Vol. IX No. 2 Hinulugan Taktak Road, Fairmount Hills Subd. Antipolo City March 2012

Church construction completion is

being fast-tracked!The construction committee is aim-ing to complete the construction of the roof, main ramp and railing of our church by JUNE this year, in time for the Pastoral Visit on June 10, 2012. We need ALL the HELP to make this possible.

“You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”

Parepareho lang sila. Iyan ang iniisip ko nang marinig ko na may magaga-nap na namang Christian Life Seminar, ang LCSC, para sa mga naglilingkod sa PIHM; Ngunit nais ko ring manariwa ang aking pananampalataya; at kung bubuksan ko ang aking puso at isip, may ipagkakaloob sa akin ang Diyos. Bukod pa dito, sabik na sabik akong makasamba sa paraang karismatik; kaya ako’y sumali na rin noong 28-29 ng Enero sa St. Michael. Laking sorpresa! Kay ganda ng seminar. Maraming aspetong kahan-ga-hanga. 1) Pinayaman, pinalawak at pinuno ng mga pagpapahalaga na hango sa Salita ng Diyos. Napapana-hon ang mga paksa sa kalagayan ng mga tao sa lahat ng dako ng daigdig; at akma sa gulang ng mga pangunah-ing puntos ay maayos, lohikal at mali-naw. 3) Ang pagbabahagi sa maliit na pangkat ay nagmulat ng mga mata sa sariling kalagayang espiritwal, sa, tu-

ni Maria Martha LazaroAng Live C h r i s t , Share C h r i s t Seminar(LCSC)

long ng mga nakahandang tanong. 4) Ang mga nag-salita at namuno ng mga awit ay pawang buhay na buhay, lalo na si Brother Frank Padilla, ang pinuno ng LCSC na tunay na may pagmamahal sa Diyos ang pakikitungo sa kapwa Malalim at matatag ang kanilang pan-analig sa kanilang misyon kaya’t sila’y kapani-paniwala. 5)Ang masiglang pagpuri at pag-awit sa Diyos sa pagbu-bukas ng bawat panayam ay kalugod lugod sa Kanya at nagpaligaya sa amin. 6) Ang mga gagawin pagkatapos ng mga seminar ay makabubuti para sa tuloy tuloy na paglago ng pananam-palataya, pagmamahal at pagasa. Sa pambungad na salita, nilarawan ang nakalulungkot na sit-wasyon ng PIlipinas, Asya at mundo: katiwalian, karahasan, giyera at ter-rorismo. Nandiyan ang gutom, sakit, takot, depresyon, kawalan ng pani-niwala sa Diyos. Laganap ang alak, droga, at pagkawatakwatak ng pami-lya.Tila walang katapusan ang lamig na

continued on page 3 continued on page 7

From the Editor:Our theme for this issue is new life and new beginnings because as humans, so prone to sin and err, we start over and over again in living Christ and sharing Christ. We must continue to struggle everyday to keep the faith and renew our relationship with God. One does not quit when things do not go our way. It doesn’t mat-ter how many times we fall. What matters is the number of times we get up.

Issue Highlights:The Small Voice within.Being BenedictFrom Porn sites to Christ’s LightSimoy ng Fiestaand more!!

Maging kakaibang Kristiyano!

ph

oto

credit: m

ikibo

i

a finalist of the 2008 & 2011

Catholic Mass Media Awards

Excavation for ramp is on full speed. Thanks

to the generosity of people for lending

machinery.

as of March 17, 2012

January 2012

Church Construction FUNDs Report

ni Carina Salvador

It’s PIHM time! (YES! Hindi ka nag-kakamali, fiesta na naman ulit!) Ang panahon para sa ating parokya; ang araw ng walang humpay na kasiyahan, palaro at kantahan.(This is it!) Sa darating na Hunyo 16-17, 2012 ay ipagdiriwang ang fiesta ng Parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary (PIHM) na may temang “Panginoon, Pamilya, Pama-yanan…Pagbuklurin ang Pamilya at Pamayanan sa Gabay ni Hesus at Inang Maria”.Ang punong Hermana ay ang St. Andrew Community, komu-nidad ng Bankers.Halina at makilahok sa iba’t-ibang ‘pakulo’ na hindi lang SAYA ang hatid sa bawat isa kundi DAAN patungo kay Inang Maria. Markahan na ang iyong kalendaryo at sabay-sabay nating abangan ang mga sumusunod:

Simoy ng Fiesta

BAZAARBreakfast Little Miss

PIHM

A cosplay of the lives of Saints

Family Bible

Quiz Bee

PIHM’s first fun-run!

