40th ANNIVERSARY Souvenir Program
November 25, 1979 – November 24, 2019
Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows
Vision A Community of faithful disciples and trustworthy stewards, formed in the Word and Eucharist, missioned to evangelize by giving witness to God’s love and compassion through service to the Poor.
Mission We commit ourselves to: Encourage participation by involving our parishioners and churchgoers in the work of the parish; Organize Basic Ecclesial Communities and provide spiritual formation and nourishment. Uplift the spiritual and material condition of the poor, elderly, sick, persons with disability, domestic workers and migrant workers and their families. Strengthen and support the family, young professionals, youth, women and children for them to be evangelized and become evangelizers. Preserve and safeguard the environment for the present and future generations.
Fiesta Committee 2019 Fr. Steven Zabala Parish Priest Bing & Elise del Rosario Fiesta Chaircouple +Henry & Joyce TaĂąedo Ways and Means Peter & Leila Banico Worship David & Fely Ong Events Mila Bangco & Menchu Pascual Outreach Tessa Mangahas Media and Promotions Fred & Maan del Rosario Secretary
Parish Pastoral Council, 2019-2022
Message from the Cardinal
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Conglatulatory Messages
LOVING BEYOND BORDERS where members compassionately care and serve one another. You have created an atmosphere of warmth and love, making others find their home in the Parish because of the different ministries that respond to both the spiritual and temporal needs of the community. In this chapter of our history as a nation, we are shaken as a church, challenged to be deeply rooted in our faith and oneness as people of God. Like a city built on a hill, may the spirit of communion among you become a source of strength and inspiration. We also continue to pray for the enlightenment of our government officials. May Christ, our Servant and King, move their hearts so that in the exercise of their authority, they will govern with integrity, promote human dignity and look after the common good. May our fervent prayers bring about the desire for stability, peace and tranquility in our country. MABUHAY PO KAYONG LAHAT!
My heartfelt congratulations to the Parish Pastoral Council and the parishioners of Christ the King Parish, Greenmeadows as you approach another milestone, the 40th Anniversary of your Parish Foundation with the theme: We Celebrate CTK@40: A Parish for Others. Your theme conveys an all-embracing spirituality, a spirituality that is directed towards others with special preference to those who are in need. As a Parish, you do not only exist for your immediate community, but you are called to reach out to those beyond your territorial borders. Through the Parish programs, which are opportunities for an encounter with God and others, you are being formed to become more loving, in loving without bounds, others are drawn closer to Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD the heart of God. Bishop, Diocese of Cubao For the past 40 years, the Lord continues to labor with you CTK Parish Priest 2004-2006 so that your Parish evolved and became a faith community
being a parish for others My association with Christ the King Parish is not only as one of its parish priests (20062012), but as a seminarian doing weekend apostolate at Bagumbayan (now San Roque Parish). And as I look back at those many years and on my continuing relationship with this parish, I cannot help but totally agree with the organizers of this 40th anniversary celebration that CTK is truly a “parish for others”. But let me make a clarification – its being a parish for others is not only in the financial generosity of its parishioners, which is legendary. While it is true that second collection for a parish or diocese from poorer areas and especially in times of calamities can easily be about 7 times the usual weekend mass collection; while it is true that funds of the Stewardship Program support numerous charitable and essential projects not only of CTK but also of our Diocese (recollection, retreat and renewal of
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our priests including guest priests, book allowances of all our seminarians, and in some cases, their board and lodging, salaries and benefits of several full time catechists teaching in public schools, aid to poor parishes, etc.) CTK is a parish for others more so in its parishioners sharing their very selves – their time, their talent. CTK is gifted with people who are experts in various fields of human endeavor. And the Diocese also benefits from such experts – formators in Scripture and Pastoral concerns, design and management of housing projects, fund raising strategies, financial management, personnel administration, counselling and many more! Christ the King is truly a parish for others because it is a stewardship parish! Monsignor Dan Sta. Maria Parish Administrator, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Head of Casa de Silencio CTK Parish Priest 2006-2012
A CHURCH THAT GOES FORTH Pope Francis wonderfully describes the Church as a “Church That Goes Forth.” The Lord calls the Church to “go forth and preach the Gospel to all, to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance, or fear” (Evangelii Gaudium #23). The Church, he says, is a Church that takes the initiative, that is always involved and supportive, that bears fruit abundantly and that is constantly rejoicing in fulfilling its mission. As Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows celebrates its 40th year, it is, I believe, important to consider that your call has been and remains to be this Church that goes forth. We can only be a truly authentic Parish For Others if we do acknowledge first that our call is “to discern the path that the Lord points out and to obey his call to go forth from our comfort zones in order to reach all the peripheries in need of the light of the Gospel.”(EG # 20) Pope Francis’ dream for every parish is to be “the presence of the Church in its territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration.” Furthermore, he says that the parish must live to become a “community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a center for missionary outreach” (EG #28).
I thank the Lord for giving me the grace to pastor Christ the King Parish for six years (2012-2018) and to be part of its rich and colorful history. I fondly keep in mind the many pastoral leaders who have worked hard to share their time, talent & treasure to build up the parish and support the Diocese of Cubao. My mind goes to those parishioners who in their own creative ways have lived out Stewardship as a Way of Life and generously assisted the Parish in all its projects especially for the poor and the needy. Although it was challenging to implement the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the wealthy subdivisions, many parishioners had done their best to be involved in their community to pray, to familiarize with the Word of God and teachings of the Church, to reach out to their neighbors and to celebrate their faith. I wish to thank the parishioners of Christ the King for being a source of edification and inspiration in my priestly ministry. Pray that as you continue to aspire to become a Parish For Others, we your priests too may become Priests for Others. Congratulations on your 40th year and may the Lord grant you your hearts’ desires! Fr. Bong Tupino Parish Priest Holy Sacrifice Parish, UP Diliman, QC CTK Parish Priest 2012-2018
CELEBRATING WITH GRATITUDE If life begins at 40, then CTK parish life is just beginning this year. But since its establishment in 1979 until today, there have been so many things that have happened, so many memorable moments to recall, so many inspiring stories to cherish and retell, so many graces to be thankful for, that we can say, life – vibrant life – has already started for CTK even before it turned 40 this year. So vibrant that our parish is able to identify six defining moments of its 40-year old existence – the stages of church construction, the growth of ministries, Gawad Kalinga and other outreach programs, Msgr. Jaime Mora, and the Stewardship Program.
Based on these defining moments, we identified traits that describe the character of our parish. At 40, we revisit the vibrant life of CTK, and there are so many things to celebrate with gratitude. At 40, we look forward to the future, and there are so many things to handover to the next generation, to our youth especially – the many blessings, learnings and treasures of our past. In prayer and thanksgiving, let us entrust once more our parish, our families, and ourselves to our Lord and Patron, Christ the King as we celebrate his Feast, our Fiesta, our parish community! My prayers, Fr. Steven C. Zabala Parish Priest, Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows Vicar General Diocese of Cubao
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the story of christ the king parish, greenmeadows (1979-2004) Before November 1979
Originally part of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, the faith communities of White Plains, St. Ignatius Village, Corinthian Gardens, Greenmeadows and immediate environs expressed the need for a new parish.
1979
Christ the King Parish in White Plains is formally established on November 25, the Solemnity of Christ the King at a mass officiated by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila. Fr. Victorio Antonio Lanuevo is formally installed as the new parish priest with White Plains Chapel designated as the temporary parish seat. The Apostleship of Prayer (AP) was the first mandated organization of the parish.
White Plains - St. Ignatius areas
1990
The very first Parish Renewal Experience (PREx) is held in March.
Vicinity Map CTK crypt
1985
Msgr. Mora, after soliciting from individual donors for various church fixtures, builds the crypt starting with 500 vaults, followed by a second phase with 1,000 vaults the next year, and finally a third phase with 1,000 units in 1987.
Msgr. Tony Tobias
1982
Monsignor Antonio Tobias takes over from Fr. Tony Lanuevo as parish priest. He is named Auxiliary Bishop of Zamboanga a few months later.
CTK Main Church is finished
1988
Church construction is completed. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin consecrates the church during the first mass inside the main church on October 30.
Msgr. Mora with Cardinal Sin
1983
On February 15, Cardinal Sin installs Msgr. Jaime T. Mora as the new parish priest.
1980
The 7,225-square meter Greenmeadows Avenue land donated by Don Paco Ortigas of Ortigas & Co is formally turned over on March 1980. The new parish is formally renamed Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows. Fr. Lanuevo forms a Construction Committee in April, led by Charlie Rufino, with parishioner Architect Angel Abad as lead (probono) designer. Jaime Cardinal Sin lays the cornerstone during the April 27 groundbreaking ceremony. Fund raising projects begin. Fr. Lanuevo
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Church construction begins
2003 The Healing Ministry is established, with 22 healing ministers commissioned by Msgr. Jaime Mora. In March, Msgr. Mora celebrates his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee at the Main Church, together with Bp. Raul Martirez, Bp Gabriel Reyes, Bp. Soc Villegas, Archbishop Tito Yllana, and Archbishop Carmelo Morelos. In August, the Diocese of Cubao is created. His Eminence Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, is installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cubao to which CTK belongs. 22 Healing Ministers
2000 The lower ground room beside the chapel is turned into the Lingap Center, used as day care of the Libis community lolas by the Ladies of Charity.
One of parish’s youth groups
1997 The Perpetual Adoration Chapel is built on 45 square meters of free space on the front left side of the main church in January. In August, the Mortuary is built, consisting of two chapels. Four months later, a third chapel is added. The pipe organ is installed in December.
1995
In January, CTK Youth Ministry celebrates its first World Youth Day, held in Manila with Pope John Paul II celebrating. ‘The House Printers’ of Precious and Mila San Juan, begins printing the parish newsletter gratis. The cornerstone for the new Parish Formation Center is laid in July.
