Directory

FRONT BACK COVER

Filipino Ministry Logo – It’s Meaning The LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB is rich in symbolism and meaning. Let us unpack what they convey to the Christian communities at large: •

►HUMAN IMAGES: There are six human figures. The number six represents the six vicariates (Hemet, High Desert, Low Desert, Riverside, San Bernardino and WestEnd) in the Diocese of San Bernardino which are distributed to the two counties that comprise the diocese: San Bernardino The first LOGO was designed by MICHAEL AZUL, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in and Riverside. The human images are the Filipinos residing in the 6 vicariates. They are close to one another to convey the Hesperia in 1994. unity that they signify, and that through their unity, a harmonious immersion to their respective parishes will be smoothly accomplish. ►BAMBOO CROSS: This represents the flexibility of the Filipinos, that where they settled, they always blossom in their faith. The bamboo can be used as tributaries where water will flow to give life to arid lands; likewise the Filipinos, firm as they are, they have a loving heart that feels the cries and needs of others; they become life-givers.

•

►WHITE CLOTH HANGING ON THE CROSS: The white cloth represents resurrection, and this is the vision of the Filipinos, that wherever they are they can always live the resurrection as lifegivers. This white cloth reminds Filipinos that their faith is embedded in the resurrection of Jesus. ►SHIP AND SAIL: The ship represents the County of Riverside and the sail represent the County of San Bernardino, which comprises the diocese. ►FILIPINO FLAG: This conveys the roots of the Filipinos. Their rich religious traditions and cultures are elements that will enrich the dynamics of life of the place where they are planted. The flag reminds Filipinos in the Diocese of San Bernardino to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values of MAKA-DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKATAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), MAKA-BUHAY (PRO-LIFE) and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION). The flag was added within the meaning of the first logo; designed by Joe Rafols, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in 2008.

The present LOGO of Filipino Ministry-DSB

Filipino Ministry Prayer Before You, Oh Lord our God, we pray with deep faith that as we journey towards the realization of your dream and fulfill our mission, may we realize the diocesan vision and thrust. We pray, that we, the Filipino Faithful of the diocese of San Bernardino, through the guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary, may share equal dignity with the larger Church community and called to be one body, united with our bishops Gerard and Rutilloas well as our priests in the worshipping, evangelizing and serving Filipino Ministry. Fill our hearts with hope that we may become a community of disciples and stewards of Jesus Christ from whom we have the mission of making His gospel alive in our diocese and in the world. We pray that by promoting His gospel values of maka-Diyos (pro God), makatao (Pro people), Makabayan (Patriotic) Makabuhay( for life)at makalikasan (for the integrity of creation), we may help to shape a society with greater respect for human life, economic and environmental justice, cultural diversity, and global solidarity and build a Church where the Kingdom of God reigns. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Diocese of San Bernardino

OFFICE OF THE EPISCOPAL VICARS July 2, 2008 Dear Holy People of God: As a FILIPINO MINISTRY of the Diocese of San Bernardino (FILM-DSB), we have come a long but memorable journey. Allow me to use the episodes of the Transfiguration of Jesus to help us unpack three movements of our momentous journey to the mountaintop: First, “Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves…and he transfigured before them.” This journey to the mountain top is an image of COMPANIONSHIP. Second, “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’”. This is a picture of a HOME. Third, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” This is a moment of WITNESSING. COMPANIONSHIP, HOME and WITNESSING are images where Jesus wants the FILM-DSB to walk with him, not only to the mountaintop, but more significantly in our involvement in our communities, parishes and in the diocese. COMPANIONSHIP opens the door of our hearts to see Jesus’ vision of an intimate HOME where humanity is touched by the love of God, and impels us to be WITNESSES of the gospel. As members of FILM-DSB, let us be proactive companions in building the Kingdom of God (our HOME); hence, let us be prophetic witnesses in promoting the Gospel values of MAKADIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-TAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION). In our Lady of La Salette,

Rev. Romeo N. Selección, MS Episcopal Vicar San Bernardino Pastoral Region Diocese of San Bernardino

1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404 Telephone (909) 475-5115 Fax (909) 475-5109 E-mail: [email protected]

MSGR. TOM WALLACE PICTURE/ MESSAGE

Diocese of San Bernardino OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR Oficina de la Vicecanciller

May of 2008

My Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Filipino Ministry, Several years ago we planted a tree in front of our house in a place that would provide the most shade. Our tree has grown so much that it now provides not only the shade we wanted, but a home for birds that bring joyful songs and a place for the neighborhood children to play. I’ve seen the same growth take place in your ministry. In only fifteen years you have not only established strong roots in our diocese, but have brought us much richness and joy in sharing your culture. Maraming Salamat Po! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. May you continue to grow in faith and in unity, and may the fruits of your efforts bring you ever closer to our Lord. Sincerely,

Maria H. Echeverria Vice Chancellor Director of Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs

1201 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, California 92404-4607 Phone: (909) 475-5140 Fax: (909) 475-5343 Email: [email protected]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col 3:15-17). Fifteen years may not be considered a significant period of time in the eyes of historians, but fifteen years of ministry in a young diocese such as the Diocese of San Bernardino, is an accomplished journey calling for celebration and thanksgiving. From a humble beginning in 1993, the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino has witnessed a tremendous growth and is now present at 28 parishes throughout the diocese. For this, let us give thanks to the Lord. We give thanks to God for the many gifts, individual and communal, the Filipino Ministry-DSB has brought to our diocese, especially the gifts Catholic devotions and popular religiosity, the gifts of faith through the exemplary and courageous life of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the gifts of joyful songs and dances that raise our hearts to God through the celebrations of Simbang Gabi and the feast of Santo Nino. As director of the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry, I am honored to be part of this historical celebration. Let’s us remember our past to continuously give thanks to our Lord and let us move forward to commit ourselves to the building of the Kingdom of God through our local church of San Bernardino, embracing, living and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so that people lives are filled with hope. Let’s us bring the gift of harmony and unity in the midst of chaos and diversity. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary FilMin-DSB! Let’s move on! On to our next fifteen years, loving and serving God and one another. Sincerely in Christ, Sr. Theresa Phan, LHC Director, Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry - DSB

August 22, 2008 Dear Friends and Compatriots (MGA KABABAYAN), Long live! Mabuhay! Viva los Filipinos! Congratulations and warm greetings to All…Maalab na pagbati sa lahat….. 2008, we celebrate our Fifteen years of presence as Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino. I, together with the first leaders of this Ministry, can’t help but be grateful to God for the graces He has bestowed upon us in this diocese. Let us give thanks with grateful heart to Bishop Gerald R. Barnes who guide us through these years and to the many people whom God has used to nourish and nurture this ministry. Together with the different ethnic communities, we consider ourselves as little stones that provide solid foundation to this diocese. There’s a wit that says, “There are three kinds of people in this world, those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder, what happened.” We are grateful that the past and present leaders are completely committed, actively involved and continue to share their time, talent and treasure that makes the ministry vibrant and responsive to the people. In the grand design of building the church of God, each one is like a small piece of stone with a talent to contribute. Each one of us has flaws yet indispensable in the building of the kingdom. You have contributed to the building of the Body of Christ; continue to be a Welcoming/Hospitable, Faith Sharing, and Reconciling and Collaborative community. God bless and Keep up……

_________________________________ Rev. Art Joseph Monzon-Balagat Out-going President, USFCMC United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council Filipino Ministry, National Consultant to USCCB/PCMR

Office of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry 1201 E. Highland Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92404 www.filministry.com e-mail: [email protected]

May 3, 2008 Warmest greetings of Peace and Joy of Christ! As we celebrate 15th year anniversary of FILIPINO MINISTRY, it is a occasion to thank God for the graces that ministry has received, for the growth it has experienced, for the opportunity to minister and for the call of stewardship. It is also a period to remember and thank those people who have been part of the ministry and share their time, talents and treasures to the ministry. To God and to our fellow ministers, let us say together: MARAMING SALAMAT PO! Celebrating our anniversary is a moment for us to gather and share the blessings and dreams as well as the richness of our experiences. Let us bring then our family and community members to gather around the Table of God’s love and Goodness and from there we may draw strength and abundant blessings. HALINA! MAGSALO SA HAPAG. This celebration of our Quicinera of Filipino ministry in the diocese, let us take this period to look forward and to renew our commitment. As a people of God may we become the bearers and doers of the Gospel values of MAKADIYOS, MAKATAO, MAKABAYAN MAKABUHAY AT MAKA-KALIKASAN (Pro-God, pro-people, Patriotic, for the culture of life, for the integrity of creation. Let us continue to journey towards the Kingdom of God where justice, peace, unity and integrity of creation reign. MABUHAY! Congratulations! Happy anniversary! Thank you! God bless you!

In Christ through Our Lady,

Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Diocesan Director Fil-Min DSB

Office of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry 1201 E. Highland Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92404 www.filministry.com e-mail: [email protected] May 3, 2008

Mga Kababayan, Greetings and congratulations! We began our joyful 15th year celebration as a diocesan ministry – freely expressing our Filipino Catholic faith, traditions and culture- with a candlelight procession of the images of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo. We highlighted the day with a Eucharistic Celebration and, thereafter, a dinner/dance fellowship. Throughout the history of the Filipino Ministry – DSB you have generously supported its programs and activities by sharing your time, talent and treasure. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Standing Committees, thank you… Thank you for promoting formation and providing assistance and guidance in the organizational development of a Filipino Ministry at the parish level; Thank you for assisting in the pastoral care and service to the Filipino community, particularly the poor and the oppressed, through parish and diocesan programs; Thank you for facilitating adult, young adult and youth evangelization by using formation and catechesis relevant to our Filipino religiosity, spirituality and culture; Thank you for fostering the Filipino faith communities in accordance with the Filipino family values and meaningful worship while promoting dialogues and solidarity with other cultures; Thank you for promoting the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious life and lay ministries; and Thank you for promoting international solidarity with other ethnic communities and nationals in the larger Church community. May God’s love, peace and joy be with you always. Naida C. Castro Chairperson

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Friends in the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino!

Greetings of the Lord’s Peace to you all! As we celebrate the 15th Founding Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino, the National Alliance of Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) in the United States of America send you solidarity greetings of gratitude, joy and inspiration! We thank you for keeping the faith alive in this new land that many of you call your very own home. We know that this faith is rooted in our experience and culture as a people of the Philippines, varied in our regional expressions and yet one in its national identity. We know that this faith is alive in our devotions to the different images of Jesus Christ and of the Blessed Mother Mary, the saints who help us in the different seasons of our life and livelihood (San Isidro Labrador, San Roque, etc), in our family and extended family values, in our sense of being a community first before we are individuals, as shown in the “bayanihan” spirit, in our basic orientation to the holy, as in our concepts of “bahala na (Bathala na)” , “pagkakasala at kaparusahan”, and in our being “maka-tao at maka-Diyos, maka-Buhay, makabayan at makakalikasan”! We rejoice with you in keeping our identity integrated into the US Church and society. By this integration, we are enriched by this new home and by this multi-ethnic society just as we give of ourselves to contribute to their richness. But what polishes us together, in this sharing of strength and weaknesses, is our faith in Jesus Christ, alive in each of us, present in our society, in our being Church, and known most especially among those who are most in need! With you we are inspired to open up to the future, in a great experience of being a World Church, a pilgrim church on earth that serves the full realization of God’s Kingdom. That is why we must always link ourselves with the people back home in the Philippines, and with the other countries of origin of fellow immigrants because the history of this country and our own respective country-histories have always had profound relationships in times of war and peace, in the struggles for justice and truth, for freedom and liberation. We look forward to a continuing partnership with you in the Filipino Ministry as we live out our faith together in the loving service of our brothers and sisters. Fraternally yours,

Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC President National Alliance for Filipino Concerns

FR. DENNIS LEGASPI PICTURE/ MESSAGE

FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2006 - 2009

Rev. Arturo Monzon-Balagat Ex-Officio Pastor, St. Anthony-San Jacinto National Apostolate , USCCB

Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Director Pastor, Our Lady Of The Desert Apple Valley

Rev. Dennis Legaspi Spiritual Director Administrator, St. Elisabeth of Hungary Desert Hot Springs

Vicky De La Cruz Treasurer Blessed John XXIII Fontana

Rudy Soliman Representative High Desert Our Lady of the Desert Apple Valley

Vangie Fernandez Alternate Representative San Bernardino St. Adelaide Highland

Beth Managan Representative West End A St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Ontario

Frank Lansang Alternate Representative West End A St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Ontario

Owett Cabildo Alternate Representative West End B Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga

Vic Eslava Representative Hemet St. Christopher Moreno Valey

Ariel S. Jamisola Alternate Representative Hemet St. Anthony San Jacinto

Manny Alidio Representative Low Desert Blessed Kateri Beaumont

Tess Alidio Alternate Representative Low Desert Blessed Kateri Beaumont

Jose F. Rafols Representative Riverside St. John The Evaangelist Riverside

Benjie Lungay Alternate Representative Riverside St. Catherine Of Alexandria Riverside

Maria Echevaria, Ex-Officio Vice Chancellor and Director of Apostolic & Ethnic Affairs, Diocese of San Bernardino

Sr. Theresa Phan, L.H.C. Ex-Officio Director, Asian-Pacific Islander Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino

Naida Castro Chairperson St. George Fontana

Nini Dyogi Vice Chairperson St. Thomas The Apostle Riverside

Lourdes De Jesus Alternate Representative High Desert Holy Family Hesperia

Bing Johnson Representative San Bernardino St. Adelaide Highland

Louie David Representative West End B St. Peter & St. Paul Alta Loma

Merci Littaua Secretary Sacred Heart Redlands

FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2006 - 2009

Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Director Pastor, Our Lady Of The Desert Apple Valley

Merci Littaua Secretary Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga

Rev. Dennis Legaspi Spiritual Director Administrator, St. Elisabeth of Hungary Desert Hot Springs

Vicky De La Cruz Treasurer Blessed John XXIII Fontana

Naida Castro Chairperson St. George Fontana

Rev. Ben Alforque, MSC,VF Member-At-Large Vicar Forane-Riverside Vicariate Parochial Vicar, St. Catherine of Alexandria – Riverside President, National Alliance of Filipino Concerns (NAFCON)

Nini Dyogi Vice Chairerson St. Thomas The Apostle Riverside

Romy Enriquez Member-At-Large Ministry Formation Institute, Diocese of San Bernardino

Nel Rabe Member-At-Large St. Peter & St. Paul Alta Loma

STANDING COMMITTEES

Joe & Cely Rafols Coordinators Family Life St. John The Evaangelist Riverside

June & Techie Bitanga Coordinators Youth & Young Adult St. Catherine of Alexandria Temecula

Nini Dyogi Worship Temporary Coordinator

Owett Cabildo Coordinator Stewardship & Finance Sacred Heart

Robert Clamor Coordinator Social Concern St. George

Chabs Aranez Coordinator Evangelization St. Peter & St. Paul Alta Loma

FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO FILIPINO PRIESTS, DEACON AND SISTERS

Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Pastor, Our Lady Of The Desert - Apple Valley

Rev. Benjamin Alforque, MSC Vicar Forane St. Catherine of Alexandria Riverside

Rev. Arturo Monzon-Balagat Pastor, St. Anthony San Jacinto

Rev. Frederick Costales, MS Parochial Vicar St. Christopher Moreno Valley

Rev. Ignacio Estrada S.V.D. Chaplain San Bernardino Community Hospital

Rev. Nick Gito, MSC. St. Catherine of Alexandria Riverside

Rev. Jose R. Goopio, S.V.D. Director Divine Word Missionaries Riverside

Rev. Arian G. Intal, MS Our Lady of the Desert Apple Valley

Rev. Enrique Lapuebla, MS Chaplain Riverside County Regional Medical Center

Rev. Dennis Legaspi Administrator St. Elisabeth of Hungary Desert Hot Springs

Rev. James Oropel Holy Innocents Victorville

Rev. Emilio Reyes, SVD Director Divine Word Misionaries Riverside

Rev. Romeo N. Seleccion, MS Episcopal Vicar Diocese of San Bernardino

Rev. Cristobal Subosa, F.I. Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga

Rev. Msgr. Antonio G. Sudario Chaplain St. Bernardine Medical Center San Bernardino

Rev. Briccio Tamorro, SVD Provincial Superior Divine Word Missionaries Riverside

Sr. Nina Achacoso, MSM

Sr. Angelita Bacleon, MSM

Sr. Lily Salilin, MSM

Rev. Msgr. Cesar Encinares Chaplain Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda

Rev. Joven Junio, MS Pastor St. Christopher Moreno Valley

Rev. Generoso T. Sabio, MSC Pastor St. Catherine of Alexandria Riverside

Donnie Geaga Deacon St. Peter & St. Paul Alta Loma

MAJOR EVENTS

Filipino Clergy Concerts

Class No. 1, Marriage Encounter sponsored by the Family LifeCommittee held at St. Catherine of Alexandria-Riverside, May 31-June 1, 2008.

