Ma. Angelica S. Abarquez

CONCEPT PAPER ALAY KAPWA 2021 I. INTRODUCTION Alay Kapwa is the Lenten evangelization action program of the Philippine Catholic Church. Created in 1975 by the Catholic Bishops. The program is implemented in the parishes and arch/dioceses in the country every Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Lent is conducive for religious renewal, in as much as the yearly commemoration of Christ's passion, death and resurrection invites Christians to soulsearching and reflection on the meaning of salvation of Christ. It is also a traditional religious practice to share in Christ's passion by acts of penance and sacrifice during Lent. Alay Kapwa offers a meaningful way of celebrating Lent, by reaffirming our faith in Christ through concrete acts of love and concern for the needy. Furthermore, the Filipino devotion to the suffering Christ may well be made contemporary by asking the religious devotee to attend to his suffering brothers. Conversion to God carries along with its conversion to others. The spirit of sacrifice and self-denial is given a positive direction: sharing with others what we would have enjoyed for ourselves. With the inevitable effects that this pandemic brings to us, this year’s Alay Kapwa will be moved from its original date which is Holy Week to Fiestang Patron. II. RATIONALE The Our Lady of Grace Parish prepares activities for the people of Mabalacat to come together in one faith, one family, and one community. This year, everyone has been greatly disturbed by the current struggles of the pandemic period. However, many of us become representations of Christ by sharing graces to our fellowmen especially in most need of help, and through revitalizing the spirit of charity and service of the people of Mabalacat. Our Lady of Grace Parish is already in the 12th year of giving selfless love to the people of Mabalacat. In line with the celebration of the Feast Day of Our Lady of Grace, our parish has the theme “Ad Jesum per Mariam” “To Jesus through Mary.”, this theme reminds us that the Blessed Mother aids in leading us to her son, Jesus Christ and that She is not just leading us, but she also accompanies us to Jesus. With that, Alay Kapwa 2021 will have the theme “Kalam nang Maria” which translates to “Gift of Mary”, this service activity aims to: • • • • To strengthen our social services to the less fortunate people especially during this time of the pandemic. To extend our arms to those who are in need by doing charity, after all, is the heart of Christian life. To spread the spirit of grace by giving goods that they need. To become a united community through this social action. III. GENERAL GUIDELINES/MECHANICS:  The “Alay Kapwa 2021” is open to those selected community members around the jurisdiction of the Parish.  The parish will accept cash and in-kind donations.  Donations must be given to the Parish Office or the Committee In-Charge.  The recipient for this activity would be determined by the various chapel pastoral council and parish pastoral councils.  The names of the recipients should be passed on or before June 4, 2021 to the parish office or the respective assigned person: Sis. Angel Abarquez or Bro. Ivan David.  The list of suggested goods are: 5-kilogram Rice 5-Canned Goods 5-Noodles ¼ Sugar 25-grams Coffee IV. STRATEGIES  Chapel pastoral councils from all barrios of the Parish must share/contribute to this service activity, any kind or amount of share should be appreciated.  Donations also open for those parishioners and outsiders who want to contribute.  Will post an online advertisement with a tagline “Bie ka, maGracia ka”. V. BENEFICIARIES Each barrio/sitio will submit 10 names of a less fortunate person especially: (unemployed family, COVID-19 victims, street children, poorest of the poor in the community). VI. WORKING COMMITTEES The program will be spearheaded by the Ministry on Service and the Youth Ministry of Our Lady of Grace Parish. VII. TIME FRAME The schedule for the collection of goods will start on February 22, 2021 until June 4, 2021 and the schedule of distribution of goods is stated below. (NOTE: MASTERPLAN OF THE ACTIVITY WILL UPLOAD SEPERATELY) VIII. BUDGET PROPOSAL OUR LADY OF GRACE PARISH ALAY KAPWA 2021 BUDGET PROPOSAL MINISTRY ON SERVICE NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Item RICE (50KG) SARDINES (155G) LUCKY ME NOODLES COFFEE (25GRAMS) SUGAR (1/4) PASTIC BAG QTY 20 CAVAN 1000 PCS 1000 PCS 200 PCS 200 PCS 10 PACKS TOTAL AMOUNT PRICE- TOTAL AMOUNT- ₱70,300.00 Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa of Calcutta