Bahama Catholic - December 2011

Christmas Message from Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG i t mi g ht hav e been. So , i n s pi te o f ev ery thi ng , as Thi s day and thi s ti me o f y ear i s a fi tti ng ti me to we co me to thi s ti me o f y ear we can l o o k back wi th thi nk o f o ur o wn fami l i es . When we thi nk o f o ur hearts ful l o f thankful nes s . fami l y, thes e tho ug hts may ev o ke feel i ng s o f pri de, o r ang er, o r g ui l t, o r i s s ues unres o l v ed. Nev er the On a no te o f thankful nes s , here i s a mes s ag e I l es s , we s ho ul d thi nk o f o ur fami l i es at thi s ti me. recei v ed by e-mai l , whi ch I s hared i n thi s mes s ag e a few y ears ag o . It s ay s :Ti me pas s es qui ckl y. It i s hard to bel i ev e that “If y o u hav e fo o d i n the refri g erato r, cl o thes o n Father, mo ther, s i s ter, bro ther, thes e are no t jus t we are al ready abo ut to cel ebrate Chri s tmas y o ur back, a ro o f o v erhead and a pl ace to s l eep…y o u wo rds . They are s tatements abo ut rel ati o ns hi ps . o nce ag ai n. But we are! The mes s ag e o f thi s are ri cher than 7 5 % o f thi s wo rl d. Rel ati o ns hi ps are i mpo rtant i n o ur l i v es . The mo s tFeas t and Seas o n i s a v ery co mfo rti ng o ne. It do es natural o f o ur rel ati o ns hi ps i s fami l y. Thi s i s a ti meno t v ary. It i s a mes s ag e o f ho pe. It i s a mes s ag e o f If y o u hav e mo ney i n the bank, i n y o ur wal l et, and to remember and to be wi th fami l y.Jo y. It i s a mes s ag e, whi ch defi es the g l o o m o f the s pare chang e i n a di s h s o mepl ace…y o u are amo ngmo ment and l i fts o ur tho ug hts and o ur s pi ri ts as we the to p 8 % o f the wo rl ds weal thy. One o f the i mag es we as s o ci ate wi th Chri s tmas i shear ag ai n the mes s ag e o f the pro phets and the mes - that o f the ang el s . The Go s pel o f Luke pres ents thei rs ag e o f the ang el s . If y o u wo ke up thi s mo rni ng wi th mo re heal th than s o ng o f prai s e at the bi rth o f Chri s t. It s ay s : i l l nes s …y o u are mo re bl es s ed than the mi l l i o n who“The peo pl e who wal ked i n darknes s hav e s een a wi l l no t s urv i v e thi s week. “Gl o ry to Go d i n the hi g hes t and o n earth peace tog reat l i g ht; upo n tho s e who dwel t i n the l and o f tho s e o n who m Hi s fav o r res ts . ” (Luke 2 :1 4 )g l o o m a l i g ht has s ho ne. ” (Is ai ah 9 :1 ) If y o u hav e nev er ex peri enced the dang er o f battl e, the l o nel i nes s o f i mpri s o nment, the ag o ny o f to r- Of co urs e, i n o ur wo rs hi p we s i ng thi s s o ng o fTho s e ho pe-fi l l ed wo rds fro m the ni nth chapter o f ture, o r the pang s o f s tarv ati o n…y o u are ahead o f prai s e thro ug ho ut the y ear i n that g reat hy mn o fthe Bo o k o f the Pro phet Is ai ah g reet us as we enter 5 0 0 mi l l i o n i n the wo rl d. prai s e we cal l the “Gl o ri a. ” It i s a remi nder to usi nto the cel ebrati o n o f the l i turg y fo r Chri s tmas . that the s pi ri t o f jo y and g enero s i ty, whi ch we as s o -Fo r us , there i s no do ubt abo ut the l i g ht o f whi ch the If y o u can attend church wi tho ut fear o f haras s ment, ci ate wi th Chri s tmas , s ho ul d be a s tapl e feature o fpro phet s peaks when he s ay s : “The peo pl e who arres t, to rture o r death…y o u are mo re bl es s ed than o ur l i v es al l y ear ro und.wal ked i n darknes s hav e s een a g reat l i g ht. ” Jes us three bi l l i o n peo pl e i n the wo rl d.Chri s t, who s e bi rth we cel ebrate at Chri s tmas , he i s I remi nd y o u al l o nce ag ai n that when the s o ng o fthat l i g ht. If y o u ho l d up y o ur head wi th a s mi l e o n y o ur face the ang el s i s s ti l l ed and when the s hepherds are and are trul y thankful … y o u are bl es s ed becaus e the back wi th thei r fl o ck and when al l the l i g hts andOf co urs e, darknes s can o v ers hado w us i n many majo ri ty can but mo s t do no t. deco rati o ns are s afel y put away fo r ano ther y ear, i tway s . The s hado w o f darknes s s tal ks us as we no ti ce i s then that the wo rk o f Chri s tmas beg i ns . Thatthe s teady cl i mb i n o ur murder rate as we appro ach If y o u can ho l d s o meo ne’s hand, hug them o r ev en wo rk i s :the end o f thi s y ear. to uch them o n the s ho ul der … y o u are bl es s ed becaus e y o u can o ffer the heal i ng to uch. To fi nd the l o s t At the s ame ti me, we are deepl y g rateful that o ur To heal the bro kenbrus h wi th Hurri cane Irene was no t as dev as tati ng as Then the mes s ag e co ncl udes : To feed the hung ry To v i s i t the s i ck and i mpri s o ned If y o u can read thi s mes s ag e, y o u jus t recei v ed a do u- To make peace where there i s di s co rd bl e bl es s i ng i n that s o meo ne was thi nki ng o f y o u, To bri ng jo y to ev ery heart and furthermo re, y o u are mo re bl es s ed than o v er two To do al l we can to bui l d o ur nati o n i nto a co mmuni - bi l l i o n peo pl e i n the wo rl d who canno t read at al l . ” ty o f cari ng , co mpas s i o nate, cco ncerned and co m- mi tted ci ti zens . The s o urce i s no t g i v en but the mes s ag e i s cl ear Thankful nes s i s an appro pri ate atti tude. Thi s i s Let us dwel l o n thes e tho ug hts thi s Chri s tmas es peci al l y i mpo rtant to remember at thi s ti me o f Seas o n. y ear. Ag ai n the s o ng o f the ang el i s “Gl o ry to Go d i n the In o ur tradi ti o n, the Sunday fo l l o wi ng Chri s tmas i s hi g hes t and o n earth peace to tho s e o n who m Hi s the Feas t o f the Ho l y Fami l y. We thi nk o f the Ho l y fav o r res ts . ” Fami l y and we i mag i ne Jo s eph, Mary and the i nfant Jes us . We recal l the many tri al s they may hav e had. May the fav o r o f Go d co me to res t o n each o ne o f us The g o s pel g i v es us an ex ampl e o f thei r fl i g ht fro m thi s Chri s tmas Day and remai n wi th us , al way s . Is rael to Eg y pt and back. Al l thi s was to pro tect the chi l d fro m the v i o l ence and harm, whi ch i s al l to o Merry Chri s tmas ! pres ent i n o ur wo rl d s ti l l .Seasons Greeting from the editors of DECEMBER 2011

