A Nourishment Program, the SFX Way

“Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food and one of you tells them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and eat heartily.” If you do not provide for their bodily needs, what good does it do? In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead.”

These verses from the Book of James 2:15-17 tell each one of us that it is not enough to wish those In need that they may be well and happy but instead encourage us to do something with their need.

13 of the 93 GKKs of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tibungco are in the coastal part from where there are families living below the poverty line. There is also a considerable number of indigent families in some other parts that comprise the Parish.

In line with this, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Proceso G.Gimeno Jr., DCD launched a Nourishment Program last January 11, 2020. Themed as ‘BULAHAN ANG MGA KABUS NGA GIUHAW UG GIGUTOM KARON, ANG GINOO MOPAKAON”, the program aims to feed one family one meal per week (Saturdays at 4PM), to nourish them physically and to give them Inputs for their spiritual needs too. The Parish Social Action Miniistry (PSAM), specifically the Parish CARITAS, is tasked to do the scouting of Indigent Families. Fr. Gimeno wants this to be a long-term program, so he is asking for the support of the GKKs for its sustainability. The Pangulo sa Katilingban (PSK) Ministry thru their Parish Coordinator Bro. Jenny Cortez has also launched their GKK IN KIND OFFERORS DURING SUNDAY MASSES. This PSK Program will surely be a great help to augment the success of the Nourishment Program. The call for support is also extended to the Parishioners who personally would wish to donate and/or contribute to sustain the Program.

Already three families have benefited since its launch last January 11, 2020:

1. Joseph Maujin and Cherry Mae Guinaling and their 8 children
   GKK San Roque Zone 8, Tibungco
   January 11, 2020
2. Wilfredo Intes and Rutchel Ambasio and their children
   GKK MOPH Zone 4, Tibungco
   January 18, 2020
3. Arlene Mession (widow) and her children
   GKK San Roque Zone 11, Mudiang
   January 25, 2020

Presently, five families from different chapels of the parish’s 14 zones have already been lined up for the month of February. Fr. Gimeno is confident that with the grace of God and the intercession of our Patron Saint Francis Xavier, the Program will go long term as he is assured of the coordinated efforts of the PSAs and the PSKs, not to mention the continuous support of the parishioners of all his programs. Thus, at this point, it is safe to say that this Nourishment Program will definitely go a long way. (Vivien Therese L. Bonzon | SFX Parish SoCCom)