The EagleThe Eagle Michaelmas 2010

Dear Friends,

Autumn is upon us and already the days are growing shorter. Early in June we began working on landscaping the Guest House courtyard. The weather co-operated during the installation, interspersing days of glorious sunshine when the plants were put in and the sod laid, with days of rain to help set the plants. God is so good! Groups and individual guests have commented on the beauty of the gardens and how they are enhancing their time spent at the Convent. We’ve been delighted ourselves to watch the trees, shrubs, and plants take root and begin to show their glory in flower and leaf. Soon we will watch the cooler autumn weather begin to colour the leaves and will put the garden to bed for the winter (See p. 14).

During Chapter a Sister commented that we have been in the Convent for five years, so we are settled. Another remarked that the gardens and grounds are a symbol of how we, like the trees, have taken root and are now beginning a new season of growth after a period of relative stability. Now is the time, kairos time, to be looking at where the Spirit has been leading us and continues to draw us further into the life of prayer and mission.

On June 1st, we celebrated Sr. Margaret Mary’s 25th Profession Anniversary. We were keeping the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. The Rt. Rev. Linda Nicholls was our presiding celebrant and preacher. Following the Eucharist, we had a celebratory dinner. In the evening the Sisters paid tribute to Sr. Margaret Mary with a family party.

Five Sisters attended the Anglican Church’s General Synod which met in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in June. We were able to meet with many Anglicans from across Canada and take part in the discussions to help move the mission of the whole church forward. The Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island was celebrating their 300th Anniversary as a Diocese. We were so grateful to be there as part of the celebrations, r e m e m b e r i n g the hospital we ran, for a time, in Springhill, NS. Following General Synod, Sr. Sue visited Associates in Nova Scotia and in Newfoundland. (see p. 11)

Summer brought nine women together to attend the Women at a Crossroads program. Many Sisters were involved in the program this year as mentors and teachers. We taught classes on prayer; facilitated discussions on discernment;

(Middle right) The Rev. Don Anderson sharing our handouts with a visitor at the CAROA booth at General Synod in Halifax. (Bottom right) Women at a Crossroads, 2010: Sian Phillibert, Debra Johnston, Joyce Lambert, Lorraine Street, Sonya Dykstra, Jen McColl, Laurie Omstead, Jane Christmas and Kathy Walford holding candles which they had decorated.

1

and were mentors to the women while they lived, worked and prayed alongside us. The women this year helped us clear out our furniture storage room and host a garage sale. It was a great help to us in disposing of unused furniture and opening up space in the storage room. An annual spring-clean or fall clean-up is also a good exercise for the soul. We enjoyed the presence of these women among us through most of July. They in turn went home with new resources on discernment to help them throughout their lives. We hope that they will share what they have learned with others.

Towards the end of August the Sisters gathered for our Annual General Chapter. We try to pace ourselves at these meetings, alternating business sessions with time to grow together as Community; balancing work and rest, prayer and leisure. Our theme this year was from the Gospel according to St. John, “See how they love one another.” As women who have heeded the call from God to live lives of voluntary poverty, chastity and obedience, we endeavour always to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that our lives may bear witness to the love of God in our service to others. In my opening address to Chapter, I talked about how I think of the Sisterhood as being Advent people, especially when we are all in our blue habits. We are a Community of women full of hope and expectancy, committed to growth in union with God through the life of prayer and the undivided service of Jesus Christ.

At Chapter we heard and discussed the reports of the many departments, committees, and work of the Sisterhood. The Sisterhood has chosen this year to focus on vocation and vocations and to ensure that every decision we make reflects the Sisterhood’s vision and values. We made a change in our Statutes so that we can be inclusive to those women who have a call to the Religious Life from churches with which we are in full communion and decided to move forward with exploring alternative ways that women may live alongside our Community. We hope that being an “Alongsider” might allow a woman to deepen her life of prayer in a monastic community while continuing her life at work or school. We also talked about how our Oblates enrich our life by their lives of prayer and service.

We completed the Natural Church Development Survey just before Chapter and had a mini-workshop on the NCD’s approach to Passionate Spirituality. We hope that an understanding of both our own and others’ styles of spirituality will help us grow in union with God and enable us to help parishes grow in passionate spirituality. Malcolm Moffat, the CEO of St. John’s Rehab Hospital, did a presentation for the Sisters on the new strategic plan for the hospital and the new building. We appreciated this

opportunity to strengthen our partnership with SJRH. We left Chapter grateful to God for all the work that we have been able to do for the sake of God’s reign on earth.

A number of our Oblates joined the Sisters for their Long Retreat at the beginning of September, conducted by Fr. David Bryan Hoopes, OHC. His retreat addresses were on the Rule of St. Benedict and the SSJD Rule. Most of our Oblates were able to take part in the Oblate Triennial Gathering which followed the Long Retreat. We value our relationship with these women.

There are many changes in the Sisterhood this fall. The Sisters identified some issues that are critical for the viability and well-being of the Sisterhood. We need a broader base of leadership in the Sisterhood and more opportunities for Sisters to gain leadership skills. In this regard:

Sr. Brenda has moved to Victoria, BC

to become Head of House;

Sr. Doreen has returned to the Convent to

work alongside Sr. Elizabeth and me in administration;

Sr. Louise has also returned to the convent to work at SJRH in

spiritual care;

Sr. Sarah Jean has joined Sr. Brenda in Victoria as the Director of Associates;

Sr. Amy has taken on the position of spiritual care Coordinator at SJRH;

2

and Sr. Jessica now has general oversight of the Infirmary and of the Chapel at the Convent.

