Vatican Note on Upcoming Year of Faith
"The Foundation of Christian Faith Is the Encounter With an Event, a Person"
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 9, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Here is a note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, containing proposals for ways to live the upcoming Year of Faith, from the universal to the personal level. Benedict XVI called the Year of Faith for Oct. 11 through Nov. 24, 2013.
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH
Note with pastoral recommendations for the Year of Faith
Introduction
With the Apostolic Letter of 11 October 2011, Porta fidei, Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of Faith. This year will begin on 11 October 2012, on the 50thanniversary of the opening of the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council, and will conclude on 24 November 2013, the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King.
This year will be a propitious occasion for the faithful to understand more profoundly that the foundation of Christian faith is "the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction."1 Founded on the encounter with the Risen Christ, faith can be rediscovered in its wholeness and all its splendor. "In our days too faith is a gift to rediscover, to cultivate and to bear witness to" because the Lord "grants each one of us to live the beauty and joy of being Christians."2
The beginning of the Year of Faith coincides with the anniversaries of two great events which have marked the life of the Church in our days: the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, called by Blessed Pope John XXIII (11 October 1962), and the twentieth of the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, given to the Church by Blessed Pope John Paul II (11 October 1992).
The Council, according to Pope John XXIII, wanted "to transmit doctrine, pure and whole, without attenuations or misrepresentations," in such a way that "this sure and immutable teaching, which must be respected faithfully, is elaborated and presented in a way which corresponds to the needs of our time."3 In this regard, the opening words of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium remain of primary importance: "Christ is the Light of nations. Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy Spirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, (cfr. Mk 16:15) to bring the light of Christ to all men, a light brightly visible on the countenance of the Church."4 Beginning with the light of Christ, which purifies, illuminates and sanctifies in the celebration of the sacred liturgy (cfr. Constitution,Sacrosanctum Concilium) and with His divine word (cfr. Dogmatic Constitution, Dei Verbum), the Council wanted to elaborate on the intimate nature of the Church (cfr. Dogmatic Constitution, Lumen gentium) and its relationship with the contemporary world (cfr. Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et spes). Around these four Constitutions, the true pillars of the Council, are arranged the Declarations and Decrees which address some of the major challenges of the day.
After the Council the Church – under the sure guidance of the Magisterium and in continuity with the whole Tradition – set about ensuring the reception and application of the teaching of the Council in all its richness. To assist in the correct reception of the Council, the Popes have frequently convoked the Synod of Bishops,5 first instituted by the Servant of God, Paul VI, in 1965, providing the Church with clear guidance through the various post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortations. The next General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held in October 2012, will have as its theme: The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.
From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI has worked decisively for a correct understanding of the Council, rejecting as erroneous the so-called "hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture" and promoting what he himself has termed "the ‘hermeneutic of reform’, of renewal in the continuity of the one subject-Church which the Lord has given to us. She is a subject which increases in time and develops, yet always remaining the same, the one subject of the journeying People of God."6
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in this same vein, is both an "authentic fruit of Vatican Council II"7 and a tool for aiding in its reception. The Extraordinary Synod of Bishops of 1985, convoked on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council and to measure its reception, suggested the preparation of a Catechism in order to offer the People of God a compendium of all Catholic doctrine and a sure point of reference for local catechisms. Pope John Paul II accepted this proposal as a desire which "fully responds to a real need of the universal Church and of the particular Churches."8 Compiled in collaboration with the entire Episcopate of the Catholic Church, this Catechism "truly expresses what could be called the symphony of the faith."9
The Catechism includes "the new and the old (cfr. Mt 13:52), because the faith is always the same yet the source of ever new light. To respond to this twofold demand, the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the one hand repeats the old, traditional order already followed by the Catechism of St Pius V, arranging the material in four parts: the Creed, the Sacred Liturgy, with pride of place given to the sacraments, the Christian way of life, explained beginning with the Ten Commandments, and finally, Christian prayer. At the same time, however, the contents are often expressed in a new way in order to respond to the questions of our age."10 This Catechismis "a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion and a sure norm for teaching the faith."11 The content of faith finds " its systematic and organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here, in fact, we see the wealth of teaching that the Church has received, safeguarded and proposed in her two thousand years of history. From Sacred Scripture to the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a permanent record of the many ways in which the Church has meditated on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers in their lives of faith."12
The Year of Faith is intended to contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the Risen Lord in the world of today - capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the "door of faith." This "door" opens wide man’s gaze to Jesus Christ, present among us "always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). He shows us how "the art of living" is learned "in an intense relationship with him."13 "Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of every generation: in every age he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith."14
At the invitation of Pope Benedict XVI,15 the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in consultation with the competent Dicasteries of the Holy See and with the contribution of the Committee for the Preparation of the Year of Faith,16 has drawn up this Note, with some recommendations for living this time of grace, without precluding other initiatives which the Holy Spirit will inspire among Pastors and faithful in various parts of the world.
