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Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul formally welcomed Sisters from two congregations during a welcoming ritual on October2nd in the Chapel at Providence Motherhouse.

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Sister ActChristine Ross

Fall GatheringSister Sandra Shannon

Sisters’ legacy continues Christine Ross

Diamond JubileeChristine Ross

Sisters honoured

Heirloom Tomato DayChristine Ross

Food for thoughtChristine Ross

Living WageJamie Swift

Classroom dedication Laurie Weir

Walk of HopeSister Peggy Flanagan

Anniversary in HolyokePat St. Amand

Hats offChristine Ross

Associate DigestBarbara Baker

Vocation/FormationSister Barbara Thiffault

Report from PSC Sister Lucy Bethel

Christmas Liturgy Schedule

Mental Health AwarenessSister Margo Shafer

In MemoriamSister Barbara Thiffault

Mission Statement

A regular publication of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

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Phone613.544.4525

ext. 150

E-mail communications@providence.ca

Website www.providence.ca

Facebookwww.facebook.com/hsskingston

Twitterwww.twitter.com/srsofprovidence

YouTubewww.youtube.com/srsofprovidence

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PROVIDENCE PAGES

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Sister Act

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

IT’S BEEN MORE THAN 80 years sincesiblings Mary and Julia Hamiltonlived together on the family farm inElgin with their parents, brothersand sisters in the 1920’s, unawarethat their life journey would reunitethem under one roof again, so manyyears later.

Sisters Julia and Mary are also religious sisters who belong to dif-ferent congregations. This summer,Sister of Providence Julia Hamiltonand the rest of her SP communitywelcomed into their home 27women religious from two differentorders, CND (Congregation ofNotre Dame) and RHSJ (ReligiousHospitallers of St. Joseph). Theirpermanent move to 1200 PrincessStreet, dubbed ‘Project Hospitality’is now complete.

The Hamilton sisters now residefootsteps from each other in bed-rooms across the hall on the firstfloor of Providence Motherhouse.

“The Sisters of Providence havebeen so welcoming and kind,” saysSr. Mary, CND, who has made the

move from her community’s homeon Wright Crescent. The RHSJ Sisters left their Amherstview regional house.

“We understand how difficult it isfor them to leave their homes,” saysSister Julia. “Especially as seniors.”

Sister Margaret Morrissey is in newsurroundings and settling in quitewell. The affable RHSJ Sister also resides on Marian 1, just down fromthe Hamilton sisters. But change iseasy for the former nurse and phar-macist, having worked in Chicago,Wisconsin and Ottawa.

It’s a brisk September morning, Sister Margaret has just returnedfrom an early morning hair appoint-ment down the hall from her newroom. She settles in to talk abouther life and her new home.

“It’s been a small adjustment withlots of walking in this big building,but I don’t mind” Sr. Margaret says.

For Nursing Director Amy Litch-field, it’s been a hectic summer ofpreparing for the new residents andhiring 23 new staff to accommodatetheir needs. Amy admits it’s beenchaotic at times with the increase involume and activity in hallways andon the nursing unit, but adds thenew residents are settling in betterthan she could have hoped.

“The hardest part has been orientat-ing the Sisters so they don’t get lostin this big building. I should givethem all a GPS,” said Amy with asmile.

Amy sends a big thank you to Motherhouse staff and says they’vebeen “running at full tilt.”

Amy and Program CoordinatorNancy Stevens had an opportunityto meet with the Sisters in theirKingston-based homes prior to theirmove. “We are enjoying the newbuzz around the Motherhouse andhope that everyone in the housefeels included,” said Nancy.

Sister of Providence Una Byrnespent her summer overseeing theproject along with other members ofthe Transition Team. “I believe thishas been an enriching and stretchingexperience for us all! The coopera-tion of everyone, Sisters from allthree communities and our evergenerous and gracious staff, hasmade the move smooth and excitingin spite of an essential elevatorbeing out of commission at thetime. Our Sisters continue to helpthe new Sisters learn the ropes andfind their way around our beautifulbut big home!”

The new Sisters were formallywelcomed at a special liturgy in theChapel in early October. It washighlighted by a poignant momentwhen the symbolic flowers of all

RHSJ Sister Margaret Morrissey

Biological sisters, Sister Mary Hamilton,CND and Sister Julia Hamilton, SP.

three congregations came togetherto make one beautiful bouquet. Alovely souvenir booklet was given toeach congregation featuring a poempenned by a few Sisters of Provi-dence.

In her remarks, General SuperiorSister Sandra Shannon acknowl-edged that the experience came witha human cost,causing turmoil,loss and grief forall three commu-nities. But sheadds, this trans-formation is apositive move.An excerpt fromher welcomingaddress appearshere.

“Sisters of theReligious Hospi-tallers of St. Joseph and Sisters ofthe Congregation of Notre Dame,you entered among us as strangers.Matthew 25 says: “When was it wesaw you a stranger and welcomedyou.” Well that was the last twoweeks of August. But as strangers

you gift us. You are pearls of greatprice – treasures. Why? Because youbring to us the gift of diversity, a giftthat colours our world, brightens itwith many hues. It’s the gift of see-ing life from a different perspective.Diversity keeps us from boxing our-selves into tiny spaces with littleroom to breathe and expand. Theroutine of same old, same old which

brings staleness andlack of meaning toour lives is out thewindow. Your pres-ence has instillednew routines andthe opportunity topractice ministryright here at home.Your presence callsus to practice thegift of Hospitalityof the Heart for

which the Sisters of Providence arewell known. Hospitality of theHeart is more than lip service, iturges us to open our hearts, to showpatience, kindness and graciousness.Hospitality of the Heart causes usto set aside estrangements, fear, and

hostility to do our best to approachthe stranger as a creation of Godand therefore one with us.

We welcome you in the spirit ofHospitality of the Heart. We trustthat as time goes by we three groupsof Religious women will live the lifeSt. Paul in Ephesians 4 describes: “Iurge you to live a life that measuresup to the standard God set when hecalled you. Be always humble, gentleand patient. Show your love bybeing tolerant with one another. Doyour best to preserve the unitywhich the Spirit gives by means ofthe peace that binds you together.”

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Hospitality of the Heart

Sister of Providence Dianne McNamara spent 3 months produc-ing these lovely, handmade cards asher personal contribution to ProjectHospitality. In total, Sister Diannecreated 80 cards with personalizedgreetings in each one. She sent cardsto the new Sisters, to her own com-munity and staff.

“To see the vision made a reality is awesome and showed me the hard workeveryone involved has done. Like anything new, there are bound to behiccups but I am confident that withpatience, humour and creativity anynew problems will be resolved. It is awonderful tribute to everyone involvedto see this beautiful witness of abroader sense of community andChurch with the three congregationsliving under one roof.”