Bishop Ongtioco and Fr. Dennis Soriano with the AP Fr. Bong with the Ladies of Charity
Perpetual Adoration Chapel
1999 The Parish Renewal Movement (PREx) is established.
2002 The first Days With the Lord weekend for the parish youth is held.
Msgr. Mora with early batch of PREX 2001 ‘SILBI LIBIS’, the forerunner of the Social Services and Development Ministry, is set up to coordinate parish-wide efforts to serve the under-privileged community. The Knights of Columbus starts the church lighting for the Christmas season.
Days with the Lord Youth Group
The Parish Formation Center
CTK altar with big crown
1996 The Family Life Ministry conducts its First Marriage Vocation Program in January. The Parish Formation Center is finished and blessed in June. In November, the four-foot high seated Christ the King is replaced by the 20foot high statue of the Risen Christ with outstretched arms and pierced hands - standing in front of a wooden cross.
MVP
PPCRV Voters Assistance Desk 2004 CTK Apostolate of Public Affairs creates a CTK Chapter of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). Msgr. Mora’s retirement at 75 years old is marked with a coffee table book, ‘Building the Kingdom’ in August. In October, Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco temporarily takes over as CTK’s parish priest.
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the story of christ the king parish, greenmeadows (2005-2019) 2009
Gawad Kalinga Village with Msgr. Dan
St. Ignatius Village becomes a pilot area for the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) with Buklod ng Panginoon initiating the outreach. In June, Robbie Sian of White Plains and Francis Alvarez of Greenmeadows are ordained priests of the Society of Jesus while Herbie Santos, coordinator of the Youth Ministry, joins San Jose Seminary. Extensions to the main church, including a Cry Room for infants and toddlers, are constructed. In November, the Gawad Kalinga Village in Zabarte, Novaliches is completed and consecrated after three years of fund raising and building spearheaded by parishioners and CTK Couples for Christ. Bishop Ongtioco leads the blessing of the homes. Fr. Rogelio Pon-An with Fr. James Gaa, enthrones the Sacred Heart in the new homes.
2005
2010
Bishop Ongtioco launches “Stewardship as a Way of Life” program and declares CTK as a Stewardship Parish in September.
St. Pedro Poveda College becomes part of the Diocese of Cubao and launches TALABAN as its first program featuring visits by students to the Libis community.
St. Ignatius Chapel
2012
2006
Fr. Jose ‘Bong’ Samillano Tupino III replaces Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria and is installed as the 6th CTK parish priest on February 26.
Msgr. Daniel Sta. Maria is installed as the 5th CTK parish priest in April. Fr. Bong is CTK’s 6th parish priest
2007
Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria
The CTK sound system is completely overhauled in June. In August, the land behind the parking lot becomes a Weekend Market. A permanent baptistry was established in December with a Rafael del Casal painting adorning one wall.
New Baptistry with Casal painting
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2013
In January, the School of the Word, the Wednesday morning Bible sharing, is launched with Fr. James McTavish and the Missionaries of the Fraternidad Missionero Verbum Dei at the helm. Fr. Bong Tupino institutes the position of Village Coordinators who become members of the PPC a year later.
2014
“Dinner with my Parish Priest’ is launched in July. Fr. Bong Tupino dines and interfaces with village residents. In September, hundreds visit the 3-day exhibit of 50 Marian images mounted by the Legion of Mary. On December 8, the third image of Christ the King is installed in the garden fronting the main church. The contrapposto image of a crowned Jesus holding a scepter in a gesture of welcome and powerful protection is the creation of renowned artist Willy Layug of Pampanga. CTK statue in garden
2016
Diving Mercy Chapel
Herbert Palma Santos of Greenmeadows is ordained as priest in February. The parish institutes Thursdays Holy Hour of Adoration and Meditation on the Divine Mercy in April. The Media Ministry is formed in May. It launches its first quarterly newsletter, The Herald, in June, its website www. christthekingparish.ph in October, and puts up the electronic bulletin board soon after. In July, World Youth Day Vigil in the main church livestreams events from Krakow, Poland, starting a tradition. In August, formalized annual planning and budgeting process for the Parish Pastoral Council is set in motion. In October, the Lower Chapel is reopened as the Divine Mercy Chapel, with a new Crucifix, tabernacle, altar, commentators’ lectern, sacristy, and several new icons. In December, the main church gets a new tabernacle, designed by Jessie Pingol. A new ministry for the elderly under the name Sunrise Ministry is put up in March. Fr. Bong Tupino leads a pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine to mark Fatima Centennial in May. The Perpetual Adoration Chapel is renovated in September and reopened in June 2018. In October, Casa de Silencio Retirement Home and Renewal Center project is launched by the Diocese of Cubao, with the CTK Parish Pastoral Officers comprising its Ways and Means Committee.
