parishworks! 1Vol. 09 No. 28 November 30, 2013

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Palaro sa Kapistahan ni San AndresBy: Christelle Anne R. Molina

As part of the celebration of the Feast of Saint Andrew, the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish (SAAP) conducted “Palaro ni San Andres”, a sportsfest spearheaded by Kemuel Gavino (PYM member), Christian Anthoni Sarasola (PYM Head) and Msgr. Dennis Odiver last November 23,2013 at Bel-Air II Village Covered Court, Makati City.

The program started with the 6:30am Mass with Msgr. Dennis Odiver as Celebrant, then followed by a registration for the distribution of players per team (Red, White and Green). After that, an aerobics/Zumba was led by Kemuel Gavino and the PYM members.

A parade was held from the Parish up to Bel-Air II Covered Court where the games would take place. The three teams cheered up as they lead their way towards the covered court. The lighting of torch was held afterwards, having Msgr. Dennis Odiver as the torch bearer. Then, opening prayer by Clotie Mae Talisay followed by the opening remarks which was given by Christian

St. Andrew as Our Model of holiness.By Emil Medina

The 6th novena Mass celebrated on 26 November 2013 by Rev. Fr. Estelito E. Villegas interpreted the

Listening With St. Andrew By Emil Medina

The 8th novena Mass under the sponsorship of San Miguel Village and the Parish Pastoral Council celebrated on 28 November 2013 by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Garcia interpreted the theme, “I am Andrew, I live in a Listening Community,”

In preparation for the Patron Saint to visit us, we are preparing ourselves what we can do . In reality, we ask St. Andrew to live with us as witnesses.

Today’s gospel reminds us of real events earthquakes that we recently witnessed: war in Zamboanga City, surging waves in Leyte and Samar that have recently happened. Luke (21: 20-28) foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Son of Man.

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St. Andrew as our model of Holiness... from page 1

theme, “ I am Andrew, I live in a Learning Community,” under the sponsorship of Social Services & Development, Health Care, Kabuhayan and Puso’t Piso ministries.

How are we identified with Andrew the Apostle, in our community? What is the basic expectation, in living the faith, the life of a disciple? It is a Christian, paschal way of living imbued by the holy Spirit. We are in need of a Community of honest men and women, not liars. And also one that can produce honest followers.

Pope Benedict XVI said: “Through faith, this new life shapes the whole of human existence according to the radical new reality of the resurrection. To the extent that he freely cooperates, man’s thoughts and affections, mentality and conduct are slowly purified and transformed, on a journey that is never completely finished in this life. “Faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) becomes a new criterion of understanding and action that changes the whole of man’s life (cf. Rom 12:2; Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:20-29; 2 Cor 5:17).”

We need a Community that is honest rather than dishonest. We demand of times indeed of Community that can train honest persons. We are in a culture of deceit, lies; our leaders cannot report to its citizens what is being done with government funds. In our community there will be no white-washing and false claims.

Pope Benedict XVI, in Porta Fidei also said: “The Year of Faith, from this perspective, is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Saviour of the world. In the mystery of his death and resurrection, God has revealed in its fullness the Love that saves and calls us to conversion of life through the forgiveness of sins (cf. Acts 5:31). For Saint Paul, this Love ushers us into a new life: “We were buried ... with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4).”

As we ended the Year of Faith, days of intense prayer and reflection on the Word of God led us to examination of conscience. We made an Inventory of our lying and deviations from truth. What are indications of truth really reigns in ourselves. Personal faith leads to truth. This is what it means to be human. How to live a truly human life--empty of lies, deceit, sin in general. This is how to situate ourselves. We are being fooled by the world of Idols. Obedience to the pagan rules of the world. As Christians we are called to witness of the truth. We are together on a journey of Faith. We have to put a stop to obedience to the lies of this world. Let us put an end

to lying. Let us make a commitment to the truth that is embodied in Christ. Each one of us is called to be a proof of this Truth.

Truth becomes a loving person--“Faith working through love.” We are called to witness a truly human kind. We were fooled in a fake world of idols. This is like a blind obedience to death. Witness the truth and proofs of this truth. We need a growing consciousness to be able witnesses to our journey of faith.

We are studying in the school of humanity. The handbooks are the Gospels. Our Teacher, Jesus. We are All equal. Exposed to many reflections, Benedict XVI said that we must embrace the art of Christian living. A way of living that is rooted in the spirit that makes us follow Jesus. Imbued by the Spirit with the paschal way of life in a community that has all the mind and heart of Jesus. Makes us forget our own selves; we focus on the best values and return to Catholic culture and the simple lifestyle.

The Community expresses the desire of the Holy Father to call attention to the contradiction in how people see themselves in relation to the world, in relation to their Faith. This is a call that will bridge this generation to the next generations on how to be saved thru influences of the Faith, spiritual, and moral uprightness. We need to give ourselves generously to others so that these efforts can improve the world ecology. We live not for ourselves, but for others. World ecology will be characterized by faith, justice, peace and joy according the teachings of Jesus. I will live myself for others. I will be truthful in all aspects of our existence in all aspects of our existence, to become good news.

