Cantilan Parish goes Online!
Exciting news for all parishioners—Immaculate Conception Parish of Cantilan is now online! News, reminders, activities, and projects are now just a tap away, accessible anytime, anywhere from your cellphone.
Each group, association, and ministry now has a dedicated page, making it easier to share updates and connect with members. Whether it’s the latest events, outreach efforts, or ongoing programs, parishioners can stay informed and involved like never before.
Need to check the schedule of Masses, meeting times, or minutes of past gatherings? The parish website has it all—available 24/7 for your convenience.
This new platform is also vital during transitions, such as when there are changes in parish officials or new members joining groups. It provides an organized and transparent overview of each ministry’s goals and current situation—making it easier for newcomers to understand and continue the mission.
Even more, during priest reassignment or reshuffling, the website serves as a helpful reference for any incoming clergy to clearly see the pastoral status and direction of the parish they are about to serve.
The digital shift is more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a game-changing lifestyle transformation for our parish.
Rev. Fr. Carl Bautista, Parish Vicar, a digital artist and web builder, leads this initiative. He encourages enthusiastic individuals with digital talents to get involved and contribute by helping their respective groups post updates, document activities, and manage their online presence.
Let’s build our digital parish together—Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay involved.
by: CaPB
A New Harmony in Worship: Parish Choir Federation and Liturgical Ministries Council Officially Launched
Immaculate Conception Parish, Cantilan – In a significant step toward strengthening the liturgical life of the parish, the Parish Choir Federation (PCF) and the Parish Liturgical Ministries Council (PLMC) were formally organized this week, ushering in a new era of unity, collaboration, and excellence in worship.
The Parish Choir Federation brings together all choirs across the parish into one harmonious body, promoting coordination in liturgical music, formation programs, and shared responsibilities in major parish celebrations.
As part of its establishment, the Parish Choir Federation has successfully elected its officers, with leaders coming from various choir groups, namely: the Immaculate Conception Parish Choir, Parish Men’s Choir, Parish Youth Choir, BEC/Chapel Choirs, and other community-based singing groups. This inclusive representation ensures that all voices—both literally and spiritually—are heard and valued.
In this Federation, every choir member is treated equally. No one person is given special treatment, and no single group is allowed to dominate others. Unity in diversity is the guiding principle—each group retains its unique identity while working together for the greater glory of God.
Likewise, the Parish Liturgical Ministries Council has also elected its full set of officers—from President down to Public Information Officer (PIO)—who will take the lead in coordinating the various liturgical ministries of the parish. This includes lectors, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, sacristans, greeters/ushers, decorators, and the choir federation itself.
Both the PCF and PLMC, under the guidance of their Director, Rev. Fr. Carl Bautista, are committed to following the guidelines set by the Parish Pastoral Council and remain under the pastoral supervision of the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Bebot Patera Jr.
“This is more than structure,” said Fr. Carl. “This is about forming a community rooted in worship, where every minister, from the smallest child in the choir to the most senior commentator, finds support, formation, and purpose in serving the Lord.”
The parish looks forward to a deepened liturgical life and a renewed spirit of collaboration through this pastoral milestone.
by: CaPB
Modified BOS Participants’ Investiture and Oath-Taking Ceremony Held Successfully
The Investiture and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Modified Basic Orientation Seminar (BOS) participants was held successfully at Immaculate Conception Parish, Cantilan, marking another milestone in the ongoing formation of our parish lay faithful.
In preparation for this special celebration, a series of orientation seminars was conducted over several days, organized by ministry groups such as WESTFlaSac, Lectors, Choirs, Youth, Altar Servers, and the Mother Butlers Guild. These sessions were facilitated by Rev. Fr. Carl Bautista, Parish Vicar, who also serves as the lead formator.
Unlike the previous BOS, which was conducted some time ago as a comprehensive, holistic, and intensive seminar lasting 1–2 full days, this recent BOS was “modified” in format. It was designed as a review session, condensed into a 3-hour formation, yet rich in content and spiritual depth.
What made this seminar particularly significant was the special emphasis on understanding and implementing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). Fr. Carl highlighted how Vatican II calls all the baptized—not just the clergy—to active participation in the Church’s mission. Through Vatican II’s vision, lay ministry is no longer seen as peripheral but as essential to the life of the Church. Topics such as the priesthood of the faithful, active participation in liturgy, collegiality, and the Church as the People of God were clearly underscored, renewing the sense of mission among all participants.
During the Holy Mass, attended by nearly 500 lay workers, the atmosphere was filled with deep solemnity and spiritual significance. The church resonated with a profound sense of unity and commitment as the faithful gathered—representing various parish ministries and organizations—each bringing their personal “yes” to the mission of the Church. A solemn Investiture Ceremony was held for the newly accepted altar servers, symbolizing their official entry into service at the altar of God. Simultaneously, members from the various parish organizations and ministries who completed the seminar recited their Oath of Commitment, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Bebot Patera Jr.
This event not only reinforced the unity and commitment of all lay collaborators but also strengthened the foundation for a renewed, vibrant, and participatory Church, aligned with the spirit of Vatican II and the pastoral direction of the parish.
by:CaPB
Fr. Bebot’s Heart-warming Homily
One of the most moving highlights of the Mass was the heartfelt homily of Rev. Fr. Bebot Pastera Jr., Parish Priest, which touched the hearts of nearly 500 lay workers in attendance.
Fr. Bebot’s message was simple yet deeply profound: “If you love Christ, you should love the Church.”
He reminded everyone that loving Christ cannot be separated from loving His Body—the Church. In a time when criticisms and divisions often shake communities, he called on the faithful to stand firm in loyalty, love, and protection of the Church, including its teachings, traditions, and ordained ministers.
With fatherly warmth, he exhorted the lay faithful to be defenders, not just servants, of the Church, to remain steadfast in unity, and to guard their hearts against disillusionment and indifference. “Protect the Church and her pastors,” he said, “for in doing so, you protect the mission of Christ alive in our midst.”
His words stirred a sense of renewed commitment and identity among the lay ministers—many were seen nodding with tears, others placing hands on their hearts in silent assent. It was more than just a homily; it was a call to deeper communion, echoing the voice of a shepherd who loves his flock and longs to see them flourish in faith.
by: CaPB