Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (communities of Carapichaima, Todd’s Road, Chickland and Caparo) came together on Saturday October 21, and held its Parish Assembly towards Synod 2008.

This marked the completion of Phase 1 of the implementation of Synod Resolutions at the level of the parish. The Synod Implementation Guidelines calls for parishes in the archdiocese to conduct Parish Assemblies in relation to Catechesis, Catholic Education and Family Life.

Carapichaima’s Assembly was a morning programme from 9 a.m. – 12 noon and it focussed on six areas consisting of the above three along with the three key points of focus of the Vicariate - Youth, Evangelisation and Stewardship. 

The Assembly was well attended and all the communities of the parish were represented. The morning programme began with praise and worship led by Brent Harry and the Parish pan side. This was directly followed by opening remarks from the parish priest, Fr Derek Anton. He situated the Parish Assembly in the whole picture and vision of Synod and launched the morning off with prayer. 

Between each presentation, there was an item of entertainment (including dance, a quartet, and beautiful renditions on the steel pan) led by representatives of each community of the parish.

The presenters included Alicia Knights (Catechesis), Fitzroy Raphael  (Stewardship), Dr Brian Armour (Family Life), Fr Derek (Evangelisation) and Lenore Marcano (Youth Ministry).

The topic of Catholic Education was vented through a panel discussion; the panellists comprised a retired principal, a student and a parent of children attending Catholic schools in the parish. They were Lucy Fraser, Patrice Forde and Ricardo Leid respectively.

Afterwards, there was an open forum for general questions, discussion and comments. The entire session was well received by the attending parishioners whose response mirrored this.

The parishioners brought to the table issues, questions and suggestions that were both thoughtful and thought-provoking and which will help move the entire process along in a progressive way.

The presentations and contributions by the attending parishioners were ably noted by our rapporteurs and will inform the parish’s presentation at the Vicariate Assembly on January 20, 2007. Lunch followed and in true Trini style, this was appreciated by all

I cannot let this opportunity pass, as co-ordinator of the Synod Implementation Committee to say thank you to our parish priest for his God-inspired wisdom and foresight in bringing the team of Lucy Fraser, Dexter Nelson, Terrence Chariah and myself together for the specific purpose of co-ordinating the Parish’s efforts in the implementation of the Synod resolution.

May God bless us all as we go forward as Church alive, Church present, Church united in action through its people!