NAPCO Convocation, Washington, DC, June 30 – July 3, 2006

Simbang Gabi Closing celebrations held at St. Catherine of Alexandria, Riverside, December 23, 2008.

Discovering and Re -discovering The Philippines

NAPCO Exhibits at the Religious Congress, Anaheim Convention Center

Lenten Reflections, Divine Word Retreat Center, Riverside May 14 – May 15, 2008

2008 Bishop Barnes Annual Dinner Celebrations

2005 World Youth Day, Cologne, Germany

Winners of the Cherokee Raffles awarded during the Simbang Gabi Kickoff held at St. Ann Church, San Bernardino on December 15, 1995.

Simbang Gabi Workshops, November 3, 2007 held at St. Catherine, Riverside

Filipino Ministry Contingent to the Flores De Mayo Festival in Orange Show, San Bernardino

Simbang Gabi Kickoff held at St. Ann Church, San Bernardino on December 15, 1995.

Diocesan Filipino Ministry San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, Liturgical Dancers-September 30, 2006, St. George, Ontario

General Assembly, November 10, 2007 held at Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga

April 30, 2005 First Invitational Choral Song Festival. St. George, Ontario Filipino Ministry 15th Anniversary, May 3, 2008 held at St. George, Ontario

Directory Editorial Board, July 12, 2008 held at St. John the Evangelist, Riverside

NAFCON Meeting, December 5, 2007 held at St. George, Ontario

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino and an organizational set-up consisting of the: Fifteen Years of Service A. General Assembly, the highest consultative body of the In the Pastoral Care of the Filipino Community Filipino Ministry, responsible for reviewing, deliberating and Filipino Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino amending the Constitution and By-Laws subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

We, the Church of San Bernardino, are a community of believers in Jesus Christ, called to impact family, neighborhood and society with the Gospel so that people’s lives are filled with hope. (Mission Statement - Diocese of San Bernardino)

B.

In 1985 Pope John Paul II, in his address on World Migrant’s Day, insist that “the immigrant members of the Church, while freely exercising their rights and duties and being in full ecclesial communion in the particular churches, feel themselves Christians and brothers towards all, must be able to remain completely themselves as far as language, culture, liturgy and spirituality, and particular traditions are concerned.” In the late 1980’s Filipinos in the Diocese of San Bernardino were able to express their Filipino faith, religiosity and culture through various devotional groups (i.e., Rosary, Santo Niño, Lord of Pardon, Our Lady of Fatima, etc.) in gatherings homes. In April 1991 Most Rev. Phillip Straling, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, and Msgr. Peter Luque, Vicar of Ethnic Affairs, began the outreach to the Filipino community together with Filipino Fr. Sofronio Aranda and lay leaders Santiago “Santi” and Virgie Garospe, who were parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills. In January 1992 Msgr. Luque was succeeded by then Auxiliary Bishop Gerald R. Barnes. With the arrival of Fr. Arturo J. MonzonBalagat in November 1992 and, thereafter, the Missionaries of the La Salette Fr. Maurice Cardinal and Fr. Romeo Seleccion, outreach to the Filipino community continued to flourish. Filipinos came together for the celebrations of diocesan Simbang Gabi Novenas. Fr. Balagat, Fr. Seleccion and the Garospes continued tapping the Filipino Cursillistas and members of devotional groups, which became the grassroots of the formation toward the development of a formal diocesan Filipino Ministry. On April 7, 1993, a group of Filipino leaders gathered for a consultation, headed by Bishop Barnes, at Sacred Heart Parish in Etiwanda, now Rancho Cucamonga. The consultation was designed to solicit input for planning and setting of the goals for a diocesan Filipino Ministry. During the consultation process Bishop Barnes recognized and commented on the gifts Filipinos bring our faith, our service and our rich religious culture and practices – to the diocese. He asked the following questions for reflection: 1.

2.

3.

4.

What are the issues and needs facing the Filipino Catholic community in the diocese of San Bernardino? What are the gifts and talents the Filipino Catholic community possess to address these need? What are the obstacles present within the Filipino Catholic community that interferes with addressing these needs?

C. The Executive Committee, exercising the general supervision and implementation of the day-to day affairs of the Filipino Ministry, working with and through the Standing Committees: Worship and Prayer, Evangelization/Education/Formation, Christian Service, Stewardship and Finance, Family Life and Youth. On November 7, 1994, the Constitution and By-Laws was adopted with Fr. Balagat as the first Director appointed by Bishop Barnes and with Jessie Cristobal elected as the first Chairperson and with an Advisory Board consisting of the following officers and members: Ex-Officio Members (4) Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar of Ethnic Affairs Fr. Arturo J. Balagat, Director of Filipino Ministry Fr. Romeo N. Seleccion, MS, Priest Liaison Santiago B. Gorospe, Lay Coordinator Filipino Representatives (8) Jessie Cristobal, Chairperson of the Board and Youth Committee Aurora Heminger, Vice-Chairperson and Chair for Education Zuming Hermosura, Secretary Mar Tigno, Treasurer Romeo Villar, Chairperson, Christian Service Committee Romeo de Guzman, Chairperson, Worship and Prayer Committee Godofreda B. Sumalangcay, Chairperson, Stewardship (Finance) Committee Lydia Samaniego, Member, Worship and Prayer Committee Non-Filipino Representatives (3) Fr. Tim Keppel, Pastor, Resurrection Church, Fontana Sr. Teresa Gomez, Director, Hispanic Ministry Thomas R. Lenert, Chairperson, Family Life Committee Ms. Cristobal chaired the Filipino Ministry – DSB until 1997. From 1997 – 1998 the position of Chairperson was vacant. Among the activities during this period were: •

December 1994, First Diocesan Fund Raising Campaign; first prize: Jeep Cherokee; over $100,000.00 were raised of which 40% was shared with participating parishes.

•

May 28, 1995, Santacruzan ’95, A Filipino Cultural Celebration; Officer in-charge and co-chair: Dr. Freda B. Sumalangcay, Stewardhip and Finance Committee Chairperson; Venue: International Pavilion, National Orange Show, San Bernardino.

•

September 30, 1995, First Pastoral Conference in honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Saint; Coordinators: Mon and Len Robrigado, Ontario Vicariate Coordinators; Emcee: Salvador N. Calumno, Jr., Ontario Vicariate Representative; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

May 30, 1997, Papuri at Pasasalamat (Praise and Thanksgiving) – A Showcase of Philippine Sacred Music for Sacraments & Other Celebrations; sponsored by the Filipino Ministry of the West End Vicariate in collaboration with the Jesuit Music Ministry and Bukas Palad Choir; Venue: Our Lady of the Desert – Apple Valley.

•

September 27, 1998, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration

What are the hopes and expectations of the Filipino community from the diocese of San Bernardino?

An Ad Hoc Committee was formed with Fr. Balagat as the convener and Mr. Garospe as the lay contact person. The ensuing dialogues, including vicariate meetings in the West End, Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville, gave birth to the Filipino Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino. The result of the grassroots consultation was compiled by Fr. Seleccion and, thereafter, presented to Bishop Barnes and to the General Assembly for ratification on January 15, 1994, at St. Anne Church in San Bernardino. On October 13, 1994, Bishop Barnes signed the Constitution and By-Laws of the Filipino Ministry – DSB, with its Mission Statement, Purpose, Goals and Objectives (see Constitution and By-Laws)

The Board of Directors, the highest policy-making body of the Filipino Ministry, deliberating on policies, actions, or issues pertaining to the Filipino Ministry, acting on matters received from the General Assembly and serving as an Advisory Body to the Bishops of the Diocese, as well as resource group for pastors and other Diocesan bodies among the Filipino communities

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Venue: St. George – Ontario. •

November 15, 1998, a task force was formed to look into the Banal na Pag-aaral (BNP); the task force, which comprised of priests and parish leaders whose parishes are close to the BNP headquarter and a lawyer, met regularly with Fr. Balagat; Result: Bishop Gerald Barnes issued statements on February 10, 1999, and December 8, 2005, banning the BNP in the Diocese of San Bernardino.

•

December 13, 1998, Simbang Gabi Kick-off Celebration and Cursillo Thanksgiving Mass; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Theme: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Diocese and Preparing for the Third Millennium; the Filipino Ministry West End Vicariate Choir, Hispanic, Vietnamese and Korean choirs collaborated in providing the music for the combined multicultural celebration, which was preceded by a grand ultreya of the Filipino Cursillo Movement; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

Josie Dumdum, Renew 2000 Coordinator, St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills; Presenter – Filipino Culture and Religiosity: Irma Isip, Consultant, Asian and Pacific Islander Perspectives, Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Presenter – Hispanic Culture and Religiosity: Sr. Cecilia Calva, Hispanic Affairs and Encuentro Coordinator, DSB; Presenter – Native American Culture and Religiosity: Dean Frank Alaniz; Presenter – Vietnamese Culture and Religiosity: Sr. Theresa Phan, LHC, Director, Asian-Pacific Islander Ministry-DSB; Presenter-Korean Culture and Religiosity: Peter Chung, Korean Community Diocesan Liaison; Presenter – Tongan Culture and Religiosity: Sr. Clare Tavo, OSH, Tongan Community Diocesan Liaison; Presenter – African-American Culture and Religiosity: Rev. Richard McGee, CR, Vicar for African-American Community; and Presenter- Synthesis: Rev. Romy Seleccion, MS, Pastor of Our Lady of the Desert – Apple Valley; Venue: St. Margaret Mary – Chino.

•

June 24, 2000, Commissioning of the Board Officers and Members during Ugnayan 2000: Chairperson Willie Bugaoan; Youth Coordinator Jose Crespo, Evangelization/Education/Formation Coordinator Naida Castro; Christian Service Coordinator Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez; Stewardship and Finance Coordinator Etchell Alfonso; Family Life Coordinators Jose and Cely Rafols; and Worship and Payer Coordinator Amy Foulkes.

•

October 7, 2000, Rev. Arturo Joseph Monzon-Balagat’s 25th Priestly Ordination Anniversary Celebration to honor his many accomplishments, particularly his pastoral care of the Filipino Catholics in the diocese and beyond; attended by Msgr. Gerald M. Lopez, STL , V.G., many diocesan Filipino priests and 350 Filipino Ministry members of the diocese; Venue: Hilton Hotel – Ontario.

•

December 9, 2000, Most Rev. Gerald Richard Barnes’ Silver Jubilee of Priesthood Mass; thereafter a commemorative book of the Bishop’s 25 years of priesthood was presented by Willie Bugaoan, chairperson of the Commemorative Book, and Tess Faicol, and one of the lead writers of the book.

•

December 15, 2000, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald Barnes; Venue: St. Adelaide – Highland. January 2001, Rev. Arturo J. Monzon-Balagat was appointed chairperson of the United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council (USFCMC), an organization of Filipino ministries nationwide; Fr. Balagat replaced Fr. Joe Arong.

•

February 18, 2001, A Study Day on the Church in Asia, with a Special Focus on the Philippine Church; Presenter: (then) Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, Diocese of Imus, Cavite, Philippines; Venue: Pastoral Center – San Bernardino.

•

April 7, 2001, First Diocesan Lenten Day of Prayer; all-day retreat attended by 200 participants; Retreat Director: Fr. Ramon Cortez; Music provided by the El Shaddai Music Ministry of St. George – Fontana; Valimer Jansen interpreted part of Genesis in song; Passion play by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario parishioners; Venue: Sacred Heart – Rancho Cucamonga.

•

June 3, 2001, Asian-Pacific Encuentro sponsored by the AsianPacific Islander Ministry; Keynote Speaker and Eucharistic Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Music and Liturgical Dance by El Shaddai Ministry of St. George – Fontana; three other parishes provided cultural dance numbers; Venue: Venue: St. Margaret Mary – Chino.

•

June 16, 2001, Workshop on Introduction to Music Ministry - A prerequisite class for the Simbang Gabi Refresher Workshop and for Music Ministry Certification by the Office of Worship; designed for Filipinos and everyone involved with music ministry in the multicultural assemblies; Presenters: Kathleen Estrella and Sr. Theresa Gomez; Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton – Ontario.

In 1999, Willie Bugaoan was elected as the second Chairperson. In 2003 Msgr. Cesar “Ching” Encinares replaced Fr. Balagat. Ms. Bugaoan chaired the ministry through the end of 2003. During this period Fr. Antonio G. Abuan was also appointed by Auxiliary Bishop Dennis O’Neil as the Chaplain to the Filipino Cursillo in Christianity Movement. Among the activities were: •

May 8 - 9, 1999, Philippines Boys Choir Concert, a fundraising of the Ministry of Sisters of Social Services in the Philippines for the educational fund of the choir members was supported by the Filipino Ministry – DSB; very poor but musically gifted members of the choirs were 8- 15 year old young men from the farm of Bukidnon.

•

August 29, 1999 to February 2000, Theology Formation Program for the Filipino Ministry leaders, a program of the Parish Ministry Formation Program (PMFP) for the Filipino Catholics offered by the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) to develop and assist leaders of the diocesan and parish Filipino Ministries, prayer/devotional groups and movements.

•

•

October 29, 1999, First Simbang Gabi Workshop in collaboration with the Office of Worship; Presenters: Les Rangel Santos, Liturgy and Music director from Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Kathleen Estrella, Music Director – DSB; Venue: Pastoral Center. September 25, 1999, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Main Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion, Parochial Vicar of St. Christopher – Moreno Valley and Director of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry - DSB at the time; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish - Montclair.

•

December 11, 1999, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Mass; Main Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion; Choir: Good News Chorale; Venue: St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills.

•

April 13, 2000, Vocations Dinner with His Excellency Gerald R. Barnes. A night for Filipino families from the different vicariates to hear vocation stories; attended by 250 adults and children; Venue: Pastoral Center.

•

April 13, 2000, Vocations Dinner with His Excellency Gerald R. Barnes. A night for Filipino families from the different vicariates to hear vocation stories; attended by 250 adults and children; Venue: Pastoral Center.

•

June 24, 2000, UGNAYAN 2000 (ENCUENTRO 2000) – Iba’tibang Mukha sa Tahanan ng Diyos (Many Faces in God’s House); Keynote Speaker: Very Rev. Steve Porter, Vicar Forane, West-End Vicariate; Respondent – Reflection on the Many Faces in God’s House – Encuentro 2000: Elizabeth Manangan, Ethnic Coordinator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Ontario; Respondents – Reflection on the Jubiliee 2000: Ligaya Butts, Member, Diocesan Jubilee Committee and

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino •

June 22, 2001, Simbang Gabi Refresher Workshop; Presenter: Kathleen Estrella; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Rialto.

