Themes

Dear recollection facilitators,

Every recollection must have one main theme that set as an objective as well as the unifying element of
the entire activities within the recollection. There are at least three major themes are commonly used.

1. On Self (or Self-Discovery)

Recollection theme on 'Self' focuses on the identity of Christian person. It tries to help the participants
to explore God's given purpose in their lives. Created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by
Jesus Christ, human persons are destined to be with God and enjoy the friendship with . Thus,
recollection should bring the participants into a deeper apparition of their identity and inspire them to
live out their identity as friends of God.

2. On Family

Recollection theme on 'Family' zooms in on the essence of Christian family, especially unique roles that
every member family has. Living in the modern-day context, many participants inevitably face
unfortunate situation of 'broken' family. The classical definition of family is constantly challenged and
distorted by human sinfulness. Thus, the recollection should bring the participants not only to better
understanding of Christina concept of family, but also to motivate them to initiate the process of
reconciliation and re-integration in their own lives and families. God must always be the center of every
family because family is not simply a social reality but also spiritual reality.

3. On Friendship

Recollection theme on 'Friendship' centers on the personal and warm relationship among fellowmen
and women that goes beyond the bond of blood. However, this early friendship is patterned and points
to the heavenly reality: the friendship of the Three Divine Persons. The participants are invited to
recognize the qualities of true friendship, that without realizing them, they have possessed them. Yet,
more than just establishing a good kind of friendship among themselves, they are asked to open the
possibility to go beyond, even open their kindness to more people and even dare to face the risk of
failures and betrayal in friendship.

ructures

Dear recollection facilitators,

essence, the structure of a recollection should embody flexibility and dynamism. As the contextual
needs arise, the facilitator is ready to make necessary adjustments. However, it does not justify the
critical element of preparation. The basic preparation a facilitator must have is the module. This part is
dedicated on the essential parts of a recollection, contained in a modular form.

A. Introduction

Opening Prayer - always start with a prayer! Recollection is an spiritual activity centered on God, thus
prayer is a must to set the mood. Prayer can be done in creative ways.

Getting to know each other - the facilitator must not be a stranger to the group, but he/she comes to be
someone to be trusted. To know the participants also establishes that decisive connection that will
determine the course of recollection.

Orientation - another important phase is that the participants are aware of what they are in now. Thus,
the facilitator shall introduce the meaning of recollection, the theme, and some basic rules. (Remember
that rules are not intended to curb freedom, but facilitate freedom). It is also good to hear the
participants' expectations as this may help the facilitator address some unexpected issues

B. Session Proper

Activity - make the participants active! The first rule of the game is that recollection is spiritual activity of
the participants, not the facilitator. Thus, facilitator shall design and facilitate activities that would
belong to the participants. Activities are expected to take a lion share of the recollection. These
activities hopefully lead the participants into a desired theme and though unexpected discoveries are
always welcome.

Processing - someone get to explain what they are doing. The point is not to simply superimpose the
facilitator's ideas on conducted activities, but to allow the participants to express their discoveries. The
facilitator is to paraphrase and organize these discoveries so that they would be clearly perceived by the
participants.

Talk - give them insight if necessary. A talk might be good devise to encapsulate the session. For elder
generation, it may take a longer time to expand the theme, but concise and creative talk is always
desired. The talk might be scraped altogether if the activity and processing yield a fruitful outcome.

C. Recapitulation and Conclusion

Recapitulation and conclusion - have a good ending. Though recollection is a spiritual activity, there may
have a lot of fun and insight along the way. The participants may learn a lot yet fail to put everything
into a big picture. This is the right time to once again to put things into a right perspective. More
importantly, the participants would bring something home.

Eucharist Celebration - God is always our culmination. The distinctive mark of Catholic recollection is the
present of the real Christ. This only takes place when there is the celebration of the Eucharist. However,
if the just cause might not allow the celebration, then a nice and creative closing prayer will do the job.
 Dear recollection facilitators,

Here are our sample modules classified by theme:

1. Self

THEME: SELF-DISCOVERY
Title: Who?

OBJECTIVES:
1. To be able to gradually recognize their unique identity and special mission.
2. To be able to identify the importance of their friends in their lives as they discover
themselves.
3. To be able to offer themselves into the God.

TIME ACTIVITY Key Poin

Frame

9:00 am Introduction
1. Opening prayer  To get the
of the stude
 Facilitator asks the students to be silent and assume meditative
position.  To set and
the mood o
 Facilitator leads the prayer prepared and reads the Gospel reading
students
(Gen 1:26-31).

9:15 am Orientation
1. Short explanation of the meaning of recollection and the theme/title.  To have a b
2. Schedule and House Rules knowledge
3. Drawing expectations from both sides recollection
goals
9:30 am
Session 1: Who Am I?/ Name Your Name

Activity I: The meaning of your name  To accomp

first objectiv
a) The facilitator introduces himself by explaining the meanings/history
behind his name.
b) The facilitator asks the students to reflect on why their parents gave
that kind of name. Preferably, the students are guided by some
written questions and given several minutes to reflect/write down
their answer.
c) The students are asked to draw and decorate with colors their names
(first name, nick name or last name) on a bond paper.
d) The students are also asked to write down the meaning and the
history of their name on the same bond paper.
Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share the meaning of their names and

drawings.
Processing:
a) Name is the first gift of from our parents. It’s the first sign of love since
they wanted us to be born. It’s our first identity that we are loved. We
don’t earn our name, but someone gives to us this identity.
b) It might be also a curse. Names become our prison as our identity is
determined by the ‘stigma’ of the names. We are free to surrender to
those stigmas or to live up to your original identity.
a) God commanded us to name the creations (Gen 2:18). It is thus our
destiny to name the creation and become the co-creator of God.
Naming is very powerful act since it brings things under our
domination. We are free to use this power to destroy others or to love
and give life to others.

10:30 am Snacks

11:00 am Ice Breaker: Break-Break! (c/o Br. Aaron)  To energize

students af
a. The students are to sit on their respective chair as they will use their
and to disp
laps and hands for series of ‘claps’.
before the s
b. The facilitator is to give sign with its corresponding ‘clap’ (ex. Break session
one for the simples ‘clap’)
c. The students are to compete in their attentiveness in following the
sign given by the facilitator
 Session 2: Who Are You?
- Reading of the Bible passages (Gen 2:7-8, 18-25)

Activity I: Your Friend’s Face  To accomp

second obje
a) The students are to prepare a bond paper and coloring materials.
b) The students are group by two, preferably close friends.
c) The students are asked to draw the face of their friend and narrate
the story of their friend.

Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share their experiences on the first activity.

Processing
a) We are created in the image and likeness of God who is trinity. Thus,
we are created as communal/social being. We cannot live without
other people.
b) We are incomplete and God created an equal helpmate to discover
who we really are. It is in relation with other persons that we discover
who we are deeper.
c) True friendship is not relation of domination and control, but of
freedom and hope. We don’t impose our own image/ideas to our
friends but rather let them grow in their own identity.

12:00 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Ice Breaker: Break-Break!  To energize

students af
break and t
them before
session

 To accomp
third object
1:45 pm Session 3: I Am who Am
- Reading of the Bible passages (Gen 2:7-8, 18-25) or (Mat 16:13-18)
 Activity I: Our Story in God (Guided Sharing).
a) The facilitator shares his vocation story to set the mood and offer
inspiration.
b) The facilitator gives questions to ponder on:
I. Who do people say about me?
II. Who I am actually?
III. What is the great experience that changes my life and greatly
shapes my identity?
IV. How do I see God working in this experience?
c) The students are to be given enough time to reflect on the questions.
d) The students are asked to share their answers in group sharing.
Activity II: Candle and Flower
a) The facilitator introduces the 4 magic words (I love you; thank you; I
am sorry; Help me)
b) The students are to be given candle and flower
c) The student is to give the candle/flower to the person that is ‘special’
to him/her as they say the magic words to his/her special friend.
Processing
a) In God, that we find our true identity (in his image and likeness) and
destiny (“You are mine”).
b) Our stories are caught in the story of God. We find the meanings and
fulfillment of our stories in Him.
Activity III: Letter Writing

 The students are to write a letter to God.

2:15 pm  They may color or decorate their letter.

