Diaconal Ordination: ROLP Rises to the Calling

by Angelli Tugado and Dollie Basa

Of the seven sacraments of our Catholic faith, the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony are the most commonly held in any parish church. But an ordination is a rare and distinct honor.

Thus it was for the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish (ROLP) as she hosted a Diaconal Ordination on that lovely sunny Thursday morning last 8 September 2011, the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady. It was a very special and solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao. ROLP’s dear Rey Hector A. Paglinawan, who used to be called “Bro. Rey,” was raised to the Order of Deacons.

Brother Rey was assigned to ROLP in April and is instrumental in reviving and revitalizing the Parish Youth Ministry through the Jesus and Me (JAM) movement, home visitations, and participation in the youth Masses.

Now addressed as “Reverend Rey,” he is tasked as a deacon to assist the bishop and his priests as a minister of the word and of the altar. The Deacon’s ministry is to proclaim the Gospel, preach God’s Word, preside over public prayers, baptize, assist in marriages, give viaticum to the dying, and lead burial rites.

The Eucharistic Celebration began promptly at 9:00 in the morning with the bishop and around 15 concelebrants processioning to the altar as the “Celtic Alleluia” was sung by the 50-strong choir composed of seminarians from the San Jose Seminary, of which Rev. Rey is an alumnus. Among the highlights of the Ordination proper were the Litany of the Saints for God’s grace sung while the candidate lay prostrate on the church’s floor; the bishop’s laying on of his hands while reciting the Ordination Prayer, symbolizing the gift of the Holy Spirit being conferred on the ordinandus; the investiture with stole, a band of cloth worn by deacons across their chest from the left shoulder to the right hip, and the dalmatic, an outer liturgical garment; and the newly ordained deacon receiving the Book of Gospels, symbolizing his mission to minister God’s Word.

Toward the end, Rev. Rey addressed the congregation of around 400 with words of gratitude for all who had helped him in his long journey to the diaconate, as well as for the parish community who prepared for the big event. He then offered his prayer of thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin Mary, leading the assembly together with Bishop Ongtioco, in singing the hymn to Our Lady, “Maria, Bukang Liwayway.”

In hosting the diaconal ordination for the very first time in the history of its 36-year existence, ROLP was indeed challenged. Its parish priest, Fr. Ronald Macale, also the Diocese’s Vocation Director, spearheaded the month-long preparations assisted by Bro. Daniel Dominguez and an ad hoc working committee composed mostly of members of the Parish Pastoral Council headed by Sis. Via Tanglao, the Parish Youth Ministry, and the Finance Council. The event also saw the unprecedented collaboration between the pastoral leaders and the barangay public officials and their tanod who helped maintain peace and order. Such remarkable cooperation, along with the support of parishioners, saw the hand of God at work and was a testament to the friendship that has deepened between Rev. Rey and the community that he so selflessly and cheerfully served and helped guide these past six months.

Bishop Ongtioco visits ROLP

AFTER A LONG WAIT, ROLP was honored last 4 September, a Sunday, with the pastoral visit by its Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D. As such this pastoral visit was the first to be held during Fr. Ronald’s tenure as parish priest. Together with Fr. Ronald he presided over the 6:00 P.M. Mass, shortly after officiating at the blessing of the Hall of Saints. It was an immensely joyful occasion with a sizeable congregation of over 100 adults and children of Paltok who attended the Mass.

In his homily, the bishop encouraged the faithful to act in solidarity with one another and “volt in,” to paraphrase a line uttered by characters from Voltes V, the TV series popular in the 80s.

After the Mass, Bishop Ness Ongtioco met briefly with the staff of the Parish Office and held a two-hour dialogue with the Parish Pastoral Council at the second floor of the Parish Formation Center. A sumptuous dinner was served before the dialogue.

