providence pages summer 2006 - Sisters of Providence of St

Transcription

Published regularly by the Communications Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul
Providence Pages
VOL. 3 NO. 4 SUMMER 2006
Ministry
T
HIS ISSUE ON MINISTRY IS DEDICATED TO THE
eight women religious who celebrated Jubilee
anniversaries in mid-June. Congratulations!
Keeping with the theme of dedication, and sharing
individual giftedness, a special feature has been added
to this edition of Providence Pages.
spirituality and mission carried out by the Sisters of
Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
Serving with compassion, trusting in Providence, we
walk in hope.
A section called Ministry, will focus on the charism,
(From left) Sister Eunice Sugars, Sister Shirley Morris, Sister Josephine McCaffrey, Sister Julia Hamilton, Sister Inez
Donovan, Sister Rose Mary Ryan, Sister Rose Anne Ryan, Sister Monica Gannon.
PROVIDENCE PAGES SUMMER 2006
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Jubilee
Blessing of
the Tree
Jubilee 2006
Blessed are you,
Creator God, in Your
eternal beauty,
which you share
with this Seven
Sons Tree.
Bless this Jubilee
tree and may it
grow to Your glory
and grant that we
who look upon it
and seek its shade
and coolness may
be reminded of Your
beauty and the
beauty and strength
of our 2006
Jubilarians.
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Honouring Jubilarians
PROVIDENCE PAGES
A
480 YEARS OF
religious life is being celebrated
this year by the Sisters of
REMARKABLE
In her address to Jubilarians, Sister Kathryn
LaFleur, General Superior, remarked on the
thousands of lives touched by the
compassionate caring and personal sacrifice
made by these eight special women.
Celebrating 70 years as a Sister of
Providence is Sister Inez Donovan(Smiths
Falls, ON). Celebrating 60 years are Sister
Monica Gannon(Greenview, ON), Sister
Julia Hamilton(Elgin, ON), Sister Josephine
McCaffrey(Fermanagh, N. Ireland), Sister
Eunice Sugars(St. Andrews East, Quebec),
and twin sisters Sister Rose Anne Ryan and
Sister Rose Mary Ryan(Picton, ON).
Celebrating 50 years is Sister Shirley
Morris(Arvida, QC).
“You felt called to follow a dream, to
respond to an inner prompting to leave
your family home and entrust your future
to the hands of a Provident God as you
embraced the life of a servant of the
poor,” said Sister Kathryn.
More than 150 family and friends attended
the celebration held June 17th at
Providence Motherhouse’s Chapel of Mary,
Mother of Compassion. Archbishop
Anthony Meagher presided at the
Eucharistic celebration. Homilist Father
Gerald Donovan SFM, brother of
Jubilarian Sr. Inez Donovan, spoke of the
Sisters’ gifts and how they share both the
burdens and joys of the Gospel.
Lord of all creation,
of the earth and all
its strength and
fragile beauty, we
give this place the
gift of this bench,
that, as with your
Holy Spirit, all who
rest here may find
solace and comfort
and renewal.
We remember Your
2006 Jubilarians as
we bless this
bench.
By the power of
your Spirit and the
sanctity of Your
name, we ask You to
bless and sanctify
this gift of open air,
in the name of Him
who gave rest and
refreshment to others, Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Sister Shirley Morris, celebrating 50 years as
a Sister of Providence, gave an emotional
address on behalf of her fellow Jubilarians.
“We remember in a particular way our
deceased Jubilarian companions who have
journeyed with us along the way and with
whom we are united in spirit today” said
Sister Shirley.
Blessing of
the Bench
In loving memory, we honour deceased
Sisters who would have been celebrating
Jubilee 2006.
70 years — Sr. Anne Durkin, Sr. Christine
Breeze, Sr. Hannah Coleman
60 years — Sr. Mary Gerald Francis, Sr.
Winnifred Callary, Sr. Loretta McAndrews,
Sr. Mary Moderwell, Sr. Rose Marie
Scanlan, Sr. Marguerite O’Neill, Sr. Mary
David and Sr. Mary Lorraine Chapelle.
50 years — Sr. Irene Forrester
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Providence Health System
PCCC
Providence
Continuing Care
Centre includes the
following 4 sites
St. Mary’s of the
Lake Hospital
Providence Manor
Mental Health
Services
St. Vincent de Paul
Hospital, Brockville
Agents of Providence
BY SR. SHEILA LANGTON
T
SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF ST.
Vincent de Paul commemorated an
historical event on June 30, 2006 —
a change in their healthcare ministry in
Kingston. The canonical sponsorship
responsibility for Providence Continuing
Care Centre (PCCC)
was transferred from
the Sisters of
Providence of St.
Vincent de Paul to the
Catholic Health
Corporation of
Ontario.
HE
Sr. Sheila Langton
A dinner to mark the
occasion was held at
Fort Frontenac on June 28, 2006. The
dinner was attended by the Boards of
Directors of Providence Continuing Care
Centre, the Providence Continuing Care
Centre Foundation, and the senior
management team.
Larry Norman, Chair of the PCCC Board
of Directors spoke of the leadership
provided by the Sisters for almost 145
years. He said, “They do this through
unconditional love, compassionate care, a
focus on all those marginalized by society,
the acceptance of all peoples and all faiths
and an undying accountability.”
Speaking on behalf of the PCCC Board,
Larry indicated that the Board accepts the
challenge to continue the Sisters’ mission.
“It is now up to us and our new sponsors
to shoulder this mission for others to see
and to ensure it continues.”
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President and C.E.O. of PCCC Cathy
Dunne, presented the Leadership Team of
the Sisters of Providence with an original
painting of the 4 sites by local artist Robert
Blenderman. Cathy said, “We hope you will
find a place for this gift in your home. It
will remind you of how PCCC looked in
June 2006.”
Sister Sheila Langton affirmed the strong
Boards of Directors for the two PCCC
Corporations — i.e. Governing Board and
Foundation Board. “We know you will
continually promote Spiritual Care coupled
with commitment to ethical behaviour and
standards and unwavering dedication to the
Mission.”
