OUR LADY OF MT.

CARMEL PARISH
MAGALLANES, SORSOGON
Commissions on Youth, Media for Evangelization, and Education

RECOLLECTION MODULE FOR GRADE 10 & 12 STUDENTS

OF MAGALLANES NATIONAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lessons from the Parable of the Pencil:

Embracing Life's Sharpenings and Leaving a Mark

I. Overview:

This recollection activity will use "The Parable of the Pencil" as a metaphor for
personal growth and resilience. Participants will reflect on the deeper meanings
behind the parable's five lessons, and how these principles can be applied to
their own lives to achieve a productive, meaningful existence.

II. Objectives:

1. Reflect on the importance of guidance and collaboration in

achieving greatness.
2. Understand the value of challenges and how they contribute to
personal development.
3. Recognize the ability to correct mistakes and the importance of
inner qualities.
4. Commit to leaving a positive impact despite difficulties.

III. Facilitators
1. Rev. Fr. Gerald T. Borja, CM
2. Arlene H. Mella
3. Ma. Blessilda D. Griarte
4. Alfred H. Dedase
5. Anna May H. Buitizon
6. Carmela N. Enmel
7. Jannelle D. Bernesca
8. Judy Ann Funit
9. Jame O. Madridano
10. Lalaine P. Bojorque
11. Mel P. Bonto
12. Roy G. Apuya
13. Anielyn A. Grajo
14. Clarice Mae E. Tina
IV. Materials:
To be prepared by the School: Crucifix, Table & Cloth, Projector, Screen,
Ribbons/Strips of Colored Paper (Yellow & Purple), Manila Papers (20 pcs),
Marking Pen, Double Adhesive, Nameplate for learners.
To be prepared by the Students: Pencil, Coupon Bonds / Colored Paper,
Empty & Dry Bottle (can be designed with art crafts, must be prepared before
the recollection), Packed Lunch

V. Recollection Matrix:

Date: Grade & Sections

May 20, 2024 Grade 10 – Caramel [26 participants]
Grade 10 – Cardamom [29 participants]
May 21, 2024 Grade 10 – Cherry [23 participants]
Grade 10 – Cinnamon [29 participants]
May 22, 2024 Grade 12 – SLAG [11 participants]
Grade 12 – CIRCUIT [27 participants]
Grade 12 – CADILLAC [23 participants]
Grade 12 EMIRATES PALACE [11 participants]
May 23, 2024 Grade 12 - SCHOOX [36 participants]
Grade 12 – PROTIVITI [17 participants]
Grade 12 OSTERIA FRANCISCANA [28 participants]

VI. Recollection Flow:

1. Arrival & Registration of the Participants -

2. Opening Prayer – AVP Five Loaves and Two Fishes
3. Orientation of the Participants
WHAT IS RECOLLECTION?

4. Reading of the Parable

Begin with a calm and reflective environment. Read "The Parable of the
Pencil" aloud to the group, ensuring participants are attentive and
engaged.

The Parable of the Pencil

There once lived a pencil maker who took his work very
seriously. He did not see the pencils he made as merely simple
instruments people use to write or draw. Instead, he understood
that each pencil represents an opportunity to create something
unique; something powerful; something of lasting value.
Before putting each pencil into its box and sending it out
into the world, he always made it a point to remind the pencils
there are five things they needed to know if they wanted to enjoy a
productive, meaningful life. Five things that would allow them to
become the best pencil they could be. "There are five things you
need to know before I send you out into the world. Always
remember them and you will become the best pencil you can
be."
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5. SESSION 1: EMBRACING GUIDANCE
First: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow
yourself to be held in someone's hand.”
Objectives:
Participants are expected to:
1. grasp the significance of guidance in unlocking their full potential;
2. explore how guidance helps navigate challenges, develop skills, and
pursue meaningful goals.
3. acknowledge the impact of mentors, teachers, family members, and peers
in offering support, advice, and direction.