2018
New Emblen on Altar
2015
EMHC volunteers distribute Holy Communion at Pope Francis’ Culminating Mass at the Rizal Park. The Mass was livestreamed in the main church. Fr. Bong Tupino formalizes the Parish Pastoral Council processes and their terms of office in May. In August, the children’s ministry named Mustard Seed is formed. In September, CTK’s Stewardship launches a Year of the Poor program to assist migrants, Urban Poor, Fisherfolk, Peasants, Tribal Filipinos, Children, Youth, Women, Elderly, and PWD.
In March, the bigger “crown” atop the altar of the main church is replaced by the emblem of Jesus with the crown of thorns and nails to highlight that the Kingship of Jesus is about Servanthood and not worldly power. The emblem was designed by Architect Veepee Pinpin and crafted by Jessie Pingol. Fr. Bong Tupino celebrates his 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary at the Manila Cathedral in April. In June, Fr. Bong Tupino is transferred to the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman. Fr. Steven C. Zabala is named new parish priest and celebrates his first CTK mass on June 17. Fr. Steven Zabala formally unveils the new parish logo in November. It is based on a simple dignified and modern rendering of Christ the King’s crown, supported by text in gold and silver.
November 2019
CTK Parish celebrates 40 years as a vibrant faith community, a committed Stewardship Parish, an authentic ‘parish for others’. Among its activities are ‘Christ in Our Hearts’ musical concert, photo exhibit ‘Images of Faith’, CTK clergy alumni homecoming, Parish Youth Day, Coffee After Church Fair, Fun Run, Novena Masses, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, CTK procession and High Mass with Bp. Honesto Ongtioco DD as main celebrant.
2017
In October, Mustard Seed, Youth, and Family & Life Ministries collaborate to stage the first edition of Kingdom of Heaven Fair, the Catholic alternative to traditional Halloween.
Fr. Steve Zabala installed as 7th CTK parish priest
2019
Home Care training
Mustard Seed Ministry CTK Home Visits
In January, Fr. Steven Ceguerra Zabala is formally installed as the 7th parish priest of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows. Urban Poor Ministry is formed in February, with Kariton ni Kiko as one of the ministry projects. In March, Fr. Steve Zabala outlines the 2019-2022 leadership selection and starts the process with a lecture by Fr. Anton Pascual on Servant Leadership. The Young Catholic Professionals Ministry is set up in April. CTK initiates the Via Lucis, or Stations of the Resurrection in May. In June, the 2019-2022 Parish Pastoral Council is commissioned. In July, CTK parish priest and Cubao Vicar General Fr. Steve Zabala presides over a Holy Mass and Eucharistic Procession at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in solidarity with Cubao Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco DD and other co-accused clergy and personalities in trumped-up sedition charges by the PNP-CIDG. He delivers an impassioned homily saying that “the Church will never be silenced.” In August, through the initiative of Fr. Steve Zabala and supported by pioneers of CTK Music Ministry, the official CTK hymn “Christ in Our Hearts” is created. CTK Parish embarks on a three-month fiesta celebration in September with activities to mark four decades as a parish and to highlight its defining moments and character. •Kariton ni Kiko visits CTK parish community on September 7. The “altar on wheels” leans on two inspirations - St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor and Pope Francis’ exhortation to “smell like the sheep, to go to the periphery, to be with the poor, to care for the environment.” •BEC in coordination with the Legion of Mary launches the CTK Home Visits in the village communities on September 8 to propagate the devotion to Christ the King. •Mary’s Garden, a place to light and offer candles, is unveiled on September 8. Situated behind the adoration chapel, its centerpiece is a stainless steel sculpture of the Immaculate Conception done by Juan Sajid Imao, a 2001 Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee.
