Perfect  harmony !  While the day’s  Gospel  tells of the Visitation, to preach on Mama Mary’s role in greeting Elizabeth  who was filled with the Holy Spirit , the Mater Dei ME Community children lined up to offer their roses to Mama Mary  as simple gestures of Love and Obedience .  “Blessed are You among women!” ,   was indeed an appropriate greeting for  the special occasion for our  Blessed Mother.

To  the Filipinos, the title “ Mama  Mary” carries with it an address of endearment.  Hence by  tradition, many months have been dedicated to Her honor.  The month of May, as one of them  is dedicated to Mama Mary  and is called Flores de Mayo or  Flores de Maria.  The children usually take pleasure in bringing flowers as offering.  Last Friday, May 31, 2013, our Prayer Gathering  paid a simple tribute of  celebrating the Flores de Mayo with Olga Franceska R. Mariano, Crowning our Mater Dei with flowers .  The other children who offered flowers were  Yhasmin Acierto, Antoinette Alimaza, Audrey Catacutan, Keisha Rheigne de Paz, Wynona Wahbi Mediavillo, Angela Marie Sagum, Mary Lasalette Sagum, Ma. Marshy Taray, Angelo Augustine Abelon, Patrick Bjorn Abelon, John Ivan Acierto, John Kenth Romel Acierto, Rundell John Catacutan, Casmir John De Luna, Nathaniel De Luna,  Brennan Roxas, Haley Roxas, Zeke Gabriel Tambasacan and John Venhyr Orly Taray .

The exaltations and prayerful ritual was led by  Tito Rheda Catacutan, Chaircouple, Research Training Development Ministry.

Heart of Jesus & Mary Retreat House,
Tagaytay City

Shepherd Couple
Dante Bien Nacpil

JB Mhay Almario, Ron Rose Ampuan, Jo Nanz Aycocho, Frank Lissa Bagasbas, Manny Maricar Borra, Johnny Leny Caldito, Mark Leila De Luna, Amor Lan Domingo, Eddie Reggie Gulfan,  Arman Gie Vargas

The MEFP Fun Run and Sports Fest 2013 was successfully held at the U.P. Diliman Campus on April 21, 2013.  This half-day sports event was participated in by the various M.E. Communities under the umbrella of the Marriage Encounter of the Philippines throughout its North, East, West, and South Cluster (NEWS).

At stake in the Fun Run, which started and ended in front of the U.P. Oblation, were the 1K, 3K, and 5K categories.  While in the sports fest, which was held in the U.P. Gym, includes the Kids Palaro, Fun Games, and Sports Events, such as Pabitin and Hampas Palayok for the Kids, Cup Stacking, Sack Race, Carry the Princess, and Centipede Race, and Tug of War for Adults and Children, and 3-point Shooting, Volleyball for Women, Badminton for Men, Table Tennis, and Darts for adults.

The Invocation was led by Rev. Fr. Choy Ramos, and after the singing of the National Anthem, the festive mood geared on. The Oath of Sportmanship, and the Declaration of the Opening of the Sports Fest by MEFP President Couple Robert Tinette Aventajado, set the pace for the simultaneous sports competitions until 12:00 noon.  The closing prayer was led by Dr. Mario Flor Adraneda, East Cluster Coordinator and concurrent EVPC of MEFP.

The South Cluster, which hosted the said  sports event, emerged as the over-all champion, followed by the East, North and West, in that order. Aside from the Championship Trophy, the South Cluster was handed the President’s Perpetual Trophy which will be transferred to whoever wins the next sports fest that will be held same month next year.

