August 2013 News Letter

FOR OUR REFLECTION

On Prayer

I have made the text on the reflection of Fr. William Grimm, MM. It is so meaningful to me that i would like to share it here on this section. It`s on PRAYER 

Do you pray as well as you wish? I don't mean "when you pray for something do you get it". The answer to our prayer is up to God and though God always answer our prayer, we know that sometimes tha answer is "NO". 

I mean, when you pray, do you really feel that, as the old catechism definition put it very inadequately, that you are " lifting up your mind and heart to God"?"

In today's Gospel, one of the disciples sees a chance to find the formula.  Jesus has been praying.  The disciple realizes there is something about the prayer of Jesus, that seems to make it a deeper communion with God than the disciple thought himself or herself capable of. So, the disciple approaches Jesus and say " Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples. ". A rabbi, usually taught his disciples prayers they could use as a way of bringing his teaching into their prayer. And Jesus does it, teaching a prayer that has become the hallmark of his disciples through all ages in all places and among all the different groups that call him Lord.

Having taught the words though, Jesus goes on to say that they are not really that important. Our problem ( and this is where the catechism definition was misleading) that we think that prayer is primarily something that we do.

It is, of course something we do, but what we do is not the most important thing. Prayer is our relationship with God. God is the chief actor. 

When I focus upon myself and what I do in prayer, I become so caught up in formulas, postures, breathing exercises and such. That I forget that the whole reason why I pray is to remember who is God is, and with in that relationship, who I am?

Jesus gives us two important lessons on a commentary upon the disciple's request. The first is the story about someone awakened in the night by a neighbor who needs bread. At first, the groggy one is unwilling to help. However, eventually he gets up and helps his neighbor, if only to get back to sleep. "So I say to you, ask and it will be given you, search, and you will find, knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who ask receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks the door will be opened". 

What Jesus is telling us is that the important things about prayer is not much how we do it as that we do. God will hear us. If sleepy heads like us respond to our prayers addressed to us, we can be sure that God hear us and respond. Therefore, we can and should pray with confidence. The first principle of prayer, is that God will always hear us and respond. 

Jesus second point is, perhaps, more important to those of us who worry about praying well or properly. He uses example to teach us. The first example is that of a child who asking a parent for a fish. In such a case, the child will not receive a snake. The second example, is of the child asking for an egg. The child need not worry about getting a scorpion. On one level, Jesus is telling us that when we pray, we need not worry that God will do evil  for us in response to our needs. God does not tease. 

But, there is another level to what he says, it involves puns. In the Aramaic, Jesus and his disciples spoke, the words for "fish" and "snake" and the words for "eggs" and "scorpions" sounded similar. Perhaps there were even situations where mix ups could occur. For example, when someone warned that there was a scorpion Ina basket, reached in planning to make an omelet. Jesus is telling his disciples that we need not worry that God will not understood our prayers. We do not have to use proper formulas , the right words. God loves us so much that our inadequate prayer suffice. In other words, the disciples anxiety to learn the right words to us in prayer was misplaced. There is is no right words, there are no wrong words. God will not misunderstand us. So what we do? PRAY

FAITH IN ACTION

Mizusawa Church Filipino Group

St. Augustine said, to "sing is to pray twice". Songs in our masses are inspiring they lead us to prayer especially if we sing together. 

Maybe we have met the group of choir from Mizusawa - Kitakami Catholic Church they have been helping us in our masse here in Ofunato, Ichinoseki and Ishinomaki. Every other month, we celebrate mass in Mizusawa Church and the Filipino group always prepare the songs for the Japanese-English mass (International Mass). 

When we have an event in other communities, we invite the group to help us sing during the mass. When we think of what we can for the other people, I believe that singing is the best expression. I really appreciate the group who came all the way from Mizusawa with their guitar and drums last March to help us in the singing for our mass as we commemorate the second anniversary of the Tohoku disaster in Ishinomaki. 

FUKUSHIMA KEN

Shirakawa Mass and Rosary 

From July we will have the monthly Tagalog mass in Shirakawa Church and the transferring of the statue of the Virgin Mary to a new house for the block rosary. Our first mass was attended by around 25 people. Sis Marcy, Sis Margarete and Lenny join us in these prayer gathering. 

