The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The Anglican community in Long Island praised the service of Catechist Edna Fox to the diocese in a special service.

Father Chester Burton, rector of St Peter’s Anglican Parish in North Long Island, said he gave thoughtful consideration to the service that would honour the legacy and work of Ms Fox, who served in the church of St Joseph’s for 39 years.

“I transferred the date to Sunday April 21, 2013 which is coincidentally Good Shepherd Sunday. I felt after serving for so many years in her distinctive capacity, she has proven to be a good shepherd,” said Father Burton.

On Sunday April 21, Father Burton said the church of St Joseph’s was festively decorated for Good Shepard Sunday. He said it was filled with activity, even before the service that started at 3: 30 pm. The service for Ms Fox gathered scores of Anglican Long Islanders and well wishers.

“Joining the Eucharistic celebration was Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, archdeacon responsible for all southern islands, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Also joining was Fr Jonathan Archer, rector of St Paul’s, Long Island and his cadre of catechists, lay readers, and altar servers. Archdeacon Cartwright was the preacher for the occasion and brought greetings on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop Laish Boyd who was unable to attend the celebration,” said Father Burton.

“Cartwright reminisced that on Good Shepherd Sunday, envelopes were distributed to solicit funds to train a priest, however he mentioned the practice is now discontinued. He encouraged the packed crowd of onlookers to use Good Shepherd Sunday to pray for their priests and to pray for people to aspire to become priests and to test their vocation, as the diocese has been experiencing a lull in persons, men and women, coming forward to test their vocation at Codrington College, Barbados, where most Bahamian priests train,” said Father Burton.

Mr Cartwright spoke words from John’s gospel 10:2, which states” “ The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.” 

“Cartwright posited that whenever the gospel speaks about sheep, Long Islanders are fully cognisant of every minute detail because most Long Islanders are sheep runners. Long Island is synonymous with sheep rearing so one paramount point should be grasped is that sheep trust their shepherd for security and direction. He said Catechist Fox for the past 39 years has exhibited the true qualities of a genuine shepherd, as she was not overwhelmed by the herculean task that she was given to serve with distinction as St Joseph’s Catechist. She solely entrusted herself to a loving God,” said Father Burton.

Ms Fox was later presented with a plaque, as her husband Raymond and all her children looked on.

Lay reader Frieda Fox will take over as the church’s catechist.