“To us, a Child is born” Isaiah 9:1

December 2008 VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 4

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Merry Christmas

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Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community Global Districts

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Even in Advent Season, we can already greet one another Merry Christmas, Malipayon nga Paskwa, Maligayang Pasko. Indeed we are not preparing for the arrival of God in our world; we are in fact celebrating the anniversary of his birth into our world more than two thousand years ago. Since then Jesus Christ has been with us, he has never left us. The present Advent and Christmas are indeed a continuation of our celebration.

The arrival of Jesus Christ into our world is called Advent, or coming. And so

Advent is Christmas and Christmas is Advent. Christmas is an invitation for us to experience what is untouchable, whereby you can

hear what cannot be heard, see what cannot be seen and know what cannot be known. That is the presence of God, of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit, is like salt in the water. If you put salt in the water today, tomorrow morning it's gone and dissolved. Taste the water at the top, it tastes like salt. Taste the water at the middle, it tastes like salt. Taste the water at the bottom, it also tastes like salt. The salt remains in the water even though you do not see it, and though you do not see the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they are fully present in you and everyone else, everywhere.

That is the essence of what Jesus Christ has said: “Whatever you do, good or bad, to

one another, you do unto me.” Everyone becomes Christ! Everyone is the face of God! It took Jesus Christ to be born more than 2000 years ago to make us realize and live

that essential truth. Advent-Christmas comes around to remind us that eternal truth.

+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO Archbishop of Jaro & BLD Spiritual Director December 1, 2008

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In the Philippines, it is a common tradition to sing Christmas carols as

soon as the month turns to September. This signals the season to be jolly.

Malls and stores dress Christmassy to lure buyers "to shop till you drop." The name of the game is commercialism wherein almost everybody in the world are so enthusiastic to say Merry Christ-mas! Is it so? Well, the liturgical calendar says that it is still 4weeks before Christ-mas day. Liturgically speaking, the Church celebrates the season of Advent.

Advent from the Latin word adven-tus means arrival or coming in plain language. Who is arriving or coming? It is The Lord, our Savior,the Emmanuel. Hence the coming of Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. As the saying goes: Jesus is the reason for the season. This implies preparation. Christ comes in three ways. As a new born babe on Dec. 25, Christmas Day, as Judge and Lord of creation (His second coming, the Parousia) and as in every sacrament that we Christians celebrate and receive like the Eucharist (the Mass), Baptism, P e n a n c e e t c . T h e r e f o r e , t h e weeks before Christmas are days of preparation to receive graces from God.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that when the Messiah comes, there will be change in the world. There will be hope for the people living in “darkness.” The new life that the Savior gives is full of peace and Joy. His coming is an expression of unconditional Love of God for His people. His life is characterized by his compassion, preaching, and healing of

the “lost sheep.” St. John the Baptist exhorts all men to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Make straight his paths. Let justice and peace be again.

I can now understand why my Carmelite friends-cloistered nuns do not call nor entertain visitors or book for an appointment with any outsider during Advent. Their time is devoted to sit at the foot of the Divine Master. To stop, look and listen to Him as they live and do His divine will. Their ears, hearts and will are focused on the Lord's coming.

Rightfully then does the Church sing Advent songs during the season. Songs like O Come Emmanuel, Let Heaven Rejoice, The King of Glory Comes, O Come Divine Messiah, On Jordan's Bank, People Look East etc. that do not sound “Christmassy” at all are the appropriate prayer-songs of the season.

O n c e t h e A d v e n t s e a s o n ends, everybody who has prepared in-wardly and outwardly for the Lord's coming and are spiritually enriched can look towards a meaningful, peaceful and grace-filled Christmas.

Silent Night, Adeste Fideles,Joy to the World and Halleluia (George Han-del) and Christmas carols will usher in expectedly God's presence, blessings, love, peace and joy as this "troubled" world looks towards the New Year.

Marana Tha! Veni, Jesu Christe! Come, Lord Jesus! Halina Hesus!

