PHILIPPINES

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CBF – SEA MEMBERS

(1) Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) F.M.

1. Internal Situation

Character : COMMISSION OF BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
Contact Persons : Most Rev. Arturo M. Bastes SVD,DD
E-mail Address : bpbastes@sorsogondiocese.org

Personnel : Fr. Oscar Alunday, svd
E-mail Address : ecba_cbcp@yahoo.com and tinggi2005@yahoo.com
Tel/Fax : 6302 – 527-93-86
Tel : 6302 -527-41-57

Staff : Marcelina Cacal and Elmer Tadeo
Postal Address : ECBA Office, 3rd Floor CBCP Building
470 General Luna St., Intramuros
1002 MANILA, Philippines

2. Activities

National Annual Bible Week Celebrations in January
National Bible Congress every other year
National Bible Apostolate Consultation every other year
National Catholic Family Bible Quiz – every other year
Annual Retreat for the Champions of the National Catholic
Family Bible Quiz
Biblical Workshops during National Bible Congress (5-10)
Biannual Executive Board Meeting
Annual Executive Committee Meeting
Annual Regional Workshops (Sub-regional)
Youth Bible Camps (national, regional, diocesan)
Bibliodrama Workshops 3-5 x a year (Facilitators)
Annual Bibliodrama Exchange
Summer Bible Institutes – annual (regional)
Gospel Festival in “Hearts on Fire” – annual (diocesan)
Basic Bible Seminars – on-going
Bible Facilitators Seminar – on-going
BEC Bibles Orientation Seminar
Promotion Awareness on Biblical Apostolate – on-going
Animation – Biblical/Pastoral Workshops with the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP)

3. Publications in 2006

National Bible Week Calendar Posters with Philippine Bible Society (PBS) – 10,000 pieces
Catholic Daily Bible Reading Guide and Homilies – 2 million copies
Message for National Bible Week – 2 million copies
PBS Reprints of Basic Ecclesial Community Bibles (BECB)
Publication of Basic Ecclesial Community YOUTH BIBLES by ECBA-PBS (2,000 copies)

4. Projects for the Coming Year

Building Bible Fund in Dioceses and Regional Centers through meaningful distribution of BEC Bibles
Sharing of Bibliodrama Experience to more dioceses and to Asia and Oceania
Publication of Talitha Kumi, Volume I
Reprinting of BEC Bibles in different languages
Strengthen networking and coordination with Directors of Social Action, Basic Ecclesial Communities, Family and Life and Youth Ministry
Improvement of ECBA Facilities
Creation of a Website

5. Other Important Reflections

Assist CBF for the coming Bishops’ Synod on the Word of God in 2008
Prepare for the next CBF Plenary Assemble in Tanzania in 2008
Follow-up and implementation of the pastoral implications – 4oth anniversary

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(2) John Paul I Biblical Center – AM

John Paul I Biblical Center

Immaculate Conception School of Theology

2700 Vigan City, Philippines

(Updated Report: 13 January 2008)

1. Internal situation:

Character : Regional Biblical Center for Northern Luzon, Philippines

Founded : September 29, 1979

The Service Arm of the Northern Luzon Bishops in the Biblical Pastoral Ministry for Northern Philippines serving 14 Archdioceses, Dioceses and Apostolic Vicariates. The premier Regional Biblical Center in the Philippines under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (CBCP-ECBA) and the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) – a worldwide association of Catholic organizations committed to the Ministry of the Word of God.

Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, DD

(Bishop Chairman)

Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

Contact Person : Fr. Dominador O. Ramos, SVD, director

E-mail : doms_ramos@yahoo.com or jp1bc@yahoo.com

Website: http://jp1bc.wordpress.com

Personnel : *Ms. Felicidad Perpetua J. Gines **Ms. Flordelis D. Dacquigan

*Mr. Joel D. Bugtong ***Ms. Zusan Asistin

Fax : [0063] (077) 722 2056 tele/fax **(Mobile: +63 917 506 0753)

Postal address : John Paul I Biblical Center Immaculate Conception School of Theology

2700 Vigan City, Philippines

2. Activities:

The recent activities of JPIBC include the seven-fold ministries of:

a. Building/Linking bible websitesWord Alive Newsletter – official website of the John Paul I Biblical Center with URL: http://jp1bc.wordpress.com South-East Asia Bible Link – official website of the CBF-SEA with URL: http://cbfsea.wordpress.com

b. Animating biblical-pastoral formationBasic Bible Seminars, Bible Facilitators Seminar, Biblio-drama Workshops, Word Alive Biblical Institute (Training of Pastoral Leaders, Bible Animators, Ministers of the Word), Biblical Retreats and Recollections, Training of Seminarians for Biblical Pastoral Ministry,

c. Organizing bible celebrationsDiocesan Gospel Festivals, Hearts on Fire, National Bible Week, National Bible Sunday, Diocesan Bible Workshops, Regional Bible Workshops.

