Bahama Catholic - March 2015

MARCH/ APRIL 2015

2 SEASON OFEaster Reflection by Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG (Colossians 3:1) Living in the newness of life and seeking what is above indicates life in the light of the resurrection. Let us remember that at the beginning of Lent, in our preparation for Easter we were invited to undertake a journey of conversion. The words of the Prophet Joel from Ash Wednesday were very striking and very instruc- tive as well. It is well for us to keep them in mind. The Prophet says to us:Lent is now over and Easter is here. Easter is the cen- On Holy Saturday, April 4th, 2015, \"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your ter of our Liturgical calendar. The Celebration of Archbishop Pinder celebrated Easter Vigil whole heart, with fasting, and weeping and mourning. Easter, which is a Feast an Octave and a Season, Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to thebrings us back to the foundation of our faith. It takes us Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Lord, your God. For gracious is he, slow to anger, rich inback to how it all began. It is essential for us to return to Archbishop is shown blessing the fire and kindness and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he willthis Feast each year to remember what it is that we from that fire, the Paschal Candle is lit and again relent and leave behind him a blessing.\" (Joel 2:12believe and why we believe it. With the celebration of 14a)Easter we return the very source of the strength and the blessed. The Paschal candle symbolizeshope that is within us. Christ, the Light of the World. \"Rend your hearts, not your garments\" says Joel. These words echo those of the First Book of Samuel From the liturgy of Easter Sunday we have words and shadows in this mortal existence. which says: \"Not as man sees does God see, becausefrom the Acts of Apostles where Peter reports how: Jesus man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the\"...went about doing good and healing all those At Easter, we celebrate what Peter was speaking heart.\" (I Samuel 16:7)oppressed by the devil for God was with him . They about when he says \"God raised Him on the third day.\"put him to death by hanging him on a tree. Yet.... \"God We celebrate nothing less than the resurrection of Jesus The call to conversion at the beginning of Lentraised him on the third day ....\" (Acts 10:37ff) from the dead. and the call to live in the newness of life at the start of the Easter season remind us of who we are and what we are That is a basic, fundamental even primitive We share in that resurrection by our very own to be doing. Paul reminds us that we are to be dead to sinexpression of our Christian faith. It is the bedrock upon baptism. Sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus and alive for God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:11)which we place all our hope. It is the foundation upon Christ is the way we understand our baptism. As St Paulwhich we build all our values. It is the cornerstone for all says: From time to time we all find ourselves on inti-the meaning and purpose and motivation for good that is mate terms with sin in one form or another. We need toours in this life. It is the source for the expectation we \"Are you unaware that we who were baptized remember that sin has personal consequences for us.have for the fullness of life of which we have only hints into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were More than that, living in a community as we all do, sin indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so has social consequences as well. Our selfishness, our that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory dishonesty, our unfaithfulness and our prejudice all have of the Father, we too might live in the newness of life.\" consequences which reach beyond us. These conse- (Romans 6: 3 4) quences have effects within the community in which we live. Indeed they impact the quality of our life together. Continuing that same thought, the second read- When we steal someone has to pay for it. If we are rude ing for Easter Sunday which is taken from Colossians says and disrespectful someone is offended by it. Indeed, our this: sinful actions have effects beyond ourselves. Our individ- ual actions have social consequences. \"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.\" Continued on page 3

