Bukas Loob sa Diyos

Catholic Charismatic
Covenant Community
- San Pablo District

Volume 27 No. 12 December 2019

FINDING GOD in our hearts, in our Masayang Puso

loved ones, in our community, and in
helping people in need Maligayang Pasko
W e join mankind in celebrating the birth of Jesus. An
occasion that many believers in Christ await. Though
we, in the BLD San Pablo District (SPD), whether as a
whole organization, in groups or by individual effort, try to
put the most meaningful thoughts and actions in celebrating
Christmas, we will always come back to the question, what
does the birth of Christ mean to me or to our lives?

This year-end issue puts together some of the recent BLD

SPD events that could be described as continuing spiritual
search for an answer to the question posted. Our journey
does not come to rest as we continue to tread the road of
spiritual growth.

We backtrack to the One Unplugged which made a joyful

Darating si Kristo
noise unto the Lord on 14 November through its 2nd Praise
and Worship entitled “Beloved”. The prayer leaders Come Unity Day and Christmas Party 2019
In Jesus, there is no waiting in
imparted to the young and the not so young that they are
beholden in God’s eyes, thus, egging on those who came
to set time to spend with God. We may find solace on this
assurance in the gist of talk on “Finding the Lord” by Tito vain
Vini Cadiz, former Steward for Formation and now Emmaus Among a great gathering of expectant hearts, Rev. Fr.
Ministry Coordinator. Reynald Atienza expounded on the Sunday Gospel
With Tito Vini’s flowing inspiration, he further shared his
readings in his Homily for the BLD San Pablo District’s
thoughts on “Aching and Longing for a Christmas Miracle”. Come-Unity Day Celebration of the Holy Eucharist held
In his brief reflection he said, “He gives the reason for the on 1 December 2019. Fr. Atienza is the Parochial Vicar
longing at Christmas. When we celebrate Christmas, of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
we’re reminded of the constant joy we’ll someday
experience in the presence of Christ. And so, we long In his homily entitled “The Spirituality of Waiting”, Fr.
for His return. Reynald delved into the true meaning of Advent or
The Teaching Ministry conducted the Basic Bible Seminar
Adbiento in the life of an individual and as a
Part 2 (BBS 2) last 17 November 2019. After the Basic community. He said that everyday, Jesus actually
Continued on page 11...Finding God comes to every person. Araw-araw ay dumarating si
Hesus sa ibat-ibang paraan. Advent is a way of life, a
lifestyle.
More importantly, advent teaches us to be patient.
Parte ng buhay natin ang paghihintay. Maraming
bagay ang dapat pag handaan. Tulad nito, ang pag-
aasawa ay pinag hahandaan. Ang pag-aaral ay pinag
hihirapan at pinaghahandaan. Ang Adbiento ay
paghahanda, paghihintay at natututo tayong maging
Matiyaga. Advent is an encounter with Jesus . We
should be watchful of Jesus as He gives meaning to our
waiting. (Continued on page 8)
 ONE UNPLUGGED:
Beloved

“...After years of running away from God, His invitation to

reach out and take His hand was irresistible. The long pur-
suit had ended.” Francis Thompson, author of “The Hound
of Heaven”.

Have you been avoiding or ignoring God in your life? Do you

feel, as so many people do, that having God in your life
takes all the fun out of it? Nothing could be farther from the
truth, although it's what Thompson mistakenly believed.
These are his words: "For though I knew His love who fol-
lowed (like a Hound from heaven), Yet was I sorely fearful,
lest having Him I must have nothing else beside." Yet, while
Thompson was “going and almost gone," he finally realized
that what he saw as gloom was in fact "God's hand out-
stretched caressingly."

If you've been ignoring God, or running from Him, why not

try a different approach? Take time to be still and listen for
the sound of that gentle knocking on the door of your heart.
That's the touch of the Master's hand. If you haven't done
so already, why don't you open that door and let Him come
in? Welcome Him not just for the New Year, but for life, the
New Life that He offers to those who will seek, find, and
welcome Him into their lives! — Vini Cadiz, Emmaus Minis-try

Page 2 December 2019

 Teaching Ministry Holds
Basic Bible Seminar Part 2 (BBS 2)

T
he Teaching Ministry conducted the Basic
Bible Seminar Part 2 (BBS 2) last 17 Nov.
2019, Math Building, UPLB. There were 20
participants broken down as follows: nine from
Cabuyao Community; Those who attended were 20
participants, from the following: nine from cabuyao
(ME#30), five from Calauan (ME#29), six from LB
including two Solo Parents.
More than the basic topics in BBS Part 1, the
discussions provided an opportunity to know the
Bible more intently. This time, the participants were
further guided on the: understanding the acronyms
of the books in the bible; understanding the Bible as
a Word of God; response to the Word of God, Bible
and the Word sharing. Activities also included writing
Dear God letters, sharing on the Dining Table Caring
Circles. A Penitential and Healing Rites capped the
one-day teaching seminar.
Nel & Kim Bantayan and Lito Gaspar served as
Teachers. Vic and Bhel Milar coordinated and
facilitated the celebrations and conferences.

Page 3 December2019
December 2019 Page 3
 Prison Ministry Celebrates Christmas with LB Municipal Jail Inmates

D
oing Prison Ministry is not easy. But a select The Prison Ministry wishes to thank Ma‘am Eileen
group of BLD-SPD Members organized a gift- Caramto, Jail Officer who facilitated and helped organize
giving and a Christmas Party for the inmates of the gathering. The participants hope that Ministry
the Los Baños Municipal Jail on 22 November activities will continue on a monthly basis.
2019. Led by Brother Vergel Eusebio, the activity also
served as a venue for spreading the Word of God and
providing much neded pastoral care. The participating
members shared a simple meal with the 50 inmates who
have no visitors in their duration of incarceration. The
Prison Ministry has been doing this “corporal act of
mercy” since October 2018.

