Leaders urged to serve with a humble heart

Mar 31, 2017

By Julita Kantod
A short recollection organised by the Parish Council Committee (PCC) members was given by Fr Philip A Muji. It began with a Eucharistic celebration at 7.30am on March 4.

The PCC is one of the main service teams in the Church. It acts as a consultative body and thus, is expected to be a model in spiritual maturity. The committee, together with a few members of the CCR music ministry, led the praise and worship before the Mass began.

This recollection hoped to refresh and sustain their knowledge, skills and courage that, nourished by the grace of God, they may be faithful and effective in their service.

Fr Philip, in his homily, stressed on the importance of spiritual food to all ministers of the Church, especially the PCC members, to gain wisdom and enlightenment to maintain the welfare of the Church. He said, “As a member of the PCC, you are the focus of the people in the implementation of any spiritual development activities in the Church. Without God’s grace and guidance, your faith will easily weaken. All of us require a firm and strong commitment to face challenges in our services as we face human nature and thus, you must give yourself the opportunity to receive the gift of wisdom through this recollection.”

He also said, “Your concern and knowledge on current issues is also very important so that you can evaluate and act to protect our faith from being corrupted by irresponsible ideologies. Pray for strength and inspiration from God so that you will be granted the knowledge and wisdom that accompany you in your service to the Church.”

He ended his homily by expressing gratitude to all those present in that recollection.

Three main topics were presented, as well as group sharing on ministering their respective groups, besides being a PCC member.

The first topic was Leadership in serving by Mario Domingo, Family Life Vice-Chairman, who is also an ex-PCC chairman.

In his sharing, he said that being a leader in the Church can never be compared to being a leader in the secular world. Serving the Church means we are the precious servants of Christ who bring the people of God to awareness of the real presence of God in our daily lives. We humble ourselves to offer our service to others. “Being a leader of the Church, one must be a servant of all, a humble servant, dependent on the wisdom of God, firm in the faith and patient. It is not about power or authority but it is all about how others see Christ in us and in our actions.”

Sr Julita Joseph, FSIC then spoke on Serving with Love. Serving must be free from a feeling of being forced or coerced, it is a service of encouraging, caring, loving, comforting and is usually rewarding. It is very different from being forced to do something, not out of our willingness and honesty. A true and pure action comes from the heart and soul. It is always uplifting and full of peace and satisfaction. Serving the Lord is not just a job to be accomplished. It is so that the love of Christ may be reflected through us.

Sustaining the Spirit of Leadership in Serving was presented by seminarian Arthur John.

To understand and discern our call as a leader in the Church is very important. Being positive and creative in leadership contributes to the sense of confidence, attentiveness, calmness and prudence in leading. Thus, it will always provide the spirit of serving in faithfulness.

The participants were then encouraged to a deeper reflection as to what fruits they experienced personally and in others. Did Christ’s love become the foundation or model of their service towards others? The wisdom, strength and spirit of service are from God; true servants of Christ will continue to offer themselves humbly for the benefit of others, without expecting anything in return.

Participants shared that all the topics were inspiring. “Without the wisdom and love from God, all action that has been executed is only an action without love that does not benefit God’s Kingdom. Serving the Church is equal to serving God,” Julita said.

The Recollection ended with the “Washing of the Feet” as a symbol of humble service to one another as shown by our Lord Jesus, the Model of Servanthood.

The programme ended at 2.30pm with a prayer led by Mario, followed by light refreshment.