After four years of caring and sharing, the 55PLUS team at St Charles parish in Tunapuna has snowballed into a large blossoming group of vibrant, experienced parishioners who excel whenever and in whatever area they are called to assist.

On Sunday, November 30 they celebrated this fourth anniversary at a Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Reginald Hezekiah, who commended them for their contributions to parish life and encouraged them to continue growing in strength and numbers.

Fr Hezekiah and 55PLUS group

After Mass group members and specially invited guests were treated to a sumptuous brunch at the parish centre.

Chairperson Kathleen Mentor took the opportunity to acknowledge those who started and nurtured the team and still lend their support when necessary – Theresa Joseph, Louise Zamora, Barbara Wafe and Vera Allen of the Stewardship Team.

Little Jabari John, whom Fr Hezekiah remembered as a two-year-old when he first came to the parish, amazed everyone with his vocal rendition of The Prayer which he followed up with Ode to Joy on the recorder.

55PLUS secretary, Maria Alexander delighted everyone with her sterling performance of I know he lives encouraging all to join in the chorus. Later, everyone lustily joined in to sing a few Christmas carols before going their separate ways.

Although the 55PLUS team is a social and spiritual support group for people of a certain age, this group has been able to lend its organising and entertainment skills to other ministries on various occasions.

St Charles parish salutes our 55PLUS group and encourage all who qualify to become active, alive and present to the Church through this marvellous ministry.