Renewal of Commitment in the Time of Pandemic

The Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People (CMIP) with its commitment, tends “to support Indigenous People’s initiative for Self-Determination and Empowerment.” In the absence of the priests, who usually visits them at least once a month due to wide coverage of the Mission Stations, the CMIP appoints leaders from the local areas to lead the spiritual activities. So we have these Lay Cooperators (LAYCOs).

According to the guidelines of the Diocese of Marbel, being a Layco is a special ministry that is commissioned to help in giving communion, presiding at the bible service, and to lead the sacramentals that is approved by the Local Bishop. In short, they lead the faithful in their spiritual endeavors, especially when priests are absent during Sundays and holidays of obligation. These people, once commissioned, renew their commitment yearly. Yearly, the Laycos from all of the Mission Areas gather together for their retreat, before they renew their commitment to their duty.

Due to this Pandemic, this year, our Laycos have a different experience of their Renewal of commitment! Instead of gathering together, they renew their commitment in the zones where they belong. These Laycos renew their promise of their service to their zone chaplain during their visit to their areas. Accordingly, there were 114 Laycos, from 60 GKKs (Mission Stations) which is divided into eight ( zones.

For some of them, the experience was really different since it was their first time to renew their commitment in the presence of their families and relatives. But what remains is their zeal and vigor in their service as cooperators of the CMIP to their community.