Providence Pages 2006.pdf · Poverty and Joy The Franciscan Tradition Fri. Nov. 3, 7p.m - Sat. Nov....

PROVIDENCE PAGES SUMMER 2006 1

THIS ISSUE ON MINISTRY IS DEDICATED TO THE

eight women religious who celebrated Jubileeanniversaries in mid-June. Congratulations!

Keeping with the theme of dedication, and sharingindividual giftedness, a special feature has been addedto this edition of Providence Pages.

A section called Ministry, will focus on the charism,

spirituality and mission carried out by the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul.

Serving with compassion, trusting in Providence, wewalk in hope.

Providence PagesVOL. 3 NO. 4 SUMMER 2006

Published regularly by the Communications Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

Ministry

(From left) Sister Eunice Sugars, Sister Shirley Morris, Sister Josephine McCaffrey, Sister Julia Hamilton, Sister InezDonovan, Sister Rose Mary Ryan, Sister Rose Anne Ryan, Sister Monica Gannon.

2 PROVIDENCE PAGES SUMMER 2006

Blessed are you,Creator God, in Youreternal beauty,which you sharewith this SevenSons Tree.

Bless this Jubileetree and may itgrow to Your gloryand grant that wewho look upon itand seek its shadeand coolness maybe reminded of Yourbeauty and thebeauty and strengthof our 2006Jubilarians.

Jubilee 2006Jubilee

BBlleessssiinngg oofftthhee TTrreeee


Lord of all creation,of the earth and allits strength andfragile beauty, wegive this place thegift of this bench,that, as with yourHoly Spirit, all whorest here may findsolace and comfortand renewal.

We remember Your2006 Jubilarians aswe bless thisbench.

By the power ofyour Spirit and thesanctity of Yourname, we ask You tobless and sanctifythis gift of open air,in the name of Himwho gave rest andrefreshment to oth-ers, Jesus Christour Lord. Amen.

PROVIDENCE PAGES

AREMARKABLE 480 YEARS OF

religious life is being celebratedthis year by the Sisters of

Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

In her address to Jubilarians, Sister KathrynLaFleur, General Superior, remarked on thethousands of lives touched by thecompassionate caring and personal sacrificemade by these eight special women.

“You felt called to follow a dream, torespond to an inner prompting to leaveyour family home and entrust your futureto the hands of a Provident God as youembraced the life of a servant of thepoor,” said Sister Kathryn.

Sister Shirley Morris, celebrating 50 years asa Sister of Providence, gave an emotionaladdress on behalf of her fellow Jubilarians.

“We remember in a particular way ourdeceased Jubilarian companions who havejourneyed with us along the way and withwhom we are united in spirit today” saidSister Shirley.

More than 150 family and friends attendedthe celebration held June 17th atProvidence Motherhouse’s Chapel of Mary,Mother of Compassion. ArchbishopAnthony Meagher presided at theEucharistic celebration. Homilist FatherGerald Donovan SFM, brother ofJubilarian Sr. Inez Donovan, spoke of theSisters’ gifts and how they share both theburdens and joys of the Gospel.

Celebrating 70 years as a Sister ofProvidence is Sister Inez Donovan(SmithsFalls, ON). Celebrating 60 years are SisterMonica Gannon(Greenview, ON), SisterJulia Hamilton(Elgin, ON), Sister JosephineMcCaffrey(Fermanagh, N. Ireland), SisterEunice Sugars(St. Andrews East, Quebec),and twin sisters Sister Rose Anne Ryan andSister Rose Mary Ryan(Picton, ON).Celebrating 50 years is Sister ShirleyMorris(Arvida, QC).

In loving memory, we honour deceasedSisters who would have been celebratingJubilee 2006.

70 years — Sr. Anne Durkin, Sr. ChristineBreeze, Sr. Hannah Coleman

60 years — Sr. Mary Gerald Francis, Sr.Winnifred Callary, Sr. Loretta McAndrews,Sr. Mary Moderwell, Sr. Rose MarieScanlan, Sr. Marguerite O’Neill, Sr. MaryDavid and Sr. Mary Lorraine Chapelle.

50 years — Sr. Irene Forrester

Honouring Jubilarians BBlleessssiinngg oofftthhee BBeenncchh


ProvidenceContinuing CareCentre includes thefollowing 4 sites

St. Mary’s of theLake Hospital

Providence Manor

Mental HealthServices

St. Vincent de PaulHospital, Brockville

BY SR. SHEILA LANGTON

THE SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF ST.Vincent de Paul commemorated anhistorical event on June 30, 2006 —

a change in their healthcare ministry inKingston. The canonical sponsorshipresponsibility for Providence ContinuingCare Centre (PCCC)was transferred fromthe Sisters ofProvidence of St.Vincent de Paul to theCatholic HealthCorporation ofOntario.

A dinner to mark theoccasion was held atFort Frontenac on June 28, 2006. Thedinner was attended by the Boards ofDirectors of Providence Continuing CareCentre, the Providence Continuing CareCentre Foundation, and the seniormanagement team.

Larry Norman, Chair of the PCCC Boardof Directors spoke of the leadershipprovided by the Sisters for almost 145years. He said, “They do this throughunconditional love, compassionate care, afocus on all those marginalized by society,the acceptance of all peoples and all faithsand an undying accountability.”

Speaking on behalf of the PCCC Board,Larry indicated that the Board accepts thechallenge to continue the Sisters’ mission.“It is now up to us and our new sponsorsto shoulder this mission for others to seeand to ensure it continues.”

President and C.E.O. of PCCC CathyDunne, presented the Leadership Team ofthe Sisters of Providence with an originalpainting of the 4 sites by local artist RobertBlenderman. Cathy said, “We hope you willfind a place for this gift in your home. Itwill remind you of how PCCC looked inJune 2006.”

Sister Sheila Langton affirmed the strongBoards of Directors for the two PCCCCorporations — i.e. Governing Board andFoundation Board. “We know you willcontinually promote Spiritual Care coupledwith commitment to ethical behaviour andstandards and unwavering dedication to theMission.”