Recommendations
"I know him in whom I have believed" (2 Tm 1:12). These words of St Paul help us to understand that faith is "first of all a personal adherence of man to God. At the same time, and inseparably, it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed."17 Faith which is a personal trust in the Lord and the faith which we profess in the Creed are inseparable; they focus on each other and they require each other. There exists a profound bond between the lived faith and its contents. The faith of the Witnesses and Confessors is also the faith of the Apostles and Doctors of the Church.
Thus, the following recommendations for the Year of Faith desire to aid both the encounter with Christ through authentic witnesses to faith, and the ever-greater understanding of its contents. These proposals are intended as examples to encourage a ready response to the invitation of the Holy Father to live fully this Year as a special "time of grace."18 The joyous rediscovery of faith can also contribute to consolidate the unity and communion among the different bodies that make up the wider family of the Church.
I. On the level of the Universal Church
1. The main ecclesial event at the beginning of the Year of Faith will be the XIII General Assembly of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops, convoked by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2012, dedicated to The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. During this Synod, on 11 October 2012, there will be a solemn celebration of the beginning of the Year of Faith, in remembrance of the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.
2. In the Year of Faith pilgrimages of the faithful to the See of Peter are to be encouraged, to profess faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in unity with him who today is called to confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith (cfr. Lk 22:32). It is also important to promote pilgrimages to the Holy Land, the place which first saw the presence of Jesus, the Savior, and Mary, his Mother.
3. During this Year, it will be helpful to invite the faithful to turn with particular devotion to Mary, model of the Church, who "shines forth to the whole community of the elect as the model of virtues."19 Therefore, every initiative that helps the faithful to recognize the special role of Mary in the mystery of salvation, love her and follow her as a model of faith and virtue is to be encouraged. To this end it would be proper to organize pilgrimages, celebrations and gatherings at the major Marian shrines.
4. The next World Youth Day, in Rio de Janeiro in July 2013, will offer a special occasion for the young to experience the joy which comes from faith in the Lord Jesus and communion with the Holy Father, in the greater family of the Church.
5. It is hoped that many symposia, conferences and large gatherings will be held, even at the international level, to encourage encounters with authentic witness to the faith and to promote understanding of the contents of Catholic doctrine. Noting how, still today, the Word of God continues to grow and spread, it will be important to give witness that "all the anguish and all the longing of the human heart finds fulfilment"20 in Christ Jesus and that faith "becomes a new criterion of understanding and action that changes the whole of man’s life."21 Some conferences should be particularly dedicated to the rediscovery of the teachings of Vatican Council II.
6. The Year of Faith will offer a special opportunity for all believers to deepen their knowledge of the primary documents of the Second Vatican Council and their study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is especially true for candidates for priesthood, particularly during the propedeutic year or in their first years of theological studies, for novices in Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as well as for those in a period of discernment for joining an Ecclesial Association or Movement.
7. This Year will provide an auspicious time for a more attentive reception of the homilies, catechesis, addresses and other speeches and documents of the Holy Father. Pastors, consecrated persons and the lay faithful are invited to renew their efforts in effective and heart-felt adherence to the teaching of the Successor of Peter.
8. During the Year of Faith, in cooperation with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, various ecumenical initiatives are to be planned, aimed at "the restoration of unity among all Christians" which "is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council."22 In particular, there will be a solemn ecumenical celebration in which all of the baptized will reaffirm their faith in Christ.
9. A Secretariat to coordinate all of the different initiatives promoted by various Dicasteries of the Holy See, or other events relevant to the Universal Church, will be established within the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. This Secretariat should be informed timely of the main events and can also suggest appropriate initiatives. The Secretariat will open a dedicated website with the goal of making available useful information regarding living out the Year of Faithmore effectively.
10. At the conclusion of this Year, on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, there will be a Eucharist celebrated by the Holy Father, in which a solemn renewal of the profession of faith will take place.
II. On the level of Episcopal Conferences23
1. Episcopal Conferences, in light of the specific mission of the Bishops as teachers and "heralds of the faith,"24 can dedicate a day of study to the topic of faith, its personal witness and its transmission to new generations.
2. The republication in paperback and economical editions of the Documents of Vatican Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its Compendium is to be promoted, as is the wider distribution of these texts through electronic means and modern technologies.
3. A renewed effort to translate the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church into languages which lack a translation is desirable. Initiatives of charitable support to enable translations into the local languages of mission countries, where the local Churches cannot afford the expense, are to be encouraged. This should be done under the guidance of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
4. Pastors should work to promote television and radio transmissions, films and publications focusing on the faith, its principles and content, as well as on the ecclesial significance of the Second Vatican Council. This should be done using the new styles of communication, especially on the popular level, making these things available to a wider public.
5. The Saints and the Blessed are the authentic witnesses of the faith.25 It is, therefore, opportune that Episcopal Conferences work toward the dissemination of a knowledge of the local Saints of their territory, also by modern means of social communication.
6. The contemporary world is sensitive to the relationship between faith and art. It is, therefore, recommended that Episcopal Conferences maximize the catechetical potential – possibly with ecumenical cooperation – of the artistic patrimony of the region entrusted to their pastoral care.
