FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF ST. MICHAEL (FCSM)

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Filipino Community of St. Michael is deeply committed to the following goals:

• The practice of Christian ideals of the Gospel.
• Strong participation in liturgical and parish activities.
• Integration of Filipinos into the community’s social, economic, and civic life.
• The promotion of the “Bayanihan” spirit within the Parish community.
• FCSM History

Inspired by Msgr. Anthony Giesing, who vigorously sought and encouraged the active participation of the various ethnic groups within the parish, and under the guidance of Fr. Onofre Aurelio, the Filipino Community of St. Michael Parish was established in November of 1977. Forty six members of the Filipino community responded with great enthusiasm and began a dynamic involvement in ever increasing and varied activities in the parish. With their goals and objectives in mind, the FCSM has initiated and strongly supported the following activities:

• The Rosary Crusade now in its 31st year of daily and weekly visitation of parish members’ homes promoting the daily praying of the rosary.
• Various Parish projects including the construction of the Grotto, the lectern and baptismal font projects.
• Fund raising events to benefit charitable organizations locally and abroad.
• Parish Fall Festival which raises funds to help St. Michael Academy and the School of Religion.

The members of the FCSM actively participate in parish life serving as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Choir members, Parish Pastoral Council members, and CCD teachers. Through cooperation with Filipino priests assigned in St. Michael through out the span of several years, FCSM has been instrumental with the institutionalization of a monthly Tagalog Mass, annual Simbang Gabi Novena, and annual Easter celebration of the Salubong (also known as Encuentro). All this is in recognition of the overwhelming presence of Filipinos in the parish and as a way of reaching out to them through the medium of their own culture. FCSM also provides a strong presence in the Filipino Commission of Diocesan Office of Ethnic Affairs which is instrumental in bringing about the yearly celebration of the Feast of the first Filipino Saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz.

FCSM also welcomes and supports programs for the Spiritual growth such as the Renew Program some years back, Marriage Encounter workshops, and the Cursillo Movement, and activities such as the Pro Life rallies. Strong involvement in the Cursillo Movement, (98% of the active members of the FCSM had lived the Three Day Weekend Cursillo) is instrumental in strengthening the commitment to active participation in parish life. Social activities have also blossomed with community building events to include the Easter picnic, annual family camping, and gala celebrations. Youth participation has also shown a marked increase in enthusiastic following with many sharing their talents in liturgy, music, and dance.

The FCSM’s enthusiasm to serve the Lord and his people continue to flourish and grow stronger in His love. Membership is open to any parishioner of St. Michael who supports the purpose of this association and is at least 18 years of age. The annual membership fee is $5.00 per family per year with the option of paying $10.00 for two year Membership. The monthly meeting is held at SMP Collier Center every last Friday of the month at 7:00PM unless otherwise specified.

THE ROSARY DEVOTION

For Rosary devotion, the image of the Virgin Mary is brought to different homes every week of the year in order to pray the rosary with family members. But during the Marian months of May and October, the image is brought and shared every day. For those who are interested in receiving the Blessed Mother for prayer in their homes, please contact Fe Endaya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   or Josie Alaysa and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .