It’s been a month since Church services have returned, it felt good, and I’m happy that it resumed already, knowing that I have a place to go and spend time every Sunday. I can continue my service to God through my two groups in the church. During this pandemic, I experienced and realised that life is short, and love and helping others is the best to do. It is essential to let go of your anger. God is good all the time, and all the time, love is good.
— Anita Catapang
When the Mass resumed at the end of April, it brought me a great feeling to be in the church and attend Mass again. It was a mixed feeling of joy and excitement. Listening to the homily of the Mass celebrant and the singing of the choir, I feel happy to encounter the Lord in the Mass and receive him sacramentally. Attending Mass is my stress reliever.
— Helma Cebuano
As our Church activities are back for about a month now, I feel more relieved from both the stress and boredom of social limitations imposed by the government due to the pandemic. We are now busy preparing liturgical songs for our choir during Masses. We continue to enjoy our fellowship as we welcome some new members into our group. We have fun learning new lessons in playing the guitar during our practices. After a long absence of not seeing my groupmates, I feel a closer bond with them. I also see stronger teamwork when we help one another and time is properly used as we focus on our tasks.
— Lida Cezar
Happiness fills my heart that the churches are back in service. I can now have a sense of direction every off day. Now that I’m also getting older, with the experiences of restrictions, I have realised the need to do something in life to make a change, especially in faith. I love to sing. I wanted to be in a choir at church, but I put my plan aside because I am a happy-go-lucky type of person. Maybe it’s God’s will that I met a lady who serves in the choir who invited me to join. I’m thankful for that lady and God for making way for me and putting me where I am today. I pray that I can continue this mission to praise and glorify God through singing in the choir during Mass.
— Neria Dajalos
During the suspension of Mass, I participated in Mass online regularly, but I appreciate the solemnity of the celebration when I am inside the church more as we can take part in the Eucharist and in communion with the other Massgoers. I help out in the 7.30am Mass, assisting in the projector at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Hung Hom. Though it’s quite early for some, the excitement in me when Sunday comes is enormous, knowing that I can do service in my little way. Every day, I go out to work, and Sundays are the days when I de-stress from a busy week and can associate with others in the Church community.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
— Grezchelle Paderes
As the Masses resume again, we can continue with what has been stopped. Besides attending Mass regularly every Sunday, we also hold meetings for leaders and community members, the Evangelisation Family. The St Mary’s Catholic group do plannings on what more can be done in these challenging times and for the betterment of the community. Most of all, we can again have our monthly fellowship. I always thank the Lord for his continued protection and grace.
— Angie Recabar
The first day of returning to church after the three-month closure cemented my belief that there is a ray of sunshine; our God is showing us that there is hope in the days to come.
— Mary Rodriguez
I am glad and excited that Masses resume after months of suspension, and I can attend Church gatherings and fellowship with friends.
Attending Masses and receiving Jesus in the sacraments uplifts our spirits and renew our strength.
— Pinky Rose Villanueva
