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Why a Health Ministry?

by Isabel Cutler, former Parish Nurse of Christ Church Cathedral

 

In 2003 I held a meeting in the lounge and asked some health care professionals to attend to look at the possibility of starting a Cathedral health ministry.

Thirty people attended to listen to what seemed a very unstructured dream, but from that meeting to this year of 2021 (18 yrs) the health ministry and parish nurse ministries have grown at Christ Church Cathedral with the support of our Church, the Clergy and Laity.

At first its growth was one step at a time, through the spearheading by a Parish Nursing Ministry which we began in 2005. With an enormous team of congregational members with every kind of unique skills (not only health related but lawyers, accountants etc, offering their support; while others drive a car to appointments and other knit a prayer shawl), the Parish Nurse has provided invaluable expertise as afforded by her Registered Nurse status to support and direct those who are not well in our church community and beyond. So often we were told, "I do not need you now but it is such a comfort to know you are there.” Of course there are plenty who need us, and much to do.

I am writing this as Kathleen prepares to step back after 5 years. She has built on the legacy left for her so that the Health and Parish Nursing ministries today are vibrant, relevant to Cathedral life and the world as it stands today.

We have a great deal to be grateful to her for. I, for one say: thank you Kathleen you are a good and faithful servant of the Lord and you have followed His direction to accomplish His work at the Cathedral.

We see with COVID-19 the enormous physical and mental health toll this pandemic has brought, and as we come through it there will be much to do to support so many, in body, mind and spirit.

Now that I am no longer a Parish Nurse, nor a current member of the Cathedral family, from where I sit (on the edge of the world in Newfoundland in a different but similar role) I so appreciate the blessing we were given by God to provide this ministry for others.

It is only on God's call for this ministry that it has flourished. Now at this time of transition, we await his direction for another Parish Nurse if that is meant to be, whether from New Brunswick or farther afield. All God’s work has a season but I pray that this work, this ministry will continue according to His plan and in His care.

Meanwhile, gratitude and love outpouring for Kathleen as she begins another part of her own journey. Well done and if it were not for COVID, big hugs, and sending of all God’s blessings for the future.

The Reverend Deacon Isabel Cutler
Parish of Isle aux Morts, NL

Pandemic Orange Level at the Cathedral – January 2021

Orange Level Recovery

At 11:59 p.m. on 26 January, 2021, Zone 3 (Fredericton and area) will return to the Orange Level of the New Brunswick Pandemic Recovery Plan.

In-person worship at the Cathedral will resume and Memorial Hall will reopen to the public. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.

Pandemic precautions outlined in the latest revision of the Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan (20 January 2021) will be followed. These include:

  • Worship gatherings are limited to 50 individuals
  • Meetings are limited to 25 individuals
  • 2 metres of physical distance between bubbles is required
  • Face masks are mandatory indoors and out at all times (with an exception for “performers or officiants whose activities require vocalization” while maintaining 4 metres of physical distance between bubbles)

Please note that during the Orange Level, we are strongly encouraged to limit contact outside of single household bubbles, especially in confined spaces. Please continue to pray for those who are at risk and those providing care and helping to keep us safe.

Worship reservations

With current limits of individuals, worship reservations are required. Reserve online by visiting Cathedral Signups by 8:00 p.m. on the previous day. Telephone reservations are needed in real time (not by voicemail). If reserving by telephone, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monday to Friday.

 

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2021

Bishop and Chapter met 18 January 2021 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean provided in advance an article “When the Mission Changes” (Dan Hotchkiss). Discussion included the value and necessity of our congregation understanding our true mission as God's church and challenges in involving broad-based engagement. Minutes of 14 December 2020 were adopted.

From the Dean

•  continuing in the Orange alert level of pandemic recovery
•  no hospital or home visits by telephone contacts when possible
•  no care facility Communions (Farraline/Windsor Court) in current alert level. Communion at Farraline Place 22 December
•  various meetings with Chapter committees and other groups
•  worship attendance - Blue Christmas (21 December) - 11; Christmas Eve - 175; Christmas Day - 34
•  CBC Information Morning interview 18 January
•  annual discussion with accountant re Review Engagement
•  Synod office(s) settling in at Memorial Hall

Arising

Cathedral Video equipment - required equipment not in stock. Work will proceed to acquire what’s possible and begin pre-installation

Chapter By-Law - possibility for adding past lay chair position on hold for the moment as recommended by Chapter Executive

Decision

Parish Nurse - K. Snow resignation as of 31 January 2021 noted. Unanimous recognition of the difficulty/impossibility to replace Kathleen Snow. Chapter directed the Health and Pastoral Care Committee to proceed to create a search committee, Sally Dibblee chair.

