Spirit in the Wind

The Official Newsletter of

March - April 2013

The Lord is risen! The Lord is alive!

By Fr. Dennis Soriano
the gardener. After realizing that he was Jesus and that he rose from the dead, Mary went to the disciples and announced, I have seen the Lord! [John 20:11-18] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered in a room where the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood in their midst. Since, Thomas was not present, the disciples said to him, We have seen the Lord. [John 20:19-31] We have seen the Lord. Because the Lord is alive, the disciple saw the Lord. The truth of the resurrection has led the disciples to see the risen Lord, to experience his presence. The same with us today. The proclamation that the Lord is risen, that he is alive, should lead us to an experience of recognizing the presence of Jesus among us, so much so, that we are able to exclaim in faith, We have seen the Lord! Our conviction in the resurrection should lead us to see Jesus, to see God in all things. This is possible because the Lord is alive. He did not remain in the tomb. He lives and is among us. Oftentimes, it is easy to say that the Lord is risen, that the Lord is alive. But an important question to ask ourselves is: Do we see him? Do we recognize him? In our family? In our friends? In strangers? In the poor, in the needy? Do we recognize his work in our experiences? Not only during times of joy, blessing and grace, but do we see the Lord also in our own crosses, in trials, difficulties and pain? This is important: for even if our eyes see darkness, our hearts see pain, but if our faith sees the living God, then the truth of resurrection truly abides in our lives. Yes, the Lord is alive! But do you see Him?

his is Easters kerygma; this is the proclamation of Easter. This is the good news of Easter. But this proclamation always comes with a twin, found in the stories of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Mary Magdalene visited the tomb and found it empty, she thought the body was taken away. She was weeping outside the tomb. Jesus appeared to her, but she did not recognize him. She thought he was

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Five Loaves, Two Fish: Stewardship in OLPP

(from the Five Loaves Two Fish brochure) by Mario and Stella Deriquito

tewardship is a way of life marked by the humble acceptance that everything belongs to the Lord and all that we are and have are gifts from the Lord. Stewardship is living a life of deep faith and trust in the Lord, offering back to Him, in love, gratitude and praise, what is truly His. Stewardship is certainly not new in OLPP. Stewardship is what sustained the parish from its lowly beginnings, and motivated hundreds of volunteers to serve the community, build the church, initiate and sustain pastoral programs that respond to community needs. Today, inspired by the miracle of the loaves and fish multiplied, and guided by the 8 point agenda of our Cubao Diocese, OLPP embarks on a new journey of stewardship: Five Loaves, Two Fish: Stewardship in OLPP.

This stewardship movement reminds all OLPP parishioners that we are like the little boy in the gospel story (John 6:1-15), with our own five loaves and two fish, being invited to trust the Lord and share monetary offerings, which the Lord wishes to use in His wondrous ways. This stewardship movement employs regular giving (preferably monthly) of an amount that the individual freely decides as a fruit of prayerful discernment. Five Loaves, Two Fish: Stewardship in OLPP is a voluntary monthly pledging program. Deciding how much to offer regularly can be a true challenge. We propose the KKK formula: a. KAILANGAN - Ano ang pangangailangan? What are the needs?;

b. KAYA Magkano ang kaya kong ibigay buwan-buwan? How much can I afford to offer every month?; c. KUSANG-LOOB Magkano ang kaya kong ibigay ng kusang-loob? How much can I offer in gratitude with all my heart? Offerings through stewardship will be used to support BINHI, or the parishs catechetical program, where volunteer catechists hold catechism classes for about 700 children per week; SIKAP (Suporta para sa Iskolar na KAParokya), our educational assistance program for about 130 students in elementary, high school and vocational; the different pastoral programs, such as worship, formation, family and life, social services, youth, public affairs and BEC; the maintenance of the church and other facilities; and later on, possible contribution to the Diocese.