d. Promoting bible translationsPromoting bible translations specially for indigenous and local languages in the region i.e. Ibanag, Tinguian, Ilocano, Pangasinense, etc.

e. Assisting bible productions Assisting on the production of the BEC bible through ECBA and PBS

f. Producing bible radio programs for all Catholic Radio Stations of Northern Luzon

g. Coordinating bible distributionCoordinating meaningful bible distribution with the Philippine Bible Society and the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate

3. Publications:

o Books: Lectionaries in Local Ilocano Language (Year A, B &C)

o Basic Bible Seminar Kit – Silver Jubilee Edition

o Bible Facilitators’ Seminar

o Bible Trainers Manual

o Asia Oceania Biblical Congress (JPIBC Initiated the collection and binding of the proceedings and now on circulation after editing and printing by ECBA)

o Proceedings of the 23^rd Regional Biblical Workshop of Northern Luzon

o Recollection and Retreat Manuals

o Word Alive News Letter for Northern Luzon

o Bible Enthronement Guideso Lectio Divina Guides

o Scriptural Caroling

o Scriptural Rosary Printed Word Department

o Word Alive Newsletter

o Pamphlets

o Brochures for Word Alive Biblical Institute

o JPIBC Brochures

o Lectio Divina materials and modules developed by WABI graduates

o Bible Sharing Methodso Bible Enthronement Guides

o Electronic materials

o Slides Production for Biblical Studies

o Power Point Biblical Related Productions

o Biblical Songs in Tapes and Compact Disks

o Electronic Media Production Center

o Radio Program for the National Bible Week

4. Considerations

a. Our main strength

o JP1BC is the premier Biblical Center in the entire Philippines, all other regional centers now numbering at twelve followed years after the foundation of the center

o Formation of Pastoral leaders and Ministers of the Word through the Word Alive Biblical Institute was faithfully offered every summer since 1991. Last year 2007 it was attended by 70 participants from Northern Luzon, Manila and as far Davao.

o Full support from the Northern Luzon Bishops as the service arm of the Northern Luzon Commission of the Biblical Apostolate. Bishops are supporting the center morally and financially.

o Committed staff of John Paul I Biblical Center serving until their retirement age. (At present, one is a pioneer and the other preparing for her retirement).

o Active Participation and support of all the Archdiocesan, Diocesan, Vicariate Biblical Directors and Coordinators

o Regular Meetings, workshops and conventions

o Consistent Program and Implementation

b. Our main weakness

o Funding of projects, programs and institute

o Lack of bibles in indigenous translations

o In need of experts in Biblical Pastoral Ministry

c. Our main need

o Full time Director of the Biblical Center as he is at the same time the President of the Divine Word College of Vigan

o More funds for our programs

o Modernization of office equipments

o Easy access to the Sacred Scriptures – funding for low cost bibles

o Availability of Bibles in different translations for the different regional languages

o More people to be involved in Local Bible Animation.

5. Priorities

Program of action and implementation on the FINAL STATEMENT of the Asia-Oceania Bible Congress, Southeast Asia Biblical Workshop, recommendation of the International Bible Congress in Rome in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Dei Verbum

o Organizing the 24^th Regional Biblical Workshop for Northern Luzon

o Meaningful distribution of BEC Bibles and the Youth Bibles in Local Languageo Sustaining the Word Alive Regional Newsletter – modernization of office equipments

o Developing and fortifying the electronic media production department – updating to cope up with information technology as channel for the spread of the Word (Evangelization)

o Seperate Building for the John Paul I Biblical Center with Multi Purpose Rooms for the Word Alive Biblical Institute, Seminars and Workshops.

o Continuation of Formation Programs for priests, seminarians, lay ministers of the Word and the realization of the recommendations of the Northern Luzon Bishops Forum.

o Promotion of the Basic Bible Seminar in Silver Jubilee Edition

o Maintaining websites, linkages

Prepared by:

Fr. Dominador O. Ramos, SVD

Director

UPDATED: 13 JANUARY 2008

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(3) East Asian Pastoral Institute – AM

1. Internal situation:

Character : Pastoral Institute run by the Jesuits.
Contact Person : Fr. Francis Jeyaraj Rasiah, SJ.
E-mail : fjrasiah@hotmail.com
frasiah@admu.edu.ph

Website : http://eapi.admu.edu.ph
Personnel : 632 426 5978
Fax : 632 426 6143
Postal address : P.O. Box 221, 1101 U.P. Campus,
Quezon City.