In opening the dialogue, Bishop Ness expressed his gratefulness to the parishioners in welcoming him during the Mass. He then highlighted the mission of the Church and of every Christian community, which is to bring the message of God’s love to all human beings. Hence, as Bishop Ness explained, the five-point agenda of the diocese was formulated to be taken into account by every parish through the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and to be carried out to the community they serve. He said that a servant leader must share his or her time, talent and treasure with the parish and its community. He also stressed that no community can live as a cell isolated from the diocesan context and that the community must be a living expression of the Church, which under the guidance of the bishop and the parish priest who acts in his place, journeys on in communion toward the Kingdom of God.

It is necessary to involve parishioners in Christian life through pastoral care attentive to the true needs of each person. Here in ROLP as in every parish, it is necessary to start with those who are close in order to reach out to those who are distant so as to bring an evangelical presence to their life and work. All must be able to find in the parish an adequate means of formation, by which they will be encouraged to rediscover the beauty of following Christ and of belonging to His Church.

After presenting the vision-mission of the Diocese, Bishop Ness then listened intently to brief, informal reports from the coordinators of different organizations and ministries, among them, the MSK, SSDM, Worship Ministry, PAM, PYM, BAPP, the Volunteer Cathecists, the Vocation Ministry, and MACE. After each report he suggested ways to enhance the work of the ministries, at times with a touch of humor. For instance, he suggested that MACErs also call themselves “projectors for Christ.”

Bishop Ongtioco made special mention of the youth, whom he hoped would put in fresh energies and devote their whole life to the service of God and of his brethren.

In his parting message, the Bishop enjoined everyone to foster dialogue and understanding among people coming from different backgrounds and social conditions.

Editoryal

Kaibigan: Yaman ng Buhay

Ang pagkakaibigan ay isa sa mga pinakamahalagang bahagi at uri ng relasyon sa buhay ng isang tao. Bawat tao, anumang antas ng lipunan nabibilang, ay may kinikilalang kaibigan. Ayon nga sa isang awitin, “Walang sinuman ang nabuuhay [nang] para sa sarili lamang.”

Ngunit sino nga ba ang maituturing na tunay na kaibigan? Silang mga masayang nakakasama at nakakaramay sa kahit anumang tunguhin mayroon tayo sa ating buhay?

Tunay ngang masaya ang magkaroon ng mga kaibigan. Maari natin silang makasama saan man natin nais magpunta. O maging karamay sa ating pagdaramdam. Subalit dapat nating maintindihan na ang pagkakaibigan ay hindi lamang pakikibahagi sa kasiyahan o isang paraan upang punan ang ating mga kakulangan. Sila ay nariyan sa kabila ng ating pagkukulang. Sila ay patuloy na tumatanggap ngunit hindi rin naman kumukunsinte ng ating mga kamalian. Kaya’t tunay ngang ang buhay ay lalong nagiging kasiya-siya dahil sa mga kaibigan.

Subalit hindi rin naman maiiwasan na dumating ang panahong ang pagkakaibigan ay susubukin. May mga pagkakataon na sa kabila ng isang mabuting samahan nangyayari ang mga hindi inaasahan tulad na lamang ng pagkakatagpo nila ng mga bagong kaibigan. Sa bahaging ito kalimitang nagsisimula ang ‘di pagkakaunawaan.

Gayunpaman, dapat nating maunawaan na ang pangyayaring ito ay hindi magandang pagmulan ng anumang samaan ng loob. Ang bagong mga kaibigan ay bago ring pagmumulan ng saya at pagmamahal. Maituturing ding isang biyaya ang pagkakataong sila rin ay maging kaibigan natin. Hindi ba’t nakapakagandang isipin na tayo rin ay maaaring bumuo ng magandang kaugnayan sa kanila?

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, dumarating din ang oras na tila tayo’y walang kaagapay at nag-iisa. Sa panahong ito, tayo ay huwag malungkot; sa halip, manatiling payapa at nagtitiwala sapagkat ang Diyos ay lagi lamang nariyan, nag-aabang na Siya’y ituring nating kaibigan. Siya’y isang kaibigan, saan mang lugar o anumang panahon. Ayon nga sa aklat na Purpose Driven Life (Tagalog Edition) ni Rick Warren, “Ngunit ang nakamamanghang katotohanan ay ito: Ang makapangyarihang Diyos ay nagnanais na maging kaibigan mo”. Kailangan lamang makaugalian ang pakikipag-usap sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng dasal at patuloy na pagninilay sa Kanyang mga Salita at higit sa lahat, ang pagsasabuhay nito sa pang-araw-araw nating buhay.