Fr. Tanaka's Birthday

Our group from Shirakawa church celebrated the birthday of their parish priest surprising him on his special day.  Fr. Tanaka was very happy indeed that the Filipino group from his parish made time and effort to celebrate his birthday even they are very busy with their work.  Fr. Tanaka told me that the group had made his birthday, the most unforgetable day of his life.
Happy Birthday and God Bless.

Noda Machi Church Mass

Last July 7, we celebrated our first mass in Noda Machi Catholic Church.  After a long time of request from Kaye and the group of Noda Machi, I was able to talk to Fr. Thomas our parish priest in Noda Machi and he willing said that we have our Tagalog mass in the Church at 4 pm every first Sunday of the month.

MIYAGI KEN

Barbeque  party din pag summer time

Sendai group barbeque party last July 7.

 Filipino Community of Sendai Celebrated Philippine Independence Day

Consul General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio inducts the newly elected
officers of Fil Com Sendai

The Fil-Com Sendai celebrated the Philippine Independence day together with the induction of the new officer of the group and the celebration of the second anniversary of the group. Marian Jocelyn R. TIROL-IGNACIO (Minister and Consul General) (Consular Affairs and Assistance to Nationals) graced the event and did the induction of the officers. Congratulations and more power to the Fil-Com Sendai group.

Kessennuma Care Giver group featured in Miyagi International Association

Members of Bayanihan group Kessennuma were featured in Miyagi International Association. The full article can be downloaded in the website of the MIA. It features those who are working as care giver. The interview and the article is in Japanese













AOMORI KEN

Hirosaki Commuty Mass and Birthday Celebration

thank God for another fruitful life I recieved.In behalf of Filipino community in hirosaki Our deepest thank's to Fr.Garry Gestoveo Who offered us mass every 2nd wednesday of the month . Kahit malayo ang beyahe galing ofunato ,makikita mo pa rin ang napakagandang smile abot nang langit sa kabila nang pagod ... We feel blessed by hearing the gospel so much ...and i would like to take this opportunity to say  " THANK  YOU " from the bottom of my heart to my friend who pray and supported me in my struggles in the hospital , may the Lord God bless us always ....

           

        " A PRAYER TO HELP THOSE IN NEED "

May all of my family and friends who need miracles be blessed , may whoever is feeling weak be given strength .may all of those who carry heavy  burdens have their load lightened .Amen ...

          by

               Gina Naito

Miho Chan with her Dad.

40th Anniversary of Fr. Gabriel's Priesthood

We thank GOD for our dear Father Gabriel who is celebrating 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.We are very fortunate to have you here in Hirosaki city ,a very approachable and a smiling priest .You serve us all for our benefit ! We thank GOD for all who heed the call to the Priesthood ! Congratulations ! and the Lord's blessings for many years to come in the service of the Lord and the Order .

             Allow us to express our heartfelt thanks for allowing us to unite every second wednesday of the month to celebrate an english mass ang to pray the Rosary and novena to our Blessed Virgin Mary A Very happy fortieth ordination .May heavenly Father change this to GOLD , DIAMOND and PLATINUM........

             May the Good Lord Bless you in abundance and grant you many more blessed happy healthy priestly years .Best Wishes !

            

             

          Pat Kikuchi

IWATE KEN

Ofunato Church

This month we are greatly blessed to have the baptism of the three children here in Ofunato Church. The PAG ASA community of Ofunato and Rikuzen Takata together with the Japanese christians in Ofunato are one to welcome our new members. They are Sei Takahashi whose baptismal name is Francis of Asisi, Koyuki Sasaki whose baptismal name is Angela Chrisei and Kaori Shibata whose baptismal name is Christine were baptised in Ofunato church. We pray for these children that they will always be blessed by God and that their family and their God-parents (Ninongs and Ninangs) will help them grow in their faith. 

Rikuzen Takata Members Join in cooking class with Kokusai Kouryu Kyoukai

Good day to all of us, can I just share a little about our cooking we did last july 13.This is the first time that the KOKUSAI KOURYU KYOUKAI make activities to show their support and concerned to the foreigner, after the tsunami .We cooked japanese food. Some member of PAG-ASA (takata) joined  the event.The participants were Theresa, Marife, Christine, Rosemary, Rosalinda, and also the Japanese joined with us.