2021 Budget - current draft discussed, received and recommended

Discussion

Annual Meeting - scheduled for Sunday, 21 February 2021. Streamlined, time economical agenda. Immediately following worship in the Cathedral. Virtual options to be explored if necessary.

Nominations - one member Bishop and Chapter still required. Chapter’s assistance requested

Reports

Treasurer - December 2020 financials were provided and briefly discussed. 2020 giving was down, expenses also reduced. Note extraordinary elements including Wage Subsidy allowing revenue to slightly exceed expenses. 2020 review engagement in process

Property - continuing work with Heritage Standing to determine short and long-term property goals. Bishop’s graves to the east, choir steps and stained glass window ventilation are current first priorities. Large basswood at west door removed by the City on 07 January - wood shared with indigenous carvers

Christian Formation - Taizé and Godly play continue virtually. Youth Group suffers from online gathering. Lenten programming considered

Communications - meeting reviewed current web content and Facebook maintenance. February 2020 survey results will be studied

Health and Pastoral Care - main emphasis is parish nurse vacancy Hospital visits are not possible during current pandemic alert level

Welcome and Hospitality - no specific actions during pandemic restrictions

Mission and Outreach - St. Hilda’s Belize end of year $1000 support transferred. Monday outreach continuing as best as possible on the last Monday of the month

Finance and Administration - no meeting since December. Presentation of narrative budget may not be possible with modified meeting format

Upcoming

•  Annual Reports due 31 January

Next Meeting

16 February 2021, Annual Congregational Meeting - 21 February 2021

Pandemic Red Level at the Cathedral

19 January 2021

Dear Friends,

You'll note that as of midnight tonight (Tuesday) the Province of New Brunswick announced that Zone 3 (Fredericton Region) is being moved to the Red Level of pandemic restriction.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, says Zones 1, 2, and 3 – Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton -- will move to the red phase as of midnight on Tuesday. Zone 4 will also remain in the red phase, meaning more than half of the province will be in the highest level of pandemic restrictions. CTV News

Read the Mandatory Order.

We continue to pray for all in leadership and especially for those who work in the health care professions. Remember also those who will feel the impact of these restrictions. Reach out to and communicate with others in safe ways and let's move through these current challenges with the knowledge that the Holy One is with us, that there is light and that this crisis will end.

What does the Red Level of Alert mean for us?

1. The Red Alert Level does not permit public, in-person worship. Holy Eucharist tomorrow (Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.) and Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. are cancelled. We will live stream from the Cathedral beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 24 January (the Third Sunday after Epiphany). Visit our YouTube Channel. 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship will continue as a live stream until the level of alert changes. If you know of someone who does not receive e-mail, please communicate this information to them as best you can.

2. The Cathedral Office will be closed to the public during the Red Alert level. Please don't hesitate to contact the office or the Dean by email or telephone if you have need.

3. Please note that during both the Red and Orange Alert Levels, visitations at hospital are not possible, with the exception of special circumstances. Returning to the yellow level will make visits possible again with restrictions. At all times It is important that you let us know if you or a family member is or is going to be admitted to hospital. The hospital no longer routinely shares information about patients with the clergy or our hospital visitors.

Watch the Cathedral website and your email for updates when they are available.

Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton

Cathedral Faces – Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson is a familiar face around the Cathedral. He loves serving any way he can at church: reading and leading prayers during services, serving as assistant Verger, singing in the choir, playing in the Praise band, assisting with the Youth Group, Alpha, and helping wherever needed.

Chris is proud 6th generation Frederictonian. His Great(x6) Grandfather was Ira Ingraham, whose house is located at Kings Landing. Chris’s great grandmother, Addie Hanson (Williams), was even custodian of our Cathedral in the 1920s. Chris is very proud of his storied history with the Cathedral.

Chris is an only child – his parents were interviewed by CBC on what it was like to have a child at the age of 39! He has yet another connection with the Cathedral. His “honorary Grandfather” was long time Cathedral member Phil Lyons. Phil was a close friend of Chris’s parents, and when Chris was born, Phil was given the baby to hold. It transformed his life, and he promised to be a good example to the young child all his life. Phil taught Chris important lessons from the Bible, the importance of putting God first, and staying close to God even in difficult circumstances. Chris misses Phil every day, but holds fast to God’s promise that he will see him again.

