On May 28, 2023, the FCC Gouda & Surroundings community came together to celebrate its remarkable 25-year journey. This significant milestone not only marked the passage of time but also highlighted the unwavering commitment, unity, and faith that have shaped this community into a thriving force. Attendees reflected on their experiences, expressing gratitude for the collective effort, the guidance of Father Marcel Uzoigwe, and the sense of belonging that has made FCC Gouda a second home.
Working Together Towards Success: Arnold Paco, a devoted member of FCC Gouda & Surroundings, recognized the harmonious collaboration within the community. He emphasized the dedication of every individual to their roles, resulting in a well-organized and efficient group. Arnold encouraged everyone to continue relying on the guiding star of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that with faith as their compass, nothing is impossible.
A Family That Provides Support: Lita Henke, reflecting on her cherished memories, expressed immense joy at being part of the FCC Gouda community. Over the past 25 years, she and her late husband found solace and comfort in attending the Filipino mass. Lita felt at home from the moment they were warmly welcomed by the group. Despite the challenges of going to Gouda alone after her husband’s passing, she found solace in the supportive nature of the community. Lita’s continued participation is a testament to the family-like atmosphere and the unwavering support offered by FCC Gouda.
Fine & Fun, that’s how it went: Fr. Cyril summed up his experience in a concise yet powerful statement: “It was fine and it was fun.” His words captured the positive energy and enjoyment felt throughout the celebration, both during the Mass and the subsequent festivities.
A Reverend’s Perspective: Fr. Mark Robin Hoogland acknowledged the exceptional atmosphere that permeated the Mass and continued long after. The sense of unity and joy was palpable, creating a sacred space for celebration and worship.
Succesvol, Sfeervol, en Gezellig: Marrietta Boswinkel eloquently summarized the event in Dutch, expressing that it was highly successful, filled with ambiance, and a joyous affair. Her words echoed the sentiments of many who attended the anniversary celebration.
Congratulations and Support from FCC Dordrecht: Representing FCC Dordrecht, Marissa van der Graaf extended heartfelt congratulations to FCC Gouda & Surroundings on their 25th anniversary. She commended the community’s collective efforts, acknowledging the board members and all community members for their dedication to the Catholic community. Marissa highlighted the unity displayed by the husbands, who selflessly worked in the kitchen during the event, showcasing their love and support. She expressed the desire for continued collaboration and eagerly anticipated participating in FCC Gouda’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The Importance of Leaders and Followers: Maria Lovell van der Weiden recognized the vital roles played by both leaders and followers within the FCC Gouda community. She emphasized the need for unity and appreciation of every individual’s contributions. Maria applauded the supporters who often work behind the scenes, as well as the leaders who guide and steer the community’s direction. Through this balanced collaboration, she was confident in the community’s ability to thrive in the years to come.
A Home Away from Home: Kristine Baul expressed her gratitude for FCCG, likening it to a home away from home. She praised the community for its warm and welcoming nature, emphasizing the joyful celebration of their 25th anniversary. Kristine highlighted the cultural significance of Filipino songs and dances, which evoked nostalgia and pride. She acknowledged the importance of belonging to FCCG in strengthening her faith and thanked her FCCG family for their support.
Embracing Challenges and Sharing Talents: Amor van Os, reflecting on the journey of FCC Gouda, emphasized the trials faced along the way. However, she emphasized the presence of God as a constant companion, guiding the community through obstacles. Amor recalled the leadership challenges in 2012 and recognized the courage of Jan Boon, who took charge during that critical time. She encouraged every member to recognize their unique gifts and talents, urging them to share them with the community for collective growth.
To sum up, the 25th anniversary celebration of FCC Gouda & Surroundings was a testament to the unwavering unity, support, and faith that have defined this community. Attendees reflected on their experiences, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all members, the guidance of Father Marcel Uzoigwe, and the sense of belonging that binds them together. As they looked forward to the future, the attendees were confident that FCC Gouda would continue to flourish, embracing challenges, and remaining a vibrant beacon of faith for many more years to come.
The Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda and Surroundings held its annual Socio-Gathering Event last November 27, 2022 at the Antonius Zaal in Gouda. It was a night, themed as Gala Night, filled with sharing, fun, laughter, music and warmth. The event started with a free workshop on Communication by Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner brought and shared by the attendees of the event. All the while, lively music was provided by the DJs Norie and Nova from FCC-Dordrecht.
After dinner, the party program started by giving tokens of thanks to the FCC-Gouda volunteers. This year, acknowledgements were given to Gio Quebral for his service as a mass servant boy and Nelleke Oosterwijk for always helping in the collation of the euchalette.
Everyone had a treat of hearing the golden voices of Sheryll Brocklehurst and Glenda Huisveld from FCC-Dordrecht. They did a very impressive duet that the audience clamoured for a second song.
FCC-Gouda ladies, Lea, Elpi, Christy, Luz and Marivic, performed a dance number for everyone to enjoy.
Sister Gloria (Jamayca Tagalog and Sister Margareth (Marjorie May Torion), who are visiting Missionaries from Cebu, serenaded all with Christmas carols.
Another dance number was performed by the members of the FCC-Dordrecht.
In between numbers the DJ provided music so everyone can enjoy dancing on the floor.
One of the highlights of the night was the awarding of Mr & Ms Gala and The Best in Gala Gown. Mr and Ms Emeka and Enene Abadon was hailed as the Gala Couple of the night. They were given sash and gift prizes by Fr. Marcel.
Meanwhile, Ms Janice Janapon is the winner of the best Gala gown of the night, She too was awarded a sash and gift by FCC-Gouda Members.
Another highlight of the night was the awaited FCC-Gouda Tombola Draw. Here are the list of the happy winners.
1st Prize €50 Sheryll Brocklehurst
2nd Prize €30 Mercy Ordiz
3rd Prize €20 Janice Janapon
Consolation Prizes Winners
Lita Henke
Norma Reyes
Charoes Schuurhuis
Kristian Janapon
Lea Van Rhijn
Congratulations to all the Winners.
It was indeed one memorable night to remember. Everyone was a very happy in their singing and dancing mood even up to the cleaning of the Hall.
FCC-Gouda would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors and donors of the event.
FiHansieel Company
Elpi Asiatisch Kleding Reparatie
Mary Lynn Van Dijk
Mercy Ordiz Lea Van Rhijn
And to those who donated Anonymously
Thank you too to the members of the FCC-Dordrecht, for providing the music especially to Norie and Nova who were the DJs of the night. More Photos from the Socio-Gathering Event are attached below. Thank You and till next year.
MESSAGE FROM THE FCC-GOUDA BOARD
This year 2022 Socio Gathering with the theme “Gala” was again celebrated with a lot of surprising attendees of church members and families & visitors. The event was amazing and went very well . The moment to communicate to catch up between communities and friends ,love ones and friends after the pandemic.
It is also our special way to thank volunteers and Fr Marcel Uzoigwe for their hard work during the year. We also like to thank all the sponsors and donors, without them , we could not make it happen. Thank you for your help and generosity. We’re delighted to announce that our events raised Four hundred and forty two euro’s -netto. This amount will help us continue our work helping the needy.
We still in need of volunteers. Please get in touch with the board members and let our team help you find a tasks that would suit you – just email fcc.gouda@gmail.com. Any help is welcome and appreciated.
The Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda held its annual Flores de Mayo (flowers of May) and Santacruzan (holy cross) last May 22, 2022. Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan are typical devotional native celebrations of the Filipinos to Mama Mary in the month of May.
