SAN MATEO, Rizal – The parish was almost filled with parish workers who attended the Ubasan Episode 1: Ang Paghahanda that was organized by the Evangelization Ministry last June 17, Sunday at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (DSPNSDA).
Prior to the first episode of Ubasan, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) together with the support of Rev. Fr. Lopito “Bembol” Hiteroza, DSPNSDA’s Parish Priest, conducted a study in order to know what are the needs of the community and the result showed that awareness and understanding of the ministry and spirituality of the laity is what the parish needs.
The confab began with a joyful praise and worship led by Marriage Encounter followed by an opening remarks wherein Fr. Bembol expressed his gratitude and to everyone who attended the first monthly formation and welcomed them to an evangelization towards stewardship.
Prof. Emmanuel Batoon shared light moments with this former classmate, Rev Fr. Bembol Hiteroza
Right after, Prof. Emmanuel Batoon started his talk. He pointed out one misconception that attending a Sunday mass or serving the church is the only ministry of being a laity. The ministry of the laity as said by the Cardinal together with mission of the church is evangelization and sanctification of the believers. But the ministry of priests and nuns is different from the ministry of the laity. Priests are like the governors of the church while the nuns have a special mission like catechism. Both of them work on the church.
So where is the place of the laity? Outside the church. “In the world, that’s where we should be,” Prof. Emmanuel emphasized.
Most of the people think that their only ministry as a laity is just attending the mass every Sunday. In fact, the holiness is not just earned in the church but tested in our daily lives from Monday to Sunday (not only Sunday) outside the church, and being a church worker is not an excuse in not doing the ministry of a laity outside the church.
To be more specific, the ministry of laity can be or can be found in the following:
- Family
He shared a story about a someone who approached him and questioned why do his parents are always in the church and seems like setting aside their responsibilities as parents. More than anyone, the family needs you the most. You are the salt that flavors the life and light that guides your family.
If there is an organization for Couples for Christ, there is also an organization called Singles for Christ who are called to be single. They are your friends who would always be there without asking anything in return. And this is their vocation and calling.
- Teacher
A teacher has a heart who provides the needs of his or her students. If you are a Catholic teacher, you do not just possess the knowledge but also the spirit. Also, faith and reason are both present.
- Business
Businessmen are risk takers and they need a companion who is God.
Remember Lydia, a businesswoman who helped the apostles especially St. Paul, a worker. In work, you will earn something, through your boss, you’ll learn the virtue of patience and because of your co-workers, you will learn the gift of forgiveness and understanding.
- Politics
Some people says that there is no God in politics because of the church and state separation. As the constitution says, the government should not endorse any religion but it is not stated that the church should not comment or do act on the happenings in the community.
On the other hand, we pray Our Father, Hail Mary, and the likes but it is also important to have an own prayer; that is what you call spirituality or our relationship with God. Part of our relationship with God is attending the Sunday mass. Dot just attend Sunday masses because you have a new set of clothes to flaunt but because you want to listen to the Gospel and worship God. Also, we are church workers to serve the Lord not to be famous or be known in the community.
After the talk, the Parish Youth Ministry Animators Club performed an intermission number followed by the awarding of certificate to Prof. Emmanuel Batoon for sharing his time to the said event. The confab was ended through a prayer honoring Our Lady of Aranzazu.
Lester de Castro
Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
To those who know him, no words are required. To those who do not, no words will suffice. Lester R. de Castro is a “scholar ng bayan” at Polytechnic University of the Philippines taking up Accountancy, Business, and Management. Lester belongs to his batches’ "Cream of the Crop" dominating to a remarkable vision of the future. Currently, as a website writer of DSPNSDA’s Media and Public Information Ministry, the talents and skills he received from the Almighty above are being used and shared not only for his own good but for the good of others as well. He believes that in life, God must be the center who guides us towards the right path.
