Aligning with Cubao Diocese Strategic Directions

The Diocese as a Local Church is the concretization of the Universal Church. Headed by the Bishop as the real shepherd of all, she sets the pastoral direction of all the parishes under her fold. The Vicariate which is composed by the neighboring parishes performs the role of coordinating their activities in the context of collaborative ministry. It is in the parishes where the implementation of programs and activities is expected to take place.

In this spirit, the Sta Maria Della Strada parish tries to ride on in the over-all direction provided by the Diocese. While she addresses her unique concerns and needs as a parish community, she always sees herself as an important part of the whole from the perspective of the Diocese as a Local Church.

THE DIOCESAN VISION STATEMENT

A Community of Christ-like disciples empowered and sent through effective servant leadership moving towards becoming Church of the Poor.

The Diocese of Cubao maintains the vision and mission statement which developed through the years when it was yet the Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City – South and then became the Ecclesiastical District of Cubao as a result of the re-alignment of parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila which took effect on March 15, 2002

Basically, it is inspired by the direction set by the Second Vatican Council especially the model of the Church on the People of God. Its dynamism as a living and moving church seeking for greater fulfillment reflects the image of a pilgrim church.

Secondly, it draws its context from the direction of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) from its proposed model of the Church as Community of Christ’s Disciples and the Church of the Poor. Renewed Integral Evangelization which is also a recurrent theme of PCP II defines its approach to the fulfillment of its mission as a Local Church.

The Diocese of Cubao believes that effective evangelization can best be carried out through the exercise of servant-leadership in all aspects of its ministry to the people. “The task at hand is to become the emerging model of the Church: the Church of the Poor. The community of servant-leader disciples must be in solidarity with the poor. In so doing, they not only evangelizers of the poor but also are evangelized by the poor.(PCP II, #127-136).

DIOCESAN CORE VALUES/MISSION STATEMENT

To better reach this vision, the following basic values, as her mission, have to be imbibed. This can be best remembered through an acronym using – CUBAO

C-onversion and Renewal

The solid basis of effective evangelization and servant-leadership is conversion and renewal. Santatlo need a metanoia or change of heart from a life of sinfulness to a life of grace. From conversion must follow constant renewal to sustain conversion

U- nity in Diversity

But this conversion and renewal can only be done in the context of a community of servant-leader disciples. This community is characterized by unity in diversity who draws its strength from the Blessed Trinity. The Triune God inspires the community to be one Church, synergizing different charisms and ministries. (PCP II, # 91-94)

B – eing and Becoming

Amidst unity in diversity, the community grows in the spirit of communio: being the Church God wants her to be, appreciated and cared for; and becoming, the Church God wants her to become, bearing fruit a hundredfold. (PCM II, Ch 3, p 98)

A – uthenticity and Availability

Being and becoming develops our communal discipleship into authentic servant-leadership where there is sincerity in reaching out to those in need. This also means being available, especially to the poor. (PCP) II, #134

O – penness and Flexibility

To be authentic and available servant leaders demand being open and flexible to the “signs of the times” in order for one’s service to be apt and relevant for the people served (PCP II, #435)

THE DIOCESE OF CUBAO FIVE (5) POINT AGENDA

On the occasion of its 5th anniversary as a Diocese, this month of August 2008, she sets her strategic direction for the next three (3) years with the following statement:

By the end of 2011, The Diocese of Cubao will be a Local Church:

1. where parishes are alive and strengthened through the BECs by

   1. synergizing the implementation of Diocesan Programs

   2. a comprehensive formation program for Integral Evangelizationfor the lay and clergy with the collaboration of the religious.

1. with a self-sufficient catechetical program in the light of its autonomy from the Archdiocese of Manila;

1. that utilizes media (e.g. internet, TV, Radio, Print) for evangelization;

1. that has a sustainable resource mobilization guided by the spirituality of stewardship;

1. where its organizational structure and policies are clarified and updated in the light of some emerging ministries