The The
paraclete The little paper that feeds on prayer
The Official Newsletter of the Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes Quezon City
Vol. 4, No. 5 Issue
October 2011
Church Dedication and Altar Consecration By Angeli Francis S. Rivera SIGNIFICANTLY NINETEEN WEEKS after Easter, parishioners came to witness another spiritual milestone for the Holy Spirit Parish. Occurring on September 4, 2011, at the 7AM Mass was the solemn dedication of the church and consecration of her altar which His Excellency, Most Reverend Antonio Tobias, D.D., celebrated. Outside the door of the church, the Bishop was presented with the keys by Boni Limos, indefatigable volunteer engineer
of the builders group overseeing the construction. The pastoral ownership of the church was handed over to the bishop. The decree was read, and by the 6th apostolic year of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the church was solemnly dedicated to the honor and glory of the Holy Spirit. The plaque carrying the decree was signed by Bishop Tobias, Fr. Mario Sanchez (concurrent Emcee of the ceremonies) and our very own Fr. Jigs. Upon the church doors’ opening by the deacon, the bishop stepped inside and invited
and welcomed each and every parishioner by laying hands on them. At the heels of his welcome were the proclamation, realization and celebration of the invisible gift or the Spirit of God in the Church. Thus began the exultant yet solemn processional. Holy water was sprinkled on every wall, person and the altar – the mark of the beginning of another life with the church. The Mass commenced with Bishop Tobias as the main celebrant and Fr. Jigs, Fr. Joseph Rey Villamartin, Fr. Daniel Godefroy, Fr. Mario Sanchez, Fr. Raymond Benedict Dizon, and Rev. Tristan Laforteza as concelebrants. The Roman Rite for the dedication was used. The Liturgy of the Word contained: First Reading from Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 which told of Ezra’s proclamation of the law of God to the people of Jerusalem; the psalms repeatedly intoned How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord; the Gospel of John on Jesus and the Samaritan Woman was read by the deacon; the Bishop concluded the liturgy with his homily. He
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began with the question, “What is true worship?” and expounded on the faith of the Samaritan Woman who impressed Jesus with her worship. “True worship,” the bishop said, “is done in the place of encounter, the sacrifice that made the great work of redemption happen”. He was referring to the sacrifice returned to us, in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we are able to partake of the spiritual nourishment. The eternal life bestowed to us in our Baptism must be nourished by reflecting the beauty of the Church, by making it grow more beautiful so as not to desiccate the significant reality presented by Christ’s redemption of us. The Litany of Saints was sung justifiably by the Spirit Minstrels, invoking in their double profession of faith the presence of the Holy Trinity, the Blessed
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Mother, the Archangels and the Communion of Saints. The bishop prayed the dedication to the Lord and petitioned for His blessing. It was followed by his rites of anointing the altar; the walls were done by two of the concelebrants. The rites confirm the altar as a symbol of total sacrifice, from the notion of Christ as the Anointed One, His body as a sacrificial offering and the church as the sacred dwelling of Christian worship. The bishop had to wear two bibs in anointing and washing the altar. The incensation of the altar followed suit, to signify the essence of Christ and the prayers of God’s people reaching out to Him. The incensation of the people being the body of Christ and of the walls of the church evoked the place as a house of prayer and the people as the living temple (Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments
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and Divine Worship, 1977). The dressing of the altar was done by church ladies, primarily by the Mother Butler Guild. A transparent cover, a white linen and a vast white table cloth were placed. This was to prepare the altar for the sacrifice where, to us, the body and the blood of Christ take the physical form of bread and wine. The presentation of the gifts ensued, with lay people offering flowers and six candles. The candles were placed on the altar and were lighted alongside the lighting of the whole church. The action characterized the Church’s witnessing to the fullness of truth – the light of Christ to the whole world. The Eucharist is the center of the liturgy, the culminating moment of all the sacramental proceedings that took place. The new altar was finally used as the place of sacrifice (true worship) and the people gathered to partake of it. Before the ceremony ended, Fr. Jigs thanked the people for their generous donations to the construction of the altar and assured them of God’s reward for their kindness. Quoting from Eph 1:16), he said, “In four years, I have not stopped thanking you.” And concluded with a vision for a renewed Church, putting emphasis on both the structure (church) and the people (Church) in the year 2015.
