PSAM – CARITAS in St. Joseph Parish Holds First Vicariate Convention

Santa Cruz, the northernmost vicariate in the Diocese of Digos holds the first vicariate convention which was participated by the St. John Paul 2 Sub Parish in Inawayan and St. Joseph Parish. The morning of November 17, 2018 at SMA covered court was teeming with hundreds of delegates wearing their white and blue shirts bearing the name of their ministry in the parish. The day’s activities were centered on the theme “Service Through Evangelization.”

The event started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Rev. Fr. Ronald Lunas, STL of St. Joseph Parish. During his homily, he addressed the delegates using these quotes “Service is never enough if it is not coupled with prayers”. “Not all who pray are considered spiritual yet the spiritual servants are prayerful and submissive to the will of the Father”. He also emphasized that being a Christian Catholic is not limited in the church, it should end in the community. These were the striking statements coming from the parish priest who wished to encourage all the PSAM members present in the hall to take their missions seriously and serve with a heart of a missionary.

In addition, Fr. Lunas mentioned that the Catholic Church today celebrates St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, Hungary. A queen who in her short life manifested such great love for the poor and suffering that she has become the patroness of most Catholic Charities. She dedicated the rest of her life serving the poor and the needy. In connection, he encouraged everyone to serve with passion.

A short program began as soon as the mass concluded. Mr. Dick Duhaylungsod, the Parish PSAM coordinator took the stage as the host of today’s event. He went to call on several groups for their presentations and ice breaking activities. Later on, he called Rev. Fr. Isabelo Medina, DCD to introduce the Guest speaker, Mr. Florencio Baylon, the Municipal Local Government Operating Officer.

Mr. Baylon, announced some of the government programs which are being implemented by the DSWD, a branch of the government responsible for the protection of the social welfare of rights of Filipinos and promote social development. The following programs he mentioned were 1.) The community based Rehabilitation Center for the once drug dependents, 2.) Livelihood Programs, 3.) Anti Drug Abuse Council, and 4.) Disaster Risk Management Council (MRRD). He further exclaimed that the state’s DSWD can work alongside the church’s PSAM because they share common goals.

The day ended with the distribution of hundreds of door prizes prepared for the participants. Most of them came home with bags of groceries, or pails and basins, some received cooking utensils, flat irons, electric fans and some household small machines. The best prize awarded was a sack of rice. (Blaze Q. Cantaros)