SVD Retreat House
Tagaytay City

Shepherd Couple
Jojie Fe Guballa

Candidates
CJ Len Morales, Alex Marion Suarez, George Matts Bautista, James Donna Dava, Franco Mariz Evangelista, Nonoy Ann Dela Cruz, Reb Mazel Guevarra, Whel Teemy Ramos and Maui Chy Aguilar

SADErs led the Offertory.

Bro. Sam Asia served as Commentator.

Fr. Allan says that the anniversary is a time for  remembering the past  and in remembering , we say thank you to the people who have shared a life with us.  It is also a  call to oneness.   He thanked Mater Dei  M.E. Community which he said, brought a new dimension in his priesthood when Shepherd  Boy Linda Gloria sponsored him to the M.E. Class 216 where Vigie Nelly Ventura and Romy Remy Lagman served as the Team Couples.  He fondly reminisced the days under his Shepherd Rey Baby Cruz.  He also thanked President Couple Ding Susan Mayor for being very supportive in his activities in Laoac, Pangasinan .  Mater Dei M.E. Community helped him established the parish-based  ME Community which he named,  Ina Ti Diyos M.E. Community.

Fr. Allan with Joey Petrache & Loren Tabilog

Shepherd Vigie Nelly Ventura offered water & wine.

Ding Susan Mayor & Mon Noemi Giron.

On March  24, 2012 the Mater Dei M.E. COMMUNITY sponsored a TV Mass which was aired over Channel 13 at 7.a.m.  on March 25, 2012 .  Taping was held at the SVD Church on E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon C ity .  The mass was celebrated by Fr. Allan Abuan.   Fr. Bel San Luis, as Executive Director of Mission Communication Foundation, Inc.  congratulated the MATER Dei ME Community , headed by Ding Susan Mayor on its 21st Anniversary.  He also complimented our Music Ministry (who were “smartly dressed”) for their beautiful songs.

On March 25, 2012 some members spent time together to unwind ….

Aerobics session choreographed by Lito Cora Quizon of ME Class 88. Water-filled balloon throwing game.

Bingo Game & The Pecking order depicted.

The wacky moment.

The Spiritual Growth Apostolate (SGA) headed by Shepherd Ric Sally Rey conducted 2 groups of Life in the Spirit Seminar last March 10-11, 2012 and March 31, 2012 at Victoria Bldg., Quezon City.

The M.E. Life in the Spirit Seminar  had 12 couples , 6 from Mater Dei M.E. Community and 6 from other communities .  It was Rev. Fr. Ferdinand “Soy” Hernando who initiated the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and officiated the Holy Mass thereafter.

The six  couples from MDMEC who attended the seminar were:  Mari Jo Masibay, Larry Mitch Mayor,  and Arthur Rose Tarun, of Class 286;  , Jun Jeck Gualberto, and Lito Opel  Tipdas  of Class 285 ; Rhick Shiela Mendoza of San Jose del Monte Prayer Group.

On March 31, 2012, was the Youth LSS which was attended by 62 young boys and girls aged 15 and up.  The SADErs served as facilitators and it was solemnized by a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Niel Diez.

Ranel Rey, son of Shepherd Ric Sally Rey brought home the bacon for the Mater Dei M.E. Community when he capped the championship trophy for the 3 – kilometer run of the MEFP Fun Run held last Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Ateneo de Manila University grounds in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Ranel bested the thousands of runners of the event with a running time of 6 minutes and  35 seconds (00:6:35) .   Our President Couple Ding Susan Mayor, in their capacity as BOT of the MEFP awarded the Trophy to Ranel Rey, Champion Male Division for 3-Kilometer Run.  Other winners in the same category were Timothy Reyes, 1^st Runner Up and Armand Gappa, 2^nd Runner Up.

Dabbed as Run for Your Heart, the Fun Run was organized by the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines headed by Robert Tinette Aventajado as a fund raising event for its social outreach programs for its members and to provide an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie amongst the M.E. communities.

The San Jose del Monte Prayer Group conducted its Couple Power Lakas Mag-asawa Seminar last March 4, 2012 at the Sto. Rosario Parish Church, San Jose del Monte , Bulacan . This is the first time the SJDM Prayer Group will use the seminar module as standardized by the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines (MEFP).