This has meant lots of changes, but good opportunities to broaden our base of leadership and raise up future leaders of the community, a sign of the good health and vitality of the Sisterhood. Pray for these Sisters as they move into their new roles and responsibilities.

There have also been a number of changes in staffing over the summer months. The Rev. Daniel Brereton left the Guest House at the end of June to return to studies at the University of Toronto. We hired Frisca Ozoria as the new Guest House Administrator. Those of you who call the Guest House will now hear her cheery voice answering your questions. We hired an interim Director of Development, Murray McCarthy, who is helping us keep the Sisterhood on track with our fund-raising goals. At the end of September Mary Balicka retired as the Development Office Assistant, and Lorraine Bell took on her role in the Development Office. Catherine Thomas, who has worked in the Infirmary for many years, has retired. We expect to announce her replacement shortly. We wish Daniel, Mary and Catherine all the best in the years ahead.

This spring Sr. Doreen found a prayer written by Sister Winnifred for use on St. John’s Day, Dec 27, 1928, which she has updated to include Oblates:

I pray that God will grant to every member of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine,

and to all who are associated with it, our Associates and Oblates,

such a strong spirit of family-love, that the Community

and all the centres of Associate and Oblate life may be glowing circles of radiant love —

love which binds all in one, first in worship, then in active service.

I would encourage our Associates, Oblates and friends to use this prayer during your personal prayer time.

Fall is often a time for new beginnings. As the Sisterhood is committed to continual growth in union with God through our life of prayer and service, we pray that you too will be renewed in your life in Christ.

Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD

A Meditation on Visiting Associates

Unfamiliar faces smiling friendly welcome;

Clouded skies magnificent in glory;

Rain and intermittent sun with strolling conversations;

The Citadel and Signal Hill, Gros Morne, Trout River;

The land, the skies, the cool fresh air, and more than all, the people;

Listening with firm intent; speaking from the heart;

Revealing wounds and courage, love, despair, surrender, faith and trust;

Souls opened to a stranger’s glance, a Sister’s quiet ear;

In Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, I found a world of Christian hope.

Thanks be to God for this, and to our fine Associates

Who made a stranger welcome.

Sr. Sue, SSJD

3

The main focus of the Sisters’ ministry in BC is to be a praying presence in the Diocese of British Columbia out of which flows our many activities.

Srs. Jocelyn, Louise and I together with Doreen Davidson, our Oblate in residence, have had a busy year of retreats, workshops and quiet days both at the House and in various parishes and retreat centres. We have begun to have more of our quiet days and retreats here at home, and this has been good for everyone. It blesses us with times of quiet with friends and Associates and creates a thin place and holy ground here in this House. It has been wonderful to have several friends, Associates and Oblates join us in the presentation of some of our programs. As a household we have worked together in leading some of our workshops and quiet days, something we have thoroughly enjoyed.

Our guest rooms, chapel, and gardens are well used. Hospitality has always been an important part of our ministry here, with people coming for retreats and quiet time. This year there has been an added element: we became the western division of St. John’s Rehab Hospital as one of

our Oblates, Julie Poskitt, stayed with us for several weeks while recovering from an accident!

We have several volunteers doing various jobs around the House or garden, and are grateful for their help.

This year Synod voted to close (disestablish) parishes throughout the Diocese, especially in the Victoria area. At the time of writing this, we will have been to five church closures to date: St. Alban’s, St. Saviour’s, Brentwood Chapel, All Saints View Royal, and St. Andrew’s, Cowichan Station. These are difficult times—people are working hard to see through the sadness towards the hope for the future. The parishes that saw ‘separation’—St. Mary’s Metchosan, St. Mary’s Nanoose Bay, St. Matthias—are all slowly recovering and growing. We continue visiting these parishes more frequently than our usual schedule.

Sr. Jocelyn returned to the Convent just before Christmas for a couple of months to help her brother Keith. She also joined the healing ministry group at the Cathedral and

attended an Order of St. Luke’s Conference in Kelowna in June. Sisters Jocelyn and Louise went to the Convent for the election of a Reverend Mother and for our pre-Chapter Community Day and Corporation meetings in April. Unfortunately I was unable to travel at that time due to illness.

Our volunteer outreach has been active throughout the year: Sr. Jocelyn went to St Peter’s Abbeyfield and was a steward at the Cathedral; Sr. Louise served at the Rainbow Kitchen and attended the First Nations Elders lunches; Doreen Davidson worked at Our Place and made cookies for the CARTS ministry, as well as doing volunteer work at the Synod office. Sr. Doreen has been active with her spiritual direction ministry.

On November 8, 2009 our chapel celebrated the first anniversary of its consecration for which we had a full House! The altar now has frontals for every colour of the church season thanks to my sister Bev who made the green, white, and red ones.

Our gardens around the House are a delight this year. At the time of writing, we have already harvested a s p a r a g u s , rhubarb, zucchini,

hot peppers and tomatoes— and there’s more to come. Since mid-June we’ve been eating our meals (which we often share with the wasps) out on the driveway whenever possible. We had our first Quiet Garden Day in June and plan to have several more in the coming year. It was a peaceful, warm and sunny day much enjoyed by all those who attended.

