A BIG "THANK YOU" FROM THE ISLAND KIDS

AFTER ALL THE SET-BACKS, MISSTEPS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS LAST CHRISTMAS, FINALLY SUCCESS! 



SAINT BENEDICT HOME
Sister Nyra Anne Payotte, O. Carm. 
administrator

HERE IS THE WHOLE HOUSE POSING WITH THEIR TOYS

Everybody is dressed in their "Sunday best" after Mass. 


(Thanks to Mr. Kirt Morris of Georgetown SVG for taking the photos) 

There was a special request for the newest version of the old ETCH-A-SKETCH. 





He's holding his new ball, his new interactive bear and one of the many toothbrushes and toothpastes we sent down. 







This young man got one of the binocular sets. 



Another set of binoculars on top of his interactive toy. 










The Teddy Bears were popular. 



Another  lucky Teddy Bear  recipients. 







Putting one of those toothbrushes to good use! 



Enjoying their toys together on the floor. 





BREAD OF LIFE HOME
Sister Zita Knights O.C. 
administrator

Sister Zita and some of the children from the Bread of Life Home

Sister Zita and the children, in their Sunday best, with last year's Christmas presents after they finally arrived in January of this year!  

I was especially touched by this little girl, in her finest dress, holding the doll we got for her. The doll looks just like her - dark skinned with big eyes! Even the box matches her dress! 

This little girl also got a doll that looked just like her! Yes, even the box matches her pink "Sunday dress!"

THE HAPPY ENDING

I was relieved and amazed to see them holding the very toys that I had bought "on line" last fall with the funds that people so generously gave me for this project. I remember taping up the boxes in my garage and taking them to the post office. When they did not arrive on schedule, I was very distressed and lost a lot of sleep.

I remember thinking, after they were lost for two months, that they had been stolen. Then I felt such great relief when they were found. Now I am excited to recognize them again as they are held by the children in these pictures!

IN SESSION - PARISH MISSION - SAINT JOHN PAUL II - LOUISVILLE

INITIAL REPORT

FIRST NIGHT- FULL HOUSE

The parish advertised us in front of the church for a couple of weeks. 
I do these Parish Missions to support my volunteer work in the Caribbean missions. 

Our gospel music group - REFLECTIONS - did a great job on the first night. 

Our little booklet of gospel songs. The people really sang their hearts out. It's what happens when Catholics are given music they like to sing. 


THANKS TO SHARON HIBBS FOR THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS



With my long-time friend, Christine, who was the organization person behind the Mission. 

With pastor, Father Bill Burkes.




Music rehearsal with people still coming in. 



Hymn books, anyone? 



Still more people coming in!



I met old classmates from St, Thomas Seminary (1958-1964), distant relatives, people I had baptized many years ago, old Cathedral parishioners, grown children of parishioners from Marion County and many, many fans of my old column in The Record.



Let the Mission begin!  
Someone has to replace Rev. Billy Graham!
 I am doing my part! 




AS THE MISSION CONTINUES,  I WILL BE ADDING PICTURES FOR THE NEXT TWO NIGHTS, SO REVISIT THIS POST FOR UPDATES! 



NIGHT TWO - ANOTHER FULL HOUSE







REFLECTIONS - Our gospel music group.  They were a hit all three nights! 



We had great lectors both nights. 





On the altar are two Caribbean baby dolls to remind people what the collection was going to - Bread of Life Home for Children and Saint Benedict Home for Children in the Caribbean island country, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where I volunteer. 
I have collected similar dolls for this coming Christmas, but I gave these two to Chris and Elaine for helping me organize this mission. 


MORE PHOTOS FROM TONIGHT'S FINAL NIGHT



Another full house!



Third trip down the isle.

I gave the pastor, Father Bill Burkes, one of my Caribbean baby dolls as a reminder of the mission and where the proceeds were going. 

I have a lot of fans from my column in The Record. The books went like hot cakes! I think I sold 175 books the last night! 

                      

The two parishes had a very nice dessert spread in the parish hall. 

Hey, don't you dare tell my doctor I am eating all this sugar! I preached hard ! I deserve a few brownies, a slice of pie and a small piece of cheese cake!