As an affiliate of the The Mater Dei M.E. Community, SJDM Prayer received their full support with Mon Noemi Giron and Arman Linda Perez acting as Team Couples . President Couple Ding Susan Mayor were also on hand to supervise and assist in the conduct of the seminar.

Noteworthy was the teamwork and cooperation generated by the Core Group headed by Nestor Divine Gardose among the members of the Prayer Group. Their very own Music Ministry headed by Jun Gina Ceniza provided hearty songs , the Ways and Means headed by Serg Salyn Sarmiento were resourceful in getting sponsors for the food and drinks of everybody! Giving equal supports were Head Couples from MLA Ed Lydia Ellar, FLA Sonny Babes Mayo, SGA Rick Shiela Mendoza, WM Mappy Tess Cacho, Outreach Mon Silay Baluyot, RTD Ed Lucy dela Cruz and Gen. Services Arnel Let Meer, Boy Vic Tandingan, and Manio Maica Obeda. Of course the ever energetic runners of the Sponsoring Class under Shepherd Ed Lydia Ellar from their Ugnayan Class #15.

On their 12th year, SJDM Prayer Group can truly stand alone . Obviously, they are enjoying the full support of Rev. Fr. Ted Bulawin the Parish Priest (who was then succumbing from the death of his father) did not make it to the seminar proper but sent his representative in the person of Fr. Ulysis Reyes..

Fr. Ulysis then gave a short message on the significance of the Cuaresma Season and cited 4 points to offer this Lenten Season. These are : 1. Prayer 2. Generosity esp. in giving love to the children 3. Forgiveness 4. Fasting – which does not necessarily mean on food alone but on offering any form of sacrifice. In parting he said, “nag bubuo na rin lang kayo ng pamilya , gawin niyo na rin itong banal.”

And also before the end of the sessions, the 13 couple-participants were asked to answer the following questions:
1. “Ano ang biyayang natanggap niyo sa pag attend ng Couple Power-Lakas ng Mag-asawa”
2. “Paano ninyo ito maipapabahagi sa iba.”

Sa 31 Marso 2012, gaganapin nang MEFP ang taunang Pagninilay sa kapanahunan ng Mahal na Araw sa Cuneta Astrodome, 8 nang umaga hanggang 6 hapon. Ang tema po ay “Pasanin mo ang Iyong Krus”.

Mapalad po tayong pinaunlakan nina Padre. Hokan M. Samson, Padre Laureano B. Faraon at Padre Leonardo A. Polinar na salitang magbabahagi ng kanilang pagninilay sa nasabing tema. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasadula ng “Senakulo”, sama-sama tayong mananalangin at sasariwain ang “Daan ng Krus”. Ang “Senakulo”, isang nakagisnang kultura ng Mahal na Araw sa Lalawigan ng Rizal, ay bibigyang buhay nang Marriage Encounter ng Parokya ni Sta. Rosa de Lima mula sa Teresa, Rizal. Matatapos po tayo sa pagdiriwang ng banal na misa sa pangunguna ni Padre Ruben M. Tanseco SJ, kasabay ng pagbabasbas sa mga palaspas.

Malugod po kayong inaanyayahan sa ating pagtitipon bilang isang pamilya kay Kristo, Ang inyo pong pakakibahagi, sampu nang inyong mga kasambahay at kasamahan sa komunidad ng Marriage Encounter, ay magdudulot nang kaibayong sigla tungo sa paglaganap ng ating apostolado.

Sumasainyo kay Hesus Kristo,

Mario & Flor Adraneda
Pinuno – Silangan MEFP

Robert & Tinette Aventajado
Pangulo – MEFP

2011 was another busy and blissful year for Mater Dei family of dedicated workers in the vineyard of our Lord.  Aside from the regular programs and activities undertaken by the seven (7) major apostolates and six (6) support ministries,  a number of reaching out activities in coordination and cooperation with  Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines (MEFP), the umbrella organization of all M.E. communities in our country were also implemented.

Outlined below are the programs and activities carried out by our community’s committed and dedicated workers:

1. Marriage Life Apostolate (MLA)

1.1    Conducted 8 M.E. Weekend Seminars – 79 couples
1.2    Mass Wedding in August 2011 – 2 couples
1.3    Partner Apostolate of RTD in the conduct of Shepherding Seminar  on Sept. 2011.
1.4    Conducted outreach M.E. Weekend Seminar in Laoac, Pangasinan in December 2011 – 8 couples and 2 widows
1.5    Conducted Shepherds Forum in February 2011 – attended by 15 couples

2. Family Life Apostolate (FLA)

2.1    Conducted F.E. Weekend Seminar in May 2011 – 5 families
2.2    Sade Weekend Seminar held in May 2011 – 14 youths/saders
2.3    Youth Camp held in October 301 – 46 youths/saders
2.4    Sader’s Day held in June 2011 – 40 youths/saders
2.5    Partner Apostolate of SGA in the conduct of Family Advent Recollection held in November 2011.

