V OL. X NO. I
H IN ULUGAN TAKTAK RO AD, FAI R M O U N T H IL L S S U B D . A N T IP O L O C IT Y
M ARCH- AP RI L 2 0 1 3
A God of Many Chances by Delarie Almanzor & Min Arellano
T
his is the conversion story of one of our respected servant leaders in our parish. For the sake of his family, he refrains from identifying himself and only hopes that his sharing will inspire others to join him in his praise of God, and perhaps lead some to their own confessions. Like many teenagers, though I studied in a Catholic school, I experimented in my youth. In my first year of high school, I acquired the habit of smoking, then began drinking, and slid further down into gambling. I was at the same time foul-mouthed and ill-tempered to the point of violence. But when I was in 4th year, my family moved to Manila and I was left alone, and that was when I really went wild. I was enslaved by sexual pleasures, I sold junk to support my vices; and when there was nothing more to
In this issue
“Let’s begin this Journey..” -Pope Francis
sell, my friends and I committed illegal acts for money. Self-indulgent and destructive, it’s a wonder I graduated from high school at all. To straighten me up, I was enrolled in a military type of college. Here I learned loyalty, discipline and endurance. I was awarded several times and elected member of an elite group organized to ferret out corrupt ROTC officers. Yet still, I tried to entice my brothers-in-arms to smoke and drink. I became the godfather of vices; but, they were focused and obedient to their parents, and they graduated from college, leaving me behind. Dropping out, I picked up my life of dissipation once more, with a newfound vice: marijuana and cough syrup. If that wasn’t enough, I succumbed to hepatitis and became very ill. Despite all of it, this period of misery (a nudge cont. on page 4 Hulog ng Langit 1001 Ways Muling Pagkabuhay! Habemus Papam! Pulso ng PIHM Construction Updates TechTime A year for the Lost to be Found The Marikina Watershed Why do Catholics?-Faith edition
ARISE ISSUE
Arise means that you were in a state of unconsciousness or rest before hearing the wake up call. In this Year of Faith, it is time to get out of the state of despair and apathy. Arise & Rejoice! from the Editor
Pulso ng PIHM Hulog ng Langit!
Alam na!
By Carina Salvador
By Maki Solomon
A
lam mo ba ang trending balita sa parokya? ( Oops! Huwag ikukunot ang ‘yong Noo ! Good News yata to ! ) Tunay ngang “the more, the merrier” ang buhay. Mula sa siyam lamang na pamayanan ng ating parokya ay isinilang ang “St. Mathias” sa Sitio Daang Bakal na dati ay nakapaloob sa St. James the Great Mini Parish. Ang pangalan ng kanilang kapilya ay Mary Mother of the Church. Patunay ito sa ating pananampalataya at malalim na pag – ibig sa Diyos. ( Sabay – sabay nating abangan kung sinu – sino pang santo ang ihuhulog ng Diyos mula sa langit.)
Insights on the Mass-Alamin! Liturgy Seminar
Last February 9, 2013, a seminar was held in the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Naval as the guest speaker. He talked about the definition of “Liturgy” and its true purpose – to serve the community for the common good. Father Mark also shared facts about different small topics, which were also helpful in appreciating and understanding the liturgy more.
The seminar has reminded us of what our task really is, as members of the Church, for our Church community. As Fr. Mark said in his closing remarks, “Kalimutan niyo na lahat ng sinabi ko, ‘wag lang kung bakit natin ipinagdiriwang ang liturhiya.” Personally, I found the seminar not only enlightening, but also an encouragement to all the listeners to serve Christ and His Church better, with humility and respect to all.
These were the lessons that Fr. Mark imparted: •
• Heads of the sub-ministries under the Worship Ministry were intrduced. Ang kapilya ng Mary Mother of the Church .
•
DAGDAG KAALAMAN
•
Ang ating parokya ay binubuo ng mga mas maliliit na komunidad na nabibilang sa mga Mini Pastoral Councils(MPC). Ang mga parokya ay may kalayaang pumili ng paraan ng pagpangalan nito. Dito sa ating parokya, ang mga ito ay ipinangalan sa mga apostol ni Kristo. Tayo ay binubuo ng 12 na MPC. Abangan sa susunod na isyu ang kumpleto listahan ng ating mga MPC! 2
• • The Liturgical Seminar attracted parishioners of different ages!