Sister Sheila encouraged the Boards andstaff to pass the mission on to theirsuccessors as the Sisters did in the past andto Trust in Providence as they walk inHope.

Agents of ProvidenceProvidence Health System

PPCCCCCC

Sr. Sheila Langton


left to right:Don McDermott, Sr. DianeBrennen, Sr. Pauline Lally, Sr. Kathryn LaFleur,Sr. Sheila Langton nd Larry Norman

The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul hosted aspecial dinner to celebrate the sponsorship of ProvidenceContinuing Care to the Catholic Health Corporation ofOntario. It marks the end of an era—the Sisters ofProvidence have been involved in healthcare in Kingstonfor almost 145 years.

Historic Transfer

Bradley Somner and Sr.Kathryn LaFleur

Barbara Yates and Dr. StephenYates

left to right: Joanne Trew, Don &Joan McDermott

left to right:BarbaraO’Shea,Cathy Dunne,Sr. SheilaLangton andLarry Norman

Sr. SheilaLangton andAllen Prowse

left to right:CarolWannamaker,Robert Dolanand Sr.KathrynLaFleur

left to right:Robert Little,Sr. SheilaLangton andDr. DavidWalker


“We thank God forall the good worksthat our Sisters andtheir partners in thehealthcare missionhave accomplished.

Let us pray forthose who willcontinue the Sistersof ProvidenceMission into thefuture.

And finally, let usrejoice that the Lordblessed usgraciously andallowed us to beagents ofProvidence in thelives of a greatmultitude ofpersons.”

Sr. Sheila Langton

The following speech was offered by GeneralSuperior Sister Kathryn LeFleur during a specialevening prayer and dinner celebration to mark thehistoric sponsorship transfer.

NEARLY 21 YEARS AGO SISTER

Sheila Langton began her journeyinto Health Care.

Since 1991 she has been here in Kingstonand strategically involved in ProvidenceContinuing Care Centre since itsfoundation.

Throughout these nearly 15 years as Vice-President and President of our Health Caresystem, Sister Sheila has been integral tothe mission and administration of ourhealth care sites across the country. Sisterhas also been key in all the transferprocesses in the West and now our finaltransfer 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 gosmoothly and that the continuance of ourmission in health care would be ensured.

I know that Sr. Sheila emphasizes that allthe Sisters in health care through the yearsare to be celebrated for their ministry andwe agree! We do think, however, that we asa Congregation need to say a very specialand heart felt “thank you” to you, SisterSheila, for guiding us through the processto this historic day and for your deepcommitment to the continuance of themission to health care of the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul.

Please accept these small gifts as a token of

our love and deep gratitude to you. Weknow you will continue to represent usadmirably on the Providence ContinuingCare Centre Foundation Board, theCatholic Health Corporation of OntarioBoard and on the Joint HospitalFoundation Board for Kingston.

Thank you, Sheila, and God bless you.

Gratitude ExtendedMotherhouse

RReefflleeccttiioonn

Sister Sheila Langton is presented with abouquet of yellow roses by General SuperiorSister Kathryn LaFleur. Both stand in front ofthe commissioned artwork donated to theSisters by the PCCC board.


A Celebration ofRemembrance willbe held August26th, 2006 at St.Mary’s cemetery inKingston. Thismarks the third yearSisters will gatherto pray in honour offoundress CatherineMcKinley and alldeceased Sisters ofProvidence of St.Vincent de Paul.430 Sisters ofProvidence havedied since thecongregation wasfounded.

Outstanding Health Care CCeelleebbrraatteeOOuurr PPaasstt

Images from a special evening prayer and din-ner at Providence Motherhoue celebrating thehistoric sponsorship transfer.

Sr. Inez Donovan and Sr. Mary Perpetua attendevening prayer

Sr. MarianMcCallum signs acommemorativebook

General Council of the Sisters of Providence ofSt. Vincent de Paul

Sr. Mary JoanLaFleur shares astory from herexperience of livingat ProvidenceManor.

Sr. MaryTeresa Coleand Sr.SheilaLangton

Display highlighting the Sisters’ involvement inhealth care


Spirituality ofPoverty and Joy

The FranciscanTradition

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 toexplore, dialogue,and reflect on thespirituality ofFrancis & Clare ofAssisi and thecross of SanDamiano. Themeswill includeIncarnation, povertyas a path to Godand humanity &nature in harmony.Ends with optionalSunday Vigil Massat 4 PM Saturday.

Deacon Bill Gervais,a member of theOrder FranciscanSecular, is a retreatleader, spiritualdirector, parish pas-toral associate, anda lecturer in thefield of spirituality.

BY: BEVERLEY MCDONALD

ON THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 7-8TH,after much anticipation and plan-ning, we welcomed Joyce Rupp

to Providence Spirituality Centre. Becauseof the large numbers of folks who wantedto come, we were blessed to be able toschedule her retreat conference in thechapel of Mary, Mother of Compassion.

With song, prayer, poetry, word, and gracedwisdom, Joyce led the gathered assembly totouch the mystery of our hidden innertreasure. She sowed the ground withencouragement and a gentle nudge to eachof us — that we begin to recognize thetreasure within. Using scripture quotes andquotes from wise women and men Joyceinvited us to reflect on God’s profoundlove for us, and on the gift of God’sstrengthening and merciful presence within.

Then, we were invited to reclaim ourhidden treasure and to offer that gift toothers. Joyce encouraged us to trust thatour inner giftedness is indeed there; to trustthat just like the smallest seed in nature, weare a precious mystery of potential new life.She invited us to pay attention, recognize,acknowledge, hold sacred and reclaim thisinner goodness and potential. Sometimesthough, our growth takes quite a while toreclaim. As we move forward in trust, itcomes about through God’s grace wateringand nourishing the seed within and ourpatient waiting and perseverance.

