In the words of the psalmist “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad!” As Church Teachers’ College celebrates its golden anniversary, the Anglican fraternity is pleased to acknowledge that its accomplishments for the academic period 2014-2015 merits the dedicated service synonymous with this great institution. Under the leadership of the fraternity’s president Vanessa Allen and the guidance of the college’s chaplain Sister Norma Thompson, this fellowship of Anglican students embarked on a yearlong quest that sought to maintain a visible presence within the college, foster a deeper sense of spirituality and contribute by service to the wider Anglican community.

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In fulfilling one of its mandates, the fraternity participated in social events and devotional exercises endorsed by the college. As such, the group unanimously selected Ms. Misha Gaye Lawrence as its representative in the Miss C.T.C Pageant held on November 29th 2014. Dressed as an angel symbolic of the feast day of St. Michael and All Angels which is observed by the church, Misha confidently displayed her Anglicanism during the costume segment of the competition. By no surprise, the fraternity was ecstatic when she placed in the top five of the contest. Additionally, Anglicans were given the opportunity to participate in the college’s annual Eucharist and harvest celebration. During this service, members of the fraternity took part as acolytes and lectors. Being tasked with a greater level of participation, the fraternity also led a Friday morning devotion in the St. Mathias Chapel with member Felika Hunter ministering to her peers and asserting her Anglican identity. Furthermore, the fraternity was on hand to welcome the scores of young people who congregated at the college for the National Youth Rally. Despite the torrent rain, members of the fraternity showed their Anglican counterparts how to have fun in true C.T.C style!

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Undoubtedly the past year has been ‘The Year of Anglicans on the Move’ as the fraternity visited several churches from Spanish Town to Pedro Plains. During the first semester, members along with the college’s choir worshiped at the St. Jago De La Vega Cathedral for Cathedral Sunday. Those who attended, many for the first time, have expressed their delight at worshipping at such a historic and picturesque church on this special occasion. In the subsequent semester, the fraternity headed south to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in St. Elizabeth for Sunday morning worship. Accompanied by Sister Norma and fellow Anglican Miss Davis, those who made the long journey from Mandeville felt more than welcomed by Rev. Errol Inshanally and his warm congregation. As such, a future visit is planned for the upcoming year. Apart from these memorable visits, several members of the fraternity have been privileged to attend Sunday service at Peckham, Clarendon with Sister Norma who visits once per month. As a result of all these visits, the fraternity has been exposed to different styles of worshipping within the Church, has been privileged in meeting new Anglicans and has definitely developed a stronger connection to the wider Anglican community. On the lighter side, the fraternity visited the principal’s home for its annual Christmas dinner which saw its members and Anglican staff socializing with each other in a relaxed atmosphere.

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In keeping with the church’s mark of mission to “respond to human need by loving service”, the fraternity has rendered acts of assistance to young Anglicans. For example, member Mickcole Powell and Secretary Alicia Wright have volunteered their pedagogical skills for the Homework Programme of St. Mark’s Anglican Church by assisting high school students with English Language and Mathematics respectively. In other areas of general service to St. Mark’s which shares a special relationship with the college due to its close proximity, members of the fraternity have contributed positively as acolytes and Sunday school teachers.

As the fraternity looks ahead to the new academic year, it hopes to continue on a progressive path by seeking new and innovative ways to share the love of Christ with others, developing a stronger bond amongst its members and rendering assistance by small but meaningful acts of kindness. Here’s to another fulfilling year!