MARCH-APRIL 2013
The mass is the celebration of the Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death, & Resurrection. “Walang feast day si God” because everything that we do in the Liturgy is always directed to the Father. Feast days are the saint’s day to be recognized and respected. Green, red, white, purple, and old rose are liturgical colors. The interest of Christ is the interest of the Bible. (That’s why if you want to know Christ more, you should read the Bible.) Christ is present in his Humanity, Mystery, and Majesty . The Mass has 2 main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
M o n te s By G a bz
s y a W 1 100
t matter It does no t. ! u o re e lp e th h other s to get ne ways to g there, we boost o d n 1001 way a d n comein a thousa port. Our , by just b p s u e s m l ti ra There are e o m m ount of r small. So dence by showing by the am ets. In how big o d fi e n c o n c e d id n v ith a one, as e r parish g people’s fa into a big ce that ou lp out. The n g a in d w n e ro tt g a y to he tion and munity is or too earl uncil ministry nce, atten e te d la n o o p to s r e ve l Co corr ith, it is ne sh Pastora a ri F a f P o l celebrate ) r C a P e this Y inistry wil f the (P o m e ir e m o th S These w w. the year. ons on ho r ti time is no s fo e u ts q c d je e re ask nned pro heads we ith. d their pla n a h it a Year of Fa F f is o th r a u e o Y y e th e for may just b ministries
This could be a call for you to join any one of these ministries during
this Year of Faith!
“For the evangelization ministry, it is always a Year of Faith because through the word and its propagation, there is the conversion of faith. This year we plan to continue our seminars and bible sharing sessions. “JUN Solomon, Evangelization ministry head
Main Ministry Projects: Basic Bible Seminar(BBS) Parish Renewal Experience(PREX)
“We will celebrate the Year of Faith by intensifying seminars and formation sessions. This year, we have the pilgrimage and the outreach program to look forward to” Arlene Cabasag,
Main Ministry Projects:
Worship ministry head
“Kami ay nakikiisa sa tema ngayong taon na “Year of Faith” sa pamamagitan ng paghikayat sa lahat ng kabataan na mag-dasal, mag-simba, mag-basa ng bibliya at isabuhay ang salita ng Diyos. Ito ay ilan lang sa mga pamamaraan na ginagawa ng Youth Ministry. Ang mag bigay ng mga activities na mas makilala at mapalapit sila kay Jesus. Kaya inaanyayahan naming ang mga kabataan na makiisa at dumalo sa mga susunod na activities.”
Formation Seminars
EVANGELIZATION MINISTRY 0923-2011127
WORSHIP
MINISTRY 0928-6987737
Sub-Ministries: Lectors and Lay Ministers (MBG) Mother Butlers Guild (MUG) Ministry of Ushers & Greeters (MAS) Ministry of Altar servers
(SMM) Sacred Music Ministry
Main Ministry Projects: Regular Taize Vigil Vocation Talk Animation Workshop Youth Sports Fest Ukay-Ukay Fundraiser
YOUTH
MINISTRY 0915-3116105
Quet Rafallo, Youth ministry head
“With 2013 as the Year of Faith, people can look forward to a more inspiring and personal Parish newsletter. We also are trying to maximize the use of Facebook as a means of connecting and catechizing by forming a PIHM social media team.” NATZ Mendoza, Media ministry head
Main Ministry Projects:
TUGON Parish Newsletter Media Workshops Used Paper Drive fundraiser
MEDIA
MINISTRY 0923-4595581
Sub-Ministries: PIHM Photography Ministry Social Media Team MARCH-APRIL 2013
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Pulso ng PIHM Muling
Pagkabuhay! M
ahirap ang mawalay sa taong mahalaga sa atin. Yan ang naramdaman ni Maria nang minsang mawalay sa kanyang piling si Hesus. Ginugunita nating mga Kristiyano ang “Linggo ng Pagkabuhay” o Easter Sunday. Ito ang sentro ng kaganapan sa ating pananampalataya. Naniniwala tayo na si Hesuskristo ay nabuhay muli, tatlong araw makaraang mamatay sa krus, upang pagbayaran ang mga kasalanan ng tao at matubos ang lahat ng mga naniniwala sa
ni Marivic Japona
Kanya. Ang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay ang nagbabadya nang pagtatapos ng Kuwaresma. Ayon sa Bibliya, “Kung si Kristo ay di muling nabuhay, walang kabuluhan ang ating pangaral, walang katuturan ang inyong pananampalataya.” (1 Corinto 15:14). Maraming kaugalian at tradisyon tayong mga Katoliko sa Linggo ng Pagkabuhay. May prusisyon, salubong, cont. on page 8
