The day began with
five of the six executives of LCCC meeting at Concrete Beach, half an hour
before the final meeting of the 2012-2013 LCCC year was scheduled to begin.
It was a little chilly, so they quickly decided to meet at Centre Spot to
go over the planned activities for the day. The cue cards were distributed to
each exec, and Viatrix hurried off to UCC379, where some of the general members
were already anxiously waiting.
Alana, Gary, Jason,
and Irene moved deeper into Center Spot to avoid the risk of being seen by nosy
general members. They chatted for a while, and when 4:50 PM came, Alana, Gary,
and Jason left for their respective stations. Irene stayed behind for a little
bit since her station was the closest of the four at Alumni Hall. This worked
out to the advantage of the other three because they each had to take one of the
secret scrapbooks prepared for the departing execs from Alana’s ever-present
backpack. They each grabbed a scrapbook so that general members could sign them
as they visited their stations. Alana headed to Health Science Building, Gary
to Delaware, and Jason to Middlesex.
Meanwhile, Viatrix
and the curious general members were in UCC379, entertaining themselves by
playing Draw Something and trying to figure out what the surprise was. 5:00 PM
came, and Viatrix divided the members into four teams of two, finally revealing
to them the instructions of the game. It would be like The Amazing Race, with
the teams going from one station to another. At each station, the teams would
have to answer two Catholic trivia questions. Given four chances per question,
team members were forced to do silly punishments if they answered incorrectly.
Punishments ranged from making team names and cheers to giving free hugs to
strangers. When the questions were answered correctly, the teams were given cue
cards that had clues to the final destination of the day: "SING K"!
It was a chilly – but fun – afternoon for all.
Around 6:30 PM, all
the teams and execs convened inside UCC, recounting the fun they had in the
afternoon. Stories of talking with strangers, fun songs, and even injuries were
told. The group eventually found itself on the bus heading downtown, where they
had a very cramped dinner at Taste of Asia’s miniscule karaoke room. They
supped for two hours, chatting happily and even welcoming a couple strangers
(ish) from Waterloo into their midst! At 9:30 PM, the group rushed to take the
bus to Star Karaoke, the surprise place for the day.
This was the moment
the group had been waiting for the entire night. The departing execs had
planned surprise letters for the group – and what great letters they were! The
three letters were memorable and heartfelt as Irene, Terrence (who hadn’t been
able to make the final meeting because he had a symposium the next day), and
Viatrix made their final impressions on the club as undergraduate members. Then
came the best part of the night. People who had to leave early purposefully
stayed behind just so they could be a part of the joy that would follow
afterwards. Alana, Jason, and Gary presented the scrapbooks that LCCC had been
working on for weeks to Viatrix, Irene, and Joyce (who was there to accept it
on Terrence’s behalf). The “WHAT”s that came from Viatrix and Irene were
unforgettable, and made the surprise that much better. Everyone spent the next
half hour flipping through the three scrapbooks, admiring the photos and the
collective efforts of the members of LCCC (minus the Old Ones). The rest of the
night was spent – what else? – singing their hearts out to songs of a language
foreign to this blogger.
A special mention
must be given to Marianne, who originally took the initiative to contact LCCC
in February. An exchange student from Singapore, this night was the last time
that LCCC would be seeing her, as she would be heading back to her home after
April. She was a valuable member of the LCCC community, attending every meeting
and easily making friends with everyone. We’ll all miss you Marianne – hope you
had fun and you won’t forget us!
The LCCC 2012-2013
year was a big step forward in the history of the club. Some members saw each
other on a weekly basis, and others not so often, but everyone became fast
friends. The community feeling that had long been sought for was finally
beginning to become established. The seeds had been sewn, and the roots had
planted themselves. The flower, though, is still blossoming. This was truly a
year that opened up so many opportunities for 2014, 2015, and beyond. Sweaters
were designed; ideas were created; true friendships were formed; and traditions
were started.
The seed has been
planted, and it is well on its way to becoming beautiful. To the London Chinese
Catholic Community of 2013-2014: Your chance to celebrate your faith, to become
a community, and to nourish your relationship with God is here.
God Bless, thank
you for the year, and have a great summer! We’ll see you all soon!