Tulad na lamang ni Rev. Rey na kamakailan lamang ay naordinahan sa pagka-diakono (tingnan ang pahina 1). Hindi maikakaila ang kanyang magandang pakikipagkaibigan sa Diyos na naipamalas din sa kanyang pagpili ng bokasyon ng pagpapari. Ang halimbawang ito ay isang inspirasyon at gayundin tayong lahat ay tinatawag makipagkaibigan sa ating Diyos. Ayon nga sa Psalm 25:14, “Ang pakikipag-ibigan ng Panginoon ay nasa nangatatakot sa Kaniya; at ipakikilala Niya sa kanila ang kaniyang tipan”.

ROLP Youth Attend WYD Vigil 2011

by Pamela del Rio

Celebrating a great festival of faith, and by far the largest gathering of youth, thousands of young people from all over the world converged in Madrid for the 26th World Youth Day (WYD) held last 15-21 August, with the theme “Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith.”

Filipino Catholic youth joined the rest of the world in the World Youth Day (WYD) celebration through an overnight vigil at the Ateneo de Manila University themed “Kabataang Pilipino, Nakaugat kay Kristo.” The event held at the University grounds from Saturday afternoon, 20 August, until early Sunday morning, 21 August, was highlighted by a live feed of Pope Benedict XVI’s message to the youth telecast from Madrid, Spain. In his message, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of passing on to today’s generation solid points of reference, received from previous generations, that can help them make choices by which they can build their lives.

The vigil in Manila unfolded in a three-fold program beginning with a youth festival, followed by the catechesis of the faith, and finally, the liturgy. Several youth leaders of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, including Ma. Pamela Angela del Rio, Nicollette Jubaile Marie Del Rio, Janella Ross del Rosario, Kemuel Fadera, Sara May Aquino, Nathalie Mercado, Kris Carlo Benitez, Sheinne Jacoba, Perry Dale Sercado, Joeji Tabinas, Ivan John Mendoza, Apollo Anos, Kristine Joy Aquino, Wilhelm Jayobo, Kathlyn Mae Miranda, Mark Iren Neri, Maria Gracia Macalalad, Christian del Rosario, Ron Siervo, Emerlina Lee, Catherine Samson, Rambo Miano, and Jennifer Baula were privileged to be counted among the throng of young faithful willing to be rooted and built up in Jesus Christ.

The overnight youth vigil was organized by the Ateneo de Manila University, the Campus Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc., Tanging Yaman Foundation, and Episcopal Commission on Youth – CBCP.

World Youth Day is an important legacy left by the late Pope John Paul II, which Pope Benedict XVI has faithfully carried on in continuously sharing the message of hope to the youth of the world, inviting them, and commissioning them as Christ’s disciples to become faithful living witnesses of the Gospel teachings.

Kilalanin Natin

Brother Dan: Kaagapay ng Simbahan

ni Leslie Mendezabal

SI DANIEL Almoguera Dominguez, ang seminaristang higit na kilala bilang “Brother Dan,” ay ipinanganak noong Disyembre 5,1989 sa Pasig City. Siya ay nag-iisang anak nina G. Rodrigo Dominguez at Gng. Fanny Almoguera. Lumaki siya sa Cainta, Rizal kung saan siya kasalukuyang naninirahan kasama ang kanyang mga magulang.

Nagtapos siya ng elementarya sa Lourdes School of Mandaluyong at sekundarya sa Pasig Catholic College. Noong taong 2006 pumasok siya sa Seminaryo ng San Carlos sa Makati City. Dito siya nahikayat magpari ng kanyang 4th year class adviser na isang ex-seminarian.

