FEAST NEWS
Issue 3/ 23 April 2012 5 YEARS IN HARMONY: HIGH FIVE”
BRO PETER: I AM INSPIRED BY YOUR ACT OF LOVE Organising the first chapter outside of the mother ministry in St Mary’s Northcote seemed a daunting task for Bro Peter Gayaman, servant leader of TawagAwit-St Thomas More; but he found out later that the greater challenge was how to keep the fire of enthusiasm burning in the hearts of members. The formation of the St Thomas More chapter in Glenfield in 2008 came about with the musical Borgueta family offering to join Bro Peter in what has become a routine of choosing and rehearsing songs and singing these during the 10:00am Sunday Mass every other month. Other families volunteered to participate in the group; but there have been times when only a few came to the practice sessions and even during the mass offering. “It takes a lot of patience and strong faith to pursue the mission of singing to the Lord. But He never abandons us, for He brings us together especially when it is time to sing during masses.” “One of the key factors in the group’s success is the camaraderie and friendship we have developed through the years,” Bro Peter shared, “We are like family; celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and important achievements together. We sometimes have spontaneous gatherings upon the invitation of Sis Perla Campo; that often end up with a karaoke session. We simply enjoy each others’ company and have fun.” “What is your message to your fellow members?” FEAST NEWS asked Bro Peter. “To my fellow TawagAwit members, I am inspired by your act of love by spreading God's word through music. Thank you for sticking it out and let us continue to be God's messengers.” He concluded: “I congratulate TawagAwit on the occasion of its 5th anniversary. I am confident that our ministry will grow because the servant leaders and members work selflessly to pursue its mission; and through our music and other services, people will embrace our growing faith community.” With the theme “5 Years in Harmony: High Five”, TawagAwit will hold Food & Music FEAST on Sunday 27 May 2012, 10:30am in Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Gate 4, Massey University, Albany Highway.
FEAST NEWS
Issue 3/ 23 April 2012
Our Theme: 5 Years in Harmony: High Five In May 2007, a handful of brethren signed a document that contained the vision, mission and core values statements of TawagAwit, a Catholic Ministry spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love. Bro Mel B Libre responded to a Spiritual calling to organise a singing group that would make regular music offerings in church. While only three of those who attended the first meeting returned for the second one, others came forward to compose the group that would form the core that sang in its first full mass in St Mary’s Northcote. When the first accompanist Bro Dingdong Maderazo left for Australia, Fr Craig Dunford, parish priest, assigned pianist/arranger Thomas Tang and later, Jenny Fox, to help the group in its song selections, in its rehearsals and in its offerings. From one group, TawagAwit organised chapters in other parishes, first in St Thomas More Glenfield, followed by Our Lady of Lourdes-Glen Eden, St Mark’s Pakuranga, St Patrick’s Taupo, Blessed John Paul II Albany and, this year, Mt Mary’s Titirangi. Other than singing during the assigned masses, TawagAwit organised activities to strengthen the bond among members and to pursue its mission of “spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love”. Among these activities were: Singalleluia!; OG: Open Gathering; Sow&Harvest; Outogether; Teaching Night; Songwriting Workship; Alay Laya Parish Reach Out; and Food & Music FEAST. In 2011, it started with GigAlive to raise funds to assist deserving youths in pursuit of their dreams. To ensure that members are updated on the plans and activities of the ministry, a monthly newsletter, NEW NOTES, has been published regularly since May 2007. Among the factors that contribute to the continuing growth of TawagAwit are: dedicated servant leadership; committed membership; friendship and camaraderie; joy in singing; and love of God. These factors have allowed the ministry to weather the challenges and difficulties encountered through the years. TawagAwit will celebrate on May 27, 2012 its fifth founding anniversary in Food & Music FEAST 2012 for the blessings that the ministry and its members have experienced; to express gratitude to its patron, Blessed John Paul II; and to affirm to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit the pursuit of its vision of bringing “harmony in the world”. High five to one and all!
FEAST NEWS F o o d
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Issue 3/ 23 April 2012
M u s i c
FEAST 5 YEARS IN HARMONY: HIGH FIVE* 27 May 2012, 10:30am, Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Albany Highway, Albany
*5
th
Anniversary Celebration of TawagAwit: A Catholic Ministry Spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love
FEAST NEWS
Issue 3/ 23 April 2012
TawagAwit OUR VISION: Harmony in the World OUR MISSION: To share God’s Word through music and other acts of love OUR CORE VALUES: Godliness. We believe in God and live His Word Offering. We share our talents, time and resources for God’s greater glory Devotion. We commit ourselves to the mission of the Ministry Love. We love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our minds and with all our strength Originality. We promote artistry and creativity to express our faith Victory over Sin. We fight Satan in each and every moment of our lives Evangelization. We bring the Light of God to those who are in the dark Sustainability. We contribute and manage our resources effectively Unity. We are one with the Lord, one with the Church, one with the community and one with the Ministry