3. Spiritual Growth Apostolate (SGA)

3.1    M.E. – LSS – 4x  -  62 couples
3.2    M.E. – MSS 1x  -  15 couples
3.2    Youth LSS – 38 youths/saders
3.4    Basic Catechism 1 – 31 youths/saders
3.5    Partner Apostolate of FLA in the conduct of Family Advent Recollection held in November 2011

4. Outreach Apostolate (ORA)

4.1   Ugnayan/CPLM Seminar

4.1.1   Feb. 14, 2011/San Jose Del Monte – 14 couples
4.1.2   March 5, 2011/Manila City Jail – 15 couples
4.1.3   July 5, 2011/Manila City Jail – 24 couples
4.1.4   July 16, 2011/Capas, Tarlac – 10 couples
4.1.5   Sept. 2011/GSIS Village, Q.C. – 22 couples
4.1.6   Sept. 2011 – Acts as facilitator in the DSWD-MEFP sponsored CPLM
4.1.7   Dec. 2011 – CPLM Seminar in Laoac, Pangasinan – 60 couples

4.2    Social Action

4.2.1   Facilitated MDMEC’s donation of 36 boxes of assorted goods and 200 bottled water to the victims of typhoons Pedring, Quiel and Ramon through Radio Veritas
4.2.2   Assisted in the distribution of MEFP’s North Cluster gift-giving activities on December 10 and 17 to the Dumagats of Montalban, Rizal (100 pails of assorted goods) and to the street sweepers and tanods of Barangay Paligsahan in Q.C. (52 pails of assorted goods).

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 place of work.
5.3     Renders liturgical services on various community-sponsored activities as well as that of 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 Celebrations
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. Weekneds, Prayer Gatherings, Spiritual Growth Seminars, as well as special events such as Worker’s Recollection, Anniversary Mass, Family TV Mass, Family Advent Recollection, and Christmas Encounter.
6.2     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 Facilitator’s Workshop in tandem with SGA  on Sept. 11, 2011 attended by 5 couples.
7.2     In tandem with MLA, conducted Shepherding Seminar on Sept. 17, 18 & 24, 2011 attended by six prospective shepherds.  This was followed by genogram processing for said participants on November 6, 2011.

8.     Traditional & Special Events Ministry (TSE)

8.1    MDMEC’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on March  27, 2011
8.2    Valentines Party at Century Park Hotel on February 14, 2011
8.3    Family Fun Day at Amoranto Sports Complex on October 15, 2011
8.4    Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila on Dec. 4, 2011
8.5    Christmas Encounter at Shangrila West Restaurant on Dec. 27, 2011

9.     Ways Means Ministry (Temporalities)

9.1    Facilitated the acquisition of MDMEC Community Center
9.2    6th Invitational Golf Tournament in April 2011 at Veterans Golf Club
9.3    Sponsored Family TV Mass on March 27, 2011 at Christ the King Seminary
9.4    Relaunching of Pledges on September 2, 2011
9.5    Launching of CD entitled “Love Songs For The Encountered”

10.   General Services & Secretariat Ministries

10.1  Repainting and general cleaning of MDMEC office
10.2  Inventory of community assets as required in the preparation of Financial Statement for the year 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  Look after the equipment, furniture and fixtures, and other tangible properties and supplies, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of MDMEC office.