7. Educators in centers of theological studies, seminaries and Catholic universities should be encouraged in their teaching to demonstrate the relevance within their various disciplines of the contents of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of the implications derived from them.
8. It would be useful to arrange for the preparation of pamphlets and leaflets of an apologetic nature (cfr. 1 Pt 3:15), which should be done with the help of theologians and authors. Every member of the faithful would then be enabled to respond better to the questions which arise in difficult contexts – whether to do with sects, or the problems related to secularism and relativism, or to questions "arising from a changed mentality which, especially today, limits the field of rational certainties to that of scientific and technological discoveries,"26 or to other specific issues.
9. It is hoped that local catechisms and various catechetical supplements in use in the particular Churches would be examined to ensure their complete conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.27 Should a catechism or supplement be found to be not totally in accord with the Catechism, or should some lacunae be discovered, new ones should be developed, following the example of those Conferences which have already done so.
10. The Year of Faith will also be an appropriate time to examine, in collaboration with the Congregation for Catholic Education, the Ratio of formation for future priests, ensuring that the contents of the Catechism for the Catholic Church are presentin their theological studies.
III. At the Diocesan level
1. It is hoped that each particular Church would have a celebration of the opening of the Year of Faith and a solemn conclusion to it, in which to "profess our faith in the Risen Lord in our cathedrals and in the churches of the whole world."28
2. It would be desirable that each Diocese in the world organize a study day on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly for its priests, consecrated persons and catechists. On this occasion, for example, the Eastern Catholic Eparchies could hold a meeting with their priests to give witness to their specific experience and liturgical tradition in the one faith in Christ. Also, in this way, young particular Churches in mission territories would be able to give renewed witness to that joy of faith which is so often particular to them.
3. Each Bishop could devote a pastoral letter of his own to the topic of faith, keeping in mind the specific pastoral circumstances of the portion of the faithful entrusted to him, reminding them of the importance of the Second Vatican Council and of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
4. It is hoped that in each Diocese, under the leadership of the Bishop, catechetical events will be organized, especially for the youth and those searching for a sense of life, helping them to discover the beauty of ecclesial faith, promoting encounters with meaningful witnesses to the faith.
5. It would be appropriate for each particular Church to review the reception of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church in its own life and mission, particularly in the realm of catechesis. This would provide the opportunity for a renewal of commitment on the part of the catechetical offices of the Dioceses which - supported by the Commissions for Catechesis of the Episcopal Conferences – have the duty to care for the theological formation of catechists.
6. The continuing education of the clergy can be focused during this Year of Faith on the documents of Vatican Council II and on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, treating such themes as "the proclamation of the Risen Christ", "the Church - sacrament of salvation", "the mission of evangelization in the world today", "faith and disbelief", "faith, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue", "faith and eternal life", "the hermeneutic of reform in continuity" and "the Catechism in ordinary pastoral care."
7. Bishops are invited to organize penitential celebrations, particularly during Lent, in which all can ask for God’s forgiveness, especially for sins against faith. ThisYear also provides an appropriate occasion in which all can approach the Sacrament of Penance with greater faith and more frequently.
8. It is hoped that there will be a renewed creative dialogue between faith and reason in the academic and artistic communities, through symposia, meetings and days of study, especially at Catholic universities, in order to demonstrate that "there cannot be any conflict between faith and genuine science, because both, albeit via different routes, tend towards the truth."29
9. It is also important to promote encounters with those persons who, "while not claiming to have the gift of faith, are nevertheless sincerely searching for the ultimate meaning and definitive truth of their lives and of the world,"30 taking as an example the dialogues of the Courtyard of the Gentiles, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture.
10. The Year of Faith can be an opportunity to pay greater attention to Catholic schools, which are a perfect place to offer to students a living witness to the Lord and to nurture their faith. This can be done by making use of good catechetical tools, like the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Youcat.
IV. At the level of the parish/community/association/movement
1. In preparation for the Year of Faith, all of the faithful are invited to read closely and meditate upon Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei.
2. The Year of Faith "will also be a good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist."31 In the Eucharist, mystery of faith and source of the new evangelization, the faith of the Church is proclaimed, celebrated and strengthened. All of the faithful are invited to participate in the Eucharist actively, fruitfully and with awareness, in order to be authentic witnesses of the Lord.
3. Priests should devote greater attention to the study of the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, drawing from them resources for the pastoral care of their parishes – catechesis, preaching, Sacramental preparation. They should also offer cycles of homilies on the faith or on certain specific aspects such as, for example, "the encounter with Christ", "the fundamental contents of the Creed", and "faith and the Church."32
4. Catechists should hold more firmly to the doctrinal richness of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and, under the direction of their pastors, offer guidance in reading this precious document to groups of faithful, working toward a deeper common understanding thereof, with the goal of creating small communities of faith, and of giving witness to the Lord Jesus.
5. It is hoped that there will be a renewed commitment in parishes to the distribution of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and of other resources appropriate for families, which are true domestic churches and the primary setting for the transmission of the faith. This might be done, for example, during the blessing of homes, the Baptism of adults, Confirmations and Marriages. This can contribute to the deepening of Catholic teaching "in our homes and among our families, so that everyone may feel a strong need to know better and to transmit to future generations the faith of all times."33
