Newsletter 2025 December

May 01, 2026

Chaplain’s Corner

Dear brothers and sisters, Welcome to the first issue of our digital newsletter! This new project aims to keep everyone updated about our upcoming events, schedules, and community announcements, not only through the Sunday Masses and the Missalette, but now directly through your e-mail!

I sincerely thank our Editorial Team — Mark Essa, Brizza Abadier, Gretchel Lopez, Jonathan Lopez, Lunny Rieger, Beverlee Palacpac, Emilia Brandeis, and Marie Wegmeier — for their time, dedication, and teamwork in making this possible.

I also invite our different religious groups and civic organisations to share their news, reflections, or activities that could inspire and inform our community by reaching out to any of our team members.

As we enter the season of Advent, we thank the Lord for guiding our community through 39 blessed years in Berlin. May His love continue to reign in our hearts, our families, and our parish. Let us prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, that His birth may fill us with renewed joy and hope.

Blessings to all!

Fr. Simon Eric Boiser, SVD

A Heartfelt Goodbye from our Ambassador

Mga Kababayan,

Magtatapos na po ang aking panunungkulan dito sa Berlin at ako po ay magretretiro na matapos ang halos 33 taong serbisyo publiko. Nais ko pong ipahatid ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong maliligod na pagtanggap sa akin, gayundin sa inyong walang sawang pakikipagtulungan sa mga proyekto ng Embahada at ng ating pamahalaaan.

Lumalaki po ang bilang ng mga Pilipino rito sa Germany at marami po tayong magagawa bilang nagkakaisa ng pamayanang Pilipino. Tandan po lagi na ang Embahada ay kabalikat ninyo sa layuning makatulong sa kapwa Pilipino, mapalaganan ang ating kultura, mapaunlad ang pagnenegosyo at pagtutulungan sa iba’t ibang larangan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Germany, at maipamalas at maisabuhay ang ating mga pinahalagahang bilang Pilipino.

Hiling ko po na sanay tanggapin din ninyo nang malugod at pagkalooban ng kaukulang suporta ang aking kapalit.

Thank you for being a part of my book of happy memories in Germany!

Hanggang sa muli nating pagkikita sa Pilipinas o dito sa Germany, mabuhay po kayo!

Irene Susan B. Natividad Philippine Ambassador

Regular Church Events

First Week Devotional Masses

Let us begin the month with prayer and thanksgiving through our traditional first-week devotional Masses, all to be held at the Jugendheim, Bayernallee:

1st Wednesday Mass: December 3 – 6:00 PM
- Perpetual Help Novena at 5:00 PM before the Mass.
1st Friday Mass: December 5 – 6:00 PM
- Sacred Heart Novena at 5:00 PM before the Mass.
1st Saturday Mass: December 6 – 5:00 PM
- Novena to Our Lady of Manaoag at 4:00 PM before the Mass.

Join us in these sacred devotions as we honour the Lord and our Blessed Mother, seeking blessings

Sunday Blessing Schedule

Our community comes together after the Mass for special blessings throughout the month. Join us for these meaningful celebrations:

1st Sunday Mass: December 7
- Birthdays
2nd Sunday: December 14
- Anniversaries (Wedding, etc.)
3rd Sunday: December 21
- Religious Items
4th Sunday: December 28
- Healing Prayer

Sunday Mass Celebrate with us every Sunday:

2:30 PM: Adoration
3:00 PM: Rosary
3:30 PM: Mass

Sacramental Services

For baptism inquiry, please contact Minda Moaje Barth:

mobile: +49 151 5428 70 26

For confessions, marriage, counselling or private blessings, please contact Fr. Simon Boiser:

e-mail: simonsvd@gmail.com
mobile: +49 172 6860 147

Baptism Schedule

Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 AM: Dylan Andre Loebel

Upcoming Church Events

Plenary Council Meeting

The Plenary Council Meeting of the Filipino Catholic Community in Berlin is scheduled for the end of November.

All group leaders or representatives are asked to attend and prepare their group report for presentation during the meeting. This gathering is a significant opportunity to review our past activities, share updates, and plan together for the coming months.

Together, let us continue to nurture a joyful, faith-filled, and united community for all.

Date: Sunday, November 30
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Parish Hall
All group leaders or representatives

Himig Pagkakaisa 2025

The Filipino Chorale Berlin has been invited to participate in Himig Pagkakaisa 2025 Advent Concert, a wonderful musical celebration featuring over 120 choir participants from various Filipino communities in Germany.