Chris spent his first semester at Crandall University, but transferred to St. Thomas University to complete his degree in Journalism with a minor in Gerontology. An example of his work can be seen on YouTube. It is a wonderful video, narrated by him. Last spring, Chris completed his first M.Div course at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.

Chris now works full time as a Kindergarten educator at Kingsclear Consolidated School and volunteers every Sunday night as a youth leader at Christ Church Cathedral. He tries to walk outdoors daily, and can often be seen at Starbucks, riding his bike, or playing his guitar.

Living in this age of COVID, it is difficult to make long term plans. Although he has been offered a job as a Youth Pastor at a church (Baptist!) in Mississauga, he is enjoying his time in Fredericton.  He says he takes life a day at a time, and trusts God to direct him.  Chris feels extremely blessed to have the Cathedral family, as we are to have him, for as long as God directs.  Thank you for all you do, Chris.

-- by Marilyn Lewell

Episcopal Church of Roatan / Nelson and Kara Ministry (New Year’s Update)

New Year’s Update 2021

New Year’s Update 2021

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5, NIV)

We give all glory and honour to the Lord for your partnering with us. Without your support and especially your prayers, our ministry would never have been possible.  We give our heartfelt special thanks to all of you for your sacrificial giving.

For many reasons, 2020 will be a year we’ll never forget. We were faced with challenges no one was prepared for that changed the way we live and how we connect with each other. As we look back on 2020, we welcome 2021 with many expectations for ministry and life in general.

We pray that even though we live in a time of unprecedented changes in our personal lives and church communities, all of us will have a blessed new year full of the assurance that God is leading us through the hard challenges we are facing.

Certainly it has been a difficult experience this year, but things are better on the island. Since we are no longer locked down on Roatan,  islanders, especially those working with tourism, are finding ways to survive until tourism returns. There are still many families in need, but it is not quite as desperate as before. At the moment we are moving the kitchen to a smaller space with the purpose of cooking once a month to support families in need, if we can.

The space the community kitchen was functioning in will be used for the recycling project that John Delancey is developing.

Impact of Covid 19 in Honduras and Roatan

To update you on the impact of Covid 19 on Honduras, at the moment we have 132,414 people infected. There have been 3,344 deaths and 60.056 people have recovered.

We in Roatán have a few cases of Covid 19; they are recovering at the hospital, and the Covid center will be open again if cases increase. We continue with the biosecurity regulations and we are very optimistic.

Roatan Episcopal Church

At Episcopal/Anglican Church in Roatan our buildings continue to be open as we comply with all the biosecurity requirements. We celebrate Evening Prayer every Sunday, we have a Bible Study during the week, but we see the need to include other ministries such as Sunday school, youth ministry, etc.

During the Christmas season we delivered bags of groceries to the church families, worth about CA$25, and we also smoked chicken, one per family, to support the economy in the season. The money was donated by the Anglican Church in Campbellton N.B. The families appreciate this very timely support, as do we.

You can also click on this links to see more pictures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IboE5NTvJOYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIPiyd6eGDs

Financial Support

On the financial side, we continue to be very positive and to pray and praise God with faith and thanksgiving. We also ask you to continue to pray about our finances, that for the rest of the year our support will stabilize and be sufficient to cover our needs. At the moment our balance is very low. Therefore, please consider sending a special offering to cover our expenses and needs.

To donate now, please click on the following link (or copy and paste it into your browser):

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13778

Or you can visit the Diocese of Fredericton’s website (www.anglican.nb.ca) then go to “Donate” for various ways to give online. Be sure to select “Honduras Mission Fund”.

Cheques should be made payable to “The Diocesan Synod of Fredericton” and sent to: Anglican Diocesan Synod of Fredericton, 115 Church Street, Fredericton, NB E3B 4C8

Phone: (506) 459-1801

All cheques should have “Honduras Mission” noted on the reference line.

We know that with the global impact of the pandemic it is difficult for everyone in the world. That said, we greatly appreciate your prayer and financial support to date and trust that you will continue to support us.

Please continue to pray for:

1.   Please continue to pray for mainland Honduras at a difficult time caused by Covid 19, and Eta followed by Iota; many families are still not able to return to their houses, and others will need to rebuild their entire house.

2.   Pray for Stephen Mejia Thompson, our son as he continues studying at Providence University College in Manitoba.

3.   Continued and stable financial support for the next years as we continue to serve the Lord in Roatán, Honduras.

4.   The ongoing construction in Coxen Hole. Pray for the remaining installation stages: Cement concrete for the floor at the moment.