The activity started with an Opening Prayer with Praise

and Worship songs led by the Praise Ministry. This was
followed by the Exhortation and preaching by Lito
Gaspar on the topic, Nasaan nga ba si Kristo sa ating
Pasko?

The Lord has blessed the Ministry with volunteers,

resources and the zeal of the Holy Spirit to minister to
the prisoners. The members hope and pray that the
lives of these persons deprived of liberty will someday
change and transform.

Page 4 December 2019

 Nasaan nga ba si Kristo sa ating Pasko?

Dr. Vergel Eusebio, Couple Coordinator, Healing When we hear the word Christmas, a lot of things
and Counselling Ministry, together with some come to mind. Christmas songs, bagong damit,
members of the Community visited the Los Banos masasarap na pagkain, at mga aginaldo para sa
Municipal Jail on 22 November 2019. The group mga bata. Nandyan din ang Simbang Gabi,
was composed of Ras del Castillo, George Sinio, caroling, parol at belen.…at si Santa Claus nga
Summer Visperas, Roselle Collado, Milea Marinas, pala, muntik ng malimutan.
Janis Ian Delfino, Teody Gibe, Manny Linis, Ogie
Salvo, Lito Gaspar and Ning Saludez. Ang lahat ng ito ay naging bahagi na ng
paghahanda at pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Subalit
The visit was not only meant to bring the Spirit katulad din ng tanong ng pantas mula sa silangan,
of Christmas to our less-fortunate brothers and “Nasaan ang ipinanganak na hari ng mga Judio?”
sisters, but also to remind and inspire them to
always look to Christ, not only during our Nasaan na nga ba si Kristo sa ating Pasko?
darkest moments but to find Him in the person Ano na ang “papel” ng mismong dahilan ng ating
of everyone, to celebrate Him every moment of pagdiriwang? Kung pagninilayan natin ng mas
our lives. malalim, kapansin-pansin na tila ba nawawala na
After a short prayer, a reflection was given by Tito ang tunay na kahulugan ng pasko sapagkat itoy
Lito Gaspar on ‘Finding Christ In Our Christmas’, natatakpan ng mga bagay at isiping sa tingin natin
encouraging everyone to be perfect for Christ, to ay higit na mas matimbang sa ating paningin.
mirror the very image of Christ in us and to be Christ Marami rin ang nagsasabing ang Pasko raw ay
-like, despite our present circumstance. The para sa mga bata lamang, na para sa ating hindi
following are the excerpts from the reflection: na bata, ito’y lilipas din katulad lamang ng isang
Rhema: / Tema: “NASAAN SI KRISTO SA IYONG ordinaryong araw. Nasaan na nga ba si Kristo sa
PASKO”? Reading: [Mt 2:1-2] Panahon ng ating Pasko? — Lito Gaspar, Coordinator,
paghahari ni Herodes [a] sa Judea nang ipanganak Institutional Services
si Jesus sa Bethlehem. May mga pantas mula pa sa
silangan na dumating sa Jerusalem. Nagtanung-
tanong sila, “Nasaan ang ipinanganak na hari ng Calling all BLD-SPD
mga Judio? Nakita namin sa silangan ang kanyang
bituin, kaya't naparito kami upang siya'y sambahin.” Members!!!
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the District-wide Eucharistic Celebration
days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east Thursday, 2 January 2020, 7:30 p.m..
arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn
king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and
Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the
have come to do him homage.” Child Jesus (DSSTCJ), UPLB

December 2019 Page 5

 W.I.F.I. 2 for Youth Mental Health Held
T he Second Workshop for Integrating Faith-
based Ministry and Intervention (W.I.F.I.)
was conducted on 30 November 2019 at the
Multi Purpose Hall 1, Annex 2, College of Arts
and Sciences, UPLB. Forty-three participants
which included teachers and parents had their
day of interaction/discussion with the resource
persons and medical practitioners from PGH-
DPBM.

Held in collaboration with the UP Manila -

Philippine General Hospital Department of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Section
of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; the
Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child
Jesus (DSSTCJ); Foundation for St. Therese
Parish, Inc. (FSTPI); UPLB Office of the Vice The lecture topics were: Session1. Bio psycho-socio-
Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA); UPLB spiritual understanding of teenagers; Session 2.
Office of Student Affairs (OSA); UPLB College of Arts Depression, anxiety and suicide among teens;
and Sciences (CAS); and UPLB College of Human Session 3. Oppositional and defiant behaviors in
Ecology (CHE), the forum was designed to enlighten teens; and Session 4. Gender identity of teenagers.
teachers and parents of the UP Los Baños Community
and help them understand and effectively address The Resource Persons from UP-Manila were as
rising incidences of depression and suicide among the follows: Dr. Lorelei Melanie K. Elma, Section Head;
youth. Dr. Ma Elena D. Nepomuceno, Consultant; Dr. Joanna
Bucaycay-Asan, Fellow; Dr. Constantine L. Yu Chua,
The participants actively engaged in the discussions Fellow; and Dr. Ma Chrisma Rodessa B. Burgos,
and in the Open Forum, seeing hope and gaining Fellow.and Dr. Maria Cristina B. Diaz.
more understanding, and drawing from each other’s
experiences. There were three break-out group The seminar workshop ended with a plenary to draw
sessions which dealt with case studies on adolescent resolutions from the discussions to serve as
mental health. Each break-out group session was guideposts in the ensuing action plan/program.
facilitated by one of the health care professionals.

