2016 Stewardship Report

JUBILEE OF MERCY MERCIFUL LIKE THE FATHER

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN 2016 STEWARDSHIP REPORT

MISSION: ‘To lead all people to unity, encounter and participation in Christ.’ TABLE OF CONTENTS

BISHOP’S MESSAGE 3

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016 6

JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY 4

CELEBRATIONS 5

RECOGNISING STEWARDSHIP 6

STRENGTHENING OUR FAITH 8

OUR CHARITABLE WORKS 10

THE HUB 13

LIVING WATER COMMUNITY 16

VOCATIONS 18

OUR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 22

OUR SCHOOLS 24

FINANCIAL REPORT 25

VISION ‘By 2019 the Roman Catholic Church in Barbados will be a recognized leader in integral development, forming mature disciples who build strong Christian families and vibrant communities in the service of Christian Unity, the Common Good and the Kingdom of God’.

CORE VALUES Prayer- Forgiveness-Gratitude-Hospitality

Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown RC Catholic bb

Photos of St. Patrick’s Cathedral taken by William Cummins

2 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Brothers and Sisters,

2016 will without doubt stand out as one of the more memorable and significant years, not only for our diocese, but also for our nation, Barbados. In 2016 we joined all Catholics around the world to celebrate the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy at the invitation of the Holy Father Pope Francis, “to be merciful like the Father”, that is, to “open wide our hearts” and show mercy and compassionate love in our families and communities in our daily lives, and in particular, to help persons on the fringes of The Most Reverend society, the voiceless, the rejected, and other displaced persons. Charles Jason Gordon Bishop of Bridgetown In 2016 we also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Barbados, a proud occasion allowing all Barbadians to recognize and applaud the achievements of this small island state. I too celebrated two important milestones in 2016 – the 5th anniversary of episcopal ordination as bishop of the RC Diocese of Bridgetown, and “Let your light the 25th anniversary of my ordination as a priest. In recognition of these milestones I embarked on and completed the thirty-one days Camino de Santiago in Spain – a shine before all deep and profound encounter with the living God. so they may see While the occurrence of these events in the same year were coincidental, together your good works they served as an incredible catalyst for celebration, gratitude, reflection, forgiveness and generosity, allowing us to make new commitments to take deliberate steps and glorify daily, to be the salt and light of the earth, making a positive difference as Barbadians and disciples of Christ. your Father in heaven”. This Stewardship Report accounts for how our parishioners and our many supporters have made generous contributions of Time, Talent and Treasure to transform our MATTHEW 5:16 parishes to achieve the SYNOD 2014 mandate and our diocese vision, and to build up the kingdom of God through missionary discipleship.

I am very grateful for the dedication and commitment of our clergy, parish and diocese leaders and teams, and the many persons who serve selflessly in ministries across the diocese, bringing Christ’s love and mercy to others daily. Thank you, thank you each and every one of you, for sharing your gifts and for allowing the RC Diocese of Bridgetown to be a visible sign of God’s love in our society, especially for those suffering hardship, poverty and pain. Your many hours of prayer and service cannot be quantified. We are a better church community of faith because of you.

With Gratitude

+Bishop Charles Jason Gordon Bishop of RC Diocese of Bridgetown STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy

In his papal bull of indiction, “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), Pope Francis declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy commencing December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 under the theme “Merciful like the Father.” This was only the third “extraordinary” jubilee since the tradition began 700 years ago.

The RC Diocese of Bridgetown recognized this important year with several events, aimed at encouraging Catholics to show the loving mercy that God has for us, in their daily lives. Some of the activities included:

• 4th to 5th March - 24 Hours for the Lord – Sacrament of Reconciliation offered in all parishes • 31st March to 15th April - Bishop Charles Jason Gordon led a pilgrimage to Rome and key shrines in Italy, participating in Mass with Pope Francis on the weekend of the Divine Mercy • 3rd April – “Stations of Mercy” theatrical production by 12th Night Production at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with a sequel, “More Mercy” on the 30th September • 20th September - “An Evening of Mercy” with guest speaker Fr. Mark Zacher, one of pope Francis’ Missionaries of Mercy. • On 20th September, at the “Evening of Mercy”, Bishop Jason declared St. Dominic’s church to be a National Shrine of Divine Mercy. The plaque was unveiled in December. • Weekly Bible study “What is Mercy” led by Fr. Leonard

Bishop Jason Gordon declared the side door to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral as the diocese’s Holy Door of Mercy, through which anyone who enters during the Jubilee Year, will experience God’s love and abundant mercy.

“Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love.” POPE FRANCIS

4 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016 Celebrations

The RC Diocese of Bridgetown celebrated several signal milestones during 2016:

• Bishop Jason Gordon’s 25th anniversary of ordination to priesthood on 15th March • Fr. Paul’s 40th anniversary of ordination to priesthood on 25th August • Bishop Jason Gordon’s 5th anniversary of episcopal ordination as Bishop of the RC Diocese of Bridgetown on 21st September. • Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence, celebrated with a Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on the 23rd November 2016. The Chief Celebrant was His Excellency The Most Reverend Nicola Girasoli, Apostolic Nuncio and Delegate of The Holy See to Barbados and the Antilles.

His Excellency, Sir Elliott Fitzroy Belgrave, GCMG, KA, Q.C, and The Right. Hon. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados, members of Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps were also in attendance.