•

September 21, 2001, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Main Celebrant: Most. Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Choir: Good New Chorale; Venue: St. Christopher - Moreno Valley. December 15, 2001, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Celebration; a multicultural celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Fr. Charles Schultz, STD, Pastor; Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Ontario.

of Migrants and Refugees, USCCB; Venue: Pastoral Center – DSB. September 2003, Atty. Francis Papica, representing Southern California in the Philippines, received the Bayaning Filipino Award, a project of Philippines ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation to promote the values of the Filipino people. Atty Papica, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills, was nominated by the Filipino Ministry – DSB in collaboration with UGAT Foundation’s Director Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ. •

December 14, 2003, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Theme: Filling Lives with Hope; Main Celebrant: Msgr. Gerardo Lopez, STL, Vicar General, and homilist Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George – Fontana.

December 23, 2001, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy; Main Celebrant: Fr. Ramon P. Cortez; Venue: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel – Rancho Cucamonga.

•

February 14, 2002, St. Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance; to raise funds for World Youth Day 2002 participants; Special Guests: Most Rev. Dennis P. O’Neil and Msgr. Gerald M. Lopez; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

March 6 - 7, 2002, Youth Symposium; a two-day symposium centered on the ministry to and with youth; attended by Youth Committee Chairperson Jose Crespo; chairperson of the Commemorative Book; Venue: Pastoral Center.

•

April 27, 2002, Link an Evening with the San Bernardino Youth - Dinner Dance to raise funds for22 scholars of XVII World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada; St. George – Ontario.

•

July 18 – 28, 2002, World Youth Day 2002; Willie Bugaoan and Naida Castro accompanied a group of youth, young adults, parents and diocesan seminarians; Venue: Toronto, Canada.

•

September 21, 2002, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: Catherine of Alexandria - Temecula.

•

October 12, 2002, Multicultural Family Day – Unity in Diversity; an all day event sponsored by the Hispanic Affairs, Asian Pacific Islander Ministry, Assembly for Catholics of African Descent, Native American Ministry, Office of Social Concerns and Office of Worship; the Filipino community contributed in the liturgy and entertainment, lunch and cultural exhibitions; Venue: Aquinas High School.

•

October 25, 2002, Simbang Gabi 2002 Formation Workshop held at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. The Simbang Gabi workshop challenged participants to prepare liturgies that are authentically Filipino and liturgies that provide opportunities to bring other cultural groups together with the Filipino in this celebration. The workshop was presented by Kathleen Estrella, a musician from the Diocese of San Bernardino. September 21, 2002, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria – Temecula.

•

December 15, 2002, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off, Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: St. Catherine - Rialto. February 14, 2003, St. Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance; to raise funds for WYD 2005 participants; St. George – Ontario.

•

April 2, 2003, Focus group discussion of the Women’s Commission, a commission on status of women in church and in society attended by Willie Bugaoan, Naida Castro and Merci Littaua; Venue: Pastoral Center.

•

May 31, 2003, Asian-Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith; in collaboration with The Ministry Formation Institute, AsianPacific Islander Ministry and the Office of Worship; Keynote Speaker: Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, Professor at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome; Presenter: Cecile Motus, Coordinator of Ethnic Affairs, Office of Pastoral Care

September 28, 2003, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main Celebrant: Rev. Art Balagat: Venue: St. George- Ontario.

December 23, 2003, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy; Main Celebrant: Rev. Art Balagat; followed by the Filipino Priests in Concert; Venue: St. George – Ontario. On March 4, 2004, Filipino Ministry – DSB Director Msgr. Encinares called for an Ad Hoc Committee at the Pastoral Center to: 1) Assess, evaluate and plan for the future of the Filipino Ministry – DSB; 2) Conduct a survey to determine the presence and involvement of Filipinos within the parishes in the Diocese of San Bernardino; and 3) Review the draft of the proposed revisions to the Filipino Ministry – DSB’s Constitution and By-Laws. During this period, the Evangelization and Worship Committees had the following evangelization and liturgical activities:

•

March 12, 2004, Lenten Reflection - Reclaiming the Passion, Death & Resurrection of Jesus In Our Times, A Reflection of our Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection According to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John; Presenter: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

May 1, 2004, Conversing and Connecting from the Heart Part I, a discussions and study Filipino American youth between the ages of 14 and 19 years old; attended by 75 parents and 60 Filipino American teen-agers; Purpose: to conduct an in-depth look on the Filipino American family dynamics and psychologies to help better understand the cultural and value conflicts encountered by Filipino immigrants and our American born children at home, school and church settings; Facilitators: Dr. Jocelyn Pacleb, PHD, a lecturer of Asian American Studies and Filipina/o American Studies from CSU, Fullerton and Project leaders Theresa Palang, MBA, and Grace Lacsamana, MA, from St. Christopher Church, Moreno Valley; a survey questionnaire with a focus on Parent and Youth Background Information, Filipino Cultural Values and Practices, Communication and Issues and Concerns of Filipino American Families specially designed for the study by Dr. Pacleb was used; Venue: St. Christopher – Moreno Valley.

•

June 19, 2004, Conversing and Connecting from the Heart Part II; Keynote Speakers: Dr. Patricia Heras, a clinical and consulting psychologist who has done extensive research studies on Filipino American youths in San Diego and Texas and Fr. Art Balagat,the national chairman of the United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council (USFCMC) and pastor of St. George, Ontario; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

July 2004 – The quantitative study summary of the Filipino American youth and parent survey was submitted to the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry (APIM) Office by Dr. Jocelyn Pacleb, PHD, with an eighty- page narrative interpretation by Theresa Palang, a sociologist and Grace Lacsamana, a child psychologist; APIM Office provided the primary grant used for the six-month study; additional external funding came from the business community.

•

September 3 and 4, 2004, First National Convocation of the United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council (USFCMC) in

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino collaboration with the Office of the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR)/Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Filipino Ministry – DSB; Theme: The Filipino Ministry: Enriching the Life and Mission of the United States Catholic Church; USFCMC President: Fr. Arturo Joseph MonzonBalagat; Venue: St. George – Ontario. •

•

•

•

•

June 11, 2005, a Day of Reflection - Meeting God in Our Transition Times. Presenter: Fr. Dennis Legaspi; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

June 26, 2005, a Memorial Tribute to His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin; main celebrant Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

From August 10 – 24, 2005, World Youth Day; Fr. Art Balagat, Fr. Ben Alforque, MSC, Alex and Naida Castro, and Jose and Cely Rafols accompanied a group of youth and young adults (36 participants); Venue: Dioceses of Limburg and Cologne in Germany.

•

September 24, 2005, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutilio del Riego; Venue: St. Thomas the Apostle – Riverside.

•

September 16, 2005, First Coordinator of Ministries Formation Program (CMFP) Graduation; seven Filipino leaders, including the first Filipino deacon of this diocese, Deacon Donnie Geaga, and his wife, Charet, completed the CMFP; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Venue: Holy Rosary Cathedral.

•

October 8, 2005, Thanksgiving Mass; Main Celebrant Very Rev. Robert L. Miller; Homilist: Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton – Ontario.

•

On November 5, 2005, first session of the Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, Sr. Angie Bacleon, and Naida Castro; Diocesan Simbang Gabi Coordinator: Merci Littaua; Venue: St. Martha – Murrieta.

•

November 11, 2005, second session of the Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Naida Castro and Sr. Angie Bacleon assisted by Fr. Fred Costales, MS; Simbang Gabi Coordinator: Merci Littaua; Venue: St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills.

•

November 19, 2005, the CTC continued its review of the Constitution and By-Laws and made corrections/amendments to clarify and further improve its presentation. Fr. Gem Bandivas, J.C.L., Office of Canonical Services, and Bobby Tuazon, Visiting Professor from the University of the Philippines, assisted in the review and revision.

•

December 1 – 4, 2005, USFCMC National Meeting; Fr. Art Balagat (President – USFCMC); Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, Merci Littaua, and Naida C. Castro represented the Filipino Ministry – DSB in the USFCMC National Meeting; Fr. Ben was one of the speakers at this meeting; Venue: Northampton, PA.

•

December 10, 2005, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Diocesan Theme: The Eucharist: Celebrating Many Faces in God’s House; Main Celebrant: Msgr. Tom Wallace, EV; Venue: St. Martha – Murrieta. December 23, 2005, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy; Main Celebrant: Very Rev. Robert L. Miller; Venue: Our Lady of the Desert - Apple Valley.

•

During the year, Parish and Vicariate Meetings with various Parish Filipino Ministries were held at Mt. Carmel – Rancho Cucamonga, Sacred Heart – Rancho Cucamonga, St. Adelaide – Highland, and St. Christopher – Moreno Valley.

•

January 15, 2006, First Choral Festival of the Cavite Clergy in Concert; co-sponsored by the National Asian and Pacific Catholic Organization of Southern California (NAPCO So. Cal); funds raised benefited the Diocese of Imus and NAPCO So Cal (30%); Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

February 16, 2006, Second Choral Festival of the Cavite Clergy in Concert; co-sponsored by the NAPCO So. Cal; funds raised benefited the Diocese of Imus and NAPCO So Cal (30%); Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria – Riverside

•

March 11, 2006, Lenten Reflection - Stewardship: the Challenge

September 28, 2004, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main Celebrant: ; Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes – Montclair. October 23, 2004, A Day of Recollection on Faithful Citizenship; Speakers: Episcopal Vicar of San Bernardino Very Rev. Bob Miller; Director of the Office of Social Concerns Jeanette Arnquist; Educator of Philosophy and Theology Tom Lenert; Sponsored by the United States Filipino Catholic Ministries (USFCMC) and the Filipino Ministry – DSB in collaboration with the Office of the Asian-Pacific Islander Ministry and the Office of Social Concerns, Diocese of San Bernardino. November 2004, Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Dennis Legaspi and Kathleen Estrella; Venue: St. Edward – Corona. December 11, 2004, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Theme: Celebrating the Eucharist - Harmony in Faith, Unity in Diversity: Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald Barnes: Venue: Resurrection Church – Fontana. December 23, 2004, Simbang Gabi Closing; Main Celebrant: Msgr. Tom Wallace, Episcopal Vicar, Riverside region; Venue: St. Christopher – Moreno Valley.

In the latter part of 2004, in the absence of an active Advisory Board and an active Executive Committee, Msgr. Encinares organized a Care Taker Committee (CTC) and delegated the responsibility for the Filipino Ministry – DSB to the CTC. Members of the CTC included: Fr. Arturo (Art) Monzon-Balagat; Fr. Antonio (Tony) Abuan, MS; Fr. Benjamin (Ben) E. Alforque, MSC; Romy Enriquez; Merci Littaua; and Naida C. Castro. •

From February 2005 through May 2006, the CTC reviewed and revised the Constitution and By-laws, as well as continued to assess and discuss preliminary plans on how to direct, organize, and implement various activities during the period of transition. Among the activities during this critical period of transition were:

•

February 15, 2005, first CTC meeting; discussed preliminary plans on how to direct, organize, and implement the various activities of the Filipino Ministry - DSB during the period of evaluation and transition of leadership. March 28, 2005, second CTC meeting; among the major topics of discussion: Constitution and By-Laws of the Filipino Ministry – DSB and an immediate plan for assessment, evaluation and planning.

•

•

April 9, 2005, General Meeting; Fr. Tony presented the interim structure of Filipino Ministry – DSB and introduced the leadership under the CTC; Venue: St. George – Ontario. April 30, 2005, First Invitational Choral Song Festival - a Tribute to St. George’s 100 Year Anniversary; co-sponsored by the United States Filipino Ministries Council (USFCMC); proceeds benefited the Junipero Serra House of Formation and the Office of Vocations, DSB; Coordinator: Fr. Gem Bandivas; Venue: St. George – Ontario. June 6, 2005, General Meeting of Filipino Ministry Parish Leaders; Fr. Tony presented the draft of the proposed Constitution and By-Laws; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino to the Philippines, to promote multicultural diversity and harmony as richness in the Diocese of San Bernardino.The program exposed the youth and young adults to urban anrural communities in Manila, Cavite, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte. It included a four-day stay with the Lumads (an indigenous community) at the San Luis Lumad Community High School in Agusan del Sur, a three-day stay at the beautiful white-sand beach resort in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, a visit at the Urios University in Butuan, as well as sightseeing and shopping in Manila, Quezon City and Cebu. The pioneers of the program were: Eddie Banuelos (St. George Ontario); Roman, Alexander and Monica Castro (St. George Fontana); Richelle Argenal (St. George - Fontana); and Jomer Laurenaria (Cavite, Philippines). The pioneers were accompanied by Alex and Naida Castro (St. George - Fontana), Felicitas Cenica (Cavite, Philippines) and Lorna Balatay (Manila, Philippines). Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque. MSC and the Sisters of Missionaries of the Assumption served as guides and facilitators of the program.

of the paschal Mystery to U.S. Christians in Our Time; Presenter: Very Rev. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, VF, Riverside Vicariate; co-sponsored by the National Asian Pacific Catholic Organization (NAPCO); Venue: St. George – Ontario. Upon approval of the Vice-Chancellor and Director of Pastoral and Ethnic Affairs Maria Echeverria and the Director of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry Sr. Theresa Phan, the CTC called for a General Assembly at St. George – Ontario on May 20, 2006. With Ms. Echeverria and Sr. Theresa present, the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented and ratified. Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS became the third Director and Fr. Dennis Legaspi as the Spiritual Director; other officers of the Executive Committee were respectively elected with Naida C. Castro and Nini Dyogi as Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson, respectively; Merci Littaua as Secretary; and Vicki dela Cruz as Treasurer. Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC and Romy Enriquez were selected and approved by the Board as Members-at-Large of the Executive Committee. The following Vicariate Representatives and Alternates were nominated and approved to represent the vicariates to the Board: Ralph Millare and Wil Vita – Representative and Alternate Representative, Hemet Vicariate; Fred Capinpin and Jose Rafols – Representative and Alternate Representative, Riverside Vicariate; Rudy Soliman and Lou de Jesus – Representative and Alternate Representative, High Desert Vicariate; Beth Manangan – Representative, West-End A Vicariate; Louie David and Owette Cabildo – Representative and Alternate Representative, West End B Vicariate; Manny and Tess Alidio – Representative and Alternate Representative Low Desert Vicariate; and Bing Johnson and Vangie Fernandez – Representative and Alternate Representative, San Bernardino Vicariate. The following were nominated and approved as Coordinators of the Standing Committees: Jose and Cely Rafols – Famiy Life, Edwin and Rowena Gabriel – Youth and Young Adult, Helen Seno – Worship, Sr. Niña Achocoso and Minda Ramos – Evangelization, Frank Lansang – Social Concerns and Owette Cabildo – Temporalities (Finance). The first Executive Committee meeting was on July 24, 2006, at St. Catherine of Alexandria – Riverside; among the subject matters discussed at the meeting include strengthening of Parish Filipino Ministry, Filipino Ministry - DSB's E-Newsletter; and the probability of a Filipino Ministry - DSB Office and a part time staff at the Pastoral Center. Keeping in mind the importance of communication,consultation, collaboration, connection and coordination with the Filipino Catholic community, the Executive Committee continued to work on the Pastoral Plan, reviewing the history of the Filipino Ministry – DSB, observing and identifying religious and cultural practices and affiliations, as well as inquiring into and identifying the different facets and needs of the Filipino Catholics, such as:

June 9 – July 3, 2006, officers and members or the Executive Committee and Board of Directors supported and attended the first National Asian Pacific Catholic Convocation (NAPCC) sponsored by the National Asian Pacific Catholic Organization (NAPCO) in Arlington, VA. Among the presenters were: Fr. Arturo Monzon-Balagat, President of the NAPCO, and Very Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC, VF. •

August 5, 2006, the Executive Committee held a Strategic Planning Meeting to organize its plan of developing short- and long-term goals and finalize the program for the series of Goal Setting Workshops.