5.   Our congregations: St. Peter by the Sea in Brick Bay, and Emmanuel in Coxen Hole, that we can embrace the new year with a different way of worship, but focus on Jesus Christ.

6.   Please pray for the Rev. Robert Browning and for his ministry to English-speakers in Eastern Roatán.

7.   Evangelism and practical outreach in the local communities in the midst of the pandemic.

8.  For leadership for the Church in Roatán that embraces the new challenges as we serve in the Kingdom of God.

9.  The Episcopal Church in Honduras, for the process toward self-sufficiency to be continued in 2021-25

Thank you to all who have faithfully prayed and faithfully given to support this incredible work of ministering to the people in our congregations.

Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Your prayers and continued support enable us to continue touching people’s lives with Jesus’ love.

Empowering the Church

Learning, Growing and Serving

Nelson and Kara Mejia

Bishop McAllister College Music Department Update

Bishop McAllister Music Department – December 7th, 2020

Dear Friends,

With the library project coming to a successful conclusion in 2019, my mind began to turn in a new direction. Over the years I have seen first hand the love and passion students and adults have for Music, Dance, and Drama, nowhere more so than in the schools annual Music, Dance and Drama competition, and more recently as hosts to West Ankole Diocese church choir competitions in the same category. But more than this there have many examples over the year of the students love for music and a desire to learn and develop their talent, whether it is the choir, or learning the key board. We have been very fortunate for a number of students who taught themselves how to play the keyboard and helped facilitate chapel worship. It seemed now was the time to give them a great opportunity. So I began to dream a bit about a program for Music, Dance and Drama. A program that would also include opportunities to learn to play a variety of musical instruments, particularly the keyboard but including guitar and drums, and revitalising the school brass band.

So this is what I came up with …..

For those of you have known me and have supported this ministry over the years, you know I’m always prepared to dream a bit, always ready with a plan to match, but never big on the details like a time frame, other than God’s time. But always ready to take the first step and see where it goes from there.

So in January 2020 I resolved that we should take the first step and see what happens. And so we did.

Step one was to clear the space where the new music department was to be constructed.

As we prepare new site for construction (as well as harvest timbers), we were joined today by Chairman of BOG Lay Canon Freedom James and my long time friend and colleague, Rev. Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko, former Headteacher of Bishop McAllister College to break ground for our new music department project. Praise God for this wonderful start to the new year!

By March we were under way with construction of the foundation for the Choral Rehearsal Room. Praise God for this incredible development.

By mid – March we were making steady progress ….

By the end of March we had reached the first ring beam. Praise God!

With the coming of Covid and school closure work came to a halt. But only for a short time we hope and pray! We are so grateful for everyones financial support which has brought this far.

To God be the Glory”

May God continue to bless and keep you!

Paul

CBC Interview: Challenges of outreach during a pandemic

The Cathedral's Monday Outreach is a longstanding program which aims to provide comfort and support to individuals in our community who are financially disadvantaged. Dean Geoffrey Hall was recently interviewed about the program by Terry Seguin, host of CBC Information Morning. He was joined by Jane Blakely from St. Paul’s United Church and Lynn McKinnon from Wilmot United Church. Together, they all spoke of the challenges and blessings of running outreach programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen to the segment aired on 18 January, 2021.

A look back at Monday Outreach during the pandemic

December 2020: Normally, the Cathedral Outreach Committee stages a big, colourful Christmas party for upwards of 65 people in need, complete with a Bible reading about the birth of Jesus, a decorated tree, live music, abundant food and coffee, and gift bags for all. By necessity, the 2020 version was much quieter. Forty-three people filed past to receive a $20 grocery voucher and a small gift bag containing homemade cookies, fruit, chocolates, candy canes, granola bars, hot chocolate packets, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a Christmas card. Children got an extra little gift, and adults could choose from items such as scarves, socks and soap. One visitor said: "Thanks for doing what you can to help us when so many others have pulled back in fear of the virus." The next voucher distribution, assuming health regulations allow, will take place outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall on Monday, January 25, 2021.

November 2020: Volunteer Sandy Robb poses with cookies she baked as well as fruit, juice, muffins, cookies and other treats to be packed into goodie bags for Monday Morning Outreach guests. November was the ninth month that the Outreach Committee has distributed goodie bags and bus tickets or $10 gift cards for supermarkets to people in need outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall. The pandemic has prevented the usual weekly indoor gatherings which featured a buffet of food items, a used clothing bank, live music, a Bible study, and services of the parish nurse. Average monthly attendance had been 45 people, but 55 turned up Nov. 30th including a dozen who were new to the program. The committee, which hopes to continue its efforts throughout the winter, thanks the congregation for its ongoing support.