The Nuncio read a message from the Holy Father Pope Francis, and bestowed a Papal Blessing upon the government and people of Barbados in commemoration of this significant milestone in the country’s history.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 5 Recognising Stewardship Every year, many of our parishioners tirelessly offer their time, talent and treasure in the church, and to persons on the fringes on our communities. There are many examples of the compassionate spirit in our diocesan family. We thank each of you for your service, prayer and action. It takes all of us to achieve the mission of the church. As our contribution to the 50th anniversary of independence, 11 persons selected by the diocese or their parishes, were recognized at the Christ the King Mass, for their dedicated stewardship over the years:

DIOCESE Bishop Emeritus Anthony Dickson In 1970 at the age of 35, Bishop Dickson, was appointed the first bishop of the Bridgetown-Kingstown Diocese. During his tenure he was actively involved in the formation of the Caribbean Confederation of Churches, the engagement encounter programme and The Cursillo Movement. He retired in 1995. Sister Mary Clare Zitman Sister Mary Clare Zitman has been an Ursuline Sister for nearly 60 years and began her initial formation as an Ursuline in 1957, in Barbados. She is a Montessori Infant Education teacher trained in England and also a trained Catechist. Apart from some years of study in England and service as a missionary in Caracas, Guyana and Jamaica, Sister Mary Claire has served for most of her life as an Ursuline Sister in Barbados.

ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL Magdalene Paul (deceased) “Mags” as she was called, was born in Dominica and cooked and cleaned for the clergy and other staff of the Cathedral. She was known for her hospitality to all persons she encountered. May she rest in peace. Hermine Cole (deceased) Ms. Cole led the reader and a Eucharistic ministers ministries in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and started Bible classes in her home. She opened “The Holy Family Community Centre” in Wellington Street and worked there 3 days a week. Together with Germaine Cox, she brought the Magnificat to Barbados. It is the second longest running Magnificat in the Caribbean, celebrating 30 years in 2017. May she rest In peace.

OUR LADY QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE Anne Springer “Well done good Anne Springer known to many as ‘Mama Springer’ is one of the longest Serving member of the Church and of the first persons to join the newly and faithful established Community at Black Rock. She worked tirelessly with Fr. Malachy Clune OP to build the Black Rock Cultural Centre and was deeply involved in servant!” the Charismatic Renewal Movement. MAT 25:21 Rita Toppin Rita Toppin is remembered as a woman of prayer. She was faithful to the daily recitation of the Rosary and other popular Catholic devotion. When Christian Meditation was first introduced to the diocese by Fr. Laurence Freeman she 6 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN became a faithful devotee to this form of Spirituality. Ms Springer prepared young children for first Holy Communion and worked with the Sisters (Ursuline, Carmelite and Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother) and priests to improve Religious Education.

SACRED HEART Evelyn Jones Ms. Evelyn Jones was one of the founding members of the original Sacred Heart church founded by The Jesuit priest Fr. Pearson. She was among the first members when the Sacred Heart was reopened and worked tirelessly to help the church to flourish.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY Joan Massiah Joan was a volunteer sacristan, church cleaner, maintenance person, in short she has done everything for the church. She still visits the shut-ins, taking Holy Communion to them when necessary. She has a special place in her heart for the poor of the Parish often sharing her time and talent with them. The youth programme CAINCO is blessed to have her as a benefactor.

ST DOMINIC’S Maurice Foster Maurice Foster – a Barbadian, Catholic, a Husband, Father, Brother and Artist, dedicated much of his life to projects which build a harmonious society in Barbados. He is one of the Founding members of St. Dominic’s church and carved the St. Dominic’s statue which now stands in the church. Maurice and his wife Linda, married for approximately 58 years, enjoyed sharing their marriage experiences through the Engagement and Marriage Encounter programmes. Maurice also served as President of the St. Dominic’s parish council, and served on the St. Dominic’s Financial committee, Fellowship committee, and the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

ST FRANCIS Jeremy Troulan Jeremy was always very active in St. Francis parish and was an example to of a man of prayer devoted to Christ.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS Carlotta Austin Carlotta worked closely with the Sisters who were assigned to Our Lady of Sorrows. Living in close proximity of the Church, she assisted with the cleaning of the building and its surroundings and gave of her time, talent and limited financial resources in many different aspects of church life. Carlotta demonstrated generosity in its purest form.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 7 Strengthening our Faith CATHOLIC FORMATION INSTITUTE The RC Diocese of Bridgetown continued to provide opportunities during the year, for Catholics of all ages, to strengthen their faith and encounter Christ through faith formation. The Catholic Formation Institute (CFI) was launched in March 2016 with a specific mandate to provide the laity, persons in ministry and Catechists with opportunities to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the Roman Catholic faith, grow in spiritual life, and to develop skills necessary for effective participation in ministry, and living the faith daily. Authentic human development is the ultimate goal with the four pillars of formation - human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral - integrated in the courses taught. Having an intimate relationship with Christ is at the core of our spiritual lives,and over the year, the Commissions and the parishes assisted parishioners to develop daily habits of prayer, adoration and reading the Word with Lectio Divina. Various teaching delivery techniques are used by the Institute including online classes, allowing parishioners to participate in formation sessions at times convenient to them. Through a partnership with the University of Dayton, “God is our online classes at basic, intermediate and advanced levels are available for refuge and parishioners, at a special reduced fee. strength, an Local courses organized by the CFI include: • Media and Religious Imagination, five session course led by Bishop Jason ever-present help and Fr. Michael Barrow S.J (17 attendees) in trouble”. • “Mariology” conducted by visiting priest Fr. Robert Newbury (50 attendees) • “Who is Jesus Christ? A five session Christology course conducted by Dr. PSALM 46:1 Winston Layne ( 35 attendees) • Workshops for Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (59 attendees) and altar servers (25 attendees) led by Fr. Charles Dominique and Kirt Prospère respectively All of these courses were very well received by participants. The CFI also launched ‘Conversations’ - panel discussions which were open to the public, and addressed burning social issues such as corporal punishment (‘Spare the rod and spoil the child?”) and the environment (“Is it too late to save the planet?”) Both Conversations were supported by expert panelists 8 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN who made informative presentations and addressed the many questions raised by the audience.

