Mass in the Islands

       Sunday mass at St. William’s Catholic Church in Road Town is always a lively affair and very different from the weekly celebrations we’ve been accustomed to in the states.  Mass begins at 9 AM or whenever the priest arrives, as the parish is awaiting the assignment of a permanent pastor.  The celebration is an elegant event where the people dress in formal attire complete with satiny elaborate dresses for the ladies and dress pants, shirts, and ties for the men.  (I felt underdressed the first week because the hem of my skirt was above the knee.  Dan, on the other hand, continues to be the only male wearing shorts.)

          The key element that makes mass at St. William’s so lively is the music.  There are two directors who alternate three different choirs.  Their voices are accompanied by guitars, conga drums, a tambourine, and a good old fashion organ.  It’s been a lovely surprise to hear the intros to music we sang at mass during the 70’s and 80’s with every verse of every hymn sung in grandiose manner (frequently 2 or 3 times) fully accompanied by lots of harmonizing, swaying, and hand clapping in the pews. The “handshake of peace” occurs right after the petitions and often takes on the appearance of a party, as a special song rallies the parishioners.  (I haven’t quite deciphered the words yet, so I just sway and clap along.)

         And lastly, there are the announcements that take about 10 minutes which recently included a lengthy “Thank You” to everyone who helped with the annual fundraiser, “Hurry, Hurry!  Come for Curry!”  (Yes, names were named all the way down to the last volunteer who took out the garbage.) Following the announcements, people are called to the front in groups to be given a special blessing by the priest and congratulated by the entire congregation for birthdays, anniversaries, or for being first time visitors.  Most Sundays, Father sends us out to “go forth in peace” after an hour and forty-five minutes.  Once a priest from St. Kitts came to say mass and Dan guessed we’d probably finish earlier because “white guys (i.e. priests) give shorter sermons…”  Not true in the islands!