And to summarize, we paraphrase from St. Paul’s Letter to

Philippians 4: Whatever is true, is honourable, just, pure , noble, loving, excellent, should be continued. What we have learned, “from my words and my actions and God Who gives us peace with be with you.”And the best way to learn is to be located in a context, like the learning community of St. Andrew, where We are being called to holiness by Jesus with Andrew as Our Model of holiness.

Happy Fiesta!!!

parishworks! 3

Listening with St. Andrew... from page 1

Your redemption is at hand. Jerusalem, of course, is a symbol of Christ’s own body (the mystical body of the future church) which will be nailed to the cross. Luke also describes the signs and portents, “The Days of Punishment.” There is the “roar of the sea and raging tides.” Such events remind us of the Second Coming of Jesus.

There is need to prepare for us to be witnesses of Christ’s life. We are embodying the Word in ourselves as the center of our lives. Today’s theme, I live, visit, and listen in our community. The goal is for us to experience change in our time. What is change in a community? How to change a place which is noisy, which talks a lot. When St. Andrew comes to visit our community listening with the presence of St. Andrew we use his acronym. Letter “A, “stands for attending community, always attending to what is happening around me. We are sensitive, to the reality and the signs of the times, where we are attending, participating, cooperating in the grace of God.

There is a transformation from passive community to active community, attentive to the Word; like the personal transformation of St. Andrew when he started proclaiming Word of God after Christ’s Ascension to Heaven. He spread the word. He became active in proclaiming the Word of God. Even philosophers were transformed into actively proclaiming the Word.

Secondly, we are part of nothingness in front of God. Whoever we are does not matter. The Listening community is transformed from pride to nothingness in the front of Lord Jesus. I am nothing in front of God.

We are humble, prostrate creatures in front of God. St Andres in a listening community is transformed from being proud to nothing.

Thirdly, from a lax community, to one that is dedicated in service. The community listens well and puts into action the Word of God. This is the importance in our Christian life. The word and action will be integrated without worry, fear, and insecurities.

Finally, the power of St. Andrew, will be an invocation for us, to become a reconciling community from a forgiving community to reconciling community.

A person who listens to the opponent will always forgive and be reconciled. Let us reconcile with our enemy. For example,

Parishioner: Now I learned to pray for my enemy. Priest: Wow, very good. What did you pray?Parishioner: “Lord, kunin mo na siya.” That is not the point we want. We are enthusiastic,

even when on the cross. A cheerful community, giving service with a happy face, rather than sad.. On the cross, Christ never stopped His enthusiasm. He was still actively saving “The Good Thief.” We don’t get tired. We don’t count the cost of our efforts. We are not asking for payback. We always serve with a smile. We get out of our comfort zone. This is the start of a missionary journey. In our wanderings, we move to become a better, enthusiastic, person.

Are we listening to Andrew?

Parishioners with priest presider for Day 6 novena, Rev. Fr. Estelito E. Villegas Parishioners with priest presider for Day 8 novena, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Garcia, MI

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

ContributorChristelle Anne R. Molina

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.

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Puzzle CornerDecember 1, 2013 - 1st Sunday of Advent; Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5 / Psalm 122 / Romans 13:11-14/ Matthew 24:37-44

1. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into _ _ _ _ _ _ _ G N N I R U P hooks; one nation shall not raise the _ _ _ _ _ W O R D S against another, nor shall they train for war again.”

2. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S I R E D E S of the flesh.”

3. “In those days before the _ _ _ _ _ D O L O F, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D E T E R N E the ark.”

4. “So will it be also at the _ _ _ _ _ _ N I M G O C of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left.”

5. “Be sure of this: if the master of the _ _ _ _ _ H E S O U had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed _ _ _ _ _ E K A A W and not let his house be broken into.”

Palaro sa Kapistahan... from page 1

Anthoni Sarasola and Oath of sportsmanship was recited afterwards.

The said event was divided into three parts: Fun Games (namely: Round and Round Again, Human Chain and Balloon Race), Volleyball and Basketball.

The activity aims to develop unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship among the players and also the people behind the said activity. It also aims for the people who are part of the activity to be like Saint Andrew, who is said to be a fisher of Christ.

Here are the winners for each game:

Fun Game 1st 2nd 3rd

Round and Round Again Red White Green

Human Chain Red White Green

Balloon on the Race Green White Red

Over All winner Red White Green

Volleyball Winner

1st Game White Team vs. Red Team White Team

2nd Game Green Team vs. White Team Green Team

Basketball Winner

1st Game San Miguel vs. SAAP San Miguel

2nd Game Bel-Air vs. SAAP SAAP