2. Activities:
Pastoral Renewal Program – 28 June – 12 December 2007 – Personal Renewal and Transformation for a Renewed Church
Sabbatical Program – 28 June – 12 December 2007. A Time for Retrospection, Introspection and Personal Growth
Effective Steward Leadership – 03 January – 30 March 2007 – Towards a New Way of Being Church
Seminars / Workshops:
Pastoral Management, 10 April – 11 May 2007
Media & Pastoral Ministry Workshop, 24 April – 25 May 2007
Spiritual Direction Workshop, 22 May – 22 June 2007
Lay Discipleship Program, 14 May – 14 June 2007

3. Publications in 2007:

East Asian Pastoral Review (Quarterly)

4. Projects for the coming year:
Effective Steward Leadership
Pastoral Renewal Program
Sabbatical Program
Seminars / Workshops:
- Pastoral Management
- Media and Pastoral Ministry
- Spiritual Direction
- Lay Discipleship program

5. Other important reflections:

Added components in the Programs to help the Person of the Pastoral Agent.

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(4) Mother of Life Center – Associate Member

Mother of Life Center- Associate Member

(Updated: January 08, 2008)

1. Internal situation

Character : Catechetical Formation Center

run by Notre Dame de Vie Institute (NDV) members

Personnel : 4 NDV members, 2 secretaries, 2 cooks, 1 gardener

3–4 regular professors from other colleges/universities

during the semesters

Contact person : Maria P. Almonte

E-mail address : bamboo@mozcom.com

TeleFax number : 63 2 939 34 33

Postal address : Mother of Life Center

P.O. Box 180, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines

2. Activities

Formation of young men and women to become professional catechists/pastoral workers with an academic degree of Master of Arts in Religious Education

(one year live in formation, practicum year and summer integration course)

Other involvements

<Recollection, retreats, seminar workshops for children, youth, adults and families

<Follow-up of alumni through regular visits, homecoming and national conventions

<Basic bible seminars, Bibliodrama Workshops and Lectio Divina sessions

<Networking with different Episcopal commissions and catholic educational associations of the Philippines

<Summer Mission Apostolate (formation seminar workshops of volunteer catechists in poor parishes)

3. Main Activity of 2007

The year 2007, being the 40^th foundation anniversary of Mother of Life Center, which was also the 40^th year death anniversary of Fr. Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, the founder of Notre Dame de Vie Institute, was focused on this double celebration. The theme was Becoming Friends of the Spirit.

To enable many alumni and friends to participate, three celebrations were held:

<April 25-27: Mother of Life Center, Novaliches, Quezon City,

<May 25-27: Carmelite Retreat House , Ozamiz City, Mindanao

<October 27-29: St. Elizabeth Retreat House, Tacloban City, Visayas

4. Projects for 2008

1. • Publication of catechetical booklets and modules as stated in report 2006
   • Sharing to students/alumni CBF Plenary Assembly Plenary Assembly ‘08 experience and materials

(UPDATED: January 08, 2008)

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(5) Divine Word Missionaries – Central Province – AM

Divine Word Missionaries – Central Province

(updated: January 08, 2008)

1. Internal situation

Name: Divine Word Biblical Center

Character: Biblical Center run by the SVD

Contact Person : Fr. Renato L. Malbog, SVD
Designation : Director – Divine Word Biblical Center
Provincial Coordinator for Biblical Apostolate –
SVD Central Province

E-mail : svdbible@yahoo.com

Personnel : Carmela Estacio and Jenaro Christopher Molina

Tel./Fax : 00632-722-07-60

Postal address : Divine Word Biblical Center

Christ the King Mission Seminary

E. Rodriguez Sr., Boulevard, Quezon City,

1102 Philippines

2. Programs and Activites

A. Within SVD

1) For SVD Seminarians

On June 2005 the Biblical Pastoral Program for SVD Seminarians (Philosophy and Theology) was institutionalized as a supplement to the formal academic classes on the Scriptures being conducted by professors in Philosophy and Theology. The first recipient of the program were the Theology I to III classes.

2) For SVD Youth

In 2002, the Divine Word Biblical Center introduced the Youth Bible Camp. Every summer, youths from SVD parishes within the jurisdiction of the SVD Central Province come together to be nourished by the Word of God, to build youth fellowship among the youth leaders and set-up a networking of youth biblical coordinators in the SVD Philippine Central Province.

3) For SVD Priests

Every Thursday evening, confreres from Christ the King Community gather together for a bible sharing. Using different methods (3 RSS, Lectio Divina, Lumko Method) the materials are provided by the Biblical Center.

4) National Bible Week

The National Bible Week is celebrated annually through different activities like the motorcade, the living bible rosary, daily scripture reading and prayer, bible quiz and song interpretation and a special way of honoring the bible in every mass.

5) A Year of the Divine Word Missionaries Reading the Bible

The Divine Word Biblical Center promoted the Year of the Divine Word Missionaries Reading the Bible through Lectio Divina of the assigned text prepared by the Center and distributed to SVD communities for their use in bible sharing sessions.

B. Outside SVD

1) Children’s Pre-Liturgical Catechism

Every Sunday, children ages 7 to 14 years old come to the Biblical Center for their weekly catechism. Before the 4:00 pm children’s mass, the children are given lessons on the basic tenets of Christian faith.