During the first Board Meeting on August 9, 2006, at the Pastoral Center, among the topics discussed were issues/concerns regarding Filipino Ministries at the parish level, including existence and monitoring of various Filipino religious organizations and movements, forming Vicariate leadership teams, strengthening parish Filipino Ministries, lay parish leader consultation meetings, parish and vicariate visitation meetings, E-Newsletter, Filipino Ministry – DSB Office and Staff; Commissioning of Officers and Members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Standing Committee, and various upcoming events. On November 19, 2006, at the combined Thanksgiving Luncheon and Board Meeting, the Executive Committee presented to the Board of Directors the One-Year (2006 – 2007) Plan of Action of the Filipino Ministry – DSB. The 2006 -2007 Plan of Action for review and approval. The Plan of Action, as approved, included the specific goals and objectives of the Executive Committee and the various activities planned by each Standing Committee based on committee objectives (described in the Constitution and By-Laws) as follows:

How can we reach out to those who have not yet heard of our ministry?

Executive Committee

•

How can we nurture those who are already involved in our ministry?

Goal 1. To organize the Filipino Community

•

How can we bring back those who have left our ministry and parish community?

•

Objectives: 1.

In carrying out the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry – DSB, the officers and members of the Board, Executive and Standing Committees moved forward with the following activities prior to the first Board Meeting:

2. 3. 4.

•

5.

From June 21 - June 30, 2006, the Filipino Ministry - DSB sponsored a youth and young adult exposure program, Discovering and Rediscovering the Filipino Roots - A Journey

To strengthen Filipino Ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino; To expand Filipino Ministry in the Diocese; To consolidate the existing parishes into clusters/vicariates; To network with various Filipino communities/organizations locally, nationally and internationally; and To support and oversee the plans and activities of the Standing Committees: Family Life, Youth and Young Adult, Worship, Evangelization and Temporalities (Finance) Committees (see below).

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino students and learned the indigenous peoples’ struggles for cultural identity, their claim for ancestral land and domain and their struggle for integrity of creation.

Goal 2. To facilitate evangelization by using formation & catechesis relevant to Filipino Culture, etc. Objectives: 1.

To set up curriculum intended for Filipino Communities and religious organizations;

2.

To promote or provide Filipino educational development; and

3.

To establish internal leadership and education program.

•

Meeting with the children the unsung heroes of the Philippines, Cebu City – group learned the struggles and fate of the marginalized and their fight for human dignity and liberty.

May 31, 2008, Priestly Ordination; in collaboration with the Office of Vocations – DSB; Venue: St. Paul the Apostle - Chino Hills.

Family Life Committee

February 24, 2007, Reconciling Differences – How to Resolve Conflicts in Families, Church, & Organizations; Presenter: Msgr. Cesar “Ching” Encinares; Venue: St. Thomas the Apostle - Riverside. April 11, 2008, Asian-Pacific Islander Dinner with Bishop Barnes; in collaboration with the AsianPacific Islander Ministry – DSB; Venue: St. George, Ontario.

Fine white sand beaches in General Luna, San Luis, Surigao del Norte (aka Surfing Capital of the Philippines); the group enjoyed boating, swimming, and snorkling.

April 26, 2007, Asian-Pacific Youth Day; in collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Ministry – DSB; Venue: St. George - Ontario.

Among the activities accomplished through each Standing Committee according to the committee objectives are as follows:

•

•

Worship Committee

•

May 3, 2008, Dinner/Dance Reception in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Filipino Ministry – DSB in collaboration with the Youth and Young Adults, Evangelization and Social Concerns Committees; Venue: St. George - Ontario.

September 30, 2006, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Saint; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutillo del Riego; concelebrants Fr. Alex Castillo, Fr. Gem Bandivas, Fr. Oscar Reynoso, Fr. Tony Abuan, Fr. Romy Seleccion, Fr. Gerald Vidad, Fr. Ronald Guzman, Fr. Fred Costales, Fr. Chris Subosa, Fr. Dennis Legaspi and Msgr. Cesar Encinares. Officers and members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee were commissioned during the Mass; Venue; St. George – Ontario.

•

May 31 – June 1, 2008, Marriage Encounter; Facilitator: Fr. Nick Gito, MSC; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria Riverside.

October 28, 2006, first session of Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenter/Facilitator: Fr. Dennis; 47 parish leaders in attendance; Venue: Sacred Heart Church - Rancho Cucamonga.

Youth and Young Adult Committee •

April 21, 2007, Asian-Pacific Youth Day – Bridging the Gap; sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry; Eucharistic Celebrant: Very Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George, Ontario. June 18 – July 3, 2007, Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines, a Philippine Exposure Program introducing Filipino-Americans and their friends to Philippine history, culture and present-day realities – the survival of the poor and the struggles of the marginalized for justice, peace, and integrity of creation; participants visited/toured and interviewed the Filipino people in the following areas: •

•

Don Roberto’s Winery, Imus, Cavite – produces sweet and dry mango wine and coffee wine from Philippine yellow and green mangoes, and coffee.

General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite – home of the first Philippine President. •

Isla Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila – where our participants had an overnight stay with the community over the breakwaters of Manila Bay.

•

House of Congress, Quezon City – for a briefing on Philippine Government.

•

CENPEG (Center for People Empowerment in Government) – UP, Diliman, Quezon City –a nonprofit organization. Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac – where farmers were massacred in their struggle to own the land they till.

•

Fr. Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – participants were introduced to the university life, programs, and the “American Dream” of the young

•

Filipinos. Llumad Community High School, Agusan del Sur – the group enjoyed a two-day stay with the

•

November 11, 2006, second session of Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC and Naida Castro; 40 parish leaders in attendance; Venue: St. Edward – Corona.

•

December 9, 2006, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Diocesan Theme: Stewardship; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Venue: Sacred Heart - Rancho Cucamonga.

•

December 23, 2006, Closing Sambaing Gabi Celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Retile Del Diego; Venue: Corpus Christi Corona.

•

January 21, 2007, Welcoming Christ in the Migrant – Mass; in collaboration with the Office of Social Concerns and AsianPacific Islander Ministry; Venue: Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino.

•

May 13, 2007, Misa Ng Bayan, - dedicated to an honest, orderly, & peaceful (HOPE) election in the Philippines; Main Celebrant: Very Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. Christopher Moreno Valley.

•

May 25, 2007, Priestly Ordination of Fr. James Oropel – first Filipino priest ordained in the DSB; Filipino Ministry – DSB assisted the Office of Vocations in organizing the reception and program after the ordination; Venue: Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga.

•

September 29, 2007, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz – First Filipino Saint; Main Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Temecula.

•

December 15, 2007, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by each committee; to determine/discern concrete concerns, response and tasks; and to develop a one-year program of action; Venue: St. Thomas the Apostle – Riverside. December 23, 2007, Simbang Gabi Closing; Main Celebrant: Msgr. Tom Wallace, Episcopal Vicar of the Riverside Region; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Riverside

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino •

January 13, 2008, 2nd Annual National Migration Mass: From Many, One Family of God; sponsored by the Office of Social Concerns and the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry – DSB; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutilio del Riego; Venue: Holy Rosary Cathedral – San Bernardino..

•

May 3, 2008, Eucharistic Celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry – DSB and candlelight procession of the images of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Our Lady of Antipolo), San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo; Main Celebrant: Fr. Romy Seleccion, MS; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

February 14, 2008, Convocation of Filipino Devotions, Prayer Groups and Movements; in collaboration with the Office of MariaEcheverria, Vice-Chancellor and Director of Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs; Emcee: June Bitanga; Speakers: Fr. Tony Abuan, MS; Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Naida Castro, MSLM; Maria Echeverria; and Fr. Dennis Legaspi; Venue: St. George – Ontario. •

June 14, 2008, Misa Para sa Inang Bayan – A Celebration of Philippine Independence Day; Presider: Fr. Manuel dela Cruz, MS, Provincial Superior of the La Salettes; Homilist: Fr. Romy Seleccion; con-celebrants: Fr. Jose Goopio, SVD, and Fr. Fred Costales, MS; Venue: St. Christopher – Moreno Valley.

May 23 – May 27, 2008, Asian Theology Conference and Consultative Meeting on Asian and Pacific Ministries; the members of the Board representing the Filipino Ministry – DSB were Fr. Arturo Balagat, Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS, Naida C. Castro, and Merci Littaua, together with Social Concerns Committee Member Maria Sanchez. Ms. Castro reported on the activities of the Filipino Ministry – DSB and gave a copy of the documentary “Discovering and Re-discovering the Philippines to Cecile Motus, Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, Asian and Ethnic Affairs, USCCB; Venue: Tucson, AZ.

Evangelization Committee •

•

August 11, 2006, Session I of the Goal Setting Workshop, Pastoral Planning Process; Presenter/Facilitator: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: Sacred Heart - Rancho Cucamonga. The objectives of the workshop were: • To establish a working plan of action for each committee; • To have ammon understanding and collaborative ministry; To learn and practice the process of firming up in the organization of committees on the parish/vicariate/diocesan level; • To come up with a working paper that will help us in the ministry; • To create a collaborative ministry; and To consult with the participants in responding to the needs of our communities. On August 25, 2006, Session 2 of the Goal Setting Workshop; Facilitators: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque and Fr. Dennis Legaspi; thereafter Standing Committee Coordinators held committee meetings to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by each committee; to determine/discern concrete concerns, response and tasks; and to develop a one-year program of action; Venue: St. Thomas the Apostle – Riverside.

•

On October 13, 2006, Session 3 of the Goal Setting Workshop; Committee coordinators reported on the results of their discussions; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria Riverside.

•

November 25, 2006, Lenten Reflection - “Are You the One Who is to Come or Shall We Wait for Another? (A BiblicoTheological Reflection on Jesus: the Image of the Steward); Presenter: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George – Fontana.

March 14 – 15, 2008, Lenten Day of Prayer and Reflection: Spirituality of Christian Leadership; Emcee: Nini Dyogi, Vice Chairperson, Filipino Ministry - DSB; Speakers: Fr. Tony Abuan, MS, Director, Filipino Ministry - DSB; Sr. Nina Achocoso, MSM, Coordinator, English Religious Program, St. Anthony – San Jacinto; Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, Educator and Biblical Theologian; Naida C. Castro, MSLM, Chairperson, Filipino Ministry - DSB; Maria Echeverria, Vice Chancellor and Director of the Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs – DSB; Fr. Dennis Legaspi, Spiritual Director, Filipino Ministry – DSB; and Cecile Motus, Assistant Director, Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church; Venue: Divine Word Retreat House – Riverside.

Social Concerns Committee •

June 2006, provided financial assistance to benefit the victims of the mudslides in Leyte.

•

March 12 – 14, 2007, Ecumenical Conference on Human Rights in the Philippines; attended by Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC and Naida Castro as representatives from Filipino Ministry – DSB; Venue: Washington, DC.

•

March 21 – 25, 2007, Permanent People’s Tribunal – attended by Fr. Art Balagat as representative from Filipino Ministry – DSB; Venue:The Hague, Netherlands.

•

April 28, 2007, “AHA! GANITO NA NGA BA?” The Catholic Social Teachings and the Philippine Realities: Challenge to U.S. Catholics; Presenters: VERNE SCHWEIGER, Office of Social Concerns, DSB and MARIE HILAO-ENRIQUEZ, Secretary General – KARAPATAN (Human Rights Organization in the Philippines); Venue: St. George - Ontario.

•

July 15 – 20, 2007, Social Concerns Summer Institute; Filipino Ministry – DSB represented by Social Concerns Coordinator Frank Lansang; Venue: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

•

August 10, 2007, Forum: Analysis and Prospects of Contemporary Philippine Society; Guest Speaker: Marie HilaoEnriquez, Secretary General – KARAPATAN, an alliance of human rights organizations in the Philippines committed to the defense of people’s rights and civil liberties, supporting the struggles of oppressed Filipinos for justice and genuine peace and development; Venue: St. George – Ontario. February 9, 2008, Bishops’ Dinner; funded six representatives in solidarity with the fund raising campaigns of our Bishops; Venue: Riverside Convention Center.

•

March 4, 2007, A Lenten Reflection – Filipino Perspective, in collaboration with the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Presenter: Most Rev. Antonio Luis “Chito” Tagle, Bishop, Diocese of Imus, Cavite, Philippines; Venue: The Holy Spirit Church - Fountain Valley.

•

March 30, 2007, A Lenten Recollection; Fr. Dennis Legaspi; Venue: Pastoral Center.

•

October 13, 2007, first session of Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenter: Fr. Cristobal Subosa; Venue: St. Peter & St. Paul – Alta Loma.

•

February 9, 2008, provided financial assistance to the diocese.for the victims of the fire that spread in the mountain resorts of San Bernardino County.

October 27, 2007, second session of Simbang Gabi Workshop; Presenters: Deacon Donnie Geaga and Grethel Cabison; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Riverside.

•

April 18, 2009, provided financial assistance to KARAPATAN, a non-government organization in the Philippines, to provide scholarships for the children of desperciados (victims of human

•

History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino rights violations) in the Philippines. •

April 8, 2008, provided financial assistance to Tulong Sa Inang Bayan to assist in the search for Jonas Burgos, a victim of human rights violations in the Philippines April 24, 2008, provided financial assistance to support Iraqi Catholic youth and young adults attending World Youth Day 2008.

•

April 29, 2008, supported 25 Filipino youth to attend the 2008 Asian-Pacific Youth Day ; Venue: St. George – Ontario.

•

April 29, 2008, provided financial assistance in funding projects of the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP) in the Philippines. June 26, 2008, provided financial assistance to Iskolar ng Bayan to provide scholarships for five children in the Philippines.

Temporalities (Finance) Committee •

July 8, 2007, first Filipino Ministry DSB GOLF TOURNAMENT; Event Coordinators: Dixon and Jessie Cristobal; proceeds to benefit various activities of the Filipino Ministry - DSB, such as humanitarian assistance for natural and man-made calamities, Youth and Young Adult Educational/Exposure Programs on Filipino Roots and World Youth Day 2008; Venue: Moreno Valley Golf Course. July 2008, first Filipino Ministry – DSB Directory; Purpose: To commemorate 15 years of service in the Diocese of San Bernardino; it is a means for the leadership in the Filipino Ministry – DSB to express its deepest gratitude to the Filipino community for its generous support of the programs and activities of the Filipino Ministry – DSB; the directory will serve as a tool for individuals, families, parishes and other organizations to outreach and promote intra-and inter-cultural collaboration in the larger Church community.

