“Dream, Believe, Serve”

Changing the last word of the Starstruck slogan with “SERVE”, the idea develops in teenageers the awareness of what particular vocation they would like to follow through. Would it be consecrated life, matrimony, or single blessedness? Adapted from a famous reality TV talent search Starstruck, the Catholic Church has its version of Godstruck aiming to help students in discovering their vocation.

Attended by more than 2000 delegates from various church and school organizations, “Godstruck” was an event hosted by the Diocese of Antipolo held at the Marikina Sports Center last November 26. The Archdiocese of Manila and the Dioceses of Novaliches, Cubao, Pasig, and Parañaque attended in this overnight affair. It started with a Holy Mass presided by the Bishop of Novaliches at Our Lady of the Abandoned church in Sta. Elena, Marikina City at 4:30 p.m. A parade from the church to the main venue followed next. The program started at 7 pm. with a mini-concert featuring the artist Jao Mapa and the group “Six Priests in the City”. After the mini-concert, another mass celebrated by the Bishop of Surigao followed at around 10 p.m. In the workshop, participants were divided into groups of ten, with facilitators coming from their respective dioceses. The groups performed different activities including action songs, games, and sharing.

There were also food stalls and exhibits of different congregations like Franciscans, Dominicans, and the like. The event ended at around 6 a.m., with a documentary on vocation.

As part of the activities of this year’s graduating class, 161 fourth year students went for a retreat and educational trip in Baguio last Nov. 15-17, 2004.

The Year IV advisers, Ms. Julie Ann M. Pajardo and Ms. Marissa H. Torres, together with HS Level Chairman Mrs. Juanita Cala and CIE facilitators Mr. Danny Boy Villanueva, Ms. Joan Mindoro, accompanied the three sections on their two-day spiritual renewal and one-day side trip to the scenic places in Baguio. Our Director Msgr. Mariano Balbago facilitated the sessions during the retreat. He gave lectures and activities, which focused on love for one’s self, for the family, for the people around us, and above all, for God. He emphasized the importance of 3 F’s (Faithfulness, Fruitfulness, Forgiveness) to the students. He summed up his sessions encouraging the youth to apply in one’s life the acronym PSST (Pray, Serve, Share, Thank) to be able to live in God’s presence. The retreat in totality was for the students’ repentance and renewal. Fr. Lamberto Pasion assisted him in the confession held at the last part of the retreat.

Before and after arriving at the retreat house, the students were able to visit the tourist spots in Baguio such as Burnham Park, Mines View Park, PMA, and Strawberry Farm. Among the pilgrimage sites visited were Agoo Church in La Union and Baguio Cathedral. On the last day, the students shopped at Baguio public market and at the famous ukay-ukay stands before returning to San Mateo. The students returned safely early midnight. (Rupert)

The school celebrated Msgr. Balbago’s birthday last September 22. It was Wednesday and was declared as a director’s day (holiday).

The students and faculty as well as non-teaching personnel gathered in an 8AM concelebrated mass for Msgr. And then after it, a program was conducted, presenting songs, dances and exhibition of talents to honor and thank the director.

This is a special day to celebrate not only because of his birthday but to thank him also for all the bright things he has done in our community.