Santuario de San Antonio Parish Office • Tel. nos. 8438830-31

Forbes Park, MakatiDecemer 4, 2016 www.ssaparish.com2nd Week of Advent

We Care Because We Pray

For many families, the month of December begins the steady arrival of friends and family from abroad. With their balikbayan boxes and their pasalubongs, a parade of titas, titos, and cousins insert themselves into our Christmas activities.

While it is an exciting time, the experience can also be tiring. When relatives are coming home, we have to clean out the house, prepare the guest room, and lay out the extra settings at the table. Our excitement is accompanied by our responsibility to welcome our loved ones as they come into our homes.

In the spirit of Advent, we can keep this all in mind. That excitement and preparation come together. Anticipation is made sweeter by the time spent waiting.

This Advent, we can meditate on the gift of the family. And how they provide us with an opportunity to receive others. Even in the case when families disagree and do not get along. Every year, there is an invitation to be more open, to prepare ourselves for the chance that we will meet our loved ones, not just physically but emotionally also.

The invitation is not just to ready our homes but to also prepare ourselves. This is how we allow Jesus to arrive this Christmas season, and this is how we will enable our families to “arrive” as well. Whether coming from abroad or living with us under the same roof, we can all prepare ourselves to welcome our family members into our lives this Advent.

A Eucharistic Community of Families CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF FAMILY

Advent and the Gift of Familyby Javier Luis Gomez

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Parish Bulletin

Please allow me to share an excerpt from the Pastoral Exhortation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to open the Year 2017 as the Year of Parishes, Communion of Communities

PARISHES AS WELLSPRINGS OF MERCY AND RENEWAL

In “Evangelii Gaudium” Pope Francis insists that the parish “is not an outdated institution and can possess great flexibility still, depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community.” (EG, 28)

LIVE COMMUNION, SHARE COMMUNION

The Church is a mystery of communion. Our communion flows from the Trinity overflowing into humanity and sharing a common faith journeying together for the full unfolding of the Kingdom of God. This communion, made possible for us because of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, always has a double dimension – a vertical communion with God and a horizontal communion with our brothers and sisters.

The Church in the Philippines is a part of the communion of Churches which is the universal Church. We are a part of the one Church of Christ. In every particular Church “the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ is truly present and active” (Christus Dominus, 11). Whoever belongs to one particular Church belongs to all the Churches; since belonging to the Communion, like belonging to the Church, is never simply particular, but by its very nature is always universal (cfr. Lumen Gentium, 13).

In brief, our focus will be the building of a parish that is truly a faith community immersed in the lives of its people (CBCP Pastoral Letter Live Christ Share Christ, 2012). How can we work at renewing our parish communities so that they can better respond to the challenge of restoring all things in Christ?

NEW WELLSPRING OF PRAYER AND MERCY

Our communion of communities needs a renewed and passionate program of intense prayer and penance. Parishes and communities will be renewed only through personal and community prayer. Our first mission in the world is to be a leaven to teach our society how to pray. Our first duty in communion is prayer. The prayer of a shepherd for his sheep is always music to the ears of God. Prayer is an act of love. Every prayer whether of praise or contrition or petition is always a plea for mercy. Prayer is our parish anchor. Prayer is our cornerstone.

Parishes and communities will be renewed by living the Eucharist whom we receive every day. The Eucharist is the poverty of Jesus disturbing the complacency of the wealthy; it is the wealthy sacrificing house, family, and fortune to lift up the poor from their poverty. It is the Word of God inviting the confused, the lonely, the bored, the suffering to the joy of the Gospel. It is God’s life humanized in his incarnation; it is human life divinized in his suffering, death and resurrection. It is the compassion of the Father touching the life of the sinner; the conversion of the sinner practicing the compassion of the Savior.

FROM THE DESK OF THE PARISH PRIESTFr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM, Parish Priest

The parish “is not an outdated institution and

can possess great flexibility still,

depending on the openness

and missionary creativity of the

pastor and the community.”

Pope FrancisEvangelii Gaudium

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Santuario de San Antonio Pastoral TeamFr. Baltazar A. Obico, OFM - GuardianFr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM - Vicar Provincial, Parish PriestFr. Mark Adame G. Bakari, OFM - BusarFr. Jesus E. Galindo, OFM - MemberFr. Efren C. Jimenez, OFM - Member

RDIP - PB Editorial Team & General InformationSuzette H. Gatmaitan – Head, RDIP-PBMarilou Consing – Editor in ChiefJavier Luis Gomez - Assistant EditorEarl Leonard Sebastian - Assistant EditorHannah Roa - Assistant EditorMarie Tycangco - Assistant EditorClarisse G. Gomez - Assistant EditorDennis Montecillo - Assistant EditorAissa Montecillo - Assistant EditorJeannie Bitanga – Website AdministratorAlexa Montinola - Assistant Website AdministratorEdward Lu – Art & DesignColorplus Production Group Corp. – Production

Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center Office Tel. nos. 8438830-31Email: ssap_info@yahoo.comWebsite: www.ssaparish.comWebsite email: webi@ssaparish.comFoundation website: www.santuariodesanantonio.org