Once we know ourselves as deeply loved,and realize that we are called to be vessels

of that Loving Goodness, we naturallybegin to pour ourselves out for others.“Love brings our essence into the Light,”said Joyce, “it is the catalyst for Goodness.Goodness attracts goodness, offersgoodness and goodness rises in exchange.”We must ask ourselves, “What am I livingfor? What is keeping my light from shining?What do I most hope to be and do with myone wild and precious life? How empty andavailable am I to the One who fills me withLove?”

Throughout our time with Joyce spiritswere lifted, treasures perceived,commitments envisioned — our heartswere filled with joy! The close to 300people who had participated offeredglowing evaluations of praise for all thatJoyce gave us. They were especiallyimpressed with the warm and invitingsetting, the friendly hospitality of staff,Sisters and volunteers, the ample anddelicious lunch, and the smooth flow oforganization that contributed so much totheir enjoyment. We remain blessed andgrateful for the generous and excellentcontribution of all.

Our Hidden TreasureProvidence Spirituality CentrePPoovveerrttyyAAnndd JJooyy

Beverly McDonald and Joyce Rupp


Casavant is theoldest continuingname in NorthAmerican organbuilding. OnNovember 14, 1991the Historic Sitesand MonumentsBoard of Canadadedicated a plaquein honor of JosephCasavant who builtpipe organs inSaint- Hyacinthewhere his two sons,Claver and Samuel,establishedCasavant Frères in1879.

PROVIDENCE PAGES

IT’S OLD, MAJESTIC AND PRODUCES

sweet sounds. The 108-year-oldCasavant organ at Providence Manor

has been recognized as an historicalinstrument by the Royal Canadian Collegeof Organists.

A citation was presented during a ceremonyin Our Mother of Sorrows Chapelfollowing Mass on Sunday June 11th. SisterGayle Desarmia, Archivist, received thecitation from Carol Ramer, president of theKingston centre of the RCCO.

During her welcome, Sister MarianMcCallum spoke briefly about the historyof the organ.

“On November 21, 1898, this Chapel ofOur Mothers of Sorrows was blessed anddedicated. On that day, our Casavant organ,which had been installed earlier that monthat a cost of just under $1,100, was playedfor the first time.”

Co-ordinator of Pastoral Liturgy with theSisters of Providence, Albert Dunn, wasguest organist during the special Mass. Hesays playing the Casavant Pipe Organ is liketraveling back in time.

“The feeling of playing an instrument of1898 puts one in touch not only with allthose who have graced its bench before,but also with the technology of the time,”says Albert.

The original citation will hang beside theorgan; copies will be displayed atProvidence Manor and at the Motherhouse

of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincentde Paul. Casavant is the oldest continuingname in North American organ building.

Historic Organ Celebrated CCaassaavvaannttOOrrggaannss

Carol Ramer (left) presents Historic OrganCitation to Sister of Providence Archivist SisterGayle Desarmia.

The Casavant organ at Providence Manor


"We desire andcommit ourselvesindividually andcorporately toconsciously livenon-violently ourpresent reality. Thiswill be manifestedin our relationshipsof mutuality andsolidarity with God,all creation and our-selves. "

-From Chapter '99Outcome Statement

NATIONAL EARTH DAY HAS

become more than just anobservance around the globe.

Since its inception 36 years ago, the eventhas evolved into a call to action-to renewour commitment to saving the planet.

Pitch In Day was held on the grounds ofthe Sisters of Providence Motherhouse inlate April. Close to 10 volunteers, armedwith gloves and bags, scoured the groundspicking up waste.

Ecologist and Sister of Providence ShirleyMorris lead the team. She is also a memberof the Ecology/Earth Literacy Committeeat Providence Motherhouse.

Each year, more than one and half million

volunteers participate in variousenvironmental clean-ups in more than 750communities across Canada.

Pitch InEcology

SSoolliiddaarriittyywwiitthh EEaarrtthh

Natalie Treboute and Sister Shirley Morriscollect garbage from the grounds of theMotherhouse during Pitch In Day.

Commitment CeremonyThe Sisters of Providencewelcomed three newAssociates at a CommitmentCeremony May 27th. Picturedfrom left to right: GeorgeMacDonald, MaureenMacDonald and Marie O'Neill.Sister Theresa Moher mentoredthe trio in preparation for theirCommitment. The eveningprayer took place at the end ofthe Associates’ spring retreatfeaturing guest speaker AnnePatricia Shore, the director ofthe Pastoral and EducationMinistry at AssumptionUniversity in Windsor. Thefacilitator and educator spokeabout the role of the Laity.


Fall SeniorsChristianSpirituality Series

Thursdays 9:45a.m.- 1 p.m.

Oct. 12, Nov. 2 & 16( includes lunch)$20

Please call twoweeks in advancefor meal count.

Lucy Bethel andIrene Wilson

Christian maturity isa journey, whichchallenges us to bepresent to and tointeract with lifeexperiences in sucha way that we arealways in theprocess of becom-ing more integrated.We will reflect onGod's role as wellas ours in thisprocess of growingin wisdom, age andgrace.

PROVIDENCE PAGES

HOPE, VISION AND ACTION.These three words pulled FrankO’Dea out of skid row into

Rideau Hall to receive The Order ofCanada. Successful entrepreneur and co-founder of the Second Cup coffee chain,Frank told his story to a Kingston audiencein mid-May, at a luncheon sponsored by theKingston Chamber of Commerce. At 13,Frank discovered alcohol. Eight years later,his father kicked him out of the comfort-able family home in Montreal. He ended upon the streets of Toronto where his lifebegan spiraling out of control, panhandling

on Yonge Street to make enough money tobuy cheap wine. On a cold December nightin 1971, Frank heard a radio ad reachingout to alcoholics. Knowing he had twochoices-live or die-he called the number heheard on the radio. “It was a lonely, cold,brutal existence,” he told the lunch crowdat the Ambassador Hotel. He eventuallycleaned up his act and held various jobsuntil he and friend Tom Culligan openedtheir first Second Cup coffee store. Thebusiness partners went separate ways afteropening seventy Second Cup stores.Looking to God for a renewed purpose inlife, he spent one week at a Jesuit retreatnorth of Toronto, in total silence. Evenduring his darkest days on the streets ofToronto, Frank never wavered from hisCatholic faith. His new life asphilanthropist began after a conversationon a plane with a man who worked forUNICEF. The two produced an AIDSprevention and education video for youth.Frank is also heavily involved in the fight toremove existing landmines around theworld. Repeating his credo of hope, visionand action, he asked Kingstonians to makethis community better by supportingprograms like Home Base Housing, a co-sponsor of Frank’s visit. The Sisters ofProvidence have made a very substantialcommitment to Home Base Housing forthe next five years.

