This was my first visit to São José. Since there are 28 communities in the parish and since we visit most only once a month, it will take a few more months before I will get to visit all of our communities. Derek and I try to take it in turns to visit each community.
I found this community very vibrant and active.
The "Spirit" was strong with them.
The chaps sitting outside on the well waiting for mass to begin. The big chap in the middle is a little simple. 
The wooden church of São José with the parish hall in the background.
The entrance to the farm across the road had two huge tall bamboo trees coming together as an archway. It looked very impressive indeed.
The altar in São José with the new Mass kit from the Browne Family, brought out to me by Paddy in January. The choir mistress is writing the hymn numbers on the black board. There is often very little problem in getting the people to sing here. They even bring their own hymn books to Mass. The blackboard shows that the church is also used to teach the catechism in.
The women's side of the church. Notice their new tiled floor, which they are very proud of.
More to follow from São José on the next blog ........
