Tugon Faith Hope Love Issue

Tugon

DECEMBER 2012

faith

hope love

faith

hope love issue

Hinulugan Taktak Road, Fairmount Hills Subd. Antipolo City

Building a Church out of

Love

By Gabz Montes

Here

we are. After a fury of preparations, our Church, built from the ground up has been dedicated and is officially offered to God as of November 30,2012. The whole celebration was overwhelming, since the precursor to the culmination of the activity was no easy feat.

As Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, DD, put it, “this Church was built with sweat, tears and sometimes blood. “ All the sacrifices have been made and God gave us our Church as a reward. A bag of cement would’ve translated to a marketing committee member’s Saturday afternoon trying to solicit donations from her contacts.

The church dedication celebration meant there were mother butlers spending their weekends sewing stoles for the priests. The transformation is not limited to the physical attributes. The community was also being built at the same time.

We have the Ministry of Social and Human Development members in the parish almost every weekend continued on page 6

Church Construction Updates Our Church was dedicated last November 30, 2012. Congratulations to all of us for a job well done! It wouldn’t be far off to say that everyone played a part to get where we are right now . Still, full completion of our Church is a work in progress.

In th is Is sue

Vol. IX No. IV

Priorities in the list are the following: • Glass stations of the cross • Tiles for the Archbishop’s walk • Roof architecture walk • Sacristy • Toilets

Last Quarter Recap Ikaw at ang WYD! Faith that is Earned, not given A Year of Faith, A year of Freedom Being Benedict Why do Catholics make such a big fuss over the Dedication of the Church?

Dedication Behind the Scenes The Last Mass in the old Church Advent, A Season of Hope Migrante sa Parokya Himala at Bagong Pag-asa!

Any kind of help, monetary or in kind, is welcome. Due to the activities that were required for the preparation of the dedication celebration, we will not be releasing Church construction fund updates this quarter. Please watch out for it on the next issue!

December 2012

faith

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last quarter recap2012

Mabuhay ang Kristong Hari

New Roman Missal now implemented at PIHM The New Roman Missal(NRM) was implemented in all English masses at the Parish last December 2, 2012.

To help in the transition, the Parish is releasing NRM brochures during masses, to all mass-goers. Everyone is encouraged to bring home the NRM brochures and memorize the new responses. Please remember to bring your NRM brochures everytime you hear mass, as it will be your official NRM guide.

Last November 21, our Parish celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King by holding a vigil at the chapel of Mary. Mother of the Church, along Daang Bakal. It was then followed by a solemn procession with the Blessed Sacrament, to the Parish church. Around 100 parishioners, joined in the procession. A Eucharistic celebration culminated the activity. photo credits: Gabz Montes, Karina Mendoza

I am for Christ. I am for Jesus !

5th Regional Vocational Festival sulat ni Roger R. Masagnay, Ministry of Altar Servers member

N

oong Nobyembre 10,2012, madaming kabataan galing sa iba’t- ibang dako ng NCR ang pumunta at nakilahok sa panglimang Regional vocation festival sa St. Paul College of Pasig. Ang layunin nito ay ipalaganap ang pagpapari o pagmamadre at banal na buhay;upang tugunan ang tawag ni Santo Papa Benedict XVI na buhayin ang evangelization at faith formation sa kabataan. Maaring lampas sa isang libo ang

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e Ministry for members of th e ho attended th w s er Altar Serv event.

nakadalo at nabigyan ng pagkakataon na mas makilala pa si Kristo sa pamamagitan ng mga stage play na may mga paksa tulad ng: Passion of Christ, Calling, Birth of Christ, Miracles at Pagkilala kay Kristo. Bukod sa kabataan, dumalo din ang mga vocation director galing sa 7 diyosesis and 79 na relihiyosong kongregasyon (CBCP News. http://www.cbcpnews.com/ cbcpnews/?p=7718. Nob 14,2012).

Sa kabuuan, ang mensahe ni Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara ang magandang buod ng lahat: ““God is generous to us, we live borrowed lives and we are gifts. Everything we have is a gift from God and we do not own anything. Whatever we can do is because of God. He provides for what is lacking and gives more. So where is God calling you? Entrust [yourself] to Him.” (CBCP News http://www.cbcpnews.com/ cbcpnews/?p=7793. Nob 14,2012)

SALAMAT sa SUPORTA! P15,643

ang aming naipon mula sa Paskong Ukay-Ukay fundraiser!