6. The promotion of missions and other popular programs in parishes and in the workplace can help the faithful to rediscover the gift of Baptismal faith and the task of giving witness, knowing that the Christian vocation "by its very nature is also a vocation to the apostolate."34
7. During this time, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and of Societies of Apostolic Life are asked to work towards the new evangelization with a renewed union to the Lord Jesus, each according to their proper charism, in fidelity to the Holy Father and to sound doctrine.
8. Contemplative communities, during the Year of Faith, should pray specifically for the renewal of the faith among the People of God and for a new impulse for its transmission to the young.
9. Associations and Ecclesial Movements are invited to promote specific initiatives which, through the contribution of their proper charism and in collaboration with their local Pastors, will contribute to the wider experience of the Year of Faith. The new Communities and Ecclesial Movements, in a creative and generous way, will be able to find the most appropriate ways in which to offer their witness to the faith in service to the Church.
10. All of the faithful, called to renew the gift of faith, should try to communicate their own experience of faith and charity35 to their brothers and sisters of other religions, with those who do not believe, and with those who are just indifferent. In this way, it is hoped that the entire Christian people will begin a kind of mission toward those with whom they live and work, knowing that they "have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man."36
Conclusion
Faith "is the lifelong companion that makes it possible to perceive, ever anew, the marvels that God works for us. Intent on gathering the signs of the times in the present of history, faith commits every one of us to become a living sign of the presence of the Risen Lord in the world."37 Faith is both a personal and a communal act: it is a gift from God that is lived in the communion of the Church and must be communicated to the world. Every initiative for the Year of Faith should be designed to aid in the joyous rediscovery of the faith and its renewed transmission. The recommendations provided here have the goal of inviting all of the members of the Church to work so that this Year may be a special time in which we, as Christians, may share that which is most dear to us: Christ Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, Universal King, "leader and perfecter of faith" (Hb 12: 2).
Given in Rome, at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on 6 January 2012, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
William Cardinal Levada
Prefect
Luis F. Ladaria, S.I.
Titular Archbishop of Thibica
Secretary
____________________________
1 BENEDICT XVI, Enc. Letter, Deus caritas est, 25 December 2005, n. 1.
2 ID., Homily on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 10 January 2010.
3 JOHN XXIII, Address of the solemn opening of the Ecumenical Vatican Council II, 11 October 1962.
4 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Dogmatic Constitution, Lumen gentium, n. 1.
5 The Ordinary Assemblies of the Synod of Bishops have treated the following topics: The preservation and strengthening of the Catholic Faith, its integrity, vigor, development, historical and doctrinal coherence (1967), The ministerial priesthood and justice in the world (1971), Evangelization in the modern world (1974), Catechesis in our time (1977), The Christian Family (1980), Penance and reconciliation in the mission of the Church (1983), The vocation and mission of the laity in the Church and in the world (1987), The formation of priests in actual circumstances (1991), Consecrated life and its mission in the Church and in the world (1994), The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the hope of the world (2001), The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church (2005), The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church (2008=.
6 BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Roman Curia, 22 December 2005.
7 ID., Porta fidei, n. 4.
8 JOHN PAUL II, Address on the closing of the Second Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 7 December 1985, n. 6. The same Pope, in the initial phase of this Synod, during the Angelus of 24 November 1985, said: "Fatih is the principal foundation, it is the cornerstone, the essential criterion of the renewal willed by the Council. From faith come custom, the stile of life and practical direction in every circumstance."
9 ID., Apostolic Constitution, Fidei depositum, 11 October 1992, n. 2.
10 Ibid., n. 3.
11 Ibid., n. 4.
12 BENEDICT XVI, Porta fidei, n. 11.
13 ID., Address to the participants in the meeting organized by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, 15 October 2011.
14 ID., Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 7.
15 Cfr. ibid., n. 12.
17 Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 150.
18 BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 15.
19 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Dogmatic Constitution, Lumen gentium, n. 65.
20 BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 13.
21 Ibid., n. 6.
22 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Decree, Unitatis redintigratio, n. 1.
23 The following recommendations made for Episcopal Conferences are also offered, in an analogous way, to the Synods of Bishops of Patriarchal and Major Archepiscopal Churches, as well as to the Assemblies of Hierarchs of the other Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris.
24 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Dogmatic Constitution, Lumen gentium, n. 25.
25 BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 13.
26 Ibid., n. 12.
27 JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Constitution, Fidei depositum, n. 4.
28 BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 8.
29 Ibid., n. 12.
30 Ibid., n. 10.
31 Ibid., n. 9.
32 Cfr., BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Exhortation, Verbum Domini, 30 September 2010, nn. 59-60, and 74.
33 ID., Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 8.
34 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Decree, Apstolicam actuositatem, n. 2.
35 Cfr. BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 14.
36 CONC. ECUM. VAT. II, Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et spes, n. 1.
37 BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, n. 15.
[Original text: English]
16 This Committee, formed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, according to the mandate of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, includes among its members: Cardinals William Levada, Francis Arinze, Angelo Bagnasco, Ivan Dias, Francis E. George, Zenon Grocholewski, Marc Ouellet, Mauro Piacenza, Jean-Pierre Ricard, Stanisław Ryłko and Christoph Schönborn; Archbishops Luis F. Ladaria, and Salvatore Fisichella; Bishops Mario Del Valle Moronta Rodríguez, Gerhard Ludwig Müller and Raffaello Martinelli.

