dominica catholic radio officially launched

Transcription

our
CATHOLIC
community
Volume 2 No. 3 JANUARY 2013 Issue
A publication of the Diocese of Roseau, Dominica
DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO
OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
$2.00
Inside
Bishop’s Message
03
OUR CLERGY, RELIGIOUS AND LAY ASSOCIATES
The Sisters Of The Immaculate Heart Of Mary (ICM) - The
Credit Union Movements Contribution
04
Profile: Maurice Defoe
04
My Vocational Life Journey
05
OUR DIOCESE
Disciples On Mission: Lucille Douglas Blackman Church Decorating Remains A Mission With A Passion
06
Know Your Faith:
Man’s Response To God - We Believe
Liturgy Update: The Word Of God In The Liturgy 07
Dominica Catholic Radio Officially Blessed
And Launched
08
Our Catholic Heritage - The Roseau Cathedral
And Images - Part IV
09
Around The Diocese
09
Feast Of Our Lady of Guadalupe
10
The Spirit Of Giving
10
The Anchor Program
11
Diocesan Catholic Grandparents Association
11
Overview Of The Construction And Renovation
Projects Around The Diocese
12
Synod Implementation Ongoing
14
The Society Of St. Vincent De Paul
15
Folk Nativity Production 2012
16
Events & Notice Board
17
Christian Leadership 2013: Go For It
18
Kid’s Corner
19
OUR CATHOLIC WORLD
The Year Of Faith - Dei Verbum
20
The Pilgrimage To Our Lady Of La Salette
21
OUR YOUTH: EDUCATION, RECREATION AND FAITH
The Holy Father Speaks To Youth
“Go And Make Disciples Of All Nations” 22
Portsmouth Catholic Youth Movement
22
23
Starting A Youth Group - A 10 Point Plan
Convent High School’s ‘Little B’ Calypso Competition 24
The Editorial Committee
Diocese of Roseau, Turkey Lane, P.O. Box 790
Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
Tel: (767) 448-2837 - (767) 448-8717
Fax: 1(767) 448-3404
Email: [email protected]
02 OUR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY JANUARY 2013 ISSUE
Editor’s Pen
A
Respect For Life
t what point do we consider a person
to be alive? It is at conception or at
birth or somewhere in-between?
As Catholics we believe that life begins
at conception. When a woman intends
to have children, she prepares herself
physically, mentally, spiritually and
emotionally. She tries to be as healthy
as she can and avoids eating and being
exposed to toxic substances which could
harm her baby. She reads books on
pregnancy, visits her doctor or nurse
regularly and asks advice from her
mother or older women in her family who
have already had children. She seeks
emotional support from her husband
and close family and friends. She prays
that she will have a safe pregnancy and a
healthy happy child. It can be extremely
devastating to woman and to a family
to lose an unborn baby. Everyone is
affected not just the mother but also
the father and the rest of the family. So
many hopes and dreams are shattered
with the loss of a baby.
It is difficult to understand why
on the one hand there are those who
will do anything to have a baby and to
seek to protect and safeguard that child
throughout its life, while on the other
hand there are others who do everything
to get rid of a child or even neglect or
abuse it after it is born. Life is a precious
gift which God has given to us, even
with all our scientific knowledge we
cannot explain its origins and we cannot
replicate life.
Life throws many circumstances at
us where tough decisions must be made.
The pregnancy of a teenager or adult as
a result of being raped or abused cannot
be taken lightly. The act of rape itself is
brutal and violent and the victim will
suffer the effects for the rest of her life.
But aborting the child, which may seem
to be an option, will result in destroying
yet another life. A woman or girl at this
time needs all the support, love and
prayers from her family. She should not
be made to feel shame or that she should
make rash decisions.
As we begin a new year let us
pray for the innocents who have lost
their lives, for those who have lost their
innocence and for those who have to deal
with tough situations and make difficult
decisions that they may choose life. .
Front cover photos by Kassim Lewis
Bishop’s Message
Cathedral Renovation Project Status
W
ork started on the Cathedral
Renovation Project in March
2012, with the removal of
pews and liturgical furniture. I take
this opportunity to thank again all
those who participated in the coup-demain on Easter Monday to complete
this removal and the transfer of
necessary items to St. Gerard’s Hall,
which now serves as our Cathedral
Chapel. This first phase is described
as Lot 1 of the project.
Lot 2, which involved the removal
and disposal of the asbestos roofing
tiles, was executed over July and
August 2012, by the environmental
and engineering firm of Green
Engineering from Trinidad and Tobago
under the technical supervision of
Consulting Engineering Partnership,
a local engineering consulting firm,
ably assisted by Ecoengineering
Consultants of Trinidad and Tobago.
Let me use this opportunity to again
express my appreciation and thanks
to all our neighbours, in particular
our closest, the Methodist Church, for
their understanding and cooperation
in the execution of this phase of the
project.
We are now about to commence
Lot 3 of the project which involves
the demolition of the roof timber
structure and of existing masonry
columns, beams and arches and
the construction of new reinforced
concrete columns, beams and arches
to roof level.
A contract is being awarded
to the local firm of JARS Sales and
Services Ltd. for a negotiated tender
price of two million one hundred
thousand,
eight
hundred
and
fifty seven dollars and ninety-five
cents, Eastern Caribbean currency
(EC$2,100,857.95). This phase is
estimated to last for about twelve
months.
The balance of funds available
at this time is sufficient to provide for
this contract, but not for any further
works including the new roof itself
and subsequent finishing costs.
Lot 4, which involves installing
a new roof structure and covering the
building, is estimated at $2m. This is
what we need in order to continue the
project without interruption in 2014.
This will be followed by the electricals,
ceiling and finishes such as painting,
tiling and furnishings.
Therefore our appeals for
financial assistance must continue.
It is no doubt reason for us to
intensify our efforts at fundraising in
every form that is available.
To date we have raised
EC$3,980,184.00 (3.9m) and we have
spent $1,393,997.00 (1.4m). It means
that our balance is 2,586,187.00
(2.6m). Since Lot 3 is going to
extend the duration of 2013 we have
the opportunity to intensify our
fundraising efforts. However, prior to
the completion of Lot 3 we must have
the funds for Lot 4, which involves
the replacement of the roof. We need
to order the steel frame and covering
for the roof well ahead of time. As you
can see, dear friends, our work is cut
out for us.
Other projects in the Diocese
of which I would like to make
mention are:
1. DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO.
I am pleased to announce the Blessing
and Official Opening of the Dominica
Catholic Radio was on Sunday,
January 6th, 2013. The ceremony was
live on Dominica Catholic Radio on
96.1 FM and Marpin Channel 94.
2. ST. JOHN’S ACADEMY
I am also pleased to announce the
official opening of the new Catholic
Secondary School, the St. John’s
Academy,
in
Portsmouth.
The
ceremony took place on Wednesday,
January 11th, 2013.
3. ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
On Wednesday, January 30th, 2013
at 4:00 p.m. we shall have the
consecration of the new St. Andrea’s
Church in Vieille Case. .
THE RENOVATION OF THE OUR LADY OF FAIR HAVEN CATHEDRAL
HOW CAN YOU HELP
• Put a little something extra in collection every month, envelope it and
label it ‘Cathedral Roof Renovation’.
• Arrange for a standing order or direct debt from your bank account
monthly to any of the renovation accounts listed below.
• Pay online by adding the appropriate account number to your pay bill
facility with your local bank.
In order to facilitate the process, the Diocese has opened accounts at the undermentioned institutions
NAME
The National Bank of Dominica
The First Caribbean Int. Bank
Bank of Nova Scotia
The Royal Bank of Canada National Co-operative Credit Union
ACCOUNT NUMBER
100060310
106965624
8932
7284409
0000300400
All contributions will be most welcome.
TUNE IN TO DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO 96.1 FM
03
The Sisters of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary (ICM)
Lay Associate in Pastoral Care (LAPC)
By Vernice Bellony
Parish of St. Joseph
The Credit Union Movements Contribution
W
F
ollowing the 2nd World War, most countries in
the world, if not all, went through a serious
economic recession. Poverty, lack of educational
opportunities and diseases were rampant in the world.
Dominica was no exception. This prompted the
request from the then Bishop of Roseau, Bishop Moris,
to seek the assistance of a nun trained in social work
to help alleviate the situation in the Dominican society.
His request was granted and in the late 1940’s a
young nun, Mother Mary Alicia from Belgium arrived
in Dominica. (She was later known as Sr. Alicia de
Tremmerie when her congregation underwent a name
change in 1963.)
On her arrival, Bishop gave her US $50.00 to
begin her task. In earnest, Sister started her task.
She invited some women, discussed their plight with
them, who revealed they organized “subs” to make ends
meet. She told them of the Credit Union movement
which, she studied from information obtained from
Fr. John Sullivan, founder of the Credit Union
movement of Jamaica. Some men led by the late Mr.
Joffre Robinson were invited and together the Credit
Union was established. Prospective members attended
educational sessions every Saturday, saved as little
as 25 cents weekly. In a short time a member could
get a loan of $5.00 or $10.00, which was repaid at 50
cents weekly. (It should be noted that $5.00 then was
a good change). These poor people could never face a
commercial bank. Even in this early stage Sr. Alicia
dreamt of having a “Credit Union Bank”. It should be
noted that many Dominicans including the Bishop
had some trepidation. “What if the loans were not paid,
would that not give the ‘church’ a bad name?” This did
not deter the young nun. She, with some brave men
and women travelled through rough roads to spread
the idea of that great movement with its motto – ‘People
helping people’.
cont’d on page 06
04
PROFILE: MAURICE DEFOE
OUR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY JANUARY 2013 ISSUE
hat is your role in St. Joseph’s parish?
