The Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester, Massachusetts has elected new executives to manage the affairs of the community for the next three years.

Nicholas Obeng, former acting Secretary of the community , was elected President of the nine-member executive , whilst Ms. Joana Kyere was elected the Vice President.

Others were Paul Awortwi-Mensah , secretary, Francis Boamah, organizing Secretary, Mrs. Dorcas Manu, treasurer , and Mary Manu-Gyamfi , financial Secretary .

Francis Asare-Bediako and Tony Osei-Ansong, were elected as executive members, and by virtue of his position as the Catechist, Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Abrefa Busia becomes an ex-officio member of the executive.

The Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester is part of the larger African Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. The African Catholic Ministry comprises all African Catholics living in the Worcester County who meet twice a month for mass during which prayers are said in various African languages .The community also sings in various African languages to sustain ethnic solidarity through spirituality.

The community has become a focal point for immigrants? interaction, sharing spirituality and brainstorming, especially on ways to contribute toward development programs amongst the immigrant population in the United States.

The Ghanaian Catholic Community, for instance, meets occasionally to have mass said in the local Ghanaian languages with prayers and songs offered in Ghanaian languages.

This Community is also part of the Ghanaian Catholic Apostolate Laity Council of New Jersey, New York and New England, which comprises Catholic churches in Newark, New Jersey; Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens in New York , as well as East Hartford in Connecticut.

Obeng , in his acceptance speech, thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and the new executives.

He said the election is a victory for spiritual development, pledging that he would work diligently with all members to facilitate growth of the community.

He told the new executives : "by your election, you have assumed the mantle of leadership that entails work of sacrifice and dedication", whilst urging them not to rest on their oars, but to build on the good foundation laid by their predecessors.

The President-elect further advised the executives not to be swayed by power,but be prepared to work together as a team in the interest of all .

Out-going acting President, John Adu-Gyamfi, thanked members for the support accorded him during his tenure of office, and prayed that the same support be extended to the new executives.

?A lot has passed under the bridge during the few years that we served as the executives of the community but with patience and dedication, we have succeeded in building this vibrant community?, he said.

Adu-Gyamfi commended the old executives for their good works , admonishing them to share their wisdom and experience with the new executives .This, he said,would ensure continuous growth of the community.

He prayed for God?s mercy, grace and blessings for the new executives , as well as the entire community.

Source: Paul Awortwi-Mensah, Ghanaian Catholic Apostolate Laity Council of New Jersey, New York and New England,and former court correspondent , Daily Graphic, Accra, Ghana. He now lives in Worcester, Massachusetts.