On the afternoon of June 7, 2025 before the Pentecost Sunday, the Liturgical Ministers of St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish gathered in a spirit of unity and reverence to renew their commitment to serve the Church during the anticipated Mass.
Prior to the renewal, Fr. Eaw Sevilla invites us through a short recollection on ” Liturgy and Stewardship” to reflect on how we celebrate the liturgy and live out our stewardship. Are we conscious of God’s presence in the Mass? Do we carry its meaning into our daily lives? Are we using our gifts with a spirit of gratitude?
In his talk, Fr. Eaw Sevilla emphasized the deep connection between liturgy and stewardship as expressions of our relationship with God. He reminded us that liturgy is the summit of Christian life, where we encounter God’s grace most fully—especially in the Eucharist. It is not just a ritual or obligation, but a sacred moment where we are renewed and sent forth as stewards of His gifts.
Fr. Eaw highlighted that true stewardship flows from the liturgy. When we fully participate in the Mass, we are reminded of God’s abundant blessings and are called to respond with gratitude, responsibility, and generosity. Our time, talent, and treasure are not just ours—they are gifts from God entrusted to us for the service of others and the building up of the Church.
He challenged us to see stewardship not as a burden, but as a lifestyle rooted in love and worship. Just as Christ offered Himself fully in the liturgy, we too are invited to offer ourselves in service—joyfully, humbly, and faithfully. A very timely preparation before renewing our commitment!
This renewal of commitment marked a significant moment for the parish community as ministers from various liturgical roles reaffirmed their dedication to serving God and the faithful through their respective ministries.
Presided over by Rev. Fr. Paulo B. Barandon, with Rev. Fr. Eugene U. Floriano, the Eucharistic celebration was infused with the joy and solemnity of Pentecost — the feast that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church. In his homily, Fr. Barandon reflected on the theme of unity in diversity, emphasizing the beauty of the Church as a body composed of many different members, each with unique gifts yet bound together by one Spirit.
“The richness of the Church lies in its diversity — of voices, skills, talents, and ministries,” Fr. Barandon said. “Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and enabled them to speak in different tongues, today the Spirit empowers each of us to serve in different ways, but always for the one mission of proclaiming Christ.”
Liturgical ministers — including lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Mother Butler Guild, Choir members, Sacristans/Acolytes, Greeters, and Collectors — stood before the altar and publicly renewed their commitment. With hearts open, they pledged to serve with humility, integrity, and faithfulness, recognizing their service not merely as a task, but as a calling and a gift.
This renewal of commitment, held annually, serves as a spiritual renewal for those who assist in the liturgy, reminding them of the sacredness of their role and the responsibility that comes with it.
The ceremony concluded with a special blessing from Fr. Barandon and Fr. Floriano, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon all ministers, that they may continue to serve with joy, compassion, goodness, love, unity, and self-control.
The celebration also marked a deepening of community bonds among the ministers and the faithful, who are reminded that their diversity — in talents, backgrounds, and roles — is not a division but a strength, especially when offered for the glory of God.
As the Church celebrated Pentecost — the feast of the Spirit — St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish stood as a living testament to that Spirit: alive, active, and beautifully diverse.
Ana Liza L. Revidad Parokya Patroller
