Sacraments at Holy Family, Cassava River

On Sunday we celebrated our second Stewardship Sunday for the Mission. Masses were rearranged so that at 3:00pm the communities of Holy Family and Sacred Hearts could come together for Baptisms and First Communions. Fr Michael Heine, Kadian Ximines, Sr Marcia and Sr Noami have been working with the children after the Wednesday Mass in preparation for today's celebration. Four young ladies were Baptized and seven made their First Communion. After the Church celebration the ladies of the church put on a 'pot luck supper.' The menu included: chicken foot soup, roast port, curry goat and roti, rice and peas, the ever present cabbage salad and the not to be forgotten beet drink. After 2 hours in church we were all ready for a big glass of beet drink!

Survey says: 183

The 2007 Dental Mission Team from St Louis Parish, Batesville, IN saw 183 patients in 7 days of clinical here at St Mary's. The team saw 38 children, 145 adults. They did 47 full exams, 30 dental instructions, 39 cleanings and 29 fluoride treatments. They did 41 fillings and Doc pulled a whopping 142 teeth (two he says could be taken out with just the suction!). I guess it's all in a week's work... We are so grateful to the Dental Team and look forward to a continued relationship with our twin St Louis Parish in Batesville.

What I learned this week: When a Jamaican says they have "shaky teeth" that means they are loose and they need to be pulled. A patient one evening (after dark) asked for cotton for his ears... "the night breeze in my ears will make my teeth hurt."

New Minister General and Pope Benedict XVI

The Conventual Franciscan Friars who staff St Mary's, and Missions, Above Rocks, have a new Minister General, Fr Marco. On Saturday, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, visited the Basilica of St Francis, Assisi, Italy, to celebrate Mass and address the friars gathered in General Chapter. Here you will see the Holy Father and our new Minister General.

Fathers' Day - Now and 20 Years!

Fathers' Day here at St Mary's in Jamaica is celebrated with the Jamaican version of "cake and" after the 11 o'clock Mass. Here the cake and is: sweet potato pudding slices, and 1/4 of a corned beef sandwich and 1/4 of a tuna salad sandwich; washed down with a cup of orange pineapple punch. Fathers are served and all others are welcome to a plate only after the Fathers are served. The picture to the left shows Mr Joe talking to Mr Smith and Mr Fabian. The picture to the right below shows fathers-to-be...Christopher and Daniel.

Marshmallows... Smores next!

On Tuesday a friend donated four cases of marshmallows. Mr Tony asked, "do you think you guys could use four cases of marshmallows?" Mr Tony we have a feeding program with 92 kids and two sessions of after school, I'm sure we could take care of the marshmallows. Well today I find kids walking across campus with toasted marshmallows on a stick... seems like Sr Naomi decided to introduce toasting marshmallows over an open flame... can Smores be far behind!

SMILE! The dental team has arrived...

Our twin parish, St. Louis, Batesville, IN, has sent their Dental Team: Dr Paul Weber, his wife (Pam) and daughter (Beth), as well as two associates: Kathy and Paulette. All five in the team are return visitors, and the Doc and the Mrs are on visit#5. This evening they are setting up the clinic for two working chairs... we haven't opened the doors yet and we have 19 people on the book... needless to say their days will be long.

St. Louis Parish in Batesville has been twinned with St. Mary's, Above Rocks, for almost 12 years. Tomorrow their Pastor, Father Dennis will arrive spent a few days here at the mission. St Louis is very dedicated to St Mary's- they send shoes and school supplies annually for our kids; the medical team comes every other April under Dr Glaser; the dental team comes every other June under Dr Weber's care; and the parish share generously of their 'treasure' at least four times a year.

We are blessed! The good people of St Louis are generous benefactors of the mission and we are ever so grateful!!!

WELCOME - Sr Colleen Ann, FSE

We welcome Sr. Colleen Ann Nagle a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist. Sr Colleen is a licensed therapist visiting from the Sisters Life Center in Lowell, Michigan. Sister arrived this past Monday and has been 'taking in the Mission.' Monday night: First Mass of the newly ordained, Rev Richard Brown; Tuesday: sick calls in Above Rocks and then to town for weekly grocery shopping; Wednesday: Cupertino Program and the afternoon Mass in Cassava River; Thursday: St Mary's All Age School; Friday: weekly devotional at Cassava River Infant and Primary, then visiting with patients in the clinic. Sr Colleen is seen here with the ladies after the evening Mass for the Sacred Heart Novena. Needless to say: Sister has been kept busy! (Picture, left to right: Miss Brown, Miss Gloria, Sr Colleen and Miss Rose)

TABLE TENNIS CHAMPS

Earlier this year the All Age School asked if they could have one of our "ping pong tables" (aka, table tennis here). Just before Easter Recess the coach asked if he could "beg a few paddles for the team, 'cause we are going to the tournament." Through the Heine Sport's Fund paddles (and a few new pin pong balls) were made available and the months of practice paid off: St Mary's All Age Table Tennis Champs for the primary/all age level. Here you will see a picture of the team and the coach sporting their trophy on the front steps of St Mary's Church.

STEWARDSHIP - Sharing our gifts

As part of our Stewardship efforts; ten (10) women visited the Girl's Remand Centre in Stony Hill on the Feast of the Visitation. the ladies joined the girls in baking pretzels.

It was a wonderful experience for all involved. The girls invited us back, and gave a list of all the things they would like to make in the future.

Groups will visit the Remand Centre on a monthly basis to share our time, talent and treasure with the girls.

*For confidentiality no faces are shown of the girls. In the top left you see Miss Rose reading out the recipe, and in the bottom right you see Miss Brown help roll some pretzel dough.

A Sweat-er Sale

Last week we had a clothes sale from the many generous donations we have received from state side... here you see Sheppy making his purchase as Fr Mike Heine helps bag, and Bro Michael (the one sweating) takes his money. Thanks to all who helped make this sale possible.

Pentecost 2007

We had hoped to have a "spirited" post-communion liturgical dance by our own St Mary's Dancers, but it was raining and only one of our dancers showed up. Here you'll see Fr Michael at the altar... no the picture is not out of focus, nor is the church on fire, but the incense was thick.