parishworks! 1Vol. 08 No. 38 Jan 12, 2013

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How Great Your Love Is!By: Susan Amoroso

There was this very rich handsome intelligent charismatic man whose father owns an empire. The riches of his family have no boundaries. His father could practically command the whole universe around him just with a flick of a finger. This young man as the sole heir of his father could not want for anything. Everything is at his command if he wishes to. However this rich man’s son is not completely happy at all. He and his father saw that man which the father created in his own image and likeness is living in misery. The world of man is in desolation, dirty, poor, full of hate, divisiveness, selfishness, inequality, greed and chaos. The father and the son longed to give them their own happiness and peace. They longed to share with them their possessions, their mansions and everything they had. In fact the son is willing to share his inheritance with this people. But the people of this world could not cross over. There was this great chasm. A great divide exists between the world of men and heaven . The only way for this world to cross over is for the son to lead them the way. And so the son had to be born by a holy virgin named Mary into this world. For 33 years the son lived and taught the way of his father. He taught the way how man could cross over. He taught man the way to reach this paradise. Many believed and followed him. However many others did not believe him and wanted to silence him forever. So they persecuted and crucified him. This story is true and happened some 2000 years ago. The name of the Son is Jesus Christ.

This week culminates the end of the Christmas season with the Baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan by his cousin, St. John the Baptist. In the baptism of Jesus, heaven opened up and the spirit of God came

A Promise and A Dream: “The Saint Andrew Boys’ Basketball Team”By: Talia A. Jarviña

It all started with an encounter between a Pastor and a boy. A question was asked - “What do you love to do?” The boy answered - “Playing basketball.” Then, the promise - “Let’s organize a basketball tournament for boys.” This was a conversation between Msgr. Dennis and my brother, Russco.

My brother came home that night excited to share the encounter.

Soon after, he encouraged other boys to come out into the streets to play basketball. The basketball practices became often, to which the boys were obviously enjoying both the games and being together.

As I watched the boys play, memories of my own childhood came back. Growing up in the late 90’s, my

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How Great your Love is ... from page 1

down upon Jesus like a dove and lightning on him. Then a voice from heaven said, `This is my own dear son with whom I am well pleased. ( Mark 1.9-11 ; Matthew 3.13-17; Luke 3.21-22).

How awesome God’s love for his son Jesus. We mortals could not fathom how God loved his only begotten son. Yet God willed that his beloved son be punished for sins the son did not commit. Man sinned yet Jesus was willing to be punished for these sins. How great the love of the Father for mankind. How great the love of the son for mankind!

This week is Epiphany Week , a time to reflect how great a love Jesus has for man. He came down from heaven so that he may lead us personally to God. Jesus showed and taught about God’s great love for man . Jesus wanted man to understand and feel the greatness of God’s love for man.

This week we also celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. The word Jesus is from the Hebrew word Yeshua which means God saves. Jesus’ very name is a power in itself. In John 16:23, Jesus said , “ Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” Even before Jesus was born, he already had a name

chosen by God. God instructed Mary through the angel Gabriel to name her son Jesus. Thus when we invoke the name of Jesus we are affirming God’s salvation through His son Jesus, our Lord and savior.

This week we also celebrate the Solemnity of the Feast of Padre Jesus Nazareno or the Black Nazarene. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is very local and only celebrated in the Philippines particularly in the minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo every 9th of January. Tens of millions of Filipino devotees go to the Shrine to hear mass , light candles, and join the andas or procession in honor of Jesus as he carries his heavy cross to Golgotha.. The blackened icon of Jesus carrying the heavy cross has been a symbol of the Filipino’s love and veneration of the passion, suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Countless answered prayers and miracles have been reported. Many hardened sinners were known to have been converted to sincere repentance of their sins by prayers and devotion to our Padre Jesus Nazareno, the name by which devotees call the Black Nazarene.

How blessed and holy is your name Lord Jesus Christ. Truly you are king of all kings. How lucky we are to have known you through the Catholic Church!