— Sr. Dianne McNamara

During this poignant moment, Sisters fromall congregations combined the three sym-bolic flowers from their congregation tomake one large bouquet. l to r: SistersLoretta Gaffney, RHSJ, Aurore Beaulieu,RHSJ and Norma Millan, CND.

Sister Pat Arsenault, CND, receives a specialsouvenir booklet from Sister Una Byrne, SP.Every Sister also received a small pearlrepresenting the gift of diversity.

The annual Fall Gathering was held atProvidence Motherhouse October 2 – 4.General Superior Sister Sandra Shannondelivered the opening address, printed here.

SISTER SANDRA SHANNON

WELCOME EVERYONE TO YET

another Fall Gathering! Especiallywe welcome our Sisters from theWest. This year we start a new tradi-tion of having just one gathering.Welcome to those who had to makea sacrifice in their ministry to behere. Our Associates bring their special flavour to the gathering – sowelcome to you five. Of course it iswith gratitude I welcome the rankand file we see each day for youkeep us going.

I never tire of saying, or feeling, thatsomething magical happens whenwe gather together in one space.This year we are 67 wonderful peo-ple. Do you suppose the magic isthe Spirit of our Provident God orjust the spirit of the congregationalong with our Associates – or both?

I pondered over the words FallGathering and played with the word

Fall. The first thing that came tomind was Fall - a season of change.It is a time of breath-taking beautywhen we see rows of colouredmaples in the country causing us tothink of the One who created them,and us, for we and all of creation areone. The fall season is often a timewe change too. It seems we are stillcaught up in theschool cycle. Soin September ourworlds rev up.We begin newministries, or seethe familiar froma different per-spective. We getback to committee meetings, looktoward next year as we do our budg-ets. Often in the Fall new peoplecome into our lives and new rela-tionships are formed. Never has thisbeen more true at our Motherhousethis year than in any other year.

Each year in the fall – the Fall Gath-ering happens. An event when theLeadership Team hopes it won’t fallon its face.

Fall finds our Associates renewingtheir promises and participating incommitment ceremonies while theSisters renew their Vows and recom-mit themselves to live those Vows inthe here and now.

As for the Fall Gathering, it gives usthe opportunity to assess where weare with our Chapter Directional

Statement.Therefore thisyear we will lookat those parts ofour DirectionalStatement thatdid not make itonto the pageBUT which some

Sisters told us must not be forgottenor lost. Do you remember the strug-gle at Chapter around the outcomestatement? So tonight and tomor-row we will look at those parts thatwe left out and face the ShadowSide of our Charism. Our facilitator,Sr. Judi Morin, will help us developskills for nonviolent communicationfor we will inevitably bump into ourshadow side in our everyday life.These tools are an important gift

that will help us address the nega-tives in order to enhance relation-ships.

When musing over the word Fallthis image came to me. The FallGathering is a blessed time for all ofus to “Fall into one another.” It’s atime to renew old friendships, tocatch up with one another, to re-member the Good Old Days whichoften weren’t that good as we wentthrough them. Falling into one an-other reminds me of the movieAVATAR and the line “I see intoyou.”

Let us make this Fall Gathering atime to “Fall into one another” in away that gives us strength, courage,encouragement and pride to go backto do the mission, to serve the poor,trusting in our Provident God.

Again I welcome each of you andinvite you to “Fall into one another”to be renewed, to learn and to faceour shadow side as a congregation.May each of you walk into the lightto go forth into your and our future.

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Fall Gathering

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BY CHRISTINE ROSS

A CENTURY PLUS LEGACY OF HEALTH

care built from the ground up by thefledgling congregation Sisters ofProvidence in the 1800’s, was remembered as Providence Care unveiled the sign for its new hospitalduring a special ceremony in September.

The new 270-bed hospital to bebuilt on the existing mental healthservices King Street West site, will provide a caring environment forpatients and clients and a modern,improved work environment forphysicians, staff and volunteers.

There was a major change in the Sisters’ healthcare ministry in 2006,when the congregation transferredcanonical sponsorship for Provi-dence Care to the Catholic HealthCorporation of Ontario (CHCO).Sister of Providence Sheila Langtoncontinues to represent her commu-nity serving on both the Board ofDirectors of Providence Care, as aDesignate of CHCO and as pastChair on the Board of Directors ofCHCO.

“We really are living through an historic event with the building ofthe new Providence Hospital,” saidSr. Sheila.

She joined other dignitaries at theSeptember 14th sign unveiling,which included remarks by JohnGerretsen, MPP for Kingston andthe Islands.“Today, we celebrate asign of things to come for health inKingston. This symbolic signdemonstrates the government’scommitment to improving and ex-panding health services we rely on,close to home, friends and family.”

Providence Care received six proposals to design, build, financeand maintain the new facility. Threebusinesses have been selected toenter the competition and the awardwill likely be announced by the fallof 2013.

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

JUNE 25TH MARKED AN HISTORIC

day at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cam-rose, Alberta. Founded by the Sistersof Providence in 1924 and latertransferred to Covenant Health in2002, the hospital dedicated its new

chapel at a special Mass. The chapelseats 45 and will be open 24 hoursper day for quiet reflection andprayers for people of many faiths.It was determined the former multi-use room which was often used as aconference room, didn’t meet theneeds of the hospital. Funded bythe Sisters of Providence of St. Vin-cent de Paul, Catholic Health of Al-berta and numerous other donors,the chapel honours the legacy of theSisters of Providence. Father MarcCramer presided over the dedicationmass, Sister of Providence Berna-dine Bokenfohr assisted and Sisterof Providence Rita Gleason was thepianist.

Sisters’ legacy continues

New chapel dedicationSister of ProvidenceBernadine Bokenfohrspeaks at thededicationmass for thenew Chapel.

Sister of Providence Sheila Langton, 2ndfrom left, was among the dignitaries who unveiled a sign at the site of the new Providence Care Hospital. She’s accompa-nied by MPP John Gerretsen, Wynn Turner,Chair SE LHIN, Glen Wood, Chair, andDale Kenney, CEO, both from ProvidenceCare.

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BY CHRISTINE ROSS

SISTER OF PROVIDENCE PAULINE

Lally’s connection to the Queen ofEngland dates back many years. As ateenager in Belleville, she took timeoff school to head down to theBelleville train station where she meta young Princess Elizabeth and hernew husband Prince Phillip.

This summer, Sr. Pauline was nomi-nated to receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal honouringcommunity leaders. The Awardmarks the 60th anniversary ofQueen Elizabeth’s accession to thethrone.

