Youth Updates

Youth Joins Singles For Christ

By  Cora Pangyarihan

November 29, 2013 – For 13 Saturdays starting in August, 15 youth pastoral workers from different ministries and some non-parishioners attended the Christian Life Program offered by the Singles for Christ Chapter West C1A. The program provided a deeper understanding of our faith, of loving God and neighbor, and of being a Christian -- giving the participants an opportunity to serve God and fellow man whole-heartedly and with hope. The culmination and Lord’s Day was held on November 21, 2013 at the Nishizaka Hall. Bi-Weekly household prayer meetings, fellowship and sharing, monthly assemblies, and annual conferences were scheduled as follow-up for the spiritual development of each member.

The new members are: Cora Pangyarihan, Anton Mamawag, Mark Anthony Morato, Althea Tamayo, Querubin Cayas, Judy Ann Reyes, Vivien Chilet Banga, Andrea Tirante, Teia Tirante, Marck Dennis Magpusao, Leah Matangcas, Genesis Illustrisimo (parishioner). *Kate Geronimo is also a certified SFC member together with Anton Francisco but a batch earlier than this group. Nico Garcia was not able to finish the program because he had to leave for work abroad.

VicaMo, VikaKo

By  Cora Pangyarihan

From November 30 to Dec 1, 2013 the VicaMo, VicaKo – San Isidro Labrador Vicariate Youth Leaders’ Training was held at Falcon Crest Resort in Norzagaray, Bulacan attended by youth leaders from the 7 parishes comprising the Vicariate of San Isidro Labrador, namely, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (Cora Pangyarihan, Althea Tamayo, Regine Panajon, Querubin Cayas), San Isidro Labrador Parish, Our Lady of Consolacion Parish, Our Lady of Annunciation Parish, The Our Father Parish, St. Joseph Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Parish. The training was facilitated by the iLead Team from the Commission on Youth iPrograms. The event was driven by the need for these young leaders to be trained  to lead well and tend as Christ-like as possible, the flock entrusted to them and also, to interact harmoniously with other leaders within the vicariate. The activities culminated in the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by the ever-supportive and dynamic Spiritual Director of the Vicariate Youth, Fr. Jun de Peralta. The day ended with each parish presenting their talents.  A Retreat / Spiritual Formation was set for January of 2014.

December 14, 2013 – The youth from the Diocese of Novaliches held its 4^th Diocesan Youth Dayat Bestlink Colleges of the Philippines, from 8AM to 8PM, headed by the Commission on Youth of Novaliches. The event was in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call for stronger ecclesiastical commitment to new evangelization. It also provided the youth with the opportunity to live and experience the Faith  and become living witnesses and missionaries of the Gospel.

DO NOT LET THE BABY REMAIN IN THE MANGER

One early morning as I sat in my office getting ready for work and listening to classical music playing on the radio, the announcer came on air to say that Dr. Harold Sala’s program Guidelines was up next.

“Do not leave the baby in the manger.”  That was his message for all in preparation for the coming of the Christ.

At first I heard this from Dr. Sala, I just let it pass. A few moments after, it was repeated. But this time it caught my attention as something immediately struck me like a guitar string being plucked. I then listened to his talk, a short 5-minute one.

What did he mean? What was his message?

More than 2000 years ago, a little baby was born in the humblest of setting with only the animals, a few shepherds, three kings and his father and mother as witnesses.  That baby has long been gone, grew up a carpenter’s son, became a preacher and led a revolution.

He stirred the hearts of many. He touched the lives of many. He cured the sickness of many. He ultimately died for the sins of many. And he came for the salvation of all.

Do not let the baby remain in the manger. As we prepare for his coming, let us do our share to bring the good news to everyone. Let us share Christ with the less fortunate around us.

Christmas is the season for sharing. It is more for the other fellow than for us. It is who we should be in the eyes of God.

This Christmas, and everyday,  let not the baby remain in the manger.

Merry Christmas!