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CENTRAL HOUSE BULLETINPage 1 of 8 December 2014

READING— JOHN 1:1-18And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; and we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father : fullness of truth and loving-kindness.

REFLECTIONThis year, the Church invites us to celebrate the joyful life of those men and women who have made the Gospel and the service of God’s people as the foundation of their life. This year, we celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life. In the Philippine Church, this celebration is also with special attention to the poor.

There is, in this invitation, a two-fold challenge. To be firstly, joyful witnesses. Nothing discredits the Gospel more than witnesses who are unhappy and cynical. To be sure, it is not the happiness born of a naïve understanding of the world that we are called to. Because poverty and its ill effects on those who are vulnerable; corruption in high and low places; and violence – past and present - are all very real. It is rather the happiness of those who having known in their life of God’s kindness, have learned to love from afar what this kindness deems to make of the world. And so we are joyful “even when it is in tears that we must sow”.

Secondly, there is in the Church’s invitation, a challenge to live in inclusivity rather than exclusivity. Filipinos are very family-oriented people and nowhere is this more evident than in our celebration of Christmas. God’s love however, challenges us to outgrow the narrow confines of our own loving. Will our love embrace those beyond our own families? Who else can our love include? The poor continue to be our partners in our search for life that truly humane. It is they who will lead us to a discovery of where our real dignity lies.

It is my hope that our celebration of Christmas will be rooted in the joy of having known and seen the loving-kindness of God. May this joy fill you to overflowing so that the poor and vulnerable who need to hear a message of hope, will receive it through you.

RESPONSE

O God, we give You thanks for all women and men whom You have called to follow Your Son Jesus through the practice of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

May these consecrated women and men live out more intensely their baptismal promises by becoming splendid witnesses and effective proclaimers of Your Gospel for the renewal of Your Church.

May they inspire Your people by their commitment to live holy lives and to serve You with an open heart and willing spirit in others, especially the poor, the abandoned, marginalized, and the most needy.

Sustain Your Church with more vocations to consecrated life. Enrich those You have called with the grace of perseverance, mercy and compassion.

May they value their calling as a priceless treasure until they possess the fulfilment of the Kingdom in heaven.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Year of Consecrated LifeFr. Jose Aripio, SSP

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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

3 Cruz, Rebecca de Veyra (CHA-ASU)

5 Doria, Dexter Ayuban (CHA-AdS)

Khasochan, John Pongpat FSC

15 Emperador, Ron Ron Paul (CHA-LIFE)

Fiestada, Yamie (LSVP)

17 Estanol, Chris Marie (LSVP)

21 Ramirez, Michael Niño Loria (Postulant)

Castro, Gliceria Hernandez (CHA-ASU)

22 Alonzo, Marikit (JHIS-LS)

24 Luistro, Armin FSC

25 Santos, Josephine (LSVP)

31 Ondo, Jenny (LSVP)

K12 SEMINAR – WORKSHOP IN GUIUAN NORTH DISTRICT

De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) and De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) held its One La Salle Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Project interventions in Guiuan, Samar last November 17-22, 2014.

Among the various activities conducted is a Seminar – Workshop on the basics of the K12 Curriculum for 43 teachers and principals of Guiuan North District. Ms. Sylvia Patiño, DLSZ Grade School Reading Coordinator, served as the Speaker at the said seminar-workshop.

Ms. Patiño talked about the basics of the K to 12 program including its objectives, its differences from the older curriculum, its strengths and weaknesses and its significance towards today’s generation.

On the latter, Ms. Patiño together with the participants identified “cobwebs” or the things that the Guiuan North District teachers find difficulty in understanding. The teachers raised concerns about teaching using the Mother Tongue. They find it difficult to translate

terminologies in English, Mathematics and Science to the local language thus confusing the students and even the teachers themselves about the lessons. Also, the teachers raised the lack of materials and trainings especially now that it is most needed because they are still in the period of transition.

However, during the part where the teachers were asked to share their sentiments, they emphasized that they do understand the strengths of the program. The teachers appreciate how each student will be trained and can excel in his field of specialization, students are given the chance to be critical thinkers thus creating an independent learner and that the program embraces technology and incorporates it with learning.

