CFAM ASSEMBLY
Mass of the Holy Spirit and Recognition Day for Catechists
July 17, 2024
Layforce Chapel, San Carlos Seminary Complex
 
The catechists of the Archdiocese of Manila came together at the Layforce Chapel on July 17, 2024, for a collective celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of the academic year 2024-2025. The event commenced with morning prayers, followed by the Holy Mass presided over by Reverend Father Joshua Kim M. Bibon, alongside the CFAM Minister, Reverend Father Carlo Magno S. Marcelo.
During the Mass, Fr. Kim delivered a heartfelt homily, focusing on the song "Awit sa Misyon" and its lyrics that encapsulate the mission entrusted to catechists. He emphasized phrases such as "Misyong kaloob sa aming puso aming sarili ay aming handog laging tapat at laging tugon NARIRITO HANDA KAMI PANGINOON!".
As catechists, we must be prepared and committed to our mission. Fr. Kim reminded the catechists that they are travelers being shaped by the mission entrusted to them by Christ. It is their duty to faithfully fulfill the mission and reflect God's nature through their actions. Fr. Kim emphasized the importance of not being careless, sleepy, or complacent, but acting and remaining steadfast in their purpose of conveying God's message.

Following the uplifting Eucharistic celebration, a brief health break allowed the catechists to recharge before the Minister’s inspiring talk on Missionary Discipleship. Fr. Carlo shared his personal experience while studying in Rome, he highlighted the significance of Evangelii Gaudium #120-121, which emphasizes that all baptized individuals have a role in spreading the message of evangelization, regardless of their level of faith. He stressed that catechesis is the process of deepening one's faith, but before deepening faith, it is essential to receive it through evangelization. He urged everyone to embrace the role of being a missionary disciple and noted that being a catechist is just one avenue of expressing this role.

Fr. Carlo emphasized that to engage in evangelization, imperfections should not hinder anyone's sense of mission; instead, it should motivate growth and maturity as missionary disciples.

            He concluded his talk by posing reflection questions for the catechists to ponder and discuss:

What are the challenges of Evangelii Gaudium # 120-121?
Where in CFAM can we meet these challenges?
Share some proposals to help CFAM meet these challenges.

After the session, Sir Ed Frando presented a video highlighting the effective methods utilized by catechists in the Archdiocese of Manila, in preparation for the upcoming Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) meeting in September, to be held in Iloilo. The video showcased the best catechetical practices of the catechetical ministry in the Archdiocese of Manila.

This was followed by Sir Leo Asuncion’s report for the Office on Mission. He emphasized the active involvement of catechists in missionary work across various areas of the Philippines extending to foreign countries.

The launching of new catechetical material followed: the “Pamaypay ng Pananamplataya”, a catechesis guide for exorcism, and the “Gabay sa Pangungumpisal" a short booklet that serves as a guide for the children in preparation for the sacrament of confession. These new resource materials are a testament to the willingness of CFAM to venture into alternative catechesis and provide tools for catechesis not only for Manila but for the rest of the Philippines.

The highlight of the event was the recognition ceremony, where outstanding catechists of the Archdiocese of Manila were honored for their unwavering dedication, faithfulness, and excellent performance for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

The Loyalty Award was bestowed also to those who have served the ministry for 20,25,30 and 35 years of faithful service in the Catechetical Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Congratulations to the following catechists for their exceptional commitment and service to the ministry:

LOYALTY AWARD

2O Years of service     Carbungco, PerlitaPallilio

25 Years of service      Cruz, Ma. Theresa Ramos

25 Years of service      Barlaan, Imelda Moreno

25 Years of service      Balin, Marieta Granado

25 Years of service      Misagal, Rofel Ignacio

30 Years of service      Antonio, Ma. Rosalinda Pascual

30 Years of service      Austria, Maritess Salvador

30 Years of service      Mutuc, Victorina Pajimola

30 Years of service      Dadulo, Maria Cecilia Elpuz

35 Years of service      Daya, Liberty Nacional

35 Years of service      Gutierrez, Lolita Selorica

 

3 YEARS OUTSTANDING IN APPRAISAL

  • Bulaong, Maritess S.

  • Gialem, Ma. Theresa Z.

  • Baguio, Flora B.

  • Flogio, Editha O.

  • Resplandor, Josephine M.

  • Rizas, Rizza A.

  • Lagarto, Michelle C.

  • Lucena, Ma. Belen G.

  • Mercado, Marivic T.

  • Tocyap, Aurelia P.

  • Uy, Lucita P.

  • Bautista, Lucilla S.

  • Dadulo, Maria Cecillia E.

  • Maravillosa, Jonah N.

  • Hernandez Ma. Cristina R.

  • Vidad, Marecel R.

  • Ulangca, Georgina A.

  • Balin, MariettaG.

  • Camu, Caselyn S.

  • Cereno, Alita C.

  • Gonzales, Janifer G.

  • Hedriana, Rosalinda J.

  • Lumigpit, Joel D.

  • Martinez, Nievez F.

  • Mauricio, Regina B.

  • Quintana, Lilia A.

  • Soriano, Mary Joan K.

  • Cruz, Merle Anne E.

  • Diaz, Rima T.

  • Joyosa, Marisol J.

  • Manlangit, Jannete DG.

  • Amihan, Marcelo JR., A.

  • Bago Jeffry P.

  • Broñola Ramoncito A.

  • Madriaga, Jeraldine O.

  • Misagal, Rofel I.

  • Nicolas, Maria Revelyn A.

  • Yruma, Lorena H.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit and the Recognition Day for Catechists was a unifying and inspiring day for the catechists of the Archdiocese of Manila. It reinforced their shared mission, encouraged reflection, and recognized the valuable contributions made by these dedicated individuals in nurturing and spreading the Catholic faith.

Congratulations to all awardees and welcome to Academic Year 2024-2025!