parishworks! 1Vol. 7 No. 23 September 10, 2011

www.saaparish.com and www.facebook.com/saaparish

turn to page 2

turn to page 4

turn to page 3

Pastor’s MessageOur Turn to Forgiveby: Rev. Msgr. Dennis S. Odiver

Forgiveness is a mark of being a true Christian. Without which one cannot lay claim to be a real follower of the Lord Jesus. Many, however, consider it difficult or even impossible to accomplish. For how can one forgive when the pain is truly intense, the memory remains fresh and vindication becomes a necessary option?

“Peter went up to Jesus and said: Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times? Jesus answered: Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.” (Mt. 18:21-22)

Jews believe that forgiving an offender three times is adequate and forthright. Peter however went beyond this standard limit and proposed seven times thinking it will impress Jesus. But the Lord remained resolute in exhorting them - - - to forgive and to always forgive.

Forgiveness is limitless. Forgiveness brings peace. Forgiveness causes healing and reconciliation.

To forgive is not an indication of weakness or tolerance of evil. To forgive is to seek the good and the right that must be restored. To forgive is to move towards renewal and conversion.

Jesus in the parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates to us forgiveness. It speaks of a king who condoned the huge debts of his servant after pleading before him. When it was his turn to pardon his fellow servant who owed him money, he adamantly refused and had the person taken to prison. Those who witnessed the incident reported it to the king

Cakes , Sweet as a Mother’s LoveBy Susan Amoroso

Last September 8, the St. Andrew the Apostle Parish under the leadership of Msgr. Dennis S. Odiver celebrated the birthday of Mama Mary with a procession in the morning around the villages of Santiago, Rizal, San Miguel and Bel Air culminating in the Church in time for the 6:30 morning mass. To cap the day’s event different small cakes and pastries were given to the parishioners who attended the evening masses. These activities were

God’s Love is PricelessBy: Magda Gana

It has been four wondrous years for the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) in Saint Andrew since they began to hold their Saint Andrew Youth Assembly or more commonly known as SAYA. It is an event where young people are gathered monthly to celebrate in God’s love.‘Every SAYA is an important activity for the youth because it is a way to promote camarederie through faith , to unite and to form young people of our community’ according to Mr. Bunny Callejo who is the current head of the ministry.

Msgr. Dennis Odiver blesses the cakes before they were given out to the

parishioners during the celebration of Mama Mary’s birthday.

2

Pastor’s Message ... from page 1

who became furious: “You wicked servant, I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. Were you not bound then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you? And in his anger the master handed him to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.” (Mt. 18:32-35)

How can we forgive?

First, forgiveness requires the grace from God. On our own, we find it hard to extend readily a hand of friendship towards the other. We need to be forgiven ourselves. Second, we must admit that all parties are suffering and affected by the conflict. We realize that we are no better than the rest. We are all sinners. Third, we strive to humble ourselves and be compassionate. We beg God to empower us to name and forgive the individuals who may have wronged and offended us.

Now is our turn to forgive... Members of the Family Rosary Crusade, Greeters & Collectors and

parishioners during the early morning procession in celebration of Mama

Mary’s birthday

parishworks! 3

Cakes, Sweet as a Mother’s Love... from page 1

coordinated and led by the Family Rosary Crusade (FRC) under the leadership of Ms. Estrellita`Lita’ Caasi. Now on her second term as FRC President, Sister Lita as she is fondly called said this is her way of serving the Lord and to show gratitude for the many blessings God has showered her family.Sister Lita said she would like to take this opportunity to thank Msgr. Dennis, all the cake donors, the office of Vice Mayor Romulo Pena Jr. and everybody in the community for their wholehearted support in the activity.

“God is good all the time. He has answered my prayers. Now all my children are professionals except our youngest who is still in college,’’she said. An elementary school teacher by profession Sister Lita recalls the trials in her life, saying that despite the hardships financially and other challenges in her married life, prayers became her weapon. In all these she tried to bring her family especially their five children closer to God through involvement in parish activities. For 11 years now her family served actively in the Youth Chapter, Single Chapter, Women Chapter and the Couple Ministry Chapter under the St. Andrew Renewal Community. Frederick, the eldest is still serving as sacristan mayor in the church. Sister Lita is also active in the Parish Renewal Experience and the Liturgical Environmental Ministry which is a spin-off of the Mother Butler Guild.