Message

Fr. Manuel L. Serranilla, Jr. Spiritual Director

BLD St. Catharines DIP 5

BUKÁS LOÓB SA DIYÓS COVENANT COMMUNITY The Executive Council of Servant Leaders

ADVENT - CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the BLD Global Community,

Bogie & Margie Lorenzo

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Like our Blessed Mother, may all of us have the total trust and obedience to God's plan for each of us and for our Community. As we acknowledge our Father's love in sending His Son Jesus to be born on earth, may we always share His love with our family and with all our brothers and sisters in Christ. A blessed Christmas to all!

During this season of hope and joy, may our faith and our genuine desire to follow Jesus build up eve-ryday as Jesus, the Word of God, reveals himself more deeply and more clearly to us, to our family and to our Community. May the message of the angels “Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests” come upon our hearts and be the guiding light of unity, peace and rec-onciliation in our family, our Community, and the world. A peaceful Christmas to all!

Lito & Jasmin Abastillas

The birth of the child Jesus in a humble Bethlehem cave is truly unexpected, that God should come to us as a helpless child of poor parents, born away from the limelight and riches of the world. It is in this utmost simplicity that we find peace, love and happiness. “Exult in the Lord, lift up your hearts in spiri-tual joy, for the day of redemption is being renewed, the day of age long expectation of the announce-ment of happiness that has no end” May the love and peace of Christmas be upon us, for God is born in the stable of our hearts. Maligayang Pasko at Mapayapang Bagong Taon po sa inyong lahat!!!

Dan & Ludy Andres

“Sing to the Lord a new song…the Lord has made his salvation known; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.” This is truly a season of rejoicing and thanksgiving in remembering that Jesus is God's love for us. Through and In him, we are gifted with fullness of life. God loved, he gave, we receive, and we live. Well-wishes for a blessed Christmas and New Year to all!

Alfred S. Kudemus

This Christmas 2008, let us make ourselves a true gift to God, and we can do it by becoming true ser-vant to the members of our own family, brother or sister to the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lonely, the widow, the prisoners and the homeless! In doing so we have our Lord Jesus' everlasting assurance for all seasons, "What you do to these least brothers of mine, you do unto Me" Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyo, sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay at sa inyong BLD District.

Jun & Baby Delarmente

As we celebrate the humble birth of Jesus, may we be faithful to our Covenant with Jesus; may we witness the Peace of Jesus in our lives and to others; may we look with favor on the poor who is in Jesus — May you, your family, and your district have A Blessed, Peaceful, and Joyful Christmas!

Eliong & Leah Sison Presiding Servant Leaders

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Greetings from Toronto

“Proclaim His glory ammong the nations, His marvelous deeds to all the peoples; great is the Lord and worthy of all praise” Psalm 96 Greetings of peace & joy! We rejoice with you as you celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour! We are truly blessed to be able to freely proclaim His marvelous love for all mankind and to receive His precious gift of peace! And it is with gladness and thanksgiving that we recall how you, our brothers and sisters of St. Catharines BLD community, have dutifully and generously been giving of yourselves to be God's channels of His Good News and witnesses of His transforming love. Though busyness, deadlines, rush and stress have crept into the world's celebration of the Season, may we not miss out on the moments that Our Prince of Peace will gently knock at our hearts this Christmas. “Happy are all who long for the coming of the Lord” - Psalm 147 A Blessed and Holy Christmas to you and your families! The District Council of Stewards Toronto District

Robert & Cely Kitane

Evangelization

Ed & Lu Dumlao Pastoral

Manny & Bessie Gorospe

Mission

Frank & Rose Cuaresma

Management

Jimmy & Nora Valera

Formation

Pat & Rose Canlas

District Servant Leader

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G Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Community, It is the Season of Advent! It is the season that gives us an opportunity to slow down and to spend some time in quiet preparation. Slow down? With all of the Christmas shopping, parties to go to, visits to make, cards to mail, cookies to bake? In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas, can we hear the voice of him who cries out? Are we getting a room ready in our hearts for that special guest that’s coming? As Christians we understand Advent to be a season of preparation during which we examine our lives and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus on Christmas. What a special time to get ready by rejoicing that our God is not far away, that HE is here right now among us, that HIS kingdom has begun and that HE will come again at the end of the age. Let us press forward in capturing His glory, as a small voice rises up within us declaring: Prepare ye the way! The Messiah is coming! May HE live forever in our hearts with the light of HIS glory shining in our hearts to burst forth to all those around us. May every home and family in our BLD community of St. Catharines be filled with the joy HIS loving presence brings. A Blessed Christmas and a Spirit-Filled New Year to all of you and your loved ones! Emmanuel! God with us! Love in Christ,

District Council of Stewards

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God… and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed” Isaiah 40:2 and 5

Poch & Avic Robles

Management Cip & Emmy

Tabios Pastoral

Romy & Minda Panday

Evangelization Roy & Carmen

MITRA Formation

reetings

from your DCS!