Photo above shows the participants together with the Resource Persons of W.I.F.I. 2.

Page 6 December 2019

More photos on W.I.F.I. 2…

Thoughts and Reflections on WIFI 2 . . . groups, each group was assigned a particular case study.

I
Parents were given the chance to express their thoughts and
was among those emerging so blessed last 30 the preferred methodology on the case presented to them.
November 2019 when doctors / physicians from UP
-PGH Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral The facilitator for the workshop skilfully mediated during the
Medicine, Section of Child and Adolescent discussions, merging each of the inputs from the parents into
Psychiatry in partnership with the BLD San Pablo District and an easily understandable and doable premise.
the UP Los Baños conducted the WiFi 2, the second
workshop after the equally successful WiFi 1 held on 05 June Considering the current challenges faced by both parents
2019. and teenagers, encounters such as this cannot come at a
much better time. An understanding of both the physical and
My reason for gladness was, the WiFi 2 centered on the emotional changes teenagers go through not only paves the
important roles of parenting in dealing with the needs of way for an in-depth understanding of the challenges our
their teenage kids, especially the discussion on “Oppositional children face but also opens greater opportunities for
and Defiant Behaviours in Teens.” My wife, Mildred, and I parents to better nurture the emotional needs of their
felt we could benefit to much extent in our own parenting teenage daughters and sons.
situation.
With God’s blessing, I do hope that the knowledge and
The workshops conducted after listening to the lectures on experiences gained through this seminar workshop can be
four background topics prepared us for the second half of cascaded down to the graduates of the BLD Family
the seminar which helped us understand several matters as Encounter Classes. God grant peace and love to all and to
the case studies were in some ways related to our specific our family. — Lito Gaspar, BLD
parenting experiences. The participants were divided into

December 2019 Page 7

Come Unity Day...from Page 1

Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

Greater than all you have been
waiting for in life. In Jesus, there
is No waiting in vain!” Jesus
makes our waiting a worthwhile
experience.

Fr. Reynald concluded his

Homily, “Nagbubunga ang ating
tiyaga at pasensya kapag si
Hesus ang ating hinihintay.
Walang bigo sa taong
marunong maghintay!”

May you have a wonderful

waiting experience with the
Lord!

LB-Putho-Tuntungin

Page 8 December 2019

 BLD-SPD Come –Unity Day and Christmas Party 2019
W ith the theme “Isang Pananampalataya
Come-Unity Day
na Nagkakaisa: ang saya-saya!”, the
and Christmas Party 2019
BLD San Pablo District held their annual
Come-Unity Day and Christmas Party last 1
December 2019 at the Baker Hall, UPLB.
Around 478 BLD-SPD Members with their
children came representing the following
communities: Tuntungin-Putho, Cabuyao,
BLD-Calamba Community Calamba, Calauan, Bay, Pila and Los Baños.
It was a record attendance with members
falling in line and filling the hall before 8 am.
Unplugged-BLD Cares group led the Praise
and Worship invoking through prayers and
songs the help of the Holy Spirit and exhorting
the participants to seek the Lord’s presence;
find meaning in the lives of young and their
elders through Jesus.
BLD-Pila, Calauan and Bay The worship team members came from the
Singles Ministry: Arbie Padilla, Cris Bellison
(vocals), Neil Rebua (guitar), Nino Cariaga
(drums). From the Praise Ministry were, Janis
(keyboard) and TJ Delfino (bass). From the
Youth Ministry: Summer Salvo, Rinx
Encarnacion; Marianne, Pristine & Anne San
Pedro; Pau Zipagan, and Pam Perez.

BLD-Cabuyao Community Attendance peaked during the Celebration of

the Holy Eucharist and onwards to the
fellowship/lunchtime. Recorded attendance
was 478 registrants.

Each Community brought their characters,

acts and stories on stage following the theme:
“Isang Pananampalataya na Nagkakaisa:
ang saya-saya!”
Singles & the Youth
The Tuntungin-Putho homestead emerged as
the top performer. Putho-Tuntungin portrayed
in their dramatization, the meaning of
ecumenism, oneness in Christ and
interrelated faith.

The District Council of Stewards sang

Christmas carols for the gathering. The Youth
and Singles led the action song “Who is that
Man-Deep-Deep.” Summer Salvo and Rinx
Encarnacion of the Youth Ministry served as
Emcees. Raffle prizes donated by the
Stewards & Cluster Shepherds members of the District Leaders Conference
(DLC) and other generous donors and friends
of BLD were given away. Formation Steward
Kim Bantayan delivered the closing remarks
on behalf of the DCS and led the final prayers
for the event. As in previous Come-Unity Day
and Christmas Celebrations, Santa Claus
came and distributed goodies to all the
children. Indeed, Christmas is for children and
families who believe that Jesus is the reason
Youth Ministry for the season.

Page 9 December 2019 Page 9

 Aching and Longing themselves in their electronic gadgets, never
looking up from their phone or tablets as family
for the move around them, finding it more bearable to stay
lost in technology than to engage with their family.
Christmas Miracle Look around this Christmas season. Let your
heart be broken by what you see. Because the
“I can’t see in this darkness, so in need of world all around you is so desperately searching for
forgiveness. Before all of my faith dies, show and aching for the miracle that the birth of Jesus
me the way like a northern light. Come find offers. And that longing for Jesus is as old as the
me, ‘cause I can’t find myself. I’m looking for fall, when sin entered our world and we as a human
you on Christmas Eve. All over the world the race needed a savior.
angels sing. But I’m feeling lost, can you save
me? I’m looking for you on Christmas Even as Christmas, as we go through Advent and
Eve.” (Written by Gwen Stefani; sung by Blake get closer to celebrating the birth of Jesus, there’s
Shelton) often that sense of longing and pining inside.

