Harvest of Hope’ brings Arouca community together again

After a five-year pause brought on by the pandemic and natural disaster, the Holy Trinity RC Parish in Arouca reopened its doors to joy and togetherness with the celebration of its long-awaited Harvest of Hope on October 26.

This year’s celebration carried deep significance, not only marking the Church’s Jubilee Year under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, but also symbolising the parish’s resilience and renewal after years of challenges.

The day began with a full church and parish pastoral centre for the celebration of Mass at 8 a.m., led by Frs Gregory Mc Lawrence, Emmanuel Vandi, Gregory Augustine, and Collin Jackson. The uplifting liturgy set the tone for a day filled with gratitude, community spirit, and joyful fellowship.

The last harvest was held in 2019. Since then, the parish, like many others across the nation, faced years of uncertainty, from the Covid-19 pandemic that halted social gatherings to the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Parish priest Fr Mc Lawrence and the harvest planning committee made the difficult decision to postpone initial plans and instead channel their efforts toward relief for those most affected, particularly in Carriacou, Grenada.

The vibrant harvest featured 30 stalls, each uniquely designed to reflect hope and unity. Among those at the forefront was Derick Jackson, head altar server, whose ministry hosted the Children’s Village, a fun-filled space featuring mini golf, ring toss, a bouncy castle, and other games for the parish’s youngest members.

“For me, this is truly a harvest of hope,” Jackson said with a smile. “It’s been five years since our last one, and seeing everyone come together again, the energy, the laughter, it makes me happy.”

For Paula Sanchez of the Lady of Lourdes Community Council, the harvest was a reminder of the unity that defines parish life. Her group’s booth, called the ‘Dis and Dat Stall’, offered a variety of items ranging from clothes and food to plants and games, a reflection of the diversity and generosity within the church community.

“Everything about this harvest is hopeful,” Sanchez said. “We are all people of hope, families of hope coming together to support the Church and its mission.”

Meanwhile, Tara Bishop of the Events Committee contributed her love for nature through a plant sale, aligning perfectly with the event’s message.

“Plants represent life,” Bishop said. “And life itself is hope. Growing and nurturing them reminds us that even in hard times, life continues to bloom.”

The Hospitality Ministry brought warmth and care to the celebration, focusing on welcoming parishioners and assisting those unable to move around easily. Their stall offered two raffle hampers, one filled with food items, the other with household essentials, each symbolising a message of generosity and optimism.

Adding a splash of excitement was the Promotions Team, whose creative minds organised one of the most talked-about attractions, a dunk tank.

For the parishioners of Holy Trinity RC in Arouca, this harvest wasn’t just about fundraising or festivity. It was a heartfelt reminder that, no matter the obstacles, hope continues to grow, rooted deeply in faith and nurtured by unity.

–Samaki Felician