parishworks! 1Vol. 7 No. 07 May 21, 2011

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Pastor’s MessageThe Truthby: Rev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

We hold diverse views and opinions on various topics and subjects. We discuss and debate on them with passion and conviction. We make use of data and statistics to convince. We claim mastery and expertise over them. Yet, we end up failing to establish the truth. We tolerate each other’s perspective and become wishful that our respective positions may equally be true.

However that is not the nature of truth. Truth is absolute, definite and exclusive. If this is not so, then no assertion of truth is being made.

In our quest for meaning and purpose in our existence, we seek for the truth. It is for us necessary and indispensible. And so when Jesus presents Himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” Do we accept or reject Him?

A couple with their child have been found practically spending the whole day in the church. They watched cars, cleaned the grounds, banter with parish staff and volunteers. The family became a familiar sight to many. People extend food, money or stuff to them as help. As years went by, the couple begot three other children. The couple are poor: with no house, no means of livelihood, no food and education to offer their children.

This is a typical situation in our society today, a glaring reality of homelessness, unemployment, hunger and ignorance.

What truth is Jesus telling us?

Is it the truth that to curb poverty, we must cut the population of the poor and the marginalized?

SAAP Welcomes Guests from WSUby: Ma. Magda Gana

It was a night filled with joys and laughters exchanging between the community of Saint Andrew Parish and the visitors from Washington State University (WSU) during dinner last May 16.

A Holy Hour for Vocationsby Glo V. Pineda, EDM Chair

A special Holy Hour for Vocations with the Pastor, Msgr. Dennis S. Odiver, was held on May 12, Thursday evening inside the parish Church.

Scripture readings, exhortations, prayerful reflections, psalm readings, and singing spiritual hymns and songs predominate the one-hour long Church service.

The following are excerpts from the Exhortations delivered by the Monsignor after each Reading.

From Reading I – 1 Samuel 3:1-10A narrative account of Samuel, who was called by

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Holy Hour for Vocations... from page 1

God, but the youth didn’t recognize His voice. On God’s third call, the Lord revealed His presence to Samuel and called again his name, Samuel, Samuel, to which he replied, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Exhortation: “It also happens to us. God calls each one of us by name. He calls us in a very personal way but we don’t hear because we are so pre-occupied with unworthy things. Should we not respond? Should we not commit ourselves to Him? Couldn’t we answer, ‘Here I am Lord. Send me?’”

From Reading II – Philippians 2:7-14A narration about Paul, who considers all things so

much rubbish that he may gain Christ.

Exhortation: “Christ is our inheritance. He is our cherished treasure. He is our price-less treasure. “Our Tanging Yaman.’ To Him we offer our lives. ‘Sa ‘Yo Lamang’ Lord.”

From the Proclamation of the Holy Gospel: John 1:35-51

A narrative account of two disciples following Jesus. He (Jesus) asked them, “What are you looking for?” The two disciples answered Him. “Where are you staying?” Jesus answered them, “Come and see.” To the other two disciples He told them, “Follow me.”

Exhortation: “How about us? What are we looking for? We are people searching for many things. We do

not prioritize our needs. Most often we are looking for material things. Wouldn’t it be better if we asked for spiritual things?

After Paul encountered Jesus he didn’t look for anyone anymore, except for Jesus.

How about us? Are we like him? Let’s allow Jesus to possess us. Do we have that conviction? Do we simply desire Jesus? It is in knowing Jesus that we can identify our giftedness. God gifted each one of us with talents.

We are called by God. We are called to priesthood, to religious life, to married life. We are called to sanctify our homes, our work places, our communities. God is calling us. Let’s listen to Him and follow Him,” he concluded.

Last weekend we celebrated the Good Shepherd Sunday as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. These times we have a dearth number of young boys entering the priesthood. Can we imagine if in the days to come we have none or we lack priests to celebrate Holy Masses, to solemnize marriages; to baptize babies; and to give Viaticum to the dying?

Let us help promote vocations in our homes, in our communities, parishes, and dioceses. Let’s be instrumental in encouraging our young people to respond to God’s call and dedicate their lives to God through the Vocation to priesthood.

SARC Holds A Victorious LLS By Bro. Roy Pasimio

The St. Andrew Renewal Community sponsored the Living in the Light Seminar (LLS) last Sunday, May 15. Attended 30 men and women, the 1-day LLS was a resounding success!

SARC’s young and promising speakers, Mitch Consul, Girlie Felizardo, Miles Buban and Aldrin Nepomuceno blessed all the participants with their proclamation of God’s Word. Their individual powerful messages enlightened and encouraged all. The service team, ably led by Dette Buban, performed their assigned tasks with much energy, love, patience and humility. The intercessors, facilitators, prayer leader, sharers, emcees and other members of SARC lent their unwavering support to the event.