Sister Sheila encouraged the Boards and
staff to pass the mission on to their
successors as the Sisters did in the past and
to Trust in Providence as they walk in
Hope.
Historic Transfer
The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul hosted a
special dinner to celebrate the sponsorship of Providence
Continuing Care to the Catholic Health Corporation of
Ontario. It marks the end of an era—the Sisters of
Providence have been involved in healthcare in Kingston
for almost 145 years.
left to right:Don McDermott, Sr. Diane
Brennen, Sr. Pauline Lally, Sr. Kathryn LaFleur,
Sr. Sheila Langton nd Larry Norman
Bradley Somner and Sr.
Kathryn LaFleur
Barbara Yates and Dr. Stephen
Yates
left to right:
Barbara
O’Shea,
Cathy Dunne,
Sr. Sheila
Langton and
Larry Norman
left to right: Joanne Trew, Don &
Joan McDermott
Sr. Sheila
Langton and
Allen Prowse
left to right:
Robert Little,
Sr. Sheila
Langton and
Dr. David
Walker
left to right:
Carol
Wannamaker,
Robert Dolan
and Sr.
Kathryn
LaFleur
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Motherhouse
Reflection
“We thank God for
all the good works
that our Sisters and
their partners in the
healthcare mission
have accomplished.
Let us pray for
those who will
continue the Sisters
of Providence
Mission into the
future.
And finally, let us
rejoice that the Lord
blessed us
graciously and
allowed us to be
agents of
Providence in the
lives of a great
multitude of
persons.”
Sr. Sheila Langton
Gratitude Extended
The following speech was offered by General
Superior Sister Kathryn LeFleur during a special
evening prayer and dinner celebration to mark the
historic sponsorship transfer.
N
21 YEARS AGO SISTER
Sheila Langton began her journey
into Health Care.
EARLY
Since 1991 she has been here in Kingston
and strategically involved in Providence
Continuing Care Centre since its
foundation.
Throughout these nearly 15 years as VicePresident and President of our Health Care
system, Sister Sheila has been integral to
the mission and administration of our
health care sites across the country. Sister
has also been key in all the transfer
processes in the West and now our final
transfer of sponsorship here in Ontario.
No one will ever know the hours of work,
meetings and personal contacts that Sr.
Sheila has made to ensure that all would go
smoothly and that the continuance of our
mission in health care would be ensured.
I know that Sr. Sheila emphasizes that all
the Sisters in health care through the years
are to be celebrated for their ministry and
we agree! We do think, however, that we as
a Congregation need to say a very special
and heart felt “thank you” to you, Sister
Sheila, for guiding us through the process
to this historic day and for your deep
commitment to the continuance of the
mission to health care of the Sisters of
Please accept these small gifts as a token of
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Sister Sheila Langton is presented with a
bouquet of yellow roses by General Superior
Sister Kathryn LaFleur. Both stand in front of
the commissioned artwork donated to the
Sisters by the PCCC board.
our love and deep gratitude to you. We
know you will continue to represent us
admirably on the Providence Continuing
Care Centre Foundation Board, the
Catholic Health Corporation of Ontario
Board and on the Joint Hospital
Foundation Board for Kingston.
Thank you, Sheila, and God bless you.
Outstanding Health Care
Images from a special evening prayer and dinner at Providence Motherhoue celebrating the
historic sponsorship transfer.
Sr. Marian
McCallum signs a
commemorative
book
Sr. Inez Donovan and Sr. Mary Perpetua attend
evening prayer
Celebrate
Our Past
A Celebration of
Remembrance will
be held August
26th, 2006 at St.
Mary’s cemetery in
Kingston. This
marks the third year
Sisters will gather
to pray in honour of
foundress Catherine
McKinley and all
deceased Sisters of
Providence of St.
Vincent de Paul.
430 Sisters of
Providence have
died since the
congregation was
founded.
Sr. Mary
Teresa Cole
and Sr.
Sheila
Langton
General Council of the Sisters of Providence of
St. Vincent de Paul
Sr. Mary Joan
LaFleur shares a
story from her
experience of living
at Providence
Manor.
Display highlighting the Sisters’ involvement in
health care
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Providence Spirituality Centre
Poverty
And Joy
Spirituality of
Poverty and Joy
The Franciscan
Tradition
Fri. Nov. 3, 7p.m Sat. Nov. 4, 5 p.m
(includes lunch)
Register by Fri. Oct.
20 $40
Accommodation:
add $45.
Fri. Supper: add $10
Deacon Bill Gervais
An opportunity to
explore, dialogue,
and reflect on the
spirituality of
Francis & Clare of
Assisi and the
cross of San
Damiano. Themes
will include
Incarnation, poverty
as a path to God
and humanity &
nature in harmony.
Ends with optional
Sunday Vigil Mass
at 4 PM Saturday.
Deacon Bill Gervais,
a member of the
Order Franciscan
Secular, is a retreat
leader, spiritual
director, parish pastoral associate, and
a lecturer in the
field of spirituality.
Our Hidden Treasure
BY: BEVERLEY MCDONALD
O
APRIL 7-8TH,
after much anticipation and planning, we welcomed Joyce Rupp
to Providence Spirituality Centre. Because
of the large numbers of folks who wanted
to come, we were blessed to be able to
schedule her retreat conference in the
chapel of Mary, Mother of Compassion.
N THE WEEKEND OF
With song, prayer, poetry, word, and graced
wisdom, Joyce led the gathered assembly to
touch the mystery of our hidden inner
treasure. She sowed the ground with
encouragement and a gentle nudge to each
of us — that we begin to recognize the
treasure within. Using scripture quotes and
quotes from wise women and men Joyce
invited us to reflect on God’s profound
love for us, and on the gift of God’s
strengthening and merciful presence within.
Then, we were invited to reclaim our
hidden treasure and to offer that gift to
others. Joyce encouraged us to trust that
our inner giftedness is indeed there; to trust
that just like the smallest seed in nature, we
are a precious mystery of potential new life.
