Volunteer’s Corner
Building the Pillars of Volunteerism at MCCB
By Jerry Jalos

What you are reading on this May issue may come as an added source of information coming from the volunteer groups of the Manila Cathedral-Basilica as represented by the Volunteers’ Council highlight¬ing its activities for the month.

From the past years, MCB Volunteers have been very active in their response to the programs and projects of the Manila Cathedral-Basilica. As you well know, MCB Volunteers comprise various groups devotedly serving in the Church during liturgical services. They are the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion, Lectors & Commen¬tators, Altar Servers, Choirs, and Greeters and Collectors. These groups are represented by its chosen coordinator who sits with the Rector in meeting held every second Saturday of the month, known as the MCB Volunteers’ Council Meeting.
It is good to know that at the start of the year 2008, the Volunteers’ Council had just finished and ratified its Constitutions and By-Laws, a visible sign that the Volunteer groups have become a unified and dy¬namic entity of the Manila Cathedral-Basilica, sincere to its commit¬ment and dedicated service to God while still capable and available to reach Intramuros, all for support to the Manila Cathedral-Basilica.

The MCB management, at the beginning of the year, has also wel¬comed the new set of officers for 2008. To function as Head Coordina¬tor is Bro. Vladimir V. Reyes, joined in the officer lineup by Sis. Mila¬gros S. Santiago, Assistant Head Coordinator; Sis. Nenita G. Roslin, Secretary; Sis. Anita Q. Lampa, Assistant Secretary; Sis. Felicisima L. Caliao, Treasurer; and Bro. Jerry C. Jalos, Auditor. On a recent meeting held on April 12, 2008, the new WESTY Coordinators were appointed: Sis. Miles Santiago for Worship, Bro. Pilo Reyes for Education, Bro. Tino Rosario and Sis. Lenie Lainez for Social Services, Sis. Baby Lam¬pa for Temporalities, and Sis. Maryrose Javellanos for Youth.

The Volunteers’ Council is currently on the planning stage in its response to the strong encouragement of Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, hoping that all volunteers’ presence be felt all the more during the 50th An¬niversary of the Manila Cathedral-Basilica. Along with Msgr. Nestor’s plan for the coming activities, Bro. Vladimir conceptualized a fitting program for the incoming celebration in December 2008.

Over and above this seemingly huge concern, representatives of MCB Volunteers are continuously participating in the Vicariate meetings, MAGPAS, and other Archdiocesan activities. This time, special mention is due to the dynamism of the 20 active MCB youth members for having launched a “Manila Cathedral Youth Choir,” indeed, a concrete expression and affirmation of their commitment to the Manila Cathedral-Basilica.

Much will be shared in the coming issue. Meantime, this is for now.