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CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
SEPTEMBER 1
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Launch of the threemonth celebration of CTK’s 40th anniversary with Holy Mass presided by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, 5pm
“Kariton ni Kiko” visits CTK
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Special program with “Lolas of Lingap”
Libis Bible Sharing on all Fridays
8 Blessing of Mary’s Garden, 4pm Launch of CTK Home Visitations presided by Fr. Steve Zabala, 5pm
OCTOBER 1
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Graduation of CTK Livelihood program scholars on “Electrical Wiring and CCTV Installations”
Visit to the elderly at Luwalhati ng Maynila
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26
30
Village street Masses
Dedication Anniversary Mass of CTK Parish church, presided by Fr. Steve Zabala, 6pm
Visit to the inmates of the Quezon City Female Dormitory
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Visit to the youth at the Molave Youth Home
Libis Bible Sharing on all Fridays
NOVEMBER 8
9-24
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“Christ in Our Hearts” Musical Concert, 7pm
“Images of Faith”; CTK at 40 Photo Exhibit
40th Anniversary Recollection with Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, 7:30pm
15-23
16
17
Fun Run, 5am Novena Masses in honor of Christ the King
Kumpilang Bayan presided by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco DD, 9am
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24
First Holy Communion presided by Fr. Steve Zabala, 2pm
Solemnity of Christ the King (Fiesta Day)
CTK Clergy Homecoming / Fiesta Dinner
Coffee After Church Fair, 730am to 8pm Hoy Hour of Adoration / Procession, 4pm
Youth Festival
30 10th anniversary of CTK-Gawad Kalinga Village Zabarte, Novaliches QC
High Mass to be presided by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, 5pm
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Concrete Expression of Generosity
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building our sacred space on faith From the musings of Rick Zalamea
Budget. That is usually the main challenge in any construction project. When Msgr. Jaime Mora was assigned to CTK, at the beginning of the construction period, he had little cash on hand and inherited many debts. I remember him asking me where he would get the funds for the construction. He asked me to raise some funds, but with a promise that he would return the money. When I asked him when he would be able to return the money, he replied, “It will be up to God.” I was able to convince some close friends to help me raise funds, with a guarantee that the money would be returned, but with no interest. At the same time, Msgr. Mora was able to pay some creditors and was able to buy supplies again. Msgr. Mora was not fond of asking for donations. But he had his way of getting things done. He looked for sponsors for the Stations of the Cross stained glass windows. Homeowners associations willingly answered for their chosen stations. In no time at all, all the Stations of the Cross windows had sponsors. He employed the same approach for the doors and the pews. Parishioners enthusiastically responded to his request. But cash was still needed. So I suggested a fund raising project. He reluctantly agreed. For our car raffle, we were able to purchase a car with a hefty discount from a new client who happened to be a car dealer. We were able to raise some cash for construction through ticket selling. The construction of the church did not happen overnight. In fact, it progressed quite slowly. But I realized that the slow progress was a blessing in disguise because as the edifice grew, the parishioners became more inspired to give. The original plan was for CTK parish to be much larger to what we have now. Msgr. Mora was pressured to finish the
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construction and so he asked Architect to make a smaller church. The church structure was finally finished. Still many items were needed. But Msgr. Mora again asked individual parishioners for specific items and they readily responded. Airconditioning the church was next in line. Some were not for it. One day, we were surprised to see that air conditioning units had already been installed. Still there were negative reactions. But eventually, weekend masses were held in the airconditioned main church. And the church was always full. People from different places came and attended mass in CTK. Love offerings doubled, then tripled until it ballooned five times from before. Msgr. Mora always had many projects going through his head. He wanted a rectory for his priests. He wanted a multipurpose building. His former room became the office of the Ladies of Charity. At that time, the crypt seemed to be a bad project. He complained of the slow sale of vaults. I asked him how many were unsold. He told me 200 units. To give him peace of mind, I offered to buy it all. Oh, I can still remember the big smile on his face. He said, “Go to Manang to finalize the transactions.” When I went to Manang, I found out that there were 400 unsold units! I told him I didn’t have enough funds to buy 400 units. So the transaction fell through. Although Msgr. Mora was
Unfinished church.
One of first masses of CTK as a parish.
disappointed, that too turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Years later, sales picked up and Msgr. Mora was able to adjust the previous selling price of P5,000 to P25,000. In fact, demand was so high, he decided to construct another 1,000 units which eventually sold at P50,000 each. Faith and sacred space. All of Msgr. Mora’s projects eventually came into reality. And just like everything in CTK’s story, everything fell into place in God’s perfect time.
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(Rick Zalamea is a retired Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion and was a member of the first CTK Parish Pastoral Council.)
Home to an Embracing Community
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lifting our praise for 40 years: there is room for all By Leila Banico
The Apostleship of Prayer (AP) was the first liturgical group when the parish was in its infant stage. In the succeeding years, the worship group and other pastoral ministries grew as the parish became a “home” for different people who attended mass in the “embracing church”. On Sept 5, 1982, Msgr Antonio Tobias commissioned the 1st batch of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC). Lectors and Commentators (LeCom) were then randomly invited to read before mass. When Msgr. Jaime Mora was installed on Feb 15, 1983, Johnny Reyes from White Plains became the first Worship
Young altar servers.
Coordinator. The Altar Servers, then, were called the Knights of the Altar, led by Louie Laudico, Romel Cortez and Fr. Jojo Peque as Spiritual Director. Eventually as the community continued to grow, more servant leaders stepped up to minister to the needs of the parishioners including Mila San Juan (Worship), Armine Tagaysay (LeCom), Joe Aranas (EMHC) and Benjie Mirasol (Music). Bishop Honesto Ongtioco DD became the first bishop of the newly-formed Cubao Diocese in August 2003. He also took the helm as CTK’s parish priest when Msgr. Mora retired in 2004. Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria took over from
Bishop Ongtioco. Under Msgr Dan, new Coordinators were appointed: Mila Bangco, Worship; Ed Bartolata, EMHC; Elvie Balmeo, Greeters and Collectors (GreCols); Mario & Joji Milan, LeCom. Peter & Leila Banico took-over for LeCom in late 2011 when Milans migrated to the US. Re-appointed were Louie Laudico to lead the, nowcalled, Ministry of Altar Servers and Benjie Mirasol for Music. Fr. Bong Tupino came in 2012 as the 6th parish priest. Henry Tañedo was appointed to lead the EMHC, with the rest of the previous group retained. In an EMHC Outreach Project on “World Day of the Sick” to give communion to the Sick in Quirino Hospital in Proj 4 organized by Justice Alex Quiroz, the EMHC realized that Communion to the Sick is an integral part of their service. Led by Robert Locsin and Louie Reyes, Communion to our Sick parishioners living within the territory started in 2014. Since then, Outreach at Quirino has been an annual event and the EMHC Communion to the Sick group has grown to 39 EMHCs. The anointing of the sick with our CTK Clergy every 6 months is also part of their service. New servant leaders in liturgical and pastoral ministries continue to emerge. A good number of them do not reside within the ecclesiastical boundaries of CTK. But residence has never been a hindrance for
Choir sings by the pipe organ.
