SAN Isidro Labrador Parish in Junob, Dumaguete City is on a Synodal journey. This journey means discernment (pag-ila) and search (pagpangita) for the will (kabubut-on) of God, not only on a personal basis but as a Christian community. This is a journey to Heaven using the parish’s HEAVEN program.
The parish implements the Diocesan vision through this initiative: “A Christ-Centered community, journeying to Heaven with Mary.” This vision was formulated during the 2-year Diocesan Pastoral Assembly which concluded in Nov. 2017.
The Diocese of Dumaguete, headed by Bishop Julito Cortes, initiated the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly, a two-year consultation and dialogue with the clergy, religious, and lay from 2015-2017 to review the pastoral programs and policies of the local church. During the DPA, the mission, goals and core values were also assessed and articulated, the diocesan structures were clearly identified, defined, and systematized, and the programs of the different commissions were reviewed and calibrated.
Organized on April 11, 2015, by the late REV. FR. BURTON N. VILLARMENTE, San Isidro Labrador Parish Priest and Director of the Diocese of Dumaguete Social Action Concerns, HEAVEN is the acronym for Health/Housing, Education/Employment, Agriculture, Violence Prevention, Environment/Energy, and Networking. It is inspired and guided by the passage in Matthew 25: 40, “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you are doing it to me.”
he HEAVEN program is an offshoot of dialogues and consultations with the lay faithful, and concerned groups and organizations, of praying, listening, and discerning. This is the essence of Synod on synodality, indicating a journey along which the people of God (laity, clergy, and bishops) walk together in its mission.
The program can be a good example of collaboration as a sign of communion, that everything is possible if we only collaborate and work together. Thus far, the following were achieved by the HEAVEN program in the parish:
Health – financial assistance extended to parishioners admitted mostly at the Neg. Or. Provincial Hospital; few in private hospitals.
Housing – a number of houses were built for indigent families with owned lots; and repair of houses for indigent families who are non-landowners.
Education – 18 acquired their college degree from NORSU and most of them have been employed locally; 21 are graduating this school year at NORSU. The parish received financial assistance for 30 college students from Caritas Manila’s Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP). Through the YSLEP scholarship, poor and deserving youths are given a chance to earn college or vocational/technical degrees to help them lift their families out of poverty.
Networking with:
- SLS Bosco for a financial donation to fund housing grants and repair
- Caritas Manila for college scholarship
- Silliman University, SPUD, NORSU Metro Dumaguete College
- City Government of Dumaguete, City Health Office, Public Employment Service Office
- Mr. Constantin Escodras who donated P175,000 for a Livelihood project (Dressmaking for women in the Parish)
San Isidro Labrador Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete was established in 2002. It is located in Brgy. Junob, Dumaguete City.
Matthew 6:1. Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