We cooked aji gohan, pasta, imuno, warabe and soup. And while cooking nagkwentuhan, tawanan kami and the japanese also participate and laughed with us.We ended up with sharing about our experiences last 3/11 disaster

By Haydee Kaiyama

PAG ASA Group Join in the City Celebration in Honor of Yamaura Sensei

In celebrating with Yamaura Sensei for recieving the Papal honor for his work in translating the Bible into the local (Kessen language) language, the city had prepare a special program for his honor. PAG ASA members offered a dance for his honor and they event invited Yamaura sensei to dance with them. It was indeed a great honor for the Ofunato Catholic Church and the whole Catholic church of Japan that one of our members recieved a highest honor from the Pope himself.

Home Visit

With block rosaries, we were able to visit homes of our members and share a meal together. It also an opportunity to meet the family and have some deeper shadings about our situations here. After the rosary in Ofunato church we decided to visit Ryori Cho and meet Tate san, Rina san, and Gina san.

We also visited Christine Sasaki in preparation for Koyuki's baptism.

Had the general meeting and Rosary in Takata in Rose Marie Sasaki

Seamen's Visit

Last August 5, we have an opportunity to meet the seafarers from Indonesia. We were invited to eat supper with them. Fr. Harnoko share his reflection on the visit.

Today, I met Indonesia ship-crew in Ofunato, bringing them to shops and visiting their cargo-ship. I was so touched by the captain's story..."It's a hard life but God is always with us! It's a wonderful experience to meet friends here."
今日、偶然にインドネシア人の船員たちに出会った。買い物などを連れていて、祈りも一緒にした。船まで訪問して、共に食事を分かち合った。船長さんは「大変な仕事だけど、神様がいつも私のそばにおられるから、大丈夫！今日も新しい友達に出会えて嬉しかったです。」と言われて、感動した。

Thank you and Sayonara

We would like to thank some special people who had become part of our journey here in the Sendai Support Center for Foreigners. They have been of great service to all of us especially in the time after the disaster. Miss Maria Sol Velez, a lay missionary from CTIC had help us in organizing ourselves here in Ofunato and Takata. We would never forget how you gave your time to all of us. Thank you and we hope the best for you and your family.

Another person we would like to thank is Sister Nogami. Thank you for your patience to teach us Japanese for our Kaigo lessons. We hope for the best for you in your new mission.

INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CULTURE

August are Matsuri time its also O-bon Festival.

O-bon Festival is a series of of rituals where Japanese Welcome the spirits of their ancestors and then send them off into the great unknown. Rituals vary by region; Morioka holds the Funekko Nagashi, where they send a burning boat down the river, while in Kyoto they celebrate the Gozan no Okuribi, where five giant bonfires are lit on mountains sorrounding the city.

These events are both help on August 16 every year.

images taken from the internet

July 2013 NewsLetter

FOR OUR REFLECTION

Propositon 21 - Migrants

"Just as many countries have greatly benefitted from the presence of people coming from other countries, so too the Church is nourished in a significant way with the witness and the evangelizing work of many of those engaged with the missionary mandate: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mk 16: 15). 

Given the risks and threats to the faith of the migrating peoples, it is important that the Church gives her support through a pastoral plan that includes them and their families, and reminds them of their important place as the living cell of society and the domestic Church. Parishes should help the migrants integrate themselves into society and the Christian community. 

The Church’s pastoral plan for migrants should not only welcome migrants and promote their human dignity, but should above all help them be integrated into the life of the Church, respecting their own ritual tradition; this plan should also help them avoid becoming lost to the Catholic Church. 

Immigrants are not only recipients, but also protagonists of the proclamation of the Gospel in the modern world. 

In the face of the great migratory movements, it is important to insist on the centrality and dignity of the person, in particular in light of the grave phenomena of a new slavery connected to the shameful trafficking of human beings, especially children, and the selling of organs. This awareness must increase when dealing with refugees, the displaced, those on the sea, nomads and people without a fixed home."

The Synod on New Evangelization touch on the issue of migrants with the proposition 21 of the final message of the Synod of Bishops in Rome  last October 7-28  2012. 