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From the Parish Priest My Dear Parishioners ALLOW ME TO reflect with you on God’s justice and generosity. Is God unjust and unfair? On the surface, the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 20:1-16, Gospel for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time) seems to suggest that God, like the landowner in the parable, is unjust. He rewarded the laborers who came the earliest with the same wage as those who worked only for an hour. We can understand the former’s complaint, “Why do you make us equal to those who didn’t suffer the day’s burdens and the heat?” When we were young, we complained about too much work while getting too little compensation. So these workers’ complaints were really childish. There are two lessons that the Parable tells us about God. Firstly, God is just. He hired laborers for the usual daily wage. But how much was the usual daily wage? The Filipino version of the Gospel tells us that it was one denarius, a monetary unit in the time of Jesus. In the time of Jesus, it was the usual daily wage for unskilled workers and lowest ranked soldiers in the Roman military. It was valued at 10 asses (perhaps, cents). In 2005, the rough estimate of its value in
terms of its buying power for bread was $21. In pesos, if we multiply a dollar to Php 42, it is about Php 882. With our present standards, it is really above the usual minimum wage for an unskilled worker; it was not bad at all! The landowner was just by giving the usual daily wage. Secondly, God is generous. This lesson is about grace. St. Augustine tells us that grace is not given on account of our merits. Grace is given gratuitously by God, not because He is paying us or we deserved it, but because He chooses to grant it. Grace is voluntary on the part of God. Because everyone has sinned, St. Augustine added, we should be punished on account of justice. But God, as our responsorial psalm tells us, is slow to anger and rich in compassion. Those who worked little received a generous compensation. It was a bonus! This is the best description of grace. We get more than what we deserve. My professor and Spiritual Director, the late Fr. John Zwaenepoel, CICM, says that justice is the minimum of love. God has perfected His justice by love. He exceeded His own justice, because His love is abounding. It goes beyond the boundary, not just settling for the minimum. His mercy exceeds
His justice, because His love is everlasting. Looking at ourselves, sometimes we have a sense of entitlement: an I-deserve-this and I-deserve-that mentality. We measure life according to how much we should get. No wonder we always complain, and feel deprived. The laborers in the Gospel felt that way, but it was baseless. On the one hand, the Gospel invites us to embrace the bonus-mentality. Which is the mentality of those who are thankful to God for every blessing, big or small, looking at life from the vantage point of blessedness, or giftedness. Because they are bonus-minded, they are thankful, they are happy. They measure life according to what they give, not what they get. They can be really generous people. Lastly, it is with great joy that I thank you all, my dear Parishioners, for your tremendous response to the relief efforts for the flood victims of Bulacan and Pampanga. I am humbled by the outpouring of your generosity. I am proud to be your pastor. Yours in Christ,
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Editorial
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Laity Keep Spiritual Life Alive THE HOLY SPIRIT Parish recently played host to a Vicariate meeting. Spiritus Hall teemed with familiar faces all eager to fellowship with their kindred parishioners from five churches comprising the vicar’s district: Jesus of Nazareth, Hearts of Jesus and Mary, St. Benedict, San Jose ang Tagapagtanggol and the presider. Buoyant with pride was the host church for, finally, there came the time for them to reciprocate the generous hospitality of the parishes who earlier served as venues for the convention. It was commonly shared that, as austere as the environment of the other parishes was, the reception and provisions they welcome the member-churches with emanate from a richness belying their circumstances. Which is why assemblies of the sort, as periodic as they come, are looked forward to by the attendees. Not only to catch up on project developments incurred during the gaps but also to exchange positive changes that befell their counterpart lots during the interim. Significant endeavors are given birth during these conferences, in part because the Diocese imparts programs to the grassroots through the Vicariates. For one, the Family and Life Program of the Holy Spirit Parish took an introductory bow late last week, with couple Dante and Linda Reyes at the forefront of the seminar. A catechism class is scheduled during the rosary month of October
specifically to underscore the occasion. Unbeknownst to many, the Diocese of Novaliches has been conducting an education formation commission on module-making to supplement the catechism efforts of the various parishes in its jurisdiction. The final workshop for writers involved in this undertaking is set on the final week of this month after which, the approved modules will find their way into all the churches of the diocese. The CLAN (Council of the Laity of Novaliches) which is composed of all Parish Pastoral Council Presidents is another activity that seriously takes into account the active participation of its members towards a more involved and energetic growth of the laity. It meets once a month. Capping these tasks is the quarterly Recollection through the auspices of the Holy Spirit Parish. Aimed at keeping the flame burning in the hearts of its parishioners, the last talk, themed He Pitched His Tent Among Us, is a timely token to usher in the greatest of all beginnings. And recently, the devastation of the twin typhoons Pedring and Quiel showed what big hearts we have in our Diocese. The response of our own parishioners to calls for relief was exceptional, to say the least. In December, our Parish hosts the Vicariate Christmas Party. We pray it to be a party of all parties, one that will close this year of challenges, opportunities and grace.
