Vera Allen, coordinator of Catholic Children on Fire for Christ (6673-1971) says that of the 15 primary and 13 secondary government schools, most are functioning well and would benefit even more from the involvement of more teachers.

However, El Socorro north and south, and Febeau Primary have no volunteer catechists to carry on the programme there. So, OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU – NOW in those areas!

Nevertheless, it is with great pleasure that Mrs Allen shares the good news from various schools in her Vicariate and submits pictures which capture some of the memorable occasions for her students and teachers.

She is extremely proud of the Rosary club in one school, and the number of children from various primary and secondary schools who have attended retreats at Catholic Charismatic Centre, Caroni; and have received their First Holy Communion because of the programme. Some have moved on to Confirmation classes. She thanks the teachers for their faithfulness to duty and gives God the glory as the programme is growing by God’s grace.

Look out for reports on other vicariates in subsequent articles and see where you can help.

Five P’s produce progress for CCFC

The Government authorised religious education to be taught in its schools and in 2002, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, commissioned Sr Deborah de Rosia and team with headquarters at CCR Centre, Caroni, to administer the programme which is known in those schools as “Catholic Children on Fire for Christ” (CCFC).

The team prepares lessons based on the Bible and the catechism, trains teachers, staffs schools, conducts retreats, raises funds, recruits volunteers, etc.

The goal of the programme is to evangelise our children so that they may come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. With this knowledge and nurturing by us, it is hoped that they would go on to formation, commitment and mission; that they would consistently choose Jesus’ values (life) and be “light” and “salt’ to others in their group, school, home and community.

CCFC core team: Back row from left- Pamela Gibbon, Cynthia Blackman, Daisy Best, Clive Alexis, Cynthia Rodney, Catherine Bridgewater, Ann Extavour and Vera Allen. Sitting from left – Uklin Mollenthiel, Deborah de Rosia (Directress) and Bernadine Nicholas. Missing – Pearl Lezama, Viere Ghatt, Laura La Caille and Elva Stewart.

Infants of El Socorro (north) say thanks for pencils received for colouring project.

Rosary Club at El Dorado Secondary

Over the years there has been steady progress. And it is with joy that we showcase, in the accompanying photos and report, some of the positive growth which resulted from this partnering programme involving five Ps - pupils, parents, principals, priests and parishioners.

The faithful support for the programme by PRINCIPALS is a big plus and it can only be surpassed if all Catholic teachers in their respective schools decide to join in the “battle” for the souls of our children and take an active part during the assigned school period.

We have had positive reports from a de-shifted school that the children settle down more quickly to their classes than when they had to move to classrooms; and from others where school teachers are assigned to the classes to be a support for the volunteer.

We plead for teachers’ continued cooperation, especially as the Ministry de-shifts schools and we all seek a holistic approach to our children’s education.

Some of our PRIESTS have been more than lending an ear. They have been visiting their schools, making announcements at church, holding meetings with interested parishioners, allowing coordinators to address congregations and the like. We pray that more of them would come fully on board because this programme is for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Our PARISHIONERS, especially the retirees, have been the backbone of the programme. They voluntarily give of their time, talent and treasure. Only the glory of God could truly repay them as they seek to fulfill their God-given mandate to go and feed His lambs – our precious children. May God richly bless our volunteer catechists.

We are encouraged by the positive feedback about our PUPILS. We challenge the secular media to report the good that our children do. Most of them pray, take part in clubs - such as Chastity, Rosary, sports and culture; are well-mannered, look out for others, stand up for what is right and are willing to make a difference in their schools and homes. The majority wants to do good. But it is not always easy for them.

Moreover, let us, especially PARENTS/GUARDIANS, not assume that our children know how to do these things automatically. They need to see the other four P’s mentioned above, making life giving choices and living according to the values that God, in the person of Jesus the Christ, came to earth to show us how to relate with and treat one another. They need to be taught His Ways and be nurtured by us.

It is an ongoing labour of love. It is fulfilling to see the children progress and to realize that we are on God’s mission. Yet, several schools are without volunteer catechists. Would you join us?  OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU - NOW!!!