Recapitulation and Conclusion

 The facilitators are to remind the students of the whole activities and the
values they could instill.
2:45 pm
 The facilitators are to close the recollection with the word of thanksgiving
and prayer.
3:00 pm Holy Eucharist

2. Family

THEME: FAMILY
Title: Facebook Family

OBJECTIVES:
1. To be able to recognize their roles/place in their family in relation to other family
members.
2. To be able to identify the importance of their friends in their lives.
3. To be able to bring themselves and their family into the presence of God.

TIME ACTIVITY Key Points MA

Frame

8:30 am Introduction
1. Opening prayer  To get the attention  N
of the students o
2. Getting to know each other
s
 To set and prepare
 The facilitators introduce themselves in creative way. t
the mood of the f
 The facilitators try to get some information and students
expectation from the students.  C

8:45 am Orientation  S
p
1. Short explanation of the meaning of recollection  To have a basic
t
and the theme/title knowledge of the
c
2. Schedule and House Rules recollection and its
3. Drawing expectations from both sides goals  W
b
m

9:00 am
Session 1: My Family Time Line
  To accomplish the  S
first objective p
Activity I: Drawing a Family Time Line.
p
a) The students are asked to draw and color a family
 d
time line one sheet bond paper.
(
b) The students are to identify and fill up “one box” in w
the time line with the information on one family m
member. Ex: one box of the father containing
information about the date-place of birth, favorite  M
movies, habits, works, special events and how the t
student relate with the father. f
c
c) After finishing their drawings, the students are to
post and display their drawings on the wall of the
classroom.
Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share the meaning of their

drawings.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather the points of their

sharing.

 The facilitator is to give the important values of first

session:

 Everyone has a special place in the family

 Everyone has a unique role in the family

 The students know that they are accepted

and loved by their family.

10:15 am Snacks

10:45 am Ice Breaker: Break-Break!  To energize the  P

students after break (
a. The students are to sit on their respective chair as
and to dispose them
they will use their laps and hands for series of ‘claps’.
before the second
b. The facilitator is to give sign with its corresponding session
‘clap’ (ex. Break one for the simples ‘clap’)
c. The students are to compete in their attentiveness
in following the sign given by the facilitator

Session 2: Real Chatting

Activity I: Duet Sharing
 a) The students are to find a friend (preferably close
one)
 To accomplish the
b) The group is to chat and intimately share something second objective
about their family.
c) Guide question (optional):
a. What happen in your family now?
b. What is the ideal family for you?
c. Who is your favorite? (father, mother,
grandmother, etc.)
d. Special events in the family life?

Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share their experiences on

the first activity.

 The students are to tell something about their

partner.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather the points of their

sharing.

 The facilitator is to give the important values of

second session:

 Everyone has a special story to share with

others and as we narrate our story, we also
shape other people’s stories.

 How important it is to trust our friends as we

discover ourselves

12:15 am Lunch

1:15 pm Ice Breaker: Moko-Moko Dance  To energize the  B

students after the (
break and to dispose e
them before the third s
session
 C
 To accomplish the m
third objective
 M
1:20 pm Session 3: Emmanuel: The Lord is with us
c
Activity I: Letter from God b
e
 The facilitator read a special letter from God to the
students.  T
f
Activity II: Letter from a Parent
G
 The facilitator read a special letter from a p
parent to the students (
t
Activity III: Word of God on Your Wall
 B
a) The students are to choose a bible passage that (
would strikes them most. o
b) The students are to write and decorate that s
passage on one piece of short bond paper.  C
c) The students are assigned to give that passage to a
their parents in
b
m
Activity IV: Reconciliation

 The students are taught the 4 Magic Words:

i. Thank you
ii. I love you
iii. I am sorry
iv. Help me.

 He/she is to give the candle to someone ‘special’

in the group and say to him/her one of the magic
words. The next student who receives the candle
will submit his/her letter and do the same process
done by the previous student.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather all the letters.

 The facilitator is to give the important values of

third session:

 We do not have only relationship with other

human beings, but also with God.

 We are created in the image and likeness of

God.
  He always eager to love us and listen to us
(thus, we write Him a letter)

Recapitulation and Conclusion

2:40 pm
 The facilitators are to remind the students of the whole
activities and the values they could instill.

 The facilitators are to close the recollection with the word

of thanksgiving and prayer.

 The facilitators are to help the students to dispose

themselves before attending the Holy Eucharist

Preparation before the Holy Eucharist

2:45 pm

3:00 pm Holy Eucharist

3. Friendship
THEME: FRIENDSHIP
Title: Facebook Friends

OBJECTIVES:
1. To be able to gradually recognize their unique identity and special mission
through their friends.
2. To be able to identify the importance of their friends and friendship in their lives
as they discover themselves.
3. To be able to enjoy the friendship with God, the true Friend.

TIME ACTIVITY Key Points MA

Frame

9:00 am Introduction
1. Opening prayer  To get the attention  N
of the students o
  Facilitator asks the students to be silent and assume  To set and prepare s
meditative position. the mood of the t
students f
 Facilitator leads the prayer prepared.
2. Getting to know each other

 The facilitators introduce themselves in creative way

 The facilitators try to get some information from the

students.

9:15 am Orientation  S
p
1. Short explanation of the meaning of recollection  To have a basic
t
and the theme/title (to help understanding, the facilitator knowledge of the
can us the facebook analogy: facebook account: sign up, c
recollection and its
information about self, profile, pictures, etc. goals  W
2. Schedule and House Rules b
3. Drawing expectations from both sides m

9:30 am  S
p
Session 1: Your Symbol/ Your Profile Pictures
 d
(
Activity I: Drawing of your symbol/your profile pictures  To accomplish the w
first objective m
a) The students are asked to pair themselves
(preferable close friends)  M
t
b) The students are asked to draw and color any
symbol that would represent his/her partner, and
draw his/her partners’ face on one sheet bond
paper
c) The students are to identify the symbol which would
represent his/her partner
d) After finishing their drawings, the students are to
post and display their drawings on the wall of the
classroom.
Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share the meaning of their

drawings.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather the points of their

sharing.
  The facilitator is to give the important values of first
session:

 Your true friend sees you as one who has a

special identity (even thought the symbol
might be the same)

 Your true friend will help you identifying and

fulfilling your unique.

 The students know that they are in

continuous self-discovery.

10:30 am Snacks

11:00 am Ice Breaker: Break-Break!  To energize the  O

students after break n
a. The students are to sit on their respective chair as
and to dispose them
they will use their laps and hands for series of ‘claps’.  P
before the second
b. The facilitator is to give sign with its corresponding session
‘clap’ (ex. Break one for the simples ‘clap’)  1
c. The students are to compete in their attentiveness s
in following the sign given by the facilitator

Session 2: Online Games

Activity I: Team Building.
a) On Board.
 To accomplish the
b) Samson, Tiger and Delilah.
second objective
c) Bring the Stick Down.
d) Group yourself
e) Group and follow the sign
f) The Paper Bridge
Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share their experiences on

the first activity.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather the points of their

sharing.

 The facilitator is to give the important values of

second session:
  Everyone has a special role in the group and
contribute uniquely to the group’s dynamics.

 How important it is to trust our friends as we

discover ourselves.

12:00 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Ice Breaker: Break-Break!  To energize the  S

students after the p
break and to dispose
them before the third  E
session P
J
 To accomplish the (
third objective t
1:45 pm Session 3: Emmanuel: The Lord is with us (Beyond the f
Facebook)
 V
Activity I: Magic Puzzle Making.
a) The facilitator introduces the 4 magic words (I love
you; thank you; I am sorry; Help me)
b) The students are to be given a piece of puzzle as
they say the magic words to his/her special friend.
c) They are to complete the whole puzzle.
d) The facilitators are to see to it that the students will
complete their puzzle within the allocated time
frame.
Activity II: Sharing

 Some students are to share their experiences on

the first activity.
Processing

 The facilitator is to gather the points of their

sharing.

 The facilitator is to give the important values of

second session:

 As we discover ourselves, we discover God

in each one of us.
  We are created in the image and likeness of
God.

 He always eager to love us and listen to us

(thus, we write Him a letter)

Activity III: Letter Writing

 The facilitator reads the letter from Jesus

2:15 pm
 The facilitator reads some replies to the letter.

 The students are to write a letter to God.

 They may color or decorate their letter.