Her commitment to serve in the Parish is so great, that she continues to be active in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish despite the fact that they have already moved to their own house in Molino, Cavite. She says she has grown to love the Parish and what she does. It is her joy to serve in the community. To this day she and her group coordinate and take charge of all Marian activities in the Parish. As FRC President she also leads the Parish Lenten celebrations. She even sleeps overnight in the Parish quarters if the need arises. There maybe another reason why the Parish and the community is very close to

her heart. Zelle, her daughter is married to Makati Vice Mayor Romulo ‘Kid’ Pena, Jr.

Sister Lita said she does not mind what others may say . What is important to her is what the Lord is telling her. She says she tries to embody a true Christian mother who does the will of the Father by serving her family and her community in a motherly and Christian way. Sister Lita in all her human imperfections tries to emulate Mary our Mother.

Mary during her time is involved in her community. In the gospel of St. John chapter 2, in the wedding of Cana , Mary and Jesus were wedding guests and when the wine had run out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They are out of wine.’’

“You must not tell me what to do ,’’ Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.’’

Jesus’ Mother then told the servants, ``Do whatever he tells you.’’

Jesus even if it’s not yet time for him to perform miracles publicly, obeyed his mother, and turned six stone jars of water into wine. The wedding in Cana is very significant because it shows Jesus’ obedience to His mother . This story also shows how well Mary knows her son as only a mother can. When she told the servants to follow what Jesus tells them , Mary knew in her heart that Jesus,will grant her request.

Mary is our mediatrix, our great intermediary and intercessor. We ask Mary our blessed Mother to pray for us, sinners that we are. We in prayer exhort her to act as our protector and defense lawyer. Jesus said ``no one comes to the Father except through me’’. We in our sinfulness and wretchedness feel we need another layer of safety net. How lucky we are we have Mary to intercede for us when we pray to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Members of the Family Rosary Crusade and Greeters & Collectors giving out cakes during the evening masses in celebration of Mama Mary’s birthday

4

Ria Salvaña Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffSusan Amoroso, Magda Gana, Emilio Medina, Angelina Poe, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta. AnaBulletin Board CoordinatorsEJ Carlos, Harley Dave PunzalanPowerpoint CoordinatorsEllie Medina, Ging Santos SAAP Facebook AdminRochelle Pineda

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish. Media and Communications Ministry Co-coordinators

AUTHORIZED PETRON DEALER IN MAKATI

FAST DELIVERY

TEXT OR CALL: 0918-9640000

843-2207•886-0931843-8440•843-8691

487 J.P. Rizal St. Makati CityFiRsT ChOiCE

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

WANT TO UNLOAD DISPOSE USED ITEMS?Call for Appointment:MARIE GIZELLE CANOYTel: 986-5859 / 5476272Mobile: 09202057-222

SECOND HANDITEM CONCERNS:HOME Furniture/Décor- Italian, oriental, crystals/ PAINTINGS / CHANDELIER/ Religious ICONS/ Sound System/ LP Record, Cds/ OLD WATCH & JEWELRYM

OVI

NG

OU

T?

Announcements1. Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Community

would like to invite everyone to the second and third series of Spiritual Conferences in preparation for our 43rd Parish Fiesta. This will be at 7:00 pm at the parish church.

• September 16 – A Community Driven by Hope

• October 21 - A Community Impelled with Love

2. There will be a Marriage Encounter scheduled for October 15-16, 2011. For details please contact the Parish Office.

God’s Love is Priceless ... from page 1

Last August 27, the PYM celebrated its 4th ANNIVERHSAYA with the theme “God is Priceless so as His Creation”. This theme focused on being priceless of God’s love for us, and that money can’t buy us happiness as said in the song “Price Tag” which the youth included in their praise and worship songs. The activity involved prayers through songs and dance led by worhsip leader Michael Horfilla /HP then a welcoming remarks from Karen Phoa who talked about ‘priceless happiness’ which everyone should be looking forward to get in the event, this was followed by a talk given by Rev. Fr. Patrick Paraiso who centered on youth’s awareness in opposition to the RH Bill. The event also included printing of Hands on a mural which illustrated ‘stop RH Bill’ for the PYM stands to the point that lives of the unborn children are concrete manifestation of God’s love. It ended with a thanksgiving mass held at the church celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver, who has been very supportive to the endeavors of the youth, he wished that the community will be inspired by the PYM’s innitiative to show their stand regarding the issue on RH Bill. A video presentation showing the activities of the PYM were presented before the mass end (see at www.facebook.com/saap-pym). Dinner were shared by the PYM core group together with the beloved pator at the jubilee hall after the worthwhile activity.

Members of the Parish Youth Ministry hand printing their palm showing their

opposition to the RH Bill.