Bahama Catholic - September 2011

September/October 2011 Holy Family Church Groundbreaking Ceremony PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP The aftermath of Hurricane Irene August 30, 2011 Beloved in Christ, At this time we find ourselves in the aftermath of a hurricane. The days and weeks following the impact of a hurricane are often a time of recovery, restoration and an attempt to return to our normal way of life. It is often an unsettled and uncertain time. We are aware of the extent of the damage that was done by Hurricane Irene to pri- vate property and public infrastructure on some of our islands. We are also aware of how vulnerable we are in the face of one of nature’s most destructive forces. Still these are times when the gifts of faith and hope provide us with the light, the vision and the will to move forward, certain that God’s protective hand will lead us through these challenging days. These are times when we should be most mindful that we are our brothers and sis- ters keepers. We must remember that we stand together in solidarity in our moments of need. When one part of the body which is our Bahamian community is hurting, we all in some way share in the pain. The damage done to some of our churches, rectories and schools throughout the islands was real but not overwhelming. It has been our practice to encourage a cul- ture of preparation for hurricanes. We know so well that hurricanes are very much a fact of life in this part of the world which is our home.The new worship space for Holy Family Parish was officially launched on Sunday, As a part of our preparation, the Catholic Archdiocesan Annual Appeal provides aSeptember 4th by Archbishop Pinder. The new Church is expected to be completed in 18 disaster relief fund which will be used to assist persons and restore property. Thismonths. Father Thomas P. Brislin, CP, pastor, is pictured at right. fund will need to be supplemented. For that reason I am asking that a special col- lection be taken in each of our parishes on the weekend of September 10th and 11th, - Photo courtesy of Paulette Mortimer 2011. This collection is intended for the Archdiocesan Hurricane Irene Relief efforts.It’s Official! With the turn of a shovel for a new church for a long time now.” by Archbishop Patrick Pinder, “They are hardworking and dedicated to Last year we were spared hurricanes altogether. This year we were visited by the Archbishop of Nassau and Father the church –they have given their time, very first major hurricane of the season. We cannot predict when a storm will come or how much damage it will do. Our task is to remain prepared and remain hope-Thomas P. Brislin, CP, the new worship talent and treasure and I feel that all of ful, bearing in mind that the Lord whom we know and worship is the Lord who calmed the storm and left many amazed that even wind and sea obey him. (Markspace for Holy Family Parish was offi- this new space will be a wonderful 4:35-41)cially launched on Sunday, September reward, I feel good about everything,” The people of the city of New Orleans like us have been affected by hurricanes and have developed a firm and deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. They revere her4th. as Our Lady of Prompt Assistance (Succor) to those in peril and in great need. We pray for her to protect us as well. “The church building will certainly be May our Lord who calmed wind and sea and restored peace and harmony inExcited parishioners gathered on the site beautiful, however, Father noted that it is nature, restore peace in our hearts, our homes and our communities.after Mass to celebrate the groundbreak- the people who are the church and they Devotedly yours in Christ,ing ceremony kicking off the construc- are faithful good people. Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G. Archbishop of Nassaution, which, according to chairperson ofthe building committee, Mr. Winston From its humble beginnings in a rentalRolle, will be completed in 18 months. store on Minnie Street, the new church will be a state of the art structure onFather Thomas P. Brislin, CP, pastor, said Robinson Road.he feels thrilled. “The faithful parish- Continued on page 4ioners of Holy Family have been waiting

PAge 2Archbishop Independence AddressSpeaks sion, it is also necessary to ask whether we are losing the moral vision that is so essential to the perseveration of peace and freedom. Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD It is time to confront an uncomfortable truth. Today, lawlessness seems fashionableThe following is the address deliv ered by the Most Rev erend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G. in The Bahamas in ways small and great. In using our roads, many among us flaunt every traf-Archbishop of Nassas at the Ecumenical Serv ice on the occassion of the 38th Anniv ersary of fic law and every code of civility. The red light now appears only a suggestion and a sugges-Independence of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Fort Charlotte on July 9, 2011 tion that many ignore without the slightest twinge of conscience. For the rest of us, the green light has become the new caution, advising that we proceed at our own risk. But our trafficHonored Guests, Visitors, Friends, Fellow Bahamians: woes are merely symbolic of deeper ills. Independence Day in The Bahamas is always a time of celebration. It is often a time Every day we mark new departures from self-control and public order. It seems thatof junkanoo rushouts, music concerts, beach outings, eating and perhaps too much drinking. we are losing the quality of character to entertain rational discussion or simply to walk awayFortunately, we have had the wisdom to set aside time for religious observance and thanksgiv- when trouble threatens. It is no news that more and more Bahamians are using weapons, suching. Independence should also be a time, individually and nationally, for deep reflection on as knives and guns, as instruments of conflict resolution. Increasingly and distressingly, thisour reason for being and on our current realities and responsibilities, if we are to achieve our is even the case among schoolchildren. Is there any surprise that, seven months into the year,purpose and potential. our murder count has already exceeded the number for the same period last year? We Bahamians are truly blessed to be observing the 38th anniversary of our coun- Yet we Bahamians pride ourselves on being an enlightened and progressive societytry’s independence, and even with our present challenges, to be doing so essentially in peace. formed by a friendly, peace-loving and God-fearing people. It used to be abundantly so.Our theme –“United in Love and Service” – is a highly appropriate one. It is one of the key Today, some elements of this laudable character remain with us, held fast by a declining num-elements of our National Pledge of Allegiance. It is also indicative of what I will call a moral ber of extraordinary Bahamians in all social strata.vision. It should be noted that a moral vision is the foundation of peace and freedom, whichpersons of goodwill must ardently seek in this our homeland. Still, we are losing ground on freedom, losing our grip on peace and safety. I believe this dangerous downward spiral can be arrested, but solutions can only begin when we open On this occasion, we should be celebrating freedom. Freedom, after all, lies at the the window to the cold, bracing, yet refreshing wind of truth. Present societal conditions mayvery heart of independence. All Bahamians, each according to his or her conscience, should have much to do with the way we have pursued development in our country. We appear to havespend at least a moment in thanksgiving. For, as regards freedom, the Lord has blessed us forgotten that the human person is both material and spiritual. If we nurture a single aspectabundantly. No hint of bias or ingratitude should spoil our acknowledgement of this grace. If only, we do so to our detriment.there is any time we should stand united as a nation, it is in celebrating our independence. In his 1967 encyclical letter “On the Development of Peoples,” (Populorum Lest we forget the Lord’s precious gifts to us as a people, I would like to reflect Progressio) Pope Paul VI sheds light on the problem by focusing on what he terms “puttingbriefly on freedom—what freedom brings to us as a people and what freedom is coming to development in proper