February is a month of love, unity, and connection for Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda and its surrounding (FCCG) that gathered to celebrate not only the bond between couples but also the love that unites us all. A special Mass was held to mark the occasion, offering a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection and heartfelt blessing.
The highlight of the Mass was the couples’ blessing, where couples as well as other attendees gathered to receive a special blessing from Father Cyril. This beautiful tradition honors the couples’ commitment to one another and their shared journey of faith and love. As the couples stood together, hands clasped and hearts open, they received prayers for strength, health, and continued growth in their relationships. It was a moving moment that reminded all of the power of partnership and mutual support.
Flowers for All: A Symbol of Appreciation
As a gesture of gratitude and love for every attendee, the church also provided flowers to each person present. These flowers were more than just a decoration; they symbolized appreciation for the love and presence of each individual in the community. For the couples, it was a token of their shared bond, while for singles and families, it was a reminder of the beauty and significance of all relationships.
The gesture was simple yet meaningful, and the vibrant colors of the flowers brought an extra sense of joy and warmth to the celebration. The act of giving flowers reflected the church’s message that love, in all its forms, should be celebrated and cherished.
The Filipino Catholic Communities in the Netherlands celebrated the joyous season of Advent and Christmas with a series of meaningful events that brought together members of the community in Gouda and Hoofddorp. These events not only fostered the spirit of togetherness but also deepened the faith and traditions of the Filipino Catholics living abroad.
Simbang Gabi at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 18, 2024)
The festive celebrations began with the much-loved Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), held at Josephkerk in Gouda on December 18, 2024. Simbang Gabi, a tradition deeply cherished by Filipino Catholics, is a series of nine early morning or evening masses in anticipation of Christmas. For the FCCG, this event marked the beginning of their Christmas celebration, bringing together families and friends to pray and prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ.
This special mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, who led the congregation through a spiritually enriching service. His homily resonated deeply with the attendees, as he shared messages of hope, faith, and the importance of family during this holy season. The FCCG organized this event as a way to keep the Filipino Christmas traditions alive, even while living far from home.
Simbang Gabi at Joannes de Doper Kerk, Hoofddorp (December 19, 2024)
The Simbang Gabi continued the following evening at Joannes de Doper Kerk in Hoofddorp, where the Filipino Catholic Community members gathered to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Like the previous night in Gouda, this mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, and was equally filled with prayer and reflection.
Both Simbang Gabi celebrations were sponsored by the Filipino Catholic Community Gouda and its Surrounding (FCCG), a vibrant and welcoming community that offers support to Filipino Catholics in the region. These events allowed participants to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their shared faith and cultural traditions.
Christmas Mass and FCCG Christmas Party at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 22, 2024)
The festive atmosphere continued on December 22, 2024, with a special Christmas Mass at Josephkerk in Gouda and was facilitated by Fr. Marcel. This mass marked the culmination of the Christmas celebrations for the FCCG. The church was filled with joy and reverence as the community came together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Following the mass, the FCCG Christmas Party took place, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. DJ Norie provided the music, ensuring that the event was filled with energy and excitement. The highlight of the evening was a special performance by Merlinda Dano, whose voice resonated with warmth and love, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holiday season.
In addition to the music, the evening was filled with Christmas caroling by the FCCG choir, which performed beloved Filipino Christmas carols. The choir’s beautiful renditions of traditional Christmas songs brought the crowd into a spirit of celebration and unity.
A Season of Joy, Faith, and Fellowship
The FCCG’s celebration of Simbang Gabi, the Christmas Mass, and the Christmas Party was a testament to the strength of faith, family, and Filipino traditions. It was a heartwarming way for members of the community to share joy, build lasting memories, and reflect on the significance of Christmas, even as they were far from home.
On November 24, 2024, the Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda and its surrounding areas (FCCG) gathered to witness a significant milestone in the lives of Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi. Teunis and Kevin received the sacrament of Baptism, while Elpi was confirmed, with Fr. Marcel officiating the ceremonies at H.-Josephkerk in Gouda. These sacraments hold profound significance in the Catholic Church, marking essential stages in a person’s faith journey.
Baptism, the first of the sacraments, symbolizes spiritual rebirth and the cleansing of sin. For Teunis and Kevin, their adult baptisms were a conscious and heartfelt decision to embrace the Catholic faith, signifying their commitment to beginning a new life in Christ. Through Baptism, they were welcomed into the Church, entering into a sacred relationship with God and the faith community.
