By now, most Roman Catholics should know that His Grace Archbishop Edward Gilbert has approved an extension to the Year of the Catholic Family until May 30, 2011.

For those parishes which have pushed ahead with their Action Plans, the extension allows them to have a time-out to review their accomplishments and then push forward again. For those parishes which experienced challenges, the extension will be welcome news and they can make good use of the extra time.

The Synod Implementation Team (SIT) is asking that only two additional projects be undertaken during the bonus time. One recommendation is that the Parish Implementation Teams create exciting programmes specifically for the mission of evangelisation. The SIT suggests that evangelisation programmes should reflect the rich cultural diversity of parishes and, by extension, Trinidad and Tobago.

The SIT has also underscored the need for someone in each parish to be charged with the responsibility of disseminating the “good news” of accomplishment, not only to the parish but also to the wider Church.