WORD • EUCHARIST • SERVICE STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 DIOCESE OF SYNOD FIRST ANNIVERSARY PROGRESS REPORTS

DIOCESE CORE VALUES, MISSION & VISION 3

BISHOP’S MESSAGE 4

PROGRESS REPORTS:

MISSION TEAM 6

VISION TEAM 12

DIOCESAN CATHOLIC EDUCATION TEAM (DCET) 15

COMMUNICATION 17

THE HUB 20

STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL UPDATE 22

PHOTO GALLERY 23

Page 2 CORE VALUES Prayer- Forgiveness-Gratitude-Hospitality

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

VISION ‘By 2019 the Roman in will be a recognised 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’. STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 3 BISHOP’S MESSAGE

The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Jason Gordon Bishop of Bridgetown

Dear brothers and sisters, Through this vision we have made integral Four years is in reality, a very short time for development the currency of the church. It is an individual or an organisation. What we the development of all people, every person and accomplished together during the last four every dimension of the human person. We all years is amazing. We have articulated priorities must become the best version of ourselves. Pope for the Church in Bridgetown -- remember Paul VI says this is the vocation of the Church. your three wishes? Communion, Stewardship, This is how God calls us. Youth, Liturgy and Evangelization were the Our biggest accomplishment is our Synod. The priorities you wanted in November 2011. These two days of robust conversation about the future are the priorities that we have been working on of the church by 346 delegates leading to 34 ever since. resolutions. The closing evening with mass in We spent two years with the priests and pastoral the hallows was a defnite highlight. agents meeting every month to fnd new ways to Since Synod, we established a Mission Team lead the church in this direction. lead by Glenda Medford, a Vision Team lead by During this time we articulated a mission for the Msgr. Harcourt and May Hinds, a Finance Team Church: ‘To lead all people to Unity, Encounter led by Robert Kirby and a Communications and Participation in Christ.’ Team led by Mickey Armstrong. These four teams are dependent on one another and work We also articulated core values that we will hold together to ensure we become the better church as vital to our behaviour: Prayer, Forgiveness, that we all said we want to be. The restructuring Gratitude and Hospitality. of the church has begun and soon parishes will We articulated a vision: ‘By 2019 the Roman have pastoral plans to guide them over the next Catholic Church in Barbados will be a four years. recognised leader in integral development, For the youth we have changed the confrmation forming mature disciples who build strong programme to better reach these important Christian families and vibrant communities in members of our church. We have engaged the service of Christian Unity, the Common young adults at various levels of the church. Good and the Kingdom of God.’

Page 4 We have strengthened CAINCO and this year came to me. “I want you to bring Good News to was a bumper year with a strong focus on the the poor”. I do not yet know exactly what God development of participants. We have invested wants but I know that I am not yet where God heavily in our youth and young adults as the wants me to be for the poor and those on the future leaders of our church. margins of society and the church. I also know Let us keep in our prayers our seminarians that we are not yet the better church that God Kirt Prospere, Omaris Valmond and Carl wants us to be. Philadelphia. Also the deacons in training: The burning question for the next four years is: George Waithe, Stephen Foster, Michael How do we become Good News to the poor? Gonsalves, Stephen Joseph, Gregory Fergusson This is the challenge before us. One that I ask and Fabian Alexander. each of you to pray deeply about. It must be in We remain committed to the ministry of the our priorities, our actions and in the church we poor. In addition to the services provided by St. become. In the language of the church this is Vincent de Paul and the Care Ministries in the about authentic development. various parishes, we began The HUB – People I thank each of you for your support and prayers Helping People. over the next four years. I specially thank the There are 6-10 people a week that walk lay leaders, priests, religious, lay ecclesial into The HUB. Many have been helped to community and my Vicar General for the start a new business or pursue some form of support in this journey. But the journey has just sustainable livelihood. Through The HUB and started. Let us continue to work together to its international partner, Food For The Poor, build a better church! we have donated around BDS$6,000,000 to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in medical supplies, With Gratitude medication and equipment. The HUB will also be entering into partnership in bringing containers of food to assist with national feeding programs. What we have already accomplished is nothing in comparison to what God is calling us to do. This year I walked 200 Km of the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage in Spain. During +Jason Gordon that walk I had a lot of time to pray, think and refect. There was one very clear message that Bishop of Bridgetown STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 5 MISSION TEAM