perspective.” He said:mean in this country more and more each day. Let us ponder what remains for us to do as a freepeople who desire to remain free. It is urgent that we recognize and do all we can to ensure the “[Our] personal and collective fulfillment could be jeopardized if the proper scale ofcontinuation and increase of what our northward neighbors term “the blessings of liberty.” values were not maintained. The pursuit of life’s necessities is quite legitimate…But the acqui- sition of worldly goods can lead [us] to greed, to the unrelenting desire for more, to the pur- We have much to be proud of as a nation. The Bahamas is among the few countries, suit of greater personal power. Rich and poor alike—be they individuals, families orwhich have achieved national sovereignty without bloodshed or widespread civil disorder. nations—can fall prey to avarice and soul-stifling materialism.This seems to indicate that a moral vision, indeed, a civic consensus was widely, if not unan-imously shared in The Bahamas in the years leading to the remarkable achievement of 1973. Neither individuals, nor nations should regard the possession of more and more goods as the ultimate objective. Every kind of progress is a two-edged sword. It is necessary The sovereignty achieved in that pivotal year was dense with meaning. We secured if [we are] to grow as human being[s] yet it can enslave [us] if [we] come to regard it as thethe right to determine how we would govern ourselves and the responsibility for establishing supreme good and cannot look beyond it. When this happens [we] harden [our] hearts, shutour national goals. By our constitution, we made a solemn commitment to cherish and to pro- out others from [our] minds and gather together solely for reasons of self-interest rather thantect the freedoms we would hold dear. As a nation, we can be proud that we have preserved the out of friendship; dissension and disunity follow soon after.”1essentials of these rights for almost four decades now. Undoubtedly, building a strong economy is an absolute necessity. If, however, our We Bahamians have been blessed with the right to and the freedom of a homeland. only focus is a continuing emphasis on the economy with the marginalization of every otherThis is something that millions of persons displaced by war, ethnic conflict and the ravages developmental stream, our work is dangerously incomplete. We must all engage in that exer-of natural disaster around the world would sacrifice much to have. Life can be challenging and cise of personal and social renewal which brings to the fore the development of the intellecteven perilous for those who are forced to flee to another country. Such displaced persons are and the enhancement of culture, values and civic responsibility.often unwanted guests upon whom citizens tend to heap blame when things go wrong. A well-known economist commented after the financial crash of two and a half year We have moved forward through thirty-eight years without any significant curtail- ago: “…What collapsed on September 15, 2008, was not just a bank or a financial system.ment of basic civil liberties. Enshrined in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The What fell apart that day was an entire political philosophy and economic system, a way ofBahamas is what ought to be considered our most precious freedoms—freedom of conscience thinking and living in the world.”2 It was a way of thinking and living that offered muchand the right to assemble for worship. We Bahamians enjoy the right of free speech. We good, but, in many profound ways proved destructive to life itself.enjoy the right to associate and to form common interest groups with whomever we wish. Weare free to disseminate our ideas, opinions and information for public consumption. We are We are all responsible to a lesser or greater degree for this growing disintegration.essentially free from tyranny of any sort. In our getting, we have lost sight of the real reason for economies and societies—namely, to manage the material that is necessary to our living more fully and achieving our highest How precious is the liberty of the ballot! How precious the right to vote, to choose selves. In our increasing materialism, we have lost sight of the human person and the com-whom we will to administer our national affairs and, indeed, to govern us. Moreover, our elec- mon good.toral process enjoys the protection of the law. These are excellent reasons to participate inelections with appreciation, with responsibility and with pride. As Pope John Paul II indicated in his encyclical “The Gospel of Life” (Evangelium Vitae)—we are experiencing the leading edge of something profound and insidious. It is a It is especially significant that, representing different creeds and faiths, we can still view of the world that will lead us to forsake our ideals of human dignity and equality andgather in an ecumenical service. Even more remarkable, this gathering is an important ele- “revert to a state of barbarism.”3ment of our civic independence celebrations. We should never take these freedoms for grant-ed. “If we are to create a flourishing civic realm, there must also be a moral vision of what society is for. The Big Society must then contain a moral vision as well as a social and We easily enjoy so much that others have given their lives to obtain. On this occa- economic one. The absence of a moral social vision has been exposed in the recent econom- ic crisis… The economy should serve society, yet so much of what has happened in these years has shown us that the reverse has been the case…[But] wealth creation alone is not suffi- ci en t . ”4 Continued on page 11

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE PAge 3OPeNINg MASS FOR THe NeW SCHOOL YeAR Publicize your event Here The Bahama Catholic welcomes calendar items of Teachers encouraged to “Embrace Change” parish/organizations events that are open “....The starting point of change, renewal and reform must take place within. There has to to the whole Archdiocese. be a deep and real connection between who we are and what we do, change must have a purpose and must evoke in us meaning and direction... “ - Msgr Alfred Culmer FR. WILLIAM DOUGLAS GRANT Archbishop Patrick Pinder, recently announced that Rev. W. Douglas Grant from the Diocese of Providence (Rhode Island, USA) will serve on the island of Long Island for one year. Father Doug has served in Portuguese speaking parish- es as well as chaplain at Rhode Island Hospital, the state's major trauma center and medical facility. In addition to his official assignments, he has volunteered his services to the Holy Spirit Sisters in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, East Africa. He is a 1975 graduate of Our Lady of Providence and Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium 1979)Pres ent at i o n o f Gi ft s - Mo ns i g no r Al fred Cul mer, chi ef cel eb rant at t he annual Mas s fo r t he o p eni ng A native New Yorker, Father Doug was ordained dea-o f t he new s cho o l y ear, t o l d Di o ces an educat o rs t hat t hey ho l d t he k ey t o emb race t he chang e. ” He con on March 23, 1974 in Louvain, and priest for theadded t hat i n o rder t o do s o t hey mus t p ut s o me t rus t and co nfi dence i n t hei r res o l v e and co mmi t ment Diocese of Providence (Rhode Island, U.S.A.) on June 28t o b e a b et t er p ers o n, a b et t er t eacher, a b et t er admi ni s t rat o r, a b et t er di rect o r and a b et t er human 1980 in Warwick, RIb ei ng . The Mas s was hel d o n Fri day , Sep t emb er 1 s t at St . Tho mas Mo re Pari s h. Pi ct ured at ri g ht dur-i ng t he p res ent at i o n o f g i ft s are: Deaco n Denni s Mack ey , Mo ns i g no r Cul mer and Aderi a Burro ws . Welcome Father Doug! -Pho t o co urt es y o f Mari e Ro dg ersThe following is the homily by Monsignor brothers, whatever is true, whatever is hon- of conflict. And finally the serenity prayer moment or to translate the Latin phraseAlfred Culmer deliv ered at the Mass for the ourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, written by Reinhold Niebuhr, God, grant me carpe diem to seize the day. Too often we areopening of the new school y ear. whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if the serenity to accept the things I cannot reluctant to change because we have reached there is any excellence and if there is any- change, the courage to change the things