PAGE 2 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE A.E.C. Youth Assembly (16-35 year olds) Castries, St. Lucia July 19th -30th 2012 Registration forms available online: www.archdioceseofnassau.org/youth or from your parish officeThe Roman Missal 3rd Edition is hereOn Sunday, November 27th, the first Sunday of Advent, tio typica (typical edition), was translated into various lan-all English-speaking Catholics across the world, including guages for use around the world; the English edition wasthe Archdiocese of Nassau had our first experience using published in the United States in 1973. The Holy Seethe new English translation of the Roman Missal. issued a revised text, the editio typica altera, in 1975. Pope John Paul II promulgated the third edition (editioThe Bahama Catholic conducted a poll around the typica tertia) of the Missale Romanum during the JubileeArchdiocese and the transition seemed to go fairly smooth- Year in 2000. Among other things, the third edition con-ly for most Catholics. tains prayers for the celebration of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, addi-Mary Laurenceau, a St. Cecilia parishioner said because of tional Masses and Prayers for Various Needs andthe preparation before hand she was not too overwhelmed Intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instruc-by the new changes and everything flowed beautifully. tions) for the celebration of the Mass. To aid the process of translation of the Missale Romanum, editio typica ter-“The changes were not as many as I thought, however it is tia, the Congregation for Divine Worship and thegoing to take a few weeks to learn… the pew card came in Discipline of the Sacraments issued Liturgiamhandy, says a parishioner from the Cathedral. Authenticam, in 2001, an Instruction on the vernacular translation of the Roman Liturgy which outlines the prin-Having used the response, “And also with you” for forty + ciples and rules for translation. In 2007, the Congregationyears, a parishioner from St. Paul the Apostle says getting for Divine Worship issued the Ratio Translationis for theaccustomed to the new response is challenging. Her hus- English Language, which outlined the specific rules forband (an Anglican) who regularly attends Mass with her translation in English.doesn’t like the change and says it’s a little confusing.”“Grateful for the pew card in hand, says another Catholic, Deacon Frank also noted, \"the new prayers are clearly litur- 2. Who compl eted the work of transl ati on?it kept me from making mistakes. He added, “ but as time gically rich and enhance our worship\". For example, ingoes on I will get used to it.” the prior translation of the Creed it reads: 'For us men and The process of translation was a highly consultative work for our salvation He came down from heaven: and by the of several groups. The International Commission onAt Holy Redeemer Church on Cat Island many of the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary English in the Liturgy (ICEL) is chartered to prepareparishioners were “upset” over the changes. According to and became man'. English translations of liturgical texts on behalf of thethe administrator Deacon Andrew Burrows the most diffi- conferences of bishops of English–speaking countries.cult part was using the new response, “And with your This translation implies that Jesus was not present until The USCCB and the other member Conferences ofSpirit”. For a while there will be some uncomfortableness, he was born of the Virgin. As we know, the Catholic Bishops received draft translations of each text from ICELbut eventually it will become easier. Church teaches that life begins at conception so this trans- (called “Green Books”) and had the opportunity to offer lation is lacking on this point. The new translation reads: comments and suggestions to ICEL. A second draft (calledHowever at Holy Family Parish the “new response” was 'For us men and our salvation He came down from heav- the “Gray Book”) was then prepared by ICEL, which eachnot a challenge for the congregation. By all accounts, en, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Conference of Bishops approved (a Conference reserves thedespite a few “slip ups”, Fr. Thomas Brislin, CP, credits Mary, and became man'.” right to amend or modify a particular text) and submittedthe easy transition to prior preparation. to the Vatican for final approval. At the level of the Clearly, this translation removes the dependence of Jesus' Vatican (the Holy See), the Congregation for DivineOn Central Andros the parishes were prepared weeks in presence upon his physical birth and more correctly reflects Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments examinedadvance, according to Deacon Frank Tremblay, “ three our faith. This is only one of several improvements to the texts and offered authoritative approval (recognitio) ofweeks prior to Advent I led a 'Teaching Liturgy' where, as quality of our worship as a result of the new translation.” texts, granting permission for their use. Thethe liturgy progressed, I stop and explain what was being Congregation was aided by the recommendations of Voxdone and why for each phase of the liturgy. Then, two 1. Why was there a need for a new transl ati on? Clara, a special committee of bishops and consultantsweeks prior to Advent, I distributed the Advent missalets from English–speaking countries convened to assist withand parishioners began using the new prayers. ’’ Whenever The Missale Romanum (Roman Missal), the ritual text for the English translation of the Missale Romanum.- fromthe people would use the old responses Deacon Frank says the celebration of the Mass, was promulgated by Pope USCCB websitehe would stop and say, \"No, what should it be?\" and the Paul VI in 1970 as the definitive text of the reformed litur-people would laugh and then give the new response. gy of the Second Vatican Council. That Latin text, the edi-“When Advent began, and the new prayers were formallyimplemented, they were ready.

