Churches hold back to school service

Students of almost two dozen schools of our Nation thronged to the St. Paul’s and St. John’s Anglican Churches in Calliaqua and Belair as the Parish observed its annual Back to School ceremony on the first Sunday of the new school year, Sunday, September 11.{{more}}

In crisp new uniforms, sporting a wide array of school colours, they formed a delightful tableau of youthful hope, faith and expectation as they swelled the congregations of the Churches in Belair and Calliaqua. The Holy Mass focused on our students, and they themselves participated in the reading of the lessons, the presentation of the Elements and the taking of the day’s collection.

This year’s guest speakers, Lou-Anne Gilchrist, Chief Education Officer, and Monica Woodley, Consultant and Motivational speaker, addressed the ‘theme’ of “Perseverance”. In their own inimitable styles, they admonished students to fight the good fight to the end, and warned that giving up was not an option. Parents, guardians, teachers and principals were urged to always be there for the students even when patience is sorely tempted.

As in previous ceremonies, the students pledged before God and man to use their talents fully for the development of their homes, school, Church and Nation.

Outstanding students at Common Entrance, CSEC and CAPE were recognized and applauded, and those writing these exams at the end of the school year received a special blessing from Rector and officiating Priest, Canon O. Samuel Nichols.

It was a touching sight to see so many students crowd the Altar to receive blessings from Canon Nichols, who sent them off to their several homes and schools to love and serve the Lord.

At the end of Holy Mass, students received token gifts of school supplies and light refreshments donated by corporate members of our society and some public spirited individual donors.

The Rector, Parish Council and Congregations thank all for their generous donation which added material help to spiritual blessings the students received.

“We take this opportunity to thank all students, parents, guardians, teachers, principals and all our parishers for making Back to School 2011 a great success. May all students have a productive school year as they use their God-given talents for the good of the Nation,” a release from the Churches said.