11.   Budget and Finance Ministry

11.1   Prepared the community’s Financial Statement for the year 2010 with comparative figures for 2009 in compliance to the reportorial requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
11.2    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 on 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

The long time dream of our members to have our own community center has come into reality.  Thanks to the heaven-sent donor who unselfishly donated PHP1.5M that paved the way for the acquisition of three (3) condo units (26L, 26M, and 26N) from Federal Land , with additional funds coming from the coffers of our community that forms part of the down payment and secured monthly amortizations until February 2014.  Below is the current status of MDMEC Community Center as of January 16, 2012, to wit:

As reported earlier, our community has still current available funds of PHP843,674.86 earmarked for the above-mentioned Community Center, broken down as follows:

A. Special Time Deposit PHP 503,600.00
B. Proceeds from sale of CD 159,294.86
C. Donations from generous members 173,700.00
D. Additional funds from TSE 7,080.00

Total PHP 843,674.86

Note: Additional amount of PHP 253,296.36 will be deducted from the total Contract Price on account of the savings that will be derived in combining  the three (3) condo units (26L, 26M, and 26N)

It is interesting to note that while our community continues to look after the enhancement of the marital and family relationships of its members, as well as their spiritual growth, we have not forgotten to fulfill its other important mission of reaching out to other sectors of our society, particularly the marginalized ones as well as the victims of natural calamities such as earthquake, typhoons, and floods.  These were carried out either through our own initiative or in cooperation with MEFP, notable among which are:

1. Gift-giving activity held on December 10, 2011 coordinated by our Outreach Apostolate through the member-communities of the MEFP North Cluster, wherein 100 pails containing assorted foodstuff were distributed to the Dumagats living in the remote areas of Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal.  This was coursed through Rev. Fr. Virgilio Lachica, Jr., parish priest of San Rafael Parish of Rodriguez, Rizal.

2. Another gift-giving activity, again coordinated by our Outreach Apostolate for the Holy Family M.E. Community, a member of MEFP North Cluster, was held on December 16, 2011, wherein 52 pails containing assorted foodstuff were distributed to the poorest parishioners of Holy Family Parish in Roxas District, mostly street sweepers and tanods of Barangay Paligsahan in copoperation with the Senior Citizens Association of said barangay in Roxas District, Quezon City.

3.Our community’s Outreach Apostolate solicited cash donations, used clothing, grocery items from community members, relatives and friends and turned over the same to Caritas, Manila through Radio Veritas for the victims of Typhoons Pedring, Ramon, and Quiel.

4.Our community, through its generous members, donated PHP20,000.00 for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.  Again, this was coursed through Caritas Manila through Radio Veritas.

5. M.E. Weekend Seminar for 8 couples and 2 widows held at St. Joseph Retreat House in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan on December 9, 10, and 11, 2011.

6.Couple Power Lakas Mag-asawa (CPLM) Seminar for 60 couples held on December 10, 2011, at the Holy Cross Parish in Laoac, Pangasinan

7.Life in the Spirit Seminar attended by 210 parishioners of Holy Cross Parish in Laoac, Pangasinan held on January 7 and 8, 2012

Note: The conduct of the above-mentioned outreach seminars paved the way for the establishment of a new M.E. Community in Laoac, Pangasinan, which Rev.

Fr. Allan Abuan named M.E. Ina Ti Dios Community.

Our community, resilient to the  changing social and economic conditions, is  beset with the problem of diminishing membership.  This  starts with the poor recruitment for the M.E. Weekend Seminars which we conduct eight (8) times a year.  For instance, this year’s (2011) recruits was considerably reduced to 79 couples (some of whom do not come up as sustainable) compared from last year’s (2010)  83 couples. This trend will certainly affect the quality of works who may be installed as  future leaders of our community.  Equally affected by this dwindling membership was our community’s coffer.  Our 2011 Treasurer’s Report showed that our Community’s Total Disbursements was PHP1,525,348.30 compared to Total Cash Receipts of PHP1,464,791.32 or a Deficit of PHP63,556.98.  Please note that out of the Total Cash Receipts of PHP1,464,791.32, only PHP924,349.77 came from the  Regular Cash Receipts while the  balance of PHP540,441.55 were proceeds from  Fund Raising Projects.  Please be informed, however, that the funds intended for our Community Center is distinct and separate from this account.

Our Good Lord says, “the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few”.   Let us then respond to His call to become workers in His vineyard.   As we celebrate our Community’s 21st Anniversary this month, let us  thank our Lord, Jesus Christ, and ask for the intercession of Mary, Mater Dei, for His  guidance and bountiful blessings so that we may be able to sustain our physical and spiritual nourishment in enhancing our respective marital and family relationships and continue to become  couples and families for others

For The Board of Trustees,

(Sgd).    Ding-Susan Mayor
President Couple

Claret Retreat House
Quezon City

Shepherd Couple
Bong Dhang Galicia

Co-Shepherd Couple
Tisoy Dhang Reyes

Candidates
Larry Mitch Mayor, Eric Judy Zamora, Marl Jo Masibay, Fr. Nelson Roque, Arnold Jhen Panopio, Arthur Rose Tarun.