Inspirational Journey RReettrreeaatt

(left to right) Tom Greening , executive directorHome Base Housing, Sister Pauline Lally, FrankO'Dea and Sister Alda Brady,


Spirituality andSocial Justiceretreat

Monday Nov. 13

1:30 -4 p.m.

Register by Mon.Nov. 6

This workshop willfeature apresentation onspirituality andsocial justice byRev. William RyanSJ, one of theauthors of theJesuits’ 1974 decreeon social justice.Jamie Swift of theJustice and PeaceOffice will place Fr.Ryan’s presentationinto a contemporarycontext.

Tara Kainer joins the staff at ProvidenceMotherhouse as the executive assistant to the Co-Director of the Justice and Peace Office

WHO KNOWS HOW WE BECOME

the people we are?

I can’t say for sure what happened to turnmy attention to social justice, or why I’mcompelled to try to leave the world a betterplace than I found it.

Ours was a largefamily. We discussedthe state of theworld over supperand this probablynurtured a socialconscience. Back inthe mid-1950s, welived in Tennessee.Every family but oursowned a gun. Racialsegregation was rampant. Medical care wasavailable, but you had to have the cash.Knoxville was not the sort of place Iwanted to live.

Back in Saskatchewan we settled into oursuburban, middle-class lives. Though the1962 Cuban Missile Crisis reminded me ofthe ever-present threat of nuclear war, littlehappened to remind me that we didn’t livein a just and peaceful world.

Being a social activist was easy in the ‘60s.

To paraphrase Wordsworth, writing at thetime of another revolution, Bliss it was tobe alive, but to be young was very heaven.The rise of feminism, a decade of anti-warprotests, student rebellions. Even inTennessee, Afro-Americans made big gainswith their civil rights movement. And,since coming to Heathfield, I’ve learnedthat these were the bright years of VaticanII.

In 1967, a few friends and I undertook ourfirst political action, refusing to conform tosomeone else’s image of who we should be.We organized the girls at CampbellCollegiate to wear pants instead of skirts.Fifty of us were sent home to change, butby the end of the day Regina’s high schoolshad a new dress code.

Our little victory spurred us on to demandinput into the curriculum. That didn’thappen, but it taught me something I’vecarried with me ever since: We have theability to envision a better world forourselves, and it’s worth the effort to strivefor that ideal, even if we lose.

Working in the Justice & Peace Officeoffers me the opportunity to continue thatstruggle. I feel privileged to be doing so.

“Courage, my friends,” said TommyDouglas, still Premier when we returned toSaskatchewan. “‘Tis not too late to build abetter world.”

Welcome TaraJustice & Peace

UUppccoommiinnggEEvveenntt

Tara Kainer


70 Years

Sr. Mary Fitzpatrick

60 Years

Sr. Marie Dumont

Sr. Jean Edey

Sr. Anne Hudec

Sr. Elaine Jacob

Sr. Mary Mona

Sr. MargaretMcCallion

50 Years

Sr. Mary Fidelis

Sr. CatherineCannon

Sr. Kathleen Morrell

Sr. Sheila Way

Sr. Lucy Kearney

BY TARA KAINER

Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, - theyare the best of creatures. Qur’an, 98:7

ASIZEABLE CROWD SHOWED UP ToMemorial Hall on May 24th totake part in an Inter-Faith

Gathering to discuss Religious Faiths andthe Poor: Call and Response. Sponsored byKingston’s religious leaders, the gatheringengaged representatives from various faithsto share concerns about poverty and todiscuss the challenges of caring forsociety’s most vulnerable citizens.

Introducing the event, ArchbishopAnthony Meagher described similargatherings he’d attended in Toronto andKingston. What moved him, he told thecrowd, was how similarly all faithsresponded. This was borne out by thespeakers who followed.

Diane Mensch explained that, for theBaha’i, economic problems need spiritualsolutions. Unitarian Elaine Harvey saidthat addressing the plight of the poorrequires action as well as compassion.Anglican Bishop George Bruce describedJesus as “a homeless refugee” whochallenged his followers to care for thesick, the weak, and the imprisoned.

Christians, Sister of Providence SheilaLangton explained, declare a preferentialoption for the poor and embrace themission of bringing justice and peace to all.“Justice work is more complex thanopening a wallet,” she said, and “we’llsucceed if we love one another, as Jesus

loved us,” she concluded.

Speakers representing the Hindu, Islamic,Sikh, and Jewish faiths also identifiedcommon principles and strategies in theirapproach to poverty: How well or howbadly we treat a person suffering fromhunger and thirst is a test of our faith.Because everything belongs to God,withholding wealth from the poor amountsto stealing what is rightfully theirs. Shareyour good fortune with those who are lessfortunate. Quoting Mohammed – he whosleeps with a full stomach while hisneighbour is hungry is not a true believer –Dr. Moustafa Fahmy emphasized theimportance of being sensitive andresponsive to the needs of others.

By the close of the evening, all of us —from whatever faith or denomination –could agree with Rabbi Daniel Elkin, “Weare making the world a better place bygiving.”