Ang Regalo ng Pananampalatayaby: Hovve Jan Dominic Teves (Entry to the Essay Writing Contest)

Makabagong ebanghelisasyon. Akala niyo siguro ay ipaliliwanag ko ito. Kung ganoon ay pasensya na dahil sa totoo lamang ay kakatiting lamang ang alam ko tungkol sa ebanghelisasyon. Mas marami pa yata akong alam sa RH Bill na wala namang ginawa kundi ang pagsabungin ang mga pro at anti doon. Kaya naman pinagtuunan ko na lamang ng pansin ang mga bagay na aking naiintindihan: ang salitang “makabago”, at ang tatlong “C” ng pananampalataya.

Kapag may bago sa ating paligid, hindi maiiwasan ang komosyon. Bagong kalsada, bagong television set ng kapitbahay, bagong asawa ng dating kaibigan na ngayo’y kaaway mo na, bagong bersyon ng apostle’s creed sa St. Andrew. Maganda man o hindi ang dating ng bagong bagay na iyon, siguradong mapapansin ito ng nakararami. Kung ganoon, nararapat lamang sa ating panahon ang pagdedeklara ng makabagong ebanghelyo. Bakit? Dahil sa kasalukuyan, marami na ang lumilipat ng relihiyon, lalo na sa Pilipinas, at marami na rin ang patagong nagsasabi na nakakatamad daw ang

seremonya ng misa sa simbahang Katoliko. Sa palagay ko, maling sabihin na nakakatamad ang misa kung sa una pa lamang ay wala ka na talagang gana na pumunta rito at makinig sa itinuturo ng pari. Wala sa seremonya ang problema kundi sa mismong nagsisimba. Sa kabila nito, humahanga ako sa pagiging agresibo at pagpapakumbaba ng simbahan sa pagdedeklara ng makabagong ebanghelyo upang lalong mahimok tayong mga Katoliko na paigtingin ang ating pananampalataya. Malaki ang magiging epekto ng pagbabagong ito sa pinanatili nating tradisyon. Mabuti man ang epektong ito o hindi ay nakasisigurado naman tayong ang makabagong ebanghelyo ang magsisilbing apoy na magbibigay init sa lumalamig na ugnayan natin sa simbahang Katoliko at lulusaw sa salaming namamagitan sa atin at sa ating Panginoon.

Kasabay ng makabagong ebanghelisasyon, sinasabi ng tema na ang pananampalataya ay tinanggap, ipinagdiwang at isinabuhay. Noong una ay hindi ko talaga maintindihan kung bakit kailangang pagsamahin

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A Promise and a Dream ... from page 1

childhood was extraordinary. It was a time when children went out into the streets waiting for the dirty ice cream vendor and children went around every street riding their bikes or scooters. I had FUN! As I recall all those fun times and memories made, I could not help but smile. Now that I am in my teenage years and I often see my brother cooped alone in his room spending long hours playing with his laptop and assembling his Lego pieces, I could not help but wish that he could have the chance to experience even a glimpse of the childhood that I had, i.e., spending more time outdoor.

Moreover, back then, neighbors actually knew each other. You would often see people greet one another and at the very least exchange smiles and polite waves. Likewise, children would often play “Pepsi 7-Up” or “Ice Ice Water” and make new friends almost everyday. It cannot be denied that people were more than just typical neighbors - they were friends.

Unfortunately, through the years a lot of things have changed. The children choose to stay at home and play with their laptops or go on facebook. Some parents became too preoccupied with their jobs and busy with their other commitments and thus losing the bond that have been formed before. It would be nice to bring back what we used to have - a community where people are not strangers.

In an attempt to bring back the brotherhood that was once present, Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, through the initiative of our Pastor, Msgr. Dennis S. Odiver, together with the San Miguel Village Pastoral Council Youth Committee headed by Joji Ramos-Luz and in cooperation with the San Miguel Village Association, Inc. headed by President Lulu Chung and Sports

Committee Chairman, Miguel Merino, organized a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for boys aged 8 - 12 years old, which was held last Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the San Miguel Village basketball court. 16 boys formed the 4 competing teams - Yellow, Red, Blue and Green.

