The Filipino parishioners of St. Barnabas Church in Scarborough had another fulfilling Christmas season. They celebrated the Philippine tradition by attending the "Simbang Gabi" Mass & novena at 5:30 in the morning  from Dec 15, 2011 to Christmas Eve.


Above photos shows  the  parishioners during the" Simbang Gabi" at St. Barnabas Church.

The parishioners owes this to the then Pastor Ben Ebcas, who started the "Simbang Gabi" in 2003, in coordination with the Filipino parishioners. Fr. Ben was later transferred to Our Lady of the Assumption in Bathurst Ave in Toronto, to be the head of AFCM (Archdiocesian Filipino Catholic Mission). This did not stop the present Pastor and his clergies (who are non-Filipinos) to continue this Philippine tradition and serve the Filipino Parishioners.




Pastor Fr. Edwin Gonsalves (Indian) and his Associate Fr. Paul Magyar (Slovakian) and Deacon Paul Djaja (Indonesian) diligently continued the wish of the Parishioners. The church ministry of Filipinos and non-Filipinos (Sacristans, Communion Ministers, Choir, Lectors, Ushers) served during this Novena that starts at 5:30 AM.
Above photos shows the Organist Joshua,  Fr. Edwin and  Deacon Paul  with the parishioners.
 


Joshua Tamayo, the organist and singer, provided the  music and led the Choir;  SK Romy Apolonio served as the lead usher;  The mixed group of Communion Ministers served in the Masses. Espie Cosme assigned the mixed group of Lectors.  Nida and Alex Rondilla led the men and lady volunteers prepare the hall and  arranged the snacks and refreshments.

The parishioners greatly appreciated Rev. Fr. Edwin and Fr. Paul, who  alternate as celebrants, while Deacon Paul served in all the Novena Masses.


The Filipino parishioners served light refreshment in the church hall after the Mass. This gave the out-of-town families and the visitors from the Philippines, to socialize. The visitors were so happy to be able to attend this Mass, Novena and socials. They felt like they are at home celebrating "Pasko sa Filipinas", in Canada. The celebration of the "Simbang Gabi" kept the families in the Parish closer together.
 
Photo on above lwft  shows the Altar Servers, Seminarians during the Mass; the volunteers in the hall.




 Above photos shows Fr. Edwin; with the parishioners;  Fr. Edwin  blessed  the couples who celebrated their wedding anniversaries,  which include   Sir George & Lady Dolly Poblete  and Raffy & Nelda Regular (on their  55th and 40th  anniversaries respectively)



Above photos shows some visiting  families from the Philippines, with the Choir members; Fr. Edwin enjoyed the socials with the  volunteer  parishioners.

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine