FEAST NEWS 9

FEAST NEWS

Issue 9/ 28 May 2012 5 YEARS IN HARMONY: HIGH FIVE”

INSIDE: AUDIENCE OF ONE, p4; MORE PHOTOS, p5

O WHAT A FEAST!

It was a celebration of successes, of togetherness, of music, of food and of the Holy Spirit, as Food & Music FEAST 2012 was held on Pentecost Sunday (27 May) at the Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Albany.

Fr David Tonks celebrated the Mass with the different chapters rendering assigned songs, highlighted with the rendition of “Panis Angelicum” by the Mt Mary’s Titirangi chapter and “Blessed are You Lord” by the St Patrick’s Taupo chapter.

At the end of the mass, Fr Sam Pulanco, who assisted Fr Tonks, recognised TawagAwit for commitment to its mission of “spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love” for the past five years, and Bro Peter Gayaman, servant leader of St Thomas More, who was admitted as Barrister of New Zealand on May 25.

FEAST NEWS After the mass, the nearly 200 churchgoers partook with the host chapter, Blessed John Paul II, ensuring the people. By 1:00pm, the programme started with Opening Prayer surrounded by children (whom he future of TawagAwit”).

Issue 9/ 28 May 2012

of the shared meal the smooth flow of Fr Sam leading the referred to as “the

Bro Mel B Libre, Lead Servant of TawagAwit, spoke next. He highlighted some of the achievements of the ministry for the past five years and declared that “TawagAwit is what it is because of the continuing support of the members and the commitment of the servant leaders.” He also reiterated the aim of the ministry “to establish as many chapters as there are parishes in the world”. He left the members with a question, “as we journey in our faith, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we retraced the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land during our lifetime?”

One interesting feature in this year’s FEAST was the BQQ (Bible Quotient Quiz) with Bro Denis Tutaka cst, as quiz master. He was assisted by emcees Bro Jason Sharma and Bro Andrew Quirke cst, members of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship, the sister ministry of TawagAwit. The winner of BQQ was St Mark’s Pakuranga with Mt Mary’s Titirangi coming in second. The third place was a tie between St Mary’s/St Thomas More chapters and Blessed John Paul II. The prizes were donated by Sis Julie Valencia, Bro Rex Yap, Sis Nida Gray and Sis Pat Amiscua.

Six gentlemen who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to their service to TawagAwit and its members were honoured as Inspirational Brethren Awardees.

FEAST NEWS

Issue 9/ 28 May 2012

The honourees were: Bro Cyril Bas (St Mary’s), Bro Peter Gayaman (St Thomas More), Bro Glenn Albinto (Our Lady of Lourdes), Bro Nelson Unalivia (Blessed John Paul II) and Bro Mikki Guantero (St Mark’s). Bro Edwin Silerio (St Patrick’s Taupo) was present, but had to leave for Taupo. They were each given a certificate of recognition, as members applauded them with glee and gratitude.

Special awards were given to Bro Romy Loay (Best in Sow & Harvest), Sis Cecille Muhal (Most Supportive Member) and Katilingbang Bisaya sa New Zealand represented by Sis Claudia Menchavez (OG Institutional Partner). Bro Nonoy Buerano (New Notes’ Best Messenger) was present but had to leave earlier.

The following chapters made uplifting presentations: St Patrick’s Taupo featuring Danica Buerano (“Sa ‘yo Lamang”), St Mark’s Pakuranga (“Glorious”), St Mary’s Northcote (“Power of Your Love”), and Our Lady of Lourdes Glen Eden (“Feast of Feasts”). The host chapter, Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Albany, closed the event with everyone joining them on stage with the “How Great is Our God”, in front of emptied chairs, which Bro Mel explained, “We are singing not to empty chairs, but to the most important audience of all, our God.” While all the chapters were duly represented, two of the biggest delegations other than the host chapter were St Patrick’s Taupo (travelling for a round-trip of nearly 500 kilometers) and St Mark’s Pakuranga with a combined attendance of 43.

The organisers would like to thank all who contributed to the success of the event. Surely, the Holy Spirit was in our midst as all praised and honoured the Lord our God. God bless us all.

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BLOTFREE

By Bro Mel B Libre Audience of One The seats were all vacant, while the stage was filled with people. Together, they sang gleefully Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is our God”. It was the conclusion of Food & Music FEAST 2012, the 5th founding anniversary of TawagAwit, a Catholic Ministry spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love.

The celebration was held on Pentecost Sunday, and as Lead Servant of the ministry, I had asked the audience to come forward and join the Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre chapter in praising and glorifying the Lord.

“While there seems to be nobody in the audience, we are actually singing to the most important audience of all, our one audience – God,” I said.

The number was spontaneous, with all of us singing in total surrender to the Lord. Quite a number raised their hands to acknowledge the Spirit’s presence in our midst. By the end of the number, everyone was smiling, clearly manifesting the mirth only a generous God can give to His faithful children.

It has been a wondrous five year journey in the service of the Lord. There had been stumbles and falls along the way; but in the end, the Lord sends us brethren to help in the growing ministry. From a handful of people in 2007, we have grown from one group in St Mary’s Northco te to seven chapters in Auckland and Taupo, New Zealand.

I told my fellow servants about pursuing “our dream of establishing as many chapters as there are parishes in the world,” and in journeying with the Lord, “by going to the Holy Land during our life time, to visit the paths where Jesus walked.” Big dreams indeed, but for a believer “nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) I know how great He is, I know how generous He can be to His servants, to His children. “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously y to all who call on him.” (Romans 10:12)

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MORE PHOTOS Top (l-r) Fr Tonks; St Patrick’s Taupo; Danica. Below (l-r) St Mary’s, Special Awardees with Jason; Our Lady of Lourdes

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M u s i c

FEAST THANKS ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE EVENT. SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR.

FEAST NEWS

Issue 9/ 28 May 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