-mula sa Parish Youth Ministry

Celebrate the

Season of Giving!

Our Parish will hold the annual Parish Gift Giving on December 30, Sunday. Donate canned goods, toys, toiletries for the less-fortunate families around our parish!

The donations will be offered during Simbang Gabi Masses. You may also drop off your donations at the parish office. Thank you!

photo by Makoy Lequin

Tugon

DECEMBER 2012

Finally!

Our Church

Dedicated

by Angela Paguio

L

ast November 30, more than 800 guests and parishioners came to witness the long-awaited Dedication Rites of our newly-constructed parish church.

It was attended by priests and nuns from the diocese of Antipolo and other religious congregations. Parish workers, laymen, children and even eminent political leaders were also present.

His Most Reverend Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, D. D. presided the 2-hour ceremony, which started at 5:00p.m.

Most parishioners came dressed in different Filipiniana-inspired attire colorful balintawaks, barong, ethnic costumes, and more.

Darkness filled the church until the festive rite of lighting of the altar. It was that part of the ceremony where the Bishop would pass a candle lit from the paschal candle to the Parish Priest

who would in turn light the candles of the sixteen assigned laymen and the candles at the altar in celebration of the Eucharist. The sixteen assigned lay men would then light the candles at the anointed pillars.

This rite was simultaneous with the momentous lighting of the church interior and the joyful singing of the song “Christ be our Light” by the Parish grand choir. The song speaks about our welcoming of Christ as The Light of our Church.

The Dedication Rites also included the blessing and sprinkling of water around the entire church and to the congregation, and the anointing with chrism oil and incensing of the altar and the church.

The first official Mass was held right after.

Ikaw at ang WYD! sulat ni Jazmin D. Tabuena “ I’m so honored. VERY HONORED. Without the help of the community, through prayers and support of every possible kind, and the workings of the Man and his sweet mother above, I don’t think it would have happened.” -Aix Montes; 2011 WYD Delegate

Sa paglipas ng panahon, at sa pagdami ng mga kabataan na ipinapadala ng kani-kanilang mga bansa, may iilan pa rin na kulang ang kaalaman tungkol sa World Youth Day(WYD). Ano nga ba ang World Youth Day? Ito ay isang pista ng pananampalataya para sa mga kabataan na ipinagdiriwang kada dalawa o tatlong taon kasama ang Santo Papa . Bawat bansa ay may kanya-kanyang kinatawan, kung ating tatawagin. Iba’tibang kultura at personalidad, ngunit sila ay may isang pagkakapareha: sila

faith

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Thoughtful Christmas Shopping at PIHM! Add more meaning to your Christmas Shopping!

Buy gifts for your loved ones from the following fundraisers: WYD RIO SHIRT / P250 for our World Youth day delegates of our Parish

PIHM Year of faith Catholic calendar/ P50 for our Parish Media ministry

Stay Connected SHIRT / P250 for our church construction

ay naniniwala at sama-samang SOLD AT: nanampalataya sa ating Ama sa Kubo ni Maria stall taas. Ang mga nagiging delegate ng WYD ay inihahanda para sa mas 10:30am after Sunday Mass aktibong pagbahagi ng kanilang at the Parish Church Entrance. natutunan mula sa WYD, sa kaniParish Office kanilang mga parokya. open 8:30am - 5:00pm

Sa pagdating ng paniTuesday-Sunday bagong taon, ng 2013, magaganap *lunch break from 12:00-2:00pm muli ang World Youth Day sa Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ipapadala natin ang ating mga parish youth ministry leaders na sina Charm at Quet Rafallo, bilang mga delegado ng ating parokya. Ang kahit anong halaga ng donasyon (left) Ch ay makatutulong sa paglikom ng arm a W YD 2013 nd Quet Rafallo pondo upang matulungan ang mga , ang ati Parish Y n (r kinatawan ng ating parokya. Nais e ight most photo) D outh delegates. g gates sa iocese o Madrid, f Antipo mo bang tulungan ang ating lo delSpain no ong WY D 2011.

