parishworks! 1Vol. 7 No. 04 April 30, 2011

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Sunday GoSpel

Jn 20:19-31turn to page 4

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Pastor’s MessageeaSTeR: THe GIFT oF neW lIFe and CoMMunIonby: Rev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

Silent night….Holy night…St. Andrew the Apostle Parish celebrated the Easter

Vigil Mass on April 23, 2011 The Easter Vigil is also known as the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter consists of four parts:

1. The Service of Light

a plaque of appreciation for Monsignor emmanuel Suñga, ex-Vicar ForaneBy Glo V. Pineda, ex-Vicarial Education Ministry Coordinator

The Vicariate of Saints Peter and Paul’s former and new sets of officers, members, and new Vicar Forane paid a visit to Monsignor Suñga in his new parish at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto at J. Figueras Street, Sampaloc, Manila on April 28.

The evening was set aside by the group to express their love and appreciation to their former Vicar Forane, for the faithfulness and dedication in his service to the Vicariate from years 2006 to 2010. Reverend Monsignor Suñga is the founder of the Vicarial Lay Council in the Diocese of Makati.

A Holy Mass, concelebrated by Reverend Monsignor Suñga and Reverend Father Victor Apacible, former

Jesus is alive! He has risen!

Our faith in His resurrection offers healing, restoration and direction. The disciples after Jesus’ capture, suffering and death, were a band of people in despair. In His rising from the dead, however, they were transformed in being bold witnesses and passionate proclaimers of His victory over sin and death.

How does this truth impact our lives, our decisions, our actions and our relationships?

Thomas, was not present when Jesus first

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Parish Youth Ministry Msgr. Dennis Odiver & Fr. Allan Dichoso

Silent night ... from page 1

2. The Liturgy of the Word3. Christian Initiation and the Renewal of Baptismal

Vows4. Holy Eucharist

Traditionally, in SAAP the Easter Vigil service began outside the church (near the nursery), where an Easter fire is kindled and the Paschal candle is blessed and then lit. (The lights of the church are extinguished except the candles at the altar) This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, remaining near the lectern, and throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that Christ is “light and life.” The Easter fire is not just an optional tradition, but one of the key elements of the whole vigil. It is symbolic of Christ, the light of the world. Through his resurrection he brings us that light.

Once the candle has been lit there follows the ancient and dramatic rite of the Lucernarium, in which the candle is carried by Rev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver through the nave of the church, itself in complete darkness, at the same time chanting the Tagalog acclamation of ‘Christ our Light’ or ‘Light of Christ’ (Lumen Christi), to which the assembly responded ‘Thanks be to God’ or ‘Deo Gratias’ in Tagalog.

As the candle proceeds through the church, all present (i.e. those who have received the “Light of Christ”) receive candles which are lit from the Paschal candle. As this symbolic “Light of Christ” spreads throughout those gathered, the darkness is decreased.

Rev. Fr. Victor Allan Dichoso then chanted the Exsultet (also called the “Easter Proclamation” or “Paschal Praeconium”), after which the people take their seats as the liturgy of the word begins.

A beautiful rendition of the “Pandango sa Ilaw” was presented by the Parish Youth Ministry.

The Liturgy of the Word consists of seven readings and each reading is followed by a psalm or biblical canticle sung responsorially by psalmists from the different choirs, followed by prayers chanted by Msgr. Odiver relating what has been read in the Old Testament to the Mystery of Christ.

After these readings conclude, the candles are lit on the altar, the lights in the church are switched on and the assembly extinguish their candles (which were lit again during the renewal of Baptismal Promises) and the Gloria in Excelsis Deo is sung and the church bells are sounded.

The reading from the Epistle to the Romans is proclaimed, followed by the chanting of Psalm 118. The Alleluia is sung for the first time since the beginning of Lent, The Gospel of the Resurrection was chanted by Fr. Allan Dichoso then followed by a homily by Msgr. Dennis Odiver.

After the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, the water of the baptismal font is solemnly blessed and the assembly renewed their baptismal vows and received the sprinkling of baptismal water while the choir sung “Isang Pananampalataya.” The prayers of the faithful followed.

Subsequently, after the prayers, the Liturgy of the Eucharist continues as usual. The Spirit of the Omnipotence choir sung Handel’s “Alleluia” after communion.

