During the months of February through May, Sister Higinia and the Village Committee offered special retreats at the Good Shepherd Retreat Center in San Antonio, Belize. The retreats were offered to 63 catechists based on their years of service in the villages. Retreats were held for experienced catechists with as many as 40 years in ministry, catechists with 25 years in ministry, and newer catechists. These retreats were required before the catechists could be recommissioned for ministry.
The retreats, led by Sister Higinia with input from other Village Committee members, covered topics including reflection on lessons learned during their years in ministry and how they hear God’s call to continue serving in this ministry for at least another two years.
On Friday, May 22, the 63 catechists were recommissioned at St. Peter Claver Parish. Father Matthew Ruhl, SJ, was authorized to perform the recommissioning, which ordinarily would be conducted by the bishop. The recommissioning is for another two years of service to the Church. During the Mass, the catechists received a special blessing, and certificates of commissioning were presented by Sister Higinia and Father Matt.
The catechists represent the 34 village churches served by St. Peter Claver Parish. These women and men have committed themselves to leading Communion services, serving as eucharistic ministers, giving homilies and visiting the sick in their communities. They lead Communion services every Sunday except when a priest comes to celebrate Mass, which is typically once every two months.
These dedicated women and men support the faith life of the people in the 34 villages and maintain the presence of the Catholic Church and its connection to St. Peter Claver Parish.