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Of Saints and Saintliness Lilia F. Antonio
Ang Rosaryo: Debosyon sa Lahat ng Panahon MARAMING GAMIT ANG rosaryo sa karaniwang buhay ng mga Pilipino: palawit sa harap ng sasakyan, kuwintas, pulseras, dekorasyon sa pintuan o dinding ng bahay, bahagi ng koleksyon sa altar, at iba pa. Sari-sari rin ang ginagamit na materyal alinsunod sa katayuan sa buhay; may kahoy, plastik, papel, luwad, kabibe, perlas at makukulay na bato na nakadaragdag sa ganda at pang-akit nito. Subalit ilan sa atin ang nakababatid ng tunay na kasaysayan at kahalagahan ng rosaryo? Ayon sa aklat na 100 Names of Mary, Stories and Prayers ni Anthony F. Chiffolo, ang rosaryo ay mula sa salitang Latin na rosarium na ang kahulugan ay “isang hardin ng mga rosas”. Sinasabing ang pananalanging ito ay nag-ugat sa dalawang kaugalian noong ika-13 siglo: una, ang pagpuputong ng mga maharlika ng korona ng rosas sa kanilang minamahal; at ikalawa, ang panunumpa ng karangalan ng mga kabalyero sa Birheng Santa Maria sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng pumpon ng rosas sa
kanyang imahen o sa pag-aalay ng ispiritwal na “pumpon ng rosas” sa pamamagitan ng pagdarasal ng rosaryo. Sa panahong ito nagtungo si Domingo de Guzman (11701221) na naging si Santo Domingo na tagapagtatag ng Order ng mga Domikano)) sa dakong timog ng Pransiya para mangaral. Sinasabing habang nagdarasal siya sa isang kapilya noong taong 1208, nagpakita sa kanya ang Birheng Maria at itinuro sa kanya ang kumpleto at tamang pagrorosaryo. Hinikayat din siya nitong mangaral sa iba pang panig ng daigdig bilang lunas sa maling pananampalataya at kasalanan. Ang mga aparisyon ng Mahal na Birhen ng Fatima sa ika-20 siglo ang nagpatuloy sa debosyong ito. Noong Oktubre 13, 1917, sinabi niya sa tatlong bata, “Ako ang Birhen ng Rosaryo. Narito ako para balaan ang mga tao na magbagong-buhay at humingi ng tawad sa kanilang mga kasalanan… Kailangang magrosaryo ang mga tao. Ipagpatuloy nila ito araw-araw.”
At sa loob ng maraming siglo, hindi mabilang na mga deboto ang nagpatuloy sa pagdarasal ng rosaryo, pagninilay sa 15 banal na misteryo at pagdulog sa makainang puso ni Maria upang humingi ng tulong at kagalingan. Noong Oktubre 16, 2002, nilagdaan ni Pope John Paul II ang apostolikong liham na “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” (o ang Rosaryo ng Birheng Maria) kasabay ng kanyang ika-24 na anibersaryo mula nang mahalal na Santo Papa. Idineklara rin niya itong isang buong Taon ng Rosaryo at hinikayat ang lahat na dasalin ito nang madalas at buong pagmamahal dahil ito ang kawing nila kay Maria patungo kay Hesus. Sa panahon ding ito idinagdag ang limang “Misteryo ng Liwanag” na mahahalagang pangyayari sa pampublikong ministeryo ni Hesus upang lalo pang mapalalim ang tuon ng rosaryo kay Kristo.
