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Bringing the Joy of the Lord to Those In Need (Nursing Home Visitation)
BLD On Fire Again
We Were One In the Bond of Love - FE #16
Thank you and Godspeed, Fr. Manny ... Welcome, Fr. Don
Comings and Goings
In All Kinds of Weather, God's Love Keeps Shining Through (YE #13)
With Hearts and Hands and Voices, How ME Class #9 brought out the "Grand" in Grand Reunion
SPE Class #10 - On Its Own Emmaus Journey
SE #14 - Being Single-minded in Christ
ME Class #9 - New Growth on the Vine
Paying our Respects
Having Fun with Math and Winning at It Too!
Breaking the Yoke of Poverty - One Village/One Child at a Time
A Testimony of Hope and Healing
Vessels Through Whom God Works
Youth Corner
News Archive
Bringing The Joy of the Lord to Those In Need
Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine”
Have you ever been ill, weak, lonely, and longing to see or talk to someone and felt no one has time for you? This is how most seniors feel in nursing homes. They need someone to give them time and attention, a tangible demonstration of God’s love.
So it was on the beautiful Sunday afternoon of October 23rd that our Mission Ministry set out to bring the joy of the Lord to senior residents at Valley Park Lodge Nursing Home in Niagara Falls. Mission Ministry Coordinator, Fe Edralin, led the opening prayer which included praise songs. Entertainment by way of songs and dances immediately followed and soon the seniors joined in the singing, clapping and some even got up on the floor to dance with each other (click here for video-clip).
Residents and staff were grateful for the good cheer and blessing. However, we were more blessed by seeing the joy we have brought them.
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BLD on FIRE Again
For a good part of October, the Servant Leaders for Mission, Jojo and Koi Jalandoni, were in North America for a pastoral visit with a number of BLD Districts, which included Los Angeles, Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland, Washington, Newark Cluster, Seattle, Reno, Vancouver. In Toronto, they were here for a round of meetings from October 10–13. On October 12, a Disciples Assembly was convened by our Toronto District so we can meet them. Aside from District Shepherds, Olie & Menchu Ealdama, St. Catharines was represented by Romy & Minda Panday, Roy & Carmen Mitra and Avic Robles.
A “getting-to-know the Jalandonis” fellowship was followed by a business meeting. Bro. Jojo took the floor and presented the recently released letter from our Global Spiritual Director, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, on which he calls the global community to be Fruitful, Inspired, Renewed and Empowered. The letter carried the theme “BLD on FIRE Again.”
To be on FIRE, we have to go on Mission. Bro. Jojo said that a community which does not go into mission will die by itself. Following the Inter-District Global Conference held in Manila on February 4-6, 2011, Abp. Lagdameo identified 3 immediate areas which the global community should support as part of its mission objective of fulfilling its corporal works of mercy while, at the same time, bringing the Word and light of Christ to others.
- BLD AFP – PNP Integrated Formation Program – This was an initiative undertaken 2 years ago to evangelize the Armed Forces and National Police. There are many active BLD members in the AFP and PNP. All Philippine Districts are encouraged to bring our LSS and encounter programs where a military camp is present, while BLD North American Districts are encouraged to provide financial help and prayers. An invitation to serve was extended by Bro. Jojo to those who expect to be travelling to the Philippines.
- Housing for the Poor - We continue to be in alliance with the Gawad Kalinga, although BLD Manila has dealings with Habitat as well. Several Districts, including Toronto, sponsor their own housing projects. Most of our members in Manila and environs help in the building of homes.
- BLD Enhanced Scholarship of Hope (SOH) Program - The original objective of the first phase of the SOH Program was to supplement the school needs of poor children by providing them with school supplies, uniforms, transportation, etc. However, results of a recent evaluation undertaken have revealed that many children did not pass in their studies. They failed for a variety of reasons, the most telling of which is they do not understand English. We have to teach the children English comprehension skills and give them a tutorial in the 3 Rs – Reading, w‘Riting and a’Rithmetic. This second phase, called the ‘SOH Enhanced Program’, now becomes our mission. While the full mechanics of the Program have yet to be completed, the first step is to have it piloted for the children living in Villa Paraiso, a GK village, under the care of BLD Manila. Teachers will be trained and members of BLD Manila’s Singles and Youth have organized a tutorial to teach from grade level to high school.
