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continue on page 3WHAT’S INSIDE?
Meet the new parochial
vicar
Catholic Social Media
Summit
Featured Server
page 6
page 9
VOL I ISSUE 3
DECEMBER 2013
Geraldine Barrio
page 8
Dubbed as “Awit Parangal kay Maria”, parishioners and members of various parish organizations flocked to witness a spectacular event showcasing the talents of the members of SPPLMM. This is not just an ordinary concert though, since it also offered a catechesis on the Rosary.
The show started with a short video presenting an old accustomed procession, then a live procession of
the image of Mama Mary starting from the entrance of the church up to the altar. Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver along with seminarians from San Pablo Theological Forma-tion House sang “One Thing I Ask” and “Cantiga A La Virhen” for the Invocation. The grand choir sang the Apostle’s Creed, Our Father and Hail Mary, solemnly to start the concert.
Catechetical Information about the mysteries of the Rosary were presented through videos that gave the
The Saint Polycarp Parish Liturgical Music Ministry (SPPLMM) staged the Marian Concert in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary held at Saint Polycarp Parish church last October 26, 2013.
ROSARY AND HARMONYCONVERGE FOR MARY
P a r -i s h
2
Last November 22, 2013, Most Rev. Bishop Buenaventura Malayo Famadico, DD led a mass in the gymnasium of Liceo de San Pablo to mark the end of the Year of Faith and to formally open the new liturgical year which is the Year of Hope in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of San Pablo. Despite the sultry weather and occasional rainfall, hundreds of people flocked to St. Peter’s College Sem-inary in San Pablo City on the eve of Friday, to take part in this epic celebration.
Delegates who came from different ministries to-gether with Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera left on the midday of Friday, and travelled roughly 45km to partake and rep-resent St. Polycarp Parish in the said event. Amongst those who participated in the celebration were priests, nuns, and other religious congregations together with the laity from different parishes of the Diocese of San Pablo.
The celebration began with a Torch procession together with the image of St. Paul and the image of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pagsanjan towards the gymnasium of Liceo de San Pablo. Armed with rosaries, candles, umbrella, and insurmountable faith, the company trudged forward in
Bro. RJ Malanao
Laity takes journey from Faith to Hope
prayer and glorification, enduring strong gust of wind and occasional rainfall which was interpreted by other delegates as God’s way of blessing the assembly. Rev. Monignor Melchor Barcenas led the delegates as they joyfully shouted Viva! Viva San Pablo and Viva el Virgen Maria!. Upon reaching the gymnasium, the entire assembly was greeted by animated songs and dance presentations from the youth ministry of the St. Paul the First Hermit Cathedral and other youth ministries from
different parishes. The enthronement of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Paul took place imme-diately after the procession. After the enthronement, the assembly had dinner together inside the gymnasi-um in the spirit of AGAPE.
Most Rev. Bishop Buenaventura Malayo Famadico, DD led the celebration of the Holy Eucharist done at the twilight of Friday. He encouraged the assembly to pray more reverently as we welcome the new liturgi-cal year which is the Year of Hope. It is noticeable in most of the delegates the physical weariness due to the strenuous activities that have preceded during the course of the day, but the most evident characteristic which dominated every participant is the happiness and the feeling of being blessed for witnessing and partaking in the closing and opening of our Liturgical year.Parish servers of St. Polycarp Parish with Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera
during the Torch Procession. [photo by Bro. RJ ]
Joven Nevalga
The Parish Catechetical Ministry held its annual Cat-echetical Day last September 27, 2013 coinciding with the commemoration of the Feast of the First Filipino Saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver presided over the Eucharistic Celebration. In his homily, He reminded the youth in attendance to draw inspiration from the catechists who offer their life in the service of the Lord, much like how St. Lorenzo Ruiz pronounced his faith throughout his existence.
Despite heavy rains, catechists, students, and parish-ioners flocked the procession highlighting the image of St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
The catechists led the ceremonial release of bal-loons attended by students from different schools both private and public.
PCM Celebrates Catechetical Week
Rosary and Harmony...
In the afternoon, elementary students battled it out for the Catechetical Drawing Contest. Students from Cabuyao Central School won the event.