October 2020: “DC,” one of 48 guests, picks up his voucher and goodie bag at Cathedral Memorial Hall on Monday morning, Oct. 26th. The Outreach Committee thanks the cathedral family for baking cookies and muffins and for donating chocolate, chips and other treats. St. Margaret's Anglican Church donated bananas and citrus fruit. The Outreach budget paid for city transit tickets and $10 gift cards to supermarkets. Another guest said: “Thank you for the special effort you put out every month. I really like coming here.”

September 2020: Bill Turney from the cathedral congregation adds to a big bowl of treats to be packed into goodie bags for people in need. Bill and his wife Carolyn are among the frequent contributors to the Monday morning outreach program, baking delicious cookies for the guests. On Sept. 28th, 48 people received goodie bags, plus either city bus tickets or a $10 gift card for a local supermarket. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, distribution is done outdoors on the steps at the hall with social distancing. This method has been used since March and will be repeated again Oct. 26th. The outreach team thanks the congregation for its support.

 

Here are a few comments from our guests to help you realize how important your contribution is to these folks:
  • "This is like gold to me!" - B.W., looking in his goodie bag; he had eaten nothing except Mr. Noodle for a week
  • "Oh wow, I never get fruit!" - M.B., reaching immediately into the bag for a banana
  • "Thank you so much for helping us out!" - H.C., who has four young children

This was the Outreach Committee's seventh month distributing gift cards and bus tickets outdoors since the pandemic started. The average attendance over that period has been 44 guests per month.

August 2020: Fran Miles, recently retired Office Administrator at the cathedral, made a big batch of her famous "healthy cookies" for the goodie bags handed out to people in need on Aug. 31st. Due to the pandemic, the weekly drop-in, featuring self-serve food and coffee, live music, a used clothing bank and the services of the parish nurse, has not been held since mid-March. However, supermarket gift cards are distributed outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall on the last Monday of the month. This time 38 people received a $10 gift card or bus tickets, plus a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins, cookies, a cheese sandwich, a cereal bar, and bottled water.

July 2020: Canon Patricia Drummond packs goodie bags as part of the cathedral's summer outreach efforts. Due to the pandemic, the weekly drop-in for people in need has not been held since mid-March, but supermarket gift cards are distributed outdoors on the last Monday of the month. On July 27th, 50 people received a gift card or bus tickets plus a bar of soap and a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins, cookies, a sandwich, a granola bar, and bottled water. Food items were donated by members of the cathedral family.

June 2020: Before the pandemic, St. Margaret's Anglican parish in Fredericton helped monthly with outreach drop-ins at Christ Church Cathedral. That event has not been held indoors in the normal way since mid-March, but grocery store gift cards are distributed outdoors to people in need on the last Monday of the month. Penny Ericson (left), chair of the outreach committee, was delighted to receive a large donation of bananas delivered by Wendy and Rick Chase from St. Margaret's to help with the June 29th session. On that date 48 people received a gift card or some bus tickets plus a bar of soap and a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins and cookies, and bottled water - all donated by members of the cathedral family.

May 2020: This morning, forty-five outreach guests received goodie bags, along with a $10 gift card for a local supermarket, at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Despite the recent provincial move into the less restrictive yellow zone during the pandemic, an indoor, sit-down drop-in with self-serve food and beverages is not permitted at this time. People were pleased with the surprise treats, the warmer weather, and news that a similar outdoor distribution of vouchers will be done again next month.

April 2020: Due to COVID-19, the Outreach Committee can't operate its Monday morning drop-ins in the usual way, i.e., refreshments, used clothing bank, live music, Bible study, and services of the parish nurse. However, on the last Monday morning of the month, people in need can stop by Cathedral Memorial Hall to get a $10 gift card for a local supermarket. Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander distributed the gift cards outdoors to 40 people on April 27th. Appropriate social distancing was followed.

March 30, 2020: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Outreach Committee can't operate its normal Monday morning drop-in for people in need at this time, but its volunteers did hand out $10 gift cards for local supermarkets on March 30th. The vouchers were distributed outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall to 32 people. Brent Wheaton (standing by the sign) and Danny Brewer were among those who really appreciated the help with groceries at this challenging time.

