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About Us |
The
Missionary Father of Saint Joseph of the Filipino
Catholic, was organized on September 29, 2006 with a
vision of Rev. Fr. Egay C. Dy, MFJS to which the
commonly priest of the Filipino Catholic of the
Philippine Independent Catholic Church and of the
Philippine Independent Church and other sect bringing
the Aglipayan spirituality in the Philippines, is sow in
terms of its development and community services.
The concept of MFSJ as a Missionary Religious Order is
to establish and strengthen a religious congregation who
shall spread the Filipino Catholicism.
The establishment of this congregation realized through
the effort of the Rev. Fr. Egay C. Dy, MFSJ to establish
Filipino Missionary.
March 01, 2007 another priest from Apostolic Catholic
Church (ACC) has decided to join to the Missionary
Fathers of Saint Joseph for reasons of the
different unanswered questions of the church has been
serving; he is Rev. Fr. Geronimo “Gerry” P. Bute, MFSJ.
Moreover, another priest from Philippine Independent
Catholic Church who joined the Congregation is Rev. Fr.
Eustiquio Bohol, MFSJ. Where from Mindanao Island, is
Rev. Fr. Loduvico Buaqueña has also become a die hard
supporter and lately a full pledge member of the order.
Fr. Egay’s
conceptualization of what is Filipino Catholic Mission
is that a well baked formation of priest and hence the
establishment of the Institute of Continuing Adult
Education (ICONE) Inc. which it turned into a Formation
Center or Seminary of Missionary Fathers of Saint
Joseph, that a quality formation to every Filipino
catholic priest can be achieved.
In connection with this perspective, the President of
ICONE, Inc. has opened a four (4) year course in
Bachelor of Arts in Theology and fortunately granted by
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the
Philippine Government the accreditation to provide the
student a security of their study. It is also formally
established by the first three (3) priests as member of
the Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph, the Mission,
Vision and Goal to make it clear the guiding principle
which craft ambit of the MFSJ Society.
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Vision, Mission and Goals |
Vision:
Establish and strengthen Filipino Catholic, Religious
Order, serving GOD and his people with spirituality,
vibrant and theology
excellent Christian Missionary.
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Mission: |
1)
Establish religious formation center which has a vision
to unite the eastern and western lives of
Apostolic Succession.
2) Strengthen and propel missionary activities of
the Filipino Catholicism by bringing the gospel of God
to the people.
3) Implement and sustain Christian Services such
as:
a) Christian awareness
and respond through education.
b) Assist every member
family in the establishment of Sustainable Livelihood.
c) Organize the member
family into a Community Christian Organization as
one big family and as children
of God.
Goal:
Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph, a religious order
that can expand Filipino Catholic principle with an
ecumenical perspective of Christianity.
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How We Work |
What we do?
The missionary Fathers of St. Joseph, is working unlike
the normal pattern of a parish work, however, it has
different Ministry with special focus in the areas of
Human and Social Services. It is also coupled by the
MFSJ, in their effort in preaching, teaching and worship
with the people namely: civic and social development
among the poor. Knowingly, that at this time there is a
need to have a pastoral for development of the
Philippine and among other nations. Meanwhile, the
suffering does not only mean the scarcity of food but it
also experience in our own language, poverty, and on the
level of literacy, ranging from urban community to more
primitive indigenous rural areas. There is a need to
have a serious look and to be worked out in order to
assist the primary pastoral option set down by each
diocese.
Such diversity has its positive side in opening and
encouraging a broad spectrum of potential ministries
taking into full account the particular talent,
preferences and priestly experiences which each new
member brings to his assignment or, as often happen
soon, emerge then on the scene out of necessity.
Beyond the normal pattern of parish work there are many
ministries with a special focus in the areas of human
and social services. This gives a lead to the directions
to meet increasingly new needs and challenges. This also
gives a guide to the MFSJ to create and establish
different services such as:
• Construct Children’s Learning Centers, Health Clinic,
Chapels and Schools, project improving agriculture,
protection of the integrity of creation, and of giving
the Continuing Adult Education to the different towns
and villages, they all share the arm of promoting new
level of community life among the people.
• Such a pastoral approach starts right from within a
catechesis geared towards personal and community
formation. It covers family catechesis in sacramental
preparations; lay leadership training, creating local
parish ministries especially for Para liturgical
services where the priest himself cannot be present.
Current evangelization in this manner is building upon
the pastoral line “The Basis Filipino Christian
Communities” whether in urban neighborhood or peasants,
fisherfolk villages.
If a lot this sounds a bit overwhelming, it must be
remembered that we all have unknown or little known
gifts and talents just waiting to be tapped their
utmost.
How
we function?
The structure and the life of MFSJ are looking to it at
its Constitution-and-By Laws and all its members are
based on the designed of the MFSJ Board of Directors.
The director has overall responsibility to MFSJ
Community. The MFSJ oversees the Philippines having
three (3) regions namely: Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon,
while the other nations also are seen as one region. The
MFSJ has council who shall convene twice a year, for
planning, review, and sometimes decide upon matters. The
statutes lay out all the rights and duties of its
members and are accompanied by standard operating
policies for dealing with whatever contingences arise
over the course of time in the running of the order.