A God of Many Chances from God?) still did not open my eyes to what I had become. I wallowed in my self-pity and bitter childhood memories of familial lack of love and favoritism. Wretched and desperate, I cried out, “Where is God? There is NO God!” And I denounced the Lord in those dark days of my youth. And then, good things seemed to happen to me for a while. I made an honest living, enjoying some financial security. I was going to church, and the Lord even allowed me to see a saint in a vision, recognizing him only after I saw his statue in St. Andrew Cathedral in Paranaque, inspiring me to go on a vacation to Mindanao for soul-searching. ‘What was this big gaping hole in my heart?’, I wondered. ‘Did I not have loss of friends, women, and things I enjoyed? Why do they seem so inadequate now, so transient? Then, I became a devotee of the Sto. Nino. In 1982, I came back to Manila and decided enrol in a different school and shifted course. It was here that I met my 4
(from page 1)
special someone . I fell in love, got married and thought, ‘Now surely my life would be complete, with my wife and children.’ After a few years, our marriage was shaky. We had lots of misunderstandings. Perhaps this was due to my vices, or perhaps, because I was longing for something that didn’t come my way, or I was just too selfish and proud of myself. On bad days, I let loose volleys of offensive language and went back drinking with my old friends. My life was miserable and there were times that I would denounce God. Sleepless at night and in pain from migraine during the day, I became a late night Christian TV show viewer: first of 700 Club, then of El Shaddai. It felt good to hear Bro. Mike preach, and following him became a nightly ritual. It was one night in December 1993 as I lay in bed watching and listening to Bro. Mike, when suddenly, he pointed at me and shouted, “You with your legs crossed, your head on your pillow, what are you doing?
MARCH-APRIL 2013
“ Where there are blessings, there are also trials, and our family experienced one really big trial in our life.” You say you will come to our prayer assembly, but you never do!” I sat up, jolted by this direct hit. The next day, I was in Luneta for my first El Shaddai assembly. Out in the open, under the hot summer sun, I feared that my migraine would act up. I prayed to God for healing, and incredibly, I came home late in the afternoon without the dreadful headache. God had healed me. In January of 1994, I experienced another miracle. I lifted up to El Shaddai my problems and my bondage to smoking. The next morning, my craving was gone. Days passed, months and years, and up to the present I haven’t had a single puff of cigarette. And amazingly, as soon as the malodour from my mouth was gone, I ceased to utter profanities. Not because I wanted to, cont. on page 6
Habemus Papam!
We have a pope!
W
e have a pope! Pope Benedict XVI surprised everyone by submitting his resignation as pope last February 28,2013; citing his advanced age as the main reason for his resignation. He was the first in the last 600 years to resign. 115 cardinal-electors gathered and set March 12,2013 as the beginning of the conclave. A day after, white smoke emanates from the Sistine Chapel and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is declared pope. Hailing from Argentina, he is the first Latina American pope. He is also the first Jesuit pope. He chose the papal name Francis for St. Francis of Assisi, highlighting his love for the poor. St. Francis of Assisi, who founded the Order of poor Clares, shunned his wealth and chose the life of poverty. Pope Francis will now serve as the leader of 1 billion Catholics all over the world. Let us pray for our pope, that he may continue to serve in God’s love and humility. Viva El Papa!
credit: lifeteen.com
On September 2012, a survey was conducted to learn and find out more about the readership of Tugon, our parish newsletter. Readership is defined as “the people who read a particular book, newspaper, magazine, etc.” (dictionary.com). So, essentially, the survey was done to answer the questions “who reads Tugon?” and “what do they read in Tugon?” The research concluded that Tugon is positively-received by the community of PIHM. Readers believe that Tugon is a good influence and that it serves as a social reinforcement to the church and its people. However, it still has a lot of room for improvement. And the change that Tugon will be undergoing is definitely something to look forward to! by Jose D. Montes
Help send our Parisgahtes! World Youth Day dele BUY A SHIR T!