One of 30 recipients of this presti-gious honour, Sr. Pauline was hum-ble in her acceptance andacknowledged all of Kingston’s religious communities for minister-ing throughout the 60 year reign ofher Majesty the Queen. Award recipients were chosen from everywalk of life; their deeds reflectedtheir passion for improving condi-tions, making visible the neglected,and attending to their neighbours.

“When anyone is awarded with suchattention you can be sure that thereis so much moral and spiritual support behind her,” said Sr.Pauline. “Women like us don’t doour ministries on our own, in a vacuum. There is a great network ofpeople both in our congregations

and associ-ated with us.”

Leaders insocial justice,the Sisters ofProvidencecontinue theirhigh profileSilent Vigilsevery Fridayat Kingston

City Hall to bring attention to theneeds of the marginalized.

“We live in a world broken by unshared bread and rising inequality,where the climate crisis threatens allCreation. Last year, some 26 com-munities of faith in Canada, insistedthat climate change represents amoral crisis,” remarked Sr. Pauline.

Information provided by Dianne Doyle,President & CEO, Providence HealthCare, Vancouver

A long-standing landmark at HolyFamily hospital, declared unsafe andrequiring demolition, will be cele-brated for its historical importanceand symbol of the pioneeringcontributions made by the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul.

The building was the residence forthe Sisters of Providence until 2005and was also the original hospital.

A special event commemorating thebuilding took place on October 1st.The event also celebrated the contributions of Sister Connie Kaufmann and the late Sister Gio-vanni Burrowes.

Holy Family Hospital was foundedin 1947 by the Sisters of Providencewho came to Vancouver fromKingston, at the invitation of Archbishop William Duke of theVancouver Diocese. Three Sistersarrived by train and took up residence on the five acres of land

on the corner of 62nd and Argyle.At the time, the neighbourhood waslittle more than a mud trail throughwooded farmlands and wilderness.The land came with a three-story,five-bedroom house, which the Sisters immediately converted into anursing home for elderly women.Once the first establishment was inoperation, a second lot of land waspurchased for ongoing develop-ment.

From such humble beginnings, the200-plus bed facility developed intowhat it is today—a recognizedleader in the provision of special-ized rehabilitation for older adults.There are no immediate plans forthe site.

Diamond Jubilee

Sister Pauline Lally re-

ceived the Diamond

Jubilee award from MPP

Ted Hsu.

Former Sisters’ Residence to come down

Holy Family Hospital, Vancouver in1948. This building served as the original hospital until 1954 and servedas the Sisters residence until 2005.

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Sisters honoured

HOLY FAMILY PARISH IN KINGSTON

celebrated its 50th anniversary inSeptember. The Sisters of Provi-dence have a deep connection to theparish and the school, Holy Familyelementary school. ArchbishopBrendan O’Brien presided at theHoly Sacrifice of the Mass on Sunday, September 9th, followed by a buffet lunch at the Portuguese Cultural Centre.

Sister Peggy Flanagan was honoured for hermany years of service and contributions toHoly Family in Kingston as the parishmarked its 50th anniversary in September.

Sister Sheila Langton put her babysittingskills to use, and held a sleeping EmmaBlack, the young granddaughter of PamelaBlack, who helped organized the event.

Sister Lucy Kearney won this beautiful fallmum.

KairosHoly Family

BY THERESA LEBANE

THIS OCTOBER, SR. PAULINE and Iattended the KAIROS ‘Re-Gener-ate’ conference. An inter-faith andinter-generational gathering, theweekend was a time for youth to engage with important peace andjustice issues, as well as reflection,praise and worship.

The speakers wereoutstanding. CindyBlackstock, an advocate for FirstNations youth,gave a powerfulpresentation abouther work to secure equal funding for child andfamily services on reserves. IsaiahKipyegon Toroitich, a climatechange policy advocate, spoke aboutecological justice and what we cando to combat climate change.

We were able to break into smallergroups for more sharing about a variety of topics, including peacebetween Palestine and Israel, theBiblical roots of social activism, andthe history of First Nations inCanada. It was an interesting and altogether inspiring weekend!

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You say tomato, I say heirloom

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

heirloom and commercially-produced tomatoes?

Flavour tops the list. Just ask any ofthe 150 tomato tasters attending thisyear’s popular Heirloom TomatoDay at Providence Motherhouse inlate August.

Heirloom, or open-pollinated toma-toes, are varieties that have been reproduced for generations. Somehave histories spanning hundreds ofyears, like the 207 year-old YellowPear harvested in the sacred gardensat Providence Motherhouse.

“I find the flavours particularly in-tense this year, possibly due to thedrought conditions we have experi-enced,” says gardener Cate Hender-son, caretaker of the seed sanctuary.“These tomato varieties are remark-ably hardy and have not sufferedthis year despite the lack of water.People were amazed to find that wedo not water or otherwise irrigatethe plants at all and they have stillmanaged to produce a bountifulcrop of fruit!”

Is a tomato a vegetable or fruit?This controversial question was actually put to the U.S. SupremeCourt over a century ago. If youguessed vegetable, you’re right! In1893, the U.S. Supreme Court, in aunanimous decision, ruled that thetomato be classified as a vegetable.However, botanically, they are con-sidered to be fruits.

Tomatoes bearing fruit names aregrown on the sacred gardens includ-ing these varieties; Pineapple,Lemon Drop and Garden Peach.

For the first time, live music was featured at the event. Just like thetomatoes being celebrated, seed

saver Landon Chatterton and hisband performed heirloom songs;music passed down through genera-tions.

In 2008, the Heirloom Seed Sanctu-

ary received the prestigious SilverSustainable Living Award given toCanadians who celebrate the com-mitment to protect, preserve and re-store the country’s environment.There are only two recognized Heirloom Seed Sanctuaries inCanada.

From Cate Henderson:

Heartfelt thanks to our stellar volun-teers. The Heirloom Seed Sanctuaryhas benefitted from the lay commu-nity of Kingston by more than 550 volunteer labour hours. By the endof the seed saving season of 2012alone, we will have logged well over650 hours, equal to almost half astaff person! Gillian Boden hasbeen volunteering for the HeirloomSeed Sanctuary since 2009, andLynn Scott since 2010. They reallyknow their seed saving! Volunteer-ing seems to be a win-win activity,since it provides the HSS withmuch-needed labour and offers volunteers with seeds, seed savingexpertise and resources they can usein their own gardens. Thanks somuch everyone!

Heirloom Seed Sanctuary volunteer Landon

Chatterton performs with his band.

Gardener and seed saver Cate Henderson, who oversees the gardens, offered tours and

hosted a seed saving workshop.

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BY CHRISTINE ROSS

KINGSTON’S REPRESENTATIVE AT

Queen’s Park is elevating the profileof people struggling to survive onsocial assistance.