TALATAKDAAN NG DALAW PATRON 2012


Pebrero 16 Huwebes) Macatbong
Araw ng Alis: Pebrero 17, 4:00 ng Hapon-Banal na Misa

Pebrero 17 (Biyernes) Bagong Buhay
Araw ng Alis: Pebrero 18, 4:00 ng Hapon-Banal na Misa

Pebrero 18 (Sabado) Cabu-Bana
Araw ng Alis: Pebrero 19, 4:00 ng Hapon-Banal na Misa

Pebrero 19 (Linggo) Cabu-Centro
Araw ng Alis: Pebrero 20, 4:00 ng Hapon-Banal na Misa

Pebrero 20 (Lunes) Calawagan
Araw ng Alis: Pebrero 21, 5:00 ng Hapon-Banal na Misa

Pebrero 21 (Martes) Communal
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 23, 4 :00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 22 MIYERKULES NG ABO

Pebrero 23 (Huwebes) Pangatian
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 24, 4 :00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 24 (Biyernes) Casiong
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 25, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 25 (Sabado) Bagong Sikat
Araw ng Pag-alis: Pebrero 26, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 26 (Linggo) Bakero
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 27, 4:00 ng hapon,

Pebrero 27 (Lunes ) Lagare
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 28, 4 :00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 28 (Martes) Bakod Bayan
Araw ng Pag-alis : Pebrero 29, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Pebrero 29 (Miyerkules) Lourdes
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 1, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Marso 1 (Huwebes) Patalac
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 2, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Marso 2 (Biyernes) Sitio Bantug
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 3, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Marso 3 (Sabado) Kalikid Norte
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 4, 4:00 ng hapon

Marso 4 (Linggo) Kalikid Sur
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 5, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa

Marso 5 (Lunes) Camp Tinio
Araw ng Pag-alis : Marso 6, 4:00 ng hapon, Banal na Misa







MGA ALITUNTUNIN SA DALAW PATRON 2012

1. May grupo ng sasalubong sa Mahal na Patrong San Jose. Sasalubungin o susunsuin ito sa barangay na panggagalingan.

2. May mga maghihintay din sa kapilyang pupuntahan. Maaari gumawa ng mga banderitas para maging masaya ang pagsalubong. Maaaring gawin ito sa boundary ng barangay.

3. Ihahanda ng barangay na maghahatid sa susunod na barangay ang sasakyan ng patron. Mas mainam na isakay ito sa pick up.

4. Ihanda ang mesang pagpapatungan ni San Jose, gayundin ang kandila at bulaklak.

5. Gamitin ang Aklat Dasalan para sa pagbibihilya. Maaari ding magdasal ng Santo Rosario.

6. Dapat magtalaga ang BPC ng mga mangunguna sa bihilya gayundin ng mga magbabantay. Maaaring bigyan ng talatakdaan o iskedyul ang mga purok.

7. Hindi naman kailangang magdamag ang bihilya. Maaaring hanggang ika-10 lang ito ng gabi. Huwag mag-iiwan ng nakasinding kandila.

8. Maaari ding maghanda ng pagkain para sa mga nagbibihilya. Hindi dapat kumain sa loob ng kapilya. Maghanda ng tanging lugar na kainan.

9. Ipamalita sa barangay ang pagdalaw ng ating patron. Maaaring dalhin ang mga maysakit upang sila’y maipanalangin.

10. Pananagutan ng Barangay Pastoral Council na ingatan at alagaan ang imahen ng Mahal na Patrong San Jose.

11. Ang Lay Minister na nakatalaga sa barangay hanggat maaari ay inaasahang naroon sa araw ng pagdating at pag-alis ng mahal na patron.

MGA ALITUNTUNIN SA PAROL MAKING CONTEST
1. Bukas ito sa mga mananampalataya ng parokya.
2. Ang bawat barangay o LARM (parish level) ay maaaring magbigay ng isang entry
3. Ang parol ay dapat gawa sa indigenous o local materials/ recycled materials gaya ng plastic, papel, lata, bote atbp.
4. Mas mura ang ginastos , mas maganda
5. Ang parol ay hindi bababa sa sukat na 1meter x 1meter
6. Dapat may ilaw lalo na sa oras ng parade. Ang walang ilaw na parol ay magiging sanhi ng diskwalipikasyon sa pagsali
7. Ang mga parol na kasali ay ilalagay bilang palamuti sa paligid ng simbahan ( site) sa simbang gabi
8. Deadline of submission: December 15, 2010 5:00 pm. Sa Opisina ng Parokya
Criteria for judging
ORIGINALITY 30%
CREATIVITY/ARTISTIC APPEAL 30 %
AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS USED 20%
Relevance to the Theme 20%
________
TOTAL 100%
PREMYO
First Prize P 3,000.00
Second Prize P2,000.00
Third Prize P 1,000.00
Consolation Prize P 500.00