The San Jose Del Monte Prayer Group, an affiliate of the Mater Dei M.E. Community  celebrated  its 12th year anniversary and held its Turn Over Ceremony  last February 14, 2012 at the  Sto. Rosario Parish Formation Center, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.  Joining the group in their festive gathering which also coincided with Valentine’s Day are some representatives of  the Mater Dei M.E. Community.  They were President Couple Ding Susan Mayor , BOT Treasurer Demet Rose Araniego and Noni Baby Pascual, Shepherd of Class 259  where the Incoming Head Servant Nestor Divine Gardose belongs.

Rev. Father Ted Bulawit, Parish Priest of  Sto. Rosario Parish Church was the guest speaker.  In his Inspirational talk, he expressed his full support to the projects and activities group and expressed to  adhere to the  mission vision of Mater Dei by saying:  “Ano ang Mater Dei at Ano ang gawa nito?  Ang Gawain ng Mater Dei ay “magpatatag – ng samahan ng pamilya at ng pananampalataya”   Kaya hindi tayo dapat maging kampante lamang.  Sahalip ay  magpatuloy tayo  sa ganitong gawain.  Dito lamang sa ating komunidad, sa ating statistics, 1,674 couples ay di kasal sa simbahan.  Maaring dito  na natin umpisahan ang project ngayon taon na ito, na tuntunin kung sino ang mga ito at ng maipatala sa ating gagawin na  mass wedding . Tayo ay magtulungan sa ganitong gawain at  ako ay susubaybay  sa inyong mga layunin.”

Bro. Ding followed thru with an invitation for Fr. Ted Bulawin  and Fr. Ulysis Reyes to attend an M.E. Weekend Seminar and be part of the Team Priests for our Ecclesial Team.

Ding Susan Mayor also witnessed the Turn-over Rites for Rick Sheila Mendoza, Out-going Servant,  turning over the responsibilities to Incoming Couples Nestor Divine Gardose.  Bro. Ding led  the Oath Taking of the following servants:

Head Servant: Nestor Divine Gardose
Secretary: Jun Gina Ceniza
Asst. Secretary: Nelson Judy Amador
Treasurer: Roger Lisa Lopez

Head Couples/ Chaircouples for the Ministries and Apostolates are:

Marriage Life Apostolate: Ed Lydia Ellar
Family Life Apostolate: Sonny Babes Mayo
Spiritual Growth Apostolate: Rick Shiela Mendoza
Music Ministry:  Jun Gina Ceniza
Worship Ministry:  Mappy Tess Cacho
Outreach Ministry:  Mon Silay Baluyot
Research Training & Dev.: Ed Lucy de la Cruz
Ways and Means:  Serge Salyn Sarmiento
General Services:  Arnel Elsie Meer, Boy Vic Tandingan & Manio Maica Obeda

For the second time, the MEFP conducted the Couple Spiritual Leadership Workshop at CEFAM at Ateneo de Manila University Campus in Quezon City last January 28-29, 2012. The workshop was conducted with Rev. Fr. Allan Abuan and Ma. Rebecca (Bicbic) Medez as facilitators. Two of our member couples had the opportunity to attend this workshop –  Nono Cecille Delgado and Migo Len Vargas.

The workshop which was participated in by various leaders of the ME communities under the MEFP aims to equip the participants with basic knowledge on leadership that they may become more effective leaders in their respective communities. “LEADERSHIP IS INFLUENCE” or the ability to obtain followers was the main idea where the workshop activities revolved .  The  2-day event  emphasized  the fact that both LEADERSHIP and INFLUENCE are skills that can be acquired or developed, not necessarily just inborn or discovered.

Another topic – Leadership vs Management explained the distinction between the two, i.e. Management is the process of assuring that the programs and objectives of an organization are implemented while Leadership has to do with casting vision and motivating people. Making sure the work is done by others is the accomplishment of a manager. Inspiring others to do better is the accomplishment of a leader.

At the end of the workshop, the MEFP President Couple Robert Tinette Aventajado handed out the Certificate of Attendance after the participants’ signing of the covenant  and after Tito Robert’s closing remarks with quotes from John Maxwell: “The Greatest Leader of All is Jesus” and “The Greatest Guide is the Bible”.