Sis. Beth Martinez, head of the Parish Catechetical Ministry, summed up this year’s event as truly a bless-ed one with the rains serving as shower of blessings from above. She said that she was overwhelmed by the support of the parish priest and the parishion-ers.
Through the event, catechists were able to show their continued commitment towards spreading the teachings of the Lord in this Year of Faith, Sis. Beth added.
“Fidelity to the Gospel, Fidelity to Christ” is the theme for this year’s celebration of the Parish Cat-echetical Day.
Benedict Bueno
audience a more profound knowledge about the Rosary. Set of songs were sung by different choirs in between the mysteries to give them time to reflect and truly understand what the rosary is all about.
Other performances that night were from Rev. Fr. Renie and Rev. Fr. Nico. While playing the guitar they sung “Who Am I?” with the seminarians. To wind up the program, SPPLMM grand choir ren-dered the songs “Inang Mahal” and “Salamat Ma-ria” that held the audience captivated.
Rev. Fr. Marce Ramos was the director of the con-cert.
SPPLMM grand choir in the finale of the Rosary Concert.[photo by Glenn Halos ]
VOL I ISSUE 3DECEMBER
2013
4
Parishioners Venerate Mary
“A coronation that is fit for a queen.”
This is how parishioners described the ceremony of La Cofradia Del Santisimo Rosario de Cabuyao as she was enthroned and given honor last October 12, 2013.
La Cofradia Association, headed by Bro. Boyet Paguia, hosted the event. It was indeed a grand cele-bration giving honor to our Mother. Prior to the main occasion there was a nine-day novena as a prepa-ration to the main event that started last October 3, 2013.
Fr. Renie Oliver and Fr. Marce Ramos concelebrated the mass. Members of the association clad in their gorgeous Filipiniana dress were present, including the current Her-mano and Hermana Mr. and Mrs. Benhur & Nancy Ignacio.
The reading of the history of La Cofradia, awarding, and signing were made after the communion. Dr. Tony and Vicky Dictado were hailed as the next Hermano and Hermana. A dinner sponsored by Mr. & Mrs Ignacio followed at the Bulwagan San Policarpo.
Marian ExhibitJoy Lemence
As part of the celebration of the Rosary Month, the Parish Pastoral Council held an exhibit of various Marian images last October 5-13, 2013 at Bulwagan San Policarpo. A Eucharistic celebration marked the opening of the exhibit, followed by the ribbon-cut-ting and blessing.
Parishioners came to catch a glimpse of the re-vered images of Mother Mary. They were delighted to see the images bearing labels and descriptions. Some of the images were from organizations and families in Cabuyao and nearby localities.
The past, present and future Hermano’s and Hermana’s of La Cofradia Association.[photo by SP Power Media ]
Geraldine Barrio
Several images of the Blessed Virgin Mary as displayed in the Marian Exhibit.[photo by SP Power Media ]
Members of the St. Polycarp Parish Youth Ministry joined the Annual Vicariate Sportfest last September 21, 2013 at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer Mamatid, Cabuyao City.
Participants were divided into four teams namely Yellow, Blue, Green, and Red team. Our youth’s from St. Polycarp Parish teamed up with youth’s from St. Joseph the Worker Parish and Mary Help of Christians Quasi-Parish in Southville to form the Yellow Team. All teams battled it out in seven sports disciplines.
The Blue team captured the coveted Mr. and Ms. Sportsfest title.
The Yellow Team emerged victorious in basketball and volleyball and was declared champions. The Green Team won the second place.
SP Youth shine in Vicariate SportsfestClarissa Jane Boquiron
Parishioners of St. Polycarp Parish extended their effort in helping the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The parish was able to raise a little less than Two hundred thousand pesos of donation coming from different people and organizations. The said amount of money will be given directly to Diocese of Palo, Leyte for the aid and assistance on the casual-ties and victims of the typhoon.
Parishioners aid Yolanda victims
San Pablo Youth Commission (SPYC) held the first ever Diocesan Youth Day in Laguna at Saint Michael’s College, Binan City.
An estimate of more than one thousand youth leaders and ministers from four ecclesiastical districts of the Diocese gathered in this one of a kind youth activity. As the theme dubbed “FaitHope : Faith Endures ; A glimpse of Hope”, the talks and sessions focused on Faith, Hope and Love.