Ms. Glenda Medford Chair

Introduction • Stewardship and Development Commission Immediately following the conclusion of (SERVICE) SYNOD 2014, Bishop Charles Jason Gordon • Father Andy Nyga and Glenda Medford established the new governance framework for • Family & Youth Commission the diocese which included several key teams required, by virtue of their respective mandates, • Father Clement Paul and Omar Squires to lead the transformation of the diocese Having been appointed by Bishop Jason Gordon, and the achievement of its vision, through the Mission Team chair and its members, act collaboration. These teams are the Mission as his delegates under his authority and on his Team, Vision Team, Diocese Finance Council, behalf. Communications Team, the Commissions, the Parish Pastoral Councils and the Diocese Pastoral Council. Bishop Jason chairs the Mandate of the Mission Team Leadership Team which comprises the leaders The Mission of the RC Diocese of Bridgetown of the Mission and Vision Teams and Diocese is ‘to lead all people to unity, encounter and Finance Council. participation in Christ.’ As stated, the mission of the Church is to ensure ‘that God’s grace may touch the heart of every man Structure and of every woman and lead them to him.’ The Mission team is chaired by Glenda Medford, The Mission Team’s primary mandate is and its members are the co-leaders of the four to coordinate and oversee the creation and diocese Commissions which were established implementation of the pastoral plans of to represent the main pillars in SYNOD: the Commissions and the parishes, for the • Biblical Commission (WORD) implementation of the Synod 2014 resolutions. • Father Vibert Stephens and June Ann In executing this mandate, achieving the Mission Pinkerton of the Church is its main focus. Therefore in the Team’s deliberations it was acknowledged • Liturgical Commission (EUCHARIST) that every effort must be made to ensure that • Father Charles Dominique OP and Sister the various initiatives organized to implement Susan Gopaul OP the SYNOD resolutions, provide Catholics with an opportunity to have an encounter with

Page 6 Mission Team comprises Co-leaders of Commissions

STEWARDSHIP FAMILY AND YOUTH BIBLICAL COMMISSION LITURGICAL & DEV. COMMISSION COMMISSION COMMISSION

PARISHES One rep. from each Commission sits on the PPC, (except for F&Y where there are separate reps for Family and Youth [OLOS is an excepIon]

Christ and become mature disciples living their implemented by the diocese or the parishes faith. This encounter is a prerequisite for any 2. Relationships – how the Mission Team and journey towards discipleship. PopeThe Mission Team Emeritus the Commissions would interface with the other Benedict XVI wrote that it is this encounter and teams in the spirit of collaboration “fundamental decision” of one’s life that gives life “a new horizon and a decisive direction” 3. Resources and Skills– what human and (Deus Caritas Est, 2005, §1). material resources and skills would be required to fulfll the Mandate and how to better utilize existing resources Commissions 4. Activities – what activities should be The parish representatives on each Commission implemented by the diocese or recommended to are shown at the end of this Report. the parishes This report focuses on the Activities. Besides Year in Review the activities listed below, the Chair, Glenda Medford had meetings with members of the The Mission Team started its work in earnest clergy, and lay leaders in December 2014, to in October 2014, realizing that this was an hear their views. opportunity to contribute to the positive transformation of the diocese and the building of a better church. The milestones and framework Activities – October 2014 to October 2015 established by the Leadership Team set the Over the twelve month period, the following context within which the Team pursued its activities were completed: mandate. October 2014 to January 2015: • Reviewing the SYNOD resolutions, The Team discussed: determining the ‘First 100 days Action Plan’ of 1. The Mandate – a careful review of the SYNOD the Mission Team resolutions including which resolutions are best 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 7 High Level Milestones to 2019 “Strengthening our parish to be1er nurture and support strong Chris4an families through Word, Eucharist and Service” SYNOD 2019

• Implementing the ‘First 100 days Action Living Water Community Centre 115 persons Plan’: attended. • Meeting the existing Parish Council leaders • “God’s Covenant with his People” – Part One and clergy to outline the immediate next steps held on Friday, 16th January, 2015 from 6:30 following SYNOD p.m. to 8:30 p.m and Part Two on Saturday, 17th • Biblical Commission Session, “Finding hope January, 2015 from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 noon, both in the midst of hopelessness”, led by Father sessions at Living Water Community Centre. Vibert Stephens on 3rd December 2014 at Our 123 persons attended. Lady Queen of the Universe. Participants were • Stewardship Thanksgiving Mass on 29th also taught the steps for Lectio divina and a January 2015 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Bishop handout was circulated. 80 persons attended. Jason Gordon was the main celebrant. The 2014 • The Family and Youth Commission organised Stewardship Report was presented. a celebration for ‘Feast of the Holy Family’ at Mass in each parish on the 28th December. February to April 2015: Families were blessed and each parishioner received a family prayer card. • There were no lectures or Talks during the Lenten period. • Three Biblical sessions were conducted by renowned international Biblical scholar, Fr. • The Mission Team continued to meet to Water Vogels: discuss the SYNOD resolutions and the possible initiatives which could be recommended to the • “The Bible: Word of God, Word of Humans, parishes. living in the People of God” – Part One held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday, 9th January, • The Mission Team was trained by Dean 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m and Part Two Eccleston, Project Management Consultant, held at Living Water Community Centre on on the collaboration software tool ‘Teamwork. Saturday, 10th January, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to Com’ which assists with the management of 12:00 noon. 102 persons attended. documents and online collaboration with other diocese teams. • “The Covenant” held on Wednesday, 14th January, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at