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Advent is defined as “any important arrival”. And certainly no arrival can be more important as the coming of the Christ Child on Christmas day. Jesus has come to fulfill all the hopes spoken of in the Old Testament.

But it also means that other “advent”. It is that time in the liturgical year when the Church reminds us once again of another “coming” – alluding to the second coming of Jesus when we will have to give an accounting of our lives. How much did we love? How responsibly did we use our gifts? What have we done to build up God’s king-dom on earth?

The Church’s gospel reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent exhorts us to “keep awake”. (Mk 13: 37). How do we stay spiritually awake?

Advent is first and foremost about God’s love and His plan for our salva-tion. Jesus wants us to be ready at all times because He does not want us to fall away from our faith. He knows the dangers and temptations lurking in the world and He knows that our sinful nature makes it difficult for us to fight off the enticements the world presents. That’s why Jesus tells us to keep looking for Him and to remain faithful, even when we cannot understand; to be faith-ful in the midst of trials, suffering, ill-ness and broken relationships. He is just

away for a little while. He will come back again. And until He does, we are called to share in the peace and joy that can be had in Christ as we accept His presence every moment of our life.

Ever since that first Christmas, God has been pouring out His bounteous graces to shape His Church into a beau-tiful bride for His Son. Each one of us is called to help prepare the world for His glorious return. There are so many ways God wants to call us because there are so many ways He wants His pres-ence and His gospel to be made known to the world before Jesus comes again. And as we await His coming, let our preparations bring us to a powerful transformation in the way we live each day. Let us keep a faithful watch for that day when every suffering will cease, every sin defeated, every tear wiped away and all of God’s purpose for us will be fulfilled.

“Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.”

by Olie & Menchu Ealdama District Shepherds

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Message

Christmas Christmas

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by The Word Ministry

dvent is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord by proclaiming the Good News. Let us then ask ourselves this advent season “what can we do to bring God’s love and good news to all especially to those who have not heard of our Lord.

As we become busy in our holiday preparations, we can easily forget to reach out to those in Spiritual need. The “spiritually homeless” - this class spans all societies, from the very rich to the very poor, those who dwell in the finest homes to those who live in simple homes, even the homeless.

For whatever their origin or achievements, people who are without knowledge of God may live their entire lives without a foundation in this world. And we proclaim the good news by providing them with the knowledge of God and the love of God for everyone and by reaching out to them.

We can begin in our circles of family, and friends. How many of us know a family member and/or a friend who has somehow over the years has lost his faith or even Catholic families tending to the needs of a shut in or very sick family member may not be aware of the spiritual services in your parishes. Something as simple as a sincere and loving invitation to come with you to the Christmas Mass or to participate in different advent program in the church such as food drives. Look to your neighbours. Often there is a great and unspoken need. We can help arrange for a pas-toral visit and Eucharistic ministers who can joyfully bring the Eucharist and Word to those who are unable to go to church. Also, don’t forget to enlist the efforts of shut in and disabled who may not be able to leave home and serve on committees. Invite their prayers. Remind them that prayer is the power base for all faith sharing activities at Christmas and year round.

Above all, keep praying for those who are seeking God. It is the Holy Spirit who works in people’s hearts – oftentimes in the process making use of the Lord’s baptized, willing instruments, you and I.

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So this advent season, let us resolve to “keep Jesus in Christmas”. Let us build and set up the Christmas crib in our own hearts, ready for Him. The perfect spiritual preparation and welcome for the Christ child. The best foundation for the Spiritual crib is the recogni-tion of the Advent, the wonderful season of waiting and watching and preparing the way of the Lord as we proclaim the Good News. Brothers and sisters, Advent is the time to sweep out the spiritual cobwebs and prepare a home for Christ in one’s own soul.