3Easter Reflecton - Continued from page 2 The foundation for our values, our meanings, our “Easter continues our call to con- hope and our community building is our Easter version. It is our call to good- Likewise, the good we do has effects faith. ness. It is the call which awak-beyond our selves. An act of kindness, a word of ens in us the most noble aspectsencouragement or challenge or even rebuke when Easter continues our call to conversion. It is of our nature. The Easter procla-necessary may each have an effect beyond our our call to goodness. It is the call which awakens in mation declares: \"Jesus Christexpectations. The awareness and willingness to rec- us the most noble aspects of our nature. The Easter our King is risen!\" With him roseognize a person in emotional distress may well avert proclamation declares: \"Jesus Christ our King is all our hope. With him rose oura tragedy. The bad and the good in us affect those risen!\" With him rose all our hope. With him rose desire to carry on despite all thearound us. Our individual actions have social con- our desire to carry on despite all the distractions and distractions and disappoint-sequences. disappointments and doubt which may encircle us ments and doubt which may in the course of any given day. ”encircle us in the course of any We are reminded on this very special feast given day.that: We were indeed buried with [Christ] though Easter is, above all else a joyful season. Thebaptism in his death, so that, just as Christ was season lasts for fifty days. It ends at Pentecost. Toraised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we appreciate the joyful nature of this season is to grasptoo might live in the newness of life.\" (Romans 6:3 what the scripture refers to when it announces that11) Christ our life, our light and our hope, rose from the dead. May the newness of life which Easter Again we are reminded: \"If then you were announces come to abide in our hearts and fromraised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ there work its graceful and positive influence on ouris seated with God's right hand. Think of what is lives, our families, our community and our world.above...\" (Colossians 3:1 4) Blessed Easter Our task is to affect those around us for thegood always. In that way we build our community.Pope Francis declares a Holy Year of Mercy(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis presided over a penance serv- The Gospel we have heard (cf. Lk 7:36-50) opensice in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday March 13th, 2015, during for us a path of hope and comfort. It is good that we shouldwhich he announced an extraordinary Jubilee dedicated to feel that same compassionate gaze of Jesus upon us, asDivine Mercy. Below, please find Vatican Radio's English when he perceived the sinful woman in the house of thetranslation of the Holy Father's homily, in which he made the Pharisee. In this passage two words return before us withannouncement. great insistence: love and judgment. **************************************** and understood notwithstanding our miseries. Coming out There is the love of the sinful woman, who hum- This year as last, as we head into of the Fourth of the confessional, we will feel God’s strength, which bles herself before the Lord; but first there is the mercifulSunday of Lent, we are gathered to celebrate the penitential restores life and returns the enthusiasm of faith. love of Jesus for her, which pushes her to approach. Her cryliturgy. We are united with so many Christians, who, in of repentance and joy washes the feet of the Master, and herevery part of the world, have accepted the invitation to live hair dries them with gratitude; her kisses are pure expressionthis moment as a sign of the goodness of the Lord. The of her affection; and the fragrant ointment poured out withSacrament of Reconciliation, in fact, allows us with confi- abundance attests how precious He is to her eyes. Thisdence to draw near to the Father, in order to be certain of woman’s every gesture speaks of love and expresses herHis pardon. He really is “rich in mercy” and extends His desire to have an unshakeable certainty in her life: that ofmercy with abundance over those who turn to Him with a being forgiven. And Jesus gives this assurance: welcomingsincere heart. her, He demonstrates God’s love for her, just for her! Love and forgiveness are simultaneous: God forgives her much, To be here in order to experience His love, howev- everything, because “she loved much” (Luke 7:47); and sheer, is first of all the fruit of His grace. As the Apostle Paul adores Jesus because she feels that in Him there is mercyreminds us, God never ceases to show the richness of His and not condemnation. Thanks to Jesus, God casts her manymercy throughout the ages. The transformation of the heart sins away behind Him, He remembers them no more (cf. Isthat leads us to confess our sins is “God's gift”, it is “His 43:25). For her, a new season now begins; she is reborn inwork” (cf. Eph 2:8-10). To be touched with tenderness by His love, to a new life. - Continued on page 8hand and shaped by His grace allows us, therefore, toapproach the priest without fear for our sins, but with thecertainty of being welcomed by him in the name of God,