I the comfort zone of our lives or we are tooIn the Book of Proverbs chapter 28:18 we thing worthy of praise, think about these can, and the wisdom to know the difference; afraid to move on or to make choices so weread, “Where there is no vision the people things. Keep on doing what you have Living one day at a time; enjoying one hold back, we opt out, we allow sloth to ruleperish!” Vision is connecting to truth and learned and received and heard and seen in moment at a time; accepting hardships as our energies and we withdraw or fall so fartruth reveals what is there as opposed to me. Then the God of peace will be with you, the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, behind that we reach the point of disinterestwhat is imagined. Truth is seeing reality as (Philippians 4:8-9).” this sinful world as it is, not as I would have and alienation.it is so that we can we can establish the kind it; trusting that he will make all thingsof foundation that allows us to plan and to Change is an integral part of our make up as right if I surrender to His will; that I may be Many of us blame others for our lack of zeal,build for the future. human beings. Herbert Spencer an English reasonably happy in this life and supremely determination and courage. We engage in philosopher once said, living things is dis- happy with Him forever in the next. Amen! the all too familiar chorus that it is not myOur vision determines our values, what you tinguished from a dead thing by the multi- Gail Sheehy wrote, if we don’t change, we fault; that the director of Catholic Educationsee, what is perceived, what you treasure plicity of the changes at any moment tak- don’t grow. If we don’t grow we aren’t really did not tell me to do this or to do that, thatimpacts your life, your story, your sense of ing place in it. Another writer Saul Alinsky living. the principal did not remind me or my co-what is truth, and honest and sincere and puts it this way, Change means movement. workers did not give me the nudge or themorality: what is right and what is wrong. Movement means friction. Only in the fric- Along the pathways of life we are constant- reminder.Keep in mind the words of Paul in his Letter tionless abstract world can movement or ly challenged to grow, we are encouraged byto the Philippians chapter 4:8-9, “Finally, change occur without that abrasive friction life situations to grab or to snatch the Continued on page 5

PAge 4 Donald Clarke directing Holy Family combined Choir.Archbishop bless site of the new Holy Family Church on Sunday, September 4th, 2011. From page 1 new chapel.Pictured at the ceremony from left to right are: Jacintha Goffe, Mrs. Mary Mortimer(fundraising chairperson) Mr. Winston Rolle, (building committee chairperson), Miss Father Tom said the new space has a January 1968 – Construction of ParishWinsome Rolle, Archbishop, Christopher Mortimer III, Elroy Hall and Jade Dodge. seating capacity for 600 persons. “The Hall-photos by Paulette Mortimer. planned construction will feature a day chapel that accommodates 50 persons, a April 7 – Services transferred from meditation garden and plaza leading Minnie Street to new building on from the old space to the new. ’’ The Robinson Road known as Holy Family existing church will be converted to Church offices, meeting rooms and classrooms, he added. May 19 – At 10:00 am Mass, 58 children received their First Holy Communion. Bishop Leonard Hagarty proposed use At 4:00 p.m. the Most Reverend Paul of the five- acre site from Mrs. Florence Hagarty blessed the new structure – Pyfrom in September 1966 in memory of now known as the Parish Centre – no her late husband. electricity, water or telephone Front - south elevation Committee members are: Mr. Winston November 1968 – First Parish Council Rolle, chairperson building, Mrs. Mary elected Mortimer, fundraising, Mr. Dwight Higgs, contractor. September 6, 1970 – Liturgical commit- tee approved plans for new church The new church was designed by Mr. Ben Lopez, a trained liturgical architect. October 10, 1972 – His Lordship Bishop Hagarty presided at the laying of the A breif History of Holy Family Parish cornerstone of the new church September 1966 – Bishop Leonard August 31, 1972 – Fr. George Wolf, OSB, Hagarty proposed use of five acres of new pastor of Holy Family Church Marathon Estates, a gift from Mrs. Florence Pyfrom in memory of her hus- November 1973- Fr. John Darby SM, band Theodore. appointed priest November 10, 1966 - Rental of store of October 1974 – Reverend Silvan Mr. Cassius Moss on Minnie Street Bromenshankel OSB, appointed pastor November 13 – First Mass celebrated, October 1, 1975 – Formation of the First collection $35.00; monthly rental Ladies Guild $171.00 December 11, 1966 – First High Mass Assembly view from Baptismal April 23, 1967 – A gift from the Font at front entrance. American Extension Society to build a

PAge 5 Members of St. Thomas More School staff performing meditation song, “Lord I am available”.Teachers, Sinneta London, Ricardo Freemantle and Ivy Taylor atopening Mass for the new school year. Bottom photo: Sts.Francis/Joseph School staff, Jacintha Goffe, principal, Gaynell Rolle,Diane McCorry, Sharone Jones and Vanta Culmer. to continue my growth both personally and pro- make me a better person, a better spouse, a better parent, a fessionally. Make a commitment to interior better teacher, a better principal, a better human being. change and this can be done by reading, reflect- Remember you owe it to yourself to grow, to change. You and ing, open discussion, seminars and ongoing you alone hold the key to embrace the change and in order to educational formation and development. Do not do so you must put some trust and confidence in your resolve feel that once you have a degree and a teaching and in your commitment to be a better person, a better certificate that your educational journey ends, in teacher, a better administrator, a better director and a better fact, just the opposite is true, journeys ended and human being. journey’s began for we are challenged to go beyond where we are and where we stand and In the midst of all this put on Christ anew; in the Book of enter the portals of that place where we have Proverbs chapter 3:5-6 we read: “trust in the Lord with all never been before and bask in the vast world of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all educational opportunities and growth. your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.”From page 3 Make a commitment and allow your life to be Embracing the change calls us to take to heart the message rooted in God. In the hymn: Ancient Words of Pope Benedict XVI to the youth of the world in the cele-At the end of the day the problem is not out there but rather penned by Michael W. Smith these words come to mind: bration of the twenty-sixth world youth day quoting theright in here. Self-motivation, self-discipline must become Words of Life, words of Hope, Give us strength, help us words of Saint Paul, “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ,the primary catalyst in getting the process started. When I cope, in the world where ever we roam ancient words will firm in the faith (Colossians chapter 2:7).”was a student in Seminary in Trinidad, the rector of the guide us home; ancient words ever true, changing me andSeminary had a conference every two weeks and his message changing you. Oh let the ancient words impart a moving, The Holy Father points out the three images planted calls toto us was the same, he said to us that the problem is here quick incisive dart. Thirdly, learn to be yourself. Try at all mind a tree and the roots that feed it; built up refers to thepointing to his chest, it is not out there but it is right here. time to find a home within you. We spend too much time try- construction of a house; firm indicates growth in physicalHe said to us that right now when things go wrong we blame ing to impress others that some of us have forgotten who we and moral strength. These images are very eloquent. It ishim as the rector, the leader but once we are ordained priests are and even more importantly whose we are. Sit back, take Christ himself who takes the initiative to plant, build up andwe will blame the bishop. His point is well taken. The start- stock, and learn how to relax, befriend the self and strive to confirm the faithful.ing point of change, renewal and reform must take place be at home with this gift of