The migrants constitute a big contribution to the number of the Catholics here in Japan. Yet in some ways our presence is either for the international events and international gathering that is happening in the different churches and diocese. 

It is my hope the one day, we become protagonist of the proclamation of the Gospel in the modern world and not just objects of pastoral care of the Churches which welcome the migrants. With our diverse practice and our own ritual traditions, it is my hope that we are understood by the Christian community and that we will be supported to our own journey of faith.  

The communities of faithful should be places open to and welcoming diversity: thus the new evangelisation is in fact lives out the fruitful exchange of cultures and religious transitions which call for respect and complementarity.

                                               FAITH IN ACTION



Home Helpers Graduation Ofunato

6月8日、大船渡教会で介護ホームヘルパー2級の資格を取ったフィリピン人7名と中国人1名の合計8名のThanksgiving & Graduation ceremoniesが行われました。フィリピンから帰ってきたばかりのFr.Garry、綾里からヘルパーの資格を取った先輩の皆さん、ベースからボランティアさんもお祝いに来てくれました。ヘルパー免許授与式後、Fr.Haruは日本語の勉強をしてヘルパーの免許を取った！と言うこの自信が皆さんのこれからに役立つと話してくれました。また、このメンバーの中でいちばん遠い米川から大船渡まで、冬の雪道も車で2～3時間の道を通ったSr.Victorinaは一緒に学ぶ仲間がいたからがんばれた！と話していました。さらに、このグループの中にはもう就職が決まっている人がおり、7月から仕事が始まります。式後のカラオケではみんな歌って踊って楽しい時間を過ごしました！

このグループは1月から日本語の勉強、2月からスクーリング、4月には実習が始まりました。実習先にはすでに働いている先輩がいることもあり、心配も少なかったかな？とっても緊張して行った実習も利用者さんと触れ合うことはみんな上手にできていたそうで問題なくクリア、いちばんの問題のレポートもみんなで協力してよくがんばってやりました！この仲間とのつながりがこれからもつらいことも楽しいことも分かち合って行ける素敵な仲間であり続けますように！

今回のグループでカリタス支援によるヘルパーのクラスは終わりましたが、現在3名が一関のクラスでがんばっています！

by Aiko Hayashi

Angie recieving her certificate of completion for level 2 home helper

 THE  GRADUATES and their Experiences

                 Finally, eight members graduated last June 8 ,which was sponsored by Caritas Japan Osaka. This group from Ofunato graduated as caregivers. I was one of them and I'm very lucky that I was given the opportunity to take a free lesson of caregiving. And since I am one of them , I decided to interview some friends who are now working as caregivers. 

                 Estrella Yoshida....

                 I ' ve been working for 8 months, already. I ' ve tried different jobs. And I can say that this one fits me most. Aside from the good salary, I find caregiving is the best job. Here , there's no descrimination. We work as one , we have unity. And the most important thing was, the passion in work. I love the elders. I treat them as my family. Most of them were childish and selfish. But this was just natural. They needed attentions and love . And I am willing to give it to them ,  I took care of my late father in law. Even though , he was not my real father, I've treated him as my own. That's why when I was offered to take caregiving lessons , I didn't think twice. I knew that I will stay long in this job. Iam now 46 years old. And I am planning to retire at the age of 55 maybe... In Gods will.

                 Sarah Trogani.....

                 Caregiving. Some may think that it's a dirty , lousy job. Specially here in Japan that we have to learn nihonggo first. How to read and write Japanese. Caregiving is not that hard actually, but I have to adjust more on reading and writing kanji. I don't care about the salary. As long as I enjoy what I'm doing. Specially when I saw the disabled elders.They need somebody who will look after them.Who will took care of them. That's why I treat them as my family. I feel for them. This coming June ,I will be on my tenth month already.And I do love my job. 

                 So for those who wants to be a caregiver someday, always work with your heart. 

                  To Fr.Haru, Fr.Gary and Ai chan , who were always there supporting us. Thank you very much. And for the newly graduates, CONGRATULATIONS.

                  Jocelyn Sugiyama....

