The Diocese of Parañaque Commission on the Family

The commission is one of the priority commission out of the six identified commissions by the Diocese of Parañaque. The Diocesan members of the commission are headed by two clergies Rev. Fr. Lambert Legaspino of Sto. Cristo Parish in Talon, Las Piñas City and Rev. Fr. Ador Javier of St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.

The diocese is composed of 6 vicariates as follows: Holy Family. Our Lady of the Abandoned Nort and South, St. Joseph, St. Martin de Porres and St. Rita de Casia. The members are the Couple Coordinators of each vicariate or 14 in numbers.

The minutes of the meeting last July 23, 2009 is enclosed for reference.

Minutes of the meeting of the Diocesan Commission on the Family held at St., Peregrine Laziosi Parish, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City on July 23, 2009 Thursday presided by the Diocesan Clergy Coordinator and parish priest of Sto. Cristo Parish in Las Piñas Rev. Fr.Lambert Legaspino with Rev. Fr. Ador Javier, parish priest of St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish.

The meeting was attended /represented by :

Coordinators/Representative Vicariate

Allen & Duy (1) Holy Family,
Gerry & Zeny Malinlin Our Lady of the Abandoned -South,
Che & Lita Lastica Our Lady of the Abandoned - North,
Ely & Cely Gonzales (2) St. Perigrine Parish, Vicariate of OLA,
Pete & Emma Alba, Mary Cause of our Joy Parish, Vicariate of OLA,
Annie Rapay (3) St., Martin de Porres,
Al & Edna Humuso (4) St. Joseph and
Zoilo & Connie Gabriel (5) San Antonio de Padua

Vicariate not represented (6) Sta. Rita de Casia

The meeting started at about 8:00 pm with the opening prayer of Rev. Fr. Lambert, who presented and proceeded to the agenda of the meeting , with the highlights on the numbered agenda Regrets on the Errors and omissions:

Agenda prepared by Rev. Fr. Lambert as projected. (no copy was distributed)

Agenda (1)Formal introduction of the CoChair of the DCFL and the new priest and couple coordinator of the Vicariate of the Holy Family.

Presented the members of the Commission, the term shall be confirmed through Diocesan appointment. Introduced the former deputy couple coordinator Allen & Duy Reyes as the new Vicariate Couple Coordinator of the Holy Family, as well as the new Secretary of the Diocesan Commission on the Family, replacing former Couple Coordinator Joone & Au Co. After which, Rev. Fr. Lambert confirmed if other coordinators have deputies, to make sure that they have successors.

It was also announced that the new Clergy Coordinator of the same vicariate who replaced the short term of Rev. Fr. Sel Hernandez is none other than Rev. Fr. Lambert and the Diocese co chair on Commission on the Family is Rev. Fr. Ador Javier.


Agenda (2)Update on the direction of the Diocese on the DCFL.

Monsignor. Manny has a big problem with the commission TITLE, therefore;

The 1st assignment to the vicariate coordinators is to make a survey from their respective
vicariates/parishes as to the name/s used for the commission by practice and email their report to Rev. Fr. Lambert/Ador. Holy Family is using Commission on Family Life. Others have declared that they have already adapted the name Commission on Family & Life, following the pronouncement of the diocese. However, a survey has to be submitted by the coordinators. Vicariate of San Antonio de Padua headed by Zoilo and Connie Gabriel was tasked to make a survey on all the dioceses of the Philippines. Rev. Fr. Lambert said that it was suggested by Monsignor Manny to use the name Commission on the Family to make it easy to coordinate with the Tripartite. In principle, the name was approved except for some expressions and terminologies. It was pointed out by Connie that in Liniamenta the name used was Commission on Family, which Rev. Fr. Lambert said was just a typographical error.

Agenda (3)Short review of the matters discussed in the previous meeting.

The different assignments of each vicariate were discussed, the previously assigned and the addition up to Goal 15, as explained by Rev. Fr. Lambert (refer to respective assignments). It was expressed that the deadline on finalization was May 15, 2009.

