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A Taste of Silence By Conchitina S. Bernardo

A Taste of Silence
By Conchitina S. Bernardo2

A letter was sent to me by Nanise Gonewai, a native of the island of Fiji, now an active parishioner and member of Contemplative Outreach Philippines. Permit me to share:

Dear Chita,

When you had asked me to share my reflections and thoughts on “ GRATITUDE” for possible publication in our Parish Bulletin, the idea did not faze me at all solely and only because it is a word that’s daily on my mind, in my heart and on my lips . A large part of which is my new-found love for the Philippines and its people. Every morning, the first words I speak are “Heavenly Father, I bow my head this morning in prayer and in thanksgiving for my life, for all my blessings, and for bringing me to the Philippines”. And it is here in Manila, in the sunset of my life, that I have found true and enduring love through prayer, specifically Centering Prayer.

I arrived in your vast and vibrant country from Fiji in 2006. Within a week I was feeling at home and then found my niche through then Parish Priest, Father Tony Rosales, OFM – teaching catechism at the Parish’s Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) Ministry. My abiding love for children and teaching them about our faith are a channel for my serving the Lord through my work at CCD.

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I was introduced to Centering Prayer. The continuation of my spiritual journey began in earnest. Something, had been lacking in my life, which I had been searching for so long. In the silence of the prayer, I re-encountered God in different ways.

My first Introductory Retreat was a turning point in my spiritual life. I have never looked back. The prayerful life, the love, the support, and the friendship I have with my San Antonio Parish Support Group are priceless as they are constant, continuous and completely un-conditional.

It has been ten year, and my blessings are multiplied: I now have two grandsons, I have a loving and a caring family, I have a wonderful group of friends, I have my CCD classes still, I have my daily Lectio Divina, I have time to smell the roses, and with His infinite love and mercy, I enjoy good health and happiness. What more could one ask for? And so YES, GRATITUDE, is a word I am very familiar with.

I would like to share with you a reflection which is based on Psalm 100 “Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving –THANKFULLNESS OPENS THE DOOR to My Presence.” Therefore, my total and endless Gratitude to Him for everyone and for everything in my life.

Nancy
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CCD

A DAY OF RECOLLECTION AND REFLECTION FOR CCD CONFIRMATION STUDENTS

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Confirmation students with Father Edwin Soliva, SDB, Facilitator, and teachers Rachelle Wenger, Mimi David, Yolanda Lomotan, Nancy Gonewai

The morning of Saturday, 23 January, dawned cool and sunny.  With happy anticipation, the CCD (Continuing Catholic Development) level 7 Confirmation students and their teachers gathered early at the Parish Centre – it was the day of their 2016 annual Recollection.  After a full briefing on the day’s program from the teachers, and a prayer for guidance and a safe journey, the group departed in two busloads from Santuario  de San Antonio Parish promptly at 8.00am  for the first part of their journey to Antipolo and the Eugenio Lopez Centre, the Recollection venue.

For the fifth year in a row, Father Edwin Soliva, SDB, was again the Facilitator and as in previous Recollections, his lecture, his advice, his counselling, his mentoring, his charisma – held the students spell-bound from the beginning to the end of the day’s activities.   The Recollection proper started at 9.00am and his opening remarks   were “Confirmation is allowing God to bring out the best in you and saying I CAN.”   And yet, he continued, of all the seven Sacraments, Confirmation is the most neglected, forgotten, and un-appreciated of all.  Therefore, as he told the students, he would teach them and show them how to receive, to respect and to sustain the coming of the Holy Spirit into their lives which would enable them to live their lives each day, to the fullest.

Father Edwin’s first talk was on the 3Ss  – stewardship  – the realization that we are mere caretakers and that all the blessings in life come from God;  simplicity –  the realization that there is a great God Who is in control and Who is the source of all our blessings; sharing – the realization that on receiving these many blessings, we not keep them to ourselves but share them with others just like Mary, when after the Annunciation, she travelled to visit and to serve her cousin, Elizabeth.

On Reflection, student, Gabe Bautista said “………… The last S is sharing and this means I should share what I have with others.  Sharing means to give but you don’t necessarily need to share objects, you can share knowledge and when you share knowledge, it means you teach something to others”.

