In 1963, a shophouse along Jalan Kayu became the humble home of the parish of St Vincent de Paul. Fr Henri Saussard was then the parish priest of the growing community. Inspired by a special call to minister to the families living in the kampong, Fr Saussard often visited these families bringing food and whatever relief he could. This little shophouse soon came under the wing of the Catholic Welfare Services, and continued to minister to the community around Jalan Kayu. As development rapidly took over Singapore, Jalan Kayu somehow lagged behind. Jalan Kayu continued to be the home for many children and their families still in need of support. It was to this reality that the Sisters of the Infant Jesus responded when invited by Fr Moses Tay. This was in January 1982.

The IJ Sisters first began their work in Galilee Centre by visiting the families in the kampong. These families were mainly immigrants from Malaysia and India. The Sisters helped to place children of school going age into schools and provided them with tuition and a place to play. For the many youths who were never in school, the Sisters with the help of volunteers offered basic literacy and numeracy classes. For a short while the Centre was able to provide basic electrical skills training for some youths. The Centre gradually became the vibrant focal point in the lives of the children, youths and volunteers, where trials, worries, festivals and moments of joy were shared.