Operation ‘Christmas Pick Up’

From the Bethesda Community, for persons with disabilities

Bethesda held its first ever ‘Drive-through – Pick up Christmas Cheer’ for our families with persons with disabilities (PwD) on Sunday, December 13, 2020.

The event commenced with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Living Water Community Chapel, Frederick Street, Port of Spain with Bishop Emeritus Malcolm Galt CSSp as the celebrant.

Three families and three volunteers were in live attendance, so as to minimise the risks associated with the COVID-19 virus. The Mass was streamed live via the Living Water Facebook page, so that our members across the country could participate virtually.

Following Mass, our PwDs and their families drove either to the Holy Faith Convent Grounds, Couva, or to the Mausica RC Church for curb-side collection of a gift and light refreshments. Each family was rostered at a designated time to collect the gift, refreshments, and have photos taken with Santa.  This event allowed our ministry to reach out to our families and bring a little Christmas cheer.

For many of our members, this was the first time out of their homes since March 2020.

Our community members are on two ends of the spectrum: those that are at home 100 per cent and live in a form of self-isolation, so this time has been a joyful experience for them, with their loved ones physically around.

At the other end of the spectrum are those that were previously able to go out to school, visit grandparents, etc—they are still struggling to cope with the changes as it is a major disruption to their routine.

What unifies them, however, is our Bethesda Mass which is the main, if not only social event that they can actively participate in, in a safe understanding and accepting environment.

With everyone now living under health regulations, it is with great hope that there is a greater appreciation of how PwDs live on a daily basis.

We would like to thank everyone who made this event a success; after all, what we need is love and occasionally a little ‘Pick Up’.