Marriage Encounter – Mater Dei Community Workers Assembly
Written by Felix Myrna Malsi.
It was a quiet morning last Sunday of 17 June 2012 at the National Power Grid Corporation of the Philippines compound in Quezon City but the sound of Father’s Day greetings resonated within the confines of its canteen prior to the opening of the ME-MDC Workers Assembly. To some proud dads in attendance, the date was their “independence day”.
Sis Tess Capiral led the opening prayer while Bro Lorenz Tabilog and Sis Fe Guballa moderated the program. BOT President Couple Ding Susan Mayor delivered the opening remarks with the appeal for more workers, head couples in particular. Sis Susan used the parable of the sower as a reference to the quality and criteria of a good worker. After expressing the BOT’s gratitude to the workers who rendered their services to the community, recognition of and acknowledgements by the ministries and apostolate followed. A part of Bro Ed Depano’s address dealt on numbers. As regards to some workers on their service, humihina ang loob kapag kaunti ang dumadalo, he stressed in the vernacular. Not to be discouraged, he informed them that there are instances when 80% of accomplishments are done by the mere 20% of the work force, implying quality over quantity with respect to the workers’ service.
The first portion of the event was the three-part workers workshop and dynamics wherein all, the BOT included, were enjoined to participate. They were instructed to form into four groups and present each group’s list of things to thank God for in the course of their service. The second part was the presentation of each group’s list of the lessons learned in their service to the Lord. The following constants came out of these presentations: Love, Spirituality, Family, Work, Health, Faith, Humility, Forgiveness, Generosity, Patience, and Understanding. The third part brought comic relief and put almost everyone in stitches when each group presented their respective spoof of the just concluded CJ impeachment, a Boy Pik Up series episode, and a leading milk TV commercial.
The second portion was the talk of Rev. Fr. Domie Guzman which he opened with the reading of Paul’s letter to the Galatians (Chapter2). Relevant to the assembly’s theme of service to the Lord, Fr. Domie shared his reflections and insights on the following, coupled with some of his observations and recommendations on our community:
1. Discipling – Alternative term for recruitment, the first step in the formation of a community. The first act of Jesus after his baptism was his call (recruitment) for disciples. Fr. Domie suggested that our community must be more discerning and discriminating in recruiting couples, preferably from within the family and relatives, whose personalities and character are already known. He also observed, in a sad note, the dwindling attendance in the prayer gatherings albeit the stability of Mater Dei. Financial, time, and proximity constraints were the main problems besetting the encounter weekend, deepening, and prayer gatherings, he added.
2. Shepherding – Incoming Shepherds must attend the 10 talks of the ME weekend. (ref. John 10)
3) Ministries and Apostolates – Regular meeting on planning, evaluation, prayer and fellowship. (ref. 1 Corinthians 12)
4) Corporate Christ – Each ministry must have the community in view always.
5) Missionary Spirit – Workers must learn or serve on the other ministries and apostolates. (ref. Mark 1:35-39)
6) Gospel “Language” – Build up the morale of others. (ref. Matthew 23:15)
7) Proportionate Generosity – Wholehearted contribution in all respect. (ref. Luke 21:1-4)
8) Pray – Unlike medicines for treatment, there is no overdose of prayers. (ref. Mark 9:14-29)
Concluding the day’s event was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led Fr. Domie with the assistance of Sisters Sally Ray, Fe Guballa, Rose Mayo, and the Music Ministry.