2) Children’s Mass Lectors and Collectors

After the first phase of the CPLC, children ages 8-10 years old were trained as collectors and the 14 years old were trained as lectors for the 4:00 pm children’s mass.

3) Bible Encounter Seminar and Training

From year 2004 to August 2007, 18 Bible Encounter Seminar & Trainings were conducted in different parishes and communities.

4) On-Going Bible Study

A bible study session is conducted every Sunday evening inside the compound of Christ the King Seminary. Regular attendees are mostly graduates of B.E.S.T., some are invited guests and the others are mass goers.

5) For Christ the King Mission Seminary Employees

The Divine Word Biblical Center, the service arm of the SVD-CP for Biblical Apostolate, seeks to assists the Christ the King Seminary Employees to ‘ ‘LIVE THE FAITH’ throughout their daily lives with modules for maturity and living of their Christian faith.

3. On-Going Projects

Bible Exhibit

Bible Bank

4. Problems and Limitations

a. Lack of Facilities

As a resource center, the Divine Word Biblical Center should offer formation programs for lay ministers of the Word but due to the lack of adequate facilities, trainings are limited to a duration of one day.

b. Insufficient Budget

Subsidy from the Province and funds raised by the Center is not enough to cover the operational expenses and programs of the Center.

c. There is a need for more lay workers and volunteers to assist local priest coordinators

d. The DWBC needs a pool of facilitators/animators for training new and dedicated BA workers and research teams for drafting new programs and updating and revising modules.

e. There is a need for more materials, updated references and books about the Bible

f. Geographical Factor

The parishes under the jurisdiction of the SVD Central province are located far from each other making coordination and communication difficult and expensive.

5. Plans

a. Expand the present Biblical Center in order to accommodate larger number of participants for the formation programs in a longer duration.

b. Raise seed money intended to train staff and volunteers, for the implementation of new programs and modules, and acquisition of new books and materials for the library.

c. Create teams of facilitators/animators and researchers.

d. Strengthen the presence of local priest and lay coordinators and set up a strong and effective networking among them and the Center.

(Updated by: Carmela Estacio January 8, 2008)

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(6) Divine Word Missionaries, Northern Province – AM

UPDATED REPORT: February 5, 2008

1. Internal Situation:

Character : Biblical Center run by the SVD

Contact Person : Fr Jaimelito Gealan, SVD

E-mail : heartnoi2k@yahoo.com

Personnel : District Biblical Coordinators

o Fr. Nilo Gealan, SVD Provincial Coordinator

o Fr. Rodel Abanto, SVD Abra District

o Fr. Nicandro Vergara, SVD Cagayan District

o Fr. Romeo Benitez, SVD Tabuk District

o Fr. Dominador O. Ramos, SVD Vigan-Laoag District

Fax : [0063] (072) 888-5330

Postal address : Divine Word Missionaries

Pindangan, San Fernando City

2500 La Union , Philippines

2. Activities:

2.1 Biblical Animation among SVD’s and co-worker

a. Bible Sharings and Studies in different parishes, schools and communities.

b. Biblical Retreats and Formations for Catechists, Faculty and Staff

c. Ecumenical Activities: Fora, Concerts, etc during the Bible Week 2007

2.2 Training and formation of school based core-team

2.3 Workshops/Camps/Festivals

a. Hearts on Fire 2007: A Summer Youth Bible Camp last April 2007 (it’s a yearly activity of the parish)

b. Hearts on Fire 2008: A Diocesan Biblical Festival in Abra (this year integrated with the Centennial Celebrations of the death of our First Missionary to China: St. Joseph Freinademetz. held last 29 January 2008 (it’s a yearly affair)

c. A Bible Camp in the District of Cagayan (it’s also yearly – this year it will be this coming 8-9 February 2008 @ Claveria, Cagayan Valley)

2.4 Hosted the SVD Asia Pacific Zone Biblical Apostolate last coming May 20-26, 2007 in Baguio City and San Fernando City.

3. Publications:

4. Projects for the coming years:

4.1 Publications of two (2) possible books and manuals: (1) Hearts on Fire: Spiritual Companionship for Busy People and (2) Hearts on Fire: A Manual for Retreat and Recollections.

4.2 Close collaboration with John Paul I Biblical Center

4.3 Developing of the BA program for the Divine Word Missionaries for Northern Luzon

4.4 Hearts on Fire: Summer Youth Bible Camp (it’s a yearly activity open to the Dioceses where the SVDs are working and to the whole Northern Luzon for this coming 1-6 April 2008)

5. Other important reflections:

The Divine Word Missionaries – Northern Province play an important role in the administration and supervision of the John Paul I Biblical Center based in Vigan City serving the whole of Northern Luzon . As Biblical Apostolate it is a priority of the congregation. The SVD – PHN is committed in the mission and vision of JPIBC; both are associate members of CBF.

fr. heart, svd/BA/SVD-PHN BA Report

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 5, 2008

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(7) Divine Word Missionaries – Southern Province – AM

1. INTERNAL SITUATION

The Bible is one of the four characteristic dimensions of the SVD Philippine Southern Province. As part of the provincial program alignment, the Provincial Biblical office in Agusan was transferred to Cebu City.

