Ministry for Seniors, a.k.a., Sunrise Ministry, Launched

Ministry Heads Drs. Fernando and Estrellita Lopez gave an overview of the about how the ministry came into being – an idea from CTK parish priest Fr. Bong Tupino back in June 2016 who saw the need for a ministry which specially caters to the needs of seniors. It just so happened that by December 2016, the Lopez couple were completing their 21st year as chair couple for the Family & Life Ministry.

So the Lopez couple took on the challenge and began to form the core team. When the MVP group had their last retreat in November 2016, they devoted half a day to brainstorm on the ministry for seniors. But official planning was during a Tagaytay weekend in March this year, participated in by, aside from the chair couple – associate head couple Manolo and Linda Dayrit, Jorge and Baby Banal, Dan and Vinchu Lapid, Bon and Nina Intengan, Tony and Lupe Lazaro (whose Tagaytay house was planning venue), Louie and Nell Laudico, and Charito Barredo. Then in April, before the formal launch, a final organizational meeting was held, attended by Fr. Bong Tupino, to finalize the assignments to the different committees and planned activities.

“Why ‘Sunrise’? Many refer to the senior years as the ‘sunset years,’ but this is a misnomer, because the senior years are a preparation for a new life – a rising again to a new life with the Lord, hence we opted to call this the ‘Sunrise’ Ministry,” explained ministry co-head Estrelle Lopez.

At the 5 pm launch mass , core members of the ministry were assigned as lectors, readers of the Prayer of the Faithful and Prayer of Seniors, and offerors. The group asks for prayers from all parishioners for this novel ministry, the first ministry specifically for seniors in the Diocese of Cubao.

“The Sunrise ministry aims to enrich the lives of seniors spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. We will need your help to be able to achieve this formidable task,“ explained Doy Lopez. There was a fun moment when Bishop Raul sprinkled the core members with more than the usual amount of holy water after their induction. The extraordinary shower of holy water augured well for future blessings.

The group then proceeded to the formation center for fellowship, where they were joined by Fr. Bong Tupino.