News

Five New Deacons Ordained

Friends, loved ones and members of the community of the Archdeaconry of St Vincent and the Grenadines gathered on Wednesday, January 25, to witness the rite of ordination of five men and women to the Diaconate, at the St George’s Cathedral, Kingstown. Shermin Rosemarie Alleyne, Verbina Coroletha Gonsalves, Lennox Lancelot John, Kenwyck Elliot Lewis and Inglis Flemming John O’Garro professed their final rites which will see them serve as non-stipendiary Deacons in the Anglican Church.

It is not up to man alone to become transformed, but by God’s Grace, and according to Reverend Canon Wayne Isaacs, in his sermon, it was the responsibility of the ministry to bring God’s people so that they can transform their lives. As in the story of the woman at the well, he explained, Christ offered the woman the water of life and so, too, the clergy must assist in this aspect of the lay community.“Those ordained must see ministry as one with a relationship with the lay people,” he said.“We must work side by side as we carry out our ministry,” he continued. This, he said, was to ensure that the ordained look at their functions within the church on the same level as that of the lay people.“Ordination does not make you superior to those you serve,” Rev. Isaacs said, adding that the only difference between the clergy and the people was their function. He warned the five, saying that if they were to look at their new appointments as positions of power, then that will cause conflict. “It is not my parish, or your parish. It is God’s parish, and we are His servants.” At the same time, the lay people have a responsibility to cooperate with the ministers in carrying out the Word of God, and they must learn to accept the difference in function. Very often parishes experience problems, and these, he reasoned, can be avoided once mutual respect existed.“Ordained ministers must not rely on strength, but must be faithful ministers of the Gospel of life.” Rev. Isaacs further contended that there was the mistaken notion that the only aspect of the ministry is to preach. However, this was a false concept, he said, but rather for the ministers to address the needs of the people.“Make sure what you do as a deacon is to bring hope.”

The five bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and Rev. Isaacs encouraged them to ensure that they bring these skills to their new challenge. Alleyne is a retired Deputy Headteacher of the Kingstown Anglican School. She is the Mother’s Union Diocesan Presidents and has served as a Lay Reader at the St. George’s Cathedral and for many years as Diocesan and Provincial Synod representative.

Gonsalves served as a teacher prior to her migration to Canada, where she worked at Sunlife Assurance Company of Canada for 35 years. Upon retirement in 2000, she returned to SVG and has been serving as a Lay Reader and Eucharistic Assistant in the Parish of St. Paul, Calliaqua.

John is renowned Educator and Sports Administrator, former principal of Bishop’s College Kingstown and headmaster of the St Vincent Grammar School. He has served as Lay Minister in the Cathedral Church for over 20 years and as a representative to Diocesan synod. John has participated in the life and governance of the Church for as many years.

Lewis is a retired senior civil servant in charge of the Information Technology Service Division. He was involved in athletics and played football and cricket. He is a past president of the Men’s Fellowship and Anglican Youth Movement. Lewis served as an acolyte at the Cathedral Church from 1957 to 1976, when he migrated to pursue studies abroad, and upon his return continued to be quite involved in the life and governance of the Church and has also served as a Lay Reader.

O’Garro has worked at Barclays Bank since he left school in 1987 and is now a Sales Specialist at the Bank, now renamed- CIBC First Caribbean. He has ten years of ministry as a Lay Reader in the St. Mathews Parish.It is expected that the newly ordained Deacons will assist the Bishop and priests in public worship and in the carrying out of God’s Word and sacraments.

The rite of ordination was performed by Bishop of the Windward Islands C. Leopold Friday.

Top Photo - (l-r) Shermin Rosemarie Alleyne, Verbina Coroletha Gonsalves, Lennox John, Kenwyck Lewis and Inglis Flemming John O'Garro

(Used with permision from Searchlight Newspaper)

Ordination and Consecration of Rev. Kari Xavier Marcelle

"26-year-old Bahamian, Kari Xavier Marcelle was ordained and consecrated priest on Thursday, September 29.

