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THE HERALD Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows Jan - Mar 2020 Issue No. 001
Cubao Bishop Nes Ongtioco, former parish priest of CTK will turn 72 this year. In three years, he will reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 for priests. He shares some thoughts with The Herald on retirement, caring for his brother priests in their old age, and building Casa de Silencio. Filipinos are known for their extended families. Why is the Diocese of Cubao building a retirement home for its elderly and sickly priests? Won’t their families take care of them? I think that after years of actively serving the Church in their prime, hearing confessions, saying Masses, and being with the faithful in their crisis, priests deserve a decent home to retire in. We are seven children in the family. I also have pamangkins who are reassuring me that they will take care of me. But I don’t want to be a burden to them. We know our situations when we grow old—our bones are frail and our sight grows dim. We get cranky. We are sickly. We lose control of our bladder and make a mess. I think it is unfair to put the burden of caring for you on your relatives even if they are willing. It is good to retire with dignity. Casa de Silencio is right smack in the middle of the busy city. Why not a quieter place to retire in?
When Our Eyes Grow Dim Bishop Ongtioco talks about retirement, Casa de Silencio and caring for his brother priests by Tessa Mangahas
The interiors of the chapel in Casa de Silencio stirs prayer and contemplation.
Cubao is in the city. The diocese does not have its own spiritual or retreat facility. This is why the retirement home is also a spiritual center. Also, there are a lot of good hospitals within striking distance and that is reassuring, especially in cases of medical emergencies. Even if it’s not luxurious, the retirement home will cost a tidy sum. How can parishes in the diocese help raise funds for this project amidst their own pastoral needs and social action response for calamities and the poor? This is the beauty of generous giving. Even with the fund raising campaign for Casa de Silencio, none of the existing parish projects have to be disrupted. Nothing stops the faithful from helping. Sometimes we have a second collection. Minsan mas malaki pa ang nakukuha kesa sa regular collection. Then, there are creative ways to raise funds like your Casa Setenta. And the
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SPECIAL FEATURE
giving is never forced. The amazing thing is that people still support campaigns like Casa Setenta and also respond to calls to help calamity victims like Taal and Typhoon Ursula with the same fervor. Kahit na maraming gastusin ang mga kani-kanilang parokya. I am always surprised at the generosity. Siguro nagpapasalamat sila na hindi sila ang naging biktima. Plus the helping is sometimes simultaneous with different causes. I guess this is where the stewardship element comes in. We continually receive graces, (so) we also continue to give. How will Casa de Silencio answer for its overhead? Will it be a purely spiritual facility? Casa de Silencio will be income-generating through the retreats, pastoral planning, and corporate events that it will have. We have gone around retirement homes for the religious and we have been planning this for four years. Medyo na-late na nga tayo. We are open to corporate activities, not solely spiritual. The rooms will be comfortable. I am sure that parishes and schools will patronize our spiritual center, especially since we will open it to social and corporate activities. It can also be used as a formation center for incoming priests or vocations. It will not be luxurious but comfortable and functional. And you won’t have to go out of town because a suitable center is right here.
The bedroom for retired priests will be functional and comfortable with basic amenities.
On a personal note, what do you plan to do when you retire? I am supposed to retire in three years and the Vatican is supposed to replace you when you turn 75. Historically, the Vatican just accepts your resignation until they find a suitable replacement. I have already published two books. But I have mounds of manuscripts on hand that I can turn into another book of homilies or other topics. I also expect more free time for myself and say Mass where I want. I want to stay relevant by continuing pastoral activities—whatever I can contribute. It will really depend on my state of health. Recently we lost one of our elderly priests, Msgr. Ben (Razon). He wanted to go back to his hometown in Guagua, but his siblings were also old. I am happy to have had the chance to take care of him for over a month before he passed on. I got to see and talk to him at least four times a day. It is good to know that you don’t have to worry about getting old and frail because there will be a retirement home for you. I would like to grow old with my brother priests. You will always have common things to share. You can bond and still be relevant by saying a few Masses. We would like to take care of our brother priests when they’re old.
Retreatants’ bedrooms will be conducive for silent reflection.
An aerial perspective of Casa De Silencio
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
SPECIAL FEATURE
Project: Casa De Silencio by Bing del Rosario
CASA DE SILENCIO : A Clergy Retirement Home and Spiritual Renewal Center for the Cubao Diocese The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, under the direction of Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco DD, is building a clergy retirement home for its retired, soon-to-retire, chronically ill, and disabled priests. To be housed in the same building is a spiritual renewal center where the diocese faithful can stay overnight while participating in religious retreats.
Diocese of Cubao Total Catholic Population: 1.2 million Number of parishes: 47 Number of priests: 45 Average age of priests: 53 Number of retired priests: 4 Average years of ministry before retirement: 50 Casa de Silencio Fast Facts Land area: 2800 square meters 18 Retiree’s Rooms 51 Retreatant’s Rooms Ground Floor As designed, Casa de Silencio can house as many as 18 retired priests, each one having his own room. The room will have a hospital-style bed, writing desk and chair and accident-proof toilet and bath. Thirteen of these rooms will be on the ground floor and accessible to the garden and the clergy dining hall. Adjacent to the caregivers’ station is a six-bed medical ward for priests who are critically ill or recovering from surgery. The main building leads to a chapel that seats 56 people. Second Floor The second floor will have 5 additional bedrooms for more able-bodied retired clergy, a physical therapy room, library, study center, recreation and entertainment areas. This floor also includes the 150-seat dining hall for retreatants and conference attendees.
Spiritual Center The spiritual renewal center portion of the facility includes 51 retreatants’ prayer-sleeping rooms, 25 are on the 3rd floor, and 26 rooms on the 4th floor. Though smaller and spartan, these rooms will have private toilet and bath. A large dining room on the second floor has a seating capacity of 150. Third Floor The third floor of the center will have a large multipurpose hall that can be used for large assemblies for spiritual activities. The ground floor will have a foyer as a reception area and individual spaces for private conversations and counseling. There will also be a small conference room. The entire facility is wheelchair and PWD friendly. Space has been provided for three elevators. Costs and Timetable As designed, construction cost is pegged at P260 million. Another P60 million will be needed for furnishings and fixtures for the rooms, and P8 million for elevators. As of the first week of January 2020, about P95M has been raised from donations as well as the sale of diocesan property. Of this, P58M has been spent, most of it for the 20% down payment and first progress billing. Clearly, the diocese still needs to raise more money to finish construction. CTK’s CASA SETENTA AT A GLANCE The Project: A Clergy Retirement House and Renewal Center, Diocese of Cubao The Mission: To partially finance the construction of Casa de Silencio The Target: Php 70M The Time Frame: Seven (7) months from December 7, 2019 to July 12, 2020 The Strategy: Raise Php 70M in 7 months through 7 ways of giving tapping 700 donors Launched on December 7, 2019, CASA SETENTA addresses the need for a more focused and concerted fund-raising campaign. It aims to raise P70-million in seven months, from December 7, 2019 to July 7, 2020 in 7 ways and by tapping 700 donors. Every little bit helps. Donations in kind, in coordination with and approved by the architectural team are most welcome. Under the sub-strategy CASA MATERIALES, these donations would include steel bars, cement, paint, tiles, lighting fixtures, and the like. For donations of P1.5M, the Diocese will