Student Carina Samson, reflected on the final concept Father Edwin shared in his second talk on FEAR and LOVE.  Father Edwin demonstrated the difference between saying I can and I wish.   In her Reflection, Carina  said that Fear is a powerful force which can make man say “I wish I can but I can’t”   Love also is a powerful force that can make man say “If I want to make my dreams come true, I have to wake up and make them happen”.  “Father taught us how to sing the song I CAN by Donna Cruz –  ‘I’m so lucky I could smile, I didn’t know this for a while’ were the words which touched me the most because I used to complain about what I didn’t have in life instead of finding ways to enjoy the life I’m blessed with.”

The inspirational movie Father Edwin showed the students, FACING THE GIANTS, demonstrated what can happen if we allow the giants and failures to pull us down like what happened to the coach of the football team.  But his life turned around for the better when he surrendered his fear to God.  In his Reflection, Diego Lorenzana, concluded , “I like to think that fear and love are completely opposites.  Since it’s either being mediocre and being passionate.  ‘If we lose, we praise God, if we win we still praise God’ inspired the team’s determination never to give up.  Fear is always trying to fit in while love, is being yourself and showing passion to live the best life we can”.

As always, the day ended with the celebration of Holy Mass and thanksgiving for a truly wonderful and meaningful day.   The Chapel of the Eugenio Lopez Centre was standing room only and the presence of so many parents and siblings of the Confirmandi at Mass was indeed an affirmation to the teachers in particular, and to CCD in general, of the importance and the necessity of this annual Recollection, to fully prepare the students in the reception into their lives, of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation.  Part of the Offertory were  the students’ letters  to their parents in response to the parents’ Palanca to them.  Before the final blessing, the students read out loud to the congregation their individual “love dare” to make them realize that the Recollection was not an outing but instead, it was a great Timeout with their Coach (God), asking them to do something.

This Recollection has been special and unique in two ways : the students numbered the most with sixty-two who will be making their Confirmation in May; and the attendance rate was one hundred percent, breaking all CCD records – a sure testament to the teachers in prepping them well and mentoring to them, before the Recollection.

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CCD

CCD TEACHERS’ WORKSHOP By Marga Gregorio

CCD
To kick off the new CCD (Continuing Catholic Development) school year, 2015- 2016, CCD organized a special workshop for its teachers last August 08, 2015, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Parish Center.

In the light of our fast-paced age of technology and digital world, which our students have lived in since birth (digital natives in fact), teachers were equipped with more updated teaching techniques, principles and tools to more relevantly and effectively transmit God’s truths to their students.

The speakers were Mary Ann Tantoco-Eala, 31 years in the academe, the Director for Academic Affairs in Assumption College San Lorenzo, Basic Education Division; her daughter , Mara Eala , also in the academe; Marie Anne Carina Villalon (Rina), 12 years in the academe, an Academic Assistant of Assumption College San Lorenzo Basic Education Division, also an English Teacher and a former team leader of the English/Literature Department; and Marie Katherine Villarruz, 15 years in the academe, a team leader of the Social Studies Department of the Basic Education Division of Assumption San Lorenzo.

The focus of the workshop was Brain-Based Learning (BBL) – Its essence is to learn in ways that are compatible with the way the humans naturally function. Thus, BBL is the purposeful Engagement, of effective Strategies, derived from Principles.

The workshop tackled seven main principles. The first principle focuses on Attention and Input Limitations with the mantra “Too Much Too Fast Won’t Last.” This challenges educators to keep things brief, and yet maintain the students’ attention by creating a connection between the lesson and the lives of the students. The second principle spoke of Rough Drafts, which suggests that our brain makes sketchy “rough drafts” until there is a better reason to hold, revise or drop the new learning. The third principle is Developmental Learning, which teaches that there are ideal types of learning for each stage of our developing brain. With teens for example, the basic recipe is lots of love, bonding and good nutrition. The fourth principle is “Emotions Rule,” which asserts that emotions organize and create our reality. It stresses that emotions release hormones, which affect our memory and preferential retention thereof. The tool “Emotional punctuation,” for example, is a tool to evoke an emotion so the brain “locks in” a memory of the event. Principle 5 is Mind and Body, which says “ body influences mind and mind influences body”. It points out that physical exercise improves classroom behavior, academic performance, social skills, motor fitness and attitude toward school. Exercise and physical activity can actually change brain structure and increase brain cells. The sixth principle is Adaptive and Flexible. The good news in this principle is the concept of Neurogenesis, where humans grow neurons or brain cells, such that enrichment programs can actually increase IQ. It maintains that our brains are not static or fixed; they are constantly changing.