Since the inception of the diocesan Filipino Ministry to date, the Constitution and By-Laws have been amended twice, the latest of which added a third Member-at-Large. Appointed to this position was Nel Rabe of St. Peter and St. Paul in Alta Loma. Also, changes in parish, family and/or professional lives of our volunteers have resulted in new leaderships in the Vicariate and Standing Committees. Responding to the needs for new Vicariate Representatives and Alternates in the Hemet Vicariate were Vic Eslava and Oscar Rull and in the Riverside Vicariate were Jose Rafols and Benjie Lungay, respectively. Youth and Young Adult Coordinators Edwin and Rowena Gabriel were replaced by Christina Galit of St. Peter and St. Paul and, thereafter, June and Techie Bitanga of St. Catherine of Temecula. Evangelization Committee Coordinators Sr. Niña Achocoso and Minda Ramos were replaced by Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez. When Frank Lansang became the Alternate Representative for West-end A Vicariate he was replaced by Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez. With the resignation of Cora Viray on or about January 2008, the Coordinator position for the Worship Committee remains open to date. Fifteen years later, here we are. Many of us have actively participated and are involved in parish and diocesan ministries: •

Promoting formation and providing assistance and guidance in the organizational development of a Filipino Ministry at the parish level; Assisting in the pastoral care and service to the Filipino community particularly the poor and oppressed through parish and diocesan programs;

•

Facilitating adult, young adult and youth evangelization by using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture and religiosity;

•

Fostering Filipino faith communities in accordance with Filipino family values and meaningful worship while promoting dialogues and solidarity with other cultures;

•

Promoting the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious life and lay ministries; and

•

Promoting international solidarity with other ethnic communities and nationals in the larger Church community. Our Present and Future Needs and Continuing Challenges

•

On-going education/formation of our people: a graduated curriculum.

•

Developing leadership and organizing skills among the new and the young. Determining our significant dates for common celebrations and advocacies.

•

Identifying Movements of Hope in the country of origin, in AsiaPacific, in the US Church and Society, local, national and international.

•

Establishing solidarity ties with Movements of Hope through communication, mutual education and exchange, partnering in socio-economic projects and joint advocacy and prophetic actions.

•

Consultation with the youth, starting from the local community level to the national level to evolve their own pastoral program.

•

Consultation with children and their parents, starting from the local community level to the national level to evolve a pastoral program for children.

Our Future Programs and Upcoming Major Events In addition to our annual diocesan-wide liturgical events and reflections during lent and advent seasons, the Filipino Ministry – DSB continues to develop programs to deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith, religiosity and culture as Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino. Among our future programs and activities include but are not limited to the following:

•

September 2008, Launching of the Filipino Ministry – DSB’s Documentary: Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines; sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult, Social Concerns and Evangelization Committees.

•

November 4 – 20, 2008, A Journey Through Biblical Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt - A Biblico-Theological Reflection of and in the Holy Land with Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC and Fr. Tony G. Abuan, MS; sponsored by the Evangelization and Family Life Committees.

•

January 23 – February 6, 2009, Medical Mission and 2009 Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines: Filipino Ministry – DSB at work in Isabela and Mindoro; sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult, Social Concerns and Evangelization Committees.

•

March 28 – 29, 2009, 2009 Asian and Pacific Pastoral Institute; keynote speakers: Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Chairperson of the Subcommittee of Asian and Pacific Affairs and Most Rev. Dominic Luong, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Orange; in collaboration with the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs of the USCCB’s Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church (CCDC), the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) – DSB, the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry – DSB, and the Filipino Ministry – DSB; Venue: Pastoral Center.

(contributors: Fr. Art Balagat, Jessie Cristobal, Willie Bugaoan, Dr. Freda Sumalangcay, Josie Dumdum, present Officers and Members of Executive Committee and Coordinators of the Standing Committees)

Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE FILIPINO MINISTRY OF THE DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO

3. The whole Filipino Ministry is under the leadership and guidance of the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino, a corporate sole, integrating it as a non-profit organization.

Mission Statement:

Main Office:

We, the Filipino Faithful of the Diocese of San Bernardino, sharing equal dignity with the larger Church community and called to be one body, unite with our Bishops in a worshiping, serving and evangelizing Filipino Ministry. As proactive members of our parish communities, we pledge to use our gifts and talents for the pursuit of justice, peace, integrity of creation, and Christian Unity.

The main office of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino for its business transactions is at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404. It may also have offices in other places as its business may require and as the Board of Directors may designate.

ARTICLE I PURPOSE, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Purpose and Goals: The purpose of the Filipino Ministry is to assist the Bishops, priests and personnel of the Diocese of San Bernardino in their pastoral outreach to the Filipino community in order to facilitate the latter’s inculturation and integration into the larger Church community. This would allow the Filipino culture and religiosity to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values of “maka-Diyos” (pro-God), “maka-tao” (pro-people), “maka-Bayan” (patriotic), “maka-buhay” (for life) and “maka-kalikasan” (for the integrity of creation). Objectives: The objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino are: 1. To promote formation and provide assistance and guidance in the organizational development of a Filipino Ministry at the parish level. 2. To assist in the pastoral care and service to the Filipino community particularly the poor and oppressed through parish and diocesan programs; 3. To facilitate adult, young adult and youth evangelization by using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture and religiosity; 4. To foster Filipino faith communities in accordance with Filipino family values and meaningful worship while promoting dialogues and solidarity with other cultures; 5. To promote the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious life and lay ministries; and 6. To promote international solidarity with other ethnic communities and nationals in the larger Church community. Status: 1. The Filipino Ministry is a non-profit organization under the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino. 2. The assets and income of this Ministry are earmarked solely for the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the organization. Therefore, no part of the profits or net income of the Ministry shall be used for the benefit of any director, trustee, officer or member thereof, or for any private individual. 1) The Board of Directors is a deliberative body on

ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIPS Memberships: 1. Any Filipino Catholic who resides in the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside and who believes in the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino may become a member shall constitute the General Assembly. 2. Any non-Filipino Catholic who supports the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino may also join the organization as associate member. 3. Any action or decision made in pursuit of the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry shall require the approval of the Board of Directors or its designated officers, as the case may be. ARTICLE III GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1. General Assembly: a. Nature and Composition The General Assembly is the highest consultative body of the Filipino Ministry. b. Duties and Responsibilities 1) The General Assembly shall review the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry, as well as deliberate on and amend this Constitution and By-Laws subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. 2) Resolutions or issues and concerns raised at the General Assembly shall be sent to and received by the Board of Directors for action in a consultative and collaborative way. To facilitate adult, young adult and youth evangelization by using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture and religiosity; c. Meetings. The General Assembly shall convene regularly once a year and shall be presided by the Diocesan Director or the Chairperson of the Filipino Ministry. 2. Board Of Directors a. Duties and Responsibilities

Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino 1) The Board of Directors is a deliberative body on

policies, actions, or issues pertaining to the Filipino Ministry and shall action matters received from the General Assembly. 2) It shall serve as an Advisory Body to the Bishops of the Diocese, as well as resource group for pastors and other Diocesan bodies among Filipino communities. 3) The Board of Directors shall consist of the following members, each having one vote: i. The Director of Ethnic Affairs, the Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry, and the Diocesan Director of the Filipino Ministry. These members shall assume their seats on the Board by virtue of their positions in the Diocese of San Bernardino following their appointment by the Bishop of the Diocese. ii. The Spiritual Director is appointed by the Director of the Filipino Ministry by virtue of his position amongst the Diocesan Filipino Clergy. iii. The National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB sits on the Board by virtue of his/her position. iv. One representative with one alternate from each vicariate as nominated by the General Assembly subject, however, to the approval by a majority of the Board of Directors. v. The members of the Board of Directors shall serve a regular term of three years to begin on July 1 of the first year until June 30 of the third year. vi. The members of the Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Board. b. Duties and Responsibilities 1) The Board of Directors shall be the highest policy-making body of the Filipino Ministry. 2) The Board shall act as the arm of the Bishop of the Diocese in the Ministry among Filipino Catholics within the Diocese and shall be accountable to them. 3) It shall ensure that the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people are satisfactorily addressed by the Diocese of San Bernardino. 4) It shall supervise the officers, agents and employees of the Filipino Ministry and ensure that their duties and responsibilities are carried out accordingly. Ministry and ensure 5) It shall perform any other duties assigned to them as a Board or individually under the Constitution and By-Laws.

consecutive absences without prior notice. e. Vacancies. A seat in the Board of Directors is deemed vacant or to be filled upon the removal, death, or resignation of a Director or whenever the number of members authorized by the Constitution and By-Laws is increased by an amendment. The vacancy or new seat shall be filled by appointment of the Board or the Bishop of the Diocese with the new member finishing the term of the predecessor, or by nominations and election of the General Assembly, as the case may be. f. Meetings 1) Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall hold its regular meetings twice a year every six months. 2) Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Director of Ethnic Affairs or his/her delegate, the Diocesan Director or Chairperson. 3) Place of Meetings. The regular and special meetings of the Board shall be held at the main office of the Filipino Ministry or at any place designated by the Board. 4) Written Notice. A written notice about the date, time, place, and agenda of the regular meetings shall be sent to every member of the Board at least three weeks in advance or at least three days in the case of special meetings. 5) Binding and Compliance. Every act or decision made by a majority of the Board of Directors present at the meeting where there is a quorum or is consented to in writing by any member is deemed binding to, and shall be complied with, by all members of the Board and, hence, of the Filipino Ministry. ARTICLE IV OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1. Officers and Members. The officers of the Board of Directors are the Director of Ethnic Affairs (Ex-Officio), the Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry (Ex-Officio), the National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB (Ex-Officio), Diocesan Director, Spiritual Director, Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. The other members of the Board include a representative from each vicariate. 2. Qualifications. Any member of the Board of Directors can qualify as an officer of the said Board. 3. Ex-Officio Officers. The Director of Ethnic Affairs, the Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry, and the National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB shall be Ex-Officio Officers of the Board of Directors.

c. Compensation. All the Directors shall serve in the Board without pay.

4. Election of Other Officers. The Chairperson, ViceChairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Directors at their first meeting following the formation of the Filipino Ministry. A majority vote shall be necessary to elect each officer. Their election shall be subject to the approval of the Bishops of the Diocese or his delegate.

d. Removal. A member of the Board may be removed from office if he/she is declared of unsound mind by an order of the court or convicted of felony, or has incurred three

5. Term of Office and Renewal. Except for the Director of Ethnic Affairs, the Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry, and the National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate –

6) It shall register their addresses with the Secretary of the Ministry where notices of the meetings may be mailed.

Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino USCCB, the Term of Office of both appointed and elected officers and members of the Board shall be three years following the fiscal year of the Diocese of San Bernardino. Their term of office is renewable for another three years only subject to re-appointment or re-election, as the case may be. 6. Compensation. The officers of the Board of Directors shall serve their office without pay. 7. Removal of Officers and Members: The Bishop may remove officers seating on the Board by virtue of their positions. Other officers and members may be removed from office anytime but for a cause and with due process by a majority vote of the Board of Directors held in a meeting called for that purpose. 8. Vacancies: Any elected position in the Board of Directors shall be deemed vacant upon the death, resignation or removal of the concerned officer or upon failure of the members in any election to fill the office. The Board of Directors may declare vacant an office if the officer concerned is declared of unsound mind by a court order or convicted of a felony or upon receipt of such officer’s notice to refuse or resign from the position. The vacancies will be filled by a majority vote of the members in a meeting held for that purpose. 9. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers of the Board of Directors: a. Diocesan Director: The Diocesan Director must be a member of the Filipino Clergy in the Diocese of San Bernardino. The power of crisis intervention shall be vested in the Diocesan Director. The duties and responsibilities of the Diocesan Director are: 1) To implement the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry; 2) To represent the Filipino Ministry in the vicariate, diocesan, regional and national levels in coordination with the Chairperson of the Board of Directors; 3) To supervise, oversee and administer the functions of the Executive Committee in collaboration with members of the said Committee; 4) To network with the different diocesan bodies; 5) To meet periodically with vicariate and parochial leaders; and 6) To advocate for the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese. b. Spiritual Director: The Spiritual Director must be a member of the Filipino Clergy in the Diocese of San Bernardino. The duties and responsibilities of the Spiritual Director are: 1) To act as Spiritual Director for the different Filipino devotions movements in coordination with the Diocesan counterpart; 2) To liaise with priests of the Diocese and the Filipino community, as well as non-Filipino non-Catholic communities; and

3) To represent the Filipino Ministry in diocesan, regional or national functions when the Diocesan Director is unavailable. c. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform all other duties and responsibilities incident to the office as required by the Constitution and By-Laws, or which may be assigned to the Chairperson by the Board. d. Vice Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside over and conduct meetings of the Board of Directors and perform other duties and responsibilities assigned to him/her by the Board. e. Secretary. The Secretary shall: 1) Certify and keep at the main office of the Ministry the original and/or copy of its Constitution and By-Laws as amended to date; 2) Be the Custodian of the records of the Filipino Ministry and shall keep at the main office of the Ministry a book of minutes of all meetings of the Board, recording therein the time and place of the meetings, how authorized, notice thereof given, the names of the directors present and the proceedings; 3) Ensure that all notices are given in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws or as may be required by law; and make available for inspection, during regular office hours, to any officer the Constitution and By-Laws, as well minutes of the Board meetings. d. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep the records of all incoming and outgoing funds and shall make regular financial reports to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall also perform all other duties incident to the office and such other duties and responsibilities as required by the Constitution and By-Laws, or as may be assigned to the Treasurer by the Board. ARTICLE V COMMITTEES 1. Executive Committee: a. Committee Officers. All the officers of the Board of Directors, namely, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, together with the Diocesan Director, Spiritual Director, and three Members-at-Large shall constitute the Executive Committee. b. Meetings. The Executive Committee shall hold a regular meeting every two months. Upon request by any two members of the Executive Committee, it shall also hold special meetings, which may include the Coordinators of the Standing Committees, and/or other representatives. All meetings of the Executive Committee shall be presided by the Chairperson or, in her/his absence, by the Vice-Chairperson. c. Duties And Responsibilities. The Executive Committee shall exercise general supervision of the day-to-day affairs of the Filipino Ministry with the following powers and functions:

Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino 1) To administer and manage the affairs of the Filipino Ministry through the Standing Committees;

ii. To engage Filipino youth and young adults in the life and leadership of the Church; and

2) To act on reports, decisions and other actions from the Board of Directors and Coordinators of the Standing Committees; and

iii. To promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life among the Filipino youth.

3) To coordinate and prepare the agenda for all meetings of the Board of Directors. 2. Standing Committees. a. The Standing Committees of the Filipino Ministry under the leadership and supervision of the Executive Committee are the following: Family Life, Youth and Young Adults, Worship (Liturgy), Evangelization (Education/Formation), Social Concerns, and Temporalities (Finance) Committees. Each Standing Committee shall have five members to be headed by the Coordinator and shall meet as needed. b. The members, as well as the Coordinators of all Standing Committees, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. c. General Responsibilities. The general responsibilities of all Standing Committees are:

3) Worship (Liturgy) Committee: i. To set guidelines and give common directions for Filipino celebrations in coordination with the Office of Worship; ii. To provide a venue for the elderly to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Filipino language; iii. To assist parishes in recruiting able, willing and available Filipinos to be trained as parish leaders; iv. To help parishes establish small faith communities that would enrich the religiosity of Filipinos through the family and neighborhood groups; and v. To help parishes train facilitators and prayer leaders for neighborhood families, youth and children’s groups. 3) Evangelization (Education/Formation) Committee;

1) To collaborate, coordinate and assist other apostolate in the Diocese and parishes;

i. To provide a venue for pastor/pastoral coordinators and parish staffs for a better understanding of Filipino values, culture, and popular or mass religiosity;

2) To serve as clearing office of plans, policies, and other matters coming from different committees of parish organizations, movements, groups, schools and others;

ii. To organize and conduct seminars, trainings and workshops on Christian Value-Formation for Filipinos;

3) To create sub-committees for special types of apostolic activities; and 4) To represent the Standing Committee in the Executive Committee meetings. d. Specific Duties And Responsibilities. The specific duties and responsibilities of all Standing Committees are as follows: 1) Family Life: i. To promote the value that the family is the basic unit of the Church and of society bearing in mind the need for maintaining family unity and motivating the children as our future; ii. To assist families in understanding and resolving possible cultural and generational conflicts between parents and children;

iii. To collaborate with the Department of Educational Services (Diocesan catechetical offices) in order to develop religious formation among Filipinos; and iv. To assist parishes in building small faith communities. 5) Social Concerns (Service) Committee: i. To collaborate and coordinate with the Department of Community and Social Services and Catholic Charities; ii. To engage Filipino youth and young adults in the life and leadership of the Church; and iii. To establish solidarity and coalition networks with AsiaPacific and other ethnic communities; and iv. To establish international solidarity network. 6) Temporalities (Finance) Committee :

iii. To reach out - through prayer and support – to families experiencing certain types of conflicts; and

i. To help tap and train leaders who are able, willing and available to work for stewardship;

iv. To organize Filipino gatherings as a means of sharing, reliving, and deepening family values.

ii. To promote understanding and internalization of stewardship as a way of life among Filipino communities;

2) Youth and Young Adults Committee: i. To assist the Ministry withYouth Office in establishing programs for Filipino youth and young adults, particularly on leadership training, value formation and cultural appreciation;

iii. To conduct fund-raising activities subject to the approval and support of the Board of Directors; and iv. To oversee the annual budget and come up with a yearly financial report.

Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino ARTICLE VIAMENDMENTS Filipino Ministry Logo – It’s Meaning

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended or repealed by a two-third vote of the General Assembly in consultation and collaboration with - and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

The LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB is rich in symbolism and meaning. Let us unpack what they convey to the Christian communities at large: ►

HUMAN IMAGES: There are six human figures. The number six represents the six vicariates (Hemet, High Desert, Low Desert, Riverside, San Bernardino and WestEnd) in the Diocese of San Bernardino which are distributed to the two counties that comprise the diocese: San Bernardino and Riverside. The human images are the Filipinos residing in the 6 vicariates. They are close to one another to convey the unity that they signify, and that through their unity, a harmonious immersion to their respective parishes will be smoothly accomplish.

2. Execution of Instruments, Deposits and Funds. Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, all checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the Filipino Ministry shall be signed by the Diocesan Director and/or Chairperson of the Board.

►

BAMBOO CROSS: This represents the flexibility of the Filipinos, that where they settled, they always blossom in their faith. The bamboo can be used as tributaries where water will flow to give life to arid lands; likewise the Filipinos, firm as they are, they have a loving heart that feels the cries and needs of others; they become life-givers.

3. Deposit of Funds. All funds of the Ministry shall be deposited to the credit of the Ministry with the Diocesan Accounting Office.

►

WHITE CLOTH HANGING ON THE CROSS: The white cloth represents resurrection, and this is the vision of the Filipinos, that wherever they are they can always live the resurrection as life-givers. This white cloth reminds Filipinos that their faith is embedded in the resurrection of Jesus.

►

SHIP AND SAIL: The ship represents the County of Riverside and the sail represent the County of San Bernardino, which comprises the diocese.

1. Authorization of Instruments, Deposits and Funds. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and By-Laws, may by resolution authorize any officer or representative of the Ministry to enter into any contract and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino, and such authority may be general or confined to specific purposes provided, however, that such contract or delivery is expressly authorized by this Constitution and By-Laws.

4. Reports and Fiscal Year. The Executive Committee shall prepare a yearly written report, including a financial statement together with a summary of receipts and disbursements to the Board of Directors, in July of each year. The fiscal year of the Filipino Ministry shall be from July 1 to June 30. 5. Discretionary and Petty Cash Funds. Use of discretionary and petty cash funds will follow general accepted accounting practices.

The first LOGO was designed by MICHAEL AZUL, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in Hesperia in 1994.

Adopted November 7, 1994. First Amendments ratified by the General Assembly on May 20, 2006, and approved by the Board of Directors on August 9, 2006. Second Amendments ratified by the General Assembly on November 10, 2007, and approved by the Board on November 17, 2007. Certification I certify that I am the duly elected Secretary of the Filipino Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino and that the second amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on November 17, 2007. (signed original on file) Merci B. Littaua Secretary, Filipino Ministry – DSB

11/17/2007 Date

The present LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB ►

FILIPINO FLAG: This conveys the roots of the Filipinos. Their rich religious traditions and cultures are elements that will enrich the dynamics of life of the place where they are planted. The flag reminds Filipinos in the Diocese of San Bernardino to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values of MAKA-DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-TAO (PROPEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), MAKABUHAY (PRO-LIFE) and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION).

The flag was added within the meaning of the first logo; designed by Joe Rafols, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in 2008.

USCCB Fundraising Guidelines UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS Decree of Promulgation Canon 1262 On November 13, 2002, the members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops legitimately approved complementary legislation for the implementation of canon 1262 of the Code of Canon Law for the dioceses of the United States. The action was granted recognitio by the Congregation for Bishops in accord with article 82 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus and issued by Decree N. 778/2005 of the Congregation for Bishops signed by His Eminence Giovanni Battista Cardinal Re, Prefect, and His Excellency Most Reverend Francesco Monterisi, Secretary, and dated May 2, 2007. Wherefore, and in accord with the prescripts of canon 1262, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decrees that the following norms shall govern fund-raising appeals to the faithful for Church support: Motivation 1.

2. 3.

Fund-raising appeals are to be truthful and forthright, theologically sound, and should strive to motivate the faithful to a greater love of God and neighbor. Fund-raising efforts are to be for defined needs. The relationship of trust between donor and fund-raiser requires that a. funds collected be used for their intended purposes; b. funds collected are not absorbed by excessive fundraising costs.

4.

Donors are to be informed regarding the use of donated funds and assured that any restrictions on the use of the funds by the donor will be honored.

Competent Ecclesiastical Authority 5.

6.

7.

8.

Institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life require approval of the respective competent major superiors and the diocesan bishop to solicit funds; diocesan entities require approval of the diocesan bishop to solicit funds; other Catholic entities and organizations require the approval of the diocesan bishop to solicit funds. Approval for fund-raising by the competent authority is to be given in writing with reference to the purpose for which the funds are being raised, the time frame, and the methods to be used in raising them. Oversight of fund-raising programs is to be maintained by competent authority through periodic review and, where necessary, appropriate sanction. Competent major superiors of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life are to submit to the diocesan bishop of the place where the fund-raising originates periodic reports on the fund-raising programs and the apostolic activities they support.

Accountability

9.

Fund-raisers are to provide regular reports to

competent authority on the extent to which promises expressed or implied in the solicitation of funds have been fulfilled. 10. Fund-raising reports are to be prepared in scope and design to meet the particular concerns of those to whom the reports are due: a. the governing body and membership of the fund-raising organization; b. the competent authorities who approved and monitor the fund-raising effort; c. the donors to the organization; d. the beneficiaries of the funds raised. 11. Annual fund-raising reports are to provide both financial information and a review of the apostolic work for which the funds were raised. They are to set forth, at the least, the amount of money collected, the cost of conducting the fundraising effort, and the amount and use of the funds disbursed. Procedures 12. Funds beyond operating expenses are not to be accumulated or invested by a fund-raising office, but are to be turned over to the appropriate office for allocation and investment. 13. Special care is to be taken to see that ethical business relationships are maintained by fund-raisers with suppliers of goods and services. 14. Contracts between a religious fund-raiser and commercial suppliers and consultants are to insure that control over materials, designs, money and general operations remain in the hands of the religious fund-raiser. 15. Agreements are not to be made which directly or indirectly base payment either to the commercial firm or to the religious fund-raiser on a percentage basis. Oversight 16. Competent authority is to ensure that fund-raising organizations: a. make available fund-raising reports to benefactors on a regular basis or upon reasonable request: b. provide their governing bodies with an annual financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, where size warrants, by a certified public accountant. 17. In response to formal complaints, competent authority is to promptly investigate charges, remedy abuses and, when necessary, terminate the fund-raising program. As President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I hereby decree that the effective date of this decree for all the dioceses of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be August 15, 2007. Given at the offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the city of Washington, the District of Columbia, on the 8th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2007. Most Reverend William S. Skylstad Bishop of Spokane President, USCCB Reverend Monsignor David J. Malloy General Secretary, USCCB

Apostolic Group Recognition Guidelines Guidelines for Hosting Diocesan-wide Liturgical Celebrations Purpose: It is the intent of the Filipino Ministry – DSB to reach out and support the different Parish Filipino Ministries throughout the diocese and provide an opportunity for Parish Filipino Ministries to host a diocesan-wide liturgical event rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition. I. SCHEDULING OF THE DIOCESAN LITURGY AND EUCHARISTIC CELEBRANTS (OTHER THAN THE PARISH PRIEST) A. The Filipino Ministry - DSB shall be responsible for determining the host parish and regulating the schedules of diocesan-wide liturgical events that are rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition, including but not limited to the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Simbang Gabi celebrations. B. The Filipino Ministry - DSB will consider the following in approving the request by Parish Filipino Ministries in hosting diocesan-wide liturgical events: • •

•

All Parish Filipino Ministries are encouraged to invite everyone to attend the diocesan-wide celebration.

•

Parishes celebrating the nine-day Simbang Gabi Novenas are encouraged to schedule their nine-day novenas at a time that is not in conflict with the diocesanwide Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Closing celebrations and with the rotational celebrations of Simbang Gabi Masses within the vicariate/cluster.

D. The assigning of priests who will preside in the different parish Simbang Gabi celebrations is regulated by the Filipino Clergy Group in coordination with the Filipino Ministry – DSB Secretariat. This procedure would give the Filipino priests an opportunity to meet and familiarize themselves with the various communities and Parish Filipino Ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino. E. The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for submitting the Liturgical Planning form to the Bishop’s Office for the diocesanwide celebrations.

C. The parish priest is willing to highlight the Filipino celebration of the event, i.e., the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and the traditional Simbang Gabi. For example: •

Since Simbang Gabi is a Marian Celebration, the Filipino culture and tradition includes the white liturgical color and the singing of the “Gloria.”

•

It would be best to invite local parishioners to see the magnificence of the Simbang Gabi by inviting them to the celebration that is distinct from the celebration of Advent masses.

F. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to take care of the major expenses, including food for the attendees, stipend for the main celebrant (unless other arrangement is pre-arranged and agreed upon) and decorations in the church and hall. • •

The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for disseminating the information regarding the celebration, including the black and white printing of the flyers and worship aid. The Filipino Ministry – DSB will also assist in the solicitation of food donations and financial assistance from other Parish Filipino Ministries. III. TASK OF THE PARISH FILIPINO MINISTRY

A. Before the Celebration • Coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB the following: 1. Planning with the Evangelization and Worship Committees the reflection and/or workshops, as deemed applicable. 2. Planning of the liturgy with the Worship Committee and preparing the worship aid. 3. Planning and budgeting with Temporalities (Finance) Committee the expenses for the celebration. 4. Preparation and dissemination of the information (e.g., flyer, letters of invitation and solicitation, etc.). 5. Preparation of the venue for worship and program/reception. A.

During the Celebration • Managing the traffic flow and parking lot assignments. Note that some persons who have special roles in the celebration need to have reserve parking near the venue. • Directing the people to the venues of worship and reception. • Checking if all assigned participants are present and informed about their specified role. • Make a last minute check with the Presider regarding announcements, word of thanks, etc. No last minute changes in the liturgy should be made during the day of the celebration, unless it’s acknowledged by the Director, Chairperson or the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Ministry – DSB.

B.

After the Celebration • Organize the clean-up of the venue. • Prepare an evaluation of the celebration and submit it to the

II. QUALIFICATION FOR HOSTING A DIOCESAN-WIDE LITURGY A. The parish must have an organized Parish Filipino Ministry. B. The parish priest is willing to host the celebration and the reflection/workshop, if any.

Celebrating Simbang Gabi on a schedule different from the celebration of the community mass during Advent is highly encouraged to allow local parishioners to complete their obligations during Advent and not impose the Filipino culture and tradition among the local parishioners.

D. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to collaborate and coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB in planning the celebration. E.The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to involve other Parish Filipino Ministries in the different aspects of the celebration (e.g., choir, programs, etc.).

The Parish Filipino Ministry has not hosted a diocesan event during the past three years. The Parish Filipino Ministry is not within the same vicariate as the last host parish.

C. To encourage unity and solidarity among Parish Filipino Ministries within the diocese, there shall be one diocesan-wide liturgical celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Simbang Gabi Closing. (Note: Other liturgical celebrations may be included in the future in response to the pastoral care of the Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino.)

•

Secretariat of the Filipino Ministry - DSB. This will be used to further improve our diocesan level celebrations. Filipino Ministry - DSB Rev. 05/30/08

SIMBANG GABI, Its Historical, Theological and Spiritual Underpinnings SIMBANG- GABI Its Historical, Theological and Spiritual Underpinnings

•

Originally called Misa De Gallo, Simbang Gabi is a celebration of our journey in faith. It is truly a liturgical expression of our spirituality, religiosity and culture. Prior to 1972, Misa de Gallo was always celebrated at the break of dawn. The constraints of Martial Law, especially its imposition of the curfew hours, caused the dawn-masses to be celebrated in the evening, before midnight; hence, the name: Simbang-Gabi.

•

Longing to celebrate pre-Christmas novenas, Filipino migrants introduced the Simbang Gabi in their local parishes. To celebrate Simbang Gabi is to recall the Filipinos’ memory of the birth of Jesus, their understanding of the in-breaking of God’s reign and the honor they give the Blessed Mother and her wonderful role in the dawning of the New Times. It is to reecho the call to conversion, and to respond to it with immediacy and radicalism wherever Filipinos are. The Simbang Gabi Workshops offered by the Filipino Ministry – DSB’s Evangelization Committee in collaboration with the Worship Committee has, traditionally, been part of preparing the Filipino community in understanding the historical, theological and spiritual underpinnings of the Simbang Gabi celebrations. During the past five years, participants of the workshops have developed diocesan and daily Simbang Gabi themes which resonates the faith of our Universal Church. Two traditions celebrating the event of Jesus Christ’s birth: • Northern European Churches (i.e., Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary and Poland) celebrated mass daily during the four weeks of Advent. • Latin Churches (i.e., Mexico and the Philippines) celebrated nine special daily masses before Christmas, also known as Misa Aurea (golden mass), which ends on Christmas Eve - Misa Aguinaldo (referring to Christ as a gift). From the late 16th to early 19th century, the Philippines was a province of the Vice-Royalty of Mexico. In 1587, Fray Diego Soria, prior of the Convent of St. Agustin Acolman, petitioned Pope Sixtus V, who gave permission to hold Christmastide masses - Misa Aurea – in the Philippines. Purpose: • to Christianize Filipino rituals during harvest time • Filipino farmers can go to mass before farm work, and fisher folks after a night of fishing. • Celebrated before dawn or early morning, when the rooster crows (AKA Misa de Gallo) announcing the coming of a new day. • Popularly known to Filipinos as Simbang Gabi- Evening Mass or Mass at Dawn because the sun has not risen yet. Why celebrate Simbang Gabi in the United States of America: • It is an expression of our Filipino culture, religiosity and spirituality. It is a gathering of Filipino families, neighbors, and friends, listening to and singing Christmas carols. • It strengthens the faith of the larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values of “maka-Diyos” (pro-God), “maka-tao” (pro-people), “maka-bayan” (patriotism), “maka-buhay” (pro-Life) and “maka-kalikasan (integrity of creation).