Page 8 May to July 2015: • With the appointment of the Parish Pastoral Council members in May, the Commissions were now fully constituted and meetings with the full teams commenced. During the period May to July each Commissions convened on average, three meetings. • Know Your Faith session– ‘Eucharist 101’ led by Father Charles Dominique OP on 8th May at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 102 persons attended. • Biblical Empowerment session – ‘Let’s Talk about Love’ led by Father Vibert Stephens on 3rd June at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 120 persons BIBLE MONTH – SEPTEMBER 2015 attended. teams was held on the 9th September to discuss the change management model proposed by the • The Mission Team collaborated with the Vision team to guide the transformation of the Vision team to organize an all day Orientation diocese. Retreat on the 13th June, for all the members of the Parish Pastoral Councils, the Mission Team, • The Biblical Commission launched Bible Commissions, Vision Team, Communications month in September with several activities Team and Diocese Finance Council. The Retreat including Mass in every parish on the 6th was led by Bishop Jason Gordon, and Rosalind September to launch Bible month; an interactive Jackson of Caribbean Catalyst Inc. was the Workshop discussing ‘How to make Word facilitator. central in your home’ was led by Father Vibert Stephens and June Ann Pinkerton on the 24th • By special request, ‘Eucharist 201 – How to September, and a dramatic presentation, ‘My have full conscious and active participation in Perfect Family’, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the Mass’ led by Father Charles Dominique OP, 27th September. There were also features on the was held on the 30th June at the St. Patrick’s Diocese’s Bible month in the Sunday Advocates Cathedral. 112 persons attended. of the 30th August and 6th September. • The Family and Youth Commission prepared • The Mission Team collaborated with the 16 young persons to represent the RC Diocese Vision team to review documents and guidelines of Bridgetown at the AEC Bishops Conference to be shared with the Parish Pastoral Councils Youth Assembly in Antigua (11th to 20th July.) and diocese teams to assist them to develop The youth made a presentation regarding the their Pastoral Plans. A fnal meeting on these nuclear family, which was very well received. documents was held with the Vision Team on Bishop Jason Gordon accompanied the Diocese the 12th October. team to the Youth Assembly. • ‘Faith on Tap’ was launched by the Family and Youth Commission on the 22nd July as a Closing Remarks forum for young adults to discuss the Catholic The period October 2014 to October 2015 was faith and any issues of concern in society, and indeed exciting albeit challenging, as the Teams to network with other young adults in a social focused on establishing the framework which setting. Bishop Jason Gordon blessed the is so vital for the transformation of the diocese proceedings. to be successful. One very positive element is the continued commitment of the Mission Team members to achieve its mandate. Many hours August to October 2015: have been spent in meetings and conducting • Members of the Mission team made research, in lectio divina, meditation and in presentations on the Word and Stewardship prayer. to the youth at the newly revamped CAINCO As we move into the next phase which will retreat. involve the creation by the Parish Pastoral

• A joint meeting with the Mission and Vision Councils of the Pastoral Plans to implement the 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 9 resolutions, we pray that God’s grace touches Biblical Commission (WORD) the heart of every man and woman involved, Co-leaders: - Father Vibert Stephens and June and that the Holy Spirit guides us as we use Ann Pinkerton our time, talents and treasure to build a better church. While teams have been established to Mission: lead the implementation process, it is however To lead the People of God to encounter the the responsibility of each one of us to participate Living Word, Jesus Christ fully and not be bystanders. Success will be assured if each of us makes a commitment to Parish Leaders: renew our faith, deepen our relationship with • Our Lady of the Rosary - Iva Adams Christ and reach out to assist the needy and • Sacred Heart - Ann Auguste marginalized persons in society. • St. Dominic’s - Katrina Ferreira As Pope Francis said: “Being Christian means letting Him [Christ] take possession of our • St. Patrick’s - Jacinta Alexander life and change it, transform it.. Our prayers • Our Lady Queen of the Universe - Marilyn cannot be reduced to an hour on Sundays. It is Best important to have a daily relationship with the • St. Francis - Keisha Linton Lord… We cannot be Christians part-time. If Christ is at the center of our lives, he is present • Our Lady of Sorrows - Clement Derrell in all that we do.” I encourage persons who are not already Liturgical Commission (EUCHARIST) involved in this process, to enquire how you can assist, and then get on board. There is a lot to Co-leaders: - Father Charles Dominique OP be done and there is a role for each one of us to and Sister Susan Gopaul OP play. Mission: Let me frst of all thank Bishop Jason for his To lead all Catholics in Barbados to full, vision and leadership. Heartfelt thanks also conscious, active participation in liturgy and life to all the members of the Mission Team, the Parish Leaders: Commissions and the Diocese Offce and any one who assisted the Mission Team and the • Our Lady of the Rosary - Gail Ramsay Commissions over the past 12 months. No • Sacred Heart - Theresa Maloney contribution was too small or insignifcant. • St. Dominic’s - Mario Hall I would also like to thank everyone who • St. Patrick’s - Camille Navarro supported me personally, as I performed the dual role of Chair of the Mission Team and co- • Our Lady Queen of the Universe - Julian leader of the Stewardship and Development Newton Team. I believe the experience has allowed me • St. Francis - Elize Iweze to grow spiritually and as a person. I am looking forward to the next phase. • Our Lady of Sorrows - Omaris Valmond

