Joyful, ready & equipped for one’s mission

Evangelizing and spreading the Word of God isn’t a smooth journey. It requires a load of determination and strength to be able to carry on and pass on the flames of our Catholic Faith. Recently, the Pangulo sa Pagpanudlo (PSP) Ministry of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish held their Annual Recollection and Sending Forth last December 16 and 17, 2023.

The Recollection last December 16 was held at the Parish Seminar Hall wherein the chapel catechists attended and participated. Bro. Jet Garcia, a PSP, Formator and Catholic Faith Defender from Zone 3 was the Resource Speaker of the event and his topic was about Eschatology. Eschatology refers to the last things which are: death, judgement, heaven and hell. It is also the doctrine of the last things. It is derived from the words eschatos-last and logia- study. Eschatology is a branch of sacred theology that studies what lies behind man and the world. An interactive session happened as participants had the chance to discuss, write, draw and report about their respective Eschatology sub-topics.

December 17, 2023 was the day wherein the Catholic Church celebrated the 3rd Sunday of Advent also known as the Gaudete Sunday. Here the pink candle of the Advent Wreath was lit. Gaudete means “Rejoice” and it signifies the joy that we Catholics feel while anticipating for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this very day during the 8:00 am Mass at the Parish, the 100 PSPs were officially commissioned and sent forth by Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran, Parish Priest. Fr. Diony expressed that he is grateful to the PSPs who showed their willingness and commitment into joining the said ministry.

After the sending forth, they immediately proceeded to the Parish Seminar Hall for their Christmas Party. Gifts, food, smiles and excitement were brought to the party which helped to build up the happy Christmas spirit amongst the Catechists. Ms. Jo Paningbatan led the opening prayer followed by the opening remarks of the Head Catechist, Ms. Dionisia “Jo” Devera. Ms. Jo expressed how happy she was to be able to see the PSPs from the different GKKs and Zones. After her message, she also gave the catechist’s cross to the PSPs and the said cross will signify their identity and mission as a catechist of the parish.

The PSPs joined the different parlor games initiated by the emcee Ms. Allyza Hope Tabigue and their very own Santa Claus, Jacky Ramos. Laughter and cheers filled up the entire hall as each game progressed. There were performances by each zone wherein the PSPs showcased their talents. After lunch, they had their exchanging of gifts and a raffle. The party ended at 2:30 in the afternoon wherein everyone had a smile of satisfaction and gratitude.

The sending forth of the catechists during this Season of Advent symbolized the importance of preparing oneself into the arrival of our savior Jesus Christ. It served as a renewal, a rejuvenation of each one which equips them to be worthy and true bringers of the Good News of Christ. The PSPs didn’t only prepare themselves physically but also spiritually. As the chapter of this current year is about to close, they are also called to be renewed and called to a new life, a Christlike life. The Gaudete Sunday also signified that faithfully and wholeheartedly committing oneself into serving the Lord is a key to attainting true and genuine happiness. (Allyza Hope Tabigue | Photos by Minda Jurban and Amy Bonhoc)