When the Diocese of St George’s celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in December it will also be marking the official close of its Golden Jubilee Year 2006. The year began at an official launch with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Anse on the First Sunday of Advent 2005.

Catholic Focus temporarily closed

One of the major undertakings of the diocese for the Jubilee Year was the review of the diocesan monthly newspaper – the Catholic Focus. The newspaper was always subsidised by the Chancery and once concern was to aim at making the paper economically viable.

Other concerns over the years included increasing the circulation and having a fortnightly publication. Attempts were made at narrowing the deficit gap in the first instance, working to a break-even point and then aiming at some profit making.

All this came about within the context of the financial strain now faced by the Diocese, particularly in this post-Ivan period. The Diocese’s best efforts only resulted in a widened deficit gap from the beginning of the year.

Consequently, Bishop Vincent Darius sought advice and a decision was taken to temporarily close the Catholic Focus for restructuring and stock-taking. A committee has been set up to deal with the issue.

The decision took effect from October although there was no publication of the newspaper from July; a resumption date is likely to be early in the New Year – 2007. The Management takes this opportunity to apologise to readers for any inconvenience and to thank all for much needed support.

Other golden jubilees

Two Religious sisters celebrated their golden Anniversary of Religious Profession with the Diocese. On Sunday, August 6, Sr Dominic Xavier Sandy O Carm celebrated at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Anse.

Sr Pia Marie Babb SJC marked her golden jubilee on Sunday, September 17 with the celebration of the Eucharist at the St Joseph’s Convent hall in St George’s. At that ceremony Sr Eugene Herrera also marked her 65th year of religious profession.

Because of the temporary suspension of publication of the Catholic Focus, many very significant events and news items during the Jubilee year did not get to readers. It is hoped that a summary will be published soon.