Contact Person : Fr. Marcelo E. Cattaneo, SVD
marcelo11966@yahoo.com.ar
Telephone : (032) 254 2030
Cell # 09205462731
Postal address : SVD-PHS Bible Coordinator
SVD Mission Center
17 Pelaez Street
6000 – Cebu City

2. ACTIVITIES

Biblical Lay Formation: Seminars, Workshop and Retreats

Workshops and seminars were conducted in different parishes of the three SVD mission districts in Mindanao (Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Zambuanga-Sibugay). Some groups were introduced into Bibliodrama. The integration of its creative methodology in the seminar had a great impact in the participants.

The (Batakang Pagtuon sa Bibliya) BPB or the Basic Bible Seminar modules are designed for Biblical animators in conducting seminars and workshops integrated with Bibliodrama. These modules were used in the following seminars such as BPB I, “Introduction to the Bible,” was given to the Holy Redeemer parishioners, Butuan City; the BPB 4, “The Journey of the BECs,” was given to the Core Group of Agusan; the new SVD parish in Ipil, Zamboanga has also loved the phase 5 on “The Gospels”.

For the Young Ones
Hearts on Fire
Our young missionaries are also being addressed through the yearly activity called “Hearts on Fire,” celebrated last March 28-April 3. It focused on the Bible and it aimed at letting the youth experience a spiritual journey with the Word.
Youth Bible Camp
The D’SVD-AYA was another enjoyable time with the youth which was participated by the Diocesan and SVD parishes of Agusan del Sur last April 21-24, 2005. It was truly inspiring to experience being with different young people sent in one place forming a flock sharing the Word of God through their time and talents. It was also a time of awareness of their role in the society and what they can contribute as God’s witnesses.
Seminary Curriculum: Davao and Cebu
It is noteworthy that our seminarians need also to read, study and pray the Bible. A workshop on the “Introduction to the Bible” was given to the SVD seminarians in Davao City. It is also a privilege for the SVD Brother candidates here in Cebu to have their regular schedule on Bible Study.
Networking: BA Core Team of Surigao, Butuan, Ipil and Cebu
Networking is essential in the Biblical apostolate in terms of promoting our Biblical program and coordinating activities. Our office is in contact with the Bible core teams of Surigao, Butuan, and Ipil. Recently we established contact also with some biblical animators in the Diocese of Cebu.

3. PUBLICATIONS

Part of the Biblical program has already come out from the printing press. In the Diocese of Surigao del Norte and the Prelature of Ipil orientation seminars were conducted to introduce the program for implementation.
There are still four upcoming phases of the said program to complete the seven phases. Modules IV to VII are now in the editing process. The seven phases contain the Introduction to the Bible, History of Salvation I – OT, History of Salvation II – NT, The Journey of the BECs, The Gospels, Letter of the Apostles, and The Book of Revelation.

4. OTHERS
SVD Year for Bible Reading
It’s a special year for the SVDs in making the Word of God truly the center of their lives. It has started last Pentecost 2005 and will end this coming Pentecost 2006.

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(8) Cebu Lay Formation Center – A.M.

1. Internal situation:

Character : Archdiocesan Lay Formation Center
Contact Person : Estrella (Star) Cui del Mar
E-mail : stellamaris_ph@yahoo.com OR stardelmar@gmail.com
Personnel :
Fax : 6332 – 495 7086
Postal address : P.O. Box 582 — 6000 Cebu City, Philippines

2. Activities:

Bible seminars (Bible and Life) – for people to know basic knowledge of Scripture; for people to read, study, pray and share the bible in simple ways they can practically connect with. (by invitation)

Biblical retreats, recollections, and leadership trainings to different groups in the Archdiocese of Cebu as well as in other dioceses. (On Going esp. to religious communities)

Bibliodrama Workshops, Retreats, Recollections for Religious Education Teachers in Schools, for Religious groups and Lay leaders. (On Going and getting popular)

Psychogenetic and Gestalt Therapy in the Light of the Gospel facilitated by Fr. Ed Fugoso, SVD. Psychogenetic is a scientific approach to understanding the influence of our parents and ancestors in our adult behavior and marital relationships. The retreat is a psycho-spiritual experience that will help participants to discover how under stress we regress to the child that we were and how we can cut-off ourselves from negative trans-generational patterns that are not helping in our present adult-to-adult relationships. (On Going and much requested)

Youth Encounter Seminar-Workshops – a biblical retreat on personhood, relationship with others and with God/Christ. This is the Salesian Virac model. (On Going and very well appreciated)