self. Some of us keep busywithin. There has to be a deep and real connection between because we do not want to be reminded that the self exist You too, educators and formators of your children and youthswho we are and what we do, change must have a purpose and because we are so miserable with ourselves that we go out of but be rooted in faith and in hope. You must bloom where youmust evoke in us meaning and direction. We do not change our way to try to find company. are planted and daily nurture the soil in which you havefor the sake of changing nor must our efforts to change be planted the seed of your life. In faith and in trust in God, Godguided by some superficial or cosmetic effect. When we learn to be at home with ourselves and develop a in the power of the Holy Spirit will direct your paths. Be deep abiding presence with God who is at the heart of our open to embrace the challenge to change. Remember theChange takes place where there is mutual respect and trust. lives. God has found home in us but too many of us are never words taken from Proverbs chapter 3:5-6, “Trust in the LordWe should never give anyone permission to disrespect us. at home or many of us try to find that home outside of our- with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;Never become a yes person, a person who is too willing to selves and this is how in so many instances we end up in in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct yourplease because he/she thinks it will get us some promotion. trouble, big trouble. Another way in which we can embrace p at h s . ”At the end of the day the only thing you have that is not for the change is to avail ourselves of very opportunity grow.sale or to be compromised in any form or fashion is your Education is about growth, it is about change and empower- My prayer are with you and throughout the school year andcharacter, that inner gift of your unique self that makes you ment. The word education from the Latin word educare which may God who has began this good work in your continue towho you are and connects to God. means to bring up or to bring out; what then are we bringing work in and through you for the ongoing formation and up or brining forth or bringing out, well it is very simple, development of the children and the youths of this nation.What then is the way forward? How do we embrace the we bring out our potential, our gifts and our talents, our abil- Be open to your own growth and ongoing development:change, whatever the change maybe? First of all we need to ities, our skills and all that is natural or constitutive to who remember to continue to bloom where you are planted.check our attitude. It has been said that our attitudes deter- we are.mine our altitudes. What is my attitude towards me and May God bless you all!towards others, my superiors, my co-workers and my stu- Begin this school new school year with a very firm commit-dents? Secondly, identify changes I must make in me in order ment to you, to self. Ask yourselves today, what changes l would like to embrace over the next few months that would

PAge 6 Pope advise young people to share their faith with the world body (cf. 1 Cor 12:12). The Church does not draw her life fromThe following is Pope Benedict XVI homily at the final herself, but from the Lord.Mass closing World Youth Day Aug. 21 in Madrid, Spain. Dear young friends, as the Successor of Peter, let me urge youDear Young People, to strengthen this faith which has been handed down to us from the time of the Apostles. Make Christ, the Son of God,In this celebration of the Eucharist we have reached the high the centre of your life. But let me also remind you that follow-point of this World Youth Day. Seeing you here, gathered in ing Jesus in faith means walking at his side in the communionsuch great numbers from all parts of the world, fills my heart of the Church. We cannot follow Jesus on our own. Anyonewith joy. I think of the special love with which Jesus is look- who would be tempted to do so “on his own”, or to approaching upon you. Yes, the Lord loves you and calls you his friends the life of faith with that kind of individualism so prevalent(cf. Jn 15:15). He goes out to meet you and he wants to accom- today, will risk never truly encountering Jesus, or will end uppany you on your journey, to open the door to a life of fulfil- following a counterfeit Jesus.ment and to give you a share in his own closeness to theFather. For our part, we have come to know the Having faith means drawing support from theimmensity of his love and we want to respond faith of your brothers and sisters, even as yourgenerously to his love by sharing with others own faith serves as a support for the faith of oth-the joy we have received. Certainly, there are ers. I ask you, dear friends, to love the Churchmany people today who feel attracted by the which brought you to birth in the faith, whichfigure of Christ and want to know him better. helped you to grow in the knowledge of Christ andThey realize that he is the answer to so many of which led you to discover the beauty of his love.our deepest concerns. But who is he really? How Growing in friendship with Christ necessarilycan someone who lived on this earth so long means recognizing the importance of joyful par-ago have anything in common with me today? ticipation in the life of your parishes, communi- ties and movements, as well as the celebration ofThe Gospel we have just heard (cf. Mt 16:13- Sunday Mass, frequent reception of the sacrament20) suggests two different ways of knowing of Reconciliation, and the cultivation of personalChrist. The first is an impersonal knowledge, prayer and meditation on God’s word.one based on current opinion. When Jesus asks:“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”, Friendship with Jesus will also lead you to bearthe disciples answer: “Some say John the witness to the faith wherever you are, even whenBaptist, but others Elijah, and still others it meets with rejection or indifference. We cannotJeremiah or one of the prophets”. In other encounter Christ and not want to make him knownwords, Christ is seen as yet another religious to others. So do not keep Christ to yourselves!figure, like those who came before him. Then Share with others the joy of your faith. The worldJesus turns to the disciples and asks them: “But needs the witness of your faith, it surely needswho do you say that I am?” Peter responds with God. I think that the presence here of so manywhat is the first confession of faith: “You are young people, coming from all over the world, isthe Messiah, the Son of the living God”. Faith Twent y -o ne p eo p l e fro m The Archdi o ces e were amo ng t he 1 . 4 mi l l i o n y o ung a wonderful proof of the fruitfulness of Christ’sis more than just empirical or historical facts; p eo p l e who t rav el l ed t o Madri d, Sp ai n t o b e a p art o f Wo rl d Yo ut h Day 2 0 11 . command to the Church: “Go into all the worldit is an ability to grasp the mystery of Christ’s The nex t i s s ue i n The Bahama Cat ho l i c wi l l feat ure art i cl es and p ho t o s . and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation”person in all its depth. (Mk 16:15). You too have been given the extraor- dinary task of being disciples and missionaries ofYet faith is not the result of human effort, of Dear young people, today Christ is asking you the same ques- Christ in other lands and countries filled withhuman reasoning, but rather a gift of God: “Blessed are you, tion which he asked the Apostles: “Who do you say that I am?” young people who are looking for something greater and,Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this Respond to him with generosity and courage, as befits young because their heart tells them that more authentic values doto you, but my Father in heaven”. Faith starts with God, who hearts like your own. Say to him: “Jesus, I know that you are exist, they do not let themselves be seduced by the emptyopens his heart to us and invites us to share in his own divine the Son of God, who have given your life for me. I want to fol- promises of a lifestyle which has no room for God.life. Faith does not simply provide information about who low you faithfully and to be led by your word. You know me andChrist is; rather, it entails a personal relationship with Christ, you love me. I place my trust in you and I put my whole life Dear young people, I pray for you with heartfelt affection. Ia