|
JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEARS
In honor of the 50th anniversary of our
parish we will have a parishioner write a letter once a month
about their life and time here at St. Roberts.
This week we are proud to have Encar
Sanchez. |
Constantly on the Move I migrated to the US from the
Philippines and settled in San Francisco for a better job opportunity. In
1983, I moved to San Bruno and joined St. Roberts Church. As the years went
by, I not only witnessed the increase in members of the parish community,
but noticed their commitment to the parish. Parishioners organized
themselves into different groups working towards one common goal. Festivals
were held annually to raise funds for the parish school. I was moved by the
parish involvement in reaching out and helping the indigent families through
St. Vincent de Paul and visiting and comforting the sick and homebound by
the Legion of Mary. A prayer group known as the Consolation Ministry offered
support and prayers to those who have lost their loved ones. These motivated
me to get involved and commit myself to various ministries, committees, and
organization within the parish. I assisted a group in the fundraising
pledges for the construction of the Presentation Center to house the
kindergarten and adult computer classes. I have been a member of the Parish
Council, Liturgy Committee, Legion of Mary and the Renew Group, and am
currently a Eucharistic minster and Choir member. I admire both Sister
Sheral and Sister Patricia for their commitment towards others and believe
that their quarterly gathering of the caregivers guide them with their
healing actions, and have uplifted their sprits to this very noble work. Over the years I have traveled abroad, I had visited synagogues, mosques,
Buddhist temples an various other churches of different denominations
throughout Europe and Asia. I noticed that the worshippers respect,
commitment and love their faith with the focus of their religious assembly
and gathering. This inspired me to be more committed to St. Roberts Church
and adhere to whatever I believe will enhance my spiritual growth.
St. Roberts 6:30 a.m. Mass, shows its concern to the religious needs of the
working and early riser parishioners now referred to the as the 6:30 a.m.
Connection. Befriending the church goers and getting to know others have
encouraged more attendance to this early morning Mass and Communion Service.
Realizing the church’s need for other ethnic group involvement we, the
Filipino-American parishioners organized the Fil-Am group of St. Roberts. At
the early stage of its existence, the Group sponsored the Health Screening
Faire held at Hennessy Hall for three consecutive years, with the support of
Bay Area Organizations and hospitals. Free consultations and prescription
medications were given by Hr. Herman Valle and other physicians assisted by
Fil/Am members and volunteers with medical background.
Determined to share our time and give praises to the Lord thru music, The
Group formed the Fil/Am Choir. Celebrations honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz in
September Flores de Mayo with floral offerings and coronation of the Blessed
Mother in May and Simbang Gabi, a nine day early morning mass are the
spiritual, social and cultural activities of the group held annually. These
festive celebrations have brought the cultural heritage and traditions of
the Filipinos to the parish.
I look forward to the continued growth of St. Roberts Church as the year
progresses. Still moving? Not anymore, but may be for a
very good reason. Encar Sanchez |
