Yesterday was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Yesterday also, during our Shrine volunteers’ meeting, the new set of council and officers of the church was announced. I was reinstated as Vice Coordinator of the Music Ministry. It sure is another challenging duty, but I take it with a happy heart.

There are two important lessons which I took home from the meeting.
1. From the Scripture reading and reflection of one of the volunteers–To be a volunteer 24/7. We’re not called as volunteers and act one only during church service. We should be one even in our own homes, workplaces, and elsewhere.
2. From our Rector–In the cross, there is suffering, but in the cross, there is also victory, and in the cross there is also salvation. Ang krus ay hindi kabawasan, kungdi karagdagan. That’s why it’s a plus sign.

I was the Music Ministry coordinator for more than five years, to think I was the youngest among the choral conductors there. I always ask our Rector for advise and guidance, especially when difficult times kick in. I doubted my capabilities in the position, but he never did. I knew our Divine Master guided me into serving in the Shrine, and have well done so, for the past eight years and counting.

In the Shrine, I found a community of volunteers who are more like family. I saw how dedicated these people are, coming from all walks of life and from near or far places. I saw in them how they support each other, how they care about each other, especially in times of emergency and calamities. And we can all credit this to the leadership by example coming from our Rector himself. That’s why we’re all inspired to serve better.

As we celebrate the Year of the Laity, we are called to assess our role as lay people in the church. The CBCP has set a beautiful theme for the celebration: Filipino Catholic Laity: Called to be Saints… Sent Forth as Heroes. Visit www.choosetobebrave.org to know about how we can spread Christ’s work to the 12 sectors who are most in need of our prayers and support.

Please pray for lay people serving the church, who dedicate extra time for church apart from work and personal concerns. Also, as lay people ourselves, let us do our part and heed the call to be saints by living it by example, and encouraging others to be proactive churchgoers.

Some dedicated Music Ministry volunteers of the Shrine of Jesus: L-R: My husband who assists me with the children's choir, me, Monsignor Bobby Canlas-our Shrine Rector, Allan Puno (Music Ministry Coordinator and fellow Madz Alumni), and Atty. Mar Alojado-a member of Serenata Vocal Ensemble handled by Bro. Allan.
Some dedicated Music Ministry volunteers of the Shrine of Jesus: L-R: My husband who assists me with the children’s choir, me, Monsignor Bobby Canlas-our Shrine Rector, Allan Puno (Music Ministry Coordinator and fellow Madz Alumni), and Atty. Mar Alojado-a member of Serenata Vocal Ensemble handled by Bro. Allan. Taken during the special celebration for the new saints, John XXIII and John Paul II, whose relics are seen here.

 

~ Touringkitty

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