DOCSLIB.ORG

First Sitting of the Synod

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
First Sitting of the Synod THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN FIRST SITTING OF THE SYNOD OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS WORD | EUCHARIST | SERVICE The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Mission ‘To lead all people to unity, encounter and participation in Christ.’ 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 Page 3 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Contents Greetings from the Secretary of State 3 Greetings from the Apostolic Nuncio to Barbados 4 Foreword, Bishop C. Jason Gordon 5 Message from May Hinds, Chairperson – Synod 2014 6 Decree of Approval, Bishop C. Jason Gordon 7 Approved Resolutions 8 Homily - Synod Opening Mass 10 The Journey to Synod 2014 – Bishop C. Jason Gordon 14 Synod Papers of the Three Pastoral Priorities 15 WORD, Fr. Vibert Stephens and June Ann Pinkerton 15 EUCHARIST, Fr. Charles and Sr. Susan Gopaul 18 SERVICE, Fr. Andy and Glenda Medford 20 Synod Implementation 22 The way forward to 2019 - Bishop C. Jason Gordon 26 Evaluation Report 30 Logo Explanation 31 Fact Sheet 32 Glossary of Terms 34 Photo Essay 36 Synod Prayer 38 Page 5 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Page 6 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Page 7 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Foreword MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JASON GORDON My brothers and sisters decisions. I also appointed a Vision Team under Synod 2014 is an inspiring the leadership of Ms. May Hinds and Msgr. example of the success we Harcourt to focus specifically on ensuring that can achieve by working the Diocese achieves its vision by 2019. together around a common It can be said, therefore, that an exciting time lies purpose to advance the ahead for our Diocese over the next five years. Kingdom of God. Your continued support for the Synod process Synod 2014 issued a clarion call for us to build remains crucial to attaining the outcomes we a better Catholic Church together. The dynamic desire. It is our intention to keep you fully leadership provided by Ms. May Hinds and informed of the progress being made based on other members of the Process Core Team, along our commitment to improving communication. with your enthusiastic response expressed This Synod 2014 keepsake captures our through the contribution of your thoughts and journey with particular focus on the historic ideas, helped us to achieve key objectives. deliberations of October 16-19. Meant as Synod 2014 reached a high point with the an easy reference, it contains all of the key historic deliberations of October 16-19 at presentations as well as the resolutions which the Living Water Community Centre. With were approved. this aspect of the five-year process out of the May reading it serve to keep us focused on way, the focus now is on implementing your our goals! May the story of the Synod 2014’s mandate to renew and transform the church in success also inspire us to accomplish even our Diocese based on a better understanding of greater things in the service of God and our Word, Eucharist and Service. fellow man and woman! Immediately following the conclusion Thanks again for your commitment and of the deliberations of October 16-19, I support! established a Synod Implementation Team under the chairmanship of Ms. Glenda With Gratitude Medford and comprising representatives of the clergy, religious and laity. The team has responsibility for drawing up and overseeing the implementation of a 2014- The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. 2019 Implementation Plan informed by your Bishop of Bridgetown Page 8 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Message FROM SYNOD 2014 CHAIRPERSON MAY HINDS On behalf of the other members of the Process Core Team, I welcome the publication of this Synod 2014 keepsake which records for posterity our walk of faith to build a better church together in the Diocese of Bridgetown. To have been chosen to guide the Synod process up to the crucial high point of October 16-19 was a great honour and privilege for all of us. We accepted this responsibility with humility and thank our Bishop, The Most Rev. Dr. Jason Gordon, for reposing such confidence in us. We thank him for his inspiring leadership. We also thank the clergy and laity in the seven parishes across the Diocese for their encouragement and support. Mention must be made of the persons who willingly agreed to serve on the special teams which were set up by the Process Core Team to handle important aspects of the planning to ensure Synod 2014 was a resounding success. What a richly rewarding experience it was! Following the historic October 16-19 deliberations, the Synod 2014 process has entered the crucial implementation stage where the decisions you took will be put into effect over the next five years. We ask for your continued prayers and support for the Synod Implementation Team as we seek to renew and transform our Church with the aim of ensuring that the Church’s ageless message remains relevant to a changing Barbados. With every blessing May Hinds (Miss) Synod 2014 Chairperson Page 9 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Decree of Approval Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Bishop’s House Lady Meade Gardens P.O. Box 1223 Bishop’s House Bridgetown BB11000 Lady Meade Gardens Telephone: (246) 426-­‐3510 Barbados P.O. Box 1223 Fax: (246) 429-­‐6198 West Indies. Email: [email protected] Bridgetown BB11000 Telephone: (246) 426-­‐3510 [email