Parish Pastoral Council Edmund Lim, KHS – PresidentCristina Teehankee – Vice PresidentSuzette H. Gatmaitan – Secretary

December 4, 2016

While I look forward to new experiences, I had mixed feelings about this in particular, as my family was in Toronto and this marked the first time I would celebrate Christmas without them. On December 24th of that year, I partook in the SYA Prison Ministry which had an outreach at the Makati City Jail. At least for half a day, I was able to enjoy Christmas Eve with my surrogate family which was wonderful and effectively served as the holiday highlight. Having the opportunity to practice

A Family Christmasby Jesse Cruz

In 2012, I moved to Manila and decided to spend the Christmas holidays in the Philippines for the first time.

Christian values during this special time, together with other community members, indeed created memories which will remain fond.

In the succeeding years after 2012, I aspired and continued to want to spend Christmas holidays with my immediate family in Toronto. I can’t think of anything that I look forward to, more than the Christmas day tradition of attending morning mass as a family, having brunch at the kitchenette table as a family, and having Christmas

dinner as a family.

I feel it is incredibly easy to get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays, with a focus on having the most sumptuous meals and purchasing presents that are typically nice-to-haves. The truly extraordinary ‘gift’ of Christmas is being in the presence of Jesus, celebrating his life in its eternity, together with ‘family’ – whether it be immediate and extended relatives, community, partners, and friends.

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Parish Bulletin

When I was asked to help in the Christ the King Procession, I was thinking of an excuse not to attend since there was the Luke 18 weekend to attend. My thoughts were: Do I need to be there? I do so much already. I lead mass in the church twice a week, we serve in Youth of San Antonio, we serve in Prison Ministry & PGH. Do I really need to be in the procession?

I don’t know why, but I said yes to Girlie Sison, the head of the Workship Committee. Maybe it’s because everyone told us that the Christ the King Procession always has the lowest turnout. I told my family that we would all go on that day.

When Sunday arrived, we were all at the CSA chapel by 3:15 pm. We recited the rosary with everybody in the Chapel and recited the prayers when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. Then we proceeded to line up for the procession.

I asked my husband, Paul to take pictures of the procession. I recited another rosary with my daughter, Natalia. When we were halfway through the procession, she started to complain that it was too hot. I explained to that she should offer our procession walk to Jesus for all our intentions. It was a sacrifice after all.

I once asked a priest how I can talk to God. How can I talk to him if I can’t see Him or ask Him questions? The priest said

Transformation/Awakening of families in preparation for Christmas by Paul & Caron Macasaet

I must have faith. I walked out of the confessional confused. At the Procession that day, though, I felt that God was saying something to me. He was giving me this experience with my family of sacrifice and service.

The next day I sent this message to the Worship Committee “Thank you for reminding us to be present. Sometimes some of us, like me, need to be pushed hard to be present for Jesus. It was a beautiful walk which my whole family joined. Even Mateo, my 5-year-old, walked from CSA to San Antonio. Paul joked he can walk home from school now. Thank you again!”

God was speaking to me through all the people kept reminding to attend the procession. Through the reminders of all the ministry heads, I got to experience this special message from God to me.

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December 4, 2016

LAP Donors from November 8 to 29

PARISH PATRONJun & Menchu LopezMark & Connie LopezPhilip Cuazon Jr.Araneta FamilySabrina & Jon RomuloVG Lacson & FamilyManuel Y. Carmona FamilyGarrett, Hailey, GillianJoni Rita Wong CruzCarina, Christina & Kenneth SamsonMr. & Mrs. Lucio Co & FamilyGanden & Joss PoAtty. & Mrs. Manuel Lazaro & FamilyLuis & Elizabeth Virata & FamilyMacario Te & FamilyFrancis, Maia & Mica GonzalezMandy & Martina QuaAnton & Trissy PunzalanSevy & Leticia Roxas-ChuaOllie & Butch Campos & FamilySofia, Riley & AidanJaime & Beatriz Zobel de AyalaMr. & Mrs. David ConsunjiBelen SilverioNatasha, Sylvia, Katya & Alvaro ZobelBianca, Sandro & Max GotuacoSusana A.S. MadrigalT. Po & FamilyAnonymousHenrietta T. Ocampo & Family

PARISH BENEFACTORMargarita B. Canto & FamilyJaime & Lizzie ZobelReena LagdameoEscaler FamilyThe Labrador FamilyTino & Alexa TheodoropoulosAmb. Nida VeraTrixie WhyteTara WhyteDr. Augusto Camara & FamilyRobert & Rosie CoyiutoZimma Realty Corporation

Ed & Carrie BautistaMilagros YeeTecman H. AlonzoMr. & Mrs. Cesar C. ZalameaNoel & Gina LorenzanaTet & Noy MañalacRandy, Dowa, Tim, Macy & Trixie ManalotoJuan Antonio Siguion-ReynaMely & Paeng HechanovaJoaquin Sy & FamilyAnonymousRene & Agnes BuenaventuraWilliam & Barbara GoEdgar & Celina Coronel & Family

