Part 2 of our updates: Empowerment in Montalban

Since March 2013, we have begun to reduce the frequency of our visits to Montalban in order to respond to the growing ministries in Tagaytay. The meetings in Montalban are still held once a week and are coordinated by the leaders of each ministry there. Thus, we are gradually empowering and forming more leaders from each ministry to continue the outreaches there.

Balikatan Ministry says yes to wedding vows...

March was a significant milestone in the journey of our Balikatan Ministry as three members solemnised their marriage and received the Sacrament of Matrimony. We were generously supported by members of the Woman to Woman Ministry in Singapore who provided funds for the church wedding and a simple reception thereafter.

 

The beautiful brides!

 It was a joy to see these women receiving the Sacrament, enabling them now to be able to fully participate in receiving the Eucharist at Mass. One of them expressed deep happiness at having her dream of getting married in Church fulfilled.

...and commitment

In May, our Balikatan prayer group members renewed their commitment to support each other in their faith and prayer life through the prayer group. Seven Balikatan Community members renewed their commitment and two new members were added to the community. It was a powerful proclamation of faith and commitment to help each other live out their baptismal promises through the community.

Balikatan community members and their commitment certificates

signing their commitment

The Balikatan community members continue to coordinate weekly prayer groups, even when we are not there, and it is heartening to see their commitment in sharing their faith with others despite their hectic schedules. One member shared, “The Balikatan prayer group has helped me grow closer to God and I have experienced that nothing is impossible with God!”

Growing in faith - Seeds of Faith Youth Group

Since March 2013, our Seeds of Faith youth have been meeting amongst themselves for Bible sharing and reflection. Our monthly meetings with them resumed in July but they continue to meet weekly to share and support each other in their faith.

Seeds of Faith members and their multivitamins

Group activity- who is a Catholic?

In August, 11 of the senior members came to Tagaytay for their annual retreat. Here, they were challenged to recognise their identity as forgiven sinners who are greatly loved by God. With that, they were encouraged to walk the talk as Christ’s disciples and to renew their commitment to know and to follow Him.

We choose to stand for Christ

Seeds of Faith retreatants

We were blessed to see each of them taking another step forward to stand for Christ and His values. At present, the group is studying the letter of Saint James and striving to live out what they have learned from their Bible study sessions.