Bishop’s Commission Calls for

Renewal of Catholic Education

By Paul Rodriguez President of R.C. Schools, and Mr.
Stanley Ermeauv, Accountant of the
The Roman Catholic Church today firm of Horwath Ltd, all members of the
released its plan and vision for Catholic Bishop’s Commission.
Education in Belize. Summoned by his Speaking on behalf of the
Excellency Bishop Dorick Wright to subcommittee for administration and
meet in Holy Redeemer Cathedral and governance, Mr. Ermeauv described the
then its Parish Hall on Thursday, October framework for the implementation of the
28, 2010, administrators and principals renewal plan.
from all corners of Belize participated “Under the prayerful guidance
in the unveiling of the “New Direction of His Excellency Bishop Wright,
for Catholic Education” proposed by response to education reform will be
Chairman Ms. Maria Zabaneh and other formulated, directed and sustained by
members of the Bishop’s Commission. the Bishop’s Commission,” he said.
The historic moment started with the “Line responsibilities will include:
celebration of Holy Mass led by Bishop Policy Setting, Curriculum Development,
Dorick Wright and members of the clergy Mediation, School Administration,
who are Local Managers, commemorating Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation,”
Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles, who he continued.
together with St. Peter and the rest of the Fleshing out the plan, Mr. Ermeauv
Apostles were commissioned by Jesus promised that a Universal Code of Ethics
Christ to go forth from the mountain of his for Catholic schools will be implemented.
Ascension to teach all the nations. With Terms of reference for management and
this focus derived from the gospel of the administration will be retrofitted, and a
day, participants became aware that system of accountability will be instituted.
Catholic Education is the continuation The performance of each school will be
of Christ’s work to be done in time by measured and adherence to best practice
men and women of each age. Therefore will be required. Regular financial and
the dismissal at the end of Mass was compliance audits will be carried out.
most significant and meaningful. Ending his presentation Mr. Ermeauv
The conference participants then stated that all stakeholders, Government,
moved over to the Parish Hall to do man’s the Church, parents, and teachers
part in carrying out the plan to reform and are all members of the reform team.
rejuvenate Catholic Education in Belize. Each one will significantly impact the
Those addressing the conference development of our children in the
were Bishop Dorick Wright, Ms. Maria classroom. Much volunteerism will be
Zabaneh, Chairman of the Bishop’s required.
Commission, Fr. Noel Leslie, Mrs. “Each one of us in our particular area
Salome Tillett, Principal of St. Catherine’s of influence will lead the transformation
Academy, Dr. Vincent Palacio, University of children in our Catholic schools to
of Belize, Mr. Harry Lawrence, Publisher become the best they can be, which
of the REPORTER, Mr. Paul Rodriguez, demands the enlightenment of the Holy
former Ombudsman, Sr. Barbara Flores, Spirit,” concluded Mr. Ermeauv.

Sr. Barbara Flores, President, Roman Catholic Management being commis-

sioned by Bishop Dorick Wright. Other members of the Roman Catholic Bishop’s
Commission were also commissioned by Bishop Dorick Wright.

President of Catholic
Education Appointed
As part of continued efforts in reform,
the Roman Catholic Church of Belize is
proud to announce the appointment of Sr.
Barbara Flores as President of Catholic
Ms. Maria Zabaneh, Chair, Roman Catholic Bishop’s Commission addressed Education. The creation of this new post is
the administrators and principals at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City just one component of a ten-year strategic
while other members of the Commission listened attentively. plan to build on the Church’s solid
foundation of excellence in education by
improving communication with school
managers, principals and teachers and
by ensuring that core Catholic values are
delivered to the thousands of students we
serve, effectively and efficiently.
The President’s primary responsibility
will be to offer leadership within the
Catholic School system, focusing on
building relationships that embody Gospel
values and academic excellence. As she
transitions into her new role Sr. Flores
shared, “We are determined to strengthen