The coming year is bringing changes for the household here. Sr. Louise and I are returning to the Convent

in Toronto. Sr. Brenda will be the new Head of House and Sr. Sarah Jean will be in charge of the Western Associates. I know they will both be warmly welcomed by the Diocese.

Sr. Doreen, SSJD

St. John’s House, BC

4

The past year has been one of exciting changes for St. John’s Rehab Hospital (SJRH) from repairing the sidewalk on Cummer Avenue and a new traffic light at the end of the driveway into the Hospital to the most exciting event: receiving the green light to start building The Horsfall-Eaton Centre for Ambulatory Care. We had the Hard Hat Ceremony on June 7th with David Zimmer, MPP, Sally and John Horsfall-Eaton, Sisters, Foundation members, staff and donors all present to celebrate.

These external changes have been matched by changes in the spiritual care provided by the Sisters. The Community decided not to have a Sister as the Director of Mission, but instead to have four Sisters whose work and ministry would be dedicated to SJRH, rather than six Sisters working partly at the Hospital and partly at the Convent.

During the past year Srs. Anne, Anitra, Sue, Sarah Jean, and Wilma worked part-time at SJRH. The following Sisters became full-time—one for each floor in the Agnew Wing with additional responsibilities:

Sr. Dorothy on A1 (cardiac, amputee, and transplant patients), sacristan for the chapel at SJRH and a member of the Ethics Committee;Sr. Brenda on A2 (trauma and burn patients), the Coordinator for Spiritual Care, and a member of Professional Advisory, Patient Programs and Operations Committees; Sr. Beryl on A3 (stroke, neurological including diseases and oncology patients), coordinator of the Bigwood Library for patients and a member of the Health Equity Advisory Committee (which included the Senior Friendly Committee, the French Language Committee and the Disability Committee); Sr. Jessica on A4 (complex muscular-skeletal and long-term patients), in charge of the Angel Cupboard (which provides free clothing for patients), and a member of the Quality of Work Life Committee. A4 is also the home for patients who

meet the criteria for the STAR Programme (Short Term Activation Rehab) which seeks to meet the needs of those who have become deconditioned due to injury or illness and a long hospital stay.

Another of my responsibilities during the past year was to sit on the Central LHIN Chaplaincy Collaborative which focuses on all hospital chaplains working together to provide training for pastoral care visitors and to support each other. The spiritual care aspect, in hospitals and nursing homes, struggles to stay alive as money gets tighter and culture changes. Religious care causes a twitter amongst managers; it has been argued that it is the person’s faith leader who should be providing the care. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the rights of a person to receive spiritual care, and the need for trained spiritual care providers

The archives have been another of my responsibilities. I now have the help of two students recently graduated in library science and archives who are going to organize and scan all the photographs so they will be accessible on the computer. Newspaper clippings from the early years are beginning to disintegrate and will also be scanned and preserved to prevent further deterioration.

We are so grateful for our volunteers who porter patients to the Sunday and Wednesday chapel services, work in the library or do other jobs as requested. At the moment we are collecting milk bags which are cut up and crocheted into sleeping mats for children. They are wrapped around medical supplies and then distributed to families. Josephine, one of the volunteers, boxes over a hundred bags a week.

It has been a joy to have Srs. Anitra and Sarah Jean covering the floors when more than one Sister has been away. I have also appreciated having Sisters join the worship service on Sundays. This creates a feeling of solidarity while providing extra choir voices and help in returning patients to their rooms.

This past year money from the Hospital enabled us to receive some additional education. Srs. Beryl, Jessica and I attended a course on the Muslim Patient in the Health Care System. We all found it beneficial for providing care but the greatest blessing was dialoguing with our Muslim classmates on the topics being discussed. Christians were in a minority and those who were Islamic came from various practices of Islam.

While I look forward to taking up new responsibilities at BC House in Victoria, it is difficult to leave SJRH after eight years there.

Sr. Brenda, SSJD

An Exciting Year at St. John’s Rehab Hospital

Cutting the cake are Sally and John Horsfall-Eaton, David Zimmer, Joyce Bailey, and Sr. Brenda with Bill Arvanitis and Art Eglinton behind.

5

The Guest House

A Home for the Heart “Let all guests be received as Christ.” (Rule of Benedict)

More and more people are finding the Convent Guest House “A Home for the Heart”. During the past year we have seen an increase in individuals coming for times of retreat, and in groups coming for quiet, prayer, and reflection. This is an encouraging response to our intentional shift to use the Guest House more for retreats and less for meetings. We warmly welcome meeting groups, especially those who appreciate being in the context of a praying community. There seems to be a greater interest, however, in quiet times of spiritual renewal and formation—both through the retreats and programs we offer and through individual spiritual direction.