During the game proper, it was evident that there was the mixture of emotions. Young as they are, there was the sense of competition from amongst the boys: each one wanting to prove himself and win the game for their team. The referees and table officials composed of the youth from San Miguel Village however ensured fair play and sportsmanship. The result - all players, families and friends truly enjoyed the games.

In addition to the fun games, the players and spectators were also treated for lunch - yummy chicken and rice meals, burgers and overflowing Gatorade, iced tea, soft drinks and water were served. Thanks to Msgr. Dennis.

Though the Yellow team composed of Ali Aguila, Russco Jarviña, Stefan Misa, and Ashley Wilson emerged as champions, all were considered winners, as each one received a medal and a congratulatory handshake from Msgr. Dennis. Through this one-day activity, they gained more friends, understood the real essence of team playing, enjoyed each other’s company and simply had fun.

Now, I see my brother enjoying more the outdoor and seldom alone. The boys now come together during their off-school days, practicing for what they say, their next tournament, together and as one - “The Saint Andrew boys’ basketball team”. Until then, please stay tuned…

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

ContributorsTalia A. Jarviña, Hovve Jan Dominic Teves

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.

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

Answer key: 1) Servant; 2) Oppressed; 3) Peace; 4) Loosen; 5) Beloved

Puzzle CornerJanuary 13, 2013 - Solemnity of the

Lord’s Baptism; Readings: Isaiah

42:1-4, 6-7 / Psalm 29 / Acts 10:34-38

/ Luke 3:15-16, 21-22By: Karen Ann Phoa

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Regalo ng Pananampalataya... from page 2

Announcement

1. “Thus says the Lord: Here is my _ _ _ _ _ _ _ T A N V E R S whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit.”

2. “He went about doing good and healing all those _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D E S S E P O R P by the devil, for God was with him.”

3. “The Lord will bless his people with _ _ _ _ _ E A P E C.”

4. ‘I am not worthy to _ _ _ _ _ _ N O S E L O the thongs of his sandals.”

5. ‘And a voice came from heaven, ’You are my _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D E L V O B E Son, with you I am well pleased.”

Share your blessings. Support Flow-C (Family Love Offerings for the Works of the Church). Tithing, in general, is allotting a tenth of one’s income for a religious purpose. The Catholic Church, nonetheless, does not require a “tithe” of any percentage. Through her catechism, she instructs and urges us: “The faithful have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities” (CCC#2043)

pa ang tatlong aksyon na ito. Ngunit sa wakas ay napagtanto ko ito salamat sa christmas countdown ng TV Patrol. Nagtataka siguro kayo kung ano ang pumasok sa isip ko. Simple lamang, isang regalo. Napagtanto ko na ang pananampalataya ay parang isang regalo. Kailangang tanggapin mo ito ng buong puso lalo na kung ipinagkaloob rin ito sa iyo ng buong puso. Anuman ang laman ng regalo, ipinagdiriwang natin ito dahil minsan lamang na mayroong nagbibigay sa atin ng ganoon. Sa huli, atin naman itong ibinabahagi sa iba bilang pagkilala sa kagandahan at kabutihan ng pagbibigayan. Ngunit may isang pagkakaiba ang pananampalataya at ang mga karaniwang regalo. Kung ang kasiyahang natatamo sa mga karaniwang regalo ay natatapos din, sa pananampalataya ay hindi. Ang pananampalataya ay magbibigay sa atin ng walang hanggang pag-asa at ligaya hanggang sa tayo’y mailigtas na ng ating Panginoon. Ang pananampalataya, hindi katulad ng regalo, ay nariyan kahit hindi pasko o kaarawan natin at naghihintay lamang na ating tanggapin, ipagdiwang at isabuhay.

Ilang oras na ang lumilipas ay hindi pa rin ako nakaiisip kung paano ko nga ba tatapusin ang sanaysay na ito kaya ito na lamang ang aking inilagay. Nakakatuwang isipin na kahit naubusan na ako ng ideya, mayroon pa rin akong naisusulat. Siguro ay dapat tapusin ko na itong pagsulat ko, at para matapos mo na rin ang pagbasa mo dito. Dalian mo na at huwag magsayang ng panahon. Oras na para tayo’y manampalataya.