Bro. Jojo closed this part of his presentation by referring to Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac where the wood and fire were at the ready but there was no lamb. In these our times, we have the wood, as represented by the cross of Christ on Calvary, and the lamb, which was Christ Himself. But where is the fire?
We are to be that FIRE. All of us are called to be Fruitful, Inspired, Renewed and Empowered disciples so we can put the BLD, our beloved Community, on fire again!
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(Cirilo (Tho) and Magie Respicio, along with their sons Paul and John, formed part of the Sponsoring Class of Toronto’s FE #16 Weekend held on August 20-21 at the Holiday Inn Express at Markham, Ontario)
We Were One in the Bond of Love – Our FE#16 Weekend Sponsorship
By Paul Respicio
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The Family Encounter #16 allowed me to view the weekend in an entirely different light. During my experience as a candidate last year, I was never privy to the significance of the behind-the-scenes work of the sponsoring class. Fortunately, since my family was a part of this year’s sponsoring class, I was given a firsthand opportunity to learn the importance and breadth of work that they put forth to make the FE experience memorable for the candidate families.
Aside from the administrative duties, our most important task as the sponsoring class was establishing a warm atmosphere that encouraged openness, prayer, and reflection. Without this crucial element, it would have been more difficult to bring the candidate families of FE #16 to achieve a higher level of understanding of one another. In order for us to provide said atmosphere, we had to work together not only as a team but as a family. Within a few weeks before the FE weekend itself, we extensively developed these bonds of trust with our fellow sponsoring families as working together towards a mutual goal accelerated the process. During the weekend itself, these bonds would be put to the test and despite having some hiccups as well as unexpected stresses during the weekend itself, we retained our sense of unity, covered for each other’s shortcomings and pressed forward to a successful FE16.
The weekend also gave me a chance to reflect on the things I had gained as a candidate and the heightened sense of closeness that my family and I had attained. I am especially grateful for this opportunity since I do not often get to work with my family in this capacity. Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to the sponsoring class families for being an absolutely pleasant bunch to work with, and especially to the candidates as they served as our primary inspiration in the weeks of preparation for FE15.
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Thank You and Godspeed, Fr. Manny. . . . Welcome, Fr. Don
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Fr. Don |
It gives us great joy to welcome Fr. Donald Lizzotti as the new Spiritual Director of our BLD Community. He will replace Fr. Manuel Serranilla, Jr. who is slated to go back to the Philippines for ministry with the Archdiocese of Manila. Fr. Manny has always nursed a desire to share his God-given talents and gifts to their maximum potential, not just as a priest doing parochial work, but to do more in the areas of formation and teaching. We pray that the Lord will grant him the desire of his heart.
Thank you, Fr. Manny, for all your good work and support of our Community throughout your tenure as shepherd of the St. Catharines flock. Without exception, we will all miss you! Godspeed!
(Click here to read interview with Fr. Manny, June 2010 issue, “Living the Word”)
(Click here for Fr. Manny’s “Goodbye Address”, June 2011 issue, “Living the Word”)
Fr. Don Lizzotti was raised in Thorold, Ontario and has been a priest in the Diocese of St. Catharines since 1972. He has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal for over 40 years. He is the Bishop’s Liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario (CCRSO) and is presently the Spiritual Director for that group. His ministry in the Renewal has included initiating prayer groups, leading workshops, days of renewal, weekend retreats and healing Masses. He is presently the pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Chippawa. He is no stranger to our Community, having presided over Life in the Spirit Seminars and regularly officiating at our monthly Healing Masses. We are indeed privileged and grateful to welcome him to our Community.
Fr. Manny, in your leaving, and Fr. Don, in your coming, we pray the benediction expressed in the Book of Numbers: 6: 24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace."'
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Comings and Going
Mere months after being appointed early this year as Singles Ministry DLC, Jocelyn Rayos del Sol submitted a request to be relieved of her responsibility because of employment and other reasons. As a nurse, Jho has found that her work is making a lot of demands on her time. To take over the post, the DCS appointed Sharon Layos, who was acting as assistant to Jho and, in her place, Ria Ociones was designated as Singles Ministry Assistant DLC. These appointments took effect August 12th, 2011.