Kingston and the Islands MPP JohnGerretsen has made a promise tohelp set up a meeting between anti-poverty advocates and politicians atQueen’s Park.

He made this commitment at theend of a four hour tour of sheltersand agencies that help this city’spoor. It was organized by TaraKainer of the Justice, Peace & In-tegrity of Creation Office of theSisters of Providence.

“When you lack first-hand experi-ence, it’s difficult to understand thedaily struggles people in poverty ex-perience. We hope this food tourwill provide Mr. Gerretsen withsome insight,” said Tara.

The first stop was Lunch by George,an emergency food provider feeding40 regular visitors per day includingJennifer Judge. The former home-less woman still relies on places like

Lunch by George.

“I hope this visit today by a politi-cian will make a difference, and hewon’t turn a blind eye,” says Judge.

Gerretsen asked a lot of questions,and while he didn’t take notes, it’sclear he was paying attention. Hespoke to the media after his secondstop at the public library where hesearched online for free or afford-able meals.

“It was somewhat tough to navigatebut using Google, I found somesites where people of limited in-come can get a meal on any givenday,” said Gerretsen.

The next stop was a six block walkto Food Basics, where he was given$39 dollars to buy groceries for oneweek.

Next, a city bus ride to the SalvationArmy food choice pantry and dropin centre. Just weeks after Gerret-sen’s visit here, the Salvation Armywas forced to temporarily close itsfood bank because it couldn’t keepup with demand. A community appeal called ‘Fill a Truck’ helped

replenish the shelves.

The tour was part of the provincial‘Put Food in the Budget’ campaignwhich is urging the government toadd a $100 food allowance to socialassistance cheques. The campaigntour stopped in Kingston in thespring with a life-sized mannequinof Premier Dalton McGuinty sopeople could complain to him aboutthe provincial budget’s freeze on so-cial assistance rates.

“High rents in Kingston force peo-ple to make the unenviable decisionto pay rent or buy food. The currentOntario Works rate for an individualis $599 a month yet a one-bedroomapartment in Kingston is $798 amonth,” Tara explained.

To view a video of Mr. Gerretsen’spoverty tour in July, visit the Sisters’YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/srsofprovidence

Food for thought

BACKGROUND• Kingston’s vacancy rate

is 1.6%, no change from last year.

• Rental cost for a bachelor apartment is $648/month $798/month for 1 bedroom

• Maximum benefit for singles on Ontario Works currently $599/month

SOURCE: Rental Market Provincial Highlights, CMHC, Spring 2012; Ontario Ministry of Community andSocial Services

MPP John Gerretsen and poverty tour organizer Tara Kainer begin the day with a meal at Lunch by George.

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BY JAMIE SWIFT

KINGSTON HAS A NEW LIVING WAGE

Campaign. We’re joining otherCanadian cities where social justiceadvocates are promoting the simpleidea that a job should pay enough toprovide a decent standard of living.

The JPIC office is assisting with thelocal Living Wage effort thatemerged from Kingston’s since-disbanded poverty reduction round-table.

The simple answer: A Living Wageis an hourly rate that provides a family with enough to live on. Notmerely to subsist or survive. But toafford everyday expenses. Housing.Decent food. Clothing. Utilities.Child care. A vehicle. Internet access. Health benefits – eyeglasses,prescriptions, dental care.(Kingston’s City Council recently rejected a proposal to invest in improved dental care for the poor.)

Our local Living Wage for 2011 wascalculated by the Kingston Commu-nity Roundtable on Poverty Reduc-tion at $16.29 per hour for a familyof four with children aged four and

seven. It has gone up slightly sincethen. The rate was developed bypoverty roundtable volunteers alongwith economists from the CanadianCentre for Policy Alternatives.

A Living Wage is much higher thanthe minimum wage. That hourly rate(currently $10.25 per hour and un-changed now for over two years) isset arbitrarily by the government —with no reference to people’s actual

needs. Kingston’s living wage cam-paigners hope to focus on employ-ers like the Sisters of Providencewho pay a living wage to their em-ployees, thus providing a positive example to the community.

A Living Wage is good for the com-munity as a whole. Becoming a living wage community would makeKingston a more attractive place forworkers and a better place to dobusiness. The alternative, says Mc-Master University’s Professor Don-ald Wells, is clear.

“Low pay means less money circu-lating in the community to buygoods and services from local

businesses. Low pay means stressed-out parents taking on multiple low-paying jobs and more hours of workto make ends meet. To do this, theysacrifice time with their children.”

left to right: Sr. Peggy Flanagan, Jamie Swift and Tara Kainer from the Justice, Peace

& Integrity of Creation office.

Living Wage

How you can get involved

✓ Learn more about the benefits of becoming

a living wage employer

✓ Become a Living Wage champion

✓ Help to start the conversation. Or join the

conversation about how we can all work

together to make Kingston a proud Living Wage

community.

✓ Join Living Wage Kingston. Visit our website

www.livingwagekingston.ca

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REPRINTED HERE WITH PERMISSION

FROM LAURIE WEIR / SMITHS FALLS

EMC

THE SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF ST.Vincent de Paul gathered at theSmiths Falls site of the Perth andSmiths Falls District Hospital onOct. 18 for a dedication ceremonyin their honour.

The Sisters of Providence Class-room was unveiled in the adminis-tration wing in front of a dozenstaff members at the hospital.

Linda Bisonette, acting presidentand CAO of the hospital, gave abrief history on the sisters and howthey came to Smiths Falls.

“In 1904 the mayor had a publicemergency on his hand with smallpox,”she said. “There were nohealth care providers in the area. Hecalled the Sisters of Kingston, firstcame two, then four. Initially theywere working through the churchand visiting people in their homes,and the thought was, if we had a lit-tle space the people could come tous and we would be able to treatmore people more quickly.”

That was the beginning of the St.Francis General Hospital.

“As we moved through the years, wehad additional wings built in 1912,then in the 1950s, and the frontwing in 1969,” Bisonette said.

“When I started here in 1973 as astudent, we were well treated as stu-dents. The sisters were acting inmanagementpositions inthose days andmost impor-tantly with usas we wouldexperience ourfirst death andit was a prettybig deal for us -for anyone -and the sistersalways came and helped us throughthat process. There is a long historythat I can't even do justice to, but weare so thrilled to have you heretoday. It is our pleasure to recognizethis room in your honour.”

“We had a lot of fun here,” said Sis-ter Sheila Brady, who was born and

raised in Perth, attending St. JohnCatholic High School. She thenwent to Sisters of Providence for re-ligious formation, before enteringnursing school to obtain her degree.She was in Quebec for a time,moved out west before coming backto Smiths Falls to work at the hospi-tal.

