bld schedule of activities - december...

8 Living Water - December 7, 2012

BLD SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES - DECEMBER 2012

DAY TIME ACTIVITY VENUE

07 Fri 8 pm - 10 pm First Friday Eucharistic Celebration OLA Church

08 Sat 6:00pm—10pm BLD Advent Celebration

Humberwood

Community Centre

9 Fri

Out of the Cold Dinner Service and

Caroling

12 Wed 7:15—10:15 Mission Christmas Celebration OLA Hall

14 Fri 8:30pm—11pm BLD Advent Eucharistic Celebration OLA Church

20 Thu 8:00pm BLD sponsored OLA Simbang Gabi OLA Church

Jan 4 Fri First Friday Eucharistic Celebration OLA Church

Message from the Treasury Ministry The tax season is fast approaching. The Treasury Ministry has started to collate information of

members for their tax receipts. Please ensure that your full name, current address and envelope

number are written legibly on the love offering envelope to insure that we capture the full amount

of your 2012 donations. Illegible name or envelope # or the lack of it will forward your donation to

the unknown basket and it will be difficult or impossible to track it down. Your cooperation is

much, much appreciated. Thank you.

ANNOUNCEMENT Do you love to write? Do you have something to share to inspire others? The Word Ministry is

pleased to invite everyone to be a contributor of articles for the Living Water bulletin. An ex-

ample of an article to submit is a testimonial on how God works in your life. You may send

your write-ups to: [email protected].

The Youth Ministry is inviting all youth age 14 and up (including those who have not yet taken YE) to the

upcoming Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar #14. Candidates need to attend any one of the YLSS #14 orienta-

tions to be held on January 11, 18 or 25, 2013 with their completed registration form prior to the shepherding

sessions in February. For more details, please contact Froilan and Charito Piamonte (email to:

[email protected]). God bless.

Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar #14

Living Water - December 7, 2012

December 7, 2012

BUKÁS-LOÓB SA DIYÓS • OPEN IN SPIRIT TO GOD Toronto District

www.bldworld.org www.bldtoronto.com

THEME

We prepare for the coming of Christ when we

strive for peace, unity and love.

WORD

Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6,8-11; Lk 3:1-6

ORDER

“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the

strength to escape the tribulations that are immi-

nent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk

21:36)

REFLECTION

December is the month when the Christian

world brims over with excitement and antici-

pation at the birth of the Saviour. It is a very

special and momentous occasion, one that in-

vites preparations well ahead of time, includ-

ing gift buying for love ones, family and

friends, putting up the Christmas tree, the

lights and the decorations, and buying ingredi-

ents for the traditional Noche Buena, not to

mention other holiday parties and festivities.

For indeed, a Star is born to us who believe in

Christ, the One sent by God for the salvation of

the world. Christmas is definitely a time of joy.

Second Sunday in Advent


But what does Christmas really mean to each one of us? When we were kids, we looked with great

anticipation to the coming of Christmas. It meant receiving gifts having new toys, new clothes,

new shoes. We were enthralled by the glow of Christmas lights, and enticed with sumptuous food

on the table. For some children, it is even a fun way to earn a little extra pocket money, singing

Christmas carols from house to house within the neighborhood. But as childhood gives way to

adulthood, the burden of responsibilities, the demands of family traditions and cultural expecta-

tions shift over onto our shoulders. And that means stress and pressure, because now it is our turn

to give gifts. That is why perhaps it is fair to say that Christmas is really for kids, it is they who

derive the greatest pleasure and joy from it, with none of the responsibilities.

But that is the worldly and materialistic view, and can rob us of the joy that true appreciation of the

season should bring. It distorts the real meaning of Christmas.

The first Sunday of Advent exhorts us to “be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the

strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk

21:36). It is clear that our preparation should be geared towards holiness, rather than mere superfi-

cial preoccupation with partying, gift-giving and fleeting fun. The birth of Jesus into this world is

truly an awesome event, an occasion for joy because salvation has come to us. The gift we give

should reflect love and not compulsion, because the objective of our gift-giving should be to ex-

press our love for Jesus.