Rey & Mabel Perlas

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I have always been afraid to embark

on any monumental task, such as that of LSS Coordinator, simply because of my hectic life. The fact that I have a very demanding job and that we live in Markdale which is some 3 hours' drive to St. Catharines instinctively tells me that there is no way that I can do it well. Problems at work can arise on Fridays as any other day that could require my personal attention well into late after-noon. I cannot guarantee that I can make it to St. Catharines on Friday evenings. Although my husband, Rey, thinks positively and always tells me that God will make a way, I still can not convince myself that it is possible.

I refused this task when it was offered to us last year but somehow felt that we would be asked to do it again this year. There was a continuing strug-gle between my mind and my heart. My rational mind still told me that it is not possible but in my heart I felt a great sense of sadness because I would be turning down our Lord's offer to serve Him. However, on August 28, 2008, when Minda, DCS for Evangelization, called to ask if Rey and I can be the LSS coordinators this year, I readily said, “Yes!” And in my heart and mind all through that night, I was saying, “Yes Lord, Yes, Yes Lord!” I just could not bear to refuse our Lord once more. How could I turn Him down? He has blessed me and my family so much.

“Have I not commanded you?“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified;Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your Godfor the LORD your God will be with youwill be with you

wherever you go.”wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9Joshua 1:9

by Mabel Perlas LSS #10 Coordinator

Reflection LSS No. 10LSS No. 10 on

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And so, the monumental task of planning and organizing for the seminar began. We received files upon files of materials and countless emails from everyone involved. In a flash, our house became a workplace with papers every-where, the calendar full of activities, coordination with various teams and phoning until very late at night. And as we were forewarned, the spiritual war-fare began too. First, my suitcase was stolen and I lost some jewelry of great sentimental value. And as if by coinci-dence, I encountered more problems at work which demanded working late at night. I had to delegate most of the paper work for the LSS to Rey which at times caused short fuses because of miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. Our computer kept breaking down, our email was cut off, our car broke down and other distractions. We felt that the “other side” was working hard to disrupt and perhaps to discourage us in doing our job. We prayed together more than before and somehow our dear Lord made us feel that He is always there watching over us and ready to clear each and every obstacle that we encountered.

The first shepherding session came. We were so encouraged by the number of candidates who joined the seminar. This gave us the strength and the resolve to work harder.

Everybody was now inspired and ready to start the work of the Lord. As I watched all the "lambs" listen to the first topic which is God's Love, I felt assured that all of them were committed

to attend the seminar. I felt a sense of divine assurance that everything will be all right. We prayed the LSS Novena before we started the shepherding and since that time, Rey and I prayed the Novena together every night for the next 6 weeks.

The days and weeks passed by quickly, and during those times, more and more things that needed to be done came to our attention. We persevered through the mountain of paper work, email, telephone calls, oppressions, the driving back and forth to St. Catharines on Fridays and holding shepherding sessions in our house in Brampton on Sundays for our out of town candidates with the help of Menchu, Olie, Roy, Carmen and Tellie. In the midst of all these, our faith in our Lord and in our community grew as we saw our brothers and sisters always so eager and ready to help.

Friday, November 7th came. I took the day off from work so I can focus on the LSS. At breakfast that morning I said to Rey, “This is one hard work that I feel so good about doing and I will not mind doing it again if need be.” I added, “Now we are on auto pilot and we will soar on eagle's wings and our Lord will take us where He wants us to go.”

The LSS proper finally came. The venue turned into a beehive of activities as the working team emerged in full force. With joyful hearts, everyone went about serving the Lord as He greatly deserves to be served. The different working teams became one body with one heart and one mind as they

“Thus your burden will be lightened, as they will bear it with you”

Exodus 18:22

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

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executed the work needed to bring the lambs into the presence of the Holy Spirit. The prayers throughout Saturday intensified as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

approached and the Grand Vigil started. I stayed in the Vigil room with our devoted Intercessory Team as the shepherds and catchers quietly entered the conference room to minister to the lambs. Rey joined the catchers and this is his account of what transpired during the Baptism:

Truly God's soothing presence is everywhere and we can only be thankful. True to

His promise, those whom God appoints to be fellow workers with Him, He will equip. The experience of being an LSS coordinator made me realize that if God puts you into it, He will put you through it. Together with the working teams, we have helped turn a new page in the lives of our lambs to worship the Lord from their vic-torious rebirth through the LSS.