2:45 pm
Recapitulation and Conclusion

 The facilitators are to remind the students of the whole

activities and the values they could instill.

 The facilitators are to close the recollection with the word

of thanksgiving and prayer.

3:00 pm Holy Eucharist

Reflections

Dear recollection facilitators,

This section is devoted to reflections that may be used for the 'Talk' session or any part of recollection
deemed to be proper.

Vocation and Profession

(Matthew 12:46-50)

What would be the difference between vocation and profession? I stumble across this question when I
ask my Mukha Ad brother, “Why do you want to be a priest?” He replies, “Actually to be a teacher is my
first option, not really a priest.” His answer does not surprise me since he is not the first seminarian who
brings up that reason. Yet, I know that my follow-up question would be significantly more crucial, “You
know that it is not your first option, and you need to sacrifice many things to become a priest, but why
do you still struggle to stay put being a brother?” His answer excites me. “I feel an inner peace and joy
every time lay Mukha Ad-ers sincerely say thanks. I know that all my efforts and labors to spiritually help
them have been a fruitful one.” After he says his last piece, I immediately shift the topic of conversation
to avoid the same questions bounce back to me!

My Novice Master, echoing the insight of Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, OP, says that it is fine to enter for the
wrong reason, but we need to have a right reason to stay. We may become a doctor, a teacher, and
even a brother for a wrong reason, but it does not matter since it does not define who we are. What
matters is that we stay put for a right reason. This reason empowers and emboldens us to hurdle even
those extremely difficult situations and still we find a little piece of happiness in this midst of tribulation.
This reason is what we call vocation.

Unlike profession, vocation knows no time limit. A mother cannot say that she would be a mother every
weekday from 8 AM to 5 PM only! Or in an emergency situation, a doctor cannot say, “Oh look for
another doctor. I am having weekend off! Or, a priest cannot simply become a priest only every
weekend yet play with girls every weekday! Vocation is life-long commitment and precisely it defines
who we are.

Unlike profession, vocation knows no career. Well, a husband cannot expect that he would be the
majority stock holder and earn billions from his marriage. Definitely there are certain ranks and
academic positions one can attain, but most of the teachers especially in the Philippine and Indonesian
context, will remain simple and ordinary teachers throughout their lives. I myself cannot say that after
20 years, I would grab the rectorship of Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas! Most likely, I
would turn to be simple brother for the entire of my life. Vocation is sacrifice and it precisely defines
who we are.

If vocation does not give anything good, but why do people stand their ground to their chosen vocation?
It is simply because vocation brings us something that even the best profession could not offer. It is to
discover that after all the struggles and disfigured realities we have to endure, our life is not a waste at
all, but it has been a meaningful and fruitful one. In the world of education, the greatest reward a
teacher can earn is not bulk of money or a brand-new BMW, but to see his students succeed in life and
even surpass him.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that doing the Father’s will is a vocation and not profession. This is why
He describes those who do God’s will as his family members since there is no career in the family, but
vocation. Vocation is not about earning wealth, glory or power, it is about profound fulfillment of
helping people grow and flourish. It is a joy of serving and loving others. This is why St. Therese of Lisieux
says that her vocation is to love. Every one of us is called to do the Father’s will that is to love no matter
profession we have.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

[1] The author is personally indebted this insight to Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP

“Woman, behold your son!”

No where in the bible we can discover that Jesus calls his mother, ‘mother’. Not even He addresses her
with the beautiful name, ‘Mary’. Jesus names her ‘Woman’! Certainly Jesus does not teach us disrespect
by calling our own father, “Yo, Man, what’s up!” Rather, He recognizes who Mary really is, her true and
deepest identity. On the cross, Jesus reveals the name of Mary, ‘the Woman’, because she is the new
Eve. While the old Eve, the first woman, failed and fell, Mary, the new Eve, remains faithful even until
the most painful end.

Who could bear to see her only son, the fruit of her womb, being unjustly condemned as a criminal,
tortured like an animal and humiliatingly crucified before all eyes? Yet, Mary did not run away, she did
not weep, she did not kneel, but she stood firmly under the cross (John 19:25)! The ‘Yes’ Mary said to
God in the Annunciation, is the same ‘Yes’, she professed to her Son, under the cross. She remained
faithful, while the rest of humanity fail and fall.

Look at Jesus’ male disciples! Practically almost all male disciples ran for their lives. Peter, the boldest
among all, denied his Master thrice. Judas cheaply sold Him at the price of a slave. Others were
scattered and nowhere to be found. The community of disciples that Jesus painstakingly had gathered
was eventually disbanded under the cross. However, not every body left Jesus hanging on the cross.
Mary stood and looked at her Son. It was at the cross, the greatest sufferings the world could inflict,
Jesus saw who the true disciples were, the one who followed Him till the end. Remarkably, she was the
first disciple of him and in fact, the last, Mary the Woman.
Like Mary, our authentic identity and characters reveal themselves under the cross, under great
sufferings, and sometimes on the face of death. The genuine disciples of Jesus can only be found under
the cross. And through the cross, like Mary, we are admitted into the household of God, the community
of believers: “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from
that hour the disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27).

Do we say a little prayer and sign of the cross in public for simple blessing we receive? Do we go to the
Church every Sunday despite boredom and laziness? Just in case our boyfriend runs with another
woman, are we able to forgive them, or we rather look for the payback time? In dire need of money, are
we going to remain honest, or we start seeking opportunity for corruption?

Under the cross, in the face of disintegrating old group and hopeless death of its founder, the embryo
of a new community springs up. It is the community of believers who like Mary, recognize God even in
most battered humanity of Jesus; believers that hold fast despite no good future in their gaze; believers
who see the seed of resurrection in the disfigured realities of life. There is no resurrection without the
cross. The genuine disciples of Jesus can only be found under the cross. Only through Christ’s cross, we
can say that we are truly Christians.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

For When We Are Weak, Then We Are Strong

Christianity has been stamped as the religion of weak people. One of the reasons is that it teaches us,
Christians, to love our enemies, to pray for those who have persecuted us and to forgive those who have
wronged us (Mat 5:53 and 6:16). We are also accused to have suicidal tendency and submissive
mentality as thousands of our fellow Christians choose to die a martyr death rather than to fight back
their persecutors. And the summit of all contempt is that we believe that God became a poor and feeble
man, and even he died the most shameful death on the cross. “God is dead!” what miserable belief!
Friedrich Nietzsche, one of the most influential German philosophers in 19th century, views Christianity
as the morality of mediocre people and further proclaims ‘God is dead’.

Before we answer that allegation, I would like to invite everybody to look back into the history of
humanity. Man has this tendency to hate and hurt others, and our history is many of times written
through blood and violence. The biggest events that mark and change the course of our history are
actually wars and bloody revolutions, i.e. the French revolution, the first and the second world wars, and
the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We consider also the greatest and most famous
historical figures are actually those leaders in wars, i.e. Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte and
Adolf Hitler.
Having this historical view in mind, the birth of Jesus into the world two thousand years ago is then not
without a purpose. He comes to preach the good news. He announces that our God is not merciless
judge that scrutinizes his subjects for every detailed mistake and punishes them severely, but forgiving
Lord that rejoices for our conversion (Luke 15:20). He is not Greek God who is playing favoritism and
makes fun of his creatures, but God who causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and sends
down rain to fall on the upright and the wicked alike (Mat 5:45). He is not a poker-faced and selfish God
who is residing at a remote and hidden place, but an intimate and providing God whom he dearly calls
“Abba, Father” (Mark 14:36).

However, Jesus does not only preach the good news, but he is also the embodiment of the good news.
This might be understood as he does what he preaches, but more than that, he is actually the fulfillment
of this good news, and in fact he is the Good News himself. When humanity is shut in the culture of
violence, he comes to embrace all the worst humanity can do in his passion, to stop the vicious cycle of
violence in his death at the cross and to make them fruitful in his resurrection. When Jewish society in
Jesus’ time could no longer conceive something better than “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” mentality,
Jesus opens up a fresher and fertile possibility of the culture of compassion and perfects it in himself
when he forgives those who nail him to the cross and even provides an excuse for them. “Father, forgive
them; they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

An essential part of Jesus’ good news is to invite those who follow Him to be like God in whom He
believes (Mat 19:21). If then our God is loving and forgiving, then we need to love and forgive others as
well. But, we can only forgive those who have wronged us and our enemies. This is the critical threshold
for those are well rooted in the culture of hatred, those who draw their strength from oppression. The
good news may come to be a bad news! To forgive, like Jesus, we have to learn to refuse to be a channel
of violence, end the stream in us, and make it fruitful. But, the moment we attempt to forgive, we face
great powers moving against us, both from within and from without ourselves. From within, we have to
undergo painful process of uprooting ourselves from the stabile old self that is rooted in hatred. While,
from without, we move against the whole world that adores the culture of violence. Thus, only those
who are truly courageous and enormously strong are able to forgive, and they call themselves Christian.