I live in Mero. I am a Lay Associate and conduct
Communion service at Mero and Belles. I am
also a lector, commentator, maintenance person for the
chapel and the president of the chapel community.
What inspired your involvement in church service?
It all began whilst I was recovering from illness and I
realized I needed to make certain changes in my life.
My father would always tell me to be more involved and
go to church on Sundays but when you are a younger
and you are out in the world, you are searching for
something. Most of the time you are looking for the
wrong thing or sometimes the right thing but in the
wrong way. I saw the need to be a more active member
but I kept delaying it until I finally decided that I needed
to be closer to God. I would always admire the Lay
Associates who came to Mero on Sundays to proclaim
the Good News. I grew more in prayer and confidence
although I was always a praying person. When I began
showing my interest, I was asked to be a lector, then a
commentator and afterwards I became a Lay Associate.
How long have you
been serving as a
Lay Associate?
About 4-6 years
Are you married?
Do you have any
children?
Yes, I am married
and have four sons
and two grandsons
Are you involved in
any other church
groups?
I am the secretary
for the men’s group
in St. Joseph and also a member of the Mero prayer
group.
What would you say to inspire others to be more
involved in church ministry?
Our Catholic faith is rich and very deep. We have a lot
of our Catholics who are lukewarm and some of them
are not coming to church. I believe we should make
an effort to bring them back because those of us who
know the Gospel and are practicing it are aware of our
brothers and sisters who are lost or in doubt and do
not know how to return. I think it is our responsibility
to distract them from the life that they live and also to
evangelise them. Life in itself is a journey and all of us
are on our way and whilst on the journey we are our
brothers’ keeper.
In St. Joseph, we are trying to embark on a
programme where we visit persons who have departed
from the church to find out what is preventing them
from attending Mass, to visit the sick and to bring
them communion, to keep in touch with people who
are unable to attend Mass for whatever reason. Most
of their reasons also block grace from Jesus Christ in
their life so that they are unable to see the way back to
the Church.
So we all need to inspect ourselves and detect
what is blocking us from God’s grace and find a way to
meet Jesus. .
By Fr. Peter Wamutitu
T
he role of my parents and family towards my vocation
development:
Family Prayer
From the age of reason I found myself being asked
every day to say some prayers. They made me read a lot
of prayers during the family prayer times. Every morning
before breakfast we always had morning prayers together,
before lunch, before dinner and before going to bed.
Everything started with prayer and ended in prayer. My
father, as a head of the house, made sure that everybody
followed the prayer programme every day. The family
remains united to date.
At school
Being in a Catholic school made it easier for teachers
and parents, because parents had a closer relationship
with teachers. I was taught religion at home, at school
and in the Church. My study of religion and other subjects
brought me closer to God. My First Holy Communion day
was the best time, the time I was waiting to meet Jesus
face to face.
I became close to Jesus through the example I got
from my parish priest. I became an altar server. I enjoyed
carrying the Cross for the entrance procession. During the
readings my parish priest would insist that we would listen
attentively to the word of God. Afterward to listen for the
stories through the gospel would become real in my mind.
I always felt like I was there in person when Jesus spoke.
Standing with the candles close, so that he could be light
to my mind and heart, I love the story of the call of Samuel.
I felt that like Samuel I was called by God at such an early
age.
Sharing at the table of the Lord, made me remember
the boy who had five loaves and two fish. There was always
enough for everyone. The rest was securely stored away
for distribution to the sick, the elderly and shut-ins and
weekly adoration.
During the consecration, the ringing of the bell made
me realize that Jesus was present on the altar, and it was
a pleasure to bow with the others.
This made my community stronger because my priest
made Jesus available to everyone as the role of a priest is
very essential in the lives of others. In this young mind of
mine I realized that because of the dedication, love and
sacrifice that my priest made, he could not do it all alone.
I became inspired to work with him and do the things that
he was doing. Openly I spoke to my dad about it; he took
me by the hand and brought me to the priest. Vividly I
heard him say “son I present you to the priest”. I felt like a
key towards an open door of what I seek trying to discern
in my life.
The priest guided me from then on. I completed my
primary education. I went to high school. I joined Catholic
Action movement for the young people and youth group. I
was the head of the Altar Servers.
Joys and fulfillments of my priestly formation
After my graduation I went directly to the seminary
where I received my basic knowledge and doctrines of the
Catholic Church. I was introduced to community life and
pastoral work. I was happy to perform the tasks that I have
dreamed of as a young boy.
After the seminary formation I was ordained a
Deacon; through diaconate ordination I received special
graces that could allow me
to minister to the people of
God more effectively. I was
able officially to baptize,
officiate at weddings and
funerals, have courage to
share the word of God with
authority and also I could
bless people and such.
Exposing the Blessed Sacrament and the Benediction
brought new life in me. In still remains my best moment in
the ministry.
After a few months I was ordained a priest. Through
priestly ordination I was empowered to lead the people of
God in Eucharistic celebration, bringing Jesus to people of
God especially the sick, the elderly and the Shut-Ins.
My greatest joy is seeing the hand of God working
throughout my life. I am getting to understand what it
means to serve the Lord. There is life and beauty in serving
God. The more I let God into my life the more I receive
from Him. I have come to love Him more than anything else
in the entire world. As He challenges me where He says
“Taste and see the sweetness of the Lord; He is Almighty,
the provider, the Healer”.
My advice to young people is to give God a chance in
your life and He will help you to bring out your true self
as His image and likeness. It is only then you can fulfill
and meet the goal of your life. Take a risk and swim in the
river of the Holy Spirit and you will prove to the world that
through Christ you are victorious. Remember the key to
success is prayer, obedience and love. Don’t waste your
life with minimum achievements: aim high. Make Sunday
your best day to honour your God and He will honour you
and make His home in you.
How I came to Dominica
Many years ago I used to listen to stories from my
grandfather who was a solider in the British army during
the Second World War, during which time he was deployed
to the Caribbean especially to the Bahamas and Jamaica.
As I remember well I used to say that one day I would visit
the land where my grandfather fought many battles with
success.
I did not know how I would eventually find myself
in this beautiful Nature Island that we love. It was later
during my seminary formation that I came to know that
there were quite a number of Kenyan priests who were
working in Jamaica and the Bahamas. During the last year
of my seminary formation, I intimated to one of the Kenyan
priests on holiday from Jamaica that I would love to join
them. He was so kind and good to me, that he reminded
me of the joy that my grandfather expressed on his return
from the Bahamas. He shared with me his experience of
the reality of life in the Caribbean where he had many
contacts of various dioceses. He said that some places
had no priests or very few. I told him that I wanted to go
where there was the least number of priests. I realized that
Dominica at that time had only 7 local priests, whereas in
my diocese there are over 250 local priests. I wrote to His
Lordship Bishop Gabriel Malzaire requesting acceptance
in the diocese. The rest is history. A few months later I
landed in Dominica and within a year I was ordained for
the Diocese of Roseau. .
LISTEN TO DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO MARPIN CHANNEL 94
05
My Vocational Life Journey
Disciples on Mission
Time * Talent * Treasure
Lucille Douglas Blackman
Church Decorations remains a Mission with a Passion
M
By Dorothy Henderson
y passion for the art of flower arranging began
during my early years at the Convent High School
in Roseau when staff and students gathered in
the Assembly Hall to celebrate special Feast Days of the
Liturgical Year. What a tremendous joy it was for me to
behold the decorated shrines of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
exquisitely done by our beloved ICM Sisters.
The Poet, John Keats wrote, “A thing
of beauty
is a joy forever”. Yes, the joy for
me was truly captured then,
causing a deep desire to share
the beauty of God’s creation
wherever I went. I became an
avid reader of the art of flower
arranging, and undertook a
course from ‘Lifetime Career
Schools’ in Los Angeles,
California. That joy became a
passion as I studied at the Mary
Adams Flower Studio in 1969. I
also had the privilege of attending two renowned Flower
Schools in England, including the Flower Arranging &
Floristry School in 1987.
Remember the saying “Practice makes perfect”. As
a member of the Legion of Mary, I was assigned to serve
the St. Alphonsus Parish with Mrs. Rhona Fingal and
Mrs. Claudia Bellot as teammates. What fun and joy we
experienced in developing our creativity and decorating
skills for the various church celebrations. My time, talent
and treasure were also utilized at Pointe Michel. I was
encouraged by Fr. Proesmans to decorate the National
Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel for
several Feast Days.
In my quest for excellence, I attended flower classes
with Mrs. Didier where I participated at an International
Flower Show with the Horticultural Society in Martinique.
Our booth, ‘A Tropical Fishing Scene’ won three Gold
Medals, a proud moment for Dominica. I also enrolled in
Fr. Mark’s Florists Retreats
at the Holy Redeemer
Retreat Centre.
During 1974 through
1997, I played a leading role
in ‘doing the flowers’ at the
Cathedral in St. Lucia. My
most memorable decorating
occasions were for the
Ordination of our own
Archbishop Emeritus Kelvin
Felix to the Archdiocese of
Castries as well as for the visit of Pope John Paul II to St.
Lucia. What a Blessing and Honour it was.
I became very passionate about sharing my talent
and opened a School in Flower Arranging and Floristry
with participating students from all denominations and
walks of life, and God smiled on us.
Upon returning to Dominica my Ministry of
Beautification continued at the St. Alphonsus Parish.
I teamed up with several ladies including Mrs. Adwina
Magloire and Mrs. Cynthia Royer. Jesus’ word in John
2:17 says, “Zeal for my Father’s House consumes me”.
My real dream and vision during this Year of Faith is
that many more volunteers would come to serve in this
Ministry, bringing the beauty of God’s Creation and his
loving presence into all our Liturgical celebrations.
To God be the Glory…AMEN! .
