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Letter to His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor
Requesting that a Filipino Apostolate be established
in New York, October 30, 1989
SEM. ANDRE C. ZABALA PRESS RELEASE
On May 6, 2010 at 5:00 PM, His Excellency Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, D.D., Archbishop of New York was the main celebrant of St. John Neumann Seminary College Mass of Thanksgiving at the Chapel of St. Joseph Seminary, 201 Seminary Ave., NY 10704 for the graduation of a Filipino seminarian Andre C. Zabala and 13 others namely: Michael F. Achanyi, David Aung Hlaing, James Benavides, Mateusz Jasniewicz, Diego Jimenez, Ryan M. Lerner, Richard M. Marrano, Sheldon D. Momaney, Daniel Khiu-Ni, David Y. Rider, Robert L. Rodriguez, Frank Paul Sampino, and Christopher J. Seith.
Archbishop Dolan was also the homilist. His message was about the Gospel of John 15:9-11 – the importance of remaining in love in Jesus and remaining in love in His Church. The Mass was attended by Bishop Gerald Walsh, D.D. the Rector of St. Joseph Seminary, Fr. Luis F. Saldana the Rector of St. John Neumann College Seminary, Fr. Luke M. Sweeney the Formation Director, Fr. Daniel P. Oreilly the Spiritual Director, Fr. Joseph E. Franco the Assistant Spiritual Director, and several concelebrants. The Mass was well attended by the parents and guests of the graduating class 2010.
The Filipino Clergy in New York was led by Monsignor Oscar Aquino the Coordinator, Fr. Romeo Hontiveros the Secretary and Deacon Gary Villanueva.
The Mass was followed by fellowship dinner at 6:00 PM and a short recognition program.
By Fr. Romeo Hontiveros, the Secretary/PRO of FCNY
FR. MISAEL (MIKE) BACLEONFUNERAL MASS
PRESS RELEASE
Bishop Gerald T. Walsh, D.D., the representative of New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, D.D. was the main celebrant at the funeral mass of Fr. Mike Bacleon. It was held in St. Anne Church, 3519 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467 on May 3, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. It was attended by 23 priests with 8 Filipino priests concelebrating led by Monsignor Oscar Aquino, the Coordinator of the Filipino Clergy in New York.
Fr. Frank Scalen was the homilist who gives comfort to the family and friends of Fr. Mike. He brought the bishop’s staff and reminded the congregation of the importance of a good shepherd and Fr. Mike had contributed his part in caring the sick in the hospital.
The prayer of commendation was done by Bishop Walsh and the blessing of the body was participated with the clergy, relatives and friends of Fr. Mike. Then the body was flown and be buried in California besides his brother who died two weeks ago.
Fr. Misael (Mike) Sarita Bacleon was born on November 2, 1948 and died on April 28, 2010 at his residence in Bronx, New York. He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 31, 1983 for the Diocese of Butuan, Mindanao, Philippines. He studied his Theology at St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary, Catalunan Grande, Davao City, Philippines and was assigned as Pastor in the Parish of the Diocese of Butuan before coming to New York to explore his ministry in the hospital care where he experienced fulfillment in serving the sick and he was so loved by the staff and patients of Montefiore Hospital as well. Due to his being diabetic and one of his toes was cut off last year, Monsignor Marc J. Filacchione, the Archdiocese of New York Hospital Director gave him time for sick leave.
by Fr. Romeo Hontiveros, Secretary of the Filipino Clergy in New York
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
of the FILIPINO CLERGY IN NEW YORK (FCNY)
(Ratified unanimously at the General Assembly on April 28, 2009 at the Philippine Consulate)
Preamble
WE, the Filipino Clergy in New York, fully aware of the need of a strong and sustained priestly fraternity and solidarity, towards a more meaningful ministry and active life of witnessing to the Gospel of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest and Good Shepherd, and with the maternal guidance and inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary with San Lorenzo Ruiz as our principal patron, do hereby promulgate this Constitution.
Article I – Name, Address, Coverage
Section 1: Name
The official name of this organization is Filipino Clergy in New York (FCNY).
Section 2: Address
The official address of FCNY is San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, 378 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013.
Section 3: Area of Coverage
The Constitution of FCNY shall be applicable within the area of the entire State of New York, USA namely: Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Brooklyn, Diocese of Rockville Center, Diocese of Albany, Diocese of Buffalo, Diocese of Syracuse, Diocese of Rochester, and Diocese of Ogdenburg.
Article II – Nature and Objectives
FCNY is an association of Filipino clergy who live in the State of New York and perform active priestly ministry. It shall have the following main objectives:
Section 1: To foster among the Filipino clergy in the State of New York brotherly support and unity, sharing of resources and enhancement of the priestly and Filipino values through regular interaction and communication.
Section 2: To establish proper communication links with the Archdiocesan and/ or Diocesan offices and ministries, particularly on issues affecting the welfare of Filipino clergy, as well as with other organizations of Filipino clergy in America.
Section 3: To help in the coordination of the programs, projects and activities of various Filipino associations and groups in the State of New York, and to lend assistance to them particularly in their spiritual and pastoral needs.
Section 4: To support the various pastoral programs of the Filipino Apostolate in the Archdiocese of New York based in the Filipino Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
Section 5: To lend assistance to Filipino clergy who need any help in their stay within the area of coverage of FCNY.