Looking back at the events that happened in our lives earlier this year made me realize that God had a plan for Rey and me. Being LSS Coordinators made my faith bloom even more and my love for God to grow stronger.

"I felt the force of the Holy Spirit manifesting among us. As Fr. Fay approached and anointed each lamb, it seemed like the power of the Holy Spirit became stronger and stronger. I heard the gift of tongues grew louder and louder until it sounded like a choir of angels praising our magnifi-cent God. I prayed and sang at the same time as I helped in catching the lambs. I was in tears as I saw the lambs fully yield themselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. They seemed to be in such peace as they rested in the Spirit. I was filled with awe and I thanked the Lord for touching them with His love and power. That night, I witnessed the Holy Spirit at work mightily. It was something to behold and I will treasure this experience in my heart forever."

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My brothers and sisters in Christ,

I was asked to write something about the LSS # 10 that Heidi and I recently attended. As I think about the experience I realize it has become a part of my daily life, my family life and the season of Advent. The Holy Spirit living in us is drawing us ever closer to the Father and the Son.

For the second year in a row I have been asked to say grace at the company Christmas party. It is not a duty I seek because I realize most of the 200 or so people at the gathering are not Christian or have fallen away from Christianity or are vehemently opposed to Christianity. There are some who are anti-catholic and I will find myself as I did last year rejected in some small way by those who feel bitterness towards Catholics. Perhaps they are people who have in some way been injured by Catholics or Catholicism. Perhaps they themselves are fallen away Catholics. Others at the party belong to different faiths which

are not Christian and they cannot relate to or understand our faith.

In taking on this small task I feel the responsibility of witnessing for Jesus and being a visible representative of Catholicism in the workplace. All year long I will be observed to see if I am truly Christian or just a pretender. I pray everyday to be a good representative of Christ to others and never to discredit Jesus or his people.

I am happy that the owners of our company still wish to include thanksgiv-ing to God before the meal. So many companies in Canada have abandoned Christianity (the founding faith of our ancestors) for the weak excuse of being inclusive. I’ve never understood how excluding the faith of the founding peo-ples of our country can somehow be either inclusive or just. So I am pleased to give honour to my lord and savior in this small task.

When I prepare for this task I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. I remem-ber that Jesus told his disciples they

by Bill Krusky

Graduates Reflect on

LSS No. 10LSS No. 10

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would witness for Him before kings and rulers. I also remember that Jesus told his disciples not to prepare beforehand a defense as the spirit would tell them what to say. So in preparing for this task I spend 90% of my time asking God for guidance, wisdom and courage and 10% of my time thinking of content. What I actually say during the blessing is spon-taneous and from the heart and as my wife advises - not too long.

This brings me to the Life in the Spirit seminar that Heidi and I partici-pated in on November 7-9, 2008. We have both had time to consider what the Lord has done for us through this experience. For one thing we have received a closer relationship with Jesus. I have found two traditional prayers that I now begin my day with. The first is the Divine Praises… Blessed be God, Blessed be his holy name, Blessed be Jesus Christ, true god and true man, Blessed be the name of Jesus, Blessed be his most Sacred Heart and so on. The second prayer is the litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since Heidi and I live only 100 feet from the tabernacle of our parish church I remember and speak to Jesus in the tabernacle from our kitchen as I do these two prayers. Jesus is becoming a real friend, a real savior and the object of a new love in my heart.

Only two days ago Heidi experi-enced a dream in which a man dressed in a cream coloured tunic and a gold sash stood beside her as she slept. He said nothing but his presence was real to her. She awoke twice and saw nothing. But again she felt his presence as she drifted back to sleep. She is certain it was Jesus. In discussing her experience we can only believe that Jesus wanted to make his presence and care known to her.

This brings me to Advent- the season of Joy. It is the time when Jesus comes to all of us.

For today in the city of David a savior

has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

The second gift of the Life in the

Spirit Seminar is the presence of the Holy Spirit. Both Heidi and I believe the spirit is showing us Jesus and the Father in a new way.

