WHAT WE DO
In ministering to the spiritual needs of Filipino Catholics in Gouda and Surroundings, the FCC Gouda facilitates baptisms, confirmation and weddings during the mass on 4th Sunday of the month. Also during the 4th Sunday mass, via the Children’s Bible Corner, children are taught about the liturgy of the day. Outside the mass, the FCC Gouda members visit the sick at home and in the hospital to pray for their healing; they also comfort the grieving (usually the widow) and visit and pray for those low in spirit. Donations, cash or kind, are collected for people stricken by natural disasters back home in the Philippines.
Report on Activities Carried Out in 2023
The Filipino Catholic Community FCC Gouda and Surroundings, also known as FCC Gouda, carried out the following activities in 2023, aligning with its objectives as stated in its statutes.
Eucharistic Celebration
Every 4th Sunday of the month, a Eucharistic celebration is held, led by a priest. After the mass, churchgoers gather in the adjacent hall to enjoy coffee, tea, or a soft drink along with a (Filipino) snack while socializing. This gathering has a strong social character. Filipinos, as well as other nationalities, converse, update each other on life events, establish new connections, and offer assistance when needed. The priest also mingles with the churchgoers.
The Nightingales Concert
In October 2023, we organized a concert featuring the Filipino music group The Nightingales. A part of the board and volunteers welcomed the group at Schiphol Airport and provided them with accommodation for a few days. During the Sunday mass on October 24, The Nightingales performed an impressive concert.
25th Anniversary Celebration of FCC Gouda and Surroundings
In 2023, FCC Gouda celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand festive evening, where clergy members reflected on the history of FCC Gouda. The event also highlighted Filipino culture, with traditional Filipino cuisine playing a central role in the celebration.
Family Fun Day
As in previous years, we organized our annual Family Fun Day in 2023. This outdoor event featured sports and games, music and dance, and, of course, delicious Filipino food. Additionally, faith enrichment was an integral part of the day. The event was a great success, creating beautiful memories for many members.
Supporting Family Members in the Philippines
One of FCC Gouda’s main objectives is helping those in need. Often, these are family members of church members in the Philippines who are facing hardships due to illness or loss. In such cases, in addition to contributions from members, FCC Gouda also provides financial support to help ease the burden.
Board Composition in 2023
- Chairperson: Amor van Os
- Secretary: Hans Oosterwijk
- Treasurer: Mary-Jane Streefland
- Other Board Members: Teun Blanken and Jenny Luna
- Priest/Spiritual Leader: Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe
Compensation Policy
The entire board works voluntarily and does not receive any compensation. Only the priest receives a stipend for each mass he conducts. The amount of this stipend is detailed in the Statement of Income and Expenses.
How can I be a leader: A self-reflection
I was one of the 13 participants of Father Marcel ‘s Leadership training last April 30, 2022 at Gouda. He immediately mentioned that a Leader’s actions or role does not necessarily comes from official authority unlike that of a manager, the latter’s role comes...
Holy Retreat is Back! A Reflection of the WHAT and WHY
By Christy Jong Saturday, March 26,2022 the Filipino Community of Gouda organized a Holy Retreat event. It was a well attended event and participants were able to have a reflection , meditation about themselves. The day started with Fr. Callistus Offor with a bible...
What does it mean to be a fruitful Christian?
The Parable of the Fruit -bearing tree: When Jesus mentioned of this Parable in Luke 6: 39-45 . He was telling us that God sees the heart . We may put on a great show of words and actions but it is what is in our heart that is so visible to God. Jesus asked us why do we observe the splinter in our brother’s/sister’s eye and never notice the plank in our own?…
Results of December 2021 FCC-Gouda Tombola
On December 26, 2021, the Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda (FCC-Gouda) and Surroundings held its Tombola fundraising event after the mass. Thanks to the sponsors who donated prizes and the community members and supporters who bought raffle tickets, the community...
Couples Blessing held on 1st official Sunday mass at new location
The 28th of February 2021 marked the official first Sunday mass held by the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda (FCC-Gouda) & Surroundings at the H-Josephkerk as the community has now moved to this new location at Aalberseplein 2 in Gouda…