Stewardship and Development Commission “Success will be assured if each of (SERVICE) Co-leaders: - Father Andy Nyga and Glenda us makes a commitment to renew Medford our faith, deepen our relationship Mission: with Christ and reach out to To lead all Catholics in Barbados to connect their faith with their everyday life assist the needy and marginalized Parish Leaders: persons in society”. • Our Lady of the Rosary - Gillian Hassell • Sacred Heart - Majella Gooding

Page 10 • St. Dominic’s - Verieux Mourillon Youth Leaders: • St. Patrick’s - Marcia Banfeld • Our Lady of the Rosary - Gary Hutchinson • Our Lady Queen of the Universe - Sr. Cheryl • Sacred Heart - Allison James Cumberbatch • St. Dominic’s - Ashley Robinson • St. Francis - Sean Husain • St. Patrick’s - Seth Boyce • Our Lady of Sorrows - David Harris • Our Lady Queen of the Universe - Joan Griffth Family and Youth Commission • St. Francis - Ann Marie Wiltshire Co-leaders: - Father Clement Paul and Omar • Our Lady of Sorrows - Susan Marshall Squires Mission: To build strong Christian families, vibrant youth and young adults Family Leaders: • Our Lady of the Rosary - Rosie Parris • Sacred Heart - Garvin & Terri-Ann Hopkin • St. Dominic’s - Lisa Griffth • St. Patrick’s - Flora Gill • Our Lady Queen of the Universe - Sonia and John Peters • St. Francis - Michael Gonsalves • Our Lady of Sorrows - Susan Marshall STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 11 VISION TEAM

Monsignor Vincent, Vicar General and Miss May Hinds, Delegate

October 19, 2014 Synod Closing Mass Vatican Council, the concept of ‘collaboration’ The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Jason Gordon, has been the dominant framework through Bishop of Bridgetown introduced which the magisterium has read the relationship Vincent, Vicar General and May Hinds, Synod of laity to the ministry of the clergy. However, Chairperson as the Vision Team-Diocese. They that began to change on 26 May, 2009, when are on the Leadership team of the Diocese Pope Benedict XVI, in an address to the Diocese acting with the authority of the Bishop as a of Rome, raised the term ‘co-responsibility’ as vicar and delegate respectively. an appropriate hermeneutic through which to understand the role of laypeople in the Church.

The Call to Co-Responsibility November 2014 - January 2015 Monsignor Vincent has responsibility for the subject areas - pastoral and theological - while The search commenced and Parish Priests May Hinds has responsibility for operational appointed persons to serve as Vision Team management. This leadership structure Leaders at the parish level. embraces Co-responsibility, a developing • Our Lady of Sorrows - Ms. Cardelle Fergusson concept that is central to the life and growth of • St. Francis of Assisi - Dr. Adrian Cashman the Church as a communion. Since the Second