“We had a rink at the back that themaintenance mantook care of in thewinter,” she re-called. “One ofthe nurses cameout and said ‘comequick, there’s alady having a babyand we can’t getthe doctor’ so Icame racing in on

my skates, put a pair of gloves onand delivered a baby.”

It may have been the only baby de-livered with a sister in ice skates, saidone guest in attendance as theybroke into applause.

Brady’s calling is now working withprison inmates in Kingston. “I love

it,” she says. “It's where I’m supposed to be.”

Sister Marlene Schuster came toSmiths Falls to work at the RideauRegional Centre in 1981. “I visitedthe kids and was doing religiousteaching, first communion and con-firmation... I got them involved. Iwas there until it closed in 2009.”

She also visited homes as assistant inthe parish at St. Francis church.

“It's really lovely here, it’s a kind andcaring community,” she said. “I wantto thank all the staff who wereworking here when I came in 1981when I stayed at the hospital,” saidSchuster. “I really enjoyed workinghere. You have all been so kind, it’sbeen a great place to be and work.”

Sister Gayle Desarmia expressedgratitude on behalf of those whocouldn't be in attendance at the dedication ceremony.

“When our leadership received wordabout this dedication, we were reallytouched,” said Desarmia. “We muchappreciate the gesture and we willhave stories to tell the other sisterswho weren’t able to make the trip.”

Classroom dedicated to Sisters

left to right: Sisters Gayle Desarmia, MarleneSchuster and Sheila Brady

Photo by Veronica Stienburg

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BY SISTER PEGGY FLANAGAN

THE ANNUAL WALK OF HOPE IN

support of women with ovariancancer and their families, was held at LeMoine Park on Sunday, September 23rd. Even though it was a Sunday morning, our event was well attended. The forecast predicted rain but we were blessedwith perfect weather.

I wish to thank my Sisters, Associ-ates, members of our Motherhousestaff and other friends, for your financial sponsorship and/or spiri-tual support. Because of your generosity I was able to contributeover $300. Members of ‘Peggy’sGroup’ walked with me on the mini2.5 km walk.

MPP John Gerretsen came to support us, as well as a doctor andnurse from the cancer clinic, alongwith their families, including theirbeautiful dogs. All in all, an estimated 150 participants and volunteers took part in this fifthKingston Walk of Hope.

$15,000 was raised and will go

toward research to develop an earlydetection screening test, ongoing education and awareness programsfor healthcare professionals and thepublic and also fund support programs like ‘You Are Not Alone’to help women upon diagnosis.

Almost 3 thousand women are diagnosed each year in Canada, close to half will die within fiveyears. Early detection is difficult because the symptoms are vagueand often ignored.

I would urge every woman to taketime to listen to her body and talk toher doctor. If you think you, or aloved one, might have the symptomsof ovarian cancer and someonedoes not take your concerns seri-ously, be persistent and find some-one who does. Knowledge is power.

Check out www.ovariancanada.org

The disguised blessings on this journey are the many beautiful folksone meets on the way. Personally, I am living well most of the timewith this chronic disease and I havemuch for which to be very grateful.As friends remind me, “God is goodALL the time!”

Walk of Hope

Sister Peggy Flanagan is joined by her friends l to r: Sister Marilyn Kearns, Monsignor Don Clement, Sister Peggy and MPP JohnGerretsen. Sister Peggy calls Sister Marilyn, her “angel” who accompanies her toher appointments at the cancer clinic.

Photos by Sr. Susan Pye

l to r: Donna Perry, Sisters of Providence Peggy Flanagan, MarilynKearns and Susan Pye. The sunflower is the official flower of Ovarian CancerSurvivors.

14

Anniversary year in Holyoke

BY PAT ST. AMAND

MONTHS AFTER THE CANADIAN

Sisters of Providene of St. Vincentde Paul wrapped up their 150th anniversary year, their U.S. counter-parts celebrate their remarkablejourney.

Kingston Sisters made the trip tothe U.S. as the Sisters of Providenceof Holyoke held three major eventsover the weekend of October 13-14to celebrate two significant milestones in their congregation’shistory: the 120th anniversary oftheir years as an independent congregation in the Springfield Dio-cese in 1892 and the 140th anniversary of the first ProvidenceSisters’ arrival in western Massachu-setts in 1873.

The weekend opened Saturdaymorning with a Prayer Service andProcession to the statue of MotherMary of Providence, the commu-nity’s foundress, located in front ofProvidence Place. After reflectingon Mother Mary’s “life, courage andzeal for God’s people,” the proces-sion moved to the “Kingston tree,”

a gift of the Kingston Sisters at their150th Anniversary in 2011. The pro-cession paused to commemorate theshared heritage binding together theCanadian congregations representedin the procession— the Sisters ofProvidence of Montreal, Quebec,and the Sisters of Providence ofSaint Vincent de Paul of Kingston,Ontario — with their descendants,the Sisters of Providence ofHolyoke. The procession thenmoved to the Holyoke congrega-tion’s newly planted anniversary treefor a blessing ceremony and closingcomments by Sister KathleenPopko, President.

That afternoon the Holyoke SPs,Associates, and Canadian SPs gath-ered with local city and state digni-taries, board members andleadership of their sponsored min-istries for an anniversary celebrationat Mercy Medical Center in Spring-field. Among the program’s high-lights were a brief review of thecongregation’s history and the an-nouncement of three initiatives theHolyoke Sisters are funding in sup-port of three community priorities -

Women, Earth, and Those Who ArePoor. Also copies of the Sisters’new book, entitled 140 Years of

Providential Caring were distributedto the guests.

The weekend closed following aSunday morning Liturgy of Thanks-giving celebrated by the Most Rev-erend Bishop Timothy A.McDonnell in the Sisters’ chapel atProvidence Place. The congregationpresented Offertory gifts emblem-atic of their history and heritage in-cluding a portrait of Mother Maryof Providence and the community’soriginal Constitution and officialCongregational Seal.

Both the Kingston and MontrealSPs were a major focus at two ofthe procession’s three stop sites in-cluding the west side of the buildingwhere the tree the Kingston Sistersgave the Holyoke Sisters as their re-membrance of Kingston’s 150thAnniversary in 2011. At that site Sis-ter Kathleen Popko said: “We pausein our procession at these two sym-bols: The first, representing the Sis-ters of Providence of Montreal, isthis poster of Mother Emilie Tav-ernier Gamelin, which was printed at the time of her beatification on

Sister Kathleen Popko, SP President,Holyoke, accepts an anniversary gift fromthe Sisters of Providence, Kingston.

Kingston Sisters attended the anniversary celebration in Holyoke.l to r: Sisters Una Byrne, Gayle Desarmia,Frances O’Brien, Sandra Shannon, PaulineLally and Irene Wilson.