Parents and Children Recollection – Objectives: To provide an opportunity for parents and their children to experience a recollection together for closer bonding in their relationships; To experience learning and sharing together; To reflect and pray together as a family. (On-Going and more schedules waiting)

A two-day seminar workshop for teachers: The Teaching Profession: Our Vocation – Our Gift to God and Society. Objectives: To appreciate our profession and vocation as Christian teachers; To understand human beginnings and personality development; To be aware of violence and its impact on behavior, learning and growth; To assess our methods of discipline and teaching and find ways of improving them; To be more compassionate and understanding of our fellow teachers, students and parents; To be aware of our problems in relationship and find some solutions. (On-Going)

Team with the Cebu Citizens’ Involvement and Maturation in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-CIMPEL) under the Commission on Service of the Archdiocese of Cebu headed by Mrs. Marilu Briones Chiongbian, in the socio-political education of the citizenry (good governance, anti-corruption, peace and justice). Scripture is used in the theological reflections of our pastoral theological cycle process of discernment and actions. (On Going the whole year round) C-CIMPEL is the citizen’s arm for election watch and counting.

Involvement in the Barangay Development Planning – Participatory Resource Appraisal with the C-CIMPEL Core Team headed by Mrs. Marilu Chiongbian. The poorer barangays are chosen for this project. (On Going)

Network with the Salesians’ Center for Lay Adults and Youth in the formation of youth animators and in the youth ministry. (On Going)

Work with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) in the formation work in the parishes of the Virgen de la Regla Vicariate in Mactan Island. (On Going)

3. Publications

Basic Bible Seminar Trainers’ Training Manual

Several modules of seminars, retreats, recollections and leadership trainings (and still in the making).

4. Projects for the coming year:

Lay Empowerment through Leadership Training and Trainers’ Training for lay people to take more active role in the work of formation and pastoral community organizing.

Bibliodrama workshops and thematic Bibliodrama recollections and Bibliodrama Retreats.

Form more teams to help in formation and animation work in the BEC level.

Give recollections / seminars to parents, students and teachers (school-based).

Offer more retreat programs to the religious communities.

Reach out to the business world and the military.

Invite resource persons to help me in the formation work.

5. Other important reflections:

a. It’s hard to run the activities without the support of the Bishops and Priests. Nevertheless, a lot of things can still be done on our level. After all, we do these for God and His People.

b. It’s difficult to work alone and to form a volunteer team who can be consistent due to pressures of livelihood and family life. Difficult does not mean that it cannot be done. God’s grace provides the strength and the courage to carry on. It is incredible to see at the end of the year what one person could do having to do practically everything! And if I can do it with no financial support and staff, I am sure the others who have a staff/team and funding, could do more!

c. Funding is often a problem to run a program and for bible distribution. I keep the program simple and affordable by encouraging participants to help in any way they can without depending on the parish or outside funding.

d. Most parishes do not have a budget for formation.

e. Lack of coordination and working together of church organizations and leaders. So I make my own program and organize them myself if there are groups who may need one or the other program.

f. The need for friends in the ministry (near and far) who will be there to inspire, encourage and support when needed. Networking is friendship in the ministry.  I am very happy and privileged to be a member of the core team of C-CIMPEL working in the Archdiocese of Cebu for political and integral formation in the district and parish levels. Marilu Chiongbian sees to it that the core team have on-going formation themselves and a recollection before going to the field to do formation work.  She often sponsors all C-CIMPEL projects.

g. The CBF family has been my inspiration and strength to work for the biblical pastoral ministry against all odds in my situation.  CBF has opened wide my horizons and networking in the ministry but more so with the warm friendship and support all over the world.

h. The joy and fulfillment I experience after every activity when the people are so grateful and enriched by what we can humbly offer to them.

i. The constant grace and inspiration of the Lord for me to continue my ministry in spite of some odds. Prayer is a necessity. Praise God!  Thank you so much!

- Estrella (Star) del Mar

January 2008, Cebu City, Philippines

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(9) Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM) AM

SIHM – CBF Associate Member

Affiliated to ECBA

BA – Northern Philippines

REPORT on SIHM BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY

Year 2008 – 2009

1. Information

E-mail Addresses:         sihmgen@yahoo.com.ph (Congregational)

tonettesihm@yahoo.com.ph (Personal)

Contact Numbers:        Tel. # (074) 444-5897

Fax # (074) 444-7262

CP # 09284280971

2. Program/Activities

As a Congregation founded for the integral evangelization of people and being a pontifically recognized Institute of women religious missionaries, we find the Bible a very important part of our life if we are to be true to our calling. Hence, you will notice that part of our ongoing program under formation for us as proclaimers of the Word of God is formal biblical study.