Moreover, DLSZ brought the Faculty Lasallian Immersion Program (FLIP) to Guiuan Elementary School where teachers of DLSZ were able to observe teachers of Trinidad Elementary School and learn techniques from them. On the other hand, DLSZ teachers also demonstrated their best teaching practices thus sharing their techniques to the teachers of Trinidad. Further, the teachers of Tubabao Island attended DLSZ’s Psychological First Aid Training where they learned to process their students during and after a calamity.

Meanwhile, Barangay Officials of Barangay Trinidad also underwent the Community-Based Monitoring System training so that they can do the surveys for their respective barangays. Also, DLSZ successfully distributed the disaster emergency kits to all the barangays in Tubabao Island. Lastly, the team met with the local urban planner and discussed the interventions and the project with them.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BR. AIKEE ESMELI FSCBr. Aikee Esmeli FSC recently finished his Masters in Public Affairs Major in Agrarian and Rurban Development Studies at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

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HOTEL BENILDE MAISON DE LA SALLE HOLDS FIRST LEAD MISSION ASSEMBLY

Last November 29 to 30, the first Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) Mission Assembly was held at the Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle. Based on the 2014 General Chapter, the Assembly’s objectives were: to reflect, discern, and articulate the realities of the Lasallian Mission in LEAD; identify the appropriate supports needed by the Sectors from LEAD; and articulate pertinent recommendations to LEAD including structures for Mission. Three delegates per Sector—the Sector Leader together with two lay partners—attended the assembly.

Day one opened with welcoming remarks from LEAD Visitor Br. Edmundo Fernandez. This was followed by a short orientation by Br. Steve Hogan. Most of the first day consisted of presentations of Sector Reports highlighting: their strengths and areas of improvement; areas to focus on; and assistance needed. After their deliberations, the delegates also attended the Affiliation Rites and Dinner Reception of Mr. Jose T. Pardo at the De La Salle University campus.

On the second day, the delegates were assigned into thematic groups and then proceeded in tackling the different priorities for the Lasallian Mission set by the General Chapter: vitality of a Shared Mission, Lasallian Pedagogy, marginalization and the promotion and protection of the right of children and young people, evangelization and catechesis, and, finally, cooperation and involvement with the Lasallian tertiary sector.

The spirit of collaboration was ever present throughout the entire assembly, giving Sectors the opportunity to share best practices and work together on the challenges of the District and its Sectors. This first LEAD Mission Assembly marks a significant milestone in the future of the Lasallian Mission in East Asia as well as the future of LEAD as a District.

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2ND LASALLIAN EAST ASIA DISTRICT ASSEMBLYLast December 3 was the gathering of 140 Brothers from all over LEAD and other Districts along with two Sisters from the Hermanas Guadalupanas de La Salle for the 2nd LEAD District Assembly at Microtel, Manila, Philippines. Dynamic activities and games opened the Assembly, organized by the Team Building Committee, which included Br. Michael Broughton, Br. Antonio Cubillas, Br. Rey Mejias and Br. Dennis Magbanua. The delegates were also divided into small groups to share their experiences focusing on the themes, “Multi-Sectoral: Breaking Boundaries” and “Age Range: Sharing my wisdom with the Brothers”.

On the second day, the Brothers and Sisters had an insightful morning session with the theme “Healthy Relationships in Ministry and Religious Life”, headed by main resource person, Ms. Eba Galvey of the Emmaus Centre for Psycho-Spiritual Formation. The afternoon sessions, meanwhile, followed the experiences and wisdom of Manila Cardinal Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on “The Role of Catholic Schools in the Evangelisation of Asia.” The Veneration of the Relics of the Founder and Renewal of Vows followed during the Mass at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel of De La Salle University. Afterwards, the University hosted the dinner wherein tokens of appreciation were presented to the members of the District Council and the Leadership Team for their service in the first four years of LEAD.