                  I can say that caregiving is not an easy job. Because you need to know each one of them. Their likes and dislikes. They have different characteristics. There are some , who are already friendly from the start. You have to be careful in every word you say coz you might hurt them. Most of them were blind. And I know how they felt. STRESSED.

                  It's fun coz once you get to know them , You can feel that they're your family. And you' ll found out later that you' re important to them. 

                   I'm so thankful to them because.... すばらしい仕事が出来て、こんなかんどする仕事ないと思います。本とにありがとございます。かんしゃします。

　　　　　　Yes, I am also one of them. And during my practise,　I felt the same thing with Estrella, Sarah and Jocelyn. You have to treat them as your family and without knowing it as Jocelyn said , you're already important to them. You have to work with your heart .

                                                                                  Written by :

                                                                            Marife Sugawara

AOMORI KEN


Mass in Hachinohe

Our monthly mass for the second sunday of the month is in Hachinohe Aomori ken. Since it is not snowing, we decided to go by car. Haydee Kaiyama, Hortensia and Haruka chan joined us going to Hachinohe.

After just six months of celebrating mass in Hachinohe,  I am very glad to see the very positive development of the group. First, we have the choir who lead us in the singing. The choir members are composed of trainees who are working in a company in the Hachinohe city. Secondly, there is a growing number of attendees who are not only coming from Hachinohe but from other areas near Hachinohe city. Another great development is that, our choir members are also invited to sing in the Japanese mass. We hope that one day our aim to build a  united community of Japanese and the foreigners will be realize.





Mass in Hirosaki

June 12, in Celebration of our Independence day, I went to Hirosaki Church to celebrate our monthly mass and novena to the Mother of Perpetual help. We left early from Ofunato thinking that our trip will be longer, but we arrived 30 minutes ahead of the Novena and so join the group in the prayer.

There were around 20 people who attended the mass including some Japanese Christian who stayed with us. After the mass we have a fellowship and Fr. Paul Tou, Quebec Mission Society joined us in our meal. Miho chan the daughter of Rhamelyn Kogawa our newest member of the community was there with us. It was  a simple and joyful gathering of the community members. The future plans include a retreat and spiritual renewal of the group.

A note from Mrs. Vivian Narumi

"Just a short note of thanks for all those who attend our monthly novena and rosary prayer , We are proud that some japanese and from vietnam joined our rosary , May God continue to bless all of us to unite spiritually .We feel extremely grateful that our church is lucky enough to have our Father Garry Gestoveo who is travelling long way around from Iwate Ken to Hirosaki shi  to lead our Novena and Mass . Father Garry we thank you for your service to the people of God."

  by  Vivian Narumi 

A Note from Diep Koshino

"I'm Diep  I'm Vietnamese I have known the Mass in every second  Wednesday of the month through my friend ,Mrs Pat Kikuchi. I have a language lesson at the same time with the worship activity, therefore I can not take part in fully from the beginning of this activity. However I'm really happy to have a chance to join with all of you. The Mass is very warm. The difference of language as well as culture seem disappeared and I can feel the love and peace and spirit sharing .

Father and all of you are so kind , cheerful and friendly."

 by  Diep Koshino

Praying together the Novena before the mass

Miho Chan desu-yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Iwate Ken

Visit to Emily Sasaki

After two months being out of the country, i feel i need to get into contact with the people in the community.  I visited Emily Sasaki in  Rikuzen Takata Yahagi. Its a 30-40 minutes drive from Ofunato. Emily is the one of the two Filipinas who are living in this area.
When we arrived, she was cleaning the house and  was alone because her children were in the day care center and in the school. She shared about her struggle in the her study of driving. She was hoping to get a driver`s license so that she could drive and start to work in the future.
Since it was humid, she brought us to the a spring near her house where they get water. She told us that her children is using the small creek as their pool during summer season. She also guided us to a small fish pond near her house.
I am just relieve to see Emily in high spirit. I encourage to study well to get the driver`s license so that she could drive from time to time to Rikuzen Takata and Ofunato.

Ichinoseki Mass

Ichinoseki is a two hour drive town from Ofunato. We have masses there once a month. We just started to celebrate the Tagalog mass in the area this year and I am happy to know that the participants is increasing. Last June 15 mass there were around 40 who join in the celebration. It was unexpected since we only have few contacts in the area. The most surprising discovery is that there are trainees in the area who are working in the factories. I am glad to know that some Filipinas in the area were generous to give them a ride to the church. At the same time there are those who are married to Japanese who compose mostly of the group. From next month we plan to have a fellowship after the mass so that we could have time to talk and know each other.