March 16, 2020: Volunteers wearing gloves served food and beverages to outreach drop-in guests, rather than the usual buffet-style format. Seating was carefully arranged to ensure social distancing. Our parish nurse gave a short talk about ways to avoid COVID-19, and the minister from New Maryland United Church offered a beautiful prayer. There will be no gathering March 23rd. On March 30th the plan is to quickly distribute vouchers on the front steps of the church hall, but no drop-in will be held. Plans for April will be formulated based on the situation at the time and advice from the health department. Please keep these vulnerable members of our community in your prayers at this challenging time.

Bishop McAllister College Rector’s Newsletter (December 2020)

Rectors Newsletter – December 3rd, 2020

Greetings from Uganda! It is has turned out to be a year none of us would ever have anticipated. We got off to a great start in February. Students had reported for the new school year and had quickly settled in to the school routine, the library was opened and being used for the first time, and even work had begun on the new music department. We were all full of great optimism for what 2020 had in store for us.

It wasn’t long before news of Covid began to trickle in to us, but like everyone around the world we had no sense of how bad this was going to be. I was still planning to travel home in March, and everything was going smoothly at school. At the beginning of March I could see travel was getting complicated so cancelled my trip, and tried to prepare the school for what might be coming our way. No one could believe me, but in less than three weeks all schools were closed in Uganda.

Again there was no sense of urgency, all of us expected this to be a short term thing, and we would reopen within a months time. Well within in a months time I found myself giving away a month worth of food (that was meant to take us to the end of term)that was in the store before it spoiled. As the one month became two, then three months and so forth I began to panic fearing what this was going to do to the school and the impact it would have on the staff and students. By July I found it necessary to launch an appeal for help.

The response was tremendous. I’m so grateful for the positive response I received from the many Churches, groups and individuals who have supported the school for so many years. The funds that have been sent and the funds that are on the way are going to make a great difference in the coming months and into the new year.

In October he government decided in its wisdom schools should partially open, and that finalists could return to school. This means the senior students of each section (elementary, middle school, and high school) would return and complete their school year and sit final exams. For many private schools like Bishop McAllister partial opening would be very challenging financially. The number of students returning would not cover operating costs, even with cut backs, before even considering the accumulated costs of maintaining schools while closed or the costs of implementing the SOP’s issued by the Ministry of Education. Some private schools chose to simply not open.

But thanks be to God Bishop McAllister College was not in the same position as others. Because of our unique facilities and financial support from overseas we have been able to reopen relatively smoothly. There were a couple of hectic weeks trying to put everything in place, restructuring and organizing teachers who were being called back, and helping them prepare to adjust to new working conditions and even subjects/topics they may have not been teaching prior to the schools closing.

I’m happy to report that on October 15th we successfully reopened for finalists. We were inspected a few days before to see that we had met all the new SOP’s, and we were given a certificate allowing us to open. One of the big challenges for most schools was how to meet the requirement of social distancing in classrooms. For many schools it meant taking one class and dividing it into five classes, multiply the teaching lessons and cost by the same number. But as I mentioned our facilities saved us. While I might never anticipated this, the library now houses the two classes from middle school, the dining hall the high school class, and the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist the elementary class. 

It was a whole new world for students (and teachers) as they arrived at the gate.

Masks must be on before entering (and worn at all times). The next step was to have your temperature checked, then wash your hands and have your property sprayed. Throughout the school we have placed new hand washing stations at dorms, classrooms, and kitchen to encourage frequent hand washing, and signs and posters are scattered every where offering reminders of what we should be doing. Wearing our masks, washing our hands, not touching our face, and social distancing. So far we off to a good start. Staff and students will have their temperature checked on a daily basis.

The finalist program will take us up until May 3rd when the last exam will be completed (normally they are completed early December).

As for all the lower classes we don’t know what the future holds. There are hints and rumours that all students will report back to school in January. The Ministry of Education is now in the process of reinspecting schools to see how well the SOP’s were implemented and maintained. As there have been no serious problems since schools reopened in October I’m optimistic that some additional classes if not all of them will be allowed to return. The one difficulty I see would be is whether or not it is possible to maintain the SOP’s with an increased number of students present on campus.

No doubt the road ahead is long, and will be full of challenges. But I’m confident that we are prepared to meet and overcome what ever comes our way. Of course none of this would be possible without the prayers and financial support that has provided us with such wonderful facilities, and the financial support that has come in response to our appeal for assistance.

On behalf of everyone here, thank you so much for your continued love and support.

God bless! Paul