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Spirit in the Wind

Pamilya para kay Kristo

para sa bayan Din!

ni Jojo at Ditsy Sumpaico

oong lumipas na dalawang buwan ay narinig natin ang pagsasalahad at pagpapaliwanag ng sinulat ni Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, ang Porta Fidei o Pinto ng Pananampalataya. Itong nakaraang buwan ang Family and Life Ministry ay nagkaroon ng dalawang panauhin, ang una ay mula sa Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan o SLB at ang ikalawa ay mula sa Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting na mas kilala sa ngalang PPCRV. Narinig ng marami nating kasamahan ang kahalagahan ng makahulugang pakikilahok sa darating na halalan. At kung bakit napakahalaga na ang ating iboboto sa darating na halalan ay mga taong talagang buo ang puso sa paninilbihan sa sambayanan. Mga taong hindi lamang hindi corrupt kundi mga tao ring kayang sawatahin ang katiwalian ng mga taong pinangangasiwaan nila. Hindi lang yung mga politiko sa kadalasay napapako ang mga salita at pangako. Hindi lang yung mga politiko na mahaba sa salita at maikli sa gawa. Hindi lang yung mga politiko tumatalikod sa mga binitiwang salita at di na maghagilap kundi sa susunod na halalan upang suyuin ang mga manghahalal. Simple lang ang kanilang mga mensahe. Maraming pagbabago ang dapat

mangyari pa sa ating lipunan. At ang pagbabagong ito ay dapat magsimula sa ating sarili. Kung gusto natin tunay na umunlad at matamasa ang pantay-pantay na pagkakataon upang uminam ang ating mga kinatatayuan, dapat na natin iwaksi ang isipang na makinabang nang panandalian. Maging mapanuri. Itaas at ilayo ang ating mga pananaw. Isipin ang kabutihan ng mas nakararami. At bakit, ika nga? Bakit pa tayo makikisawsaw diyan? Bakit pa tayo dapat makialam? Bakit pa tayo dapat manghikayat ng mga tao sa ganitong layunin? Bakit nga ba? Sapagkat , mga kapatid, ang pagmamahal sa Diyos at pananampalataya sa Kanyang kalooban ay maipapamalas lamang natin sa pagmamahal at pananampalataya sa ating pamilya, sa ating kaparokya, sa ating bayan, at sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Sabi nga ni San Juan, paano mo masasabing minamahal mo ang Panginoon na hindi mo nakikita kung hindi mo naman pinangangalagaan ang mga kasambayanan mong iyong nakikita? Ang ating pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa Diyos ay dapat nating ipakita sa pagmamahal rin sa ating bansa, ang ating kaisa-isang bansang sinilangan, ang Pilipinas.

Kung boboto si Jesus,

sino kaya ang iboboto niya? Bumotong katulad ni Hesus.

(Hango mula sa Sulat Pastoral ni Archbishop Socrates Villegas ng Lingayen-Dagupan. Isinalin sa Pilipino ni Fr. Dennis Soriano.)
Ang simbahan ay gumagabay at hindi nagdidikta. Ang simbahan ay tagapagdala ng pagkakaisa at hindi pagkakawatak-watak. Ang simbahan ay nananalangin at hindi dumadagdag sa kalituhan. Ang simbahan ay nagdudulot ng kagalingan at hindi ng sakit. Ang simbahan ay dapat na nasa mundo subalit hindi dapat maka-mundo. Kaming inyong mga pastol, paano makakatulong sa inyo sa pagtupad ng inyong tungkulin sa lipunan bilang mga Katoliko? Anong gabay ang maaring ibigay ng mga pastol sa kawan na ipinagkatiwala sa kanila?[] Huwag pong iboto ang kandidato kung: 1. ang kandidato ay walang malinaw na pagTANGGI sa divorce, abortion, euthanasia, total birth control at homosexual marraiges o D.E.A.T.H. issues. Laban sa buhay ang pro-choice. 2. ang kandidato ay may koneksyon sa pinagbabawal na gamot, drug trade, drug possession o drug use; o kaya ay tumatanggap ng pera mula sa ilegal na sugal lalu na mula sa jueteng. Pagsang-ayon ang pananahimik. 3. ang kandidatong napatunayang may kasalanang criminal. Dapat marangal ang mga naglilingkod sa gobyerno. 4. ang kandidato ay sumusuporta sa black sand mining, o pabaya sa di-responsableng quarry o ilegal na fish pen. Nanay natin ang kalikasan; kung kaya mong abusuhin ang iyong nanay, ano ang hindi mo kayang gawin? 5. ang kandidato ay walang nagawa para sa ikauunlad ng mga dukha. Mas mahalaga ang mga nagawa kaisa sa pangako. 6. ang kandidato ay namimigay ng pera at namamahagi ng kung anu-anong bagay sa mga botante sa panahon ng kampanya. Prostitusyon ang pagbebenta ng boto. 7. ang kandidato ay may koneksyon sa terorismo o sa paggamit ng mga goons para proteksyonan ang sarili sa loob o labas ng panahon ng kampanya. Tanging kapayapaan ang daan sa kapayapaan. 8. ang kandidato ay relihiyoso lamang kung panahon ng kampanya o sumasalungat sa katuruan at gawain ng simbahan. Magkakambal ang pangungurakot at pagbabalat kayo. 9. ang kandidato ay taksil sa kanyang asawa at mga anak. Ang kawalan ng katapatan ay nagsisimula sa tahanan. 10. ang kandidato ay may malapit na kamag-anak na nasa puwesto na sa gobyerno. Hindi puedeng pagsamahin ang kapakanan ng pamilya at ang pangkalahatang kabutihan. Ipinapasa namin sa inyo ang mga panuntunang ito at hiling naming inyong dalhin sa panalangin. Kung boboto si Jesus, sino kaya ang iboboto niya? Bumotong katulad ni Jesus.

