Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia at 26037 Rachel Hill Drive, South Riding, VA 20152 US - Our Organization's History

In the early part of the Year 2000,The Diocese of Arlington held notice of a townhall meeting entitled, Encuentro 2000. It brought various diverse groups of the Catholic community from the African American, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Hispanics, European, and Vietnamese in the Northern Virginia to be heard of their hopes and wishes for a stronger Catholic Church Community. The Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia was formed in the process of Encuentro 2000. Among the early pioneers were three couples Mr. Rucel and Mrs. Elvie Castro, Mr. Felipe and Mrs. Rowena Averia, and Mr. Ed and Maricor Tiong, who shared a vision for promoting and conserving the faith and cultural traditions of the Filipino people living in the Washington metropolitan area. Their deep desire to serve the Church led them on their 1st project with a retreat led by Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., entitled, "Living in America." Subsequently, with the assistance of Ms. Cecile Motus, coordinator of Asian Pacific ministry of the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop brought about a leadership formation program in October 2000. Ultimately, the core group grew to include Mr. Jes and Mrs. Nori Ces of "Tahanan ng Panginoon", Ms. Neneng Riguera and Ms. Celia Coronado of "Philippine Medical Mission of St.Charles Borromeo in Arlington, Mr. Max Gonzales of "El Shaddai". In that same year, Simbang Gabi 2000 begun in different parishes in the Northern Virginia area. The Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia continues to exist as a resource ministry with lay volunteers and clergy, who are all ready and willing to help build a parish based Filipino Ministry in the hopes of promoting and preserving the faith and traditions of the Filipino people. In the process, we hope to bring the Good News of the Gospel to each individual or family through the process of inculturation and evangelization.

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