A
Perhaps you’ve found it. The sense of yearning and
song written and sung by two of today’s waiting that fills our hearts. We know why the
biggest secular music artists, these lyrics world longs for the miracle of Christmas – they
quoted above is significant in the light of need a Savior – but why do we continue to
what is happening in the world around us. experience this longing each Christmas?
Those words are a perfect picture of a world today
that doesn’t know Jesus. A world that is lost and For 2,000 years, the world waited for a Savior. But
longing for the miracle of Christmas. Unconsciously, when Jesus came, mankind was no longer doomed
they’re looking for Jesus, because in Jesus they will to be separated from God eternally. Through this
be made complete. vulnerable baby born humbly in a manger, we could
have eternal life. With the birth of Jesus, his death
Look around you as people hurry around preparing on the cross, and the resurrection, the process of
for the holidays. People drowning themselves in freeing mankind was begun. And while Jesus frees
alcohol as they celebrate the season. Parents spend us from the chains of sin and makes us new
thousands of pesos on presents for children they creatures, the process of sanctification hasn’t been
rarely spend time with. Families dread those completed yet.
holiday dinners because of the brokenness of their
family relations. People hustling and bustling Paul wrote about that in this passage in Romans
everywhere chasing down the “feeling” of 8:19-25. Creation continues to be weary. The whole
Christmas, only to be left empty when the wrapping world, including Christmas, continue to be affected
paper is left scattered on the floor and close friends by the curse of sin. We see the devastating effects
and relatives have all gone home. of sin every day in broken relationships, personal
failures, starving children, broken families, financial
The world is aching. There are homeless and difficulties, wars, slave trade -- the list could keep
hungry on our own streets. Countries from Syria to going.
Iraq and Iran are in turmoil. These war-torn areas Although Christmas season brings celebration and
and people live in fear of being bombed, shot, or rejoicing as we remember the birth of our Savior,
captured across the world. Parents argue over there’s a part of our heart that realizes we haven’t
finances while Christmas lights blink, desperate to made it home yet. The world is broken. We are still
stay afloat financially. Solo parents cry in the light broken, even as Christmas. Creation longs for the
of Christmas trees trying to hold their lives together day when Jesus will return again.
for their children. Lonely people seek
companionship in bars or the arms of lovers Only with the return of Jesus will the Christmas
because they can’t stand the idea of being home story finally be complete and we will finally
alone for the holidays. Lolo and Lola sit at home experience the paradise and fellowship with God
and wonder if their family has forgotten them as that He originally intended. This is the reason for
they wait for the phone to ring, or the knock on the that feeling of longing at Christmas. When we
door. Many others, millennials especially, bury Continued on page 11...Aching and Longing

Page 10 December 2019

Aching and Longing...from Page 10 FINDING GOD ...from Page 1
celebrate Christmas, we have a small look at what Bible Seminar Part 1, participants learned the significance
of the Word sharing circle in the BLD community, sharing life
peace on earth could be and we’re reminded of experiences and words/verse in the Bible that affect their life,
the constant joy we’ll someday experience in the personal directions and spiritual growth.
presence of Christ. And so, we long for His return. Meanwhile, the Prison Ministry led by Dr. Vergel Eusebio, with
volunteer members from Praise and Healing Ministries,
But as Christians experience that longing at Mission and Management clusters, visited the inmates at the
Christmas, we begin with the end in mind, we do Los Banos Municipal Jail on 22 November 2019. An article
stirs our minds with the question “Nasaan si Kristo sa ating
so with hope, because we have the promise that mga kapatid?”
Jesus is coming again. And that joy we feel each
The “Workshop for Integrating Faith-based Ministry and
Christmas will be so small compared to the Interventions (WIFI) 2 seminar was held on 30 November at
excitement of seeing Jesus – our Savior – face to UP Los Baños (UPLB). WIFI 2 focused on the Parents and
face. Think about it. No more tears. No more pain. Teachers. The event provided a venue to answer and discuss
the questions on: 1) How do we care for the youth?; and 2)
No more futility. No more yearning. Just the love How do we help them cope with life’s uncertainties,
of Jesus made complete in us. Maranatha!! depression and feeling of being unwanted? Jesus has shown
His love for the children and the young and this we must give
--- Vini Cadiz, Emmaus Ministry meaningful response.

The much-awaited Come Unity Day and Christmas Party was

“O holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is held on Sunday,1 December at Baker Hall, UPLB. In Jesus
the night of our dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the there is no waiting in vain. Fr. Reynald Atienza emphasized in
world in sin and error pining, ‘til he appeared and his homily the importance of knowing how to wait. He shared
the true meaning of Advent or Adbiento in the life of an
the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary individual and as a community. He said that everyday, Jesus
world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and actually comes to every person.
glorious morn. Fall on your knees. O hear the The District continued to hold its worship Service on
angel voices. O night divine. O night when Christ December 5 and 12 as the District Council of Stewards
deemed it proper to hold two more Thursdays of Corporate
was born.” (O Holy Night by Michael Guy Chislett Worship Service to encourage members to focus some more
and Dylan Thomas) on Advent as guided by the weekly community Word, Order,
Themes and Promises.