protected] Barbados Fax: (246) 429-­‐6198 West Indies. Email: [email protected] [email protected] Bridgetown Barbados Bridgetown October 19, 2014 Barbados October 19, 2014 By the authority granted to me by Canon 466 of the Code of Canon Law, IBy hereby the authority give formal granted approval to me ofby theCanon resolutions 466 of theof CodeSynod of 2014Canon of Law, the DioceseI hereby of giveBridgetown formal approvaland authorize of the their resolutions publication of Synodand implementatio 2014 of then overDiocese the nextof Bridgetownfive years. and authorize their publication and implementation over the next five years. The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. Bishop of Bridgetown The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. Bishop of Bridgetown Page 10 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Approved Resolutions Eucharist be encouraged and nurtured in the Word life of every Catholic, every family, every 1. Be it resolved that the Bible be reaffirmed parish and every Catholic institution. as the foundation and as an animating 3. Be it resolved that each parish make force of the faith of every Catholic, every ministry to children an integral part of the family, every parish, every Ministry and Sunday Liturgy. every Catholic institution to facilitate the 4. Be it resolved that Christian initiation encounter with The Living Word, Jesus programmes for all age groups be evaluated, Christ. standardized and publicised across the 2. Be it resolved that the diocese at all diocese. levels promote the use of the Bible as 5. Be it resolved that the sacrament of the inspiration of all pastoral work by reconciliation be promoted and made implementing Biblical Animation of all available as a crucial encounter with Christ Pastoral Life (ABP). [*Footnote to be added in all parishes. explaining Biblical Animation of all Pastoral Life] 3. Be it resolved that the diocese, at all levels, Service promote Lectio Divina as a way of prayer 1. Be it resolved that stewardship be integrated for all Catholics. as a hallmark of service in every parish, 4. Be it resolved that the diocese promote ministry and Catholic institution and be biblical studies and offer opportunities for it. actively promoted as a way of life for every 5. Be it resolved that the diocese collaborate Catholic. with the AEC Bishops, other Christians and 2. Be it resolved that Catholic Social Teaching the Bible Society of the Eastern Caribbean be promoted and embedded in the life of in promoting the Word of God. every Catholic, every family, every parish 6. Be it resolved that the Bible be the and every Catholic institution. foundation of all catechetical and pastoral 3. Be it resolved that the diocese actively programmes. promote authentic integral human 7. development, as defined by Pope Paul VI, amongst its members and for the people Eucharist of Barbados in the service of the most 1. Be it resolved that the Holy Eucharist be vulnerable. promoted as the source and summit of the 4. Be it resolved that Christian citizenship life of every Catholic, every family and be promoted as an essential dimension of every Catholic institution. Christian stewardship. 2. Be it resolved that devotion to the Holy Page 11 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown 5. Be it resolved that the Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown articulate publicly and regularly Vocations its teachings on “Catholic Social Justice” to 1. Be it resolved that the diocese, at all levels, advocate on behalf of all in need. actively promote a culture of vocation to facilitate a response to the call to priesthood, diaconate, religious life and consecrated lay Family And Youth life. 1. Be it resolved that the Diocese of Bridgetown be committed to the promotion of the New Evangelisation as enunciated by Communications the Magisterium and as outlined in the Joy 1.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Stewardship Report 2017
    Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2017 MISSION – To lead all people to unity, encounter and participation Table of Contents 1 MESSAGE 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017 4 CREATING DISCIPLES 4 Spiritual Growth 6 Catholic Formation Institute 8 Our Youth Development 10 EVANGELISATION • Corpus Christi Community – St. George 12 CELEBRATIONS • 100 th anniversary of Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima • CARIFESTA XIII celebratory Mass 15 OUR CHARITABLE WORKS • Reports • Prison Ministry • The Hub • Living Water Community 25 VOCATION • Seminarians • Ordination of Permanent Deacons • Ordination of Transitional Deacons 31 EDUCATION • Diocesan Catholic Education Team 33 FINANCIALS 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 A PUBLICATION BY THE RC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN www.catholicbb.org © 2018 Message “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 Brother and Sisters, 2017 provided incredible examples of vocation, service and commitment to our church -commitment to God’s mission. Since SYNOD 2014, we have steadily been strengthening our Church by investing more in our members in the pew, our catechists and Sunday school teachers, our children, and persons in ministry, giving them every opportunity to have an encounter with Jesus Christ through the many formation workshops and retreats organized. We also continued the important role of developing the next generation of clergy and young leaders, preparing them to serve God’s people in this digital milieu.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement of Solidarity
    ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9a Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies President: Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau, Dominica Vice President: Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Bishop of Bridgetown, Barbados General Secretary: Fr. John D. Persaud Telephone: OFFICE: (868) 622-2932 Fax: (868) 628-3688 CELL: (868) 736-9718 e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.aecrc.org STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY As we witnessed the fierce and angry winds of Hurricane IRMA as it tore through many Islands in the Caribbean and the United States leaving a path of destruction and loss of life we cannot help but feel compassion and solidarity with the victims of this hurricane. The images of destruction and devastation brought to us through the media are indeed vivid and must move us into action as we seek to be united with our brothers and sisters who await our help in this their moment of need. Our response of SOLIDARITY can be expressed at various levels: 1. We can unite ourselves with all those affected through prayer. In our homes and places of worship let us unite in our prayer for those who have died and their families who mourn their loss; for those who have lost so much and in some cases everything and must now rebuild their lives, homes and communities. They must know and feel the power of our solidarity in prayer. 2. We can in our own various ways offer physical assistance by donating what we can for the immediate needs of our brothers and sisters who are suffering: water, non-perishable food items, mattresses, bed linen and blankets, clothes, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Distinguished Guests, Knights and Dames, It Gives Me Very Great
    SPEECH OF HE SIR ANTHONY BAILEY, KGCN, OBE, GCSS, MAGISTRAL DELEGATE FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS RELATIONS AND DELEGATE FOR GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND OF THE SACRED MILITARY CONSTANTINIAN ORDER OF ST GEORGE ARMOURERS' HALL - 25 NOVEMBER 2014 Distinguished Guests, Knights and Dames, It gives me very great pleasure as Delegate of the Constantinian Order in Great Britain and Ireland to warmly welcome each of you this evening to this our Autumn dinner. I am pleased to do so once again in the magnificent setting of Armourers’ Hall, in the heart of the City of London and surrounded as we are by its countless references to chivalry, faith and St George. 1 Ladies and Gentlemen, We have many distinguished guests here tonight and may I begin welcoming most warmly our new Grand Chancellor Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies, who has travelled from Paris. Her Royal Highness is the first female to hold this important office and through her I would like to extend our good wishes to the Grand Master and the Grand Prior. I am most delighted to welcome also His Imperial Highness Prince Napoleon, Deputy President of the Royal Deputation. I would also liKe to extend a hearty welcome in the name of the Grand Master and the Cardinal Grand Prior, to Her Majesty’s Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, HE Sir Rodney Williams and HE Lady Williams who only three weeKs ago hosted an excellent Official Visit of the Order to their country. I am delighted That His Excellency has joined us tonight just a few days before his audience 2 with Her Majesty when he will be invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George and to whom we offer our most sincere congratulations as you assume this important role.
    [Show full text]
  • Acta Apostolicae Sedis
    An. et vol. CII 3 Decembris 2010 N. 12 ACTA APOSTOLICAE SEDIS COMMENTARIUM OFFICIALE Directio: Palazzo Apostolico – Citta` del Vaticano – Administratio: Libreria Editrice Vaticana ACTA BENEDICTI PP. XVI LITTERAE DECRETALES I Quibus Beatae Gertrudi Comensoli Sanctorum honores decernuntur. BENEDICTUS EPISCOPUS servus servorum dei ad perpetuam rei memoriam « Omnia possum in eo, qui me confortat » (Philp 4, 13). Hoc est verbum quod in beatae Gertrudis Comensoli corde reperitur et quo ipsius imbuitur vita. Necessitudinem cum Iesu experitur tamquam mysticam coniunctionem, amantem cognitionem, quae efficit ut Iesum veluti suum Dominum ea percipiat, videlicet Eum qui eiusdem infirmitates susti- nere potest aeque ac eius studium divinae voluntati adhaerendi, Ipsius personae se conformandi. Hac de re scripsit: « Mi Iesu, similem tui me redde ... verum exemplar mei amoris Crucifixi. “Omnia possum in eo, qui me confortat” (Philp 4, 13) » (Opera: Note intime). Cum se imparem Deo vocanti, communioni plus plusque requirendae, animadverteret atque cum vereretur ne novae institutionis difficultatibus subvenire posset, quam iudicat a Deo flagitatam, haec in altam pacem plenamque satisfactionem reciderunt, cum Ei se committeret qui eius passus dirigeret eiusque proposita adimpleret. 866 Acta Apostolicae Sedis – Commentarium Officiale Beata Gertrudis Comensoli in pago Brienno Brixiae die XVIII mensis Ianuarii anno MDCCCXLVII nata est. Ex familia admodum christiana atque paroeciali communitate rectitudinis solidarietatisque, parcae vitae amoris, quietarum necessitudinum laetitiae necnon Providentiae confidentiae sensum excipit. Vivax ac sensibilis Iesu in sacra Eucharistia praesenti animadvertit delectamentum. Incoercito concitata desiderio, septem annos nata furtim primum sacram communionem accepit. Prima est illius itineris pars, quae eam inducit ad Deo se totam consecrandam atque ad personale propositum perficiendum: id est institutum condendum, eucharisticae adorationi destinatum.