BIBLE MONTH The Catholic Formation Institute also coordinated the annual Bible month activities in September. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the Word as the source of life for our church, and developing a daily habit of reading Scripture, practicing Lectio Divina and prayer. Fr. Vibert’s lecture on “Faith” was one of the highlights of the month of activities.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Meditation : • Increases self-knowledge and self-acceptance • Increases a desire to build community with others • Deepens ones personal relationship with God. Two meditation groups currently exist. Firstly, the ‘flagship’ group has 15 members who have been meditating together for over 20 years and meet every Monday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral from 10.30 to 11.30am. The second group was formed two years ago, and comprises 10 members who meet from 5.30 to 6.30pm every Tuesday at a venue owned by one of the members. Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Mediation (WCCM) visited Barbados from October 21st to 23rd 2016. He was accompanied by Sr. Ruth Montrichard SJC, Regional Coordinator for WCCM and Ms. Judy McSween, both from Trinidad. The theme of the visit was “Sharing the Gift” and the first public session “The What, How and Why of Christian Meditation”, was held on Saturday 22nd . Approximately 36 persons attended. The session was followed by Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Jason Gordon and Fr. Laurence, who preached the homily. On Sunday October 23rd “Deepening the practice of Christian Meditation and sharing the gift of Silence” was held at the Living Water Community. The session was attended by 38 participants, 23 of which practiced meditation regularly. Fr. Laurence’s presentation was very well received.

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PRAYER GROUP Our Lady Queen of Peace Prayer Group holds prayer meetings every Thursday at 7.30pm. Members visit the sick in the hospital and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion offer Holy Communion to the house bound. The Group hosted three Magnificat at the Living Water Community. The speakers were Steven Foster, Mrs. Grace Edey and Gregory Castagne respectively. The Day of Renewal held on September 25th 2016, was hosted by the National Service Team (NST). The guest speaker was Msgr. William John- Lewis from Dominica, and Bishop Jason Gordon delivered the opening remarks. The event had its best attendance for many years.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 9 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what Our you have, for such sacrifices Charitable are pleasing to God.” Works HEBREWS 13:16 ST. DOMINIC’S CHURCH – Fr. Andy Nyga

The Care Ministry is a non profit, voluntary, community-based organisation formed in December 2009. The objective is to improve the quality of life and enhance the well-being of people, particularly the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the community. The area served is Christ Church, however people from all over the island have received assistance from time to time through the various programmes, which are provided free of cost. Care Ministry, SVP and Eucharistic Ministers cater to the needs of the wider public. There are many volunteers in the care Ministry who are involved in the preparation of breakfasts for children in three schools in Christ Church. This is done during the school term. Preparation and delivery of a hot meal for 100 people weekly throughout the year and preparation and delivery of food hampers for 60 families once a month. The Care Ministry is funded solely by donations either monetary or in kind. Care Ministry also provide Legal Aid, Counselling and Learn to read for children and adults. This is done as the need arises during the year. We take this opportunity to thank our many donors who generously support the Care Ministry. There is an active and productive SVP Conference at St. Dominic’s which takes care of a number of families. Various fundraisers are held during the year including an appeal three times a year. Funds collected are used to feed and clothe these families and in September help is given for school supplies and uniforms. At Christmas there is a party for the families. Our Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist visit shut-ins on a weekly basis. They take Communion and spend time with the shut-ins who look forward to their visits. There were 10 new Eucharistic Ministers enrolled this year.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – Marina Laurie The Conference of Our lady of the Rosary had a busy year in 2016. We started our year with a $12,000 deficit but battled on and managed to continue assisting the 28 families that we try to help. We distribute non-perishable food parcels every two weeks. These are usually delivered to the families, but some are collected. Most of our families have school age children so this year we introduced small parcels of “school snacks” (biscuits etc.) We were able to buy them in bulk and pay less. With these food parcels we keep in personal touch with the families. They are all generally appreciative and rely on receiving them, so we continue the service even though we do not always have funds available. We also give assistance in providing materials for getting the children “Back to School” and assist with utility and medical bills when asked. We held a Country Fair this year at the Church grounds and had a good 10 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN financial return.Most of the parishioners of the Church turned out to assist. All our families were invited to take part and special vouchers were given to them “To live for spending at the fair. There was no other fund raiser. We treated our families charitably means to a Christmas lunch in conjunction with Our Lady Queen of the Universe and St. Patrick’s Conferences, and hired a bus to transport them from and back to not looking out home. The families were also invited to join the SVP and the families we assist at the Ursuline Convent for our Annual Festival Mass when we also invite our for our own benefactors. We have a very small membership serving these families so we interests, but meet very seldom. However we do meet informally and keep each other in touch with what is happening. We keep hoping for brighter things in 2017. carrying the

OUR LADY QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE burdens of the weakest and BRIDGE OF HOPE CARE MINISTRY – Justina Newton The Bridge of Hope Care Ministry at Our Lady Queen of the Universe R.C. poorest among Church was founded by Sr. Angilla Corraspe OP was subsequently reassigned to Trinidad. Ms. Allyson Francis is the current Coordinator. us.” POPE FRANCIS The purpose of this ministry is to provide hampers once monthly or when necessary to persons in need, to assist with the payment of some bills, and in conjunction with the St. Vincent De Paul Mall, to provide clothing as required. Each person is issued with a card which is signed upon receipt of the hamper. At Christmas an additional gift is given to each person assisted. The cost of each hamper is now well over $100.00 dollars, as we try to include not only basic items, but a few extra supplies, sometimes. We have large families with 6 or more children. The number of clients has increased and so it gets more difficult to provide all that is needed for a proper nourishing meal, but with the help of our benefactors and parishioners, we are able to do this work among the people of God.