Dumating siya dito sa ROLP noong 3 Abril 2011 bilang seminaristang kaagapay ng ating kura paroko. Tinutukan niya ang Music Ministry kung saan siya masigasig na naglingkod at nagturo ng mga awiting pansimbahan. Bukod pa rito, ginabayan niya ang ating mga altar servers (MAS) at tumulong sa paghahanda ng ROLP souvenir program 2010-2011 at Sinag Resureksyon newsletter.

Si Bro Dan ay masayahing tao na may malasakit lalo na sa mga naglilingkod sa ating simbahan. Kung kaya’t marami sa ating parishioners ang sa kanya’y naaaliw! Mahilig din siyang maglaro ng sudoku at scrabble, mag-bisekleta at kumanta sa videoke.

Salamat sa iyong pag-agapay at sa hatid mong kasiyahan, Bro. Dan!

Biyaya sa mga Iskolar ng ROLP

ni Irene Montero

Naipatupad na ngayong taon ang Scholarship Program ng ROLP sa pangunguna ng Social Service Development Ministry o SSDM na pinamumunuan ni Wilma Castor, SSDM-Coordinator at sa gabay ng ating kura paroko na si Padre Ronald Macale. Layunin ng programang ito na makatulong sa ilang piling mag-aaral ng Paltok Elementary School at Bayanihan Elementary School upang tustusan ang kanilang mga pangangailangang pampaaralan.

Sa kasalukuyan, may 15 mag-aaral ang biniyayaang maging scholar. Tumatanggap sila mula sa mga sponsors na may mabuting kalooban ng tulong pinansyal para sa mga kanilang mga daily allowances at iba pang pangangailangan. Ang mga kabataang scholars ay miyembro ng ating Misang Pambata Staff (MPS) kung saan aktibo sila sa mga gawaing pansimbahan. Kailangan din mapanatili ng mga kabataang ito ang mataas na marka sa eskwela at maging huwarang mabuting estudyante. Kabilang din ang paghubog espiritwal kung kaya’t sa tuwing Linggo ng alas-kuwatro ay dumadalo sila sa Banal na Misa kasama ang kanilang pamilya.

Bukod dito, inaasahan din ang pagsisimula ng karagdagang programang naglalayong mapalago pa ang kanilang pananampalataya gayundin ng kanilang mga magulang. Hinihiling din ng ating simbahan ang patuloy na suporta ng mga magulang sa kanilang mga anak; gayundin ang pagtangkilik nila sa iba pang programang sisimulan ng parokya tulad ng livelihood program.

Ang ating simbahan at SSDM ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tulong ng mga boluntaryong sponsors. Aming dalangin na sa inyong patuloy na pag-aalay ng kabutihan nawa’y gantihan ng Maykapal ang inyong kagandahang loob. Tunay nga na ang mga taong tulad ninyo ang daluyan ng biyaya ng Diyos!

Balitang Parokya

Blessing of the Hall of Saints

LAST 4 SEPTEMBER 2011, the newly built “Hall of Saints” was blessed by His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, on the occasion of his first pastoral visit to ROLP. This “Hall of Saints,” located on the leftmost side of the church, in the corridor leading to the Adoration Chapel, houses the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Immaculate Conception; Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help; and St. Joseph; as well as the images of God the Father, and the Divine Mercy.

In this newly enclosed sacred space, parishioners are welcome to light candles (sold at P5 each) on the mini steps before the statues and pray. The hall is open anytime, especially during Sunday and weekday Masses.

Medical-Dental Mission 2011

MAHIGIT 300 PAROKYANO ang natugunan sa kanilang mga pangangailangang pangkalasuguan nang isagawa ang Medical-Dental Mission sa Patio Resurrecion noong ika-17 ng Setyembre. Ang taunang proyektong pangkawanggawa na ito ay ipinatupad ng Social Services and Development Ministry (SSDM), sa pangunguna ni Wilma Castor, sa pakikipagtulungan ng Catholic Women’s League (CWL), Munting Simbahang Kapitbahayan (MSK) at ng UST Highschool Batch 1970 sa pakikipagugnayan ni Sis. Evelyn Ramos.