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give “naming privileges” for any of the 51 retreatants’ rooms. A marker with the sponsor’s proposed name or entity will be placed by the door. Their prayer intentions will also be included in the Diocese’s perpetual prayers. Another sub-strategy, CASA SECCIONES, allows donors to sponsor specific sections of the property for a predetermined amount. These include the library, physical therapy room, dining rooms, conference rooms and the like. Construction started December 2, 2019. As of January 2020, foundation excavation is in full swing. Barring unforeseen delays in funding and construction, the building should be ready for occupancy by the 4th quarter of 2021. Once the P260M has been raised by the end of 2020, there will be an ensuing campaign to raise the P60-70M for the furnishings and fixtures. CASA SETENTA UPDATE AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2020 25.6M in cash and check donations, pledges Target: P70M by July 7, 2020 32% from target as of Feb 15 Casa Secciones: Sections of Casa de Silencio for sponsorship Ground Floor Staff Office Caregivers’ Station Female Staff Quarters 2nd Floor Pantry Ground Floor Prayer Room 3rd Floor Lounge Area 4th Floor Lounge Area Conference Room Ground Floor Kitchen Bishop’s Quarters & Receiving Room Infirmary Ward Male Staff Quarters Physical Therapy Room Retreatants’ Dining Hall Section A Retreatants’ Dining Hall Section B Retreatants’ Dining Hall Section C Ground Floor Clergy Dining Room Second Floor Lounge Deck Lobby & Visitors’ Lounge Recreation & Entertainment Room Library & Study Center Chapel
BE A DONOR. BE A SOLICITOR. HELP US BUILD CASA DE SILENCIO THROUGH CASA SETENTA NOW. CALL THE PARISH OFFICE TODAY AT 8-6384838 AND FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP. Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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FATHER’S HEART TODAY
WHAT’S INSIDE 01 / When Our Eyes Grow Dim 03 / Project: Casa De Silencio 04 / For Giving. Forgiving 05 / Stewardship and Social Teachings 06 / All of Life is Lent 07 / Lent-Easter Schedule
For Giving and Forgiving Fr. Steve Zabala — Parish Priest
THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SEASON has ended followed by a few weeks in Ordinary Time. The Christmas season was a time of heartfelt generosity, especially in CTK. We launched Casa Setenta, a campaign to raise P70 million from 700 donors in 7 months, from December 7, 2019 to July 7, 2020 for Casa de Silencio, the retirement home for priests and spiritual center of the Archdiocese of Cubao. The response was nothing short of phenomenal. In just about six weeks from its launch, the CTK community was able to raise P21 million, which is thirty-one percent of its July target. This was apart from fundraising spurts for calamity victims of Typhoon Ursula in Mindoro and Taal Volcano’s destructive eruption. Once again, CTK’s enthusiasm to help all sectors—from the sick and elderly priests to disaster victims—was immediate, relentless, consistent, and sustained. CTK’s all-out support even gave birth to Casa Secciones, another way to realize the goal for July through the sponsorship of rooms or sections of the retirement home. This community’s compassion and generosity never ceases to amaze me. Time and again, CTK has shown its character that is “for giving” and has shown that acts of mercy and a compassionate attitude are not for the season of Christmas alone. Lent is upon us. It’s a season of fasting, penance, and almsgiving. It’s also a season of forgiving, of mercy and compassion. More than any other time, Lent is when the faithful seek forgiveness. They do penance. They give and receive mercy. Wounds are healed. In the Gospel, we read, “Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
08 / Worship in the Time of Coronavirus 09 / Seen Zone 10 / CTK Youth Ministry Spreads Love To Orphans 11 / Saturday Night Live 12 / Let the Children Come 13 / BEC opens up CTK Image Home Visits to ‘parishioners beyond borders’ 14 / What is PREX at Christ the King Parish? 15 / Strengthening the Bond Among Altar Servers
I tell you, seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21-22). You may interpret Jesus’ answer to mean that we have to forgive 490 times. But seven is a perfect number in the Bible, so what Jesus actually means is that forgiveness should be endless. This illustrates the richness and depth of the mercy of the God. No matter how big our sin is, His love is bigger. His mercy is greater than our greatest sins. God shows us that we should also pass on this mercy to others and and be forgiving just as He is. Such is my prayer for CTK. As we seek God’s forgiveness, may we also seek penance, heal wounds, and be forgiving. As God continues to pour His mercy and compassion upon us, may we always nurture that immediate, consistent, and sustained attitude for giving. God’s mercy is boundless. May our generosity also be as relentless. Wishing you all a prayerful Lent!
16 / CTK PAM Delivers Seminar for OFWs and Families 17 / 40 Couples Spend Valentine’s Weekend in CTK 18 / A Promise Fulfilled/ Remembering Ate Fe 19 / CWL Leads CTK Feeding Program Party 20 / The Rosary 21 / 2020 Schedule of Formation Talks 22 / Living Together in Fraternal Love and DIalogue 23 / CTK Parish Life in the Spirit Prayer Community Celebrates 20 Years of Spiritual Renewal Service 22 / Purity in Time of Internet
WHERE YOUR HEART IS
Stewardship and Social Teachings
the messages of Christ with the society. The message of Christ is not only personal, but with a social aspect.
By Bishop Broderick Pabillo
Stewardship and Discipleship
(Excerpts from the talk of Bishop Broderick Pabillo on the first day of Stewardship Month on September 1, 2019 which was also the start of the three-month 40th Fiesta Celebration and the 14th anniversary of CTK as a Stewardship Parish. Bishop Pabillo was recently appointed by the Vatican as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila after Cardinal Chito Tagle assumed a new post in Rome.) I AM GLAD that I have been invited to speak on the themes of Stewardship and Catholic Social Teachings, especially on the opening day of your fiesta celebration. These are two topics dear to my heart. I have been talking about it since 2005. Catholic social teachings are considered as the best kept secrets of the Church and I have been trying to impart it, even seeking the help of CFC (Couples for Christ) so that people may know. Hindi pa ako obispo, malapit na sa puso ko ang mga topics na ito.
Personal and Social Pope Benedict XVI said in his letter, “Evangelization would not be complete if it did not take into account the unceasing interplay of the Gospel in concrete life both personal and social.” The testimony of Christ’s charity through through works of charity is part and parcel of evangelization. Jesus Christ who loves us is concerned with the whole person. A complete life means both personal and social. Most Catholics regard spiritual life as personal. Basta may relationship ako sa Diyos. Basta nagdarasal ako. But we are social beings. Part of us should work for justice, peace, development. The Good News is speaking about social justice. That is why we should fight if there is injustice. The Gospel speaks about the development of the person, of the poor, of the handicapped. Christ loves the whole person, the complete person. To teach and spread social doctrine pertains to the Church’s evangelizing mission and is an essential part of the Christian message, since doctrine points direct consequences in the life of society. There is an interplay of
In 1992, the U.S. bishops wrote a pastoral letter saying that as stewards, we receive God’s grace gratefully. We recognize these gifts and receive them. We try to cultivate the gifts responsibly and share them in loving justice. Hence, it is a matter of justice to share gifts. The gifts we receive are not only for us. We receive gifts for the sake of others. If we don’t share, we are being unjust to others. The gifts we received are to be used and shared. Discipleship means we follow the light of Jesus. This is a light of sharing in fidelity to the will of the Father. We are called to stewardship. We are called to discipleship. By becoming stewards we become more like Jesus’ disciples. Yan ang gusto ni Hesus—isang buhay ng pagbibigay.
Solidarity and Ecology We also talk of solidarity. We are all connected to each other. We are responsible for each other, especially for those most in need. Solidarity is an important principle in Catholic social teachings. Our life is part of the web of life. We are not separate. And because we are connected, we are responsible for each other. ‘Yan ang pananagutan. We share our time, talent, and treasure to those that don’t have much. Another principle of stewardship is ecology. It is our responsibility to care for the environment. In fact, stewardship was first used to pertain to the environment. Tayo ang tagapamahala ng mga ginawa ng Diyos. The world is given to all. We have been
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Bishop Broderick Pabillo shares insights on stewardship
given dominion over living things so that we may take care of it not only for ourselves but also for others. This responsibility is not only for those who have money. This responsibility is for all. That is why all Church’s programs and projects should benefit the poor.
Next Generation Finally, we forget that there is a succeeding generation. You labor all your life to give children a good future. But what if there’s no more future? We must be conscious of the future. Kid activists these days are going out of their classrooms to try to take care of the earth. The right to private property acquired by work or achieved from others by inheritance or gift does not do away with the original gift of the earth. Let us take care of our children’s future. Let us take care of our earth.
Bishop Pabillo and Fr. Steve Zabala concelebrate the Mass during the opening of Stewardship month.
