Christmas Season

"Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his bethrothed, who was with child."

The children from St. Dominic’s Children Home had spent a Christmas full of activities in which to learn, meet new people and of course have fun.

One of the main activities was the blessing of the crèche, a very special event, where friends, children, staff and benefactors participated and enjoyed different performances.

 Another event was the party at Brian Lara’s house where the children had fun time.

 The Girls from St. Dominic's Children Home at the party  in Brian Lara's House

 

The first Posada was held in St. Dominic’s Children’s Home which represents the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem looking for a place for the birth of our Lord Jesus. After the posada we broke piñatas and the children got a lot of candy.

 

Thanks to all the people who in someway made ​​the Christmas 2011 holidays very special for our children.

 

 

EASTER NEWSLINE - 2011

MANAGER’S GREETINGS

In a short time we will celebrate Pentecost Sunday- Christ filling His followers with the Holy Spirit  and sending them into a broken world as His agents of peace, joy,reconciliation and healing. Such a celebration provedes a fitting opportunity to  greet and express a sincere word of  thanks to all our friends and benefactors- you have beenán agent of Christ for us. In sharing your time, skills and resources with us you have positively impacted in some  way, small or major, in the lives of the children and young people in our care. 

The Gospel reading for Pentecost Sunday comes from John 20:19-23 and in verse 19-20 we read that  “Jesus came and stood amog them. He said to them, “Peace be with you”....”. Like Jesús you, in some way, have “stood among us” - have joined with us - and we have experienced your supportive, encouraging presence. This has made it possible for us to do the things that we share with you in this issue of Newsline. 

So we thank you with a sincere heart for your goodness and kindness to the children of the Home - and to the Sisters and Staff, as well. May Christ´s Holy Spirit - the giver of  wisdom, understanding and fortitude; who makes it possible for us to love without counting the cost... possible for us to find peace, hope and joy in the midst of adversity ... may that same Holy Spirit fill and direct you as you continue along your life´s journey.                                

Shalom.        

  -Sr Arlene Greeetinge.

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Shifts in Residential Childcare Practice

At St. Dominic's Children's Home we have identified six (6) major shifts taking place within the field of residential childcare. These are:

1. from 'power and control' to 'building relationships';
2. from the child as the the client to the family system as the client;
3. from children 'ageing out' of care to the earliest possible reintegration of the child into the family system;
4. total institution to community-based;
5. from the child as the 'object' of care to the child (child acted upon) as the 'subject' of care (child participates);
6. from problem-centered to solution-focused/outcomes oriented.

The changes in structure and methodology which these shifts demand will prove challenging for many within the field as they demand a re-evaluation of core beliefs. Many of us grew up hearing "children must be seen and not heard", for example, but today's child has the right to a voice and is expected to participate (age-appropriately) in making decisions which affect him/her.

What are some of the other shifts taking place?