4 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE CHRISM MASS here the Archbishop blesses three oils - the Oil of Catechumens, the oil of the Sick and Holy Chrism, which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year. Deacon Gregory Taylor (pictured below) brought up the Oil of The Sick and Deacons Frank Tremblay and Jeffrey Hollingsworth brought up the Oils of the Catechumens and The Holy Chrism during the Chrism Mass on March 25th, 2015.ASH WEDNESDAY marks the beginning of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection and fasting whichprepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Fr. Glen Nixon is shown above imposing ashes onArchbishop Pinder during the Ash Wednesday Midday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.Christmas is Easter! Merry Christmas! He is Risen! Afew years ago, on Saturday – imagine Holy Week for Mary. awe as Palm Sunday happens, crowds are shouting Hosanna the Saturday before and laying their cloaks and palm branches before Him as He Easter I was taking Mary has had quite the life at this point. As a teen enters Jerusalem. Here it is, the angel’s prophecy is becom- a walk and as I passed a she has the vision of an angel at the Annunciation. She lives ing a reality. local church I decided to through Joseph deciding whether or not to divorce her qui- stop in. It was Holy etly and then, he has a dream, and he believes! They travel Then, just a few days later there’s a knock on her Saturday and in every to Bethlehem and Jesus is born. The Magi appear with gold, door – He’s been arrested. Arrested! There must be some Catholic Church in the frankincense and myrrh. Joseph has another dream and they mistake. She runs to the prison, and there He is, beaten, world, the Blessed flee to Egypt. They live as refugees in Egypt until, on the bloody, wearing a crown of thorns and the crowd shouting Sacrament has been basis of another dream, Joseph packs up his young family Crucify Him! Imagine Mary as He takes up His cross, as taken and moved out of and returns to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph raise their son they hammer the nails, as He breathes His last. Imagine the church, to a small together, then on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem – they lose Him! Mary on Holy Saturday – He is in the tomb. She sits in John’sBy Deacon Frank Tremblay chapel or other location Imagine the three days they spend retracing their steps, kitchen with a cup of tea and wonders at it all. As I sat in out of the main church, imagine the anguish after all this to not know where He is – that empty church on Holy Saturday I could picture Marythe altar is stripped, the tabernacle is left empty. Jesus was and then to find Him in the temple, in the midst of the rab- asking God “What are you doing?” Mary knew the promisearrested on Holy Thursday, crucified on Good Friday, He has bis. Mary watches as He grows into a man, she sees His of the Annunciation was real, Mary knew that all she hadbeen taken from us – and so on Holy Saturday the taberna- ministry begin, she witnesses the miracle of water into wine, witnessed couldn’t end like this. “What are you doing?”cle is empty and the church waits in silence. she watches as the crowds begin to build, she hears His Easter morning there would be another knock on her door teachings, and she sees the healings. with the answer to her question. The promise of the Now that I have set the scene let me continue my Annunciation was Easter!story. I walk into the church and sit, and I am praying before Mary recalls the angel at the Annunciation sayingthe empty tabernacle. It was Saturday, and as I reflect about that her son would be great, He would be called the Son of The reason we celebrate Christmas is Easter! MerryJesus, crucified, in the tomb, the image that came to me was the Most High, He would be given the throne of David, and Christmas! He is Risen!totally unexpected – it was Mary. Imagine Mary on Holy of His kingdom there would be no end. Then she stands in

5Midday Lenten Reflections - During the season of Good Friday, commemorates the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. From the earliest days of Christianity, no Mass is celebrated; instead, the ChurchLent, Fr. Eugene Hensell, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Abbey celebrates a special liturgy in which the account of the Passion according to thegave a series of daily talks from The Gospel of Mark at Sacred Gospel of John is read, a series of intercessory prayers (prayers for special intentions)Heart Church. are offered, and the faithful venerate the Cross by coming forward and kissing it. Shown above is Oricia Clarke of St. Joseph Parish. - photo by Portia RobinsonEASTER VIGIL- Deacon Samuel Mitchell assisted by Andy Charles-Antoine and Tevin Pratt (altar servers) protect the flame received from the Paschal candleas they prepare to “pass on” the Light of Christ to parishioners. Right photo shows Sharon Sands, RCIA Coordinator, lighting Emily Murray’s (sponsor) candle asStanley Wielgosz (catechumen) and Kyle Kerr (catechumen) looks on.HOLY SATURDAY dles, culminating in the lighting of candles held by the then referred to as the elect during Lent) are baptized and entire congregation. Throughout the Easter season, con- confirmed, and in certain circumstances, baptized mem-The Easter Vigil is held after nightfall on Holy Saturday. It is cluding seven Sundays later with Pentecost, the Paschal bers of other Christian denominations are received into fullthe first Easter Mass to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from candle is lit during Mass. communion with the Catholic Church (called candidates orthe dead, the most important feast in the church’s liturgical candidates for full communion) and confirmed. At thisyear. Unlike most Masses, the Easter Vigil features up to nine Mass, the newly initiated receive their First Communion. Scripture readings- six more than on major feasts and sevenIn the Catholic Church, the Easter Vigil begins with a more than on lesser feasts or weekday Masses with no feast. Whether or not new catechumens are baptized and con-Service of the Light that starts outside or just within the main Also during the Easter Vigil, following the celebrant’s homi- firmed, or candidates are admitted to full communion, thisentrance the church. The Easter fire is lit in a brazier; then ly, baptismal water is blessed for use in the church through- is a service at which all Catholics renew their baptismalthe Paschal candle, a tall candle inscribed with the cross out the year. vows and are sprinkled with holy water.and other Christian symbols is blessed by the Archbishopand lit from the Easter fire. In a procession into the church, Following this blessing, previously unbaptized youth orthe flame from the Paschal candle is passed on to other can- adult converts to Catholic Christianity (called catechumens,