The Bridge of Hope Ministry also provides a hot meal twice a month, and our goal is to be able to increase this to every Sunday. Approximately 70 persons are fed, though the number fluctuates from time to time. Ingredients are provided and meals prepared by parishioners and benefactors to Bridge of Hope, while some of our youth give their support by packaging and serving. Our clients continue to enjoy a high quality and tasty meal. Since I have been interacting with these clients, I have come to appreciate how we as Christians make a difference in the lives of others. We take care of the physical needs, but sometimes folks need counseling and other professional

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 11 advice. Ideally I would like to see legal and medical services being available to “The point is clients once a month. this: whoever “For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a sows sparingly stranger and you welcomed me into your house. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to see me.” will also reap Matt. 25:35-36 sparingly, and whoever sows ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – Patti Roach bountifully The St. Vincent de Paul Society at the St. Francis of Assisi Church is blessed will also reap with nine full time local members and one overseas part time member Patti Roach was appointed the new President replacing Lisa Duckhouse who bountifully. Each stepped down after serving for over ten years as President. The members are all very grateful for her sterling service. Paul Kellman was appointed Vice one must give as President, taking over from Marie Ann Gonsalves who appointed Treasurer. he has decided Addie De Souza continues as the Secretary. Meetings are held fortnightly and in his heart, all members are very involved in the ongoing activities. The Conference assists twenty-six (26) households each month with groceries not reluctantly and/or funds for expenses. Visits are made to most of the households at the or under beginning of every month. compulsion, The main fundraising comes from sales from the thrift shop at St. Francis of Assisi Church, which is open every Saturday morning. The Conference is very for God loves a grateful for all the donations that it receives for this purpose and depends cheerful giver.” 2 on the generosity of the public for any second hand usable items. Members take turns running the shop from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. each week. Several COR. 9:6-7 volunteers assist members on a Thursday morning in sorting through the donations and preparing the shop for Saturday and we are truly appreciative for all the help received from everyone in this regard. Members of St. Francis Church are also very generous with their donations on a weekly basis to the Poor Box and to the St. Vincent de Paul and Candle boxes in the church and for this we are truly thankful. These funds are also used to cover our monthly expenses which are in excess of $6,000.00 a month. The Conference also assists the children of the families in need with their school supplies and uniforms. When necessary, the Conference also helps with medical expenses and utility bills. Once or twice a year, the families are taken on an outing, as a treat. Hampers are also distributed at Christmas time with the generosity of several business Companies around Barbados.

12 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN The HUB People-Helping-People Ms. Marjorie Riley, Director Our Achievements for the period January to December 2016: Assisted persons in meeting their needs: The number of persons registered with The HUB increased from 70 at the start of 2015 to 135 by the end of the year. Of these, the majority sought assistance in meeting their basic needs (food) and paying household and utility bills. This support was provided directly through the HUB and also through arrangements with Living Water Community (LWC). While conducting interviews, it was recognized that the challenges facing the registrants are wide-spread and deeply- rooted. It required The HUB to expand the assistance provided and develop “a compelling vision of a new approach to sustainable development… to break the cycle of poverty.” LWC is providing The HUB with some of the much-needed assistance to address some of the challenges identified. Assistance individuals who are seeking to start a small business: Earlier this year the Hub sought to strengthen its relationship with Caribbean “It is not enough Financial Services Corporation (CFSC). A paper was presented to the Board of to say we are CFSC outlining an approach which would result in the creation of successful micro-businesses. Approval was given and The HUB established a pilot directly Christians. We providing assistance to two micro businesses. The assistance involves granting small loans, providing guidance in the areas must live the of recording keeping and good businesses practices. Also a monitoring system faith, not only is being developed and all the terms and conditions regarding the relationship with the HUB is contained in a document signed by the business owner and with our words, the HUB. The businesses funded thus far are a small village shop and a small hair dressing businesses specialising in natural hairdos. The HUB is presently but with our reviewing two other projects with the aim of bring them into the pilot early actions.” in 2017. POPE FRANCIS In order to ensure the success of the project, the monitoring function will be done by volunteers who have a good understanding of small business. To date, two persons have already agreed to assist. In January 2017 The Hub will meet with these volunteers and to develop the monitoring procedures. It is anticipated that by June 2017 there will be adequate information on the performance of the pilot. Apart from these two businesses The Hub also assisted a business to secure an operating facility within the Barbados Investment & Industrial Corporation Entrepreneur Complex and to source financing. These three businesses exhibited their products in the Mercy Village.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 13 Monique Thompson “The Hub changed my life. What The Hub has done for me and my family has been out of this world. They have been supportive, inspirational, motivational, and brought such big change into my life – mentally, spiritually and financially. The Hub saw potential in me that I couldn’t see in myself. They had faith in me when I didn’t. With their help, I have been able to change my entire mindset – I have hope and vision for my future. I am open to new ways of pursuing goals for myself and my family. I want all my children to be educated regardless of their situation. I feel empowered. The Hub put me in a position to strive, to move forward. I started my own business. I’ve improved my skills, and become happier and more energetic. There is no one doing what The Hub is doing – no one doing providing support unconditionally – support unlike any other organization. They stuck by me through everything and they never gave up on me. They took burdens off of my shoulders so that I could focus on what really mattered. The Hub picks you up from scratch – picks up dust and molds it like clay into the person you always wanted to be.”

