Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan First Alpha Course

Bear Grylls,” Man vs Wild”, Discovery Channel,  banner hangs in front of the chapel that attracts students.
     
        After the orientation of the 300 XU scholars last July 11, 2012 at the old canteen (between Agriculture building and XU Gym), about 70 scholars signed up for  the 10 weekly sessions Alpha Course. This is planned to be given as formation to 2nd & 3rd year scholars every Saturday from  2:00 to 4:00 pm at XU Chapel that will start on July 21, 2012.

        While the other scholars who can’t arrange their schedule on a Saturday will take the second batch Alpha Course next semester, SY 2012-13.

        This course is finally sponsored by the XU Chaplaincy, headed by its director, Rev. Fr. Charlie G. Cenzon, SJ with the assistance of Sr. Elnora Perez, RA of the Campus Ministry and the office of the Scholraship and Financial Aid (OSFA).

       Our prayers for a good response from the scholars so we can train them later to increase our volunteers to run the courses to the other xu students as well.  And later also, involve them in our MOGCHS formation program and mission

Sister Elnora Perez, RA endorses Alpha Course to the scholars during the Alpha 

orientation and signing up.

What is Tukod Net? (Tukod Kristohanong Katilingban Volunteers Network)

 MISSION
         To Renew the Person, Sustain Through Parish Community, and Transform the Church and Society.

DESCRIPTION
         In answer to the New Evangelization of the Catholic Church, Tukod, a network of volunteers from parishes, parish groups and organizations decided to pool their resources and experiences in evangelization and community building to help the church renewal and social transformation of the country.
   
           Tukod will maintain its role to help and work at the parish only upon invitation by the parish priest.

           Tukod strategy is to use a basic and simple tool,  the Alpha Courses to evangelize and re-evangelize nominal Catholics or Christians; help implement church or parish communities to sustain parishioners or members to experience a working support and  pastoral care; help equip the parish or church to become a resource for evangelization and community building that will help other parishes or churches as well; and encourage networking among individuals, groups and parishes or churches to share their experiences, resources and good practices.

            Tukod means brace (n.) and pillar (n) as a support to the existing parish or church renewal and help construct (v.); establish (v.); and build (v.) communities for parishes or church which has not yet started. This is articulated thus:

            Renewing the Person on the meaning of his/her baptism by going back to the ”kerygma” of his/her faith. Unless a person is conscious to this, he/she will never appreciate and feel the necessity to live and involve in the parish or church community.

          Parish or church communities needs to be cared, sustained and nurtured on the simple and effective formation. The test of which is when evangelized or renewed parishioners living in a parish or church community start evangelizing or sharing their community experiences with others.
   
          We are only part of the whole mission of the Church. The idea we are promoting is not new. We collectively do this from the volunteers coming from the different parishes or churches and organizations inspired by the Holy Spirit to initiate, help and contribute to the parish or church renewal.
   
            We are inviting volunteers, donors, sponsors, speakers, facilitators and prayer warriors.

              To make this possible, please visit us at the Alpha office at 77 J. Pacana St., Licoan, Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Philippines with  Tel.No. 63+9209548582. For your further inquiry, send email to tukod.ta@gmail.com.

Youth Alpha Course conducted at some schools in Cagayan de Oro City

Current Tukod Members:
Alpha Course Philippine Foundation Inc.
Alpha in a Catholic Context
Barangay 23, Licoan, Cagayan de Oro City
BCBP-East, Women for Christ
Households of Christ Community, Kauswagan, Cdo
Kahayag sa Diyos Community
S&L Training Resource Ongoing
Alpha Marriage Course

Ongoing Alpha Marriage Course

         Last May 23, 2012 the Alpha Marriage Course was started. This will run for 8 weekly sessions from 6:00 to 9:00 pm every Wednesday.

         Each week, in a candlelight atmosphere,   a dinner is served and  followed by a video talk by Nicky and Sila and a couple workshop.

        A marriage time assignment is given after every session for every couple. This is a  homework activity   to further develop the couple’s skills in communication.          

          Like the other batches,  the course gradually improves the  couple’s  intimacy  because of the appropriate approach to talk and close issues and differences. This rekindles the couple’s relationship.

        Invited guests are coming from all walks of life, any religious group, any parishes, and other sectors, etc.  With this strengthened relationship, Alpha – Tukod believes the couple can be an effective team to build strong families, church and communities.

