Before the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines Celebration in the Diocese of Orange was held in June 2021, people had yet to hear of the San Jose Filipino Ministry (SJFM). And rightly so, because the SJFM was not yet officially in existence then. Meetings among parish and diocesan Filipino leaders were held some months prior to the 500 YOC celebration, and dialogues were held toward the goal of forming a Filipino Ministry on the Diocesan level. The actual formation of the SJFM began at a meeting attended by parish representatives on May 15, 2021. Also, at this May meeting, the planning and preparation began for the Celebration in the Diocese of Orange of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines, which was held at the Christ Cathedral on June 26, 2021. 

The formal recognition of the SJFM as an Ethnic Ministry in the Diocese of Orange came via a Decree of Recognition signed on June 18, 2021, by Bishop Kevin Vann, after a series of dialogues with the Board of Consultors of the Diocesan Clergy. Thus, the SJFM was born. A copy of the Decree of Recognition is included toward the end of this write-up. 

Having been formally organized and recognized in 2021, the Year of St. Joseph, the SJFM carries the name of St. Joseph (San Jose), the patron of the Universal Church and Protector and Guide of all families. 

The San Jose Filipino Ministry (SJFM) is a Catholic ministry under the Ethnic Ministries of the Diocese of Orange which aims to deepen the faith and foster the spiritual growth of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the Diocese, help provide resources to enrich the faith and culture of Filipinos and reach out to all to be more actively involved in their respective parishes. 

Goals and Objectives 

The goals of the SJFM are 1) To assist in the spiritual growth of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the Diocese of Orange in order to deepen their faith. 2) To provide resources to enrich the faith, culture, and traditions of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, especially those residing in the Diocese of Orange. 3) To reach out to Filipino-American youth and young adults who want to learn about Filipino culture, heritage, and traditions. 4) To reach out to Filipinos who are not involved as they would like to be in other church ministries. 

The SJFM plans to carry out its goals and objectives through 1) the work of its various program committees – Religious, Cultural, and Bayanihan, 2) working in cooperation and collaboration with the various Filipino parish ministries, and in association with other non-parish-based Filipino ministries such as the Cursillo, Couples for Christ, FFRG, etc., 3) the outreach work of the SJFM leadership.

Funds are needed to support the programs through which the goals and objectives of the SJFM can be achieved. The beneficiaries of these programs are the youth, the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, and their children, who deserve to be provided opportunities to learn more about their Filipino culture. The SJFM has launched fundraising projects that will support its programs which are geared toward the accomplishment of its goals and objectives. 

As part of the Ethnic Ministries of the Diocese of Orange, the SJFM’s role as a ministry is to work toward unifying the Filipino Catholic Community in the Orange Diocese, so that in solidarity, we will have a greater impact on the Catholic scene in our Diocese. Because the SJFM will consist of representatives from various parishes and organized Filipino religious groups, the SJFM also aims to embody and represent the Filipino Catholic Community in diocesan matters that require ethnic group representation as well as participation in diocesan celebratory events that involve various ethnicities. 

Ministry Leadership and Structure 

A team of ten laypersons currently serve in various official capacities in the Ministry, and two Alagad Ni Maria priests serve as spiritual advisers. Representatives from multiple parishes and organized ministries in the Diocese comprise the general membership. The current team members/officers are featured on the previous page. 

Alagad Ni Maria (Disciples of Mary), a religious institute of priests, was instrumental in establishing the SJFM and served as its spiritual adviser, providing guidance and assistance in carrying out the Ministry’s programs and projects. The San Jose Filipino Ministry is a totally separate entity from the Alagad ni Maria, having its own set of by-laws and incorporation papers as well as a functional organizational set-up. As the Ministry grows and develops, its structure may change according to its needs to adequately respond to the demands for greater service toward the achievement of its goals. The SJFM is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation. Donations to the SJFM are tax-deductible. 

The SJFM does not duplicate what is already being done by Filipino ministries in various parishes because the programs we offer, especially in the area of socio-cultural and “bayanihan” aspects, are not being done in most parishes. At best, we hope to enhance and support the work of the existing Filipino ministries in the parishes at their invitation and when needed. The SJFM recognizes, upholds, and supports the work of existing Filipino ministries in the Diocese, and would not spearhead programs that are already in existence (e.g., propagation of the Holy Rosary and devotion to the Our Blessed Mother Mary, Lenten retreat, Simbang Gabi), but would participate in and support these endeavors. 

First-Year Accomplishments and Future Plans 

Still, in its first year, the SJFM has taken giant strides instead of the usual baby steps that most newly formed groups tend to do. Accomplishments during our first year, starting in June 2021, include 1) the Opening Festivities of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines Celebration in the Diocese of Orange in June attended by approximately 2,000 Filipino faithful, 2) classes to learn the Tagalog language, Filipino cultural dances and cooking lessons on favorite Filipino dishes held in July and August, 3) monthly catechesis for adults held at St. Philip Benizi Church in September through November, 4) Advent Retreat with Bishop Timothy Freyer, and the Paskuhan ng Pamilyang Pilipino in December, and 5) sending financial aid to the victims of typhoon Odette in the Philippines last December as part of the relief efforts. 

This year (2022), we are hosting the Closing Festivities of the quincentennial of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines at the Christ Cathedral on April 23, 2022. The aforementioned programs, which were started last year, will continue. In addition, we will have new programs such as the formation of Rondalla ni San Jose (a string music ensemble), a 2-day summer leadership workshop for young Filipino-Americans, participation in World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, and providing spiritual formation to all SJFM volunteers. 

With inspiration from St. Joseph and guidance from our Spiritual Advisers, the San Jose Filipino Ministry hopes to be able to fulfill its mission of serving and helping in the spiritual growth and deepening the faith of the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the Diocese of Orange. We pray that this fosters greater involvement in our Church in Orange, benefiting our Church and community. 

St. Joseph, pray for us!