By Janina Calma and Reyham Baesa 

Countless shining eyes in the shadows are poised with anticipation, gazes directed at the spotlight, waiting for the greatest show to unfold. With this much excitement humming in the air, one might wonder what brings this crowd about: what makes this performance spectacular?

It is brilliant, for it is something beyond just a show — illuminating the very encapsulation of faith in works, where belief and service are intertwined to bring light. 

The Faith Formation District and the Sector-Based District dedicate their work and mission to be a beacon of shining light in service — from leading and singing during school-wide masses, fostering a community bound by belief, and promoting an environment built on camaraderie. Let them take center stage as we realize the truth that faith truly only comes alive when incorporated into work.

The Source and Summit of One’s Life: Ateneo Liturgical Ministry

“I think that being an altar server goes beyond what happens during Mass, but about carrying the presence of Christ through love and faith.”

Every performance stems from inspiration, just as every hope stems from action. For Catholics, it is the celebration and remembrance of the Holy Eucharist — the body and blood of Christ, the greatest human and heavenly sacrifice.

The bell rings, the choir sings, the candles flicker — that is an unequivocal sign that the Mass will be held on the ASHS premises. The Ministry of Altar Servers, also known as the Ateneo Liturgical Ministry (ALM), wear sparkling white robes, representing a living faith rather than an exposition. They serve the mass with enormous passion and are the essence of devotion in both tangible and intangible ways.

Milton* considers their duty in light of Matthew 23:11 (New International Version), which declares, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” For Milton, serving the community of believers is a profound spiritual journey that continues to develop his spirituality. He cites, “By being an altar server, one can embody the humility and dedication of Christ, deepening their relationship with Him.” Aside from the personal development ALM promotes, working with others has strengthened the organization by creating a supportive community wherein members uplift one another to see God’s presence far more fully.

A way of life it is, indeed. Milton reminds altar servers that services are more than just ceremonial; they are also a sincere expression of religion. “The Ateneo Liturgical Ministry, a ministry of altar servers, should have an increased importance in putting piety into action through the mystery of the Holy Eucharist,” he stresses. However, their responsibilities extend beyond the altar table; whether by means of outreach initiatives, charitable deeds, or just by acting as a role model to the ASHS community and beyond, the values these servers acquired from Christ innately extend to others. Service, in any form, metamorphoses an ongoing act of living out the faith. And that is how one most truly experiences God’s presence: in the simple yet profound act of offering oneself to others.

The Touch and Torch of Teaching: Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League

“Service, therefore, becomes a direct expression of this love. By serving others, we are reflecting God’s love in the world. This is true for me and my organization.”

What is it like to live a life like Jesus, the core of Christianity? He is the greatest exemplar of service, having led a life distinguished by acts of compassion, healing, and, most importantly, teaching — not to be served, but to serve. Founded in 1905, the oldest organization in Ateneo, the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL), recognizes God’s outstanding service through the teaching of catechism to children.

Taking inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola, ACIL firmly upholds the belief that faith without works is meaningless. This principle lies at the core of its mission — to serve God by helping catechists and children cultivate a devotion that is “living, conscious, and active,” through the teachings of the Gospel. Marga Valenzona of 12-Denn, the Organization Head, states, “I can express, manifest, and outlet my faith through the active work of catechesis, by sharing the teachings of the Gospel and nurturing the faith of the young people we serve.” Indeed, she recognizes that the commandment to love God above all else and to love one’s neighbor as oneself is central to this organization.

Ite et Docete — that is the command. Jesus instructed his followers to teach the world, and ACIL believes it is as important to actively go out and teach the principles of the Catholic faith. Translated as “Go forth and teach,” Valenzona emphasizes that this deed is performed through the ‘EYES with God’ project, an enjoyable and worthwhile catechism program for public school students and children from NGOs. She explains, “Every Tuesday during organization time, our members go out to teach biblical stories and reinforce their lessons with interactive activities.” Thus, this is not a dramatic art to mesmerize, but a spectacle that they are putting into action to make Christ’s teachings a living reality for children.

The Song of the Spirit: Dulaang Sibol

“Everything that we do is for God. We believe that our productions are apostolates, spreading the Good News to our audience.”

Faith may speak from scripture and prayers, yet performance art is the medium of choice for one particular organization. Their voices and melodies echo in hallways, enveloping every corner in solemn prayer. They shine the brightest during school-wide masses, their presence most evident in every hymn and harmony. Beyond serving as the choir, they take the stage in theater — bringing stories and the Word of God into life, transforming performances into a warm embrace.

Dulaang Sibol are storytellers of the soul, delivering performances that are able to stir hearts, move audiences to tears, and bring them closer to God. Their studio, nestled beside the Ateneo Junior High School, houses the shows they put on: crafted with intricate love and bathed in the light of faith. Among their most cherished plays is Serapio (Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio), which in the words of Edelweiss* “is about how one person triumphs over those who wish to dominate us, freeing us in the process.”

Through integrating the interwoven forms of artistic expression, theater, and faith, this organization wholeheartedly paints every performance with the vibrant colors of time and effort. With love and devotion, Edelweiss states, “We really put our all into everything. We share our whole selves to our audience.”