Page 12 • Our Lady Queen of Universe - Ms. Joan Tools Underwood Mr. Dennis Strong, Vision Team Leader, St • St. Patrick’s Cathedral - Mrs. Bonita Morgan Dominic’s, was the architect of a key tool - • St. Dominic’s Parish Church - Mr. Dennis Selection and Orientation Toolkit. This toolkit Strong is designed to help provide the parish priest and new Parish Pastoral Council with a reliable guide • Sacred Heart - Mrs. Sheildvan Lewis-Marshall to select the team and assist them in performing • Our Lady of the Rosary - Mrs. Audra Stevenson their role in implementing the Synod resolutions Drakes and achieving the vision. Our thanks to Mrs. Kay Donawa who was the frst vision team leader for Sacred Heart. Parish Pastoral Councils - New Name and Structure What is the Purpose of the Vision Team? Formation of the Parish Pastoral Councils, The purpose of the Vision Team (formerly formerly called Parish Councils, was completed Pastoral Quality Assurance Team) is to ensure by March 15. The PPCs work with a Parish the church achieves its vision by 2019. This Governance Structure which includes a Vision will in effect require a change management Team Leader and a member of the Finance approach to change the culture across the Council. diocese so as to ensure that at all levels of the The parish priest serves as chairman of the Church, we have the correct people, policies, PPC. The other members include:- structures and processes and everything else 1. Parish Pastoral Council - Coordinator necessary to achieve our vision by 2019. Culture includes practices, values, beliefs and norm of 2. Parish Team Leader- Communication the organization. 3. Parish Team Leader - Biblical Commission The team has an interlocking relationship 4. Parish Team Leader - Stewardship and with three other teams (Mission, Finance and Development Commission Communications). 5. Parish Team Leader - Liturgical Commission The nine (9) member vision team has embraced 6. Parish Team Leader - Family the theme “Together Each Achieves More”. In an effort to be realistic, given the volunteer 7. Parish Team Leader - Youth status of eight (8) members of the team, areas of 8. Parish Administration/SIT/Project responsibility have been adopted in key areas of Management Support Person the work plan. • The creation of a Church Calendar with February - March – Planning Policies and Procedures Interlocking Teams- Vision and Mission This Calender will create the dynamic of the With the yuletide season over and the adage family we are becoming. It will create the ‘if your fail to plan, you plan to fail’, over enabling environment for improved planning, the next few months planning to support the involvement and participation by both Priests implementation phase commenced. and Parishioners in the activities across parishes. The frst meeting of the vision team was held In February followed by a joint planning meeting April - June to address the Synod Implementation Plan. Mrs. Glenda Medford, Team Leader, Mission Team, • Synod Resolution - POLICIES (formerly Chair, Synod Implementation Team “Be it resolved that the diocese develop and (SIT) and Fr. Vibert Stephen, Co-chair, Biblical establish policies to support and embed its Commission, represented the mission team mission, vision and core values at every level while May Hinds represented the vision team. and for all vital aspects of the organization”. The facilitator was Mr. Dean Eccleston, Project

With POLICIES as an approved Synod 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP Management Consultant.

1 Vision Team Mandate: The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Jason Gordon, Bishop of Bridgetown, May 28, 2015. Page 13 resolution, the search commenced for a suitably • Parish Pastoral Plan- Template experienced resource person to create a church Monsignor Vincent, with his pastoral and policy and procedures manual. theological underpinnings, took the lead to • Training- Teamwork.com design the template which would assist the Teamwork.com is the most powerful and parishes in developing the Parish Pastoral Plan. simple way to collaborate with teams. The team He was supported by a core team comprising completed teamwork.com training facilitated Mrs. Bonita Morgan, Ms. Joan Underwood and by Mr. Dean Eccleston, Project Management Ms. May Hinds. Consultant. • Strategic Plan 2015-2019 • Synod Implementation Retreat Dr. Adrian Cashman, Vision Team Leader, Mrs. Audra Stevenson Drakes, Vision Team St Francis of Assisi, represented the team at a Leader, Our Lady Queen of the Rosary, was visioning workshop to support this important instrumental in the planning and execution strategic intervention. In addition, comments of the SIR which involved the PPCs and the were submitted by Dr. Cashman and Ms. May Leadership Team under the chair of Bishop Hinds. Jason. • 2016 Work Plan In an effort to involve parishioners, Bishop Jason Work is in progress to complete the work plan made a request for the discovery information which was commissioned by Bishop Jason from the retreat to be communicated at each Gordon. parish at a mass where the parishioners would • Information-sharing Meetings have the opportunity to contribute. Monthly meetings of the leadership team and other team meetings were activities integral to July – Present the work of the team over the past year. • Staff Meetings Ms. May Hinds provided a supporting role to Acknowledgements Bishop Jason as he commenced bi-annual staff We want to say thanks to two external resource meeting with staff of the diocese and parishes. persons. The opportunity was taken to involve the staff in the development of service standards. Mr. Dean Eccleston and Mrs. Rosalind Jackson. The former provides critical project management • CAINCO 2015 support while the latter serves as facilitator. In Ms. May Hinds made a presentation to the June, she was lead facilitator at the retreat and young adults participating in CAINCO 2015 on in September was the facilitator at the strategic the topic “Realizing the Vision 2019”. planning intervention. • Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) At the frst meeting, Monsignor Vincent and Ms. May Hinds provided an update on the journey to 2019. • Change Management Framework This approved structure and framework is to help ensure that the team remains on track and fulflls the mandate as issued by Bishop Jason. Mrs. Bonita Morgan, Vision Team Leader, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, presented the CMF to a joint meeting of the vision and mission team when there was unanimous decision to adopt the ADKAR model. (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Action, Reinforcement).

