Dominicus Humus: Recollection for Collectors, Ushers and Greeters

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Recollection for Collectors, Ushers and Greeters

More than 400 Collecta Team Members, Ushers/Usherettes and Greeters attended the Annual Recollection at LFC this February 13 and 14. Vicariates 3 and 4 on Saturday (13th) and Vicariates 1 and 2 on Sunday (14th).

After the mass, Fr. Mario gave a conference on the meaning of formation for the laity according to Cristifidelis Laici: spiritual formation, doctrinal formation, formation of social conscience and integrated program of formation to develop human values and skills to carry out their apostolate. He also spoke about the necessity to develop a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ: the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. This follows the Lumen Gentium definition of holiness as the perfection of charity and an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the afternoon, Sis. Susan Aoanan organized the Stations of the Cross and facilitated the meditation. Msgr. Jesus A. Cabrera, DD - the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Alaminos gave the conference on "Love" and "Ministry." The Recollection ended with the Penitential Rite and Confessions.

On Thursday (after Ash Wednesday) the Convento Workers and Parish Secretaries from all the parishes and schools of the Archdiocese will come to LFC for this one-day recollection.

Vocation and Mission of LFC

Christifidelis Laici, the 1985 Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II on the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, speaks very eloquently about the formation of the lay faithful. According to this document, the laity should receive a complete and integrated formation, one which bears its fruit in every sphere of their existence and activity.

1) The spiritual formation of the laity – their continual growth in communion with Christ is nourished by the help to holiness offered by the Church.

2) Doctrinal formation – which will enable them to explain to the world the reason for their hope. Systematic catechesis is also necessary.

3) A proper formation of a social conscience, especially in the Church’s social teaching.

4) An integrated program of formation that cultivates the human values and skills necessary for the lay faithful’s apostolic activities.

God is the first formator of the laity. The Church for her part also takes part in forming the lay faithful through the ministry of teaching and celebration of the sacraments. The Lay Formation Center exists for this purpose.