A procession outside the Josephkerk in Gouda was led by Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, CSSp and Fr. John Bosco Ezedimbu, CSSp. The Community, holding flowers, sung songs in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary. At the end of the procession was the Reyna Elena bearing the traditional cross, representing the true cross of Jesus found by Helena of Constantinopole. The procession ended inside the church, where each participant offered flowers to the Virgin Mother. Thereafter, the cross held by the Reyna Elena was placed at the altar. The priests then prayed and blessed the celebration while the community continued to sing Mary’s song in between.
Below are some photos taken during the Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan celebration.
Saturday, March 26,2022 the Filipino Community of Gouda organized a Holy Retreat event. It was a well attended event and participants were able to have a reflection , meditation about themselves.
The day started with Fr. Callistus Offor with a bible phrase “DO NOT BE AFRAID FOR I AM WITH YOU” Isaiah 41:10 . Followed by questions:
What is a retreat? Why am I here? Why did I decide to come?
Among the numerous reasons to attend the retreat are.
We need rest, we need time to express or share our feelings, we need some moment to reflect. Moments to look at ourselves if we have grown. Need to be open to changing our life and need prayer.
The main topic of the event was about “FEAR”
What is Fear? and How do we deal with fear in our daily lives?
Fear, something can do a lot of damage in our daily lives. Something we are afraid of. Has a lot of negative impacts: Social life, Physical life, Personal life, Spiritual life. It steals our time , values, status and can destroy peace of mind, happiness, health and sanity.
Everyone was given a chance to share what kind of fear they have encountered in life. Participants were divided into 3 groups and each group was able to share and discuss it. And it comes with a discussion that mostly has a fear of being alone in life, the fear of aiming high because of lack of confidence, lack of focus, fear of being rejected, fear of being neglected, fear of what will happen if time will come of dying and so on.
Fr. Callistus discussed the “Strategies of Fear”
A short story was shared and came out with a conclusion that If you feel you are a victim don’t be afraid stand up and fight back know what you are capable of. Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of.
Each of us must confront our own fears, and must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it. Develop self permission, don’t put yourself down. There is power in prayer, there is power in the words of God.
Use your time, use your talent and that you can live your own life.
The day ended that everyone feel inspired ,happy and feel blessed.
September 5, 2020 marked another successful occassion for members of our Catholic Community in Gouda! The community has successfully held its second Holy Retreat despite setbacks caused by COVID-19 restrictions. This time. Rev. Fr. John Onoja, C.S.S.p led and facilitated the said holy retreat, which was held at Aalberseplein, Gouda.
Songs of praises made the occasion solemn but lofty! As usual, the occassion began with a prayer, whereby attendees were given a time to reflect and write their prayer petitions on a piece of paper, which was later blessed. Afterwards, Father John gave a brief discussion on the meaning and significance of having a retreat.
In his talk, Father John explained that the word ‘retreat’ is commonly associated with the military. The General or Commander of the troop or battalion calls for a retreat because the enemy is gaining the advantage! And in many cases, the general has to withdraw his men from the battle field not only to save his remaining men from further injury or death but most importantly to have to rest, recuperate, and regain the strength needed to live and fight the next day. In a spiritual sense, having a retreat connotes setting aside one’s everyday routine to reconnect in a deeper level with God through prayers. It is the time to re-collect, re-member and re-examine one’s self in the light of the questions, “Who I am?”, “Where I am?“ and “What I am?”.
But how do we pray? Father John tackled the aspects of Praying. Silenceis a one aspect. With our culture being addicted to the noises and distractions of our televisions, internet, radios, friends , work and family, praying in silence seems unachievable. Praying in silence means to be quiet in mind and heart and being in a state of meditation . Only through praying in silence will we hear God speak. Only in nothingness can God fill you!
“ Come to me, all you are weary and burdened and I will give you rest . Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus calls for those who are weary and burdened. This means those who are physically or mentally exhausted from unmet dreams, financial burdens, sickness, guilt, regrets, trials and temptations to name a few. Some will seek a temporary solutions for the weariness by doing drugs , buying anti-depressant medicines, looking answers from fortune tellers, and many more unreliable ways of solving problems.