Page 14 DIOCESAN CATHOLIC EDUCATION TEAM (DCET)

Mrs. Rosalind Jackson Chair

As previously reported a new team was formed our schools into centres of excellence in all and met May 4, 2015. We welcomed four new aspects of a holistic Catholic education. members, Sr. Barbara Mclean, Anton Lovell, Pauline Bynoe and Paul DeFreitas. They joined the following members from the previous team, Our focus in the current school year is on:- Sr. Susan Gopaul, Susan Chinnery, Claudette Providing more in-depth support for teachers FongKong-Mungal, Hazel Simmons McDonald in the area of differentiated teaching/learning. and Ros Jaskson. The Heads of Department of Building the discipline of silent prayer – the Ursuline Convent School also participated. Christian Meditation in all our schools. The mandate of DCET is “To support, serve and Developing an environment/culture of student ensure Catholic formation through excellence in leadership at the secondary level and working education by providing an effective governance with the appropriate stakeholders to ensure the framework for Catholic Schools in the diocese.” sustainable development of the Boy’s secondary We reiterated the four pillars of DCET which department – St. Francis. are: In keeping with this focus we have initiated: Community of lived values. Communication with our parish communities A learning organisation. through a bulletin circulated followed by a fyer Classroom competencies. on the secondary departments at the Ursuline Convent School. Paul and Anton will continue Governance based on genuine collaboration. to work on PR/Communications. We believe At that meeting, we agreed our focus for 2015. that our Catholic families should be seeing We will continue to partner with the schools and both St. Patrick’s and the Ursuline Convent various stakeholders to work on transforming School as schools of choice for their children. We can only raise awareness of the activities, 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 15 achievements and benefts of our schools’ The full support and “buy-in” of the leaders is environments through sharing. critical if meaningful change is to evolve in the Ros met with the parents of new students At next two to three years. St. Patrick’s School in September 2015 and DCET will be requesting opportunities to shared on the role of DCET and our approach to dialogue with the key stakeholders – school differentiated teaching/learning. boards, parents/guardians etc. A team of experts (Hazel, Pauline and Claudette) Following up on a Leadership workshop last are working with the Chair to develop and summer with the teachers of the secondary implement a project on differentiated teaching/ departments, DCET facilitated a half-day learning. We have seventeen teachers who have session on student leadership with the boys at volunteered to participate. A half-day is planned St. Francis. More work is being planned both for this team to interact with all teachers from with St. Francis and St. Ursula’s. both schools. This took place on 1st September, In conclusion DCET remains committed to our 2015. students as the future of the Catholic Diocese The three experts have started “in class” work of Bridgetown and as our nation’s future. We with the teachers at St. Patrick’s and St. Angela’s look forward to the continued support of our and have agreed work plans with St. Ursula’s and key stakeholders – parents, parishes, all staff of St. Francis’. Concurrently dialogue is being held the schools, clergy and the wider communities with the administrative leaders in the schools. which our schools serve.