Inter-Faith Gathering 22000077JJuubbiillaarriiaannss

Representatives from various faiths speak atan Inter-Faith gathering. Sister of ProvidenceSheila Langton (seated) is among thespeakers. [photo courtesy of Fred Happy]


Min

istr

yIN THE CORNER OF A SECOND FLOOR

classroom at Holy Cross SecondarySchool in Kingston, a handful of male

students huddle to discuss the previousnight’s high school hockey play-off gamebetween rivals Regiopolis and Holy Cross.As the chatter amplifies, teacher SisterMarian McCallum is able to hush the boyswith one soft-spoken word, “gentlemen!”

Another student walks in and gets a gentlereminder about the uniform policy.“Shannon, shoes are supposed to be black,not brown,” says Sr.Marian. Shannonsmiles and nods.

It’s not a typicalmorning at theWoodbine RoadSchool. It’s AshWednesday, whichmeans the regular75-minute classes arereduced to 60minutes to squeezein time for morningMass in the gym. Asstudents flood into the makeshift chapel,Sister finds a chair in the back to preparefor her job as Communion minister, as shedoes at every school Mass.

Back in the classroom after Mass, the moodis casual and relaxed, a tone set by the vet-eran teacher with 33 years experience. Shebrings a quiet sense of authority to theroom, where students feel relaxed but knowthe boundaries.

A male student celebrating his 18th birth-

day on this day arrives 10 minutes late,without a notebook or pen. Sister smilesand delivers a joke, “What do you think itis, your birthday?” The young man smilesand offers her a peace offering-one of twochocolate bars spilling out of his uniformshirt pocket. He adds with a smile, “You’rea nice lady.”

“Teaching in the 21st century has evolved.These kids face more and different pres-sures and come to school with a lot morepersonal difficulties,” explains Sr. Marian.

Experience has taught this Sister that teach-ers can’t focus totally on the curriculum.

“Students also need optimism and goodcommunication at home,” according to theSister of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

She is concerned about a young malestudent with chronic absenteeism. Seeinggreat potential in the young man, thisdedicated educator plans a coffee trip toTim Horton’s with the student toencourage him to stick it out.

It was 41 years ago when Sister entered thenovitiate to begin her life as a Sister ofProvidence. Her resume includes eightyears at Holy Cross, 19 at Nicholson inBelleville and six years at elementaryschools in Trenton and Prescott. How doesshe view her role as a teaching Sister, oneof very few religious women still involvedin education in the Catholic school boards?

“Teaching is a mission. Bringing the teach-ings of the Church into the lives of thesestudents is my work, and the work of mostteachers.”

Teaching A Mission

Sr. Marian McCallumis the head ofReligious Studies atHoly CrossSecondary School.


Min

istr

y

ON THIS DAY IN LATE APRIL, SISTER

Sandra visits with Rosina Pascale,a patient receiving respite care —

her frail body is wracked with rheumatoidarthritis.

“Rosina is the greatest prayer,” says Sr.Sandra.

Sr. Sandra’s gift quickly emerges in thesebrief moments as the pair hold hands whilesitting on the edge of the hospital bed.Radiating compassion and respect, Sisterlistens. They chat about the Floridavacation that Rosina’s daughter andgrandchildren are taking.

As a member of the Spiritual Caredepartment, Sister Sandra Shannon bringsher presence and compassion into the livesof patients, their families and staff atProvidence Continuing Care Centre, St.Mary’s of the Lake -the venerable hospitalthat stares out onto Kingston’s waterfront.

Working on the front line, and respondingto new challenges, Sister Sandra witnessesdaily to God’s love for all.

“Coming to people with an openness,seeing the sacred in them, and acceptingthem for who they are” is how Sisterdescribes her daily work.

This quiet and self-professed introvertvisits with patients in the ComplexContinuing Care program and theSpecialized Geriatric Service program with-in 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 ofProvidence after years in nursing and initialformation ministry for the congregation.

Her present mission is demanding bothphysically and emotionally. Sister says sheneeds to keep herself healthy to do her jobeffectively. To re-energize when she’s notworking, Sister admits to one guiltypleasure well known among the membersof the congregation — to sleep in late onSaturdaymorn-ings. Atthe homesheshareswithSisterAldaBrady,shespends her spare time doing householdtasks and enjoying a barbeque.

Sister Sandra Shannon was a young andimpressionable 18-year-old when she wasdrawn to religious life by a calling, whichhas lead to a full and satisfying life. Shedescribes her life as an adventure in thepursuit of coming to love God deeper,Trusting in Providence and helping andbelieving in others.

Another member of the Sisters ofProvidence community carries on a missionat St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital. Sr.Susan Pye volunteers in the gift shop andserves as communion minister each week.

Spiritual Adventure

Sr. Sandra Shannon with patientRosina Pascale.


SHE IS ELATED THIS MORNING BECAUSE

her hockey team held on for a heart-stopping 5-4 win to take the lead in

the Western Conference final of the NHLplay offs the previous night. In a nail-bitergame, the Edmonton Oilers beat theAnaheim Mighty Ducks.

Sister of Providence Jeannette Filthautreturned to Kingston in May, to take part inthe annual Breast Cancer Walk and spendtwo weeks visiting with her community atProvidence Motherhouse.

“The grass doesn’t grow under my feet,”jokes Sister Jeannette, who is involved inmany ministries. Although her businesscard describes her as group process facilita-tor and spiritual guide, she does so muchmore.

Look up edmontonians.com on the internetand you’ll find a picture of Sister Jeannette,alongside many women, building houses forthe Habitat for Humanity project in north-east Edmonton. She embraces this recentadventure and is eager to talk about hernew house building skills. Unfortunately,overusing her muscles during constructionearned her a trip to the emergency roomwith a stretched muscle in her chest. Theattending female doctor and nurse were soimpressed with the Habitat Project, they,too want to get involved.

“I like to be part of a group doing some-thing worthwhile and then seeing the joyon peoples’ faces,” remarks Sister Jeannette.

Her list of accomplishments is lengthy andincludes nine years on the General Council

of the Sisters of Providence, an illustriousteaching career, 18-year cancer survivor,and she even speaks a little Spanish.

