The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

JUNE is a celebratory month for Anglican archdeacon Fr James Palacious. Not only is it his birthday, but at the end of the month, he plans to launch a gospel album.

Fr Palacious is preparing a thanksgiving service at Holy Trinity Church, Stapledon Gardens on June 30 to celebrate his 60th birthday (June 5), his 36th anniversary of his ordination into priesthood (June 24), and the launch of his first gospel album on June 30.

Immediately following the thanksgiving service there will be a reception at the church's activity center, with music by the Police Pop Band and Marvin Henfield.

"I invite everyone to come out and celebrate with me at a service of thanksgiving. It is open to the public so all who wish to attend can do so," he told Tribune Religion.

Fr Palacious said for years, people who have heard him sing encouraged him to release a gospel album.

"Years ago I sang at a talent show which was designed to raise funds for young people. I did not know anything about singing at the time but out of my desire to help people I discovered I had a voice," he said.

The gospel album is a compilation of eight songs that will be produced by Fred Ferguson and Mervin Henfield.

"Nothing happens before God's time. It just wasn't time to release the CD (before)," he said.

Furthermore, Fr Palacious said the cost of funding the project was too expensive until now.

"To produce a CD costs about $10,000 and it might not be a quality CD. If you want something of quality, that requires much more. The CD release coincided, as the lord would have it, with my 60th birthday, so what better time to release it," he said.

Not only did the CD launch coincide with his birthday, but Fr Palacious also wanted to help raise funds for his home church, St Philip's in Inagua. St Philips was the church where he first got his spiritual upbringing.

"My home church, St Philip's, Inagua, where I was ordained priest in 1976, was devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and despite spending about $300,000 thus far, the members still have at least another $200,000 to raise for the reconstruction process. They have been worshipping in the community centre for almost four years now. In lieu of gifts to me on this occasion, I am asking people to make a donation to St Philip's and contribute further by purchasing the CDs where the proceeds would also be for that parish. I want people to know that their contribution to this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated."

For those interested in donating to St Philips church, cheques can be made payable to the Anglican Diocese earmarked for St Philip's.