Confirmation, which follows Baptism, strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit and deepens one’s connection to the Church. For Elpi, receiving this sacrament was a reaffirmation of her faith, equipping her with the grace and strength to live more fully as a disciple of Christ. It also marked her readiness to take on a more active role in the Catholic community, carrying forward the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Fr. Marcel led the ceremonies with care and reverence, guiding Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi through these transformative moments. The members of the FCCG gathered in joyful support, bearing witness to this profound step in their spiritual journeys.
Through Baptism and Confirmation, Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi were not only strengthened in their faith but also deepened their connection to the Catholic Church, embarking on a new chapter in their spiritual lives. Their commitment serves as an inspiration to the community, reminding everyone of the beauty and power of faith.
The Filipino Catholic Community – Gouda and Its Surrounding (FCCG) hosted a vibrant and meaningful social gathering on November 9, 2024, at Antoniuszaal 2 in Gouda. The event was a beautiful celebration of faith, fellowship, and fun, offering members a chance to connect, reflect, and strengthen their bonds as a community.
The evening began with a warm welcome for all guests, creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere. This was followed by an Opening Prayer led by Father Marcel Uzoigwe, who invoked blessings and peace upon the gathering. The prayer set the tone for a night rooted in faith and shared purpose.
A key highlight of the evening was a Workshop led by Father Cyril Inam. The workshop is designed to deepen spiritual understanding and foster personal and community growth. In particular, the workshop’s focus was on the topic of gossip within communities.
The word gossip has an interesting history that might surprise you. It actually started out as a positive term in Old English, called god-sibb or god-sibling. Back then, it referred to godparents—people chosen to sponsor a child during baptism. Over time, the term also came to describe women who supported a mother before, during, and after childbirth. These women weren’t just there to help with the baby; they were part of a circle of trust, offering care, companionship, and guidance during such an important time.
But as the years went by, the word gossip took on a very different meaning. Instead of being about close relationships and support, it started to describe casual or “idle” talk, often about other people. This kind of talk could be harmless or evaluative, sometimes unnecessary or excessive. Today, when we hear the word gossip, it’s often tied to rumors or speculative conversations about others, and it’s usually seen in a negative light. While rumors can be about anything, gossip always involves people—whether the information is true or not. And even now, the word still carries a hint of judgment or disapproval.
During the workshop, Father Cyril provided an insightful and balanced perspective, defining gossip as idle talk or rumors about others that can both connect and divide people. He highlighted the dual nature of gossip. On the negative side, it can lead to misunderstandings, spread false information, and create divisions, fostering mistrust within communities. However, Father Cyril also emphasized its positive aspects, such as its ability to build social networks, strengthen relationships, and help people understand social norms and values.
The key takeaway was a call for mindful communication. While gossip can help people connect, it needs to be handled responsibly to minimize harm. Father Cyril’s thoughtful reflections left a lasting impression on attendees, encouraging them to foster healthier and more constructive interactions.
After the workshop, the evening transitioned into moments of entertainment and joy, showcasing the community’s diverse talents. Arnold and Lillia performed a delightful musical piece, followed by an energetic dance performance by FCCG members, captivating the audience and lifting spirits.
Adding to the fun, David Beeren led a Bachata Dance Lesson, teaching participants the lively and sensual moves of this joyful dance style. The lesson brought everyone together, reflecting the FCCG community’s vibrant and inclusive spirit.
The night concluded with a lively Disco Party, where everyone let loose and danced the night away. This energetic finale was a perfect way to celebrate the bonds of faith, fun, and fellowship that had been strengthened throughout the evening.
The event highlighted the vital role of faith in connecting and uplifting communities while also underscoring the importance of balancing reflection with joy. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships are built through shared experiences, thoughtful communication, and moments of gratitude and celebration.
The FCCG Board extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. This gathering was not just a celebration but a testament to the power of faith, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.
The Filipino Catholic Community-Gouda (FCC-Gouda) hosted a memorable Family Fun Day Picnic on July 13, 2024, at Loet, Lekkerkerk. Despite the rainy weather, the spirit of togetherness and joy was palpable throughout the event.
The day began with an inspiring prayer led by Father Marcel, setting a positive and spiritual tone for the gathering. Attendees brought a variety of delicious Filipino dishes for the potluck, creating a festive and abundant feast.
The rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the community members. The event featured various games, lively karaoke sessions, and energetic dancing, keeping everyone entertained and engaged. The picnic area was a colorful scene, with an array of food: BBQ, fruits, salads, and desserts laid out on picnic tables.
A highlight of the day was the fundraising raffle draw. Prizes included a basket of groceries, a sack of rice, and numerous other goodies, adding excitement and joy to the event. The lucky winners were Peter c/o Arnold, Linda van Dijk, Eillen Vitug, Kristine Baul, Lea van Rhijn, and Charito Rosales. The raffle’s tombola raised €560, a significant contribution to supporting the Church and FCC-Gouda’s mission.
FCC-Gouda would like to thank all the attendees. Their enthusiasm, laughter, and participation made the day unforgettable. Special thanks also go to the generous sponsors, whose support and contributions were crucial in making the event a resounding success.
The Family Fun Day Picnic was a testament to the strong bonds within the community and the joy of celebrating together. FCC-Gouda looks forward to many more joyous gatherings and continued fellowship.
Bottom line: Despite the challenges we may face, such as rainy weather or other obstacles, the strength of our community and the joy of coming together in fellowship can always shine through. Events like the Family Fun Day Picnic remind us of the importance of unity, generosity, and shared experiences in nurturing our faith and relationships. Let us continue to support one another and find joy in our collective journey, knowing that each gathering strengthens the bonds that hold us together as a community.
By Mary Lynn van Dijk With input from Amor, Irene, and Jane
Last 27 November 2022, after our usual Fourth Sunday Mass, we gathered in the Sint Antoniuszaal to partake of warm drinks and snacks before the socio-cultural event started. Just like in previous years, Father Marcel gave a workshop. This year, the workshop would be on Effective Communication because the Board members decided that we all need to know how to effectively communicate, particularly to avoid having conflicts with each other.
Father Marcel welcomed us and he talked about the importance of being able to communicate clearly. From his PowerPoint presentation, the first question was:
Why get training in (effective) communication? Because it helps us to improve our communication with others, and helps mitigate conflicts more efficiently, or helps to avoid having conflicts in the first place.
According to Father Marcel, there are three major means of communication, and these are verbal, that is communication with words; non-verbal, communication without using words, and includes using signs, cues, codes, visual communication, etc.; and written communication.
To improve our communication with others, we need to listen. We also have to try to be clear and concise. Sometimes it helps to write things down, and to be descriptive, and not interpretative. But most of all, before speaking up, we must think. Two ways to transfer information is by the direct or indirect way.
Whichever means of communication we may want to use, there are three critical components, namely: (1) Sending the Message, (2) Receiving the Message, and (3) the Medium through which the message is sent or received.
Also, we should always keep in mind when we are communicating that: 10% of conflicts is due to difference in opinion, but 90% due to delivery and tone of voice.
To put all these into practice, Father Marcel asked some people to come and sit back to back. One person was to give instructions to the other person to draw something on a piece of paper, while the first person themselves drew the same thing. When Father Marcel asked couples to do the exercise, Rainer Horn drew almost exactly the same picture as his wife, Susan, drew. Same with Lovella and Lennart van der Weiden. Couples, it seems, tend to effectively communicate with each other.
Then Father Marcel asked a few women to come in front and form a line. The first in the line was given a message to pass on to the next person who would pass on the message to the next person and so on until the last person received the message. When the exercise was over, the last person in the line was asked what the message was that the first person in the line conveyed. Almost always the message becomes distorted, which made it all very funny, making everybody in the room laugh. Irene, Rena, Marissa, Sheryll, Neneng, Arlyn and Margie participated in this message relay exercise.
This exercise proved that there was something very important that we should remember, and that is, meaning could be lost in the process of passing on messages.
Furthermore, for communication to be effective, if the message is not clear, the receiving person should seek clarification and ask. To find out if the message has been received, and received well, the one communicating should ask for feedback.
It was a very informative, fun workshop. Thank you, Father Marcel!
To summarize:
Communication is vital for all forms of relationships.
The more effective the communication, the better the understanding of the message.
Effective communication reduces chances of conflicts in relationships.
Listening, clarification and feedback are vital elements of effective communication.
Here are some photographs taken during the workshop.
Father Marcel explaining what Effective Communication is, with his PowerPoint presentation behind himSome workshop attendees keenly listening to Father Marcel’s talkThe FCC Gouda and FCC Dordrecht ladies lining up for Father Marcel’s exercise in relaying a message