She invited us to pay attention, recognize,
acknowledge, hold sacred and reclaim this
inner goodness and potential. Sometimes
though, our growth takes quite a while to
reclaim. As we move forward in trust, it
comes about through God’s grace watering
and nourishing the seed within and our
patient waiting and perseverance.
Once we know ourselves as deeply loved,
and realize that we are called to be vessels
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Beverly McDonald and Joyce Rupp
of that Loving Goodness, we naturally
begin to pour ourselves out for others.
“Love brings our essence into the Light,”
said Joyce, “it is the catalyst for Goodness.
Goodness attracts goodness, offers
goodness and goodness rises in exchange.”
We must ask ourselves, “What am I living
for? What is keeping my light from shining?
What do I most hope to be and do with my
one wild and precious life? How empty and
available am I to the One who fills me with
Love?”
Throughout our time with Joyce spirits
were lifted, treasures perceived,
commitments envisioned — our hearts
were filled with joy! The close to 300
people who had participated offered
glowing evaluations of praise for all that
Joyce gave us. They were especially
impressed with the warm and inviting
setting, the friendly hospitality of staff,
Sisters and volunteers, the ample and
delicious lunch, and the smooth flow of
organization that contributed so much to
their enjoyment. We remain blessed and
grateful for the generous and excellent
contribution of all.
Historic Organ Celebrated
PROVIDENCE PAGES
I
T’S OLD, MAJESTIC AND PRODUCES
sweet sounds. The 108-year-old
Casavant organ at Providence Manor
has been recognized as an historical
instrument by the Royal Canadian College
of Organists.
of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent
de Paul. Casavant is the oldest continuing
name in North American organ building.
A citation was presented during a ceremony
in Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel
following Mass on Sunday June 11th. Sister
Gayle Desarmia, Archivist, received the
citation from Carol Ramer, president of the
Kingston centre of the RCCO.
During her welcome, Sister Marian
McCallum spoke briefly about the history
of the organ.
Carol Ramer (left) presents Historic Organ
Citation to Sister of Providence Archivist Sister
Gayle Desarmia.
Casavant
Organs
Casavant is the
oldest continuing
name in North
American organ
building. On
November 14, 1991
the Historic Sites
and Monuments
Board of Canada
dedicated a plaque
in honor of Joseph
Casavant who built
pipe organs in
Saint- Hyacinthe
where his two sons,
Claver and Samuel,
established
Casavant Frères in
1879.
“On November 21, 1898, this Chapel of
Our Mothers of Sorrows was blessed and
dedicated. On that day, our Casavant organ,
which had been installed earlier that month
at a cost of just under $1,100, was played
for the first time.”
Co-ordinator of Pastoral Liturgy with the
Sisters of Providence, Albert Dunn, was
guest organist during the special Mass. He
says playing the Casavant Pipe Organ is like
traveling back in time.
“The feeling of playing an instrument of
1898 puts one in touch not only with all
those who have graced its bench before,
but also with the technology of the time,”
says Albert.
The original citation will hang beside the
organ; copies will be displayed at
Providence Manor and at the Motherhouse
The Casavant organ at Providence Manor
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Ecology
Solidarity
with Earth
"We desire and
commit ourselves
individually and
corporately to
consciously live
non-violently our
present reality. This
will be manifested
in our relationships
of mutuality and
solidarity with God,
all creation and ourselves. "
-From Chapter '99
Outcome Statement
Pitch In
N
EARTH DAY HAS
become more than just an
observance around the globe.
Since its inception 36 years ago, the event
has evolved into a call to action-to renew
our commitment to saving the planet.
ATIONAL
Pitch In Day was held on the grounds of
the Sisters of Providence Motherhouse in
late April. Close to 10 volunteers, armed
with gloves and bags, scoured the grounds
picking up waste.
Ecologist and Sister of Providence Shirley
Morris lead the team. She is also a member
of the Ecology/Earth Literacy Committee
at Providence Motherhouse.
Each year, more than one and half million
Natalie Treboute and Sister Shirley Morris
collect garbage from the grounds of the
Motherhouse during Pitch In Day.
volunteers participate in various
environmental clean-ups in more than 750
communities across Canada.
Commitment Ceremony
The Sisters of Providence
welcomed three new
Associates at a Commitment
Ceremony May 27th. Pictured
from left to right: George
MacDonald, Maureen
MacDonald and Marie O'Neill.
Sister Theresa Moher mentored
the trio in preparation for their
Commitment. The evening
prayer took place at the end of
the Associates’ spring retreat
featuring guest speaker Anne
Patricia Shore, the director of
the Pastoral and Education
Ministry at Assumption
University in Windsor. The
facilitator and educator spoke
about the role of the Laity.
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Inspirational Journey
PROVIDENCE PAGES
H
OPE, VISION AND ACTION.
These three words pulled Frank
O’Dea out of skid row into
Rideau Hall to receive The Order of
Canada. Successful entrepreneur and cofounder of the Second Cup coffee chain,
Frank told his story to a Kingston audience
in mid-May, at a luncheon sponsored by the
Kingston Chamber of Commerce. At 13,
Frank discovered alcohol. Eight years later,
his father kicked him out of the comfortable family home in Montreal. He ended up
on the streets of Toronto where his life
began spiraling out of control, panhandling
(left to right) Tom Greening , executive director
Home Base Housing, Sister Pauline Lally, Frank
O'Dea and Sister Alda Brady,
on Yonge Street to make enough money to
buy cheap wine. On a cold December night
in 1971, Frank heard a radio ad reaching
out to alcoholics. Knowing he had two
choices-live or die-he called the number he
heard on the radio. “It was a lonely, cold,
brutal existence,” he told the lunch crowd
at the Ambassador Hotel. He eventually
cleaned up his act and held various jobs
until he and friend Tom Culligan opened
their first Second Cup coffee store. The
business partners went separate ways after
opening seventy Second Cup stores.