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Ipinahayag ni Pope John Paul II na ang rosaryo ay isang makapangyarihang dasal para sa kapayapaan, sa pagbubuklod ng mga pamilya at sa pagninilaynilay sa mga misteryo ng buhay ni Hesus. Inamin niya na ang rosaryo ang paborito niyang dasal na kaagapay niya sa lahat ng sandali ng kaligayahan at pagsubok. Naniniwala siya na ang rosaryo ay “nagdudulot ng malalim na kapayapaan sa mga nagdarasal nito at isang daan upang makita nila ang mukha ni Hesus sa iba, makiisa sa mga sakit at paghihirap ng mga ito at maghangad ng isang daigdig na mas maganda, mas makatarungan at mas nauugnay
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sa plano ng Diyos. “Para sa kanya, ang rosaryo ang Bibliya ng mga hindi makasulat at makabasa dahil ang buong kasaysayan ng ating kaligtasan ay nakapaloob sa mga misteryong lumalagom sa buhay ni Hesus. May ilang mungkahi upang magawang higit na mabisa, makahulugan at kasiya-siya ang pagdarasal ng rosaryo. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod: - Isaisip na ang buong rosaryo ay isang pagkilos tungo sa pagpupuri at maligayang pakikiugnay sa Diyos. Sikaping madama ang kahulugan ng mga salita at mga pangyayari nang walang pagmamadali.
- Huwag mag-alala kapag ginagambala ng ibang isipin. Ipayapa ang loob at ipahayag kay Hesus ang pagkaligalig. - Alalahanin na ang banayad na pagbigkas sa mga salita ay naghahatid sa sentro ng ating mga sarili kung saan nananahan ang Espiritu ni Hesus gaya ng pagtahan Niya sa isang templo. - Ang buong buwan ng Oktubre ay Buwan ng Rosaryo. Sa pagtingin natin sa rosaryo, nawa’y mamutawi sa ating bibig ang pasasalamat, pagmamahal at buong-tiwalang pagsamo sa mahal na Birheng Maria, ang Ina ng Simbahan.
Parishioners wait for their turn during the DMI’s yearly medical check-up program; right photo shows DMI members taking time off to pose for posterity
Madeka Stone Development
Pagdayon Traveller’s Inn
“REFINING THE WORLD’S NATURAL RESOURCES”
“YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME”
40 Sampaguita St. Mapayapa Village II, QC Adelie P. Cardenas Vice-President
Rizal Avenue Puerto Princesa City Gerry M. Dris Proprietor
October 2011
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The Holy Spirit Parish Revisited: Little Church with Big Dreams By Clare Gineta “THE FUTURE PROMISES to be even better.� So concludes the report of the epic first thirty years of the Parish. The colorful keepsakes at the Spiritus Hall bear witness to the history of the Parish. The new altar was blessed in solemn rites by Bishop Antonio Tobias on Sunday, September 4, 2011. Beneath the Son of God nailed to the huge cross are the Blessed Mother and John, the Beloved, a reminder of the scene in Calvary. Carvings of the other apostles complete the tableau, all witnesses to the first celebration of the Eucharist. The wavelike, accordion backdrop, bathed in muted pastel light of interchanging rainbow hues, symbolizes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The elevation of the sanctuary gives the church a cathedral feel. The tabernacle is now in a small chamber to the left of the altar, reminiscent of the Ark of the Covenant of old. The lit lampstand assures the faithful of His loving perpetual vigil. Gone are reminders of the past -- the church was a multipurpose hall used not only for Holy Mass on Sundays but
also for informal gatherings, business meetings and parties. This is now exclusively a house of worship befitting the majesty of our Lord. With the choirs suffusing the church with their euphonious voices, the Masses become joyful celebrations. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord! The following Sunday saw new images of the Virgin
Mother blessed and entrusted to the coordinators of the fifteen subdivision blocks, each supervised by a Legionary. This new setup continues the decadesold block rosary tradition. There is renewed zeal. The President of the Legion of Mary, who is presently Ed Santiago, has overall supervision. Their junior counterparts, thanks to the devotion notably of Liza
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Infante and Zenie Limos, assures the mandated groups that they shall not want for members in the coming years. These junior legionaries also ably serve as lectors, commentators (Young Proclaimers, they are called) and choir at the 8:30 Sunday morning Masses. The Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) held its 20th seminar last September 10 and 11, 2011. Prex 21 is scheduled on November 12 and 13, 2011. Its core group (of Chair Couple Noel and Marilou Tamase, Domeng and Mila Mendoza, Nito and Remy Coronel, Eric and Minnie Dacanay and Dante and Linda Reyes) never loses the ardor and commitment to entice new workers to enter the vineyard of the Lord.