The Mabacan Feeding Program Christmas Party was held on

December 15 . The BLD Calauan Community, through its
Couple Coordinator, Uly and Weng Ople, assisted by the
members shared the joy of Christmas season to the District’s
feeding program beneficiaries, children and parents.

On the other hand, the Matthew 25 Feeding Program also

organized a Christmas party for the children of San Antonio
(riles). Why should we feed the poor and the hungry? The
acts of Dr. Vergel and Dr. Judith Eusebio remind us about our
responsibility to share our blessings with the poor.

In DCS Corner, from the San Pablo District Steward for

Management reminds the community members to await Jesus
Christ with utmost sobriety and respect.

Year 2019 comes to a close. Yet the BLD San Pablo

community will not taper off in pursuing activities for the Lord.
We, in the BLD, then prepare how to share God’s Word and
promise for another year. In effect we are braced for year
2020 which will start in the month of January with the
Salubong and Shepherding Sessions for the Adult Life in the
Spirit Seminar slated on February 28 to March 1.

The grace, gifts and fruits of waiting for Jesus this Christmas
be yours. May year 2020 be filled with the Lord’s blessings
according to His plans!

December 2019 Page 11

 A Meaningful Christmas for Mabacan
Feeding Program Beneficiaries
The BLD Calauan Community hosted a Christmas Party habits. There is also a book reading
for the kids and parents of the Mabacan Feeding session and praying and sharing on the Word of God.
Program on 15 December 2019.
The Christmas party included games conducted by
Looking back, the BLD San Pablo District launched a and participated in by members of the Singles and
feeding program on March 28, 2019 at Barangay Youth Ministries and the Organizing Team.
Mabacan, Calauan, Laguna. The program beneficiaries Community Shepherds Uly and Weng Ople thanked
are indigent children aged 4-8 years old. The children the generous donors and everyone who attended the
were identified through the coordination of Dhory party to make this Christmas more meaningful for the
Arcillas with the Sangguniang Barangay of Mabacan. children of Mabacan. Pastoral Stewards Kiko and Jeng
The Feeding Program of 2019 consisted of regular Reyes and Mission Stewards, Dads and Mariz Ventura,
Sunday feeding activity organized by BLD Calauan, also graced the celebration. and Pastoral Cluster
interspersed with lessons on hygiene, proper eating event. Praise and glory to our God!

Page 12 December 2019

Matthew 25 SOLIDARITY WITH
THE POOR FEEDING PROGRAM
Matthew 25:37-40. . .”Lord, when did we see You hungry and
feed You; thirsty and give You drink,... And the King will
answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the
least of my brothers you did it to me.”

This act of kindness was conducted with the participation of

more than 100 kids and their families. The accompanying
photos were taken during the Christmas party of the feeding
program held last 17 December 2019 in San Antonio, Los
Baños, Laguna.

The Matthew 25 feeding program “We keep

has on teaching,
been praying, for
in existence
witnessing and publishing
14 years with weekly feeding of more than 100
for the children.
Lord”
Since last year, BLD has supported 2 feeding programs with
Nene Barbosa as program coordinator and many volunteers.
Vergel & Judith Eusebio, Healing Ministry.

December 2019 Page 13

 In DCS Corner upon him, a spirit of wisdom and
understanding, a spirit of counsel and of
Ogie Salvo strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of
Management Steward the Lord.” Therefore; being BLD members
baptized with the holy spirit and fire, we have
no more reason to question our capability. The
Sobriety call of St John and Isaiah is the call for
SOBRIETY.
MALIGAYANG PASKO po sa inyong
lahat! SOBRIETY or SOBER-automatically means
“NOT DRUNK”, sa tagalog MATINO,
SOBRIETY. Ano ang kinalaman ng salitang MAHINAHON, nasa TAMANG-WISYO. The
SOBRIETY sa ADVENT o sa panahon ng word Sobriety is associated to people with
KAPASKOHAN? drinking problems or habitual drinkers. What
In Matthew 3:3; it was written “A voice of one are the characteristics of a drunk person?
crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the
Lord, make straight his paths.” This is the “Unbalanced slurred speech, talked differently,
Gospel reading in the second Sunday of slowed motor skills, can’t see straight, can’t
Advent wherein John the Baptist appeared, walk straight and tends to fall over or stumble
preaching in the desert of Judea and and easy temper”. All the acts are considered
proclaiming these words saying; “Repent for negative and harmful, to the person himself or
the Kingdom of heaven is at hand”. to the people around him.

We all know that Advent is the waiting for the What should a person do? One must be in the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. John the state of SOBERIETY!
Baptist and prophet Isaiah before him, was
already proclaiming to everyone to prepare and Hence, the calling of St John for everyone to
to put ourselves under His flock. PREPARE ourselves for the coming of the Lord.
To be in the right mind, body and spirit. To be
During that time, John the Baptist, baptized SOBER!
people with water for repentance of sins
including Jesus in the river Jordan and Sobriety or Sober in the Bible means “To be
presently we were also baptized by priests with calm and collected, to have a good sense, good
water when we were young. He also judgement, wisdom and level-headed in times
proclaimed that “one who is coming after me is of distress.
mightier than I. I am not worthy even to carry It is Christmas season, and everybody is
his sandals. “He will baptize you with the excited about many things. Question is:
Holy Spirit and fire.” “Kasama ba sa plano natin ang tunay na
Brothers and sisters, he spoke of these words rason ng selebrasyon ng Pasko? O ang
thousands of years ago, and true to their hinhintay lang natin ngayong Adbyento ay ang
words, this prophesy have happened to us, ating mga bonus, regalo, ihahandang pagkain
when were baptized with the Holy Spirit and sa salo-salo o ang naka-planong bakasyon?
fire during our BLD LSS encounters. So, When
St. John said “prepare the way of the Lord, Rom 12:3 “And because of God’s gracious gift
make straight His paths” should we believe to me I say to every one of you; Do not think of
him? yourself more highly than you should. But to
think soberly, according to the amount of faith
Definitely, YES! now Mahirap po ba ituwid ang that God has given you.”
landas na patungo sa ating Panginoon? No!
Because the presence of the holy Spirit is in Hindi po dito tinatawaran ang ating
every one’s heart now. kakayahan bilang tao, but St Paul is exhorting
In first reading from the book of Isaiah he us to always think according to the gifts of
proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest God that he Continued on page 15...In DCS