Two exciting developments this past year have helped us to achieve that goal. First, the landscaping of the Guest House Courtyard this summer has met with tremendous enthusiasm from guests, and is a major enhancement of our capacity to provide quiet, peaceful places for prayer and reflection and just “being.” (See p. 14) Our generous donors made it possible for us to transform a barren courtyard into a garden of beauty and peace, with places to sit and enjoy the perennial plants, listen to the soft water falling in the pond, and enjoy the beautiful play of sun and cloud that has been such a fascinating part of our summer weather. Second, we have renovated our Retreat Chapel to be a more inviting place of prayer for individuals, as well as a place for smaller groups having a retreat. First came the conversion of the old wood-burning fireplace to gas:

Then the historic stained glass window—the focal point of the new chapel was installed. It was a gift to the Sisterhood by St. John’s Anglican Church in The Carrying Place, Ontario. The window was originally dedicated to the memory of John Grier and Rose Margaret Grier, father and niece to Hannah Grier Coome, foundress of the Sisterhood. It was created by Yvonne Williams, the same artist who designed the windows in the chapel at St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital, and depicts the risen Christ in

the centre panel, St. John the Divine on the left, and St. Margaret of Scotland on the right.

The “new” Retreat Chapel will soon have new, comfortable furniture, generously donated by De Boer’s Furniture Ltd. We are deeply grateful to John De Boer and John Barr, who helped with the decorating. We are now looking for other donors to contribute to the overall cost of the renovations. If you can help, please phone Sr. Constance Joanna in the Guest House (ext. 305) or Murray McCarthy in the Development Office (ext. 340).

The Sisters have stepped out in faith to do these renovations, because we felt so strongly that they were important for our retreat ministry. We have temporarily borrowed from our Endowment Fund to

pay for the renovations, but we are confident that donors will come forward.

Soul Food O taste and see how gracious the Lord is! (Ps. 34.8)

Our guests come for many reasons: to be rejuvenated from the stressful lives they lead, to sleep, to pray, to read, to learn and to be inspired. During this past year our “Food for the Soul” program included John Bell of the Iona Community who led retreatants in an inspiring series of reflections on who Jesus is for us today—as well as sharing his creative joy of music.

Last season came to a close and a climax with the visit of Phyllis Tickle, the author of many books on the spiritual life, the Divine Office, and the “emergent church”. She led a weekend retreat and gave several talks and lectures,

6

helping us get a better understanding of where “fresh expressions” of church fit into the much broader, world-wide phenomenon called the “Great Emergence”.

In the new edition of Food for the Soul, distributed with the May

Eagle, you will find an array of wonderful opportunities to feed your soul. Kathleen Norris, the author of The Cloister Walk, Amazing Grace, and Acedia, will be with us for several events in May. John Bell will be back in June with a program for all who love to sing. Our Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, will lead an Advent Quiet Day on “The tender compassion of our God,” and many other Sisters and friends, lay and clergy, will offer retreats and quiet days to help you know the deep joy of tasting and seeing how gracious the Lord is.

More Changes “From morning to evening conditions change; all things move swiftly before the Lord.” (Sirach 18.26)

Change is our way of life, and finding stability and peace within that change is something every guest is seeking. We who serve in the Guest House have our challenges with change too.

In June, we installed a computerized booking system for the Guest House. This has been a huge learning curve for all of us, but the more we learn, the more helpful the system is for us. It will never allow us to double-book—that’s assuming we put the information into the computer properly! It has also meant an overhaul of all the processes we use in the office and even of the physical appearance of the office. The next time you come to the Guest House you will be greeted by a very classy half-door counter, and you’ll be given a registration form. This is to help us keep our data base up-to-date and make sure that we have your name and contact information for future bookings. We also hope to develop an e-mail list by which we can advertise the various events in the Guest House.

Another delightful change in the Guest House—or rather an addition to it—is the garden-like atmosphere as you come through the Link. Thanks to Oblate Carolyn Madeley, we have many beautiful new plants, both green and flowering, which bring the outside in and will be especially appreciated

in the winter when the new courtyard is buried under several feet of snow!

Hospitality to Angels “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13.2)

It takes many dedicated and generous people to open their hearts to all these angels, and we are blessed with many:

Two employees are dedicated to the Guest House: a housekeeper, Ellen Stangolis, has been with us for many years and keeps the Guest House clean and attractive. She is a quiet, welcoming and helpful presence, loved by our guests and deeply appreciated by the Sisters and others with whom she works.

We also have a full-time office administrator. For two and a half years, Daniel Brereton held this position, until he left at the end of June to return to graduate school. We are grateful for his time with us, and because he was the first employee to hold this position, he helped to shape it and make us all wonder “how did we (Sisters) do it” without him?! We wish him well as he continues his academic work and his ministry in the church. On September 21 we welcomed Francisca (Frisca) Ozorio, who is the new friendly voice you are likely to hear when you phone the Guest House.

There are many other staff who assist with our ministry of hospitality: kitchen, maintenance and grounds, laundry, and other housekeeping staff who assist as needed. And where would we be without our volunteers? Because we had a three-month gap between Daniel’s leaving and our new Administrator arriving, the Sisters had extra work to do, but we have been helped immensely by Lynne Samways-Hiltz, who volunteered her time twice a week. She has helped us learn the new computer program and kept us cheerful when we were stressed.

We are also deeply grateful to Elaine Cassell, who has relieved the Sisters on Mondays for many years, so that we can have a Grace Day. Like Lynne she is a warm and welcoming presence to our guests. We are so grateful for those many others who volunteer on the Reception Desk as well as in the Guest House office. Too many to name individually here, they donate to us the assistance and expertise of two full-time-equivalent positions.

