SILP Kids’ Mass turns 3

Parents are delighted to see their children lead the Mass.

Ivan and Elaine Del Rio support their children in their ministries; sons Franco,15 (started when he was 12) as lector and commentator and Joshua,11, as altar boy and lector, Arabella,9, the youngest as choir member. The three are part of the San Isidro Labrador Parish (SILP) of Catalunan Grande Children’s Mass which is now on its third year.

In 2013, Fr. Joel “Joca” C. Caasi, Parish Priest, added a Holy Mass schedule for children every Sunday at 2:30 in the afternoon, alternating Sundays to English Mass and Cebuano Mass.

This is a venue for children to serve in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist through the different ministries as lectors, commentators, psalmists, cantors, choir members, gift bearers, computer-projector in-charge, and as altar boys.

From the Sunday Children’s Mass, Fr. Joca, established the SILP Children’s Ministry to look into the concerns of children in terms of spirituality. Children shall be served in their needs for formation, piety and service as it is in the three-fold mission of Jesus Christ.

He encourages parents to bring their children to the church and serve at a young age to strengthen their faith in the midst of the 21st century’s technology and virtual influences. Helen Fernandez is the Adult Coordinator of the Children’s Ministry.

Fr. Joca recalls Dr. Jose Rizal’s words;” the children are the hope of the nation”, he further said, “these children serving in the church, young as they are now, are the future servant leaders of the Holy Church.” (Leah Ibaήez)