surrender of our whole person, with all our understanding, into your hands. I want you to be the power that strengthens commend all of you to the Virgin Mary and I ask her to accom-will and feelings, to God’s self-revelation. So Jesus’ question: me and the joy which never leaves me”. pany you always by her maternal intercession and to teach you“But who do you say that I am?”, is ultimately a challenge to how to remain faithful to God’s word. I ask you to pray for thethe disciples to make a personal decision in his regard. Faith Jesus’ responds to Peter’s confession by speaking of the Pope, so that, as the Successor of Peter, he may always con-in Christ and discipleship are strictly interconnected. Church: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will firm his brothers and sisters in the faith. May all of us in the build my Church”. What do these words mean? Jesus builds the Church, pastors and faithful alike, draw closer to the Lord eachAnd, since faith involves following the Master, it must Church on the rock of the faith of Peter, who confesses that day. May we grow in holiness of life and be effective witness-become constantly stronger, deeper and more mature, to the Christ is God. es to the truth that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, theextent that it leads to a closer and more intense relationship Saviour of all mankind and the living source of our hope.with Jesus. Peter and the other disciples also had to grow in The Church, then, is not simply a human institution, like any Amen.this way, until their encounter with the Risen Lord opened other. Rather, she is closely joined to God. Christ himselftheir eyes to the fullness of faith. speaks of her as “his” Church. Christ cannot be separated from the Church any more than the head can be separated from the

PAge 7S t Joseph’s Adul t Daycare Centre provi des professi onal serves St Joseph’s Adult Daycare Centreaffordabl e day care servi ces for the el derl y. A team of cari ng pro-fessi onal s provi des dai l y group and mental acti vi ti es i n a struc-tured, cari ng envi ronment, headed by the admi ni strator S i sterCeci l i a Al bury, OS B. The day care centre i s l ocated i n the ol d S t.Joseph Church. The centre opened i n 2004. S i ster Ceci l i a and par-ti ci pants are pi ctured at ri ght duri ng morni ng devoti on. For morei nformati on cal l 325-2740Three honoured for commitment to parish communityAs it has become a custom of the Men’s Ministry on Father’s Day, three men werehonored who showed commitment to the parish community, society and the Men’sMinistry. St. Joseph’s Men’s Ministry believes in recognizing men who continueto be role models in all aspects of the church community and society. The three menhonoured were: Howard Richardson, Greg Curry and Lawrence Hepburn. The menwere presented with special plaques.Mr. Howard Richards is an active member of St Joseph who demonstrates muchpassion and love as he goes about assisting in different areas of the parish commu-nity to ensure everything functions efficiently. He is a humble man, who althoughexhibits a strong authority; does so with humility and not over bearing in hisactions, but quietly does his service often without notice. For many years he was amember of St Joseph’s senior choir but after much deliberation he decided tobecome a member of the Hospitality Ministry.Mr. Greg Curry, a quiet humble individual and is an active member in the music min-istry in the parish. Ten years ago he took up the mantle to assist young and oldmembers musically in the parish. When he first started, he only did it part time, butdue to his unselfish dedication, he was quickly elevated and with the aid of theMen’s Ministry, St Joseph’s Youth Marching Band was revived. He serves asAssistant to the Director.Mr. Lawrence Hepburn is an active member of St Joseph parish, Men’s Ministry Plaque presentation - top photo, Greg Curry receiving plaque from Deacon Gregoryand 6:30am choir. He has served on the Parish Council for a number of years and is Taylor bottom left, Howard Richards and right photo, Lawrence Hepburn.recognized as an orderly person sometimes called “Mr. Robert Rules of Order”. He’sconsidered by some to be no nonsense individual who enforces it with action as heperforms various works among the church grounds and Men’s Ministry.Recently he led a team from the Men’s Ministry, along with Jermaine Carey, RoseFerguson and Mary Sweetnum to refurbishment the grotto at the front side of theAdult Daycare Center on St Joseph’s grounds. The task was under taken to allow theLegion of Mary, our parish guest and other individuals to visit one of the naturalgrottos in The Bahamas, for prayer and meditation in an enhance and well land-scape area. Submitted by Guerry Caprice

PAge 8Tour of the Cathedral 2 1 4 5 7 6

3 PAge 98 1. Bapti smal Font- A basin of water used to perform the Sacrament of Baptism. Fonts are often placed at or near the entrance to a church's nave to remind believers of their bap- tism as they enter the church to worship, since the rite of baptism served as their initiation into the Church. 2. Assembl y- This is where the congregation gather for Mass. You can see the altar at the end of the aisle. The pews are the seats where the people sit to listen to God's Word and pray. 3. Hol y Water Fonts - are put near the doors of churches. When you enter and leave the church, you can bless yourself with holy water to remember your own baptism. You are a member of God's family through your baptism. 4. S acri sty - A room in the church where the vestments, church furnishings sacred ves- sels, and other treasures are kept, and where the clergy meet and vest for the various eccle- siastical functions 5. Ambo - A raised stand at the front of the church that serves the functions of both lectern and pulpit is properly called the ambo. In common usage, ambos are often incorrectly called pulpits. The lector is the person who reads the first and second readings during Mass. Then the priest or a deacon reads the gospel. (inset) Lectionary -The Lectionary is the book of readings from the Bible that we hear at Mass. It is carried to the ambo at the beginning of Mass. 6. Processi onal Cross -A processional cross is simply a crucifix which is carried at the head of a procession. When these crosses are carried in procession the figure of Christ faces the direction in which the procession is moving. 7. The Stations of the Cross show the activities or events that happened to Jesus the day he died. Many parishes pray the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. 8. Cathedra the Bishop’s chair is properly called the cathedra; from the word we get the term cathedral. The Cathedra is the sign of the bishop’s teaching authority, his pastoral office, as well as a sign of unity among those who share the one faith proclaimed by the bishop as shepherd of the flock. The bishop’s chair is the oldest symbol of his authority. 9. Hol y Oi l s are normally blessed on Holy Thursday by the bishop in the Cathedral, after which they are distributed to the local parishes. When not used, the oils are kept in vessels in ambry9. Altar is a table where the priest celebrates the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means, \"to give thanks.\" We bring our gifts of bread and wine to the altar. They become Jesus' body and blood. 9

PAge 10 11 . Al tar is a table where the priest cele- 11 12 brates the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means, \"to give thanks.\" We bring our 13 gifts of bread and wine to the altar. They become Jesus' body and blood. 1 2 . Tabernacl e- is where the Eucharist is kept. Sometimes, the candle next to the tabernacle is lit. That means Jesus is pres- ent there in the Eucharist. As a rule, in cathedrals and monastic churches it is not set upon the high altar but upon a side altar, or the altar of a special sacramentary chapel; this is to be done both on account of the reverence due the Holy Sacrament and to avoid impeding the course of the cer- emonies in solemn functions at the high altar. 1 3 . Reco nci l i ati o n Ro o m- The sacra- ment of penance is celebrated in the Reconciliation room. The reconciliation room allows for either an anonymous set- ting or a face-to-face approach. Some peo- ple find it comforting to make an appoint- ment with one of the priests for individual reconciliation. Reconciliation is our chance to tell God our sins and ask for for- giveness.

