20190727 SF Food Bank [Volunteer]

 Links to more pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iFjaYXxJSJVDEy536

What: Volunteer at SF Food Bank
When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Participants: Nini & Nini

We went to the SF Food Bank to volunteer! And there all we did was pack pears but it was quite a workout! The food items made and packaged here are distributed to over 150 agencies around the area and more than thousands of people benefit from the service.

We will definitely have more opportunities to volunteer here! It was great also to meet new people and just be with the community. And donuts! Until next time!


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- Nini :)

20190713 Fr. Eugene's 70th Birthday Celebration

Saturday, July 13, 2019
Our pastor, Fr. Eugene Tungol, 70th birthday, 44th year of ordination, 15th year of being in Epiphany.

And YAM-E performed a special number for him, as a way to give back and share our gifts as well. We practiced as best as we could with our busy schedules but we made it happen!

Photos Here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LJToSbUikNMR5YQy9


Mama Mia Performance:

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Posted by:
- Nini :)

20190628 Holy Hour Praise Night [Event]

The last Holy Hour Praise Night with Fr. Cameron turned out to be a big crowd! I've received a lot of words that people have experienced an emotional feeling during the event. I hope the way we present this Holy Hour is, yes, different but a way to bring us closer to God someway.

Thank you all for coming and hope to see you all again soon!


Pictures here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wwTRsYrMB5eURgS57




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"It is a piercing moment."

HOLY HOUR PRAISE NIGHT

How truly awesome an experience – this hour with our Lord. How beautiful we are reminded of God’s love for us through the angelic voices of our youth. “The best time we can spend on earth,” Mother Teresa.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – what a powerful name it is.

I think we have something extraordinary happening here at Epiphany. This just might be the “key” to inspiring others to return to the fold, to the Church.

“For I am yours, and You are mine.”

Thank you for inviting me to this truly inspiring, most moving devotion. 

[Julinda]
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Posted by:
-Nini :)

20190602 Last YAM Session with Fr. Cameron [Events]

Event: YAM Session

Date: June 2, 2019

Link to more photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FkeMrZ9APBy2tPfs5

Truly, you will be missed! Good luck and God speed in your future endeavors and if ever you need singers, let us know! Haha!

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And here is a recording of the special song (thanks sister!) we sang after communion. "This I Pray" - Heather Sorenson, sung by Young Adult Music Ministry of Epiphany (YAMME) with Pinky, Nini, Kyle & Cody, and Chris on the piano. Plus random photos for the song.

We practiced for 30min because we, like anyone else, have busy lives. Still, it is great to know we have the gift of learning music.

This is dedicated to Fr. Cameron, as he moves on from our parish and follows where he is called. Thanks for everything, Fr. Cameron!

Posted By:
- Nini :)

(Reflections from Jesus) St. Anthony's Dining Room - 08 June 2019 [Volunteer]

The following are reflections from YAM-E who participated in the St. Anthony's Dining Room volunteer event on June 8, 2019. Everyone had lots to say and I wanted to share it, but on different posts.


The original post can be found here: click here


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Here is Jesus's Reflection:


I'd also like to second a lot of what Mary mentioned.

It was indeed quite an experience to see the people we most often don't ever see in our daily lives, the ones shut away in the most seedy parts of the city. It was indeed very heartbreaking to see so many who were openly and casually using intravenous drugs on our walk to St. Anthony's Dining Room. I was wondering with every person I saw, "what went wrong?" as I just tried by best to offer quick prayers for them. I couldn't help to think of the absolute spiritual poverty present, praying that they may one day in a moment of clarity hear the whisper of Christ, so that they may be free from their addictions.

Everything in St. Anthony's  Dining Room was really nice and very efficiently done. I was happy to see that people could just be seated after already waiting in line outside, then be served. It was a great opportunity to look them in the eyes, share a smile and a "good morning", despite those instances were far and few in between for my time serving them, which I understand. It was very quick paced, so I didn't have much conversation with many people.