The Bible undoubtedly says follow Jesus. He is our perpetual and everlasting solution. He will want us to take his yoke for He will teach us and lift us up until we can find the inner rest we are seeking. But what is this “yoke” Jesus is telling us to carry with Him? Father John explained that back in days , farmers used a yoke, a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attched to the cart that they are to pull. It is to bind an older cow with a young cow or donkey . Because of the yoke the young cow with learn from the older cow on how to plough the fields. Just like Jesus ,our teacher and us , His students. He promised us that his yoke is light and easy to carry!
After the first talk, Father John gave us a moment of silent and meditation. Then we sung beautiful songs of praise and worship. Right after we went to the Blessed Sacrament for silent adoration and an apportunity for confession.
The second talk was all about ,”Keeping the faith in times of a pandamic”. The corona virus temporarily halted our daily routines, our vacation plans, family or friends visit , church activities and so on. This pandemic is temporary but it may feel like a forever struggle to slowly find normalcy in our lives and in our society!!
Jesus did not abandon us during this times , He was always with us! This pandemic gave us the realisation of the things we took for granted before because suddenly our movements are restricted and we hate it. Now, we call Jesus more than before , we value church gatherings like this retreat , we feel more closer to one other and we lend our helping hands and ears to people around us! And the most important message amidst the chaos this virus engender is that Jesus wants us to keep the faith. Keep it burning for He alone is our light and hope!
To conclude, the retreat ended with a Holy Mass and with participants happy to go home with a clearer understanding of what a retreat means and what it does to our spiritual growth. Among the general feedback are as follows:
“I understand clearly the meaning of retreat. At first it’s like hard to explain pag me nagtanong. Now, i understand very well.”
“The retreat is very fulfillin. It’s a time well spent and happy I went. I love the atmosphere, love the preachings, and love the time spent on praying.”
The regular 4th Sunday mass celebrated by the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda & Surroundings is back! On July 26, 2020, the community happily celebrated the mass at OLV Hemelvaartkerk after months of COVID-19 lockdown. Every year, FCC-Gouda celebrates Family Fun Day, a social gathering of all members of the community and their families for merriment, fellowship, and communal dining. But due to COVID-19-related restrictions, this year’s Family Fun Day celebration is cut into an hour gathering with few games, just drinks, and the annual raffle draw fundraising event.
FCC-Gouda needed to raise funds and push through with the planned raffle draw despite the foreseen difficulty of selling tickets and possibility of a cancelled event. By God’s grace, the 4th Sunday mass at the church and the Family Fun Day gathering and fundraising went through successfully. Winners of the raffle draw are as follows:
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
1st Prize (€75): Ticket # 101— Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe
2nd Prize (€50): Ticket # 384 — Eva Donaire Kroeze
Best Raffle Ticket Sellers: Marivic Adema & Susan Horn-Perez
YOU ARE ALL WINNERS! To all who supported us for this cause, from producing the raffle tickets to giving your donations for the prizes, selling the raffle tickets, buying the tickets with a cheerful heart, consolidating all sold tickets, drawing the winners, and making a financial report, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Together, we’ve raised a total of €465!
WORDS OF THANKS FROM THE FCC-GOUDA BOARD
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Thank you so much for your continuous support to our once-a-year celebration of Family Fun Day of the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda and Surroundings. We are very happy to have you. Your donations have been able to help our activities & diaconal work. Your continuous support helps us build a strong foundation that fosters growth and enriches the worship life of the Christian community. You make the difference, especially in this time of crisis. Your help sustains our mission, and we are sincerely grateful for all your help and support.
Our special thanks to our volunteers and donors:
Marivic Adema
Myra Colis
Elpi de Clercq
Elpi Aziatisch Kleding Reparatie
Susan Horn-Perez
Mar Jane Streefland
Amor van Os
If you have any questions regarding our work and how the proceeds will be put to use, please do not hesitate to contact us.