While the North Cluster bagged only the 3rd place in the over-all standing, it is interesting to note that a number of Mater Dei sports enthusiasts who participated in the events showed outstanding performances in the following Fun Run categories, they are:

1. John Kenth Romel Acierto, son of Romel Josie Acierto of Class 246 – 3rd place in 1K Category

2. Johnvehnyr Orly Taray, son of Orly Beth Taray of Class 246 – 2nd place in 1K category

3. John Nikko Acierto, son of Rommel and Josie Acierto – 2nd place in 3K category

4. Gerard Lorenz  Maandal, son of Dante and Marife Maandal of Class 184 – 5th place in 5K category

5. John Ivan Acierto and Ma. Marshy Taray won cash prize and goodies in the Hampas Palayok  and Pabitin.

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the following members of our community who  participated and supported the above-mentioned MEFP Fun Run and Sports Fest 2013, namely: Council Of Elders Lony Rohodora Bohol, BOT Ben Letty Bernardo, Joey Petrache, Bong Nora Salvador, Romel Josie Acierto and Kids, Randolf Lugtu, Orly Beth Taray and Kids, Dante Marife Maandal and Kids, and of course to Jojo Chris Roxas who coordinated said sports event with Mater Dei Community members.

The Spiritual Growth Apostolate  conducted its 97^th  Life in The Spirit Seminar last April 6 and 7, 2013 at Victoria Building, Quezon City.  Graced by 14 participants the seminar gave a different touch of baptism through Father  Richard Bolaton.  The lecture series were provided by Demet Rose Araniego, Pris Vicky Contreras, Tony Pat Rivera, Jun Adel Tambasacan and Bill Ding Zamora. Sis Mylene Pineda and Tess Capiral together with the shepherds of the representative classes were on hand to facilitate in the groupings and provide songs and praises.

The participants were Linel Sasha De Guzman and Dhan Lorie Holgado of Class 292; Abe Mely Bahillo, Buddy Mina Bongcayo, Rey Tess Orpida, Eric Cathy Panti, and Chris Lai Sideño of Class 293; Emy Gil Bonongoy, Dolf April De Luna, Mil Rose Entong, Nir Chie Lipa,  Naz Tina  Marifosque, Rey Tess Miller, and Manny Bel Reyes of Class 294

Black Saturday is a traditional offering of Shepherd Romy Remy Lagman  for a Holy Retreat to invited guests of manageable capacity of the seminar room at their retreat house in Pililia, Rizal.  Fr. Domie Guzman serves as the Retreat Master.  The lecture explanation of Fr. Domie  on the Passion and Resurrection of Christ   is always clear and interesting.  Although that Saturday was particularly meaningful because Fr. shared a Relic of  the True Cross given as gift by Pope Paul VI to Gen. Ramas  who served as his escort during the first papal visit in the Philippines.  Gen. Ramas has died and the children entrusted the relics  to Fr. Domie. In our meditation, Fr. Domie allowed each couple to hold the relic to pray on it, to lift up the sorrows, the pains , the joys or whatever plans in life.  The sacredness of the relic poured on everyone keeping some emotional as they  felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.   Shepherd Romy Remy Lagman shared their sentiments and  lifted up their concern on the aggressive liking  of the Religious  Sisters to buy the Mater Cristi  property.

On a lighter mood during the break, the group surprised Fr. Domie for a Sacerdotal Tribute.  Fr. Domie is celebrating his 25year in priesthood on April 3.  We are happy to know that Mater Dei is the first to give this Tribute to him.   As he entered the dining room, the group sang for him and Shep. Romy went on to unveil the tarpaulin expressing  Mater Dei’s thank you message to Father Domie as the Spiritual Director for ___ years.  Each of the elders gave their symbolic gift “galling sa kalikasan na nagpapahalaga ng katangian ni Fr. Domie! ”  as follows:    Leaf – Vigie Nelly Ventura    Blades of grass – Lony Rhodora Bohol   Twig – Ed Cora Depano   Ang Luya (Ginger)  at Malunggay – Ding Susan Mayor On the background, a  handful of Music Ministry sang “Today” and “I don’t know how to love him” from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Father Domie was elated for the gestures and said, its Mater Dei who has greeted him first for this significant stage of his Priesthood. As we journey in search of a meaningful Lenten Recollection, our traditional via crucis ritual brought us home with a Via Lucis, feeling the light in all our hearts.