This means that SMART and GOOD teaching can positively affect brains for the better. The seventh principle is “Perception, not Reality” which, explains that “brains only know what it takes in perceptually”. Also, “how you see yourself and your life” determines how you see and treat others. On “tips” on how to change students’ perceptions about themselves, they listed * Affirmations * Structured Journaling*Framing (redirecting attention and focus, which can alter states) * Stories/Biographies *Experiences debriefed * Sharing your own personal experiences.

Overall, the very engaging workshop ended by highlighting the Ideal attitude in GRATITUDE, that unlocks the “fullness of life,” and turns…
What we have into enough and more
Denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity
A meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend

Organized by the CCD Committee (Katty R.C. Qua, CCD Chairperson, with the CCD Committee Members, Lia Te & Marivic Borromeo), assisted by Nancy Gonewai and Office Assistant Leah Azarcon, under the guidance of Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, SSAP Parish Priest – who opened our workshop with a prayer – the Teachers’ Workshop was an enormous success. It was indeed a deep and enriching learning experience for all the teachers, an excellent opportunity to bond with co-teachers highlighted with a sumptuous lunch that recharged, inspired and delighted the entire CCD team. The Workshop facilitators were indeed engaging, dynamic and effective in transmitting this very novel, timely and necessary concept of Brain Based Learning, which elicited vibrant, lively and spirited interactions between the facilitators and the teachers.

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CCD

CCD Confirmation Rites

On the Saturday of May 23, 2015, from 8-10 am, the level 7 CCD (Continuing Catholic Development) students (aged 12 – 14) were blessed to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, for the school year 2014-2015. The confirmandi were fifty-eight (58) in all, the largest number of recipients in CCD history. The presiding Bishop was His Excellency, the Most Reverend Francisco Mendoza de Leon D. D., Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo, and the Concelebrant, our very own Parish priest – Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM.

Beginning the school year last August 2014, the students were prepared for the reception of the Sacrament by basic catechetical instruction, immersing themselves more about Jesus’ life through Bible reading and film showing, learning prayers and doctrine through the aid of their textbook, “The Story of Jesus” in the Blessed Are We series, plus lessons on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. To assist and enhance the students along this path of their religious learning, CCD also provided a supplementary program consisting of a one-day Recollection, attendance to which was mandatory; and an afternoon set aside specifically for talks and discussions on the Holy Spirit. A program of prayer and praying was also an integral part of the Confirmation syllabus; and with the encouragement of their teachers and the support of the CCD committee, the confirmandi translated into action their acquired knowledge and faith through their outreach activity in ”TOPS”(a facility dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency).

The elegant and regal apparel of the students (with the girls clad in a uniform “off-white” beaded dresses, and the boys in their jusi barongs and black trousers) on the rite itself, made them both interiorly and physically prepared to receive the Holy Spirit in this Sacrament. The confirmandi renewed their Baptismal promises with the pledge of support by parents and godparents. The “Laying of the Hands” and the “Anointing with Chrism” by the presiding bishop, and his invocation of “Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” implored our Lord God to fill them with his Spirit and seal them with the sign of the cross of Christ so that they may obtain everlasting life.

The CCD ministry, through guidance of the Holy Spirit, the benign pastorship of our parish priest Fr. Reu and all the SSAP priests, the dutiful compliance of the students, parents and godparents, the unwavering, generous leadership of the CCD committee (Lia Te- CCD chairperson, Katty Qua and Marivic Ortigas-Borromeo), the cheerful support of Leah Azarcon- office assistant, the guidance of CCD teachers Nancy Gonewai, Rachelle Wenger, Mimi David, Yolanda Lomotan and Marga Gregorio, the staff of SSAP, worked together as a team to realize yet another milestone in this Confirmation rite.

The beautifully captured photography of Lino Tey, the angelic voices of the Lester Delgado choir, the fresh and dramatic floral arrangements by Tony Padilla in the venue of our very own Santuario de San Antonio parish Church, contributed to this most memorable occasion.

“By the Sacrament of Confirmation the faithful are more perfectly bound to the Church and are endowed with the special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread the Faith by word and deed “(VATICAN II, Lumen Gentium, no. 11).