Activity # 1: [Video Presentation] Make the Difference, Story of Panyee FC

Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n90uKuFh9Go
Process Questions:
1. Anong tagpo sa video ang tumatak saiyo / nakapukaw ng iyong
atensyon? Bakit?
2. Ano ang nagbigay daan upang maisakatuparan ang pangarap ng
mga bata na makabuo ng isang football team, makasali sa palaro
at magkamit ng pagkapanalo?
3. Ano ang aral na natutunan mo sa pinanood mong video?

Points for Reflection:

First: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow
yourself to be held in someone’s hand.
 Sino-sino ang nagsilbing gabay saiyo? / Siisay an mga nagserbeng
guiya saimo?
 Paano sila gumabay saiyo? / Paano sinda naging guiya saimo?
 We need one another. Kailangan natin ang bawat isa.
 “It takes a village to raise a child” – African Proverb –
- emphasizes the collective effort required for individual growth.
- community, mentors, family, and friends have contributed to your
development.
- great achievements are often the result of collaborative efforts and
support systems.
 Sa pang-oroaldaw ta na buhay importante na nagtitiwala kita sa mga
nagtataong guiya sa satuya, urog na sa Mahal na Diyos.
- Allowing someone to guide you means putting your trust in them.
- experiences where trusting someone else’s guidance led to positive
outcomes.
- trusting others can lead to growth and learning, even if the path is
not always clear.
- trusting and following someone else’s lead, you learn valuable
lessons in humility and cooperation.
 Paano mo naaaraman na tama ang direksyon na pigtatao kan guiya
sa saimo? / How would you know that the voice you are following is
the TRUE VOICE?
- An konsensya an nagsasabi na an ginigibo ta tama.
  You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself
to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you
for the many gifts you possess.
 After all, a pencil cannot guide itself. It cannot bring anything to life
without the help of another.

5. SESSION 2: PAINFUL SHARPENINGS

Second: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but
this is required if you are to become a better pencil.”

Objectives:
Participants are expected to:
1. Recall challenging experience(s) that acted as [a] “sharpening”
moment(s);
2. Reflect on the lessons gained after going through the challenging
experience;
3. Cite the positive impacts of going through and overcoming life’s
difficulties.

Activity # 2: “FOCUSED GROUP SHARING

1. Sa puntong ini kan buhay mo, ano na an pinakamagabat o

pinakamasakit na ekseprhensyang naaguihan mo?
2. Ano an naguing epekto saimo kan eksperhensyang ini?
3. Paano mo nalagpasan an eksperhensyang ini?

Process Questions:
1. Sa ginibong group sharing, ano an narealizar mo bilang
sarong indibidwal?
2. Ano an mga naihiling mo na mga katangian sa kairibahan
mo sa grupo na pwedeng mong pangarogan sa pagatubang sa
mga agyat sa buhay?
3. Sa hiling mo, may positibong epekto an mga problemang
pinag-aaguihan ta sa satuyang buhay.

Points for Reflection:

Second: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but
this is required if you are to become a better pencil.”
 personal experiences that we consider as challenges or difficult times
led to growth.
 experiences, though painful, contributed to developing resilience and
strength.
 these moments are essential for honing skills and improving oneself,
much like a pencil needs sharpening to write better.
 Recognize that problems and challenges are inevitable parts of life.
  Encountering problems is not a sign of failure but a natural aspect of
the human experience.
 problems and difficulties play a crucial role in shaping character and
abilities.
 overcoming obstacles has led to becoming a stronger, wiser, and more
capable individual.
 maintaining a positive attitude towards problems can transform the
experience from a negative to a constructive one.
 Acknowledge the role of patience and perseverance when dealing with
life's problems.
 Reflect on how enduring and overcoming problems can build
resilience, making it easier to handle future challenges.
 staying focused and persistent, even during difficult times, to achieve
personal growth and improvement.
 each problem solved has added to personal wisdom and capability.
 becoming a "better pencil" requires continuous learning and
adaptation through life's sharpening moments.
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7. SESSION 3: CORRECTING MISTAKES
Third: You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make.

Objectives:
Participants are expected to:
1. develop a mindset of viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth;
2. engage in a reconciliation activity between and among peers;
3. embrace the importance of correcting one’s mistakes in establishing
better relationships with others.