Page 14 December 2019

In DCS ...from page 10 1. Conducting ourselves properly with an
attititude of gratitude.
2. Following His paths thru regular bible
gave us. At magagawa natin ito kung malinaw
reading, fasting, receiving communion and
ang kondisyon ng isip ng tao.
going to confession.
In King James Version Dictionary, the 3. Exercising charity towards the poor and
definition SOBRIETY are these: less fortunate brothers and sisters in and out
1. Habitual soberness or temperance in of the community.
the use of spiritual liquors; as when
In 1 Peter 4:7 it says, “The end of all things
we say a man of sobriety.
is at hand therefore be self-controlled and
2. Freedom from intoxication. Public
sober-minded for the sake of your
sobriety is a relative duty.
prayers.”
3. Habitual freedom from enthusiasm,
inordinate passion or overheated “Malapit na ang wakas ng lahat ng
imagination; as the sobriety of riper bagay; kaya’t maging mapagtimpi
years; the sobriety of age. kayo at panatilihing malinaw ang
4. Seriousness; gravity without sadness pag-iisip upang kayo’y maka
or melancholy. Mirth makes them not panalangin.”
mad, nor Sobriety sad. As disciples of Christ; this Advent and for the
There are at least more than 100 verses that coming years let us always be in the state of
pertains to the meaning of ‘SOBER or SOBRIETY and let it be our lifestyle for the
SOBRIETY” in the bible. Lord. Amen!

Our District direction for this season of TO GOD BE THE

◼
GLORY!
Advent summed up the full meaning of — Ogie Salvo, DCS for Management
SOBRIETY, and it is for all of us to follow:
This season of Advent, let us prepare our
hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ by:

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

- BLD-SPD Cluster Shepherds and District Council of Stewards

December 2019 Page 15

 Emmaus Community Worship
Vini & Cel Cadiz, Couple Coordinator

Dec
EMMAUS ADVENT SEASON BREAK
2019

Jan
EMMAUS WORSHIP RESUMES —— 18 January 2020
2020

BLD SPD Covenant House

SCHOLARSHIP
“Ipon” Challenge OF HOPE
Please turn over all “Ipon” canisters on 2 January
2020 to the Treasury Ministry
Be a champion of children! Help pursue and
sustain the BLD SPD Scholarship of Hope
program for 2019 - 2020. For the current
schoolyear, we have 52 active scholars for
the BLD community. Your generosity is most
appreciated! Donations and love offering for
the SOH program are most welcome!
For details and updates, please contact
Gener and Lynie Dimasuay, SOH Program
Coordinators.

Opportunity Shop
(OppShop)
The “Opportunity Shop” is a continuing project of
the Mission Cluster. OppShop aims to raise funds
for the San Pablo District through on-line
distribution of slightly used or new products.
Kung meron po tayo mga bagay o gamit na
pwede pang pakinabangan, may kaunting
punit, gasgas o sira at naka tabi lang sa
◼ inyong mga bahay, maaring pa itong ma-
convert sa cash!
Makipag-alam kay Tita Lala Atienza sa mga
numerong nakasaad sa announcement na ito.

Page 16 December 2019

 January 2020
Community Word
Jesus is the revelation of God’s Order
Truth and Light to the world. “Come after me…” (Matthew 4:19)
THEMES AND PROMISES Week#3 (Feast of Santo Niño – Philippines)
Week#1 (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Theme: We reveal Jesus to the world when
Lord ) we humble ourselves like a child.
Theme: We reveal Jesus to the world when Promise: “…become like children, you will
we share our time, talent, and treasure. enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Promise: “ . . . he shall rescue the poor (Matthew 18:3b)
when he cries out . . . ” (Psalm 72:12) Week #3 (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time –
Week#2 (Feast of the Baptism of the Lord ) International)
Theme: We reveal Jesus to the world when Theme: We reveal Jesus to the world when
we fulfill our baptismal vows. we testify that He is the Son of God.
Promise: “ . . . whoever fears him and acts Promise: “ . . . I will make you a light to the
uprightly is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:35) nation.” (Isaiah 49:6b)
Week#4 (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Theme: We reveal Jesus to the world when
District Directions we joyfully respond to His call.
Promise: “ . . . I shall see the bounty of the
January 2020 Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13)

READINGS
January 5 Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1, 2, 7, 8, 10-13/Eph 3:2, 3, 5,
ONE WAY 6/Mt 2:1-12
January 12 Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10/Acts 10:34-
38/Mt 3:13-17
January 19 (Phil) Is 9:1-6/Ps 98:1-6/Eph 1:3-6, 15-18/Mt
Pay homage to Jesus by: 18:1-5, 10
January 19 (Int’l) Is 49:3-6/Ps 40:2, 4-10/1Cor 1:1-3/Jn
1. Sharing time, talent and treasure to serve 1:29-34
the community. January 26 Is 8:29-9:3/Ps 27:1, 4, 13, 14/1Cor 1:10-13,
2. Being a good witness of God's love and 17/Mt 412-23
humility.
3. Being an honest and trustworthy friend, co-
worker and brother/sister in the
Community.