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
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WHERE YOUR HEART IS
REGULAR MASS SCHEDULES Sunday 6:00AM (Tagalog) / 7:30AM / 9:00AM / 10:30AM / 12:00PM / 5:00PM / 6:30PM / 8:00PM Weekday 6:00AM / 7:00AM / 6:00PM Saturday 6:00AM / 7:00AM / 8:30AM (Latin) / 6:00PM / 7:30PM
All of Life Is Lent
VILLAGE MASS SCHEDULES
by Angelica B. Viloria
WHEN I WAS YOUNG, the Season of Lent and the Holy Week were not among my favorite times. I couldn’t watch anything fun on television, I couldn’t eat meat on Fridays, and I just got the impression that these were sad days. But as I aged, the season of Lent and Holy Week took on new meaning. Now I actually look forward to these times each year—not just because Holy Week meant an extra twoday break from work, but because I understood these times better. Lent is a period of spiritual conversion in preparation for Holy Week. We are asked to “repent and believe in the Gospel” and we are also reminded that “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” It’s a good time to reflect on our life, on how our time on earth is limited and how we are called to an intimate friendship with Christ. In Filipino, as Fr. Ramon Bautista, S.J., points out, the term for the Holy Week is “mahal na araw.” Such refers to a “most precious day,” a day that is costly, marked by God’s unlimited, perfect love. In stewardship as a way of life, we state that nothing we have is really ours. All we have are gifts. Life is borrowed or “lent” to us and it is our duty to take care of it, make good use of it, and eventually return it to the Lord with gratitude. Our Catholic faith teaches us three things that can make our observance of Lent more meaningful. These are: prayer, fasting and abstinence, and almsgiving or acts of charity.
1. PRAYER You may increase your prayer time this Lenten season. You can pray more each day (for example, an additional fifteen minutes or more to your regular prayer time) or go to Mass more often. For your prayer intentions, pray
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
for other people: the sick, the poor, the souls in purgatory, and those who are suffering. You may also pray for individuals who have hurt you. Ask the Lord for the grace to forgive.
2. Fasting and Abstinence Such are penitential practices and are disciplinary in nature. Through these, we are less focused on ourselves and on our physical needs and wants. Aside from cutting our food intake and abstaining from meat, we can also give up an additional thing or enjoyable activity to add to our sacrifice. Can you lessen your time on social media? Will you fast from complaining or gossiping?
Acropolis Sunday, 4:30PM Poseidon Park Clubhouse, Poseidon St. Corinthian Garden Monday to Friday, 6:45AM Sunday, 10:00AM 2/F Clubhouse Function Room, Temple Drive St. Ignatius Monday to Saturday, 6:30AM Sunday, 8:30AM St. Ignatius Village Community Center Fordham St. White Plains Saturday, 6:00AM Sunday, 9:00AM White Plains Chapel
3. Almsgiving or Acts of Charity Almsgiving makes us look at the concerns of others as our own. It’s following in the footsteps of Christ who embraced the cross—given His great love and mercy for us. You may choose an additional charity or advocacy to give to. You can contribute to a feeding program or any good cause that moves you. Charity does not always involve money as well. Listening to a friend who may come to you for advice even when you are busy or being kind to someone who has treated you badly are also acts of charity. We can make the most of the Lenten season and the Holy Week to prepare for the great feast of Easter. Let’s rejoice and celebrate God’s love and mercy. After all, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!”
EDITORIAL BOX Editor-in-Chief Rissa Singson Kawpeng Managing Editor Tessa Mangahas Editorial Consultant Fr. Steve Zabala Graphic Designer Pio Mallari Printer The House Printers Contributors Bing del Rosario, Fred del Rosario, Teenie de Leon, Tessa Mangahas, Cita Pabillo, Lei Abando, Loung Cuartero, Mina Mejia, LSS, PRex, Diane Gozum, Angie Rualo, Mika Reyes, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Angelica Viloria, Leila Banico, Albert Cuadrante, Irwin Reyes, Trix Dalena, Bet Montecillo Photo credits Bing del Rosario, Fred del Rosario, Teenie de Leon, Tessa Mangahas, Joanne Polancos The Herald is a quarterly publication of the Social Communications Ministry of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines Telephone: 8633-0280 E-mail: info@christthekingparish.ph http://christthekingparish.ph FB.com/CTKPGreenmeadows
LENT-EASTER SCHEDULE
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Lent—Easter Triduum—Easter Seasons 2020 LENT Feb 26
Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer, Fasting & Abstinence Masses with Blessing & Imposition of Ashes 6AM, 7AM, 12NN, 6PM, 730PM Main Church
Feb 28
Start of Parish Way of the Cross, 645PM
March 1
1st Sunday of Lent: Migrant’s Sunday Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
March 6
1st Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Holy Hour of Adoration, 5PM
March 7
1st Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 2000 Hail Mary’s
March 8
2nd Sunday of Lent Regular Sunday Mass Schedule CTK Devotion Sunday
March 15 3rd Sunday of Lent Regular Sunday Mass Schedule March 16-18 Triduum of Prayers in honor of St. Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary March 19
Solemnity of St Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of the Universal Church Regular Daily Mass Schedule
March 22 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday Regular Sunday Mass Schedule March 25 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord Regular Daily Mass Schedule March 29 5th Sunday of Lent Regular Sunday Mass Schedule April 3
1st Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Holy Hour of Adoration, 5PM
April 4
1st Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 2000 Hail Mary’s
EASTER SEASON April 12 Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection Renewal of Baptismal Promises 3rd day Novena to the Divine Mercy Regular Sunday Mass Schedule, except no 6AM April 13-18 4th to 9th day Novena to the Divine Mercy April 19 2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday Regular Sunday Mass Schedule April 26
3rd Sunday of Easter Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
May 1
Memorial of St Joseph, the Worker Opening of Flores de Mayo 1st Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Holy Hour of Adoration, 5PM
May 2
1st Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 2000 Hail Mary’s
May 3
4th Sunday of Easter Good Shepherd Sunday Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
May 10
5th Sunday of Easter Regular Sunday Mass Schedule Mothers’ Day
May 17 May 24
HOLY WEEK
EASTER TRIDUUM
April 5
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Alay Kapwa Sunday Blessing & Procession of Palm in front of the Divine Mercy Chapel, 730AM Other masses: Blessing of Palms, Main Church Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
April 9
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper 530PM, Main Church Eucharistic Vigil, 7PM-12MN Divine Mercy Chapel
April 6
Holy Monday Regular Daily Mass Schedule Recollection for Kasambahays & Drivers, 8AM, c/o CWL Kumpisalang Bayan 1: Penitential Service & Confessions 645PM-8PM, Main Church
April 10
Good Friday Morning Prayer 1st day Novena & Chaplet to the Divine Mercy, 7AM Divine Mercy Chapel, c/o AP Way of the Cross, 2PM, Main Church, c/o AP
April 7
Holy Tuesday Regular Daily Mass Schedule Recollection for Kasambahays (pending) & Drivers, 8AM, c/o CWL Kumpisalang Bayan 2: Penitential Service & Confessions 645PM-8PM, Main Church
Celebration of the Passion of the Lord 3PM, Main Church Liturgy of the Word Veneration of the Cross Holy Communion
Procession of the Santo Entierro & Madre Dolorosa, 430PM CTK to Greenmeadows 1 to CTK
April 8
Holy Wednesday Regular Daily Mass Schedule Kumpisalang Bayan 3: Penitential Service & Confessions 645PM-8PM, Main Church
April 11
Holy Saturday Morning Prayer 2nd day Novena & Chaplet to the Divine Mercy, 7AM Divine Mercy Chapel, c/o AP
April 9
Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, 630AM Immaculate Conception Cathedral Lantana St., Cubao, QC
Solemn Easter Vigil, 8PM, Main Church Service of the Light Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of Baptism Liturgy of the Eucharist
Salubong after the Easter Vigil in front of the CTK Formation Center Image of the Risen Christ will come from Acropolis gate with male parishioners. Image of the Blessed Mother will come from Giraffe St. corner Greenmeadows Avenue with female parishioners.