There is something about this man, I

thought to myself as I sat right across Monsignor Pete at the SAIDI Forma-tion Center. I watched out for my posture, my knees stiffly angled, my palms arranged squarely on my lap, epitomizing how close proximity to a tangible product of God’s grace may make us want to exude the same aura; while he sat there, comfortably, making the feat seem effortless. Throughout our brief encounter, he was speaking, smiling, and sitting, engulfed by nothing but peace. He is a man of peace.

Servi Mariae Regina Apostolorum One would expect this calm demeanor from one who has lived an exceptionally smooth-sailing life, but with Monsignor, it was the opposite. Like any human being, the trials he faced brought him his moments of doubt. In 2001, he started Servi Mariae Regina Apostolorum (Servants of Mary Queen of Apostles) in Antipolo, a congregation of men whose purpose is “the perfection of spiritual life in holiness and integrity after our Lord Jesus Christ and as modeled by our Blessed Mother:” a bold response to the

continued on page 7

by Francesca Montes

Isabuhay!Isang buhay

The Small Voicefrom Within

Msgr. Pete, founder of Servi Mariae Regina Apostolorum ( Servants of Mary Queen of Apostles)

The Sanctuary bench will also support the glass at the back of the sanctuary is

being constructed.is already being constructed.

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as of March 2, 2012

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March 30 Lenten Recollection: LiveChrist, ShareChrist Speaker: Rev. Fr. George Lucas T. Britos, S.V.D Professor of theology at Sienna College 6:00 PM Bana l na Misa 7:00 PM Recollection Proper (at the Parish)

April 1 Palm Sunday (Linggo ng Palaspas) 10:00 AM Misa ng Paggunita sa Maringal na Pagpasok ni Hesus sa Jerusalem. (Assembly: Fairmount Clubhouse HILL - simula ng Misa) Pagbabasbas ng mga Palaspas Prusisyon mula Fairmount clubhouse tungo sa Simbahan ng Parokya Pagpapatuloy ng Misa sa SIMBAHAN 5:30 PM Pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misa (in English)

April 2-3 Holy Monday (Lunes Santo)& Holy Tuesday (Martes Santo) 7:00 AM Misa sa Parokya 4:00 PM Misa sa VIA DOLOROSA, Pinagmisahan

April 4 Holy Wednesday (Miyerkules Santo) 7:00 AM Misa sa Parokya 4:00- 6:00 PM Stations of the Cross (within the Parish) 6:30 PM Misa sa Parokya

April 5 Holy Thursday (Huwebes Santo) 6:00 AM Chrism Mass (Antipolo Cathedral) 9:00 AM General Rehearsal for Paschal Triduum Liturgy (for involved parish workers) 4:30 PM Pagmimisa sa Pagtatakipsilim sa Paghahapunan ng Panginoon Paghuhugas ng mga Paa Prusisyon ng Banal na Sakramento Eucharistic Vigil

April 6 Good Friday (Biyernes Santo) Daan ng Krus sa Bukang Liwayway (Daybreak Stations of the Cross) 4:30 AM Assembly at Assumption 5:00 AM Start of Stations of the Cross * will end at the Parish grounds 3:00 PM Pagdiriwang sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon

April 7 Black Saturday (Sabado de Gloria) 9:30 PM Easter Vigil Mass Trentang Gitara para sa Kanya (Guitar Orchestra) **Traditional Salubong will follow after the Mass ** Please wear white and bring a candle.

April 8 Easter Sunday (Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay) 10:30 AM Easter Sunday Mass (Tagalog) 5:30 PM Easter Sunday Mass (English)

April 15 Divine Mercy Sunday 3:00 PM simula ng prusisyon (Assumption Antipolo) 5:30 PM Divine Mercy Sunday Mass (English)

Journey with us in reflection as we celebrate the Lenten Season!Construction Updates:

• The excavation of the Archbishop’s Walk (the main ramp that connects our church) is ongoing.

• The Sanctuary bench which will also support the glass at the back of the sanctuary is being con-structed.