FAMILY DONORMarisa Del ValVaya Kho & FamilySieh SistersMarcos & Pilar BoschAnonymousCurry FamilyDanni LagdameoAurora Villanueva & FamilyDorothy DrysdaleKatarina, Alexandra, Cara & Hannah SyResty & Linda Tiangco & FamilyWink Laser StudioJoey & Marissa Concepcion & KidsJimmy, May, Martin & Megan TanMr. & Mrs. Mañalac FamilyJun Tambunting & FamilyCMA Heussaff EnterprisesMike, Alice & Reesa GuerreroCumagun FamilyO’Connor FamilyGeorge, Joyce, Matthew, Adam & Megan WangAmelita Guevara & FamilyDennis & Evelyn MateFrancisco J. ElizaldeNenita FloirendoAtty. & Mrs. Aniano G. Bagabaldo & FamilyAlonso, Matias, Tamara & Tristan AranetaBasty & Betty Roxas-ChuaPeter & Tess Maquera

Jorge & Candice YuloPeter & Jenny NgUy FamilyPeabody KidsEmmanuel Tiu SantosPedro Roxas & FamilyMichelle, Eric, Michaela, Miguel, Gab & Francesco ReyesJack LopezManu LopezLuis LopezManny & Baby JavelosaCesar & Librada CruzRay & Janice Roxas-ChuaLogan Franco AngCrae & Zari SehwaniCatherine & Christian MarcosJojo & Joy Concepcion & FamilyDobbin & Eliza TanThe Gozon FamilyVicente RufinoJonjon RufinoLucia RufinoLilith Macaria RufinoEmmy RufinoKris & Chiara MijaresRob, Len & Emma MijaresChaudler FamilyOscar De Venecia & FamilyMr. & Mrs. ReyesJovencio F. CincoGeda & Jose FacundoAbeto UyDavid & Angel Guerrero & FamilySy Ka Kieng & Rosa Sy & FamilyTony & Maricris Brias & FamilyLim Santos FamilyRicardo Chu Jr. & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Vicente Aldanese & FamilyChloe Romulo PeriquetJethro & Ezekiel BlaikNenita R. Licaros

INDIVIDUAL DONORJaime & Lizzie ZobelFernando & Kit ZobelRic & Pitang TiongsonFrancisco & Araceli TongcoEnrique & Regina Teodoro

Julianna RichardsonWesley RichardsonErlinda PanlilioAnya ChanRobert & Mary FernandezNatalia ParadiesMiguela OcampoJack MurphyMilla MurphyFenix TanErin LaoEyana LaoAlex Marie LicaucoRavi KotamrajuRyan KotamrajuSiva KotamrajuAndre DumlaoPio ChengBrody BarbaEvan BarbaJonah BarbaIsabella SampiloAmelia SampiloVickylou H. PasiaMr. & Mrs. Arnold MckenzieMiles NgBea NgAnna Isabel PamplonaNicholas OvergaardJetty MagallonaJenna PontinesRobert & Jeanne LedesmaCornelio & Cristina SisonChoa Sioc KengMichael P. SingsonLeon Mario GuerreroKimberly Anne LimSally NavarroAndiChynnaTaraSkipMikaelaMattiMarcusEsmeTycoOfelia RectoMa. Paz. S. TanjuatcoAmb. Antonio Lagdameo

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Parish Bulletin

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would like to thank Ms. T ina Ocampo and Mr. Anton Barret to for designing and gifting us with our Parish Advent

Wreath.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin Mary(Holy Day of Obligation)

December 8, 2016 (Thursday)

Schedule of Masses6:15 am7:30 am12:15 nn4:30 pm6:00 pm

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December 4, 2016

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

“OUTSIDE VIEWING PACKAGES AVAILABLE”Globe 0915-5283835 • Smart 0918-9901800

LEASE / SALEFORBES • DASMA • URDA • SAN LO • BEL AIR • MAGA

CONNIE PERIQUET GATMAITANCYNTHIA GATMAITAN MENCHACA

TELS.: 8130875 – 8672227 CELL (0917)81093793/F SEDCCO BLDG., RADA ST., LEGASPI VILL.,

MAKATI CITY

The Parish Bulletin Editorial Team will go on Christmas break from Dec. 13, 2016 - Jan. 02, 2017. Deadline for

interested advertisers to submit their ads for the Dec. 18, 25, 2016 and Jan. 01, 2017

issues is on Dec. 13, 2016.

The SSAP - Prison Ministry will be having its annual Christmas gift giving and Noche Buena for the inmates on December 23, 2016 at 4 p.m. (Makati City Jail) and December 24, 2016 at 9 a.m. (Taguig City Jail)

This year’s total count of inmates is 2100 for 2 city jails. We are appealing

to your generous hearts to complete a gift bag consisting of: Bath Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Anti-itch ointment, Other useful daily necessities, (or cash).

We encourage all parishioners to donate

and take part in this very meaningful event

by bringing the hope of our Savior to the inmates this

Christmas.