the pastoral ministries to grow. Coordinators in key ministries are a happy mix of residents and nonresidents, in seeming emphasis on the universality of its patron, Christ the King. In the words of Chino Quizon of the newly-formed Young Catholic Professionals, people from all over, “feel at home in CTK”, a truly embracing community.
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(Information and insights provided by Peter & Leila Banico, Louie Laudico, Paul & Linda Famador, Robert Locsin, Louie Reyes, Armine Tagaysay, +Henry Tañedo)
Salubong rites
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Reaching Out to the Poor
R Chester Huigit
CTK scholars: finding hope through education By Menchu Pascual
Education is the vehicle to a better life. Access to quality education is the best way to uplift the underprivileged from poverty. For this reason, the CTK Social Service ministry has made educational assistance the flagship project through the years. To date, it is heartwarming to know where our scholars are now. Chester Huigit, graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines in Visual Arts and is now working for GMA Network. Ruth David holds a managerial position in Metrobank. Analyn Malatuba graduated from PUP major in B.S. Math, worked as payroll master of R2 Builders and is now the Sales Auditor of Chef Jessie. Poala Madayag realized her dream of becoming an interior designer. Clifford Barizo is currently our scholar studying Geography in the University of the Philippines. He was given the opportunity to study for six months in the University of Oviedo in Spain and will graduate this year. Our Scholarship committee supports our scholars through graduation. We are proud to say practically all of them
Paola Madayag
Clifford Barizo
finished their course. Some have gone abroad, and we lost touch. Some are just around fulfilling their dream and giving meaning to their education by helping their families and people they meet along the way. Education has opened the door to endless opportunities and priceless treasures to all of them. They served as inspiration to SSDM of the Christ the King Parish.
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(Mila Bangco and Menchu Pascual head the Social Services and Development Ministry)
Ruth David
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Analen Malatuba
Informed and Formed Faith
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the spiritual journey of christ the king parish By Bet Montecillo
moves within these contemporary times. The Mustard Seed Ministry takes reigns over young children’s formation. “School of the Word”, a weekly Bible study class, addresses the hunger to learn more about the WORD of God. The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) also founded its roots in CTK. Likewise, we provide a venue to transparochial organizations such as Diwanihang Kristyano and Couples for Christ. An informed faith nurtured within and beyond parish borders. And so, we see today Christ the King Parish as a bed of bountiful growth of spirituality and formation, rooted in a communal desire to serve the Church, as individuals, as families, as communities. ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. Msgr. Mora with Prex participants
The spiritual journey of Christ the King Parish sprung from the formation of the Christian Family Movement (CFM), facilitated by Fr. Jess Fernandez, SJ, assisted by Fr. Victoriano Lanuevo, the first CTK Parish priest. When Msgr. Jaime Mora became parish priest, he initiated the Catholic Lay Evangelization (CLAYE) program. They did weekly visits to Libis and Bagumbayan, conducted house-tohouse weekly catechism and Biblia Rasal. Not long after, Msgr. Mora, introduced the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX). His one-on-one invitation earned him many to commit this renewal program. PREX, a week-end seminar, proved to be a good tool for evangelization which led many to serve the Church. With time, the parishioners continued to seek new avenues of spiritual growth. Not long after, many ministries and mandated organizations took root – The Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), Knights of Columbus (KOC), Adoracion Nocturna, Apostleship of Prayer (AP), Ladies of
Charity (LOC), Catholic Women’s League (CWL) resulting in the formation of CTK community. Our succeeding parish priests—Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria and Fr. Bong Tupino widened the grounds of formation. The parishioners were constantly nurtured. Recollections became regular events during Advent and Lent. The growing pulse moved CTKP to create the Formation Ministry. This opened new avenues of formation. Formation talks are now offered with regularity some of which are sponsored by different Parish Ministries, such as the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), Stewardship, Sunrise ministries. Speakers, both from the clergy and the laity are invited to share their wisdom. Other ministries likewise, give formation beyond the parish borders: CWL (Lenten recollection for drivers and kasambahays), AP, CWL, LOC, KOC (catechism for marginalized children and prisoners). The YCP (Young Catholic Professionals), provides new insights as the Church
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(Bet Montecillo is the head of the Formation Ministry)
Formation Talks with Fr. Henry Ferreras
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Shepherding with a Vision
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THE miracle called mora Compiled by Dolly Borlongan
Msgr. Jaime Jesoro Mora January 1983 – August 2004 By Dolly Borlongan Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council 2001 - 2007