To love and to forgive are real test of strength and an essential part of the definition of being a Christian.
Which are more difficult, to divorce our spouse because of irreconcilable differences, or to remain
faithful and loving for the sake of the spouse and especially the children? Which are harder, to dump a
new born baby since it is wanted or to rear and love the child despite the sacrifices a mother has to
endure? For those who uphold the culture of violence, what Christians are doing are mere insanity and
sign of weakness, but for those who are called, it is Christ the power and the wisdom of God (1 Cor
1:24). We are to love and to forgive not because we are weak, but because we are strong enough to
embrace the history of humanity that has been colored by violence and blood and make them fruitful in
the resurrection of Christ. We are blessed that we believe in Jesus’ God who is loving and merciful, and
together with St. Paul, we say that we are well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses,
with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when we are weak, then we are strong. (2 Cor
12:10)

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Customized Modules
Each group that goes on a spiritual journey is unique and special. We design and adjust
modules to suit the particular needs of the requesting group. Just give PraySing Ministry ample
lead time to customize and prepare the recollection or retreat module for your group.

Current Modules
Recollections Retreats

 Discernment: The Art of  Who Am I in God's

Choosing Well
 Living the Dream: My
Dream and God's Dream
 God, Our Home and Our
Hope
 Praying with Peter
 Praying with Ignatius
 My Heart's Thanksgiving
 One World: An
Experience of Global
Solidarity
 Called to Shepherd: A
Recollection for Leaders
 Called to be Vessels of
Mercy in Motion
Eyes?
 Praying the Desires
of My Heart in God's
Heart
 Change My Heart,
Lord (A Retreat with
St. Peter)
 Prayer of Direction
 Retreats based on
the themes of the
Spiritual Exercises
 CHRISTOPHER RIVERA BALDEMOR
baldemorchris@yahoo.com.ph
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Kapuso, Kapamilya, Kaberks
(A Module for the Second Year High School Students)

Objective: To strengthen the relationship with family, friends, and God.

§ The maturity of handling relationship must be appreciated.
§ The importance of relationship is a challenge.

8:00 – 8:30 AM Theme Song for the Recollection: “Hawak Kamay”

Hawak KamayYeng Constantino

Minsan madarama mo kay bigat ng problemaMinsan mahihirapan ka at masasabing di ko na
kayaTumingin ka lang sa langitBaka sakaling may masumpungan`Di kaya akoy tawaginMalalaman mo na
kahit kailan
Chorus:Hawak kamayDi kita iiwan sa paglakbayDito sa mundong walang katiyakanHawak kamayDi kita
bibitawan sa paglalakbaySa mundo ng kawalan
Minsan madarama moAng mundo`y gumuguho sa ilalim ng iyong mga paaAt ang agos ng problema’y
tinatangay kaTumingin ka lang sa langitBaka sakaling may masumpunganDi kaya ako’y
tawaginMalalaman mong kahit kailan [Chorus]
`Wag mong sabihin nag-iisa kaLaging isipin meron kang kasamaNarito ako oh, Narito ako…
[Chorus]Sa mundo ng kawalanHawak kamay, Hawak kamaySa mundo ng kawalan…

The purpose of the song “Hawak Kamay” is to present us the value of every one. A class who having the
recollection, is a group who attaining one goal of recollecting one past in order to check his life in the
future. Problems are reality in our life, we cannot deny them. This problem is not only for one person,
there is another who involve in a particular problem. It is face either by two or more person, a group of
friends, a family, a community or even a society. Therefore, the problem must also solve not by one
person alone. However, it must solve by those concern persons by a form of good and healthy
conversation with one another.

8:30 - 9:00 AM: Orientation: Recollection (optional)

What is recollection?
re - again
collection – gathering together of the pass

Recollection is gathering of the pieces of the past; our own experiences whether good and bad in order
for us to determine the kind of life that is appropriate for us and at the same time know what God wants
us to be.

Recollection is the day of examining ourselves as regards to our relationship with God, with others and
with ourselves by consulting God’s will through prayer, reflection and sharing.

Analogy: The importance of time-out.

Elements of Good Recollection:

ShaRP: sharp to our future; to have a strategy of our aim in living.

S Silence: to listen the voice of God

Sha Sharing to share our experiences with our neighbor
R Reflect: reflect on our daily living
P Pray: To talk with God; say your baggage in life, praise Him, asks for
forgiveness and thank Him.

9:00 – 9:20 AM: Activity: Faces

The facilitator will distribute the activity picture to the participants and ask to color them with the given
crayon. Every participant should do this activity.

Materials:
Crayon: Red, Green, Orange, Blue, Indigo, Purple and Yellow
Bond paper with the image of father and mother

The facilitator will explain to the participants the activity clearly. There will be eight (8) colors to be
applied on this activity. The colors are
Red = afraid, fear
Green = happy
Yellow = comfortable
Orange = abandoned
Blue = troubled
Indigo = safe
And Purple = contented
9:20 – 10:00 AM: Groupings and Sharing
Groupings Small Group Sharing (SGS):
Material: Cut Newspaper
Instruction:
After the activity “faces” the facilitator will divide the participants in to a small groups. The facilitator
will distribute the cut newspaper to the participants. After the distribution of the papers, the
participants will go around and look for the other parts of the newspaper to finish the puzzle. The
participants who joined together will be the members of each group. The facilitator will shortly explain
the importance of the groupings through comparing the value of each members and the activity. We can
see from this activity the necessity of each other to form an image. We cannot complete the picture if
one of those participants will be lost or does not participate. Then, the sharing will start within the
groups.

Guide Questions for SGS:

How’s my relationship with my family especially to my mother and father?
How am I as their child?
What action that I will promise to do in order to strengthen my relationship with my family: Father,
Mother brother/s and sister/s?

- - - - - - Break - - - - - -

10:00 - 10:30 AM: Snack Break

10:30 – 12:00 Talk 2: Deepening

Big Group Sharing

In this time, every participant will share their feelings from what they shared on the Small Group. The
facilitator will write on the boar every answer and point of participants during the sharing. The facilitator
will ask every participant to show their work on the front. Then, the facilitator will ask:

What message he/she wants to reveal from his/her work?

Follow-up question: if there is something ironical form the work of the participant, the facilitator will ask
what means of that one.

Why you put that in your work?

After the sharing of all the participants, the facilitator will make a deepening from the every point that
the participants shared.
The facilitator will connect the experiences of the participants to the life of Jesus, from the life ministry
of Jesus until His Resurrection. He will also share some of his experiences from the every point. The
objective of this talk is to realize by the participants that Jesus is our model in our living. After the
sharing, the facilitator will summarize the talk.

The facilitator will ask the participants these questions as for the big group sharing:
What do you feel while applying the color in the face of your mother/father?
Why do you put that color/s on your father/mother, what do you want to express on that color/s?