3 delegates? Tumawag sa 09228596602/ 0915-3116105

faith

hope love

By Francesca Montes

I was born

into and grew up in a religious family and community. Had I known the truths about my faith as I know now, I would not have looked elsewhere for a second.

But having been exposed to an environment that questioned everything, I felt the need to look at my faith from a bird’s eye view and see how it made sense to me. I am here to share with you my journey in gaining, taking apart, and regaining the kind of faith that made sense not only to me, but more importantly to God.

Faith that is Earned, not Given

a mere heirloom and the kind of faith I wanted to fully appreciate but couldn’t.

It was also through those long Waiting for a promise to come. Image and some rights reserved by eVike at Deviantart.com years of strugits members are the means through gling, pondering, which God makes Himself known to reading, listening, and praying that you and I. As Pope Benedict said, “The I found my answer; an answer that Church does not draw Her life from was fully coined by His Holiness, Pope Herself, but from the Lord.” To say that Benedict XVI: we love God without acknowledg “Following Jesus in faith ing the importance of the role of the means walking at his side in the comChurch ,which includes our family and our community, in our lives is impossible and is a contradiction to the love we say we have for Him.

“To rely on our own strength is to build on sand,” a priest once told me. And true enough, in those years when I tried disassociating myself from my then-called heirloom, my life lacked direction and it was a more difficult struggle of pointlessly going back munion of the Church. We cannot and forth with my own thoughts. I was follow Jesus on our own,” he said in created to know and love Him through his homily at Cuatro Vientos Madrid during WYD 2011. “Anyone who would a life with His Church; my individual knowledge and strength having been be tempted to do so ‘on his own,’ or insufficient to cultivate my faith. to approach the life of faith with (the) The struggle of finding a more meankind of individualism so prevalent toingful faith never is an easy endeavor, day, will risk never truly encountering especially with our Church designed to Jesus.”

Now this made me realize that be in the middle of the world. When in the value of faith is not so much about doubt, it’s good to ask ourselves this practical question St. Josemaria Escriva nature of possession, and it cannot asks us, “You wouldn’t think of buildbe accepted and treated solely on my ing a good house to live in here on own terms. Faith never was meant to earth without an architect. How can be about myself and the way I want you ever hope, without a director, to it done. It is and will always be a gift build the castle of your sanctification from God made present by those He in order to live forever in heaven?” sends us. It cannot be separated from the Church and its people because

“To rely on our own strength is to build on sand,” a priest once told me. And true enough, in those years when I tried disassociating myself from my then-called heirloom, my life lacked direction..”

“How is this faith mine?,” I asked myself when I was in college. At the time, I looked at my faith as something that was passed on to me, an inescapable consequence from belonging to a family like mine. I questioned why I needed to conform to the ideals and traditions that were given to me by my family and my parish, thinking of them as mere pieces of an heirloom that did not belong to me.

Through those long years, I carried on with my duty as a choir member. I did not want to disappoint anybody, and was afraid to sway too far off from God’s sight. But I was struggling internally, with my inability to reconcile my faith as some4 thing that was thought of as

Tugon

DECEMBER 2012

faith

hope love No. 34

December 2012

A year of FAITH... a year of FREEDOM We celebrated the Solemn Dedication of the Church of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary last November 30, and we remember that it was started with much faith, hope and love. Now our community enters the Year of Faith with joy and thanksgiving for the graces that had brought us to this Dedication.

There is freedom and there is FREEDOM.

In other countries, it may be legal for one to divorce and be free from his or her spouse, but it does not give real FREEDOM.

St

In the Philippines as in other democracies, if you are below 15 years of age you are free to violate a law such as stealing, and you will not be jailed even if you get caught. However, you are not really FREE.

For example, at the Cainta Junction intersection, in broad daylight there are children who pull out anything they can get from trucks while waiting for the stop light to change. At dawn, they pull off the necklaces of jeepney passengers. They are aware that they cannot be jailed even if they were caught.