Looking to God for a renewed purpose in
life, he spent one week at a Jesuit retreat
north of Toronto, in total silence. Even
during his darkest days on the streets of
Toronto, Frank never wavered from his
Catholic faith. His new life as
philanthropist began after a conversation
on a plane with a man who worked for
UNICEF. The two produced an AIDS
prevention and education video for youth.
Frank is also heavily involved in the fight to
remove existing landmines around the
world. Repeating his credo of hope, vision
and action, he asked Kingstonians to make
this community better by supporting
programs like Home Base Housing, a cosponsor of Frank’s visit. The Sisters of
Providence have made a very substantial
commitment to Home Base Housing for
the next five years.
Retreat
Fall Seniors
Christian
Spirituality Series
Thursdays 9:45
a.m.- 1 p.m.
Oct. 12, Nov. 2 & 16
( includes lunch)
$20
Please call two
weeks in advance
for meal count.
Lucy Bethel and
Irene Wilson
Christian maturity is
a journey, which
challenges us to be
present to and to
interact with life
experiences in such
a way that we are
always in the
process of becoming more integrated.
We will reflect on
God's role as well
as ours in this
process of growing
in wisdom, age and
grace.
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Justice & Peace
Upcoming
Event
Spirituality and
Social Justice
retreat
Monday Nov. 13
1:30 -4 p.m.
Register by Mon.
Nov. 6
This workshop will
feature a
presentation on
spirituality and
social justice by
Rev. William Ryan
SJ, one of the
authors of the
Jesuits’ 1974 decree
on social justice.
Jamie Swift of the
Justice and Peace
Office will place Fr.
Ryan’s presentation
into a contemporary
context.
Welcome Tara
Tara Kainer joins the staff at Providence
Motherhouse as the executive assistant to the CoDirector of the Justice and Peace Office
W
HO KNOWS HOW WE BECOME
the people we are?
I can’t say for sure what happened to turn
my attention to social justice, or why I’m
compelled to try to leave the world a better
place than I found it.
Ours was a large
family. We discussed
the state of the
world over supper
and this probably
nurtured a social
conscience. Back in
the mid-1950s, we
lived in Tennessee.
Tara Kainer
Every family but ours
owned a gun. Racial
segregation was rampant. Medical care was
available, but you had to have the cash.
Knoxville was not the sort of place I
wanted to live.
Back in Saskatchewan we settled into our
suburban, middle-class lives. Though the
1962 Cuban Missile Crisis reminded me of
the ever-present threat of nuclear war, little
happened to remind me that we didn’t live
in a just and peaceful world.
Being a social activist was easy in the ‘60s.
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To paraphrase Wordsworth, writing at the
time of another revolution, Bliss it was to
be alive, but to be young was very heaven.
The rise of feminism, a decade of anti-war
protests, student rebellions. Even in
Tennessee, Afro-Americans made big gains
with their civil rights movement. And,
since coming to Heathfield, I’ve learned
that these were the bright years of Vatican
II.
In 1967, a few friends and I undertook our
first political action, refusing to conform to
someone else’s image of who we should be.
We organized the girls at Campbell
Collegiate to wear pants instead of skirts.
Fifty of us were sent home to change, but
by the end of the day Regina’s high schools
had a new dress code.
Our little victory spurred us on to demand
input into the curriculum. That didn’t
happen, but it taught me something I’ve
carried with me ever since: We have the
ability to envision a better world for
ourselves, and it’s worth the effort to strive
for that ideal, even if we lose.
Working in the Justice & Peace Office
offers me the opportunity to continue that
struggle. I feel privileged to be doing so.
“Courage, my friends,” said Tommy
Douglas, still Premier when we returned to
Saskatchewan. “‘Tis not too late to build a
better world.”
Inter-Faith Gathering
BY TARA KAINER
2007
Jubilarians
70 Years
Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, - they
are the best of creatures. Qur’an, 98:7
Sr. Mary Fitzpatrick
A
SIZEABLE CROWD SHOWED UP To
Memorial Hall on May 24th to
take part in an Inter-Faith
Gathering to discuss Religious Faiths and
the Poor: Call and Response. Sponsored by
Kingston’s religious leaders, the gathering
engaged representatives from various faiths
to share concerns about poverty and to
discuss the challenges of caring for
society’s most vulnerable citizens.
Introducing the event, Archbishop
Anthony Meagher described similar
gatherings he’d attended in Toronto and
Kingston. What moved him, he told the
crowd, was how similarly all faiths
responded. This was borne out by the
speakers who followed.
Diane Mensch explained that, for the
Baha’i, economic problems need spiritual
solutions. Unitarian Elaine Harvey said
that addressing the plight of the poor
requires action as well as compassion.
Anglican Bishop George Bruce described
Jesus as “a homeless refugee” who
challenged his followers to care for the
sick, the weak, and the imprisoned.
Christians, Sister of Providence Sheila
Langton explained, declare a preferential
option for the poor and embrace the
mission of bringing justice and peace to all.
“Justice work is more complex than
opening a wallet,” she said, and “we’ll
succeed if we love one another, as Jesus
60 Years
Sr. Marie Dumont
Sr. Jean Edey
Sr. Anne Hudec
Sr. Elaine Jacob
Representatives from various faiths speak at
an Inter-Faith gathering. Sister of Providence
Sheila Langton (seated) is among the
speakers. [photo courtesy of Fred Happy]
Sr. Mary Mona
Sr. Margaret
McCallion
loved us,” she concluded.
Speakers representing the Hindu, Islamic,
Sikh, and Jewish faiths also identified
common principles and strategies in their
approach to poverty: How well or how
badly we treat a person suffering from
hunger and thirst is a test of our faith.
Because everything belongs to God,
withholding wealth from the poor amounts
to stealing what is rightfully theirs. Share
your good fortune with those who are less
fortunate. Quoting Mohammed – he who
sleeps with a full stomach while his
neighbour is hungry is not a true believer –
Dr. Moustafa Fahmy emphasized the
importance of being sensitive and
responsive to the needs of others.