Provided assistance through agreements with international organisations and regional organisations: Through agreements with Food for the Poor (FFTP), The HUB donated medical supplies, medical equipment, furniture and other general items to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) valued at US$4,087,854.99. FFTP also provided US$59,875.20 of highly nutritional rice and soy (Manna Pack) product food. This product is distributed to the Care Ministries for inclusion in their food hamper project, The Salvation Army for their daily feeding project, the Barbados Red Cross Society and the Prison Association. Also, FFTP provided garden tools, sewing machines, kiddies’ furniture, table and chairs, bicycles and other items valued at US$11,002.76. The kiddies’ furniture was donated to the Parent Education for Development in Barbados (PAREDOS) a non-profit organization that has a nursery school, and to the reading programme of the Care Ministry of Our Lady of the Rosary at Verdun, St. John. The table and chairs were given to Our Lady Queen of the Universe in Black Rock and the Living Water Community for their programmes. The bicycles and some garden tools were donated to two registrants who have a small garden supply businesses and required transportation. Garden tools and the sewing machines were donated to the Care Ministries, who have responsibility for various prison ministries. Scholarship Programme Due to numerous requests for assistance in payment of school fees, The HUB has established a scholarship programme design to assist students who attend the University of the West Indies Barbados Campus (UWI) and also Barbados Community College (BCC). Persons who are practicing Catholics assisting with at least one of the programmes within their church community, are given priority. Also the student and family who do not qualify for assistance 14 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN under the student revolving fund of the government. The student is required to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5. One such scholarship to BCC has been given to a young lady who is very involved in the programs at Verdun House in St John.

Joint Venture with the American Women The American Women’s Club of Barbados would like to establish an arrangement with the HUB. This relationship will result in the establishment of a business that will benefit registrants of the HUB. The arrangements for the joint venture are still very much in its infancy stage and will be developed further in early 2017 resulting in a launch by March 2017. Website and Social Network Over the past year, The Hub’s website – www.hub2people.com – has increased traffic to just under 1000 hits per month, i.e., 1000 individual visits from approximately 250 visitors (indicating that several visitors make repeat visits to hub2people.com). On the Facebook front, we surpassed the milestone of 100 likes to reach 112 total likes. Facebook has also been the third highest director of traffic to the website, with individual users clicking on the link(s) available to “Learn More” about the organization or to “Sign Up” (i.e., register) to be a part of our user database. While engagement has been low on single posts, there is much more weekly activity in page views and “reach”, suggesting that persons view the page to see if any new information is available while not interacting directly with the content posted. The HubConnect page hosted a Facebook contest for Small Businesses as part of the marketing push set for the first six months of the year. While much interest was expressed, the entries did not reflect that initial enthusiasm. However, due to the contest, The Hub did experience a significantly higher level of activity on the page and the website; the promotion objective was fulfilled. The HUB’s focus has pivoted from simply helping small businesses and unemployment to helping restructure lives. STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 15 Living Water Community Rose Jackman: Co-foundress / Leader- Barbados Mission General The Living Water Community (LWC) is a Catholic, Ecclesial, Charismatic Community founded in Trinidad and Tobago in 1975 by Rhonda Maingot and “If any man is Rose Jackman. The mission statement of the Community is as follows: “The Living Water Community is a Catholic family on the journey to holiness. thirsty, let him Empowered by the Spirit of Jesus, we strive to be His healing presence to all come to me… who thirst. United in love, prayer and mission, we joyfully lay down our lives in the service of the Kingdom of God.” and from his Since January 12th, 2003 the Barbados mission was opened and at present 4 household members live together in community and are in full time breast shall flow ministry. The Community is also made up of 86 Covenant Members, included fountains of 4 Associated members, 7 Consecrated members living on their one and 6 Committed Couples who make an annual commitment every January: they living water.” commit to a personal relationship with God and to the service of the poor and JOHN 7:37-38 needy through the ministries of the Community. LWC provides its members and others with opportunities for growth through Holy Mass, prayer meetings, spiritual direction, counselling, seminars and retreats. Community members are encouraged to actively take part in their parishes and Diocesan events. Communal Prayer From Monday to Friday Holy Mass or Word and Communion Service is celebrated in the Prayer Room. About 12 members and others join the Community’s household for recitation of the Rosary, Morning Prayer and Holy Mass. Every first Friday of the month the Prayer Room is open for persons to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament from 7.00 am- 6.00 pm. Every Wednesday evening about 40 persons attend a Charismatic Prayer Meeting in the Living Water Community Hall led by the household members and other community members. Seminars such as, Life in the Spirit and Growth in the Spirit, teachings and other spiritual exercises are offered during the meetings. Some community members are part of the music ministry within LWC that is led by a household member to enrich community activities with praise and worship songs. There is a Men’s Group that meets twice a month for a time of prayer and sharing and yearly they have a retreat. Approximately 12 men attend the meetings. Every Thursday morning the Women’s Group meets for spiritual sessions led by a household member or invited person. Weekend and one day retreats are also offered. Every Friday afternoon and evening children and teens group is being held at the Living Water Community. Special activities such as collecting food items for the poor during Lent, helping with the Feeding program at Hero Square, Community fundraising and Stations of the Cross are being done by the two groups. Catechesis: A community member prepares persons who are interested in becoming Roman Catholics. Individuals are also instructed to become Lay Ministers of

