Planning for

Post Synodal
Directions

Cluster of
Commissions
August 8, 2022
 We Look Back
Reviewing our Archdiocesan Timeline Pre and Post Pandemic,
Pre and Post Synod (2018-2022)

2018: Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons

1st Quarter: A series of Commissions Meetings were held to discuss

the pastoral agenda for 2018 based on Abp. Lagdameo’s 4 key
points: Renewed Zeal, Renewed Shepherding, Journeying
Together and Strengthening of Sacramental Brotherhood.
These served as guideposts for developing the 2018 Pastoral Plan
of the Commissions.

An Action Plan was developed, but it was never implemented as

intended due to several unresolved concerns for both the
Commissions and Parishes that arose during preparation. The
Commissions were compelled to conduct an internal evaluation
from February to April 2018 in order to assess their position and
the following significant conclusions emerged from this
evaluation:
1. Accountability and clarity of roles/functions/tasks and
likewise relationships was lacking.
2. Unsystematic and fragmented implementation of the
projects and programs of the Commissions from
Archdiocese to the Parish level.
3. There are no process and program implementation
guidelines.
4. There are no consistent policies on finance,
communication, and administration of ministerial and
sacramental functions that may assure compliance and
other needs for effective and efficient operations and
program management of commissions and parishes.
5. It was necessary to establish a Secretariat to coordinate,
assist, and organize the activities of the Commissions,
particularly in executing the pastoral program.

2nd Quarter: The Jaro Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (JAPC) then

had a meeting with newly installed Archbishop Romy Lazo where
a proposal to modify or re-configure JAPS was raised. The proposal
was subsequently approved in September 19, 2018. The modified
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JAPS structure includes an Executive Department headed by Msgr.
Joemarie Delgado (EVPC) under which, Ms. Hera Jean Solilapsi was
appointed as administrative and finance personnel to take charge
of streamlining all works of the Commissions and manage sharing
of resources. In addition, she served as interim staff for Research
and Documentation.

Former JAPS
Organizational
Structure

Modified JAPS
Structure

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The Commissions were clustered as:
1. Core Commissions: (Liturgy, Bible Apostolate, Social
Apostolate, Catechesis),
2. Agents of Renewal: Clergy, Laity, Family Life, Consecrated
Men & Women and Youth
3. Service Commissions: Catholic Schools, Social
Communications, Mission, Vocations, Indigenous People,
Migrants, Health, Prison
4. Pastoral Program Cluster: Vicars Forane, Vicariate Lay
Delegates, Parish Councils and MKK Teams (MKK Formation
and Organizing
Objectives:
a) improve collaboration;
b) give focus and unify Commission programs
c) enhance communication and effectiveness
d) facilitate cost-efficient results

Cluster Meetings were also convened to define the nature of each

cluster, functions, responsibilities, structure, composition,
operations, norms & policies, resource sharing and required
facilities. The Pastoral Program Cluster (Vicars Forane and
Vicariate Lay Delegates) also regularly meet to reinvigorate the
Vicariate structures especially the Vicariate Coordinating
Committee (VCC) and build up and operationalize the Parish Tri-
Councils.

The AORD was re-established to conduct thorough studies on the

various emerging pastoral and organizational needs and come up
with practical recommendations so that appropriate interventions
can be employed. The interim AORD included Jessica Dator-
Bercilla (UP Visayas); Andrea Panilla (SVFS); Helen Romero (Univ.
of San Agustin); Daniel del Rosario Jr. (NGO and MKK Coop
Consultant); Jean Solilapsi (JAPS Admin and Finance). Fr. Domingo
Alimajen was later assigned as head of the AORD.

2019: Year of the Youth

1st and 2nd Quarter: While the cluster of Commissions worked on

finalizing their respective organizational set-up, Msgr. Delgado
called for a meeting to lay the ground work for the re-
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establishment of the AORD. During the discussion, preliminary
plans for a research study on parish financial management as a
jumping off point for a standardization program, led by the
University of San Agustin (USA) through Ms. Helen Romero and
assisted by Mrs. Marivis Gangoso, dean of the College of Commerce,
were presented. This was followed by a second meeting with the
USA Research Team, which consisted of Ms. Helen Romero, Dean
Marivis Gangoso, and Vergie Salvosa, a college of commerce faculty
member and researcher. Ms. Romero drafted a research framework,
which was then presented to Abp. Lazo, Msgr. Delgado, and Msgr.
Maurillo Silva and was approved in principle with subsequent
endorsement from the head of the University.

3rd- 4th Quarter: The Pastoral Program Cluster had a meeting with
the Vicars Forane and Vicariate Lay Delegates (VLD) to reinvigorate
the Vicariate structures especially the Vicariate Coordinating
Committee (VCC), build up and operationalize the Parish Tri-
Councils. A Parish Profiling was also initiated to update the 2018
Parish Profile and to prepare for Abp. Lazo’s pastoral visits which
started in early 2020.

Throughout the year the Commission on Youth facilitated and

implemented a series of activities to celebrate the Year of the Youth.

2020: The Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and

Indigenous Peoples

1st Quarter: The Pastoral Program Cluster facilitated a Vicariate Re-

Orientation of the Roles and Functions of the Three Councils, along
with the presentation of the Primer on Stewardship and preparatory
instructions for Abp. Lazo's Pastoral Visit. At this point, plans were
already underway to advance our application for the division of the
Archdiocese. A launching activity for the Year of Ecumenism at St.
Vincent Ferrer Seminary was scheduled for April 27, 2020, with 300
estimated attendees, but was cancelled owing to the pandemic. The
Clergy convened at SVFS on March 16 to formulate health protocols
and Covid-19 guidelines for the parishes.

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2nd to 4th Quarter: The Commissions and Parishes came up with
their own initiatives to continue to function and operate amid
pandemic restrictions:

1. LITURGY: Adjustments in the celebration and reception of the

sacraments were made such as the call for prayer and
strengthening of the family rosary, home liturgies and daily
supplication of the Oratio Imperata against Covid-19
translated in the local dialect. Lenten activities were adjusted
and a Day of Prayer for the Frontline Medical Personnel was
integrated in all masses, rosaries, holy hours and personal
prayer moments. The Ministry of Charity was created to extend
provisions for physical needs, places for rest and basic needs
to the city frontliners. We opened our doors for the utilization
of Religious buildings including St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary for
Army personnel, the Pius XII Catechetical Center for the
Philippine National Police and the Sta. Maria old campus
building as a quarantine facility for locally infected individuals
in the city.
a. The Holy Week and Pastoral Triduum Guidelines was
issued which consolidates the Sacred Congregation for
divine worship and Discipline of the Sacraments’ Decrees
and CBCP’s Recommendation for the Holy Week
Celebration in light of Covid-19.
b. Simultaneous National Consecration to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary was declared, imploring the faithful to a
collective prayer for intercession of the Blessed Mother
through the family prayer of the Holy Rosary and the Act of
Consecration of the Philippines to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary.
c. Seasonal festivities such as Flores de Mayo, All Souls Day
and All Saints Day persisted throughout the lockdown, with
the aid of the guidelines proposed by the Commission on
Liturgy.
d. Guidelines following the imposition of the Enhanced
Community Quarantine (ECQ) and the Decree on Satisfying
Sunday Obligation by Commutation was disseminated.
e. The Advent and Christmas season was not dampened by
Covid-19 despite the imposition of new protocols.

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2. COMMISSION ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONs played a vital role
not only in the dissemination of important and accurate
information, but also in maximizing different digital platforms
to allow the Church to continue carrying out its evangelizing
mission.

a. Live streaming of daily and Sunday masses and informing

parishioners of the constantly changing scenarios during
the quarantine period, the Parish Social Media Ministry
was strengthened and capacitated.
b. Various digital platforms, particularly the social media
were explored and utilized to provide a continuing
formation program in conjunction with other ministries
such as Family Life, Catechesis and JAPS:
 Family Matters, a weekly program of the Commission
on Family Life discusses various domestic and family
issues in relation to the pandemic
 Family Reflection Guide provided by JAPS is a weekly
faith sharing guide based on the Sunday gospel to help
sustain regular bible sharing in the home in a short and
simple format
 HomeCat a collaborative effort of the Commission on
Social Communications and Commission on Catechesis
and Catholic Education to provide basic and continuing
teaching of the faith through an online catechetical
medium.

3. ADMINISTRATION and CLERGY: Parishes were urged to reach

out to the poorest of the poor through the Ministry of Charity
and the Archdiocesan Charity works led by the Social Action
Commission, which is tasked with initiating concrete measures
to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable members of
society primarily affected by the pandemic.
a. In accordance with the Archbishop's Vision 2020, the
clergy and institutions established a Vicariate Charity
Fund. The Archdiocese allotted a total of Php 20,000 each
parish, distributed in two instalments through the
vicariate, as a start-up money for a collaborative effort at
the level of the vicariate to provide a sustained response to

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 charitable needs during and after the pandemic. The Vicars
Forane were responsible with meeting with their
respective members to ascertain the local situation,
evaluate the financial issues, and devise the most effective
charity response. Some parishes/vicariates were able to
supplement the diocesan budget with a counterpart fund.

b. Documents such as the "Bolletino" were issued to the

clergy to remind and underline the role of the Vicariate as
the nexus of parish unity and convergence. The Archbishop
asked the Vicariates to address the new perspective of the
Church at their level, and the Vicars Forane were delegated
the authority to review the finances of the parishes within
their area of responsibility in the spirit of transparency.
Additional publications included the Protocol of
Safeguarding, the Pastoral Visit Primer, the Guidelines
Regarding Church Construction/ Renovation, the
Incardination Process, and a Summary of the Anti-
Terrorism Bill published in the Candlelight.

4. SOCIAL ACTION
a. The Commission on Social Action initiated the
distribution of relief assistance such as rice, groceries,
dried fish and mongo procured from local fisher folks
and farmers as well as maintenance medicines.
b. Cash aid was also extended to Locally Stranded
Individuals (LSI) at the Manila airport and Batangas
seaport.
c. Housing assistance was provided to survivors of the
fire at the Ortiz wharf that affected about 100 families
at the height of quarantine restrictions.
d. Assistance was also given to the most vulnerable
sectors severely impacted by the pandemic which
include reflexologists, blind masseurs/masseuses, tri-
sikad drivers, PUJ drivers, kargadores, fishermen,
barbers, general service employees, stranded urban
workers and clients. A total of Php 2,420,628.97 was
spent by JASAC on this effort.

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 5. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
a. Interreligious Dialogue
The Conversion of St. Paul Parish hosted an Ecumenical
Prayer for Unity and Healing coordinated with the LGU
of the Municipality of Bingawan and led by Rev. Fr.
Ricky Soriano, parish priest and head of the
Archdiocesan Commission on Indigenous Peoples
(ACIP).
b. The parish also hosted a forum on Indigenous Peoples
(IP) Rights Act for the IPs in partnership with the
Commission on Human Right and ACIP. A Donation
Drive was organized to raise funds and assist IP
communities with relief efforts which was held twice
during the quarantine period. The Commission focused
as well on looking for donors for their IP Scholarship
Program which benefitted a total of 137 scholars.

To support our petition for the partition of the Ecclesiastical

Territory of the Archdiocese of Jaro, data collection, research, and
document preparations were completed and the application was
submitted to the CBCP in October 12, 2021.

The Pastoral Visit proceeded as planned in spite of the pandemic,

with Archbishop Lazo citing his intention to make his presence felt
particularly in these difficult times. He stressed that part of his
duty as Shepherd of the flock is "to account for their souls, take care
of them in prayer and preach the works of charity not only to them
but also to those not yet of the flock who are also commended to
him in the Lord". Based on initial feedbacks, the Archbishop's
presence during the 2-3 day pastoral visit provided a meaningful
experience for people in dire need of consolation in a most
challenging time.

Archbishop Lazo also travelled to Turkana, Kenya with Fr. Peter

Guarin on November 8, 2020 for the Canonical Erection of the
Parish of Holy Family in Kaaleng, Diocese of Lodwar which was
placed under the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Jaro.

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2021: 500 Years of Christianity - Missio Ad Gentes

The 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines and Year of Mission

was launched on January 3 (Epiphany), followed by simultaneous
Parish launch on January 17 (Feast Day of the Sto. Niño). The
Cluster of Commissions developed a pastoral program guided by
the framework of Remembering, Celebrating, and Missioning,
which included activities that highlighted the themes of the 9-Year
Agenda, presentations to celebrate 500 years of faith-life in the
Archdiocese, and main activities for each year, as well as plans to
continue the legacy of Christianity generated in the nine years
leading up to the Year of Mission.