In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, St Paul says, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one

another and for all…so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God

and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.” The birth of Jesus is just the

beginning of our journey to new life. The message conveyed to us by this first Sunday and the fol-

lowing Sundays of Advent, is awareness of end times and our future destiny, eternal life with

God. That is why we all are asked to be vigilant that we may be able to stand the test and trials of

life, by acts of mercy and love towards our brethren. Gift-giving is all right, provided our motiva-

tion is love and not obligation, or personal gain. Sharing our love with people can be expressed in

many ways - by way of the gift of our time, talent and/or treasures. In whatever way we demon-

strate love, one thing is sure, if our motives are pure, God is pleased because He sees what is in our

hearts. And the sense of fulfillment we experience as we give of ourselves in love will be incompa-

rable, because Jesus our Lord is our justice (Jer 33:16); He is our reward.

Let our Community Word, Order, Theme and Promise for each week, Directions and Prophecies

(refer to the Community Word for December 2012), be our guide and personal message from

Christ as we endeavor to best apply the real message of Christmas to our daily living:

We prepare for the coming of Christ:

Living Water - December 7, 2012 7

Toronto Teaching Schedule

For a complete and up-to-date Teaching Schedule and Schedule of Activities, visit:

www.bldtoronto.com

has begun at the outset of the Third Millennium. The big question which I propose, whose answer

we should not avoid or neglect, is “What are we expected now to do?” (Let BLD now reflect to an-

swer it.)

I want to end with a “teaser”: “If you pray for rain, bring an umbrella!” That is FAITH.

ME CLASS #34 GRAND REUNION

The members of ME Class No. 34 had their Grand Reunion at the OLA Hall on December 1, 2012.

Out of the eleven (11) couples who attended the ME Weekend, nine couples were present at the

Grand Reunion. Also present were Sammy and Joy Talattad , graduates of ME #19 of BLD-Davao

who were adopted by ME #34. The Pastoral Team, Tony/Angie Ng & Willie/Viv Saguil were also

there, together with some members of the DCS, DLCs, sponsors of the ME-34 Class members and

those who served during the ME Weekend.

ME Class No. 34 and their Shepherd Couple would like to express their gratitude to all those who

attended the Grand Reunion.

The names of the couples in the picture above from left to right are: Cres/Perla Valles, Cesar/Precy

Cuyugan, Robert/Eileen Pelayo, Nash/Rea Lim, Jay/Johnica Aherrera, Richie/Agnes Evangelista,

Benny/Nini Flores (ME #34 Shepherd Couple), Rodel/Brenda Salazar, Sammy/Joy Talattad, Ar-

mand/Grace Gozum, Larry/Eva Crain


2012 Advent and Christmas Message

Message of Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo to the

BLD Global Global Covenant Community

December 2, 2012

This Year of Faith (2012-2013) is a rich opportunity for us in BLD to profess our faith, to live and

share our faith through our professional, economic, social, political and moral life. It is our answer,

in fact the Church’s answers, to the “profound crisis of faith that affects many people” as well as

the “grave difficulties of the time with regards profession of true faith and its correct interpreta-

tion” (cf. Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter on Faith, Porta Fidei, no. 2 and 5).

This Year of Faith invites us or challenges us “to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm

for communicating the faith” (PF, no. 6). The goal of this Year of Faith is the new Advent of Christ

in our life, that we may know Christ more intimately, love Christ more ardently and follow Christ

more closely. It means a continuing renewal of our conversion to and acceptance of what God

wants to communicate about himself, and about being the persons he wants us to be.

The center or focus of the Year of Faith is the promotion of the New Evangelization which Blessed

Pope John Paul II has been talking about 30 years ago in his Encyclical Redemptoris Missio and

which Pope Benedict XVI recalls or renews or re-proposes in Porta Fidei in the midst of serious

crisis of faith. This call for New Evangelization means not new in the sense of new doctrine (which

is as old as two millennia), but Evangelization that is “new in its ardour or fervor, new in its meth-

ods and new in its expression” (Evangelii Nuntiandi no. 12).

With the use of new methods and expressions with new fervor, it is hoped and envisioned that

many lapsed and nominal Catholics will be brought to participate in the mission of the Church and

in animating the temporal order with the Spirit of Christ.

In this New Evangelization we urgently need the participation and involvement of the laity in the

mission of Church, the laity who in many parts of the Church may be like “a sleeping giant.” The

work of New Evangelization is neither the work of the clergy alone as it might have been in the

first millennium, nor the work of the laity alone as it might be expected in modern times. But there

should be an intense and urgent collaboration and partnership of clergy and laity in the New Evan-

gelization, integrating new models of being Church as well as the various Charismatic Movements

within the mission of the Catholic Church.