16 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN the Eucharist. These persons are actively involved in taking Holy Communion to the sick. One household member helps to prepare teens for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Counselling: The Community offers counselling and spiritual direction to individuals upon request. Marriage counselling is also offered to couples who wants to make that commitment. Food Bank: A hamper of basic food and toiletries items is given to needy families twice a month. At the beginning of the year we had approximately 60 families, by the middle of the year we had 70 and by the end of the year we have about 80 families. Because of the growing need for support a project “ Hunger knows no season” was launched this year. Bins with signs are placed in some companies. People can place their donations in these bins. The hampers that are being given have a value of $ 150.00. The items are purchased by the Community as well as donated by individuals, companies and schools. Community members and others help to pack and deliver the hampers. Families who receive assistance attend the annual Christmas Lunch. Clothing, furniture and other items are also given to individuals in need. In total 1680 hampers were distributed with a value of $252,000 in 2016. Visits to the Elderly and Infirmed: Community members visit the elderly in 7 convalescent homes every week and Holy Communion is taken to the Catholics in the homes. Visits to the shut- ins are also being made. Holy Communion is also taken to the sick at home. Upon request, visits are made to those in hospital. Prison Ministry: Household, community members and others conduct a developmental programme at a detention centre for girls and another for boys on a monthly basis. These programs include life skills, empowerment and spirituality. Refugees: The Community assists asylum seekers and refugees through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Feeding Programme/ Hero Square: Every Tuesday Community members and others prepare and pack 150 hot meals at Living Water Community. This meal along with a drink and a snack is distributed in the evening at Hero Square for the homeless and needy. The value of the meal is about $15.00. In total 7800 hot meals are distributed with a value of $117,000 in 2016. Fundraising: The Community operates a Cafeteria and Religious Bookshop at its Centre, at St. David’s Christ Church. It supports itself and the different ministries by donations and occasionally fundraisings activities. Every Saturday morning, the Community sells food at the Brighton Farmer’s Market. Living Water Community Hall for Evangelization The Living Water Community Hall for Evangelization is used for various Community activities, as well as different activities from the Diocese such as Clergy meetings, Confirmation retreats, Parish Councils meetings, Bible Studies, various Commissions and Workgroup meetings and Catholic school retreats. The Hall is also used by other Christian denominations for faith- based activities.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 17 Vocations

18 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN Seminarians Kirt Prospère Second Theology Saint Meinrad Seminary, & School of Theology It has been a very busy, and challenging semester; they say the first semester of second year theology is always the toughest, but once you get through it, things get easier. As I prepare to enter my second semester, I really hope so. My courses this past semester have really taught me a lot, especially Pastoral Care and Counselling. They thought me how to understand myself on a much deeper level, so that I am able to understand the persons I come in contact with. This year for my ministry assignment, I assigned to a retirement community. My pastoral counselling course came in very handy. Being in the company of the residents, listening to them, and engaging them in conversation, has been a great joy. The semester opened with a weeklong intense spirituality programme, the focus for my class was discernment, and prayer. This was particularly valuable as I continue to discern God’s call in my life, and strengthen my prayer life. Through this programme, I was able to encounter Jesus in a most humbling, and dynamic way. As I go further into discerning God’s call, I continue to experience God’s grace through my continual involvement with the school community, spiritual direction, and personal counselling. As I move into the New Year, my spiritual formation continues with a five-day retreat at the Holy Hill Monastery in Wisconsin. Apart from my spiritual and pastoral formation, I am engaged in other activities which help my human formation – my personal development. These activities include being class president, and a member of the student council, the student wellness coordinator, assistant athletics coordinator, and being a cook in the students bar and hang out spot. Although it has been a challenging semester, I look forward to finishing this year as I continue my journey, my discernment to God’s call in my life. Omaris Valmond Hello everyone. I would like to think of the journey to priesthood in the same sense as the greatly awaited coming, not of the great messiah, but of a long awaited vision that many of you have for our diocese. A vision of more priests to serve our diocese; priests filled with zeal for the spreading of the gospel and for serving you, Christ’s children. God has placed within our hearts this amazing zeal for the joy of the gospel and for helping each other to come to know Him a lot better. It is for this reason I continue to persevere along this path and I thank all of you for your help, your prayers and well wishes. So far this journey has taken me to a new location, where I am currently enrolled in the Seminary of St. John Vianney & The Uganda Martrys in Trinidad. I will conclude the first year in 2017; then I have three more years of study. It is amazing how quickly time flies. My time here in the seminary has been incredible. My stay on Mount St. Benedict, one of the most sacred places I have ever visited, has brought great enrichment in my passion and faith for God. The work load in studies has increased, but knowing that Christ is ever present and walking with me, thanks to your prayers, has allowed me to continue to stay the course. Along with eleven other seminarians from around the region, I continue to walk this path that Christ has laid before us here at St. John Vianney. Let us STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 19 not forget Kirt and Moses; they too are on their journey, traversing through their own challenges and struggles. I ask that you pray for them in abundance, for the path they tread is not easy. We all are indebted to you for your support and for your love and in every way you contribute to our lives and the life of the Church. God Bless you.