50 Years
Sr. Mary Fidelis
Sr. Catherine
Cannon
Sr. Kathleen Morrell
Sr. Sheila Way
Sr. Lucy Kearney
By the close of the evening, all of us —
from whatever faith or denomination –
could agree with Rabbi Daniel Elkin, “We
are making the world a better place by
giving.”
13
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Teaching A Mission
I
Ministry
N THE CORNER OF A SECOND FLOOR
classroom at Holy Cross Secondary
School in Kingston, a handful of male
students huddle to discuss the previous
night’s high school hockey play-off game
between rivals Regiopolis and Holy Cross.
As the chatter amplifies, teacher Sister
Marian McCallum is able to hush the boys
with one soft-spoken word, “gentlemen!”
Another student walks in and gets a gentle
reminder about the uniform policy.
“Shannon, shoes are supposed to be black,
not brown,” says Sr.
Marian. Shannon
smiles and nods.
It’s not a typical
morning at the
Woodbine Road
School. It’s Ash
Wednesday, which
means the regular
75-minute classes are Sr. Marian McCallum
is the head of
reduced to 60
Religious Studies at
minutes to squeeze
Holy Cross
in time for morning
Secondary School.
Mass in the gym. As
students flood into the makeshift chapel,
Sister finds a chair in the back to prepare
for her job as Communion minister, as she
does at every school Mass.
Back in the classroom after Mass, the mood
is casual and relaxed, a tone set by the veteran teacher with 33 years experience. She
brings a quiet sense of authority to the
room, where students feel relaxed but know
the boundaries.
A male student celebrating his 18th birth-
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14
day on this day arrives 10 minutes late,
without a notebook or pen. Sister smiles
and delivers a joke, “What do you think it
is, your birthday?” The young man smiles
and offers her a peace offering-one of two
chocolate bars spilling out of his uniform
shirt pocket. He adds with a smile, “You’re
a nice lady.”
“Teaching in the 21st century has evolved.
These kids face more and different pressures and come to school with a lot more
personal difficulties,” explains Sr. Marian.
Experience has taught this Sister that teachers can’t focus totally on the curriculum.
“Students also need optimism and good
communication at home,” according to the
Sister of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
She is concerned about a young male
student with chronic absenteeism. Seeing
great potential in the young man, this
dedicated educator plans a coffee trip to
Tim Horton’s with the student to
encourage him to stick it out.
It was 41 years ago when Sister entered the
novitiate to begin her life as a Sister of
Providence. Her resume includes eight
years at Holy Cross, 19 at Nicholson in
Belleville and six years at elementary
schools in Trenton and Prescott. How does
she view her role as a teaching Sister, one
of very few religious women still involved
in education in the Catholic school boards?
“Teaching is a mission. Bringing the teachings of the Church into the lives of these
students is my work, and the work of most
teachers.”
Spiritual Adventure
“Rosina is the greatest prayer,” says Sr.
Sandra.
Sr. Sandra’s gift quickly emerges in these
brief moments as the pair hold hands while
sitting on the edge of the hospital bed.
Radiating compassion and respect, Sister
listens. They chat about the Florida
vacation that Rosina’s daughter and
grandchildren are taking.
As a member of the Spiritual Care
department, Sister Sandra Shannon brings
her presence and compassion into the lives
of patients, their families and staff at
Providence Continuing Care Centre, St.
Mary’s of the Lake -the venerable hospital
that stares out onto Kingston’s waterfront.
Working on the front line, and responding
to new challenges, Sister Sandra witnesses
daily to God’s love for all.
“Coming to people with an openness,
seeing the sacred in them, and accepting
them for who they are” is how Sister
describes her daily work.
This quiet and self-professed introvert
visits with patients in the Complex
Continuing Care program and the
Specialized Geriatric Service program within the hospital as a Spiritual Care Associate.
Prior to coming to St. Mary’s of the Lake,
Sister Sandra spent nine years on the
Leadership Council of the Sisters of
Providence after years in nursing and initial
formation ministry for the congregation.
Her present mission is demanding both
physically and emotionally. Sister says she
needs to keep herself healthy to do her job
effectively. To re-energize when she’s not
working, Sister admits to one guilty
pleasure well known among the members
of the congregation — to sleep in late on
Saturday
mornings. At
the home
she
shares
with
Sister
Alda
Sr. Sandra Shannon with patient
Rosina Pascale.
Brady,
she
spends her spare time doing household
tasks and enjoying a barbeque.
Sister Sandra Shannon was a young and
impressionable 18-year-old when she was
drawn to religious life by a calling, which
has lead to a full and satisfying life. She
describes her life as an adventure in the
pursuit of coming to love God deeper,
Trusting in Providence and helping and
believing in others.
Ministry
O
APRIL, SISTER
Sandra visits with Rosina Pascale,
a patient receiving respite care —
her frail body is wracked with rheumatoid
arthritis.
N THIS DAY IN LATE
Another member of the Sisters of
Providence community carries on a mission
at St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital. Sr.
Susan Pye volunteers in the gift shop and
serves as communion minister each week.
15
z
The Flow Of The Spirit
S
HE IS ELATED THIS MORNING BECAUSE
Ministry
her hockey team held on for a heartstopping 5-4 win to take the lead in
the Western Conference final of the NHL
play offs the previous night. In a nail-biter
game, the Edmonton Oilers beat the
Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
z
16
Sister of Providence Jeannette Filthaut
returned to Kingston in May, to take part in
the annual Breast Cancer Walk and spend
two weeks visiting with her community at
Providence Motherhouse.
“The grass doesn’t grow under my feet,”
jokes Sister Jeannette, who is involved in
many ministries. Although her business
card describes her as group process facilitator and spiritual guide, she does so much
more.
Look up edmontonians.com on the internet
and you’ll find a picture of Sister Jeannette,
alongside many women, building houses for
the Habitat for Humanity project in northeast Edmonton. She embraces this recent
adventure and is eager to talk about her
new house building skills. Unfortunately,
overusing her muscles during construction
earned her a trip to the emergency room
with a stretched muscle in her chest. The
attending female doctor and nurse were so
impressed with the Habitat Project, they,
too want to get involved.