Just the first few sessions, the guests had already a wonderful fun discussing and re-discovering more each other.

 Munding and Anne, previous graduates shared how Alpha Marriage Course transform their married life.

MOGCHS: Center for Spiritual Development

         Last June 9, 2012, the MOGCHS Spiritual Formation Team & partners conducted an evaluation for the SY 2011-2012  activities of the  MOGCHS Formation  Program.

         From the results of the pilot program, each partner presented to Abp. A. Ledesma, SJ DD their assessment and recommendation to improve the following year’s program activities: the first year and second year recollections, 3rd year Alpha courses, fourth year vocation retreats, and finally the teacher’s recollection.

       The budget requirement of this year’s program  is  to be consolidated to the Archdiocese budget and furthermore it was decided to raise funds from the MOGCHS alumni and the current PTA to assist the program.  

     MOGCHS Formation Program Evaluation and  Planning. This was attended from left, seated, Ms. Febs Mondonedo, XU School of Education; Abp Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro; Sr. Rosa Celestial, RVM, Lourdes College Campus Ministry; and Dr. Helen Maasin, Chair of the Program and Head of the Values Formation of MOGCHS. Standing from Left, Sem. Marvin F. Nadala of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary; Elvin Oliveros of Alpha-Tukod and KSD; Dr. Benie A. Sy of Alpha and Tukod Network; Mike Acenas, Head of the Archdiocesan Campus Ministry; Gaspar Caluna, head of XU United Religious Organization; and Jong Pimentel of XU Campus Ministry.  

 
         Thus, the half day fund raising and parents recollection was conducted last  June 30, 2012 at the Patrick Cronin Formation Center, St. Augustine Cathedral.  Atty. Erlington Pimentel gave the parenting talk while Abp. A. Ledesma, SJ DD endorsed the fund raising and presided the Eucharistic celebration culminating the activity.

          The songs during the Eucharistic celebration was rendered by the Alpha youth volunteers from MOGCHS, XU and Lourdes College.

Alumni, parents and student volunteers together with Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD & MOGCHS partners.

Alpha Course for “Balangaw sa Kalinaw”

       Fr. Cassey Quiacao,  current formation in charge, invited Alpha- Tukod volunteers to conduct the Alpha Course as initial formation to “Sendong”   recipients of the “Balangaw sa Kalinaw” houses at St. Francis Xavier  chaplaincy’s Taguanao relocation site.

       This 10 sessions course started last April 15 at the chaplaincy chapel at Pueblo, upper Carmen, every Sunday from  2 to 3:30 pm.

       Last June 2, 2012, some 65 families completed the course and they gave  the following testimonies during the whole day Holy Spirit retreat and culmination activity held at the “Morning Mist” Club House:

        ”Sa wala pa ako naka seminar sa Alpha lahi ang akong pagsabot sa akong pagtuo ug panglantaw sa akong pagka kristiyanos apan dako kaayo ang kabag-ohan nga karon naka-apil ako ani ilabina ang pagsimba...sa una dili ko hinimbahon karon gapanimba nami ug nabag-o pod ang akong panglantaw sa simbahan. Karon sa pray-over, kabalo ko nga ako daghan ug kasaypanan sa kinabuhi ug nangayo ko sa Ginoo sa kapasayloan ug human sa pray over nadawat ko ang kapasayloan sa akong mga sala, ug dili nako mapugngan ang akong mga luha sa pagtulo.”  - Gina Arsolon –

        ”Kalinaw ang akong gibati human ako nila gi pray- over. Ug nabati nako ang gugma ug kapasayloan sa Ginoo sa akong kinabuhi.” 

- Angeles Galdo –

        ”Gaan kaayo ang akong gibati ug ako malipayon nga nasinati nako ang Ginoo sa akong kinabuhi karon ug naangkon nako ang kapasayloan sa akong mga sala.”  – Marnie Japay –

       ”Dihang ila akong gipandungan sa pag-amp, nabati nako ang kapasayloan sa akong mga sala ug nasinati ko ang kalinaw sa akong kasingkasing. ” – Roger Gaa &  Christopher Timbal –

        ”Ang Alpha Course usa ka kasinatian nga na review balik ang among mga nakat-onan sa kristohanong kasinatian. Gaan siya dal-on nga seminar ug dili bug-at ug sayon sabton ug puede nato gamiton kang bisan kinsa nga tawo sa katilingban nga nanginahanglan sa Ginoo.”    - Rudolfo/Jonna Fugoso -