Activity # 3: Time Capsule: Purple and Yellow Confetti

Materials Needed:
Empty & Dry 1.5 soft drinks bottle
Yellow and Purple confetti (ribbon/colored papers)
Directions / Mga Hakbang:

1. Panimula ng Gawain:
o Ipaliwanag ang layunin ng gawain: ang pagpapatawad at paghingi
ng paumanhin upang magkaroon ng pagkakasundo at mapalakas
ang relasyon sa bawat isa.

2. Paghahanda:
o Bigyan ang bawat kalahok ng sapat na purple at yellow confetti.
o Ipaliwanag ang kahulugan ng bawat kulay ng confetti:
 Purple confetti: Para sa mga taong nasaktan nila at nais
nilang humingi ng paumanhin.
 Yellow confetti: Para sa mga taong nais nilang patawarin
kahit hindi pa humihingi ng paumanhin.
 3. Pagsusulat ng Mensahe:
o Bigyan ang bawat kalahok ng papel at pen.
o Hilingin sa kanila na isulat ang kanilang mga mensahe:
 Para sa purple confetti: "I am sorry because..." at isulat ang
dahilan kung bakit sila humihingi ng paumanhin.
 Para sa yellow confetti: Isulat ang mensahe ng
pagpapatawad kahit hindi pa humihingi ng paumanhin ang
tao.

4. Pagbibigay ng Purple Confetti:

o Pumili ng tahimik na musika upang maging magaan ang
damdamin ng bawat isa.
o Anyayahan ang bawat kalahok na lapitan ang taong nais nilang
hingan ng paumanhin.
o Iabot ang purple confetti at basahin nang malakas ang mensahe: "I
am sorry because..." at banggitin ang dahilan.
o Ihulog ang confetti at mensage sa loob ng time capsule.

5. Pagbibigay ng Yellow Confetti:

o Pagkatapos ng purple confetti, anyayahan ang mga kalahok na
lapitan ang taong nais nilang patawarin.
o Iabot ang yellow confetti at basahin ang mensahe ng
pagpapatawad.
o Ihulog ang yellow confetti at ang mensahe sa loob ng time capsule.

6. Pagtatapos:
o Pagkatapos maipamahagi ang lahat ng confetti, magtipon-tipon
muli ang lahat para sa processing at reflection.

Mahalagang Paalala:
 Siguruhing lumikha ng isang ligtas at magalang na kapaligiran upang
maging komportable ang lahat ng kalahok sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang
damdamin.
 Irespeto ang bawat damdamin at pahayag ng bawat kalahok.

Process Questions:
1. Ano ang pakiramdam ng nakakahingi ng tawad sa mga
taong nagawan natin ng pagkakamali?
2. Ano ang pakiramdam na pinapatawad tayo ng mga taong
nagawan natin ng pagkakamali?
3. Ano ang pakiramdam ng nagpapatawad sa mga taong
nakagawa sa atin ng pagkakamali kahit hindi sila
humihingi ng paumanhin?
4. Gaano kahalaga para sa isang tao ang humingi ng
kapatawaran o/at magpatawad?

Points for Reflection:

 God's grace is greater than our sinfulness and brokenness.
 No matter the depth of our mistakes, divine grace offers us the
opportunity for redemption and growth.
  This grace can be a source of strength and encouragement in times of
failure.

 Mistakes are an inevitable part of life and can be corrected or used as

learning experiences.
 Correcting a mistake led to significant growth or improvement.
 Correcting errors is a vital part of personal development.

 Accept that some mistakes have consequences that cannot be completely

erased.
 Reflect on how to cope with and learn from these irreversible outcomes.
 Consider how to use these experiences to inform better decisions in the
future.

 Learn to view failures not as definitive ends but as opportunities to start

again.
 Missteps and mistakes are not reasons to quit but opportunities to pick
oneself up and learn.

 Pencils are equipped with erasers for a reason: to correct mistakes and
focus on new possibilities.
 Reflect on the symbolic meaning of an eraser in your life – the ability to
make changes and improvements.
 Understand that dwelling on past mistakes is less productive than
focusing on future opportunities.