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary - The Credit Union Movements Contribution
Cont’d from page 04
Some of the pioneers were Jerome A. Barzey, Joffre society.
and Lorna Robinson and Edward Elwin. One cannot leave
Today the movement has grown into a “great giant”,
out the name of Kenneth Richards a pioneer and father of but still retains its principles. God bless the late Bishop
the movement. He wrote a booklet on the subject entitled Moris, Sr. Alicia, the Catholic Church of Dominica and
“People who help People” -- a booklet that should be in the great leaders. Let us all remember our pioneers, who
every one’s library.
toiled and spent countless hours and late nights spreading
It is this movement which has assisted the poor the message and educating prospective leaders and
man to educate his sons and daughters, help him build members who were supposed to attend seven consecutive
a better house, buy lands and property, have a voice in educational sessions before becoming a member. .
06
Man’s Response to God We Believe
Why is faith a personal act, and at
the same time ecclesial?
aith is a personal act insofar as it
is the free response of the human
person to God who reveals
himself. But at the same time it is an
ecclesial act which expresses itself in
the proclamation, “We believe”. It is in
fact the Church that believes: and thus
by the grace of the Holy Spirit precedes,
engenders and nourishes the faith of
each Christian. For this reason the
Church is Mother and Teacher. (166169, 181*)
F
“No one can have God as Father who
does not have the Church as Mother.”
(Saint Cyprian)
Why are the formulas of faith
important?
The formulas of faith are important
because they permit one to express,
assimilate,
celebrate,
and
share
together with others the truths of the
faith through a common language.
(170-171)
In what way is the faith of the
Church one faith alone?
The Church, although made up of
persons who have diverse languages,
cultures,
and
rites,
nonetheless
professes with a united voice the one
faith that was received from the one
Lord and that was passed on by the
one Apostolic Tradition. She confesses
one God alone -- Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit, and points to one way of
salvation. Therefore we believe with one
heart and one soul all that is contained
in the Word of God, handed down or
written, and which is proposed by the
Church as divinely revealed. (172-175,
182) .
*Excerpt
from
the
Compendium
Catechism of the Catholic Church,
United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops
OUR DIOCESE
Know Your Faith
Liturgy Update:
W
The Word of God in the Liturgy
hen the bishops came together at the Second Vatican Council
(1963-1965), theirs was a deep pastoral concern for the liturgy,
so much so that they declared: “The Council sees compelling
reasons for reforming and cherishing the liturgy” (Constitution on the
Sacred Liturgy – Sacrosanctum Concilium, [SC] 4 December 1963, §1).
The bishops gave this reason: For it is through
the liturgy, especially the divine Eucharistic
sacrifice that the work of our redemption is
exercised” (SC§2).
In its Dogmatic Constitution on Divine
Revelation, Dei Verbum, [DV], the Council
teaches that the word of God has absolute
prominence in the liturgy: “The Church has
always venerated the divine scriptures just as
she venerates the Body of the Lord, in that it
never ceases, above all in the sacred liturgy, to
partake of the bread of life and to offer it to the
faithful from the one table of the word of God
and of the Body of Christ” (DV§21). Yes! That’s
Right! “the one table of the word of God and of the Body of Christ.”
The Council made a practical demand for the renewal of the liturgy:
“Sacred scripture is of paramount importance in the celebration of the
liturgy … So, if the restoration, progress and adaptation of the sacred
liturgy are to be achieved, it is necessary to promote that warm and
living love for scripture to which the venerable tradition of both Eastern
and Western rites gives testimony” (SC§24). We take note: Paramount
importance.
“PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE” OF THE WORD OF GOD
“Paramount importance” of the word of God finds expression in
the actions and signs used in the sacraments, as well as the prayers
and songs used in liturgical celebrations. They are all firmly grounded
in the word of God.
“Paramount importance” of the word of God is indicated by the
rites that accompany the proclamation of the Gospel in the celebration
of the Eucharist, and are intended to highlight the dignity of God’s
word. All the Eastern and Western liturgies introduce the solemn
proclamation of the Gospel with a procession involving lights and
incense. The Second Vatican Council has restored the enthronement
of the Gospel. All these rites and signs express the interior veneration
the Church has for God’s word.
“Paramount importance” of the word of God finds its fullest
expression in the celebration of the Eucharist itself, in the Biblical
readings. The Church has always thought and still does today, that
only God’s word is worthy to have a place in the celebration of the
Eucharist.
In the celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments, we
cannot replace the word of God with readings from any other author or
source, no matter how beautiful such readings may be. The beauty of
God’s word is unsurpassable, and is of paramount importance in the
celebration of the liturgy. .
To be continued in the next issue of Our Catholic Community
07
OUR DIOCESE
Dominica Catholic Radio Officially Blessed and Launched
S
By Msgr. William John-Lewis
unday January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany of the known through this medium,” he pointed out. The bishop
Lord, was an historic day in the Diocese. At 4:00 said the Catholic Church in Dominica is embarking on the
p.m. a group of people gathered outside the Social radio station venture “with new hope and enthusiasm.”
Centre building on Lon Acre to participate in the blessing
Msgr. William John-Lewis, the executive director
and launching of Dominica Catholic Radio. It was the of Dominica Catholic Radio gave a brief account of the
moment that the Diocese had been waiting for since the genesis of the Station and his involvement in securing
Catholic Radio began testing its signal over a year ago the needed equipment from FOOD FOR THE POOR and
by broadcasting inspirational Christian music, catholic the Catholic Radio Association of America, and seeing
devotional prayers and homilies and other instructional to the setting up an progress of the station to bring it
talks. For the diocese it was a dream come true.
to its current state. He also quoted from the Decree on
In his address to the gathering which included His the Media and Social Communications to situate his
Excellency, the President of Dominica and Mrs. Williams, remarks emphasizing the goal of Dominica Catholic as
Senator Alvin Bernard representing the Prime Minister, expressed in its Vision Statement as ‘The spreading of the
other Government Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Good News and the promotion of the Catholic Church,”
Corps , several members of the Clergy and parishioners, the mission being “the authentic, integral development
His Lordship Bishop Malzaire, quoting from the Decree of the people of God in the diocese of Roseau through
on the Media and Social communications, Inter Mirifica sound teaching on the Catholic faith as proclaimed by
(promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on December the Magisterium of the Church.”
4th, 1963) explained the Church’s position regarding the
Monsignor William John-Lewis, said the station
social media.
is not a commercial one and is ‘listener-sponsored.’ “It
Quoting the first Chapter
means everyone who hears it has
of the document, His Lordship
to think this is my radio and I
stated: “The Catholic Church,
have to put my money into it,” he
since it was founded by Christ
said. “We also devised a group that
our Lord to bear salvation to all
I coined the Dominica Catholic
men and thus is obliged to preach
Radio Army of Angels (DCRAA).
the Gospel, considers it one of its
Those are people who will give
duties to announce the Good News
annual pledges or semi-annual
of salvation also with the help of
pledges, so that we continue to
the media of social communication
have a base of funding for the
and to instruct men in their proper
Catholic
station.”
Monsignor
Nazarine Gordon - Station Manager
use.
John-Lewis said apart from
It is, therefore, an inherent right of the Church to spreading the gospel there will be programmes that focus
have at its disposal and to employ any of these media on justice, health, counseling, and “other programmes
insofar as they are necessary or useful for the instruction that touch the life of our people.”
of Christians and all its efforts for the welfare of souls”.
The afternoon began with a prayer led by Msgr.
He went on to speak of the important role Dominica William John-Lewis, followed by a welcome and opening
Catholic Radio would play in the work of evangelization remarks by the Station manager, Ms. Nazarine Gordon.
for the diocese, and encouraged participation from There were also remarks by the Ministers for Community
everyone in the diocese. He stressed that the survival Development, Mrs. Gloria Shillingford, and the Minister
of the Radio Station depended on the financial support for Information, Mr. Ambrose George. Deacon Alvin
of its listeners. While we owe a debt of gratitude to our Knight, well-know radio personality and member of the
donors who provided the equipment and the many skilled Executive committee, served as master of ceremonies.
volunteers who have given of their expertise, now that we The station is governed by a board of directors with
have the station, we must own it.
Bishop Malzaire as president, Msgr. John-Lewis as
Bishop Malzaire said the bishops of the Antilles executive director, Ms. Nazarine Gordon as Station
heeded the call as far back and 1986 when Voice of manager, and Executive committee, an advisory board
the Islands was founded as a regional Catholic Radio; and several volunteers.
hence the name Voice of the Islands. However, he said
It can be heard on 96.1 on the FM frequency,
poor reception in some of the islands curtailed regional live stream on http://dominicacatholicradio.org/ and
support and funding agencies began pulling back and channel 94 on Marpin 2k4.
Dominica alone could not carry the brunt of the mounting
Following the cutting of the ribbon, which was done
expenses and operations closed down in 1995. He by Mrs. Williams, the wife of His Excellency the President,
described Dominica Catholic Radio as a ‘resurgence’ of His Lordship offered the prayer of blessing over the new
what the Catholic and Christian community in Dominica establishment. After the blessing, the gathered assembly
is familiar with as regard the transmission of the gospel was invited to tour the studios of Dominica Catholic
through the electronic media. “The church in the Diocese Radio. The evening ended with light refreshments at
of Roseau has always seen the need to make Christ better Bishop’s house. .