If I avoid violating the law in order not to be put to jail

B

. Scholastica’s Convent,Wagner Rd, Baguio City, Mar 27, 2012/ Sundown - A month after our retreat in Malaybalay facilitated by Dom Pachomius, Fr. Elias & Fr. Colombano of the Monastery of Transfiguration – the Oblates of St. Scholastica Convent, Baguio City sat down to refresh/examine ourselves after the fact – assisted

by Sr. Alice Sobrevinas, our retreat

I am then actually in a ‘jail’ called the ‘law’. I am not FREE.

The paths to these ‘jails’ come in different names, such as ‘men’s eyes’, ‘pleasure’ and ‘power’. These are easy paths, very attractive, practical and readily available for us to take.

Thus, we need to remind ourselves often to cling to the real TRUTH in our thoughts and actions. The truth sets us free and keeps us FREE!

Constantly clinging to the truth is a habit. Habits are actions that are done often. If these actions are good, they are called virtues. Bad habits are continued on page 10

eing

enedict

By Tess P. Mapa

Last of Three Parts)

chaperone. Here, my self-revelation as I journey on from that time & place, all of us now scattered in different directions: MONASTERY OF TRANSFIGURATION, Feb 16, 2012 -The bells of the Monastery of Transfiguration are ringing!

I walk, almost run towards the pyramid-shaped roof of the church in pitch darkness – crying. I pray & I cry for my sins – for offending the Lord.

The bells ring for me & me alone. The

heavens are rejoicing because I hear the Lord calling me. My soul has lain dormant these interminable years but oh, how I longed for this moment! I jump at the sound of the monastic bells. Clanging, pealing sounds breaking the silence – piercing my contemplative soul.

I came to this monastery to be by myself, to seek God. To reflect on my life for days & nights. Just 5 breathing the pure monastic continued on page 9

Building a Church out of

Love

(from page 1)

to ensure that their efforts to help our less fortunate brothers are in order and all members are accounted for. Every action, big and small, led us to that one night of joy and awe.

It was a 12 year journey mixed with extreme feelings of frustration and happiness.

The celebration was overwhelming because of the immensity of the structure, but what really made it overwhelming was the people. Old and new faces, who helped turn the dream into a reality in their own small and big ways, came and celebrated with the community. The system is not perfect, and the people are not perfect, but somehow God enabled all of us to help materialize our Church, stone by stone and steel by steel. One can feel that everything is possible with God. And we wouldn’t have been able to do it without faith, hope and love. With faith, we entrusted the vision to God. With hope, we banded together in its construction. With love, we embrace the people and the church we have built.

The Church construction plans were handed by Lito Mendoza (Construction Committee head) to Most. Rev. Bishop Gabriel Reyes at the entrance of the new church at the start of the ceremony. photo credits:Makoy Lequin, Karina Mendoza, Sarah Mendoza, Angela Paguio, Ivan Rosal.

This is one community harmonizing to make sure that this infrastructure comes to fruition, and it just goes to show that God multiplies our efforts if we have the purest of intentions. We still have tasks to complete as the church is not yet fully furnished, but the church dedication makes everything else easier as our new Church somewhat becomes our source of inspiration and strength, aided with the belief that we have a community that can say, “With God, it can be done.”

The Parish Y the tune of song, “Welco 100% PIHM Montes, mus Cervania.

Most. Rev. Bishop Gabriel anointed the altar with chrism using his bare hands, in the dark.

A lta r se rv er s ar e giv en ins tr uctio ns du rin g on e of th e De dicat ion re he rsa ls.

Dedication behind the scenes more than 100 parish workers were part of the 2-hr liturgy.

100 stoles were handcrafted by our mother butlers guild. design

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was made by pihm youth, alida lejano.

me mbers of the Sa cre d Mu sic Min istr y stil l hav e the ene rgy for a wa cky sho t for min g a “ch urc h”.

12 hours were spent recording

Mass songs for our dedication, mostly composed by ROI cervania of

Music ministry (handog choir).

29 nov 2012 Worship minis-

try general rehearsal ended at around 10:30pm.

faith

By Min Arellano

Youth danced to our dedication ome the Church”.

- Lyrics by Bing sic composed by Roi

Our Past Parish priests- Fr. Joel Victorino & Fr. Ric Eguia with our current parish priest, Fr. Sandy Enhaynes.

