To: Clergy and People

From: The Bishop

24th February, 2017

Greetings!

Ash Wednesday I Lent 2017

Collect for the First Day of Lent- Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ash Wednesday this year is the 5th of March, on Ash Wednesday we receive the Ashes on our foreheads, this is an ancient sign which speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life, and marks the penitence of the community as a whole. They remind us of our mortality and our need of repentance. They are a sign that we intend to prepare ourselves with penitence for Easter.

This is a time when we are reminded that as human beings we have limits and the only one without limits is God.

In the rite for Ash Wednesday you will find these words: Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Repent and believe the Gospel.

Return to the Lord with all your heart; leave the past in ashes and turn to God with tears and fasting, for He is slow to anger and ready to forgive.

I encourage you to participate fully in the Lenten programme in your parish and have your own reflections, prayers and devotions at home.

I implore you to observe a Holy Lent.

Lent and Good Friday Collections

As you are aware,our Diocese has for several years been extending our missionary outreach to West Africa,and particularly to the Diocese of Guinea, by sending to them our special Lenten Collections from the various parishes. I urge that such contributions be made,and I shall arrange for them to be despatched after the lenten Season.

Please also be reminded of the Good Friday Collections for the Church in Jerusalem.

Blessing of the Oils & Renewal of Vows

The service of the Blessing of Oils and Renewal of Ordination Vows will be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday in Holy Week 12th April,2017. This is to accommodate Clergy from Grenada and St. lucia,those who have been licensed and /or commissioned and members of the various congregations to attend.

Independence

I invite you to kindly join me in congratulating St. lucia on its 38th Anniversary of Independence on the 22nd February, 2017.

O God our Father, whose will it is that your people should live in ordered societies; inspire the people of Grenada with the spirit of justice, truth and love; and so guide Pearlette, Governor General, Allen, Prime Minister, Philip, leader of the Opposition, Members of Parliament, leaders, and all who make decisions on their behalf, that they may direct their affairs in righteousness and peace; that they may live in peace and harmony and to your honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Happy Independence St.lucia!

Appointments

I have appointed Ms. Ronnise Henry, Mrs.Sheree-ann Auld-Mark and Ms. Glenda Polius as Youth Coordinator for the Archdeaconries of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and St. lucia respectively. Ms. Henry’s appointment is with effect from 6th February, 2017 and Mrs. Auld-Mark and Ms. Polius from 24th February, 2017.

Ms. Henry is from the parish of The Holy Trinity,Georgetown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Auld-Mark is the wife of The Rev’d Father Edward R. R. Mark, Priest in charge of the Parish of St. David and St. Paul, St. Paul, St George, Grenada, and Ms. Polius is from the Parish of The Holy Trinity, Castries, St.lucia.

Ordination

God willing I’ll ordain Samuel James Ruthven Byam to the Holy Order of Deacons at 5:00pm on Tuesday 7th March, 2017 being the feast of Perpetua, Felicity and their companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 202 at the St. George’s Parish Church, Church Street, St. George’s, Grenada. After the ordination he will serve as a Non Stipendiary Deacon in the Archdeaconry of Grenada. Your prayers and presence are requested.

With every good wish and God’s Blessings!

Sincerely

The Rt. Rev’d C. Leopold Friday

Bishop of the Windward Islands