Give Up and Live Up!

Photo by: Ivan Desierto

Shepherd’s Corner by Fr. Boy Ty, OSA

Viva Señor Santo Niño!

MGCP Service Facility Series

Good Friday , 4:00 AM (March 29, 2013)

First Station Mother of Good Counsel Parish (Churchyard)

Second Station Manansala St. Third Station Balagtas St.

Fourth Station Adelina II-IIA Fifth Station Adelina II-IIA Sixth Station

Olympia I Seventh Station

Olympia I Eighth Station

Balagtas St. Ninth Station

Olympia Compound Tenth Station

Holy Family Chapel, Stonecrest

Eleventh Station Olympia 6

Twelfth Station Chrysanthemum Covered Court

Thirteenth Station Juan Luna St.

Fourteenth Station Mother of Good Counsel Parish (Church Yard)

By: Clarisse Oriondo

Photo by Clarisse Oriondo ( 2012 Parish Lenten Pilgrimage)

Vol. 2 Issue no. 1

1st. Qtr, 2013

www.mgcparish.net

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Have you ever felt like giving up on random things like: a task that seems difficult to accomplish; a friend who is hard to understand; or even just a simple math problem-solving? If you have, that’s not what I’m going to write about.

During this season of Lent, problems are not those that we have to give up. Letting go and giving up things which we love and hold dear, which in our eyes have some value is what we call sacrifice. It means giving to the Lord whatever he requires of us. It could be giving up our leisure time, foods we love to eat, or favorite TV shows or movies.

Our willingness to sacrifice our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies is an indication of our devotion to God.

While most of us Filipinos are fond of the fictional British

wizard, Harry Potter with his spells and curses, we are not

aware that there is a man on earth who is British by blood but a Filipino by heart.

And who is this man?

As I walk towards the Parish hall to do my task of interviewing a Spanish priest from the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, a foreigner sitting beside a table with the items he sells, caught my attention. With the sunlight directly striking his place, I can really feel what sacrifice is as he perspires and his skin and cheeks blush. After finding out that Fr. Miguel could not be interviewed that time, I did not hesitate to stop and have a short talk with this foreigner. His name is Les Sydes, but prefers to be called Kuya Les. This British man is a volunteer who came to our Parish to promote their mission along with Fr. Miguel. He’s here for his mission to give “something” back.

This Lent, aside from giving up potato chips, candies and cakes, he gives up his time. He allots time for the poor and outreaches for the Filipino children. He’s really impressed of Filipinos’ strong faith and of our being family-oriented. With this, he even thinks of staying here in the Philippines for good. “It’s not like in the UK”, he said. I have been thinking that it is really a sacrifice being away from his family in London, so then, I did not hesitate to ask if he gets homesickness. “I’m at home now; home is where your heart is”, he instantly replied. After knowing his story, this man has inspired me a lot. This Lenten Season is a time to reflect, pray, sacrifice and give something back after what God has done for us. This story simply implies that sometimes what we are or what we have is what others are aiming for.. So let’s give it up!

Lent provides us with a call to renew our faith once more. "Repent and believe in the Good News" was the challenge at the begin-ning of Mark's Gospel. We are to turn from sin and enter more fully into the life of God. But this is precisely what happens in Baptism. Sin is taken away and we are born into new life with God. Our baptismal promises express our resolution to be free from sin and to cling faithfully to the Lord.

Those baptismal promises which express our faith will be renewed when Easter comes. Now is the time to prepare. So we prepare ourselves for forty days... our desert days ... our retreat.

The victory of Christ over death is the cornerstone of our faith. "If Christ is not risen", says St. Paul, "then our faith is in vain". The whole of the faith of the Christian depends on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Faith in the risen Lord gives us a share in the Lord's death, we share also the Lord's new life. Faith in the resurrection is the key to the Christian life. Why was the resurrection of the Lord so important? For the first time in human history death was cheated of its prey, denied its victory and robbed of its sting. Death was no longer the end but became the beginning of new life. As Chris-tians we die with Christ in our baptism, in the full and certain knowledge that to die with him is to share the new life of Easter.

In the Eucharist, we are united with

Christ, through faith. The promise of Christ to be with his disciples to the end of time holds true to us. The bread which has come down from heaven is truly the bread of life, everlasting life. Christ was present to his disciples in his body. After his body was destroyed on the cross and was raised from the dead by the Father, Christ was no longer confined by space and time. He could appear to the disciples in a locked room. He could come to the disciples on the shore of the lake not as a ghost but as a substantial man, who could eat and drink. This same Christ is present when the faithful gather in his name, when they hear the word of God, and when the bread and wine are offered as he commanded.