PAGE 3Seminarian Oswald Ferguson make candidacy at Saint Meinrad Oswald Ferguson, was one of the fourteen seminarians studying at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, St. Meinrad, IN, who was accepted as candidates for the priesthood by the Most Rev. Timothy Doherty, bish- op of the Diocese of Lafayette, IN, on November 6. The seminarians, all in their third year of theology graduate studies, are: Nicholas J. Brown, Archdiocese of Louisville; Scott Carroll and Christopher Mileski, Diocese of Toledo; Alan Carter, Diocese of Lexington; David Curtin, Diocese of Springfield, IL; Christopher Droste, Diocese of Evansville; Oswald Ferguson, Archdiocese of Nassau; Michael Judkins and Jeffrey Nance, Diocese of Tulsa; John Kamwendo and Oscar Vasquez, Archdiocese of Indianapolis; Anthony Mullek, Archdiocese of Mobile; Br. Victor Schinstock, OSB, Conception Abbey; and Hilton Tran, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Candidacy is a rite that takes place during Roman Catholic seminary formation, by which the Church recognizes the seminarian as worthy of being ordained (hence, they become a “candidate” for ordination to the priesthood).Most Rev. Timothy Doherty, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana, presides as seminarians declare their candi- The seminarians attend Saint Meinrad Seminary and Schooldacy for priesthood at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology on November 6. Oswald Ferguson, is pictured of Theology, which offers initial and ongoing formation forsixth from the right. priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers. The Seminary is operated by the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.Celebration of Anniversaries Feast of the Holy Innocents, MartyrsEvening prayer & Benediction on December 28th, 2011St. Francis Xavier Cathedral at 7:00 p.m. OfficiatingThe Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG

PAGE 4 Dominican Sisters honouredYear in Review On Friday, January 28, 2011, Sisters Anne Liam Lee, OP and Leonita Cooney, OP, were present for the dedication and unveiling of an Obelisk Catholic Teachings Seminar honouring all the Dominican Sisters who taught at Aquinas College. The ceremony, which was well attended by former students who were Fr. Bryan Heir, (standing), a professor in the Kennedy School of Government at taught by the Dominican Sisters, began with a prayer by Archbishop Harvard University led a two day seminar on Catholic Social Teaching on January Patrick Pinder. The sisters were entertained with musical selections by 21-22nd 2011. Leaders of the local Roman Catholic Community-clergy and laity- the Aquinas College Band, The Choir and the Ninth Grade Violinists. To gathered for a challenging and uplifting weekend Seminar on Catholic Social express further gratitude for their dedication over the years, Deputy Teaching with a special focus on Human Rights and on Poverty & Justice. Fr. Hehir head girl, Sheniece Rolle presented the Dominican sisters with plaques is Past President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, the largest private social serv- and a portrait of the campus. It was fifty-five years ago that five ice network in the United States, and a lecturer in great demand throughout the Dominican Sisters from Adrian, Michigan came to Nassau and estab- world on issues of ethics and foreign policy. lished Aquinas College. Top photo shows, Archbishop Pinder along In a friendly and informal style, Fr. Hehir put all at ease and offered talks on the with Sister Anne and Sister Leonia, Msgr. Preston Moss and Mrs. Shone sources of the teaching beginning with the first eleven chapters of Genesis which Knowles, principal. focus on the sacredness of the human person and clearly described humans as stew- ards of God’s creation. He offered outlines of the continuation of the teaching through Papal writings and Encyclicals including the monumental and revolutionary “Rerum novarum” pub- lished in 1891 as well as the guidance of the Second Vatican Council of the mid- 1960’s. Each lecture was followed by lively discussions and questions from partici- pants. Red Mass Archbishop Pinder along with mem- bers of the judiciary and legal profes- sion after the annual Red Mass cele- bration on Sunday, January 9th, 2011 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. In his homily, Archbishop called for the legal professionals to recommit to the victo- ry of justice, fairness, mercy and heal- ing. Pictured from left to right are: John Delaney, Attorney General, Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Anita Allen, president, Court of Appeal and Michael Barnett, Chief Justice.

