Simbahan nin Mga Katiwala, Nangangataman, Namamahala. St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, Ligao City Joins the Diocesan Council of the Laity Year-End Activity
By: Ana Liza L. Revidad
Strengthening Stewardship and Fellowship in the Diocese. The St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish of Ligao City actively participated in the Diocesan Council of the Laity Year-End Activity held on December 7, 2024, at the Legazpi City Expo Center. The gathering brought together laity members, parish leaders, and stewardship committees from various parishes under the Diocese of Legazpi, underscoring the importance of collaboration, service, and shared commitment to the Church’s mission. This much-anticipated year-end event provided a space for prayer, reflection, and fellowship while celebrating the collective efforts of the lay faithful throughout the year. Representatives from St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish enthusiastically took part, particularly members of its stewardship committees: Financial, Health, Technological, Cultural, and Environmental. Unity in Diversity: The Role of Stewardship Committees. The different stewardship committees showcased their unique contributions to the parish’s spiritual and community-building endeavors through capacity building and workshop. Invited resource speakers shared inputs on the different roles to perform by each of the committees. Financial Stewardship Committee highlighted their efforts in ensuring sustainable support for the parish through transparent financial management, fundraising initiatives, and resource allocation. Their work is integral to maintaining the parish’s operational needs and supporting its various ministries. Health Stewardship Committee emphasized wellness and care. This committee shall promote health-related initiatives throughout the year, such as medical missions, awareness programs, and mental health workshops. Their role remains vital in addressing the physical well-being of parishioners. Technological Stewardship Committee underscored that with the growing role of technology in Church initiatives, the Technological Stewardship Committee of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish shall play a crucial part in enhancing communication, connectivity, and evangelization. Throughout the year, the committee shall spearhead efforts such as live streaming of masses and parish events, providing opportunities for parishioners unable to attend in person to stay spiritually connected. They shall also manage the parish’s social media presence, ensuring timely dissemination of announcements, reflections, and inspirational content. In addition, the committee will work on strengthening digital literacy within the parish by conducting workshops on using digital tools for catechesis and pastoral work. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to harnessing technology to reach a broader audience and deepen faith engagement in today’s digital age. Cultural Stewardship Committee will take the lead in preserving and promoting the rich traditions and heritage of the parish. During the year-end activity, their contributions were highlighted through initiatives that celebrated local culture, music, and arts. Activities such as parish-based cultural performances, workshops on liturgical music, and art exhibits underscored the committee’s dedication to integrating cultural expressions into the Church’s mission. Furthermore, the committee shall help strengthen parish identity by encouraging participation in events such as traditional feasts, processions, and religious dances, keeping alive the customs and values that define the community’s faith. Their work serves as a bridge between spirituality and culture, ensuring that the local heritage remains a vibrant part of worship and parish life. Environmental Stewardship Committee stood out as champions of the Church’s call to care for creation, echoing the message of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Throughout the year, the committee shall lead projects aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability within the parish community. Key initiatives included tree-planting activities, clean-up drives, and ecological education programs that emphasized the importance of reducing waste and protecting natural resources. As stewards of God’s creation, they will also work on integrating eco-friendly practices into parish operations, such as reducing single-use plastics during events (bring or use own tumblers) and implementing waste management systems. The Environmental Committee’s efforts not only reflected their dedication to protecting the planet but also inspired parishioners to adopt sustainable lifestyles rooted in faith. A Day of Reflection, Gratitude, and Hope The Diocesan Council of the Laity Year-End Activity brought together members from different parishes and committees in an atmosphere of reflection and gratitude. Through discussions, sharing and presentation of outputs, games and raffle draws, the event became an opportunity to strengthen fellowship and recognize the vital roles of the laity in sustaining the Church’s mission. For St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, the participation of its various stewardship committees—Financial, Health, Technological, Cultural, and Environmental—underscored the parish’s holistic approach to service. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to their calling as stewards of faith, resources, culture, and creation. As the year ends, the activity served as a fitting reminder of the collective power of the laity to transform communities and uphold the values of faith, service, and love. The parishioners of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish return home with renewed purpose and inspiration, ready to carry the mission forward into the new year 2025 Year of Stewardship.
