By Susan Horn-Perez
On March 24, 2019, the Board of the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda (FCC-Gouda) and Surroundings headed by Amor van Os presented to the community a concise report for the year 2018 and the plans for 2019. Through this report, the FCC-Gouda Board aims to achieve transparency of all events and transactions for all its members.
FCC-Gouda 2018 Report of Finance & Activities
The Board Chairman, Amor van Os, began her report with the activities of the FCC-Gouda and surroundings in 2018.
Most importantly, Amor also reported the financial status for the year 2018, including sources of income and to where the money was spent. In 2018, FCC-Gouda had a lot of expenditures, including the fixed expenses for the monthly mass and church use. The Community also allotted financial support for its diaconal work and for all the other activities done last year. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, the activities in 2018 were realized.
FCC-Gouda 2019 Plans & Activities
The Chairman proceeded in reporting the activities and plans of FCC-Gouda and Surroundings to the Community for 2019. The monthly mass will continue every 4th Sunday.
In January 2019, the community has launched the Children´s Bible Corner (CBC). Its goal is to start the young members of the community to be actively involved in deepening their knowledge of God. Another service that started beginning of this year is the Detention Visitation, which is a part of the community’s diaconal work.
The Couple’s Blessing was initiated during the mass in February. FCC-Gouda plans to do this activity every year.
March marked the beginning of the annual Holy Retreat. On March 9, 2019, the FCC-Gouda and Surroundings sponsored and attended a Holy Retreat in Handel.
Some of the FCC-Gouda members are also doing a Pastoral Course on Initiation Sacraments with the modules on Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation (Initiatiesacrament: Module Doop, Eerste Communie en Vormsel als initiatie), for 5 consecutive Mondays starting from March 4 till April 1, 2019. This course will enable the members of FCCGouda and Surroundings to give information and hold seminars prior to the sacraments and to conduct these sacraments with the help of the priest during the FCC-Gouda Holy Mass.
Other planned activities for 2019 are presented below.
Aside from the above mentioned plans, Amor also announced that a Website Course for few members of FCC-Gouda and Surroundings is in the planning. This course will train interested participants in understanding at least the basics of website management, including the value of hosting and domain names. Furthermore, the Board is also busy with the application for ANBI (algemeen nut beogende instelling) status.
Members of the community expressed gratitude to all members of the FCC-Gouda Board after the reporting, which is the very first community report made. Community members were delighted to know the status of the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda and Surroundings, especially the activities and financial standing. Some made valuable suggestions and further support for the betterment of FCC-Gouda. Some even complimented the works done by the whole team. Everyone left with appreciation and a happy heart.
