1. THE POOR AMONGST US Theme for 2015 : Active presence and participation of the Poor in the Church

2. NINE PASTORAL PRIORITIES 2013.Integral Faith Formation 2014.Empowerment of the Laity for Social Transformation 2015.Active presence and participation of the Poor in the Church 2016.The Family as a Focal Point of Evangelization 2017.Parish as a community of Communities (BEC) 2018.Integral Renewal of the Clergy 2019.Journeying with the Youth 2020.Ecumenism & Inter-religious Dialogue 2021.Animation and Formation of Missio Ad Gentes 2The Poor Amongst Us

3. WHO ARE THE POOR? New Testament- Lk 14:21 “ptokos” those lacking what was necessary to make life human. Widows, orphans, farm laborers, those without trade, unemployed and unemployable, beggars, mentally disturbed. Treated not as persons but as “objects of pity”, “loved for God’s sake” Marginalized Old Testament Economically deprived Without wealth, health, social status Victims of injustice or oppression “Ani” – be humiliated Those who trust entirely on God for protection and deliverance. “Anawim” 3The Poor Amongst Us

4. To be an anawim is to be a child before God Without HIM, I can do absolutely nothing; But if I have nothing else but GOD, then I have everything What is asked of us is not just to give preferential option for the poor, but becoming one with them in their poverty 4The Poor Amongst Us

5. HOW?  Make Jesus the center of our lives (family)  Free ourselves from the slavery of oPossessions oPower oPrestige  Show Anawim the Works of the Lord  Introduce Anawim to Jesus (Lord of the Works)  Pray they make Jesus the center of their lives 5The Poor Amongst Us

6. Authentic Christian Service Silence Anonymity Prayer Simplicity Poverty 6The Poor Amongst Us