April 9-11 Holy Week / Easter Triduum Recollection 10AM-12NN, Main Church Facilitator: Fr. Francis Alvarez, SJ
May 31
Pentecost Sunday Regular Sunday Mass Schedule End of the Easter Season
INTER-VILLAGE WAY OF THE CROSS SCHEDULE 8PM, except in Libis, 5PM March 3, Tuesday, Acropolis March 4, Wednesday, White Plains March 5, Thursday, Ivory Court & Enclave March 9, Monday, Corinthian Hills March 11, Wednesday, Libis (5PM) March 12, Thursday, St. Ignatius Village March 16, Monday, Corinthian Gardens & Greenwich March 17, Tuesday, Arcadia March 23, Monday, Greenmeadows 1 PARISH WAY OF THE CROSS SCHEDULE Fridays of Lent • 645 PM • Main Church DATE
STATIONS OF THE CROSS LEADERS
6th Sunday of Easter Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
Feb 28 March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27 April 3
Parish Pastoral Council Ministries of Public Affairs & Social Services & Development, BnP, CWL, KoC, LoC, MBMG Stewardship Committee, ANF, CFC, CFM, LoM Ministries of Family & Life, Mustard Seed, Youth, YCP, DKPG Ministries of Catechetical, Formation, SoCom, LSS & Healing, Sunrise, PREx Worship-EMHC, GreCols, LeComs, Music, Altar Servers & Vocation Ministry
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
VIA LUCIS (WAY OF THE LIGHT) Thursdays of Easter • 645 PM • Divine Mercy Chapel
DATE April 16 April 23 April 30 May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28
VIA LUCIS STATION LEADERS Parish Pastoral Council Ministries of Public Affairs & Social Services & Development, BnP, CWL, KoC, LoC, MBMG Stewardship Committee, ANF, CFC, CFM, LoM Ministries of Family & Life, Mustard Seed, Youth, YCP, DKPG Ministries of Catechetical, Formation, SoCom, LSS & Healing, Sunrise Ministries of EMHC, Altar Servers, Vocation Ministies of GreCols, LeComs, Music
SCHEDULE OF EUCHARISTIC VIGIL April 9, 2020, Holy Thursday 7PM-8PM Arcadia, Corinthian Gardens, Corinthian Hills, Greenmeadows, Greenwich 8PM-9PM La Maison, Libis, St Ignatius, 9PM-10PM White Plains, White Plains Terraces 10PM-11PM Acropolis, Enclave, Ivory Court 11PM-12MN Adoracion Nocturna Filipina Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Knights of Columbus
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Worship in the Time of Coronavirus
THE CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on January 29, through its president Archbishop Romulo Valles issued an Oratio Imperata or obligatory prayer against the virus outbreak now gripping the globe called Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID 19. Aside from the praying of the Oratio Imperata, the CBCP also issued advisories on worship in the wake of COVID 19 including: 1. Changing the holy water in fonts regularly. 2. Practice communion by hand and not by mouth. 3. Discourage physical contact in worship such as holding hands while reciting or singing the Our Father, kissing or shaking of hands during the Sign of Peace, etc. 4. Installing protective cloths at confessional boxes. CBCP also urges the public to heed advisories from government agencies saying, “Let it be our pastoral duty to remind our faithful to heed the health recommendations of medical experts and officials so that we prevent the acquisition and spread of the disease.” As of February 15, more than a thousand have died and more than 60,000 have been diagnosed positive for COVID 19 worldwide. In an assembly, Father Steve also shared some alternatives in worship that are being considered in order to curb the spread of the virus, particularly in the upcoming Lenten season. Among these is the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Since this involves direct physical contact using wet ashes, the Cubao Diocese with Bishop Ongtioco as the chief liturgist is recommending the “sprinkling of ashes on the head.” This is a takeoff from the Book of Blessings that says, “The season of Lent begins with the ancient practice of marking the baptized with ashes as a public and communal sign of penance” (no. 1656) Another is the kissing of the cross during veneration rites on Good Friday. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), genuflection is just as reverent and meaningful. “A genuflection, made by bending
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.” (GIRM 274) For its part, CTK has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus in its worship areas. There are containers of alcohol and hand sanitizers in strategic places in the church. It has also utilized extra personnel to wipe disinfectant on doorjambs, railings, pews and other places usually touched by people in between Masses. Ministers are also directed to wash their hands thoroughly in the sacristy before administering Holy Communion. The local Church urges the everyone to take necessary precautions by staying healthy, implore God’s help by praying the Oratio Imperata, and observe the guidelines issued by government agencies, the CBCP, and Cubao Diocese as we allow the Holy Spirit to protect its faithful from harm.
Face masks have become a common sight in places of worship
Philippine bishops are encouraging the faithful to genuflect instead of kissing the cross on Good Friday veneration
ORATIO IMPERATA
this epidemic.
God our Father, We come to you in our need to ask our protection against the COVID 2019, that has claimed the lives and affected many.
We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon. Grant us the grace to work for the good of all and to help those in need.
We pray for your grace for the people tasked with studying the nature and cause of this virus and its disease and of stemming the tide of its transmission. Guide the hands and minds of medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion, and of those governments and private agencies that must find cure and solution to
Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. Mary, help for all Christians, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. St. Rock, pray for us. St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
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Seen Zone 1 // Cubao Diocese helps Taal Volcano eruption victims CTK and other parishes of the Cubao Diocese bonded together and responded to the urgent needs of those stricken by the recent Taal Volcano eruption. Helmed by the Social Services Development Ministry of the Diocese, Fr. Ronnie Santos made a diocese-wide appeal for donations of basic necessities including food, water, tents, toiletries, even portalets and the like. Called Bayanihan 4 Batangas, #bayanihan4batangas, donations from the Cubao parishes forwarded these to the Cubao SSDM, who in turn delivered the relief items to several “lesser-served” parish churches and areas that were transformed as temporary evacuation centers for hundreds of Taal calamity victims.
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2-4 // Commissioning of Liturgical Ministers Renewal Commissioning for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) was held on November 17, 2019 and January 12, 2020 (for those who were not able to make it to the November 17 main schedule). CTK has a total of 91 EMHCs renewing their service for a fresh one-year term, bringing the total active EMHCs to 97. This figure includes the 6 new recruits last year. The Lectors and Commentators Ministry also had two commissioning rites for its members, one in November 2019 and the most recent one on January 12. There are now 137 members in the Lecom roster. To date, 93% of CTK’s active lectors and commentators are fully empowered to serve God and the community in parish masses. The Greeters and Collectors were also installed recently bringing the total membership to 22. The GreCol serve during Sunday masses. All commissioning masses were presided by CTK parish priest, Fr. Steven Zabala. Congratulations to all these ministers! 5 // Cardinal Tagle assumes new post in Rome Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle left Manila for Rome on February 9 to assume his new task of promoting the mission of the Church in the world. The Archdiocese of Manila’s Office of Communications said Tagle was appointed by Pope Francis as the new Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, one of the leading departments in the Roman Curia. He succeeds Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni. He is only the second Asian to hold the post, with the other being Cardinal Ivan Dias who served from 2006 to 2011. Cardinal Tagle was in CTK in November 2019 to give the recollection marking the parish’s 40th year. 6 // DOJ clears bishops from sedition raps (CBCP News) The Department of Justice has cleared four Catholic bishops from a sedition case that accused them of plotting to overthrow the Duterte administration. The DOJ ruled that Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Bishops Pablo Virgilio David, Honesto Ongtioco and Teodoro Bacani, Fr. Robert Reyes and La Salle Bro. Armin Luistro, showed no intention of committing sedition and that the complaints filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group lack evidence. The sedition case and other charges stemmed from a viral video accusing President Duterte and his family of the illegal drug trade. (CBCPNews) 7 // New Ministries on Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Formed Fr. Steve recently announced the creation of two ministries to address the demands of the present times, namely the Ministry on the Environment and Ministry of Disaster Risk Reduction. Heading the latter is Irwin Reyes, a member of the EMHC, Knights of Columbus, Adoracion Nucturna and Communion of the Sick. Irwin has laid down his priorities which include the enhancement of the security and safety of the parishioners that attend services at CTK. Among his proposals are beefing up security, improving responsiveness of security personnel to needs of mass goers, conducting roving inspections, adding fire extinguishers and installing CCTVs in strategic areas within CTK church premises. He will also schedule fire and earthquake drills and trainings on First Aid and Basic Life Support.