Beyond these theatrical plays, each and every one of Dulaang Sibol’s members live out their faith even beyond the grand performances: through acts of kindness, unwavering compassion, and by being living testaments to the power of good deeds. Because for them, faith is more than a performance; it is a life well-lived, illuminated by love and service.

The Bearers of the Cross of Service: Youth for Christ

“Service to one another is something that is emphasized heavily in the Bible even sharing the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet before the last supper. As Catholics, we believe that acts of service are how we project the teachings God has given us and show our love for one another.”

Faith is both deeply personal and inherently communal—it is a connection only you can cultivate. The Youth For Christ (YFC) is an organization that is built on fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose where individuals are provided a space where they can express and strengthen their faith together.

Beyond faith, YFC is bound by a mission of love – an enduring teaching interwoven with beliefs.  Robin Velasco, the organization’s vice head, remarks on the essence of loving one another as God loves us. Every action, every deed, every word must be dedicated to uplift the common good, rooted in a genuine manifestation of His love. Velasco emphasized that all they do, they seek to inspire kindness, compassion, and selflessness. 

Beyond the value of faith, YFC puts emphasis on the importance of living out faith in concrete actions together as one community. Through establishing an engaging and nurturing environment, their approach introduces faith in a transformative light — an opportunity that encourages self-discovery and deep reflection. “We encourage our members to grow both emotionally and spiritually in ways that pique their interest while also allowing them to reflect on the deeper meanings of the activities and discover things about themselves and their faith that they might have not known previously,” said Velasco.

Above all, YFC believes in the importance of guidance —  offering insights, encouraging reflection, and allowing members to take what resonates with them. This open and accepting approach ensures that faith remains a personal yet shared experience—one that inspires rather than compels. By bearing the cross of service, YFC exemplifies the beauty of faith in action, proving that love, service, and shared devotion are what truly bring people closer to God. In the same way, faith is communal— beliefs that are meant to be shared and celebrated within a community. 

The Sunrays during Sunrise: Samahan ng mga Iskolar na Naglilingkod at Gumagabay (SINAG)

“We also aim to mentor them into becoming persons for others, especially for their co-scholars. As God teaches us to love our neighbors, we make sure that they cherish one another and live their lives according to what will benefit the entire community.”

An unfamiliar environment can be daunting, and for many scholars, the weight of uncertainty and isolation can cast a long shadow. But as the sun rises, its warm rays break through the darkness, embracing scholars in a glow of hospitality—welcoming them into a community where they truly belong.

Samahan ng mga Iskolar na Naglilingkod at Gumagabay, more commonly known as SINAG, is an organization that ensures that no one is left in the dark – embodying how faith can be transformative when put into action. As part of the Sector-Based District, SINAG takes and does extraordinary initiatives to serve as a beacon of light for scholars, where every outreach, advocacy, and mentorship is rooted in the values of Magis, cura personalis, and being persons for others. 

Jilliana Lim, SINAG’s organization head, emphasizes that their service is not only guided by faith but also deeply attuned to what scholars genuinely need. “Serving others strengthens our faith and commitment to SINAG’s mission. By mentoring scholars, we help them grow and become persons for others, teaching them to care for one another. This service reflects our faith and helps us see God in one another by readily offering a helping hand to those in need,” she shares, recalling the countless acts of kindness and every guiding hand extended that define their community.

Beyond service, SINAG places great significance on light—not just as a symbol of guidance but of companionship. Scholars are affectionately called SOLmates, drawing from “solana” to represent how light is found in fellowship, friendship, and camaraderie. Though the shadows of ASHS may sometimes seem overwhelming, SINAG reminds every scholar that the sun will always peek over the horizon—and in its light, they will always find a home.

The Final Bow: The greatest show beyond the spotlight

In celebration of CSO Month, these two districts took center stage to embody the spirit of Sidlak while championing the very advocacies of their organizations. The Sector-Based District, in coordination with the Alon & Araw Club, held Impact-athon — a case competition that encourages students to construct innovative solutions concerning current social issues. Beyond being a competition, they hope to ignite collaboration and inspire change to the community. 

Meanwhile, the Faith-Formation District had different interactive booths that encouraged students to  express their  faith. The Faith-Full board, a space for students to leave their prayers, stood as a beacon of reflection and hope. Nearby, the Art of the Soul booth offered a creative outlet, where students could craft personalized charms and rosaries as a tangible expression of their spirituality. Besides these attractions, the Heavenly Voices invited students to sing in harmony and celebration.

Every stage has performers, and every performance has a message, yet the greatest show of all — the melding of faith and service — has no audience. In the ASHS community, the Faith Formation District (FFD) and Sector-Based District (SBD) serve as a valiant reminder of religion that works, a faith that is designed to be moved, seen, and shared.

That is the essence of faith in works: not just believing but acting, preaching but living. In this stage of life, where service takes center stage, every flesh and soul contributes to enlightenment of the world through faith. The spectacle goes on, and with each act of self-sacrificing service, the light becomes brighter.

Names marked with an asterisk (*) are pseudonyms and were used in place for interviewees who opted to remain anonymous.