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BY DIANNE BRENNEN West From the opening words of General Superior Sister Sandra Shannon to the final group hug, the Western Fall Gathering was a time for all of the Sisters to unpack the new directional statements of the Chapter held last April. Reminiscing of the prechapter, the chapter itself and now the movement forward with our two statements showed us how much we have grown as a group. This brought hope for the future. Sisters gather at the Western Fall Gathering in late September. During the September 29th to October 1st gathering, we were also brought up to date on other key events including plans for renovations at Providence Motherhouse in Kingston, an update on negotiations with regard to Rosary Hall and Covenant Health, and an update on any Sisters in the east who had been ill. Unfortunately the Associates who planned to attend the Fall Gathering were unable to show up for supper and the opening on Thursday evening. Realizing that the number of Sisters in the West are now down to a little more than a handful, it was decided by the group that this would be the last Western Fall Gathering. It just makes more sense for the Sisters here to go East. East Sr. Sandra Shannon, General Superior, offered the opening address at the Eastern Fall Gathering. An excerpt appears here. Fall Gathering “Traditionally there is some reflection given at the opening of the Fall Gathering. I struggled with “What will I share.” Well the word LOVE kept popping up here and there. Last Sunday the readings – You shall 6 love the Lord your God with all your heart, etc.; You shall love your neighbor, etc. Monday’s Prayer after Communion – “May the new life you give us increase our love and keep us in the joy of your kingdom.” Tuesday – Father Gazeley’s homily about doing little things for one another in love. Directional Statement I says “being educated in love by prayer (St. Vincent).” So I thought I would go with the theme of LOVE. St. John, apparently, every time he was asked to address the early church, would stand up and say “Love one another” and sit down. Now if I were St. John, I’d stop now but since I’m not, I’ll say a little more. Like St. John, I say “Love one another.” About a month ago while attending the unveiling of the statue of a sister and while at the Mass celebrating the Legacy of the Sisters in Alberta, I reflected not only about our present Sisters and Associates and what you are doing to bring about the reign of God in our time but also about those who have gone before us, our ancestors. Those Sisters who have left us the beautiful legacy we have – our congregation, the Associate Program and most importantly our Mission – the reason we exist and the reason for which we continue to strive to exist. Walking into the light we continue to love the Gospel and bring its message into our reality. Thus the importance of our Directional Statements. They are the road maps which tell us with whom and in what direction we are to place our love and how we are to live out our love. Participants at Eastern Fall Gathering. Sr. Sandra Shannon, General Superior, gives the opening address.
BY KRISTINA JELLEMA/ <strong>PROVIDENCE</strong> CARE In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Providence Care, two volunteers have taken the initiative to create five commemorative quilts. One will be gifted to the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul during a special Mass at Providence Manor in late November. The others will be given to PC’s Mental Health Services, Providence Manor and St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital. Each of these four quilts visually capture and chronicle the buildings’ progression over time. The fifth and final quilt created the opportunity for Providence Care staff to actively participate in marking this anniversary year. Staff, patients, clients and residents were encouraged to collaborate with others to complete a square representing their department or area. This team effort resulted in 96 eclectic and creative squares highlighting their dedication to Providence Care’s mission, vision and values. Fran Cooney, Housekeeping Service Manager for Providence Care, Mental Health Services, and her long-time friend, Linda Miller, Tapestry Timeline 7 offered their quilting skills and time to this project. At a Providence Care staff forum in late 2010, staff were encouraged to suggest ideas on how they would like to celebrate Photo: Jenn Goodwin A Providence Care staff member and her long-time friend have created five quilts to celebrate Providence Care’s 150th Anniversary. One of these quilts will be gifted to the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul later at a special event November 23. Providence Care’s 150th anniversary. Fran immediately expressed interest in creating a commemorative quilt. After developing the idea, and speaking with Linda, the quilter for the project, the pair agreed to create five commemorative quilts. Just nine months later, the set of expressive quilts was completed. “We are very excited to present the quilt to the Sisters of Providence and see their reaction,” said Fran. “The hundreds of hours of time put into completing these quilts will be worth it.” The quilt for the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul will be unveiled on Wednesday, November 23, at 2 p.m. at Providence Care’s special anniversary service to be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Manor. The remaining four quilts will be presented at staff forums during Founder’s Week in December.
Page 1 and 2: PROVIDENCE PAGES Vol. 3 No. 19 FALL
Page 3 and 4: Commitment to Poverty Reduction 150
Page 5: REPRINTED HERE WITH PERMISSION COVE
Page 9 and 10: NDP candidate Mary Rita Holland ans
Page 11 and 12: BY ALBERT DUNN Liturgy - Revisions
Page 13 and 14: BY MARIE MCCARTNEY AND DIANNE DUTCH
Page 15 and 16: Mission Statement We, the Providenc
Page 17 and 18: BY SISTER LUCY BETHEL It is in a sp
Page 19 and 20: BY SISTER BARBARA THIFFAULT Joan Wi

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