• The initial commitment made by a member to the MFSJ is
for a period of five years. An extension of that time
will always be welcomed pending the approval of the MFSJ
Director and permission of the members own bishop.
• This agreement is not uncommon. A member, though
always remain is subject to recall to his home diocese
by his bishop. A special feature of the Missionary
Fathers of Saint Joseph is that when a member returns to
his diocese he brings a valuable pastoral experience
with him to advantage of his diocese.
• In support of the member’s missionary work, MFSJ makes
available in planning period, transportation, continuing
education and fund sourcing through networking and
linkaging. As to finance, in addition to a monthly
allotment given, for its in house operating costs, each
member receives a monthly honorarium. Any donations sent
to MFSJ in the name of particular member for his works
are forwarded to him. Members also shall make contacts
with foundation, organizations or parishes for
assistance in particular project they are engaged in as
part of their ministry.
• All properties or building those purchased by the MFSJ
or its member belong to the local diocese unless
otherwise stipulated by legal process.
The only properties hold under title MFSJ are the
properties on their own name.
• The MFSJ shall help/assist to the diocese within ten
(10) years but it must see to it that all agreements are
clear to be signed.
• Financing of the MFSJ: is by fund raising income
generating project, and the support from non-government
organization, and from individual in order to respond
the need of the member of the missionary works.
• In matter of Health: every MFSJ shall have (SSS)
Social Security System and (PHIC) Phil Health to secure
every missionary. This is so that there shall be
security of tenure. |
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Order: Eligibility and Acceptance |
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Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph shall receive
applicants more especially a priest if he can present
pertinent papers or document or any certification that
he is ordained and shall have completed theological
study. Moreover, he shall have good moral character
signed by his bishop.
The
MFSJ Council on the other hand, shall conduct
progressive assessment personal interviewing shall be
attended by the MFSJ Council. If he is admitted to the
society he shall go through this:
a) Orientation on Theology Religious Life.
b) Orientation on Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph,
life and works.
c) Training on Family Based Christian Community
Development and
Goal Oriented Program Planning.
First Component: A holistic review of
preparedness in mind, body, spirit for missionary life.
• In addition to all document presented and letter from
the bishop,
the applicant shall submit the names of three priests with whom known
with.
They shall be contacted by the MFSJ Fathers asking them further letter
of recommendations for applicants.
• Applicant shall send a letter from physician, a letter
of medical certification
together with the results of a recent examination with special
attention to any dietary concerns and other chronic or potential
difficulties
in health care that would bear on specific condition may encounter
in the mission area.
• Making contact with National Office of MFSJ for
continuing mentoring.
Second Component: A Discernment Retreat
• This retreat is conducted at the MFSJ Center in Bohol
Island Philippines.
It is designed specifically as a time of prayer and reflection to
assist
in clarifying own thoughts and expectations for serving a
missionary.
Moreover, it facilitates own sense of being an active participant
in the
firming of one’s decision as to whether a feeling that God is
really
calling to set out for the mission or not.
Third Component: Preparing to leave for the
Missions
Once you have been accepted as a member of the
Missionary Fathers of
Saint Joseph, we strongly suggest that before you leave
your home
diocese and last parish you served, a missionary
ceremony and celebration be
arranged.
• A few days before you set off from MFSJ National
Formation Center to
begin your missionary, the order also will have its own departure
ceremony celebrated with the Eucharist. AT this time you will be
officially commissioned with the bestowal of MFSJ Mission Cross as a
constant
reminder and inspiration to you during the months and year ahead.
• On the departure ceremony all necessary reading
material and General
Plan of action shall be implemented.
Fourth Component: Formative stage and a new
Aspirant Seminarian
The MFSJ shall admit aspirant seminarians who are
willing to join/embrace to a Religious Life.
Stage 1: Applicant
• The aspirant who wanted to join the religious
congregation to the MFSJ Formation
and Seminary, shall have completed/ finished Secondary Course or High
School.
• Complete document from school where he graduated.
• Has parent consent and endorsement letter from the
parish priest (PICC only).
• He shall have his sponsor in his schooling
• If he completes all necessary documents and
requirements he must attend the
pre-qualification examination and personal interview while his formator
shall recommend
him the enrolment as student of Bachelor of Arts in Theology.
Stage II: First Year
• All who have been enrolled shall undergo one year
formative stage of the Religious Life.
He shall have the subjects but all of those are minor subjects.
• He shall have income generating project in the
seminary which shall be assisted by the
MFSJ and the supporting Non-Government Organization (NGO’s)
Stage III: Format Theological Course (Second Year)
All seminarians who have finished their first year shall
take major subjects. They shall
be given the opportunity in the Apostolic Work into
different outstation. After two (2)
years they shall be admitted as postulant.