Find more Church Dedication photos at our parish facebook page.

LIKE US! PIHMantipolo

it took more than 12 WORKERS to Raise the 400 kilo crucifix (12feet long,6 ft. wide) the night of 29th of november. a challenge indeed!

the construction workers worked till 1:00am, the night before the dedication to finish hanging the crucifix.

hope love

Q- Why do Catholics make such a big fuss over the dedication of the Church?

Friend, let me remind you that where God is concerned, we can never fuss enough. Dedication is a tradition that is kept for good reasons.

When a building is intended solely and permanently for sacred activities, it is set apart, cleansed and anointed in a special rite called Dedication. It is fitting and proper to consecrate it for it is where the Christian community assembles to honor and serve God: to listen to His word, to worship as one, celebrate the sacraments, and participate in the Holy Eucharist, and conduct other holy functions. Its dedication is much like its baptism and is a milestone in its history.

Q- How is it done? What exactly happens during the rite?

For this solemn occasion, no less than the bishop of the diocese (or his duly appointed substitute) leads the rite with the assistance of some ministers, clergy and lay. It begins with the entrance rite which includes entry, greeting, brief address of the bishop, the presentation of pertinent documents to him, and the procession to the sanctuary with all involved in the ceremony.

The bishop then blesses the people with holy water as a sign of repentance and as a reminder of their baptism; the walls and the altar are also sprinkled with holy water to purify them.

After the Gloria, the readings and proclamation of the Gospel, the Litany of Saints is recited, taking the place of the general intercession.

The prayer of dedication begins then.

The bishop, having said “Father in heaven…” pours holy chrism on the

altar and anoints the entire table. The walls are anointed next with the signing of the suitably located crosses on the pillars of the church.

The incensation of the altar, the whole church assembly and people follow after. We pray that the sweet fragrance of the incense, symbolizing the dedication rises to heaven and is accepted by God. All this time, the church is in semi-darkness. As soon as the bishop prays, “Let your light shine, Lord, you are our light,” the whole Church comes ablaze with all the lights on simultaneously. This is the most glorious moment for all who follow everything with faith and expectancy.

What was a jobsite before is now a sacred place.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is then celebrated. We expect with greater fervor than usual, and with more exuberance!

Q – It seems to be that the whole dedication rite is all about physical structure.

What of the people? Are they not to be dedicated too?

A- Excellent point! Indeed, the people are of primary importance, for the word Church has been defined “the people of God” since the early days of Christianity. With the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and His saving mission fulfilled, He sent another helper to the disciples. On Pentecost, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit; so empowered, they went to the ends of the earth to spread the Good News of salvation. Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of 7 continued on page 10

faith

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The Last Mass in the Old Church

By Tito Mapa

T

he day before the Dedication of our new church on Hinulugang Taktak, I went early to the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to play the guitar during the 7:00 am Mass.

It was to be the last Mass in the “old” church. But before doing so, I wanted to visit the new church first to take pictures to document our transition from the old to the new church. Also. I

“It is no accident that our new church stands in the middle of a natural environment that is perfectly alive. “ wanted to try to feel its “essence” as I believe that every place has a particular “vibe”. And I was sure our new church had it.

It was a typical beautiful Antipolo morning and the dawn’s early light shone throughout the church vicinity as I entered the new church. Two workers were doing finishing touches and a few worshippers were seated at the back row.

I first took a panoramic shot of the enormous church upon entering. As I walked along the aisle (I wanted to sit near the altar), I looked up in awe at the massive wooden crucifix of Jesus Christ hanging at the center of the ceiling. As I stood gazing at it,

ASSUMPTION ANTIPOLO

at that moment I felt I needed to sit down. So I sat down on one of the rustic- looking pews made of wood in contrast to the industrial-looking ceiling of glass and steel. So, I took a few pictures of the Cross. Then my gaze fell on the altar. I felt something stirred within me – first from the Holy Cross and then the altar. I took a picture of the altar, put my cellphone in my pocket and then I sat down, closed my eyes, relaxed and began to tune in.