Despite the physically demanding tasks assigned, I offered it up for their collective good. I took some solace in actively participating in what St. Vincent de Paul, then Blessed Ozanam and what continues today through the SVdP Society of being "servants of the poor". Despite the fast-paced "ordered chaos" (their system was really well organized though) and other negative things that I'm so very quick to notice, it all seemed to have faded away with the busyness of the task at hand and making sure the people were happy.

It was admittedly difficult, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. It was a good way for us putting our faith in action, loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves, especially when they are the most disadvantaged.

A suggestion if/when we go back again, before getting tasked out, we should gather together in prayer and also.

Thanks again!

(Reflections from Carol) St. Anthony's Dining Room - 08 June 2019 [Volunteer]

The following are reflections from YAM-E who participated in the St. Anthony's Dining Room volunteer event on June 8, 2019. Everyone had lots to say and I wanted to share it, but on different posts.

The original post can be found here: click here

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Here is Carol's Reflection:

Thank  you Nini and everyone  for organizing  and participating. I too share very similar sentiments.

In the past I've volunteered  with young middle schoolers and the old dining  which was  a 1/4 size of current space and had almost no windows it was humid hot tight  and  busy tables  needed to be done lightning speed.

So From start  it felt refreshing  to walk into the  nice new  facility, with windows and spacious  tables.

It was also nice to feel the caring smiles warmth of other  volunteers. Nice reminder and comfort the world has others want to do care for the least.  I also wondered  if clients knew people serving them do care and wondered if they knew Lord is present in everything. To my delight  in the end I got my answers in the prayer with theveryone Indian man (where  he explained  we all should be thankful for the food and this Christian country that recelves Blessingso of getting served free food vs Contrast with other  nonChristian countries).

I also saved the Orange tickets which I counted them to be 25 total tkts and Prayed Lord Bless those 25 people and probably  another 25 I may have served (in 1st round).

Some folks called would read my name tag and call me by my name one  even offered to see a song with the titledelay by my name haha, it touched reminded me of Isaiah 43:1

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."

The hard part was seeing some of clients eyes that show humility, pain, even folks who's eyes don't seem to aware or asleep at the tables. Also, tough because it hits close to home to look into the eyes of someone you love who isnt really aware because of addictions & maybe mental health illness. I asked God at that moment to please be with my relative and send someone to treat and show a little kindness too my relative wherever they  maybe and asked Lord continue to give my family peace & strength to continue to surrender my relative.

I'm  grateful to have shared a meal time with everyone clients, staff, yame. I felt and see there is no way that facility is not total evidence of God's  love  for us All and intercession  of St. Anthony.

Separately, and also in spirit of God's  Love. Monsignor Talesfore, St. Matthews read part of Einstein's Letter to his Daughter check it out!

https://monoset.com/blogs/journal/a-letter-from-albert-einstein-to-his-daughter-on-the-universal-force-of-love


Peace, Love, & Blessings to all. 

(Reflections from Mary) St. Anthony's Dining Room - 08 June 2019 [Volunteer]

The following are reflections from YAM-E who participated in the St. Anthony's Dining Room volunteer event on June 8, 2019. Everyone had lots to say and I wanted to share it, but on different posts.

The original post can be found here: click here

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Here is Mary's Reflection:


Thank you so much for sharing these great pictures and for organizing this... It was truly a wonderful experience from beginning to end.

The training from the St. Anthony's Dining was very good. They were professionals and very well prepared, honest, and to the point.

I loved interacting and feeling the warmth of the people at St. Anthony's while serving them.

Many were very kind. One person prayed with us, many were cheerful, a few looked sad. A whole spectrum of human beings.

It was nice to be able to sit in the dining room (Carol and I sat in the woman's/family's dining room). The food was delicious. 

The walk to St. Anthony's brought some heart-wrenching emotions seeing some four people sitting against a wall with needles ready to shoot up whatever drug they had.

It broke my heart for many reasons, one wondering what Jesus Christ felt if my human heart felt so sad. I wished I'd brought my Lanciano pamphlets and maybe something to eat for them. Maybe next time I can plan to bring a few care packages.

It is always a very blessed time spending time with each of you. You are all so amazing and kind and loving.

Thank you all so much for your generosity and spending part of your Saturday volunteering.