continues on page 3
 THE CHRISTIAN HERALD October 2010 Page 3

Belizean Student Tops CSEC  PRESIDENT

(. . .from page 1)
which focuses on a renewed sense of
discipleship and mission, which will
unite us in our Ministry of Love and lead
For the first time, a student from I in Biology, Chemistry, English A, us to an edifying Catholic Renaissance.
Belize is the Most Outstanding Candidate Information Technology, Mathematics, the Catholic ethos within our schools In education, we all have the same
Overall in the Region in the Caribbean Physics and Principles of Business. He in Belize...to enhance Catholic identity destination in mind but it requires finding
Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) achieved Grade II in Caribbean History without compromising the delivery of the common denominators upon which
May/June examinations. and Grade III in Spanish. quality education. As a church, we operate we can build and grow. Through the
He is Dorien Villafranco of St. John’s Navindra Baldeo of Queen’s as a family and I embrace this opportunity Bishop’s Education Commission and in
College in Belize City. College, Guyana wins the award for to strengthen the relationships between this new era of communication, we have
Dorien won the award for 2010 by the Most Outstanding Candidate in different members of our family.” been able to sit down, dialogue and come
achieving 15 Grade ones at one sitting. He Sciences. Navindra achieved 12 subjects Sr. Flores’ duties will also include to mutual understanding with our key
achieved Grade I in Biology, Caribbean at Grade I and one subject at Grade communicating with the managers, stakeholders. Today we are proud to say
History, Chemistry, English A, English II. He achieved Grade I in six Science principals and teachers of the one hundred we have excellent partnerships with the
B, Information Technology, Integrated subjects – Agricultural Science, Biology, and eighteen (118) primary schools, Ministry of Education, as well as other
Science, Mathematics, Physics, Principles Chemistry, Information Technology, collaborating with the secondary Catholic major stakeholders such as the Belize
of Accounts, Religious Education, Social Integrated Science and Physics. He also schools through the Belize Association of Teachers Union and Leaders of the other
Studies, Spanish, Physical Education and achieved Grade I in English A, English Catholic School Principals and serving denominations.”
Sport and Human and Social Biology. B, Geography, Electronic Document as liaison between the Catholic school The office of the President of
Dorien achieved A on all his Profile Preparation and Management and Human system and the Ministry of Education as Catholic Education will be housed at the
Grades, except in Caribbean History and and Social Biology, and Grade II in well as respective union representatives. Catholic Diocesan Center at the corner
Integrated Science in which he received French. The creation of the office of President of North Front and Queen Streets in
one ‘B’ each. The prize for the Best Short Story of Education comes on the heels of the Belize City. For more information on
She`niele Grant of Wolmers Girls’ in the English A examination goes to appointment of sixteen individuals as these most recent developments within
School, Jamaica receives the award for the Zoie Hamilton of Washington Archibald members of the Bishop’s Education the Catholic Education system, please
Most Outstanding Candidate in Business High School, St. Kitts and Nevis. Zoie’s Commission. The Commission was contact Sr. Barbara Flores at 223-7040 or
Education. She achieved Grade I in 11 story is entitled “Grasping Death” and is established in 2009 by His Excellency the Bishop’s Education Commission at
subjects, including five business subjects based on the stimulus: it was the middle Bishop Dorick Wright to fulfill his 223-6919.
with all A Profiles. The five business of the mathematic class. Mrs. Taylor vision to create an advisory body in the Sr. Flores holds Master’s Degrees in
subjects are Economics, Information our teacher suddenly collapsed and management of Catholic schools. The both Education and Religious Studies as
Technology, Office Administration, sprawled unconscious on the floor. It was team has been charged with implementing well as a doctorate in Theological Studies.
Principles of Accounts and Principles of terrifying… reforms in the organizational structure, Her previous work experience includes
Business. She`niele also achieved Grade As a result of Dorien’s performance, policy, faith formation, academics and serving as Vice President of the Sisters
I in Chemistry, English A, English B, St John’s College will receive the CSEC social outreach in Catholic education. of Charity of Nazareth in Nazareth,