Archbishop elected PAGE 5 as AEC president Holy Family Church GroundingArchbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG, Sr. Agnes recommits to Monastic Vows The new worship space for Holy Family Parish, was offi-Archbishop of Nassau, was elected President of cially launched on Sunday, September 4th, by ArchbishopThe Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) at the Proud moment - Sister Benedict Pratt, OSB, prioress, (left) Pinder. The planned construction will feature a day chapel55th Annual General Plenary Meeting in proudly displays document for the viewing of the Sisters, that accommodates 50 persons, a meditation garden andBridgetown, Barbados in May 2011. Archbishop family and friends who gathered in the Chapel at St. Martin plaza leading from the old space to the new. The existingPinder is the first Bahamian to hold this position. Monastery for the ceremony on February 2nd, 2011 to witness church will be converted to offices, meeting room and Sister Agnes Johnson (right) recommitment to Monastic Vows classrooms. The new space has a seating capacity for 600 after 35 years. persons. Archbishop Pinder and Father Thomas P. Brislin, CP, pastor, are pictured above at the ceremony. New appointmentsRev. W. Douglas Grant Fr. George Kallukaran, CMI Fr. Steephen L. Koola. CMI, Msgr. Alfred Culmer, Fr. Saju M. Vadakumpadan, CMI, Fr. Anselm Russell Fr. Reginald Demeritte Archbishop C Patrick Pinder has announced Fr. Anselm Russell, has been assigned as the following changes in priest assignments. pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, effective November 6th, 2011. Rev. W. Douglas Grant (from the Diocese of Providence (Rhode Island, USA) has been Fr. Steephen L. Koola. CMI, has been assigned to serve on the island of Long assigned as pastor of St. Agnes (GB), effec- Island for one year. tive October 9th, 2011. Msgr Alfred Culmer has been assigned as Fr. Saju M. Vadakumpadan, CMI ,has been pastor of St. Joseph Parish, effective assigned as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, November 6th, 2011 Hunter (GB), effective October, 9th, 2011. Fr. Reginald Demeritte has been assigned as Fr. George Kallukarna, CMI, has been pastor of St. Theresa (Exuma), effective assigned as Associate Pastor of St. Vincent October 9th, 2011. de Paul, Hunter (GB).

PAGE 6 Anniversaries Msgr. Ambrose Mackinnon, SFM – Msgr. Alfred Culmer – Deacon John Sears – August 20th - 50 years November 30th - 35 years October 4th, - 10 yearsVIRTUS: “Protecting God’s Children” Program launched in Archdiocese VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Adult Program launched - In keeping with the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Bishops’ mandate to commit “to do all in their power to protect the children of the region from sexual abuse”, the VIRTUS ProtectingMrs. Mahalia Paul, AEC regional coordinator for Protecting God’s Children Program and of God’s Children Adult Program was launched in the Archdiocese of Nassau onthe Diocese of Roseau facilitated a workshop. September 28th, 2011. Mrs. Mahalia Paul, AEC regional coordinator for Protecting God’s Children Program and of the Diocese of Roseau facilitated a workshop. Archbishop Patrick Pinder was among those in attendence which included priests, deacons, pastoral administrators, principals, teachers and local facilitators Dr. Sonia Lunn and Mr. D’Arcy Rahming. Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Community ends 50 year mission in The Bahamas In gratitude for the dedication and service of the Congregation of The Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus (SS.CC.) who served in The Bahamas for fifty years, a plaque was placed at the front entrance of St. Joseph Church, bearing the names of those who served in The Bahamas. On Wednesday, October 26th, 2011, a Mass of Thanksgiving was held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and on Sunday, October 30th, 2011, the faithful gathered for a Mass at St. Joseph’s Church to say farewell to Fr. Martin Gomes, SS.CC. Pictured from left to right: Frs. Michael Kelly, SS.CC., Stanley Kolasa, SS.CC., Martin Gomes, SS.CC., Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD., Archbishop of Nassau, Fr. William Petrie, SS.CC, Provincial Superior of the Sacred Hearts Community and Fr. Christopher Santangelo, SSCC.

PAGE 7St. Bede’s Flag DaySt. Bede's Catholic Primary School Flag Day Ceremony, was held on Friday, November 18th, under the theme:“Together with Hard Work and Determination, We Can Build a Better Bahamas.”Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD, CMG and Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham were in attendance. The PrimeMinister, the guest speaker, told the students of about the importance and significance of the Bahamian flag. And thatcelebrating Flay Day is meant to promote national unity, encourage national pride, and develop greater patriotism interms of respect for national symbols. When you look at the flag you should get a feeling of pride about being distinct-ly Bahamian and loving it.Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham pose with the students of St. Bede’s. Archbishop Pinder giving final remarks and Benediction at St. Bede’s Flag Day.Parenting Today’s Children... for tomorrow’s world Active Parenting Now Creates Happy Families The seven (7) session video/discussion programme of PTC is both entertaining and effective and teaches communication skills that can be used throughout the life-cycle and, more importantly, teach to your children. You’ll discover how to eliminate power struggles and discipline skills that really work, “such as the method of choice”. You’ll also learn how to develop your children’s pride and inner strength, teach them a true sense of responsibility, and other important skills. Each two-hour session, is filled with lively discussions, fascinating video segments and breakthrough techniques and skills. You’ll even monitor your progress from the start with unique “Goal Cards” that list your most important goals.Mrs. Benita Rahming Parenting Instructor Do you often find yourself yelling, beating and repeating commands to your children? Would you like to communicate more effectively with your children? Would you like to learn how to discipline without physically punishing your children? Are you at your wits end with your children? Do you wish to raise well-behaved children? Do you believe that today’s children are thIef yleoaudaenrsswofertoedmYorErSowto?any of these questions, PTC is the programme for you. Join us and improve your parenting skills. The whole family will benefit. NEXT COURSE BEGINS JANUARY 24, 2012 For more information contact: Office of Family Life * Phone- 322-8919/322-7711

