May 29, 2022
Writer: Sis Jo Advincula
Editor: Sis Vera Tuplano
The Anointing Day is a regular event in the Lord’s Flock community to anoint and empower all the workers with the Holy Spirit. Last Sunday, May 29th was a truly special day since this was the first face-to face Anointing Day after two years of pandemic lockdown. Everyone was excited to be wearing white again, ready to be anointed for service by the Elders in the presence of the blessed sacrament. Thus, the anointing of the workers with oil signifies spiritual strength and guidance endowed by the Holy Spirit and the commitment to fulfill the assigned ,tasks/functions in the community. In addition, it is also the time to report and appraise the community’s performance as a predictor for future goals/ accomplishments.
Sis. Gina Duran charmed everyone as she moderated the program. The Psalm Ministry started with an uplifting praise and worship and this was followed by a thanksgiving prayer by Tatay Bob.
5-Fold Ministry and Comms Update
Bro. Raymund Nobleza updated everyone on the projects and accomplishments of the 5 Ministries. A few highlights were:
- The 3-day Lenten Recollection, “Near the Cross” was successful with the attendance of over 1,000 members and guests.
- The Small Groups, Chapters and Meeting Tents eagerly started with face-to-face activities.
- Good Samaritan Acts of Mercy reached out to 227 people in need.
- Partnership with “Tulay ng Kabataan” supplemented their program with foundation topics and participation in New Generation activities.
- Comms group reported a remarkable increase of +31% in peak attendance of the Saturday Praise & Worship.
- A new local Chapter was created in Castillejos, Zambales with 153 seekers attending the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar (CLSS).
- A total of 13 training programs were conducted in the first 5 months of the year with 788 participants.
There are more activities to look forward to in the next few months, such as Renewal of Marriage Vows (June) and SYFOF “Radical Love” (July) to name a few.
Executive Update
Bro Froilan Hong, Senior Head Servant for the Executive Board, summarized the financial standing of the community, and praised the Lord for all the blessings from both local and international chapters. Particularly, the tithes and love offerings have truly funded the various missions, especially the construction of the Heritage higher floors.
Moreover, he provided an update on the Baruch Ministry, which highlighted the reports for the month of May. It also showcased The Elders’ first international pastoral mission in Dubai from May 19 to 23, after two years of pandemic. The leaders and members of the UAE Chapter were overwhelmed with joy to listen to Sis. Techie Rodriguez’ teachings and to celebrate and honor her during their May celebration of birthdays, anniversaries and Mother’s Day. Similarly, Bro Froi apprised the community on the status of Soar’s top four priority books for publication in 2022. Likewise, Sis Chay Arevalo, Systems Manager reported on the progress of the digitalization of the community’s membership information via the Sheep Management System. The Membership Identification Number (MIN) was recently launched to facilitate efficient registration of members pertaining to the community’s activities, to enable each member to track his/her progress in the community and to provide the leadership team with prompt notification on activities and members’ progress.
Anointing
Sis. Techie Rodriguez (Sor), led the anointing rites with an impassioned plea for members to be stronger in faith, more active in serving the Lord and more aggressive in bringing friends and relatives closer to Jesus. She expressed her happiness for UAE and Hong Kong Chapters who are thriving and growing. However, there is an urgent need to entice more single and young people to the community since the they will ensure the continuance of the mission in the future. Finally, she reiterated that the anointing rites is meant for those who will commit to serve the Lord and the community. Finally, in the sacred presence of the Blessed Sacrament, leaders and workers alike all went up the stage to be anointed with oil and prayer by Sor, Tatay Bob, Bro. Froi, assisted by the Execom.
Sor concluded the Anointing Day in high spirits, filled with hope and optimism for the rest of the year.