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member, theology student. He, among many, is testament to the truth that the one short PREX weekend spent with the Lord can make a difference. And yes, there are many. Noel Tamase is no longer content being a good husband to Malou and father to well-reared children. He is a ubiquitous presence in the parish. He and Malou were chair of the Parish Pastoral Council. Eric and Minnie Dacanay have since taken over. Catch Noel doggedly chronicling every event in church on his trusty Nikon. Marilou is also a lawyer, MOW member, Spirit Minstrel and block rosary coordinator. The crusade of MOW President Thelma Ponferrada is for an effective and faith-filled proclamation of God’s word.
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A big-visioned little parish. That’s the Holy Spirit Parish. will be about Jesus of Nazareth as the Human Face of God. There is ample time to make this Advent event a fitting offering. The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMIs), through the able stewardship of Regent Susan Valix, continue to pursue with vim and vitality their four missions: assistance to families of prisoners and their victims; morality in media; prolife advocacy; and upliftment of women workers. Susan is also the church’s competent
Left photo shows Prex Class No. 20 graduates pose with Fr. Jigs Rosalinda and Lead Couple Dante and Linda Reyes while right photo shows Ham de la Torre and parishioners from San Jose Tagapagtanggol finish with flourish their dance number during the 11th Presbyteral Anniversary celebration of Fr. Jigs
One happy Prex product is Ham de la Torre, a long-time resident previously unheard of but now a whirling dervish of sorts – lay minister, editor of this paper, PREX speaker, auxiliary legionary, Spirit Minstrels
She also heads the Worship Committee of the Parish Pastoral Council which has scheduled four recollections for parishioners this year with the theme, The Call to Holiness in Our Everyday Lives. The fourth talk, on December 3,
auditor, whose precise financial statements always elicit praise from Bishop Tobias. Aida Aguinaldo aptly heads the Apostleship of Prayer. ApostleContinued on page 14...
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Senior Jokes
1. A SENIOR CITIZEN said to his eighty-year old buddy: ‘So I hear you’re getting married?’ ‘Yep!’ ‘Do I know her?’ ‘Nope!’ ‘This woman, is she good looking?’ ‘Not really.’ ‘Is she a good cook?’ ‘Naw, she can’t cook too well.’ ‘Does she have lots of money?’ ‘Nope! Poor as a church mouse.’ ‘Why in the world do you want to marry her then?’ ‘Because she can still drive!’ 2. THREE OLD GUYS are out walking. First one says, ‘Windy, isn’t it?’ Second one says, ‘No, it’s Thursday!’ Third one says, ‘So am I. Let’s go get a beer.’ 3. A MAN was telling his neighbor, ‘I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me ninety thousand pesos, but it’s state of the art.. It’s perfect.’
‘Really,’ answered the neighbor . ‘What kind is it?’ ‘Twelve thirty.’
Thank You for your continuing support. From The DMI Committee on Assistance to Prisoners’ Families and their Victims
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A Run for Diabetic Children By Ivan-John P. Concepcion WHEN OUR DAUGHTER Sara was 6 years old, we saw her life dramatically transformed from “carefree innocence to undue dependence”. She was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and abruptly discovered that life, for her, from then on, had to depend on daily, painful insulin injections to control the sugar in her body or things go haywire or lead to death. It staggers to even imagine a child’s desperation and fear of the pain of every injection or the prick her fragile fingers endure more than once a day just to make sure her blood sugar is stable. More sorry and unimaginable, perhaps, is her deprivation from food and drinks that used to be a given in her routine. Childhood is supposed to be the time of playful discovery, reckless abandon and independence, a delightful instant changed drastically by diabetes. While we, as parents, try to be as objective as doctors, we are nonetheless distraught – perhaps, even more perturbed than others – because we knew the sacrifices the disorder entailed, the limitations it required and, most terrifying, the complications that may alter, derail or even cut short her future, inevitably. We turned to prayers for a miracle
