The Diocese of Borongan, which is in the Central part of the Philippines, has thirty-four parishes and approximately six hundred thousand (600,000) Catholics. The missionary activities of our diocese are implemented by the various commissions that facilitate the faith journey of the people. The ministry of teaching the basics of our Catholic faith is under the Commission on Catechesis. They visit the parishes to train group of catechists and provide catechetical materials for their guidance.
In order to have a support group for every Catholic member in the community, they are clustered into smaller communities that have weekly prayer meetings in their houses. They have a prayer guide that centers on reading the Scriptures and they have time to share their own faith experiences according to the Scripture passage that they have heard. This ministry is under the Commission on Basic Ecclesial Communities.
Our brothers and sisters in the prison are also provided with spiritual nourishment. The Commission on Prison Pastoral Care have a regular Sunday Mass. It is interesting to note that they have been actively participating in the liturgical celebrations by forming a choir and preparing the place for the Mass. We see in them the excitement to listen to the Word of God and to receive the Body of Christ.
One of the challenging phenomenon in our place is the absence of parents because they are working outside the country to provide for the needs of their families. The Commission on Migrants visits the families of those working abroad to guide them in their spiritual journey. They are organized according to parishes and they have regular prayer meetings. Those working abroad are also given the chance to pray the rosary with their families online through the Commission on Mass Media that provides avenue for communication.
The Diocese of Borongan was assigned to Santa Sophia Church, Spring Valley in 2018 and St. James Church, Solana Beach in 2019 for Missionary Cooperation Plan. They are assigned to St. John the Evangelist Church, San Diego and Our Lady of Angeles Church, San Diego for Missionary Cooperation Plan 2021.
By Fr. Michael Bormate, Diocese of Borongan