    [Show full text]
  • COVID Plans in Place for QEH, Defends Gibson
    Established October 1895 See inside Sunday May 24, 2020 $2 VAT Inclusive TAKINGTHE Barbados Christian GOVT’S LEADing, the wearing of face masks Council is standing firm and continued provision for with government’s decision Chairman of Barbados Christian Council speaks out vulnerable members,” he not to reopen places of wor- added. ship at this time. in debate to further ease restrictions on churches Wilkinson urged churchgoers Entering the debate, which to remember the church is has seen several church Government on reopening our stressed such steps will be crit- the unpredictability of the co- never closed, adding, “We take leaders and members of the places of worship”. ically important if the nation rona virus; that fulfilling our seriously the responsibility to public request a further In a press statement yester- and its people were to be kept mission as a church, fellowship, navigate this national tragedy easing of the restrictions day,he stated that government safe. worship, evangelism and min- with wisdom, compassion and placed on these establish- had requested churches submit “While we are anxious and istry are all to be expressed or patience.” ments, Chairman of the protocols to be implemented to excited about the possibility of carried out by persons with or The Chairman’s words came Council, Major Darrell minimise the possible spread our places of worship reopen- without a building; and that against the backdrop of a fifth Wilkinson, said it stood “res- of the virus in the case of a re- ing, we don’t want to be care- provisions will have to be made member of a Bridgetown olute” and would “trust the opening, an appeal which has less and seek to force the in terms of restrictions on the church testing positive for health authorities and been met by the Council.
    [Show full text]
  • A Pastoral Letter: New Ways of Being Church in a Digital Milieu
    1 A Pastoral Letter: New Ways of Being Church in a Digital Milieu INTRODUCTION 1. Good News to the poor is the mission and goal of all pastoral communications (see Luke 4:18). Through signs, gestures, words, books, moving images, audio, and social communications, the Church has sought to proclaim her message so that all people will hear it in their own native language (see Acts 2:11). To be faithful to this mission of evangelizing communications to the people of the Caribbean today, we will need a new missionary spirit, one that is built upon participation, dialogue, and collaboration and one that speaks to the heart, soul, and religious imagination of our Antillean people. We need a new way of being Church! 2. It is the Lord who sends: Go proclaim—communicate—the Good News “and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…’ (Matthew 28:19). Jesus Christ himself communicates, in his mission, on all levels of human interaction. He preaches and teaches to the masses using stories, parables, and statements and shares in smaller groups with his apostles and disciples. He meets individuals like Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and others in deep and very personal sharing. Evangelizing communication builds on this example of Jesus Christ, always trying to meet people where they are—at their level of knowledge, feeling, and understanding—to bring them from their own life experience closer to the Father and eternal life. 3. The parable of the Good Samaritan emphasizes the relationship possibilities presented by a heart imbued with charity, mercy, and compassion. If anything, the digital age, with its new opportunities and limitations, has helped us to be able to reflect on this relationship in new ways.