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CCD

CCD-TOPS Feeding Outreach By Marga Gregorio

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For two Saturday mornings, April 18 and 25, the level 6-8 students of the CCD program engaged in another outreach activity. The beneficiary was the community of the TAHANAN OUTREACH PROJECTS AND SERVICES (TOPS), located in Sta. Ana Manila area where the children travelled to. TOPS is a pioneer organization dedicated in assisting street children, runaways, endangered and disadvantaged youth, with the main goal of preventing juvenile delinquency. The organization provides direct health, social work, educational, economic and crisis intervention services.

The CCD Outreach event last April jumpstarted the sponsorship of a weekly feeding program for 100 disadvantaged children between the ages of 5-10, for a duration of 6 consecutive months.

Fifty (50) CCD students were assigned on each Saturday of the designated outreach days. They were divided into four (4) groups: Food Preparation, Servers, Decor and Entertainment.

The décor group put up banners and tarpaulins, cleaned and set-up the venue, with all the energy and creativity they had. With great enthusiasm and a cheerful spirit, the food preparation group mixed the milk formulas, prepared ham and cheese sandwiches, hotdogs on sticks. They also helped in the preparation and cooking of pancit and spaghetti, by chopping the ingredients, sautéing, boiling the pasta, mixing, and packing them in Styrofoam containers. After the food preparation, servers eagerly served their wards or “alagas,” the food they themselves prepared, with joy in their hearts and a twinkle in their eyes. The entertainment group made sure to elicit from the children laughter and glee, with games and a simple program. We were heralded by the angelic voices of the childrens’ songs. The children of TOPS were also given ”loot bags” by the end of the activity to complete their fun-filled day. The CCD Committee led by Lia Te, Marivic Borromeo and Katty Qua supervised the event with the help of CCD teachers Aphro Abarquez (who served as host), Rachelle Wenger, Gabby Trinidad, Noel Amaya, Patrick Castaneda, Rolly Macabuag, Mimi David, Marga Gregorio, and our secretary, Leah Azarcon.

In this activity the CCD children somehow reflected Jesus’ attitude of servanthood as he manifested when he washed the feet of his disciples…for ”it is in giving that we receive,” as the prayer of St. Francis aptly states.

The CCD Outreach Programs throughout the year are mainly funded by our Light-A-Parol project, which is held every December. The main thrust of CCD for these outreach activities is to fulfill the “Faith In Action” aspect of its curriculum — to put into action Christian values and virtues taught to them in CCD. In this particular outreach, the children manifested virtues like humility, industriousness, cheerfulness, kindness, generosity and charity.

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CCD-BINHI Outreach Activity By Marga Gregorio

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Saturday, March 21, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon,  CCD engaged in its second outreach activity for this school year 2014-2015. It was held in the Convento gardens of Santuario de San Antonio. The beneficiaries were the “BINHI” children, between the ages of 4 – 6, from the convent of the Rosalie Rendu Development Center, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Formed in 2008, the Binhi English Literacy Foundation, Inc. provides English learning support  to less privileged Filipino children in marginalized areas through an English literacy program. 

The CCD children from Reception, Levels 1 and 2, ages 4-7 years old, were each assigned partners from the Binhi group.  Together, they participated in the game stations that included treasure hunt, shoot that ball, hat making, musical chairs among others. There were popcorn and ice cream booths, and a yummy merienda from Jollibee.  The Binhi kids performed an entertaining alphabet song number, showing their language and reading progress.   It was a fun-filled interaction with lots of games and entertainment, including the very popular Jollibee mascot.  Prizes and surprises abounded that brightened every child’s smile.  The Binhi children also brought home educational gift packs from CCD as well as books and educational items donated by the CCD parents and children.

Aphro Abarquez, one of our CCD teachers was our gracious host who made sure everyone was happily entertained. We also had big help from our teacher volunteers Rolly Macabuag, Mimi David, Noel Amaya, Dottie Pasia, Mary Ann Villanueva, Marga Gregorio and Crissy Castillo and some older CCD kids Martina Qua, Paco Borromeo, Derek De Wit and Stella Grealy. Although the weather threatened rain showers, it turned out to be a very pleasant, bright, shiny day.

 The CCD Outreach Programs throughout the year are mainly funded by the Light-a-Parol project, which is held every December.  The main thrust of CCD for these outreach activities is to fulfill the “Faith In Action” aspect of its curriculum — to put into action Christian values and virtues taught to them in CCD.