        ”Dako kaayo ang kabalhinan nga kami naka-apil sa Alpha Course. Sa una mosimba lang kong ganahan apan wala natisok sa kasingkasing. Karon aduna nay dakong bili ang pagsimba ug natino na namo karon ang among pagtoo sa Ginoo ug ang among kristihanong kasinatian. Gani dako kaayo ang kabalhinan sa pagdala ug relasyon namo sa among pamilya ug kami ga ampo na ug gamanimba.”               - Edan/Lucrecia Edrote –

 

        ”Layo ra gyud kaayo ang among nahibal-an kabahin sa kristohanong pagtoo gani mapasalamaton kami ug dako kay naila namo ang Ginoo pinaagi ani nga “formation” ug dako kaayo ang among nakat-onan sa among pagtoo gani nadugangan ang among pagsabot ug pag-ila sa simbahan ug karon manimba na kami nga adunay dakong bili ang pagsimba kay sauna dili gyud mi tig-simba ug tingale okasyon lang nga mosulod ug simbahan.”                           

                                                             -Roberto/Yolanda Dungog-

        ”Kami mapasalamaton sa Ginoo nga iyang gipadala kanato kini nga seminar tungod kay dako kaayo ang kabalhinan sa among pagtoong kristohanon ug gani nadugangan ang among nakat-onan kabahin sa among pagtoo ug pag-ila sa simbahan karon bilihon na ang pagsimba namo matag Domingo.”                        

  -Victorino/Rowena Apdian- 

VOLUNTEERS HOLD REGULAR BIBLE STUDY & WORSHIP ASSEMBLY

        The worship assembly which was started last April, was intended for Alpha and Tukod volunteers who do not belong to any groups. Thus,  Tukod Volunteers Network finds it necessary to support these volunteers apart from giving them opportunity to serve the parish and sectoral groups through Tukod’s  ABC approach to parish renewal.
        The assembly is an opportunity to teach, announce and update volunteers on the current parish and sectoral projects or ministries, and an opportunity to pray their needs and the mission, to intercede one another and others as well.

         This also holds true to the regular Bible Study which we  conducted for volunteers   every Wednesday morning at the Alpha Training Center, which was started informally since January this year.
         Amazingly, from 4 volunteers, God gave us regular volunteers attending  every week, to 12 volunteers. This is started with a worship, intercession and then mini-teaching on the Gospel reading for the day or the week, followed by our personal reflection and testimonies, and end this with a follow up on our ministry activities.
        We are happy that volunteers with communities and groups   made a commitment to come regularly. “This is our committed support which we felt that is really needed by new volunteers especially the youth.”, they said.
        Finally we take our simple lunch together from our ‘pot luck’ and donations from our guests. This is the great  time to fellowship with the other guests.
        Furthermore, we would like to  extend our thanks to  Fr. Perseus Cabunoc and Fr. Mike Fabello of Mt. Carmel Parish and  Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate respectively for their advices and  the supply of BEC Bibles which we bought this at a very reasonable price.   

EVANGELIZING  MUSIC
By Omar Reyes
When I first started to initiate a secular-religious band, I knew God inspired me. I thought that since I have a complete set of instruments (Reyes Rehearsal Studio), this is an edge. The band was intended to serve God through music evangelization, and at the same time the group will grow and be closer to the Lord through service as well.

       My first step to forming the group was to look for members or group of people who had a passion for music, a heart for service and who understand and relate to the Tukod mission which is “Renew the person, sustain through BEC and transform the Church and Society”.
        John Fernandez (Lead Vocals/Guitarist) was my first   recruit. He was my friend in college, and was passionately and musically inclined. I explained to him the purpose of the band and he loved the idea. He introduced me to Carlo Ellezo (Keyboardist), and was also with the same interest. I had a lot of prospect for the drummer. In my own opinion choosing a drummer for the band is crucial. The role of the drummer will determine the liveliness of the music. Emmanuel Tancongco   was one of them. He was exceptionally skilled. Fortunately, he too finds the band enticing.
        I had a lot of options for lead guitarist. Most of them were not interested, and some had other priorities. I invited Carlo Velasco. He was a good friend of mine. Initially he hesitated to join. But eventually changed his mind. Playing music is tempting to him. He too understood the mission of the group. Dan Cyrus Macapayag (Guitarist/Back-up Vocals) a full-time Tukod volunteer was automatically part of the group.
        Finally, I reported and seek counsel with Tito Benie (Tukod Network Founder/Alpha Regional Director), and I was overwhelmed with happiness because he fully supported the idea of the band. He advised me then that the band should be given a special Alpha Course.
        The Course was held at Reyes Rehearsal Studio. Before the band rehearsal, we had compressed talks on Alpha. Tito Benie was our first speaker. In our discussion, we already shared deep expression of our insights and experiences. It was a good sign of their responses. Then, we scheduled informally the succeeding sessions depending on the group’s availability.
        We had our “Weekend Away” or the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at the Alpha Office.  They had the most unexpected experiences, a very good and exciting one. After the empowerment, they shared what happened.
        “I felt that God was really present and showed his loved to me. After the praying-over I felt peace and I felt light. I didn’t even know that I’m slain in the Spirit”,  Em-Em