15

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

A CALL WENT OUT LAST YEAR TO

knitters at Providence Motherhouseand elsewhere in Kingston as part ofthe One Hat, One Heart campaignorganized by the Seeds of Light Foundation.

Sister of Providence Kay Morrell helped organize a localevent last June during the congrega-tion’s 150th anniversary year. At thattime during a ceremony at Provi-dence Motherhouse, 209 knittedhats/toques and $500 in donationswere collected for orphaned andvulnerable children living in SouthAfrica.

Becky Harmon, Director of Seedsof Light, hand delivered the hatsthis July during a colder than normalwinter in South Africa. The hats

were given to Funjwa PrimarySchool with assistance from schoolPrincipal Daphney Mhaule. Each hatcontained a tag with a personal message.

In all, 50 people helped make theproject a huge success. Among themwere Sisters and students in Sr.Kay’s T’ai Chi Chih and Art Therapy classes.

Hats off

T’AI CHI CHIH

ART THERAPY

SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS

Offered bySister of Providence

Kay Morrell613. 544.4525 ext. 175

sr.kay.morrell@providence.cawww.providence.ca/ministry

October 7, 2001. Her words on theposter say: ‘I pray that you would always love the poor and that peaceand unity would always be with you.’

“The second symbol is this treeplanted a year ago,” she continued.“It was a gift of the Sisters of Prov-idence of St. Vincent de Paul fromKingston given on the occasion oftheir 150th anniversary celebrated inMay 2011.

And here we are one year later, cele-brating our 120th and 140th An-niversaries. This has been a traditionamong us, with the Sisters fromMontreal and Kingston attending in1973, the 100th anniversary of thearrival of the Sisters (in Holyoke)and in 1992, our 100th anniversaryof our foundation as the Sisters ofProvidence of Holyoke. We Sistersof Providence, too, travelled to theAnniversary celebration in Montrealin 1986 and in Kingston in 2011.”

BY BARBARA BAKER

AGEM

FORTY-NINE PROVIDENCE ASSOCI-ATES and Sisters of Providencegathered together in ProvidenceSpirituality Centre on the weekendof September 21 -22, 2012 for theProvidence Associates’ Annual Gen-eral Education Meeting. We beganwith a social on Friday afternoonthat allowed time for people to catchup with each other and to hearabout the work that Providence isdoing through us.

The work began Friday evening withour business meeting where weheard that Sue MacDonald andChristine DiZazzo had completedtheir three year term on the Provi-dence Associate Committee andwhere Regina Giebles and MarieMcCartney were acclaimed to PACfor the next three years.

We also had a process for discussinga proposal put forth by ChristineDiZazzo that the Associate mem-bership fee be increased to $50.00for those who could afford it. Theprocess ended with a vote by the

Associates present that the fees beincreased on the condition that themajority of the Providence Associ-ates in the west would agree as well.

Before Friday evening was over wewatched a PowerPoint presentationthat gave us an overview of the two-year Formation Process: Renewaland Celebration through the lens ofTrust in Providence, Compassion,Service, Forgiveness and Prayer.Each of the “lead” presenters willbe an associate who will be sup-ported and enriched by the input ofa Sister and any others they maychoose to help them.

During the Opening Prayer YeshiRedda became a candidate.

Saturday was a day of silence de-voted to Ignatian Contemplation.Sister Irene Wilson led us in threesessions based on the scripture sto-ries of The Storm at Sea, the BentWoman and The Washing of theFeet. It was a profound time forboth Associates and Sisters. Thefaith sharing after each meditationmoved us into a deeper relationshipwith Jesus and each other.

Fall Gathering

Six Providence Associates attendedthe Fall Gathering of the Sisters ofProvidence during the first week ofOctober. We were so pleased to beable to join with the Sisters andlearn more about Nonviolent Com-munications from Sister Judi Morana Sister of St. Ann from Victoria,BC. Sister Judi told us how impor-tant it is to listen deeply to eachother and to be able to express ourfeelings and our needs so we cankeep the lines of communicationopen and honest.

Commitment Ceremonies

Jane Hayes and Joan Murray weredelighted to hear that the Leader-ship Team had approved them tomake their commitments as Provi-dence Associates at our fall AGEM.Because Jane became ill and was inthe hospital it was decided that fiveof us, Sisters Sandra Shannon, IreneWilson and Frances O’Brien andAssociates Barbara Baker and CarolGroten would go to the hospitalwith a liturgy designed for her. OnSeptember 12th on a bright sunny

day, with her sister Maggie and herson Andrew present, we sang her fa-vorite songs and prayed together.Jane signed her document and re-ceived her pin. She was so gratefulthat she could become a ProvidenceAssociate in the light of the fact thatshe had been told that there was nocure for her cancer.

At the AGEM Evening Prayer onSaturday, September 22nd, JoanMurray, with her husband and chil-dren present, made her commitmentin the Mary, Mother of CompassionChapel. Joan was the cantor for herceremony and received her pin fromBarbara Baker and the Spiritual

16

Associate Digest

Jane Hayes makes her commitment as aProvidence Associate during a celebration in hospital.

17

Associate Digest

Heritage book from Sister GayleDesarmia. It was a lovely ceremony.

25th Anniversary

After the Evening Prayer in thechapel we all went to the Sisters’dining room to celebrate the 25thanniversary of the first 14 peoplewho made their commitment asProvidence Associates in 1985. Fiveof those women were present, Bar-bara Fleet, Ann Ford, SandraCampeau, Shirley Kindellan andColleen Evans. The women wereeach presented with a yellow rose bythe General Superior, Sister SandraShannon. A delightful time was hadby all!

Providence Event

In June of this year seven womenleft from Heathfield, in two cars, todrive to St. Mary of the Woods, In-diana for the Providence Event.They were Sisters Frances O’Brien,Gayle Desarmia, Sandra Shannon,Una Byrne, Irene Wilson and Provi-dence Associates Carol Groten andBarbara Baker. Sisters Lucy Betheland Alda Brady drove in their carwhile Providence Associate Chris-tine DiZazzo and Sisters PaulineLally and Susan Pye flew. We trav-eled in anticipation of hearing RonRolheiser, the keynote speaker. Thetopic of the event was Mysticismand Providence where we heard Rontalk about Providence as the fingerof God touching the ordinaryevents of our lives. Divine Provi-dence is the conspiracy of accidentsthrough which God speaks, Rontold us. The table conversationswith other women from ProvidenceCongregations were inspiring as weconsidered how we will live out thecharism of Providence in our dailylives. The event was very provoca-

tive and the women came homewith a new sense of what it meansto be Providence People.