UNITY and COOPERATION. These words of appeal by Pope Francis to the Catholic Church during his Vatican address shortly after his installation as the Supreme Pontiff echoed at the Violago chapel last Friday, 22 March 2013 when Father Rey Reyes, SSP, delivered his homily in the celebration of the Eucharist marking the 22nd anniversary of our community and the installation of its new board of trustees. Just like the conclave that considered the problems of the Church  the newly elected Pope would face, the Board that the community elected must face the problems of division, power blocs and struggle within its ranks, hence the call for unity and cooperation, he stressed. And with the dwindling faith in the Catholic Church due to the emergence of many Christian sects/denominations and conversion to other religions, Fr. Reyes quoted the new Pope: “back to basics. Spread and propagate the Word.” Touching on poverty, he posed an ironic interrogative in the vernacular: Bakit ‘yung Forbes magazine palagi at alam na alam ‘yung top 100 richest people in the world pero ‘yung mga pinakamahihirap sa mundo hindi kinikilala at pinahahalagahan?  In this regard, he also reminded everyone of Pope Francis’ simple living and his reaching out to the poor in his native Argentina. In closing, he lauded our community for being responsive to God’s call in the service of married couples and their families.

Romy Remy Lagman, one of the couple founders of our community and a council of elders member led the commissioning rites of the new board of trustees. Certificates of recognition were also awarded to the former board of trustees. And for the benefit of couples who were not able to attend the community’s alumni homecoming held last March 16, 2013 ,  Elder Romy Lagman again gave a power point presentation of our community’s Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow theme.

Closing but rendering excitement and joy to the event were the blowing of the anniversary cake and the raffle draw that gave numerous prizes. Amidst all this happenings, surely many did not realize that Pope Francis’ simplicity was emulated: the partaking of simple, single solid and liquid food to feast over for the 22nd Anniversary celebration of the Mater Dei M.E. Community.

The election of the members of the Board of Trustees last Friday, March 1, 2013  climaxed the mission of our COMELEC.

It was an “abnormal evening”  as  Fr. Domie said,  because of the turn out of voters that filled the church with unusual attendees. The mood was light and pleasant.  Certainly the qualification standard of paying the annual dues boost up the belongingness of the members to the community at the same time increasing our operating fund. Everyone was anxious and hopeful as Fr. Domie Guzman led the assembly to a solemn vote of conscience invoking the Holy Spirit to intercede  in every voter in naming the lead servants who will  work in the vineyard of the Lord.  Deep within was  the quiet surrender of knowing that the Divine Providence will spread its mantle on the “Rule for the community.”  We were thankful that a very organized and respectable team of COMELEC , headed by Omar Rose Mayo with members Sam Lulou Asia, Abet Coy Pangcog, Joey Tong Petrache and Ric Sally Rey, the COMELEC  have mobilized themselves to set the timetable of activities and effectively implemented its guidelines for a credible and spirit-filled election at Violago Chapel.

The “ Voter-friendly ballot” that even a no-read-no-write voter can discriminately decide and wisely check on his choice, is a concept of concern our COMELEC  has well provided.  The rigors of canvassing  till the wee hours  did not even leave a trace of burden to our COMELEC  because of their commitment to serve.

True to form,  our  COMELEC, have rendered a job we wish every COMELEC (esp. in our  National government ) should be – A COMELEC with  INTEGRITY.