08
Our Catholic Heritage
Around the Diocese
Christmas Mass and Treat for the elderly at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on December 15th 2012
St. Luke
’s
Parish C
h
ristmas
Show o
n Dece
2012
mber
22 nd
ing
g Meet
in
n
n
la
rish P
ima’s Pa ber 13th 2012
t
a
F
f
o
y
em
Our Lad
on Dec
3
for 201
09
OUR DIOCESE
M
arts of ancient synagogue”
uch closer to the
and I will review this with
period of Jesus’ life
you as this makes the link
and ministry, there
Art * Music * Culture
to the fifth part of this
is no conclusive evidence
article wherein I present
of Jewish art, but in recent
Celebrating our many talents
the sanctity and art of a
times, new archeological
catholic church building
sites have been discovered
The Roseau Cathedral and Images
and chapel, with emphasis
in Israel and Palestine.
Part IV By Bernard Lauwyck
on our Roseau Cathedral.
Steven Fine, the author
The author traces
of Art & Judaism, concludes
that the Jewish people had no problem with art that was the process by which antique synagogue, after the
not “idolatrous” and made full use of it. “Definitions of destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem, came
to be considered “holy places”. The scrolls of the Sacred
what was acceptable clearly changed over time.”
Some time ago, I visited the Musée d’Art et Scripture were the cult object of the synagogue. They
d’Histoire de Judaisme (Museum of Jewish Art and were publicly read and privately studied. The chest of
History) in Paris, which traces the history of Jewish scrolls was the focal point of the sacred space. The Torah
art, culture and religion in France and Europe. I felt so shrine was transformed into an “ark” and synagogues
ignorant and out of place because I did not understand became small temples. The application of imagery
the art and liturgical items presented there. I assumed, derived from the Jerusalem Temple played an important
as a Christian, that I would feel at home in the artworks role to express the notion of “holy place.” “This notion
of this Old Testament religion. I could not be more of the sanctity of the synagogue was developed and
wrong about this fascinating but strange religion. We matured over time in every new and fascinating ways”
In the next section, part V, the catholic view as
Christians should do more to learn about Jesus the
Jewish rabbi and this ancient religion in which he was expressed by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope
Benedict XVI, in his “The spirit of the liturgy”. I hope
born and grew up.
Steven Fine also has a chapter on “sanctity and the you will accompany me on this journey. .
OUR DIOCESE
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
By Judith Alexis
I
n 1521, the city of Guadalupe, Mexico was inhabited by
native Aztec Indians whose religious practice involved the
worship of many gods, and pagan rituals such as human
sacrifice. About twenty years later, the Spanish conquered
the country, and Christianity was introduced to the people
without much success. It was during that time that our
Blessed Mother appeared to a native convert named Juan
Diego on a hill called Tepeyac.
Consequent to her apparition, many miracles occurred,
millions of pagan souls were converted, human sacrifice
was outlawed, and a church was built in her honor - by her
request - on the very site where Juan Diego saw ‘the Lady
from Heaven’. Another such chapel, built and dedicated to
Our Lady of Guadalupe, is peacefully nestled in the small,
serene community of Bourne, located about 3 miles east of
Portsmouth in the parish of Sts. John & Lewis.
From December 4th - 12th, 2012, the small chapel
community was host to scores of pilgrims who traveled
from Portsmouth and the neighbouring villages of Toucarie,
Dublanc, Paix Bouche and Vielle Case to celebrate the
Novena and Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Patroness
of the Americas and the Caribbean. The Novena was held
from 6:00 nightly, beginning with the chaplet of Guadalupe,
and concluding with the Novena prayers and Mass. Topics
for each night were presented by Deacon Pershing Waldron,
Deacon Curtis Victor and by Deacon Alvin Knight who was
joined by his wife Francisca on the 8th night to deliberate
on the topic ‘Christian Family Life’. Presiding at the Masses
were Fr. Godfrey Tarimo, Parish Priest of St. Andrew, and
Fr. Herman Sharplis, Parish Priest of Sts. John & Lewis.
The Feast Day, observed world-wide on December
12th, was celebrated with a Pontifical High Mass by Most
Reverend Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau. In his usual
able manner, Bishop Malzaire used the story of Our Lady’s
apparition, and her Virgin Conception to convey the message
that nothing is impossible for God.
When Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego so many years ago,
she identified herself as the ‘Ever Virgin Holy Mary, Mother
of the True God for whom we live, of the Creator of all things,
Lord of heaven and the earth’.
Her request to have a church built was taken to the
local Bishop but when he hesitated, and asked for a sign, the
Blessed Mother sent Juan to collect an assortment of roses
to give to the bishop. Instead of roses however, the bishop
and Juan Diego himself were astounded to find an image of
Our Lady miraculously imprinted on his tilma (cloak) which
he had used to carry the roses from mount Tepeyac.
In 1999, Pope John Paul II declared December 12th
as a liturgical holy day. He also entrusted the cause of life
to Mary’s loving protection, and placed under her motherly
care the innocent lives of children, especially those who are
in danger of not being born. .
Excerpts from CatholicCulture.org - Liturgical Year & Catholic
News Agency (CNA)
The Spirit of Giving
T
By Wallace Williams
he month of December as it is commonly known as a
month of giving and sharing, the parishioners of St.
Andrew have experienced that joy in various forms.
Almost every zone ignited the flames of the Christmas spirit
and brought cheer to the wider community and those who
are home bond through roadside sing along and home visits
respectively, distributing packages to the elderly and less
fortunate in our parish.
In Upper Penville, twenty-five packages were given to
the sick and needy. A group of young men named Stars D.A
made a donation of a microphone to the church while the
church continues to raise needed funds for the repainting
of its chapel.
In Lower Penville, they drive on the same route of fund
raising but focused on a different destination that is to meet
payments for its insurance. Also, tremendous preparations
are being made to celebrate their upcoming feast of St. John
Bosco on the 2nd of February 2012.
The Youth converged in Vieille Case along with the
neighboring communities to commemorate the close of
2012 in thanksgiving and praise, though the minimal turn
out called for questioning. As the season unfolded the
Paix Bouche community received a double portion of the
Holy Spirit on December 30th 2012 where seven members
10
of the community were welcome into the faith through
the Sacrament of Baptism and fourteen young children
received for their first time Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The
celebrant being Fr. Tarimo emphasized greatly on the need
to build strong Christian families and to exercise peace in
these times of crisis.
Congratulations to all of you as we call on you parents,
god parents and the entire church community to practice
going to church regularly and contributing meaningfully to
the development of the church as models for our children to
emulate as we strive to help them grow in the faith and the
truth of God’s word. .
By Evelyn Martin
T
he anchor program at the Chapel of our Lady of
Fair Haven targeted the parents of children who
attended the catechism program. The aim of the
program was to provide participants with the tools
necessary for increasing their faith. This year was
declared by Pope Benedict as the Year of Faith.
After a short deliberation, the majority of parents
decided to attend the Sunday morning program while
waiting for their children who would be attending
catechism classes at the same time.
An average of 30 parents attended the program in
earnest every Sunday, and from all reports, it seemed to
be very interesting -- refreshing in some instances and
enlightening in others.
The facilitator, Mrs. Evelyn Martin imparted very
important historical information. The true to life examples
which she provided really helped to put everything into
perspective.
There was a tremendous amount of interaction
among the participants. The interest was so high
that there was talk among some of the participants of
continuing the program beyond the ten sessions which
were designed to cover the entire course.
Over the duration of the course, participants
covered topics such as:
• God, the Holy Trinity
• Sin and Forgiveness
• History of Salvation
• Incarnation
• The Cross and Resurrection
• The Communion of the Church
Each lesson was subdivided into four parts.
It is the general belief that the program should be
extended to the entire congregation overtime.
It is hoped that through the deepening of their
faith, the participants will be encouraged to pass on the
knowledge to their friends, families and associates. .
Diocesan Catholic Grandparents Association
T
By Rupert S. Lance
he pre-planning has begun for organizing a
Catholic Grandparents Association throughout the
Commonwealth of Dominica.
The Social League who have been observing Grandparents
Day since 1998 have embraced the opportunity which
will invite the wider public to focus on strengthening
family ties.
The Dominica Catholic Grandparents Association
hopes to introduce Grandparents Day in all our Primary
Schools with an Adopt-a-Prayer initiative affirming and
encouraging the elderly in homes to pray for sick and
abused children.
Among the activities being associated with the
Grandparents Association are: to encourage grandparents
to embrace the vocation in passing on the Faith and to
develop an annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann, the
grandmother of Jesus in July. In the month of September
we celebrate Grandparents Day in our own Communities
under the theme “Here I am Lord” where we introduce
grandchildren to the Blessed Sacrament.
We invite grandparents everywhere to become
members of the Catholic Grandparents Association in
your parish and to remind parents to encourage their
children in this initiative. Everybody is a grandchild and
your valuable contribution of time, talent and treasure
will help the Association achieve its goal. You do not have
to be a grandparent to join, just complete an application
form.
If you would like to organize a branch in your
community, you will need to do the following: (1) Consult
your Parish Priest (2) Form a group of four consisting of 1
coordinator/Pro, 1 schools contact, 1 Pilgrimage contact,
and 1 registration of members; and (3) start encouraging
and registering. Membership forms available upon
request. If you would like to volunteer, contact Dominica
Grandparents Association, Shrine of St. Ann, Massacre.
P. O. Box 1757, or email to: [email protected]
The Prayer for Grandparents composed by his
Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2008 for the Catholic
Grandparents Association will be published and
distributed.
Grandparents, the family needs you. The church
needs you. Society needs you. We all need you. .
TUNE IN TO DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO 96.1 FM 11
OUR DIOCESE
The Anchor Program
OUR DIOCESE
Overview of the Construction and Ren
By Bernard Lauwyck, D
Calibishie Chapel
Portsmouth Church
T
he first official acts of Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire
as newly ordained Bishop of Roseau, ten years
ago, was to bless and dedicate the newly built
chapels of CAMPBELL and LOUBIERE. Little did Bishop
Malzaire know then, that he will go down in history as a
builder-Bishop.
