St. Joseph Parish Tabunok turns 50
The celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Saint Joseph the Worker parish in barangay Tabunok, Talisay City kicked off yesterday, Aug. 17 with a caravan at 2 p.m. and a Triduum Mass at 7 p.m. presided by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Julito Cortes.
The theme of the golden jubilee celebration is “Work animated by faith, faith proclaimed in work.”
The church was established in Aug. 19, 1962 after it was carved out of Talisay city’s main parish of Santa Teresa de Avila.
One of first programs organized by parishioners was to tend to sick members as well as bereaved families in the area through the group called “Kapunongan ni San Jose” (Group of St. Joseph).
Preparations for the golden jubilee celebration started in November 2010 when Monsignor Ruben Labajo, head of the parish team ministry, exhorted parishioners to contribute for the church’s beautification and renovation, beginning with the altar, sacristy and holding room or lounge for priests.
More than two years later, the church has enhanced its visibility with a raised façade featuring a 5-meter statue of the patron saint, 1.5 meter gated fence and other renovated features in the main entrance.
Monsignor Labajo said the original estimate for interior and exterior renovation was P2.2 million but because of additional works, the cost has since doubled.
Cris Tadlip, a member of the Parish Pastoral Council said parishioners continue to contribute for church projects.
The parish of St. Joseph the Worker has jurisdiction over more than 70,000 parishioners spread in 10 barangays, most of them very depressed areas.
To help the children of the poorest of the poor, Monsignor Labajo revealed that the parish has a program called Parish Education Assistance Program.
PEAP offers free educational assistance to indigent children through financial assistance extended by a Manila based foundation called Mission Guided by Mary (MGM), which allocates P12,000 a month and disbursed through the parish office. Parishioners also donate to the PEAP Fund.
Presently, PEAP has 20 scholars, 14 are in the elementary and 6 are in high school.
Lay volunteers, like Ms. Tessie Bacalzo and Marijune Porreon help in the administration of the program, as well as in spiritual formation of children and parents. Attending catechism classes is a strict requirement imposed by the program.
Labajo said he hopes the program will continue, and in the future, provide assistance to the present crop of scholars so they can go to high school and college.
The parish has plans to extend livelihood programs to parents and young people of Tabunok so that they can set up business or find employment that will help them uplift their lives.
Labajo said the church programs and activities wherein parishioners freely give their time, effort and resources reveal a “deepening of the faith” among the people.
“Faith is not just about pious practices, one has to live it through good works and by helping others,” Labajo said.
August 18 activities include a foot procession starting at 7 pm, to be followed by a Holy Mass at 9:30 to be celebrated by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emilio Bataclan. A fireworks display will be held at close to midnight.
On Sunday, Aug. 19, Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal will celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m., while Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma will celebrate High Mass at 4 p.m.
Palma will lead the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee marker after the Mass. /MALOU GUANZON APALISOK
