About the Diocesan Pastoral Council
The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) gathers clergy, religious and lay faithful from across the Diocese of Lucena. Under the leadership of the Bishop, it studies the pastoral situation of the local Church, weighs what needs to be done, and proposes practical ways forward for the parishes and the whole Diocese.
The DPC is a council of communion and co-responsibility: priests and lay people, parishes and diocesan offices, working together so that the Gospel reaches every family in Central Quezon.
Balik-Handog
Ibinabalik natin sa Diyos ang bahagi ng mga biyayang tinanggap natin.
We give back to God a share of the blessings we have received.
Balik-Handog is the Diocese's pledge and tithing programme. Each parish encourages its parishioners to make a personal pledge, a regular offering for the life and mission of the Church, given monthly or yearly, whichever the parishioner chooses.
Every pledge and every offering is recorded by the parish. These records are what make Balik-Handog different from a simple collection: they make giving transparent, they recognise the faithful who take part, and they help the Church plan its work well.
How to take part
- Visit your parish office. Tell the parish staff that you wish to join Balik-Handog.
- Make your pledge. Choose the amount you can offer and how often: monthly or yearly.
- Give your offering. Bring it to your parish as pledged, or give online through PayPal or GCash using your Balik-Handog code. Each offering is recorded under your name.
- Keep your record. Your parish keeps your Balik-Handog record, which you can present when you need the services of the Church.
Why it matters
Transparency
Recorded pledges and offerings show clearly what is given and received, and build trust between the faithful and their parish.
Encouragement
When families see others faithfully taking part, more are encouraged to join and to share in the mission of the Church.
Exemption from arancel
Participants with Balik-Handog records may be exempted from the arancel (stole fees) whenever they need the services of the sacraments.
Better decisions
Parish records help the Bishop see the real situation of each parish and make sound, data-driven decisions for the whole Diocese.
A sign of evangelization
Generous, faithful giving is a sign of a living faith. When people take part in Balik-Handog, it shows that the Good News has truly taken root in their lives.
Questions
- How much should I pledge?
- There is no fixed amount. Pledge what you can give freely and faithfully. What matters is the commitment, not the size of the gift.
- Monthly or yearly?
- Either. Choose the schedule that suits your family; you may change it by informing your parish office.
- Where do I give?
- At your own parish. Your parish records your pledge and every offering.
- How do I use my record for the sacraments?
- When you request the services of the Church (baptism, wedding, funeral and others), tell the parish office that you are a Balik-Handog participant. They will check your record.