Launched at the descent of the Holy Spirit two millennia ago, the work of the New Evangelization


Week 1 – when we do what is right and just.

Week 2 – when we strive for peace, unity and love.

Week 3 – when we rejoice with gladness and are renewed in His love.

We celebrate the coming of Christ:

Week 4 – when we believe, like Mary, in God’s word.

Week 5 – when we honor and obey the commandments of God.

Within community, there are many ways to give and show love this Christmas season. Aside from

exchanges of gifts from among individuals, ministries and apostolates, let us look into the welfare

of each member. Let us be more sensitive to the needs of the sick, the afflicted, and the oppressed.

Let us stretch out our hands and give of ourselves to those who need our prayers, comfort those

who are lonely, or are emotionally distressed, or need help in healing broken relationships. Let us

also support our mission programs and be a source of life in community. Let us keep a happy and

hopeful disposition. Let our rejoicing be felt by each one as we share our blessings in response to

God’s call. Let us be more vibrant in love, for our community is God’s gift to each one of us. A

Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, as we celebrate Your birthday once again, cause each one of us to always be

mindful of why You were sent to us… for You are the reflection of God’s love. May we respond to

this love by reverencing, emulating and sharing Your love with everyone You send our way.

Amen.

DIRECTION

Prepare your hearts this season by going to general confession, receiving the Holy Eucharist

frequently and refraining from excessive revelries.

Emulate our Blessed Mother’s faith and obedience in following the guidance of our spiritual

leaders and the Church.

GOD’S PROMISE

“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made

straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Lk 3:5-6)

http://www.bldworld.org/index.php/83-messages/174-2012-advent-and-christmas-message


WORD, THEMES, & PROMISES For December 2012

READINGS

December 9 Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6,8-11; Lk 3:1-6

December 16 Zep 3:14-18; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

December 23 Mic 5:1-4; Ps 80:2,3,15,16,18,19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

December 30 Sir 3:2-6,12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:41-52

WORD

Disciples of Christ prepare with vigilance and rejoicing for His coming.

ORDER

“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and

to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk 21:36)

PROPHECY

Prepare your hearts for the coming of My Son, for My Kingdom is at hand.

THEMES AND PROMISES

Week#2 (2nd Sunday of Advent)

Theme: We prepare for the coming of Christ when we strive for peace, unity and love.

Promise: “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads

s shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of

G God.” (Lk 3:5-6)

Week #3 (3rd Sunday of Advent)

Theme: We prepare for the coming of Christ when we rejoice with gladness and are renewed in

H His love.

Promise: “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in

C Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)


Week #4 (4th Sunday of Advent)

Theme: We prepare for the coming of Christ when we believe, like Mary in God’s word.

Promise: "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Lk

1:45)

Week #5 (Feast of the Holy Family)

Theme: We prepare for the coming of Christ when we honor and obey the commandments of

G God.

Promise: "Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walk in his ways. For you shall eat the fruit of your

h handiwork, blessed shall you be, and favored.” (Ps 128:1-2)

‘Living Water’ LOGO Design Contest Contest Mechanics:

Design a LOGO for the Living Water Newsletter that is aligned with the BLD Toronto

theme “BLD On FIRE”. Where ‘FIRE’ stands for “Fruitful, Inspired, Renewed and Em-

powered”.

Email your entries to “[email protected]”. Include a brief description/

explanation of your LOGO.

Entry Guidelines

Open to all BLD members; multiple entries are allowed

Digital entries only, saved in jpeg format

Must be in Red and White

Contest Period:

Submission deadline – Extended to December 31, 2012

Contest Prize:

$50.00 Gift Certificate

Publication in the BLD website and Living Water

Prayer as an Upward Leap

For me, prayer is an upward leap of the heart, an untroubled glance towards heaven, a cry of grati-

tude and love which I utter from the depths of sorrow as well as from the heights of joy. It has a

supernatural grandeur which expands the soul and unites it with God. I say an Our Father or a

Hail Mary when I feel so spiritually barren that I cannot summon up a single worth while thought.

These two prayers fill me with rapture and feed and satisfy my soul. —

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul. (New York: Double Day, 2001) 140.

bld schedule of activities - december...

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