1. AYTONA, CHOCK LULU

2. BERNARDO, BEN LETTY

3. DEPANO, ED CORA

4. GUBALLA, JOJIE FE

5. MAYOR, DING SUSAN

6. MONTALES, WILLIE ROSE

7. PASCUAL, NONI BABY

8. RIVERA, TONY PAT

9. VARGAS, MIGO LEN

- MDMEC COMELEC

Last March 10, 2013, the City of San Jose del Monte Prayer Group conducted its fourth Couple Power-Lakas Mag-Asawa Seminar at the Formation Center of Sto. Rosario Parish Church .  Sponsored by the CPLM Batch 3 Class headed by Shepherd Ramir Mercy Ellar, this program was made possible in cooperation with the officers  and members of the City of San Jose del Monte Prayer Group now headed by Mon Silay Baluyot.  We also take cognizance of the support and assistance we received from the Mater Dei M.E. Community through its  President Couple Ding Susan Mayor.  We very well appreciated also the presence of some members of Mater Dei couples, Demet Rose Araniego, Jojie Fe Guballa, Noni Baby Pascual, Tisoy Dhang Reyes and Joey Tong Petrache who came to show their support.  The Team Couples, who are also from MDMEC , were Mon Noemi Giron (Team A)  and Arman Linda Perez (Team B) .  Rev. Fr. Hershey Sulit, one of the Spiritual Advisers of the San Jose del Monte Prayer Group gave the inspirational talk.  Fr. Hershey stressed that each couple must remain intact with their relationship and continuously love each other despite the trials they may encounter.

The seminar  was ended by giving each participant a 10/10 reflection and dialogue to actualize their learning for the day.  Added to it was their task to answer the CPLM question “Ano ang biyayang natanggap ninyo sa pagdalo sa Couple Power Lakas Mag asawa Seminar? At Paano ninyo ito maibabahagi sa iba?”

After partaking also of the merienda prepared by the sponsoring class, the participants proceeded to the main church for the Holy Mass.

The participants were Danilo Josefa Acedera,  Romeo Vicenta Lopez, and Sonny Andrea Ocenar  as church-wed couples, while the civilly married were Andrew Rovelyn Caliso, Paulino Cristina Horcajo and Monico Corazon Tongol.  Joselito Marlene Nemenzo are the only unmarried couple.  All said participants will be guided by their incoming shepherd Mappy Thess Cacho through their deepening sessions and planning for the next sponsorship for CPLM 5 sometime in July next year.

2012 was another challenging and fulfilling year for Mater Dei family of dedicated and committed workers. Despite the odds, the following programs and activities under the seven (7) major apostolates and the six (6) support ministries were accomplished through the able leadership of the nine-couple members of the Board of Trustees and guidance of our Spiritual Adviser.

1. Marriage Life Apostolate (MLA)

1.1 Conducted 8 M.E. Weekend Seminars – 70 couples
1.2 Partner Apostolate of RTD in the conduct of Shepherding Seminar on Sept. 2012

2. Family Life Apostolate (FLA)

2.1 Conducted F.E. Weekend Seminar in June 2012 – 5 families
2.2 Sade Weekend Seminar held in May 2012 – 20 youths/saders
2.3 Youth Camp held in October 2012 – 34 youths/saders
2.4 Sader’s Day held in June 2012 – 35 youths/saders
2.5 Sade Team Training held in April 2012 – 22 sader-participants

3. Spiritual Growth Apostolate (SGA)

3.1 M.E. – LSS – 3x – 23 couples
3.2 M.E. – MSS 1x – 14 couples
3.2 Youth LSS – 62 youths/saders
3.4 Basic Catechism 2 – 30 youths/saders
3.5 2-day Outreach LSS in Laoac, Pangasinan on Jan. 7 & 8, 2012 – 210 participants
3.6 Recitation of 2,000 Hail Mary at Violago Chapel on Oct. 26, 2012

4. Outreach Apostolate (ORA)

4.1 Couple Power Lakas Ng Mag-asawa (CPLM) Seminars
4.1.1 March 4,2012/San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan – 13 couples
4.1.2 May 19, 2012/Rodriguez, Rizal – 13 Couples and 1 single
4.1.3 June 23, 2012/Cainta, Rizal – 24 couples
4.1.4 July 21, 2012/San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan – 7 couples
4.1.5 November 4, 2012/San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan – 9 couples

4.2 Social Action

4.2.1 Facilitated distribution of 55 plastic pails of assorted goods to members of MDMEC who were affected by “Habagat” and organized the repacking and distribution of relief goods out of donation from generous members of the community (cash and in kind) to families similarly affected by “Habagat” who are still in the evacuation center in Cainta, Rizal.
4.2.2 Facilitated the turn over of MDMEC’s cash donation in the amount of PHP4,500.00 to
Caritas, Manila for the victims of Typhoon Pablo.