The third day of the Assembly focused mainly on presentation of reports. Capitulants of the 45th General Chapter Br. Tom Lavin and Br. Sockie dela Rosa shared the draft reports and priorities of the said Chapter. Brothers who attended the Centro Internazionale Lasalliano (CIL) on the Revision of the Rule also presented their report, namely, Br. Pat Tierney, Br. Rodrigo Treviño, Br. John D’Cruz, Br. Anselm Ling John, and Br. Vincent Fernandez. Br. Steve Hogan then discussed the outcome of the 1st LEAD Mission Assembly. In the afternoon, Dr. Maureen Cleary OAM of Governance & Management Pty Ltd in Australia facilitated the discernment and proposal of recommendations of the Brothers to the 2nd District Chapter. After Mass, Mrs. Vicky Amalingan-Sales treated the Brothers to a special dinner.

On the fourth and final day, Brother Visitor, as President of the Chapter, nominated Br. Tom Lavin as the Chapter Coordinator and Dr. Maureen Cleary as Chief Facilitator. Afterwards, LEAD Visitor Br. Edmundo Fernandez gave his State of the District Address. PARC General Councilor, Br. Ricardo Laguda, then gave the closing remarks that signified the end of the Part 1 of the 2nd District Chapter. After the celebration of the Eucharist, Brother Visitor expressed his gratitude to the Planning Committee, namely, Br. Tom Lavin, Br. Gus Boquer, Br. Michael Broughton, Br. JJ Jimenez, Br. Joseph Klong, Br. Rodrigo Treviño, and Br. Richie Yap, as well as the people who worked behind the scenes during the assembly: Ms. Aimee Patiño, Mr. Keane Palatino, Ms. Grace Lazo, Mr. Marc Gepaya, Mr. Demy Cruz Jr., Mr. Marco Polo, Ms. Nena Portillo, Ms. Che Che Manguiat, Mr. Anton del Rosario, Mr. David Leaño, Ms. Pauline Zamora, Mr. Miguel Ortega, Mr. Dexter Doria, Mr. Randy Casayuran, Ms. Remy Bautista, Ms. Nancy Martin, Mr. Norman Calara, Mr. Richard Jimenez, and the managers and staff of Microtel.

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BR. GUSTAVO RAMÍREZ BARBA APPOINTEDGENERAL COUNCILOR.

“Dear Brothers, Partners and Members of the Lasallian Family:

“A proposition of the 45th General Chapter calls for the Brother Superior to appoint a General Councilor to accompany our association for the educational mission, particularly Lasallian Higher Education. I am happy to announce the appointment of Brother Gustavo Ramírez Barba to this position. Brother Gustavo is presently the Visitor of México-Norte.

“Brother Gustavo, who holds a doctorate from the University of San Francisco in the United States, has served as president of Universidad La Salle Noroeste in Ciudad Obregón and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has served as RELAL’s Secretary for Mission and as a Regional Director for the International Association of Lasallian Universities. He was a delegate to the 45th General Chapter (2014) and the 2nd International Mission Assembly (2013) as well as a member of the 44th General Chapter Preparatory Commission. Brother Gustavo is highly respected by Brothers and Partners and communicates with them in Spanish, French and English, the three official languages of the Institute.

“Please join me in thanking Brother Gustavo for accepting my invitation to serve the Institute as a General Councilor. As I welcome him to this position of fraternal leadership, I am confident that his contributions will significantly enhance our global Lasallian mission of Christian and human education.”

Fraternally,

Brother Robert Schieler, FSCSuperior General

AFFILIATION OF MR. JOSE PARDOLast November 29, 2014, Mr. Jose T. Pardo was formally presented with the Institute Letters of Affiliation. This honor is granted to members of the Lasallian Family who have contributed tremendously to the Institute through their involvement in the Lasallian Mission and have grown in appreciation of the Lasallian spirituality.

Mr. Pardo’s works have reached beyond the Philippine Sector. He has been invited to be a member of the International Board of Counselors for the Institute. His work, both in the private and public sector, has garnered awards and recognition and serves as an expression of his Lasallian perspective and values. He is product of Lasallian education—since his primary ears up to his graduate degree in MBA—and is currently the Chair of De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Board of Trustees. It was fitting that his Affiliation was held during the Eucharistic Celebration at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel of DLSU.