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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YOUTH MINISTRY
CTK youth partner with Gentle Hands Orphanage to bring cheer to young children
CTK Youth Ministry Spreads Love to Orphans by Tessa Mangahas
AT FIRST, the coronavirus scare almost spooked the activity. But later on, the Youth Ministry, led by its ministers Teenie de Leon and Mikee Maliksi, were able to hold their outreach activity on the Valentine weekend of February 16 for about thirty orphaned children. Teenie and her group of twenty-three Youth Ministry volunteers spent the entire Sunday morning to spread the love among the orphans of Gentle Hands Orphanage. They had a fun time interacting with the kids, having storytelling sessions, playing games, and sharing gifts that included cash, toys, and school supplies. They ended their visit at noontime after a hearty lunch. Teenie and the rest of the youth volunteers went home with a smile in their hearts and on their faces, with the realization that “you feel that there is always hope in any situation when you see these children smiling despite their circumstances. The kids may look poor, but in their own little ways, they gave back to us by teaching us sign language and learning to appreciate blessings, big or small.” Indeed it was a happy hearts event for the Youth Ministry and the Gentle Hands orphans.
Mikee Malixi listens to the stories of orphans
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
YOUTH MINISTRY
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Saturday Night Live By Mika Reyes
The youth share how they try to find Christ in their experiences
Smiles show that God has gathered them there for a reason
WHENEVER I think about church group activities, I used to think about older people who have experienced life much farther down the road gathering to discuss what God has in store for them, or little children in Sunday school learning about the Bible. The CTK Youth Ministry’s Saturday Night Life (SNL) completely changed my view of church group activities. Rather than the audiences that I had thought of above, there were people ranging from their early teens all the way to people in their late twenties who come from different backgrounds. The people who would usually go the monthly SNL are parishioners who are either a part of the organizations under the parish or parishioners who hear about SNL in Mass. While we tackle varied topics that range from light to serious concerns of young people, one that particularly stuck in my head was a talk given by one of the members of the CTK Youth Ministry, Jared Sarmiento. Jared related his experiences on changing jobs—from one that he liked to one in a rival company. Prior to this session, most of our topics had been mostly fun and lively with a perspective of Christ in mind. After his talk, everyone was divided into smaller groups where we shared our own personal experiences. I found it somewhat strange to share my personal stories with people whom I only saw once a month for SNL since I don’t attend Mass in CTK. That’s when I realized that God brings people together for various reasons. In my perspective, God’s reason for bringing together the CTK Youth Ministry and the attendees of SNL is because He knows that we, the youth, are all looking for something. We need someone that who will help us make sense of this crazy world before we choose to make a difference, not only for ourselves but for our future as well.
SNL helps make the youth find sense in this crazy world
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
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MUSTARD SEED
Let the Little Children Come by Mina Mejia
SAM FIRST ATTENDED MUSTARD SEED (MS) in 2015, when he was only six years old. “It’s fun and they let you do arts and crafts while still learning about our faith,” shared Sam. He is the eldest son of J and Denise Sabat. “I love that Mustard Seed helps the kids grow in their faith by bringing the stories and lessons of the Gospel closer to their own experiences,” said Denise. Sam was a regular attendee of Mustard Seed and would participate in the group discussions. Now that he is almost eleven years old and has had his first communion, he no longer attends Mustard Seed. Instead, he’s an active member of the altar servers. It was Sam’s cousins who inspired him to serve. It looked hard to him at first but he willingly embraced the challenge. Sam regularly serves at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass while his younger sisters, Kate and Ellie, attend Mustard Seed. Just like Sam, Mishka was one of the regular students of Mustard Seed when the ministry started in 2015. Back then, she was only five years old. She’s the only daughter of Mon and Frances Bernardo. “MS made Mishka look forward to Sunday Mass and opened her eyes to the enormous love of Jesus. Mishka’s appreciation on the practical takeaways of the Sunday Gospel, as well as developing bonds with other kids helped create a positive experience in CTK,” attested Mon. Two years ago, Mon and Frances joined the roster of volunteer teachers of Mustard Seed and now handle the young
The Sabat Family: Denise, Sam, Kate, Ellie, J, and their youngest, Max
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
Mishka reading the Prayers of the Faithful during the children’s Mass assisted by lector Leilani Reyes.
readers who do the Prayers of the Faithful during the children’s Mass in coordination with the Worship Ministry. Mishka continues to attend Mustard Seed to assist her parents. She also serves in the children’s Mass as a reader and as a member of the CTK children’s choir. The Mustard Seed Ministry gathers children who are four to eight years old and pre-communicants during the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Mass. While the Liturgy of the Word is ongoing, the kids learn about the readings through games, arts and crafts, and songs. After the activity, they are led back to the main church to present their artworks and join their families during the offertory procession. When the children are old enough to receive Holy Communion, they are encouraged to be altars servers, join the children’s choir, or serve as readers in the children’s Mass.
Bernardo Family during Mishka’s First Communion in CTK in 2018
Sam during the processional at the main church
BREAKING BREAD
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BEC opens up CTK Image Home Visits to ‘parishioners beyond borders’ By Eileen de Leon
SINCE its launch on September 2019, the image of Christ the King has been visiting several homes in the community. The welcome has been beyond enthusiastic both in villages and the Libis areas. Two days after the 40th fiesta of CTK, an image of CTK was also installed by parish priest Fr. Steven Zabala in Our Lady of Carmel chapel in Camp Karingal which is accessible to the Libis community. This is a milestone of sorts as in the past years, only a picture of CTK’s image was being used during prayer sessions. The physical statue is now reverently positioned near the altar with copies of the novena prayer in English and Filipino. In response to the clamor to have the image in their homes but constrained by time and ecclesiastical boundaries, the BEC has also opened up the CTK Image Home Visits to parishioners and mass goers that would like to experience a visit in their own homes. This is also in keeping with CTK’s character of being a “parish for others”. One such visit is described by Trix Dalena, a lector who resides beyond ecclesiastical borders. She recounts, “our family is so thankful for the experience of giving CTK a home for a week. It was a perfect timing because we were able to be with CTK during the Valentine’s week, February 9-16, we had the chance to be his Valentine date last Feb 14. We prayed the Holy Rosary as a family everyday which we do not really do often because of busy schedules. Mama Mary moved each one of us to be able to spend time with each other bringing us closer to God as a family. Glad to have this experience and we pray that other families open their homes for CTK visit. Families who would like to participate in the CTK Image Home Visits can coordinate with the parish office for scheduling.
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
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WORD THAT YOU SPEAK
More than 2000 participants have graduated from PREX at CTK which started in the 1990s.
What is PREx at Christ the King Parish? by PREx Secretariat
PREX, short for Parish Renewal Experience, is a program that started in the 1970s in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, when the Rev. Fr. Charles Gallagher convened a group of priests for a reflection on Pope Paul VI’s Evangelii Nuntiandi. Fr. Gallagher believed that the Church must first evangelize itself as it evangelizes others. He piloted the first PREX weekend in Trenton. Since then it has spread to Catholic communities through out the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Fiji, the Philippines, and elsewhere in the world. In 1983, Fr. Gallagher visited the Philippines upon the invitation of Jaime Cardinal Sin. He conducted the PREX to about a thousand Filipino priests. The PREX then spread to the countryside. It was greatly received because of its “people focus.” PREX’s goal is to bring people together within the parish community. It seeks to unify them in the Christian faith. Accordingly, the talks are focused on personal relationships starting with aspects of the family as the basic unit of society.
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
The PREX at Christ the King Parish was initiated in the 1990s by Msgr. Jaime Mora, who was then parish priest. It was carried over the years by succeeding pastors. Since then, more than two thousand persons have graduated, including CTK’s PREX outreaches in Libis and Napindan. Presently, Fr. Steve Zabala invites the ministries and organizations in Christ the King to send their members who have not yet attended the PREX to join the seminar on Feb 29 (Saturday) and March 1, (Sunday. It will be held at the formation center. A registration fee of P500 is charged to cover meals, etc. The seminar is coordinated by the PREX Secretariat of CTK, led by Ate Ira and Kuya Rudy Reyes, treasurer Ruby Joaquin, and other fellow PREX alumni Augie Soliman, Louie Laudico, Manny de Leon, Kuya Nito Tagle, Billie and Pepe Pilar, Charito Barredo, Ching and Butch Botero, our guitarist Bogs, the technical group of Romeo Villegas, Ryan Calllanta, Vic Quijano, and the graduates of last year’s Class 94 led by Beng and Jay Guevarra, Irwin Reyes, Buh Malonzo, Lorie Santos, and others. Aside from Father Steve and Fr. Louie Punzalan who will speak, other CTK parishioners have volunteered to be speakers and facilitators willing to share their time, talent, and treasure. With all the support, the Prex Secretariat hopes to have a fruitful event.