PAGE 8Our Lady’s Church celebrates 85 years Our Lady’s parishioners urged to “keep faith with the commitment made by those who came before us in the faith”The following is the homily by the tive and beauty fleeting; theMost Rev erend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, woman who fears the Lord is toCMG at the 85th Anniv ersary Mass of be praised. Give her the rewardOur Lady ’s Church, on Nov ember 13, of her labors …” Proverbs2011(33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time). 31:30-31 Our reward - indeed our eternalReadi ng s : reward is the only worthy goalPro v erbs 3 1 :1 0 -1 3 , 1 9 -3 1 which motivate the values and[Ps al m 1 2 8 ] the sacrifices we honor andI Thes s al o ni ans 5 :1 -6 undergo in this life.Matthew 2 5 :1 4 -3 0 St. Paul carries the discussionBeloved, a bit further with these words, “But you, brothers, are not inEighty-five years is a very long time. darkness, for that day to over-Not many of us live that long. So as we take you like a thief. For all ofgather in celebration to mark the 85th you are children of the lightAnniversary of this parish, let us be Honouree are pictured with Archbishop Patrick C.Pinder (left), Deacons Peter Rahming, Maxwell Johnson and children of the day. We arethankful. and Fr. Alain Laverne. not of the night or of darkness.Let us be thankful first to God, the creator his tenure that this parish was built. Therefore, let us not sleep as lesson. We must keep faith with the com- the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.” mitment made by those who came before 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6of all and of everything. He gave us thegift of life and the gift of faith which we It is important to know that Nassau, in us in the faith. We must keep faith withshare and cherish. Let us also be thankful those days, was a very different place than them.for all his servants who have ministered it is today. For one thing the different Finally, our Gospel is a parable about those given a gift and later called tohere in Our Lady’s Parish over these neighborhoods were more easily defined I am not certain that we are doing that account for how they use that gift. than they are today. I believe this area though. We have inherited the legacy ofeighty-five years. was called Young Town. It was far from those who have gone before us but are we Final judgment is very much a theme inThose of you who are the parishioners of being the most prestigious or privileged following their example? I am not so sure our scriptures reading at this time of year.long standing will remember with fond- part of town. It was a place where there that we are. The lack of vocations we are We are reminded of it not to stand in fearness even with reverence, the many were people with much need. experiencing is but one example. I expect but rather to prepare. We prepare for final there are others as well, such as failure in judgment by the way we live our livespriests and religious sisters who servedhere over the eight and a half decades of Yet it was in the heart of this community family life and in our broader commit- today. Our call and duty is to live lives ofexistence of Our Lady’s Parish. You will that a Catholic Parish was established, ments to building up our community – our goodness and virtue, of caring and evenremember their care, their characteristics, eighty-five years ago. broader social commitments. sacrifice. We do so following the exampletheir leadership, their example and their of those gone before us in the faith. We do I do not need to remind you that until the As we celebrate the 85th Anniversary of so after the example of Christ himself.sacrifice. construction of Loyola Hall and the new this parish perhaps it is time for us toOf course you will remember the same for St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, this was our search our souls… time to reconsider It is his example which motivates us. It isthe many members of the laity who were largest church building. Everything of where we place our values, how we act and his Word that forms us. We have the giftformed in the faith in this parish and who significance was celebrated here! how our priorities need to be re-assessed. of a parish whose history itself is a lesson It may be time for some adjustment. This and message and example for us. Let usin turn formed this parish and made it thecommunity of Catholic faith that it has Now we need to recognize that when the is something I will return to at another accept that gift and honor it faithfully. early Catholic Mission placed this parish time. For now let us look at the Word ofcome to be. in this location it was intended to be a God placed before us today. May we always seek to become more fullyI remember as a newly ordained priest cel- message for us. what we are called to be – as we gather so It is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. often around the table of Word andebrating my first Sunday Mass here at OurLady’s. It was 6:30 in the morning. The The Catholic Mission sought to locate its Next Sunday is the Feast of Christ the Eucharist – may we become more fully thechurch was full as it was every Sunday presence in the very heart of the ordinary King which ends the current Liturgical Body of Christ,morning at 6:30. I recall thinking; you Bahamian. It sought to identify with the Year. The following Sunday is the First -in this world,must fight off many devils to make 6:30 common person. It sought to share the Sunday of Advent. As we move towards -in this neighborhood,Sunday morning your regular time for wor- treasure of our faith and traditions with the the end of the year, the scriptures turn our -in this place we call Our Lady’s Parish forship. There were many who did then and meek and the lowly and there to implant a thoughts to the end of time and even the 85 years and counting. sense of the nobility of God’s grace end of our own lifetime. Today is also ourstill do now. offered to each of us without distinction civic observance of Remembrance Day.The first superior of the permanent and without exception. As we listen to the Word proclaimed todayCatholic Mission in the Bahamas was aBenedictine priest named Chrysostom That was the message and the lesson of we hear first from the Book of Proverbs.Schreiner. His successor another placing this parish here eighty-five years It extols the virtues of a good wife andBenedictine named Hildebrand Eickhoff ago. Today we cannot afford to miss that mother. It then focuses the theme of thisheld office from 1925-1928. It was during message. We cannot afford to ignore that season with these words, “Charm is decep-