In Memoriam

Albert Carroll passed away onWednesday, August 8th at the age of93. He was a member of St. PiusXII Parish in Brantford, ON. Al-bert had been a Providence Associ-ate since August 1992. He will bevery much missed by his Providencefamily especially Sister Anna Moranand Sister Pauline Lally both ofwhom nourished his desire to be-come one with us.

Joan Murray, right, makes her commitmentas a Providence Associate surrounded byfamily and friends.

Albert Carroll Jane Hayes

In Memoriam

Jane Hayes died in the KingstonGeneral Hospital on Wednesday,October 10th after a short illnesswith cancer. Jane made her commit-ment as a Providence Associate onSeptember 12th from her bed in thehospital. She was a member of theRainbow group. Her funeral liturgywas held in the Mary, Mother ofCompassion Chapel at the Mother-house on October 15th. All whoknew Jane will miss her bright smileand positive attitude.

18

Associate Digest

Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates gathered for AGEM and the launching of their two year Formation Process: Renewal and Celebration

front row l to r: Sr. Anna Moran, Marietta Macial, Sandra Campeau, Joan Murray, Sr. Judy Lee2nd row l to r: Sr. Irene Wilson, Sr. Jean Higgins, Sr. Catherine Cannon, Sr. Frances O’Brien, Betty Haymans, Doris Lomboy, Marie O’Neill, Yeshi Redda, Marta Hernandez3rd row l to r: Gerry Vieveen, Sr. Alma Sutton, Regina Giebels, Debra Wade, Colleen Evans, Sr. Marie Dundon, Sr. Lucy Kearney, Carol Groten4th row l to r: Shirley Kindellan, Gillian Fetter, Dianne Dutcher, Maureen MacDonald, Barbara Baker, Sr. Pauline Lally, Sr. Patricia Ann Ryan, Sr. Marilyn Kearns, Sr.Susan Pyeback row: June Bisset, Sr. Nancy Wilson, Marie McCartney, Sr. Mary Bernadette, Sr. Gayle Desarmia, Christine DiZazzo, Sr. Jeannette Filthaut, Sr. Theresa Moher,Cathy Bryan, Gail Shannon, Sheila LaRush

19

Vocation/Formation

BY SISTER BARBARA THIFFAULT

Vocations in the Year of Faith

In this Year of Faith we are re-minded of our call to be witnessesto Christ in the world. All who arebaptized have a vocation. Throughour vocation ministry we are awareof the universal call to holiness andthe call to grow in our faith.

Process of Membership Committee

In September the Committee welcomed additional members, Sisters Pauline Lally and AnneHudec as well as Regina Lannon,Providence Associate. The Commit-tee now consists of the following persons:

Sister Nancy Wilson – Mentor/Advisor for new members

Sister Anne Hudec – Liaison withthe Sisters

Sister Rita Gleason – Western Representative

Sister Pauline Lally – Provide the educational component for potentialcandidates and on-going educa-tion/formation for all Sisters

Sisters Lucy Kearney and BarbaraThiffault – Vocation awareness andmembers of the Inter-Congrega-tional Vocation and Diocesan Voca-tion Committees

Regina Lannon, Providence Associ-ate – Liaison with the ProvidenceAssociate process

Sister Frances O’Brien – Council Liaison

WPC Vocation/Formation/Leader-ship Conference

Sister Nancy Wilson attended theWomen of Providence V/F/L Con-ference at St. Mary of the Woods,Indiana on the theme of letting goto let come.

Vocation Fair

As a result of the Vocation Fair heldin April 2012, a person interested involunteering is now preparing tojoin our Sisters in Peru as a volun-teer.

Inter-Congregational VocationCommittee

This Committee is excited by the interest expressed in possible future

vocation fairs/events in variousareas of the archdiocese.

Diocesan Vocation Committee

Representatives from the YouthMinistry Office for the Archdioceseof Kingston and from the Algo-nquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board on this com-mittee continue to bring hope andsupport in the promotion of a ‘vo-cation culture’ in our Archdiocese.

The Providence Mission in Peru

Our three Sisters in Peru are pickingup the challenge of promoting voca-tions to religious life in their reality.

Articles of Interest

Recognizing the Time We Inhabit: ACall to Generational Dialogue by Pa-tricia Wittberg, SC

Source: www.crc-canada.org

Change in Age for New VocationsNothing to Fear by Joan Chittister

Source: www.ncronline.org

The Story of a Woman Discerning aCall to Religious Life Today byDiane Brown

Source: www.ncronline.org

Feed Back

Your insights are welcomed. Please respond to vocations@providence.ca

During a trip to Peru in January 2012, Sisters Gayle Desarmia and Frances O’Brienmet with students who are being supportedin their education by the Marillac Missionfund.

20

BY SISTER LUCY BETHELProvidence Spirituality Centre

Seniors Advent Reflection &

Dinner “Tidings of Great Joy”

Thu Nov 29, 9:45 AM – 1 PMRegister by Thu Nov 15 $25

Senior or not – if you’d like to comeyou’re welcome! - Anne Williams

A time to pause and prepare spiritu-ally as we wait in joyful hope and celebrate the wonder of this season.

Advent Guided Retreat

Weekend: A Journey to

BethlehemFri Dec 7, 7 PM-Sun Dec 9, 1 PM Register by Fri Nov 23** $165

Deacon Bill Gervais This retreat is a time of reflectionand prayer and an invitation to entermore deeply into the spirituality ofthe Advent Season so that our spiritsmight encounter more deeply themeaning of God’s coming to us inJesus. This theme will be guided bythe infancy narratives, church tradi-tions and traditional forms of prayersuitable for the season.

Those who prefer a directed retreat are also invited to register. PSC Team

January Preached Retreat :

Discovering a God Rich in

Mercy In a World That Knows

No MercyMon Jan 21, 4PM-Sat Jan 26, 1 PMRegister by Wed Jan 7** $360

Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap.Dan Crosby is a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St.Joseph. Ordained in 1964, whereverhe has ministered, Dan has workedto integrate Scripture as well as theFranciscan vision into his life andpreaching. He is presently director ofSt. Anthony Retreat Centre inMarathon, Wisconsin.

Who Said That? Winter Read-

ing Series “Field of Compassion

– How the New Cosmology is

Transforming Spiritual Life”

by Judy CannatoThu Jan 17, Feb 7 & 21 1:30-3:30 PM Register by Mon Jan 7$30/series (Bring your own book)A few books are available $15

Lucy Bethel, SPJudy Cannato invites us to reflect onour “Christian roots in the gospel” aswe tap into “a story of the HolyOne’s ongoing love affair with hu-manity.” She suggests such reflec-tions evoke in each human being“the need to offer a responsegrounded in compassion.” Her message is challenging, reassuringand hope-filled.

