St John the Baptist RC Church community, San Juan is alive and well.
Our celebration of the Easter Vigil came off very well. There were three baptisms and two candidates were received into the Church community. Two weeks later there were nine adults were confirmed at the adult confirmation ceremony at St Charles Church, Tunapuna.

On May 25, 24 members of the Church’s Senior Citizen Circle journeyed to Green Meadows in Santa Cruz, where they enjoyed a day of recollection, reflection and a plain good time.

The maxis arrived at the church premises at 8.30 a.m. to take the group to the place of destination. The group soon arrived at the destination and settled into the beautiful surroundings.

At about 9.10 a.m. Fr Christian Pineau arrived on the compound to help the group with its day of recollection. The scripture text for the day was taken from Gal 5:16-26. In this passage, which speaks of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit, the group was reminded to always keep the fruits of the Holy Spirit before them.

They were urged that one’s action should always be for the good of all. Fr Pineau asked the group to compare the behavioural pattern of now as to that of long ago.

He asked the group to look back and see all the good that was then. He spoke of the peace, trust and the exchange of ideas then as compared to today.

Members of the Senior Citizen Circle

Fr Henri Brenon and new members of the Church after the Easter Vigil in San Juan

Father reminded the group that as seniors they should ensure that the strong values of the faith are carried on and they should strive to have a good influence on the young.

He also suggested that as a senior group they should be a group of prayer warriors, praying for their children, grandchildren and all young people.

He again urged the group to strengthen and support the parish and so make a difference in the parish community. The secretary of the group thanked Fr Pineau for his support and words of wisdom.

After the mini-retreat Fr Pineau took his leave and there followed a number of fun activities. There was an interesting game – “The Right Family Christmas Story” – at the end of which everyone had a pen in his/her hand; a donation from UTC. Then there was a sing-along of old melodies. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The best was yet to come. After the lunch break, there was a contest in different categories – rhymes, poetry, stories, jokes and songs. Sheila and Phyllis won the rhymes section, Theresa Mc Millan the poetry section, Olga the jokes section, and Lorna the song section. One member received a special gift.

The day was a beautiful one. Everyone enjoyed him/herself. The group cleaned up the surroundings and left the premises at 2.00 p.m.

Thanks to the drivers, Fr Pineau and the owners of the beautiful property called Green Meadows. To God be the glory.