FEAST NEWS
Issue 4/ 30 April 2012 5 YEARS IN HARMONY: HIGH FIVE”
FAMILIES SING TOGETHER “In these modern times, there are parents who find difficulty in relating with their children and vice versa,” says Bro Mel B Libre, “In TawagAwit we encourage families to form the core of each of the chapters in the hope that through music and through prayer, we are able to strengthen relationships between parents and children.” Bro Mel, who is a member of the ministry’s Our Lady of Lourdes chapter in Glen Eden, finds inspiration in the families that compose the chapter: “When families sing together, there is that touch of heaven: the joy, the warmth, the harmony of the voices resonate in the church, and churchgoers, I know, are moved to sing as well.” The following families compose the chapter (photo at right shows the first offering of the chapter in 2010): Amiscua, Esclamado, Giganto, Guido, Hebia, Mandawe, Menchavez and Libre. The musicians, Glen Albinto and JV Arenas, are supported by their families when they accompany the group in the mass offerings. “I remember the Go family who have since migrated to Australia,” shared TawagAwit’s Lead Servant, “it was such a delightful sight to see the father Bro Arne encouraging his7-year old daughter, Mia, as she sang as cantor of the psalm in one of the masses (see photo below). Not only did I see the smiles on the faces of the proud parents, but all of those who saw the little girl offer her song to the Lord.” In 2012, the chapter, upon the suggestion of Bro Ferdie Esclamado, started to conduct its gatherings in the homes of members to strengthen further the camaraderie among families. Usually, the families are encouraged to bring one solid (food) – one liquid (drink) to be shared at the conclusion of the gathering; and the start of the socialisation. Consistent with its family-orientation, the chapter has been instrumental in reaching out to other families to organise parish-based music groups including St Patrick’s Taupo and Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre. On 27 May 2012, the TawagAwit-Our Lady of Lourdes chapter will participate in Food & Music FEAST in Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Gate 4, Massey University, Albany Highway.
FEAST NEWS
Issue 4/ 30 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
&
Issue 4/ 30 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 4/ 30 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