Nagsimula ang gamutan nang 8:00 ng umaga at natapos nang 3:00 ng hapon. Dalawa ang mga volunteer doctor na kasapi ng UST High School Batch 1970, at dalawa naman ang mula sa Paltok na sina Dra. Leonila Sacdalan at Dra. Elena Sacdalan.

Sa kabuuang bilang na 314 parokyanong kanilang nagamot, may 201 na pasyente sa medical, 60 ang sa dental, 53 naman ang sa Dermatology. —Rhea Jomadiao

Blessing of Pets

ANYONE IN FRONT of the church on Sunday, 2 October 2011 would have been mystified by the strange sounds (a cacophony of ‘arfs’, ‘meows’ and ‘tweets’) coming from the inside.

But the racket was actually coming from the Blessing of Pets. This annual event initiated by Fr. Ronald Macale and inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s impeccable love for animals, has drawn pet owners from all over Paltok to have their pets blessed by their very own Parish Priest. Now on its sixth year, the Parish Youth Ministry spearheaded this event with the theme “Alagang mga Hayop Ituring na Biyaya, Pinagmumulan ng Tuwa”.

Despite the heavy downpour outside the church, it was a very loud and joyous celebration with all the pets interacting with their fellow animals and their respective owners lovingly. After the 3 p.m. Misang Pambata that kicked off the ceremony, other activities lined up were the different Competitions and Awards, a Free Vaccination by the Metropolitan Veterinary Clinic, a photo booth set up by the Multimedia Advocates for Creative Evangelization (MACE), and finally, the Blessing itself.

At the end of the day, the event strengthened the bond of friendship between the pets and their owners, judging from the smile on their faces as they left the church.—Gail Quintos

Living Rosary 2011

Highlighting the communal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the Holy Rosary during this October is the Living Rosary, which was held on Saturday, 22 October at 1 pm at ROLP church. Members of the parish organizations and ministries, as well as officers of the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils represented “beads” forming a human rosary chain and took turns reciting the prayers of their respective “beads.” Members leading the “Our Father” wore red shirts while those leading the “Hail Mary” wore white. This beautiful annual ritual, held on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Rosary (23 October), binds the parish community in prayer for guidance, strength, and protection through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Blessed John Paul II: Inspiring Holiness

To mark his appointed feastday on 22 October, a concert-cum-liturgical celebration entitled “Blessed: A Call to Holiness” will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, 29 October, from 1-6 pm. According to Deedee Siytangco in her article “Remembering Blessed John Paul II” (Manila Bulletin, 9 Oct. 2011), this special event, to echo the spirit of John Paul II’s visit to the same venue in February 1981 during which he urged professionals, the youth and catechists to respond to the call to holiness in the practice of their profession and vocation, will consist of thanksgiving, inspiring messages, and musical performances by those who knew the beloved pontiff. “To Come to Thee “(Venire ad Te), a song especially composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., for the occasion, will be launched. All ROLP parishioners, especially members of the parish organizations, are invited to attend. Admission is free but tickets will be required upon entry. Tickets are available at the Diocese of Cubao and at the parish office.

Dear Father

Bakit po tayo nagdarasal sa mga santo?