6MEET THE CHURCH’S NEWEST CATHOLICS - top photo: Catechumens and Candidates of St. -Photos by Jeanie McLeanFrancis Xavier Cathedral gathered before start of Easter Vigil Service. They are: JeronamoRomer (Catechumen), Jacqueline Taylor (Candidate), Stanley Weilgose (Catechumen), Yunelis Altar of ReposeMartinez-Lightbourne, (Catechumen) Kyle Kerr (Catechumen), Kniki Davis-Gardiner(Candidate) and C. Ron Armbrister (Candidate). The altar of repose is an altar where theRight photo: Long Island’s newest Catholics - Fr. Gregory Lyttle, a visiting priest, along with Communion hosts consecrated on MaundyDeacon Patrick Darville and Jeanie McLean conducted \"customized\" CCD classes every Thursday during the Mass of the Lord's Supper areMonday for the past year preparing five children from The Church of the Assumption( Dunmore placed, or \"reserved\", for use on the following day,Town, Long Island) for Baptism and on Sunday, April 12th, 2015, Nakita Taylor, Donnell Taylor, Good Friday.It is prescribed that the altar of reposeWaniqua Watson, Donovan Taylor, and Andy MacIntosh were baptized and welcomed into the be in the church other than the one where Mass isChurch. celebrated. In the Mass on Holy Thursday two hosts are consecrated; after the consumption of the first, the second Host is placed in a chalice, which is covered with a pall and inverted paten; over the whole is placed a white veil, tied with a ribbon. This remains on the corporal in the centre of the altar until the end of Mass, when it is carried in solemn procession to the altar of repose, there to remain in the tabernacle or in an urn placed in a prominent position above the altar. Individual churches vie with one another in rendering these altars of repose with their respective chapels ornate in the extreme, with rich hangings, beautiful flow- ers, and numerous lights. - New Advent

7 24 hour for the Lord “God Rich In Mercy”The Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Nassau joined with investment agency on April 29.the Catholic faithful around the world on March 12th, to celebrate 24Hours for The Lord under the theme, “God Rich in Mercy” (Ephesians 4. “…when the door starts closing a bit because of our weakness and2:4) with twenty-four hours of Eucharistic Devotion and the opportu- sins, confession reopens it.”nity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It took place at St.Francis Xavier Cathedral from 12 midnight on Thursday, March 12 5. “I can’t be baptized two or three or four times, but I can go to con-and ended at 12 midnight on Friday, March 13, 2015. fession, and when I go to confession, I renew that grace of baptism,” the pope said at his general audience on 13 November 2013.Inspired by the 2012 Synod on the New Evangelisation, the themechosen this year by the Holy Father is a reminder that the Sacrament 6. It’s not a torture chamber where you’ll be raked over the coals.of Reconciliation is at the heart of the Church's mission of evangeli-sation and will guide the reflection for this year is God rich in mercy 7. Confession is an encounter with Jesus whose “mercy motivates us(Eph 2:4). to do better.”Below are some of Pope Francis’ memorable quotes about why 8. It’s not a psychiatric session that neglects the question of sin or aCatholics should go to Confession: mental email to God that avoids the face-to-face encounter with the Lord through the priest.1. Confession helps people feel shame for the wrong they have doneand embraces them with God’s love so that they know they are for- 9. The sincere and humble admission of one’s weaknesses, of havinggiven and can go out strengthened in the battle to avoid sin in the “a sliver of Satan in my flesh,” shows that the power of salvationfuture. comes from God, not oneself,” Pope Francis said in a morning homi- ly on 14 June 2013.2. “But if a person, whether a layperson, priest or sister, goes to con-fession and converts, the Lord forgives. And when the Lord forgives, 10. Confession “is going to praise God, because I — the sinner —he forgets. This is important.” have been saved by him,” who always waits and always forgives “with tenderness.”3. The confessional is not a dry cleaners, a business of sorts that’s justwashes out the stain of sin, the pope said to members of the Vatican’s