CAPACITAR Founder Gave Sessions to Ofunato

Dr. Patricia Mathes Cane giving one of the session in Ofunato Church

CAPACITAR Founder and CoDirector Patricia Mathes Cane,Ph.D, gave a seminar on wellbeing and healing in Ofunato church last June 16.  It was a great time having Pat as she directed us in the different tools to help us deal with stress and how to manage our emotions.

CAPACITAR is an international network working is over 35 countries, committed to communities affected by violence, poverty and trauma. Uniting people across borders, in solidarity, understanding and reconciliation. CAPACITAR`s vision is healing ourselves and healing our world. Using hands-on popular education approach, they teach simple wellness practices that leads to healing, wholeness and peace in the individual and in the world.

For two hours Dr. Pat gave us a hands on techniques on fingerholds to manage emotions, emotional freedom technique, the holds, head neck shoulder release and some techniques on acupressure for pain and traumatic stress. The participants were energized and learned simple skills on how to help themselves and other on how to manage pain, anger and stress. It is our hope that we can have a follow up session for this skills training so that we can deepen our knowledge with the techniques that were given to us.

refreshed faces of the participants after the different sessions

Yamaura Sensei Recieves Papal Recognition for his Tranlation of the Bible

We are all elated to know that our Parish council president Yamaura sensei received a Papal award for his work in translating the Bible is "Kesengo" or" Kesen Hougen." We had a simple fellowship in the church after the mass last June 23. 

Congratulation to Yamaura sensei and the Ofunato Community

Fukushima Ken

Shirakawa Church

Last June 2, Sister Marcy and Rose Marie Aoyagi conducted a seminar training program for the Shirakawa group discussing the topics on "Who is Jesus", The Fundamental Difference Between Faith and Belief", "Repent and Believe the Good News" and the meaning of the "Sign of the Cross". There were 8 who participated on the said seminar. This is part of the training of the leaders and also deepening their knowledge and faith about Jesus and the Church. This is series of seminar is conducted every first Sunday of the month in Shirakawa Catholic Church. 

Miyagi Ken

PhilCom Sendai Celebrates Independence Day

In Commemoration of the 115th Independence Day of the Philippines the PhilCom Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture celebrate it together with their 2nd Anniversary and the induction of the New Officers of the community.  
Here are some the pictures from the events. 

 Pagnanunumpa ng  mga PhilCom Sendai Officers 

that`s the Spirit of PhilCom Sendai 

To the Sendai PhilCom congratulations and for the new officers am looking forward to work together with you in our activities.  More power and God Bless.



The Tagalog Version of the Tsunami Stories made in Manga

Four different stories, four places and four Filipinas were featured in the comic book sponsored by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agancy) , DOST PHIVOLS (Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), NIED (Nationa Research Institutes for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency. The stories were from Imelda Suzuki of Watari Fukushima, Lorna Kikuta, of Ishinomaki Miyagi, Marivel Gunji, of Kessenuma Miyagi and Haydee Kaiyama of Rikuzentakata, Iwate Ken. 
Learning from our experience of the disaster, it is the hope of this comic book that we are prepare and that we will know what to do when a big disaster will happen like that of March 11, 2011. 

Remembering the First Gathering of the Foreigners in Sendai Diocese

June is a month when we had our first gathering of the foreigners in Sendai diocese.  Last year, we had our first gathering of the foreigners in Sendai Diocese in Fukushima. This event kick off some of the activities of the Sendai Support Center for the Foreigners. With the help from the different groups and people who gave their time and effort to facilitate the event.  We have come up with programs, events, organisations and communities building seminars for the different communities in Tohoku Region.  

We are still starting as a center for foreigners in the diocese. The greatest challenge is the distance of each community.  We are making a system that will respond to the needs of the foreigners and the communities in the diocese. We are learning and I know we are moving on the right direction. Keep praying and keep supporting your local communities.

The first gathering of Foreigners in Sendai Diocese June 2012