• Fabrication and installation of the railings are on-going.

We have come a long way but we still have to raise more funds for the ramp, roof, skylight, flooring, light-ing to finish our Church. Let us make it happen. Be PART of it by:

Supporting the Kubo ni Maria Sunday bazaar! A per-centage will help our church.Buying the “I choose to stay connected” Marian tshirt. For P250, you get to help build our church PLUS get this cool Marian tee. Now in new colors: black and white versions. Text 0917-8458957 for inquiries.Joining PIHM’s first-ever fun run on June 16, 2012. To JOIN, text 0917-5374176.

The Parish Me-dia Ministry will be forming PIHM’s Photography sub-Ministry. Its main objective is to

capture our parish in action and encourage sharing one’s talent for photography for His greater Glory. Members will be assigned to cover parish and ministry events. In line with this, a one-day hands-on Photography Workshop, entitled “PIHM: In-focus” will be held on May 1, 2012, Tuesday at the Parish grounds. Mr. Guj Tungpalan himself, the man behind the success of Red Sheep Photography (http://redsheepphotocinema.com) will be giving tips and techniques on daylight photography.Registration Fee is P1,000. Text 0917-8572710 for inquiries. Limited slots are available. Priority will be given to parishioners willing to be members of the PIHM Photography sub-Ministry. Join the PHOTOGRAPHY MINISTRY! Text 0917-8572710 for more details :).

(from page 1)

Church construction completion is being fast-tracked!

A new ministry to smile about.

The Photography sub-ministry is born!

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In the Gloria is the promise of “peace to men of good

will.” This qualified in the NTRM: “and on earth peace to men of good will.” This is to stress God’s incredible benevolence in sending us His only Son that, ultimately, we might enjoy eternal peace with Him. “Good will” is also interpreted thus: “on whom his favor rests.”

In the Consecration, “cup” is changed to “chalice,”

becoming eminently more faith and prayer inducing, since it is associated with divine worship. Instead of “It will be shed for you and for all” we shall hear: “It will be poured out for you and for many.” “Poured out” evokes not only sacrifice, but also a total, generous self-giving. “For many” reminds us that while God truly loves everyone and Christ died for all, we must be warned that even after saying yes, we still have to “work our salvation in fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12) through ac-tive faith. (Ja 2:17)

Q- But what do we need the NTRM for? According to au-thorities, it is preferable to hear and listen to prayers and procla-mations instead of reading along with the priest. Doesn’t this make the NTRM superfluous or un-necessary?

by Min C. Arellano Old and yet RenewedThe New Translation of the Roman Missal (NTRM)

(Part 2 of 2)

Q- Words, words, words! I have yet to be convinced.

A- Patience, friend. Notice how over the past decades, commu-nication has become impersonal and informal; our speech, fast and terse? Relationships have become casual and shallow, no doubt part-ly due to the dying art of choosing our words carefully and listening to others attentively. Words are rashly, bluntly spoken or typed hastily and dispatched quickly; and our daily life is flooded with “sound bites, instant messages and tweets”

The NTRM takes us to a differ-ent time and place. Its words have a reverent tone essential in worship. Having been brought much closer to the original texts traced all the way back to the Last Supper, NTRM lead us to a deeper sense of sacredness and to more serious reflections. To il-lustrate:

In the Penitential Rite, the NTRM invites us to true

sorrow for our sins by repetition: “through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” The empha-sis should make us more conscious of our being sinners in humble need of God’s mercy and in ear-nest hope of conversion. It tells us never to lose the sense of sin so that we may walk steadfastly along the right path.

Q- So why change the words in the translation of the Roman Missal? Do words matter? Isn’t the heart primarily the heart of the matter during the Holy Mass?

A- Yes, in worship, the inner sense of God’s love and His presence is most desirable, and the joy that comes with it incomparable; but this doesn’t make the words (their meaning and our understanding of them) of little or of no im-portance. At the Holy Mass, God speaks to us through words; and we respond to Him in words.Changing words for the NTRM is not done merely for the sake of change. Words form, teach, en-courage us and affirm our beliefs, express our expectations and enliven our hope. In time, they need to be revised to enhance these functions and the Church undertakes the long and tedious process of reviewing, studying and seeing to the faithfulness of the translations.