5. Worship Ministry (WM)

5.1. Conducted regular weekly prayer gatherings (PG) during Fridays and prepared power point presentation on Eucharistic Celebration (1st Fridays), Regular Prayer Gatherings (2nd to 4th Fridays) and Healing Mass (5th Fridays).
5.2 Lifting up through prayers by the Intercessory Prayer Group the success of our community’s various programs and activities as well as the concerns of our community members, not only during their Monday meetings but in their respective homes and places of work.
5.3 Rendered liturgical services on various community-sponsored activities as well as that of the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines, particularly MEFP North Cluster.
5.4 Initiated activities on special events participated in by different apostolates and ministries such as the community’s 20th Anniversary Mass, Community-sponsored Confession, May Flower Offering, Mama Mary’s Birthday, and Culmination of the Holy Rosary
5.5 Invited priests and lay speakers, assigned gospel readers/reflection and Prayer Leaders for the weekly prayer gatherings. Assigned Lay Ministers/Lectors/Commentators during eucharistic celebration.
5.6 Coordinated the renewal formation of the community’s liturgical servants commissioned as lectors/commentators (17) and Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (11).

6. Music Ministry (MM)

6.1 Provided music to the different activities of the major apostolates/ministries such as M.E. Weekends (8x a year), Eucharistic Celebrations (1st Fridays), Regular Prayer Gatherings (2nd to 4th Fridays), and Healing Mass (5th Fridays).
6.2 Provided Music Team/Instrumentalists during M.E. Weekends (8x a year)
6.3 Provided music on community-sponsored activities such as LSS/MSS, Pre-Planning and Planning Workshops, Recitation of2,000 Hail Mary and other special events such as Family Fun Day and Christmas Encounter
6.4 Actively participated in the MEFP-sponsored activities, particularly that of the North Cluster, either as actors, choir or instrumentalists.

7. Research Training and Development Ministry (RTDM)

7.1 Conducted Prayer Leader Writing Workshop on Sept. 29, 2012 at MDMEC Office attended by 7 couples, followed by similar workshop on October 1, 2012 attended by more than 20 couples
7.2 In tandem with MLA, conducted Shepherding Seminar on September 1 and 2, 2012 attended by four prospective shepherds.
7.3 Partner apostolate of WM/MLA/SGA/FLA in conducting training for prayer leader writing workshop, shepherding seminar, facilitators, and family team writing workshop, respectively.

8. Traditional & Special Events Ministry (TSE)

8.1 Valentines Party at Century Park Hotel on February 14, 2012
8.2 Family Fun Day at NIA Gym on October 27, 2012
8.3 Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila on Dec. 2, 2012
8.4 Christmas Encounter at Buklod ng Pag-Ibig Center on December 28, 2012

9. Ways & Means Ministry (Temporalities)

9.1 Continuously raise funds for the acquisition of MDMEC Community Center
9.2 7th Invitational Golf Tournament in June 2012 at Veterans Golf Club
9.3 Sponsored Family TV Mass on December 21, 2012 at Christ the King Seminary
9.4 20/20 Vision Raffle for A Cause held on May 4, 2012 at Violago Chapel

10. General Services & Central Secretariat Ministries

10.1 Facilitated the transfer of office equipment, furnitures and fixtures to the new office of MDMEC at GSMEC Love Center
10.2 Inventory of community assets as required in the preparation of Financial Statement for the years 2011 & 2010 with comparative figures on 2009
10.3 Upgrading of computer software and hard disc to be able to install MDMEC’s books of account
10.4 Looks after the equipment, furnitures and fixtures, and other tangible properties and supplies, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of MDMEC office.
10.5 Started a data base for all graduates of M.E. Weekend Seminars in order to monitor their respective spiritual development paths that may be the basis in choosing future leaders of the community