Sr. Anne, soon-to-be-Sister Rhonda and I work with this team of employees and volunteers, together with all the other Sisters—those who pray for our guests, who sit with them in the Refectory, who process their cheques, who greet them when they arrive, and who offer hospitable smiles and a welcoming presence. Together we are a team of more than 50 people who open our home and our hearts to you, our guests!

Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD

7

John 15:12 - “Love One Another

1st Row: Sr. Sarah Jean; Srs. Louise & Dorothy in their new t-shirts;

2nd Row: Sr. Margaret Ruth & Sian Phillibert (D).

Srs. Doreen & Merle;3rd Row: Sr. Constance Joanna &

Sonya Dykstra (D), Joyce Lambert (D) & Rhonda Cross (Postulant);

4th Row: Srs. Anitra & Patricia playing a game with Laurie Omstead (D - centre), Srs. Jean & Patricia.

(D = Woman on our summer discernment

program, Women at a Crossroads)

8

As I Have Loved You!”

1st Row: Sr. Thelma-Anne and Jane Christmas (D), Sr. Anne teaching the violin;2nd Row: Srs. Dorothy, Sarah Jean, Brenda & Amy playing an exciting game of Phase 10, Sr. Elizabeth looking after the cash at the Garage Sale;3rd Row: Abp Colin Johnson re-installing Sr. Elizabeth Ann as the Rev. Mother (Sr. Elizabeth on the R), Srs. Jean, Beryl and Wilma at the Hard Hat Ceremony at SJRH;4th Row: Fr. Freeland & Sr. Margaret Mary at her 25th Profession Anniversary; Sr. Anitra & Debra Johnston (D).

9

Western: The Western Associates have been very active during the past year in their various Friendship Zones. The Island Associates are now in three sections—the Lower Island (Victoria), the Nanaimo area, and the Campbell River area. We have had meetings in all three places, admitting Associates in both Victoria and Campbell River and are looking forward to admitting another Associate in Port McNeill at the north end of the Island in December. The Victoria area Associates have had many opportunities to join us for events at the House: the anniversary of the consecration of the chapel, St John’s in Christmastide and in Eastertide, and the Feast day of Mother Hannah which are specially marked with get-togethers. I met with the Nanaimo Associates at St Paul’s Church over lunch followed by an afternoon meeting. There are five people in discernment on Vancouver Island.

The Vancouver Associates have two meetings a year—one in the fall and one in the spring with quiet days in between. I have been to one of their meetings this year. There are three women in discernment in Vancouver. The Interior Associates (a very spread-out group) have quiet days and try to keep in touch in other ways as well. This year some of them attended the quiet day that Nancy Scott, one of our Oblates, led for me in May. The Edmonton and Calgary Associates were blessed to have Sr. Beryl visit them. The Edmonton Associates keep in touch with each other and also have quiet days together.

Since September 2009 we have been building on Sr. Jessica’s information and visits with the Western Associates. Under Associate Milestones you will notice a number of withdrawals, some of whom are Associates we have been unable to get in touch with. If you know anything about someone on that list, please email or write St John’s House, BC.

In September Sr. Sarah Jean will be the new Director of Western Associates as I am returning to the Convent. She worked with the Western Associates while living at St John’s Priory in Edmonton, so some of you may already know her.

It has been hard for me to leave this House and Diocese and I will miss being among you as the Associate Director. On the other hand, I love my Community and the Convent in Toronto is our home. Thank you for all that you have shared with me, for all your support of us here at St. John’s House and our Community, and most of all, thank you for being who you are and for your life and ministry.

Sr. Doreen, SSJD

Prairie and Overseas Associates: Greetings to all the Associates and those in discernment. In the latter half of October I hope to visit those in Saskatchewan. On November 6th Sister Elizabeth Ann will meet with the Associates in Winnipeg when we hope to admit Joanne Johnson, Ross Steer, Sheila Gunderson and Shirley Godfrey. God bless you with happiness, joy and peace this fall.

Sr. Patricia, SSJD

Central: I continue to be amazed by the number of Anglicans who know nothing about SSJD or the existence of Anglican religious orders! We have an excellent website, shared a booth with other religious orders at General Synod, and have Associates in practically every province. Despite this, many still don’t know about us. I encourage all Associates to wear their crosses and to talk about the Sisterhood whenever they get the opportunity. You are our ambassadors in the parishes, so don’t be shy about letting others know about us and how the relationship with the Sisterhood has helped you in your spiritual journey.

Robert Wicks in his book, Crossing the Desert, reminds us that “there is no ‘spiritual graduation’ for a Christian. Accomplishment is not the goal of the spiritual life; faithfulness is.” We will never know how many lives we have touched, but we are not in a competition to try to accumulate points or perform mighty deeds. We are asked only to remember our baptismal covenant and to try and live our lives accordingly. The Associate Rule of Life is the way you have chosen to fulfil this obligation.

Sr. Amy worked with me for a few months this year. She brought order to the office and now my filing and other administrative tasks are up-to-date, thanks to her assistance.

If you are an Associate with email who would like to receive our regular email Newsnotes, please contact me at hc@ssjd.ca. Also, if you have changed your email address, advise us of the new one so you can continue to receive the Newsnotes.

It is a privilege to share in the lives of our Associates, their joys as well as their sorrows. We give thanks for our Associates, especially those who are no longer able to attend events due to distance or poor health but who support us by their prayer. In this partnership, Sisters also pray for each Associate by name on a monthly basis as well as on their Associate anniversary. May each one of you continue to know God’s love and care.