The ordination, which took place at the St. George’s Cathedral in Kingtown, was presided over by the Lord Bishop of the Windward Islands, the Right Reverend C. Leopold Friday.

Marcelle’s welcome to the priesthood was witnessed by his mother, and visiting clergy: The Venerable Ivan R. Browne of the Diocese of the Bahamas, Reverend Father Gregory Gibson of the Diocese of Barbados, Rev. Fr. Von Watson, also of the Diocese of Barbados, Father Christopher Kelly of the Diocese of Huron, Canada and Reverened Andrew Hoyte of the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago.

Delivering the sermon, Reverend Canon Ashton M. Francis, Rector of the St Joseph’s Parish Church, Mesopotamia, urged Marcelle to interact with not only Anglicans, but persons of all faiths and demoninations. “Interact not only with friends, but the foes as well...It will be foolish of you to befriend all, but it will be considered wise if you just be friendly to all...,” Francis stated.

He further beseeched the young priest to interact with people of God, taking no note of colour, creed, class or age. Doing this, Francis said, will enable Marcelle to become a better minister.

“Proclaim the word of God by practising what you preach. Preach the word of God as it will be revealed to you, even when you stand condemned by it...,” Reverend Francis encouraged.

In ‘thank you’ notes posted in the order of service, Marcelle thanked those closest to him. He thanked his mother for providing him with encouragement and support from the very beginning. “Never once did you tell me I could not be a priest, but always did your best to make sure my vocation and dreams became a reality...,” Marcelle wrote.

He also thanked God, family members and Godparents, Canon Otis Nichols and his parish family of St Paul’s Parish Church and all of his friends, those in St. Vincent, as well as those who travelled all the way from Bahamas, Barbados, Canada and the United States to witness and celebrate his holy occasion." (KW, Searchlight Newspaper)

Appointments

The Rev’d Fr. Clive Thomas has been appointed Rector of the Parish of St. Matthew, Biabou, with St. Sylvan, Stubbs and St. Mark, Greggs with effect from 1st December, 2010, and as a Canon in the stall of St. Anselm, in the Cathedral of St. George, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, with effect from 15th December, 2010 and Archdeacon of St. Vincent & the Grenadines with effect from 1st January, 2011. Institution and Induction and Recognition Service is scheduled for Thursday 24th February, 2011, 5:00pm.

The Rev’d Fr. O Samuel Nichols has been appointed as Rector of the Parish of St. Paul, Calliaqua with St. John, Belair with effect from 1st December, 2010. Institution and Induction Service is scheduled for Thursday 24th February, 2011, 5:00pm.

Provincial Year of The Family

Due to the following the Church in the Province of the West Indies has declared the year 2011 as the Provincial year of the Family:

Family life in the region seems to be under serious threat from changing values brought about by globalization, HIV/AIDS, drugs and fluctuating economic fortunes.

The breakdown in family and other societal structures across the region which created an environment where spiritual values and respect for human life were nurtured and which has facilitated the emergence of a culture of materialism.

The breakdown in family values and family life and the existence of significant social inequalities in the region have led to the emergence of a pool of alienated marginalized young people who become vulnerable to the recruitment efforts of organized crime and many of these young people become enmeshed in gangs and associated activities.

Since the CPWI affirms its commitment to the family as the foundation on which the society is built and the role our religious beliefs play in sustaining healthy family life. The CPWI declares the year 2011 as the Provincial year of the family with the theme; “BUILDING STRONG CHRISTIAN FAMILIES.”

The purpose:

To promote an increased awareness in both the church and the community of the importance of the traditional Christian family as a means of building family life for the well being of society, and in pursuance thereof to foster an intentional environment for inter-generational dialogue and fellowship among family members of all ages.

Further it is to emphasize the importance of family life in the context of Christian living to support and promote family centered activities.

Each diocese is expected to develop a programme of activities for the year and also every parish in the diocese. Please ensure that you know what is happening in your parish and Archdeaconry and diocese.