This is in accordance with the Closing of the Year of Faith and Opening of the Year of Hope.
SP Youth joins inaugural Diocesan Youth Day
This year’s celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King was held at Saint Bartholomew Chapel, South Marinig Cabuyao City Laguna last November 23, 2013. Parishioners from Poblacion and nearby barangays attended the mass at 6:00 pm officiated by Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver. Overnight vigil followed right after the mass were different religious organization take turns for the vigil. The dawn procession took place at 4:00 am.
The Solemnity of Christ the King marked the end of the Liturgical Calendar.
Parish observes solemnity of Christ the King
As preparation for the upcoming Advent Season, “Kumpisalang Bayan” was held at the parish last November 20, 2013. Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver presided the mass.
Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera facilitated the advent recol-lection. This allowed the parishioners to ponder and reflect before receiving the sacrament of confession. Just like previous Kumpisalang Bayan, many parishion-ers heed the call of penance and repentance.
Parish holds Kumpisalang BayanGeraldine Barrio
Geraldine Barrio
Geraldine Barrio
Geraldine Barrio
News in Brief
VOL I ISSUE 3DECEMBER
2013
6
GO AND LET’S BE DISCIHaving been given an opportunity to attend a rare gathering of so-cial media enthusiasts is indeed great and unforgettable.
DAY 1 November 23, 2013, Gigi, Ate Apple, and I met as early as 5:15 AM at the bus termi-nal in Balibago, Sta Rosa to attend for the first time the Catholic Social Media Summit Version 2.0 in Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila. Although tired and preoccupied with a lot of things at work, we did our best to be part of the said event for we believe that being a member of the media organization of the parish we must equipped ourselves with knowledge on how we are going to execute our tasks and responsibilities effectively.
We reached the venue at around 6:50 AM, just right in time for the arrival and registration of all the participants. Thank God that we never had any problem in confirming our early registration and getting our seminar kits. After few minutes all of us were instructed to proceed to the gym and find a place where we could seat comfortably while listening to the invited speakers for the plenary sessions.
THE PROGRAM PROPER Like a usual seminar or conference, it started with the singing of our National Anthem followed by a doxology and a prayer. After the greetings of the organizers and ac-knowledgement of the participants, the keynote speaker
for this year’s summit was introduced. Msgr. Paul Tighe, the Pontifical Council for Social Media, came up on stage and greeted all the participants with his warm smile which mirrors his excitement to speak before the Filipino netizens.
In his talk, he emphasized that we are currently living through a radical transformation of the media and the church is focused on understanding the “newness” of the culture of digital communications.
Before he wrapped up his sharing, he further mentioned that if we wish to spread the Good News to our brothers and sisters in the “digital continent” we must first learn the “Lan-guage” that they understand.
After the short break, Msgr Pedro “ Pepe” Quitorio III, Director of CBCP Media Office, talked about the “Digital Transmission of Faith: What it means to be a Catholic online”. The highlight of his sharing was the role of modern catholic in spreading the Word of God and anything that strengthens the foundation of faith through the responsible use of social media. He added that in spite of the little attention that the Bible passage shared on the social site gets, we must contin-ue to pursue our efforts until it becomes viral to all netizens.BREAKOUT SESSIONS IN THE AFTERNOON In the afternoon, all the participants were asked to choose two sets of sessions they’d attend to. The three of us chose Breakout B and D. Both will be held at the Letran Auditorium.
There were four (4) fifteen-minute talks for each breakout. Once all the speakers were finished, there was an allotted ten minutes for the open forum or question and answer portion. This gave the participants an opportunity to clarify anything or ask the speaker’s view regarding an important issue related the topic which he or she discussed.
BREAKOUT SESSION B The first speaker for Breakout B was Fr. Xavier Alpasa, SJ, an Educator and a Social Media enthusiast. His topic was “The #Hashtag Revolution”. Fr. Xavier shared how the power of social media earned the attention of the public regarding the problem of the farmers that led them to have a dialog with President NoyNoy Aquino. This proved that the internet could be the most powerful weapon to fight for the right of the less privileged and make their voiced be heard.
The second speaker was Fr. Vitaliano “ Chito” Dimaranan, a Selesian, blogger and educator. His talks entitled” Battling the Trolls (Healing through Technology) focused on promot-ing peace though social media. Here, he shared ways on how to fight for one’s faith without offending or maligning other religions. For him, every netizen could create a silent battle by continuing to share through the social sites his be-liefs without insulting other’s faith or principles.
