Last September 22, 2015, the high school students and faculty gathered in the SJA Hall for the formal opening of the Catechetical Week. It is usually called “Catechetical Sunday” for it is celebrated annually on the Third Sunday of September, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, but in St. Joseph’s Academy, they celebrate it for five days. This is the time people reflect on the mission given to them by Christ. It is when they remember that they are witnesses of the Gospel. This year, it held the theme “Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person.”
In Ms. Bautista’s introduction, she reminded everyone of what baptism is about. The theme says that the people of God are created in His image and likeness. It tells that their baptism is not just a sacrament given to them because they deserve to be welcomed in the Christian community, but it is both a mission and a blessing given by Christ so that they could actively preach His Word and cherish a human life guided and protected by Him. This sacrament tells that you must endeavor the teachings of Jesus, that you must live for Christ and at least try to do good because you were initiated in His name.
Mr. Hidalgo then elaborated the message of the theme through his opening remarks. He explained every word starting from “safeguarding.” This word means “protection,” and is synonym to being vigilant. The next word is “dignity,” which the students said to be the rights and privacy of every person. Mr. Hidalgo also explained the message of the theme: “We are created in the image and likeness of God.” He enlisted the reasons why:
1. Our God is a loving God. A man is also capable of loving.
2. Our God is good. A man, by nature, is good.
3. Our God is a merciful God. A man has a forgiving capability.
4. Our God is Trinitarian. A man is a social being.
5. Our God is powerful and almighty. A man is a steward of God’s living Creation.
After Mr. Hidalgo’s explanation, he introduced a shadow play prepared by the students from 10th grade. It showed how the Lord commanded to the man and the woman, “Go and subdue the Earth.” They did, but it came with disobedience. This play also reminded everyone of the sins created by men in this present world. It showed the threats to human dignity like *** change, same *** marriage, child abuse, prostitution, child labor, human trafficking, graft and corruption, premarital ***, abortion, impurity of mind and heart, cheating, laziness and bad vices.
The program ended with the announcement of all the activities that will be done during the Catechetical Week, including poster-making, quiz bees and door decorations.
HI CHA! Edit mo nalang and give a title. Sabi ni Nate, "Safeguarding The Dignity Of Every Human Person: Catechetical Week Celebrated" nalang daw title, but ikaw bahala. Then he also said na kapag na-edit na yung article, submit to Dolon or Ben. 4 paragraphs lang yan, sabi ni Nate dapat daw 3 lang. Please help me edit yung 2nd paragraph because I think marami namang hindi importante dyan... Although hindi naman siya mali or opinions kasi lahat naman yan nakabase lang dun sa mga sinabi nung program, pero omit words na rin para mas umikli siya. Parang ang haba kasi eh. Masyadong descriptive. Thank you for the help Chaaaa! :)