Some of the highlights in the past years were
the Blessing and Dedication of the new chapels at
COCKRANE and BOURNE and the renovated ATKINSON
CHAPEL. As we are one Catholic community in Dominica,
it should be of interest to each of us to get an overview
of the construction and renovation projects currently
underway or in the pipeline for the immediate future.
12 OUR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY JANUARY 2013 ISSUE
Vieille Case Church
Emergency Staircase at Convent Preparatory
The most important projects presently are the
renovation and seismic retrofitting of the ROSEAU
CATHEDRAL, the construction of a new church in
PORTSMOUTH and VIEILLE CASE and a new chapel in
CALIBISHIE. These projects are well underway and with
adequate funding should finish without any delays.
The future projects for which the fundraising and
preliminaries are well underway are the construction of
a new chapel in MAHAUT, the renovation of the roof and
ceiling of the St. Luke’s church or the National Shrine
in POINTE MICHEL, the renovation of the chapel at
DUBLANC, the construction of catechetical classes for
the chapel in LOUBIERE and GIRAUDEL, construction
o
r
t
i
r
t
r
H
c
e
r
o
Photos by Bernard Lauwyck, Vanes
OUR DIOCESE
enovation Projects around the Diocese
yck, Diocesan Engineer
e
U
n
n
h
d
f
d
e
t
r
n
Fatima Church renovated
sanctuary
Salisbury Church new ceiling
Boetica Chapel new roof
Roseau Presbytery new roof
of a new roof at St. Martin’s Secondary in ROSEAU, the
renovation of the catechetical center in ROSEAU, a new
toilet section in GOODWILL, the recovering of the church
in SALYBIA.
Projects in progress but not yet completed are the
renovation of the roofing of the presbytery in ROSEAU,
the extension to the PETITE SAVANNE chapel, the
renovation of the roof and ceiling of the Father Couturier
Hall in LA PLAINE, the complete renovation of the
chapel at BOETICA, the construction of an emergency
escape staircase at Convent Preparatory in ROSEAU, the
renovation of the chapel in SCOTTS HEAD, the upgrading
of the Parish Hall in GOODWILL.
Further down the line, planning is at the
initial stage for a new Secondary School building in
PORTSMOUTH, the renovation of the presbytery in
MASSACRE, the construction of a second reinforced
concrete staircase for the St. John’s Primary School in
PORTSMOUTH, the construction of a YOUTH MINISTRY
center in Roseau.
Smaller works are the upgrading of the sanctuary in the
church in NEWTOWN, the new stained glass windows
donated by Archbishop Felix in SOUFRIERE, new pews
for the CAPUCHIN chapel, fencing works at COCKRANE
and St. Alphonsus Pre-school and church compounds at
NEWTOWN and LOUBIERE. .
Vanessa Prevost & Jemina Bernard
13
OUR DIOCESE
A
Synod Implementation
Ongoing
By Msgr. William John-Lewis
t the beginning of the New Year, we take a look
at the important events that will define our
implementation process throughout this year. The
liturgical year began with the first Sunday of Advent and
the new slogan ‘Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance
of Christ’ for the second year of our pastoral plan was
launched. These words taken from St. Jerome serves
as the focus for the entire year. A focus that is further
delineated, expanded and celebrated in the practical
activities that are undertaken on the community and
parish level as on the diocesan and administrative levels.
We are reminded that our pastoral plan works
incrementally, that is, each New Year builds on the
activities of the previous year. Thus, with the teaching
of lectio divina being completed in all communities, all
families are being encouraged to begin the practice of
lectio divina weekly in preparation for the Sunday liturgy.
The father of the family is to embrace his responsibility
as the spiritual head of the family and lead in the family
ritual of lectio divina.
The course of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
which was offered last year at the Pastoral Center will be
offered again this time on parish level at the invitation
of parish priests. The follow-up course on the New
Testament will be offered beginning shortly after the
Easter celebrations.
The Diocese has already begun preparations to
formalize and standardize the lectionary used in all
14
parishes, and to upgrade the lectionaries and Book of the
Gospels, inviting the parishes that have none to procure
a Book of the Gospels.
Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation will
be required to do an exposition of a Scriptural text as
part of their final preparation for the Sacrament while the
parishes are encouraged to hold a weekly service of the
Word, part of which will be the practice of Lectio Divina.
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Season of Lent
will be observed as a day of fasting and abstinence for the
success of the synod implementation. All Catholic Schools
will examine the theme of Repentance in Israel and hold
a Service of the Word with distribution of Ashes. During
the first week of this season of grace, the clergy of the
diocese will go on their annual spiritual retreat which will
focus on lectio divina and the Gospel of Luke. Lent, being
a season marked by conversion and repentance, parishes
are asked to study the Gospel of Luke set in a Service of
the Word as part of their Lenten exercise. Families and
neighbours are invited to put aside one evening a week
to study the Word of God and to practice Lectio Divina.
During this time, parishes are also invited to offer an
explanation on “How the Bible came to be” as part of their
instruction on the Word of God. The Secretariat for Youth
in collaboration with the Catholic Schools will dramatize
the Stations of the Cross in the streets of Roseau.
The season of Easter will be marked by another
lecture in the distinguished lecture series aimed at
informing the general public on different aspects of the
Faith. The first lecture, Faith and culture, hopefully by
then will have been delivered. The Catholic Charismatic
Renewal annual conference will present a theme from
the Gospel of Luke and workshops on Apologetics will
be organized.
During the holiday months of July and August, the
two-week Bible camp for our young people will focus on
the Gospel of Luke, the Acts of the Apostles and lectio
divina allowing time for questions and answers on the
faith.
Throughout the year, Our Catholic Community
Magazine will carry an article on our synod implementation
and pastoral plan, and on our own Catholic Radio
(Dominica Catholic Radio) there will be programmes
highlighting various documents of the Second Vatican
Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Faith.
The first of these programmes will be on Dei Verbum,
the Dogmatic constitution on Divine Revelation, the
document that spells out the Church’s understanding of
the nature of revelation, that is the processes whereby
God communicates with human beings. As such it
touches on questions about Scripture, Tradition and the
Teaching Authority of the Church.
Let us pray God’s blessings on our plans. May the
Lord prosper the work of our hands. May this new year
find us having a greater appetite for studying, learning
and appreciating the Word of God as a means to our
forming a deeper relationship with Christ the Lord.
Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. .
OUR DIOCESE
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
T
By Rupert S. Lance
he Society of St. Vincent De Paul was founded in
Paris, France in 1833 by a few young men and a
Catholic publicist. The principal founder was a
20-year old university student, Frederick Ozanam. He,
together with five other students, decided to show their
Catholic faith in action by working with the poor in their
community. They formed a group called the Conference
of Charity.
Within a few months other groups (conferences)
were formed in several provinces of France. After a few
years the Society had reached Rome (1842), England
(1844), Belgium, Scotland and Ireland (1845), United
States and Mexico (1846). Today the Society exists in 141
countries. It has 50,000 Conferences and over 700,000
members.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul owes its existence
in Dominica to His Grace, Archbishop, Emeritus, Kelvin
Felix. In 1973 Fr. Kelvin Felix, then Parish Priest of
St. Alphonsus Church, urged that a conference of St.
Vincent De Paul be formed in Dominica, following a
visit to Dominica by Br. Steve Solomon, then Executive
Secretary of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in Trinidad
and Tobago. Reverend Fr. Kelvin Felix commissioned
then Deacon Sebastien Madosingh of Trinidad, who was
attached to the St. Alphonsus Church, to assist in the
formation of the conference in the Roseau/Goodwill area.
That same year the first Conference was established in
Dominica. The president of the conference was the late
Mr. Ephraim Georges. Today there are 25 established
conferences with a membership of about 300, throughout
Dominica. The latest established Conference was the St.
Dominic Conference in Atkinson one year ago.
Each Conference is headed by a president elected
by the members of the Conference. The president then
selects an executive. The president of each Conference,
together with two executive members, form the National
or Superior Council whose Spiritual Director is the
Bishop of the Diocese. The current president of the
Superior Council is Mrs. Merina Sebastian.
The Society is a lay organization of the Catholic
Church engaged in works of charity. It works with the
poor so no work of charity is foreign to it. The Conferences
in Dominica engage in a number of activities: visiting
and making friends with the abandoned, lonely, sick and
bed-ridden; helping in cleaning their homes; providing
food, clothing and shelter; providing books, clothing, bus
and school fees to needy students to enable them gain
access to secondary education; and assisting the needy
in funding productive activities.
The poor we will have always with us (Matt 26:11)
and so the Society in Dominica hopes to intensify the
prayer life and works of charity of its members in an
effort to deepen its evangelization.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is, par excellence,
the social arm of the Catholic Church. It provides a
wonderful opportunity to Catholics to draw closer to
Christ by seeing him in their neighbour, the poor, down
trodden and so working and developing a friendship with
the marginalized to promote their human dignity. .
15
OUR DIOCESE
Folk Nativity Production 2012
By Morris Cyrille
T
conclusion as the Judge played
he difference in attendance
by Ian Michael Anthony is
at theatre productions is
concerned. Mr. Anthony when
demarcated by Hurricane
he appears is in regal and
David. Pre-David days, there
autocratic mien.
was no such thing as television
In his defense Emmanuel
and
cable,
modern
day
David the accused tell the story
telecommunications and rapid
of the nativity of the Christ child.
changes that now seem to distract
The narration begins. And enter
the Dominican public.
Joseph played by Glenis Jno
Everything happened out
Baptiste and Mary portrayed by
of one’s home: sports, political
Mrs. Ophelia Marie.
meetings,
interest
group
Mr. Bully states that Einstar
assemblies, cinema and stage,
Leblanc and himself composed
picnics, river, sea, hikes, cookouts, etc.