Sister of Providence Jeannette Filthaut (far left)
joins other women on the job site for Habitat
for Humanity Edmonton's Women Build. Sister
Jeannette, a former council member and
currently a facilitator in Edmonton, says she
gets "energized working with people on a
worthwhile project."
Photo courtesy Edmontonians
of the Sisters of Providence, an illustrious
teaching career, 18-year cancer survivor,
and she even speaks a little Spanish.
Recently, she has been drawn to issues surrounding trafficking of women and children.” When asked about her choices in
ministry, she responds “I go where the
Spirit calls me.”
Currently, Sister is a facilitator in
Edmonton. She saw an ad in the newspaper
one morning, and made a phone call. True
to her promise to follow the Spirit, she now
volunteers at Changing Together Centre for
Immigrant Women and will facilitate a
retreat at the non-government agency.
“I like to be part of a group doing something worthwhile and then seeing the joy
on peoples’ faces,” remarks Sister Jeannette.
“It’s a positive place to go, empowering
these women to know what their gifts are,”
says Sister Jeannette.
Her list of accomplishments is lengthy and
includes nine years on the General Council
45 years ago, during a brief stay in St.
Mary’s Hospital, Camrose, 18-year-old
Reflect and Respond
Sister Irene was also a victim of cancer and
passed away on February 16, 2001.
Sister Jeannette leads the life of a religious
by trusting in Providence and following her
personal credo-experience, reflect and
respond.
Who knows where the Spirit will next call
Sister Jeannette, but rest assured she will be
enriching the lives of those around her by
carrying out God’s work.
Volunteering Spirit
Sister of Providence Susan Pye was recently
featured as Volunteer of the Week in the May
12, 2006 edition of Kingston This Week. We
reprint the article with permission from KTW.
T
HIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OF THE
week has continued her career
caring for others even after
retirement.
mornings. She encourages students during
the literacy lessons.
Everyone appreciates her genuine interest
and the students respond to her
kindhearted approach. Thank you for your
help Susan!
Ministry
Jeannette Filthaut met a lab technician. The
pair conversed and it didn’t take long for
Jeannette to bond with the woman wearing
a full nursing habit. The technician was
Irene Forrester, a Sister of Providence who
served as General Superior from 1989 to
1994.
“I feel that everybody has something to
offer,” said Susan Pye when she was asked
why she volunteers at H’art Studio.
Susan is a kind and caring person and a
retired registered nurse who has worked in
various health care environments.
Susan has been at H’art for more than a
year and she is a very dedicated volunteer.
Susan lends a hand on Wednesday
Sister Susan Pye volunteers at H’art Studio.
17
z
Spiritual Journey
BY SR. CHARLENE THACKER
Ministry
H
enri Nouwen had The Genesee
Diary. Now I have The
Mississippi Diary. Although, my
diary will not acquire me the same fan base
as Nouwen”s book, nonetheless each diary
is filled with a journey of rediscovery, one
of self and of God. A passage from
Nouwen”s book resonates so much with
my six-month experience at the Trappistine
monastery, (OLM) Our Lady of the
Mississippi Abbey in Iowa.
Why did I go at all?
Because there was
an inner must. Why
did I stay? Because
I knew I was at the
right place and
nobody told me
otherwise. Why
was I there? I don’t
know fully yet.
Sr. Charlene Thacker
Probably I will not
know fully before the end of the cycle of
my life. Still, I can say that I have a most
precious memory, which keeps unfolding
itself in all that I do or plan to do. I no
longer can live without being reminded of
the glimpse of God’s graciousness that I
saw in my solitude, of the ray of light that
broke through my darkness, of the gentle
voice that spoke in my silence, and of the
soft breeze that touched me in my stillest
hour.
On many occasions while at the monastery,
I sent e-mails to the SPs, family and friends
about the daily routines and happenings
z
18
shared in the monastery-getting up each
morning at 3:30 am, my first Christmas in a
monastery, humorous stories and mishaps
(sprained ankle playing volleyball), festive
celebrations, vegetarian diet, working in
their candy factory. I had a lot of fun
writing about my experiences but these
aren’t the ones that stay with me.
It was a privilege to live the Cistercian life
as an observer; to be part of such prayerful,
generous and welcoming women. In the
silence and solitude, I witnessed a loving
way of life based on the Rule of St.
Benedict, dedicated to work and prayer.
Looking back at my time at OLM, two
words come to mind, listen and persist. In
the Rule of St. Benedict, it begins “Listen
carefully. “I spent a lot of time carefully
listening for God’s voice, listening to what
was happening in me. When I wasn”t able
to listen, there were always others to help
and encourage me to keep listening. In this
place of silence and peace, I was opened to
God’s work in me and shown if I was
going to have a relationship with Him, I
needed to be faithful to my God and to my
prayer. This quote by Brother Lawrence
speaks of the desire for God and what it
takes to live a faithful prayer life.
When we feel content to live under God’s
gaze, and we actually experience, for a time,
to live thus in the presence of God, let us
remind ourselves firmly that the essential
thing is precisely this – to live content
under the gaze of God. You may reply: “It
Continued on page 20
S
PAULINE LALLY IS RELUCTANT
to reflect on her accomplishments
including this year’s Honourary
Diploma received from St. Lawrence
College on June 15th.
ISTER
In her convocation speech, she told
graduates that the future may look bleak
but it isn’t.
“It’s inviting full of possibility. There is a
universe waiting just for you, and your
authentic brand of true giftedness as you
live the lives of right relationships. The
world will be less if you don’t.”
She accepted the diploma on behalf of
three groups of individuals; Sisters of
Providence of St. Vincent de Paul living
and dead, the faithful vigil keepers, and the
various groups that network as partners in
the mission of justice.
This passionate advocate for the poor and
the voiceless entered religious life at the age
21. Her resume includes a number of firsts
among the congregation including religious
education consultant with the Kingston
Catholic School Board and Newman
Chaplain at Queen’s University. Her first
ministry was teaching in both Kingston and
Brantford. She is currently a member of
the Leadership Council of the Sisters of
Providence but continues to keep involved
with the Justice and Peace office. The
ministry of the Leadership Team is directed to the entire Congregation to promote
unity, maintain the charism and to promote
the life, spirit and mission of the
Congregation.
