FRONT BACK COVER Filipino Ministry Logo – It’s Meaning The LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB is rich in symbolism and meaning. Let us unpack what they convey to the Christian communities at large: • ►HUMAN IMAGES: There are six human figures. The number six represents the six vicariates (Hemet, High Desert, Low Desert, Riverside, San Bernardino and West- End) in the Diocese of San Bernardino which are distributed to the two counties that comprise the diocese: San Bernardino The first LOGO was designed by MICHAEL and Riverside. The human images are the Filipinos residing AZUL, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in in the 6 vicariates. They are close to one another to convey the Hesperia in 1994. unity that they signify, and that through their unity, a harmonious immersion to their respective parishes will be smoothly accomplish. ►BAMBOO CROSS: This represents the flexibility of the Filipinos, that where they settled, they always blossom in their faith. The bamboo can be used as tributaries where water will flow to give life to arid lands; likewise the Filipinos, firm as they are, they have a loving heart that feels the cries and needs of others; they become life-givers. • ►WHITE CLOTH HANGING ON THE CROSS: The white cloth represents resurrection, and this is the vision of the Filipinos, that wherever they are they can always live the resurrection as life- givers. This white cloth reminds Filipinos that their faith is embedded in the resurrection of Jesus. ►SHIP AND SAIL: The ship represents the County of Riverside and the sail represent the County of San Bernardino, which comprises the diocese. ►FILIPINO FLAG: This conveys the roots of the Filipinos. Their rich religious traditions and cultures are elements that will enrich the dynamics of life of the place where they are planted. The flag reminds Filipinos in the Diocese of San Bernardino to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values of MAKA-DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA- TAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), MAKA-BUHAY (PRO-LIFE) and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION). The present LOGO of Filipino The flag was added within the meaning of the first logo; Ministry-DSB designed by Joe Rafols, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in 2008. Filipino Ministry Prayer Before You, Oh Lord our God, we pray with deep faith that as we journey towards the realization of your dream and fulfill our mission, may we realize the diocesan vision and thrust. We pray, that we, the Filipino Faithful of the diocese of San Bernardino, through the guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary, may share equal dignity with the larger Church community and called to be one body, united with our bishops Gerard and Rutilloas well as our priests in the worshipping, evangelizing and serving Filipino Ministry. Fill our hearts with hope that we may become a community of disciples and stewards of Jesus Christ from whom we have the mission of making His gospel alive in our diocese and in the world. We pray that by promoting His gospel values of maka-Diyos (pro God), makatao (Pro people), Makabayan (Patriotic) Makabuhay( for life)at makalikasan (for the integrity of creation), we may help to shape a society with greater respect for human life, economic and environmental justice, cultural diversity, and global solidarity and build a Church where the Kingdom of God reigns. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen Diocese of San Bernardino OFFICE OF THE EPISCOPAL VICARS July 2, 2008 Dear Holy People of God: As a FILIPINO MINISTRY of the Diocese of San Bernardino (FILM-DSB), we have come a long but memorable journey. Allow me to use the episodes of the Transfiguration of Jesus to help us unpack three movements of our momentous journey to the mountaintop: First, “Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves…and he transfigured before them.” This journey to the mountain top is an image of COMPANIONSHIP. Second, “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’”. This is a picture of a HOME. Third, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” This is a moment of WITNESSING. COMPANIONSHIP, HOME and WITNESSING are images where Jesus wants the FILM-DSB to walk with him, not only to the mountaintop, but more significantly in our involvement in our communities, parishes and in the diocese. COMPANIONSHIP opens the door of our hearts to see Jesus’ vision of an intimate HOME where humanity is touched by the love of God, and impels us to be WITNESSES of the gospel. As members of FILM-DSB, let us be proactive companions in building the Kingdom of God (our HOME); hence, let us be prophetic witnesses in promoting the Gospel values of MAKA- DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-TAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION). In our Lady of La Salette, Rev. Romeo N. Selección, MS Episcopal Vicar San Bernardino Pastoral Region Diocese of San Bernardino 1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404 Telephone (909) 475-5115 Fax (909) 475-5109 E-mail: [email protected] MSGR. TOM WALLACE PICTURE/ MESSAGE Diocese of San Bernardino OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR Oficina de la Vicecanciller May of 2008 My Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Filipino Ministry, Several years ago we planted a tree in front of our house in a place that would provide the most shade. Our tree has grown so much that it now provides not only the shade we wanted, but a home for birds that bring joyful songs and a place for the neighborhood children to play. I’ve seen the same growth take place in your ministry. In only fifteen years you have not only established strong roots in our diocese, but have brought us much richness and joy in sharing your culture. Maraming Salamat Po! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. May you continue to grow in faith and in unity, and may the fruits of your efforts bring you ever closer to our Lord. Sincerely, Maria H. Echeverria Vice Chancellor Director of Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs 1201 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, California 92404-4607 Phone: (909) 475-5140 Fax: (909) 475-5343 Email: [email protected] Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col 3:15-17). Fifteen years may not be considered a significant period of time in the eyes of historians, but fifteen years of ministry in a young diocese such as the Diocese of San Bernardino, is an accomplished journey calling for celebration and thanksgiving. From a humble beginning in 1993, the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino has witnessed a tremendous growth and is now present at 28 parishes throughout the diocese. For this, let us give thanks to the Lord. We give thanks to God for the many gifts, individual and communal, the Filipino Ministry-DSB has brought to our diocese, especially the gifts Catholic devotions and popular religiosity, the gifts of faith through the exemplary and courageous life of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the gifts of joyful songs and dances that raise our hearts to God through the celebrations of Simbang Gabi and the feast of Santo Nino. As director of the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry, I am honored to be part of this historical celebration. Let’s us remember our past to continuously give thanks to our Lord and let us move forward to commit ourselves to the building of the Kingdom of God through our local church of San Bernardino, embracing, living and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so that people lives are filled with hope. Let’s us bring the gift of harmony and unity in the midst of chaos and diversity. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary FilMin-DSB! Let’s move on! On to our next fifteen years, loving and serving God and one another. Sincerely in Christ, Sr. Theresa Phan, LHC Director, Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry - DSB August 22, 2008 Dear Friends and Compatriots (MGA KABABAYAN), Long live! Mabuhay! Viva los Filipinos! Congratulations and warm greetings to All…Maalab na pagbati sa lahat….. 2008, we celebrate our Fifteen years of presence as Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino. I, together with the first leaders of this Ministry, can’t help but be grateful to God for the graces He has bestowed upon us in this diocese. Let us give thanks with grateful heart to Bishop Gerald R. Barnes who guide us through these years and to the many people whom God has used to nourish and nurture this ministry. Together with the different ethnic communities, we consider ourselves as little stones that provide solid foundation to this diocese. There’s a wit that says, “There are three kinds of people in this world, those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder, what happened.” We are grateful that the past and present leaders are completely committed, actively involved and continue to share their time, talent and treasure that makes the ministry vibrant and responsive to the people.