Fr. Steve gave one of the talks during a recent PREx seminar.
IN HIS STEPS
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Strengthening the Bond Among Altar Servers by Lei Abando
WE HAVE SEEN THEM march along the aisle of the church in their immaculately white albs. We have witnessed them conscientiously helping our priests during the celebration of our Masses and in other religious activities of the arish. They are the boys and young men of the CTK Altar Servers Ministry. Ever wondered how altar servers get to “work” in silence in an orderly and coordinated manner? One’s immediate answer would be it’s because they’ve been trained. Indeed, these boys have undergone basic training as a requirement for their installation as altar servers. But what is also helps them in doing so is the growing bond and camaraderie among themselves. In their team building held last August 25 at the CTK Parish Hall, Fr. Steve Zabala stressed the importance of good rapport among the twenty-two altar servers present. He compared their service to sports, saying, “Like a basketball team, you will serve well in the Mass if you have a good relationship and good rapport with each other. Team building is therefore important.” The whole-day team-building activity was facilitated by a group of enthusiastic seminarians from the University of Santo Tomas led by Bro. Marti Espenido. The objectives of the day’s activity were for the boys to get to know each other and learn to look after each other’s needs. Through a mix of fun games and mini-sharing, they learned more about each other, their motivations for their service, and more importantly, how to work closer as a team. Lunchtime became their practicum as the boys ate in silence and were served their share of the meal by those around the table. They focused on their peers and practiced caring for their brothers. It was an ultimate test for them on how well they are aware of what each member of the group needed. Brother Marti said, “The team building teaches altar servers to look after each other so that their service will be well organized with everyone serving God as brothers.” Brother Marti also explained that by serving well as a team, they can show to other boys the joy of serving the Lord as altar servers.
Altar servers conscientiously help priests in masses.
Bond of camaraderie among the servers is just as important as skills training
To cap the day, the altar servers proceeded to the main church to practice working as a team by preparing for the High Mass that was officiated that afternoon, The altar servers will continue to meet monthly until December 2019 to bond and polish their work as servers of the church.
Team building teaches altar servers to look after each other so that their service is organized.
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
CTK PAM Delivers Seminar for OFWs and Their Family by Loung Cuartero The seminar helps the OFW and their families cope with separation.
THE Public Affairs Ministry conducted a seminar for OFWs and their family members residing in Barangay Libis. This is in line with the Diocese of Cubao Priority Agenda on integrating families in the life of the church (DCPA No. 1), where “parishes have concrete pastoral programs to journey with couples and families.” The seminar, entitled “Keeping the Flames Alive Over the Miles,” aims to help the OFW and the family they left behind, cope with changes brought about by the departure of the OFW. The presentations were delivered in an interactive manner where participants were asked to share their own experience with the group. Discussions started with the challenges faced by OFW and their families: emotional costs (marital conflicts, child behavioral problems, breakdown in family togetherness) versus the opportunity costs provided by working overseas (higher pay, seeing another country). Topics on ways of strengthening the husband-and-wife relationship despite the distance, (decision-making, communications, celebrations, handling discipline), as well as tips on practical matters such as financial planning (budgeting, handling emergencies, handling loan requests) were presented during the seminar. The seminar was capped with a sharing of the actual experience by an OFW who is due to leave again for another contract. The seminar ended with a touching closing prayer by one of the participants. The group was advised that they were like the “seeds” that THE HERALD / January-March 2020
have been planted and they were encouraged to to recruit participants for the next session. They should also expect to be invited to a follow-up gathering (Kamustahan) for more extensive sharing and support. The presentations for the seminar were delivered by the CTK PAM Core Group consisting of Vivian Go, Isabel Recto, Beth Monedero, Frandel Recto, and Mon and Loung Cuartero.
Seminar aims to strengthen family relations despite the distance
Sharing of experiences is key to coping.
FIRST CHURCH
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40 Couples Spend Valentine’s Weekend in CTK By Maria Angelique “Angie” Rualo
CHRIST THE KING Greenmeadows’ Family and Life Ministry (FLM) kicked off the year with its first activity—the Marriage Vocation Program (MVP). Forty soon-to-be wed couples registered and participated in this two-day weekend last February 15 and 16. These engaged couples chose to spend their Valentine weekend preparing themselves for a lifelong commitment with the right perspective of their vocation that God is calling them to. The participants were taught the beauty and dignity of the Sacrament of Matrimony as a sign of Christ’s love for the Church. The FLM invited married couples to share their experiences regarding six major topics about marriage. Questionnaires were distributed after each sharing that each couple needs to answer and discuss. The participants were then divided into small groups where a seasoned facilitator controlled the flow of discussion and allowed everyone share. The six topics were the Sacrament of Matrimony, effective communication, images of love and marriage, sex in marriage, responsible parenthood, and the journey ahead. A special topic on Natural Family Planning was also discussed by Dr. Doy and Dra. Estrel Lopez, the pillars of MVP. Couple sharers and facilitators were from the FLM core and Couples for Christ. It was inspiring that there were participants who were already civilly married but still chose to be wed in church and receive God’s blessings. To them, doing so makes their union Christ-centered. Both in the legal profession, Atty. Manny
Fr. Steve talks to 40 couples in the MVP
Atty. Manuel and Jojo Torres, finally getting married in church on their 25th year together
Torres and wife, Jojo, have known each other for nearly fifty years. They got married in civil rites in 1995. They chose to celebrate their forthcoming 25th anniversary by having a church wedding on May 12, 2020. They have been blessed with four children and a grandchild and they are thrilled to have them as part of the wedding entourage. Atty. Torres said that it is “time to put everything into place.” Jojo, for her part, said, “While most of the topics are already inapplicable to our situation, we found the talks and discussions very enlightening and often entertaining. To us, it was a weekend well spent.” Von Gamba and Steph Matote, another engaged couple commented, “We enjoyed our
two-day seminar here at CTK. We have learned a lot of things which can help us in entering a new chapter of our lives. We want to thank all the speakers and facilitators in making this event successful.” The program ended with a Mass presided by Fr. Steve Zabala. He thanked the forty couples for choosing to be married in CTK and, despite issues against marriage in today’s world, they still chose to bind themselves with God’s blessing. The MVP was headed by CFC and FLM core members Aji and Angie Rualo and supervised by Regie and Joanne Polancos, heads of the Family and Life Ministry.
Couples in exercises that help them discern and prepare for marriage.
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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STRENGTH OF SHARING
A Promise Fulfilled By Bing del Rosario AS PART of CTK fiesta celebrations, the parish contingent consisting of Buklod ng Panginoon (BnP) and Parish Pastoral Officers (PPO) visited Molave Youth Home in October. The BNP team led by Cita Pabillo and Agnes dela Cruz gave the CTK gift of three electric hair trimmers and in turn were entertained by song and dance numbers by the under-18 children. Before leaving, Bing del Rosario asked what the kids wanted most for Christmas—and they all answered in resounding unison— KARAOKE! In January 2020, Father Steve, with BnP head Cita Pabillo and PPOs Bing and Elise del Rosario, and Maan del Rosario paid a long-promised visit to the Molave Youth Home. They brought the cherished Christmas wish, a karaoke machine— specifically an Extreme MagicSing videoke system with two wireless mics that Bing and Elise previously bought. Maan and Fred volunteered the TV set.
