On the morning of Saturday, January 27, grey clouds of the preceding week parted to reveal the clear blue sky and radiant sunshine that welcomed parishioners of the Cunupia, Longdenville and Chaguanas communities to their Mini Synod 2006.

Close to 100 women, men and young people gathered at the Max Murphy Centre on the compound of the St Philip and St James RC Church, Chaguanas, for the one-day event.

It began with a prayer led by Fr Kenneth Assing, Vicar for the Central Vicariate and Parish Priest. Fr Assing provided a deeper understanding of the importance of the Synod in the life of the Church.

Fr Kenneth Assing

He made direct references to three fundamental sources of information on the faith: the Code of Canon Law, Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Parishioners of all ages listened attentively as he spoke of the baptismal priesthood to which we are all called. He urged us to accept the call to Ministry and to commit not only our treasure but also our time and talents to the service of Christ, the Church and the world.

Presenters for the day's proceedings read out the Synod Resolutions and gave an update on the progress made in implementing them.

Parishioners were invited to ask questions and make observations or suggestions at the end of each presentation and this stimulated sustained dialogue on issues such as what Synod means for the parish and the archdiocese; the relationship between the clergy and the laity; and the role of the community, and the relationship among home, school and Church in the education and formation of young Catholics.

At midday , participants shared in a sumptuous lunch and enjoyed the short pause in the programme while chatting with fellow parishioners.

The final session was an open forum which focussed on the need for the parish to formulate strategies to consolidate the progress made in several areas and to encourage wider community participation in numerous activities that aim to spread the faith, to strengthen our union with Christ and, through apostleship, to create stronger communities and a better society.

The mini-synod ended with words of praise and a song of thanksgiving for the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the day.