Mr. Ron Pangan, Mr. Marlon Vargas, Ms. Bernadette Alcantara and Mr. Delson Balance, were sent by Santa Barbara Catholic School to attend the First Year Courses of the Certificate Program in Youth Ministry Studies, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Agana on November 11-14, 2011 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Presented by Mr. Tom East, Director of the Center for Ministry Development from Gig Harbor, Washington, this Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program aims to equip leaders in parishes and schools with the knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth, ages 11-18. The two-year, eight-course program will continue in February and November 2012 and February 2013.
October 31, 2011 • The K4 class of Mrs. Glorilyn Legaspi and Ms. Ashley Cepeda went around the campus dressed in their favorite costumes for their Halloween party and “trick or treat”. The students had fun as they went around visiting several classes to collect their treats.
by Mr. Marlon Bobier Vargas, Religion Teacher Published in Umatuna Si Yu’os, the Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Agana
October 30, 2011
With the aim of building a faith life in the spirit of the Gospel in the school community, Santa Barbara Catholic School (SBCS) conducted a series of spiritual retreats for the middle school classes this school year 2011-2012.
Mr. Marlon Vargas leads 6B in anchoring themselves to Christ during their class retreat.
Last September 27 (Class of 8A) and 28 (Class of 8B), 2011, the eight grade students had their class retreat at the Santa Bernadita Chapel in Yigo. The focus of the retreat was on “Living the Life and Works of Venerable Catherine McAuley.” The retreat helped the graduating class to reflect on and appreciate their relationships with God, family, school and friends and challenged them to continue to live their lives rooted in mercy. Meanwhile, the sixth grade students had their class retreat on October 13 (Class of 6A) and 14 (Class of 6B) at the SBCS Multi-Purpose Room with the theme “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world” – John 9:5. The emphasis of the retreat was on building stronger and deeper relationships by anchoring oneself to the light of Christ and sharing this light to classmates, friends, family and community. The seventh grade class spiritual retreat was held on October 18 (class of 7A) and 19 (class of 7B) also at the SBCS Multi-Purpose Room with the theme “God’s Dwelling Place.” In the retreat, the seventh grade students had a meaningful time reflecting on God as their dwelling place in their life. It invited them to become “God’s home” for their own family, friends and other people as well.
Mr. Delson Balance and 7B pose for a souvenir picture after their class retreat.
This series of spiritual exercises is held annually as part of the faith formation for the students of SBCS. The retreat gives the students an avenue for discovering a model of effective communication among themselves through series of activities like talks, group dynamics, action songs, writing and exchanging meaningful messages, sharing of thoughts, insights and reflections. Consequently, it develops awareness for true bonding among classmates and it strengthens the espirit de corps of the class. Most importantly, it creates a common experience for the class to ‘discover the face of Christ’.
Left Photo: Eighth Graders Chadler Iriarte and Deo Lanada intently read retreat letters from their parents. Right Photo: 8th graders Mikaela Agtay, Frankie Guerrero and Richard Taitano enjoy the outdoor activity meant to foster friendship and camaraderie among participants.
The retreats were facilitated by Mr. Delson Balance (8th and 7th Grades) and Mr. Marlon Vargas (6th Grade) with the assistance of Miss Bernadette Alcantara and Mr. Ron Pangan. All are faculty members of SBCS.
Congratulations to Jeanne Montelya, 8A for winning the 2011 schoolwide Spelling Bee competition. Her winning word is “vicious”. She will be representing SBCS in the upcoming islandwide Spelling Bee Competition with Donovan Balmeo as alternate speller.
SBCS students from 4th to 8th grade generously contributed to raise funds for Mercy International Centre, the first House of Mercy built by Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. The fundraising event dubbed “International Good Cup of Tea Event” took place in September in different places around the world where the Sisters of Mercy minister. At SBCS, collections were made during the students’ lunch break. Thank you, students, for your kindness and generosity. $350 was raised for this worthy cause.
October 27, 2011 • SBCS had its annual Living Rosary during this month of the Rosary. The Religion Department organized the moving prayer featuring a reenactment of each of the luminous mysteries by our 8th graders. Congratulations and thank you Ms. Bernadette Alcantara, Mr. Delson Balance, Mr. Marlon Vargas, Mr. Ron Pangan, Ms. Dolly Diaz, Mr. Orlando Cruz, Ms. Joyce Guevara and all those who helped in one way or another in making this year’s living rosary a very meaningful one for our school family.