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continued on page 10

“The NTRM takes us to a different time and place. Its words have a reverent tone

essential in worship.”

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E sther de Waal, who seeks God herself, showed in the book “Seeking God: The Way of St.

Benedict” how the Rule of St. Bene-dict can be an inspiration and a guide to an ordinary lay Christian. During her childhood, she lived in a former Benedictine priory, and today, she is a mother of four trying to follow the Rule of St Benedict as a Benedictine Oblate(dedicated to God’s service) in the midst of a busy, complicated, and stressful life.

Herein are excerpts from “Seeking God”.

Imagine St. Benedict right at the start of the Rule with the image of the crowded marketplace and the Lord calling loudly to anyone who cares to stop and listen. The call is meant for each one of us, just like these calls from the Bible: 1) Moses alone in the desert, 2) Samuel dragged out of sleep, 3) Simon and Andrew, James and John were mending their nets when Jesus called. The stories of “the call” expe-rienced by modern Benedictines are often quite ordinary, surprisingly com-monplace. The very first word of the Rule is ‘listen’. It involves a reverent, ready, humble way of listening. St. Benedict’s take on listening is the listening of the whole person, of body as well as intel-lect and it requires love. It also involves mindfulness, an awareness which turns listening from a cerebral activity into a living response. It means that we have to listen whether we like it or not, whether what we hear is actually disagreeable or threatening. Don’t turn a deaf ear to the many unexpected and perhaps unacceptable ways in which God is trying to reach us. To listen closely, with every fiber of our being, at every moment of the day, is one of the most difficult things in the world, and yet it is essential if we mean to find the

God we seek. The question is, are we prepared to act on what we hear? If we hear and do nothing, then the sounds have simply fallen on deaf ears. St. Benedict established in the Rule that we go to God by the road of obedience. It is clearly stated in his Prologue: ‘The labor of obedience will bring you back to him from whom you had drifted through the sloth of disobedience. This is for you then if you are ready to give up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedi-ence to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord.’ The second step in humility, St Benedict asks that ‘a man loves not his own will nor takes pleasure in the satisfaction of his desires; rather he shall imitate by his actions the saying of the Lord, I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.’

Seeking GodIn an age of bestselling paperbacks of-fering attractive ways to God through every conceivable means, the Rule stands firm in its relentless demand that we listen to the Word, that we never fail to remember that the Word remains our point of reference. The Rule must become the environ-ment in which the disciple has to live, to struggle and to suffer. It sets out to be the guide to Christian living in the practical situations of daily life. The wisdom of its provisions cannot be appreciated until they have been lived.

Today, those who follow it in a monas-tic community are doing so day by day. For us living outside the enclosure and like the novice, we are truly seeking God – we also turn to St. Benedict to draw inspiration from a great saint and one of the greatest creative writers of all time.

Photo credit: Heart Art, A heartspace art, Monastery of Transfiguration, Malaybalay Bukidnon Philippines 8700

eingenedictB

By Tess P. Mapa

(First of Three Parts)

A Push for Peace.

Let us join MTK (Mga Tagatulak ng Kapayapaan) in promoting the country’s national acceptance of Christ’s peace in preparation for the 500th anniversary of Christian-ity in the Philippines, which is 10 years from now. How? Most Rev. Broderick Pabillo, D.D. shares in his letter of appeal that, “as Christians, we must accept, individually and as a nation, Christ’s Peace, live it, and nurture it through love,truth,justice, reconciliation and active non-violence. Peace without Christ is incomplete and false.” MTK is is also disseminating cost-free stickers for public display

continued on page 6

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No. 33 March 2012

A chance to help

convert a river

When I am in a different part of the country and someone

of my age learns where I am from, chances are, he will say that his parents brought him to Hinulugan Taktak when he was a small boy.

If you have been to Taktak Falls lately, you know that it is a place that does not smell good. Now you will have an opportunity to be involved in the first step of its conversion: awareness of what is being thrown or drained into the river.

To many in the city, they may not be aware that the ‘creek’ behind their home or work-place supplies

the water that flows to Hinulugan Taktak. We are going to increase awareness and care for the river by starting off a photo campaign for Taktak’s tributaries (stream or river that flows into a main stem or parent river or a lake). Watch out for the details!

