‘Know why you serve’ – bishop to lay ministers

NAGA CITY, May 1, 2014 – A bishop challenges lay ministers, church volunteers who play a crucial role in the sacramental life of parishes, to know their motivation for serving because it should always lead them back to Jesus.

In his message to more than 4,000 church workers at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona asked them to answer the question “What motivates me to serve?”

‘Principled service’

He said the reason for serving should be fuelled by the acronym “FIRE”, meaning ‘full of faith’; intimacy with Jesus, renewal and engagement.

According to Tria Tirona, those who serve the Church should pray for the same qualities of Jesus. He added that ‘principled service’ will always call for obedience, humility, commitment, and a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

The annual archdiocesan renewal formation themed “Layko Ako: Inapod magin Santo asin Saksi ni Kristo sa Banwaan” held Saturday, April 26, also featured Dr. Josefina Manabat, San Beda College Dean of Graduate School of Liturgy, who encouraged the attendees to strive to actively participate in the holy mass.

According to Manabat, who was the keynote speaker for the event, being truly present at the holy mass will allow the “graces of the liturgy” to be received.

She said since the liturgy is a “communal act”, everyone, especially lay church workers should be” instruments for others, to guide them and allow them to fully participate in the mass.”

Active participation in the mass

In a follow-up session, Julma Narvadez, a facilitator for the Caceres Congress of the Laity, revealed that active participation during the liturgy is “one of the challenges faced by the lay faithful in Caceres.”

Her findings are based on results from focus group discussions held prior to the Congress.

In the afternoon, Sam Flores presented the new database and system for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; while Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Director Fr. Glenn Ruiz launched the Liturgia, Ihiras Ta, a project of the Commission. Liturgia, Ihiras Ta aims to “give 10,000 copies of the Order of the Mass” to first communicants in the Archdiocese.

Though a separate formation program was held for altar servers and parish choirs, everyone gathered for the concluding concelebrated mass at 3 p.m., which was presided over by Archbishop Tria Tirona.

The event was held at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum and was attended by lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, collectors, ushers, members of the Parish Worship Committee, Mother Butlers Guild, and Mother Butlers Mission Guild. (Natalie Hazel Quimlat)