Stage IV: Postulant (Third Year)
At this time every postulant seminarian shall be given
the opportunity to celebrate
Para Liturgical activities every Sunday in their
outstation where they were assigned.
Stage V: Fourth Year
In this stage all seminarians shall be having their
internship to all parishes. They will also start
writing their thesis. Their preparation for Academic
graduation as well as Deaconate Ordination.
Stage VI: Preparation for Priesthood
The Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph shall assist the
ordinand in the preparation of
his ordination likewise his area of responsibility in
mission. |
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Program and Ministry: MFSJ |
a) CARE – Christian Awareness and Respond through
Education
The Ministry focuses on the formation of children Learning
Center in the rural and urban
areas to help the children of the grassroot, implement
continuing Adult Education based
on Catholic doctrine and to develop Youth to be come a
missionary of God.
b) SHARE – Self Help Assistance for Rural Economy
Assist every member family in the establishment of
sustainable livelihood without
destructing the integrity of creation and Promote right
livelihood.
c) COUSE – Community Organizing for Unity and
Services for Enlightenment
Organize the member family into a community Christian
Organization as one big family
....and
as children of God |
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Frequently Asked Questions: concerning MFSJ |
a) What is MFSJ? It is a religion or a religious Order?
- The Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph is not a religious
sect or
religion but it is a religious Order under
Filipino Catholic.
b) What is a religious Order?
- A religious Order or congregation is a community of the
Missionary
Fathers and Brothers following and living
different vows: the vow of poverty,
chastity and obedience within the community in
congruence with the vision of
the founders.
c) What is the difference between religious Order priest
and a Diocesan Priest?
- A religious order priest belongs to a religious community
such as: Columban,
Carmelite etc. who out the charism of their
founder often have a particular ministry:
(e.g.) education, health care, Community
Development and Social Justice; usually
living in their religious community and having a
vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
While the diocesan priest is a secular priest being
ordained for a local church, a
geographical area and generally serves in parishes
assists in schools, hospital, prison
cells etc. depending upon the local needs. They do not
have the vow of poverty, chastity
and obedience, however the diocesan priests do promise
to lead a celibate life, to respect
and obey diocesan bishop; and to live simple lifestyle.
d) Does the Missionary Fathers of Saint Joseph (MFSJ)
has vow of celibacy?
- All the members of MFSJ below 25 years old are not allowed
to marry however
25 yrs. above are allowed and permitted to marry.
e) If the MFSJ Priest shall have wife, Is he still
remain a member of the congregation?
- Yes! He is still a member but he shall be given or assigned
to a parish.
f) Why are there so many different religious Order?
- There are so many religious order because each religious order
the founder is
inspired to meet a certain need or respond to a
specific situation of the church.
Those
orders whose charism address ongoing concern and that to
survive religious
orders for they strive to apply and live the gospel in
these circumstances.
g) What
is a diocesan priest?
- A diocesan priest is he who is under the Diocesan Bishop.
He has life-long
commitments and obedience to the Diocesan priest
Bishop. Basically, the Diocesan
Bishop. Basically, the Diocesan priest ministers
within the geographic confines of
their Archdiocese or Diocese.
h) Do the MFSJ take a vow of chastity?
- Priest of religious order takes a vow of chastity while the
diocesan priest
promise celibacy.
i) What do the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
mean for MFSJ?
- These three vows are also called the evangelical counsels and
describes as
radical way to live-out the gospel and can
provide a strong witness to gospel
values in the face of competing or even contrary
values prevailing culture.
POVERTY – a religious chooses to share in common rather
than have personal
ownership materialistic consumes culture where one’s
value is often determined by
earning power or the wealthy, poverty testifies to our
dependence upon God as the
source of all gifts and our solidarity with the poor.
When so many are ignoring
people who are on the fringes of society, religious with
a vow of poverty can
connect with the poor, works with them and speak about
their needs and concerns.
CHASTITY - MFSJ religious order chooses a common way of
living for many
concerns including community development and selling of
products and recreation.
A genuine witness of chastity expresses a unique way to
love, a way to serve,
other to consider that there is more to life the eye,
that our relationship with
God is indeed.
OBEDIENCE – a religious chooses obedience to indicate a
preference for the
common good over personal contemporary definition of
freedom is to be able
to do whatever one wants to do as long as it does not
hamper the right of others
freedom from responsibility. Obedience demonstrates that
the most perfect
form of which makes a commitment to other person divine
or human or a cause.
Obedience enables one his on her life at the service to
God.
APOSTOLIC – MFSJ priest who joins the Order or
Congregation in order to follow
the charism of tier founder, is not belong to a diocese.
MFSJ takes the Apostolic
vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience they usually
live their own house
(which may be attached to a person, schools, mission or
any other apostolate). |
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Photo
Slides |
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For further information, contact details below: |
Msgr.
Egay C. Dy, MFSJ
Saint Joseph Theological Seminary
at Institute for Continuing Adult Education
Boongon, Poblacion, Candijay, Bohol
Tel: (0063) (038) 5260363
Email: mfsj303@yahoo.com |
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