parishworks! 1Vol. 09 No. 38 February 08, 2014

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Guide Others and Be God’s InstrumentRhoni Christel R. Trillana

The gospel for today talks about us fulfilling our responsibilities as Christians to be the salt and light of this world. As children of our Lord, we are tasked to be the greatest creations this world has to bear, and that is by gratifying our purpose- to not only receive the light of our Lord, but become the light and answers to other people’s prayers.

In Genesis 4, after Cain had killed his brother Abel, and God asked him where his brother is, he answered: “I don’t know, am I my brother’s keeper?” he was asking God if he is or should be responsible for his brother, and from that powerful question, the entirety of the life of our Lord answers and shouts a big YES. We are indeed responsible for our fellowmen, for our mother, father, sisters, brothers, daughter or son, friends, relatives and absolutely everyone around us, even strangers! The moment Jesus died on the cross and physically left this earth, He left us the responsibility to be the “Jesus” to other people. As long as we live, we are tasked to help and love one another just as how our Lord would. As long as we live, we are all instruments of God’s love and mercy.

I was walking along the sidewalks of a street. I just got

Two Priests, One Flock, One Parish!By Susan Amoroso

The noon time Eucharistic celebration last Saturday on that first day of February, the love month was special for the flock of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (SAAP). It was a day for joyful celebration. It was a day to give thanks to God for on that Saturday, the lay workers of SAAP toasted two beloved priests for serving the Parish community with love and dedication through the years. Despite the many challenges of serving a Parish such as SAAP. Father Allan Dichoso is celebrating his tenth year as Assistant Parish Priest and Monsignor Dennis Odiver, his third year as Parish Priest.

A hearty buffet lunch of pansit, lumpia, barbecue, puto, fruit salad and drinks was served in the Parish grounds. The heads and representatives of the sub-parishes and ministries attended. Ms. Wena de Vera of the Pastoral Parish Council was master of ceremony. The head of the Education/Evangelization Ministry Ms. Gene Alberto graced the event with her quiet and loving presence. As always Ms. Tet Jarvina saw to it that everybody was fed heartily. My apologies to those whose names I failed to mention but whose presence are greatly appreciated.

The two celebrators, Monsignor Dennis and Father Allan were asked to say something and these are their messages:

Father Allan conveyed this short message of love and service for the flock of St. Andrew .

``Sampung taon na pala ako.Minsan sa buhay ng St. Andrew may isang pari nakaabot ng 10 taon, humakbang at tumibay sa pagsubok, nagkaroon ng katuparan sa buhay niyo ang isang homilya. Ang isang tao kung walang nagawa, di siya maaalala. Pero kahit isang araw kapag may nagawa, maaalala siya. When what is bad becomes

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Two priests, one flock, one parish... from page 1

converted and becomes good because of what I have said, then you feel good. Kasangkapan lang ako ng Diyos, kagagawan ng Espiritu. Minsan ang inakala niyong mali. kalaunan may mabuti palang patutunguhan. Isang hangad sa buhay ko, sa Year of Laity ay may gagawin pa ako para sa parokya. Kung may dapat gawin sa buhay ko, gagawin ko para sa parokya at hangad ko na ito ay maging kalugod-lugod sa Diyos.’’

``God shows us there is consolation behind every self-denial, a new life behind every dying. We must die to live anew. I can die a thousand deaths but I can live a life worthy to offer to the Lord. We learn from our mistakes. God is good all the time.’’

Next came Monsignor Dennis’ turn to speak before the assembly. He spoke about the challenges ,the fulfillment and his mission in serving the Parish even as he disclosed the misgiving, self-doubts, trials, feelings of persecutions he has faced in his role as Pastor of SAAP. He spoke frankly of his personal feelings straight from the heart. He also spoke about what it takes to be a true disciple in this era of new evangelization. He reiterated the core identity and the core values of being ANDREW.

Below is a rough transcript of his message to us, his beloved SAAP flock.

``I will sing forever of your love, O Lord. This is my third parish as a priest. This is the first time a gathering was held to celebrate the coming of the priest. It is usual to celebrate the sacerdotal but not the coming of a priest.’’

``I ‘ve been here in the past three years and I could not remember when I cried.’’ MInsan di namin maramdaman ang compassion, ang forgiveness, sa buhay naming bilang pari. We have not been formed to please people because we are not celebrities. Ang pari ay hinubog para maging tapat, handa, mapagtalima sa gusto

ng Diyos.’’``Ang taglay naming kalinangan, yan ang baon namin

(sa paglilingkod sa patokya). People misconstrue our best intentions, we are doubted, suspected. The Pope spoke highly of priests who led heroic lives.’’