Deepening
Some Possible Answers:

Feelings
In the life of Jesus/ how Jesus face it
Afraid
while praying at the garden of Gethsemani
Angry
When he threw out the collectors and traders out of the temple
Abused
When he was being scourged at the pillar
Abandoned
When all of his disciples ran out after he was punished to death
Broken
When his disciples faith were still uncertain
Battered
Passion of Christ
Calm & Comforted
while giving sermon at the Mount
Care
When felt compassion with the oppressed people
Confidence
While teaching his disciples about God
Confuse
Confused if He will take or pass away the cup being offered by the Father
Helpless
While he was being beaten up by the roman soldiers
Hurt
While he was being accused of insurgency, blasphemy and condemned to death
Loving
Through loving the lowly people and less fortunate ones
Mad
When he threw out the collectors and traders out of the temple
Nervous
While praying and agonizing at the garden of Gethsemani
Peaceful
While still sleeping in the midst of a storm in the sea of Galilee
Powerless
While He was at the cross
Pained
While being crucified at the cross
Rejected
When he was being belittled by his own townmates
Sad
When he saw his disciples little faith
Submissive
When he fully accepted the will of the Father for him to suffer and die at the cross to redeem the world
Tired
After he finished healing the sick
Torn
When he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot
Weak
While being drag by the roman soldiers on their way to Golgotha
Disappointed
When he saw his disciples little faith
Disturbed
He was disturbed by the priests’ notion of washing hands before eating. (it is not the food that we eat
that makes us dirty but the words that are going out of our mouths)
Dependent
Whenever he cures the sick, he depends on God
Depressed
When he was betrayed by the kiss of Judas Iscariot
Enthusiastic
Whenever he goes to a place where hungry souls are rampant
Grateful
When he blessed the loaves and fishes during the multiplication of the bread. (he thanked first God for
the blessings and distributed it to the people).
Happy
Whenever he sees how great the faith of a person

From these feelings and emotions, we can know and recognize who we are? What kind of personality
we have? What is the family background we have? How we act? And even how we deal with others?

Before we go, let us ones look what is the meaning of family. A term derived from the Latin, famulus,
servant, and familia, household servants, or the household (cf. Oscan famel, servant). According to the
Webster Dictionary, family is a group of people consisting of parents and their children; they are closely
related by blood, their cousins, their aunts, and uncles which descended from common ancestry.
On the other hand, according to the catholic teaching, family:
Christ not only restored the family to its original type as something holy, permanent, and monogamous,
but raised the contract from which it springs to the dignity of a sacrament, and thus placed the family
itself upon the plane of the supernatural. The family is holyinasmuch as it is to co-operate with God by
procreating children who are destined to be the adopted children of God, and by instructing them for
His kingdom. The union between husband and wife is to last until death (Matthew 19:6 sq.; Luke
16:18; Mark 10:11; 1 Corinthians 7:10; see MARRIAGE, DIVORCE). This is the highest form of the
conjugal union, and the best arrangement for the welfare both of the family and of society, will appear
to anyone who compares dispassionately the moral and material effects with those flowing from the
practice of divorce. Although divorce has obtained to a greater or less extent among the majority of
peoples from the beginning until now, "there is abundant evidence that marriage has, upon the whole,
become more durable in proportion as the human race has risen to higher degrees of cultivation"
The Christian family is supernatural, inasmuch as it originates in a sacrament. Through the sacrament of
matrimony husband and wife obtain an increase of sanctifying grace, and a claim upon those
actual graceswhich are necessary to the proper fulfillment of all the duties of family life, and the
relations between husband and wife, parents and children, are super naturalized and sanctified. The end
and the ideal of the Christianfamily are likewise supernatural. It is namely, the salvation of parents and
children, and the union between Christ and His Church. "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ
also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it", says St. Paul (Ephesians 5:25). And the intimacy
of the marital union, the identification, almost, of husband and wife, is seen in the injunction: "So also
ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that love his wife, love himself" (Ephesians 5:28).
Inasmuch as the average man will not put forth his full productive energies except under the stimulus of
its responsibilities, the family is indispensable from the purely economic viewpoint. Now the family
cannot rightly discharge its functions unless the parents have full control over the rearing
and education of the children, subject only to such State supervision as is needed to prevent grave
neglect of their welfare. Hence it follows that, generally speaking, and with due allowance for
particular conditions, the State exceeds its authority when it provides for the material wants of the
child, removes him from parental influence, or specifies the school that he must attend. As a
consequence of these concepts and ideals, the Christian family in history has proved itself immeasurably
superior to the non-Christian family. It has exhibited greater fidelity between husband and wife, greater
reverence for the parents by the children, greater protection of the weaker members by the stronger,
and in general a more thorough recognition of the dignity and rights of all within its circle. Its
chief glory is undoubtedly its effect upon the position of woman. Notwithstanding the disabilities--for
the most part with regard to property, education, and a practically recognized double standard
of morals--under which the Christian woman has suffered, she has attained to a height of dignity,
respect, and authority for which we shall look in vain in the conjugal society outside of Christianity. The
chief factor in this improvement has been the Christian teaching on chastity, conjugal equality, the
sacredness of motherhood, and the supernatural end of the family, together with the Christian model
and ideal of family life, the Holy Family at Nazareth.
From this relationship we have with our family is the basis of our relationship with others. It is the kind
of formation that we have since we are child. Relationship, especially in the family, is very important for
the growth of one’s person. That is why a lot of people who are successful right now in their chosen
career are all product of good relationship in the family.
Yet we cannot deny the fact that a lot of people who are unsuccessful are may be the products of a
broken family and a chaotic relationship within their family. Moreover their lives become miserable and
sometimes they blame God for what had happened to them and to their family. Jealousy, pride, sibling
rivalry are one of the examples that destroy family relationship. Sometimes children feel rejected from
their family because being branded as “black sheep.”
All of these characteristics of were experience by Jesus when he lived in the world. Let us look to Jesus
so that we can understand our feelings. And therefore, we can also know what we are going to do from
all of these feelings and emotions.
Even Christ received rejections from his colleagues because of his family background – a poor family. Yet
He did not mind it instead he go on His way and used his family background to preach God’s will. That is
why in His way of living He remained a simple man.
Christ did not blame his parents why are they experiencing poverty in life. Instead He remained a simple
man and never did complain. The result is that he grew up in a very simple way that even people
admired his simplicity. We too should not be blaming our parents for what is economic status instead
help each other to survive not only physically but spiritually.
(Relate the feelings and emotions of the students from the life of Jesus)
Now, let us look on the life of Jesus how He stands in these kinds of feelings and emotion.

A good relationship in a family means a good relationship with Christ the Son of the living God. To honor
one’s father and mother is to honor the majesty of one’s creator, God. Every sorrowful and every painful
experience that we had in our parents or family members are tools for us to be a more God fearing
person and a well grown up. Remember that the pains we are suffering cannot be equaled to the pains
and sufferings that Christ did when He saved us. Take our sufferings as a blessing and not a suffering for
it will lead us to a better relationship with God and with our family members.

What is the meaning of family?

According to the Catechism for the Filipino Catholics # 1010, family is the basic means for carrying out
the plan of obeying God’s will and share his divine plan to become God’s people. They are the
community of persons, serving life through the procreation and education of there children, in the
development of society and sharing in the mission of the Church. We believe that children are gift of
God for the husband and wife.
There are three nature of family which is covenant relationship, domestic Church, and foundation for
civil society. It is covenant relationship for the family is bond by the harmony of love for one another.
They are created by God out of “Love.” The parent is bond by love in the sacrament of matrimony. The
family is a domestic church by means of living in a Christian family. The family, by the grace of the Holy
Spirit in the baptism, is children of God. Thus, the church in home is the basic unit of Christian life, which
the home is the first school of discipleship. The model of the family is the Holy Trinity. However, the
Holy family reflects the holy Trinity as God’s manifestation of God’s exchange of love from one another.
The family is also the foundation for civil society. Form the basic unit of a group, the family, the society
defends on. Society is the combinations of different region where the region is the combination of
provinces. Province is a combination of cities and towns. And the city or town is a combination of
barangays. Barangay is a combination of different groups of people where the family is the basic unit.
The family formed by father, mother and children where the harmony of love is present among them.
According to Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2216 – 2218 (CCC) children must have the filia respect
to their parents and the authority by true docility and obedience which base on the fourth
commandments. The children must keep their father’s commandments and obey their mother’s
teaching. A wise child hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. As a child
grow-up, he/she should continue to respect their parents, willingly seek their advice, and accept their
just admonitions. The respect that children give must rooted on the fear of the God, which is one of the
gifts of the Holy Spirit. The fourth commandment also reminds our responsibilities toward our parents.
CCC #2232-2233 shows us that our first vocation is to follow Jesus Christ. We as God’s children are
disciples of Jesus. It means accepting the invitation to belong to God’s family, which is to live in
conformity with Jesus’ way of life. (See. Mt. 12:49: For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is
my brother, sister, and mother).

Who are the others?