Advent Supper & Evening of

Reflection : The Beauty and

Power of AdventThu Dec 6, 5-9 PM Register by Thu Nov 22 $25

Deacon Bill Gervais This evening reflections will considerthe interesting personalities and fas-cinating places we encounter as thebeauty and power of the Advent season unfolds.

Winter 2013Fall 2012UPCOMING EVENTS

photos by Sr. Lucy Bethel

Saturday, December 1 6:30 pm Evening Prayer*

Sunday, December 2 10 am 1st Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 9 10 am 2nd Sunday of Advent

Tuesday, December 11 6:30 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sunday, December 16 10 am 3rd Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 23 10 am 4th Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 24 7 pm Christmas EveRefreshments

Tuesday, December 25 10 am Nativity of the Lord

Sunday, December 30 10 am Holy Family

Tuesday, January 1 10 am Mary, Mother of God

Sunday, January 6 10 am Epiphany of the LordCelebration of Eucharist, Main Chapel

21

Christmas Liturgy Schedule

*Incense will be used in these celebrations. Chapel doors will be opened one half hour prior to liturgies.

Justice Proclaimed • Peace Restored • Promise Fulfilled • Rejoice!

22

BY SISTER MARGO SHAFER

MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS HIT THE

road this summer in the Muskokaregion to raise money for treatmentof mental health issues.

Close to 50 bikers took part in the5th annual Wheelin’ for Healin’ charity ride that set out from theGravenhurst Legion on Sunday, August 26.

“It’s a great cause, it’s a Muskokacharity, and it’s not funded by gov-ernment or anything, so it needsevery cent it can get,” said BobClement, vice president of theMuskoka Thunder Motorcycle Riders. He guided riders throughGravenhurst, Bracebridge and up toHuntsville.

The Meeting Place Centre forGrowth & Healing hosted theluncheon at the Huntsville Legion.Many hands, including myself, prepared the salads, hot pork andbeef buns, and set up tables to welcome the riders.

We were very blessed to have manybusinesses and sponsors who donated buns, drinks, ice cream,cake and money to pay for all the expenses.

The participant who raised the mostsponsorship won a stained glassreplica of a 1957 Harley-DavidsonSportster by artist Peggy Lapierrevalued at $1,200.

Debbie Knobelsdorf who raised justunder $500 in pledges won thestained glass prize.

The $2,600 in proceeds will helpfund the Creative Living and Learn-ing program at the Huntsville HighSchool, an educational program for

senior high school students who suffer from trauma related mentalhealth issues.

Mental Health Awareness

Sister of Providence Margo Shafer, far right, volunteered at the Wheelin’ for Healin’ eventluncheon held at the Hunstville Legion.

23

BY SISTER BARBARA THIFFAULT

MARGARET MARY KELLY WAS BORN

in Regina on May 20, 1923, the thirdof five children of Rose AnnBeesley and John Kelly. Since her father was an officer with theRCMP, the family lived in many different places in the Westernprovinces. She received her early education in many different schoolsand graduated from St. Mary’s HighSchool in Edmonton in 1941. Shethen began training as a nurse at theEdmonton General Hospital but,because of poor health, she had towithdraw. She attended the McTavish Business School andbegan work at the Wartime Prices inthe Food Rationing Departmentthat had been set up during the Second World War.

She entered the novitiate of theCongregation of the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul inKingston on August 15, 1945. In1947 following her first profession,at which time she received the nameSister Mary Anna, she began train-ing as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital

in Montreal. But due to ill health shewithdrew from the School of Nurs-ing.

She made her Final Profession onAugust 15, 1950 in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Edmonton.In 1952 she went to Moose Jaw andbegan correspondence courses for aMedical Record Librarian and completed them in 1953. Shewas registered as a Canadian College ofHealth Records Administrator in theCanadian Associa-tion and in the Alberta Associationof Record Librari-ans. In 1956 she setup the first recordroom at St. Joseph’sAuxiliary Hospital,Edmonton.

From 1956 - 1976she worked in Medical Records atSt. Joseph’s Hospital, Edmonton, St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose, Providence Hospital, Daysland, and

St. Anthony’s Home, Moose Jaw.From 1976 - 1988 Sister Annaworked in Medical Records, at theswitchboard and as an AdmittingOfficer at St. Joseph’s Hospital inEdmonton. In 1988 she went onsabbatical, ending the year with asix-week Pastoral Care Course inOttawa. She then returned to Camrose to work in Pastoral Care

until 1994, when she went toRosary Hall in Edmonton.

After withdrawing fromactive ministry, SisterAnna moved to Prov-idence Motherhouse,Kingston, Ontarioand remained therefrom August, 2000 to

October, 2002. Duetohealth problems, Sister Anna requested a transferback to ProvidenceCentre, Edmonton.When her health

began to fail, she moved into the infirmary at Providence Centre andremained there until her death on

September 30, 2012.

Her funeral Mass was held on October 12, 2012 at ProvidenceCentre followed by burial in St.Joachim’s Cemetery, Edmonton.

In Memoriam

Sister Anna Kelly

May 20, 1923 — Sept. 30, 2012

24

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

apostolic congregation of vowedwomen religious called to be channels of God’s Providence in theworld through compassionate service in response to the needs ofthe times. Sharing our individual giftedness, we carry out diverse ministries in a spirit of humility, simplicity and charity in collabora-tion with others to bring about thereign of God.

Our heritage is rooted in the creativity and spirituality of Vincentde Paul and Louise de Marillac, in thewillingness of Emilie Gamelin to riskand trust in Providence, in the responsiveness of the Montreal

Mission StatementA regular publication of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

Editor & Director of Communications

Christine Ross

Editorial Assistant

Mike Hammond

Communications Advisory Committee

Sr. Sandra Shannon (liaison)Sr. Barbara ThiffaultChristine RossMike HammondDoreen Hoekstra

Special thanks to Proof Readers

Sr. Anne HudecSr. Mary Joan LaFleurSr. Sandra ShannonDoreen Hoekstra

Providence Pages

Sisters of Providence to the call ofBishop E.J. Horan, as well as in thecourage and pioneer spirit of MotherMary Edward McKinley and the original members of the Kingston community.

Impelled by the compassionate loveof Jesus and Mary, we seek to empower others, especially the poorand oppressed, to achieve a quality oflife in keeping with their human dignity. We strive to be propheticleaders in our church and in societythrough the promotion of structuresand relationships of equality and mutuality and through attitudes andactions for justice and peace.Strengthened by prayer, we arebonded in unity and love throughour corporate mission. Serving withcompassion, trusting in Providence,we walk in hope.

613-544-4525

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Office of Communications

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