Sr. Helen Claire, SSJD

Our Associates from Coast to Coast and Overseas

10

I was fortunate to be able to meet either individually or in groups almost all of our Associates in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The Rev. Davena Davis of Halifax, a long-time Associate and friend of SSJD, looked after me throughout my stay (and Pat Leader took me on walks and hosted me at her cottage).

One of my first meetings was with a small group of friends and Associates at Katie Tate’s to share what was happening in SSJD. Other events included preaching at St. Philip’s, Halifax, an evening with Associates at Davena Davis’ home, and an Open House on the Religious Life at St. Alban’s in Dartmouth, organized and hosted by the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith, an Oblate of SSJD. My last day in Nova Scotia, I met with Associates in Wolfville (see below).

On June 17th I flew to St. John’s, NF, where I stayed with our Associate Stella Evans and her husband. I led a Quiet Afternoon on “Growing in God’s Garden” at St. Mark’s and preached there the next day. I was fortunate to be able to meet either individually or in groups almost all of our Associates in Eastern Newfoundland, including Hilda Slade, (see right) and enjoyed several delightful evenings and meals with our Associates.

Finally, I flew to Deer Lake, NL, where I was met by our Associate, the Rev. Karen Laldin, and her husband, the Rev. Edmund Laldin (an Associate of OHC). While there, I participated in a Mentors’ Training Session for EfM, as a guest of the Diocese of Western Newfoundland, gave several talks to various groups and preached at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Corner Brook. The clergy morning ended with an “Agape Meal” with Bishop Percy Coffin presiding. We passed the bread and wine around the table, each person communicating the next. It was a lovely occasion. During my time in Western Newfoundland, I was hosted by the Laldins and our Associate Mary Ann Graham.

The visits, the friendship, the climate, the dinners, made the time marvelous, and I give thanks to God for our faithful and welcoming Associates and friends in Atlantic Canada.

Sr. Sue, SSJD

June in Atlantic Canada

Rosemary Boutilier, Sr. Sue, Judy Beaver, Rev. Davena Davis and Rev. Katie Tate in Harrigan Cove, NS

Lynn Uzans, Michelle Bull, Russell Elliott, Sr. Sue and Lorraine Street.

Sr. Sue addressing a Quiet Day in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland.

11

Admissions since September 2009: Newfoundland: Rev. Karen Laldin of Pasadena. Quebec: Rev. Dorothy Mackenzie of St. Lambert.Ontario: Julie Peter and Janet Kaminsky of Ajax; David and Patricia Dunnill and Ellen Dean of Toronto; Karen Benson of Thunder Bay; Evan Agnew of London; Candy Shelley of Oshawa; George Sanders of Orillia; Phoebe Williams of Richmond Hill. British Columbia: Pauline Lukey, Patricia Gerrand, Barbara Forsyth and David Sinclair of Victoria; Margaret Shea of Campbell River. U.S.A.: Judy Eltringham of Grosse Pointe, MI.

Special Anniversaries: 25 years: Rev. Brenda McKnight, Carol Brown, Rev. Odette Perron, Johnnie Brandford, Cora Richards, Rev. Noel Paterson, Anne Pugh, Linda Weatherston, Keith and Violet Grazier, Alice Bowie, Mary Coleman, Ven. Andrew Irving, Anne Buckland, Elizabeth Hilton, Annie Smith, Evelyn Moore, 30 years: Vicki Milnes, Rev. Ann Griffin, Rev. James Decker, Rev. Lynne Calhoun, Barbara White, Barbara Dowie, Rev. Terry Dunn. 35 years: Donna Bowdridge, Joan Harrison-Edge, Eileen Taylor, Ven. Allen Box, Edward Berryhill, Fran Noonan, Betty Mitchell. 40 years: Elizabeth Loweth, Eleanor Miller, Rev. John Whittall, Lois-Ann Evans, Vera Gowans, Very Rev. Fabian Hugh, Rev. Tom McKnight, Diane Frayne. 45 years: Rev. Peter Meggs, Rosanne Kratts, Jean Allen, Mae Britton, Jean O’Flynn, Linda Olmsted, Jeannie Vant, Rev. William Duff. 50 years: Canon Fred Roberts, Canon Fred Cross, Abp. Michael Peers, Rev. Ian Bockus, Rev. Bruce Gifford, Lois Powell. 55 years: Nancy Bettesworth, Edith Hutchinson, Rev. Duncan Abraham, Joyce Bouchard (RIP June 26, 2010) 61 years: Dorothy Johns. 62 years: Muriel Newton-White, Margaret Wackett. 63 years: Ada Potter. 64 years: Joan Trowles, Dorothea Howell. 65 years: Muriel Browne, Rev. C. Russell Elliott, Muriel Longstaff.

66 years: Ven. William Wright. 67 years: Rt. Rev. David Somerville. 69 years: Pamela Christie.

