balita - Filipino Association of Beatitudes Parish

August 2012
Catholics Celebrate
Year of Faith
by Johnny Noble
B A L I T A
FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF BEATITUDES PARISH
A
Year of Faith, declared by Pope
Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei (Door of Faith), begins
October 12, 2012. The Pope is deeply
concerned that many Catholics have
come to take their faith for granted and
have come to view it through the prism
of cultural, political and cultural influences. For many, faith has become a
bland experience of limited relevance.
The Year of Faith aims to spark an
effort among Catholics to reflect more
deeply on their faith and strengthen
their commitment so that Catholics
once again feel a more urgent need to
connect with Christ. The Pope is
hopeful that a renewal or rediscovery
of faith will raise aspirations among
Catholics to profess their faith more
openly, and intensify their celebration
of that faith in the liturgy.
Recognizing that knowledge of the fundamental content of our faith is essential to adherence to the Church’s
teaching, the Pope’s Apostolic Letter
urges all Catholics to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which
clearly lays out the Church’s teaching
throughout its history. Reinforced with
a deeper faith and a stronger intellectual grasp of Church doctrine, Catholics would see that the Church’s fundamental teaching down through the
ages is still as relevant today as it was
centuries earlier. With a deeper understanding of doctrine, Catholics would
be better able to proselytize, both
among other Catholics as well as nonCatholics who may feel vaguely disturbed by the absence of real meaning
in their lives.
The Second Vatican Council’s documents, issued 50 years ago, figure
prominently in the Pope’s letter, which
points to them as a guide to the renewal he seeks in Porta Fidei. The
Vatican Council II clarified (not modified) Church doctrine and redefined its
organization more as a peoplecentered body rather than the hierarchical, rule-bound organization it had been
up to that point. In a departure from its
previously defensive or combative
stance on other religious sects, both
non-Catholic and non-Christian, The
Vatican Council II reached out to members of these other faiths more as
equals than adversaries. For most
Catholics, Second Vatican’s most visible effect was the transformation of the
celebration of the Mass, which was
shorn of arcane rituals and radically
changed to involve the congregation as
active participants rather than just an
audience. That change was more than
symbolic; it marked the beginning of a
far more active role for the laity in the
Church, a fortunate development, as it
probably enabled the Church to better
weather the sharp decline in the number of priests and the sex-abuse scandals that have shaken the Church hierarchy.
As individuals, what can we do to make
the Year of Faith a worthwhile observance? Charged by Pope Benedict
XVI with recommending ways of making it more meaningful, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has
(Continued on page 5)
FABP Calendar
 FABP Meeting — every last Friday of the month at the Ministry Center. Beatitudes of Our Lord
Church, 7 p.m.
 Sept. 30—San Lorenzo Ruiz
 Oct . 27—Halloween
 Dec. 16—Simbang Gabi
 Dec 29—FABP Christmas Party
FABP’s Many Activities in Pictures
FABP was pretty busy during the months of May to August. We honored Mary with our increasingly popular Flores de Mayo celebration. This was followed in June by the
Filipiniana celebration of FABP’s 33rd Anniversary and
Induction Ball. We then had our one week cultural summer camp on Aug 13-17. And just a week later, we had
our picnic at La Mirada Park. Pictures speak louder than
words, so here are our many activities.
FABP members, along with Beatitudes parishioners and
others in the community, joined in the procession honoring Mary during FABP’s Flores de Mayo celebration. The
event was chaired by Ludy Jusay.
Many parishioners enjoy coffee and donuts after Masses
on Sundays. This particular Sunday was organized by
FABP.
Page 2
Beatitudes Parish annually invites parish leaders to an
appreciation lunch. Many Filipinos active in various ministries, including FABP, attended this year’s event.
B A L I T A
Cultural Summer Camp
Fr. Page led the prayers during the Pista sa Nayon program. FABP presented him
a check, in appreciation for the use of school facilities. Volunteers rehearsing
‘Biyahe Tayo’ for the program. Parents brought lots of food for our Fiesta.
These are some of the many activities during the camp—basket weaving, dancing Bulaklakan, learning
Ama Namin and Lupang Hinirang,
dancing Tinikling, making Melon Ice
Candy.
Thank you to all our volunteers and donors, those who
worked on and behind the scenes.
A U G U S T 20 1 2
To ensure the smooth running of the camp, we held
‘Lessons Learned’ meetings everyday.
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33rd Anniversary and Induction Ball
Guests to the ball enjoyed authentic Filipino dishes donated by very generous FABP members. Three food booths were set up and decorated.
Everybody got in the dancing mood after this special line dancing number.
The FABP Board of Officers 2012-2013 were inducted by Father Tony Page.
FABP presented plaques of appreciation to Evelyn Millar, Rena Villamil, and Father Anthony Page. FABP also presented
Father Page the proceeds from the souvenir program.
A U G U S T 20 1 2
Page 4
Picnic at La Mirada Park
It’s definitely cooler in the shade. FABP members and guests enjoyed the food, games, and camaraderie. FABP donated fish escabeche, laing, and sisig. The potluck spread included kambing dishes: caldereta, soup, kilawin along with barbecue, and adobong pusit.
Water balloon fights, tug of war,
water balloon volleyball, kiteflying. Prices, in gift cards, were
given to the winners.
Year of Faith
(Continued from page 1)
issued recommendations for all levels of the Church. The
ones that apply at the Parish level include the laity’s
study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Porta
Fidei. Parish priests are asked to review the documents
of Vatican Council II as well, drawing on the readings for
fresh resources that can bear on the pastoral care of their
congregations. As individuals, we should refresh ourselves thoroughly on Church doctrine. Start by getting
hold of a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
At less than nine dollars a copy (on Amazon.com), it’s a
A U G U S T 20 1 2
steal, and a worthwhile reference to have, especially
for those of us with children still at home. A readable
summary or explanation of Vatican Council’s documents would also help by putting our role as laymen
into better perspective. As FABP members, we could
form ad hoc discussion groups within our Association
and the Parish, which should include Father Page. In
short, let’s go back to school and actively talk about
what we’ve rediscovered among ourselves. The process may lead to some very rewarding insight on our
religion, our role in the Church and the depth of our
faith.
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FABP Board Chairpersons
Publication Staff
Mission Statement
● Cecille Ranches (Mar—June 2012)
● Johnny Noble (July—October 2012)
● Melanie del Carmen—Editor
● Johnny Noble—Assistant Editor
● Ray Basilio, Emelyne Carreon, Frank
Lesaca, Johnny Noble —
Photographers
To promote and preserve our Catholic
Filipino values and tradition by providing
a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere
AND to encourage members to support
and participate in the religious and social
activities of the association and the Beatitudes of Our Lord Parish.
● Pye Clarin (Nov 2012— Feb 2013)
● Melanie del Carmen (Mar— June
2013)
● Analou Magallanes (July— Oct 2013)
● Armand Clarin (Nov 2013— Feb
2014)
● Yolly Edquid—Treasurer
● Emelyne Carreon– Printing
Balita is published 3 times a year (April,
August, December) for the members of
FABP.
FABP wants to know about your business. Advertise with us. Contact the editor.
This issue is sponsored by:
Tito’s Catering
Authentic and delicious Filipino dishes
Tel: 562-858-9409