Below is a sketch of the tribu-taries of Taktak. It appears that Taktak is affected by the existing Antipolo Public Market and shall also be affected by the market

being constructed in its new site. We need to ensure that proper waste water treatment and waste disposal are implemented in these areas.

Let us give Hinulugan Taktak one more chance. Watch out for the launching of more projects for this effort.

As the deer panteth for the waters so my soul longeth after Thee..You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship thee.

Our Parish formed a new sub-ministry, the ECO-DESK.The ministry aims to promote ecological awareness and stewardship in our parish.

Be a VOLUNTEER, help make a change before its too late! Text 0920-9242140 to JOIN!

photo credit: cyndymc(virtual tourist)

The Hinulugan Taktak in al l i ts sudsy glory

LEGENDHinulugan Taktak flowroads

in order to raise public awareness in promoting Christ’s peace. “I accept Christ’s Peace. I pledge to nurture it. Kung walang baril walang mababaril”, it says. Feel free to get one from the parish office and post on your cars and/or public places and most importantly, live by what it says. For sticker inquiries, call 696-4387

(from page 5)A Push for Peace.

Join the

ECO-DESK

of our Parish

“Kay sarap ng mga pagkain! Sisikapin kong maibahagi ang masasarap na kaalam at karanasan sa aking pamilya at ang mga kaibigan. Nais kong manamnaman din nila ang mga nalasap ko na hanggang ngayon ay sariwa pa sa aking puso at isip.” (Leni)

“Napakahalaga ng seminar na ito hindi la-mang para sa mga Kris-tiyano kundi para sa la-hat. Dito lumilinaw ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit tayo naririto sa lupa: isabuhay si Kristo at ipamahagi kay Kristo at ang pagbabahagi sa kanya.” (Elsa)

“Lubos na gumaan ang pakiramdam ko at talag-ang naligaya-han ako. Nakaram-dam ako ng pagnanais magbasa ng Salita ng Di-yos. Inump-isahan ko na nga ito at gagawin ko na palagi.” (Glo)

“Napawi ang mga sakit ng aking kalooban at nawala o gumaan ang aking mga pasanin. Ipagpapatuloy ko ang pagbabago at dadalo ako sa mga prayer meeting. (Amy)

Ito ang iilan sa mga sinabi ng mga naka- attend at nakapanayam ko na magbahagi ng kanilang saluo-bin sa seminar:

Walang imposible sa Diyos. Matatamo din unti-unti ang panaginip: kakaibang Kristyano; banal; buhay, naglilingkod sa Diyos at sa kapwa ng buong sigla at katapatan, KAWANGIS NI KRISTO. Sa pagdami ng ganitong uri ng mga manan-ampalataya, iiral ang pagmama-hal, kapayapaan, pagkakasundo-sundo at pagkakaisa sa ating mga pamilya, parokya, sa buong Pilipinas, Asya at mundo. Dumayo kayo sa mga susunod na LCSC. Ang Diyos ang tumatawag: KILALANIN SI KRISTO! IS-ABUHAY SI KRISTO! IPAMA-HAGI SI KRISTO!

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bumabalot sa ating mga lipunan. May pagasa pa ba? Salamat sa Diyos: sa gitna ng karimlan, may pagasa: ANG DIYOS ANG PAGASA. SI KRISTO ANG PAGASA. TAYONG LAHAT ANG PAGA-SA. Tinalakay ang mga katotohanan tungkol sa Diyos, kay Kristo at ang mga pamamaraan na dapat sundin upang maging bago at buhay na Kristyano. Sa LCSC ko naramdaman ang tunay at mahigpit na pangangailan-gan, (sense of urgency)ng pagbabago sa sarili. Ipinamalas dito na kulang pa ang ginagawa ng marami kung kaya’t ang kapwa nating Kristyano ay dapat gisingin upang makagising din sila ng higit na marami pa. Ang bagong es-piritung natanggap ko ay hindi dapat solohin, bagkus, maging lebadura para sa pagbabago ng iba. Walang imposible sa Diyos.

Matatamo din unti-unti ang panaginip: kakaibang Kristyano; banal; buhay, naglilingkod sa Diyos at sa kapwa ng buong sigla at katapatan, KAWANGIS NI KRISTO. Sa pagdami ng ganitong uring mga mananampalataya, iiral ang pagmamahal, kapayapaan, pagkakasundo-sundo at pagkakai-sa sa ating mga pamilya, parokya, sa buong Pilipinas, Asya at mundo. Halina, dumayo kayo sa mga susunod na LCSC. Ang Diyos ang tumatawag: KILALANIN SI KRISTO! ISABUHAY SI KRISTO! IPAMAHAGI SI KRISTO!