Page 16 COMMUNICATIONS

Mrs. Rosalie Parris Communications Offcer

In an effort to ensure that we are able to Team Leaders at the parish level. address the three (3) resolutions which relate • St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Leona Emtage to communications, last year after Synod, a communications committee was established. • St. Dominic’s Parish Church – Roma Gangar The original members of the committee are: • Our Lady Queen Of The Universe – Valerie Michael (Mickey) Armstrong, Simone Pasmore Hope and Haydyn Gill. They were commissioned to • St. Francis Of Assisi – Mervin Marshall formulate a report to ascertain the status of communications within the diocese and outline • Sacred Heart – Carl Philadelphia the way forward. • Our Lady Of The Rosary – Tessa King - Inniss Meetings were held from January – May 2015. • Our Lady Of Sorrows – Omaris Valmond The objective of this team is ‘ Increasing Special thanks to Christopher Derrell who participation via effective communication for was the frst communications team leader for practicing and non- practicing catholics in the Sacred Heart. diocese.’ After six months of intensive meetings, the communications committee made several Oversight Committee recommendations for improvements at parish This committee was formed in June 2015 and level, diocesan level and diocesan digital comprises of the original members – Mickey channels: Armstrong, Simone Pasmore and Haydyn Gill • Oversight Committee along with newly appointed members – Bishop Jason Gordon, Fr. Clement Paul, Fr. Gregory • Diocese Communications Offcer Marczuk, Glenda Medford and Lynda Johnson. • Central Website with Parish Links The Communications Offcer will report to the • Central Facebook Page Oversight Committee on a quarterly basis. • Print Bulletin Structure • Parish Level Of Communication Diocese Communications Offcer A meeting was held with the clergy and Advertisements for this position were posted other relevant stakeholders on 14th February, via the website and notices at mass. Rosalie 2015 to present the relevant fndings and Parris assumed duties for this role with effect reccommendations. from July 2015. By January 2015, the Parish Priests had already appointed persons to serve as Communications 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 17 Central Website With Parish Links Ongoing & Highlights Of 2015 This is the next major area. There has been a series Recording and photos of events including: of meetings on this with the understanding that • Biblical teachings with Fr. Vogel the current website is in need of major revision. There is a need for a redesign in purpose, • Lectures ‘Eucharist 101’ and ‘Eucharist 102’ content and function. The challenge will be for by Fr. Charles Dominique the parishes, groups and Diocese to submit the • Biblical presentations by Fr. Vibert Stephens requested information by the stipulated date. • Lenten Retreat with Bishop Jason Gordon A new website will be functioning by the end of this year. The results will be a fresh and up- • Production by AEC delegates to-date website that will be reactive to the needs • Production by CAINCO participants of the Church as well as present the vision of the • Events by 12th Night Productions Church. • Faith On Tap • Lecture on Annulment by Fr. John Persaud Central Facebook Page • Diocesan Masses There will continue to be increased focus on social media. A central Facebook page will allow Submission of articles to the column ‘Church us to have postings that are timely and relevant. News’ in Sunday Advocate - so as to present the It is our goal to have at least one posting per church as a relevant, contemporary organization day. Many thanks for the team at Webstylze for that makes a difference within the community. this! Catholic Diocese Of Bridgetown Facebook Diocesan Monthly Bulletin – is now published Page currently has over 3,000 likes. There is still monthly with a limited number of printed a struggle for parishes and groups to actively versions being sent directly to the parishes submit articles and photos of current events or for distribution. Some parishes continue to persons celebrating milestones. request more copies and we are encouraging distribution of same via email to parishoners. This publication features messages from our Print Bulletin Structure clergy, information about upcoming events, the There are ongoing discussions between the featured article for each month helps us explore parishes and the Communications Offcer to the dimensions of our faith, Vatican News standardize the content of the weekly parish etc. Many thanks must go to Glenda Medford bulletins. We feel there’s a need to have and Paula Persaud for their hard work on this, an expanded bulletin which is more visitor especially through the weekends. friendly and also gives more information to the Inhouse Interviews (Question & Answer) – parishioners about happenings in the church. Same have been uploaded to You Tube for Presently, some parishes do not produce a viewing and include interviews with: printed bulletin, email newsletter or any other • Monsignor Vincent Harcourt Blackett – form of written communication. Please look out Celebration of 40th anniversary of ordination to for weekly printed bulletins from all parishes by the priesthood the end of November. • Six (6) participants and two (2) deans at CAINCO Parish Level Of Communication • Bishop Jason Gordon – celebrating 4th We are blessed to have very talented people on anniversary of ordination as Bishop of our teams at the parishes. The Communications Bridgetown and Kingstown team leaders will submit information to the Catholic Monthly Report – Radio Broadcast on Communications Offcer and same will be topical issues and hosted by Diocesan priests disseminated across the diocesan channels. They will work in partnership with the Carib Vibes – Weekly radio programme that is parishoners in raising the profle of individual hosted by Mr. Mervin Marshall and a Catholic parishes and thus uniting the Catholic Diocese priest is the co-host Of Bridgetown within the local community. Catholic Forum – Town House meeting that

Page 18 features topical issues and is hosted by Fr. Parish Pastoral Councils, Clergy, Seminarians, Clement Paul Deacons In Training and Diocesan Teams Letters On Social Issues – are submitted to the Over the next 12 months, press relationships various media houses to highlight the Church’s will also be leveraged to maximise free press views on matters in society that relate to Social opportunities. Good news stories of the Catholic Justice. Some of the following issues were Church in Barbados will be identifed and raised: publicised through all available media including • Church should be leading in celebrating television, radio, print, online marketing and Emancipation Day 1st August 2015 social media. There will be an increase in the amount of online media used to promote the • ‘How Many More Must Die?’ – relates to the Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown. This will increase in murders in Barbados be further enhanced with a new website. Our • Statement of Solidarity for Dominica – Church online presence will be further heightened with makes a pledge to provide assistance in relief the benefts of online database system. The efforts to Dominica as a result of the effects of communications team is delighted to serve in a Tropical Storm Erika passionate, diverse and rewarding organisation that is the Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown. We Compiling Of Database – on members of look forward to further assisting and developing the Diocese showing images of members of healthy, missional communities. STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 19

Marjorie Riley Executive Director

VISION “A highly engaged and responsive organisation with a knowledgeable and respected group of volunteers contributing fully to the sustainable development of recently poor in Barbados.”