PAGE 9 Church News AROUND THE WORLDPope Benedict declares a “Year of Faith” (October 11, 2012 - November 24, 2013) Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year of Faith” which will begin in October 2012, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on October 16th, 2011. The Year of Faith will run from October 11, 2012, until November 24, 2013, which is the Solemnity of Christ the King.The fol l ow i ng i s Pope Benedi ct X V I A post ol i c ment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy believers’ witness of life may grow in credibility. To redis-l et t er decl ari ng a “Year of Fai t h” . (Part 2) of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the cover the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, faith. In rediscovering his love day by day, the missionary lived and prayed,[15] and to reflect on the act of faith, is a6. The renewal of the Church is also achieved through the commitment of believers attains force and vigour that can task that every believer must make his own, especially inwitness offered by the lives of believers: by their very never fade away. Faith grows when it is lived as an expe- the course of this Year.existence in the world, Christians are called to radiate the rience of love received and when it is communicated as an Not without reason, Christians in the early centuries wereword of truth that the Lord Jesus has left us. The Council experience of grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because required to learn the creed from memory. It served them asitself, in the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, said it expands our hearts in hope and enables us to bear life- a daily prayer not to forget the commitment they hadthis: While “Christ, ‘holy, innocent and undefiled’ (Heb giving witness: indeed, it opens the hearts and minds of undertaken in baptism. With words rich in meaning, Saint7:26) knew nothing of sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), but came only those who listen to respond to the Lord’s invitation to Augustine speaks of this in a homily on the redditio sym-to expiate the sins of the people (cf. Heb 2:17)... the adhere to his word and become his disciples. Believers, so boli, the handing over of the creed: “the symbol of theChurch ... clasping sinners to its bosom, at once holy and Saint Augustine tells us, “strengthen themselves by holy mystery that you have all received together and thatalways in need of purification, follows constantly the path believing”.[12] The saintly Bishop of Hippo had good rea- today you have recited one by one, are the words on whichof penance and renewal. The Church, ‘like a stranger in a son to express himself in this way. As we know, his life the faith of Mother Church is firmly built above the sta-foreign land, presses forward amid the persecutions of the was a continual search for the beauty of the faith until ble foundation that is Christ the Lord. You have receivedworld and the consolations of God’, announcing the cross such time as his heart would find rest in God.[13] His it and recited it, but in your minds and hearts you mustand death of the Lord until he comes (cf. 1 Cor 11:26). But extensive writings, in which he explains the importance of keep it ever present, you must repeat it in your beds, recallby the power of the risen Lord it is given strength to over- believing and the truth of the faith, continue even now to it in the public squares and not forget it during meals: evencome, in patience and in love, its sorrow and its difficul- form a heritage of incomparable riches, and they still help when your body is asleep, you must watch over it withties, both those that are from within and those that are many people in search of God to find the right path your hearts.”[16]from without, so that it may reveal in the world, faithful- towards the “door of faith”.ly, although with shadows, the mystery of its Lord until, Only through believing, then, does faith grow and become 10. At this point I would like to sketch a path intended toin the end, it shall be manifested in full light.”[11] stronger; there is no other possibility for possessing certi- help us understand more profoundly not only the contentThe Year of Faith, from this perspective, is a summons to tude with regard to one’s life apart from self-abandonment, of the faith, but also the act by which we choose to entrustan authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one in a continuous crescendo, into the hands of a love that ourselves fully to God, in complete freedom. In fact, thereSaviour of the world. In the mystery of his death and res- seems to grow constantly because it has its origin in God. exists a profound unity between the act by which weurrection, God has revealed in its fullness the Love that 8. On this happy occasion, I wish to invite my brother believe and the content to which we give our assent. Saintsaves and calls us to conversion of life through the for- bishops from all over the world to join the Successor of Paul helps us to enter into this reality when he writes:giveness of sins (cf. Acts 5:31). For Saint Paul, this Love Peter, during this time of spiritual grace that the Lord “Man believes with his heart and so is justified, and heushers us into a new life: “We were buried ... with him by offers us, in recalling the precious gift of faith. We want confesses with his lips and so is saved” (Rom 10:10). Thebaptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the to celebrate this Year in a worthy and fruitful manner. heart indicates that the first act by which one comes todead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in new- Reflection on the faith will have to be intensified, so as to faith is God’s gift and the action of grace which acts andness of life” (Rom 6:4). Through faith, this new life help all believers in Christ to acquire a more conscious and transforms the person deep within.shapes the whole of human existence according to the rad- vigorous adherence to the Gospel, especially at a time ofical new reality of the resurrection. To the extent that he profound change such as humanity is currently experienc- Continued on page 9freely cooperates, man’s thoughts and affections, mentali- ing. We will have the opportunity to profess our faith inty and conduct are slowly purified and transformed, on a the Risen Lord in our cathedrals and in the churches of thejourney that is never completely finished in this life. whole world; in our homes and among our families, so“Faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) becomes a new that everyone may feel a strong need to know better and tocriterion of understanding and action that changes the transmit to future generations the faith of all times.whole of man’s life (cf. Rom 12:2; Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:20- Religious communities as well as parish communities,29; 2 Cor 5:17). and all ecclesial bodies old and new, are to find a way, dur-7. “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Cor 5:14): it is the love ing this Year, to make a public profession of the Credo.of Christ that fills our hearts and impels us to evangelize. 9. We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspi-Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways of ration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewedthe world to proclaim his Gospel to all the peoples of the conviction, with confidence and hope. It will also be aearth (cf. Mt 28:19). Through his love, Jesus Christ good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faithattracts to himself the people of every generation: in every in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, which is “theage he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the summit towards which the activity of the Church is direct-proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. ed; ... and also the source from which all its powerToday too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commit- flows.”[14] At the same time, we make it our prayer that