Mrs. Ophelia Marie as Mary & Mr. Glenis Jno Baptiste as Joseph 19 songs in two weeks for that
folk dramatization of the Sacred
Director Alwin Bully in
his Director’s notes for his latest stage presentation, a Birth.
The Sixth Sisserou Singers were ideal in supporting
recasting of Folk Nativity says: “At that time the People’s
Action Theatre was at its prime with a company of about some of Dominica’s strong solo voices like Mrs. Marie,
30 performers staging plays and musicals at St. Gerard’s Mr. Marie, Mr. Jno Baptiste and Mr. Anthony.
Bring in the experienced actor/singer Steve James
Hall that would run for 20 to 35 performances before
as Angel Gabriel and Maxine Alleyne-Esprit as Lead Angel
touring to neighbouring islands.”
So Mr. Bully who delighted hundreds of Dominicans in the heavenly hosts amidst a plethora of Dominica’s
through the 1970s and stage performing talent including the Waitukubuli Dance
into the 1980s decided Theatre Company and Shyann Dewhurst of Africa Stilt
and
“Folk
with others, following an Dancers
intervention by Ophelia Nativity” came to life on
Marie back in 1976, to the stage at the Arawak
House
of
Culture
write “Folk Nativity.”
For
those
who from the 13th -15th of
attended
the
2012 December 2012.
production
of
“Folk
The audio may
Nativity” with a new cast not have been its best
Mr. Webster Marie as Emmanuel David it was a couple of hours on opening night, the
well spent; only Ophelia Marie seems to have been in the accompanyment
may
Mr. Steve James as Angel Gabriel
1978 presentation.
have been loud on
The word “Nativity” refers to the Birth of Jesus, (the occasion, baby Jesus may have seem to be an afterthought
Saviour of the World). “Folk” has the connotation of the in the hands of Joseph, but by play end, it was a satisfied
ordinary person on the street or the grass roots culture and happy audience who made their way home to spread
of the people.
the word.
In the play there is this character called Emmanuel
There were those in the audience who thought that
David (Emmanuel-God with us and David the hereditary “Folk Nativity” should also be performed in the schools,
ancestor of Jesus in the Jewish tradition) who is accused but Mr. Bully resurrected Folk Nativity as a fundraising
of all sorts of unspeakable offences against individuals, effort towards the restoration of the Roseau Cathedral.
property and the State. The guilt of Emmanuel David,
All who saw Folk Nativity would have had their
played by Webster Marie the rustic narrator, is a foregone Christmas long before Christmas Day. .
16
Notice Board
january
Green Ribbon Month
14th-18th: The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Clergy of
the Province of Castries
• 22nd: World Respect Life Day
february
• 2nd: Sister Alces 26th Anniversary
• 2nd: 17th World Day of Prayer for the Gift of Consecrated
Life
• 3rd: World Day of Consecrated Life
• 13th: Ash Wednesday
• 24th: Special Collection - Peter the Apostle
• 11th: World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral
Renovation Committe
•
•
wishes to thank
all parishioners who supported its fund-raising
activities for the year 2012.
Special thanks to those who continue to make regular
contributions and those who fulfill their pledge
commitments. We look forward to your continued support in raising
funds for the completion of Our Lady of Fair Haven
Cathedral roof.
May God to grant you many blessings in 2013.
Feasts & solemnities
january
14th: Memorial of the Blessed Peter Donders - Patron of
Belles
• 20th: Memorial of the Miraculous Infant Jesus - Patron of
Dublanc/ Bioche
• 31st: Memorial of St. John Bosco - Patron of Lower Penville
february
• 2nd: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - Patron of
Cochrane
• 11th: Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes - Patron of Soufriere
Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral
Fundraiser
•
Diocesan Youth Secretariat
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
january
5 : World Youth Day Rio Pilgrims Formation Session from
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
13th:-19th:Vocations Week
19th: Youth Secretariat Meeting from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
february
1st –2nd: Youth Secretariat Spiritual Retreat (HRRH)
23rd: World Youth Day Rio Pilgrims Formation Session
from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
16th: Leadership Training Programme in St. Andrews Parish
from 5:00 p.m.
23rd: Leadership Training Programme in Our Lady of La
Soie Parish from 5:00 p.m.
March
23rd: Diocesan Youth Rally at the Cabrits National Park
2nd: Leadership Training Programme in St. Andrews Parish
from 5:00 p.m.
9th: Leadership Training Programme in Our Lady of La Soie
Parish from 5:00 p.m.
th
Dominica Catholic Radio
can be heard on 96.1 on the FM frequency, channel
94 on Marpin 2k4 & live stream on http://
dominicacatholicradio.org.
Please spread the word and send in your financial
contributions to Dominica Catholic Radio,
P.O. Box 790, Roseau, Dominica
Ruth Paul won the raffle for the coffee grinder
Speacial thanks to all those who patronized the raffle.
Your support was greatly appreciated
Motorbike Day
One Death Is One Too Many
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
26th January 2013
25th January: Live Broadcast of Convent High School’s
Assembly
25th January: On The Beat on DBS from 7:00 p.m.
Weekend of January 26th
Blessing of bikes and bikers
Pep talk on Healthy Riding
Laying of wreath/ Candle lighting
Cross country motorcade
Health Fair
Exhibition
We all wear Green!!!
For more information call the parish office 449 1456, Peace Committee 275 2708, Mahaut Village Council 449 2520 or 265 3996
ErratA
In the December issue:
• The article ‘Profile: Martin Anthony’ on page 06
should read ‘Profile: Vernon Martin’
• ‘Photos by Charles Lewis’ on page 12 & 13 should
read ‘Photos by Charles Louis’
Our Catholic Community apologises for the error.
Send us your parish events & notices
Call us at 448 2837 or
email us at [email protected]
17
OUR DIOCESE
EVENTS
OUR DIOCESE
Christian Leadership 2013: Go For It
“Never let what you can’t do get in the way of
what you can do.” – SOS Coach John Wooden
will require courage, and the only way to get it is to
develop it. Courage is your conditioned capacity to
respond to all life events with positive actions rather
What are YOUR goals? What do you want for
than negative beliefs. It will also require you to build on
yourself? What future will you create?
your strengths. Your weaknesses are merely dangers
ver the weekend of
to be avoided. “Never let what
May 19th to 21st 2012,
you can’t do get in the way
we in the Diocese of
of what you can do.” - Coach
Roseau, were blessed with
John Wooden.
the presence of Bill and Billy
You must also commit to
Moyer, Cofounders of the
personal responsibility in 2013.
SOS Leadership Institute,
In order to do this, you must
for the launching of our
allow someone else to hold you
SOS Christian Leadership
accountable. Accountability
Development Program. As we
leads to personal responsibility.
end 2012 and begin 2013,
Accountability pushes you past
it is an opportune time to
your self-imposed limitations.
take stock of what we have
Accountability is the most
achieved in 2012 as it relates
powerful and effective force in
to our personal leadership
helping you grow. You can’t
development, our church
settle in because you have
development program, and
chosen to be accountable.
our community leadership
With
those
thoughts
SMA Prefects & Teachers listening attentively to Leadership
development and to glance on
in mind, I encourage you to
Presentation by Bill & Billy Moyer
where we want to go in 2013.
GO FOR IT in 2013! Choose
Has our Leadership talent grown or has it declined? growth and make it your best year ever!
To help us in our evaluation, I wish to share with you
Billy Moyer’s Blog posted on Monday, December 3rd, Here are some ways to Go For It:
2012, entitled: “GO FOR IT IN 2013” http://www. • Reflect on your strengths.
sosleadershipblog.com/search/label/Billy%20Moyer
• Set written goals for the year.
Writes Billy, “You have two choices in 2013: Grow • Develop a plan of action for those goals.
or decline. Growth demands that you consciously • Track your progress.
choose growth and that choice always requires you to • Believe that you CAN do it! Don’t give up, don’t ever
change. When most people decide to grow, their plan
give up!
only reflects an increase in what they have already • Find a good coach or mentor to hold you accountable.
been doing. If you want to Go For It in 2013 you
And last but certainly not least, remember
must choose growth, which means you must commit that now is the time to take action and Go For It! A
to change! Change is difficult because that choice is successful 2013 begins now. Only YOU can take the
contrary to our natural human instincts. Remember first step toward achieving what matters most in
that “if you do what you have always done, you will your life. Will you take that step today?” .
be who you have always been.” Going For It in 2013
O
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We have wonderful things in store for you in every
month. There will be stories to read, numbers to
trace, words to circle, ornaments to make, pictures
to colour, words to match, puzzle to discover
and much much more......
Follow the numbers and trace Moses’ trip
from Egypt to the promised land.
OUR DIOCESE
Welcome to the Kid’s Corner
Read
Exodus 19:16--20:26 and Mark 12:28--33
Circle the correct answers.
God chose (Moses, Aaron) to be the leader of
His people. Moses led God’s people out of (Egypt,
Syria) to the promised land. On the way they
stopped to camp in the (wilderness, village) near
Mount Sinai. There a (great, small) storm came,
and the (trees, mountain) shook. God told Moses
to go to the top of the mountain. There God gave
him ten (laws, promises) for the people.
Many years later Jesus told the (Sadducees, priests)
that there were two great commandments. He
said, “Love the Lord thy (Maker, God) with all thy
heart, and all thy soul, and all thy mind, and all
thy strength, and thy (neighbor, friend) as thyself.”
.....this section is for reading.....
This is the first two pages of a little book called
Saint Martin De Porres
by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D
T
he country of Peru in South America was
discovered in 1529 by Francisco Pizarro, a
Spaniard. On January 6, 1529, the Feast of the
Epiphany or the Three Kings, he founded the capital
city of Peru and called it “City of the Kings.”
