On the initiative of the Stewardship Committee, a new ministry called “Evergreen” was introduced to the parish of Mary Immaculate in Bourg Mulatresse.

This ministry, which is open to all parishioners aged fifty and over, held its inaugural meeting in January 2006.  At this meeting Adriana Gomez was selected as chairperson, and it was agreed that secretarial duties would be carried out on a rotational basis.

Since this first meeting, the members of this ministry have met on a monthly basis and a spirit of camaraderie and friendship has been nurtured. It is felt that persons in this age group need opportunities for relaxation and recreation, because in the main most persons have already retired from their respective jobs/professions.

Parang evening

With this in mind we have engaged in various activities ranging from Bingo, story-telling, sharing jokes/hilarious life experiences, dancing and even an Easter Bonnet Parade. The highlight at this parade was the participation of the one male member Gene Hutchinson, who received loud applause for his cowboy styled “bonnet”.

In August we journeyed to San Fernando Hill accompanied by our parish priest Fr Arnold Francis. That was a beautiful experience indeed as we shared each other’s company, lunches, drinks and snacks.

On Sunday October 22, we made the journey to La Vega where our meeting was held under one of the cool, breezy huts provided on the premises. It was here that plans were finalised for our first Christmas celebration.

After lunch it was back to the main area where we visited the Shrine for a moment of prayer, before browsing through the luxuriant greenery as some members made purchases.

In keeping with its name, “Evergreen” the Plant Stall at our annual Harvest Festival was manned by members of this ministry, and for first timers, they acquitted themselves well by realising a sizeable profit.

Finally it was time to bring our activities for the year the year to an end and we did so with our Parang Evening on Sunday, November 19, at our Parish Hall. Members danced to lovely parang music and after a delicious meal there was an exchange of gifts, bringing to an end a very active year for the Evergreens.

We wish to say thanks to Irma Gilalta for holding the fort in the absence of Adriana. We also wish to thank Fr Francis for his support and express the hope that we will stay “evergreen” as we continue to share with one another and experience God’s blessings in our lives throughout 2007.