PAge 11Archbishop’s Independence Address From page 2 Centering our planning and building on human life Human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can such as the police, the courts and the penal system must beand dignity is not an option. It is not an escapist philosophy. be achieved only if human rights are protected and correspon- pressed into service. It is important, then, for us to realizeIt is a moral imperative and it takes courage to put such think- ding responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a that the abandonment of civility initiates a continuum of lacking into action and to keep it that way. fundamental right to life and a right to those things required of respect for law and order. In a domino effect, breaching the for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties respect we owe to our neighbors can lead and often does lead to Freedom cannot survive without a sense of and dedi- and responsibilities—to one another, to our families and to more blatant criminality.cation to community.5 Nor does development make sense if our Bahamian community as a whole.its product is not an ordered and peaceful society that con- We must create an atmosphere and an environment,tributes to the authentic development of the whole person. 4 . Opti o n fo r the Mo s t Vul nerabl e which facilitate well-reasoned dialogue on the modeling ofWithout this, society will self-destruct. Surely we can see that civility, civic responsibility and a moral vision that in notincreasing disaffection, despair and violence are eroding the A basic moral test is how the most vulnerable members of our overly biased by partisanship.fibers of our national fabric. Surely, this must push us to find society are faring. In a society marred by divisions betweenor rediscover a moral vision. rich and poor, our planning and practice would do well to draw More than anything else, families and all responsi- on the gospel story of the last judgment which instructs us to ble adults must model the moral vision for the children of our And surely, all men and women of goodwill must put those most in need first.8 nation. It is especially important for fathers to model thedesire to become a part of the process. It is vital to recognize moral vision for their sons, and for older men to do the samethat freedom, as the world knows it, is neither free nor a sure 5 . The Di g ni ty o f Wo rk and the Ri g hts o f Wo rkers for younger ones.thing. Like a fire, freedom needs to be guarded, constantly The economy must serve people and not the other way around.watched and fed or all we hold dear as rational beings will sure- Work is more than merely a way to make a living; it is a form If we genuinely seek to build a society of humanly die. of continuing participation in God’s act of creation. If the flourishing, then we must recover the practice of self-giving dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of in imitation of Christ and every person who ever endured mar- There are many who would like to contribute to the workers must be respected. In the Bahamian context, espe- tyrdom for peace and freedom. We must also resuscitate thecreation of a great society, but have no idea how to do so prac- cially, it is important to note that workers bear the same habit of gratitude. We must remember our responsibility totically—what actions to take in practical everyday terms that responsibility on their side—the responsibility to be produc- honor the generosity and sacrifices of those who have gonewill lead to life rather than to suffering and death. John Paul II tive, to perform their duties with honesty and fidelity, to before us. In the same light, we have a responsibility to thosehas thrown light on the path: respect the employer’s property and to discharge the responsi- who will come after us. What we pass on will have a great bilities every member of the workforce has toward his or her bearing on the life, quality, capacity and fruitfulness of “In the end, facts and arguments alone will not save fellow workers. Bahamians who follow us.us from a culture of death—though God knows we need those aswell. What will save us is love—a love that is our dim reflec- 6 . So l i dari ty The good news is that we are never alone in our striv-tion of the infinite love that brought us all into being. As we We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, eth- ing for the charity that contributes to the building up of ourstep forward, with some trepidation, into a new Millennium, nic, economic and ideological differences. We are our broth- neighbors, our community, our nation and our world. It is fun-our recognition of the divine may be the only force strong ers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our damental to Christian doctrine that God’s grace will never failenough to rescue the very idea of human worth and human neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the to sustain us in our giving of ourselves.rights. We need nothing less than a Gospel of life.”6 core of the virtue of Solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for We are reminded that:The Gospel of Matthew confirms this. neighbor demands that we promote peace in a world surround- “At every point God in his graciousness supports ed by violence and conflict. “When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the and upholds our freedom as it seeks to find expression in whatSadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar 7 . Care fo r go d’s Creati o n is genuinely good. Indeed, through the life, death and resur-of the law, tested him by asking, ‘Teacher, which command- We show our respect for God the Creator by our stewardship of rection of Christ, God shows us that our freedom is most com-ment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘You shall creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan; it plete and alive when it realizes itself in a self-giving love.love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people Against the pull of a self-centered autonomy… Christ showsand with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first com- and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of us that we are only truly free in self-transcending for the sakemandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamen- of the other rather than at their expense.”11as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these tal moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.two commandments.”7 In other words: For those who wish to follow Christ, these princi- “You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord What then, in practical terms, should be the hall- ples reflect “a manifestation of God in the world, a sign of his require of you; only to do the right, and to love goodness, andmarks of love and the person-centered perspective? What presence, a trace of his glory.”9 Through us, there should to walk humbly with your God?”12should be the stance of the good citizen, the person who is shine forth a reflection of God’s presence. This is the charac-attuned to the personal and societal development at the high- ter, the light, the freedom that transcends barriers of national Or again as St. Paul exhorts in Philippians:est levels? What should be the characteristics of those who boundaries, politics, creed, ethnicity, gender and yes, the “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever isclaim allegiance to Christ or who truly believe in “unity in bondage of sin. These seven guidelines encompass a morallove and service?” vision which can launch us on the journey to a truly great soci- honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure whatever is love- ety. ly, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there Let us propose seven building blocks to a moral is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”13vision that upholds life and human dignity as a first principle. The journey towards an even more peaceful Bahamas must begin with raising the level and quality of our conversa- May God’s blessings be abundant upon us as we1 . Li fe and Di g ni ty o f the Human Pers o n tion on the state of our society. A moral vision is not just gather in gratitude to celebrate our national Independence. AsHuman life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is about proposing a plan, which often attracts a counter plan. A we do so, may we each and all have a happy and peacefulfundamental to any adequate vision of society. moral vision requires Bahamians to shape the vision of how Independence Day. May God bless The Commonwealth of The we wish our society to be and the pursuit of that vision should Bahamas, always.2 . Cal l to Fami l y, Co mmuni ty and Parti ci pati o n be resolute—in shining, lasting deeds, not just soon-forgot- Footnotes:The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organ- ten words.ize our society—in