MGA GAWAIN SA PANAHON NG ADBIYENTO AT PASKO 2010


1. PARISH ADVENT RECOLLECTION AT KUMPISALANG BAYAN

Bilang paghahanda sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagsilang, magkakaroon tayo ng Parish Advent Recollection at Kumpisalang Bayan sa ika-10 ng Disyembre, araw ng Biyernes. Magsisimula ito sa Banal Misa sa ganap na ika-4 at kalahati ng hapon (4:30 pm). Gaganapin ito dito sa ating parokya. Ang lahat ng mananampalataya ay inaanyayahan sa gawaing ito lalo na ang mga PPC Officers, BPC Officers, Purok Coordinators, mga kasapi ng LARM, mga Katekista, Lay Ministers, mga Kabataan, Lectors at Commentators, Greeters and Collectors, Altar Servers, Choir, at iba pang lingkod ng simbahan.

2. PAGLULUNSAD NG PARISH PASTORAL PLAN
Ang ating Parish Pastoral Plan ay ilulunsad sa darating na ika-12 ng Disyembre, araw ng Linggo sa ganap na ika-isa at kalahati ng hapon dito sa ating parokya. Pagkakataon ito upang ilahad sa ating lahat ang mga planong pastoral ng ating parokya. Inaasahang dadaluhan ito ng PPC Officers, mga BPC Officres (luma at bagong BPC Officers), Purok Coordinators, WESSTYFL Coordinators, mga kasapi ng LARM, Katekista, Lay Ministers, mga Kabataan at iba pang lingkod ng simbahan.

3. PAROL MAKING CONTEST
Magkakaroon tayo ng Parol Making Contest. Kalakip ng pabatid na ito ang mahahalagang detalye ukol dito.

4. GIFT GIVING
Ang ating Gift Giving ay gaganapin sa ika-21 ng Disyembre, araw ng Miyerkules sa ganap na ika-2 ng hapon sa site ng ating ginagawang simbahan. Bawat barangay ay inaasahang mag-gagayak ng ng tig-lilimang regalo (5 gifts per barangay) na binubuo ng mga pagkaing hindi agad nasisira. Sampung (10) pamilya naman ang mabibiyaan mula sa bawat barangay at pipiliin ito ng BPC Chairpersons. Iipunin din ang mga alay tulad ng bigas, de lata at iba pa ngayong simbang gabi para ipandadagdag sa mga pambigay sa mga kapatid natin mas nangangailangan. Tandaan natin, pinagpapala ng Diyos ang pusong malugod na nagbibigay.

5. PARISH CHRISTMAS PARTY AT FAMILY DAY
Gaganapin natin ito sa ika-30 ng Disyembre, araw ng Huwebes, sa ganap na ika-8 ng umaga sa site ng ating ginagawang simbahan. Magsisimula ito sa pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misa sa ganap na ika-8 ng umaga. Inaasahang dadaluhan ito ng PPC Officers, mga BPC Officres (luma at bagong BPC Officers), Purok Coordinators, WESSTYFL Coordinators, mga kasapi ng LARM, Katekista, Lay Ministers, mga Kabataan st iba pang lingkod ng simbahan.

Bawat Bukluran o LARM ay maghahanda ng presentation. Ang mga barangay at LARM ay magdadala ng tig-lilimang (5) regalo. Tig-iisa naman bawat kasapi ng PPC at Finance Council. May ihahanda ding regalo ang parokya at Hermanidad.

Family Day din ang araw na ito. Layunin nito na himukin ang bawat pamilya na maging bahagi ng mga gawain sa ating parokya. Bawat pamilya na nais dumalo ay maaaring magpalista sa BPC Officers, Purok Coordinators o sa tanggapan ng parokya. Magpapamigay ng registration form para dito, pero wala namang registration fee. Magdadala lamang ng pananghalian at tig-iisang regalo bawat pamilya para sa Family Exchange Gift. Maari ding maghanda ng presentation ang mga pamilya, kung iibigin.

Sumaksi at Magpagal sa Pananampalataya
(Ika-33 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon)

Dalawang Linggo bago matapos ang ating Taong Liturhiko narinig natin ang Ebanghelyo ayon San Lukas na naglalarawan ng isang nakakatakot na pagtatapos. Karaniwan gusto natin ang masaya o magandang pagtatapos. Madalang tayong makapanood ng pelikula kung saan namamatay ang bida. Ayaw natin ng naaapi o natatalong bida, at kaugnay nito naiinis tayo sa mga kontrabida. Para sa atin hindi maganda ang wakas na puno ng iyakan, kabiguan o pagkatalo.

Pero bakit ganito ang paglalarawan sa Ebanghelyo ngayong Linggo. Bakit magkakaroon ng mga digmaan at himagsikan, malalakas na lindol, tag-gutom at salot sa iba’t ibang dako? Ganito ba ang gustong pagwawakas ng Diyos sa atin? Hindi ba ang gusto ng Diyos ay tipunin tayong lahat sa Ama?

Ang Ebanghelyo na rin ang sumasagot sa mga tanong na ito. Sinabi ni Hesus, “Ito ang pagkakataon ninyo upang magpatotoo tungkol sa akin.” Samakatuwid para sa isang sumasampalataya sa Diyos ang mga hindi magagandang pangyayari sa batayan ng mundo ay hindi kabiguan kundi pagpapatingkad at pagpapalalim ng pananampalataya at pagpapatototo sa pananampaltaya.

Maraming matatalinong tao sa mundo. Dalubhasa sa maraming bagay at sa iba’t ibang larangan. Pero sa larangan ng pananampalataya hindi lang ang mga magagaling o mahuhusay ang kailangan. Mas higit na kailangan ang mga saksi ng pananampalataya. Maraming matatalino pero hindi naman kayang harapin ang mga pagsubok sa buhay. Marami ang magagaling at dalubhasa o kinikilala ng tao pero naigpapalit naman ang pananampalataya sa boto o kaya sa pera. May bihasa sa pagpapaliwanag ng pananampalataya takot naman sa batikos at paninira. Ang kailangan natin ay mga saksi na hindi alintana ang mga hirap at iba’t ibang uri ng pagsubok. Ang kailangan natin ay mga saksi hindi lamang sa salita, higit sa lahat sa gawa.

Napakasarap marinig kay Hesus ang mga salitang ito lalo na kapag nahaharap tayo sa mapanghamong sitwasyon. ‘Ipanatag ninyo ang inyong kalooban, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa pagtatanggol sa inyong sarili, sapagkat bibigyan ko kayo ng katalinuhan.’ Tinitiyak ni Hesus sa mga sumusunod sa Kanya na magdanas man ng hirap, hindi naman Siya magkukulang sa pagtulong at pagsubaybay. Matuto lang tayo magtiwala at magpaubaya sa Kanya. Walang nagtitiwala sa Diyos na nasisiphayo.

Ipinapaalala ni San Pablo sa mga Kristiyano sa Tesalonica ang kahalagahan ng pagpapagal sa ngalan ng pananampalataya. Nabanggit niya ito dahil nalaman niyang may ilan na ayaw magtrabaho kundi manghimasok sa buhay ng may buhay ! Kailangan din nating magtrabaho at magpagal para sa pananampalataya. Hindi natin dapat hayaang nauubos ang mga oras, yaman at kakayahan natin sa mga walang kuwentang bagay. Hindi tayo dapat nakaprente na lang at kuntento na sa pagsisimba at mga kinabisadong dasal. Magpagal tayo at magtrabaho alang-alang sa pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng Salita ng Diyos, paglilingkod sa pamayanan, pakikisalamuha sa mga kapatid sa pananampalataya.

Ngayong Linggo pag-isipan natin at pagdasalan: Ano ang ginagawa mong pagsaksi sa pananampataya kay Hesus? Ano ang kaya mong gawin sa pagpapagal at pagtatrabaho alang-alang sa pananampalataya ? Kapag may mabuti tayong gagawin, masaya ang wakas. Tayo ang guguhit wakas. Sumaksi tayo at magpagal sa pananampalataya.

Magandang Buhay sa Kabila
(Ika-32 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon)

Noong nakaraang Nobyembre 1 at Nobyembre 2 ipinagdiwang natin ang mahahalagang sangkap ng ating pananampalataya bilang mga Kristiyano: ang pananalig sa kasamahan ng mga banal at ang pagkabuhay na muli ng mga namatay na tao. Tinatawag tayo ng Diyos na mamuhay nang banal at bilang mga Kristiyano inaasahan natin na magkakamit tayo ng buhay na walang hanggan sa piling ng Diyos.

Noong panahon ng Panginoong Hesus isa na rin sa pangunahing usapin ang buhay na walang hanggan. Matatandaan na sa Ebanghelyo ay may isang binata na lumapit kay Hesus at itinanong kung paano makakamit ang buhay na walang hanggan. Noong panahon din iyon may mga tao ding hindi naniniwala na muling bubuhayin ang mga patay. Kung hindi muling bubuhayin ang mga patay sa huling araw saan tayo mapupunta? Kung walang buhay na walang hanggan, ano ang tinatanaw at inaasahan natin? Hanggang sa nitso o libingan lang ba tayo? Kung hanggang dito lang tayo ano ang saysay ng mga ginagawa nating pagsisikap para maging mabuti at banal?

Ito ang pangunahing paksa ng mga pagbasa natin ngayong Linggo. Matibay ang paninindigan ng pitong magkakapatid sa unang pagbasa alang-alang sa pananalig sa Diyos. Mas gusto pa nilang mamatay kaysa itakwil ang kanilang pinaniniwalaang Diyos. Sabi nila, “Mas matamis pa sa amin ang mamatay kaysa lumabag sa mga kautusan ng aming mga ninuno.” Nasasabi nila ang ganitong mga salita dahil lubos ang pananalig nila sa buhay na walang hanggan. Hindi nila alintana ang pagdurusa dahil alam nila na ang kapalit nito ay walang katapusang ginhawa sa piling ng Diyos. Ganito ang dulot sa atin ng pananalig natin sa buhay na walang hanggan. Balewala ang sakit, kalungkutan, pagtuligsa at iba pang pagsubok dahil malinaw sa atin na kasunod ng mga ito ang walang hanggang kapayapaan at kapanatag na nagmumula sa Diyos.