Later, the city took the name of the valley where it
was located----Lima. Since that time it has been known
as the city of Lima. It was the capital of the first viceroyalty begun in America.
After the discovery of Peru, many Spanish people
came to bring Spanish culture to America. One of
them was John de Porres, a nobleman from Alcantara.
He had been born in Burgos but his ancestors were
from Cordoba, Spain.
John came to the New World as the Governor of
Panama. On the way, he stopped at Lima. .
TUNE IN TO DOMINICA CATHOLIC RADIO 96.1 FM 19
OUR CATHOLIC WORLD
A
The Year ByofMsgr.Faith
- Dei Verbum
William John-Lewis
n important aspect of our observance of the Year
of Faith will be a series of teachings, aired on
our Catholic Radio, Dominica Catholic Radio,
on various documents of the Second Vatican Council.
The first of these documents to be studies is entitled Dei
Verbum, the Latin title for the “Dogmatic Constitution
on Divine Revelation. Dei Verbum simply means, “The
Word of God.”
Why study Dei Verbum
Why this series of teachings on Dei Verbum? This
is for two reasons: (1) It is part of the implementation of
our Synod. Yes, the Synod is not finished. We are still
“Disciples on Mission, Gifted and Called.” We are in the
process of implementing the synod recommendations
which have been complied in a ten-year Diocesan Pastoral
Plan. Our focus for the first three years of the Pastoral
Plan is the “Word of God.” And one of the activities the
Pastoral Plan calls us to do, is the study of Dei Verbum.
(2) A second reason for our study of Dei Verbum is the
“Year of Faith” proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. And in
this Year of Faith, Pope Benedict urges us to revisit and
study the Documents of Vatican II. This year is the 50th
anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. In 1962 the
Council was convened by Pope John XXIII. In this Year
of Faith we are also asked to study the Catechism of
the Catholic Church. It is the 20th anniversary of the
publication of the Catechism. These are the two very
important reasons why we are encouraging you to
study Dei Verbum and to learn from it what the Church
teaches about the Word of God.
Dei Verbum, a Key Document of Vatican II
Dei Verbum, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine
Revelation, promulgated November 18, 1965, is one
of the four primary or main documents of the Second
Vatican Council. The other three are: Lumen Gentium, the
“Dogmatic Constitution on the Church”; Sacrosanctum
Concilium, the “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy”;
and Gaudium et Spes, the “Pastoral Constitution on the
Church in the Modern World.”
You will notice that Lumen Gentium and Dei Verbum
are called “Dogmatic Constitutions.” Dogmatic, is the
most solemn pronouncement that a Council utters. Thus
Dei Verbum, a dogmatic Constitution is one of the most
important documents of the Council. In the collection of
the Council’s documents, Dei Verbum is printed second;
the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen
Gentium) is printed first.
Dei Verbum, the Church’s Pronouncement on the
Bible
Our Catholic faith is based on divine revelation.
The Catholic Church knows that she was founded by
Jesus Christ, and that she was commissioned by him
to proclaim the Gospel of God’s love to all humanity. In
Dei Verbum Vatican II spelled out in some detail what
the Church believes and teaches with regard to divine
revelation, primarily as it is contained in the Bible.
Dei Verbum emphasizes the written word in the Holy
Scriptures of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and
20
the New Testament
( C h r i s t i a n
Scriptures).
Dei
Verbum addresses
the questions of
what God’s word is
and how it comes to
us so we may be able
to know it in order to
live it.
The Meaning of
Revelation
As
its
name
expresses,
Dei
Verbum’s
main
subject is revelation.
What is revelation?
Revelation, from the
Latin word, revelare, means to “uncover,” to “remove the
veil.” In the case of divine revelation, it is God removing
the veil from the divine face so we can come to know
God – not just things about God, but God’s own self – in
a personal, relational way.
Overview of the Document
After a brief prologue the document has six major
chapters:
1. Divine Revelation itself
2. The transmission of Divine revelation
3. Sacred Scripture: Its divine Inspiration and Its
Interpretation
4. The old testament
5. The New Testament
6. Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church
The major concern of the document is to proclaim
a Catholic understanding of the Bible as the “word of
God.” This understanding is placed within the larger
context of the Church’s understanding of revelation
itself. Here the document speaks not of revelation about
God, but the revelation of God. The second chapter deals
with the relationship between Scripture and Tradition in
the context of the transmission of revelation within the
church. The third chapter contains the basic principles
whereby Catholic Scripture scholars should approach
the Bible. The chapters on the Old and New Testament
place these books within the history of salvation that lies
at the core of these collections. The final chapter places
Scripture in the life of the Church. In a way that would
have surprised many Catholics the Council taught that
the “Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures
just as she venerates the [Eucharistic] Body of the Lord.”
(n. 21).
The document encourages Catholics to read the
Bible and in particular urged theologians and priests to
become more thoroughly formed by the Bible. Quoting
St. Jerome, an early biblical scholar and translator of
the Bible, it reminds us that “ignorance of the Scriptures
is ignorance of Christ.” .
…to be continued next issue
By Marcella Severin
F
rom the time we entered France
through Geneva (the latter we
reached by air), mountain beauty
surrounded us on every side! These
enormous elevations were, for the most
part, verdant, and the few stony ones
were a delight to behold, unlike the
brown, bare, rough, stony ones of Egypt.
Some members of our group still feared
them, and one member said she would
put all her weight onto the opposite side
of the bus to try to prevent the so-careful
bus driver from plunging into the sheer
precipices below! On the green flats of
some of these mountains, perched small
villages, the spire of their Churches
rising above all their buildings.
Our Lady of La Salette
After three hours, we reached
the Retreat House of La Salette. Le
Sanctuaire de la Salette, as it was called,
housed the Basilica, a few chapels, the
hostel, the cafeteria, a restaurant, two
reception rooms, the Museum, and, of
course, the store. They were all in one
edifice that lay on the only flat table-like
land that the surrounding mountains
offered. Another building, not far away,
was the chapel of the Sacrament of
Reconciliation. Everywhere else was
mountain! BUT, as one author so aptly
described the scene: “from the terrace
to the top of the mountains all is covered
with beautiful verdure”…
“Here”, he
wrote, was “this solitude, withdrawn
from the world of men”. In another place,
he said: “…here, time was effaced”.
Over these huge, almost perpendicular
elevations and the road, immense white
clouds of cool mist often spread far and
wide, till afternoon. At evening, they
returned. The only purely mist-less days
we had were our last two.
At the foot of Mount Gargas, where
Maximin and Mélanie saw Our Lady,
and which was opposite the Retreat
House, was the site of the Apparition
of the seated Weeping Lady; and of the
Standing Lady with Maximin on one
side, and Mélanie on the other; and
the dog sleeping close by them. Next to
these now bronze, dark green images,
Photos by Jacqueline Douglas
gushed the ice-cold stream, piped
further downstream. On the other side
of the stream, across from the statues
mentioned, stood both fearful Maximin
and Mélanie, in the same colour bronze,
staring at the Weeping Lady. Maximin
held a (dark green bronze) stick in his
hand; for, in his own words, “if it does
anything, I will give it a good knock”! Not
far behind the two children, on top of the
table land, was another huge statue, of
the same metal and colour, of Our Lady
of La Salette.
Mount Gargas
Some members of our group were
so fascinated by Mount Gargas, since
the Cross, all the way at its summit,
enticed them; and since clear, cut
tracks had been carved into Gargas,
guess what! — Yes! They did the 1,250
ft. of elevation! What they saw must
be what the same author saw in 1854:
“at that high elevation, the scene of the
Apparition, (which is) closed in with its
own mountains, like an amphitheatre,
exhibits, from the terrace of the fountain to
the summits of the enclosing mountains,
one vast carpet of green, variegated with
its flowers, and is alone adorned with a
verdure so rich, and with an aspect so
soft.” The flowers, which we ourselves
saw, he lists: “the spring gentian, and
the stemless gentian, the mountain
violet and the Alpine forget-me-not, and
the mountain polygala; and, mixed with
these, is the rock-cystus, the Alpine
soldanella, and a small cowslip”. Like
the pilgrims of 1854, I thought: “What…
fine taste Our Lady has!”
The lower tracks of Gargas closer
to the Apparition scenes were tiled, to
accommodate pilgrims in the planned,
and guided, daily, evening, candlelight
processions.
The Leaders
Unlike anywhere else on our
pilgrimage, our activities at La Salette
included our two welcoming priests: Fr.
Pat, with his exciting voice and expressive
guitar, and Fr. Del, both of whom seemed
to have known us long ago! They were
there at the international processions,
and at the Basilica international masses.
Fr. Del accompanied us on our private
Way of the Cross behind the Basilica.
Both were there when we recited the
Rosary in both French and English, with
our French counterparts, in La Chapelle
de la Rencontre. They missed only our
private Rosary, with our bishops, on the
very site of the Apparitions.
To end, we must commend both
Bishops Gabriel Malzaire and Kenneth
Richards, and Jacqueline Douglas and
Mrs. Veronica Younis --all wonderful
leaders! The last two took care of
preparations for the tour, with meetings
that included information on payment
deadlines, airlines, tour buses, visas,
passports, roommates, and meals. On
the tour, Bishop Malzaire, Jacqueline,
and Mrs. Younis informed us of our
daily schedules after our morning and
evening prayers together. The Bishops
prayed with us at each meal, before and
after.
Bishop Kenneth Richards, though
he never knew us before, fit in quite well.
He attempted the Kneeling Penitence
with us. He took turns preaching the
homilies. He climbed the mountain
Gargas with us. He often kept up the
group rear, giving assistance: be it
lugging extra suitcases, pushing a
wheelchair, or giving a word of comfort,
laughter, or wisdom and, only in my
case, open confession, besides being,
by his admirable height, my lighthouse
everytime I could not locate my fellow
pilgrims!).