Gradually receding into the silence, I sat listening – first to the sounds around like the birds chirping outside. In the stillness of the mocontinued on page 10

Sumulong Highway, Bgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City 1870

www.assumptionantipolo.edu.ph

“Education is to allow the good in every person to break through the rock that imprisons it and bring it into the light where it can blossom and shed its radiance.”

SAINT MARIE EUGENIE OF JESUS

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Accepting students for pre-school ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR gradeschool PRESCHOOL, high school AND SCHOOL, GRADE school year 2013-2014 HIGH SCHOOL FOR Admissions 650-7256 | Administration 650-7230 | Finance 697-2358 | Telefax 697-2359 YEAR 2013-2014 SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2012

A dvent, A Season of Hope

W

here was the promised savior? Centuries had passed, and all the people had were prophecies, figures and symbols in the rites and sacrifices that pointed to Him. They had been waiting and had become rebellious.

God had not forgotten. He was always there for them and rescued them from their enemies time and again.

He made covenants of love and faithfulness with them, but they ignored and betrayed Him countless times. It was after a long period of silence, with the people in “sin and error pining,” in the fullness of time, when God finally acted on His promise. He chose His own Son to save the world; not from far up there, but as God-man, Immanuel, God with us – and with the “thrill of hope, the weary world rejoiced.”

At Advent, we want to feel the same hope that our ancient ancestors felt as they longed for the first coming of the Messiah. In our relentlessness, conflicts, hardships, worry and strife,

B

eing

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(from page 5)

air revives my jaded spirit – I feel like I am crying at the foot of Jesus under the cross for I have offended him.

Seriously. I feel I am just beginning a long overdue journey into my innermost self. As our retreat master Dom Pachomius exhorted, “now is the time to lower our buckets into the well of prayer.”

I feel it’s necessary to leave the “noisy marketplace” & withdraw

faith

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By Min Arellano

we want to remember that these are not the last events that will take place in our lives, for there is hope. Our Lord Savior came to make all things new and to show us the way to freedom, leading to true and lasting happiness.

Ours is a joyful hope in Jesus, the Light of the World, who died to destroy death and rose to restore life. With love and gratitude, we recall God’s everlasting love and faithfulness.

Our hope should move us to action.

We cannot and must not meet our Lord unprepared. Advent becomes special for us when we take stock of our life, look inside and take steps to be cleansed of our sins. We want to see what needs to be improved in us: to be more honest, more compassionate, more understanding, more forgiving and more humble. We want our hearts to be fitting mangers for the Christ child. Our sincere efforts will please Him immensely.

Advent is also meant to awaken our hope for His second coming. The credo states it clearly: HE will come

someplace where silence prevails.

Deep down I come face to face with my spiritual flaws. It’s time to examine the past to feel God’s hand in my life.

I will myself to keep silent . . . the only way to hear God’s voice.

Prayer is a struggle. I imagine myself nestled in God’s benevolent embrace as I pray without ceasing. I feel God’s love & I feel humbled that the Lord understands me when no one does.

again to call us to account and to bring the fullness of His kingdom where we hope to dwell with, in eternal peace, love and joy. But hope is not merely wishing that things will work out well for us, nor simply waiting for what we want to happen.

The future begins here and now, the present. Each day should be well-lived with little acts of kindness: offering peace, comforting the sad and lonely, bringing a smile to a sick one, forgiving an offender and being patient with that difficult person. Are we hopeful that we can do it? Certainly! Jesus comes to us daily in the many help that He provides: His word, our Christian living manual, Mother Church to guide us, the grace of public and private prayer, sacraments to strengthen our faith, hope and love, and the gifts and skills He equips us continued on page 10

I need to be guided because I know that the way to the inner path is treacherous. illustrated by Maki Solomon

Tugon

I know I’m not alone.

We are all journeying to God.

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faith

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The Last Mass in the Old Church (from page 8)

ment I began to feel a sense of peace – an overwhelming feeling of peace. I stayed in this state for awhile before I slowly began to open my eyes.

Suddenly, I had a realization: Our new church sits in the middle of a forest surrounded by a variety of trees, gemelina, bamboo and other flora the names of which escape me.