cure for our dearest daughter and strength and guidance for my wife, Susan, and me. For an answer, God gave surprising calm, courage and independence to Sara; she embraced the ordeal with “acceptance and maturity” far beyond her years! She bravely took upon herself the task of self-IV-feeding, monitoring and controlling her diet. The child in her, however, remained impatient and easily frustrated and withdraws to a shell of insecurity, fear and anger. It was not too easy for her to understand and accept that, despite her illness, life goes on and there was no one and nothing to blame for her predicament. Somehow, she found comfort in others who were similarly situated; the same daily obligatory routine, the same mental anguish – the kids of the Juvenile Diabetic Foundation (JDF). In educational and getto-know “camps,” they get the chance to interact with one another: share their experiences, frustrations and fears; learn to take control of their lives by better understanding their illness; read and anticipate problems; and measure and plan their diets. It was easy to see that they needed each other for support, but what came disturbingly
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The average lifespan of the Filipino is 69 yrs old. Diabetes shortens life by 15-25 yrs, depending on its onset. A diabetic’s lifespan is 44 to 54 years. clear was that, aside from the illness that they shared, these kids’ experiences are different from one another - brought about by life’s social condition, educational background and financial capability. My daughter, I realized, is more fortunate by circumstances – she has us, who medically understand her illness and doctor-friends to look after her. While we still cringe at the expenses she periodically incurs, we try to cope with her financial needs, without fail or delay. But when you see kids from less blessed families, you wonder how they are able to make ends meet or if they understand that a missed medication or poorly-controlled blood sugar will eventually lead to severe, irreversible complications. Even as I put my practice farthest from my mind, the daily exposure to complications (blindness, lifelong dialysis and amputation) gives me a dose of dread. The JDF, as a support group, can only do so much as to lowering the medical cost and offering free consultations. With that in place, the cost remains stiff in the overall and long-term care of a diabetic kid. Unfortunately,
too, not all juvenile or Type 1 diabetics have a successful, celebrated life course (consider Gary V) and the painful truth is, in the Philippines, the reverse is usually true – ignorance, abject poverty and neglect have forced most diabetics to a life drowned in despair, mired in complications and at death’s beck and call. My daughter, Sara, will soon be 20 years old and, at this point in her life, she remains apparently free of complications and has a life that may be considered full and “normal.” But no one knows what the future holds, we can only pray and remain vigilant in her care so she can continue to live life to the brim. It is our prayer that all diabetic kids have the same chance at life and hope for a future – and secure it. Editor’s Notes: 1. The author, an Orthopedic Surgeon by profession, is enjoining enthusiasts to a Marathon Trilogy, to underscore the need to educate people on Juvenile or Type 1 Diabetes and to generate help for the needs of these children. The first two have passed but the final event, the 3rd Quezon City International Marathon, is
on 4 December 2011. Interested parties may reach the author at 09189091124. 2. You may reach the JUVENILE DIABETES F O U N D A T I O N PHILIPPINES, Inc. at 5th Floor APC Building, 116 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, MM Telefax: (02) 4162173 3. You may please deposit your donations to BPI S/A# 000273-3586-92 under the Account of JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, Inc. Please fax the deposit slip to (02) 4162173 with your name and address so we can send you the official receipt. 4. Please e-mail to ivanjohnph@ yahoo.com your name, amount donated and date of deposit for purposes of monitoring/ verification. 5. The author may receive your donation at #45 A. Barrion St., BF Homes, Bgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City. He prefers checks issued to JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC. but cash is also accepted. Your donation will be officially receipted.
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A(l)-lel-(u)-i-(ah)! Aleli Francis S. Rivera
The Church’s Vocal Chords WITH VOICES THAT waft melodious and fill the air to respond to God’s call to service, the following choirs of the Holy Spirit Parish truly represent the voice of the church and her lead in enjoining the congregation to pray twice. 1. The Golden Voices Ramon Clarete (Choirmaster) Gloria Gotangco Mely Taco Medard Rodriguez
This is a pioneer group of seasoned singers loyal to both one another and their chosen vocation. The voices take their cue from most of the members, who are senior citizens, hence the name. They sing during the Saturday anticipated mass at 6:00 PM.
