TREDONE!

After weeks of waiting, I’ve been finally oriented last October 4 about the church service I will be participating in.

Last October 4, I went to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace again and was oriented, along with two other LaSallians whose courses are Chemical Engineering,  by two pastoral workers, Kuya Something (I’m so sorry; I forget his name.) and Ate Zeny.

They told us about the Shrine’s history, mission vission, and such. Furthermore, they explained to us that we would be considered as “EXPOSURISTS”. Students who come to them with requests such as ours, to be involved with a Church for a certain number of hours, were included in the program wherein they would participate in various activities that concern their respected “Areas”.

Apparently, one of the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace’s programs is a certain program (I forget the name again, sorry.) that involves people from different areas, with them inviting other people to go to church and attend mass.

On the same day, I attended a mass held in honor of Area 7’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi . I helped in preparing the brgngy chapel for mass. Along with the pastoral worker assigned to me, Ate Zeny, and other volunteers, we arranged the flowers, the chairs, and the over-all appearance of the brngy chapel. This was my first “exposure trip”. I found the experience wonderful and helpful.

Last Sunday, October 6  2013, I participated again in another mass wherein I joined for the offertory. This was my second experience; it was amazing to just be part of the mass celebration and be able to offer something to God in thanks and honor of His goodness.

My third experience occurred only yesterday, October 11, 2013. I, along with volunteers from Area 9, prayed the rosary. I was assigned to lead the 2nd mystery. I was supposed to go home after but I was asked by one of them to stay and read the 1st Reading and the Responsorial Psalm during the “Holy Hour”, as they called it, so I stayed. I was also asked to stay and be part of the 7pm Mass but I had to go home for it was already getting late.

Here’s a picture of the mass celebration last October 4, 2013.

And here’s a selfie of me and the pastoral worker assigned to me, Ate Zeny!

And that’s pretty much everything, I think.

Being involved in the parish that I grew up in is so much more fun than I initially thought it would be. Meeting new people and being able to show my faith through prayer and active participation is a wonderful experience.

Until the next time! 

Rom 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I. What is the name of the Church / Parish Community where you will be involved in Term 1? What made you decide to choose this Church?

 The Church/ Parish Community that I have decided to be involved with this Term 1 is known as the “Shrine of Our Lady of Grace”, previously called the “Our Lady of Grace Parish”. I have chosen this Church primarily for two reasons.First, it’s because it’s the parish nearest to our place. My parents don’t want me to encounter any difficulty in commuting, especially since the Church we go to every Sunday for Mass, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, is located far from our home. Second, the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace has a special place in my heart. It’s where I’ve been baptized and it’s where my family and I used to go to Church to when I was younger.

II. What ministry have you chosen to be involved? Briefly describe the nature of the service.

Sadly, as of now, I’m not yet part of a ministry. The Parish Office is still waiting for two or more students before they start the orientation of exactly what they will assign to us.

 III.  Describe the Church community in terms of:

A. Location

The Church is very accessible. It’s a 5/10-minute tricycle ride from my house and a short walk from the lrt station. There are several shops and establishments surrounding it. The Shrine of Our Lady of Grace is in Grace Park, Caloocan City.

B. People who are part of the community

The people who are part of the community are very friendly people though most come from the middle-class to poor residents of Caloocan City.

 C. Different ministry that they have       

According to their website, there are several ministries in the Church and these are classified into two: the permanent and special ministries.

Special Ministries:

Ministry on Catechetical Knights of the Altar Lector and Commentators Guild Ministry on Greeters and Collectors Parish Music Ministry Council Special Ministers of Holy Communion

Permanent Ministries:

Ministry on Liturgical Affairs Ministry on Education Formation Ministry on Social Services and Development Ministry on Finance Ministry on Youth Affairs Ministry on Vocation Ministry on Family and Life Ministry on Public Affairs

 You may check their website here: http://shrineofourladyofgrace.ph/shrine/

You can also like their official facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-Grace-Kalookan/162621933760616?fref=ts

And here’s the link for my facebook page for TREDONEC34: https://www.facebook.com/experiencingolgp