For inquiries on the Live Christ, Share Christ Seminar, text 0906-2230305

discrimination towards the Church during the time of controversies against the priesthood. “That’s part of it,” Monsignor said, as he described doubt. He said that even saints are subjected to moments of unsettling uncertainty. According to him, he dealt with these doubts using his knowledge of the faith. Even if it went against his feelings, he pushed these aside; his devotion unwavering. These things are what will strengthen and deepen one’s faith – as long as the person in uncertainty chooses to remain steadfast regardless of what the world says. “There’s no such thing as per-fect,” he says and eventually jokes, “If you say you have no problems, I will buy a grave for you.” As the laughter ceased, he added that claiming to be completely void of problems means

one denies the need to be shaped into what God wants him or her to be, missing out on the point of living. Not of their own but God’s,to Monsignor Pete, fulfillment is seeing a far greater impor-tance in living life as an honest, humble, and joyful man for the Church. And whatever he may have fulfilled, he remains a mere instrument in what is God’s entire making. At present, the congrega-tion is home to thirty-six semi-narians. They have what they call the “Come and See” program, wherein any aspirant is invited to come by the seminary for a visit, and there’s the probable eventual participation. Some who do are

(from page 2)

(from page 1)

continued on page 11

from WithinThe Small Voice

Maging kakaibang Kristiyano!

Greet-ings,

ladies and gentle-men! From months of silence, I come back to deliver another review: a review of one of the greatest Christian alternative rock albums I’ve listened to in a while. It’s another hard-hitting album from the famed Christian rock band Skillet; and it’s so awesome that I’ll say this up front- it’s another 5-star rated album in my books.

Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John (lead vocals, bass) and Korey Cooper (rhythm gui-tar, keyboards, backing vocals),

along with Jen Ledger (drums, vocals) and lead guitar-ist Seth Morrison. The band has re-

leased eight albums, two of which received Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose. Over the past 15 years, Skillet has undergone several lineup changes, leaving founder John Cooper as the only original member remaining in the band. (1)

The album was released on Au-gust 25, 2009 by Lava Records and Ardent Records and it de-buted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry As-sociation of America (RIAA) on July 27, 2010 and has sold just under 900,000 copies to date. It was nominated for Top Christian

Album at the Billboard Music Awards 2011 and won. (2)As I’ve said, this album is one of the best albums I’ve listened to since Decyfer Down’s Crash album. The reason? Because this album is the whole deal: inspiration, reflection, realization and a good motiva-tion to take up arms and fight the good fight for our lives and the people we hold dear.

Inspiration is felt through their song “Awake and Alive” as it ex-presses lines like, “I know what I believe inside! I’m awake and I’m alive!” Reflection is expressed with their song “Forgiven” with lines that go, “All the promises and lies, all the times I compromise, all the times You were denied, You have forgiven!” Realization is spoken through their song “One Day Too Late” with lines like, “Make a change, make the world a better place ‘cause tomorrow could be one day too late!”

Album Review :– Skillet, Awake

By Luigi Lejano

May matagal ka na

bang nais itanong sa

isang Pari?

Mag-email sa tugon_

newsletter@yahoo.com.

Ang mapili na tanong ay

sasagutin ng aming guest

priest contributor at lalabas

sa susunod na issue ng

Tugon.

- Msgr. Pete Getigan, S.M.Q.A

Father, bakit ang anticipated mass kailangan hapon? Pag nagsimba po ako ng Sabado ng umaga, hindi po ba pwede i-consider na yun as my Sun-day mass?

It is Jewish tradition that the afternoon belongs to the next day. Even our Sabado de Gloria is technically our mass for the next day, which is Easter Sunday. Following that train of thought, Saturday morning masses can be considered masses from Friday and not for the next day, which is Sunday.

continued on page 10

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January 2012

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I grew up in a Catholic family and at-tended 3 Catholic schools,

yet by the time I was 20 years old, I was a certified “lukewarm Catholic.” It was in my 20’s that my immoral life went to another level. I was addicted to pornography and was engaged in unscrupulous premarital activties. I also accompanied my former boss, who was married, in going to strip clubs and “spas.” I was working as a web designer then for an online gambling company, and was creating pornographic websites on the side. My life was all about me. I sought all the pleasure the fallen world could give. I lived in mortal sin, and I was not repentant about it.