PAGE 10 Pope Benedict declares a “Year of Faith”From page 9 ing”.[19] This demand constitutes a permanent summons, discoveries. Nevertheless, the Church has never been indelibly written into the human heart, to set out to find afraid of demonstrating that there cannot be any conflictThe example of Lydia is particularly eloquent in this the One whom we would not be seeking had he not already between faith and genuine science, because both, albeitregard. Saint Luke recounts that, while he was at Philippi, set out to meet us.[20] To this encounter, faith invites us via different routes, tend towards the truth.[22]Paul went on the Sabbath to proclaim the Gospel to some and it opens us in fullness.women; among them was Lydia and “the Lord opened her 13. One thing that will be of decisive importance in thisheart to give heed to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14). 11. In order to arrive at a systematic knowledge of the con- Year is retracing the history of our faith, marked as it isThere is an important meaning contained within this tent of the faith, all can find in the Catechism of the by the unfathomable mystery of the interweaving of holi-expression. Saint Luke teaches that knowing the content Catholic Church a precious and indispensable tool. It is ness and sin. While the former highlights the great contri-to be believed is not sufficient unless the heart, the one of the most important fruits of the Second Vatican bution that men and women have made to the growth andauthentic sacred space within the person, is opened by Council. In the Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum, development of the community through the witness ofgrace that allows the eyes to see below the surface and to signed, not by accident, on the thirtieth anniversary of the their lives, the latter must provoke in each person a sin-understand that what has been proclaimed is the word of opening of the Second Vatican Council, Blessed John Paul cere and continuing work of conversion in order to expe-God. II wrote: “this catechism will make a very important con- rience the mercy of the Father which is held out to every- tribution to that work of renewing the whole life of the one.Confessing with the lips indicates in turn that faith Church ... I declare it to be a valid and legitimate instru-implies public testimony and commitment. A Christian ment for ecclesial communion and a sure norm for teach- During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed uponmay never think of belief as a private act. Faith is choos- ing the faith.”[21] Jesus Christ, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebing to stand with the Lord so as to live with him. This 12:2): in him, all the anguish and all the longing of the“standing with him” points towards an understanding of It is in this sense that that the Year of Faith will have to human heart finds fulfilment. The joy of love, the answerthe reasons for believing. Faith, precisely because it is a see a concerted effort to rediscover and study the fundamen- to the drama of suffering and pain, the power of forgive-free act, also demands social responsibility for what one tal content of the faith that receives its systematic and ness in the face of an offence received and the victory ofbelieves. The Church on the day of Pentecost demon- organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic life over the emptiness of death: all this finds fulfilmentstrates with utter clarity this public dimension of believ- Church. Here, in fact, we see the wealth of teaching that in the mystery of his Incarnation, in his becoming man,ing and proclaiming one’s faith fearlessly to every person. the Church has received, safeguarded and proposed in her in his sharing our human weakness so as to transform itIt is the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes us fit for mis- two thousand years of history. From Sacred Scripture to by the power of his resurrection. In him who died and rosesion and strengthens our witness, making it frank and the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the again for our salvation, the examples of faith that havecourageous. saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a per- marked these two thousand years of our salvation historyProfession of faith is an act both personal and communi- manent record of the many ways in which the Church has are brought into the fullness of light.tarian. It is the Church that is the primary subject of faith. meditated on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers in their lives of faith. By faith, Mary accepted the Angel’s word and believed the In the faith of the Christian community, each individual message that she was to become the Mother of God in thereceives baptism, an effective sign of entry into the peo- In its very structure, the Catechism of the Catholic obedience of her devotion (cf. Lk 1:38). Visitingple of believers in order to obtain salvation. As we read in Church follows the development of the faith right up to Elizabeth, she raised her hymn of praise to the Most Highthe Catechism of the Catholic Church: “ ‘I believe’ is the the great themes of daily life. On page after page, we find for the marvels he worked in those who trust him (cf. Lkfaith of the Church professed personally by each believer, that what is presented here is no theory, but an encounter 1:46-55). With joy and trepidation she gave birth to herprincipally during baptism. ‘We believe’ is the faith of the with a Person who lives within the Church. The profes- only son, keeping her virginity intact (cf. Lk 2:6-7).Church confessed by the bishops assembled in council or sion of faith is followed by an account of sacramental life, Trusting in Joseph, her husband, she took Jesus to Egyptmore generally by the liturgical assembly of believers. ‘I in which Christ is present, operative and continues to to save him from Herod’s persecution (cf. Mt 2:13-15).believe’ is also the Church, our mother, responding to build his Church. Without the liturgy and the sacraments, With the same faith, she followed the Lord in his preach-God by faith as she teaches us to say both ‘I believe’ and the profession of faith would lack efficacy, because it ing and remained with him all the way to Golgotha (cf. Jn‘we believe’.”[17] would lack the grace which supports Christian witness. 