Our relationship within the family does not stop or stack only with them, rather it extends with our
friends, classmates and teachers, and with every person we meet. They are what we call “others.” It is
the similar question of asking; “Who are my neighbor?” that ask the rich man to Jesus. Others mean our
neighbors, our friends, our classmates, our groups. They are also those who surround us, the beggars,
the poor, the maids, the drivers, the security guards, the vendors, the sick, the needy, those oppress, the
prisoners, the abused and even those who disregard by our society or the person you dislike. They are
also important in our living for they are those who surround us. They are whom we relate in our daily
living. They are also our family as Christian. They are the extension of our earthly family. Thus, we
should also do to them what we are doing and what we want to do to our family. We should not
disregard them as making boundaries for our relationship. They are also our brothers and sisters. We
have an obligation with them. The book of Genesis says: “You are your brother’s keeper.”
According to Deus Caritas Est of Pope Benedict XVI taken from the first letter of John, Loving God is
through loving our neighbor. Love of neighbor is the path that leads to the encounter with God, and that
closing our eyes to our neighbor also blinds us to God. The pope is presenting us that love of neighbor is
to be possible in the way proclaimed by Jesus.
(Tell your personal story of relationship)

Animated Song or other activity will be executed to awaken the students before they leave the room so
refresh from the past activity.

After the second talk, the facilitator will invite the participants to have an animated song in order for
them to refresh from the activity. “Hawak Kamay” or any joyful song.

- - - - - - - Lunch - - - - - - -
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 PM: Para-Liturgy

Praising Song

I will sing Forever

Manoling Fancisco
I will sing forever of Your love, O LordI will celebrate the wonder of Your nameFor the word that You
speak is a song of forgivenessAnd a song of gentle mercy and of peaceLet us wake at the morning and be
filled with Your loveAnd sing songs of praise all our daysFor Your love is as high as the heavens above
usAnd Your faithfulness as certain as the dawn

I will sing forever of Your love, O LordI will celebrate the wonder of Your nameFor the word that You
speak is a song of forgivenessAnd a song of gentle mercy and of peaceI will sing forever of Your love, O
LordFor You are my refuge and my strengthYou fill the world with Your life-giving spiritThat speaks Your
wordYour word of mercy and of peaceCODA:And I will sing forever of Your love, O LordYes I will sing
forever of Your love, O Lord

In the past sessions, we see and know how we relate with our family and with others. We see how we
can re-direct our way of relationship with them. How good and wonderful to imagine and realized these
things in reality. Isn’t it? I know that every of us is hunger for this desire to succeed among our family
and neighbors. To manifest all of these, I invite you to join me in prayer. (Silence must observe within
three (3) minutes).

Mood Setting for Lakbay Diwa

Ask the student to sit properly, to make them comfortable
Tell them the nature of Lakbay Diwa: They will use their imagination in the entire activity.
Ask the student to close their eyes and keep it closed until the end of the activity
Ask the student to take it seriously and set their mood as a prayer. Then after you have set their mood,
start the Lakbay diwa.

Lakbay Diwa Proper: Skit for the Lakbay diwa

(With instrumental music)

Breathing exercise (inhale – exhale activity). 5-7X

Inhale - Think the sins that you committed on the past – exhale.
Inhale - Think the sins that you committed that you want to ask forgiveness to the Lord– exhale.
Feel the air that touch you skin, your head, you face and your hands.
Focus on the sounds that you hear: the creping of birds, the sound of eclectic fun, and others. (A little
pause of silence).
Imagine yourself that you are in a small room. The room is very dark and cold. But there is warmth
beneath yourself that keeps you to be alive in that room. Then suddenly, you see alight and you
followed the light to discover where it came from. The light is getting brighter and brighter as you get
closer. After the light here you see your father outside your room.
The student will look at his face, the whole body, hair eyes, nose and lips. There was a mark in his face. A
mark of suffering and joy. A mark of pains in keeping your family and you
After the student sees their father, the father will talk to her / his daughter / son.
Then, the daughter/son will also speak to his/her father.
After the conversation between his/her father the next will be their mother working in the kitchen.
He/She will approach his/her mother.
He/she looks at her face giving the details of the mother
The mother will share her thoughts to her daughter (with love) and tender tone of voice – love, caring,
faults and hardships
After the mother, the son/daughter will also speak to her mother (it’s either a thankful thought, pardon
for sins and promise or change)
Next to his/her brothers and sisters or companion inside the house (same method with father and
mother
He went out and he/she meets his/her friends
He/she will thank them for being good companions and ask pardon for / her wrong doings to them
Then, he/she walks and walks until he/she reaches a church. He/she enters the church and he / she sits
at the front pews.
Then he converses with God. He/she will look at the bloody face of God, his nailed hands, his wounded
side, his nailed feet. He/she will talk to him.

Short Catechism about Reconciliation/Confession

Reconciliation is very important in our living. This is sacrament we received the forgiveness of the Lord.
This sacrament gives us the grace of new life from the wrong we had done from the past and to be
faithful in the battle of our future. It renews us from the love of God from the offenses we committed
against Him and others. God is always waiting for our conversion of heart.
The importance of reconciliation: From the activity of “Lakbay Diwa” we see the importance of
relationship within the family members. We appreciate the value and the need to care and forgive each
other. How wonderful to see that every members even we have differences and fault with others, the
harmony of love is still present among us. Isn’t it? You know you, as a class is also a family. In fact, we
called the school as our second home. Your adviser is you father/mother and you are the children. Here
you are equal in respect and every one of you is valuable. You have friends (barkada) and may be even
intimate friends and best friends. May be you have something against him/her/them until now or you
have enemy or you hate somebody among this class. It is the proper time to reconcile with
him/her/them. Or may be you have against your teacher. I don’t want to prolong you eagerness to go
with you classmates and say with them; I am sorry. Do not be shy from what others will say or others
reaction. This is the proper time to ask for forgiveness. You may say to you classmates or your teacher/s
what do you want. It will not affect you grade rather, it will grow you relationship with them.

Challenges in Life:

Scriptural Support: Ephesians 4:24-28

Every person is important in the eyes of God. We are called to the holy way of living by God. The time is
not yet over. There is still time to follow the will of God. This recollection challenges us to look and
examine ourselves of How do we deal with our family, our friends, our classmates, our teachers, our
neighborhood, with God and even with our very own self? It challenges us to redirect ourselves in
following God’s will and trying to change our way of life from being bad to good person for we are
created in the image and likeness of God. It is the time to start again, to transform our life from the
better one. If you hurt somebody, it is the proper time to reconcile with him/her/them. If you failed to
perform good deed before, it is the time to make it once again and make it better. If you didn’t say “I
love you” to your parents, it is the time to say it to them. I you have done bad things to somebody, say
sorry to him/her. The success of this recollection is not defends on us, the facilitator rather that defends
on you. That is why, this recollection will begin right now, when we life this room and you once again
deal with your friends, family, teachers, your self and God. That is the true recollection. When you do all
of these, you recollection will be successful.

After the reconciliation activity, the facilitator will invite to sing whole class to refresh the participants
from the past activities.
Theme Song for Recollection: “Hawak Kamay”

Title: The Way of Discipleship

General Theme: Unity and Service

Subtopic: Leadership
Objectives/ Aims:
-To realize that true leadership is performed through loving service of others
-To establish unity through active participation
- To imbibe the gospel values of humility and unity

Scriptural Passage: Jn 17:4-19/

Opening Prayer: I Offer My Life (see the appendix)

Orientation: What is recollection?

Recollection is a Christian practice as old as the gospel. Jesus regularly left the crowds and went by
himself—to the lake side or to the mountain to pray. He also gathered his disciples for times of prayer
and reflection. Since the time of Jesus, some of his followers have left for the desert and some have left
for the monastery. Other lay and religious have gone to places of recollection (or retreat) for a shorter
time to spend for prayer and reflection.
We benefit by retiring from the day-to-day routine of life in order to be refreshed, to gain perspective,
to put things in order, and see ourselves in prayer. All the believers need both an appropriate place and
sufficient time to ponder the meaning of their lives and their relationships to other, friends and family
etc. we have to note that in recollection one has the best way of finding God—or better still, of God
finding us. In the recollection we encounter God we can bring meaning to our life.