``Di po namin alam kung saan kami lalagay. Priests (depending on their inclinations) are labeled as `` aktibista, beki, social climber. We do not know how to respond to and we leave it up to the Holy Spirit to lead us.’’

``It is not enough that we talk about and speak of love, We should be able to express it in deeds. Nandito kami dahil sa pag-ibig ng Diyos. I do hope whatever we say and do, we also express the love of God. If there is love, lahat ng hamon malalagpasan.’’

``In 2021, we will be celebrating 500 years of having received the Christian faith. We at St. Andrew is starting our journey towards 2017, SAAP’s golden jubilee.’’

``I am ANDREW. We would like to become disciples of Christ, establish our core identity, be anointed, novel, a disciple, spirit-filled evangelists.’’

``Novel disciple- kailangan magsimula sa ating sarili ang pagbabago. We need Christ for our personal conversion and social transformation.’’

``We are called to become new evangelists in this era of new evangelization. R is for renewal, E for evangelization and W for works of charity.’’

``Evangelization is liberation from the structures of sin. Let us allow ourselves to experience a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ. He sets us free from inner sorrow and loneliness.’’

``We must engage in works of charity, to be configured to true discipleship entailing paggalang,

parishworks! 3

Two priests, one flock, one parish... from page 2

Guide others and be God’s instrument... from page 1

from school; I was tired, hungry, and even more tired. As I was about to cross the street, I noticed an old woman who seemed a bit confused and unsure of where to go, he approached another man and asked for directions. Seeing her guided and helped caused me relief and so I continued to go my way. As I was still walking, I noticed the woman walking behind me, surprisingly, still puzzled on where to go. She then approached and asked me where she could find a specific street. I, a person who’s bad in directions, was glad that I knew exactly where that street is, and therefore made it possible for me to direct her accordingly, causing her gladness and relief that she finally know how to get to her destination. As I was still walking, once in a while, I turned to check if she’s still walking towards the street she was headed for, I kept on turning and making sure she gets there safely until our distance made it impossible to see each other. Before I went my way, I said a little prayer, asking for the old woman’s guidance and protection from God. There is more to this very simple event that made it special- It is the realization of our responsibility to our brothers and sisters as children of God.

Like in my said experience, we walk on the sidewalks of our own streets and journeys in life, we do get tired from all our own battles, we go hungry and weary, sometimes we focus on our own struggles too much that we overlook other people who needs our help. Sometimes, we have to realize that though we

have our own problems, we must not forget to turn our heads and see other’s adversities, because believe it or not, we might be the answer to other’s predicament. As we turn our heads on everything around us, we should always reach out and lend a helping hand to people who are lost. We may not be perfect or equipped to know everything in life, but then, we are certain that God had given us just enough skills and knowledge that would enable us to help others. Sometimes, though we doubt our own extents, God will give us an extra nudge to be of great help to other people. And as we leave the people we helped, we must not stop there, we must occasionally turn and check if they are still on the right track, knowing something other people don’t gives us the responsibility to share and make sure others follow it well. And when our distance hinders us from reaching out to the ones we helped, the only thing left to do is to pray and simply ask God for His fortification and assistance to them.

A commandment God has dearly given us is to simply love one another as He loves us no matter how rich or poor, young or old, powerful or not we all become. We must, therefore, remain faithful and obedient servants of God who will continuously be instruments of His immeasurable and bountiful love and mercy. No matter what or who we are in our own journeys in life, we must never forget to be the salt and light of this world; to guide others to the right direction, towards the destination God fated for each one of them.

pagpapatawad, pagmamahal sa kapwa. Rsponsibility, openness, active involvement, discernment are needed for true discipleship.’’

He also expressed his whole support and unity with his brother priests. He said, ``Father Allan and I have matured already. We would like really to help each other. Alam naming kung paano tulungan, kalingain at pahalagahan ang isa’t isa.’’

The Monsignor lamented problems of miscommunication in some areas in the Parish. He said ,``Kung ang inyong pintuan ay sarado, mahirap magpilit. Hayaan magbukas ng kaunti. If you cannot allow us, allow Jesus to encounter you. Sinisikap namin para sa lahat.’’

``Father Allan have more years of going through

these challenges,ang aspeto ng pakikipag-ugnayan , pakikisamuha. Our feelings , how we communicate, our ideas, they are subjective.’’

Finally Monsignor Dennis rolled on the role of the Church and the lay workers in the Year of Laity.