Article III – Composition
Section 1: Membership
§1 – Membership in FCNY has the following requirements:
a) Validly ordained Catholic clergy;
b) Filipino by birth and/ or parentage;
c) Renders priestly ministry in and with due recognition in their Archdiocese and/ or Dioceses of New York; and
d) Has proper legal status and good moral standing.
§ 2 – Considered for associate memberships are Deacons, transitional and permanent, retired Filipino clergy and clergy of Filipino descent.
§ 3 – Filipino clergy who are already in the State of New York but not yet officially registered with the Archdiocese or Dioceses of New York will also be considered as associate members.
Section 2: Rights and Duties of Members
§ 1 – All bona fide members have the right to vote and be voted upon in the election of officers, as well as to cast their vote on future amendments to the constitution and by-laws.
§ 2 – Associate members do not have the right to vote, but they are allowed to participate in all the deliberations during meetings and in all other activities and programs of the FCNY.
§ 3 – It is the right and the duty of every member to participate in all the undertakings of the association.
§ 4 – It is the duty of all members to attend the regular and special meetings duly scheduled and to actively participate in the proceedings.
§ 5 – All members shall contribute an annual solidarity fund for the support of the FCNY and its programs, the amount of which will be determined by the body.
Section 3: Cessation of Membership
§1 – Membership in FCNY ceases due to any of the following reasons:
a) Voluntary resignation;
b) Loss of domicile due to transfer of residence;
c) By decision of the general membership.
Article IV – Meetings
Section 1: FCNY will have a regular monthly meeting to be determined by the officers with advance schedule. The venue and time of the meeting will depend on the consensus of the body. The agenda will be determined by the Coordinator.
Section 2: Aside from the regular monthly meetings, special meetings can be called by the Coordinator to address specific agenda that may come up in any eventuality which need urgent attention.
Section 3: Special events in the year will also be occasions for meetings and fellowship for FCNY members, e.g. Christmas, Easter, Summer outing, and the like, geared towards healthier camaraderie and stronger unity of the organization.
Section 4: General Structure of the Meeting
Call to Order
Part 1: Opening Prayer, Reading of Scripture and Reflection
Part 2: Reading and Approval of the Minutes, and Discussion of Agenda
Part 3: Fellowship/Agape
In some special occasions, a concelebrated Mass may precede the meeting.
Article V – Officers
Section 1: The following are the Officers of FCNY
Coordinator - Msgr. Oscar Aquino
Assistant Coordinator - Msgr. Bayani Valenzuela
Secretary/ PRO - Fr. Romeo Hontiveros
Treasurer - Msgr. Romulo Montero
Auditor - Fr. Joseph G. Marabe, JCD
Section 2: Duties and Functions of Officers
§ 1 – Coordinator
1 – To call and preside over meetings and determine the agenda;
2 – To represent the organization in meetings and other gatherings with other groups and associations, and thereafter give a report on the matter to the association;
3 – To coordinate the programs and activities of the association;
4 - To assign particular assignments to other members when deemed necessary.
§ 2 – Assistant Coordinator
1 - To perform the duties of the Coordinator in the latter’s absence.
2 - To maintain and update the roll of members, providing necessary information on the current status of each member.
§3 – Secretary
1 – To issue notices for meetings and other gatherings, and dispatch all needed information to all members.
2 - To record the minutes of meetings, and maintain and keep all pertinent records and documents of the association.
3 – To prepare the venue for the meetings, inclusive of the needed materials and equipment.
4 – To act as a Comelec during the regular or special election of officers.
§4 – Treasurer
1 – To keep a record of all income and expenditures of the association and give a
financial status report every meeting;
2 - To collect the monthly solidarity fee from members and all other contributions;
3 - And to keep the funds safe, intact and available as needed by the association;
§5 – Auditor
1 – To evaluate and scrutinize all records and documents of the association and
render regular report to the general membership;
2 – To conduct periodic audit into the financial records, programs and activities of
the association.
§6 – P.R.O.
1 – To gather and disseminate to the members any relevant information pertaining to the ministry and other related fields;
2 – To initiate and implement programs and activities which foster better camaraderie among the members as well as with other clergy and lay associations of Filipinos.
Section 3: Election of Officers
The officers will be chosen by election during the general membership meeting to be held every two years in December. The new set of officers will assume office beginning January of the succeeding year.
Section 4: Tenure of Office
§ 1 - The officers shall hold office for two continuous years, open to but one immediate renewal for another two years thereafter.
§ 2 - Any office vacated by the officer prior to the end of his term due to any reason whatsoever shall be filled up by a special election during a general membership meeting to be determined and called by the Coordinator.
Section 5: Voting Procedure
1. Nomination and Votation:
1.1. Any registered members of FCNY can be nominated during the Election Day or by mail or email before the votation.
1.2. Nominated candidate must accept the nomination and be present during the votation.
1.3. Winning candidate must garnered majority votes through secret voting, that is, one half plus one of those present during the election.
2. Indirect Voting: The general assembly will nominate 5 members to become the officers of FCNY. Then the 5 members who got the highest votes will convene and elect among themselves as Coordinator, Vice-Coordinator, Secretary/PRO, Treasurer, and Auditor. And the coordinator shall appoint link-person (that is, co-terminus with the Coordinator) from every vicariate or borough or county to facilitate the objectives of FCNY.
Article VI – Amendments
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended in part or revised as a whole upon the instance of a bona fide member, with the approval of the general membership through a vote by absolute majority.