Deaths reported since August 1, 2009 (Admission Dates in brackets) 2009 Jun 20 Rev. Gregg Armstrong, Edmonton, AB (Nov 4/63) Aug 28 Jean Cook, Saskatoon, SK (June 24/63) Sep 22 Kathleen Donaldson, Toronto, ON (Oct 3/81) Sep 22 Lillian Fowle, Toronto, ON (Jun 5/92) Oct Annette Simmons, Arcade, NY (Mar 25/73) Nov 5 Rev. Robert Coote, Mahone Bay, NS (Jun 6/88) Nov 20 Rev. Robert Conway, Toronto, ON (Aug 26/82) Nov 26 Rev. Jeno Kohner, Montreal, QC (June 5/61) Dec 18 Adelaide Ash, Sask, SK (Nov 3/66) Dec 25 Truda Jones, Jordan Station, ON (Apr 25/51)

2010 Jan 12 Jean DeLorme, Onoway, AB (Dec 11/99) Jan 11 Katherine Fox, Moonbeam, ON (May 2/98) Jan 13 Sheila Middleton, Pitt Meadows, BC (Apr 25/91) Jan 18 Dan Noonan, Sidney, BC (May 9/87) Feb 1 Ven. Keith McKean, Toronto, ON (Nov 27/72) Feb 3 Helen Horne, Trenton, ON (Jan 3/51) Feb 7 Nancy Baptie, Indian River, ON (Sept. 7/02) Mar 17 Alice Kent, Regina, SK (Sep 9/86) May 2 Linda Beadle, London, ON (Feb 23/78) May 8 Rev. Michael Dunnill, Thunder Bay, ON (Mar 3/07) May 9 Alison Royle, Hudson Heights, QC (Oct 18/70) Jun 24 Mercia Church, North Hatley, QC (Dec 11/99) Jun 26 Joyce Bouchard, Victoria, BC (Jun 26/55) July 28 Mary Cole, Waterloo, ON (Jun 15/87)

Withdrawals (through request or no contact): Rev. Max Woolaver (Feb 24/96); Jennifer Campion (May 29/99); Murray Cowan (Dec 4/82); Margaret Derrick (Nov 15/69); Darryle Eaton (Apr 24/67); Carolyn Foard-McPhail (Dec. 28/94); Elizabeth Anne Hoag (Jan 27/98); Catherine Dunklee-Donnell (Apr 29/88); Helen Hunter (Mar 30/75); Janice Hulbert (Mar 25/88); Shirley Juech (Nov 1/91); Lynnette Kent (Nov 29/75); Sheila Anne Mansfield (Aug 10/95); Carell Mayes (Apr 6/95); Joanne McKay (Nov 2/95); Margot McMechan (Nov 27/98); Rev. Victor Morse (Nov 16/75); Cheryl Nattress (Mar 23/98); Caitlin Odlozinski (May 7/94); Martha Root (Jun 11/06); Rev. Edward Schmitt (Oct 28/86); Sheila Waller (Nov 14/76)

Associate Milestones 2009 - 2010

12

It is a joy and privilege to serve as Director of Oblates for the Sisterhood. In the 20 months since I inherited that role, I have gotten to know the Oblates better, and I have been deeply moved by the depth of their commitment to give their whole selves to God in partnership with the Sisterhood, and to live the monastic life “in the world.” Our Oblate program is an important extension of our monastic life and will help to strengthen us as a Community in many ways in the years ahead. The Oblates are a power-house of prayer, they are deeply committed to the monastic vision, and they are of tremendous practical help to the Sisters.

During the past year, we admitted two new women to the discernment process—Chris Hooker of Detroit and Lynne Van der Hiel of Parry Sound. On September 14, on Holy Cross Day, two Oblates—Bunny Stewart and Sandy Austin —made their life promises.

Altogether we have 21 Oblates and discerners, of whom ten joined us for the Sisters’ annual long retreat during the first week of September, led by Brother David Bryan Hoopes of the Order of the Holy Corss. He talked on the Rule of St. Benedict and its relationship both to the Sisterhood’s Rule of Life and Oblates’ rules, and that turned out to be an inspiring background for our discussions at the first Oblate Triennial Conference which followed the retreat. Although a few of our Oblates were not in good enough health to come, fifteen were here for a time of getting to know each other better, deepening their understanding of the Sisterhood’s Benedictine heritage, sharing understandings of what the Oblate vocation is, learning of resources available to support ongoing formation in that vocation, and visioning with each other for the future of the Oblate program.

Many people ask me (and the Oblates) “What is an Oblate?” Like Associates, Oblates are affiliates of the Sisterhood, live

by a Rule of Life, and share in a partnership of prayer. It was the Associates themselves who recommended, at the Associate Assembly of 1995, that the Sisterhood should also have Oblates, in the Benedictine tradition from which our Sisterhood draws its inspiration and values.

Oblates make a total “oblation” or offering of themselves and their entire lives to God in partnership with the Sisterhood. They are women called to live the monastic life “in the world”.

Sr. Thelma-Anne described the meaning of Oblates to the Sisters in the following words (at the admission of our first Oblate, Caroline Hamilton, on May 15, 2000):

We thank God for the women who are being called to be Oblates, and we continue to pray for a strong bond of companionship and prayer among Sisters, Associates, and Oblates.

Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD

OBLATES

“Oblate means one offered to God—a life lived not only in partnership, but in a real sense on behalf of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. The life and ministry of the Sisterhood and of each member of it will be central in the Oblate’s concern, her love, her prayer.

