDM Youth Ministry Core Team and members of the ministry. This was followed by a fellowship session held at St Joseph Room on Level 1, where the youths also took part in a Christmas greeting card-making activity. The cards were prepared for children from the orphanage as well as residents of an old folks’ home. In total, 200 cards were made by the 23 youths who were present.
On 19 December 2025, a group of our youths, together with eight children from Rumah Keluarga Kami (RKK), went into the streets of Kuala Lumpur to distribute food packs to the homeless. They were accompanied by Deacon Philip Asirwalam and Rev. Fr. Michel Dass. The experience was especially eye-opening for the children, as it allowed them to witness the realities faced by the homeless and learn the importance of giving back to those in need.
The “Hearts of Joy” project concluded on 20th December 2025 with a visit by some of our youths to the My Aged Care old folks’ home in PJ Old Town. The evening was spent engaging with the residents through a flower-making activity and meaningful conversations. The youths also presented each resident with a previously prepared Christmas greeting card and concluded the visit by singing Christmas carols.
In conclusion, the CDM “Hearts of Joy” project reflected the true meaning of Christmas through simple yet meaningful acts of compassion, service, and community. By reaching out to the homeless, orphaned children and elderly residents, the youths of CDM showed that the spirit of Christmas is best expressed through love in action. The project not only brought joy and hope to those in need, but also left a deep and lasting impact on the youths themselves, reminding them of the importance of giving, empathy and togetherness beyond the festive season.