8 SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Jay Cartwright Jay Cartwright was among the twenty-three priesthood students from Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology (St. Meinard, Indiana) to receive the Ministry of Lector on February 19th, 2015, in the Seminary’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. Archbishop Joseph Tobin, of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, installed the lectors. The ministry of lector is conferred upon those who prepare and proclaim readings from Scripture at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A lector also may recite psalms between the readings and present the intentions for the general intercessions. Jay is pic- tured second from the right Congratulations Jay !!!Pope Francis declares a Holy Year of MercyContinued from page 3 one, to whom the master forgave most.” And Jesus does God at its center. It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy. We not fail to make him observe: “Thou hast judged right- want to live this Year in the light of the Lord's words:This woman has really met the Lord. In silence, she ly. (Lk 7:43)” Only when the judgment of Simon is “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (cf. Lkopened her heart to Him; in pain, she showed repen- turned toward love: then is he in the right. 6:36)”tance for her sins; with her tears, she appealed to thegoodness of God for forgiveness. For her, there will be The call of Jesus pushes each of us never to stop at the This Holy Year will begin on this coming Solemnity ofno judgment except that which comes from God, and surface of things, especially when we are dealing with the Immaculate Conception and will end on Novemberthis is the judgment of mercy. The protagonist of this a person. We are called to look beyond, to focus on the 20, 2016, the Sunday dedicated to Our Lord Jesusmeeting is certainly the love that goes beyond justice. heart to see how much generosity everyone is capable. Christ, King of the Universe – and living face of the No one can be excluded from the mercy of God; every- Father’s mercy. I entrust the organization of this JubileeSimon the Pharisee, on the contrary, cannot find the one knows the way to access it and the Church is the to the Pontifical Council for Promotion of the Newpath of love. He stands firm upon the threshold of for- house that welcomes all and refuses no one. Its doors Evangelization, that [the dicastery] might animate it asmality. He is not capable of taking the next step to go remain wide open, so that those who are touched by a new stage in the journey of the Church on its missionmeet Jesus, who brings him salvation. Simon limited grace can find the certainty of forgiveness. The greater to bring to every person the Gospel of mercy.himself to inviting Jesus to dinner, but did not really the sin, so much the greater must be the love that thewelcome Him. In his thoughts, he invokes only justice, Church expresses toward those who convert. I am convinced that the whole Church will find in thisand in so doing, he errs. His judgment on the woman Jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitfuldistances him from the truth and does not allow him Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought about the mercy of God, with which all of us are called toeven to understand who guest is. He stopped at the sur- how the Church might make clear its mission of being give consolation to every man and woman of our time.face, he was not able to look to the heart. Before Jesus’ a witness to mercy. It is journey that begins with a spir- From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to theparable and the question of which a servant would love itual conversion. For this reason, I have decided to call Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon ushis master most, the Pharisee answered correctly, “The an extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the mercy of and watch over our journey.

