Fellowship after the first Simbang Gabi at St. Gregory the Great Church (12/20/1987)
The Filipinos of St. Gregory have been involved in activities and projects benefiting St. Gregory since 1987, when the group helped organize the first Simbang Gabi at St. Gregory's.
But the group's origins lie in late 1986, when Filipinos at the parish had the chance to gather at the retirement of long-time St. Gregory pastor Fr. Bessert. It provided the chance to catch up on news and socio-cultural-religious topics in Filipino communities in the area.
Vic Tibudan led preparations for holding Simbang Gabi, with the formation of a choir among friends and caroling in some Filipino homes. The bonds that formed between the members led to many new plans for the group.
The first Simbang Gabi was held in 1987, followed by the first Santacruzan in May 1988. These religious-cultural Filipino traditions continued without interruption until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the celebration of these traditions has become the uniting factor of the group.
A choir, Himig Pagibig, has members that came together from these celebrations.
But the group's origins lie in late 1986, when Filipinos at the parish had the chance to gather at the retirement of long-time St. Gregory pastor Fr. Bessert. It provided the chance to catch up on news and socio-cultural-religious topics in Filipino communities in the area.
Vic Tibudan led preparations for holding Simbang Gabi, with the formation of a choir among friends and caroling in some Filipino homes. The bonds that formed between the members led to many new plans for the group.
The first Simbang Gabi was held in 1987, followed by the first Santacruzan in May 1988. These religious-cultural Filipino traditions continued without interruption until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the celebration of these traditions has become the uniting factor of the group.
A choir, Himig Pagibig, has members that came together from these celebrations.
(Santacruzan 2023)
The plan was for the organization to be officially registered, but the movement on this never went forward. The group's prepared Constitution and By-Laws define the objectives of the Filipinos of St. Gregory as follows:
The Filipinos of St. Gregory, with their time, talent and treasure, became involved in activities and projects that mutually benefited the objectives of the group and the interest and mission of the parish:
- To encourage the spirit of unity and mutual helpfulness,
- To promote activities beneficial to our general welfare,
- To pave the way for a better future of our children,
- To help in the building of a greater Filipino community at St. Gregory the Great and in the United States,
- To help and join with full cooperative spirit in the activities of the parishioners, as well as the Church
The Filipinos of St. Gregory, with their time, talent and treasure, became involved in activities and projects that mutually benefited the objectives of the group and the interest and mission of the parish:
- The construction of the handicapped ramp at St. Gregory
- Annual fundraising, proceeds of which were disbursed by the pastor for the needs of the church
- Active participation of members in different ministries - lectors, ushers, Communion ministers, etc.
- Membership of some members in the Knights of Columbus Council 1009 for as long as it was active
- Lunch offering for altar servers begun by the Knights of Columbus
- Holding a Charismatic hour, a Novena for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Fatima home visits, etc.
- Annual picnic for parishioners and friends
- Support and participation in annual thanksgiving and special occasions