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8. SESSION 4: WHAT’S INSIDE
Fourth: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

Objectives:
The participants are expected to:
1. engage in self-reflection to identify their core values and
strengths;
2. acknowledge the good [inner] qualities of their peers;
3. embrace the significance of affirmation on maintaining
positive relationship with others.

Activity # 4: TIME CAPSULE OF POSITIVE WORDS /AFFIRMATION

CIRCLE
Small Circle Sharing [Group of 5-6 members]
Materials: Pencil/Pen, colored paper, Time Capsule

Direction:

A. Writing Positive Words About Yourself:

 1. Take a piece of colored paper.
2. Using your pencil, write one positive adjective that describes
yourself. This could be a quality you admire or value in yourself
(e.g., "kind," "creative," "strong").
3. Take a moment to reflect on why you chose this word and how
it represents you.

B. Writing Positive Words About Group Members:

1. Take several pieces of colored paper, one for each member of

your group.
2. For each piece of paper, write one positive adjective that
describes a group member. Think about their strengths, qualities, and
contributions that you appreciate.
3. Be thoughtful and specific, choosing words that genuinely
reflect each person’s positive traits.

C. Sharing and Depositing to the Time Capsule:

1. Form a circle or sit in a way that everyone can see and hear
each other.
2. One by one, read aloud the positive word you wrote about
yourself.
3. After reading your word, deposit the paper into the designated
time capsule container.
4. Next, read aloud each positive word you wrote about your group
members. After reading each word, hand the paper to the person it
describes so they can place it into the time capsule themselves.
5. Continue this process until everyone has shared their words and
all papers are in the time capsule.

Process Questions:
1. Ano an namatean (nafeel) mo pagkatapos mong mamate an
pigsabi saimo kan mga kairiba mo sa grupo?
2. Ano an nakua/narealizar mo manungod sa sadiri mo
pagkatapos mong mamati/mabasa an mga tataramon?
3. Pano mo mapapatalubo itong mga positibong sinabi saimo
kan mga kairibahan mo?
Points for Reflection:
 God's Creation is Good:
- “And God looked upon all that He made, and indeed, it was very
good.” - Genesis 1:31
- Acknowledge that you, as part of God's creation, inherently
possess goodness and worth.
- Believe in the natural goodness within each person.
- Your inner goodness has positively impacted others and how it
shapes your actions and decisions.

 Essential Qualities are Invisible:

- “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Saint Exupéry, The
Little Prince
 - Your inner qualities define who you are, which are not visible but
profoundly significant.
 Shining Light in Darkness:
- "Sa tahaw nin kadikloman, magbanaag sa liwanag na yaon sa
kapalibotan."
- Your inner light can shine through even in the darkest times,
providing hope and positivity to those around you.
 Overcoming Negativity:
- You should not be defeated by negative circumstances: "Dae ka
pwedeng magpadaog sa negatibong nag-aabot sa saimo."
- Your inner strength and resilience in overcoming challenges and
negativity can help your course your path.
 Internal Origins of Success:
- The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
- What’s inside you are not only your traits, they include your
ambitions, your dreams, your passion, etc.
- True success originates from within and how your internal
qualities and values drive your achievements.
- Society often emphasizes external success, but true fulfillment
comes from within.
 Authenticity and Fulfillment:
- Being true to yourself is key to living a meaningful life.
- Authenticity leads to a more real, beautiful, and fulfilling life, even
though it may not protect you from pain.
- Being true to yourself helps you make a genuine impact on the
world.
 Functionality and Inner Qualities:
- Just as a pencil’s small stick of graphite makes it functional, it’s
what’s inside you that transforms ideas into realities.
- Your inner qualities enable you to make a mark on the world and
turn your dreams into accomplishments.
 Gratitude and Giving Back:
- Consider ways you can use your inner qualities and blessings to
positively impact those around you.
- Reflect on the importance of gratitude and how you can give back
to your family, community, and environment.
- You have been blessed and are called to be a blessing to others,
too.
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9. SESSION 5: LEAVING A MARK
Fifth: No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You
must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the
situation.
Objectives:
The participants are expected to:
1. Express commitment to maintaining focus and productivity even
during challenging times;
2. set long-term goals, breaking them down into manageable steps to
ensure continuous progress;
 3. foresee themselves in the future as individuals leaving their marks
in our community

Activity # 5: CROSSROAD JOURNEY

Group Activity
Materials: Manila Paper, markers, pens, or colored pencils, metacards, small
strips of papers.
Introduction:
Introduce the concept of the "Crossroads Journey" activity,
explaining that it is an opportunity for them to reflect on how they want
to be remembered and to plan how they will achieve their dreams.