9Happy AnniversarySister Cecilia Albury, OSB Sister Agatha Hunt, OSB Sister Mary Benedict Pratt, OSB - 60 yrs- - 60 yrs - - 55yrs -Journey to vocation Journey to vocation Journey to vocation Sister Cecilia was born Pauline Margaret Winifred grew up dedicated to daily prayer Father Cornelius Osendorf, OSB, Sister’sAlbury and an Anglican. But fully attracted to the with her family and regular attendance at Mass. parish priest was elated to perceive what appeared toCatholic Church from a young girl, Sister Cecilia was During her teenage years, her father and Father be a religious vocation in the young girl and encour-baptized into the faith on January 10, 1952 and con- Nicholas Kremer, her parish priest, introduced her to aged it. He wrote her father, who objected initially,firmed on February 2nd of that same year. religious life. In fact, it was her father who chose her, though his wife was fully prepared to support herAdditionally, she entered St. Martin Convent on as the child whom he felt would dedicate her life to daughter in whatever choice she made. It was herSeptember 15, 1952. On March 19, 1953 she serve God and the Church. At eighteen, she applied brother, Vincent Pratt, who persuaded their father toentered the novitiate. Her first vows were pro- for entry to St. Martin Convent and was received on allow the young girl to follow her heart. She enterednounced in 1955 and final in 1960. September 16th and made her first vows on March St. Martin Convent on September 8, 1955. 29, 1955 and pronounced final vows in 1960.Quick Facts Quick Facts Quick FactsDate of Birth: July 20, 1936 Date of Birth: February 16, 1937Place: Harbour Island, Bahamas Date of Birth: September 2, 1933 Place: Clarence Town, Long IslandHobbies: Singing, gardening, Crafts Place: United Estates, San Salvador Hobbies: crossword puzzles, historical novelsFavourite food: fish, pumpkin & rice, potato salad, Hobbies: walking and spending time at the beach Favourite food: steam mutton & blackeye peas andconch salad, cabbage slaw Favourite food: peas & rice, crawfish and chicken rice, and German chocolate cakeColor: blue, charcoal gray Color: blue and lime green Color: BlueHymn: “Gentle Woman” and “Ave Maria” Hymn: “Come to the Water” Hymn: “Only this I Want” and “I have Loved you”Scripture: “I can do all things through Him, who Scripture: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, Scripture: Ps. 27- “The Lord is my light and mystrengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) whom should I fear?”…Ps. 27 Salvation; whom shall I fear?”…

10St. Joseph’s Day Care Centre Sr. Cecilia Albury: It’s a job that keeps me energized and lifts my spiritIt is the joy in their eyes, their smiles, Sister said. greeted by staff members on duty. Morning dancing or singing with them that has Praise takes place from 8:45 -9:15 am, “we kept Sr. Cecilia Albury, OSB going for the Lately Sister’s spirits has not been so “high”. sing hymns and I usually play the piano.”past eleven years as Director of St. Joseph’s In recent months, there has been a decline Prayers are followed by a time of sharing orDay Care Centre. in enrollment. She encourages those fami- reminiscing, after which we begin our lies with elderly parents or loved ones to group exercise routine.Sister Cecilia, Director of the Centre has take advantage of the Day Care Centre.loved and cared for the elderly from its Family members who provide the care areinception on October 4th, 2004. “Just adult children or spouses, and do so underlooking into their eyes and seeing the joy various kinds of difficulties – balancingthat radiates when they are given attention their immediate families, full time jobs etc.is the most rewarding part of the job. “It “Our Centre can help relieve this stress andkeeps me energized and lifts my spirit,” strain,’’ Sister said. The Day Care provides supervised atten- At about 10: 30 a.m. a snack time followed tion, planned activities and health services. by crafts and/or activities. Our Mission, according to Sister, is to pro- Lunch, usually eaten at 12:30 p.m., is gen- vide affordable services focusing on the erally followed by more games or active strengths and abilities of participants rather activities. “After lunch, we enjoy a rest peri- than illness. A team of caring professionals od. Some of the participants take a nap or including a certified nurse and eight volun- read. 2:30 p.m. is story-telling time fol- teers provide the compassionate services, lowed by afternoon snack and evening we offer to our elderly. praise. Sometimes instead of singing, we would listen to music until time to leave DAILY ACTIVITIES the centre,” says Sister. FEES & HOURS A typical day at the Adult Care starts Weekly fees are $20.00 and monthly is between 10.00 -10:30 during which time $85.00 (fees includes the hot meals and the participants arrive and are received and snacks). St. Joseph’s Day Care Centre is open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sister noted that, caring for the elderly can be challenging, particularly if a loved one is resistant to care and offers this advise for families: •be understanding•patient• gentle • include them in whatever family is doing. TO BE ENROLLED persons must be: • sixty years • able to move about independently, •in control of bladder and bowels •able to participate in-group conversations. Sister Cecilia invites you to visit the facility on Boyd Road Or call at 242.325.2740 for more information