Mathematics, Physics and Spanish. School of the Year award, a prize which Chair of the Education Commission, Kentucky. Since returning to Belize in
Two other students from Jamaica was held by Queen’s College, Guyana for Maria Elena Zabaneh says, “We are 2009, Sr. Barbara has been a member of
have won CSEC awards. Ayala Bennett the last four consecutive years. excited about our vision forward, faculty at St. John’s Junior College.
of Ardenne High School is the recipient The awards were approved on
of the award for the Most Outstanding
Candidate in Humanities. Ayala achieved
October 21, 2010 at the meeting of
the Sub-Committee of the School
Dress Codes: Aide Deciphers Papal Apparel for
Grade I in 11 subjects including six
Humanities subjects - Caribbean History,
Examinations Committee (SUBSEC)
held at the Barbados Beach Club. Nonliturgical Events at the Vatican
English B, French, Geography, Social Awardees will receive their prizes By Carol Glatz Vatican, the rochet and mozzetta are added on
Studies and Spanish. She also achieved at a ceremony scheduled for Turks and Catholic News Service top of the basic papal attire. If the visit­ing head
Grade I in English A, Information Caicos Islands on Thursday, December of state is Catholic, then a stole is added to the
Vatican City — When a pope attends mix.
Technology, Mathematics, and Human 2, 2010. The prize package includes a a public event like a general audi­ence in St. According to Msgr. Sanchirico, the stole
and Social Biology. full scholarship to the University of the Peter’s Square or meets a head of state in the and the shoes should always match the color
The other Jamaican student to West Indies, monetary prizes, plaques and papal apartment, he’s not exactly free to “wing of the mozzetta. However, papal tastes trump
receive a prize this year is Adrian books. it” with his wardrobe. His choice of outfit is sartorial standards in the shoe department:
Kellyman of Seaforth High School. For further information, please dictated by a precise protocol. Pope Benedict XVI always wears red shoes in
Adrian wins the award for the Most contact Cleveland Sam, CXC Public Recently a Vatican official published two public, even when pro­tocol dictates otherwise.
Outstanding Performance in Visual Arts, Information Officer, (246) 227 1892 or extensive articles in the Vatican newspaper, Whether red or white accessories are
2-Dimensional work. Adrian produced via e-mail at [email protected]. L’Osservatore Romano, in an effort to help worn depends on the time of year.
a piece of work in the Imaginative About CXC:  observers decipher the papal dress code. Msgr. Sanchirico wrote that the white
In what can seem like a page of dos mozzetta — with or without the ermine trim
Composition Section entitled “The City The Caribbean Examinations and don’ts from Emily Post, Msgr. Stefano — is worn after the Easter Vigil until the
Dump.” The piece depicts various scenes Council (CXC) is the leading provider Sanchirico, an assistant for papal cere­monies, second Sunday of Easter. However, Pope
and activities in a city dump. of examinations for secondary schools spelled out current norms on how popes should Benedict prefers to wear the white mozzetta
The other Visual Arts award goes to in the Caribbean; providing a suite of dress for a nonliturgical event. until Pentecost.
Hemawati Lochansing, a student of Rio examinations to 16 English-speaking First, a peek at what’s in the papal closet: The red mozzetta is worn the rest of the
Claro West Secondary School, Trinidad territories and some of the Dutch-speaking a white cassock; a white zucchetto or skull­ year. Whether it is trimmed with ermine fur or
and Tobago. Hemawati receives the award islands. Established in 1972, CXC offered cap; a white sash; a short white surplice­ like not depends on the season. A red mozzetta with
for the Most Outstanding Performance its first examinations for the Caribbean garment called a rochet that is worn over the trim is worn from the feast of St. Catherine of
in Visual Arts, 3-Dimensional work. Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) cassock; an elbow-length red cape called a Alexandria Nov. 25 through to the Ascension
mozzetta; a red velvet mozzetta trimmed with in the spring; the red mozzetta without trim is
She designed and produced a container in 1979. Nineteen years later, in 1998 ermine fur; a white damask mozzetta with or worn from the Ascension to Nov. 25, wrote
for saving coins. Using ceramics, the CXC introduced the Caribbean Advanced without the white fur trim; a selection of red Msgr. Sanchirico.
container was designed in the shape of a Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Over stoles with gold em­broidery; white stoles Pope Benedict has reintroduced to the
tree trunk with two iguanas looking over the last three years, CXC introduced the with gold embroi­dery; red shoes; and a pair of papal wardrobe a wide-brimmed red straw