July 23-28
13 Parish fallo, our WYD 20 Quet and Charm Ra Youth delegates.
what ‘s all the talk about WYD? Read up!
http://www.rio2013.com
illustration by Aix Montes
sold at the Kubo ni Maria stall 10:30am after Sunday Mass at the Parish HELP send our delegates! Text 0922-8596602 or 0915-3116105
MARCH-APRIL 2013
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Pulso ng PIHM photo credit: Nessy Po & Alvia Lejano
FEBRUARY 23
Klaseng ibang klase(KIK ) goes around the world in a day
Our Parish Grantees were given a taste of travelling around the world (with their own play “passport”!) Volunteer tutors gamely dressed up, & prepared activities related to their assigned country. The grantees were taught different greetings , tasted different kinds of food & more!
The volunteer tutors Teacher Daxx teaching the kids about Mother Teresa & India
The kids give chopsticks a try in “China”! photo credit: Lolit Argoso
MARCH 17
People line up at the registration area
Medical & dental outreach
Social & Human Devt. Ministry brought together 8 Doctors and parish volunteers for a medical outreach. They were able to help around 281 people , majority were children coming from the sitios in our parish.
Some of the volunteer doctors Volunteer doctors at the dental section.
MARCH 9
photo credit: Robert Medina
ST. Andrew Community (bankers Vil.)-Visita Iglesia 2013
The St. Andrew Community went on a pilgrimage to the different Churches around Rizal. Some of the churches visited were St. John the Baptist Church in Taytay, St. Jerome Church in Morong, and many more. Around 42 participants joined.
The participants praying the Way of the Cross
MARCH 20
photo credit: Lolit Argoso
Worship Ministry visits kamay ni hesus shrine
Around 51 members of the Worship Ministry visited the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon. Visiting shrines and going on pilgrimages has become a yearly activity of the ministry. Last year, they visited Regina Rica in Tanay.
A God of Many Chances but because He wanted to. From that day on, I have chosen the God I will serve. As Joshua said: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) My family and I became active members of the El Shaddai fellowship, experiencing more miracles from the Lord. There was a time Bishop Ted Bacani launched the “Back to the Parish Program” and it was then that I was called to serve 6
The participants braving the heat of the sun.
(from page 4)
our parish. I enjoyed my door to door evangelizing mission, aided by the rigorous military training I had undergone years ago. And in 2001, I joined the PIHM when my family and I moved to Antipolo City.We met new set of friends, and our family was so grateful for God’s blessings. But our Lord is a just God. Where there are blessings, there are also tri-
MARCH-APRIL 2013
als, and our family experienced one really big trial in our life. I was heartbroken when my wife decided separation to be best for us at one time. I turned to drinking, laid low from church affairs, failing God’s test. I then asked for forgiveness from the Lord for failing His test. But God was not just merciful, He is also very kind and loving. My God was still a God of many chances: he brought my family cont. on page 12
Church Construction Updates Our Journey as a Parish continues! With the main church already finished and a continually growing community, now we look forward to accomplishing the following now: • Glass roofing on archbishop’s walk (estimated cost: 900,000 php) • Ceramic tiling for the archbishop’s walk • construction of the Sacristy • construction of restrooms • tree planting at the back of the parish church The following tasks are already in progress: • Etched glass Stations of the Cross (design work currently ongoing) • Trellis for the archway • Irrigation system for garden • Steps to Way of Mary garden located around our church(near the Garden of the Ressurection ossuary) Indeed, building a church is an ongoing journey of a community! We continue to ask for your generosity. Please call 696-4387 for more details or drop by our parish office.
2005 year started 4 college/vocational graduates 35 parish grantees 5 honor students for SY2011-12 2,100 minutes spent tutoring the kids 6 volunteer tutors for Saturday tutorials
1-2 hours. Average time a child walks to the parish to attend their tutorials. 101% chance for a better future!
SPONSOR a child to school! or be a tutor
Contact us! Text 0916-7733029 PIHM b at angpar ok y a
stations of the cross
The etching of the Stations of the Cross is ongoing. These will be installed on the existing triangular framework around the church. The sample etch and the proposed location of the Stations of the Cross is shown at the right
Path to the Way of Mary steps to the Way of Mary Garden and the Garden of the Ressurection Ossuary is partially done.
Construction Financial Report
Guess who’s turning
10
this year?