The LLS ended with a very inspiring message from

Msgr. Dennis, who also presented the LLS graduates during the 6:30pm Mass. This kind gesture of support from Monsi was indeed morally uplifting and gave SARC hope for their future projects.

The SARC leaders and members thank and honor God with grateful hearts for the victorious and spirit-filled LLS, for His many surprises, and for the new brothers and sisters borne out of their combined evangelization efforts.

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SAAP Welcomes Guests from WSU... from page 1

Pastor’s Message ... from page 1

Is it the truth that to provide shelter, we must strictly implement a 2 children policy for couples?

Is it the truth that to generate jobs, we must promote sex?

Is it the truth that to stop hunger, we must allot a big budget to procure contraceptives and make them available free to our people?

Is it the truth that to address ignorance, we must instruct the young on safe and satisfying sex?

Jesus is the only true and life-giving way. He exhorts us:

Do not let your hearts be troubled... (Jn. 14:1) How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (Mt. 5:3) So do not worry; Do not say what are you to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear? Your

heavenly Father knows you need them all. (Mt. 6: 3, 32) If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (Jn. 14: 14)

In my Father’s house there are many places to live in... I am going now to prepare a place for you. (Jn. 14: 2)

In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works... (Jn. 14: 12)

Human beings live not on bread alone. (Dt 8:3) I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will never hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst. (Jn. 6:35)

And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (Jn. 17: 3) If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (Jn. 14: 15)

These are the words of Jesus, the words of truth.

Tired from a long visit around Metro Manila and the parish of Tondo, eight students namely Tim, Molly, Mary, Michelle, Rachel, Lucia, Melissa and Allison together with their pastor Msgr. Kevin Codd were given a warm welcome through a dance called “Tiklos” performed by the Parish Youth Ministry proceeded by a dinner and a program at the Jubilee Hall.

The program began with a message from Msgr. Dennis Odiver who formally welcomed the guests. The visitors introduced themselves and had conversations with people in the parish mostly from Saint Andrew Renewal Community (SARC) and Parish Youth Ministry (PYM). To spiced up the night, the pym performed another dance called “Pandango sa Ilaw” followed by a song medley of Filipino Folk Songs performed by the Youth Choir. More sharing of experiences and oneself happened during dinner where an ice breaker led by emcees Bunny and Emma chilled the guests by asking things about themselves. A serenade to the guests were given by Mr. Randy Ramirez from the Music Ministry followed by Fr. Allan Dichoso who sang one song during dinner. Michelle, one of the visitors, also had her unexpected number using an acoustic guitar.

The night was enjoyed more by the guests when they asked to be taught the dance called “tiklos” which they performed at the end of the program. A message was given by Msgr. Kevin Codd thanking the parish for opening its doors to them. According to him, “this is what a true catholic community should be, no matter how far the distance and how wide the barriers across oceans and

continents may be, the unity and love for one another remains for we are daughters and sons of one God”. This was agreed by Fr. Allan in his closing message. The program was tailed by a message and a prayer from Msgr. Dennis Odiver who quoted St. John the Beloved, “Our love for one another should not just be talks and words but it must be love express in actions”. Photo ops with the visitors took place inside the church before they departed from the parish.

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Ria Salvaña Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffEllie Medina, Angelina Poe,Emilio Medina, Rochelle Pineda Announcements CoordinatorPia SanedrinBulletin Board EditorEJ CarlosPowerpoint CoordinatorGing Santos, JayR PaduaContributor: Glo Pineda, Magda Gana, Roy Pasimio, Ann Lopez

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. Media and Communications Ministry Co-coordinators

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Announcements

ProHealth Program “Bantay Kalusugan”, June 5, from 6:30 am to 11:00 am. Package of P250.00 includes BUN, CBC, ECG, FBS, Cholesterol and Urinalysis. Free eye refraction and eye glasses at reasonable prices. Reminders: No intake of food & drink for 8-12 hours. Bring urine sample.

San Pascual BaylonFeast day: May 17

Paschal’s Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused!

In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priesthood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook, gardener and official beggar.

Paschal spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament. In time many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of St. Francis’ energy. Most of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern. An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal. In 1903, a miraculous image of the Saint was brought from Manila to Guinarona, Leyte, which had been in the grip of a devastating cholera epidemic. San Pascual Baylon’s first miracle was when the cancerous lesions on the foot of a devotee, (Pedro Tibe) were healed after a handkerchief patted on the image was placed on it. Since then, parishes all over the Philippines were named after him to partake of this healing power.

San Pascual is known as the patron Saint of the adoration of the Eucharist.

Five adults were baptized and confirmed last May 4, 2011 by our beloved Msgr.

Dennis Odiver namely Belinda Vivo, Princess Zaldivar, Olivia Datites, Gloria

Alday and Maricel Pardillo