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, faith, and fellowship as voices unite in harmony to welcome the Advent season with songs of hope and joy.

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark Essa at +49 176 74960693.

Date: Sunday, 7 December
Time: 3:30 PM, right after the 2:30 PM Mass
Location: Kleiner Michel Church, Michaelisstraße 5, 20459 Hamburg

Pontifical Mass

We warmly invite you to join this beautiful Pontifical Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, together with the international language and rite communities, presided over by Archbishop Heiner Koch.

After the celebration, there will be a time of fellowship and conversation with our Archbishop. Light refreshments will be served at the nearby Quadriga Forum, Werderscher Markt 15, 10117 Berlin.

Date: Monday, December 8
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: St. Hedwig’s Cathedral

Celebrate the joy and hope of Christmas with the Filipino Catholic Community Berlin!

Join us as one joyful community in celebrating Pasko ng Pag-Asa — Christmas of Hope — filled with music, laughter, and the spirit of faith and togetherness.

Tickets: Ages 0–6: Free | Ages 7–12: €17.50 | Ages 13 & above: €35

Exciting tombola prizes await!

Contact Marie Wegmeier (+49 1573 2669978) for the raffle tickets and Luisa Gangcuangco (+49 162 6659927) for the entrance tickets.

Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: Entry: 4:00 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM, Party until: 1:00 AM
Location: Nostalgie Festsäle, Askanierring 93A, 13585 Berlin

Parol-Making Contest

Let your creativity shine this Christmas!

Everyone is invited to join our Parol-Making Contest and craft your own handmade Christmas lantern (parol) inspired by the theme “Pasko ng Pag-Asa – Christmas of Hope.”

Submission: During the Christmas Party on December 13
Display: All entries will be exhibited at the venue
Judging Criteria: Originality • Creativity • Overall Design

Bring light and hope to our celebration through your beautiful parol!

First Communion Preparation – December Schedule

Philippine Catholic Community – Berlin

Our First Communion candidates continue their faith journey this month with two important catechetical sessions. All first communicants and parents are kindly reminded of the following schedule:

December Sessions for First Communicants

December 14, 2025
Topic: The Sacrament of Baptism

December 28, 2025
Topic: Introduction to the Holy Mass

Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Prayer Room, Jugendheim

These lessons are essential parts of the children’s preparation and help deepen their understanding of the sacraments they will soon receive.

Kid’s Catechism – December Schedule

The children’s catechism will also take place on the same dates:

December 14 & 28, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Prayer Room, Jugendheim

During the start of the Sunday Mass, the catechists will accompany the children from the church to the Prayer Room for their session.

Parents are encouraged to ensure punctuality and participation so that the children can fully benefit from these formative gatherings.

Simbang Gabi

Join us in celebrating Simbang Gabi, the beloved Filipino novena of Masses before Christmas, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ with faith, joy, and a spirit of community.

As we keep this cherished Filipino tradition alive, may our gathering be an evening in prayer, song, and thanksgiving as we await the birth of our Saviour.

All are warmly invited to attend and complete the Simbang Gabi novena as we joyfully prepare for the birth of Christ! (Luke 3:4)

Panunuluyan: Filipino Nativity Play

Experience the beauty and faith of Christmas through the Nativity Play “Panunuluyan”, a heartfelt reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.

Performed by: The Filipino Chorale – Berlin and volunteer children from our community

May we relive the story of the first Christmas — a story of faith, hope, and God’s love made flesh among us.

Date: Wednesday, December 24
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Church

Feast of the Holy Innocents & Feast of the Holy Family

On December 28, our community will joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents together with the Feast of the Holy Family during the Sunday Mass.

All altar servers and First Communicants are warmly invited to take part in this year’s Nativity Play, which will be presented during the Sunday Mass on December 28.

We encourage all participating children to attend rehearsals to ensure a smooth, meaningful presentation for our community.

After the Sunday Mass on December 28, there will be a special children’s program in the Parish Hall featuring quiz games, fun activities, prizes, fellowship for all children.

This is an open invitation to all kids—bring your friends, siblings, and joyful hearts!

Let us celebrate together as one family of faith.

Upcoming Community Events

Magellan Film Screening – Berlin

The Filipino community is invited to a special screening of Magellan on Monday, December 1, at Kino in der Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin.

Tickets cost 12 Euro per person.

Join us for this cultural and historical film experience and enjoy an evening of fellowship together.