Sambahin Si Hesus sa pamamagitan ng: We praise and thank the Lord for our Formation
1. Pagbabahagi ng oras, talento at Stewards Nel & Kim Bantayan who served as the
kayamanan sa paglingkod sa Community. Presiding Stewards for October - December 2019.
2. Pagiging mabuting saksi sa pagibig ng On 1 January 2020, let us welcome Tito Jun and
Diyos at Kanyang kababaang loob. Tita Eva Catalan, DCS for Evangelization, who will
3. Pagiging tapat at maasahang kaibigan, be the Presiding Stewards until 31 March 2020.
kapwa-lingkod at kapatid sa Community. Glory and praise to Christ Jesus!

December 2019 Page 17

“OFFER TO GOD PRAISE AS YOUR SACRIFICE
AND FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE MOST
HIGH” (Ps 50:14)
BUKAS LOOB SA DIYOS CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC
COVENANT COMMUNITY SAN PABLO DISTRICT
WORSHIP, PRAY-OVER, HOLY ROSARY LEADERS
AND READERS OF THE WORD
January 2020

HOLY READERS OF THE WORD ACTIVITY

MASS SPONSOR/ PRAY-OVER
DATE ROSARY
WORSHIP LEADER LEADER 1st Reading 2nd Reading
LEADER
1 January HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
Eucharistic
2 January CS/DCS IM c/o Manny & Lynne Barroso
Celebration
Manny/ Lynne Ricky/Precy
9 Jan Yonie Linis Belen Fabreag Reflection
Barroso Battreal
Bong/Cecil Belen Adin/Lea Dong /Gilda
16 Jan Teaching
Baltazar Fabreag Labuanan Mangahas
Marie
23 Jan Nel/Kim Bantayan Vic/Bhel Milar Flojie Velilla Healing
Manzanilla
Sonny/Senen Dory de
30 Jan Zeny Nazareno Alice Aragones Sharing
Escamos Villa

January 2020 CALENDAR

2 January: First Monthly Eucharistic Celebration, DSSTCJ, Sponsors: Cluster Shepherds/DCS

09 &16 January: Corporate Worship Service
11 January: BLD Cares, Praise and Worship
18 January: Saturday Emmaus Worship Service, 2:30 p.m., DSSTCJ
19 January: The Heart of a Shepherd: Shepherd’s Refresher Course, Venue to be arranged
23 January: Healing Night, Corporate Worship Service, DSSTCJ and LSS Salubong (LB-Putho-
Tuntungin);
24/25 January: LSS Salubong, (Cabuyao, Calamba, Calauan, Bay, Pila)
26 January: Reunion of all 2019 LSS graduates.

FEBRUARY 2020 - 29 Feb to 01 March 2020 - Adult Life in the Spirit Seminar

Sandigan is a publication of the BLD Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community San Pablo District. Ministry
Coordinators, Heads of Apostolates and all active members are encouraged to submit write-ups and photos of BLD
events, updates and activities to [email protected] on or before the 3rd Monday of every month. Let us
share information on God’s works in the BLD San Pablo District through the Sandigan! The Word Ministry gratefully
appreciates all your article contributions, suggestions and support.

Page 18 December 2019

 Bukas-Loob sa Diyos

Sandigan Bulletin
Catholic Charismatic
Covenant Community

Volume 2 No. 12 San Pablo District December 2019

Community Word Order

The coming of Jesus Christ brings “Make your hearts firm…the coming
joy and hope in our lives. of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8b)
THEMES AND PROMISES Promise: “He shall have pity for the lowly
Week#1 (1st Sunday of December 2019 and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall
Advent) save.” (Psalm 72:13)
Theme: There is joy and hope in our lives when Week#3 (3rd Sunday of Advent)
we grow in holiness. Theme: There is joy and hope in our lives when
Promise: “…those who love you prosper.” (Psalm we serve the needs of the poor. Promise: “The
122:6) Lord God keeps faith forever, secures justice for
Week#2 (2nd Sunday of Advent) the oppressed, gives food to the hungry…sets
Theme: There is joy and hope in our lives when captives free.” (Psalm 146:6-7)
we truly repent. Week#4 (4th Sunday of Advent)
Theme: There is joy and hope in our lives when
District Directions we are obedient to God’s plan and direction
Promise: “He shall receive a blessing from the
December 2019 Lord, a reward from God his savior.” (Psalm
24:5)
This season of Advent, let us prepare our Week#5 (Feast of the Holy Trinity)
hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ by: Theme: There is joy and hope in our lives when
1. conducting ourselves properly with an we entrust our family to God’s care and
attitude of gratitude; protection.
2. following His paths thru regular bible Promise: “Blessed is everyone who fears the
reading, fasting, receiving communion and going Lord, who walk in his ways… for you shall be
to confession; and favoured.” (Psalm 128:1 – 2).
3. exercising charity and generosity towards the
poor and less fortunate brothers and sisters in
and out of the Community.
Ngayong panahon ng Adbiyento, ihanda natin
ang ating mga puso sa pagdating ni
Hesukristo sa pamamagitan ng:
1. Pagpapamalas ng mabuting pagkatao na may
ugaling mapagpasalamat.
01 DECEMBER 2019
2. Pagsunod sa Kanyang landas kalakip ang It’s the BLD SPD
palagiang pagbabasa ng bibliya, pagaayuno,
pakikinabang, pangungumpisal; at COMMUNITY DAY &
3. Pagkakawanggawa at bukas palad na
pagtulong sa mga kapatid nating
CHRISTMAS PARTY
nangangailangan sa loob at labas ng Baker Hall, UP Los Baños
komunidad.
Announcements on page 2
 BLD San Pablo District, DSSTCJ Corporate Worship Service
HOLY READERS OF THE WORD ACTIVITY
MASS SPONSOR/ PRAY-OVER
DATE ROSARY
WORSHIP LEADER LEADER 1st Reading 2nd Reading
LEADER
Come Unity Day
01 Dec Putho Homestead IM c/o Manny & Lynne Barroso & Christmas
Party
Romie/Dory De Gilda Larry/Sylvia Sherwin/Gay
5 Dec Reflection Night
Villa Mangahas Perez Encarnacion
Lito/Mildred Rey/Odette
12 Dec Ed/Gina Paras Flojie Velilla Teaching Night
Gaspar Rocello
16 Dec Start of Misa de Gallo/Dawn Masses
25 Dec CHRISTMAS DAY
01 Jan 2020 NEW YEAR’S DAY
Cluster Holy Eucharistic
02 Jan IM c/o Manny & Lynne Barroso
Shepherds/DCS Celebration

