The event was the result of the collaboration between the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California by way of St. Mary’s Parish, the Diocese of El Camino Real through Holy Child Episcopal Church of San Jose, California, and the Episcopal Church Center’s Office of Asiamerica Ministry.

More than 100 people gathered at the St. Mary’s sanctuary for prayer, teaching and fellowship. The Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara, the Episcopal Church’s director of Ethnic Congregational Development, led a workshop on how to lead a contemporary Eucharist, how to share a faith testimony, and how to develop a parish-based healing ministry. In the context of Filipino-American culture, Vergara showed the images of a barangay (village) actualizing bayanihan or the spirit of “collegiality, collaboration and community” as they welcome and help families get settled in the land. Vergara said that “liturgy is the work of the people” and bayanihan is applicable even in global village worship.

Vergara also spoke of the “four Great things:” the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, the Great Compassion to help struggling immigrants and refugees, the great demographic diversity in American society and the great missionary moment to evangelize “unchurched” people. He said that harmony is one of the great factors in church growth and exhorted the congregation to strive for reconciliation and harmonious relationships.
 
Following the workshop, a contemporary Eucharist was held with praise and worship songs assisted by Holy Child Youth Band of San Jose and pianist Angela Vergara. English, Tagalog, Ilocano, and Pascua Yaqui (a Native American dialect) were used during the service to convey the diversity of the assembled people. The Rev. Ruth C. Paguio of Holy Child and the Rev. Roy Coloma of St. Mary’s presided at the Eucharist, assisted by other clergy.
 
The mass was followed by a fiesta dinner prepared by the Taeza, De Castro and Limos families and other Elk Grove residents featuring traditional Filipino delicacies such as lechon, pansit, lumpia, kaldereta, turon, and barbecued fish.
 
Also joining the celebration were Northern California Bishop Barry Beisner; Philippine Independent Church Bishop Bart Espartero; the Rev. Canon Britt Olsen of the Diocese of Northern California; the Rev. Robert Blumenstock, interim rector of St. Mary’s; the Rev. Roberto (Jojo) Pamatmat of St. James Church, Chicago, Illinois.; the Rev. Debbie Royals of Indigenous Ministry from Province VIII; the Rev. Don Quinton from the Diocese of San Diego; the Rev. Bayani D. Rico, St. Martin & Holy Child, Daly City, California; and the Rev. Dean Quinton from the Diocese of Nevada.
 
A regular Filipino service will be held on a weekly basis, with Coloma as the celebrant, starting on June 10 at 3 p.m., followed with fellowship and food.