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Sharon is a graduate of our Community’s ground-breaking sponsorship of Singles Encounter (SE) #1 held last September 19 -21, 2008. At that weekend, when asked how she would like to be remembered, Sharon stated “as a person with goodness and love for God and family”. She went on later that year to be among the graduates of LSS #10, held on November 7-9. Sharon has shown herself to be quite committed and focussed on the tasks which have been assigned to her. |
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| Ria is a graduate of LSS #11 held on October 9 – 11, 2009. She remained on in Community and was one of the 12 graduates of SE #2 held last August 6 – 8, 2010 at which she asked to be remembered as a person “of service to God”. And that she is, as she actively serves not only in the Singles Ministry but also finds great delight in teaching the Mark 10 children. Ria is St. Catharines’ only delegate to the Singles Inter-District Conference #2 scheduled for August 26-28th in Newark, New Jersey. She will join the Toronto delegation. |
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Henry Bustos, a long time covenanted disciple, will be retiring from his work in September and has signified that he will now have time to serve more actively in the Community. He has served as a de facto member of the Praise Ministry whenever his work schedule permitted him, including participating in the Mission Ministry’s retirement home visitations. To recognize the contribution which Henry can make with his special talents, the DCS has created a new DLC post and appointed him as Special Programs Coordinator. Henry and his wife Luz will be under the pastoral authority of the Management DCS. Henry will be in charge of coordinating all Community events, such as the annual picnic, Advent celebration, fund raising, etc. at which he has always actively participated. Henry and his wife Luz were graduates of the joint sponsorship of St. Catharines and BLD Rochester of ME #2 which was held in Canandaigua, NY on May 22-24, 1998. This was the last ME these two “Outreaches”, as they were called at the time, would sponsor together. They would thereafter put on their own ME weekend independently. Henry and Luz were also graduates of LSS #2 later on that year.
Let us rejoice and give praise and thanks to our Almighty Father for blessing us so richly with these brothers and sisters with whom we will work with the common vision of growing our beloved Community. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Pet. 4:10
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In All Kinds Of Weather, God’s Love Keeps Shining Through!
On July 22 – 24, the Toronto Youth Ministry sponsored YE #13 at the Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre at Ancaster. St. Catharines sent two candidates: Charles Bravo and Rozbie Gonzalves. Arven Rebarter, J.P. Tabios and Michael Tolentino, who are YE graduates themselves, served as auxies.
We reproduce hereunder an article published in a recent issue of Toronto’s “Living Water”, submitted by Froilan and Charito Piamonte, Toronto Youth Ministry Coordinators.)
FROM THE TORONTO YOUTH MINISTRY
HOT is the word to describe the weekend. And we’re not just talking of the hot and humid weather either! We’re talking about the Youth Encounter #13 weekend on July 22 – 24.
Everything started heating up from Day 1: there was the “getting to know you” games, the sharing and talks of our awesome Fantastic 8 YE 13 facilitators: (Nadine Valdez, Marylou Malicdem, Alex Piamonte, Kevin Jacinto, Faith Anne Dolleton, Jean Caniedo, Alyssa Andino & Kyle Fernandez), the dynamic soul-searching talks of Fr. Hansoo Park, fun outdoor games, birth of friendships, intense vigil by the youth and the adults, Eucharistic Adoration, very touching dialogues, and the Youth Ministry's awesome praise songs/jams!!! The youth were literally dancing to the beat of the music during their praise jam. And yes, we were so blessed to have 2 wonderful priests with us: Fr. Hansoo Park, Director of Vocation of the Archdiocese of Toronto who was with us until Sunday morning and Fr. Dominick Mbah, who celebrated Sunday Mass and delivered a very inspired and significant homily. Tempers were about the only thing not rising. It was amazing to see that everyone was just in a very good mood - lots of smiles and happy faces.
Sunday just came too quickly for the candidates. Indeed, God touched the hearts of these young candidates. They were so inspired that some of them suggested adding an extra day and one even said to do it monthly. They were unanimous in saying they would surely recommend the YE to their friends. Others were already looking forward to next year's sponsorship.