“Life has never been the same again since I retired and moved to Cavite. I miss you all and continue to pray for all of you.” This was what Monsy Mora told me when I visited him in Cavite last November 2009. He was sad to have had to retire from a parish that he loved and shepherded for 22 years. When I attended PREX in 2001, Msgr. Mora talked with me and asked me to be the secretary of the parish pastoral council because the secretary then resigned. This started my active service to the parish and my relationship with Monsy Mora as my pastor, my friend and my counselor. I learned later on that this was his way of reaching out to me to give spiritual and emotional support to me and my family during a trying time in our life. Monsy Mora had such a compassionate and loving heart in bringing his flock to church. He would personally go to the homes of the parishioners to invite them to join PREX. He would give Holy Communion to the sick and elderly in our parish. Monsy would always say … “ Aber, if the parishioners can’t go to church then I will bring the church to them.” Monsy Mora was not intimidated by his parishioners. He was a brave leader. He had great vision and mission for CTK, and he sped away and “just did it” despite some
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opposition from his favorite critics. He really accomplished a lot for our parish. He saw the need to foster interaction between the villagers and Libis community. Each sitio was partnered to both village association and ministries. He also raised funds for the yearly Christmas gift giving in Libis. Monsy Mora transformed the unpainted church to what we have now with the rectory, multipurpose hall, mortuary, parking lot and adoration chapel. With so much wisdom and foresight, he built and started selling crypt spaces that eventually raised almost Php160MM for church renovation and construction. He accommodated the aircon donation and courageously operated it amid protests of some parishioners. People from all over attend masses on CTK because of the splendor and comfort of the church that improves the quality of worship and programs of the parish. The 22 years of Monsy Mora were all made into good use. Monsy Mora passed away Oct 12, 2016. His 40th day fell on the Feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King last November 26, 2016. What a fitting tribute to ascend into heaven on the feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King.
By Carlos F. Rufino Vice-President, 1st Parish Pastoral Council 1983 Head, Construction Committee 1980 - 1988
Mons Mora was a dynamic and decisive Parish Priest for what was then a very new Parish comprising Corinthian Gardens, Greenmeadows. His clear and purposeful vision for the parish spurred parishioners to actively contribute our time and cash to build this beautiful church. He was a very mature priest which the community needed at that time. He was tireless in his efforts to raise funds, oversee the construction and generate interest in attendance to the daily and Sunday masses.
By Mila San Juan Head, Worship Ministry 1998 – 2006
When we moved to Valle Verde 6 in the early ‘90s we barely knew anybody in the community. We were regular Sunday churchgoers. We felt welcomed by the CTK parishioners especially then parish priest Msgr. Mora. This inspired us to take an active role in the parish. Eventually my late husband, Pres, became a lay minister and I was assigned to head the Lectors and Commentators Committee. My children became choir members. My most significant experience was the spiritual care given to my husband when he got sick until he passed away. He was given daily communion most of the time by Msgr. Mora himself. This gave Pres peace and total acceptance of his condition. Our family felt the love and care from the whole community. This gave us the strength to move on and continue living and loving the Lord. From then up to present we continue our humble contribution to the parish in printing the Parish Newsletter. Though we no longer live in the CTK parish area, we feel we belong to CTK … a strong bond and link to exist as a Christian loving and serving the Lord.
Thankful Giving
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stewardship at christ the king parish: aging graTefuLly By Angel Viloria
Ladies of Charity help children learn.
“Mission is not like a business transaction...The Holy Spirit works as He wills, when He wills, and where He wills; we entrust ourselves without pretending to see striking results. We know only that our commitment is necessary. – From Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium This 2019, Christ the King Parish celebrates its 40th year and also its 14th year as a Stewardship Parish. Promoting the Spirituality of Stewardship began on September 17, 2005, when Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D, was parish priest. The vision of the Stewardship Program was for the parish “to be a community where everyone is a witness to Christ’s call to stewardship as a way of life.” The mission was to “continuously evangelize the parish community on the Spirituality of Stewardship” and to “enable the parish community by providing them with the means to share their time, talent, and treasure.” Stewardship is an expression of discipleship. It guides all our thoughts and actions. Stewardship is a Christian’s response to God’s infinite love for us. Sustaining the program for 14 years and for the parish to have continued as it has for the past 40 years, would not have been possible without the Holy Spirit and the offering of time, talent, and treasure of all who serve in and come to the parish. Activities were pursued to allow parishioners to grow in their understanding of Stewardship: from the holding of formation talks; to themed hand-outs and prayers of the faithful during masses; distribution of
Building homes in CTK Gawad Kalinga Village.