economics and politics, in law and poli- Paul VI, “Populorum Progressio” Articles, 18-19.cy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individ- As Pope Benedict XVI says: “Development is Anatole Kaletsky in James Hanvey, SJ, “The Big Society and Catholicuals to grow in community. Marriage and family are the cen- impossible without upright men and women, without finan- Social Thinking.” p.2 www.thinkingfaith.org.tral social institutions that must be supported and strength- ciers and politicians, whose consciences are finely attuned to John Paul II, The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae) Art. 14.ened, not undermined. People have a right and a duty to partic- the requirements of the common good.”10 Hanvey, “The Big Society and Catholic Social Thinking,” pp2-3.ipate in society, seeking together the common good and well- Cf. the neighbor principle of the Luke 10:29-37.being of all, especially the most vulnerable. It is important to indicate who it is that owns John Paul II, “The Gospel of Life,” responsibility for law and order in our country. The primary Matthew 22: 34-40.3 . Ri g hts and Res po ns i bi l i ti es agents of law enforcement are not the police and the courts, Matthew 25:31-46. but ordinary citizens in their proper civic demeanor. It is only The Gospel of Life (Evanbelium Vitae), Art. 34. when failure occurs at this level that such other institutions Benedict XVI, “Charity in Truth” (Caritas in Veritate), Art. 71. “Charity in Truth,” Art.

PAge 12 The Family: Imparting Moral Values Pt 1Catholic The new Catechism of the Catholic Church devotes a consider- dom in relationship to truth and goodness and form communi- Family Life able attention to the moral life in part iii “Life in the Spirit”. ty with others. Today we must work with our young people to To discover what the church, as an expert on humanity, has to have positive self-images and adequate self worth. This goal by Agatha Cartwright say about the moral life, the catechism is the best place to find works best when we teach them that they are images of God. out. Parents and guardians will discover the moral compass This conviction enables them to do worthwhile things that they need for themselves as well as for their children. really create a strong self-image. Director of Office of Family Life The Catechism treats morality in two stages, first the founda- We must impart to them that they will feel great when they tions, then the commandments. The foundations give us the know the truth and do the good. They will feel genuine self-Let me pre-empt this article by acknowledging the sources of building blocks for a sound moral core. These must be mastered worth when they use their freedom to do what they should andmy research: Fr. Alfred McBride’s article in The Family so they stick to our ribs and become the moral philosophy that not what they please. They will feel true self-esteem when theyMagazine, Catechism of the Catholic Church and my own per- governs our behaviour. honour human dignity as God’s gift and become more interest-sonal experiences. Fr. McBride is a member of the (premon- ed in forming community than stroking their self importance.stratensian) praem order and is a noted scholar, teacher and lec- No Mo ral s Wi tho ut Lo v eturer on catechetics and the family. One must practice virtues in order to be moral. Weak characters There are no morals without love. We must love God and love will never be moral. Strength of character is absolutely neces-Three decades ago the greatest problems with teenagers in ourselves as Christ has loved us. All catholic morality starts sary for the moral life. All the great philosophers, sages andschool was not doing home work, not respecting property, or with a covenant bond with Jesus, forged and empowered by the saints have urged parents to practice virtues and train theirleaving lights on or doors and windows open. Spirit, leading us to the Father. Without such love there will be children to do the same. The word virtue comes from the Latin no morals. With this love we can conquer all the sins of our word power and force.Now 30 years later, the problems are chillingly different: abor- lives and the culture. We must see ourselves as an image of Godtion, aids, rape, drugs, fear of violent death, murder, guns, because God has made us an image of himself. To do this we Schools and parents spend too much time discussing worlddrugs and knives. Family life has undergone a similar erosion must do the following things: issues with the young. We must teach them the virtues beforein that same time. The troubles affect many families, from the we instruct them on the issues. If they don’t have the virtuespoorest to the richest. i) know the truth ii) love the good iii) act freely in reference to they wont be able to do anything about the issues. truth and goodness iv) enjoy our human dignity which is God’sRebuilding family life and young people with character and gift and v) behave as a person in communion, meaning you are Solving the world’s problems requires courage, patience, forti-responsibility requires a strong moral life: immorality and always a shepherd bringing love and forgiveness to each per- tude, humility, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, love and toughness,decadence are twins. Morality and a healthy culture are also son you meet. kindness and a host of other virtues. Mere intellectual under-twins, but of a positive and hopeful kind. standing of problems is never enough. Part 2 will continued in Images of God know love, experience dignity, act with free- the next issue of the Bahama Catholic. ARCHDIOCESAN MARRIAGE RENEWAL PROGRAM“A Weekend to Remember … An experience you’ll never forget…”The Marriage Renewal program for the Archdiocese of What happens at a Marri age R enew al Weekend?Nassau is designed to give married couples the opportu- A series of presentations are given by a team of Catholicnity to examine their lives together – a time to share couples and a Catholic Priest. Each presentation allowstheir feelings, their hopes, disappointments, joys and you and your spouse a rare opportunity to look at your-frustrations – and to do so openly and honestly in a face- selves as individuals, then to look at your marriage andto-face, heart-to-heart encounter with the one person they your relationship to one another, and finally to look athave chosen to live with for the rest of their life. your relationship to God, the Church and the world. TheThe emphasis of Marriage Renewal is on communica- weekend starts at 7:30pm on Friday night and runs untiltion between husband and wife, who spend a weekend about 5:00pm on Sunday.together away from the distractions and the tensions ofeveryday life to concentrate on each other. Does t he w eekend respect t he coupl e's pri v acy ?It's not a retreat, nor a marriage clinic, nor group sensi- Yes. The weekend is oriented strictly to each individualtivity. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing the couple. You concentrate on your spouse to such anChristian Marriage. This is a time for you and your extent that you are hardly aware of the other couplesspouse to be alone together. This is a time to rediscover present. The presentations are given to the group as aeach other and together focus on your relationship for an whole. After each presentation the husband and wife haveentire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of time in the privacy of their room or outdoors for their own personal discussion.attention! How does a R enew al Weekend enhance a m arri age?Who i s i t for? The renewal weekend teaches a communication technique which permits each couple toAny married couple that desires a richer, fuller life together. A marriage can never be too explore important areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding. Bygood. Marriage Renewal is designed to deepen and enrich the joys a couple shares continuing the newly acquired technique begun on the weekend, husbands and wivestogether, whether they have been married for only a short time or many years. Marriage continually grow closer together to live more joyful and purposeful lives.Renewal also provides support and encouragement to priests and religious who are ded- When and where?icated to their vocation in life.Do y ou hav e t o be C at hol i c? Marri age Renewal weekends are hel d annual l y i n November at emmausThe weekend is Catholic in orientation and is expressed in the tradition and understand- Centre. Thi s year the weekend wi l l be hel d from 4 – 6 November, 2011ing of the Catholic Church. It is open to all, and so a certain number of spaces will bereserved each weekend for couples of other faiths. at emmaus Centre. There are l i mi ted spaces, so regi ster earl y to reserve your space. Addi ti onal i nformati on i s avai l abl e from the Offi ce of Fami l y Li fe at 322-8919 or 328-4310/ 2 or from your l ocal pri est.

