Caceres holds first SKK Day
By Julma M. Narvadez
“An pinakamagayon na balaog na maitatao nyato sa satong Simbahan, an pagigin makusog, matibay asin buhay na buhay na SKK sa satong Arkidyosesis, (The best gift that we can give to the Church is to be a strong, effective and vibrant SKK in our Archdiocese.)” says Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona OCD, DD., in his video message to the participants of SKK Day held on June 5 at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City. SKK or Saradit na Kristyanong Komunidad refers to the basic ecclesial communities in Caceres.
“BEC is the heart of the pastoral ministry of the Church,” the Archbishop continued as he urged the participants to live out the spirit of BECs in their daily lives. In the Philippines, Trinity Sunday is designated as BEC Sunday. The SKK Day, held 6 days after Trinity Sunday, was also a post-BEC Sunday celebration.
Fr. Emmanuel G. Mojica, Archdiocesan BEC Coordinator, in his opening remarks, explained that the SKK Day was organized to assist the parishes to form and promote SKKs. He said that while SKKs are not yet present in all parishes, it is hoped that the activity will pave way for more parishes to establish SKKs in their respective communities.
Attended by SKK leaders from 17 parishes, the activity centered on the theme “St. Joseph as Model of Stewardship,” in keeping with 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. Fr. Wilmer S. Tria, Parish Priest of St. Raphael the Archangel, Pili, Camarines Sur and head of the Archdiocesan Education Ministry Cluster, was the resource speaker. Through his presentation, he led the participants to reflect on the virtues of St. Joseph and challenged them to emulate St. Joseph’s devotion to Jesus and Mary.
The gathering was capped by a Holy Mass with Fr. Gerome Pelagio, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Mission and Evangelization as main celebrant. In his homily, Fr. Pelagio said that SKKs are means to strengthen the Church as they foster intimacy and a sense of community among parishioners.
A music video of “SKK Song,” composed by Fr. Larry Mijares, parochial vicar of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, premiered during the program. Some parishes were also asked to give their brief sharing on the joys and challenges in their SKKs.
Aside from Fr. Mojica and Fr. Tria, the concelebrants were parish priests implementing SKK as a pastoral strategy, namely, Fr. Domingo Florida, Fr. Francisco Parza, Fr. Michael Marzan, Fr. Augusto Federico, Fr. Ryan Fenis, Fr. Wilfred Almoneda, Fr. Francis Tordilla. Other concelebrants were Fr. Joey Gonzaga, rector of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary and Fr. Erwin Blasa, seminary formator. Archbishop Tria Tirona who underwent a medical procedure could not physically attend.
From Naga City, the parishes represented were Immaculate Conception Parish, Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish, St. Jude Thaddeus Parish and Holy Cross Parish. From Pili, the parishes were St. Raphael the Archangel Parish and Christ the King Parish. From Baao, the parishes were St. Bartholomew Parish; St. John of the Cross, Agdangan, Baao; and St. Teresa of Avila Parish, San Vicente, Baao; From Tinambac, St. Joseph Parish, Tamban, Tinambac; Holy Family Parish, Sagrada, Tinambac. Also present were: Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, Bombon; Divine Mercy Parish, Paolbo, Calabanga; Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Santiago, Iriga City; Holy Trinity Parish, Bato; and St. Joseph Parish, San Jose, Camarines Sur.
The event was streamed live by the Caceres Commission on Communications. The video is currently available through the Archdiocese of Caceres fb page and the SKK Caceres youtube channel. Health protocols were observed.