19:25-27). By faith, Mary tasted the fruits of Jesus’ resur- By the same criterion, the teaching of the Catechism on rection, and treasuring every memory in her heart (cf. LkEvidently, knowledge of the content of faith is essential the moral life acquires its full meaning if placed in rela- 2:19, 51), she passed them on to the Twelve assembledfor giving one’s own assent, that is to say for adhering tionship with faith, liturgy and prayer. with her in the Upper Room to receive the Holy Spirit (cf.fully with intellect and will to what the Church proposes. Acts 1:14; 2:1-4).Knowledge of faith opens a door into the fullness of the 12. In this Year, then, the Catechism of the Catholicsaving mystery revealed by God. The giving of assent Church will serve as a tool providing real support for the By faith, the Apostles left everything to follow theirimplies that, when we believe, we freely accept the whole faith, especially for those concerned with the formation of Master (cf. Mk 10:28). They believed the words withmystery of faith, because the guarantor of its truth is God Christians, so crucial in our cultural context. To this end, which he proclaimed the Kingdom of God present and ful-who reveals himself and allows us to know his mystery I have invited the Congregation for the Doctrine of the filled in his person (cf. Lk 11:20). They lived in commun-of love.[18] Faith, by agreement with the competent Dicasteries of the ion of life with Jesus who instructed them with his teach- Holy See, to draw up a Note, providing the Church and ing, leaving them a new rule of life, by which they wouldOn the other hand, we must not forget that in our cultur- individual believers with some guidelines on how to live be recognized as his disciples after his death (cf. Jn 13:34-al context, very many people, while not claiming to have this Year of Faith in the most effective and appropriate 35)the gift of faith, are nevertheless sincerely searching for ways, at the service of belief and evangelization.the ultimate meaning and definitive truth of their lives andof the world. This search is an authentic “preamble” to the To a greater extent than in the past, faith is now beingfaith, because it guides people onto the path that leads to subjected to a series of questions arising from a changedthe mystery of God. Human reason, in fact, bears within mentality which, especially today, limits the field ofitself a demand for “what is perennially valid and last- rational certainties to that of scientific and technological

PAGE 11Christmas & New Year’s Mass Schedule St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Sunday, January 1st – New Year’s Day Night Prayer - 11:00p.m. 10:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Mass – 11:30 p.m.Saturday, December 24 Mass 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8th, 2012 Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 1st 2012 – The Solemnity of Mary –Carol Service - 11:00 p.m. Masses at 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.Christmas Mass – MidnightSunday, December 25 – Holy Day of Obligation - St. Cecilia’s St. Bede’sChristmas Day, Sunday, 8:30 am and 11:00 a.m.-Saturday, December 31st- 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Carol Service Saturday, December 24th, 2011Watch night service - 11:00 p.m. - Mass at Midnight 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Carol Service – 11:00 p.m. – 12 mid-Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve Mass (The nightSunday, January 1st, 2012 Nativity of the Lord) 10:00 p.m. Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day Mass -9:00 a.m.Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day Mass – 9:00 Monday, December 26th – Boxing Day – 8:00 a.m.(Holy Day of Obligation) a.m. Saturday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve Mass – 10.00World Day of Prayer for Peace Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Mass – 10:00 p.m.Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. p.m. Sunday, January 1st, 2012 -New Year’s Day – 9:00 a.m. St. Thomas More Saturday, December 31 – Watch Night Service- 11:30 St. Paul The Apostle p.m.Saturday, December 24th, - Caroling Service – 11:30 Sunday, January 1st, New Year’s Day Mass (Feast of Saturday, December 24 - Children’s Mass – 6:00 p.m.p.m. Mary, The Holy Mother of God) 9:00 a.m. Christmas Eve: 12:00 midnightSunday, December 25th, Christmas Day Mass – 9:00 Sunday, December 25 - Christmas Day – 9:00 a.m. anda.m. Sacred Heart 11 a.m.Holy Day of Obligation Solemnity Saturday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve –6:00 p.m.Old Year’s Service – Saturday, December 31,11:30 p.m. Saturday, December 31, Christmas Eve - Sunday, January 1st - New Year’s Day – 9:00 a.m. andMidnight Mass – 12:01 a.m. Carols 8:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Mass 11:00 a.m.Mary Mother of God – Holy Day of Obligation Sunday, December 25 - Christmas Day – Mass: 8:30Sunday, January 1st, 2012- Mass at 9:00 a.m. a.m. and 10:30 a.m. St. Anselm Saturday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve – watch night Queen of Peace service –10:30 p.m. and Mass at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, December 24th -11.30pm- Carol Service Sunday, January 1st - New Year’s Day – 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, December 25th -The Nativity of the Lord - MassSaturday, December 24- Christmas Eve 10:30 a.m. at Midnight10:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Sunday December 25th - Mass atChristmas Day Holy Family 9.00am (Holy Day of Obligation)English Mass – 6:30 a.m. Monday, December 26th - Boxing Day- Mass at 8.00amCreole Mass – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 24th -Christmas Eve Friday, December 30th -The Feast of the Holy FamilySt Bede’s Haitian Community – 11:00 a.m. Carol Service - 10:00 p.m. Mass at 7.00pmOur Lady’s Haitian Community – 4:00 p.m. Mass – 11:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve Vigil ServiceNew Year’s Eve Social in the hall after Mass at 11.00pmSaturday, December 31 – 10:00 p.m. Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day – 9:00 a.m. (one Sunday, January 1st, 2012- New Year’s Day-New Years Day mass only) The Solemnity of Mary -Mass at 9.00amQueen of Peace Saturday, December 26th – Boxing Day Monday, January 2nd, Mass at 8.00amEnglish Mass – 6:30 a.m. Mass – 9:00 a.m. no evening PrayerCreole Mass – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, December 31st – New Year’s Eve St. JosephSt Bede’s Haitian Community – 11:00 a.m. Watch Night – 10:00 p.m. Mass 11:00 p.m.Our Lady’s Haitian Community – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 1st New Year’s Day Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve – Caroling 9:00 a.m. (one Mass only) Service – 11:00 p.m. Our Lady of the Holy Souls Midnight Mass – 12 midnight Church of the Resurrection Sunday, December 25th – Christmas Day – 10:00 a.mSaturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve – Watch nightCarols Hymns – 11:00 p.m. Saturday, December 24th, 2011 service 11:00 p.m. midnight MassFollowed by Christmas midnight Mass Christmas Eve Carol Service – 11:00 p.m. Sunday, January 1st – New Years Day – Mass- 10:00Sunday, December 25 – The Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Eve Mass – 11:45 p.m. a.m.Christmas Day – 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day Mass -9:00 a.m.Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31Watch Night service – 10:00 p.m.Followed by New Years Mass Mary Mother of God

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