To: Clergy and People
From: The Bishop
31st December, 2021

Season’s Greetings and a Happy and Peaceful New Year!

Diocesan Almanac 2022 

The Diocesan Almanac 2022 is being sent to you online as we continue to make the necessary adjustments to manage the impact of the economic and other challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. See attached. As a diocese we continue to respond to the needs of members and others in the society who have been affected and also to meet our financial obligations. The past year has been a challenging one and we believe that with God’s grace we will journey through these trying times together. I refer you to Revelation 21: 1-6 

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 

2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 

5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 

Pray for Priest 

I invite you to join me in praying daily for vocations to the priesthood 

Almighty God, you have entrusted to your Church a part in the ministry of your Son our great High Priest: inspire by your Holy Spirit the hearts of many to offer themselves for ordination in your Church, that strengthened by his power, they may work for the increase of your kingdom and set forward the eternal praise of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. (Church of England- Common Worship) 

Training for Lay Eucharistic Assistants 

Training for Lay Eucharistic Assistants across the diocese will be held virtually from 10:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday 15th, 22nd and 19th January, 2022. All persons who have registered are expected to attend all of the sessions. The Zoom Link will be sent to you closer to the day. 

Servers Festival 2022 

The Servers Festival 2022 is scheduled for 10:00am on Saturday 22nd January, 2022 at the St. Philip’s Parish Church, Mesopotamia. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic only six servers from each parish are expected to attend, all protocols will be observed. The service will be live streamed, we’ll send the link to you closer to the day. 

Annual Pre-Lenten Clergy Retreat 

The annual Pre-Lenten Clergy retreat is scheduled for Tuesday 22ndto Thursday 24th February, 2022 the retreat will be virtual. 

Diocesan Synod 2022 

The 38th triennial Synod of the Church in the Diocese of the Windward Islands is scheduled for 9th to 13th October, 2022. It is the Archdeaconry of St. Lucia’s turn to host and due to the COVID-19 pa demic consideration is being given to having a virtual synod. Further details will be given in due course. 

Provincial Synod 2022 

The Provincial Synod of the Church in the Province of the West Indies is scheduled for 12th to 17th November, 2022. It is the Diocese of the Windward Islands turn to hold the synod, due to the COVID-19 pandemic consideration is being given to having a virtual synod. Further details will be given in due course. 

Your prayers are kindly requested as we prepare for Diocesan and Provincial Synod. With every good wish and God’s Blessings! 

Yours sincerely, 

The Rt. Rev’d C. Leopold Friday
Bishop of the Windward Islands