Missionary Families of Christ

The Missionary Families of Christ (MFC) joyfully invite everyone to join their upcoming events and regular gatherings this December!

December 20 – General Prayer Assembly at Bayernallee
December 27 – MFC Christmas Party at All Seasons Restaurant
Every Wednesday – Intercessory Prayer (online via Messenger)

The Loved Flock Berlin continues to nurture faith, fellowship, and joyful service through its monthly and weekly gatherings:

Monthly (usually every 1st Saturday) – 2000 Hail Marys Devotion. (subject to change depending on the availability of the sponsor and the community)
Music Ministry – Singing during Holy Mass once a month, with Praise & Worship during rehearsals
Prayer Meeting – Every Sunday, except on choir schedules or Filipino community events
December 31 – Year-End Thanksgiving Party

The Feast Light Berlin

Join us for our next Feast gathering! Join a community that shares your goals and supports your journey of personal and spiritual growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift—together, let’s grow into the best versions of ourselves.

At the Feast, you are welcome as you are, accepted as you are, and loved as you are. It is a place without judgment. A place where you can be safe and feel at home.

We gather every 4th Sunday of each month at 11:30 AM in Jugendheim, 1st floor, Bayernalle 28, 14052 Berlin. We’re all about growing in faith together as one big family. See you there!

The Shalom Catholic Charismatic Group Berlin

Tinig Shalom Choir

The Shalom Charismatic Group was founded in Berlin on November 1, 2003, under the leadership of Sis. Tess Esavedra, with support from Shalom Bonn. Our mission is to nurture a Christian way of life and deepen our relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rooted in His Word.

After the pandemic, the community re-established its choir ministry, now known as the Tinig Shalom Choir — “Voice of Peace” (boses ng kapayapaan). The choir is composed of young nurses, IT professionals, and dedicated community members, led by Bro. Ramil Lucero and Bro. Mark Essa.

Our goal is to bring worship, peace, and prayer to the Church through liturgical music, lifting hearts to God with every song. Praise God!

Tinig Shalom Choir Service – Singing during Holy Mass every 3rd Sunday of the month
Prayer Meeting – Every 3rd Sunday of the Month after Mass in the Jugendheim
November 29 – Shalom 22nd Anniversary
January 10, 2026 – Outreach Mission (with Fr. Simon) in Magdeburg

Catholic Women’s League (CWL)

The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) is a Catholic lay organization founded in 1906 by Margaret Fletcher. Membership consists mainly of women who are members of the Catholic Church, and who work together to promote Catholic values and to carry out volunteer and charitable work.

Our Regular Services:

Monthly Gathering: The CWL meets monthly
Offertory Assistance: Members help with the collection during Sunday Masses, supporting the smooth flow of the liturgy.
Church Care: After every Sunday Mass, the CWL volunteers help maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of our church.

Catholic Women’s Singing Group

Haus Malta Ministry

For many years now, the Catholic Women’s Singing Group has faithfully offered their time and voices in service to the elderly residents of Haus Malta on Heerstraße. Every month, they sing at the German Mass for the seniors—an act of dedication made all the more meaningful given their own busy work and family schedules.

Beyond the monthly Masses, the group also participates in the community’s summer and Christmas celebrations, bringing joy, warmth, and music to the residents throughout the year.

Next Meeting / Singing Appointment

Wednesday, December 10
3:30 PM

If you feel called to share your talent or simply want to be part of this beautiful ministry of compassion and music, you are warmly invited to join. New members are always welcome!

St. Anthony Devotees

The St. Anthony Devotees of the Philippine Community in Berlin warmly invite everyone to their monthly prayer meetings, held on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM in the Prayer Room of the Jugendheim. Each gathering includes:

Monthly Prayer Meeting

Every last Tuesday of the month
Location: Jugendheim – Prayer Room
Time: 5:00 PM

Spiritual Impuls led by Fr. Simon
Devotional Prayer in honour of St. Anthony

December 30, 2025: Year-End Get-Together / Christmas Party

June 12, 2026: Feast Day Celebration of St. Anthony

All are welcome to join in prayer, fellowship, and devotion. May St. Anthony guide and inspire us throughout the coming year.

Legion of Mary

Immaculate Conception Praesidium

Founded in 1986, the Legion of Mary (Praesidium: Immaculate Conception) is one of the oldest and most dedicated Marian groups in our Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin. Rooted in prayer, service, and devotion to the Blessed Mother, the group continues its weekly gatherings and apostolic mission with steadfast commitment.