Recently, she has been drawn to issues sur-rounding trafficking of women and chil-dren.” When asked about her choices inministry, she responds “I go where theSpirit calls me.”

Currently, Sister is a facilitator inEdmonton. She saw an ad in the newspaperone morning, and made a phone call. Trueto her promise to follow the Spirit, she nowvolunteers at Changing Together Centre forImmigrant Women and will facilitate aretreat at the non-government agency.

“It’s a positive place to go, empoweringthese women to know what their gifts are,”says Sister Jeannette.

45 years ago, during a brief stay in St.Mary’s Hospital, Camrose, 18-year-old

The Flow Of The Spirit

Sister of Providence Jeannette Filthaut (far left)joins other women on the job site for Habitatfor Humanity Edmonton's Women Build. SisterJeannette, a former council member andcurrently a facilitator in Edmonton, says shegets "energized working with people on aworthwhile project."Photo courtesy Edmontonians

Min

istr

y


Jeannette Filthaut met a lab technician. Thepair conversed and it didn’t take long forJeannette to bond with the woman wearinga full nursing habit. The technician wasIrene Forrester, a Sister of Providence whoserved as General Superior from 1989 to1994.

Sister Irene was also a victim of cancer andpassed away on February 16, 2001.

Sister Jeannette leads the life of a religiousby trusting in Providence and following herpersonal credo-experience, reflect andrespond.

Who knows where the Spirit will next callSister Jeannette, but rest assured she will beenriching the lives of those around her bycarrying out God’s work.

Reflect and Respond

Min

istr

ySister of Providence Susan Pye was recentlyfeatured as Volunteer of the Week in the May12, 2006 edition of Kingston This Week. Wereprint the article with permission from KTW.

THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OF THE

week has continued her careercaring for others even after

retirement.

“I feel that everybody has something tooffer,” said Susan Pye when she was askedwhy she volunteers at H’art Studio.

Susan is a kind and caring person and aretired registered nurse who has worked invarious health care environments.

Susan has been at H’art for more than ayear and she is a very dedicated volunteer.

Susan lends a hand on Wednesday

mornings. She encourages students duringthe literacy lessons.

Everyone appreciates her genuine interestand the students respond to herkindhearted approach. Thank you for yourhelp Susan!

Volunteering Spirit

Sister Susan Pye volunteers at H’art Studio.


BY SR. CHARLENE THACKER

Henri Nouwen had The GeneseeDiary. Now I have TheMississippi Diary. Although, my

diary will not acquire me the same fan baseas Nouwen”s book, nonetheless each diaryis filled with a journey of rediscovery, oneof self and of God. A passage fromNouwen”s book resonates so much withmy six-month experience at the Trappistinemonastery, (OLM) Our Lady of theMississippi Abbey in Iowa.

Why did I go at all?Because there wasan inner must. Whydid I stay? BecauseI knew I was at theright place andnobody told meotherwise. Whywas I there? I don’tknow fully yet.Probably I will notknow fully before the end of the cycle ofmy life. Still, I can say that I have a mostprecious memory, which keeps unfoldingitself in all that I do or plan to do. I nolonger can live without being reminded ofthe glimpse of God’s graciousness that Isaw in my solitude, of the ray of light thatbroke through my darkness, of the gentlevoice that spoke in my silence, and of thesoft breeze that touched me in my stillesthour.

On many occasions while at the monastery,I sent e-mails to the SPs, family and friendsabout the daily routines and happenings

shared in the monastery-getting up eachmorning at 3:30 am, my first Christmas in amonastery, humorous stories and mishaps(sprained ankle playing volleyball), festivecelebrations, vegetarian diet, working intheir candy factory. I had a lot of funwriting about my experiences but thesearen’t the ones that stay with me.

It was a privilege to live the Cistercian lifeas an observer; to be part of such prayerful,generous and welcoming women. In thesilence and solitude, I witnessed a lovingway of life based on the Rule of St.Benedict, dedicated to work and prayer.Looking back at my time at OLM, twowords come to mind, listen and persist. Inthe Rule of St. Benedict, it begins “Listencarefully. “I spent a lot of time carefullylistening for God’s voice, listening to whatwas happening in me. When I wasn”t ableto listen, there were always others to helpand encourage me to keep listening. In thisplace of silence and peace, I was opened toGod’s work in me and shown if I wasgoing to have a relationship with Him, Ineeded to be faithful to my God and to myprayer. This quote by Brother Lawrencespeaks of the desire for God and what ittakes to live a faithful prayer life.

When we feel content to live under God’sgaze, and we actually experience, for a time,to live thus in the presence of God, let usremind ourselves firmly that the essentialthing is precisely this – to live contentunder the gaze of God. You may reply: “It

Spiritual Journey

Sr. Charlene Thacker

Min

istr

y

Continued on page 20


SISTER PAULINE LALLY IS RELUCTANT

to reflect on her accomplishmentsincluding this year’s Honourary

Diploma received from St. LawrenceCollege on June 15th.

In her convocation speech, she toldgraduates that the future may look bleakbut it isn’t.

“It’s inviting full of possibility. There is auniverse waiting just for you, and yourauthentic brand of true giftedness as youlive the lives of right relationships. Theworld will be less if you don’t.”

She accepted the diploma on behalf ofthree groups of individuals; Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul livingand dead, the faithful vigil keepers, and thevarious groups that network as partners inthe mission of justice.

This passionate advocate for the poor andthe voiceless entered religious life at the age21. Her resume includes a number of firstsamong the congregation including religiouseducation consultant with the KingstonCatholic School Board and NewmanChaplain at Queen’s University. Her firstministry was teaching in both Kingston andBrantford. She is currently a member ofthe Leadership Council of the Sisters ofProvidence but continues to keep involvedwith the Justice and Peace office. Theministry of the Leadership Team is direct-ed to the entire Congregation to promoteunity, maintain the charism and to promotethe life, spirit and mission of theCongregation.