There are at least four important requirements for us to have a good recollection:

P-Prayer= this is a moment of prayer and encounter to the Lord

I- Involvement= we are all encourage to actively participate in all the activities (bawal ang Kill Joy!)
S- Silent= since this is a time of prayer every one has to maintain a reflective atmosphere. So silent is
highly demanded.
O- Openness= the fruitfulness of this recollection depends on how open we are to God and to ourselves
and to our fellow recollectee. There will be a time for sharing in which we are encourage to be open and
honest as much as we can so will hear God speaking to each one of us.

So always maintain the “PISO” to keep us in touch to God!

Recollection Proper

Phase I

The Vocation of Man

1. Man is called to a full humanization, “Pagpapakatao”, the perseverance of man to attain fully his
essence as man who has to have full control of his faculties and integrity. This pagpapakatao can
progressively attain through our awareness of the divine in him and others. This demands respect for
life and for every individuals.
2. Basic Christian Vocation to Holiness when we were baptized we shared in the life of Christ and of the
saints. Our actions are challenged to be patterned into the very life of Christ who loved us and died for
us. He constantly obeyed the Father’s will even unto death. He shows us that holiness is not only seen in
works of piety but constantly in loving service to others.
3. Ecclesial Vocation- Single Blessedness, Marriage Life, Religious Life

(Our basic call as Christians is to become holy and our basic norm is to become truly human. The
realization of this vocation depends on how we deal with our brothers and sisters. How do we care,
love, and serve our brothers and sisters will determined the kind of service we give to them.)

Activity: (see Appendix for other activities)

Mystery Card

PROCEDURES:
i. Prepared at least 5 cards or construction paper of different colors and write the name of a group on it.
ii. Explain to the participants that they have to look for the other pieces of it to find out their group
mates and the name of their group as well the assignment that they have to do. The first to come out
with the fix card will immediately work out for their assignment as a group as indicated at the back of
the fix card.
iii. Divide it into at least seven pieces and distribute them to the participants.
iv. Once it is distributed, the facilitator will asked the participants to search the other pieces of it in order
to fix it as a whole.

v. Whoever fix it first and perform the assignment asked will be declared the winner. However then the
most appropriate procedure is to give all groups a chance to work on their respective assignment. In
each accomplishment they will gain points. (first to fix the pieces of the card and declared their group
identity will gain 20 points; participations and cooperation in the group 30 points; the originality and
creativity 30 points; audience impact 20).

I. Small Group Sharing

Guide Questions

1. What did you feel while doing the activity?

2. What hinders the group in creating a good outcome?
3. How did you participate in the group?
4. How are you able to contribute to the group?
5. What have you felt in being of service to your group?

B. Big Group Sharing

Possible answer:

Positive: Happy; I feel good in being of service to my group; my talent pala ako; my magagawa pala
akong maganda; mahirap; challenging and adventure; mahalaga pala ang tulongan; team work; may role
pala ang bawat isa; cooperation.
Negative: ang Hirap; may makulit na ayaw maki-operate; paglahat gustong maging boss; pagnahihiya;
pag-lahat ini-insist tong kanyang gusto; pagwalang leader at pagtinatamad.

Note:
1. Write on the blackboard their insights
2. Give attention to their insights and feelings
3. Bring them to your discussion especially the positive and negative points.

II. Deepening

A. A leader is a Servant
We have seen in our sharing that during the activities some of us think of the design, some direct the
group and some other contribute by doing what is asked of them to do. It is clear then that in a group
we are can be a leader, an executioner, a follower or planner. We do deferent role depending on the
talents and skills that we have. We are nevertheless a leader and a servant in our own way.
A saying goes “a good leader is a good follower.” No body learns what it means to be a leader unless
he/she him/herself learned how to be a good follower. This is what the disciples’ of Christ did. The
become obedient and loyal to Christ.
A leader and a follower in a simplest term is servants who give voluntarily service or do his/her duty for
the good of the other or of community. A good leader according to Jesus is first and foremost a good
servant. “This, however, is not the way it shall be among you, if one of you wants to be great, he must
be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be your slave..(Mt. 20: 26-28).”

B. Humility is a mark of a good servant-leader

There are times we are so engrossed with our achievements and authority that make us blind of the
good gift in the others. We become self-centered and over confidence. However this is not the case on
those who really wanted to be a good servant-leader. He/she should have humility for he/she sees
himself only as an instrument in the hand of God. He/she knows that what ever talents he/she has is
coming from the High and meant not simply for his/her own growth but of all.
Jesus in the gospel of Luke explained to his disciples that “who ever is least among you all is the greatest
(LK. 9: 48).” Jesus, the Lord of the disciples, wanted to point out to his disciples that a leader serves with
humility. This is likewise among us. We serve not promote ourselves but to help and build up other’s
confidence and promote the good of community. The etymology of the word humility refers back to a
“Mud” which is a softest part of the earth. In Tagalog we use the word putik as its equivalent. This
implores pagpapakumbaba a down to earth attitude which is the opposite of pride.

C. Sacrifice the ultimate expression of service

We should know that the 12 disciples of Jesus eleven of them were martyred only John the beloved was
spared for such sacrifice. Their Master, Jesus Christ, himself was crucified for the sake of them and of us
all. That is what it means to be a leader-servant: to be willing to sacrifice to the point of giving up even
his/her life.
In the gospel of John, Jesus expresses that “The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give
his life for them (Jn. 15: 13).” Jesus is our model of an authentic leadership and service. He willingly risk
or better to say give up his life for us. This is sacrifice. This is what it meant to be a servant and a leader.
You do not know how much life you can bring out and how much good you can produce by sacrificing
your little time and talents for others.

D. What are the blocks of service

1. Distrust (Kawalan ng Tiwala)- to suspect; to doubt; no confidence to

2. Envy- refers to the sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to acquire
them for oneself even unjustly
3. Pride – there is superiority and inordinate self-esteem
4. Indifference- not concern; selfishness, self-centeredness

E. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (cf. Luke 16:19-26)

F. Here are some practical ways on how we can respond to the call of service and leadership: (narrate
first the story of the good Samaritan LK. 10: 25-37)

1. Compassion
2. Concern for others
3. Corporal Works of Mercy
a. To feed the hungry
b. Give drink to the thirsty
c. Clothe the naked
d. Shelter the Homeless
e. Visit those in Prison
f. Visit the Sick
g. Bury the dead

4. Spiritual Works of Mercy

a. To admonish the sinners
b. To counsel the Doubtful
c. To comfort the sorrowful
d. To bear wrongs patiently
e. To forgive all injuries
f. To instruct the ignorant
g. To pray for the living and the dead

(See.CCC 1813, 1822-1829, 1844)

III. Story of Brotherly Love:

Two brothers worked together on a family farm. One was unmarried and the other married with
children. They shared what they grew equally as they always did, produce and profit. But one day the
single brother said to himself. “You know, it’s not right that we should share the produce equally and
the profit too. After all, I’m all alone just by myself and my needs are simple. But there is my poor
brother with a wife and all those children.
So in the middle of the night he took a sack of grain from his bin, crept over the field between their
houses and dumped it into brother’s bin.
Meanwhile, unknown to him, his brother had the same thought. He said to him self, “it is not right that
we should share produce and profit equally. After all I am married and I have my wife to look after me
and my children for years to come. So he too in the middle of the night took to taking a sack of grain
from his bin sneaking across the field to deposit it in his brother’s bin.
For years both were puzzled as to why their supply did not dwindle. Well, one night it just so happened
that they both set out for each other’s houses at the same time. In the dark, they bumped into each
other carrying their sacks. Each was startled, but then it slowly dawned on them what was happening.
They dropped their sacks and embraced one another.
Suddenly the dark sky lit up and a voice form heaven spoke, “Here at last is the place where I will build
my temple. For where brothers meet in love, there my Presence shall dwell.”

IV. Liturgy

A. Option 1: Washing of the Feet ( John 13:2-9)

We are called to a loving service to one another as brothers and sisters. Like Jesus did we are challenge
to wash the feet of our brothers and sisters as symbols of our love and acceptance to them. The washing
of the feet symbolizes unity, concern, forgiveness and acceptance. Jesus himself washed the feet of his
disciples to give us example of how we should serve one another in the spirit of love.
Before we proceed in this activity we ask for apology to those whom we offended, or to who we are not
in good terms. Reconciliation is the key for real loving service to others. Unless you forgive others we
cannot enter the kingdom of the Father in heaven.
1. Moment of reconciliation:
a. give them time to express their feeling s to one another with proper guidance from the facilitator.

b. the facilitator may merge this activity to the washing of hand by simply letting each of them to wash
the feet of those person whom they want to apologize or to whom they want to thank for any good they
received from them.