2. The Spirit Minstrels
Joel Andal (Keyboardist) Susan Concepcion Arnel Cruz Relly Cruz Eric Dacanay John Diocson (Choirmaster) Ogie Frez (Keyboardist) Lorna Frez Maricar Lansang Marian Libot
Jane Mangampat Marilou Tamase Kenneth Tanate Marie Tanate Ham de la Torre The Spirit Minstrels started as a PREX project, a collection of graduates simply “there” to have fun (which started one Christmastime) and, over time, realized they could be serious with their craft. It became Prex and Friends to accomodate nonPrex graduates and is now called what it is. The members believe singing enhances their spirituality and the position to always say “Amen” to God’s bidding. The members render service through a voice that is one in intent and sentiment. They sing during the Sunday 7:00 AM and practice every Saturday starting at 7:30 PM. The choir easily agrees to perform during special occasions upon the behest of Fr. Jigs.
has assumed a regular position at Masses. The members, who are too many to name here, believe that the presence of singing children during Mass makes a special impact. This is highlighted by a touch of violin in the sound they make. The Legion of Mary’s uniqueness as a chorale showcases the youngest members of the parish, who participate in Masses for Simbang Gabi, Lent, Fiesta, Easter Vigil and upon invitations to sing at house blessings and other activities of the Legion. The choir is led by Paolo Tamase and Angelica Fernandez, both resident pianists. It practices every Saturday morning.
4. The Four-Thirty Choir
Natasha Agpaoa Monica Lavares Maraya Aguila Christine Chung Alex Viray Dayanara Ebe (Coordinator) Fel Borja Judith Pascual Janine Martinez Christian Mark Panganiban (Guitarist)
3. The Legion of Mary Choir
The Sunday, 8:30 a.m. slot was once given to the Junior Legionaries to augment the small number of choristers then. As its name implies, this choir Later, along with its burgeoning sings during the Sunday, 4:30 membership, the Legion choir
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October 2011
Joy in Service By Anne Asis-Carillo THE VERY FIRST time I stood behind a lectern was during my first Holy Communion. I was a second-grader, assigned the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm. From then, I became a proclaimer in every Holy Mass in our school. In high school, I would be tasked to deliver the First or Second Reading. I sang the Responsorial Psalm at graduation. In my first two years in college, I joined Magnum Opus; we would often sing at Masses held at the UST church. I always found joy in those minute milestones as my own little way of serving God. Speaking and singing are my strong, Godgiven gifts; I use them to serve. So I immediately said yes when Fr. Jigs Rosalinda asked me if I wanted to be a Lector. This was last year, before I got married. I prayed for that opportunity because I never had the courage to ask anyone in the parish office about it. We have lived in BF Homes for more than twenty years; it was only this year that I joined the Ministry of the Word. And I am happy to be part of it. It is a great privilege to read the Word of God from the lectionary. It is a great honor to be God’s messenger in the Holy Mass. There is a sense
of joy and fulfillment in the knowledge that the Lord uses my voice that others may hear Him. But service should not be confined within the church walls. As God is everywhere, so are opportunities to serve Him. My father is a member of the Rotary Club in Mabalacat, Pampanga. They have feeding programs for malnourished children in public schools, give free medical and dental missions and provide assistance to the poor and the needy. Just as the Lord uses my voice to spread His word, God uses people like my Dad and his fellow Rotarians as instruments of His love. Service to God does not require great, heroic deeds. It could take the form of a smile to a stranger, ears lent to a friend in need, helping someone carry his bags, opening the door for a pregnant woman, giving up a seat in the bus or train for an old lady, or giving a hungry kid on the street a piece of bread from your baon. God asks us to love others the way He loves us. Every time we show kindness, understanding or mercy to other people, we heed His command. To quote Leo Tolstoy: “Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in
life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” There is absolute joy in serving. I see this joy on the faces of my fellow MOW members, especially in our President, Thelma Ponferrada, who willingly serves for those unavailable for their slots. I see this joy on the faces of the Spirit Minstrels, every time they sing their hearts out during Mass. I see this joy on the faces of the DMI medical clinics which come with its own feeding program. I see this joy in the faces of our PREX workers and the Legion of Mary. But we do not only see joy. We feel the servant’s joy as well. There is utter joy in serving God. When we share God’s gifts with others, we give back to Him who is the source of all these gifts. My involvement in the Ministry of the Word is my humble form of service. I am honored to serve God in the way I know best. And I always give my best to Him. I also nurture the hope that the joy young parishioners see in me will inspire them to also contribute their time and talent. May we all discover our own way of serving God, and experience the marvelous feeling that can only come from serving Him.
October 2011
A(l)-lel-(u)-i-ah!
