On Sunday, August 22 the good folks at Our Lady of Divine Grace Chapel celebrated their feast day. Even though COVID protocols were in effect, the people still made a great effort to liven up the place by decorating the chapel with fresh flower arrangements and balloons.
Alon Fannis commented that it was important to celebrate the chapel feast, “…because Mary is our role model and it helps us to remember all of us need grace.” There was a spirit of joy in the air and after the Mass parishioners were treated to “grab and go” boxes of delicious eats along with local juice. But to be honest, that same spirit is present, not just on the chapel feast day, but every Sunday when the community gathers to celebrate the Eucharist.
The Grace Catholic Community is in the hills outside the town of Vieux Fort. It is a close-knit, agricultural community with most people making their livelihood as farmers. The chapel is known throughout the island for its charismatic choir, its generous St. Vincent de Paul Society, and its active youth ministry. The youth group has won many awards locally and island wide from the archdiocese and the government.
The Grace Catholic Youth Group celebrated its 29th year of existence this year. Mr. Udell Donacien, the leader of the group, believes that the mission of the youth group is to, “bring the youth closer to Christ.” The way that the group accomplishes this mission is by being active, not only in the Church, but also in the wider community.
Youth group members sing in the choir, and serve as ushers and lectors, as well as hospitality ministers, which in this time of pandemic means greeting the people and spraying their hands with hand sanitizer as they enter the chapel. The young people host Praise and Worship nights which involve gospel singing as well as an inspiring talk. The members also are involved in organizing regular clean-up campaigns, preparing backto-school backpacks for less fortunate students, and distributing food hampers to the elderly at Christmas.
The group supports itself by hosting BBQ’s and other fundraisers throughout the year. The adult group, Voices of the Fatihful, was formed in March of 2016 and was officially recognized as a chapel group on Sunday, May 1 of the same year.
The group came into existence because of youth transitioning into adulthood after serving in the youth group for 23 years. It was a smooth transition as the members continued to serve in the church in many capacities despite a change of name. Ianna Collymore stated that, “the name Voices of the Faithful was chosen because of our active role, commitment, faithfulness, and service not only to our church but to others as well”.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society council in Grace with its 16 members does much to alleviate the suffering of the elderly, disabled, and sick in the community. The council was founded in August of 2010 and meets on the last Sunday of each month.
The members contribute an annual subscription fee and a monthly fee to purchase goods for the elderly. The council is also twinned with a Candadian St. Vincent de Paul conference who send regular donations to assist them in their charitable efforts. Heather Fannis, the president of the council, stated that their mission is to help people, “overcome their suffering and to work on the renewal of its members.” The group’s regular distribution of hampers loaded with necessary items such as rice, tinned foods, sugar, corn starch, laundry soap, and toilet paper ensure that those on the margins are not forgotten in the community.
Our Lady of Divine Grace Chapel is truly a special place filled with many persons with a strong desire to always know and serve the Lord. The Masses are Spirit-filled and life affirming. If you ever want to know what it means to praise God with your whole mind, your whole heart, and your whole being, I invite you to our 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday. I can promise you that you will leave the chapel full of grace!