After weeks of preparation and anticipation, the day had finally arrived for our Parish Assembly, held on Sunday, October 29.

One hundred and seventy-one parishioners from the five communities gathered, despite adverse weather conditions, at the San Rafael RC Church to discuss Family Life, Catholic Education and Catechetics.

Our day started at 9:30 a.m. with Praise and Worship beautifully led by the young people of our San Rafael Parish Prayer Group Choir.  The joy that flowed set the pace for the rest of the day.

This was followed by an opening prayer by Fr Moses and welcome remarks by Hollis Raghunanan who professionally facilitated the entire day’s proceedings, assisted from time to time by Kenny Joseph, our in-house photographer for the day.

San Rafael Parish Prayer Group Choir

Fr Moses and panellists of the Family Life discussion

Our motivational speaker was none other than Janet Chinnia, no stranger to our parish. Sister Janet spoke on our parish theme: Faith Becoming Culture.

In addressing culture, she stated that God has invested in each of us, the culture of His Son.

We carry with us, a culture of Christ in our values, habits, dress, behaviour, etc. in our immediate and external families.

The Church, she stated can change the culture of a nation. If the Church sets the example, the community will follow.

Fr Moses was next, giving a brief outline of the Synod and the journey towards Synod 2008.

This was followed closely by our parish presentations (professionally backed up by PowerPoint presentations, thanks to Dexter Mahadeo and Kyle Ramdass):-

Family Life - Marilyn Yearwood (Talparo) gave a five-minute presentation. Maldon and Allison Pantin (Marriage Counsellors), Joan Ryan (Natural Family Planning Counsellor) and Mrs Chinnia were the panellists answering the questions for this segment. Our frank discussions and some differing opinions were put together to produce preliminary resolutions.

Catholic Education - Gloria Parris, principal of Las Lomas RC School, delivered a summary report on our recently held San Rafael Parish Teachers Assembly which discussed the Synod Resolutions 26 and 28. Some of the challenges that teachers faced were highlighted.

 It is encouraging to know that some of the suggestions to improve the Catholic ethos in the schools have already begun—a definite fruit of the Teachers Assembly! 

Our panellists for this session were Susan Boyce-Ruiz the new principal of San Rafael RC School, along with Janet Chinnia, Marilyn Yearwood and Gloria Parris.  Ms Boyce-Ruiz prophetically spoke of a new time for San Rafael RC School under her tenure. 

Catechesis - Melanie Lewis informed us of the programmes currently being conducted in the parish including the primary schools and the Brazil High School, along with the challenges encountered.

A display table was set up at the front of the Church displaying books tapes, etc. on all catechetical materials, which are available for the benefit of the young and not so young.

Even though there were flashes of lightning and peals of thunder and no electricity for a short period, this did not daunt us from the task we were commissioned to accomplish. A delicious lunch was served at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall where there was a genuine family atmosphere.

Our Parish Assembly ended with Holy Mass at 3:00 p.m.  Our joint parish choir led us in song.  As Fr Moses opened the Intercessions, a deep spirit of prayer and contrition pervaded.

Our Parish Assembly was a wonderful experience.  For me, it was an echo of faith, where we all came together as one Body in Christ.