The Bridge of Hope ministry continues the mission of the Church under the SYNOD 2014 mandate of SERVICE – Article #3 which states: -
Be it resolved that the diocese actively promote authentic integral human development, as defined by Pope Paul VI, amongst its members and for the people of Barbados in the service of the most vulnerable.
This mandate is rooted the Biblical mandate to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and clothe the naked.
Main Function and History
The mission of Service includes giving of one’s talents, treasure and time to improve the lives and conditions of our brothers and sisters who can benefit especially the poor and needy the sick and marginalized. The Bridge of Hope Ministry of Our Lady Queen of the Universe is the medium through which the mandate of Service became operational.
The Bridge of Hope Ministry has three components, two of which offer services to vulnerable groups of persons on the Island, namely persons living with the HIV virus and persons who could benefit from a nutritious Sunday meal. The other component is the Self Help Project through which meals could be obtained at competitive prices. The Feeding programme and the HIV programme depend on the goodwill of parishioners and other persons in the community to discharge their mission.
The Bridge of Hope Ministry commenced on 26th January 2011, at Our Lady Queen of the Universe R.C. Church under the leadership of Sister Angilla Corraspe who was at that time a member of the Pastoral Team, she was responsible for the service to persons living with the HIV virus. The purpose of this ministry was to provide hampers once monthly and additionally, when necessary to assist with the payment of some bills, and in conjunction with the St. Vincent De Paul, provide clothing when that need arose. The persons served were referred by doctors from the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic. Each person is issued with a card which is signed upon receipt of the hamper. At Christmas an additional gift is given to each beneficiary of this service. Worthy of note, is the fact that Sister Angilla initially operated a similar service at the Patrick’s R.C. Cathedral.
Currently twenty persons are beneficiaries and receive a monthly hamper valued approximately one hundred and fifty dollars monthly.
The second service was added to the Bridge of Hope Ministry in 2013. This was the brainchild of a parishioner and member of the Our Lady Queen of the Universe Ushers’ Guild, Sherida Beckles, who at the end of 2012 expressed her interest in operating a bi-monthly feeding programme for persons unable to, or who found it difficult to prepare a hot meal for themselves on Sundays. The idea was embraced by the Parish Priest, Fr. Charles Dominique and the Parish Council and came to fruition on 24th February 2013.
Currently approximately fifty-six persons are registered to receive a meal on alternate Sundays. This service is not limited to members of the parish and recipients include families of the SVP, the HIV Programme and the wider community.
Some parishioners have faithfully contributed their time talents and treasure to the successful operation of this ministry and donations in cash and kind have also been received from others who acknowledge the cause as worthy of their support.
Food hampers are given out once monthly on the Last Wednesday of the month
The Sunday meals are given out every other Sunday.
The present Parish Priest, Monsignor Harcourt Blackett, The Service - Stewardship and Development Committee with the Sub-committee, a total of ten (10) persons, are currently responsible for the Bridge of Hope ministry.
Contact - Parish Priest – Parish Office - 427 2241
Contact - Service Team Leader - Sr. Cheryl Cumberbatch
Email- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.