Because of my experiences/research in Organic Gardening, I know that besides trees, there are animals in the forest (including snakes). Moreover, I know the soil nurses a million living microorganisms. It is no accident that our new church stands in the middle of a natural environment that is perfectly alive. It was at that moment I saw that all is ONE – the church as the center of a community taking root in a beautiful natural environment.

I felt our Lord wanted me to simply admire the beauty that He bestows on us. And as we enjoy the beauty of our new church in its natural surroundings, He blesses us with His peace.

I stood up filled with the essence of God’s peace and proceeded to attend The Last Mass at the “old” Church.

A year of FAITH... a year of FREEDOM (from page 5)

vices. The good habit of clinging to the truth is a virtue. It is FAITH. It does not appear practical, and may appear uneconomical in men’s eyes and therefore difficult to be understood by many. The virtue of faith cannot grow if you wish to understand it first.

Faith will make us understand.

How do we increase our faith?

Simply ask, as we look at Him during the Consecration at Holy Mass: My Lord and my God, please increase my faith.

And as we receive Him, we allow Him to write the law of love in our hearts. With our converted hearts guiding our actions and thoughts, we no longer act following an external law.

We are no longer slaves of any law.

With our faith, we will be able to understand the graces we have been receiving and with this understanding, experience the real FREEDOM.

(from page 5)

the Church, the people of God.

Preparations for the dedication include not only the process of the rite but the importance and value of the celebration. They are prepared not only to participate fully in the rite, but also to be ready, willing and able to rededicate themselves to God’s holy purpose. Moreover, the people of God continue to consecrate themselves to Him as individuals and as a community all throughout their 10 lives. Congratulations to all!

Advent,

A Season of Hope (from page 9)

to serve others. Best of all, Jesus is in us through the Holy Spirit He sent to renew and sanctify us. Truly our Lord has all bases covered.

The spirit of advent should not end on the last Sunday of the season. Let us persevere in the way Jesus taught us – self-denial, patience amidst trials in life, obedience to the Father’s will, love for Him and serving as witnesses to our Savior. Then we shall be worthier members to welcome the One who came to save us, when He comes again to bring us to the place He has prepared for us.

We say to Him with great joy: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!”

Sources: CCC No. 522, 524.

Bernard Raas, SVD. Liturgical Year Volume I Charles Ringma. Dare to Journey with Nouwen

Tugon

DECEMBER 2012

faith

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Himala at Bagong Pag-asa

sa Parokya sulat ni Marivic Japona guhit ni Vivencio Mabini

sulat ni Carina Salvador

N

oong Setyembre 24, 2012, araw ng Huwebes, ay ginanap sa parokya ang kauna –unahang healing mass sa pangunguna ni Rev. Fr. Sandy Enhaynes. Nagsimula ang “Healing Session” pagkatapos ng pagdiriwang ng banal na misa sa pamumuno ni Sis. Emma De Guzman. Dinaluhan ito ng marami nating mga kababayang umaasa sa lunas na dulot ng kanyang mga panalangin . Iba’t iba man ang antas sa buhay ng mga nagsipagdalo, bawat isa ay nagkakatulad sa panalangin ; ang masumpungan ang “Himala” na bigay ng Diyos Ama na nasa Langit.

Ang sabi nga ni Sis. Emma “Simple prayers from our heart will be heard by the lord “. Natapos ang programa na ang baon sa bawat isa ay bagong pag-asa.

• Isinilang noong ikawalo ng Disyembre, 1949 sa Cabanatuan.

• Nagtrabaho sa Singapore bilang Domestic Helper ; lumipat siyang Canada upang doon magtrabaho bilang yaya noong taong 1986.

• Pinakitaan ng mahal na Birhen sa Toronto , Ontario Canada sa mismong pista ng kaarawan ng Mahal na Birhen ,noong taong 1991.

•Nagtatag ng Catholic Lay Group na La Pieta ; Mother of Love , Peace and Joy. • Nagpalaganap ng panalangin at kapayapaan sa iba’t ibang dako ng mundo.

airport

Ang

mabuhay kasama ang pamilya ay napakasayang pangyayari sa ating buhay. Ang pamilya na siyang gumagabay sa atin sa twina.

Ang pamilya na siyang binubuo ng Nanay, Tatay at magkakapatid.