Last, but not least, and really
amazing was the truly chic â la française
Mme Germaine Toussaint, who, though
older than us, was able to tour with us
at her own pace. She only missed what
she evidently couldn’t handle: example:
the mountain climbing and the Kneeling
Penitence. .
21
OUR CATHOLIC WORLD
The Pilgrimage to Our Lady of La Salette
The Holy Father Speaks to Youth
“Go and make disciples of all nations!” (cf. Mt 28:19)
Become Christ’s disciples
lead other young people to friendship with him.
his missionary vocation comes to you for another
I encourage you to think of the gifts you have
reason as well, and that is because it is necessary received from God so that you can pass them on to
for our personal journey in faith. Blessed John Paul others in turn. Learn to reread your personal history. Be
II wrote that “faith is strengthened when it is given to conscious of the wonderful legacy passed down to you
others!” (Redemptoris Missio, 2). When you proclaim the from previous generations. So many faith-filled people
Gospel, you yourselves grow
have been courageous in
as you become more deeply
handing down the faith
rooted in Christ and mature
in the face of trials and
as Christians. Missionary
incomprehension. Let us
commitment is an essential
never forget that we are
dimension of faith. We
links in a great chain of
cannot be true believers if
men and women who have
we do not evangelize. The
transmitted the truth of
proclamation of the Gospel
the faith and who depend
can only be the result of the
on us to pass it on to
joy that comes from meeting
others. Being a missionary
Christ and finding in him the
presupposes knowledge of
rock on which our lives can
this legacy, which is the
be built. When you work to
faith of the Church. It is
help others and proclaim the
necessary to know what
Gospel to them, then your
you believe in, so that you
own lives, so often fragmented because of your many can proclaim it. As I wrote in the introduction to the
activities, will find their unity in the Lord. You will also YouCat, the catechism for young people that I gave you
build up your own selves, and you will grow and mature at World Youth Day in Madrid, “you need to know your
in humanity.
faith with that same precision with which an IT specialist
What does it mean to be a missionary? Above all, it knows the inner workings of a computer. You need to
means being a disciple of Christ. It means listening ever understand it like a good musician knows the piece he
anew to the invitation to follow him and look to him: is playing. Yes, you need to be more deeply rooted in the
“Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” faith than the generation of your parents so that you
(Mt 11:29). A disciple is a person attentive to Jesus’ can engage the challenges and temptations of this time
word (cf. Lk 10:39), someone who acknowledges that with strength and determination” (Foreword).
Jesus is the Teacher who has loved us so much that he
More to come in the next issue of Our Catholic
gave his life for us. Each one of you, therefore, should Community. .
let yourself be shaped by God’s word every day. This will Excerpt from the Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for
make you friends of the Lord Jesus and enable you to the twenty-eighth World Youth Day 2013
T
Portsmouth Catholic Youth Movement
By Fr. Herman Sharplis
fter several attempts to reorganize the Catholic as Pastor and Spiritual Director of the youths. The
Youth Movement in Portsmouth, a new group was youths continue to demonstrate a deep interest and
launched on Sunday 23rd December, 2012 during commitment to Church life. They are involved in the
the 8:00 a.m. Mass at Portsmouth.
liturgy as every fourth Sunday in
The forty-five member strong
the month is Youth Mass.
group includes youths from age
They have also demonstrated
twelve to eighteen years. The group
good stewardship by raising funds
which started in September has
for their group t-shirts. Over a
grown over the past three months.
two month period, the youths
They made a great impact with
undertook car washes, hiking and
their presence at the celebration of
seeking assistance for the funds to
Christ the King on November 25th.
purchase the t-shirts.
This New Year the youths will
The celebration which took place
focus on several faith development
in Portsmouth was for the Western
programmes like the CHOICE
Vicariate. The youths of that
Vicariate put on a major presentation entitled ‘Hailing games, Anchor and other programmes.
They meet every Friday at the church hall for
Christ our King’.
The group coordinators are Mrs. Bethude Azille different activities and meetings.
The group aim is to go on for many years. .
and Miss Frederica James, with Fr. Herman Sharplis
A
22
From the Office of the Diocesan Youth Secretariat
1. Why start a Youth Group
For many parishes the most effective way to minister
to young people is to set up a youth group. This allows
young people to gather with others to search, discover and
celebrate what it means to be a young Catholic today. It
may be that a number of groups may be needed to meet the
needs of the young people in a parish. Key questions to ask
are: Who is the group for? Why is this group important?
What do we want from this group?
2. What will this group do?
Through our baptism, we are called as members of the
Church to greater holiness and to spread the Good News.
Setting up a youth group will allow young people to become
involved in activities that revolve around the Catholic faith
whilst providing support and social networks for them. Key questions to ask are: Do we provide activities that
revolve around the Catholic faith? How do we support the
young people? How are we connecting young people to
parish life?
3. What is the target age group?
When starting a youth group it is very important to
establish the age level you hope to work with. Young people
fall into many different categories, the word “youth” or
“young person” can apply to all ages between 10 and 35!
There is a vast difference in the needs and life experience of
the different age groups. You might look to start a number
of groups to meet the different needs of the various age
groups.
4. Gathering support in the parish.
It is important to realise that the responsibility for young
people cannot be left to a handful of volunteers in the
parish. The whole community has a role to play— the
saying “It takes a village to raise a child” applies here.
Getting a team of adults who are keen and motivated as well
as having the time and energy can sometimes be difficult.
In recruiting volunteers it is wise to look at what gifts and
skills they have and seek to utilise these. Don’t worry that
there may not be enough “young adults” to help. Older and
wiser heads are just as important.
5. What do the young people want to do?
By this stage you will probably have some idea as to what
you would want the group to do. It is important that you
ask the young people what they would like to see happen.
This gives the young people a voice and “ownership” of the
group. There are a variety of ways of consulting with young
people.
• Call a meeting
• Needs Assessment Questionnaire
• Listen to the needs of young people
• Empower the young people
• Allow for greater ownership by the young people
• Make consultation a part of the regular evaluation
and planning process
6. Developing a programme of events
Once you have done all the previous steps you will be ready
to put together a programme. It is good to get a balance of
activities:
• Prayer
• Social
• Study (learning about the faith)
• Service
Back cover photos by Kassim Lewis
Another way to think about developing activities is to think
of 4Fs - Faith, Fellowship, Fun and Food!
Look to make links to what is already happening in the
parish. The youth group should be a place where the
members grow in their faith and in parish life while still
participating in the wider community.
7. When and how often to meet?
It is best to discuss as a group how often you will meet. This
might be monthly, fortnightly or weekly. Remember that
young people have many calls on their time so it is important
to try and get agreements regarding commitment. Be aware
of the other commitments of the young people – school,
social, sports. Look for consistency in meeting, e.g. if you
are meeting monthly choose an easy remembered date first Friday. Make sure you have enough leaders to cover
all of the sessions so that they do not feel overstretched.
Put together a termly plan and don’t forget to look at what
may be happening locally and at a Diocesan level.
8. Promoting the group in the parish
Advertising the group to a wider audience brings many
benefits. It helps attract new people but also tells people
that youth are active in the life of the community. Here are
some ways to advertise:
• Regular announcements in the parish bulletin
• Posters
• Personal invitation (face to face, phone calls)
• Website (either a youth site or part of the parish
website)
• Email/Text
• Social networking group
• Advertise in local schools
• Encourage the young people to spread the word
amongst their friends.
9. Resources and contacts
One of the best resources for youth work is the parish
community. What gifts and talents do the leaders have?
Who can you approach in the parish? What groups meet
locally? Are there any ecumenical links? The Diocesan
Youth office also contains a wealth on resources for youth
group leaders. Please contact us for help in planning your
activities: youth @dioceseofroseau.org
10. Building for the future
• Remember that youth ministry is not a one man
or woman show!
• Identify and recruit potential leaders—encourage
the young people to take on leadership roles.
• Encourage training/formation of leaders , The
Diocesan Youth office can assist with training.
• Remember to keep parents involved.
• Share good news stories, write to the local media
with pictures.
• Young People—always be on the lookout for new
members.
• Parish – Clergy, Pastoral Councils, Finance
Committees—Make sure they are on board. Let
them know what is happening.
• Review and evaluate on a regular basis
o What is working?
o What needs to be done? .
*Adapted from the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth, UK Youth
Ministry Department
23
Starting a Youth Group - A 10 Point Plan *
Our Catholic Community
Magazine
Budding
Writers &
Photographers
Workshops
Are Here Again...
Budding Writers Workshop: Saturday 23rd February 2012
Budding Photographers Workshop: Saturday 9th March 2012
both at the Diocesan Pastoral Center from 9:00 a.m.
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Convent High School’s ‘Little B’ Calypso Competition
T
Kaele Benjamin
Amber
Johnson
Elizabeth Duveney
he Convent High School’s Music
department held it’s annual Calypso
competition on 15th December, 2012
at the C.H.S. Auditorium. There were three
segments to this show: Calypso, Jingle &
Idol. The three 3rd forms competed for the
Calypso and the Jingle’s titles.
AMBER JOHNSON won the CALYPSO
crown segment with a number entitled ‘A
Student’s Life’. ELIZABETH DUVENEY won
the Idol segment with a number entitled
‘I’ll Be There’. KAELE BENJAMIN was the
2nd Runner-Up of the Idol segment with a
number entitled ‘Someone Like You’.
The Idol Competition was open to
all students of the school and through an
elimination process, the final eight were
chosen to perform on the calypso night.
The winner of the Calypso segment will
be participating in the Junior Monarch
competition in February. .

dominica catholic radio officially launched

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