Sa Mabuting Balita ipinapaliwanag naman ni Hesus na sa buhay na walang hanggan hindi na kailangan ang anumang makataong ugnayan (human relationships) dahil ganap na ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Diyos. Lahat ng paghahangad ng tao para maging masaya at ganap ay pupunuan ng Diyos. Sa buhay na walang hanggang sapat na ang Diyos. Wala ng kailangan pang iba.

Lahat tayo may kahungkagan sa ating mga puso, at pilit natin itong pinupunan sa pamamagitan ng pera, materyal na bagay, kapangyarihan, o kaya naman ugnayan. Akala natin mapupunuan natin ito. Hindi pa rin kuntento ang tao sa kabila ng pagkakamal ng mga bagay ng mundong ito dahil ang kahungkagan sa ating puso ay Diyos lang ang makapupuno. Ang kahungkagang iyon ay kasukat ng puso ng Diyos. Puso lang ng Diyos ang kasya doon hindi pera, materyal na bagay, kapangyarihan, o kaya naman ugnayan.

Linggo-lingo ipinapahayag natin na sumasampalataya sa buhay na walang hanggan. Pero ang buhay ba natin dito sa lupa nakatuon sa buhay na walang hanggan? Ano ba ang mga pinahahalagahan natin sa buhay? Ang ating bang gawain o hanap-buhay tinutulungan tayong makarating sa buhay na walang hanggan? Ang mga ugnayan ba natin inilalapit tayo sa buhay na walang hanggan?

Nawa ang Eukaristiya na ipinagdiiwang natin Linggo-lingo ay magpaalala sa atin ng makalangit na piging na inihahanda para sa atin ng Diyos. Maganda ang inihahanda ng Diyos para sa atin. Asamin natin at paghandaan ang magandang buhay doon sa kabila.

Today is my 5th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary. I thank the Lord for being so kind and patient with me. I thank Him for the people He gave me to serve. Here are some of the lessons I learned for the past five years in the ministry.






Limang Gintong Aral sa Limang Taong Paglilingkod

Ang Pagiging Pari ay Patuloy na Pag-aaral
Bilang batang bagong ordeng diyakono at pari, sabik na sabik akong ibahagi sa iba ang mga natutunan ko sa seminaryo. Damang-damang ko ang alab na makapagturo at mailapat sa buhay ng tao ang natutunan sa loob ng seminaryo sa loob ng 10 taon. Sa pagdadaan ng mga araw, buwan at taon, hindi lang pala ako magtuturo, matututo din pala ako. Ang mga taong nakakasalamuha ko at iba’t ibang karanasan ang nagsisilbing guro ko.

Ang Pagiging Pari ay Pakikipag-ugnay
Ang pagiging pari ay hindi lang pamamahala ng salapi at iba pang ari-arian ng Simbahan. Hindi ito nasusukat sa galing sa administration o management skills. Kung tutuusin madali lang pag-aralan ang mga ito sa libro o sa paaralan. Ang pagiging pari ay pakikipag-ugnay sa tao. Ito ay tungkol sa pakikipagkaibigan. Pero sa hangad na maging kaibigan ang lahat, hindi mawawala ang taong ayaw makipag-kaibigan o nagsasara ng bintana at pintuan para sa ugnayan. Ano kaya ang silbi ng naipatayong simbahan kung giba-giba naman ang ugnyan ng tao sa pamayanan.

Ang Pagiging Pari ay Pagbibigay
Ang pagiging pari ay hindi pagkakamal o pag-iipon ng maraming bagay. Totoo maraming biyaya sa pagiging pari, pero ang mga ito ay para din ibahagi sa iba. Aanhin nga ba ang maraming damit, pera, sapatos at iba pang materyal na bagay? Lahat ng biyaya ay dapat dumaloy din sa iba para maging biyaya din sa kanila. Ang pari ay parang alulod na dapat maghatid ng biyaya sa iba. Grasya at hindi dis-grasya. Pero wala naman yatang disgrasya kapag galing sa Diyos, hindi ba? Sa bandang huli hindi naman bibilangin kung gaano karami ang naipon. Bibilangin kung kaano karami ang naibahagi.

Ang Pagiging Pari ay Pag-alala
Ang pagiging pari ay Sakramento. Tanda, paalala ng pag-ibig ng Diyos. Gawain ng pari na ipaalala sa mga tao na mapagmahal ang Diyos. Dapat itong personal na maalala ng pari. Paano niya ito maipapaalala kung siya mismo hindi nakakaalala? At ang pari mismo ay dapat magsilbing tanda, sakramento- sa kanyang mga salita, gawa at paraan ng pamumuhay.

Ang Pagiging Pari ay Pag-ibig ng Diyos
Mataas pa din paggalang ng tao sa pari sa kabila ng lahat. Marami nga ang pagkakamali ng mga pari, pero nangingibabaw pa rin ang pag-ibig ng Diyos.
Hindi naman kailangang mayaman, matalino, mahusay at banal na banal para maging pari. Ang lahat ay nakadepende pa din sa Diyos. Kung tutuusin wala naman talagang karapat-dapat, pinapaging-dapat lang ng Diyos.