It is a celebration of stewardship, bringing awareness of God’s generosity and the origin and end of all things; it is an act of Thanksgiving. Above all, Simbang Gabi is a tradition rooted in the faith, centered on the manger. It is Biblical • Psalm 108- My heart is ready, O God; I will sing, sing your praise. Awake my soul; awake lyre and harp. I will awake the dawn. • Isaiah 9:2 - the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. • Job 3:9 -10 – the dawn as “creative” • Matthew 24:42 -The parable of the ten virgins: Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. • Romans 13:11-12 – the night is far spent, the day draws near. • It is Simbang Gabi expresses the faith of Filipinos who hold the same core belief as all Christians, namely, that God is present in human history, even in the simple joys and anxieties of life's humblest activities. It is Eschatological • it points us to the coming of our Savior in History • Jesus promised that he would come again and the Bible tells us that we must be watching and be prepared for his return. • It is Ecclesial In the Philippines, the Masses were held at 4 a.m. to accommodate the farmers who had to be on the fields at dawn and the fishermen who are coming home from fishing. In spite of the early hour, an entire town would be in attendance in some communities, with the local parish priest walking through various towns. It is Marian • Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 and culminates with the “Misa de Aguinaldo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. • White is the liturgical color. • Gloria is always sung. • It is Eucharistic • It is a call to communion, where the whole community celebrates with one another in the one Lord; unity in diversity. • The Church proclaims with “joy and firm faith that God is communion, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, unity in distinction, and that he calls all peoples to share in the same Trinitarian communion” (Ecclesia in America, no. 34) It is a Eucharistic Celebration, affirming the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is the source and summit of all prayers. • It focuses on self-giving which Jesus did from birth to death. • It celebrates the greatest gift of God to humanity, Jesus, the Word incarnate. (Filipino Ministry – DSB, 2008)

Diocesan Liturgical Guidelines culture and tradition includes the white liturgical color and the singing of the “Gloria.”

Guidelines for Hosting Diocesan-wide Liturgical Celebrations Purpose: It is the intent of the Filipino Ministry – DSB to reach out and support the different Parish Filipino Ministries throughout the diocese and provide an opportunity for Parish Filipino Ministries to host a diocesan-wide liturgical event rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition. I. SCHEDULING OF THE DIOCESAN LITURGY AND EUCHARISTIC CELEBRANTS (OTHER THAN THE PARISH PRIEST) A. The Filipino Ministry - DSB shall be responsible for determining the host parish and cooordinating the schedules of diocesan-wide liturgical events that are rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition, including but not limited to the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Simbang Gabi celebrations. B. The Filipino Ministry - DSB will consider the following in approving the request by Parish Filipino Ministries in hosting diocesan-wide liturgical events: • •

The Parish Filipino Ministry has not hosted a diocesan event during the past three years. The Parish Filipino Ministry is not within the same vicariate as the last host parish.

All Parish Filipino Ministries are encouraged to invite everyone to attend the diocesan-wide celebration.

•

Parishes celebrating the nine-day Simbang Gabi Novenas are encouraged to schedule their nine-day novenas at a time that is not in conflict with the diocesanwide Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Closing celebrations.

•

The assigning of priests who will preside in the different parish Simbang Gabi celebrations is determined and reviewed by the Filipino Clergy Group and implemented through the Filipino Ministry – DSB Secretariat. This procedure would give the Filipino priests an opportunity to meet and familiarize themselves with the various communities and Parish Filipino Ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino.

The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for disseminating the information regarding the celebration, including the black and white printing of the flyers and worship aid.

•

The Filipino Ministry – DSB will also assist in the solicitation of food donations and financial assistance from other Parish Filipino Ministries.

A. Before the Celebration • Coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB the following: 1. Planning with the Evangelization and Worship Committees the reflection and/or workshops, as deemed applicable. 2. Planning of the liturgy with the Worship Committee and preparing the worship aid. 3. Planning and budgeting with Temporalities (Finance) Committee the expenses for the celebration. 4. Preparation and dissemination of the information (e.g., flyer, letters of invitation and solicitation, etc.). 5. Preparation of the venue for worship and program/reception. A.

During the Celebration • Managing the traffic flow and parking lot assignments. Note that some persons who have special roles in the celebration need to have reserve parking near the venue. • Directing the people to the venues of worship and reception. • Checking if all assigned participants are present and informed about their specified role. • Make a last minute check with the Presider regarding announcements, word of thanks, etc. No last minute changes in the liturgy should be made during the day of the celebration, unless it’s acknowledged by the Director, Chairperson or the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Ministry – DSB.

B.

After the Celebration • Organize the clean-up of the venue. • Prepare an evaluation of the celebration and submit it to the

B. The parish priest is willing to host the celebration and the reflection/workshop, if any.

Since Simbang Gabi is a Marian Celebration, the Filipino

•

III. TASK OF THE PARISH FILIPINO MINISTRY

A. The parish must have an organized Parish Filipino Ministry.

•

It would be best to invite local parishioners to see the magnificence of the Simbang Gabi by inviting them to the celebration that is distinct from the celebration of Advent masses.

F. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to take care of the major expenses, including food for the attendees, stipend for the main celebrant (unless other arrangement is pre-arranged and agreed upon) and decorations in the church and hall.

II. QUALIFICATION FOR HOSTING A DIOCESAN-WIDE LITURGY

For example:

•

E. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to involve other Parish Filipino Ministries in the different aspects of the celebration (e.g., choir, programs, etc.).

D. The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for submitting the Liturgical Planning form to the Bishop’s Office for the diocesan-wide celebrations.

C. The parish priest is willing to highlight the Filipino celebration of the event ( i.e., the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and the traditional Simbang Gabi).

Celebrating Simbang Gabi on a schedule different from the celebration of the community mass during Advent is highly encouraged to allow local parishioners to complete their obligations during Advent and not impose the Filipino culture and tradition among the local parishioners.

D. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to collaborate and coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB in planning the celebration.

C. To encourage unity and solidarity among Parish Filipino Ministries within the diocese, there shall be one diocesan-wide liturgical celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Simbang Gabi Closing. (Note: Other liturgical celebrations may be included in the future in response to the pastoral care of the Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino.) •

•

Secretariat of the Filipino Ministry - DSB. This will be used to further improve our diocesan level celebrations. Filipino Ministry - DSB

Rev. 05/30/08

Blessed Pedro Calungsod Blessed Pedro Calungsod

San Lorenzo Ruiz San Lorenzo Ruiz (First Filipino Saint)

Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan native, was born in 1655. During his boyhood Pedro was trained as a catechist in a boarding school run by the Jesuits in the Visayas. He was skilled in the arts – carpentry, drawing, painting, acting, singing and oratory, delivering discourses in Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro. He was an excellent and brilliant young man. In 1668 young Pedro was chosen to accompany Fr. Diego de San Vitores and other Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the Ladores Islands to evangelize the native Chamorros. Despite devastating typhoons, difficult terrain and scarce provisions for the Mission, the missionaries persevered. The Ladores Islands were later renamed Mariannas Islands by the missionaries in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and María Ana, the Queen Regent of Spain, who was the benefactress of that Mission. The missionaries, blessed with many conversions among the Chamorros, caused envy and rivalry with medicine men. In particular a Chinese quack named Choco spread rumors of infants dying due to the poison in the baptismal water because some sickly Chamorro infants died after baptism. Many Chamorros believed the calumniator and eventually apostatized. The apostates together with the Macanjas (sorcerers) and the Urritaos (young male prostitutes) began persecuting the missionaries. On Saturday morning, April 2, 1672, just before the Passion Sunday of that year, 17 year-old Pedro and Fr. Diego went to the village of Tumon to baptize a newborn baby girl. The baby’s father Matapang, who was a Christian and friend of the missionaries, having apostatized angrily refused to have his infant daughter baptized. While Matapang was enlisting and cajoling a non-Christian villager named Hirao to kill Pedro and Fr. Diego, Matapang’s Christian wife consented to the baptism. Upon hearing of the baptism, Matapang became aggressive, violently throwing his spears to Pedro and Fr. Diego. After shunning some spears, Pedro was hit on the chest and fell to the ground. Hirao vigorously attacked Pedro and finished him with a blow of a cutlass on the head. Fr. Diego was also killed. After the murder, Matapang took Fr. Diegos’ crucifix pounded it with a stone while blaspheming God. Matapang and Hirao denuded and dragged the bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego to the edge of the shore, where they tied large stones to the feet of the corpses. Thereafter, they took the bodies on a proa and threw them into the deep. The bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego were never found. The missionaries remembered Pedro as a young boy with very good dispositions. They recalled that Pedro was a virtuous catechist and a faithful assistant to Fr. Diego and the Mission. They described Pedro to be a good Catholic whose perseverance in the Faith even to the point of martyrdom proved him to be a good soldier of Christ (cf. II Tim 2:3). The missionaries declared that Pedro was a fortunate youth, persevering in his service to God in the mission and the precursor of their superior Fr. Diego in heaven. On October 6, 1985, Fr. Diego Luís de San Vitores was beatified. His beatification paved the way for young Pedro Calungsod and on March 5, 2000, Pedro was beatified by Pope John Paul II. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)

Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila between 1600 and 1610. With a Chinese father and a Filipina mother and as an altar boy and sacristan for Dominican priests, Lorenzo learned Chinese, Tagalog and Spanish. His fluency and beautiful penmanship enabled him to work as a professional calligrapher, transcribing documents. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter. Lorenzo’s life took an unexpected turn when he was accused of murder. Lorenzo took refuge with the Dominican priests. Nothing is known further about this mishap other than the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a homicide, in which he was present or which was attributed to him." On June 10, 1636, Lorenzo was allowed to accompany three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza, together with Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, a Japanese priest and a layman named Lazaro, a leper, on their journey to Japan. He was not aware that they were headed to Japan, in spite of a violent persecution there, until they were at sea. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." Lorenzo and his companions landed in Okinawa. In Japan they were soon found out and arrested. On July 10, 1636, they were taken to Nagasaki - the site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped and where 50,000 Catholics were dispersed or killed by persecution. Lorenzo and his companions were subjected to an inexpressible torture. Having huge quantities of water forced down their throats, they were thrust to lie down and long boards were placed on their stomachs. Guards stepped on the ends of the boards, violently forcing water to spurt from their mouths, noses and ears. Fr. Antonio, the superior, died after some days. Fr. Vicente and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails, but were brought back to courage by their companions. In his moment of crisis, Lorenzo asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." In the ensuing hours, however, Lorenzo felt his faith grow strong. He became bold and daring, stating to his interrogators “That I shall never do, because I am a Christian and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so do with me as you will please.” Lorenzo and his four surviving companions were slowly put to death. He and his companions were taken to the “Mountain of Martyrs” on September 27, 1637. They were tightly bound with semicircular boards fitted around their waists and hung upside down in pits. Stones were put on top of the boards to increase the pressure and slowdown circulation to prevent a speedy death. After three days, Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead and the three priests, still alive, were beheaded. On February 18, 1981, Lorenzo was beatified by Pope John Paul II during his visit in Manila. On October 18, 1987, Lorenzo was canonized and became the first Filipino saint and martyr. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)

Our Lady Of Peace And Good Voyage (Our Lady Of Antipolo) On March 25, 1626, Governor Don Juan Niño de Tabora, on his journey from Mexico to the Philippines, brought with him a brown image of our Blessed Virgin Mother on board the galleon, El Almirante. Despite the stormy seas and a fire on board the El Almirante, the ship arrived safely on July 18, 1626. Governor Tabora accredited their successful voyage to the image of the Blessed Virgin. He called for a grandiose celebration with fireworks and procession from the Church of San Ignacio, the Jesuit Church in Intramuros, up to the Manila Catholic Cathedral, which became the first house of the Blessed Virgin's image. The safe voyage of the El Almirante and the following eight galleons from Acapulco to Manila continued to be attributed to the Blessed Virgin, earning her the name Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage). With the passing of Governor Tabora in 1632, the care for Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage was given to the Jesuit fathers. At that time the Jesuits were constructing the Church of Antipolo. Tradition has it that the statute was relocated twice but both were futile as the brown image was always found on the trunk of a tipulo (breadfruit) tree, which grew in the original site of the old church. The trunk of the tipulo was eventually cut down and made into a pedestal for the Blessed Virgin, who became known to the residents as the Virgin of Antipolo or Our Lady of Antipolo. On November 26, 1926, the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje was canonically crowned in Luneta by the Most Rev. Michael J. O’Doherty, Archbishop of Manila. During the Japanese occupation the Virgin of Antipolo was taken to the mountains of Santolan, now called Angono. Although there were steep mountain trails the 500 people who were on the journey felt very safe. Subsequently, the Blessed Virgin was temporarily housed in the Ocampo residence at Quiapo and later transferred to the Quiapo Church. And finally on October 15, 1945, the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje was returned to its original and permanent sanctuary at the Church of Antipolo. Every year thereafter devotees of the Virgin of Antipolo commemorate this transfer. They gather at the Quiapo Church to join the "Alay Lakad" from Quiapo to the Antipolo Cathedral starting at around 8:00 p.m. (30th of April) until dawn of the following day (1st of May). Chosen by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as the most symbolic image of Filipinos abroad, a replica of Our Lady of Antipolo was brought to the United States. On April 15, 1995, the replica was enshrined at the Chapel for Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry – DSB, May 2008)

San Lorenzo Ruiz (First Filipino Saint)

Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila between 1600 and 1610. With a Chinese father and a Filipina mother and as an altar boy and sacristan for Dominican priests, Lorenzo learned Chinese, Tagalog and Spanish. His fluency and beautiful penmanship enabled him to work as a professional calligrapher, transcribing documents. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter. Lorenzo’s life took an unexpected turn when he was accused of murder. Lorenzo took refuge with the Dominican priests. Nothing is known further about this mishap other than the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a homicide, in which he was present or which was attributed to him." On June 10, 1636, Lorenzo was allowed to accompany three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza, together with Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, a Japanese priest and a layman named Lazaro, a leper, on their journey to Japan. He was not aware that they were headed to Japan, in spite of a violent persecution there, until they were at sea. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." Lorenzo and his companions landed in Okinawa. In Japan they were soon found out and arrested. On July 10, 1636, they were taken to Nagasaki - the site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped and where 50,000 Catholics were dispersed or killed by persecution. Lorenzo and his companions were subjected to an inexpressible torture. Having huge quantities of water forced down their throats, they were thrust to lie down and long boards were placed on their stomachs. Guards stepped on the ends of the boards, violently forcing water to spurt from their mouths, noses and ears. Fr. Antonio, the superior, died after some days. Fr. Vicente and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails, but were brought back to courage by their companions. In his moment of crisis, Lorenzo asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." In the ensuing hours, however, Lorenzo felt his faith grow strong. He became bold and daring, stating to his interrogators “That I shall never do, because I am a Christian and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so do with me as you will please.” Lorenzo and his four surviving companions were slowly put to death. He and his companions were taken to the “Mountain of Martyrs” on September 27, 1637. They were tightly bound with semicircular boards fitted around their waists and hung upside down in pits. Stones were put on top of the boards to increase the pressure and slowdown circulation to prevent a speedy death. After three days, Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead and the three priests, still alive, were beheaded. On February 18, 1981, Lorenzo was beatified by Pope John Paul II during his visit in Manila. On October 18, 1987, Lorenzo was canonized and became the first Filipino saint and martyr. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)