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish

March - APril 2013 Page 3

JESU POLIS 2013 The FRC

by Carla Mijares

esu Polis (City of Jesus) is a summer youth leaders conference of the diocese of Cubao held last April 03 - 06, 2013 in Philips Sanctuary, Pestano Farm, Antipolo, Rizal. It aims to introduce the youth to the four tracks of formation of MYA cubao (virtue, spirit, learning and service); to heighten the experience of the youth in living in the city of Jesus, an experience of the Local Church; and to bring the youth to a greater resolve in becoming ambassadors of Jesus in call of the new evangelization. MYA Diocese of Cubao They divided the four tracks of formation per day. Day 1 - Youth Spirituality - the whole day focused on our identity as children of God and how we will live this identity in our daily lives. Day 2 - Youth Virtue - the whole day taught us to stick to our Christian virtues despite of different situations that challenged us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Day 3 - Youth Learning - From our two credible guest speakers we have learned how to face problems and look at these as opportunities to be stronger and closer to God. Day 4 - Youth Service - An inspiring story was told to us by the Pestano family. We were not only inspired how Philip defined and lived the

word through service. We were also moved to be like him in our own simple way.

The FRCs usual activity for May are as follows: 1. May 2, 2013, 4:00 p.m. - Opening mass (childrens mass) by Fr. Dennis Soriano 2. Month-long recitation of the holy rosary to be lead by group leaders of each FRC Marian image 3. Daily floral offering for the whole month of May during the 6:30 p.m. masses from mondays through fridays, and 5:00 p.m. mass on weekends. 4. Month-long catechism for children in 5 Zones, Daan Tubo 1&2, Park7, Marytown, Jocson and Ronas, to be conducted by Volunteers from the youth ministry, 5. May 31, 2013, 4:00 p.m. - Closing mass (childrens mass) by Fr. Dennis Soriano

My reflection: Four days living in the city of Jesus was not easy for me, I needed to let go of my comfort zone and lived on a mountain without cellphone signal, no Internet connection, without television, without fast food and stayed with other people whom I do not know. But my experience living in there was priceless and irreplaceable. I realized that I need to value what I have in life, what is essential is my relationship with Jesus because when I started to know and love Jesus I cannot do nothing but to share it to my family, friends and to other people. May our whole experience in Jesu Polis be our stepping-stone to live our motto as members of the diocese of Cubao, A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

