The Youths of St. Georges Parish, Antigua washed the cars of members of the congregation who attended the principal service at St. George’s Fitches Creek on a bright Sunday morning in May. Hours later, after many car cleanings, the youths celebrated in a special worship service led by Parish Priest, Fr John Rohim.

The funds raised from this activity will go towards the $4000.00 which our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks, has asked every parish in the diocese to contribute in support of the NECA delegation. In a March communiqué, Bishop Brooks explained that it will cost EC$ 80,000.00 to send the delegation to the Provincial Youth Gathering in Jamaica and he appealed to parishes to raise the necessary funds to cover the costs. He especially challenged the Anglican young people to find creative ways to raise the funds and as an incentive he asked that parishes match every dollar that was raised by the youth. He further requested that the adults make their own contributions as well as solicit financial support from businesses in the parishes.

In response, St. Mary’s Parish, Antigua, held a fundraising breakfast after the end of their morning’s worship. Members of the parish family and the community purchased sumptuous traditional Antiguan Sunday breakfast fare.

The youths of St. Paul’s Parish, Antigua arrived at their own way to raise funds. They harnessed their creativity and produced a most delightful Whitsunday evening concert titled, Expressions in the Spirit. This delightful mix of music, drama and dance was presented by the various children, youth and adult bodies of the parish family as well as invited guests. Parish Priest Fr. Reid Simon, pleasantly surprised at the depth of talent and the spirited displays of the young and the young at heart, was able to speak of the joy and fellowship engendered by the event.

Joy and Fellowship will also be some of the features of PYG II as it will bring together 200 young Anglicans from across the Province of the West Indies. Under the continuing theme: Anglican Youth- Co-workers with Christ: Called to be Disciples, the focus on discipleship will give the members of the NECA delegation opportunities to be led through a series of training activities in Mission. The training will culminate in practical immersion experiences in mission field areas in and around Montego Bay.

In recognition of the potential value this event is likely to impact on the youth, the members of the Cathedral Parish Vestry have decided to personally donate the funds to be contributed by their Parish - an excellent example of Christian giving towards this developmental opportunity for Youth Ministry in the diocese.

Of course we are not alone in our fundraising…youth from across the Province are earnestly engaging in numerous activities including pledge cards donations; bake and cake sales; jars of grace, walkathons and bike-a-thons.

Parishes are expected to make their contributions to the Diocesan Office by Monday, June 15, 2009.

Your prayerful support for the youth at PYG II is most welcome. If you would like to financially contribute to the NECA delegation to PYG II, please contact: the Diocesan Youth Director at youthofficeneca@hotmail.com for information on funds transfer.


John Cole
Diocesan Youth Director