He said, `` Year of Laity, truly a challenge. Passion, be generous, make a gift of yourself to the Lord. We must not be afraid. Let us be happy lay workers for the Church because of our love for Jesus, for God. Let us be more vigorous in serving the Lord.’’

On a last note, Monsignor pointed on February 8, the Foundation Anniversary of SAAP. According to him, he will call for a small assembly where he will present an orientation, planning and organizing for the coming year in line with the Archdiocese’ purpose and intent.

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Coordinator Matthew Lizares Parish Works Staff Managing Editor: Susan Amoroso Web Editor: Emilio Medina Photographers: Ann Lopez, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Rio Angeles Graphic Artist: Jessica Samantha Lim Bulletin Board Editor Harley Dave Punzalan Powerpoint Coordinators Mria Rhea Pia Libao, Ging Santos, Ellie Medina, Vince Eduard Reyes, SAAP Facebook Admin Karen Ann Phoa

ContributorRhoni Christel Trillana, Glo Pineda

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.

Puzzle Corner Announcements

An invitation to those with kind hearts and creative minds.

1. The Parish is in need of powerpoint operator volunteers for the Sunday morning masses. The presentations are prepared beforehand, all is needed is someone to take charge in the operation. You will also be part of the Media Ministry. Please leave your name and contact number at the parish office or you may text your name and interest to 09178482986.

2. Calling all aspiring writers or just anyone who would like to share their treasured parish / church / faith related articles. Be a contributor to our official newsletter, PARISHWORKS. Please submit your articles to media@saaparish.com. Thank you.

February 9, 2014 - 5th Sunday in

Ordinary Time; Readings: Isaiah 58:7-

10/ Psalm 112 / 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 /

Matthew 5:13-1

1. “If you remove from your midst oppression, false _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ N O T S I C U A C A and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D E T F L I C F A; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.”

2. “I came to you in weakness and fear and much _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ G I N L M E R T B, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom.”

3. “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt _ _ _ _ _ S O L E S its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be _ _ _ _ _ _ N O T R W H out and trampled underfoot.”

4. “You are the _ _ _ _ _ T H I G L of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a _ _ _ _ _ _ L U S H B E basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.”

5. “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good _ _ _ _ _ S E E D D and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Answer key: 1) Accusation, Afflicted; 2) Trembling; 3) Loses, Thrown; 4) Light,

Bushel; 5) Deeds4

Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffSusan Amoroso, Emilio Medina, Russel Matthew Patolot, Karen Ann Phoa, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Angelina Poe, Magda GanaBulletin Board EditorHarley Dave PunzalanPowerpoint CoordinatorsEllie Medina, Ging Santos, Leomar Alvarez SAAP Facebook AdminRochelle Pineda

ContributorsWina 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 Coordinator

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

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Announcements

Answer key: 1) Winged; 2) Courageous; 3) Yields, Grain; 4) Mustard; 5) Parables

Puzzle CornerJune 17, 2012 - Readings: Ezekiel

17:22-24 / Psalm 92 / 2 Corinthians

5:6-10 / Mark 4:26-34By: Karen Ann Phoa

1. “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every _ _ _ _ _ _ D E W G I N thing in the shade of its boughs.”

2. “We are always _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S A G E C O U O U R, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

3. “Of its own accord the land _ _ _ _ _ _ S L I D E Y fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full _ _ _ _ _ N A G R I in the ear.”

4. “It is like a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D R U M A S T seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.”

5. “Without _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B A R A P L E S he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.”

• June 22-24 PARISH RENEWAL EXPERIENCE (PREX)

• June 29 (Fri) KUMPISALANG BAYAN

many others back to religious observances.

Though Father Regis longed to work as a missionary among the North American Indians in Canada, he was to live out his days working for the Lord in the wildest and most desolate part of his native France. There he encountered rigorous winters, snowdrifts and other deprivations. Meanwhile, he continued preaching missions and earned a reputation as a saint. One man, entering the town of Saint-Andé, came upon a large crowd in front of a church and was told that people were waiting for “the saint” who was coming to preach a mission.

The last four years of his life were spent preaching and in organizing social services, especially for prisoners, the sick and the poor. In the autumn of 1640, Father Regis sensed that his days were coming to a conclusion. He settled some of his affairs and prepared for the end by continuing to do what he did so well: speaking to the people about the God who loved them. On December 31, he spent most of the day with his eyes on the crucifix. That evening, he died. His final words were: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

He was canonized in 1737.

St. John Francis Regis ... from page 3