2013 is an extra special year because PIHM will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary as a parish, this November. Our parish priest, Fr. Sandy Enhaynes has challenged the Parish Pastoral Council to plan activities for the whole month of November to celebrate this milestone. An adhoc committee will be formed to focus on organizing this month-long event. November 30, our Dedication Anniversary will now be considered as our official Parish Foundation Day . Watch out for updates! MARCH-APRIL 2013
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Muling Pagkabuhay at “egg hunting” na kung saan bata’t matanda ay nakikiisa. Naranasan mo na rin bang makigulo at makiisa para makahanap ng itlog? Siguradong marami rin kayong nakakatuwang pangyayayari noon. Pero nagtataka din ba kayo kung bakit itlog? Maraming gamit ang itlog sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Pero may isang angat na kahulugan ang itlog. Ang itlog ang siyang pinagmumu-
(from page 4)
lan ng buhay. Kaya masasabing ang itlog ay tanda ng bagong buhay at pag-asa. Ang mga kristiyano ay malakas at matibay ang pananalig sa Diyos, naniniwala na may pag-asa ang lahat gaano man kahirap ang pinagdadaanan. Pinatunayan ni Hesus na kahit siya ay labis na kinutya at pinahirapan, kaya Niyang magsakripisyo at mag-alay ng buhay para sa sanlibutan. Sa buhay ng tao, maraming
pagsubok ang dumarating. Maraming problema ang dapat lutasin. Maraming palaisipan na dapat pagnilayan. Maraming pangarap na nais makamit at matupad. Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, may ilaw tayong gabay ay isa lang ang pinagmulan at patutunguhan. Kaya sa panahong ito, huwag nating kaligtaang si Hesus ang ating tagapagligtas. Higit sa lahat- si Hesus ang ating pag-asa ng MULING PAGKABUHAY.
Why do we genuflect? We genuflect in a Catholic Church because the Eucharist is present in the tabernacle. As Catholics, we believe that during the Consecration of the Mass, the promise of Christ at the Last Supper — when Christ stated “This is my Body” (Matthew 26:27, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19) — is realized. Therefore, we kneel at that moment at Mass, when the bread and wine change into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ and we genuflect or kneel before the tabernacle, because it is where consecrated hosts are kept after Mass. If for example during Communion or the Consecration, we are unable to kneel due to an injury or due to certain limitations like space constraints, please do not sit down. Instead, stand up and respectfully bow your head as a sign of respect. reference: lifeteen.com
Stay Connected! @Pontifex pope APP Download it from the App store
TECHtime
Tech reviews for the contemporary Catholic
Laudate (Android OS) by Aycka Soft (FREE) expectation It’s a simple application which acts as a guide for various prayers, mass orders, Church calendar and other Catholicrelated materials.
REALITY It’s a comprehensive and interactive guide for all things Catholic. It has everything you can imagine and more. It has a comprehensive guide for all the Sacraments, a Daily Reflection/ Reading Guide, a pocket Bible, interactive rosary, and an option to save and store favorite prayers, to name a few of the cool features that this application has. 8
RATING: Outstanding (5/5) F or a free application, I don’t think it can get any better than this- it has everything you wanted and has more than you can ever imagine. I would greatly recommend this application, to be added to your App collection if you want a good allaround Catholic application. Just wished it had a narrator for the prayers and it would be everything you need to help and guide you on your spiritual quest.
MARCH-APRIL 2013
APP screen shots
By Min Arellano
efforts to make the necessary changes in our dispositions, priorities and lifestyle. All these take time. Since without salvation is possible, and if we desire a really strong faith, all our striving will be worth it, right?