    [Show full text]
  • Pope Francis, Monday, April 16Th
    Friday, April 20th 2018 Established 1905 Georgetown, Guyana One Hundred Dollars ($100) Year 113, No. 14 Region’s Bishops in insightful, respectful encounter with Pope Cardinal Kelvin Felix and the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference meet with Pope Francis, Monday, April 16th. (photo: Vatican News ) From Charles Jason Gordon, The Visit ad limina Apostolo- Apostles ad efes to the pilgiage in relation to things like parishes, Archbishop of Port of Spain and rum normally occurs every five years which the Bishops make to the tombs churches and schools and so on. It Christopher Meyer OFM, in Rome and its purpose is twofold: to of the Apostles Peter and Paul to also looks at questions such as how His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Edward venerate the tombs of the Holy venerate and pray. the Church in a particular area relates Felix of Castries and the Bishops of Apostles, Peter and Paul; and to meet Prior to their visit to Rome each to the world and times in which it the Antilles Episcopal Conference with the Successor of Peter, the Bishop prepares an extensive report finds itself. It identifies strengths and gathered in Rome, Italy during the Bishop of Rome. on the state of his Diocese. This challenges and how the lived faith week of April 16th for an ad limina The term ad limina Apostolo- report contains an overview of the responds to the world around it. Apostolorum. rum eas to the theshold of the Diocesan situation as well as statistics This report is (please turn to page 7) Synod on women’s role INSIDE Editorial: New Wine in New Wineskins, in the Church proposed NOW - p2 Letters to the Editor - p2 Synod of opportunities for women at the servants within their parish, Pope Francis: The Church cannot be silent Bishops on parish, diocesan and Vatican almost like submissive clients of about economic suffering - p3 o e s level.
    [Show full text]
  • ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9A Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
    ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9a Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies President: Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau, Dominica Vice President: Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Bishop of Bridgetown, Barbados General Secretary: Fr. John D. Persaud Telephone: OFFICE: (868) 622-2932 Fax: (868) 628-3688 CELL: (868) 736-9718 e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.aecrc.org PRESS RELEASE The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has today accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Harris, C.S.Sp. and named the Most Reverend Charles Jason Gordon, as the eleventh Archbishop of Port of Spain. Archbishop Joseph E. Harris has served the Church in many different capacities and was ordained as Coadjutor Archbishop on the 14th September, 2011. He was installed as the tenth Archbishop of Port of Spain on December 8, 2011. The Antilles Episcopal Conference wishes to express its gratitude for the long and distinguished service rendered by Archbishop Joseph Harris to the Church and especially the Church in the Caribbean. The Conference would also like to register its appreciation to Archbishop Harris for his tremendous contribution to the Antilles Episcopal Conference since his elevation to the Order of Bishop. Archbishop Elect Charles Jason Gordon is a Trinidadian and has been serving the Church in Bridgetown, Barbados as its Bishop since 2011. The Antilles Episcopal Conference congratulates Archbishop Elect Gordon on his elevation to the Metropolitan See of Port of Spain, one of the five Archdioceses of the Conference. The Conference assures Archbishop Elect Gordon of its support as he takes on the mantle of leadership of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
    [Show full text]
  • Twenty-Third Publications Sample
    discovering discipleship Inspiration and Professional Growth Twenty-Third Publications Sample CTBC Discipleship_INT.indd 1 6/6/18 12:49 PM imprimatur # Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, std, Bishop of Worcester, February 23, 2018 Twenty-Third Publications One Montauk Avenue, Suite 200, New London, CT 06320 Twenty-Third(860) 437-3012 » (800) 321-0411 » www.twentythirdpublications.com Cover photo: © shutterstock / Syda Productions Copyright © 2018 Twenty-Third Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permissionPublications of the publisher. Write to the Permissions Editor. ISBN: 978-1-62785-293-7 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2017941586 Printed in the U.S.A. Sample CTBC Discipleship_INT.indd 2 6/6/18 12:49 PM contents introduction . 1 chapter 1 Faith: A Lifetime Journey. 3 Sr. Janet Schaeffler, op chapter 2 Through Crises of Faith . 10 Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, mhsh chapter 3 Encountering Jesus. 18 Most Reverend Charles Jason Gordon chapter 4 Words of Life-Giving Faith . 27 William H. Johnston chapter 5 The Scriptures and Spirituality of Catechists . .35 Fr. Donald Senior, cp Twenty-Thirdchapter 6 Implementing the Catechism . 42 Daniel S. Mulhall chapterPublications 7 Mary: Disciple and Woman of Faith . 49 Fr. Bertrand Buby, sm about the contributorsSample. 57 recommended resources . 58 CTBC Discipleship_INT.indd 3 6/6/18 12:49 PM Twenty-Third Publications Sample CTBC Discipleship_INT.indd 4 6/6/18 12:49 PM introduction Faith is an invitation, a gift; it is never forced. Faith is relational. We con- fess and live our faith in Jesus only as members of the believing com- munity.