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STORIESARTICLE ABOUT MEBY SHAIRA AIMA B. AMBOLAMy name is Shaira Aima B. Ambola, just an ordinary 15-year old girl. Even though I’m a Muslim student, I’ve been joining activities that are related or involved to Roman Catholic religion. I live in Poblacion, Bagumbayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, which is about 20 km away from my school, La Salle Academy (LSA). Though it’s hard for me to wake up at four in the morning every day to get ready for school, I have taken my studies seriously in order for me not to get a failing grade. I always take three rides—jeepney, city limit PUJ, and sikad - to get to school, which is very costly for me and my parents because there’s still my allowance to consider.

At first, I joined Saint Brother Miguel Academy (SBMA) just for the sake of being one of the top 10 graduating students, since extra-curricular activities is 20% of the final grade. One day, when one of the aspirants came in my classroom and announced that they are recruiting volunteers of SBMA as teachers, I figured out that I should join this volunteering stuff in order for me to at least have something to write on my extra-curricular activities sheet (that will be given this January 2015 to the top 15 graduating students).

But, I have made a resolution after I taught those children on my first day of teaching.

During those sessions, I was really calm; I learned how to not have a stage fright; I was able to think thoroughly about what was needed to be discussed; I was able to talk properly—without having so many “umm’s”—and I was able to breathe properly without hyperventilating. I was expecting the opposite to happen, but instead I was able to teach properly. And while I was teaching, new emotions came to me as I saw the faces of the children. Every time their eyes widen as they look at me in front when I was talking; when they expressed their awe during the games and quiz bee; or when I greet them a good morning and they’d reply, I always feel that warmth when I see them.

In short, “I have loved and enjoyed teaching those children.” And I grew to love them even more with each meeting; we would always meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. And that is my new reason for joining SBMA; I want to see the children’s faces as they have learned many things in just one-two hours.

The times that I spent with my students, from the day we introduced ourselves to each other until now, these are the experiences I will never forget in SBMA.

For the first time in my life as a student, I now know what it feels to be a teacher.

Shaira is a student volunteer of the Saint Brother Miguel Academy program of La Salle Academy, she’s also a student of Br. Dan Sanding FSC.

ESTEPHANIE C. ZAMORA Sa unang dating ko dito sa Samar, hindi ko pinahalagahan dahil sa sobrang init. Palagi akong nagrereklamo sa mainit na panahon hanggang nasanay na rin ako.

Nang nagsimula na ang klase sa St. Anthony Academy (SAA), panibagong hamon ang dumating sa akin. Nahirapan ako sa pag disiplina ng mga mag-aaral. Ibang-iba ang nakagisnan sa una kong komunidad. Dito sa mataas na paaralan, kailangan ng mga mag-aaral ang kalinga na hindi nakukuha sa sariling pamilya. Unti-unti ko silang natutunang mahalin dahil sa kulitan at tawanan kapag nakakausap ko sila. Sa tulong din ng mga ibang guro na gumagabay sa akin, ako ay natutong gumabay din sa mga mag-aaral.Ang isa pang naging hamon sa akin ay ang paggawa ng marka ayon sa panibagong sistema ng DepEd. Noong unang markahan, ako ang pinakhuling nagpasa ng mga marka ng mga bata na siyang ikinagalit ng mga gurong tagapayo ng mga seksiyon na hawak ko. Pinayuhan din ako ni Ms. Luchie, ang aming punong-guro na hindi na dapat maulit ang pagkakamaling nagawa ko. Kaya itong susunod na markahan, pagbubutihin ko ang aking trabaho para hindi muli ako magkamali.

Ang higit na tumatak sa akin at aking ipinapagsalamat ay ang matutuhan ko ang kahalagahan ng pagdarasal at pagsisimba. Ang SAA ay mayroong schedule sa pagsisimba at pagdarasal kaya kahit papaano ay napagtutuunan namin ng oras ang Panginoon.