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Spirit in the Wind

A Shower of Blessings
by Babes de Quiros

hursday, April 11, was indeed a significant day for Our Lady of Pentecost Parish. We had the rare opportunity of welcoming the Relic of St. Therese of the Child Jesus for a two hour stay. Our parishioner, Tita Remy Ignacio made it possible. Early on, our Church was spruced up and beautiful flower arrangements of roses were done by Edna Valdez, Nora Mendoza, Judith Lambo, Susan Punzalan and their crew of dedicated volunteers. Sylvia Veloso provided the beautiful mantle for the table where the relic was placed. As early as 130 pm, the Church was starting to be filled up. At exactly 3 pm, the relic, coming from Sta. Maria dela Strada Parish, arrived at B. Gonzales gate and was warmly welcomed by a large group of devotees, with songs by Cecile and Cristis group. Enclosed in fiber glass with steel handles and weighing 132 kgs., this was carried by Cris Datu and his Eucharistic Ministers, together with Manny Bernal and his Tahanan group for a foot procession to the Parish. A shower of petals and a resounding applause welcomed the Relic at our Church. Welcome rites were taken cared of by Fr. Dennis, Nora Mendoza and Mae Magsanoc. Fr. Dennis gave an inspiring homily touching on the life of St. Therese. A two hour veneration followed, with the Greeters and Collectors and the Mother Butlers Guild providing the necessary assistance. Roses were given to the venerating public. St. Therese of the Child Jesus died at the age of 24. She was a nun at 15 and was canonized on May 17, 1925. She lived a hidden life and wanted to be unknown. In her littleness and nothingness, she completely trusted in the Lord. She lived a simple life of prayer and great confidence in God, and believed that what is important in life is not great deeds but great love, doing the ordinary with extraordinary love. She loved roses and saw herself as the little flower of Jesus, giving glory to God by just being her little and simple self. She said, I will let fall a shower of roses. Countless hearts have been touched, striving to imitate her little way. She is the greatest saint of modern times. As a shower of petals bade farewell to St. Therese, we could feel the happiness and peace radiating in our hearts. Yes, we experienced a shower of blessings at OLPP.

Spirit in the Wind

Editorial Staff Parish Priest: Fr. Dennis Soriano Adviser: Fr. Jojo Monis Coordinator Public Affairs Ministry: Tessa Mangahas Staff / Contributors: Fr. Dennis Soriano Carla Mijares Mariel Tan Ed Daroy Eric de Quiros Tessa Mangahas Stella Deriquito Marilou de Ocampo Kang Acevedo Babes de Quiros Graphic Designer: Ella Mara Perez Printed pro bono by: Rapids Lithograhic Press

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish

October March - APril2012 2013Page Page55

Palm Sunday

Good Friday Way of the Cross

Way of the Cross at Xavierville I

Vigil at Altar of Repose

OLPP Pabasa

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Baptism

Easter Vigil
Liturgy of the light The Readings Exultet by Fr. Jojo

Fr. Dennis with the Newly Baptized

Recollection by Fr. McTavish

Welcome to the Christian family! Nina Samrani, member of Tahanan ng Panginoon Youth from Park 7, was baptized during the Easter Vigil, with Mr. Rudy Ocampo as her ninong. She was born in Malaysia. Her mother is a Catholic and her father is Muslim. She took Catechism classes under Rita Gallardo and Sister Teresita Dulatre, FMSC

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish

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D e s er t
Eric De Quiros
As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome. It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosen one who is from farawayHere I am. I would like to thank you for your embrace.- Pope Francis Former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church last March 13, 2013. He reportedly took his papal title after St. Francis of Assisi of Italy. Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied in the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, University of Buenos Aires and at the Jesuit seminary of Villa Devoto. Part of his Easter message in yesterdays paper reads: How many deserts, even today, do human beings need to cross! Above all, the desert within, when we have no love for God or neighbor, when we fail to realize that we are guardians of all that the creator has given us and continues to give us These are deep and meaningful words coming from a pope who is known for simplicity. Along with his Easter message, there is a picture of him cradling a disabled child held out to him in the crowd and delightedly accepting a surprise gift thrust at him. It is a fresh gust of wind for the Catholic Church, which has a long way to go in healing internal and external hurts, and restoring the worlds confidence in its leadership. However, if there is one man who can do this, if there is somebody who can cross the desert, it is Francis, who lives what he preaches and whose great love for the poor, his greatest asset. We, who are his flock, must also do our part, by getting out of our comfort zones, crossing our internal deserts, to serve and love God and neighbor. In the end, what will matter are the things we did for others. This is the significance of Easter and consequently, for the rest of our lives.
References/Sources: 1. Pope Francis Biography- Facts, Birthday, LifeStory-Biography.com 2. Pope calls for peace in Asia by Reuters

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

S Jan pirit - Feb 2013 Page 8 in the Wind