Sales and Marketing
Ms. Chai Lavina shares some insights from her dia-ry regarding the events which transpired during the Catholic Social Media Summit V 2.0 held last Novem-ber 23-24, 2013 at Colegio De San Juan De Letran Manila.
As an active blogger, he said that he personally main-tains three blogs where he posts his reflections on Sunday liturgical readings.
The third impact was delivered by Ms. Bob Lopez, Head of the Training Department of Communication Foundation Asia. Her lecture entitled “Social Media and Peace” was related that of Fr. Chito in one way or another. She empha-sized that interreligious dialogues can be done in a very respectful manner. She even shared some photos from the sessions and trainings that she conducted which showed how Catholic, Muslims and those who belong to other sect worked harmoniously in a group for one common aim, to express their faith in a very creative and meaningful way.
The fourth impact session was given by Miss Noreen Bautista, a Social Entrepreneur. In her topic entitled” Social Entrepreneurship on Social Media”, she shared how she and her friends started to launch the EcoIngenuity Inc., a social enterprise that aims to raise the competitiveness of Philippine indigenous materials and communities that produce them through global design brands. She also shared some slides that featured how she and her group helped the out-of-school youth and single moth-ers earn a living by making quality bags out of water lily.
BREAKOUT SESSION D Right after the breakout session D, the first speaker was introduced. He was a renowned journalist and a Twitter enthusiast, Mr Joey Villarama. His topic entitled “Journalism in140 Characters”. There, he shared tips on how to be a good and responsible netizen journalist. Some of these tips are: Be concise with one’s message, tweet the truth, be charitable, tap the good within one’s self and be commit-ted: take a stand.
At the end of his sharing he urged everyone to take the challenge: “Emulate Christ, the model communicator”.
He further reminded the participants that Jesus was the first to have an account on Twitter because he was the one who first said” Come, FOLLOW ME.” “Igniting the Catholic Media Communication” was the title of the topic discussed by Sis Ilsa Reyes, the author of the books entitled “Affirmation and Healing Treasure” and “Inner Child Treasure” and the executive editor and column-ist for Believe Magazine. In her sharing, she highlighted the importance of observing the SMCRE model in performing the new methods of evangelization. SMCRE stands for: S- Source (who is talking or the speaker?); M- Message (What do you want to say?); C- Channel (How do you want to say it?); R- Receiver (To whom are going to say it?) and E- Effect (Results of what you have said).
In the end, she added that through social media commu-nication, we can make others love God, love themselves in a healthy way, love their neighbours and love the church. And all of these are possible if we do the 3 P’s- Pray, Plan and Proclaim.
The third impact session was delivered by Bro. Edwin Lopez, a strategic communicator. It was entitled” Impact of the Internet on Minority Language”. Here, he stressed the im-portance of “simplicity in language” and the use of images in communication. His talk encouraged audience participa-tion for he provided some mind exercises that are somehow related to his topic.
The last session for breakout D was “ Defending Mary on Social Media” and it was discussed by Atty Marwil Llasos, a Marian Apologist, Lay Evangelist and a Catechist. The bottom-line of his talk was in his final statement “ If you love Jesus you must also love Mary, love everyone whom He loves.” DAY 2November 24, 2013 The second day of the summit started with a prayer for Christ the King. After that, Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC, Linux and Free and Open Source Advocate, started his lecture enti-tled” Making Disciples of All Netizens: What it Means to Be an Online Missionary of God (OMG). In his talk, he showed some sample photos taken by the participants of the seminars that he facilitated which featured symbols that express the love for God.
“ In order to be a good netizen, we must Listen, Love and Lead” this was the statement that wrapped up this talk.
The summit concluded with a concelebrated Mass in honour of Christ the King presided by Msgr. Paul Tighe.
After the mass, the organizer gave a chasuble to Msgr. Paul Tighe as a token and a remembrance.
Everyone was given an opportunity to have souvenir pho-tos with the keynote speaker after the certificates of attend-ance were awarded to the attendees.
At around 12:15 in the afternoon, though tired, everyone went home with the smile on their faces.