The CONCEPT ADOPTED BY THE PROVINCE RE- FAMILY LIFE

In Caribbean societies the family is characterized by various forms and structures: the nuclear family, the extended family, the blended family; households headed by single women, single men, grandparents and siblings. The Church should play the leading role in affirming and upholding the dignity of all persons. The Church advocates the Christian ideal of one man and one woman legally and sacramentally joined in matrimony; such persons who have been married according to the laws of the are encouraged to seek the blessing of the Church. The Church. The Church therefore, should actively encourage and promote the Christian Family through education and practice.

The date for launching of the Provincial year of the family will be January 23rd, 2011. Each Parish is encouraged to hold a single service/parish mass on that Sunday and to focus on the family during that Service you are also encouraged to have an activity after the service. We hope to receive a message from the Archbishop of the West Indies to be read at the service in each parish. Parishes are encouraged to take pictures and to make notes for the Provincial Magazine which will be produced later in the year.

I encourage you to promote the year of the family.

Bishop C. Leopold Friday

Elected Members of The PCC

ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE PARISH CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 2011

Jeanette Morgan

Nigel Weekes

Nina Maloney

Rosemary Dopwell

Vincent DaSilva

Colin Williams

Kenyatta Alleyne

Gillian Griffith

Cheryl Durrant

Elvis Dublin

Norma Greaves

Karen Burgin

THREE (3) SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES

Jennifer Glasgow-Browne

Rosemarie Alleyne

Steve Francis

Restoration Project

The St. George’s Cathedral is in need of urgent restorative work.

When worshipers turned up for mass at the Anglican church in Kingstown on Sunday, May 24th, 2009, they were greeted by the sight of yellow caution tape cordoning off certain areas of the church and only half the usual number of pews in place downstairs.

Dean of the Cathedral Patrick McIntosh told Searchlight that the entire gallery on the upper floor, including the choir loft is now out of bounds because of a bad case of termite infestation. The Dean said that the strength of the beams and rafters supporting the upper floor has been compromised, and on the advice of a structural engineer, the precautionary measure was taken. All areas on the ground floor underneath the balconies are also out of bounds. The church has therefore had its seating capacity reduced by two-thirds.

Dean McIntosh said that an emergency meeting of the Parish Church Council was held on Monday, May 25th, followed by a meeting of the Cathedral Chapter on Wednesday, and a decision was taken that a recommendation would be made to Bishop Leopold Friday that an entire restoration of the church be undertaken, not just a repair of the termite infested areas.

“We have a tremendous task,” the Dean told Searchlight, indicating that all the windows, the tower, both wings of the church and the roof would have to be worked on.

The 189-year-old church, which is the largest in the country, was dedicated on 1st September 1820, having been built at a cost of 47,000 pounds sterling. This is a far cry from the millions of dollars Dean McIntosh estimates the restoration work will cost.

He said that a committee will soon be set up to begin the work of letting people all over the world know what is happening and to raise funds.

Addressing the congregation after mass on Sunday, the Dean told the congregation “Nothing is impossible with God.” He advised members that the restoration project would call for church members to put their hands in their pockets and “dig deep”. In the style of the President of the United States Barack Obama, Dean McIntosh asked the congregation if they thought they could make it. He led them in their reply of: “Yes we can, yes we will!”

The Dean said until a final report is received from the structural engineer, church services will continue as usual at the Cathedral, however, the wooden balconies may have to be removed so that they do not pose a danger to persons entering the church. (SEARCHLIGHT, May 29, 2009)

Anglican Church Meeting for 34th Triennial Synod

Searchlight, Oct 19 2010

Sixty delegates comprising clergy and lay people from Grenada, Carriacou, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are this week meeting for the 34th triennial Synod of the Diocese of the Windward Islands.

The Synod, which is being chaired by Bishop of the Windward Islands, the Right Reverend C. Leopold Friday, began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the St. George's Cathedral in Kingstown on Sunday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.

The Synod is being held under the theme “Equipping the Saints for Mission and Ministry in a Changing Caribbean”.