Presently as
co-director of
the Justice
and Peace
Office at the
Sisters of
Providence,
Sister Pauline
continues to
do advocacy
St. Lawrence College Board
work in
of Governors representative
support of
James Brown presents
Kingston’s
Sister Pauline Lally with an
most
honourary diploma. James
told the graduates that Sister
vulnerable
citizens. Most Pauline not only shows up
and stands up for justice for
Fridays for
all, but particularly for those
the last ten
without a voice. “Sister
knows in a noisy world, the
years, she’s
silence makes a difference.”
joined other
faithful vigil
keepers in front of Kingston City Hall —
an observance initiated by Sister Shirley
Morris. Pauline knows too well there are
few successes in justice work, but calls it
“life-giving” work. In the early 1980’s, she
joined peace marches in downtown
Toronto. Concerned about the worsening
nuclear arms race, she wrote a three-page
letter, penned in red ink, to Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau. Her first vivid recollection
of justice came during grade school when a
group of girls made buttons professing
their hatred for a young boy. Pauline
refused to take part.
Ministry
Achievements Recognized
Continued on next page
19
z
Sr. Pauline Lally
Ministry
Continued from previous page
With her boundless energy, she exemplifies
the spirit of this religious community as a
family, through her story telling.
she has traveled extensively, and spends her
free time at photography, playing the piano,
guitar and “the radio”.
In 1992, the non-stop workaholic needed
some down time and spent three months
living in seclusion in a hermitage in the
Catskill Mountains.
Sister Pauline was born in Belleville on
February 16, 1938. One of three children,
she calls her deceased sister Mary Elizabeth
her greatest gift in life.
Known for her constant smile and humour,
Sr. Charlene Thacker
Continued from page 18
is impossible, because I do not have that
peace.” I would answer: the less you have
it, the more urgent it is to make it a reality
in you. There are two ways: first – work
against the causes of your vices; second
persist. Persist in staying there under God’s
gaze, in his presence. And if you have no
satisfaction in doing it? The fault is not
God’s. God is the same always and for
everyone. But persist; stay there. Do not let
yourself be turned aside by anything, fear
or weakness.
I was encouraged, affirmed and challenged
to persist in my relationship with God. I
was not allowed to sit on my haunches and
be lazy, both spiritually and in living the
monastic life. I was challenged to seek God
z
20
within, to hear His voice and to be in
relationship with Him. I learned that no
matter how many times I fall down, the key
is to get up and keep trying, persistence!
My time in Iowa was a treasure. I met many
special people and had a lot of fun. Most
of all, I valued the times when I felt
contenct to live under God’s gaze. For me,
this was the greatest part of my treasure in
Iowa.
Passings
Illustrious Career
M
CATHERINE WAS THE SECOND
of five children born tO William
Moderwell and Catherine Casey
on January 14, 1919 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Four girls and one boy were a happy family
in spite of the hardships of the “dirty thirties”. Her brother, Ken, was a pilot in
World War II and was shot down over
Crete at the end of
his second tour of
duty. Her sister,
Jessie, was hit by a
car and killed in
January of 1995.
ARY
Mary attended
Catholic elementary
and secondary
schools in
Edmonton. After
Sr. Mary Moderwell
graduating from St.
Mary’s High School, she attended the
Edmonton Normal School and then taught
in two rural areas and in Edmonton.
Mary entered the postulancy of the Sisters
of Providence on August 15, 1946, and was
sent to teach four primary grades in the
two-room school at Portsmouth. During
this time, she lived at St. Mary’s of the
Lake Hospital during the week and
returned to the Motherhouse for the weekend for classes. As soon as her Canonical
Year was completed, she was sent to St.
John’s School to teach a grade 2 - 3 class.
After her First Profession on August 15,
1948, she returned to St. John’s to teach
grades 1 and 2. Two years later she was off
to the newly opened Holy Rosary School in
In
Memoriam
Belleville to teach grades 1 and 2.
Then came a move to Alberta in 1951 with
an assignment as principal of St. James’
School and to teach grades 3 - 6. The following year the new St. Peter’s School
opened, where besides the principalship,
she taught a large class of grades 3 - 6.
Sister Mary
Moderwell
(Sister Mary
Kenneth)
January 14, 1919 April 1, 2006
With both Ontario and Alberta certificates,
it was back to Ontario in 1958. This time
she returned to Holy Rosary School to
teach some of her former students now in
grades 6 and 7 and to teach music in several other classrooms. Those were full days
as, after school, she helped clean the
church, taught the altar servers and a children’s choir. On the weekends she laundered and ironed the church linens.
Two years later and partly due to poor
health caused by waiting in the cold to take
buses, she was transferred to Kingston to
live at the Motherhouse and taught grades
4 and 5 at St. Joseph’s School for twelve
years. Poor health eventually caused her to
cease her teaching profession which she
had enjoyed in spite of struggling with
migraine headaches for many years.
In the autumn of 1971 she was sent to St.
Anthony’s Home in Moose Jaw to take
charge of the Activities Department.
However, this lasted only nine months
when she was summoned to go to
Camrose, Alberta to work in the admitting
office at St. Mary’s Hospital, later adding
the job of administrative secretary and for
Continued on next page
21
z
Passings
Quote
Health Care Pioneer
Continued from previous page
Be faithful in small
things because it is
in them that your
strength lies.
-Mother Teresa
the last three years of nine years there as
superior of the convent. She also served on
the Governing Board, volunteered for the
Crisis Line, and was Eucharistic Minister at
St. Francis Church.
In 1981 she had a sabbatical year to attend
“Credo” at Gonzaga University in Spokane,
Washington which ended with a monthlong trip to the Holy Land.