Chai Laviña
PLES OF ALL NETIZENS
VOL I ISSUE 3DECEMBER
2013
From everyday encounter with electric tools and metal conductors, Fr. Nico Corvera now finds himself in front of the altar and sacred vessels.
St. Polycarp Parish’s new parochial vicar finished the course in Dualtech Canlubang and worked for a prominent semiconductor company before he de-cided to give it all up to become a man of cloth. When he was a child, all he could remember was accompanying the “manang na magdarasal” in praying during block rosaries and novenas. But nev-er did he aspire to become a priest at that point.
Fr. Nico never realize his calling until he reached second year high school. It all started when he served in the parish church as choir member.
Rev. Fr. Rex Delos Angeles, his parish priest that time, has been instrumental in his decision to enter priesthood. Fr. Nico drew inspiration from him as he lived alongside Fr. Rex when he was still working in Canlubang. From then on, Fr. Rex prepared him until he finally decided to enter St. Peter’s College Seminary.
Roadbumps hit Fr. Nico along the way. He was challenged by detractors doubting his ability to finish his vocation. Thru the grace of God, Fr. Nico brought the best out of him. For an aspiring priest that time, challenges are but a part and parcel of vocation. He worked his way up and intensified his dedication, finding himself perfectly right in the path towards becoming a priest.
With the issues confronting the Church today, Fr. Nico shed some light as to how young priests like him should respond to them.
Knowing boundaries is a priority. He shared that a priest must be aware of the consequences of all his acts. He must be in communion with the entire community of priests. Most important of all is prayer. For him, loving the Eucharist is the key. He puts prime in each and every mass as if it is his last.
As a newly-ordained priest, his primary job in the parish is to perform duties according to the plans of the parish priest. For his part as parochial vicar, he tends to focus on the Worship and Youth Ministries.
According to him, the church must cater to every-one, especially the youth. The Church must invest in the youth for they have a special role in the procla-mation of faith. And his words of wisdom for young guns who as-pire to become priests someday?
“Perseverance is the key.”
One’s intention to enter priesthood must be sin-cere. The priestly vocation is not about grandeur and lavish lifestyle, he added.
Life in Vocation
Benedict Bueno
8
A New Priest’s Story of Youth and Vigor
Called to Serve “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” This popular line from Psalm 23 serves as the guiding principle in the life of one of the newest members of the Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist, Bro. Cesar Gonzalo V. Paguia or “Tito Boyet” for most of the young people in the community.Just like most of the servants in the parish, Bro Boyet started as an ordinary churchgoer during his younger years. Although he grew up in a religious family and received a formal education in a Catholic institution, being a member of any organization in the church never came across his mind. Being a member of one of the most prominent and affluent clans in Cabuyao, Bro. Boyet’s routine in his childhood days was school-home on weekdays and home-church on weekends. His parents were strict and he was not allowed to go out and get along with other kids in the neighbourhood. Most of his friends then were sons and daughters of his parents’ close friends. After school, he and his sister had to be home for the family’s evening prayer. Because he knew by heart the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he would usually volunteer to lead that part. On Sundays, the family would see to it that they would hear the mass together and each one would receive the Holy Communion. When he entered the University of the Philippines for college, his faith and the strong religious views founded by his family and the Canossian sisters had somehow changed. He was influenced by his friends to join the fraternity because he believed being a member of the frat would give him protection and would help him survive the challenges of college life. Although he was quite busy with his studies, he still managed to join his family in hearing Sunday Mass-es, but for him it was just a part of his obligation and there was no deep devotion. He also said admittedly that there were also times that he failed to go to the church because of school work, parties, and other social activities. After college his father wanted him to manage their properties in Bulacan which were mostly rice plantation. This was where he could have practiced his profession as an agriculturist. Unfortunately, the Agrarian Reform Act (during the time of the late Pres-ident Marcos) affected all properties of the Paguias. Because of the many blessings that he has received, Bro. Boyet realized that he should give back some-thing to the Lord as a sign of gratitude. In 2009, he joined the La Cofradia, an organization composed of the devotees of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (which he is currently the president). It was estab-lished as an official parish organization during the
term of Rev.Fr. Juvenal Leonardo after discovering some documents which proved that the proceeds from a parcel of land are dedicated to support the activities in honour of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Prior to his membership in La Cofradia, he was actively involved in the activities of Guardias de Honor. Its president, Sis. Moneng Depante, whom he considered as his friend and second mother was a big influence on his personal devotion to the Blessed Mother. In 2010, he joined the Lectors and Commenta-tors Ministry (LCM). He believed that his trainings in oratorical contests back when he was a student equipped him with the skills needed in speaking before a huge crowd. When he became part of the organization, he always prepared himself physically and spiritually before he stands before the congre-gation. Although, the first time he read at the ambo, there was mixed emotions. He was satisfied and happy being an LCM member, but later on he decided to become a part of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist. The reason behind it was his love for his 95 year -old Yaya Memay. Now that she’s very old, he wants to prepare her spiritually when her time on earth comes. He said that his “yaya” loyally has served the family for 63 years. When Mama Ching died, Bro Boyet treated his yaya as his own mom. Serving the church actively brings him joy and contentment.