Sunday afternoon's mass was preceded by a short procession from the former Kingstown Anglican School grounds on Higginson Street, to the Cathedral.

Basing his sermon on John 21: 15-17, the Bishop reminded the congregation of the call to care for God's sheep. “It is Jesus who calls us, and it is others who are to benefit,” he said, emphasizing that the sheep remain God's.

Bishop Friday said the nurturing of the sheep is important so that the flock can deepen their relationship with Jesus and grow in their knowledge, understanding, commitment and service of Him in their daily lives.He encouraged the faithful not to be preoccupied by numbers, as they participate in God's ministry.

“Jesus never asked us to count sheep, He asked us to feed the sheep” Friday said, quoting the first female Bishop in the Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Barbara Harris. The church should therefore be faithful to what it has been called to do, he said.

The Bishop reminded the congregation that as they seek to equip the saints for ministry in a changing Caribbean, there are several forces including the drug culture, the sex culture, the dot com culture, the e-culture and the me culture which work against the Christian culture. “There is a constant fight and struggle for the minds, hearts, souls of our people, and we are commanded to fight the good fight of faith with all our might,” he said, quoting Anglican professor the Reverend Dr. Kortright Davis.

To better equip the saints for the fight for the minds, hearts, souls of the people of the Caribbean, Bishop Friday mentioned the need for pastoral care to be extended beyond the traditional family.
“While we endeavour to uphold the ideals of marriage, let us extend pastoral care to those in other relationships,” he said.

He also spoke of the importance of using the idioms, metaphors and dialect of our Caribbean people to enhance communication.
Today, Tuesday, October 19 is the second day of the business session, which is being held at the Girl Guides Headquarters, Level Garden, Kingstown.

The Synod, which comes to an end on Thursday, October 21, 2010, is the highest decision making body of the Diocese of the Windward Islands. (Searchlight, Oct 19 2010)

Anglican Provincial Youth Gathering

SEARCHLIGHT – July 31 2009

Having returned from the 2009 Anglican Provincial Youth Gathering (PYG) in Jamaica and having been exposed to creative ways of worshipping, fifteen enthusiastic young persons are ready to inject some of that creativity into their various churches.

On a visit to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, the delegates were only too happy to share the experience gained while abroad. The young people, who represented various Anglican parishes in St Vincent and the Grenadines, said that they were quite astonished by the various ways in which praise could be offered to the Lord. They said that Bible study and scripture readings were all done in the form of small skits and dances, something that they do not experience at their churches here.

Held at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny from the July 18-25, the gathering was held under the theme: “Anglican Youth: Co-Workers with Christ, called to be disciples”. While in Jamaica, the young people also engaged in workshops on crime and violence and abstinence. They were also involved in outreach programs in which several of them journeyed to the different communities across Jamaica and sang to children there.

One of the delegates’ wishes is for the church to shift from its traditional modes of worship and let the creative minds of young people go to work. They said oftentimes young people are tentative about bringing their ideas to the forefront because of fear of offending the older members of the church. “We don’t want to do this... all we want is to have something where everyone can enjoy at the same time while having worship.”

Seemingly even more excited than the youngsters, Chaperone Maxine Browne described the gathering in Jamaica as an unforgettable and transforming experience. She said the gathering has helped some of the delegates to discover their talents. “This has truly been wonderful and it was just great to see the creative talents on display,” Browne noted.

As for her immediate plans, Browne said she is working on reviving the Anglican Youth Movement (AYM) and will incorporate some the things learnt in Jamaica into its activities.

Browne thanked the Bishop of the Windward Islands, C. Leopold Friday, Dean Patrick McIntosh and the Rectors and parish priests from the other parishes in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Attending the workshop, which is held every three years were young people from the eight Dioceses that make up the Church in the Province of the West Indies: The Diocese of Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, Diocese of Barbados, Diocese of Belize, Diocese of Guyana, Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago, Diocese of Jamaica and Cayman Islands, Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba and Diocese of the Windward Islands. (SEARCHLIGHT – KW, July 31 2009)