Q – I understand why Catholics celebrate this year as the Year of Faith, of sharing one’s faith and bringing light to the world. But my problem is how do I safeguard and nurture my faith? That is what I would really like to know. A- Your honesty is refreshing. You value your faith, and rightly so, for it is a precious gift from God. Without a deeply rooted faith, we can succumb to the lures of money, power, popularity and pleasure; to despair when beset by poverty or affliction, or when mesmerized, to non-Christian ideologies and the practical arguments of glib non-believers. We need to wage the good warfare, hold on to our faith and good conscience so as not to make a shipwreck of this special spiritual blessing ( 1 Tim 1:18-19) Q- OMG! That’s a whole lot of todo’s! A – That’s because faith does not happen overnight, nor just from wishful thinking or trying to go it alone. God has provided us with these means and gives us the graces we need to develop a steadfast faith. We have to respond to these graces with openness, receptivity, humility and sincere
Q- Agreed. But where do I begin? For now, let’s focus on knowing the content of our faith. There is the Apostle’s Creed. You may be a baptized Catholic and may not be new in faith; it is still good to recite the credo and reflect upon it frequently because it contains the essential truths of our faith; when we say it prayerfully, we proclaim and affirm those fundamental truths. Keeping the words in your heart and mind, you keep your faith alive. Study and learn the catechism. It is a treasure trove of lessons received, developed, safeguarded and taught by the Church through two millennia. This leads us to the bible. God was way ahead of us and knew that we would need Him to sustain, enlighten and guide us. He gave us one of the best means to meet those needs: His written word. It is in the
To protect, live, persevere and nurture faith, we must know its content and take action on that knowledge and these two measures always go together. Spelling them out, we have:
2
studying and learning our catechism
1
daily reading of and meditating on scripture
3
regular persistent prayer, especially begging God to firm it up and increase it
Holy Scripture that we learn of Jesus and His love for us. When we are convinced of His faithful and unconditional love, we are inspired to strive to love Him and be faithful to Him by his grace and mercy. To know Jesus is to love Him and by loving Him, we are faithful to Him. To be faithful to Him, we are called to do our utmost to cooperate with His grace and utilize all the means he offers us for a true, vibrant and unshakeable faith. Let’s DO it! For more on safeguarding and nurturing our faith, check out the next Tugon issues. Source: Catechism of the Catholic church Word among Us Oct 2012 issue
As a symbol of hope, the Anchor is one of the most ancient of all Christian symbols. Its usage is based upon the Apostle Paul’s words in Hebrews 6:19 “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast”The anchor is one of the oldest inscriptions to be found in the catacombs, dating back to the second century. During times of persecution, the anchor took the shape of a cross to those who knew its hidden meaning.
4 5
active participation in a community of fellow believers
MARCH-APRIL 2013
looking up to saints as models.
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receiving the sacraments often
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By Bing Montes No. 35
March 2013
We are one with the joy of the Catholic Church in the selection of Pope Francis I by the Holy Spirit through the Cardinals at the Conclave, last 13 March 2013
found.
Pope Francis is the ’rock’ who succeeds Peter, the original ‘rock’ upon whom Christ is building His Church. A year of FAITH... a year for the lost to be found. The first step in true conversion is the acceptance that we are lost. Why do we have to search for the right path if we think that we are not lost? What authority can we accept if it tells us that we are lost? Christ began the Sermon on the Mount with the declaration “blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” It was a call to sinners and the lost to accept that they are indeed sinners, and that they are lost...that the kingdom of heaven is for them. The start of realization that the kingdom of heaven is ours is when we accept that we are indeed poor in spirit or that we are lost. And as in the parables of the lost, we will rely on the action of Our Lord to find us no matter what type of ‘lost’ we are. The sheep got lost for not being able to follow the flock. The coin got lost even though it cannot walk on its own. The younger son got lost even before he sold his inheritance. He got lost when he dreamt of having independence to enjoy the pleasures that the world can offer. His getting lost was intentional. He even demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive. The elder son walked away intentionally because he did not agree with 10
MARCH-APRIL 2013
the justice system of His father. For him, being good meant getting the best rewards, so he could not understand why the ‘good son’ got only a kid goat for celebration while the ‘bad son’ got the fatted calf. He failed to put value into the real ‘Inheritance’ the father had assigned to him. Christ tells us in these parables that no matter how one gets lost, whether through ignorance, or intentionally, the Lord will never cease looking or waiting for us. Once found, He shall invite us into the banquet He has prepared. We shall be receiving an inheritance. This Inheritance is not something we work for. Wages or rewards are things we work for. Inheritance is given by the Giver of Eternal Life. Faith in the teachings of Christ will develop the desire to go back to Him and even when still afar, He will run to meet us. Faith will also make us listen to Him as He comes after us as we walk out of His banquet. Faith will conquer despair. God has always been faithful to us.... let us learn to be faithful to Him. Happy Easter to all!
The Marikina Wa tershed (Part I of II)
By Tito Mapa
There are many reasons why the Antipolo community needs to be concerned about the destruction of the Marikina Watershed.