Chai Laviña
VOL I ISSUE 3DECEMBER
2013
Featured Server
10
“Beautiful, beautiful, Jesus makes beautiful, Jesus makes beautiful things in my life”
This line from a not so popular song sang by one of the priests in his homily in last year’s Simbang Gabi.
Catastrophic forces of nature like earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas had caused a massive destruction in most part of the re-gion. Thousands of people lost their lives, millions worth of properties and establishments were destroyed. Grief, desperation and uncertainties are eminent all over the place.
Now that Christmas is just around the corner, one may have a thought of how will they be able to make their Christmas merry. What would be for them its meaning this time of desolation? Would they experi-ence the real meaning of it?
Few days from now we will once again celebrate the nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the time of the year where each and every one anticipates the festivity and good cheer that it brings. But in most of the heavily affected areas, survivors are still finding means to make their lives back to normal. They might not think of how are they going to commemorate the
yuletide season, because their minds are occupied of where will they get their food for the day, or how will they live without their home and other necessities.
Celebrating Christmas doesn’t mean to have a sumptuous meal on the table nor having to wear new-fangled set of clothes, new toys, gifts or presents. It is not the material things that will bring the true meaning of the season. But being able to appreci-ate what we have and be happy and grateful of it regardless how big or small. Because even our Lord Jesus Christ was delivered in just a humble manger, no warm cradle and no fancy baby clothing. Even our savior experienced the difficulty of life in His very first hour in this world. But the bliss that His parents felt when He was born brings hope not only to them but to entire humanity, hope that gives them something to look forward to. Hope that give them strength and joy.
Christmas is all about Jesus, because Christmas is Jesus and Jesus is hope. Jesus makes everything beautiful in our lives, beautiful that despite the disaster, problems, and all the negative things that this world may bring, if only we could find Him and appreciate His presence in our darkest moments we will witness that He makes things beautiful for us.
Called to serve...
Christmas is about Jesus
He further added that it also deepens his spiritual de-votion and relationship with God. His commitment to the church is now his top priority. He checks his sched-ule first before he does his other recreational activities like going to the mall and playing tennis. Bro. Boyet shared that there’s one person in his life that continuously inspires him to continue what he is doing. It is his Ate Pilut. He said that he is very grateful to have a very supportive sister like her. He said that his Ate personally made a set of purificator for him as birthday gift. Although she’s currently based in Switzer-land with her husband Tony, she constantly communi-cates with him through the internet and never fails to give him pieces of advice. When asked what’s the greatest miracle or bless-ing he received from the Lord, he said he received the greatest blessing in his life when he became the President of La Cofradia. It’s indeed an honour for him because he loves Mama Mary. When he was born, he was too small and premature. His parents were so afraid that he might not survive like his older brother who died at the age of three. He was baptized three
Geraldine Barrio
days after he was born at the UST chapel and there stood the image of the Our Lady of La Naval. Few years ago, when he went back to the place to get his baptismal certificate, he noticed that the image was still there. That made him realized that the Blessed Mother has always been there to guide and protect him. “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” This par-ticular bible passage is applicable to anyone just like Bro Boyet, it’s never too late to start serving the Lord and his church. Realizing that God is a true shepherd that each baptized Catholic must follow may come to any point or chapter in someone else’s life. What mat-ters most is how one will respond to His call to serve.