Another change came when she was asked
to take a Pastoral Care Course in preparation for a new assignment as Director of
Pastoral Care at Holy Family Hospital in
Vancouver, B.C. After four years there she
was sent to St. Joseph’s Hospital in
Edmonton, Alberta.
While in Edmonton, she volunteered to do
typing for Sisters Muriel Gallagher and
Sheila Brady who were beginning a pilot
project to commence Providence Health
Team, later to develop into Providence
Health System. She did their typing in the
evenings and did pastoral care during the
day. Since she found this work challenging
and exciting she decided to take a computer
course to help facilitate her work for
Providence Health System.
In 1990 when Providence Health System
moved its headquarters to Moose Jaw, she
transferred there to continue their secretarial work. Six years later she left her secretarial job with Providence Health System and
returned to Edmonton where she remained
until her death.
z
22
Apart from her many ministries, Sister had
many interests and gifts. She enjoyed listening to classical music, reading, doing crossword puzzles, crotcheting, knitting and
sewing and many crafts. Over the years she
has made many banners for several chapels
and churches as well as crocheted many
altar cloths and trimmed other church
linens.
Mary was called home to her loving God
on April 1, 2006 at the Royal Alexander
Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. The Vigil
Service was held Monday, April 3, at 7:00
pm. at St. Andrew’s Church in Edmonton,
Alberta. The Mass of Christian Burial, held
at St. Andrew’s Church on Tuesday, April 4
at 10:30 a.m., was presided over by
Reverend Vic Perron. The Rite of
Committal was at St. Joachim’s Cemetery,
Edmonton. A Vigil Service for Mary was
held at the Motherhouse on April 4 at 6:30
p.m.
Sister Mary is survived by her sisters, Nora
(José) Gallardo of Oaxaca, Mexico and
Anna Moderwell of Edmonton, Alberta.
Radiant Personality
M
ANNE SULLIVAN WAS BORN
in Arnprior on February 3, 1922,
one of 5 children of John
Sullivan and Mabel Dorion. By the time she
was six years old Anne had lost both
parents. Her maternal grandmother and her
uncle devoted themselves to bringing up
the five Sullivan children in a loving home
that bonded them for life. She received her
early education at St. Joseph’s School in
Arnprior where she came to know the
Sisters of Providence. She entered the
Novitiate on September 15, 1939, and
during this time she received singing
lessons from Sisters Mary Hildegarde and
Genevieve.
ARY
Her first assignment,
after making
profession on March
19, 1942, was
sacristan at the
Motherhouse. From
1943 to 1954 she
ministered as cook
and housekeeper in
Sr. Anne Sullivan
Prescott, at
Providence Manor in Kingston, in
Chesterville, where she also taught singing
from grades 1 - 5, at the orphanage at
Heathfield, St. Joseph’s Hospital in
Edmonton where she was in charge of the
kitchen for over 300 people and finally in
Newmarket. In 1955 Sister Anne was
assigned to the Altar Bread Department at
the Motherhouse, where she diligently
devoted herself to making hosts for all the
parishes in the Archdiocese of Kingston
and beyond. No matter where Sister Anne
was, her
radiant
personality
left an
indelible
imprint on
the lives of
those about
her. She
befriended
Sr. Anne Sullivan in this
many a
photo taken in 1965.
novice during
her years in
the Altar Bread Department. During these
years Sister Anne also became involved
with prison ministry where she found great
satisfaction in affirming needy inmates who
delighted in her visits.
In
Memoriam
Sister Anne Sullivan
(Sister Mary
Richard)
February 23, 1922 June 4, 2006
In 1981 Sister Anne went to the Father
Dowd Memorial Home in Montreal for a
short period but returned to the
Motherhouse because of illness. She was
able, though, to look after the breakfast
room and the oratory. During this time she
also ministered as a reader for the liturgical
celebrations and participated in the choir
until ill health confined her to the
infirmary.
Sister Anne was called home to her loving
God on June 4, 2006. The Mass of
Christian Burial, held in the Chapel of
Mary Mother of Compassion, Providence
Motherhouse on June 7, was presided over
by Most Reverend Francis J. Spence,
assisted by several members of the clergy.
Rev. Msgr. Donald Clement delivered the
homily.
23
z
Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul
Providence
Pages
A regular publication
of the Sisters of
Providence of
St. Vincent de Paul
Editor & Director of
Communications:
Christine Tripp
Editorial Assistant:
Sherri Pilgrim
Communications
Advisory Committee:
Sr. Kathryn LaFleur
Sr. Barbara Thiffault
Sr. Gayle Desarmia
Sr. Anne Hudec
Christine Tripp
Sherri Pilgrim
For questions,
comments or
address changes,
contact:
Mission Statement
W
e, the Sisters of Providence of St.
Vincent de Paul, are an apostolic
congregation of vowed women
religious called to be channels of God’s
Providence in the world through
compassionate service in response to the
needs of the times. Sharing our individual
giftedness, we carry out diverse ministries in a
spirit of humility, simplicity and charity in
collaboration with others to bring about the
reign of God.
Our heritage is rooted in the creativity and
spirituality of Vincent de Paul and Louise de
Marillac, in the willingness of Emilie Gamelin
to risk and trust in Providence, in the
responsiveness of the Montreal Sisters of
Providence to the call of Bishop E.J. Horan,
as well as in the courage and pioneer spirit of
Office of Communications
Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul
Providence Motherhouse
Box 427, 1200 Princess Street
Kingston, ON, Canada
K7L 4W4
E-mail communications@providence.ca
Web site: www.providence.ca
Mother Mary Edward McKinley and the
original members of the Kingston community.
Impelled by the compassionate love of Jesus
and Mary, we seek to empower others,
especially the poor and oppressed, to achieve
a quality of life in keeping with their human
dignity. We strive to be prophetic leaders in
our church and in society through the
promotion of structures and relationships of
equality and mutuality and through attitudes
and actions for justice and peace.
Strengthened by prayer, we are bonded in
unity and love through our corporate mission.
Serving with compassion, trusting in
Providence, we walk in hope.

providence pages summer 2006 - Sisters of Providence of St

Transcription

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