Every night Heidi and I pray over our son before we put him in bed. We start with traditional community prayers (The Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be) followed by prayers of blessing, then a prayer of protection and finally a prayer for the gifts of the holy spirit upon our son.

I cannot help but believe that Mary and Joseph prayed over Jesus in the same way. There would be traditional prayers that they could say together. This would be needed in their long exile in Egypt. It would be a way to maintain their faith and remain Jewish among a foreign people. There would be prayers of blessing. Mary shows us her gratitude in the canticle of Mary.

For He has looked on his handmaid’s

lowliness, behold from now on all ages will call me blessed.

She who received so much would herself know how to bless. There would be prayers for protection. Protection from those who would harm the child. Protection from poverty, an ever present reality. Protection from anxiety as God’s plan unfolded in their lives and the child grew in wisdom and under-standing. Finally Mary and Joseph would actively seek a relationship with

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God through prayer and no doubt won-der what the child would become. They knew he would be called the Son of the Most High.

Jesus said:

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name – he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Let us remember the Holy Family this Christmas. Let us remember that we the people of God are a holy family and together share a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and each other.

Heidi, Lucas and I wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas and an ever closer union with the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

My baptism of the Holy Spirit during the Life in the Spirit Seminar was the most wonderful experience in my whole life. The mighty touch of the Spirit and the face of our Lord Jesus flashing in front of me, the healing and forgiveness are among the gifts that I received. Since I joined the LSS, I have been so blessed. I want to thank Rey and Mabel Perlas for inviting me to the seminar and I also thank my shepherd Carmen and co-shepherd, Irene. From them, I learned more about the word of God, acceptance of trials pains and forgiveness. I have grown

stronger and my self esteem is back. I have become closer to our Lord and His presence in my heart, my mind and my spirit has healed my wounds that I have carried for many years. And with this healing, I will now become a blessing to others, especially to my family.

Lord Jesus, Thank you for sending me the Holy Spirit. Thank you for coming into my life and making me see the greatness of your love. I surrender my future to you and I place my entire life into Your hands. I also surrender my family and friends into Your care, knowing that You love them more than I can ever love them. Make me an instrument of your love. With a trusting heart, I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

by Cecilia E. Haresco

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It was a great blessing for St. Ca-tharines to have had its Singles' Encounter #1 Weekend last September 19-21. I thank God for being at the center of our lives during that time, working with us and directing us. We have learned from past teachings that when we work for the Lord, a lot of trials can come which can challenge our resolve. This proved to be true for us before the SE weekend but we were able to overcome it with God's help, working through the support of friends and the encouraging words of our BLD family.

With the power of the Holy Spirit at work, the SE #1 Weekend really turned out to be more beautiful than we had expected, even though despite our efforts in recruiting more candidates, we ended up having only 7 candidates. The sponsoring class - Jocelyn, Charmaine, Cecilia, Mary Jane, Nelda, Violy and I - were worried that the SE weekend may not go through with only 7 candidates but we all left it in the hands of the Lord. Speaking for myself, I had already surrendered the weekend at the foot of the Cross of Jesus and I was ready to accept His will. I really thank God for how the 7 members of the sponsoring

class, together with the support of the Toronto Singles and our facilitators, Lucille Salvador and Ian Buzon, worked as one to accomplish our purpose of bringing the candidates to discover God in a new way and to be able to see God in others.

As one of the sharers for the Week-end, I humbly offered my life to God. I always visited the vigil room, quietly reading my sharing. I could not help but cry "thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being a witness to Your goodness". The truth was, when I was first asked, I was hesitant to share that part of my life but with the prayers and guidance of our District Shepherd, Ate Menchu, and DCS Pastoral, Ate Emmy, I found the courage to stand in front of all. The tears that freely flowed from me gave me the strength to do what I needed to do with God's power working in me.

My prayer to all our Singles is that no matter our path to enlightenment, we come to realize that we are one. We may have different paths but we are not alone for we walk the same time toward the same end. May we always be one in Christ to feel the love of our Creator and, by example, learn to see each other as brothers and sisters.

We Are One We Are One A Reflection on the SE No. 1 WeekendA Reflection on the SE No. 1 Weekend

by Irene Gumolda

To God be the Glory!