Sa mga kapwa ko volunteers sa komunidad, nagkakasundo naman kami pero hindi talaga maiiwasan ang ang hindi pagkakaunawaan paminsan-minsan dahil marahil sa kanya-kanyang pag-uugali at pananaw sa buhay. Pero hindi ito hadlang para hindi maiayos ang magandang pagsasama sa loob ng bahay. Ganoon din ang aming pakikisama sa mga ibang guro sa paaralan. Kailangang makihalubilo upang makilala namin

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ang bawat isa. Unti-unti ko nang nakagamayan ang pagtuturo sa mataas na paaralan kaya higit kong pagbubutihan ang aking pagiging teacher volunteer dito sa SAA.

CONSUELO CORAZON P. RAFINAN In my four months in Mondragon, Northern Samar, I learned a lot of things and discerned them especially the blissful as well as the excruciating moments I had experienced.

There is a big difference between my volunteer work during my first two years in Bagac and my present work in St. Anthony Academy (SAA). During the first quarter here in SAA, I had a hard time coping up with requirements like, submission of students’ grades on time. Reaching out to the other teachers aside from my co-volunteers was another challenge I encountered. In addition, I could hardly understand their dialect.

Teaching high school students is quite difficult. The students have different wants and needs. In the past, there were times when I lost my temper and shouted at them but that strategy didn’t work. I realized later on that I have to be careful in dealing with them. Now, I could say that I have already adjusted myself with my students. They are the reasons why I continue as a Lasallian volunteer.

As a Community Director, giving constant reminders to my fellow volunteers does work well with them. So to avoid misunderstandings, we discuss concerns and try to resolve them.

This is my third and last year as a Lasallian volunteer. I try to make this year as the most unforgettable, fruitful and happiest year as a volunteer. I will do everything for the sake of my students. I will treasure each moment with my co-volunteers, co-teachers, staff and superior.

JOSEPHINE T. SANTOSI never dreamed to teach in a school far from my family. However, due to some reasons, I am now here in St. Anthony Academy, Northern Samar, away from my family.

Being a Lasallian volunteer is a great opportunity that came into my life and be a part of the Lasallian mission. I believe that the mission entrusted to me will have a great impact into my life.

My first three months in the mission area was not easy for me because I encountered several challenges. I

Evangelii NuntiandiLet us therefore preserve our fervor of spirit. Let us preserve the delightful and comforting JOY of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow. May it mean for us – as it did for John the Baptist, for Peter and Paul – an interior enthusiasm that nobody and nothing can quench. May it be the great JOY of our consecrated lives. And may the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive Good News not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervor, who have first received the JOY of Christ, and who are willing to risk their lives so that the Kingdom may be proclaimed and the Church established in the midst of the world.

had to adjust with the culture, dialect and attitudes of the people in the community. Likewise, I realized that it is difficult to be away from my parents whom I used to talk with and share all the happenings in my life.

Despite all those challenges, I still continue to be a volunteer. I continue to face all the challenges and handle them carefully as I continue to journey with the people around me. No amount of money is commensurate with my experiences here in Samar, though I admit that it is not so easy to teach in a formal school. The difficulties is due to the subjects given to me. Firstly, I teach Music and TLE that are not my expertise. Secondly, I am given an advisory class in grade 8 that is so difficult to handle. There is so much learning, which I have to be grateful for.

Above all, I am thankful to God because He never leaves me since the start of my journey as a volunteer. Likewise, I am also grateful to my parents who molded me with good values and philosophies in life that helps think positively especially in every challenge I encounter here in the mission area. Furthermore, my heartfelt gratitude to DLSP-LSVP for the opportunity given to me as a Lasallian volunteer. My experiences help me grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually stable.

Estephanie, Consuelo, and Josephine are Lasallian Volunteers assigned in the Kaupod Volunteers Community and teaching in St. Anthony Academy in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

Estaphanie and Josephine are graduates of La Salle University, Ozamiz and Corazon of La Salle College Antipolo.

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MERRYCHRISTMASDE LA SALLE PHILIPPINESCentral House Administration

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11

In this season of giving, let us take the time to find Christ in those who are less fortunate. May His goodness enkindle in our hearts the spirit of peace, joy, and love for others. A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.