For us who are Sisters of St. John the Divine, such a life-oblation is a precious gift from God:

a trust to be honoured a sacrament to be received,

a privilege and a responsibility, a call to be supported and nourished

in love, spiritual companionship and prayer.”

Back Row (L to R): Carolyn Madeley, Nancy Scott, Chris Hooker, Lynne van der Hiel, Sr. Constance Joanna, Sue House, Frances Drolet-Smith, Nora Bottomley, Doreen Davidson, Janice Barnes.

Front Row (L or R): Shirley Wigmore,

Susan Keddie, Bunny Stewart,

Sandy Austin, Jean Gandon,

Virginia Finlay, Phyllis Beauchamp.

13

If you have not been to the Convent for a while, you may remember the Guest House courtyard looked like this: hard clay pan — very difficult to walk on without twisting an ankle— with a water feature in the SW corner to which many of our guests were drawn.

In 2009 we hired a landscape architect, Skai Leja to draw up plans for the landscaping of the whole property. We then decided to begin with the Guest House courtyard and front entrance, symbolic of our desire to be an oasis of prayer and hospitality for our guests in the midst of the city.

In the Christmas Eagle, 2009, we shared our hopes and dreams for the landscaping of the Guest House Courtyard and were excited to receive a response from potential donors who were delighted to be able to sponsor the whole project.

The landscapers moved in on June 7th and within days our barren land was transformed into a place of beauty - truly an oasis for prayer and meditation.

Sr. Elizabeth, SSJD

The Guest House Courtyard - from Barren to Beautiful

First came the enlarging of the pond . . .

and the addition of a

stream and

small waterfall.

Then came the tractors to dig out large beds around the perimeter of the area leaving room for a circular path with lawn, trees and ground-cover in the centre.

What makes a garden a delight? The gentle sound of water; trees to provide shade; a variety of colourful shrubs, perennials, and annuals, with an eye to a colour palette and year-round interest.

Although it will take a few years to grow into all its fullness, the foundation of a beautiful garden has been laid.

14

At St. John’s Convent Sr. Elizabeth Ann (Reverend Mother) Sr. Elizabeth (Novitiate Director) Sr. Doreen (Administrative Assistant) Sr. Constance Sr. Joyce Sr. Helena Sr. Wilma Sr. Thelma-Anne

Sr. Jean Sr. Beryl Sr. Merle Sr. Patricia Sr. Madeleine Mary Sr. Margaret Ruth Sr. Anitra Sr. Margaret Mary Sr. Jessica Sr. Constance Joanna Sr. Anne Sr. Helen Claire

Sr. Sue Sr. Louise Sr. Dorothy Sr. Amy Rhonda Cross (Postulant)

St. John’s House, B.C. Sr. Brenda Sr. Jocelyn Sr. Sarah Jean Doreen Davidson (Oblate)

The Sisters of St. John the Divine

Back Row: Sisters Sue, Wilma, Anitra, Sarah Jean, Elizabeth, Jocelyn, Elizabeth Ann, Amy, Dorothy, Constance Joanna, Jessica, Doreen, Brenda, and Jean.

Middle Row: Sisters Margaret Mary, Beryl, Joyce, Constance, Helena, Merle, and Patricia

Front Row: Sisters Margaret Ruth, Louise, Rhonda Cross, Sisters Helen Claire and Anne

Unavailable for the photograph: Srs. Madeleine Mary and Thelma-Anne

15

Are You at a Crossroads in Your Life?

Are you considering a career change? Are you looking for “something more” in your life?

Do you have a thirst for God? A hunger for prayer? Do you desire to serve God in a new way?

Would you like to experience life in Community?

Then you may be interested in attending a free four-week program (July 5 - 31, 2011)

to discern where God is calling you.

At the same time you will have the opportunity to experience the life of love, prayer and service in an Anglican religious community of women.

Women who are interested should contact Kelly Clark, The Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine,

St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave, Toronto, ON M2M 2E8

Phone: 416-226-2201, Ext. 301. Fax: 416-222-4442 email: convent@ssjd.ca. website: www.ssjd.ca

Applications for Women at a Crossroads, 2011 must be in by March 31, 2011.

Altar Linens

Altar linens may be purchased from Sr. Jocelyn, SSJD, at St. John’s Convent. All linens are hand-sewn and made from Irish Linen. Items which may be purchased include Fair Linens, Credence Cloths, Purificators, Lavabo Towels, Baptismal Towels, Fair Veils, Palls on Plexi Glass, Corporals and Sick Communion Sets.

For details, please contact Sr. Jocelyn: jocelyn@ssjd.ca St. John’s House, B.C.

Telephone: 250-920-7787 Fax: 250-920-7709

The Houses of the Sisterhood www.ssjd.ca

St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, ON M2M 2E8

416-226-2201; Fax: 416-226-2131email: convent@ssjd.ca

St. John’s House, B.C., 3937 St. Peters Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2J9

250-920-7787; Fax: 250-920-7709email: bchouse@ssjd.ca

The Eagle is published several times a year by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, St. John’s Convent, Toronto, ON M2M 2E8. An annual donation of $10 to help cover the cost would be greatly appreciated. Please let us know promptly of any changes of address.

The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine is a registered charity. Our charitable donation number is BN 11925 4266 RR0001.

Bishop Linda Nicholls with Sr. Margaret Mary on her 25th Profession Anniversary.

Women from the 2010 Women at a Crossroads Program

16