This solemn Eucharistic Mass is the first official celebration of the Easter Day, the resurrection of Jesus.

“...the angel spoke; and he said to the women, ‘There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen... Come and see the place where he lay... He has risen from the dead...” (Matthew 28, 5-7) Happy Easter!

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The Spirit of the Omnipotence choir Salubong

pastor’s Message ... from page 1

Members of the Kabuhayan Kay San Andres, St. Andrew’s microcredit program under the Social Services Ministry, are shown giving back to the parish community as they extend a helping hand in the Feeding Program. After amusing the children with some games and prizes, they served the hot meal to the children.

The Kabuhayan program extends loans to the poor members of our community to use as capital for their existing livelihood. It follows the microcredit method

of no collateral, and small and frequent repayments. It also provides them an alternative to the moneylenders who, with exorbitant interest rates, lock them in a cycle of poverty. Thus, the Kabuhayan is a welcome source of credit for these members. While they still face many challenges, the program has helped them to expand their businesses and increase their family income. They are grateful and now, they want to give back even in their own small way.

appeared before the disciples. He manifested his doubt, his unbelief. “Unless I can see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.” (Jn 20: 25)

We too oftentimes have the same attitude, disposition and behaviour. For this reason, we fail to receive and experience the grace of Easter, the gift of new life.

During the past week, the daily readings, narrate the life of the early Christians who lived in common. They were sustained by their faithfulness to the teachings

of the apostles, prayers and breaking of bread. We are amazed how their faith in the resurrection healed them of their guilt and cowardice, restored their confidence in themselves and their trust in one another, and, directed them to greater love.

The Christian communities grew in number each passing day. Many listened and believed in the word spoken about Jesus, the Risen Christ. This continues to this day.

Let us, especially in this season of Easter, allow Jesus to heal us, restore us and direct us.

Kabuhayan ni San andres offers a Feeding program

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Ria Salvaña Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffEllie Medina, Angelina Poe,Emilio Medina, Rochelle Pineda Announcements CoordinatorPia SanedrinBulletin Board EditorEJ CarlosPowerpoint CoordinatorGing Santos, JayR PaduaContributor: Emma Entao, Glo Pineda, Wina de Vera

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish. Media and Communications Ministry Co-coordinators

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announcements

1. A LIVING IN THE LIGHT SEMINAR (LLS) will be conducted in our parish by the St. Andrew Renewal Community at the Parish Jubilee Hall.

• LLS for Seniors: April 27, May 4, 11, 18, and June 8, 2011, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• LLS for Couples, Married Men and Women (without their spouses), Widows, Widowers, Single Parents, Single Ladies, Single Men: May 15, 2011, Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2. Operation Circumcision on May 8, 2011, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

3. PREX Weekend May 20-22, 2011

plaque of appreciation for Msgr Sunga ... from page 1

and present Vicar Forane respectively, ushered in the celebration. After the Eucharistic Celebration, they gathered for an agape meal. It was such a joyful affair where intimacy, laughter, and jokes permeated the atmosphere that made Corie Gomez remark, “We are living proof that working for the Lord can be fun! Take care of our Vicariate by keeping its spirit alive.”

The highlight of the celebration was the handing of the Plaque of Appreciation to Monsignor Suñga for his well-done job for the Lord in His Vicariate of Saints Peter and Paul.

Monsignor Suñga, evidently touched by the group’s thoughtfulness and loving gestures, sent a text message to Corie which says, “They gave me such a wonderful sense of fulfillment about having done something right. I hope they’ll all come to visit together often! Thank you for all the tedious preparations: food, plaques, and offerings.”

Monsignor Suñga is a picture of peace and joy and contentment. As it was his dream for our parish church to become a shrine, but didn’t materialize because of some opposition, God in His mercy and love granted the desire of his heart; a shrine was turned over to him for his new assignment.

eRRaTa: We apologize for the following typographical errors on last week’s article, “Thought and Reflections of Three Lenten Recollection Speakers...” The theme should read: “A people called by the Father... towards healing and reconciliation”

• appease (not appear) His anger

• God is truly love (not loved)

• We must do the right thing for the right (omitted) reason

• to agree on things we (omitted) cannot agree

• If you want to go to heaven stop (not stay) living a complacent life