Presently asco-director ofthe Justiceand PeaceOffice at theSisters ofProvidence,Sister Paulinecontinues todo advocacywork insupport ofKingston’smostvulnerablecitizens. MostFridays forthe last tenyears, she’sjoined otherfaithful vigilkeepers in front of Kingston City Hall —an observance initiated by Sister ShirleyMorris. Pauline knows too well there arefew successes in justice work, but calls it“life-giving” work. In the early 1980’s, shejoined peace marches in downtownToronto. Concerned about the worseningnuclear arms race, she wrote a three-pageletter, penned in red ink, to Prime MinisterPierre Trudeau. Her first vivid recollectionof justice came during grade school when agroup of girls made buttons professingtheir hatred for a young boy. Paulinerefused to take part.

Achievements Recognized

St. Lawrence College Boardof Governors representativeJames Brown presentsSister Pauline Lally with anhonourary diploma. Jamestold the graduates that SisterPauline not only shows upand stands up for justice forall, but particularly for thosewithout a voice. “Sisterknows in a noisy world, thesilence makes a difference.”

Continued on next page

Min

istr

y


With her boundless energy, she exemplifiesthe spirit of this religious community as afamily, through her story telling.

In 1992, the non-stop workaholic neededsome down time and spent three monthsliving in seclusion in a hermitage in theCatskill Mountains.

Known for her constant smile and humour,

she has traveled extensively, and spends herfree time at photography, playing the piano,guitar and “the radio”.

Sister Pauline was born in Belleville onFebruary 16, 1938. One of three children,she calls her deceased sister Mary Elizabethher greatest gift in life.

Sr. Pauline LallyContinued from previous page

Min

istr

y

is impossible, because I do not have thatpeace.” I would answer: the less you haveit, the more urgent it is to make it a realityin you. There are two ways: first – workagainst the causes of your vices; secondpersist. Persist in staying there under God’sgaze, in his presence. And if you have nosatisfaction in doing it? The fault is notGod’s. God is the same always and foreveryone. But persist; stay there. Do not letyourself be turned aside by anything, fearor weakness.

I was encouraged, affirmed and challengedto persist in my relationship with God. Iwas not allowed to sit on my haunches andbe lazy, both spiritually and in living themonastic life. I was challenged to seek God

within, to hear His voice and to be inrelationship with Him. I learned that nomatter how many times I fall down, the keyis to get up and keep trying, persistence!

My time in Iowa was a treasure. I met manyspecial people and had a lot of fun. Mostof all, I valued the times when I feltcontenct to live under God’s gaze. For me,this was the greatest part of my treasure inIowa.

Sr. Charlene ThackerContinued from page 18


Sister MaryModerwell

(Sister MaryKenneth)

January 14, 1919 -April 1, 2006

MARY CATHERINE WAS THE SECOND

of five children born tO WilliamModerwell and Catherine Casey

on January 14, 1919 in Edmonton, Alberta.Four girls and one boy were a happy familyin spite of the hardships of the “dirty thir-ties”. Her brother, Ken, was a pilot inWorld War II and was shot down overCrete at the end ofhis second tour ofduty. Her sister,Jessie, was hit by acar and killed inJanuary of 1995.

Mary attendedCatholic elementaryand secondaryschools inEdmonton. Aftergraduating from St.Mary’s High School, she attended theEdmonton Normal School and then taughtin two rural areas and in Edmonton.

Mary entered the postulancy of the Sistersof Providence on August 15, 1946, and wassent to teach four primary grades in thetwo-room school at Portsmouth. Duringthis time, she lived at St. Mary’s of theLake Hospital during the week andreturned to the Motherhouse for the week-end for classes. As soon as her CanonicalYear 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 teachgrades 1 and 2. Two years later she was offto the newly opened Holy Rosary School in

Belleville to teach grades 1 and 2.

Then came a move to Alberta in 1951 withan assignment as principal of St. James’School and to teach grades 3 - 6. The fol-lowing year the new St. Peter’s Schoolopened, where besides the principalship,she taught a large class of grades 3 - 6.

With both Ontario and Alberta certificates,it was back to Ontario in 1958. This timeshe returned to Holy Rosary School toteach some of her former students now ingrades 6 and 7 and to teach music in sever-al other classrooms. Those were full daysas, after school, she helped clean thechurch, taught the altar servers and a chil-dren’s choir. On the weekends she laun-dered and ironed the church linens.

Two years later and partly due to poorhealth caused by waiting in the cold to takebuses, she was transferred to Kingston tolive at the Motherhouse and taught grades4 and 5 at St. Joseph’s School for twelveyears. Poor health eventually caused her tocease her teaching profession which shehad enjoyed in spite of struggling withmigraine headaches for many years.

In the autumn of 1971 she was sent to St.Anthony’s Home in Moose Jaw to takecharge of the Activities Department.However, this lasted only nine monthswhen she was summoned to go toCamrose, Alberta to work in the admittingoffice at St. Mary’s Hospital, later addingthe job of administrative secretary and for

Illustrious Career IInnMMeemmoorriiaamm

Passings

Sr. Mary Moderwell

Continued on next page


Be faithful in smallthings because it isin them that yourstrength lies.

-Mother Teresa

the last three years of nine years there assuperior of the convent. She also served onthe Governing Board, volunteered for theCrisis Line, and was Eucharistic Minister atSt. Francis Church.

In 1981 she had a sabbatical year to attend“Credo” at Gonzaga University in Spokane,Washington which ended with a month-long trip to the Holy Land.

Another change came when she was askedto take a Pastoral Care Course in prepara-tion for a new assignment as Director ofPastoral Care at Holy Family Hospital inVancouver, B.C. After four years there shewas sent to St. Joseph’s Hospital inEdmonton, Alberta.