Truly, God was so good for blessing us throughout the weekend. Everything went smoothly with the outstanding teamwork of the Youth Sponsoring Class, auxies and hardworking adult YM members and other adult volunteers. To the BLD Community, thank you so much for your support and the generous outpouring of donations of food and money and, most importantly, for all your prayers. We could not have done these without you. Last Sunday's reading was just fitting: 'We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….' (Rom 8:28). And all of these, indeed, were for the love of God.
The BLD Toronto Youth Ministry is proud to present the YE 13 graduates: Kevin Atienza, Ana Bernadette Antolin, Nikko Baja, Roland Baja, Charles Bravo, Frances Jhian Bulan, April Calimlim, Keith Chin, Danielle Chin, Hans Chin, Jan Dungog, Kristine Gargaritano, Rozbie Gonzalves, Nickole Gregorio, Daniella Halili-Sychangco, Joshua Harry, Timothy Ladia, Mark Lazaro, Frederick Nicomedez, Justin Ongteco, Rom Perez, Genevieve Perono, Jaime Prollamante, Patricia Severino, Vanessa Soares, Vida Sosa and Khourtny Torres.
To God be the Glory!
By: Froilan & Charito Piamonte
Youth Ministry Coordinators
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With Hearts and Hands and Voices, How ME Class #9 brought out the “Grand” in Grand Reunion
for more photos of the reunion click on picture
The ME #9 new graduates celebrated its Grand Reunion on Sunday, June 19, at the basement hall. The day started with a noon mass at the Cathedral, then lunch afterwards, followed by a program highlighted by each couple sharing their written reflections on their ME weekend. Then the class treated its guests with its own rendition of a “harana”, including a medley of “Malaika” (African for “angel”) and “Silayan” a native Filipino song.
But what brought the guests to their feet was the hand mime interpretation the class gave of BLD’s traditional “Community Song”. With the darkened room, the effect was quite mesmerizing as the class truly brought out the power behind the song – of how “I”, “you”, “we”, “love” and “God” build Community! The program displayed not only the talent of these couples but showed how well they worked in unity to bring joy to everyone who attended the event.
To the 6 ME #9 couples - Gener and Corrie Bajao, Alex and Bale Calanog, Nelson and Jenny Flores, Martin and Marie Camille Pinto, Jonathan and Mary Jean Timaan and Ryan and Sherry Zapata - "I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Always be humble, gentle and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, to make every effort to continue together in this way." (Ephesians 4:1-3)
On behalf of ME #9, we would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend the Grand Reunion, especially the Pastoral Team represented by Willy and Viv Saguil, the ME #8 Sponsoring Class headed by its Shepherd Couple, Rey and Mabel Perlas, and the rest of the working teams.
Val and Lina Ayroso
ME #9 Class Shepherds
click here for Living the Word Souvenir Issue of M.E. Class #9
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SPE CLASS #10 - ON ITS OWN EMMAUS JOURNEY
Twenty-two candidates, including 3 from St. Catharines DIP, joined the Solo Parents Encounter (SPE) #10 which was held on May 21-22 at the La Consolata Missionaries Centre.
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Rocel Mabuti |
Sandra Lasponas |
Fr. Dominick Mbah presided over the weekend. The reflections and teachings he gave were complemented by the powerful testimonies given by Vicky Nisce (“Masks”), Theo Ly (“Change of Status: Parenting”) and Leonie Dolleton (“God’s Love”). The St. Catharines’ connection came in the person of our own Tellie Ferrenbach who shared on “Sharing, Caring, Bearing: Gift of Community”.
Fr. Dominick likened the SPE experience as the candidates’ own road to Emmaus, on which they trudged, like the two disciples, feeling defeated, discouraged, perhaps depressed, even despondent, weighed down by the “baggage” brought on by the guilt or unresolved issues stemming from a divorce or separation, or the death of a loved one. But much like their walk on the road to Emmaus would transform the lives of the disciples, the lesson they take away from the SPE weekend can bring the candidates the peace, hope and joy which they desire. To discover healing, Fr. Dominick exhorted them to be patient and to pray always because, like the stranger the disciples met, they are not alone. Jesus’ abiding presence is always with them.
A big component which brought so much power to the SPE weekend was the sharing the candidates did and as they shared, the “resurrection” that happened in their lives during the weekend became evident. As Fr. Dominick happily pronounced, out of “chaos and confusion”, the weekend showed a way back to “order” because now they have come to learn that in their life’s journey, Jesus makes the same journey with them. It is as they open their hearts to Jesus that He will point them to His Word of promise in scripture that tells them that He will always stand by them, turning their despair into hope, their defeat into victory. As they keep walking with Jesus, the road opens up to a great highway of companionship, conversation, belief and hope. Praise be to God!
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SE # 14 – Being Singleminded in Christ
On May 6-8, The Singles Ministry of our Toronto District sponsored SE #14 at at the Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre at Ancaster. There were 31 candidates, with Florence Raza being the sole candidate from St. Catharines.
Florence Raza (middle)
We reproduce herein a letter received from Gerald and Rachelle Canlas, Coordinators of Toronto’s Singles Ministry.
Dear brothers and sisters:
We praise and thank the Lord for a very successful and spirit-filled Singles Encounter (SE) weekend.
We would like to welcome and congratulate the graduates of SE # 14. Our God is truly AMAZING for bringing us 31 new members to the Singles Ministry.
The weekend would not have been possible without the help of so many people in the Community. We extend our thanks and gratitude to everyone starting from the Pastoral Team: Fr. Tito Ignacio, Jason Carandang, Mae Caniedo, Jeff Buado and Joanne Yulo. To our sharers: Alex Paunil, Len Samonte, Jean Ladines, and Michaela Joven, and our DCS; Tito Ed & Tita Lu Dumlao. We also thank “To the Highest Level” the sponsoring class (SE # 13) and all the working team from the Singles Ministry of Toronto and St. Catharines. We appreciate all the “tingz” you did, your time, talents and support you gave to make this weekend possible.
And finally, thank you to all the different ministries; their DLC, DCS, and members, who assisted throughout the SE weekend and the weeks leading up to it. We are truly blessed to have a Community that has many parts working together and that makes us One Body of Christ!
To God be the glory, honor and power, forever and ever – AMEN!
Gerald & Rachelle Canlas
BLD Toronto, Singles Ministry Coordinators
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ME Class # 9 – New Growth on the Vine
Alex Calanog said it best in his email conveying his and wife Bale’s thanks to all those involved in the recently concluded ME #9: “It was really a Marvelous Experience, a Magnificent Experience for all of us. . . a spirit-filled and blessed weekend that we had … touched by the openness and testimonies of the sharers and inspired by the words of wisdom Fr. Dominick imparted to us....”
ME #9 was held on May 13-15 at the Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre at Ancaster. Fr. Dominick Mbah, as head of the Pastoral Team, truly became God’s mouthpiece as he instructed and guided our six couple candidates on making God a very integral part of their married life. And through their powerful testimonies, Tony and Angie Ng and Willie and Viv Saguil of our Toronto District became God’s instruments of love and healing as they witnessed to how a faithful and loving God transformed their brokenness into wholeness.
We saw God’s love at work through the service of the sponsoring class headed by its indefatigable Class Shepherds, Rey and Mabel Perlas, and together they made this ME weekend the success that it was by their dedication and heartfelt service. We were also blessed by the loving support and cooperation of the working teams and auxies who did their assigned tasks cheerfully and, more importantly, came literally laden with food to share with one another.
Along with Alex and Bale Calanog, the other couples who received God’s healing mercies and grace were Genaro & Corrie Bajao, Nelson & Jenny Flores, Martin & Marie Pinto, Jonathan & Jean Timaan and Ryan & Sherry Zapata. All of them expressed their joy and gratitude to God for calling them to this weekend encounter. As they make up the sponsoring class for the next ME, they will be guided and prepared for this task by Val and Lina Ayroso as Class Shepherds.
We thank the Lord for increasing our numbers by bringing these newest members to our Community. May our witness of love, unity and joy in God’s service become an inspiration to them to remain and grow with us as branches on the Vine.
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Paying Our Respects
On March 17th, District Shepherds Olie & Menchu Ealdama, together with the DCS – Romy & Minda Panday, Roy & Carmen Mitra, Cip & Emmy Tabios and Avic Robles – paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, the Reverend Gerard Paul Bergie, at the Catholic Chancery in Thorold. Bishop Bergie takes over from Bishop James Wingle who submitted his resignation in April 2010 for health reasons. Bishop Bergie was ordained in 1984 and for the last 5 years served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. His installation as the new Bishop of the Diocese of St. Catharines took place in November 2010.
His Excellency very graciously received BLD St. Catharines DIP leadership, who brought with them a letter of introduction from the Executive Council of Servant Leaders (Manila), as well as a letter from BLD Global Spiritual Director, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. In his letter, Archbishop Lagdameo extended his gratitude to Bishop Bergie for giving BLD St. Catharines the opportunity to “be involved in the bigger Church by evangelizing and conducting mission work among Filipinos and other cultures.” The Archbishop further stated that St. Catharines is among the 50 BLD districts established in several dioceses in the Philippines, Hong Kong and North America.
To further acquaint him with the expanse and breadth of what we’re all about, we presented His Excellency with a portfolio containing our Vision and Mission statement, the history of the DIP, its organizational structure and regular activities, and some past issues of our “Living the Word” Newsletter.
When Bishop Bergie enquired about our programs and activities, we advised him about our encounter programs, LSS, Christian Development Formation Program (CDFP) teachings, our covenanting process and involvement with poverty alleviation projects. He also enquired if we have any involvement in our respective parishes and he was quite happy to learn that a great number of our members are.
We were also able to take up matters germane to St. Catharines DIP to which His Excellency extended his support and guidance. He also assured us that he will make himself available to preside over a future healing mass.
Praise be to God for sending the Diocese of St. Catharines a shepherd such as Bishop Bergie who will clearly be a true shepherd to his flock!
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Having Fun with Math and Winning at It Too!
The staff and students of St. Christopher Catholic School in St. Catharines have cause to celebrate! The School finished 3rd place overall in a Canada-wide Math Challenge competition which took place last October 25-November 1, 2010. The competition was sponsored by Mathletics, which is an on-line learning platform where students around the world can interact with each other.
In Canada, over 550 schools participated last year with about 30,000 students competing with each other in real time. And on March 9th, the Mathletics Regional Manager came to St. Christopher’s to hand out the awards to the 10 students from St. Christopher’s who placed in the top 100. Also present at the awards ceremony were the Niagara School Board Director, the Superintendent of Education and the local press.
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What makes us very proud is because our own John Respicio placed 13th. John, age 11, is in Grade 6 at St. Christopher’s. He is the youngest son of Tho and Magie Respicio of our Praise Ministry. John is also very actively involved in our Mark 10.
St. Christopher School is hopeful that having come out of the competition with a 3rd place finish will get the students even more motivated and engaged about doing Math activities. The Canadian Math Challenge has proven to be quite the game changer in the students’ general attitude. Staff have seen a marked difference in how Math is now perceived – that, indeed, it can be a lot of fun! This was borne out by John, who said that while he has always liked Math, Mathletics has made it even more fun because of the competition. He said no matter that at some point during the on-line competition that it looked like some other kids were gaining on them or getting ahead of them, “we never gave up and just kept on going!” Now it’s hard to lose with that kind of an attitude! Way to go, John! Keep up the good work!
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Breaking the Yoke of Poverty – One Village/One Child at a Time
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 26:40)
In a pastoral letter from our Global Spiritual Director, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo challenged all BLD Districts and DIPs to do their part to help alleviate poverty in the Philippines. To no one’s surprise, the global community of BLD rose to the challenge, giving rise to two initiatives: (1) to provide housing for the poorest of the poor, and (2) to help in the education of poor children through the Scholarship of Hope program (“SOH”). To have a more focussed approach in responding to these challenges, BLD Toronto established the Gawad Kalinga (“GK”) Ministry in 2007. In August 2010, this name was changed to “Breaking the Yoke of Poverty”, or BYOP Ministry, to give BLD Toronto a broader scope in supporting other poverty-alleviation projects.
BLD Toronto, through the BYOP, has successfully met its housing goal. It sponsored the building of 23 homes, out of 30, in the GK “Village of Angels” in Lucena City, Quezon Province. All these homes are now fully occupied. In Davao, one of the villages was named “BLD Toronto-Davao” GK Village where, out of 30 homes, 24 were funded by BLD Toronto.