I am thankful I did not die back then. God did not quit on me. With God’s mercy and grace, and with the prayers of my uncle, I had a conversion experience before my 26th birthday. Three events led me back to Christ and His Catholic Church. The first event was when I read Chicken Soup for the Soul #2. I remember crying as I read the stories in that book about people who gave themselves to others. For the first time in my life, I real-ized that life is not about selfish-ness, it is about self-giving; it is about love. I started reading inspi-rational books but I kept staying away from Catholic literature. If I started reading Catholic literature, I would not be able to plead igno-rance anymore and I was still too attached to my sins.

The second event was when I bought a book about Mother Te-resa’s life. I thought it was harm-less enough but I was wrong. I also cried as I read that book. After reading it, I knew that I wanted to serve the poor for the rest of my life, and I also realized that I would need Jesus if I wanted to do that. Mother Teresa was straightforward in saying that it was Jesus who gave her the strength to do what she did, and I wanted that strength for myself. That was when I started going back to the Catholic Church. I knew in my heart that I will find Jesus in His body, the Church. So I started watching EWTN on cable and stopped avoiding Catholic books. It was the first time I really became catechized. I also started going to Mass more often. It was the first time I understood what it means to be a real Catholic.

From Porn sites to

Christ’s light

The last event was when I was in an evening Mass at the St Francis Church in Mandaluyong. I believe it was after I received communion and I was kneeling when I had this clear and profound realization: that God created me, and therefore, He owns me. Thus, the logical thing for me to do was to give Him back my life. And so, in tears, I did. God gave me a lot of op-portunities to make amends/repa-ration for the selfishness and sins I have committed and spread. After my conversion, I became a volun-teer of the Missionaries of Charity for 4 years. I helped around the orphanage, taught Catechism to poor kids, and helped give medi-cines to the poor. As for the sins I have spread on the web, God led me to start my own blog website, www.inspirational-

continued on page 11

Daxx’ true story.

(from page 4)

A- Far from it! No one is obliged to have a missal; but if one needs it to help him focus better, he is free to use it. Then come Advent this year, he might as well get the NTRM, for continuing the use of older versions defeats one’s purpose; not to mention, it goes against the directive of the Church. Moreover, the missal is excellent for preparing for the Holy Eucharist and for meditation/reflection afterwards.

In the Holy Eucharist, we become increas-ingly aware of our membership under one Church, the Body of Christ, as we hear, listen, sing, recite the same words and partake of the same spiritual meal. With the Holy Spirit, we can do all these with fuller attention and clearer understanding of the words. We can participate in the whole celebration

(from page 8)

All their songs are about dealing with sorrow, anger, malcontent and other worldly troubles by humbly accepting that you can’t do it alone; so one must seek help from others, and of course, from the Hero that is our Lord.

My rate, as I have mentioned, is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. If you need a good inspirational album and just want to steer a few notches from the usual

with heart and mind engaged, so that we may make a truly generous giving of ourselves to Him who first gave all of Himself to us.

Album Review: Skillet Awake

ASSUMPTION ANTIPOLOTransforming every student to become a WOMAN of Faith and of Action

PRE-SCHOOL / GRADE SCHOOL / HIGH SCHOOL

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION Two(2)photocopies:BirthandBaptismal Certificate(originalcopieshavetobepresented) MarriageContractofParents Three(3)copiesofrecent2x2I.D.pictures

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ADMISSIONSCENTER Sumulong Highway (02) 650-72-56 650-72-30

PROCEDURE:1.SecuretheApplicationFormattheAdmissionsOffice.2.SubmittherequirementstotheAdmissionsOffice.3.Taketheentranceexamonthescheduleddate.

www.assumptionant ipolo.edu.ph10

January 2012

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mellow songs, this is a surprisingly relaxing alterna-tive rock album. If you want to give it a go, I can lend you my copy; just tap me on the back when you see me at the parish. Coiva, the Elvish word we used as our band’s name in the Musikristo contest, literally means “awake”, a concept brought forth from the album’s entire message.