Blessed Pedro Calungsod Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan native, was born in 1655. During his boyhood Pedro was trained as a catechist in a boarding school run by the Jesuits in the Visayas. He was skilled in the arts – carpentry, drawing, painting, acting, singing and oratory, delivering discourses in Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro. He was an excellent and brilliant young man. In 1668 young Pedro was chosen to accompany Fr. Diego de San Vitores and other Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the Ladores Islands to evangelize the native Chamorros. Despite devastating typhoons, difficult terrain and scarce provisions for the Mission, the missionaries persevered. The Ladores Islands were later renamed Mariannas Islands by the missionaries in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and María Ana, the Queen Regent of Spain, who was the benefactress of that Mission. The missionaries, blessed with many conversions among the Chamorros, caused envy and rivalry with medicine men. In particular a Chinese quack named Choco spread rumors of infants dying due to the poison in the baptismal water because some sickly Chamorro infants died after baptism. Many Chamorros believed the calumniator and eventually apostatized. The apostates together with the Macanjas (sorcerers) and the Urritaos (young male prostitutes) began persecuting the missionaries. On Saturday morning, April 2, 1672, just before the Passion Sunday of that year, 17 year-old Pedro and Fr. Diego went to the village of Tumon to baptize a newborn baby girl. The baby’s father Matapang, who was a Christian and friend of the missionaries, having apostatized angrily refused to have his infant daughter baptized. While Matapang was enlisting and cajoling a non-Christian villager named Hirao to kill Pedro and Fr. Diego, Matapang’s Christian wife consented to the baptism. Upon hearing of the baptism, Matapang became aggressive, violently throwing his spears to Pedro and Fr. Diego. After shunning some spears, Pedro was hit on the chest and fell to the ground. Hirao vigorously attacked Pedro and finished him with a blow of a cutlass on the head. Fr. Diego was also killed. After the murder, Matapang took Fr. Diegos’ crucifix pounded it with a stone while blaspheming God. Matapang and Hirao denuded and dragged the bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego to the edge of the shore, where they tied large stones to the feet of the corpses. Thereafter, they took the bodies on a proa and threw them into the deep. The bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego were never found. The missionaries remembered Pedro as a young boy with very good dispositions. They recalled that Pedro was a virtuous catechist and a faithful assistant to Fr. Diego and the Mission. They described Pedro to be a good Catholic whose perseverance in the Faith even to the point of martyrdom proved him to be a good soldier of Christ (cf. II Tim 2:3). The missionaries declared that Pedro was a fortunate youth, persevering in his service to God in the mission and the precursor of their superior Fr. Diego in heaven. On October 6, 1985, Fr. Diego Luís de San Vitores was beatified. His beatification paved the way for young Pedro Calungsod and on March 5, 2000, Pedro was beatified by Pope John Paul II. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)

Mother Ignacia Del Espiritu Santo Mother Ignacia was the eldest of four children of a Chinese immigrant from Amoy, China Jusepe Iuco and of a native Filipina María Gerónima. She was born in Manila, Philippines in 1662 and baptized Ignacia del Espiritu Santo on March 4, 1663, at the Holy Kings Parian. Mother Ignacia spent her childhood in Chinese Binondo, Manila. In 1682 instead of accepting her parent’s request to marry, Ignacia sought spiritual direction from a Jesuit priest, Fr. Paul Klein, who had arrived in Manila from Bohemia. The priest gave her the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. After a period of solitude and prayer, determined to "remain in the service of the Divine Majesty" and "live by sweat of her brow," Ignacia left home. With only a needle and a pair of scissors in her possession, she began to live alone in the house located at the back of the Jesuit College of Manila. Subsequently, she accepted yndias (natives) who were attracted by her life of prayer and labor and felt called to the religious life but could not be admitted into the existing congregation at that time. Thus her first community was born and became known as the Beatas de la Compania de Jesus because they frequently received the sacraments at the Church of St. Ignatius. With the Jesuit fathers as their spiritual directors and confessors, the community performed many acts of devotion. Together they assisted the Jesuit Fathers in their retreats by preparing and disposing the retreatants to Spiritual Exercises. Mother Ignacia centered her life on the suffering of Christ. She tried to imitate him through a life of service and humility, expressing her spirituality of humble service in her capacity to forgive, to bear wrongs patiently and to correct with gentleness and meekness. She emphasized charity in the community, dedicating it to the Blessed Mother whose spirit runs through the rules written for the guidance of the Beatas. Mother Ingnacia strove to be the living image of Mary to her companions. She exhorted them to make Mary their model in following Jesus. On July 1, 1726, Mother Ignacia completed the Constitutions of her community and submitted them for approval by the Fiscal Provisor of Manila. After the approval was given in 1732, Mother Ignacia gave up her responsibility as superior of the house and lived as an ordinary member until her death. Father Murillo Velarde of the Society of Jesus observed that Mother Ignacia had no desire to command and control and saw this as a great sign of humility. Fr. Velarde described Mother Ignacia as a "true valiant woman" who overcame the great difficulties which she met in the foundation from the beginning to the end. She was "mortified, patient, devout, spiritual, and zealous for the good of souls." Mother Ignacia died at age 85 after receiving Holy Communion on September 10, 1748, still on her knees at the communion rail. She was interred at the Church of Saint Ignatius. Elevation to Venerable In the early 1980’s Sr. Maria Isabelita Riego de Dios, RVM, began and intensively promoted the cause for the beatification of Mother Ingnacia del Espiritu Santo. In 1986 then Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin began the canonical process for Mother Ignacia’s beatification. A miracle was attributed to Mother Ignacia when Victoria PeñaUtanes, a diabetic, was cured of a left foot infection through the intercession of Mother Ignacia. On July 6, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI, during a private audience on July 6 with Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, CMF, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, authorized the promulgation of decrees, including Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, among the16 holy men and women who will be elevated to the altars. After almost 259 years, the Vatican finally declared Mother Ignacia “Venerable.” On February 1, 2008, Manila Archbishop, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales presided over the promulgation at the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila. (Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)

HJM Financial Group Maasahan, Tapat at Mabait Maglingkod sa inyo. We provide a free preliminary consultation for these and many financial services:

other

Retirement Planning Real Estate Exchanges Trust Advisory Services Life Insurance & Annuities Funeral and Final Expense Plans Revere Mortgage & Cash Flow Planning

Hugh J. McDonald, CSA Ca. Ins. Lic. #OB09971

Estate Planning & Estate Transfer Strategies

& Priscilla Reyes McDonald

Tawag agad! 951-699-2055 or 800-877-701-6750 for all your financial service needs. Attention!

Why go to L.A., San Diego and Orange County for Quality Immigration (Legal) Service?

Residents of Oceanside, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Menifee, Perris, Moreno Valley, San Jacinto and Riverside County: Call us at (714) 956 8595 or (951) 296 8220

Free Initial and Confidential Consultation! IMMIGRATION

FAMILY Law

(Family and Employment)

(Divorce and Settlement)

BUSINESS Formation

CONTRACT Drafting

(C Corporation, L.L.C., and etc.) (Personal and Business Contracts)

Maasahan, Tapat at Mabait Maglingkod!

PONFERRADA LAW OFFICES B. Karlo M. Ponferrada, ESQ.* *Licensed, California and Philippine Bar (Active)

Graduated with Honors, Ateneo School of Law, Class 1992 Speaks Fluent English, Tagalog, Waray, Ilonggo, and Cebuano Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

For Residents of L.A. and other areas: Meet us at our Anaheim Law Office: EL RANCHO PLAZA, 421 N. Brookhurst Street, Suite 228 B, Anaheim, CA 92586

Holy Family Church 9974 I Ave. Hesperia, CA 92345 (760) 244244-9180 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.hfchesperia.org Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotion Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Devotional Prayer to the Santo Niño Every Wednesday following the Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Home of the Famous Manila Boy Fried Chicken at Masarap ng Lutong Kapangpangan

Inland Empire 909/5228236 760/4646862 951/8457005 951/8455069 909/8032488 951/2646329 951/7697165

Rancho Cucamonga Office (Drop-off Special!!) Palm Spring and La Quinta Agent JM Asian Market Beaumont Agent Hemet and Sun City Agent Fontana and Victorville Agent Corona and Riverside Agent Moreno Valley Agent

CONGRATULATIONS & BLESSINGS ON THE 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE FILIPINO MINISTRY DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO Greetings from the Officers & Members Of the Filipino Ministry of

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community of Beaumont/Banning

The Filipino Ministry of Saint Francis of Assisi Church La Quinta 92253 Congratulations to the 15th Year Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry—DSB. May our good Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino.

Officers Head Servant:: Alicia A. Solitaria Associate Head Servant: Honey Luntok-Moore Secretary: Joy Del Rosario Evangelization & Education: Maribon Veloro Liturgical Services & Worship: Jelly Luntok-Robertson Ways & Means: Arlene Malundas Pastoral Care & Services: Ula G. Carlos Pastor: Rev. James McLaughlin VF Spiritual Director: Fr. Dennis Legaspi

Devotions

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Every Wednesday after the 8:00 AM Mass

Our Lady of Fatima Every Friday (Block Rosary)

Distributed Easter Baskets With food to the needy families in Mecca

Office Hours By Appointment Tel: (951)492-0900 Fax: (951)492-0985

HEMET OB/GYN 2390 E. Florida Ave. Suite 104 Hemet, CA 92544

Renato G. Judalena, M.D.

Jacqueline S. Sevilla, M.D

Congratulations on the 15th Year Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry - Diocese of San Bernardino! Rosary makers are wanted. No experience necessary. Free instructions & materials. Food, fun, and fellowships. For more information, contact Elizabeth Tamayo at (909)421-7030.

From the Rosary Makers of Blessed John XXIII, Rialto Center

Congratulations to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino!

Mabuhay ang Filipino Ministry, Happy 15th Year Anniversary & many more to come. God Bless. Ed Purcell, President Filipino Club

Filipino Association of San Bernardino County (Front sitting left to right)

Joe Tacal, James Tuazon, Jarrie Rodriguez-VP, Bing Johnson, Gloria Farshay, Ed & Maria Purcell—President of Filipino Club (Front sitting left to right)

Tammy Sturgis, Nevilla Maxwell, Nena Flores, Rene Casaclang, Frank Rodriguez, Menchie Bungeang, Hermie De La Pina, Honey & Money Lazo, Letty Critis, Zarina Gordovez, (not at picture Betty Tuazon) (This picture was taken last Hawaiian Night, Dinner & Dance)

CONGRATULATIONS! Best Wishes & Prayers From BLESSED JOHN XXIII FILIPINO COMMUNITY CHOIR Ramon & Anita

Rene & Christy

Arthus & Espie

Sotero & Liza

Ed & Anne

Jun & Paz

Belen

Mae & Ella

Lari & Liza

Ning & Juliet

Zeny

Congratulations to the Filipino Ministry - DSB for their 15th Year Anniversary! Zonia Navarra - Soprano, Coordinator Marion Navarra - Tenor, Lead Guitarist Karen Nario - Soprano, Music Coordinator Julie Ann Nario - Alto, Alternate Guitarist Tony Nario - Tenor Juliet Nario - Soprano Josie Dandan - Soprano Miles Ballesteros - Tenor JJ Dela Cruz - Guitarist Vicki Dela Cruz - Alto

From the Himig Filipino Choir Fontana Center, Tel # (909)561-3130

of Blessed John XXIII,

JM Asian Market 800 E. 6th Street Beaumont, CA 92223 (951)845-7005 Tues - Sat: 10:00 am—7:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am—7:00 pm Mondays and Holidays: Closed Welcome to your Filipino store in the Pass Area where prices are very reasonable. Ang tanging mahal lamang ay...Kayo! We treat our customers as family and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Come, check us out.

Congratulations and Blessings on the occasion of the 15th year anniversary Of the Filipino Ministry - DSB St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Excellence in Caring

1665 E. Eighth Street Beaumont, CA 92223 Phone - (951)845-3125 Fax - (951)769-1582

Mabuhay and Congratulations to the Filipino Ministry—DSB!

Our Love and Prayers, Nini, Jason & Melanie Dyogi

More Power to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino and Congratulations!

Left to Right: Lisa Barreto, Pat Mislang, Fr. Arlan, Rudy Soliman, Perla Soliman, Bishop Gerlad Barnes, David Gutierrez, Belen Gementera, Fr. Tony Abuan (not in picture Malu Cruz and Mario Barreto)

From Our Lady of the Desert Filipino Ministry

From the Queen of Angels Filipino Choir Rene & Bing Urmanita Don & Xenia Neypez Rosalia Stevens Maybelle Carbajal Monet & Jerry Porras Roger & Amy Del Barrio Marita Quinones & Kids Constancia Faraon Marites Becker Boyet Emma Masters

ALLIED REHAB SERVICES, INC. “Providing Rehabilitative Services to the Skilled Nursing Facility”

ROSALINDA T. JARVINA President/Administrator • •

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy •

Speech Pathology

21527 Berendo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502 Tel. (310)618-8286 * Fax (310)618-8455

A Non Emergency Medical Transportation 12234 Chydesdale Dr. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

(909)899-0157 Fax (909)463-9242 Zozimo & Theresa Malana - Owners “What you are is God’s gift to you, What you become is your gift to God.”

Love & Respect Your Elders

Happy 15th Anniversary Filipino Ministry - DSB!

From the Families of:

Cesa - Sonny, Carrie, Aaron. Flores - Tony, Meredith, Marcus, Madison. Hunt - Thomas, Judy, Amanda, Emmanuel, Nanay Mira. Jamisola Ariel, Alyn, Alexis, Allyson. Majestrado - Quin, Nona, Johnmil, Nany Vinying. Mast - Darrel & Armida. Yazzi - Andy, Nikki, Sammy.

Saint Anthony’s Parish San Jacinto, CA

Congratulations to the 15th Year Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry Diocese of San Bernardino from...

Diplomate American Board of Family Practice 1264 E. Latham Avenue Hemet, CA 92543 (De Anza Professional Building) Tel. (951)658-1112

Happy 15th Anniversary to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino! From the Lord of Pardon Prayer Group, Inc.—Riverside & Moreno Valley Chapter

Congratulations & Mabuhay to the 15th Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry - DSB Greetings From

Parishioners of St. Peter & St. Paul Church - Pons & Ging - Fred & Vi -Tony & Ellen - Johnny & Sandy - Louie & Annie

Congratulations To

The Filipino Ministry Diocese Of San Bernardino on their

15th ANNIVERSARY

Happy 15th Anniversary to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino! From, Aida Reyes

Happy 15th Anniversary to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino! From the Lord of Pardon Prayer Group, Inc.—Fontana, Rialto, & Rancho Cucamonga

MIRAVILLA CARE CENTER

Best wishes to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino. Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary! Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, San Bernardino More Power to the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino! Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary! Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 10079 8th Street Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Events by Jonathan David

Inland Empire Directory, etc. c/o Hermie Natividad

Sanchez/Cristobal Family

St. Peter & St. Paul Parish

St. Peter & St. Paul Pauline Jubilee

St. Adelaide Catholic Church

St. Thomas the Apostle

Congratulations to the

Filipino Ministry—DSB on their

15th Anniversary! Juan & Josie Imus

St. Christopher Church Filipino ministry

CONGRATULATIONS To the Filipino Ministry, DSB On your 15th Anniversary Greetings from,

Godofreda B. Sumalangcay, M.D Pediatrics 1800 N. Western Ave. Suite 202 San Bernardino, Ca 92411 (909) 880880-3065

More Blessings and Best Wishes! Ester M. Rodriguez, DVM MON - FRI 8:30-12 NOON 1:30-5:00 PM SATURDAY 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

FULL HOSPITAL SERVICE INCLUDING SPAY & NEUTER VACCINATION CLINIC EVERY SAT.

BLUE CROSS ANIMAL HOSPITAL ESTER M. RODRIGUEZ, DVM 10593 MILLS AVENUE MONTCLAIR, CA 91763

(951) 485-1095 AIRLINE TICKETS (951) 485-1096

(909) 621-2988 (909) 621-2989

blessed John XXIII Church