While in Edmonton, she volunteered to dotyping for Sisters Muriel Gallagher andSheila Brady who were beginning a pilotproject to commence Providence HealthTeam, later to develop into ProvidenceHealth System. She did their typing in theevenings and did pastoral care during theday. Since she found this work challengingand exciting she decided to take a computercourse to help facilitate her work forProvidence Health System.

In 1990 when Providence Health Systemmoved its headquarters to Moose Jaw, shetransferred there to continue their secretari-al work. Six years later she left her secretari-al job with Providence Health System andreturned to Edmonton where she remaineduntil her death.

Apart from her many ministries, Sister hadmany interests and gifts. She enjoyed listen-ing to classical music, reading, doing cross-word puzzles, crotcheting, knitting andsewing and many crafts. Over the years shehas made many banners for several chapelsand churches as well as crocheted manyaltar cloths and trimmed other churchlinens.

Mary was called home to her loving Godon April 1, 2006 at the Royal AlexanderHospital in Edmonton, Alberta. The VigilService was held Monday, April 3, at 7:00pm. at St. Andrew’s Church in Edmonton,Alberta. The Mass of Christian Burial, heldat St. Andrew’s Church on Tuesday, April 4at 10:30 a.m., was presided over byReverend Vic Perron. The Rite ofCommittal was at St. Joachim’s Cemetery,Edmonton. A Vigil Service for Mary washeld at the Motherhouse on April 4 at 6:30p.m.

Sister Mary is survived by her sisters, Nora(José) Gallardo of Oaxaca, Mexico andAnna Moderwell of Edmonton, Alberta.

Health Care PioneerContinued from previous page

Passings

QQuuoottee


Sister Anne Sullivan

(Sister MaryRichard)

February 23, 1922 -June 4, 2006

MARY ANNE SULLIVAN WAS BORN

in Arnprior on February 3, 1922,one of 5 children of John

Sullivan and Mabel Dorion. By the time shewas six years old Anne had lost bothparents. Her maternal grandmother and heruncle devoted themselves to bringing upthe five Sullivan children in a loving homethat bonded them for life. She received herearly education at St. Joseph’s School inArnprior where she came to know theSisters of Providence. She entered theNovitiate on September 15, 1939, andduring this time she received singinglessons from Sisters Mary Hildegarde andGenevieve.

Her first assignment,after makingprofession on March19, 1942, wassacristan at theMotherhouse. From1943 to 1954 sheministered as cookand housekeeper inPrescott, atProvidence Manor in Kingston, inChesterville, where she also taught singingfrom grades 1 - 5, at the orphanage atHeathfield, St. Joseph’s Hospital inEdmonton where she was in charge of thekitchen for over 300 people and finally inNewmarket. In 1955 Sister Anne wasassigned to the Altar Bread Department atthe Motherhouse, where she diligentlydevoted herself to making hosts for all theparishes in the Archdiocese of Kingstonand beyond. No matter where Sister Anne

was, herradiantpersonalityleft anindelibleimprint onthe lives ofthose abouther. Shebefriendedmany anovice duringher years inthe Altar Bread Department. During theseyears Sister Anne also became involvedwith prison ministry where she found greatsatisfaction in affirming needy inmates whodelighted in her visits.

In 1981 Sister Anne went to the FatherDowd Memorial Home in Montreal for ashort period but returned to theMotherhouse because of illness. She wasable, though, to look after the breakfastroom and the oratory. During this time shealso ministered as a reader for the liturgicalcelebrations and participated in the choiruntil ill health confined her to theinfirmary.

Sister Anne was called home to her lovingGod on June 4, 2006. The Mass ofChristian Burial, held in the Chapel ofMary Mother of Compassion, ProvidenceMotherhouse on June 7, was presided overby Most Reverend Francis J. Spence,assisted by several members of the clergy.Rev. Msgr. Donald Clement delivered thehomily.

Radiant Personality IInnMMeemmoorriiaamm

Sr. Anne Sullivan

Sr. Anne Sullivan in thisphoto taken in 1965.

A regular publicationof the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul

Editor & Director ofCommunications:Christine Tripp

Editorial Assistant:Sherri Pilgrim

CommunicationsAdvisory Committee:Sr. Kathryn LaFleurSr. Barbara ThiffaultSr. Gayle DesarmiaSr. Anne HudecChristine TrippSherri Pilgrim

For questions,comments oraddress changes,contact:

We, the Sisters of Providence of St.Vincent de Paul, are an apostoliccongregation of vowed women

religious called to be channels of God’sProvidence in the world throughcompassionate service in response to theneeds of the times. Sharing our individualgiftedness, we carry out diverse ministries in aspirit of humility, simplicity and charity incollaboration with others to bring about thereign of God.

Our heritage is rooted in the creativity andspirituality of Vincent de Paul and Louise deMarillac, in the willingness of Emilie Gamelinto risk and trust in Providence, in theresponsiveness of the Montreal Sisters ofProvidence to the call of Bishop E.J. Horan,as well as in the courage and pioneer spirit of

Mother Mary Edward McKinley and theoriginal members of the Kingston community.

Impelled by the compassionate love of Jesusand Mary, we seek to empower others,especially the poor and oppressed, to achievea quality of life in keeping with their humandignity. We strive to be prophetic leaders inour church and in society through thepromotion of structures and relationships ofequality and mutuality and through attitudesand actions for justice and peace.Strengthened by prayer, we are bonded inunity and love through our corporate mission.

Serving with compassion, trusting inProvidence, we walk in hope.

Mission Statement

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

PPrroovviiddeenncceePPaaggeess

Office of CommunicationsSisters of Providence of St. Vincent de PaulProvidence MotherhouseBox 427, 1200 Princess StreetKingston, ON, CanadaK7L 4W4

E-mail [email protected] site: www.providence.ca

Providence Pages 2006.pdf · Poverty and Joy The Franciscan Tradition Fri. Nov. 3, 7p.m - Sat. Nov....

Documents

Transcript of Providence Pages 2006.pdf · Poverty and Joy The Franciscan Tradition Fri. Nov. 3, 7p.m - Sat. Nov....