Si Nanay na walang sawang nagaalaga sa atin at si Tatay na walang kapagurang nagtatrabaho para sa atin. Pero paano kung wala si Nanay o si Tatay? Masasabi pa rin bang masaya ang pamilya kahit na sa likod ng dahilan ng kanilang pagalis ay “para sa kinabukasan ng mga anak nila.”

“Mahirap makahanap ng mapapasukang trabaho sa Pilipinas”, ito ang kadalasang dahilan ng mga taong pumupunta sa ibang bansa para doon magtrabaho. Hindi natin sila masisisi dahil may mga pagkakataon talagang mahirap tugunan ang pangangailangan ng miyembro sa bawat pamilya dito sa Pilipinas. Bakit nga ba mahirap pigilan ang tumataas na bilang na mga naghihirap? Talaga nga namang sinasakripisyo ng mga magulang ang kanilang kasiyahan, maiayos lamang ang buhay ng mga anak..

Parang si Maria, kahit anong hirap ng buhay, nagsakripisyo siya para sa kanyang anak na si Hesus.

Hindi masamang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa basta may komunikasyon na nagdudugtong at nagsisilbing koneksyon sa kanila at sa kanilang mga naiwan. Napaisip ka na rin ba kung paano natutugunan ng Diyos ang ating pang araw-

araw na pangangailangan gayong hindi natin Siya kasama? Alam Niya ang lahat ng nasa ating isip, lalong higit ang nasa puso natin.

Ang Simbahan ay isa sa mga tulay na nagdudugtong sa tao at sa Diyos. Kaya naman katuwang ang Simbahan sa pagtugon sa pagbubuklod ng pamilya. Sa patuloy na pagdami ng mga Pilipino na nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa, naisipang magkaroon ng Migrants Ministry ang ating parokya.

Ang Migrants Ministry at ang Simbahan ay nagbibigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pamilya: ang KATATAGAN NG PAMILYANG OFW ang magiging direksyon ng gawaing ito. Sa pamamagitan nito ay natutulungan at nagkakatulungan ang pamilyang OFW sa iba’t ibang sitwasyon o problemang may kinalaman sa pangingibang-bansa.

Sa pagkakaroon ng Migrants (OFW) Ministry, naeehersisyo natin ang mga sumusunod: AGKAKAISA (Unity) AGBABAHAGINAN (Sharing) AGTUTULUNGAN (Helping) ANANAMPALATAYA (Faith)

Kaya naman wag nang magatubili at magpahuli pa. Malugod po naming inaanyayahan ang lahat ng pamilyang OFW dito sa ating parokya na makiisa at maging bahagi ng ating Parish Migrants Ministry.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, makipag11 ugnayan lamang sa 09052254712 o 0907-7745601.

Official Newsletter of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Hinulugan Taktak, Fairmount Hills subd. Antipolo City Tel. no. 696-4387 Add us up!

PIHMTugon Publisher Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Editor in Chief Gabriel D. Montes Asst. Editor Delarie S. Almanzor Layout & Design Nathalie V. Mendoza

Maki E. Solomon Illustrators Vivencio M. Mabini Jr.

and Alex L. Cayao Contributors Min C. Arellano Bing D. Montes

Marivic F. Japona Angela Michelle A.Paguio

Tess P. Mapa Carina P. Salvador

Tito F. Mapa Jazmin D. Tabuena

Aika D. Montes Roger R. Masagnay

Gabriel D. Montes Advisers

Rev. Fr. Alexander V. Enhaynes Parish Priest Lito C. Mendoza PPC President

Christmas Season 2012 Mass Schedule

December 16-24 Parish Church Assumption

4:30AM 4:30AM

December 15 - 23 Chapels (Anticipated Masses) Sampaguita 7:00PM Palmera 7:00PM Beverly 8:30PM Bankers 8:30PM Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Parish 10:00PM Town & Country 10:00PM Sampaguita 7:00PM Palmera 7:00PM Beverly 8:30PM Bankers 8:30PM

P50/ copy

There will be no more regular Masses in our community chapels on Christmas & New Year’s Day. Masses will be in the main Parish Church only at 10:30AM and 5:30PM only.

illustrated by Alex L. Cayao