Fr. Jojo Gatdula Facilitates EMHC Lenten Recollection

The Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion, led by Albert Cuadrante, held their annual Lenten Recollection last March 30. Fr. Jojo Gatdula facilitated, introducing several novel activities including ‘Journey to Heaven’, ‘Pilgrim’s Dance’, and appreciation sit-downs. Aside from EMHC spouses, the Lectors and Commentators group was also invited.

The three-hour recollection was unique in that Fr. Jojo included interactive activities prior to starting with the recollection proper.

In ‘Journey to Heaven’, participants were asked to try and figure out the right path set by ‘God’ (played by Fr. Jojo) to get from Earth to Heaven. This activity was meant to make participants reflect on different points and feelings they felt as they tried to navigate the correct path.

‘Pilgrim’s Dance’ required the participants to line up, connected by holding each other’s shoulders and performed the simple 4-step choreography of the dance, meant to emphasise that our pilgrim image here on earth involves the participation and support of one another.

The recollection proper expounded on the theme, ‘With the state of the world today, was Christ’s death in vain?’ The obvious answer was ‘no’ and Fr. Jojo instead flipped this around and proposed that, given the current condition of the world, the death of Christ has become more intelligible, meaningful and relevant.

The day concluded with another activity where EMHCs and LeComs took turns being blindfolded and members of the community were asked to approach the blindfolded ministers and tell them that their service to the parish was highly appreciated.