The life and death of Jesus are historical facts. One does not have to believe in Christ to acknowledge that he lived and died. But merely to believe that our Lord lived and died is not necessarily the same as to have faith in him. Faith is in Christ risen from the dead. It is not simply believing evidence. Faith is in fact quite different. It is believing in something that cannot be seen, believing that the death of our Lord on the cross was not the end. Once we believe in the resurrection, it become the center of our life and our faith. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. We believe in the resurrection because we ourselves have met the risen Christ. We are not looking for proof. If the resurrection were proved then belief in it would be

By Fr. Agustin "Boy" S. Ty, OSA Parish Priest

By Sis. Rachel Ann Doreen Nadal

“Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.” - Joel 2:12-13

Lent, a moment to be reconciled in God

This Lent, the Church invites us to be one in Christ. It is a time for us to ponder, repent, change our ways, and surrender ourselves to the Lord and be prepared for the gift of salvation which was already made for us through Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. And how do we offer ourselves in this season of lent? What we usually do is we practice praying, fasting and almsgiving. We explore ways in reaching out to the needs of others and perform an act of charity or simple kindness. These are among the tools, but lent is more than these practices. It is not only about skipping meals, sharing of

what we have, reciting prayers or novena etc, but it is also a time of giving up something we usually do, or things that we are attached to, without conditions, without hesitations. It is about emptying ourselves for the Lord and enriching our relationship in Him, making a way in His intervention in our lives. I invite each of one of you to take this moment of self-reflection and make a commitment to improve ourselves and change and so that others may see Jesus through us and that He is within us as we prepare in the celebration of Easter, the coming of our Lord.

inescapable. God wants us to believe in his promise out of our own free will.

Faith is in the risen Christ; the risen Christ is experienced in the believing heart. The risen Christ is present in the Church. The risen Christ feeds his people under the appearance of the bread and wine. By faith we know that Christ lives. And that faith challenges our lives. We are challenged to live as people who have faith, people who really believe that Christ is risen.

Our faith gives us hope, and we can share that hope with others. The joy of the resurrection is a gift too precious to keep to ourselves.

As St. Augustine says: "We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song". HAPPY EASTER to you all.

Photo by: Bro. Ivan Desierto

Editor-in-Chief: Sis. Rachel Ann Doreen Nadal

Managing Editor: Sis. Rose Tianzon

Contributors/Writers: Sis. Rebecca Cuñada Sis. Clarisse Oriondo Sis. Mafe Rimando

Layout & Design: Bro. Charles Oriondo

Proofreader: Sis. Malou Rebato

Photographers: Sis. Ma. Gracia Ganadillo Bro. Jim Darren Refran

Circulation Manager: Bro. Laurence Dimaguila

Admin & Finance: Sis. Ma. Gracia Ganadillo

Promotion & Advertising Sis. Gina Agsalon

Bro. Dan Pascual

Sis. Shara Sanidad

Adviser: Rev. Fr. Agustin Ty, OSA

Send your comments, suggestions, feedback, story, photograph and artwork contributions to

mgcp.socialcom@gmail.com.

30 parishioners were asked: “What is the most meaningful Lenten Activity for you?” The following are the top 5 survey results:

MOST MEANINGFUL LENTEN ACTIVITY

The Value of the Sacred Ash

Yearly, we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. On that day, we attend mass and the priest puts ashes, make signs of the cross on our foreheads and say, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

As Catholic Christians, we all know and we are very much accustomed to these acts as the Season of Lent begins. Somehow, as we grow old and continually do it, it feels like we are only attending it as a rite or tradition to start the Lenten Season. We should reflect more on the meaning of Ash Wednesday. Why is it important for us to participate in this event?

In the Bible, Genesis 3:19 says, “For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” This was the time when God spoke to Adam and Eve after they have eaten the forbidden fruit. This story reminds us that we are sinners: we fall into temptations, do wrong and get troubled because of our sins. As we feel burdened by our sins, we want to turn away from them, change ourselves and renew our lives. But it’s not that easy, we need God’s help and forgiveness. The ash symbolizes humility before the Lord, acknowledging that we have sinned and we want to be saved from our sins. God invites us through the ashes to be truly sorry for our sins and to prepare for His Son, Jesus Christ’s resurrection as a sign of salvation for us all. Who are we to refuse that wonderful offer?

So, on February 13, go to Church not only because you have to but also because you want to learn from the Word of God, reflect on the meaning of the ashes on your forehead then REPENT and BELIEVE in the Gospel.

By Sis. Mafe Rimando

The shouts of many devotees ring in Cebu City every third Sunday of January; shouts of praises to the child Jesus while dancing in the streets in celebration of one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines, the Sinulog festival. ‘Sinulog’ came from the Cebuano adverb ‘sulog’ which means “like the water current movements,” an eloquent description of the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance.

Santo Niño blessed our land with His presence upon the

arrival of the Portuguese navigator, Fernando De Magallanes, who offered as baptismal gift the image of the child Jesus to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Hara Amihan, later baptized as Queen Juana. Along with their rulers, some 800 natives were baptized to the Christian faith. A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and waving it up high to bless her people who are often beset by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits.

Here in our parish, we celebrate the feast of Señor Santo Niño every second Sunday of January. This year it was celebrated on the 13th of January with our hermano and hermana mayor Mr. Rey Charles and Ms. Christine Joy Nanquil. Sinulog dance was held on the night of the 12th of January where different parish organizations showed parish organizations showed their Sinulog dance moves in the parish plaza. The program was hosted by our Bro. Alex

and Sis. Len. Like in Cebu, devotees of Señor Santo Niño shouted at the top of their voices their praises. A leader would shout “Viva Señor Santo Niño!” and the crowd would respond with “Pit Señor!” which is a shortened form of Sangpit Señor meaning to call on, to awaken, or to plead for assistance. At the end of the celebration, parishioners were invited to sing “Batobalani sa Gugma” while waving their hands up in the air. On the 13th of January, high mass was celebrated by our parish priest, Fr. Agustin "Boy" Ty, at around 7pm. Those who offered in the mass, led by Cofradia del Sto. Nino and the hermano and hermana mayor danced the Sinulog during the offertory rites.

Our sub-parish in Adelina II-IIA, Santo Niño de Cebu Chapel, celebrates their fiesta on the fourth Sunday of January.

(Source: http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_festivals/sinulog_festival.html)

Replica of Sto. Niño at the Sto. Nino de Cebu Chapel, Adelina II

By Sis. Rebecca Cuñada Viva Señor Santo Niño!

Photo by: Bro. Ivan Desierto

Monday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Tuesday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Wednesday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Thursday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Friday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Saturday 6:00 AM 7:00 PM

English English

Sunday 6:00 AM 9:00 AM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

English Filipino Filipino English

Friday 6:00 PM English

Saturday 6:00 PM English

Sunday 8:00 AM Filipino

Sunday 7:00 AM Filipino

Sunday 11:00 AM Filipino

Sunday 10:00 AM English

2nd Quarter Sunday Readings April 7: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118; Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31 April 14: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Ps 30; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 (or 21:1-14) April 21: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100; Rv 7:9, 14b-17; Jn 10:27-30 April 28: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35 May 5: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67; Rv 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29 May 12: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23; Lk 24:46-53 May 19: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104; Rom 8:8-17; Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26 May 26: Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15 June 2: Gn 14:18-20; Ps 110; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17 June 9: 1 Kgs 17:17-24; Ps 30; Gal 1:11-19; Lk 7:11-17 June 16: 2 Sm 12:7-10, 13; Ps 32; Gal 2:16, 19-21; Lk 7:36-8:3 June 23: Zec 12:10-11, 13:1; Ps 63; Gal 3:26-29; Lk 9:18-24 June 30: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Ps 16; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62

L. Santos Street Chrysanthemum Village

San Pedro, Laguna

Philippines, 4023

Contact No: 869-2781

Website: www.mgcparish.net

Email: mgcp.socialcom@gmail.com

mgcparish@gmail.com

Rev. Fr. Agustin S. Ty, OSA , Parish Priest

Rev. Fr. Vincent Liwag, OSA

Rev. Fr. Apolinario L. Mejorada, OSA

Rev. Fr. Elizer Pelingo, OSA

Other Services

Baptism Every Sunday

10:00 AM — Pre-Jordan Seminar

11:30 AM — Baptism Proper

Registration — Tuesday to Saturday

Marriage Free (every 3rd Thursday of the month) Regular (every Thursday) Special (by appointment)

For requirements, please visit our website. Thank You.

Parish Office Hours Tuesday - Sunday

8:00 AM - 11:45 AM | 3:00 PM - 8:00PM

MGCP Crypt It was Fr. Domeng Besares, OSA who conceptualized the crypt but Fr. Jojo Gonzales, OSA initiated its actual construction. Then, the construction was stalled for awhile due to lack of funds so Fr. Mandy Dayao, OSA negotiated with the contractor until it was completed. Of the total 438 units, some units are now assigned. The regular units can contain three (3) urns but the corner lots can accommodate five (5) urns. The reservation fee is only Php5,000 to be paid upon application and applicable as partial payment. Cash payments will get a 20% discount, but installment terms are also available. Upon full payment, an agreement will be given by MGCP for the perpetual use of the crypt. Advantages of the use of the crypt include visits upon

depending on the availability of the priest, mass offerings, etc. all specified in the agreement. Furthermore, there is no need to go to crowded cemeteries. The crypt is located below the mortuary.

We encourage the different organizations to promote the sale of the units. Incentive is given for the sales. Just contact the parish office for details.

Your comments and suggestions are most welcome to assist us in continuously improving our bulletin.

Please send us your comments at mgcp.socialcom@gmail.com. Thank you!

-MGCP Social Communications Committee

Interview with Sis. Dina Castillo by Sis. Rosemary V.

ANNOUNCEMENT Jr. CWL is looking for new members

- Female; Ages 9-16 years old; at least has taken the Sacrament of Holy Communion

- Committed to serve to GOD

-parishioners from Chrysanthemum, Adelina II-IIA and Olympia

If interested, feel free to contact any of the following:

Ate Zsa-zsa Trinidad (President) 0926-4745545

Ate Czarina Irene Trinidad (Vice President) 0916-7044832

Ate Apple Palad (Secretary) 0917-9242545

"He who sings well, prays twice.." -St. Augustine

The Lectors and Commentators Ministry is recruiting new members. For those interested, you may contact:

Sis. Tess Ordiz—09217857705

Thank You.