Praise God for all His goodness!

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Graduates Speak on

Discovering Jesus in a New Way

During the SE Weekend

All praise and glory to God in the Highest for the wonderful and memorable experience of the Singles Encounter Weekend last September 19-21, 2008. It was really God’s work that made it meaningful for the candidates. I am very thankful to have been a part of it because the weekend was absolutely amazing. All the topics discussed and shared were interesting. I was enlightened in mind and spirit by the talks of Fr. Emmanuel Mbam. Since encountering the Lord, my point of view in life is changed. For me, in order for my new relationship with Jesus Christ to mature and flourish, I want to know Him better, love him more, and grow stronger in my walk with Him.

And to those who sponsored and organized the event, I say “well done”. Thank you so much for your support and hard work. May God shower upon you blessings beyond your expectations!

by Sharon Layos

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The SE is a memorable experience for me. I learned a lot of values from our discussions. One particular topic which touched me the most was how I can never hide behind a mask with the Lord because He truly knows what is inside me. During the reconciliation rites, I felt everyone’s heart at that moment. I learned to let go of my pride and was able to forgive those people who have hurt me. After the weekend, I left the venue with so much joy, peace, wisdom and understanding. My faith in our Lord has become greater still. The SE made me a strong individual who will be able to face any future trials that I will encounter.

Thank you so much to the sponsor-ing class and the working team. Many thanks to the St. Catharines BLD family who worked so hard to put on this first Singles Encounter. Thank you to God because BLD St. Catharines is always there standing for us and supporting us, the Singles. Praise the Lord!

by Grace Gumolda It was an amazing experience! I kept

on crying when I heard Irene's sharing who really touched my life. I was filled with forgiveness and I was never hap-pier. Thank you so much and continue your good works for the glory of God!

by Berna Barbarona

Thank you to all the sharers - you touched my life! I was able to forgive those people who hurt me. I experi-enced the sisterhood in our group. The surprise we were given that Sunday was truly amazing! I left that seminar with peace and joy in my heart. Thank you, St. Catharines, for putting together this S.E #1.

by Norielyn Santos

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The SE was a great experience for me and I learned so much from the sharers and from their life experiences. During the weekend, I encountered the kindness and loveliness of God in my Life.

by Mercy Guzman

The SE weekend was a great experi-ence for me. It made me realize that life is a journey full of trials and challenges, but indeed it is just a way of measuring how deep is our love and faith in Him. Therefore, I can say that I am not alone, for God is always with me.

by Josie Malandac

The SE weekend was such a wonder-ful, life-changing experience for me. I have been to other retreats before but have never cried as much as I did on this one. I am not a morning person, but the readings, sharings, games and the fun was a very good thing for me. In the course of the weekend, I met new friends and even had interaction with the leaders in the process. Best of all, I had a wonderful one-on-one with the Lord God Almighty.

A big hand to all the elders, facilita-tors and sponsors for the whole En-counter. I had a marvelous time getting to know the Lord. Also, thanks, Irene, for inviting me. Thanks for being such an inspiration in my life. Lastly, I would like to give all the glory and praise to our awesome and mighty God!

by Pamela Musisngwini

20

Experience

by Cip and Emmy Tabios

As we now reflect on that Family Encounter Weekend #13 held by our BLD Toronto District last summer, which Emmy, JP and I were blessed to attend, we experienced anew how good and loving our God is. He worked His ways wonder-fully, drawing us freely to this weekend. As the activities of the weekend unfolded, we came to realize that those people who invited and encouraged us to attend were acting very important roles as they witnessed boldly and wholeheartedly to how the power of God's love and compassion transformed their families as God wanted them to be. As they opened up their lives before us, we were amazed on how God answered their deepest needs and longing as a family in His own time and according to His purpose. Everything that we saw happening around us was all focused on establishing a caring and loving family.

Emmy, JP and I are united in our desire to keep the spirit of the Family Encounter Weekend alive in our household. And we feel good about it. Slowly but surely, and by God's grace, we embrace each other's weaknesses and limitations by being more patient with, and more understanding of, one another. We try to build up each other's strength by words of encouragement, especially with regards to JP's studies and community services. At times, certain blocks to becoming a more loving family pops up, like criticism or indifference, but we try to counter it with the "help" that we learned, like attentive listening and giving appreciation to ease the situation.