Introduction: also givers. Thus we are building a community The HUB which was launched in April 2014 of dignity and a community of faith. provides the Diocese with another opportunity to fulfll aspects of the social teachings of Mission Statement: the church on matters of poverty and social justice. Foremost in the development of The “To assist individuals in need by ensuring that HUB was the need to remember that “being they have adequate resources to meet their in the image of God, the human individual basic needs while at the same time providing possesses the dignity of a person, who is not opportunities for them to achieve self-suffciency just something, but someone.” Therefore the through their participation in programs of The logo, the philosophy and mission are refective Hub, its affliated organizations and any other of this thought. organization that has linkages to The Hub.” Our Philosophy: Our name, The HUB People-Helping-People shows that there is no What we do: difference between the people in need and the people helping. Those coming for assistance • Through the Care Ministries of the Church are not coming with empty hands they will and the Saint Vincent de Paul we assist persons be coming with skills thus enabling them to in meeting their basic needs. help themselves and to help others. The people • Provide guidance to individuals who are coming in are not just coming to receive they are seeking to start a small business

Page 20 • Connect individuals who are seeking and The HUB, Universal Foods and Armstrong fnancial and other resources to start business to Agencies donate approximately 75% and The organisations that can provide such assistance HUB purchases 25% of the amount received. • Assistance organisations that provide services • Source funding for the establishment of a to the needed small business for one registrant through our • Through agreements with international alliance with FundAccess. organisations donate supplies and other items • Through our relationship with the Care to organisations that are in need and or provide Ministries, Saint Vincent de Paul and Living assistance to the needy. Water Community assisted six families in

Accomplishments during the January to September period: meeting their basic needs and one person with in meeting their academic qualifcation thereby • Through agreements with Food for the Poor allowing them to gain entry into UWI. (FFTP) The HUB donated medical supplies, medical equipment, furniture and other general • Through our relationship with Island Sitters, items to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital valued at assisted one person in gaining employment as a approximately US$3m housekeeper and also working towards having at least six persons employed through this • Through agreement with FFTP The HUB agency during the tourist season. is providing the Care Ministries and other organisations that provide food hampers with a very nutrition rice and soy product valued at Projects to be launched by October 30th 2015 approximately US$62,000 • The upgrading of the website • Through an agreement with Universal Foods • The launching of a social media program and Armstrong Agencies The HUB will be HUBCONNECT which will allow for the providing sunshine breakfast cereal to the marketing of the skills of person seeking organisations involved in the breakfast feeding opportunities through the HUB. program. This agreement is a 75% 25% relations between Universal Foods, Armstrong Agencies 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 21 FINANCE

Mr. Robert Kirby Chair of Financial Council

Activities to September 2015 1. Investigated existing accounting systems and concluded that a uniform system of accounts had to be used to replace the various systems then in place 2. Hosted 4 training sessions relating to the use of QuickBooks for parish accountants 3. Installed QuickBooks enterprise on the Cloud and provided individual training to parish accountants over the space of about 3 months 4. Produced monthly and quarterly fnancial reports from the QuickBooks on line system 5. Six members nominated and appointed to the Diocesan Finance Council, namely Joyce Dear, Maria Evelyn, Hayden Hutton, Tony Gibbs, Ron Davis, and Kip Thompson 6. Held several meetings with Parish accountants and Finance council members to review fnancial reports and to discuss various issues of interest and concern at the parish level 7. Finance Council obtained competitive insurance quotations for all church assets for the policy year June 2015- May 2016 and achieved a signifcant saving in premiums 8. Coordinated fnancial activities with diocesan offce 9. Managed the twelve apartment property know as Raven Court at Marley Vale St Philip,which was donated to the Diocese by a parishioner 10. Assisted Kip Thompson with extensive renovations of St. Patrick’s Presbytery building 11. Cash management 12. Reviewed parish budgets for 2015

Continuing matters 1. Ongoing oversight of Finance Council involved in supervising diocesan and parish fnancial matters 2. Preparing quarterly fnancial and other reports for Bishop Jason and parishes 3. Raven Court operation 4. St. Patrick’s presbytery renovations 5. Review all parish budgets for 2016 6. Incorporate fnancial results of church’s charitable organisations for annual report for Rome, in keeping with mandate of Synod 7. Various matters pertaining to the church in Barbados

Page 22 PHOTO GALLERY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 2015 UPDATE STEWARDSHIP

Page 23 R.C DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN Stewardship Prayer Generous God, we give thanks to You for the gifts You have given to us – our lives our family our friends, our time, talents and treasure. As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully, cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, share them in love and practice with others, returning them with increase to You. Walk with us O God. Give us the strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus. Give us the generosity to respond to Your love, to Your call. We give glory to You, O God, as we make stewardship a way of life. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

A PUBLICATION BY THE RC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN www.catholicbb.org © 2015