Weekly Meeting

Every Thursday
Contact fgerber@myyahoo.com for venue details

Upcoming Event

Legion of Mary Christmas Party
December 19, 2025

All are welcome to join the Legion of Mary in prayer, service, and devotion. Those wishing to deepen their Marian spirituality and participate in apostolic work are warmly invited to reach out.

Bible Sharing Family & SVD-Lay Partners The Bible Sharing Family together with the SVD-Lay Partners continues to offer rich opportunities for prayer, reflection, and community. Below is the overview of their regular gatherings each month:

Weekly & Monthly Activities

Every Wednesday (Monthly Theme)
- “Mit Gottes Wort durch das Jahr” – Online Andacht (meditation/reflection)
- Time varies depending on theme
Every First Friday – Devotions
- Jugendheim, Bayernallee
  - 17:00 – Sacred Heart & Sto. Niño Novena
  - 18:00 – Holy Mass
Every Second Sunday – Family Catechesis
- First Communion & Kids Catechism
Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Kantora & ACOA
- Sto. Niño Chapel / Heilig Geist Gemeinde
Every Last Saturday – Servants of the Word (SoW) with SVD-Lay Partners
- Sto. Niño Chapel, Heilig Geist Gemeinde
Every Last Sunday – Bible Sharing Family & SVD-Lay Partners
- Heilig Geist Gemeinde, Bayernallee
Weekly Devotions
- Every Sunday
- 14:30 – Adoration at Heilig Geist Kirche

Family Group

Our Family Group warmly invites everyone to the Christmas Party 2025 on Saturday, December 20, starting at 14:00. The celebration will take place at Bayernallee 28, 12052 Berlin.

This gathering is an opportunity for families to come together in joy, fellowship, and gratitude as we celebrate the Birth of Christ. Expect meaningful bonding, festive moments, and the warm spirit of Christmas shared with our community.

Come and join us—let’s celebrate the season with hearts full of faith, love, and togetherness!

Bible Diary 2026 — The Word in Other Words

The 2026 edition of “The Word in Other Words” is now available!

This Bible Diary contains 365 days of reflections on the daily readings, written by SVD and SSpS missionaries from all over the world.

Price: 20€

To purchase your copy, please contact:

Pacita Heinrich
p_k_heinrich@t-online.de
0170 7845606

Give yourself—or someone you love—the gift of God’s Word for the whole year. A wonderful Christmas gift!

Magellan Film Screening – Berlin

The Filipino community is invited to a special screening of Magellan on Monday, December 1, at Kino in der Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin.

Tickets cost 12 Euro per person.

Join us for this cultural and historical film experience and enjoy an evening of fellowship together.

December Birthday Celebrants

Rochelle Gangcuangco
Imelda Jahl | Ma. Jenie de Paz | Juvette Pearl Redado | Gerard Stutzke
Cindy Vega | Kriz Mari Cuntapay
Breales Röhrig
Rowena Leye | Rita Schnick | Maria Emilia Rubio
Gebrine Piedad | Eva Stutzke
Merlita Odebrecht | Gerry Delantar | Nida Reichenbach | Patrocenia Podewski | Alexandria Acosta | Concepcion Villanueva
Isabella Palmis | Yolanda Richter | Concepcion Espina Fink
Ma. Luisa Dampil Gangcuangco
Thelma Angele
Emanuel John Villarin
Jessica Ueberschar
Nellie Böschen | Mary Grace Usi
Ellen Aiza Teresa Madrid
Rhona Alcazar
Veronica Boensch | Rachel Ann Jastia
Corazon Genendsch | Edmary Solon | Krystel Ann Gomez
Kai Karsten Klingel
Christoph Borch
Shiela Marie Sabellano | Ronalyn Sebastian
Mark Belen
Jessa Crisostomo | Emmanuel Magtibay
Zosima Meierhof | Teody Llanes Reichel
Jessica Oginski
Ligaya Amanda-Reiss | Reynaldo de Paz, Sr.

If you wish to be part of our birthday celebrants, feel free to register and reach out to any of the pastoral team members.

Discover Your Place to Belong and Serve

We believe that everyone has unique gifts to share and a place where they can thrive. Below are our various community groups, each offering opportunities for fellowship, growth, and service. If you feel called to join or learn more about any of these groups, please don’t hesitate to contact the provided numbers. Your involvement can make a difference in our church family and beyond!

Community Groups

Administration: