Year in Review 2018
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BLD Newark's Singles lead Advent Adoration
The Singles Ministry held a night of adoration last Saturday, December 15 at St. Genevieve’s Church in Elizabeth, NJ. BLD members and parishioners from St. Gen’s came out for a special night of worship, adoration, and teaching. Read more...(CN December 21, 2018)
The Singles Ministry held a night of adoration last Saturday, December 15 at St. Genevieve’s Church in Elizabeth, NJ. BLD members and parishioners from St. Gen’s came out for a special night of worship, adoration, and teaching. Read more...(CN December 21, 2018)
ME #51 (Newark) and ME #14 (Rockland) embark on a journey with BLD
The Marriage Encounter Weekend organized by Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) took place over the weekend of November 4, 2018, at the Don Bosco Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY. There were 11 candidate couples there (which included a deacon) and a priest. Read More...(CN Nov. 9, 2018)
The Marriage Encounter Weekend organized by Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) took place over the weekend of November 4, 2018, at the Don Bosco Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY. There were 11 candidate couples there (which included a deacon) and a priest. Read More...(CN Nov. 9, 2018)
Thirty-one Members from three BLD districts aspire to become Covenanted Disciples
We witnessed the triumphant power and might of God during an incredible Aspirants Retreat that was held last weekend, October 26 – 28, 2018, at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center in Kearney, New Jersey. The Holy Spirit indeed is alive and was active, as evidenced by the witnessing and sharing by our covenanted members on topics such as Healing and Reconciliation, Discipleship, the Cost of Discipleship, the Test of True Discipleship, the Rewards of Discipleship and Community. Read more... ( CN Nov 2, 2018)
We witnessed the triumphant power and might of God during an incredible Aspirants Retreat that was held last weekend, October 26 – 28, 2018, at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center in Kearney, New Jersey. The Holy Spirit indeed is alive and was active, as evidenced by the witnessing and sharing by our covenanted members on topics such as Healing and Reconciliation, Discipleship, the Cost of Discipleship, the Test of True Discipleship, the Rewards of Discipleship and Community. Read more... ( CN Nov 2, 2018)
Our Triune God shows His Power at LSS 50
Indeed our Triune God has shown His power and might, making all things possible during this incredibly anointed LSS weekend, which was held, October 12 - 14, 2018 at Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway. The Holy Spirit IS ALIVE and was active as evidenced by the witness and sharing of our candidates after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Candidates expressed experiencing the mighty power of God's love for them in a personal way. Some shared feelings of deliverance and healing from unforgiveness, depression and grief. A few admitted to having doubted God because of painful events and losses in their lives. But the LSS allowed all of the candidates to gain insights to strongholds that needed to be broken. Read more... (CN Oct 19, 2018)
Indeed our Triune God has shown His power and might, making all things possible during this incredibly anointed LSS weekend, which was held, October 12 - 14, 2018 at Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway. The Holy Spirit IS ALIVE and was active as evidenced by the witness and sharing of our candidates after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Candidates expressed experiencing the mighty power of God's love for them in a personal way. Some shared feelings of deliverance and healing from unforgiveness, depression and grief. A few admitted to having doubted God because of painful events and losses in their lives. But the LSS allowed all of the candidates to gain insights to strongholds that needed to be broken. Read more... (CN Oct 19, 2018)
With God Present in John 6 Crossing 19, Nothing is Impossible
This past Sunday’s reading from Mark’s Gospel was most fitting for the John 6 Ministry’s Weekend Crossing #19, which was held at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Newton, NJ. Twenty-two children, ages 10-14, came to learn more about God’s love and His presence in theirs and everyone’s lives. Read more... (CN - October 12)
This past Sunday’s reading from Mark’s Gospel was most fitting for the John 6 Ministry’s Weekend Crossing #19, which was held at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Newton, NJ. Twenty-two children, ages 10-14, came to learn more about God’s love and His presence in theirs and everyone’s lives. Read more... (CN - October 12)
YE #25 changes lives - A New Family; A New Home
From the funniest of ice breakers to the deepest reflections in their sharing circles, Youth Encounter #25 permanently changed the YE candidates’ lives for the better. The word encounter does not sufficiently capture the thrill of the journey that Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) provided. The more accurate word would be adventure. As the candidates entered the retreat center, they were immediately immersed in an environment that was filled to the brim with pride for our Catholic religion. Read more... ( CN July 20, 2018)
From the funniest of ice breakers to the deepest reflections in their sharing circles, Youth Encounter #25 permanently changed the YE candidates’ lives for the better. The word encounter does not sufficiently capture the thrill of the journey that Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) provided. The more accurate word would be adventure. As the candidates entered the retreat center, they were immediately immersed in an environment that was filled to the brim with pride for our Catholic religion. Read more... ( CN July 20, 2018)
Fr. Paul Lehman exhorts the Community once more
As was to be expected, last Friday’s Eucharistic Celebration was a truly special one for BLD Newark. Besides experiencing our oneness in the Eucharist, united in love and truth, in holiness and mission, many Community members and disciples were able to wish Fr. Paul Lehman a “Happy 90th Birthday!” in person.
Read More.. ( CN July 13, 2018)
As was to be expected, last Friday’s Eucharistic Celebration was a truly special one for BLD Newark. Besides experiencing our oneness in the Eucharist, united in love and truth, in holiness and mission, many Community members and disciples were able to wish Fr. Paul Lehman a “Happy 90th Birthday!” in person.
Read More.. ( CN July 13, 2018)
Solo Parents’ Encounter # 20
28 single parents responded to God’s call for a spiritual retreat during the latest SPE weekend, which was held June 23 – 24 at a local hotel venue. Many came with high expectations, and they were not disappointed, as for each of them, unlike any retreat they had attended before, this one became a truly personal one-on-one encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. Read more... (CN June 29, 2018)
28 single parents responded to God’s call for a spiritual retreat during the latest SPE weekend, which was held June 23 – 24 at a local hotel venue. Many came with high expectations, and they were not disappointed, as for each of them, unlike any retreat they had attended before, this one became a truly personal one-on-one encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. Read more... (CN June 29, 2018)
Happy 90th Birthday, 64th Sacerdotal Anniversary, and Father’s Day to Father Paul Lehman!
Clearly, BLD Newark’s beloved Spiritual Director Emeritus, Fr. Paul Lehman (who will be turning 90 on July 5), has many reasons to celebrate; and so, last Saturday, he received a well-deserved tribute and celebration. Read more (CN June 22, 2018)
Clearly, BLD Newark’s beloved Spiritual Director Emeritus, Fr. Paul Lehman (who will be turning 90 on July 5), has many reasons to celebrate; and so, last Saturday, he received a well-deserved tribute and celebration. Read more (CN June 22, 2018)
Twenty-five singles claim God’s victory at SE 38
Twenty-five candidates claimed God’s victory as they encountered “the heart of the self, of Christ and others” during the BLD Singles Encounter # 38 that was held at Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, June 8-10, 2018. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend super-special, especially to our God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Please join us in welcoming the following new graduates to the Singles Ministry: Read More (CN June 15, 2018)
Twenty-five candidates claimed God’s victory as they encountered “the heart of the self, of Christ and others” during the BLD Singles Encounter # 38 that was held at Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, June 8-10, 2018. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend super-special, especially to our God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Please join us in welcoming the following new graduates to the Singles Ministry: Read More (CN June 15, 2018)
2018 Emergence results in fresh anointing for BLD
For BLD Newark, Jovy and Emily Lucero move on as Cluster Shepherds, and four new couples join the current Mission Apostolate Stewards as our DCS for the next three years. Their terms begin on July 1, 2018. Read more...(CN June 8, 2018)
For BLD Newark, Jovy and Emily Lucero move on as Cluster Shepherds, and four new couples join the current Mission Apostolate Stewards as our DCS for the next three years. Their terms begin on July 1, 2018. Read more...(CN June 8, 2018)
BLD Newark celebrates milestone events on Pentecost Sunday
Last Sunday, May 20th, our Church celebrated its birthday and we all shared in the joy that the Feast of Pentecost graced upon us. But BLD Newark was celebrating even more, because there were two more events of special Community significance that made it a truly milestone weekend. Read More... (CN May 25, 2018)
Last Sunday, May 20th, our Church celebrated its birthday and we all shared in the joy that the Feast of Pentecost graced upon us. But BLD Newark was celebrating even more, because there were two more events of special Community significance that made it a truly milestone weekend. Read More... (CN May 25, 2018)
Mark 10 Ministry Leads the Community in Crowning Mama Mary
It was a special night last Friday at BLD. Since May 4 was a First Friday, a Eucharistic Celebration was already scheduled, and it was at that Mass that most of the Community first got to meet Fr. Alex Cruz, the current Parish Administrator for Divine Mercy Parish. He served as the main celebrant and delivered an impressive homily about how we are to evangelize, and what Jesus might have meant when He instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet at the houses and towns that did not welcome them. He interspersed humor into his message, making it memorable while eliciting many smiles from all who were there. Read more...(CN May 11, 2018)
It was a special night last Friday at BLD. Since May 4 was a First Friday, a Eucharistic Celebration was already scheduled, and it was at that Mass that most of the Community first got to meet Fr. Alex Cruz, the current Parish Administrator for Divine Mercy Parish. He served as the main celebrant and delivered an impressive homily about how we are to evangelize, and what Jesus might have meant when He instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet at the houses and towns that did not welcome them. He interspersed humor into his message, making it memorable while eliciting many smiles from all who were there. Read more...(CN May 11, 2018)
BLD joins two disciples on the Road to Emmaus
Two of Jesus’ disciples were conversing about their frustrations, disappointments and perceptions of what had just happened in Jerusalem as they walked on the road to Emmaus. Last Saturday, our Spiritual Director, Monsignor Paul Schetelick, led about 300 people of faith to walk with these two disciples. The Community Retreat which was themed, “Keep our Hearts Burning...the Mass, a New Fire Pit,” was based on the Gospel reading about “The Road to Emmaus.” The Resurrection episode provided the retreat’s numerous points of discussion, reflection questions, and most importantly the connection to the Holy Mass. Just as with the disciples, it was in the breaking of the bread that we found His presence among us, a presence that always brings us back to the right direction in life. Read More... (CN April 27 2018)
Two of Jesus’ disciples were conversing about their frustrations, disappointments and perceptions of what had just happened in Jerusalem as they walked on the road to Emmaus. Last Saturday, our Spiritual Director, Monsignor Paul Schetelick, led about 300 people of faith to walk with these two disciples. The Community Retreat which was themed, “Keep our Hearts Burning...the Mass, a New Fire Pit,” was based on the Gospel reading about “The Road to Emmaus.” The Resurrection episode provided the retreat’s numerous points of discussion, reflection questions, and most importantly the connection to the Holy Mass. Just as with the disciples, it was in the breaking of the bread that we found His presence among us, a presence that always brings us back to the right direction in life. Read More... (CN April 27 2018)
Holy Spirit delivers happiness at LSS 49
Over the weekend, BLD Newark once again held a spirit-filled Life in the Spirit Seminar, with 26 candidates receiving many gifts from the Holy Spirit in LSS #49. The Holy Spirit’s presence was powerful and fully evident as there was a vibrant and enthusiastic mood among the LSS sharers, auxies, shepherds, and especially the candidates from ME49 and from St. Antoninus Parish in Newark. Many of them repeatedly expressed that they were so HAPPY to have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Many of them shared their experiences and all felt blessed and renewed. Read more...( CN April 20, 2018)
Over the weekend, BLD Newark once again held a spirit-filled Life in the Spirit Seminar, with 26 candidates receiving many gifts from the Holy Spirit in LSS #49. The Holy Spirit’s presence was powerful and fully evident as there was a vibrant and enthusiastic mood among the LSS sharers, auxies, shepherds, and especially the candidates from ME49 and from St. Antoninus Parish in Newark. Many of them repeatedly expressed that they were so HAPPY to have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Many of them shared their experiences and all felt blessed and renewed. Read more...( CN April 20, 2018)
BLD Newark holds Disciples’ Assembly
Last Saturday afternoon, March 10, 2018, BLD Newark held a Disciples’ Assembly at the Divine Mercy Parish Auditorium, to tackle some of the outstanding issues and questions of Community members. Due to the weather it was a bit cold inside, but it soon warmed up as people arrived. The meeting was well attended, and those who were there were engaged and quite active. The opening worship was led by the members of the District Committee of Emergence Overseers (DCEO) composed of Deacon Serge Bernatchez – Chairperson, and members Benjie Ombrete, Claire Mejorada, Paul Martinez, and York Miguel. The DCEO will implement the policies and ensure the orderly and prayerful conduct of the General Emergence. The BLD Emergence is the process of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit, Who chooses our leaders. As stated in the BLD Statutes, the emergence is a two-step normative process of nomination and selection of Community and District leaders who are called to a higher responsibility. The first step occurs at the District level where Covenanted members prayerfully discern and nominate their leaders. The second step occurs at the BLD Global level where the Community Spiritual Director (CSD) prayerfully discerns and selects the CSL members (for BLD Global), who then prayerfully discern and select the Apostolate Stewards (the DCS) for the various BLD Districts. During that second step, the CSD and CSL carefully consider the Covenanted Disciples nominated by the Districts in a process of co-discernment. It is not an election exercise or a popularity contest, nor is it meant for members to aspire to any particular position. The conduct of the emergence is retained in the BLD statutes, as approved by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in 2016, a copy of which was sent to the Archbishop of Newark. Read more... (CN March 16, 2018)
Last Saturday afternoon, March 10, 2018, BLD Newark held a Disciples’ Assembly at the Divine Mercy Parish Auditorium, to tackle some of the outstanding issues and questions of Community members. Due to the weather it was a bit cold inside, but it soon warmed up as people arrived. The meeting was well attended, and those who were there were engaged and quite active. The opening worship was led by the members of the District Committee of Emergence Overseers (DCEO) composed of Deacon Serge Bernatchez – Chairperson, and members Benjie Ombrete, Claire Mejorada, Paul Martinez, and York Miguel. The DCEO will implement the policies and ensure the orderly and prayerful conduct of the General Emergence. The BLD Emergence is the process of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit, Who chooses our leaders. As stated in the BLD Statutes, the emergence is a two-step normative process of nomination and selection of Community and District leaders who are called to a higher responsibility. The first step occurs at the District level where Covenanted members prayerfully discern and nominate their leaders. The second step occurs at the BLD Global level where the Community Spiritual Director (CSD) prayerfully discerns and selects the CSL members (for BLD Global), who then prayerfully discern and select the Apostolate Stewards (the DCS) for the various BLD Districts. During that second step, the CSD and CSL carefully consider the Covenanted Disciples nominated by the Districts in a process of co-discernment. It is not an election exercise or a popularity contest, nor is it meant for members to aspire to any particular position. The conduct of the emergence is retained in the BLD statutes, as approved by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in 2016, a copy of which was sent to the Archbishop of Newark. Read more... (CN March 16, 2018)