Agenda (4) Status of other unfinished goals (given as assignment to vicariate coordinators)
Status of other unfinished goals: Those with soft copies have been discussed, commented and shown modification on certain areas by Rev. Fr. Lambert (refer to respective assignments )

Submitted hard copy/ies have been read by Rev. Fr. Lambert.
To record notable specifics:

Goal 6. Goal on different advocacy group for promotion of family and life was assigned to San Antonio de Padua. A copy was emailed as claimed by Zoilo/Connie. Since no email was received a copy shall be asked. Possible source group in the Diocese that was mentioned is Buhay Partylist being pro-life. To organize an advocacy desk is ideal as said by Rev. Fr. Lambert.

Goal 7. Goals on BEC as support system for all family members- was assigned to Vicariate of St. Martin de Porres.Rev. Fr. Lambert claimed non submission of goal, but Connie informed that an email was sent by Manny of St. Martin de Porres. Reminded the Secretary to request for a copy by email..

Goal 8. Goal for Migrant Families. A copy submitted by Mons. Venus was not received. Reiterated to submit soft copy.

Goal 9. Goal for single parent/single parenthood. It was assigned to Holy Family to Joone and Au but since their vicariate have new coordinator they will be the one to make the reporting and submission to Rev. Fr.Ador.

Goal 10. Goal for senior citizen, assigned to Vicariate of OLA- North. Presented and
discussed the goal details. Rev. Fr. Lambert cited an example of activity, organizing a ballroom dancing and through that to know the health needs like medicine to be taken, etc.

Goal 11. Goal for mass wedding, assigned to Vicariate OLA –South. Rev. Integration of married couples towards a truly participating BEC, to the value and dignity of marriage.
It was edited by Rev. Fr. Lambert with emphasis on the importance of mass wedding.

A purpose driven objective for all mass wedding in our diocese thus given a clear reason why live in couples want to get married.

With these objectives, different strategies to be done with success indicator of living the mandate of marriage.

Goal 12 Goal for differently- abled street children, assigned to Sta. Rita de Casia. Request to send email copy to Rev. Fr. Lambert. The body was informed that it was already sent by email, but Rev. Fr. Lambert has not received it yet.

Goal 13. Goal for children below 12 years old is also assigned to Vicariate San Antonio de Padua ( that’s another task of San Antonio de Padua)

Goal 14. Goal for Women and Children in Crisis?

As per Rev. Fr. Lambert, the CBCP Commission on Women had a grant from abroad willing to finance a special program for women ion parishes, thereby creating a Women’s desk, whereby this group will shoulder the salary of two, telephone, office maintenance and train workers.

Rev. Fr. Lambert will attend tomorrow July 24 in Quezon City and tapped
1) Aleth Hernandez, FL parish coordinator of 5 Wounds parish for counseling due to her special skills in that area,
2) CWL who works hand in hand with CFL.
3)Option to establish a center/venue which is near the main road. Have considered the following options:

14.1 St. Andrew Cathedral- as being eyed by Rev. Fr. Lambert with initial discussion with the bishop on the venue.

14.2St. Jerome-Alabang came up to the list of potential venue. Rev. Fr. Lambert
commented that it may have the impression that the venue reflects the image of the
rich having Ayala Alabang patrons. Gerry of South Sector Vicariate of OLA, said that
the church has the jurisdiction of the Women in crisis Center and other center for
children ( Marilac Hills as example) Moreover, the church for Ayala Alabang residents is St. James the Great which is inside the posh village.

14.3 Redemptorist Church having a Home for Children as special program of the
church.

14.4 San Isidro Labrador Almanza, old church noted as another option as raised by
Allen, also for the purpose of creating a vicariate center for Natural Family Planning
and Counseling Center.

It was also emphasized by Rev. Fr. Lambert that no Walk-in-Clients shall be entertained, that they still have to undergo psychological testing and be endorsed by a group.
And to appoint couple coordinator to visit the center. Appointed Connie to do the special function as coordinator on the Women’s Desk.

As reiterated by Rev. Fr. Lambert, Secretary to follow up un-submitted goals..

Agenda (5) Status of the manual of operation per vicariate.
(in the absence of it), Rev. Fr. Lambert emphasized that the manual should contain the whole picture on what you do in the vicariate (projects, pictures, etc.). The vicariate of St. Joseph has already submitted a draft of their manual, wherein mission and vision are in line with the Diocesan thrust-uniqueness in their vicariate. The deadline for submission is set on Aug. 15, 2009 for submission to Rev. Fr. Ador. Allen raised hesitancy on the creation of an early deadline citing that their vicariate has not even finished with the Matrix. However Rev. Fr. Lambert gave comfort and assurance that it can be easily done since the father is with the Vicariate.
Note: to ask each parish couple coordinator on how their programs are being used, how FL operates their plans/activities as the problem really is no proper documentation..