Emmaus Community Worship Vini & Cel Cadiz, Couple Coordinator

Dec 2019 EMMAUS ADVENT SEASON BREAK
18 Jan
2020
EMMAUS WORSHIP RESUMES ——18 January 2020

⚫ ⚫ ⚫ Ministry News, Updates ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ BLD SPD Covenant House

EVANGELIZATION Cluster  LSS Team 2020 organizational
meetings will be held December and January 2020 for the LSS “Ipon” Challenge
activities. LSS # 10 will be on Feb 29-Mar 1, 2020 
 DSSTCJ Corporate Worship Services will be held on 5 and 12
Please turn over all “Ipon” canisters starting
December 2019 prior to the Christmas break. Worship Leaders,
readers and pray-over leaders have been assigned  01 Dec. 2019 ComeUnity Day to the Treasury Min.
PASTORAL Cluster  Youth Ministry  Parade of the Saints was DECEMBER 2019 and January - March 2020 CALENDAR
held 20 October 2019 at DSSTCJ with Fr. Enald Atienza as speaker on
“Praying with the Saints”  BLD Cares Worship, One Unplugged  01 Dec., Holy Eucharistic Celebration and COME UNITY DAY
resumes on 11 January 2020.  Healing and Counseling Ministry Baker Hall, Sponsors: Putho-Tuntungin-LB Community  05 &
 The HCM weekly Word Sharing Circle is held every Monday 7:30 12 Dec. , BLD San Pablo District CWS at DSSTCJ   
evening at Rm 1, DSSTCJ. All DLC members/or Couple Coordinators JANUARY 2020 — 02 Jan., Holy Eucharistic Celebration,
who have no Word Sharing group are encouraged to attend the HCM
DSSTCJ, Sponsors: Cluster Shepherds/DCS  09 &16
WSC.  Prison Visit was conducted 22 Nov. 2019 at LB Mun. Jail.
 The WIFI 2 was held on 30 November 2019, CAS Annex, UPLB
January, CWS DSSTCJ; 11 January BLD Cares, Praise and
with 43 total participants and 6 resource persons from UP-PGH. Worship  18 Jan., Emmaus 2:30 p.m., DSSTCJ  19 Jan.,
 Emmaus Community Worship  The next Emmaus Worship Heart of a Shepherd; 23 Jan., CWS Healing night at DSSTCJ
Service will be held on 18 January 2020  and LSS Salubong (LB-Putho-Tuntungin); 24/25 Jan., LSS
Salubong, (Cabuyao, Calamba, Calauan, Bay, Pila); 26 Jan.,
MANAGEMENT Cluster  Service and Treasury Ministries
conduct their WSC every Monday at DSSTCJ room 4 & 5, 7:30 p.m.  Reunion of all 2019 LSS graduates;
 Service & Treasury Ministries have repacked over 400 plus of
FEBRUARY 2020 —— 29 Feb to 01 March 2020 - LSS Seminar
donated detergent powder for distribution on 01 December Christmas
Party/Come Unity Day. Community/Homestead Praise & Worship Schedule
FORMATION Cluster  The Basic Bible Seminar (BBS) Part 2
Community/Venue/Day Worship Leaders
was conducted on 17 November 2019 at the Math Building lecture
room, UPLB with 20 participants from Cabuyao, Calauan, LB and LSS# St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 06 Dec. - Roger & Julie Palenzuela
Bgy. Pulo, Cabuyao Laguna (Teaching)
9 graduates. Teachers were Tito Nel & Tita Kim Bantayan, Formation Friday, 7:30 p.m. 13 Dec. - Holy Eucharistic Celebration
Stewards and Tito Lito Gaspar from Mission Cluster 
San Isidro Labrador Parish, 05 Dec. - Holy Eucharistic Celebration
MISSION Cluster   The Feeding Program continues for 2020; Calauan DSSTCJ, UP Los Baños
please donate children’s books for the kids. Members of Singles Saturday, 7:30 p.m. 14 Dec. - Vic & Bhel Milar
15 Dec. - Start of Simbang Gabi
Ministry offered to hold games for the children in the Feeding Program.

Page 2 November 2019