PAge 13News from around the caribbean Two new Bishops appointed On July 8, 2011, the Vatican announced that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, appointed two priests who serve in the administra- tion of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain to the office of Bishop: Father Joseph Harris C.S.Sp has been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. He was ordained in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, September 14, 2011.FATHER JOSEPH HARRIS C.S.SP. Msgr. Jason Gordon has been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown in Barbados and of the Diocese of Kingstown in St. Vincent. He was ordained on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Barbados. Soon after his ordination he will be installed in the Diocese of Kingstown in the Cathedral of the Assumption. MSGR. JASON GORDONHow to choose a Bishop By Mi ke James guess and that’s all I can do...my guess would be that once you Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, (who leaves the Antilles Mi kejames @aecrc. o rg explain it to him, he would be in favour of it.” shortly for his new assignment at Papal Nuncio to the Ukraine)The recent announcement in Port of Spain of the appointments What the local press did not cover at all was Archbishopof two new bishops for the Antilles Episcopal Conference Gilbert explanation in his opening statement of the actual summarized them as follows, “The fundamental is that for high-(AEC), Fr. Joseph Harris as Coadjutor Archbishop of Port of process and criteria for the choice of Bishops. He explained theSpain, and Msgr. Jason Gordon as bishop of the two dioceses process as follows: er office in the Church one should be a priest in good standing.of Bridgetown, Barbados and Kingstown, St. Vincent has beenthe cause of great joy. “The process is initiated by the Nuncio in the country. The For the office of bishop in mission territories like ours one Episcopal Conference recommends names to the Nuncio. TheBarbados had been without a resident bishop since May 2005 Nuncio contacts people in the dioceses, clergy, religious, lay- must be 40 years of age and at least 10 years a priest. Becausewhen the Vatican accepted the resignation (that all bishops are men and women. That is all put into proposals. Then there is arequired to submit when they reach the age of 75) of Bishop form sent out from the Nunciature evaluating every single one this is more restrictive than the Code of Canon Law, theGalt. Kingstown, St. Vincent had been without a resident bish- of them with a very long series of questions. When that is com-op since July 2007 when its first and only Bishop Robert piled the Nuncio makes a judgement and then sends three names Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples (which makesRivas was appointed Archbishop of Castries in St. Lucia. to the Vatican called a terna for each position and then theArchbishop Edward Gilbert had announced that he had submit- Vatican makes its decision. The Cardinal who is in charge of Episcopal recommendations for Mission territories to theted his required resignation, to take effect from 26 December, that goes over on a Saturday morning and presents a recom-2011 when he celebrates his 75th birthday. The joy therefore mendation. In almost all cases the Holy Father accepts the rec- Pope) can always dispense from its particular rules and followis added to relief that long awaited appointments have been ommendation because there is so much work that has been putmade for Barbados and St. Vincent. into it.” un i v ers al law. ”At a press conference, the Trinidad press focused their questions And he added “I want you to be aware that this process is very It is also said that one of the main qualifications for being con-on the fact that both Fr. Harris and Msgr. Gordon were support- thorough, extraordinarily thorough. It involves people in allive of an initiative earlier this year by a group of Catholics to states of life in the Catholic Community. It involves the bish- sidered for Episcopal appointment is that you do not want it.launch a Genesis I Carnival Band and how this would have ops of the AEC, it involves the files of the Vatican becauseimpacted the decision of the Vatican to appoint them as People are writing the Vatican all the time, about issues , and The Jesuits for example, are under specific rules of their OrderBishops. recommendations, criticisms. There is a tremendous amount of information compiled and sifted through and the people who not to accept Episcopal appointment unless the Order’s policyArchbishop Gilbert patiently explained that Carnival was “not make these decisions are experienced people who have the lovepart of the process for nominating people. It is a non-issue for of the Church at heart and they do their best to present good is specifically overruled by the Pope. Ambition is a majorthe Vatican. In fact I don’t think they have ever heard of candidates to the Holy Father.” See the attached link forCarnival.”. Pressed further on whether the Pope would be in Archbishop Gilbert’s full video statement in the Two New obstacle to the episcopate. After all Jesus taught and lived outsupport of a Catholic Carnival band if he knew about it, Bishops report at :http://www.catholicnews-tt.net/joomla/Archbishop Gilbert was quoted by the local press as saying “He explicitly, “I have come not to be served but to serve”.is a very intelligent man and he is very interested in re-evange- Asked for the qualifications for being considered for anlising the Catholic culture throughout the world, so I would Episcopal post in our region the outgoing Papal Nuncio One vacancy currently to be filled in the AEC is for the Diocese of Basseterre-Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe (the Catholic popu- lation of Guadeloupe 405,000 largest in the AEC followed by Trinidad and Tobago with Catholic population of 395,000) which has had no bishop since Bishop Cabo retired in 2008. Another is St. John’s Antigua and Basseterre St. Kitts, also vacant since 2008 when Bishop Donald Reece became Archbishop of Kingston in Jamaica. Suitable candidates should NOT apply personally. Catholic Standard, Guyana Edition of 15 July 2011

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