1. Paano mo gustong marumduman kan mga tawo nasa palibot

mop ag-abot kan panahon. Isurat an simbag sa paper strip
na ipapadukot sa Manila Paper na igwa nin imahen nin
crossroads.
2. Ano an mga gigibuhon mo tanganing matupad ining
gusto/panagturugan mo?

A. Reflecting on How They Want to Be Remembered:

1. Distribute metacards or small cards to each participant.
2. Ask participants to reflect silently on how they would like to be
remembered by the people around them.
3. Instruct them to write down their answers on the metacards, focusing
on the marks they want to leave behind in the lives of others.

B. Sharing and Displaying Answers:

1. Provide each group with a manila paper containing an illustration of a
crossroad.
2. Instruct them to post their metacards onto the manila paper,
arranging them along the paths of the crossroad illustration.
3. Encourage participants to share their answers with the group,
explaining why they chose those particular marks to leave behind.

C. Expressing Ways to Achieve Dreams:

1. After sharing their desired marks to leave behind, prompt participants
to think about how they will achieve their dreams or goals.
2. Provide time for participants to brainstorm and jot down their ideas
on the manila paper, near their respective metacards.
3. Encourage creativity and specificity in their plans for achieving their
dreams.

Process Questions:

1. What did you learn about yourself and your aspirations through the
Crossroad Journey activity?
2. How do you envision this activity contributing to your personal growth
and development?
3. What insights or lessons will you carry forward as you continue to work
towards your desired marks?

Points for Reflection:

  Understanding Your Unique Purpose:
- Like the pencil created by the pencil maker, each person is unique
and has his/her own purpose.
- Despite feeling ordinary, you are capable of achieving
extraordinary results.
 Embracing Life's Teachers and Opportunities:
- Life presents many teachers and opportunities for growth.
- You may not always fully understand your capabilities, but trust
that you have been equipped to accomplish the tasks set before
you.
- You can embrace each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow,
even when faced with uncertainty.
 Passion Rooted in Purpose:
- Your passion grows out of your purpose.
- Aligning your actions with your purpose can lead to a more
fulfilling and meaningful life.
- Commit to develop and improve the skills that are uniquely yours.
 Living with Meaningful Purpose and Relationship with God:
- Reflect on the importance of having a meaningful purpose in your
heart and a relationship with God daily.
- Your purpose and faith can guide your decisions and actions in
life.
- Understanding and remembering your purpose can shape your
life's journey and interactions with others.
 Promise to Remember and Proceed with Purpose:
- Reflect on the significance of the pencil's promise to remember its
maker's purpose.
- Consider how you can apply this concept to your own life,
committing to remember your unique purpose and striving to fulfill
it.
- Ponder on how you can proceed with determination and purpose,
embracing each day as an opportunity to live out your calling.
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10. WRAPPING UP.
Again, we recall what the pencil makers said at the beginning of our parable,
"There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the
world. Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you
can be."
First: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow
yourself to be held in someone's hand.
Second: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but
this is required if you are to become a better pencil.”
Third: You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make.
Fourth: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.
Fifth: No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You
must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the
situation.
By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth
having a meaningful purpose in our heart and a relationship with God daily.
The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went into the box fully
understanding its maker's purpose.
11. CLOSING PRAYER:

Prepared by:

ALFRED H. DEDASE
CME

MA. BLESSILDA D. BABASA

Education

ARLENE H. MELLA
Education

Approved:

REV. FR. GERALD T. BORJA, CM

OLMC Parish