Responsible and Joyful Stewards of God

St. Joseph Parish, Sasa, Davao City, conducted the Sending Forth of the leaders of the Parish and GKK belonging to the Formation, Worship, and Service Ministries on November 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with a Holy Mass presided by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias.

In his Homily, Fr. Roy said that the Mass for the Sending Forth was separated so that leaders could focus more on the true meaning of service. He also mentioned that each of us who serves God can easily relate to one another, especially when commitment is in our hearts. We can be responsible and joyful stewards of God.

Fr. Roy further said that Sending Forth is done to measure the faithfulness of being a GSL, and it is also a way and an appropriate time to spread the good news by giving testimonies of the presence in serving the Katilingban, including those in various religious organizations, as well as in the Parish. He also stated that serving the Katilingban is not volunteerism but a commitment, and pointed out that the service rendered by GSLs is not for the priest, but rather for God.

After the Homily, the ceremony of Sending Forth followed, that is the presentation of Parish and GKK Leaders, and Parish Recognized Center Organization. The “Panaad” of each ministry was offered and recited, and blessings were done.

After the Mass and Sending Forth, a Fellowship lunch followed thereafter at the 3rd Floor of the New Building.

At 1:00pm the 1st Parish General Assembly was held, which was attended by Parish and GKK Leaders, Parish Recognized Center Organization (PARECO) and Tigpasayon sa Pundok Banay (TPBs) of forty-three GKKs under St. Joseph Parish.

Holding a General Assembly is a principle of Synodality, where listening to the ideas and suggestions of parishioners from the bottom up is heard to reach a consensus.

In the said General Assembly, the results of each GKK General Assembly were presented by Ms. Celia Ramos. Parish activities for Advent and Christmas, on the other hand, was reported by Mr. Jun Atinen. Finally, Food Bank for Indigents and beneficiaries, and Altar Call every 5th Sunday of the Month where all parishioners are encouraged to bring tangible offerings for the food bank was presented by Ms. Bambie Biliran.

Mr. Norman Gravino, Secretary of Confraternity of St. Joseph, presented the Confraternity activities: the 19th Batch of 33-day Preparation for the Consecration of St. Joseph which started last November 6, 2025, Pabalay ni San Jose, Hot Meals on Wheels, Botica/Tindahan ni San Jose and the incoming Pilgrims of St. Joseph. Updates on Adult Baptism orientation and requirements was presented by Ms. Maribeth Galarce.

Engr. Aurea Atinen presented the updates and the budget of the ongoing construction of new building, repair of big Church and other facilities of the Church.

During the Parish Priest Time, Fr. Roy Mejias informed participants in the Assembly regarding the situation in the Parish, like the existing Religious organization in the Parish, Parish Pastoral Team (PPT) and Parish Finance Committee, which will soon be set up in alignment with the Diocese in accordance with the Canon Law.

Fr. Roy presented the 1st, 2nd, and special collections of the Parish, and explained where the distribution goes for purposes of transparency. He also presented the new projects such as acquisition of new sound system, CCTV, basketball court in the 3rd floor of new building and provision of park and parking.

Revision of Sunday Mass schedules was also discussed. As proposed, there will be 8 masses in the Parish, with the following schedules: 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30, and 5:30 pm. In fiesta, the baptism and blessing of house will be incorporated.

Fr. Roy cited the quotation, “In business, we pray not only for money and sales but also for the right people who can help you succeed.”

Being responsible and joyful in serving God is an opportunity and a privilege. (Emy D. Gamorot)