AEC-Vicariate Days

Today marked the last day for the AEC Youth Assembly Pilgrims to spend in the Vicariate of Saint Catherine. Saturday they spent the day in Old Harbour and today the visited Portmore. Both days included praise and worship, celebration of Mass and works of mercy. The group of approximately 150 have enjoyed themselves and really have come to cherish the timer together. It is wonderful to see our Catholic Youth from the Carri bean come together and support each other.

On Sunday, following the Eucharistic Liturgies, the local pilgrims and our overseas pilgrims spent the afternoon at Immaculate Conception pool. They returned for supper at Above Rocks - chicken and pizza.

Tomorrow they are off to Kingston for the second phase of the Assembly.

John 4:10

As the moon rises over Above Rocks, the first day of the AEC Youth Assembly comes to a close.120 young people from Trinidad, Granada, French Guyana, and Jamaica came together today at the Mission to praise the Lord, visit the sick, paint our schooland share a good time with each other. The day ended with ice cream and watching Cool Runnings, the inspirational story of the Jamaican Bobsled team.

AEC soon come!

In high gear for the arrival of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Youth Convention... hundreds are arriving from the islands tomorrow... and we are hosting 18 at the missions... some here, some at parishioner's homes... Based on the World Youth Day Model... days in the deaneries and then days in Kingston... we are hosting 150 (+/-) at Above Rocks on Friday ...then Saturday the vicariate (150) gathers in Old Harbour... Sunday at the local churches and then Monday at Portmore with a large bon-fire to close the day at 9pm Monday. Then starting Tuesday PM we have the OPENING Ceremonies St George's College (next to the Cathedral) and the days in Kingston: Workshops... Talks... Rallies... and Liturgies... Sports Day on Saturday and then ONE Mass for the ISLAND ... all 3 Dioceses and all the bishops of the Antilles at the National Arena for the closing Liturgy. Needless to say... it's been quite the event in the planning phase and Father Michael Heine just walked in to say, well it's now the African proverb:if it happens, it was a good event... all seems in readiness. Brother Michael Duffy actually spoke with the prep-team from the Archdiocese at the airport yesterday - they were doing their walk thru with the airport authorities.

Tennacee and the girls make final preparations for the big day on Friday!

Moving Forward

This afternoon the Parade Square of Saint Mary's College was a sea of blue and gold as the College held their 54th annual graduation ceremony. 38 young men and 78 young ladies were challenged to take what they learned during the past five years and use it to make Jamaica a better Country.

School Leaving Double Header

Today both Saint Mary's All-Age and Cassava River Primary (Holy Family) said good bye to 125 students.

Saint Mary's three hour ceremony included colourful dances by students in grades 5.



The address was given by Sister Mary Christine, a beloved former principal at St. Mary's.

Students from Cassava River depart Holy Family Church eager to begin the next step in their academic lives.

Shamar (center) a member of our Church Community in Pinto, holds his award, a result of hard work and dedication.

Saint Mary's Basic

School Leaving Exercises continued this afternoon as St. Mary's Basic graduated 20 boys and girls. During the ceremony a presentation was made by the late Pearl Antonio's daughter. Ms. Antonio was a teacher/principal at the school for over 35 years. She passed away this past October. The family has set up a scholarship fund to help a needy little boy or girl.

The graduates delighted the crowed with a sign-language exhibition.

Sister Noami presents Lori Anne her diploma.

Future Jamaican Bakers

Last Friday, June 26th, marked the last day for our Cupertino Program for this school year. Many thanks to all our friends in the States who supported this Program financially, with materials, and all the volunteers who came to work with our young people. The final day Sister Naomi taught the boys and girls how to make sugar cookies. They were able to use their knowledge of measurements to make delicious treats!