Moses Kabuga Gikandi In 2016, my journey begun. I left my home country in Kenya and landed in Barbados on the evening of 17th March, 2016. Being here has been a whole new experience in my vocation journey. I have met new people, made new friends and discovered a new culture. Being in Barbados is a blessing to me and I am always grateful to Bishop Jason for his invitation, and for accepting me to be part of this Diocese. Prior to coming to this diocese, I served for six years as a member of a religious community, founded in Jamaica, which has Mission houses all over the world. I did my formation there and I left it to the Bishop to decide whether any of the formation undergone there as a Missionary will be considered as I move forward. The first course that I did through the Catholic Formation Institute ‘was ‘Media and Religious Imagination’. This was followed by Introduction to Christology’ and then ‘Homiletics’. I was also enrolled to the University of West Indies, Cave “You did not Hill Campus, in September as a part-time student and for the last semester I choose me, but did a course in ‘Human Behaviour’. These four courses have been so inspiring I chose you and and I hope that they will be powerful tools in my future ministry as a priest. In June, 2016 Bishop Jason and Fr Paul hosted a three-day retreat for the three appointed you seminarians. It was a time of renewal and of thinking deeply about my vocation that you should to priesthood. We spent time in meditation, prayer and discussions about what the call to priesthood entails. In that retreat, we discussed what it means go and bear fruit to be a priest in these times and made some notes about our conclusions. We named that reflection Priests of the 21st Century. I also see my Spiritual and that your Director once a month and I spend the entire day in prayer, guided by him. fruit should In the pastoral area, I have been assisting Fr. Paul in the two parishes, Sacred abide, so that Heart and Our Lady of the Rosary. I work very closely with the young people at Sacred Heart and also with the Care Ministry in the same parish. I sometimes whatever you ask take part in catechism classes for children and Bible sharing with the young the Father in my adults. I am also involved in planning Faith on Tap, a quarterly gathering of young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old. This year, I took part in name, he may Cainco and I gave lessons on Worship. On Tuesdays I volunteer with Living Water Community in preparing food hampers for the needy families and give it to you.” also feeding the hungry at Heroes Square, Bridgetown. I work with the Hub, JOHN 15:16 offering assistance and advice to people who come to us daily, physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually burdened. I also provide a coordinating role for the AEC Bishop’s Conference as the Administrator of their Zoom platform – an online video conferencing and collaboration software application. These experiences have been a source of great encouragement to me, especially in my prayer life. I try to see the face of Christ in the people I encounter each day, especially the poor and the suffering. His disfigured face is reflected in the hundreds of hungry, sick and wounded hearts of our brothers and sisters. Daily they cry, daily they lament and seek a helping hand. This has been my inspiration and this is what I want to do as a priest. To proclaim the Gospel to the poor is my vocation. I ask for your continued prayers as I continue on my journey. 20 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN DIACONATE FORMATION REPORT The third year of formation started with six (6) candidates. The courses held during the year were: • Media & Religious Imagination – Facilitators – Bishop Jason Gordon and Fr. Michael Barrow • Mary in Scripture and Tradition – Dayton University online - April • Discovering God’s Call For You – Fr. Bill Jerema – May • Images of Jesus – Dayton University online – July • Christology – Dr. Winston Layne – October • Homiletics – Bishop Jason Gordon – November Michael Gonsalves A retreat was held by Bishop Jason for the candidates on February 13, 2017 and it was attended by all. Fr. Bill Jerema visited the island in May and met with the candidates individually and with their wives. He also conducted a workshop at St. Dominic’s for the diocese which was attended by the candidates under the theme, “Discovering God’s call for You – Called and Gifted”. A retreat was also conducted at the Living Water Community on May 22. In July, the candidates and their wives had a social meeting (dinner) with the Bishop at candidate Stephen Foster’s home. At that event we reviewed the programme with the Bishop and our wives contributed to the discussion from their perspective and involvement. Unfortunately, Gregory Fergusson withdrew from the programme in August for personal reasons but remains involved in service to his parish. Fabian Alexander The remaining candidates were installed as Acolytes on August 13 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. All are expected to undergo continuing practical training by their parish priests while serving in their parishes. We also served at the Diocesan Assembly and the Pontifical Mass in November. In September, we were pleased to finally meet Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, the Director of Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) which is sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton. She has been the facilitator for a number of the online courses taken by the candidates with the university. She encouraged us to continue on the journey and assured us of her continued support. Candidates also participated in Daily Reflection recordings where were broadcasted on the YouTube channel. George Waithe A Spiritual Retreat was held in November at the Living Water Community which was attended by the candidates and followed by individual meetings by the candidates with Bishop Jason to review their participation during the course of the year. On the closing day of the Year of Mercy in November, the Catholic Prison Ministry was inaugurated under the direction of Bishop Jason and Fr. Clement Paul. Stephen Foster and George Waithe were invited to be part of the prison ministry and Stephen has been appointed the Catholic Prison Chaplin with the responsibility of developing this ministry. Fr. Leonard Alfonso is the Spiritual Director of this ministry. Visits have been made to both men and women prisoners and there is an invitation to Catholics to volunteer for this ministry. Candidates attend monthly individual and group meetings with the programs Stephen Foster Spiritual Director Fr. Michael Barrow. We are looking forward to the year ahead as we continue on the formation journey and ask fellow Catholics to pray for us and thank you for your continued support.

