Rev. Fr. Larry Paz with the members of Shrine Ministry. Michael Abeleda
Last July 31, a new ministry of Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu was introduced – The Shrine Ministry. The said ministry will spearhead parish activities especially the events related to Our Lady of Aranzazu. It is also expected to organize and execute activities for the pilgrims and promote the devotion for our Patroness.
According to Dave Anderson Axalan, one of the members of Shrine Ministry, the ministry does not have its concrete vision and mission yet. He said that it may be a ministry under the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) or another ministry on the same level with PPC. These given information are still yet to be confirmed by parish priest, Rev. Fr. Larry Paz.
Although the aims of the Shrine Ministry is almost the same with those of the Association of Aranzazu’s, Dave clarified that the latter is a ministry that is more superior than the second for it may handle bigger responsibilities.
The members of Shrine Ministry have been officially installed last July 31 with Bro. Rey Balcos as its president. All members of the said ministry were appointed by Rev. Fr. Larry Paz.
In the formation of Shrine Ministry, we can expect it to further the devotion for Our Lady of Aranzazu through their soon-to-organize parish activities; to cater the pilgrims; to provide catechisms; to distribute information materials and other parish activities in way that can best serve the church and its parishioners because behind these parish ministries are also individuals who themselves possess the purest love and passion for the church and its people.
Various religious activities are held to engage people and fulfill one of its aims which is to strengthen Christians’ faith. To continuously promote the parish activities, ministries are formed. Although each ministry has different focuses, their missions fall to only one- to serve the church and its parishioners.
For how many years, parish ministries have been vital part of the Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu. Countless events and activities done by those ministries make the church more meaningful and give the parishioners something to look forward to. (Camille Fernandez)