As a parting note, I just want to share a message from this album that struck me the most: “decide that today be the day you change for the better, the day when you choose a new beginning for a better life – because tomorrow could be one day too late!”

Keep the peace and rock on!

(1) Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skillet_%28band%29 (Feb 11,2012)(2) Wikipedia , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awake_%28Skillet_album%29 (Feb 11,2012)

blogs.com, which focuses on Jesus and Catholic spirituality. Every now and then, I get emails from depressed people who find the writings uplifting. It gets around 5,000 hits a month, and now has a total hits of 73,000 since I started it last 2009. I also started the youtube account Catholicanimated (http://www.youtube.com/catholicanimated) last year, where I continue to post pro-life, catechis-mal and inspirational animations. It has garnered 11,000 views as of this writing. My friends and I have also started a feeding program for malnour-ished public school students in Tanay, Rizal. We are on our second school year of operations, feed-ing 70 kids on every run. St. Paul said, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20). No matter how far we have fallen to sin, God’s mercy can reach us. No matter how far deep we are in the darkness,

Jesus can bring us back to the light. Jesus can bring us back to life.I was living a miserable and empty life before I met Jesus. I did it “my way” – and my way sucked! Lent is a time of grace, a time of conver-sion; and at the end of it is the opportunity for a new life, a resurrection. All you need to do is to ask and seek Jesus and knock on his door, and He will give you new life. He will give Himself to you. And when you have Jesus, you have every-thing.

(from page 9)

From Porn sites toChrist’s light

(from page 7)

ex-seminarians who still come back even to return full time, “…even if they already have stable jobs,” Monsignor said. “They return because of the small voice within,” he said. The small voice, according to Monsignor, does not come as big as our thoughts or plans. It comes as a spark, an instinct, a tiny urge to fulfill one’s reason of being: to belong to God. This small voice from within is not only heard by the apostolate or those who intend to be part of it. Each of us has that tiny spark, that faint yet constant longing to have our lives be identified to God, may it be in a congregation, our families, or through our service to the Church – simply because we are made for Him and “our souls will not find rest until it rests in Him.”

from WithinThe Small Voice

REMEMBER these DATES!DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY April 153:00pm start of Procession from Assumption5:30pm Mass

24th PARISH RENEWAL EXPERIENCE April 14-15(PREX) venue: Fairmount Subdivision ClubhouseOpen to all parishioners 18 yrs old and above.For inquiries, text 0923-2011127

12th National PREX Convention April 14-15venue: Ynares Center, Antipolo CityFor inquiries, text 0923-2011127

NIGHT OF PRAYER (TAIZé ) April 28(organized by the Parish Youth Ministry)6:00pm- 7:00pm at the parish grounds

PIHM: InFOCUS1-Day Photography Workshop May1 Speaker: Guj Tungpalan of Redsheep Photo CinemaLimited slots only. Registration Fee: P1,000 For inquiries, text 0917-8572710.

PARISH PASTORAL VISIT June 10PARISH FIESTA June 16-17

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VOLUNTEER at PIHM!Worship Ministry(Lectors, Altar Servers, etc.)- 0928-6987737Evangelization Ministry(PREX, BBS,etc.)- 0923-2011127Family Life Apostolate- 0906-2230305 Sacred Music Ministry- 0922-8290693Mother Butler Guild- 0917-8559329Ministry of Ushers & Greeters- 0916-2639086Social & Human Devt. Ministry- 0920-9242140Education (be a tutor or sponsor)- 0916-7733029Youth & Vocations- 0915-3116105 (Sr. Adeling Mumpar)- 0999-4371038Media Ministry(TUGON)- 0917-8458957

Official Newsletter of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of MaryHinulugan Taktak Road, Fairmount Hills subd., Antipolo CityTel. no. 696-43-87

Publisher Parish of the Immaculate Heart of MaryEditor in Chief Gabriel D. MontesAsst. Editor Delarie S. Almanzor Layout & Design Nathalie V. MendozaContributors Min C. Arellano Francesca D. Montes Daxx F. Bondoc Gabriel D. Montes Msgr. Pete Getigan Carina P. Salvador Wilfrido F. Montes Luigi D.P. Lejano Tess P. Mapa Advisers Rev. Fr. Alexander V. Enhaynes Parish Priest Lito C. Mendoza PPC President