Remembering Ate Fe by Diane C. Gozum
WHO WAS FE PERY? To me, she was simply Ate Fe. I met her when I was still in high school, she a college graduate. She was then staying with a married sister who was a neighbor in our residence in Little Baguio, San Juan. We lost contact for many years until the first day of my PREX 9. Fe approached me and introduced herself. During PREX 9, we would find ourselves in the same group. Lead couple Doy and Estrelle would give us a box of tissue because we were the cry babies. After PREX, Ate Fe invited me to join the Ladies of Charity (LOC). Reluctantly, I agreed. She was always reminding me to attend the meetings. She was so persistent. After Sonio Ongkiko, Ate Fe was egged on by LOC members to run for president. She didn’t want to because she was going to be eighty years old soon. But during our regular visits to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, she told me she had agreed to be the next LOC president. Then in the next breath, she told me she would THE HERALD / January-March 2020
Despite being in the middle of their school lessons, the kids still managed to provide several song and dance numbers to entertain the visitors. Then they plugged the karaoke system and began to show off. Amazing. Uplifting. But wait, there’s more. The parish priest would not be outdone! Father Steve obliged with an acapella song written by Fr. Manoling Francisco and then showed off his karaoke prowess by singing his signature rock and roll song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Talk about variety in musical genres! The kids also presented homemade gifts to the visitors. Christmas spirit indeed overflows the whole year round as CTK continues its caring giving as a “parish for others.”
only accept the challenge if I would be her vice president. I was incredulous as I was so busy. But she was adamant, and in the end, I accepted. In her second term as president, she told me she wanted a new uniform. I was puzzled as she already had a couple of sets. She then told me that it would be for her wake when she passes on. She said she wanted to look nice and presentable when she meets Mama Mary. I told her that if and when she meets Mama Mary, she will be asked if this uniform was what she wore when she helped the poor and the needy. She was silent. Before she was cremated, I noticed that her LOC uniform was the old and faded one. Ate Fe was a CPA, strict and disciplined with finances. She always made sure LOC finances were in order. She would sometimes tell me, “Diane, wala na akong pera.” I found out later that she was using personal funds to pay for ministry expenses. She was a caring person. She didn’t allow me to join the rice distribution activities because I have a lot of allergies. She would scold me if I got sick, admonishing me that I worked too hard. She would then nag me to sleep and rest. Of course, I would say yes. Ate Fe always shared with me half of her queso de bola for my husband. Ate Fe will be sorely missed—but for now, goodbye and until we meet again.
FAITH SOWERS
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CTK Feeding Program Christmas Party by Alma Yeh
CHRIST THE KING prides itself for a being a parish for others. Its generosity reaches the peripheries of the Cubao community, which includes impoverished grade school children who go to school hungry. Through the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), a mandated organization under the Social Service Ministry, CTK helps fund the feeding program of sixty Grade 1 School Children in Pura Kalaw Elementary School and Eulogio Rodriguez Sr. Elementary School. Lunch is served to them on a daily basis for the whole school year. Members of the organization takes turns in preparing, cooking, and serving the lunch in the schools. Last December 6, officers and members of the Catholic Women’s League CTK Unit celebrated a Christmas Party with the beneficiaries of Pura Kalaw Elementary School. They hosted games and gave out prizes, which brought lots of laughter and excitement to the children. Lunch of spaghetti and fried chicken was served. Loot bags containing school materials were given to each student. Unit president Alma Yeh gave each child a coin bank filled with fruit jellies while feeding coordinator Girlie Alampay gave Safeguard soaps and face towel packs. Then on December 12, another Christmas party was held for the children beneficiaries of
Kids express happiness in different ways after the feeding session.
Eulogio Rodriguez Elementary School. More presents donated by the officers and members of Nativity of the Lord Parish Unit were added in the loot bags. What a joy to see the beaming faces of the children as they received their gifts express their gratitude with hugs!
Bishop Raul poses with friends and pilgrimage companions during his birthday breakfast.
Bishop Raul Celebrates 82 by Bing Del Rosario
BISHOP Raul Q. Martirez, former Bishop-Emeritus of San Jose de Antique and now retired guest bishop of CTK celebrated his 82nd birthday last February 10 with a mass at the Divine Mercy Chapel followed by a breakfast salu-salo with parish friends. Bishop Raul gamely went to each of the tables to have his picture taken with different groups including those who had travelled with him in his pilgrimages. Bishop Raul retired in 2002 at the age of 65, but he continues to celebrate some masses at CTK, officiate weddings, baptisms, confessions and the like. He will lead another Holy Land pilgrimage this year. Bishop Raul celebrates his 59thsacerdotal anniversary on March 18. Happy 82nd birthday Bishop Raul!
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
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SACRED SPACE
The Rosary A Weapon for Intercession and Discernment by Robert Locsin
MANY CATHOLICS don’t realize the powerful ally they have in Mama Mary and the formidable intercession tool we have through the rosary. In a talk attended by fifty members of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion last October 18, Fr. Herbie Santos reiterated this by narrating miracles attributed to our Lady. There is the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571, when a patchwork fleet of Catholic ships primarily from Spain, Venice, and Genoa was at a distinct disadvantage. The much larger fleet of the Ottoman Empire—a force with 12,000 to 15,000 Christian slaves as rowers— was extending toward Europe. However, St. Pope Pius V, realizing that the Muslim Turks had a decided material advantage, called upon all of Europe to pray the rosary for victory. Christians gathered in villages and towns to pray as the sea battle raged. At the hour of victory, the pope—who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican—was said to have gotten up from a meeting, walked over to an open window and exclaimed, “The Christian fleet is victorious!” Then he shed tears of joy and thanksgiving to God. The toll of the sea battle was great. The Holy League lost fifty of its galleys and suffered some 13,000 casualties. The Turks, however, lost much more. Their leader Ali Pasha was killed, along with 25,000 of his sailors. The Ottoman fleet lost 210 of its 250 ships, of which 130 were captured by the Holy League. Coming at what was seen as a crisis point for Christianity, the victory at Lepanto stemmed
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
Ottoman incursion into the Mediterranean and prevented their influence from spreading through Europe. Through the intervention of Our Lady, the hand of God prevented the Muslims of the East from overcoming the Christian West. Then there was the battle of La Naval de Manila. This was a series of naval battles fought on the waters of the Philippines in 1646 where Spanish forces repelled various attempts of the Dutch Republic forces to invade Manila. Spanish-Kapampangan soldiers inflicted heavy damage upon the Dutch squadrons, forcing them to abandon their invasion of the Philippines. The victory against the Dutch forces was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the La Naval de Manila. On April 9, 1652, the Archdiocese of Manila declared the victories of the five sea battles a miracle. Then there are the apparitions of the Blessed Mother wherein the Lady would always ask for the constant recitation of the rosary. St. Louie de Monfort said that even if you are at the brink of damnation, you would be converted by the power of the rosary, amend your life, and save your soul. Another saint, Padre Pio, said that the rosary is the weapon against the evils of this world because all graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother. There is also the case of Bartolo Longo who started as a satanist, but because of the power of the rosary, was converted to the Catholic faith and has now become a saint. But the rosary is not just is a potent force
for intercession. It is a prayer that looks upon the face of Christ. “Beholding on the glory of the Lord, we are being changed into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). So it can also aid us in discernment, which is the ability to judge well and is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about the truth. The rosary is a school of prayer and a prayer of peace. It is a treasure to be discovered, and we do well to pray it together as a family.
WORD THAT YOU SPEAK
2020 Schedule of Talks Come. Listen. Be Informed. Be Formed. Be More Inspired. by Bet Montecillo
THE SAVING PASHCAL MYSTERY 4 April, Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chapel Speaker: Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J. Executive Director: Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc; Professor of Theology, Loyola School of Theology
“The Paschal mystery is one of the central concepts of Catholic faith relating to the history of salvation. The main subject is the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—the work that God the Father sent His Son to accomplish on earth.”
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REFLECTIONS ON EXODUS AND STORIES OF OUR LIVES 22 February, Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chapel
UNDERSTANDING THE PARTS OF THE MASS 14 March, Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chapel
Speaker: Dr. Roberto O. Guevara
Speaker: Fr. Reginald Malicdem
Associate Professor, Department of Theology Ateneo de Manila University
MATh, DL Rector, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) Chancellor, Archdiocese of Manila Episcopal Vicar for Chancery Matters
“As the story of a people’s journey from slavery and death to freedom and new life, the exodus invites us to reflect on our own life journeys and our stories of struggle, fear, hope, and faith so that we can live more fully, more courageously, more lovingly.” —Bobby Guevara
To us Catholic Christians, the Holy Mass is central and integral to our faith and rites of worship. However, how much of its entire liturgy do we truly understand—from the prayers said... to the gestures expressed by the presider? Fr. Regi Malicdem will lead us to a deeper understanding of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
HOLY WEEK/PASCHAL TRIDUUM 9 April-11 April Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday 9:30a.m.-12:00 p.m CTK Main Church
GRACE: FINDING GOD IN DAILY LIFE 16 May, Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chapel
Speaker: Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, S.J.