Alona Jane
Member, Legion of Mary


Dear Alona Jane,

Mabuti at naitanong mo kung bakit tayo nagdarasal sa mga santo. Ngaunit nais muna kitang tanungin: Mayroon ba kayong imahen ng santo sa inyong bahay? Sinong santo siya?
Alam mo Alona Jane, sa aking kwarto at sa aking opisina ay marami akong imahen ng mga santo. Halos lahat ay bigay lamang sa akin. Gusto ko lagi silang nakikita, katabi at kasama saan man ako madestino.
Tayo kasing mga Pilipino ay mayroong debosyon sa mga santo. Marami rin sa atin ang mayroong paboritong santo. Ang paborito kong santo simula pa noong ako ay high school seminarian ay si St. John Maria Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests.
Ang mga santo ay namuhay nang mabuti at banal. Ngunit hindi rin naging madali ang maging banal. Dumaan din sila sa maraming pagsubok. Kaya mainam na magdasal tayo sa mga santo sapagkat naranasan nila ang iba’t-ibang hirap at nagsakripisyo sa buhay. Ang iba pa sa kanila ay nagging martir para sa ating pananampalataya.
Sila ay nasa langit na. Tutulong sila sa pagdarasal para sa atin. Ito ay maliwanag sa ating pang-unawa bilang mga katoliko. Hindi sila sinasamba o ginagawang diyus-diyosan. Halimbawa at modelo sila sa pamumuhay kristiyano.
Alona Jane, sana ay nasagot ko ang iyong katanungan. Lagi ka sanang magdasal sa mga santo. Siguradong ilalapit ka nila sa ating Panginoong Hesukristo.
May the saints pray for you and may God bless you always.

Fr. Ronald

BAPP: To Give for the Church to Live

by Fil Fernandez

The Balik Alay sa Panginoon Program (BAPP) was a brainchild of Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco, of the Diocese of Cubao. Calling it “Evangelizing and Sustaining the Local Church through the Spirituality of Stewardship,” the program focused on building the Church of the poor and anchored on (1) Incarnational Spirituality; (2) Integral Formation Program; (3) Organizational building of Ecclesial Communities; and (4) Servant Leadership.
In ROLP, a core group was organized to handle the program, which was formally launched by Bishop Ongtioco during the 10:00 a.m. Mass in ROLP on 8 April 2007. Since then, the program made a critical mass of parishioners aware of giving as a way of showing their gratitude to the Lord.
Since its launching, 295 members thus far have signed up. Donations to the BAPP Fund have supported various pastoral programs, and projects, notably the Parish Renewal Experience, Pre-Cana seminars, mass weddings, youth seminars as well as church construction, equipment, and repairs.
Speaking to individual participants, one gets the impression that the BAPP has deepened their spirituality as they share not only their time and talents but also their treasure to the least of our brethren. To them, the BAPP draws on the need to respond generously to our Father’s infinite grace, thus fostering a culture that takes stewardship to be a joyful expression of love for God and neighbors.
Tithing, as the Israelites did in Old Testament times, is not required. But we are encouraged to commit to the Lord a portion of our income regularly and systematically. A commitment form and envelope for regular donations are available to any parishioner interested to join the program. A box is provided where the envelopes filled with donations may be dropped during Sunday masses. Once emptied by the BAPP secretariat, who keeps tab of participants and their donations, the envelopes are placed in the stewardship rack, from which they may be taken to be filled anew with donations. The secretariat makes a report every third Sunday of the month.
Our Christian sharing mirrors, hopefully, Christ’s bleeding and sharing of Himself in the Eucharist, with the bread and wine symbolizing “This is my Body for you!”

Diwang Parokya

GOD’S ALLIES ON EARTH
by Claude Lucas C. Despabiladeras
 
With conviction, they make a life-changing decision
To submit themselves to the religious vocation.
With its many restrictions, might they find it too much?
But they say, “Let’s do this!”, having felt the Lord’s touch.
 
Often, they’re asked, “When did you get your calling?”
Oh, the different stories they share are so moving!
What emotion did they feel? What voice did they hear?
Or did – out of nowhere - an image appear?
 
So they bid good bye to all worldly pleasures,
Which some consider as sought-after treasures.
They study faith matters in a scholarly manner
As they follow the teachings and ways of Our Father.
 
Hey, people! Let us pray for them all – God’s allies on earth
Who perhaps were destined for this life since their birth.
Let us follow their lead in obeying God’s ways
Till we breathe our last, till our final days.
 
This poem is especially dedicated to Bro. Daniel Dominguez and Rev. Rey Hector Paglinawan whose Diaconal Ordination last Septembooor 8 I unfortunately could not attend. You dynamic duo will be terribly missed here at ROLP. Visit us whenevah you can.