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Lucena
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Currently, the cost of building 1 house is $2,300 (Cdn). Out of more than $122,000 raised by BLD Toronto since 2007, St. Catharines contributed towards the building of 2 homes (under the old price of $1,800 (Cdn) per house), including the generous donation of Danny and Myrna Zapata. The rest of the funds were raised from the proceeds of a golf tournament which the Zapatas and Edralins organized.
This year, the thrust is to offer educational scholarships for school children. Since tuition fee is free in the Philippines public school system, the scholarship will cover the cost of providing school supplies, shoes, uniforms, school nutrition/health program, educational trips, tutorials and summer fun activities. A child sponsorship (elementary to high school) costs $32/month, or $384/year; a youth sponsorship (college) costs $64/month or $768/year.
On behalf of BLD St. Catharines, the DCS agreed to have the Community sponsor one child at the elementary level.
Brothers and sisters, we are all encouraged to see the face of Jesus in the faces of these “poorest of the poor”. Let the life exemplified by Mother Teresa of Calcutta who chose to be not only the least, but the servant of the least, be an inspiration to us. Let us bring Christ’s love and compassion to those children who are hungry for an education so they can look forward to a better future. Please be a blessing by becoming a BLD SOH benefactor.
To sponsor a child and to obtain a pledge form, please contact Poch and Avic Robles at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Contributions are tax deductible. You can select from the many children whose pictures and personal information are posted in the ANCOP.ca website.
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A Testimony of Hope and Healing
Our administering Toronto District once again solicited our assistance in providing a sharer for its Parish-assisted sponsorship of Our Lady of Assumption’s LSS #2, which commenced on Sunday, February 27. Its Baptism in the Holy Spirit will take place on March 20th.
Providing the testimony on “God’s Love” was our own Jocelyn Rayos del Sol.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
The extent to which God’s healing love worked in Jho’s life was not lost on the close to 90 “lambs” who are participating in this LSS. We thank and praise the Lord for how Jho movingly manifested the victory of the Lord in her life. She gave voice to the love and mercy of our faithful God who worked all things for her good as only He can. Through her powerful sharing, we were given yet again another glimpse of God’s continuing involvement and liberating activity in the lives of His people. Clearly, Jho honoured God by delivering a message of hope and healing to all those who needed to hear it.
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Vessels Through Whom God Works
“In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. If anyone cleanses himself ... he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2nd Tim 2:20-21)
We praise and thank the Lord for brothers and sisters who have generously responded to the call of the Lord to be used as His vessels in doing His work in our community. Going forward with our programs and activities for 2011, the DCS has appointed the following Coordinators and Class Shepherds:
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Jocelyn Rayos del Sol
DLC for Singles Ministry
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Sharon Layos
Asst. DLC for Singles |
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Val and Lina Ayroso
Shepherd Couple
for M.E. Class #9
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Tho and Maggie Respicio
Coordinators for LSS #13 |
Irene Gumolda, who has served as Singles Ministry DLC for over the last 4 years, will become a June bride as she exchanges vows with Chad Cunningham, also of our Singles Ministry. Jho, who served as Irene’s Assistant DLC, has generously accepted this new appointment. On behalf of the Community, we thank Irene for how well she served as Singles Ministry DLC.
Sharon joined LSS #10 held in 2008 and she is a graduate of the Community’s ground-breaking sponsorship of Singles Encounter No. 1 held the following year.
Tho and Magie are graduates of ME # 6 which took place in 2003 at MMI, Ancaster. Since then, Tho and Magie have been among the most active and dedicated members of the Community, mostly serving in the Praise Ministry where their gifts are being fully utilized. Since late 2006, they have taken over the helm of the Praise Ministry as its DLCs.
Val and Lina moved to St. Catharines in June last year and have easily transitioned into our Community. They served as Coordinators of LSS # 12 which took place in November 2010. Among the assignments Val and Lina took on while in Toronto were as Class Shepherds of ME # 29 held in November 2007 so this latest assignment they are taking on will be a good fit for them.
They were installed and anointed by our Spiritual Director, Fr. Manuel Serranilla at the Healing Mass held on Friday, February 25, 2011. Let us all pray for the Lord to fill these vessels with the gifts of His Spirit to accomplish the work entrusted to.them. We praise and thank the Lord for the gifts of these brothers and sisters who have yielded their whole being to do their part to bring glory to the Lord!
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