Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

7th day of the Novena to our Lady of the Rosary at Jun Ramirez's place in Roselle, Illinois sponsored by the Labasonians of Illinois.

Mass celebrants were: Frs. Manny Recera and Alan Lastimosa.
Friday, Sept.11,2009

My wife and I were invited to The Best of 10, a dinner-dance-concert presented by The Silayan Singers. Place: Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois
It's dubbed the best of 10 as this the 10th of this group's existence sharing its music to brighten our world in the gloom. And it did bring joy to aching hearts, rhythm to irregular steps in life's journey, and revival of friendship in oblivion.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Building a Community!

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to "The Parish and Family Life Commission," for your dedication, devotion, and determination. The committee for the "Summer Dinner Dance," once again made it a memorable evening for everyone who came for the party. Building a community of faith involves different ideas and many hands. I am pleased to have so many committed parishioners who give of themselves to make it better for all.

As the musical evening was unfolding with excitement, we encountered another electrifying situation. A pipeline from the girl's bathroom broke and flooded the basement, which interrupted the party. Nevertheless, there was no panic, everyone understood the situation, and closed the evening with goodwill. It brought back the memories of the movie "Titanic". People danced to the music 'till water covered the full floor. What a sight to behold! Nobody complained, but left with cheer to return next year for this event.

The best in our community was manifested in this crisis. Most were willing to lend their helping hands. The organizing committee took upon themselves the cleaning and clearing of the water from the basement. They stayed 'till late into the night, and only when everything was taken care of, they left the premises. I am ever grateful to you for making such sacrifices to bring people together to build a community of faith.

The Gospel reminds us of a precious gift, which God our Father offers to us, his people Jesus, His own Son! Through this gift, we are called to form a community of faith and the mystical body of Christ. "I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world." This gift of God beckons us to come together, and share our lives with one another.

Sincere gratitude to the "Parish and Family Life Commission" for organizing different events in the parish, to help accomplish the goal of building a community of faith, by sharing your time and talent. With this in mind, letters are being sent out to families to invite other families to strengthen our parish and family life. I wish you the best and God's abundant blessing on each one of you.

-Fr. Peter Fernandez, sfx was inspired to write this on that unforgettable Hawaiian summer night of live music and dancing shoes to the delight of the parish community.