FORMATION:

Building/Animating Basic Ecclesial Communities, Organizations, and the Youth                        through

• Basic Bible Seminars/Biblical Facilitators Seminar
• Biblio-drama Workshops
• Recollections – biblically based/with integration of biblio-drama elements
• Catechetical instructions with the Bible as textbook/prayer book
• Bible Story Telling in the local language (for children as well as adults)

For SIHM Sisters as biblical pastoral ministers:

• Participation in Biblical psycho-drama symposium
• Reading Materials on the Propositions made by the Bishops (for ongoing study & reflections)
• Bible Story Telling Workshop-Seminar (representative only)
• Formal studies major in Scriptures
• Attendance in the 7^th CBF Plenary Assembly held in Tanzania, Africa by the  representative of the Congregation in June 2008

CELEBRATION:

(for SIHM and for the people being served in formal and/or informal settings):

• Bible Enthronement
• Bible Sharing/Bible Service
• Bible texts as prayers before/after classes, as subject matter
• Bible Week: Biblical Dramatizations

Poster/Bookmark Making Contests

Bible Quiz

Discovery of biblical texts related to particular subjects like Math,
Science, etc. expressed in art work

• Praying of the Rosary with Bible texts for meditation (“Biblical” rosary)
• Occasional liturgical celebrations with elements of biblio-drama
• Meditation on Daily Readings, especially on the Gospel
• Bible Sharing during community meetings
• Integration of biblical texts in school programs
• Jubilee celebration with biblio-drama dance at the beginning

TRANSLATION:

• Participation in translations of biblical texts for story-telling

DISTRIBUTION:

• Bibles are required for couples preparing for marriage and for participants in Bible Seminars
• Facilitating purchase of Bibles for schools as well as for individuals

Submitted by:

ANTONIA P. ANAS, SIHM

SIHM Biblical Apostolate Coordinator

April 30, 2009

___________________________________________________________

(10) Institute for Pastoral Development - AM

1. Internal situation:

Character : Pastoral Training Institute founded by
Rev. Fr. Herbert Scneider, S.J. and run by Lay People
Contact Person : Harvey G. Campos
E-mail : harvey_campos@yahoo.com
ipd.empower@gmail.com
Personnel
Fax : 532 840 5038
Website : www.i-pastoraldev.org
Postal address : M-4 The Prince Tower Condominium
# 14 Tordesillas Cor, Bautista St.
Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City.

2. Activities:

Scripture Ventures: public courses on methodology in Bible Study & Gospel Sharing for lay & Church leaders.
Other courses: Management Essentials for Community Leaders, Steward Leaders’ Training (A Course in Transformational Christian Leadership), Training the Trainers of the Laity, Building and Sustaining Christian Communities, Teaching & Preaching, Women of the Bible, Catholic Evangelization Training Program, Growing in Christian Spirituality & a guided Ignatian Retreat for Lay.
Main program: “Joy of Discovery in Bible Study”, simple but effective ways of finding the meaning of the texts in Scriptures according the minds of the author, and skills on how to appropriate through personalization and actualization the message of the texts in our lives.

3. Publications in 2005:

IPD course materials only to the participants.

4. Projects for the coming year:

How to Lead a Prayer Meeting; Scripture Ventures Conference; Training Trainors of Diocesan Pastoral Formation Teams (Upon Request);
Engagement Courses in Inductive Method of Scripture! Study; Catholic Evangelization Training Program & Servant Leadership (Upon Request)

5. Other important reflections:

Empowering the people of God for mission.

_______________________________________________________________

(11) Constant Jurgens Biblical Center – AM

Constant Jurgens Biblical Center

1. Internal Situation:

Character : CONSTANT JURGENS BIBLICAL CENTER

run by Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

Contact Person : Sr. Theresine V. Dingal, SFIC

E-mail : theresinesfic @yahoo.com

Personnel :

Fax : 0063-078-805 3649

Postal Address : Franciscan Sister’s Convent

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

2. Activities:

a) Bible Enthronement (5 times)

b) Lectio Divina (6 times)

c) Annual meeting of Regional Biblical Directors & Coordianators

d) Seminar Workshop on the Book of Genesis (3 times)

e) Meeting of the Diocesan Biblical Core Team

f) Seminar workshop on the Book of Exodus

g) Diocesan Bible Week Celebration 2007

Theme: GOD’S WORD: THE STANDARD OF JUSTICE AND RIGHT LIVING

Biblical Dramatic Reading – Luke 19: 1-10 (Zacchaeus)

Biblical Dramatic Story Telling – Kings 21:1-24 (Naboth, The Farmer)

Biblical Rap Singing – Luke 12: 13-21 (The Rich Fool)

Biblical Interpretative Dance – Luke 10: 25-37 ( Parable of the Good Samaritan)

h) Diocesan Bible Week Celebration 2008

Theme: GOD’S WORD: SOURCE OF JUSTICE, RECONCILIATION AND PEACE * Eucharistic Celebration

* Renewal of Commitment of Lectors and Commentators

* Bible Enthronement

1) Biblical Singing Competition.