11…Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant – Matthew 20:26 The Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG Archbishop of Nassau Announces the Diaconate Ordination of: Harold Braynen * Michael Checkley * Ricardo Demeritte * Donald Duncombe, William Fielding * Peter Jones * Danny Price * D’Arcy Rahming * Keith Roberts Tuesday, June 9th, 2015 St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill Street at 7:30 p.m. DID YOU KNOW? • Permanent deacons are men ordained to an office in the Catholic Church who normally have no intention or desire of becoming priests. He can be single ormarried. If the latter, he must be married before being ordained a deacon. If his wife dies before him, he may be ordained a priest if the bishop permits andapproves.• Permanent deacons, especially those who are married, have secular jobs to support their families and also help the local pastor by visiting the sick, teaching thefaith, counseling couples and individuals, working on parish committees and councils, and giving advice to the pastor.•Transitional deacons are seminarians, students in the last phase of training for the Catholic priesthood. After being a deacon for a year, they’re ordained a priestby the bishop.•Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily.

12Lenten Mission HighlightsOur annual Citywide Lenten Mission was a time of renewal of our relationship withGod and each other. This year’s theme, “Formed by the Word of God ( John 17:17)– What does it mean? was preached by Bahamian, Mr. Vaughn Treco, a convert toCatholicism from Evangelical Protestantism and a priest aspirant with the PersonalOrdinariate of the Chair of St. Paul, Virginia, USA. He enlightened the faithful eachnight as he preached on topics including: Formed by the Incarnate Word, Formedwith Fullness, Formed for Friendship, Formed for Reconciliation and on the finalnight, Formed for Freedom.The Mission took place February 23-27, nightly at Loyola Hall.

13Candidates for Permanent Diaconate Instituted in Ministry of AcolyteOn Friday February 27th, nine men in the permanent diaconate program wereinstituted by Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder in the ministry of Acolyte. The ritestook place during the Lenten Misson closing Mass.The 9 men who are now Acolytes are: • William Fielding, St. Paul the Apostle Church • Ricardo Demeritte, St. Anselm’s Church • Harold Braynen, Christ The King, Cargill Creek, Andros • Danny Price, St. Cecilia’s Church • Peter Jones, St. Cecilia’s Church • Michael Checkley, Holy Name Church, Bimini • Donald Duncombe, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Grand Bahama • Keith Roberts, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral • D’Arcy Rahming, St. Anselm’s Church After receiving The Ministry of Acolyte the man able to assist at the tableof the Lord during liturgy as well as to handle and purify sacred vessels. Keith Roberts, St. Francis Xavier CathedralHarold Braynen, Christ The King, Cargill Creek, Andros William Fielding, St. Paul the Apostle Church

14 Leviticus Adderley Scholarship Foundation launched at Gala banquetOn Saturday, February 7th, 2015, under the theme, “Upon These Rocks”, The Bahamas Alumni Association of Saint Benedict and SaintJohn’s officially launched the Leviticus AdderleyScholarship Foundation. He was also awarded TheColman J. Barry Award for Distinguished Contributionsto Religion and Society at a Gala Banquet in DeaconAdderley’s honour. Dr. Michael Hemesath, president ofSaint John’s University (SJU) and Dr. Mary Hinton, pres-ident of the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) visited TheBahamas to celebrate the occassion.The net proceeds from this event will be exclusively ear-marked for the Leviticus Adderley ScholarshipFoundation. Saint John’s University will match fundsraised by the alumni members’ contribution to the foun-dation. The Adderley family accepts the Colman J. Barry Award for Distinguished Contributions to Religion and Society for the late Deacon Leviticus Adderley. The Award was established by Saint John’s University in memory of Fr. Coleman, a Benedictine monk of St. John’s Abbey, Professor of History and the eighth president of Saint John’s University. From left to right, Daria Adderley (deacon’s youngest daughter), Mrs. Floridell Adderley (wife of the late Deacon) Dr. Michael Hemesath, president of Saint John’s University (SJU) and Deacon’s eldest daugh- ter, Mrs. Claire Adderley-Sands.Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG, was in attendance at the Banquet and said theopening prayer. Archbishop is shown above with Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Director ofCatholic Education and her husband. Bottom photo: Deacon Dennis & Mrs. Mackey andBasil Christie, immediate past president of the SJU Alumni Association. Gala Banquet Committee Members, from left to right: Renee Knowles, Laurie Dames and Taneisha Dean, president of CBS Alumnae Association Bahamas Chapter (standing).