2. PROCEDURES:

a. the facilitator has to explain the meaning of this activity and must be disposed the recollectee to this
activity.

b. An instrumental music may help while doing this activity

c. The facilitator will invite the recollectee to wash the feet of their fellow. One by one the recollectee
will approach the person whom he or she wants to wash the feet.

3. MATTERIALS:
a. Small basin
b. Towel
c. Water in a small container
d. Sabon na mabango

B. Option 2: Agape (Breaking of bread)

Scriptural bases: Lk. 22:14-20

In the breaking of bread, Christ shares himself to his disciples as a bread of life. They partake into the
one body of Christ which makes them as one in Christ. This act of Christ symbolizes his self-giving in love,
sacrifice and oneness. This breaking of bread, the “agape”, with Christ is also the sing of how we should
render our service and perform our leadership. We too are being broken, alleviated (lifted up), and
shared.

1. PROCEDURE:
a. the facilitator should explain the idea of this activity and invite them to take this activity symbolically
of their unity and of oneness in Christ.

b. the facilitator will lead the group for the breaking of bread. They will re-enact the last supper in the
upper room.

c. the bread will be broken by the facilitator and pass it from his left and right. He must explain that
every body must take a piece of the bread and eat it as symbol of their oneness. The same thing of the
cup.
d. an instrumental music may played while doing this activity

2. MATTERIALS:
a. big bread (good for a class)
b. a cup of wine or juice

V. CELEBRATION

A. Joyful Song

Hawak Kamay
Minsan madarama mo kay bigat ng problemaMinsan mahihirapan ka at masasabing “di ko
makakaya”Tumingin ka lang sa langitBaka sakaling may masumpunganDi kaya ako’y tawaginMalalaman
mong kahit kailan
[chorus]Hawak-kamayDi kita iiwan sa paglakbayDito sa mundong walang katiyakanHawak-kamayDi kita
bibitawan sa paglalakbaySa mundo ng kawalan
Minsan madarama moAng mundo’y gumuho sa ilalim ng iyong mga paaAt ang agos ng problema’y
tinatangay kaTumingin ka lang sa langitBaka sakaling may masumpunganDi kaya ako’y
tawaginMalalaman mong kahit kailan
[repeat chorus]
[bridge]Wag mong sabihin nag-iisa kaLaging isipin meron kang kasamaNarito ako oh, Narito ako
[repeat chorus]
Sa mundo ng kawalanHawak-kamay, Hawak-kamaySa mundo ng kawalan
If We Hold On Together

Don't lose your wayWith each passing dayYou've come so farDon't throw it away
Live believingDreams are for weavingWonders are waiting to startLive your storyFaith, hope, and
gloryHold to the truth in your heartIf we hold on together,I know our dreams will never dieDreams see
us through to foreverWhere clouds roll byFor you and ISouls in the windMust learn how to bendSeek
out a starHold onto the endValley, mountainThere is a fountainWashes our tears all awayWords are
swayingSomeone is prayingPlease let us come home to stayIf we hold on together,I know our dreams
will never dieDreams see us through to foreverWhere clouds roll byFor you and IWhen we are out there
in the dark,We'll dream about the sunIn the dark, we'll feel the lightWarm our hearts, everyoneIf we
hold on together,I know our dreams will never dieDreams see us through to foreverAs high as souls can
fly,The clouds roll byFor you and I

APPENDIX

Other Workshops/Activities
1. Fashion Designer
i. The participants with different materials like clothes, accessories, ties, hats, ribbons and the like, they
must construct something original, bright and stylish. Each clothing designer chooses a model among
the spectators. The models represent the works of clothing designer. With the help of applause the
spectators choose the “Designer of the Year.”
2. Dare for Pesos
i. There should be 5 twenty person bills for every player, real or fake. At the start of your party every
person is given P100 worth of money. The money is used to buy challenges or dares off other people at
the party. If you want to see someone else do something like an ago-go dance before a girl, run around
with only their jockeys on etc. pay them for it. The aim could be to get as much money as possible. Offer
to do some things and then haggle over the price, people will pay. They love watching others make fools
of themselves. Prepare a very attractive price for the person who gets the most money at the end of the
party.

More stories (cf. 1000 stories vol. 1)

485 Faith without works

Smitty was hard-headed, to put it mildly. When a flood hit the area, he climbed to his roof. A rescue
boat came by but Smitty called back to their offer of help: “No thanks. I have faith in the Lord. He will
save me.”
The waves came higher and Smitty scrambled to the tip of hiss roof. Another boat came by to save him,
but Smitty waved them off, professing that his faith would save him. When the waves began lapping his
feet, he pulled himself to the top of the chimney. A helicopter swooped up to save him, but Smitty was
still depending on the Lord. You can guess what happen: Smitty drowned.
When he stopped before the Lord, he complained, “Lord, I had such faith in you. Why didn’t you save
me?”
To which the Lord reply, “What more do you want for me? I sent two boats and a helicopter.”

476 Generosity
A salesman summed up his success in three words: “AND THEN SOME.”
“Most of the differences between average people and top people can be explained in three words. The
top people did what was expected of them – AND SOME MORE.
“They are thoughtful of others, they are considerate – AND THEN SOME. They meet their obligations
and responsibilities fairly and squarely – AND THEN SOME. They are good to their friends AND THEN
SOME. They can be counted on in an emergency AND THEN SOME.”

283 Forgiveness
During the Vatican Council, the TIME magazine reporter, Bob Piser, had been very hard in his criticisms
of Cardinal Ottaviani, whom he regarded as arc-enemy of progressive Catholicism. He became Bob’s
scapegoat for anything archaic and old-fashioned in the Church.
Just before the second session of the Council, Bob got to Rome a week early and wanted to have an
interview with Cardinal Ottaviani. So he announced himself and stated his wish, and the American
Monsignor who was Ottaviani’s secretary told him, “The nerve of you asking for interview after all the
nasty things you have written about the Cardinal…But, okay, I’ll go through a motion and ask, but you
know what you can expect…”
He asked, and the Cardinal said in Italian, “Call him in,”
So Bob Piser was ushered into the tapestry-hung waiting room.
In came Ottaviani, shook hands with Bob, and the Monsignor translated his words, “Mr. Piser, you have
written many things about me. I just wanted you to know that many of them are not true. Now, what I
can do for you?”

114 Greed and Envy

A businessman overtook two travelers. One was greedy and the other was jealous. When they came to
the parting of ways, a merchant said he wanted to give them a parting gift. Whoever made a wish first
would have his wish fulfilled. But the other man would get a double portion of what the first had asked
for.
Each waited and waited for the other fellow to wish first. Finally the greedy man the envious man by the
throat and threatened to choke him unless he made his wish. So the envious man said, “All right. I wish
to be blind in one eye.”
At once he lost the sight of one eye, his companion lost both.

More Songs
I Will Be Here(Steven Curtis Chapman)
Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up

And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here

I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true to the promise I have made

To you and to the one who gave you to me?

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up

And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.

Schedule

8:00-8:30 AM Opening prayer/song and orientation

8:30-9:00 AM Prelude: Vocation of man and service

9:00-10:00 AM 1st Activity (1st Phase)

10: - 10:30 AM Break

10:30-11:00 AM Small Group Sharing

1100-12:00 AM BGS/reporting and Deepening (2nd Phase)

12:00-1:00 PM Angelus/Lunch

1:00-1:30 PM ice breaker/games

1:30-2:00 PM Songs/ opening prayer

2:00-3:00 PM Para-liturgy (3rd Phase)

Celebration
Holy Eucharist (if there is)

Vocation Ministry sa 10:39 PM

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About Me
Vocation Ministry

A seminarian of the Dioces of San Pablo. Studying at Tagaytay City from Paete Laguna. A
Diocesan Seminarian. Grduate of AB Philosophy at St. Peter Collage Seminary San Pablo City. At
Present I am Fourth Year theology Student at Divine Word School of Theology Tagaytay City.
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