Sixteen Statia children hold
their first Holy Communion
ST. EUSTATIUS–Sixteen children took their first Holy Communion during Sunday morning’s service at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Eustatius.
Father Peter de Jong conducted the service, assisted by Ingrid Whitfield, Brenda van Putten, Laticia Suares, Mariesca Weekers and Olivia Process.
The 16 candidates of the Eucharist were T’Andre Paris, Malique Cuvalay, Romaious Sommersall, Arison Sanchez, Thyrell Woodley, Gregory Pieters, Benjamin Peter, Ri-Johna Viera, Eliannie De Gannes, Kalia Woodley, Durven Brown, Rochell Courtar, Diangelia Gomez, Dylan Mous, Isreal Demming and Gerelva Spanner. Each child was presented with a certificate and a gift bag.
The service was attended with standing room only as many family members and others attended the big event in the young communicants’ lives.
The three teachers were also presented with certificates of appreciation. Van Putten received a plaque for always making time and effort to assist the children whenever it was necessary.
Father De Jong said they started out with a group of 19 children, but three dropped out along the way. He said it was not an easy group of communicants, but they made it through.
Every Sunday, he said, they had enjoyable times together after mass. “I enjoyed your presence and God loves you. I admonish all of you children to stay away from bullying in class, to love everyone in your class, and for you to follow Jesus by loving everyone,” De Jong said.
Whitfield expressed her appreciation to the Living Water Community on Saba, and especially Sisters Elizabeth and Jenny, who helped with ideas. She also extended her thanks to Ricardo Fortin and all those who were involved in the service.
It was also announced that no Saturday night masses will be celebrated from July 1 through July 22 during Father De Jong’s vacation. Saturday night masses will resume July 29.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/67036-the-16-new-communicants-posing-for-a-photo-with-their-teachers-and-father-peter-de-jong-at-the-first-holy-communion-service-at-the-roman-catholic-church-on-sunday
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