The Pastoral Program for the Year of Mission:

1. Remembering: Calling to mind the sense of mission
punctuated throughout nine-year pastoral agenda considering
the yearly focus theme
2. Celebrating: Celebrating the gift of faith (Historico-
ecclesiastical development of the Filipino Church)
3. Missioning: Continuing the missionary legacy to spread the
faith for total human liberation. The Church as always in a state
of mission: Parish and Neighborhood

Core Commissions
1. Remembering: To assess faith of the parish, people and
families - how faith is communicated and how it transpires in
action, mindfulness of the present and discernment for the
future.
2. Celebrating: History of Christianity in the Phil, Jaro (Diocese)
and Parish. Produce series of video clips shown befor`e masses,
via social media or brgy. masses. Produce printed copies (i.e.
souvenir program in parishes); Culmination activity
3. Missioning: To call for General Assembly of Priests before end
of the year to discuss among others: Proposals for just
remuneration, financial reporting, strict compliance of arancel
as tithing system is being studied, etc. ;Put up scholarship
program (skills training, cooperative, etc.) and long term
program for the poor; House to house visits; Revisit
catechetical instructions and programs; lesson plan for
catechists
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Agents of Renewal
1. Remembering: Adopt suggestions of VLDs for the 9-year
celebration – homily for simbang gabi (9 days); Documentation
to recall what has transpired in the parishes: to recall what
happened in each agenda in the parishes; Photo exhibit with
write up to remember when, where it happened and
significance of the event; Life story of priests to be published
(souvenir or coffee table book); narrating the story of the
diocese and life of priests and bishops
2. Celebrating: Launching Mass (May 27) to celebrate erection of
the church; Assign pilgrim churches where the faithful can visit
to gain plenary indulgence;
3. Missioning: Continue BOWS seminar for all priests; Designate
Commission Heads to take the lead in reviving significant
milestones

Service Commissions
1. Remembering: To create historical narratives of old or
significant parishes during the arrival of Christian
Missionaries, looking into different situations before, during
and after arrival. Consider audio-visual, print and online
platforms
2. Celebrating: Online celebration with priests joining
(depending on the situation at that time); Re-enactment of first
arrival of Christians in Dumangas (Ermita).
3. Missioning: Intensify and strengthen local parish initiatives
especially programs for frontliners, the poor etc.

Pastoral Program Cluster

1. Remembering: Photo exhibit, video presentations and film
showing to underscore the 9-Year agenda themes. Catechesis,
Aguinaldo Mass Homilies highlighting the 9 year agenda; Balik
tan-aw to review each year and use it as basis for planning next
year's celebration and programs. Call for assembly of all
commissions (Commission Heads, members/ planners/ core
group) to review how each year agenda was commemorated,
evaluate and also appreciate the accomplishments;
Remembering all priests (alive and dead); Comics or coffee
table book;

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2. Celebrating: A celebration to coincide with Feast of the
Candelaria supplemented by catechesis; Launching in
Dumangas (Ermita) site of arrival of first Spanish missionaries
in Iloilo. Vicariate and Parish exhibit; Research the narrative
of the history of the diocese; Documentary of the 3 Synods in
Jaro and how the Archdiocesan Shared Vision was formulated;
Show narratives or launch a TV station or cable channel for the
parish; Gather historical documents of parish and compile
them to tell the story of the growth of the parish. Narrate story
of the parishes that can be posted via social media or other
media entities.

3. Missioning:
 Pagpadayon sang Spirituality kag Pagtuo – Strengthen and
intensify BEC in parishes
 Pagkabalaka – institutionalize Social Action
ministry/program
 Pagtamod kag Pag-ulikid sa Labing nagakinahanglan -
Institutionalize Ministry of Charity
 Pagpabalik sang mga nag talang – Formation of Formators,
Lay Leaders and Parish Priests, Continuing formation for
All, Family Catechesis, Strengthening of Social Media
Platforms: Identify most evangelically disenfranchised and
make them the focus for evangelization program,
particularly BEC.; Revisit first BECs organized in the;
Yearlong campaign for the lay faithful to be involved in lay
organizations, movements and associations; Immersion of
priests in the barangays

The Synod Consultations, which was launched in October 18, 2021,

marked the beginning of the next part of our journey. Despite the
ongoing pandemic, we now face a new challenge, equipped with
the fruits of our synodal experience, which has opened new doors
for new opportunities. We examine the gaps and pray to the Holy
Spirit to lead us in the right direction, hoping that this new path
would bring us closer to our goal of becoming a Church of the Poor
that responds to the needs of ALL.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

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