Indeed, our Family Encounter Weekend experience is one that my family will surely treasure for a lifetime. We greatly appreciate and thank so much every one who helped make the Weekend a success. We praise and thank God for this beauti-ful experience and for being part of BLD's Encountered Families. To God be the glory. Amen!

Family Encounter

21

It's almost been a couple of months since we were at the Family Encounter Weekend. It seemed very long, but enjoyable weekend. As only one child in the family I see how God works wonderfully for allowing us to experi-ence a fun-filled and memorable week-end. I see how our family changed after the FE weekend..

In our lives today we always remind each other, "remember our FE" when decisions and family talks happen. My parents came to real-ized that we could use more quality time together instead of work, work and more work.

I now understand why my parents al-ways say, "JP come help; JP can you throw out the garbage; or "Anak, please clean your room." when they come home from work, or from their apos-tolic work with BLD. Cleaning my room is the most tiring but good feeling way of helping my parents. I think that if we hadn't attended the FE, we would still be doing the same thing like bicker-ing about and telling others to do jobs or chores instead of doing it ourselves. But after the FE weekend I noticed how I did my chores and jobs without being told. Sometimes if my mom asked me to throw out the garbage I was willing to go and take my time to

throw it out. Important decisions and family talks were used to be between my parents, instead of me having any say in it. But after FE all our decisions have been between me, my dad, and my mom. Not just them. Now I am also being encouraged to speak up or voice my opinion on matters that concern my well being.

I now see how our family is remov-ing the bad old blocks and building the new good ones in the family. We try to

keep all cracks and holes sealed so no bad things will hap-pen to us. With some "Helps" to building a loving family or just by saying Congratula-tion, when someone

does something great; I'm sorry, when someone does something wrong, or I know I can trust you, to affirm some-one's belief, help each of us feel better.

I thank everyone with deepest joy, Father McKenna, the Sharers, the Praise, the Service, the great cooks and most especially our Heavenly, Living, Almighty and ever-loving God our Saviour JESUS CHRIST.

The Family Encounter made our family relation

more cordial and made us closer to each other.

Amen!

My View

of a of a Family EncounterFamily Encounter

22

Mark 10 Ministry

23

Fri 6 Short P&W Vision, Mission, Charism YLSS Confession/One-on One

Sat 7 Disciples Lenten Retreat · Toronto Fri 13 Corporate Worship/LWG

Fri - Sun 13 -15 Toronto YLSS #10 · Cardinal Leger School Wed 18 DCS Meeting

Fri 20 Corporate Worship/LWG YLSS “Growth/Transformation”

Wed 25 DS/DCS Meeting Fri 27 Mass/Healing Service · Fr. _____________ Sat 28 DLC Assembly

March

Fri 6 Short P&W/Fellowship General Assembly YLSS “God’s Love”

Wed 11 DCS Meeting

Fri

13 Corporate Worship/LWG YLSS “Salvation”

20 Short P&W Worship Leaders Workshop YLSS “New Life”/“Receiving God’s Gifts”

Wed 25 DS/DCS Meeting Fri 27 Mass/Healing Service · Fr. _____________

February

Fri 9 Corporate Worship/LWG Wed 14 DCS Meeting

Fri

16 Corporate Worship/LWG

23 Short P&W Growing in Community YLSS Orientation/“Salubong”

Wed 28 DS/DCS Meeting

Fri 30 Mass/Healing Service · Fr. M. Serranilla Installation of New DLCs

Sat 31 DLC Assembly

January

Teaching Programs Youth P&W Other Activities Additional Activities

BLD St. Catharines, District in Process

Bukas Loob sa Diyos Open in Spirit to God

Mark 10 Ministry

2

Norielle Baldazano

2 3

John Respicio

Ruben John Mateo

3

4

Alexa’s sister, Anika, is presently

undergoing chemotherapy.

Anika Cordero

Alexa Cordero

4 5

Jomer Mateo

Matthias Condez

5

6

Joan Palparan

Louell B. Palparan

6 7

Marvin Mateo

Matthan Condez

7