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Overseas Filipinos Never Forget the Poor Town They Are From by CCD-SSAP

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Overseas Filipinos Never Forget the Poor Town They Are From
A Pilgrimage Site is Born
A story of faith, loyalty and tireless idealism

After the visit of Pope Francis, I could not help but reflect on the fact that if other countries have the Olympics and the World Soccer Cup, here in the Philippines, we can be proud of the most moving and well-attended Papal Visits.

Wherever Filipinos are, they are some of the most faithful and endearing missionaries of the Catholic Church. With almost 10 million of them around the world, that’s a powerful force.

In this article, I talk about a series of remarkable events that led to the birth of a new pilgrimage site in the Philippines – the Sanctuary of the Holy Face in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.

Nampicuan is a small, poor, agricultural community, awkwardly situated in the western corner of Nueva Ecija, closer to Tarlac – a bit like the neglected child of Nueva Ecija, and the adopted child of Tarlac.

Many of Nampicuan’s people have gone abroad in search of a better life, to places in the US and the Middle East. However, through their busy lives of earning a living and raising their families, they nurtured a silent wish, that one day they would find a way to help their “kababayan” in Nampicuan. This wish was first articulated 30 years ago by the late Ernesto Gonzales, former lay minister of the Immaculate Conception Church and husband of Candida Bigting, sister of a former mayor of Nampicuan. This small group kept in touch over the years and in 2013 called themselves, “Dreamers for Nampicuan.”

The story starts with a Filipina emigree in Seattle named Daisy who, like many Filipinos, plan their world travel around religious sites. She had been to Israel 7x, Lourdes 7x, Fatima 8x, Guadalupe 2x, and at least once to Turin, Garabandal, Medjugore, Akita, etc. Daisy liked to keep track of new pilgrimage sites around the world and in 2006, she read about Pope Benedict’s much-publicized visit to the Holy Face of Manoppello in the Apennine mountains. During his visit, the Pope elevated this church to the Basilica di Volto Santo (Holy Face). Five years later in 2011, Daisy made the trip to Manoppello and became one of the most devoted followers and missionaries of the Holy Face.

One summer day in 2013, Daisy found herself in the Carmel Mission church in California, and unbeknownst to her, another Filipina was also paying her respects to Blessed Junipero Serra. Daisy and Lenlen met by chance and struck up a conversation that eventually meandered to the Holy Face of Manoppello. Lenlen, also very religious and used to praying 2000 Hail Mary’s in one day non-stop, was fascinated.
Two weeks later, Lenlen was back in Las Vegas, and met another Filipina named Eugenia in a doctor’s waiting room. Ever friendly, Lenlen found out that Eugenia was from Nampicuan and was in fact selling tickets to a Gala event in California organized by the “Dreamers for Nampicuan.”

Between Daisy, Lenlen, Eugenia and several other Nampicuan “dreamers,” a tour of the Holy Face Relic was organized in the US West Coast and the Philippines for September 2014, with the approval and support of the Guardian of the Relic, Capuchin Fr. Cuccinelli and Italian Archbishop Bruno Forte.

Meanwhile in Nampicuan, a young, newly ordained priest in the parish church of the Immaculate Conception, heard about the coming of the Relic and was overcome with a sudden, burning passion. He asked his parishioners to embark on a prayer crusade for many days and many nights. Social media spread the word here and abroad.
Apart from the initial proceeds from the California Gala, donations poured in from “dreamers” all over the world, from cash to a new chalice, sacristan outfits, microphones, computer, projector, outdoor benches, trucks of gravel, sacks of cement, tiles, prayer cards, leaflets and a 20 foot statue of the Virgin Mary holding the cloth with the Holy Face.

The Relic arrived in the Philippines on September 10, 2014 and was viewed in packed churches in Forbes Park, Makati, EDSA shrine, Quiapo, Sta. Ana, Lipa, Batangas, etc. In Nampicuan, the entire town welcomed the Relic with a three mile parade. On September 16, 2014, the day before the Holy Face Relic was about to leave the Philippines, the Guardian of the Relic, moved by the faith of the people of Nampicuan, gave his permission for its enthronement in the Immaculate Conception Church in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija. He said, “…this littlest church….deserved to be the home of the Holy Face in the Philippines and in Asia.”

What is the HOLY FACE OF MANOPPELLO?
The burial face cloth or “sudarium” of Jesus, which bears an “acheiropoietos” (ie., not made by the hand of man) image of the Risen Jesus, a partner cloth to the Shroud of Turin.
How do I get there?
From Metro Manila, take the NLEX, then the SCTEX towards Tarlac and continue on the TPLEX. From TPLEX, take Anao exit, follow signs to Sanctuary of the Holy Face (2km).

Suggested HOLY WEEK Itinerary:
The following pilgrimage sites are on the way to Baguio (via TPLEX) and about a one hour drive from each other. Start in Tarlac (2 hours from Manila), go on to Nampicuan (take ANAO exit) and then to Manaoag.
1) Monasterio de Tarlac, San Jose, Tarlac – Piece of the True Cross
Take TPLEX to Tarlac City, take Santa Rosa-Tarlac Road, then P. Burgos St. (22km), then Lubigan Brgy Rd. (25 km).
2) Sanctuary of the Holy Face, Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija
From TPLEX, take Anao exit, follow signs to Sanctuary of the Holy Face (2km).
3) Our Lady of the Rosary, Manaoag, Pangasinan
From TPLEX, take McArthur Road South, take Urdaneta to Manaoag Road, then Milo St.

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CCD

A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR CCD TEACHERS – “Understanding by Design”

CCD Teachers
CCD (Continuing Catholic Development), the Catechism Ministry of the Parish of Santuario de San Antonio, resumed classes for its 2014 -2015 school year last Wednesday, August 27. To set the pace and to help them prepare for and meet the challenges ahead, the CCD teachers held their annual workshop last Saturday, August 23.

As one of the most successful teachers’ workshops yet in terms of participation and attendance, this year’s Workshop was opened by Father Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM, Parish Priest and CCD’s Spiritual Advisor. In his Invocation, Father Reu prayed for blessings on the service of teaching; and he reminded the volunteer teachers and committee members “that their work is part of Jesus’ mission.”

For the fifth consecutive year, the Workshop Facilitator was Mrs. Rita Atienza, Faculty Member of the Loyola Schools’ Education Department, Ateneo de Manila University. Mrs. Atienza was assisted by Mrs. Elizabeth Virata and Ms. Yolanda Lomotan, of the CCD Curriculum Committee.

Mrs. Virata noted that “we have several new members to our ministry, which is an encouraging indication that our CCD Ministry is strong.” And because of the new teachers and new members on the committee, it was decided that the 2014 Workshop be a refresher on “Understanding by Design” and on “Instructional Strategies”. She added that those who had attended previous UbD workshops, “will attest to how much ‘Understanding by Design’ practically overturned our approach to teaching and how the 2010 Workshop honed our skills and strategies in teaching.”

The CCD Faculty Section has been very privileged and fortunate in the teachings and instructions given by Mrs. Atienza at their annual workshops, on “Understanding by Design” –
2010: How do I design effective lesson plans? (Understanding by Design – UbD)
2011: How do I meet the needs of my students? (Differentiated Instruction)
2012: What are our non-negotiables when we teach? (Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum)
2013: Are my students learning? (Assessment)

The 2014 Workshop, on Refresher and Reviews of the subjects of the last four workshops, had sessions on effective lesson planning, differentiated instruction, a guaranteed and viable curriculum and on students’ assessment. It focused on teaching primarily to make a MEANINGFUL UNDERSTANDING and a significant TRANSFER of knowledge to students. The afternoon session included the screening of a video on how to compile a proper lesson plan and how to execute the plan. Another session stressed the importance of ensuring that one’s students are THINKERS, and how not to rob them of the challenge and the struggle to think for themselves. And in this, the students will need TIME to absorb, to analyze and to think so that they can make meaning of the questions asked and answer in their own way.

After an open discussion and an exchange of ideas and suggestions, and after a round of applause for Mrs Atienza, the Workshop closed at 4.00pm, with the teachers leaving happy in the certain knowledge that they had spent a meaningful and an enjoyable day together; and armed with teaching plans for the spiritual and religious formation of the students who will be in their care for the next twelve months.

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“Confirmation 2014” by Rachelle Wenger

confirmation 2014Another year has passed, another batch of students have patiently attended their CCD (Continuing Catholic Development) classes and finally have reaffirmed their Catholic vows and received the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

I still vividly recall how on the first day of the school year, I was nervous as to how to teach teenagers and make them enjoy, learn, and appreciate, at the same time, the teachings of our faith and to know God on a more personal level and understand what Jesus went through and hopefully be mature enough to understand what receiving the Holy Spirit means. How do I let these messages become adaptable to their teen years when they themselves have a lot of questions and conflicts with the many changes this age brings?