the opening for the coins. Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level white loafers. hat that Pope John XXIII often wore and a
Oliver Maynard of Presentation Competence (CCSLC) and the Caribbean Even though the items are few, they are red velvet cap trimmed with ermine called a
Boys’ College, Grenada receives Vocational Qualification (CVQ) to cater worn in particular combinations for specific “camauro,” which Pope John was the last to
the award for the Most Outstanding to students with a wider range of abilities. occasions. wear.
Candidate in Technical/Vocational CXC has two operational centers, the Basic outfit The one thing all the pope’s nonliturgical
The basic outfit is the white cassock, garments and accessories have in common
Education. Oliver achieved Grade I in Headquarters located in Barbados, which white sash with gold fringe and the white is they are either red or white. The colors,
10 subjects, Grade II in one subject and is headed by the Registrar and Western zucchetto. This is what the pope wears for the Italian monsignor wrote, “are distinc­
Grade III in one subject. He achieved Zone Office located in Jamaica, headed almost all public events: the weekly general tive of papal dignity” with white symboliz­
Grade I in three Technical/Vocational by the Pro Registrar. audience, the Sunday Angelus, an audience ing “innocence and charity” and the red
subjects – Agricultural Science, Technical with a government official and during most symbolizing the blood and sacrifice of Christ.
Drawing and Electrical and Electronic Taken from the Caribbean Examinations meetings on papal trips abroad. But the colors are also rooted in the his­
Technology. Oliver also achieved Grade Council official website at www.cxc.org When the pope holds an official audience torical process of the early Roman pontiffs
with a head of state or ambassador at the continues on page 5
declaring them to be “Sexy,” let us declare them to be
 CHASTITY “Loveable,” “Adorable,” “Beautiful.”
(. . .from page 2)
that sexual expression is normal and good for everyone,
Our boys must be taught to express their sexuality
by writing poems, beautiful letters, compositions; by
exercising to control their hormones; by memorizing
verses from the Bible, Shakespeare and other great
Save The Date
“going all the way” is fine, provided you use a condom so
Hand in Hand Ministries will be having a
writers. Thanksgiving Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday,
that pregnancy and diseases are avoided. Let us teach our boys that any fool can get a girl
One good thing about the policy is that it quietly November 27, 2010 starting at 7:00 p.m.
pregnant, but it takes a true man to admire, and protect The venue will be the Radission Fort George
admits that children and the young are not yet equipped and postpone sexual expression until fatherhood may be
to be parents. Hotel in Belize City. It will be an evening of fine
expressed in its meaningful ways of protecting, securing, dining along with dancing. Entertainment will
Sexuality is perhaps the greatest creative force. But nurturing and loving of mother and child in a permanent
we are deceived if we think that its expression is always be provided by Joe Lawrence, Pan Tempters,
relationship. Garifuna Dancers and other local performers.
true love. Let us teach our children that possibly there is no
True love gives of itself freely, completely, totally, greater joy than looking into the eyes of another human
This fundraiser is to raise funds necessary to
unalterably, forever, even after the sensation of great being telling him or her “I love you;” that says it all … maintain Hand in Hand Ministries’ viability and
pleasure is gone. without even touching her! to develop the current programs in Belize that
Sexual expression is for true, real lovers: it is What Belize and the world need is a Sexual Counter are restricted due to the need for more resourc-
unselfish, other centered; it is productive. Revolution! es. The impact that Hand in Hand Ministries has
Let us promote the counter revolution of abstinence, Maybe our boys’ shirts should be marked: on the Belizean society via its four programs ex-
chastity, self-discipline, self-control. “Husband,” “Protector,” “True Lover,” “Disciplined,” tends to the neediest families in Belize. In an ef-
Instead of having our baby girls wear blouses “Chaste,” “Reverent,” “ Reverend.” fort to maintain these present programs, Hand in
Hand Ministries, Belize has committed to lobby
for funds from our fellow Belizeans to show our

[email protected]
partnership in helping Belizeans to have a better
quality of life.
This year’s Honored Guest at the Thanks-
giving Dinner will be Most Rev. Bishop Dorick

[email protected]
Wright.
For ticket information call Hand in Hand
Ministries at 227-6273.