On the Feast of Christ the King, November 20, the congregation at Our Lady of Fatima, Curepe, was blessed with the beautiful sight of these little ones, who were ready to receive their First Holy Communion.

The up-tempo liturgy featured two special items, an offertory dance by pupils of St Xavier's Private School, and the meditation hymn, My God Loves You , played elegantly on the pan by yet another very young pupil of St. Xavier's.

Msgr Esau Joseph presents an award for participation in the essay to Sr Phillip Geofroy, principal of St Joseph's Convent, St Joseph. Pat Indalsingh, Father's assistant, is at left.

Msgr Joseph with some of the children (and their teachers) wearing their feast day crowns.

Very special thanks to principal Sr Annetta Alexander SJC and the students involved, for contributing so commendably to the celebration.

As mass came to an end, the children, each supported by at least one-parent, were presented to the congregation, and then given growing seedlings.

The vessels containing the seeds represented the communicants in whom the seed of God's love is planted; the tiny plants represented the growth of the Holy Spirit within them.

At the end of the liturgy, a simple ceremony followed to honour the excellent performance of those who had participated in the recent Suburban Vicariate Essay Competition to mark the Year of the Eucharist. Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place winners, but each school received a special Certificate of Commendation.

Later in the day, the parish convened its Synod Assembly, at which each ministry gave details of its achievements over the past year, as well as its plans for the new year

Also on this day, the annual tea part of the vicariate Rosa Mystica Prayer Group, headed bv the Carmelites, took place at the Parish Hall. All seemed indicative of the Our Lady of Fatima community faithfully moving forward in loving service to Christ our King, and to each other!