A. ‘Stephen’ Joseph STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 21 Our Youth Development SACRAMENTS

Our Lady of Rosary “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” PROVERBS 22:6 Our Lady Queen of the Universe

Our Lady Queen of the Universe St. Francis

St. Dominic’s St. Patricks Cathedral

22 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN “ Together with Christ, you young men and women are the vitality of the Church and society. If you let Christ form you, if you are open to dialogue with him in prayer, by reading and meditating upon the Gospel, you will become prophets and witnesses to hope!” POPE FRANCIS

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 23 Our Schools DIOCESAN CATHOLIC EDUCATION TEAM Chair, Rosalind Jackson 2016 saw the “changing of the guard” at both schools in the Diocese – St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) and the Ursuline Convent School (UCS). St. Patricks’ said farewell to Sr. Susan Gopaul at the end of September after twelve years of yeoman service. Sr. Susan’s hallmark of order and discipline are evident at St. Patrick’s. The Ursuline Convent School, in December say farewell to Mrs. Susan Chinnery as she goes on pre-retirement leave. “The mission Mrs. Chinnery led the charge of UCS since September 2009. She was very instrumental in the establishment of the Boys’ Secondary Department – St. of schools is Francis - and a number of process improvement initiatives. DCET wishes them both well. to develop a DCET is delighted to welcome to the team Sr. Pauline Dempsey (who had just sense of truth a two day hand over from Sr. Susan in late September) and Mr. Tony McConney (who had a one term hand over from Mrs. Chinnery) of what is good and beautiful. And this occurs through a rich path made up of many ingredients. This is why there are so many subjects — because development is the results of different elements that act together and stimulate intelligence, knowledge, the emotions, the body, and so on.” POPE FRANCIS

24 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN Below are relevant biographical notes on our two new leaders:

Sr. Pauline Dempsey Sister graduated as a primary teacher with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree in primary education in September 1984. She spent her first two years at Hollidaysburg Catholic School, Pennsylvania, then a year in St Anthony’s convent school in Cinderford, Gloucester, England. She returned to Scotland then to get her permanent teacher registration, working in various primary and special needs schools till she got her first permanent position in a Special primary in the early 90s. Due to a fall in roll and being last teacher in, she was transferred to St Joan of Arc, a secondary school for pupils with learning difficulties, teaching Maths there. During 1991, two of her congregation’s sisters were killed in a road crash in Kenya, and Sr. Pauline was asked to go there very soon after the accident to teach Maths until someone else was able to be appointed. On returning to Scotland in August 1993, Sr. Pauline worked in Hollybrook Secondary for children with learning difficulties in August ‘93, where she stayed until coming to Barbados. Over the years, Sr. Pauline taught Maths, Religious Education., Physical Education, Social Studies, Computing, Music, Enterprise and Social and Vocational Studies. For over 20 years, she taught mainly English, with one or two other subjects as well. When in Hollybrook she led the whole school Toe by Toe reading initiative, which involved ten volunteers coming in weekly to take approximately 40- 50 children for an individual reading programme a minimum of 3 times a week. She also had responsibility for registering pupils for national exams, pastoral care and guidance of pupils and curriculum development for all her subjects, working on staff development teams. Last year, she was on the Information and Communication Technology group. Part of their job was to set up a school radio station, run the school Facebook page and develop the school website. Sr. Pauline is hoping that St Patrick’s may develop more fully its use of computer technology as a tool for learning. She is also hoping to introduce active learning techniques to the school. She is observing good practice just now and is working with staff and is appreciating all the support she is receiving very much. Tony McConney Tony McConney has shared that he is very honoured to have the opportunity to serve the students, parents and staff of the Ursuline Convent School as its Administrator from January 2017, having served as Administrator Designate since September 2016. He is fluently bilingual in both French and English and holds the Ontario College of Teachers qualification with an Honour Specialist in French (1994) and an additional qualification in Special Education (2006). Tony received his Master of Arts degree in School Administration from Laval University, Québec in 1997. Mr. McConney has the Principal’s Qualifications Parts 1 & 2 from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education in conjunction with the University of Toronto. He served as an Elementary School Principal in Ontario from 2003 when he opened a new dual track French Immersion School in Newmarket, York Region for ten years after which he was an Elementary School Principal with the London District Catholic School Board. Having left Barbados over thirty years ago, after finishing his secondary school studies at Harrison College, Tony returned “home” in 2013 to take up the post as the Principal at St. Winifred’s School. He has already started to get to know all of the children at UCS and he appreciates the warm welcome he has received from the staff and parents. As is evident from the information shared, both Sr. Pauline and Mr. McConney are experienced instructional leaders who have worked for years in Catholic

STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2016 | 25 2016 ACTIVITIES In 2016 the DCET Education experts continued their work with specific groups at St. Patrick’s. Dr. Pauline Bynoe and Dr. Hazel McDonald-Simmons worked to facilitate two sessions on Instructional Leadership with the leaders and senior staff of the two schools. The chair of DCET has had extensive dialogue with the two new leaders. It has been agreed that they will engage their staff early in 2017 to get their inputs into what collaborative support DCET can provide in the areas of a) continuing the journey of differentiated teaching/learning, b) helping to develop Christian Meditation as a part of the Catholic ethos in our schools and c) appropriately raising the profiles of the schools. We look forward to working within the Diocese and with the schools to ensure that our schools are delivering a high standard of education which transforms our students into well educated, well rounded citizens of the world in the 2020’s The MANDATE of the DCET is “to support, serve and ensure Catholic formation through excellence in education by providing an effective governance framework for the schools”. Therefore the DCET’s role is to advise and assist the Bishop in his responsibility to ensure that effective catholic formation is taking place within the catholic schools. This is best achieved through focus on working with the schools to ensure: The visible development of value centric schools where student formation is the focus – communities of lived values. That the schools are evolving as genuine learning communities. The promotion of an environment within each school where emotional intelligence is fostered and each student and teacher is encouraged to develop his/her true potential. The focus on classroom competencies is at the crux of this. To carry out our mandate effectively we need to work more visibly and collaboratively with the staff of the schools, the parents and the communities.

26 | ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN Financials