The
Marikina Watershed, situated across the Sierra Madre Mountains, is an area that begins in Montalban and stretches up to Antipolo. This includes 5 river basins – Montalban, Tayabasan, Wawa, the Boso-Boso Tributary and Main. To refresh our knowledge, mountains and forests, one of the richest ecosystems, plays a crucial role in the survival of all life forms on earth. The forest floor, with its elaborate sponge-like network of roots, retains at least 95 % of the annual rainfall and continually feeds the ground waters, streams and, rivers. This is called a watershed. “The control of water runoff through watershed formation is one of the most vital functions accomplished by mountain forests” (CARE Foundation, Inc.). The total area of the Marikina Watershed is 26,000 hectares. Two years ago it was 28,000. What is the importance of the Marikina Watershed to the communities below it, including Metro Manila? First of all, it is a buffer for typhoons blowing from the east. The entire Sierra Madre range with its forest of trees acts as a giant wall that helps protect the communities from the devastating winds and rain of typhoons. Secondly, it is a photosynthesis machine. If anything, the interaction of the sun, wind, trees and resulting flora, vegetation and forests on the mountain creates a life force that keeps the air clean. The mountains act as the community’s lungs. If we continue to destroy this ecosystem, we continue to pollute the air. Thirdly, it is our source of water. Long ago, bottled water was unheard of because there was an abundance of fresh water. A mature tree bearing 60-cm in diameter is capable of storing through its sponge-like network of roots at least 120 gallons of water from a rainfall. A hectare of virgin forest averages 100 mature trees, equivalent to 12,000 gallons of ‘purified’ drinking water. Because of the misuse of aquifers, the quality of the water we drink is a health issue.
Fourthly, the watershed area propagates biodiversity and creates a wildlife sanctuary as described below by the CARE Foundation: “Here biodiversity mutually propagate and conserve life promoting ecological Balance (Bitug. Power from the Forest. 1998). In peace and in war, mountains have been the source of subsistence, refuge and sanctuary of life. In its pristine beauty, clean, clear, and abundant waters, flow from its bosom. Metals and other precious stones hidden in its bowels, wantonly excavated cannot be replaced. Majestically, mountains harbor creatures seemingly insignificant but precious and important for life’s continuity. Mountains are powerful life-giving nuclei of energy for the entire community of the living.” (CARE Foundation, Inc.) Watch out for more information on the watershed in the next issue!
Find more information in facebook:
Marikina Watershed Initiative M MA AR RC CH H -- A AP PR R II L L 2 20 01 13 3
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PARISH CHURCH
MASS SCHEDULE M O N D AY S AT U R D AY
7:00AM S U N D AY 10:30AM 11:30AM 5:30PM
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DATES TO REMEMBER APRIL7 Medical Laboratory & Diagnostic Exam APRIL13 Live Christ Share Christ Prayer Assembly 2PM APRIL21 Operation Tuli MAY11 Youth Sports Fest MAY12 Mothers Day MAY 20 World Communications Day MAY 24-25 Live Christ Share Christ (LCSC) Seminar JUNE 7 Kasalang Bayan Deadline for requirements on May 8 JUNE16 Fathers Day
696-4387
A God of Many Chances together again. Profoundly moved by a prayer as we watched El Shaddai on TV, we sobbed uncontrollably, wailing, confessing, vowing never to renounce God again: I was cleansed. I learned my lesson well, and I will never forget it. “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.” (Sirach2:1). Enabling me to do things I never thought I could do for Him, God is the one who gives me beautiful insights, speaking through my words. In my weaknesses, He strengthens me. In low moments of my life, He comforts me. In times of trouble, He rescues me.
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PIHMantipolo
12
MARCH-APRIL 2013
(from page 6)
My conversion continues to this day, for as long as I live. “I will praise you ‘till I die, El Shaddai!” THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Hinulugan Taktak, Fairmount Hills subd. Antipolo City Tel. no. 696-4387 PIHMTugon
Publisher Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Editor in Chief Gabriel D. Montes Asst. Editor Jose D. Montes Layout & Design Natz V. Mendoza Contributors
Delarie S. Almanzor Min C. Arellano Tito F. Mapa Bing F. Montes Marivic F. Japona Luigi D.P. Lejano Carina P. Salvador Maki E. Solomon
Advisers
Rev. Fr. Alexander V. Enhaynes Parish Priest Lito C. Mendoza PPC President