I guess, I myself had to open up to the Holy Spirit to allow the Spirit’s wisdom and grace to open my mind and heart to be able to touch these children’s lives in that one hour we have together every Sunday.

As our officiating bishop, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, has shared during his homily, there are 3 things that the Confirmandi need to take with them: Pray to God daily, in whatever state or mood one is in, pray. Whether happy or sad, grateful or needy, pray. It is a beautiful habit for one to offer our daily lives conversing with our God, makes us feel closer to Him, makes Him become more real to us, makes Him work in our lives even more.

Next is to celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist, by receiving Christ, we strengthen our bond with Him and hopefully as we receive Jesus’s real body through the sacrament, we are more aware of our thoughts, words and actions.

Lastly, and I think was such a beautiful parting word was to imitate Christ. He is the ultimate role model and the best human being to walk the earth. As we are all created in the likeness of God and Christ is our brother, difficult as it may be, we have it all in ourselves to be like Christ, to imitate Him. To reflect on things we say and do and be consciously aware if this is pleasing to our Creator who at all times is watching over us and aspire to live a moral life are just some things we can do. Being kind to others even at challenging times is a real manifestation of how God loves us.

This year’s batch had 37 students all beautifully confirmed by Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara and assisted by our new parish priest, Fr. Reu Galoy, OFM. Of course, a big thank you to the CCD Committee — Lia Te, Marivic Borromeo, Katty Qua and Nancy Gonewai, with the help of Leah Azarcon, for patiently working hard to make the whole school year a success. Special thanks also go to our Curriculum Head, Libet Virata, our commentator Karen Blanco, our Liturgical Coordinator Jojo Leveriza, our Speech and Comportment coach Juno Henares Chuidian, CCD teachers Mimi David, Uwa Tambunting, lay ministers and altar servers Jentry Arbis, Andrew Romualdez, Christie Nair and Paco Borromeo for their dedication and assistance, the Psalm 47 Men’s Choir for the beautiful music which made the event even more meaningful. Thank you also to Betta Kramer, CCD treasurer and Conifrmation Committee member together with Gina Roxas.

Thank you also to the parents who are our co-educators and role models in raising good Catholics. Most specially, thank you to my co-teachers in Confirmation, Nancy Gonewai and Yolanda Lomotan for lovingly, passionately and tirelessly teaching the students how it is to love God and live a truly virtuous Catholic life.

The year has ended, the students have graduated and confirmed, certificates were given, photos were taken, tears of joy were shed, these I will take with me as I journey again on the next path to meeting the next batch of Confirmandi. And just like in any beginning and ending, it is the journey with the new batch of students in leading them closer to our Creator that I most look forward to.

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Goodbye And Godspeed, Fr. Joel!

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The ringing bells at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Sunday, 6 April, heralded the end of classes; and the joyful shouts and laughter of children told their own story – the end of another school year at CCD (Continuing Catholic Development).

It was also the day of a very special time in CCD’s history, the last celebration of their usual year-end Thanksgiving Mass with Father Joel Sulse, OFM, presiding. With nostalgia and sadness and also with gladness and celebration, the CCD family – parents and students, friends and supporters and teachers and committee – filled all the bays in the Social Hall to bid farewell and best wishes to Father Joel, who would be leaving for Rome to pursue his studies for a doctorate in Divinity. For the past five years Father Joel was not only CCD’s Spiritual Advisor, but to many, he was also their Friend, their Confessor, their Mentor.

After his homily, Father Joel also bade farewell to his congregation. He said that the best memory of CCD with him was the certain and sure knowledge he has of the combined efforts of both the parents, and the teachers and the committee in ensuring that the children received the best formation and religious education available to them. He commended the teachers and the committee for their selfless and generous service to the Lord and to their community in implementing and sustaining one of the best CCD programs he is aware of; and his only request was that they continue.

In their tribute to Father Joel, CCD said that during his time and with his guidance and support, CCD has grown from strength to strength – its curriculum and work program were set and in place and the dramatic increase in the number of student population – not only in the returning students but incoming new students as well – were the most visible and tangible legacy from him.

Thank you and Goodbye Father Joel.

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