11. Budget and Finance Ministry

11.1 Prepared the community’s Financial Statement for the year 2011, 2010 and 2009 and have them audited by an external auditor in compliance with the reportorial requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue for the restoration of its status as a juridical person.
11.2 To date, the Ministry is In the process of preparing the 2012 Financial Report for filing with BIR and SEC
11.3 Continuously provides support in the proper posting and preparation of all financial reports of the community

12. Publication and Information

12.1 Coordinated with the Website Developer for the upgrading of MDMEC Website
12.2 Continuously supervises the monthly publication of UPDATES , as well as the editing of articles submitted by the different apostolates/ministries prior to final printing and uploading in our Website.
12.3 Tapped by MEFP to form part of its Media Bureau

Our community through the Building and Lot Committee under the Ways and Means (Temporalities) Ministry headed by Abet Coy Pangcog continues to raise funds for the acquisition of Mater Dei Community Center, i.e. the three Condominium Units (26L, 26M, & 26N) from Federal Land. In fact. some generous members of our community have invested One Million (PHP1M) each with Pru-Life UK Investment Plan with the commitment of donating the earnings to our community in order to sustain its monthly amortization for said center until our obligation is fully settled. This is in addition to the One Million Pesos (PHP1M) to be invested by our community under similar investment plan, as earlier approved by the Board of Trustees. Hereunder is the financial status of our community center as of January 2013 as per statement of account furnished by Federal Land.

Note: The percentage paid-up has been increased to 18.99% as compared to last year’s 13.17%, while our monthly amortizations covered by post dated checks is guaranteed until October 2014. Likewise, additional amount of PHP253,296.36, as earlier reported, will be deducted from the Total Contract Price on account of the savings that will be derived in combining the
three (3) condo units.

Meantime, our community will continue to lease office space at GSMEC Love Center for PHP15,000.00 with free use of the Seminar Room, plus cost of electricity over and above their average monthly consumption of PHP8,000.00. It is interesting to note that from the time we transferred to our new office effective September 1, 2012, we have not spent more than PHP2,000.00 per month for our electric consumption as compared to our monthly average of PHP6,000,00 in our previous office at ELCO Building. Likewise, we derive substantial savings for the free use of the seminar room where we conduct our spiritual growth seminars and other community activities.

Like other M.E. communities, Mater Dei has not been spared with the perennial problem of dwindling membership that starts from the poor recruitment of sustainable candidates during M.E. Weekend Seminars. But this should not be a cause for alarm to stop our evangelization efforts by continuously recruiting married couples for them to experience the benefits that may be derived from attending said seminar, lest the community itself will be the first one to fold up, as other communities had experienced.

We are still very lucky that our community continues to conduct eight (8) M.E. Weekend Seminars in a year, a record which we can be proud of, considering that other M.E. communities conduct theirs only twice or a maximum of four (4) times a year.

As part of our community’s continuing effort to improve its recruitment and membership, the Board of Trustees through the just recently formed “Alumni Core Group” sought the assistance of the Team Couples, in inviting the old shepherds and coordinators, who have been out of touch for quite some time now, to attend an “Alumni Homecoming” to be held on March 16, 2013 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) located at the corner of North Avenue and Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

The three-year term of the current Board of Trustees will officially end on March 22, 2013 after their successors shall have been installed on said date, following their election on February 1, 2013 that coincides with the Annual Meeting of the general membership. In this connection, the Board of Trustees in their regular meeting held on November 4, 2012 convened the Committee on Election, appointed its chair couple and members, and authorized them to devise and adopt the rules that will govern said election. Everyone who is qualified to fill up the position of the nine (9) Board of Trustees is urged to file their certificate of nomination and/or candidacy in due time.

In observance of the Year of Faith (October 2012 to November 2013), let our community, our beloved Mater Dei, through its committed and dedicated workers in the vineyard of the Lord, lead the way in responding to God’s call to evangelize for His greater glory.

For the Board of Trustees:

DING SUSAN MAYOR
President Couple