          The two day Alpha Summer Conference was held last May 13 to 15 at Mt. Carmel Parish, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. This 3 day conference was sponsored by the Basic Ecclesial Community, Ad-Intra Minstries, Alpha Course Phillippine Foundation Inc., Tukod Voulnteers Network, and S&L Training Resource.
        The purpose of which is to  present the framework for BEC formation, the basics of  ecclesial community and evangelization, the current practices of BEC, and presentation by Tukod volunteers network a model using Alpha Course as one of the tools to answer the framework and direction of Archbp. Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J. D.D. for the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.  

         The speakers who shared in the conference were: Archbp Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, D.D.  on the framework that also touched on the new way of being church and  church of the poor; Fr. Roy Barros (Archdiocesan BEC Coordinator) presented the BEC in a very practical and simple approach based from Vatican II; Fr. Boy Salvador, Jr. (Director, CLEMOACO Ministries) on evangelization and community building that challenged the previous thought on the subject; Fr. Perseus Cabunoc (Director, Ad-Intra Minstries) the current BEC practices in relation to the Canon Law.  

         On the tool for BEC formation, the following  Tukod Alpha volunteers shared the Alpha Course and community building using the Tukod’s ABC approach to parish renewal (see page 7): Benie A. Sy, using Alpha as BEC initiation course with the Alpha principles & practicalities; Elvin  Oliveros, using Alpha effectively at the parish; Angelo Rodriguez, equipping the team to run Alpha Course; Rene Pacana, on how to lead the prayer meeting in a BEC cell group; and Bebs Camaddo, on how to conduct a  bible sharing in a BEC meeting.

         The variety Alpha Courses as option to BEC formation that were currently used by some sectoral groups,  were also presented by: Siony Sumaoy, Alpha Course in the workplace; Oca Japitana, Alpha for the Elderly; Brgy Chair Joshua James Frias, on the Youth and Campus Alpha; and Rosarita Sy, on practical course for married couple, the Marriage Course.     

        At the end of each talk, an open forum was provided to clarify the presentation and bring out some actual issues in the parishes. This part of the conference was appreciated by the conference paricipants as shown in the pie chart below.

         Aside from the resource speakers, the conference was blessed by the young facilitators that conducted the lively ice-breakers and games and the continued songs and powerful worship led by “The River Flows Band”, an evangelistic band organized for Tukod for the youth. 

       The conference was culminated with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and  the Eucharistic Celebration.    These are some testimonies from the conference guests:            

        “I am a member of the Couples for Christ. I am very much thankful of today’s healing & empowerment of the Holy Spirit because I am   healed of    my right arm. I was able to raise it high and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. I thanked   Jesus for being so alive in my life today. Praise be to God.” -  Winston  

         “Before I attended the Alpha Youth Campus, my life is unclear and no direction. As a happy go lucky kind of individual, living in sin, my faith and belief in God was shallow but after  the course, my faith in God deepens and I have a personal relationship with Him now. As to the conference, it taught me about involvement in the parish renewal thru BEC and I asked God’s forgiveness of my shortcomings. During the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I   was forgiven and felt the joy of resting in Him alone. Without knowing, I was already slain. – Nova  

          “I served the Households of Christ since 1992 but this is the first time I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I felt light, mixed of warm & cold feeling, feel down the floor & wanted to stand up but my whole body was weak. The Lord touched me that time and one cannot fathom God’s ways, mercy and forgiveness.” – Boy  W.  