    [Show full text]
  • Bishop-LORD INCREASE OUR FAITH.Pdf
    TABLE of CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. THE MYSTERY OF FAITH 3 SURPRISED BY FAITH FAITH: THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME LIVING BY FAITH THE CONTENT OF FAITH 2. MATURE DISCIPLESHIP 15 CALLED TO COMMUNITY CALLED TO LOVE IN SERVICE CALLED TO SACRIFICE CALLED TO RESPOND 3. LIVING THE MYSTERY 24 THE LIFE OF FAITH MARY MODEL OF FAITH EPILOGUE: HERE I STAND 4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH 29 To view a reading of this Pastoral Letter please search YouTube or Google for: “Bishop Jason Gordon Lord Increase Our Faith” it is broken into three parts. 1 INTRODUCTION “Lord, increase our faith” (Lk: 17:5), this is the cry of the disciples when con- fronted with a tough lesson from Jesus on forgiveness and scandal. This is our cry when faced with the challenge of being disciples for Christ in the Caribbean today. It may seem that this challenge is beyond our means, resources and for many of us our imagination. The challenges with which we are faced are at all levels, the family, school, parish and wider society. In our families, schools and parishes we appear no longer to know how to lead our- selves or the next generation towards mature discipleship in Christ. In families where parents are devout Catholics, many children no longer practice the faith. Schools that have a great reputation for academic excellence have recognized that many of today’s students are not living by the standards of excellence that the school has held for a generation or more. The parish that used to be a meeting place for Eucharist and religious formation has lost its prominence; many Catho- lics no longer practice their faith by participating in the Sunday Eucharist.
    [Show full text]
  • Readily Identified with Christ in His Weakness Give Me a Sense of Very Much Belonging to of Creation Proclaims the Glory of God
    Page 12 “ Promoting Whatever is Good, True, Right and Noble” Vol. 10 No. 06 AN AWESOME PLACE By Fr. Isidore Clarke His Church, including me, to His Beloved “ Promoting Whatever is Good, True, Right and Noble” ow awesome is this place! This is Mother. That crucifix reminds me that Catholic Focus none other than the house of God; my room is a sacred, awesome place. Vol. 10 No. 06 Price $1.00 this is the gate of Heaven,” Jacob So, does my community, as it practises the OCTOBER 2019 “Hexclaimed in what most of us would consider works of mercy in visiting the sick and the most unlikely of places -a stony wilderness comforting the afflicted - me. Individually (Gen. 28. 17). I have found the patriarch’s they come and keep me company and we words to be so true in what most people would have a good laugh. Each one of them is dismiss as secular, as distinct from sacred places the temple of the Holy Spirit - and so I But you don’t have to be a Dominican to The Solemn Ordination to such as church. I discovered God’s awesome am surrounded by the sacred! Together realise that you can meet God whatever the Sacred Priesthood of presence manifest in a hospital ward - in the they come to celebrate my receiving the your walk of life, in whatever circumstance medical staff who continued Christ’s ministry Sacrament of the Sick and Our Lord you find yourself. If you are sensitive to of healing, in the patients, including me, who Himself in the Blessed Eucharist.
    [Show full text]
  • ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9A Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
    ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9a Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies President: Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau, Dominica Vice President: Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Bishop of Bridgetown, Barbados General Secretary: Rev. Fr. John D. Persaud Telephone: (868) 622-2932 Fax: (868) 628-3688 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Web site: http:\www.aecrc.org 14th September, 2017. Ms. Christine Lagarde Managing Director of the IMF 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20431 U.S.A. Dear Ms. Lagarde, The utter destruction caused by the passage of Hurricane Irma across the Northern Leeward Islands has not only shocked the people of our region by its severity but has left all of us with a much deeper awareness of our vulnerability to natural disasters and with a fear of threats from other approaching weather systems. The sad reality is that the ones who are affected most, the poor, cannot be held responsible for this reality. The few dozen small Island States across the world, for example, have neither the size nor developmental history to have been major contributors to current climate change. Yet these small Island States are the most easily devastated by rising seas and harsher storms. Our brothers and sisters who inhabit these places are in peril, through no fault of their own. Today we are hearing that some experts from Germany are estimating the cost of the damage to Caribbean islands alone at US$10 billion. We are kindly requesting that the International Monetary Fund use its mandate to support all of the affected countries and especially Antigua & Barbuda by taking two steps: By declaring an immediate moratorium on all debt payments for the next six months and adding the option of an extension if this turns out to be necessary into early 2018.
    [Show full text]