Promoting the dignity of the poor and vulnerable
November 9, 2021
Accompaniment is key to learning about NFP
November 9, 2021
The Eastern Vicariate held a virtual celebration for Catechetical Month 2021 on the morning of September 25 to acknowledge the contributions of catechists, to virtually distribute certificates to catechists who participated in special needs workshops during July/August 2021.
A special highlight of the celebration was the pre-recorded video testimony of retired catechists Pearl Clarke Alfred (Sangre Grande) and Miriam Mannette (Arima).
Their individual narratives of when the call to the catechetical vocation occurred and how they responded and sustained it over the years provided an authentic witness to faith and an inspirational anecdotal element to the event.
Another enjoyable highlight was the musical panoramic video spotlight of the parishes comprising the Eastern Vicariate. This feature was created by Julius Leacock, the Eastern Vicariate’s Communications Officer.
Each item was introduced by the event’s Master of Ceremony, Taye Coryatt of the Sangre Grande parish.
Saira Joseph La Foucade, founder and coordinator of the Bethesda Catholic Community, presented certificates of participation virtually to the 52 catechists who participated in the Eastern Vicariate’s July/August workshop on Special Needs training for Catechists.
She offered words of encouragement to the catechists and revealed plans for the enhancement of the special needs ministry in the Archdiocese.
Kervin Preudhomme (San Raphael) musically welcomed the Holy Spirit to open the celebration, his guitar musical interlude later adding flair to the virtual event as did the original Parang composition of father-and-son duo, Joseph and Gregory Bertrand (D’abadie/Arima), the Spoken Word tribute to catechists by Kayla Daniel (Maloney) and the pan tribute by Cherise Pierre (Arouca).
The virtual celebration concluded with the vote of thanks given by Sheldon Carter (Arima) who acclaimed present and former catechists for their service over the years, particularly with promoting and implementing Catechetical programmes which keep the Catholic faith alive in the Eastern Vicariate.
Through Rondell Gulston and Justin De Verteuil (Eastern Vicariate Youth Council), special appreciation was extended to outgoing Vicar of the Eastern Vicariate, Fr Dwight Merrick, for all the contributions and achievements of his tenure.
This appreciation was endorsed by Fr Steve Duncan, the new Vicar for the Eastern Vicariate, who took a few moments to introduce himself and to declare his anticipation of a fruitful Vicariate experience, particularly with the inclusion of Tobago, some of the catechists being present at the event at his invitation.
Sincere thanks were also expressed for the continued support and guidance of the Eastern Vicariate clergy: Frs Gregory Mc Lawrence CSSp, Jason Boatswain, Andrew Emenike, Kizito Ameoloko, Roger Paponette, Stephan Alexander, Matthew Ragbir, Raymond Francis, Kwesi Alleyne, Kenwyn Sylvester, Jeffrey Supersad, Simon Peter Ango, Kirt Prospere, and Leslie Tang Kai from Tobago.
The Parish of Scarborough is now included in the Eastern Vicariate, so we welcome the parish priest, the parishioners, and the catechists.
Gratitude and appreciation were also extended to Sr Juliet Rajah of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office for her continued support, and to Pamela Punch for her supply of catechetical resources.
The virtual celebration initiative was planned and executed by members of the Eastern Vicariate Planning Committee – Marsha Jawahir (Arouca), Florence Blizzard (D’Abadie/Maloney), Sheldon Carter (Arima), Julie Martin (San Raphael), Julius Leacock (Arouca), Taye Coryatt (Sangre Grande), Merleen Shade (Toco/Matelot)—with leadership from Rose-Ann Walker, the Eastern Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator.