prayer cards and refrigerator magnets; fellowship with offerors; the publication of Stewardship booklets; designating the first Sunday of every month as Stewardship Sunday, and working with Village Coordinators/ Stewardship Promoters, among others. The Stewardship Program provided support for the parish’s Gawad Kalinga Project, Pabahay ng Diocese, two runs of the 7 Habits of Highly Successful Families and reached out to the poor within and beyond the parish in our Year of the Poor Project. Offerings of treasure likewise support the various ministries in Christ the King and in the Diocese of Cubao. These include support for: catechists and seminarians, poor parishes, feeding programs for children, prison apostolate, and financial assistance for scholars. Stewardship is an expression of our gratitude for all that we have received. While the parish continues to share its blessings, the challenge is to be more faithful, faith-filled, and generous in the coming years. We look forward to growing more in our practice of Stewardship as a Way of Life. Through prayer and good works, the Holy Spirit will continue to touch all in different ways, each according to God’s plan for them. Through more Stewardship testimonials and activities, the parish aims to share more and take the lead in serving the Lord and our neighbor, not only within the parish, but also in the Diocese of Cubao and in the Philippines. With this, Christ the King Parish will continue to age gratefully and truly be a
Parish for Others. In a recollection talk, Fr. Ramon Maria Luza Bautista, SJ shared St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Suscipe (Receive): “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.” Stewardship is realizing that all we have is a gift from the Lord. It is trusting Him with all that we have. We have been blessed so we may also bless others. As stewards and as a parish, may the Suscipe be the constant prayer of our lives and our hearts.
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(Angel Viloria is a member of the Stewardship Ministry. Benjie and Wins Mirasol are the head coordinators.)
While the parish continues to share its blessings, the challenge is to be more faithful, faith-filled, and generous in the coming years.
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WILCON BUILDING BIG IDEAS
Managing Editor: Tessa Mangahas Editorial Consultants: Bing & Elise del Rosario Layout Design: Pio Mallari Printed by: The House Printers Photo credits: Fred del Rosario, Bing del Rosario, Tyrone Coo-co, “Building the Kingdom” coffee table book & Trix Deleña, Lulay dela Cruz, St. Ignatius Coffee table book
Thank you to Ric and Julie Bangayan for your support! 18
christ in our hearts Music: Dodong Sanchez Lyrics: Tessa Mangahas Arrangement: Nonong Sampang
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(Bridge)
Beyond the past, present and future He shepherds us Beyond walls, sin and uncertainty He welcomes us No divisions, we lift our praise No borders, we grow our faith Sheltered in Christ’s embrace We are called We are called
He bears glad tidings Teaching us to care Bringing light to the hopeless Blessing families everywhere
(Refrain) Christ is our home Christ in our hearts Take us in Your arms Christ is our home Christ in our hearts Hail Christ, our King and Servant of all.
(Final refrain) Christ is our home Christ in our hearts Mold us in Your love Christ is our home Christ in our hearts Hail Christ, our King and Servant of all Christ is our home Christ in our hearts Hail Christ, our King and Servant King and servant of all!!
2 We give our time, talent and treasure We share His love All that we are, all that we have Are gifts from God above Loving, serving, we heed His call In Jesus’ heart there is room for all To the table of Christ our King We are drawn, we are drawn (Repeat Refrain)
CTK Hymn Group
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Prayer to Christ the King O Christ Jesus, we acknowledge you to be the King of the Universe. Exercise over us all your sovereign rights. We hereby renew the promises of our baptism, renouncing Satan and all his works and pomp. We engage ourselves to lead a truly Christian life. And in a special manner, we undertake to bring about the triumph of your love and mercy in the Church, in our community and in our family. Divine Heart of Jesus, we offer you our endeavors to be solely Thine. May the Kingdom of Your Peace be firmly established in our home, in our hearts and throughout all the earth. Amen.
Panalangin kay Kristong Hari O Banal na Kristo Hesus, ikaw ang Hari ng buong sanlibutan. Maghari ka nawa sa amin ng lubos. Pinagpapanibago namin ang mga pangakong aming sinambit sa aming binyag na itakwil si Satanas, ang kanyang kapalaluan at masamang gawain. Nangangako kaming mamuhay ayon sa tunay na Kristiyanong pamumuhay. Sa isang natatanging paraan, nawa’y lagi naming papurihan ang tagumpay at ringal ng Iyong wagas na pagmamahal at awa, sa Simbahang Katolika, sa aming mga pamayanan at sa aming mga pamilya. O Banal na Puso ni Hesus, iniaalay namin sa Iyo ang lahat ng aming pagsusumikap at pintuho. Sa Iyong kapangyarihan, O Kristong Hari, punan niyo ng kapayaaan at pagmamahal ang aming mga tahanan, ang aming puso at ang buong sanlibutan. Amen.
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