Professor of Theology, Loyola School of Theology, Music writer
STI, PhD Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology and Religious Education Loyola School of Theology
“Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday are the three significant days that highlight Holy Week/Paschal Triduum. Let us allow ourselves to be guided through a more profound and most meaningful spiritual journey towards Easter!”
Speaker: Fr. Arnel dC Aquino, S.J.
Grace is in each and every Christian’s firm belief that God is always present in our lives and that God, with all His loving mercy, never abandons us. Which is why grace moves us to service, where “a spirit of thanksgiving becomes obvious.” Father Arnel will enlighten us more on what is amazing about God’s grace. THE HERALD / January-March 2020
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Living Together in Fraternal Love and Dialogue Excerpts from the talk of Fr. Steven Zabala That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:2)
idea in promoting Christian unity—dialogue with the world, other Christian denominations, other religious and dialogue within the Church.
FOSTER LOVE and communication to build a better world. This was the prevailing message in the pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines as they launched the year 2020 as the Year of Ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and indigenous peoples.” This is also to prepare the Filipino faithful for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country. In a recent talk given by our parish priest, Fr. Steven Zabala to the extraordinary ministers of holy communion (EMHC) and the parish pastoral council (PPC), he pointed out instances in world history that triggered Christian disunity among the current 2.2 billion Christians distributed among approximately 45,000 denominations. Historic divisions date as far back as the time of the sack of Constantinople by crusaders to the rise of Protestantism and the violent relations between Catholics and Protestants. Father Steve gave a brief account of the Thirty Years War of the 1700s when King Ferdinand imposed Catholicism as the only religion, persecuting other religions and resulting in a bloody aftermath of eight million deaths all over Europe, a toll surpassed only by World War II fatalities. Father Steve then relayed how the Christian churches were overcome by deep sadness and repentance and realized that division, animosity, bloodshed, rivalry, and suspicion are contrary to God’s dream for His followers. It does not reflect the message of love of Jesus Christ. This realization paved the movement for ecumenism. He said that despite an initial laggardness, the Catholic Church has warmed up to the ecumenical movement, even issuing encyclicals and church documents on the matter. These include:
1964: Unitatis Redintegratio, the Second Vatican Council’s decree on ecumenism.
1961: Pope John XXIII established the Secretariat for the Promotion of Christian Unity. 1962: Eccelesiam Suam, an encyclical emphasizing dialogue as central
Christ the King Parish — Greenmeadows
1995: Ut Unum Sint, a landmark encyclical that reiterates the Church’s commitment to Christian unity through dialogue Father Steve presented the four forms of dialogue being pushed by the Church: 1. The dialogue of life, in which people endeavor to live in a spirit of openness; 2. The dialogue of action, in which believers work for human promotion; 3. The dialogue of theological exchange, in which the faithful strive to deepen their understanding of each other’s religious beliefs and heritage; and 4. The dialogue of religious experience, in which the faithful share spiritual riches in regard to prayer, faith, and contemplation of God. So why is this year significant for the Filipino faithful? Father Steve emphasizes that in the light of conflicts that are present in Philippine society, where the archipelago and diverse languages present even more challenges to dialogue and peaceful coexistence, there is an urgent need to foster love and harmony through communication. As the CBCP pastoral letter says, “The ultimate goal of dialogue is that the whole of humanity lives in harmony and fraternal love. This fraternal love will guarantee peace in our land, which actually seems elusive.” Let sincere dialogue be our language of peace.
WORD THAT YOU SPEAK
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CTK Parish Life In The Spirit Prayer Community (INSTITUTED by CTK Parish August 1999)
celebrates 20 Years of Spiritual Renewal Service! IN THE BEGINNING In mid-1999, the main builder of the CTK Parish, Msgr. Jaime Mora, expressed his desire to reinforce the active life in the parish with a deeper more potent spiritual support. He told Jess de la Fuente that he remembered that he was touched by an earlier Life in the Spirit program he attended with other priests and religious, conducted by US based Fr Robert de Grandis. By Divine providence, the Parish Education Ministry, then headed by Dr Luz Corpus and the Council Head Chito Manhit had similar plans.
The Healing Team with Fr. Manny Flores
HEALING MINISTRY Among the Charisms identified for the community, Intercessory and Healing emerged strongly as priority. And so, while the weekly Prayer Meetings always included Intercessory Prayers as an essential part of the Prayer Meeting, the First Monday Healing Mass became a normal schedule and the entire parish including relatives and friends were invited. Different priests were invited to celebrate the Mass and conduct the Healing Service. Thus emerged the Healing Ministry headed by Ate Mila del Fonso with Ate Pricilla Pacheco. Every Feb 11, the Feast of Our Lady Of Lourdes is dedicated to the healing of the sick, CTK LSS Prayer Community and the HEALING Ministry sponsor the World Day of the Sick Healing Mass at the Main Church. Inner Healing Seminar/Workshops have also been conducted by Fr. Mario Bije.
Over 700 Parishioners, relatives and friends have been blessed by joining the LSS Program. Be one of them! LSS #1 with Msgr. Jaime Mora
The Salt and Light for Christ Community (SLCC) was invited to conduct the 1st LSS with preparatory sessions arranged by the LSS No. 1 Coordinator Benny and Chita Araw with Fr Larry Tan, SDB as the LSS Spiritual Director. Members of SLCC and the Bukas Loob sa Diyos Community (BLD) from the parish and their other members volunteered to help shepherd and administer the LSS. To bolster his firm commitment, Msgr Mora not only attended the LSS the weekend of Aug 27-28,1999 but had our Asst. Parish Priest Fr Bong Cabrera join too! He personally invited heads and senior members of the various organizations in the Parish. In the LSS Talk on Growth, he introduced his thoughts on the CTK Formation Program. Thus, began the CTK Parish LSS Prayer Community. Growth teachings and weekly Prayer Meetings followed to sustain and enrich the spiritual Life in the Spirit.
A Life in the Spirit Seminar with Bernie Banaan as sharer
Monday Prayer meetings at the Divine Mercy Chapel
First Monday Healing Mass at the Main Church
CTK LS Prayer Community with Bishop Raul Martinex and Rev. Fr. Steve Zabala
THE HERALD / January-March 2020
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PURITY IN TIME OF INTERNET
Purity Is Still Possible in This Internet Age by Robert Locsin
PORNOGRAPHY has been called the “silent epidemic”—one that is widespread not just in the world but in the church as well. Studies have shown that in Christian circles, fifty seven percent of American pastors struggle with pornography. It’s also a major cause of divorce in three out of five cases. The Internet has only aggravated the issue given that even minors can access pornographic materials instantly and privately. It creates the habit of juvenile delinquency and erectile disfunction even of the very young, and encourages more grievous sins—including human trafficking in organized crime. The good news is that there is help available to Christians in guarding their purity of heart and chastity. In a talk for the Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion to last September 19, on-going-formation speaker Fr. Vic De Jesus, S.J. spoke to the lay ministers of Christ the King Parish on the topic, “Purity is Still Possible in this Age of the Internet.” He reflected on the gift of sexuality, sexual expression, and the covenant of love between spouses. He began on a positive note, quoting Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (NIV). Father Vic said that the sixth and the ninth commandment are positive commandments because they protect marriage and family, as well as the life-long
commitment and promises that husbands and wives make. They also safeguard the the two purposes of sexual love—procreation and completeness. On the practical side, he gave tips on how to avoid impurity and break the habit to pornography: 1. Have a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and spend time in mental prayer in Eucharistic adoration. 2. Have a devotion to the Immaculate Heart and form the habit of praying three Hail Marys before bedtime. These Hail Marys are should be specially dedicated to help fight against the temptation to impurity. 3. Have a prayerful dialogue with your spouse. 4. Reflect on the horrific and horrible effects of sins of impurity, which turn people to objects. Especially effective are reflecting on the end times. At the final judgment, what a reward for those who’ve lived a pure life to hear Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servants. Come share your master’s joy” (Matthew 25:23).