15Teja Munnings, founder of \"Ribbons For Life\" is pictured second from The Performing Arts Department of St. Thomas More School, held a concert, entitled, \"Colours of Love\"right. on Feburary 28th, 2015, in partnership with \"Ribbons For Life\", founder Téja Munnings. Proceeds from the ribbons sales at the \"Colors Of Love Concert\" was donated to the Cancer Society and Catholic Education Fund. Teja is a sixth grade student who makes and sells ribbons to raise funds to help find a cure and to assist the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and people suffering from cancer. A special Assembly was held recently to present Mrs. Laverne Wildgoose from the Cancer Society and Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Director of Catholic Education with cheques.MSSCA teaches students value of prayer & giving Mary, Star of The Sea Catholic Academy student named Jr. Minister of TourismMaking contribution- to show sacrifice and humility the praise and prayer to God, our Heavenly Father and werestudents of the Academy collected pennies to assist those pleased to learn that worldwide the service was being mir- Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy’s, LaTess Bartlettin need leading up to The World Day of Prayer. rored,\" said Bevens-Hanna. won the Ministry of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition recently and was named Jr. Minister ofMary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy (MSSCA) \" Do you know what I have done for you,\" is the Tourism for Grand Bahama. LaTess has had a very suc- students gained a better understanding of the theme of WDP based on biblical text John 13:1-17. cessful year having achieved a Pacesetter Award from the importance of prayer and giving alms to the poor Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as she has her ownduring the recent 2015 World Day of Prayer (WDP) cere- Sacrifice and humility were the focus of both stu- company, ‘ChocoLaTess Island Delights,’ which has beenmony. dents and teachers participating in the prayer service said in operation for over a year. An Essay writer, LaTess Bevans-Hanna, who noted that leading up to the event, placed first and third respectively in the ‘Join Me On the According to Paula Bevans-Hanna, MSSCA vice everyone collected pennies to be offered up to help those Bridge’ and The Martin Luther King Essay Competition.principal, 'World Day of Prayer's was especially meaning- in need. LaTess (second from the left) is pictured above with MOTful this year to our students as the reflection was on The officials receiving prizes. Way to go LaTess !!!!Bahamas. \"Pennies are the least coin, which can be offered for the greater good and our students and teachers lined up \"Participating in a special prayer service in the to give the pennies they collected to help those in need.Wallace Groves Auditorium, students offered up worship, \" Prayer is a staple at MSSCA and this service pro- vided us with yet another opportunity together to exalt the name of Jesus and further demonstrate why it is imperative that we make prayer and giving alms a daily practice,\" said the vice principal. There was general agreement between teachers and students that the service was amazing, the parade of islands, the recitation of great Bahamian poetry, the echo- ing of Bahamian music and seeing our Bahamaland paint- ed with colors that reflected a rich and noble heritage root- ed in Christian principles and prayer. However, according to teacher Joanne Edgecombe-Cooper nothing compared to witnessing vice principal Bevans-Hanna exemplify John 13:1-17, by wash- ing the feet of MSSCA kindergarten students just as Jesus did for His disciples. - Submitted by Mary, Star of The Sea School

“Here I am Lord, I come to do Your Will” - (Hebrews 10:9) The Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG Archbishop of Nassau Announces the Diaconate Ordination of RICHARD CARTWRIGHT Wednesday May 20th, 2015 St. Francis Xavier Cathedral 7:30 p.m. West Hill Street