“Sa ‘Yong Salita” – Elementary & High School

“Power to Unite” – College

2) Biblical Dramatic Story Telling Contest

Elementary ………….Isaiah 11: 1-10

High School………….2 Maccabees 7: 20-31

College & Adult……..2 Maccabees 6: 18-31

3) Biblical Rap Singing

THEME: SOURCE OF JUSTICE, RECONCILLATION & PEACE

Source of Bible Text for the lyrics of Rap Song

* Micah 6:8

* 2 Corinthians 5: 7-20

SR. THERESINE VALENCIA DINGAL

Director: Constant Jurgens Biblical Center

UPDATED: 13 JANUARY 2008

________________________________________________________________

(12) Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King – AM

1. Internal situation:

(updated: January 08, 2008)
Internal situation:

Character: OSB-BSEK Biblical Pastoral Ministry

Contact person: Sr. Miriam R. Alejandrino, OSB

Email address: miriam-osb@yahoo.com

Postal address: St. Benedict Solitude

Tectec, Sindol, San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines

Personnel: Temporary and perpetual professed members of the Congregation

Activities:

- The daily horarium of the Community provides an half- hour

individual lectio divina.

- Every Saturday evening, Community bible study on the Sunday gospel followed by small group bible sharing.

- Once a month, big group bible study followed by small group bible sharing with oblates of the Benedictine Nuns in Cogon, Digos City and oblates of the Benedictine Sisters in Ulas, Davao City

- Sisters working in the Diocese of Iba, Diocese of Digos, Archdioceses of Nueva Segovia, Davao City and Zamboanga City are giving Basic Bible Seminar, followed by Basic Facilitators Seminar to pastoral leaders and some interested groups.

- Sister Cecile and Sr. Miriam have given Bibliodrama seminar workshops to several groups, including communities of Nuns and Sisters in Vigan, Mindoro, Davao City, Tagaytay, General Santos City, and Redemptorist Seminarians in Davao City.

- Student-catechists of Saint Benedict Institute are given solid biblical formation and pastoral immersion.

- Sr. Miriam has introduced seminarians of Saint Alphonsus Theologate (SAT) and Regional Major Seminary in Mindanao not only to exegetical methods but also to Asian/Filipino Hermeneutics. Their exegetical studies were coupled with pastoral concerns. At the end of the semester, part of the requirements was to make modules for recollection for different groups, short courses for high school and college students as well as for the uneducated and professional groups. They also composed songs and poems, based on biblical stories or verses. The first year theologians of SAT produced a musical play “Joseph the Dreamer” based on the Joseph stories in Genesis 37-50; the second year theologians of SAT produced another

musical play on the Passion Narratives according to John (chs. 18-19) and a musical interpretation of the book of Revelation of John.

- On-going translation of the 4 gospels from Greek to Cebuano by a group of Cebuano speaking exegetes (Frs. Carmelo Diola, Senen Javier, CSsR, Rene Repole, SJ, Manolito Montesclaros, SJ, Henry Escasinas, Gilbert Nesataya, and Sr. Miriam R. Alejandrino, OSB). The target date for its publication is May 2009. This project is under the auspices of Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu City.

- Participation in the activities in the national as well as parochial levels during the celebration of the annual Bible Week.

Publication in 2007: A seminar-workshop paper entitled “Biblical Responses to the Poor and the Marginalized According to John” presented by Sr. Miriam Alejandrino, OSB, during the annual convention of members of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines.

Projects for the coming year:

- Biblical Institute at Tectec, Sindol, San Felipe, Zambales, at the request of the Bishop of the Diocese of Iba. Courses to be offered on April 14-22, 2008 are: (1) Introduction to Sacred Scriptures, (2) History of Salvation: Old Testament; (3) Creation Spirituality. Participants are catechists and pastoral lay leaders who have already undergone the Basic Bible Seminar and the Basic Facilitators Seminar.

- Intensification of Basic Bible Seminar, Basic Facilitators Seminar, and Bibliodrama seminar workshops for the faithful in farflung areas, especially for the farmers, fishermen and indigenous people.

- Manual for basic and advanced bible study for pastoral leaders and catechists.

- A book on “The Significance of Women in the Bible for Asian Women.”

Reflections: In spite of the activities mentioned above, much still needs to be done so that the Word of God may reach the hearts of men and women of all walks of life. There is a basic hunger among the people for the Word of God. There is also a need for more “apostles of the Word.”

In bible study, there is a need to develop a method which is centered on the biblical text itself, not so much on commentaries. From experience, we saw that the biblical text becomes meaningful to the readers when it is read in dialogue with ones culture and situation in life.

Our community lectio divina and group bible study serve as springboards and helps in having a common goal and concerted effort for our biblical apostolate. The Word of God indeed is the foundation as well as the unifying factor in building basic ecclesial communities.

Prepared by:

Sr. Miriam R. Alejandrino, OSB