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PM Mass. They practice every at it. Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:00 AM. 5. The Holy Spirit Choir Joel Andal (Keyboardist) Students taking up parish Norvic Domingo (Guitarist) involvement as part of their school requirement showed a Nana Callangan keen interest in singing. They Catherine Olfato deem the gesture as a “giving Mary Claire Coronel Irma Sawal (Choir Leader, on back” the talents they were gifted with by the Lord. Fr. Jigs gave leave) them a slot to occupy for the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The members, already The Holy Spirit Choir dates its past their secondary level, are still parish service way back to the
nineties, when it was called the Youth Choir, assigned to the Sunday, 4:30 PM. and 6:00 PM Masses. The choir now serves regularly during the Sunday 6:00 PM mass. It believes that singing is a voluntarily giving of more than service to God. As the oldest choir, the Holy Spirit Choir participates in dawn Masses, Christmas caroling within the community, high Masses and vigils at Easter.
The Spirit Minstrels and Legion of Mary Choir, at left, combine into a compelling grand choir during the Church dedication and Altar consecration and at right, after the Mass, with Fr. Jigs Rosalinda
Greetings from
the
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The “Monday Morning Group” of Aida Aguinaldo, Marilou Belmonte, Rose Caranay, Tess Dimaisip, Clare Gineta, Thelma Jimenez, Cora Lorenzo, Cora Malinit, Delia Tolentino and Susan Valix
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celebrated his 11th Presbyteral next endeavor.” Then he looks at Anniversary on September the façade of the church. That’s a 24, says: “Every time a church clue of what is coming next. like and prayerful, she has enticed project is completed there are A big-visioned little parish. quite a number of new members, always leftover funds that seem That’s the Holy Spirit. mostly from the pioneer Basic to prompt me to move on to the Ecclesial Community (BEC) kawan in Zone 2 of the village that she is an active member of. The AP fills up the first two pews in their purple-and-white uniform on First Fridays of the month, leading the Holy Hour for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Led by Remy Coronel and Charing Manahan, both doctors, the Mother Butler Guild is also increasing in number. Their floral workmanship at the church dedication was lavish and impeccable; the altar linen immaculate. The newly-minted Ministry of Ushers and Collectors is already at its task, buoyed by lawyer Tina Callangan’s industry. Members are now always on hand to pick up the collection baskets at the end of each Mass and count, record and transmit the proceeds Top: the Ladies of MBG pose with Bishop Antonio Tobias; bottom: some to the parish office. The Family and Life Ministry of the lay servants, after the Mass ending the National Week of the Laity held its orientation seminar on celebration October 8, 2011. In late October this year, a trip to the Holy Land will be chaplained by Fr. Jigs. The pilgrimage is one of the parish’s projects away from home, which includes another tour in the next summer. There is a new gleam in the eyes of Fr. Jigs. Not one to rest on his Holy Spirit Drive, Quezon City laurels, the peerless pastor, who The Holy Spirit Parish Revisited ... from page 8
Quotes
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Fr. Jigs, on his homily on the Parable of the Sower “When communicating with God, we ought to open our ear, not our mouth. And listen with our heart.”
“I disagree with Kuya Ross on his description of the MBG; it “I give the organizers and staff of actually stands for Most Beautiful PREX a perfect 10.” – Cynthia Olivarez Girls. – Cristina Ayonan
Quotes
Fr. Joseph Villamartin, on his homily on the Feast of the Holy Trinity “God is three persons. It is not difficult to understand when you look at it in the light of love. Because love is never alone.” From the Graduates of PREX 20
“I’ll try to be good and better, not best kasi, baka masapawan ko ang pari.” - Orlando Alcaraz
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Quotes
“PREX is one of the coolest “Ang akala ko, isa lang itong maliit experiences I’ve had in all of my na retreat, hanggang sumabog ang mga love letter mula sa kalangitan.” 62 years.” – Alicia Cano – John Carlo Reyes “Hindi lang pala kami ang may problema, may mas masahol pa.” Rea “After 10 years, ngayon lang ako nakapagkumpisal at komunyon.” – Danguecan Adelina Salceda “Ang PREX ay punung-puno ng umaatikabong pag-ibig.” – Paolo “I’ve been asked to join since PREX 6 and I’m glad I finally did Infante it. Sana, hindi magbago yung mga role “The good food that was served model ko.” – Kenneth Tanate with a smile inspires me to build a PREXtaurant.” – George “Sana, kung magkakaroon uli ng santo, manggaling sa PREX ng Kojima BF.” – Annabelle Tenerife
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