Pastoral exposure on counseling promotes conversations with UST Angelicum learners

Student-brothers’ catechesis for shrine workers continues

In an effort to deepen the Catholic faith and equip the shrine workers with basic knowledge of the seven sacraments, the student-brothers have continued the monthly catechetical series for the second semester of pastoral formation year 2022-2023. The brothers who conducted the catechesis from January to June 2023 were Br. Nico Paolo P. Moron, OP; Br. Marc Adrian H. de la Peńa, OP; Br. Laurence Ryan V. Mata, OP; Br. Michael Angelo D. Dela Rosa, OP; and Br. Ian Joeffrey G. Melendres, OP. BR. GEOFREY RODERIC EVAN KABA, OP

Members of KAPATID and the children of Tatalon have their photo taken during the Culminating Activity of Catechesis for Children (PHOTO BY BR. CORNELIUS LIEWANGSA PUTRA, OP/KAPATID)

Despite the downpour of heavy rains, KAPATID concluded the Catechesis for Children project for the formation year 2022-2023 on June 10 in Villa España Phase II, Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City. The culminating activity was held after eight months of conducting catechesis to the said area. The event was attended by around 80 participants, comprising of the children, their parents, the BEC Buklodasal of Santo Domingo Parish, and the Dominican brothers.

The day commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by the Master of Students, Rev. Fr. Cecilio Vladimir E. Magboo, OP, at 9:00 AM. Following the Mass, a short program was held. Br. Alfiyando Syahnafi, OP, the Project Coor dinator of KAPATID, delivered his opening remarks, thanking the community for their active participation in the project. Mr. Ian Kenneth Seguis gave his words of thanks on behalf of the children. Ms. Rosario Florendo, the Coordinator of BEC Buklodasal, also expressed her appreciation of the activity and wished that the project would continue in the coming years. The KAPATID brothers also prepared a dance and a song presentation, which all the attendees enthusiastically joined. Br. Jonas P. Mediavilla, OP, the KAPATID Coordinator, also gave his words of grat- itude and urged the parents to sustain what the members of KAPATID started. Finally, the children were awarded Certificates of Participation, rosary beads, and rosary guides. Together with Br. Mediavilla, Br. Gian Linardo Mari T. Estrella, OP, the DSPB Overall Coordinator on behalf of Fr. Lauro G. de Dios, OP, Director of Pastoral Formation, awarded certificates of appreciation to the BEC Buklodasal members for the assistance they extended in implementing the project. The activity concluded with a simple meal shared by the attendees.KAPATID would also like to thank the student-brothers who volunteered to be guest catechists, and the generous donors who made the project a success! BR. ALFIYANDO SYAHNAFI, OP

Responding to the increasing demand of counselors due to the rise of mental health concerns, three student-brothers, Br. Nico Paolo Moron, OP, Br. Eugene Dominic Aboy, OP, and Br. Robertus Silveriano Raditya Dearbantolo, OP, participated in two weeks of enrichment program on counseling at UST Angelicum College, Quezon City.

The hands-on exposure on counseling began on April 13, 2023 with a quick briefing given by Ms. Wednesdee-Perpetual A. Acasio, the Head of the UST Angelicum’s Guidance Counseling and Testing Department.

Ms. Ma. Lourdes S.J. Orbeta, the department’s psychometrician, guided the participants on how to facilitate the entrance exams of learners who wish to be admitted at the Angelicum beside Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

Aside from assisting younger children to identify objects, respond to basic questions, and color different things, the brothers also helped in the checking of the entrance examinations of aspiring high school students.

The following weeks, mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the brothers engaged in online or onsite routine interviews with the gradeschool learners depending on their availability.

During the routine interviews assisted by Ms. Joyce Anne E. Rivera and Ms. Aubien C. Castro, the brothers shared time with the students to talk about their personal concerns either in school or at home.

The topics of the conversation ranged from the learner’s situation with their families, their strengths and weaknesses in different subjects, along with their fa- vorite hobbies and their group of friends.

At the end of each interview which lasted for around 10 to 20 minutes, the brothers are expected to submit a short profile about the student whom they interviewed to the respective guidance counselor.

Considering the aftermath of the enrichment program, the participants experienced a very humanizing opportunity for they were able to share in the lives of other people even if only momentarily.

Being able to talk to students and practice what they learned during the summer pastoral exposures, the brothers not only improved their communication skills, but also deepened their preaching by being more in touch with the actual concerns of the flock. BR.

Donations obtained from the flowers for mary project was used to decorate the carroza of our lady during the santacruzan festivities of the parish. (PHOTO BY PARISH