The gathering of Shepherds took a lull for sometime. Through the efforts of the Marriage Life Apostolate (MLA) through its Couple In-Charge for Shepherding/ Shepherd Forum, Felix Norly Lachica the shepherds gathered anew to rekindled the friendships. To the new shepherds, it was a time to bond and get to know each other.

The Shepherds’ Forum last Monday. November 29, 2010 was held at 1-5 pm. At the DAR Training Room, Quezon City.

“A Getting To Know You “ affair, the program started with the Opening Prayer led by Bro. Noy Manalo. Then self- introductions were given supplemented by short questions which provided an opportunity for each one to “see-through” the points of view on matters concerning relationships, aspirations, values in its most candid way.

Then there was a short audio-visual presentation which refreshed the shepherds of their role summed up to an acronym for

L - a lifetime vocation. It is a divine call to perform a specific function for The family, the relatives/neighborhood and to the ME Community.

A - affinity for life which means it is building a lifetime relationship and is expected to be permanent. No regrouping .

M - ministry for life – it is a duty and a call to service. Therefore resignation is not allowed and does not have retirement age limit.

B - bonding sans P talks- group.

S - Spiritual family. It is strengthening the spirituality of every member
Through the activities lined up by the community and practicing the
Works and prayers with blood family

It was also an opportune time to discuss upcoming events and need for participation where the commitment and support of the Shepherds play a vital role. Generally, the response was positive and everyone’s adrenalin longs for an increase in number of attendees and better orientation on the value of time and punctuality.

The closing Prayer was led by Shepherd Couple Demet Rose Araniego.

The Shepherds’ Forum with its matching snacks and prizes for games is sponsored by the Marriage Life Apostolate headed by Migo Len Vargas . The liquid portions were through the generosity of Shepherd Ding Susan Mayor and Noy Gay Manalo.

It was truly an inspiring experience with the Mater Dei shepherds and with the MLA team in full force happily functioning according to pre-agreed division of labor.

The participants in the forum were: Demet Rose Araniego, Sam Lulu Asia, Ben Letty Bernardo, Leo Meddy Bugarin, Nono Cecile Delgado, Toto Maia Diez, Dodong She Garay, Rey Nelia Guerrero, Boyet Jenny Gumabao, Felix Norly Lachica, Bobby Adora Mabesa, Noy Gay Manalo, Omar Rose Mayo, Ding Susan Mayor, Noy Jasmin Ojenar, Noni Baby Pascual, Bong Tess Perez, Ferdie Dhin Pozas, Edwin Ritchie Rebollido, Ric Sally Rey, Don Liza Salisi, Freddie Miriam Santos, Lorenz Weng Tabilog, Migo Len Vargas, Rey Leth Varilla, and Jess Merlin Versoza