OLLP Relaunches Children’s Mass and Launches Youth Mass

On October 19, 2025, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (OLLP) revitalized its commitment to youth formation by re-launching the Sunday Children’s Mass and introducing a Youth Mass. The Children’s Mass will now be held weekly at 3:00 PM, followed by the Youth Mass at 4:30 PM, marking a renewed effort to engage young parishioners in liturgical service and spiritual growth.

In preparation for the launch, OLLP mobilized its network of parish school catechists and the Pangulo sa Liturhiya (PSL) from 25 Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs) to recruit children aged 9 to 12 who had already received First Communion. Students from Governor Vicente Duterte National High School, Doña Soledad Dolor Elementary School, Leon A. Garcia Elementary School, and La Escuela Global Academy, and from the respective GKKs, were invited to join the newly established Children’s Ministry. The parish also prioritized sacramental preparation, encouraging unbaptized children aged nine and older to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.

A day before the launch, 50 participants—including youth and adult aspirants for the Lectors and Commentators Ministry (LCM), Choir, and Gift Bearers—gathered at the Parish Pastoral Building for a recollection and practicum. Sessions focused on family prayer, the Holy Rosary, and the seven sacraments, with special emphasis on the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes to St. Bernadette Soubirous, who, as a young girl, was told to build a shrine and spread the message of Our Lady, calling humanity to repent from sin, turn to Jesus, and pray the Holy Rosary.

During the inaugural Children’s Mass, 11 children were invested as Lectors and Commentators, 14 as Choir members, and 9 as Gift Bearers, while four youth joined the Youth Mass ministries. Girls serving in liturgical roles wore Marian Habits, and boys donned white polos with black pants and shoes. Rev. Fr. Roger “Jing” D. Duhaylungsod, Parish Priest and Mass Presider, underscored the importance of nurturing prayer habits early. He emphasized that when children learn to pray with their families, they grow into Christ-centered adults. Hence, parents play a pivotal role in guiding them to the Church.

Leonides Abangan Lallen, OLLP School Catechist Coordinator/Head Catechist, reaffirmed the parish’s mission: “We will continue to catechize them to strengthen their faith and to love to pray, especially the Rosary.” The Children’s Ministry plans to deepen engagement through ongoing catechism, practicums, and activities designed to foster leadership and devotion.

OLLP remains open to welcoming new members aged 9–12 into the Children’s Ministry. Interested families may visit the Parish Office for inquiries or applications.

By investing in the spiritual formation of the young, OLLP envisions a future where faith-driven youth champion justice, love, and the mission of the Church. As St. Bernadette once answered Mary’s call, the parish hopes its youngest servants will carry forward this legacy of prayer and service. (Janus Jio Olarte, OLLP SoCCom)