Agenda (6)Status of the directives on the Matrix?
Submission/Preparation of the Vicariate Matrix. Others have already prepared and submitted.

Agenda (7) Specific plan of the commission on the year of the priest ( June 2009-June 2010) Since the family is the basic unit of society , it is then the basic source of priesthood and it is just proper that we in the commission plan/initiate an activity for the year of the priest, that we gather and give honor to them, like the suggestion Rev. Fr. Lambert PAGPUPUGAY AT PAGKALINGA SA PARI (PAPA).

Example – to gather at Cuneta Astrodome wherein we can tap actors/actresses within the diocese, for a short program ending with a mass to be celebrated by the bishop.

A lot of suggestions were given like- renewal of priest is the
- renewal of families and vice-versa.
- to create and propose a formation.

In conclusion, it was agreed that vicariate couple coordinators brainstorm on the activities for the year of the priest. Target date for the said activity is Dec. 7, 2009.

Agenda 8 New sets of signatories:

Resolved that a new set of signatories be duly authorized effective July 23, 2009.

It is further resolved that the fund deposited on said account shall be subject to withdrawal upon the joint signatories of:

a. Diocesan Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Lamberto B. Legaspino and Couple Treasurer, Zoilo S. Gabriel Jr. or Consuelo N. Gabriel.

b. Diocesan Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Lamberto B. Legaspino and Secretary, Ma. Dulce T. Reyes.

Resolved that a new set of signatories be duly authorized shall be subject to withdrawal upon the joint signatories of:

a. Diocesan Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Lamberto B. Legaspino and Couple Treasurer, Zoilo S. Gabriel Jr. or Consuelo N. Gabriel.

b. Diocesan Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Lamberto B. Legaspino and Secretary, Ma. Dulce T. Reyes.



Other Matters:

1) Rev. Fr. Lambert encourages everyone to have a vicariate meeting after a week or two based on the Diocese scheduled meeting and a week after that to have the parish’ meeting to
echo/report on what’s happening.

2) Che of the North Sector of the Vicariate of OLA, announced their incoming Aug. 15, 2009 advocacy activity, Training on the preservation of life, RH bill at St., Peregrine Laziosi Parish.Gerry of the South Sector of the same vicariate likewise announced their campaign against the RH bill, NO TO RH BILL , NO TO HOUSE BILL, with the intent to address to Muntinlupa Representative Biazon, Edcel Lagman , et al..

They will disseminate information in Tagalog to easily understand what is RH bill. They will have an activity with a power point presentation, as an echo to last year’s previously held RH Bill presentation at the Diocese Evangelization Centers. Rev. Fr. Ador will make a presentation to the grass root on the stand of the church on RH bill.

Rev. Fr. Lambert said that the parish can benefit on sponsorship from politicians having an incoming election next year. Activity like this may be supported by pro-life politicians.

An added value to this activity Allen of Vicariate of the Holy Family informed that a similar dissemination have already been made to their parish by having few minutes announcement before the mass, and direct meeting with developing community residents, zone leaders and coordinators during the conduct of Natural Family planning.

3) The next meeting is scheduled on Aug. 27, 2009 at the Vicariate of the Holy Family, Holy Family parish at BF Homes, Almanza, Las Piñas City. It was expressed by Rev. Fr. Lambert to invite parish coordinators to serve and join the meeting.

Having no other matters, the meeting was concluded by the closing prayer of Allen and the blessing by Rev. Fr. Ador with Rev. Fr. Lambert, at about 10:10 pm.

Notes taken/typed by: Reviewed and approved:

Allen & Dulce Reyes Rev. Fathers : Lambert Legaspino/Ador Javier





(note: to follow up: email copy of Goals 7,8.9,12)















DRAFT OF THE

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

SUBMITTED TO

DIOCESAN CLERGIES

ON COMMISSION ON THE FAMILY

REV. FRS. LAMBERT LEGASPINO & ADOR JAVIER