THE CHRISTMAS STORYThe IncarnationThis is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. … 20 An angel of the Lord appeared to him [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1, NIV)
The Birth of JesusAnd she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a man-ger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2, NIV)
The ShepherdsAnd there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them,
The MagiAfter Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” … 11 On com-ing to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Mat-thew 2, NIV)
VOL I ISSUE 3DECEMBER
2013
FEDERATION OF TAGALOG SPEAKING DIOCESES HOLDS ITS FIRST EVERMUSIC CONGRESS The Federation of Tagalog Speaking Diocesan Directors of Liturgy sub – commission on Liturgi-cal Music hosted the first Music Congress entitled “Hamon sa Bagong Milenyo matapos ang Ginin-tuang Taon ng Sacrosantum Concilium” and was held in San Beda College, Manila. It is a two-day seminar where delegates from different dioceses attended the said event.
The program started with lauds and conferenc-es followed by the talks of speakers who shared their thoughts on norms in the Liturgy & guidelines in wedding and funeral masses. According to Fr. Leo Mangussad sacred music is a type of music that sanctifies the faithful and glorifies God. He added though that we have to know the back-ground of the song and the intention of the com-poser before singing it. Most Rev. Fr. Deogracias Iniguez who officiated the mass on the first day said on his homily “Ang Liturhiya ang hantungan at pinagbubukalan ng papuri sa Diyos”
“May the music leaders and the congregations be more aware and learn the norms of music, es-pecially that of the Liturgical Music.”Different workshops were as follows: 1.Vocal Techniques and contouring for adult choir. 2. Conducting Techniques and children’s choir 3. Music Writing Application 4. Gregorian Chant 5. Vocal techniques and contouring for HS choir 6. Guitar playing 7. Vocal techniques and contouring for children 8. Composition
The two-day workshop concluded with a cel-ebration of the Holy Eucharist and awarding of certificates of attendance.
Catherine Caparas
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a man-ger.” (Luke 2, NIV)
Delegates from the Diocese of San Pablo with Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver. [photo by SP Power Media ]
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JP Rizal Street ,Cabuyao CityCabuyao Retail Plaza
RONWILGift & Apparel Internet CafeShuttle Service556 Purok 6 Brgy. Marinig, Cabuyao City, LagunaTel. No. 049-502-0345Cell. No. 0922-2380108 / 0918-9468348
NINA JOY EnterprisesBlk 5 Lot 12 SouthVille 1Brgy. Marinig, Cabuyao City, LagunaTel. No. 0923-2155961 / 0918-9468348
Maruquita Commercial CenterMaruiquita Pueblo Dita, Sta. Rosa City, LagunaTel. No. 049-827-5828 Cell. No. 0926-7396195
Editorial Team Reagan Dedicatoria |Geraldine Barrio l Chai Lavina l Apple Caparas l Jose Alberto Putungan l Benedict Bueno l Joven Nevalga
Clarissa Jane Boquiron l Joy Lemence
Tel: (049)531-2778
• Christmas has many, many names. Do you know some of them? Here are the following: Sheng Tan Kuai Loh (China), or Hauskaa Joulua (Finland), or Jo-yeux Noel (France) In Wales, it’s Nadolig Llawen, and in Sweden, God Jul.
• The English word “Christmas” derives from the old English Christes maesse, meaning “Christ’s mass.”
• Santa Claus was a real Saint. He lived in Myra in the 300s. Myra is in what’s now Turkey. The German name for Saint Nicholas is Sankt Niklaus
• The “X” in “Xmas” doesn’t take “Christ” out of “Christmas”. That “X” stems from Greece that is actu-ally indicating the Greek letter “Chi”, which is short for the Greek meaning Christ.
• The Candy Cane is one of the most familiar symbols of Christmas. It dates back to 1670 in Europe but didn’t appear in the U.S. until the 1800s. The treat we see today, where the shape is Jesus’s hook to shepherd his lambs and the color and stripes hold significance for purity and Christ’s sacrifice, became common in the mid 1900’s• The most popular Christmas Song ever is We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The song can be traced back to England, but its author and composer remains unknown.
CHRISTMAS TRIVIA
for inquiries about our parish email us at
www.stpolycarp.com/igniteonline
Visit our website:www.stpolycarp.com
