providence pages spring 2005

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PROVIDENCE PAGES SPRING 2005 1 !

VOL. 3 NO. 1 SPRING 2005

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

This spring 2005 issue of Providence Pages celebratesthe theme of rebirth and loss.

Warmer weather injects renewed life into the winter-dormant soil on the grounds of The Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul. The HeirloomSeed Sanctuary opens its doors to the public.

New life is given to a family visiting room atProvidence Manor in honour of our foundress,Catherine McKinley.

While we eagerly greet spring, we bid a fond farewelland celebrate the lives of three Sisters of Providencewho returned home to their loving God this year.Sister Barbara Thiffault writes about these dedicatedwomen who served with compassion in Providence.

Sister Margaret Maika makes a return visit to Ugandaafter a 10 year absence from that impoverished EastAfrican country. She shares her emotional reunion onpage 8.

Culinary thoughts this season turn to the abundanceof ripe juicy berries, other fresh fruits and vegetables— essential to any diet. But for those on restrictivebudgets, these foods may not be an option. With cur-rent social assistance and minimum wage rates, it isimpossible for most low-income families to affordsufficient healthy food. In this edition, our Justice andPeace Office profiles “food security” and how itaffects Kingstonians.

“Come! Come meltwhat is frozen in us. Open the buds ofour longing withyour gentle breezes.Soften the hardearth of our heartswith your rains.Breathe warmthupon the cold placesin us. O Come!”

— Joyce Rupp

! 2 PROVIDENCE PAGES SPRING 2005

In praise andgratitude for God’slove and generosityto our Sisterscelebrating 50, 60and 70 years in theservice of God asSisters ofProvidence. Thewomen religiouswill mark 540 yearsof combined serviceat a Jubileeceremony on June10 and 11.

PROVIDENCE PAGES

RESIDENTS OF PROVIDENCE Manornow have a special place to visitwith their families. The Catherine

McKinley Room, in honour of theKingston native and foundress of theSisters of Providence of St. Vincent dePaul, was dedicated April 28. She died 101years ago. During her life, she worked tire-lessly to bring compassion to Kingston’spoor, sick and aged.

Sister Marian McCallum, dressed in periodcostume as Catherine McKinley, gave thekeynote address to guests. “Then as now,fundraising was a serious and time-consum-ing necessity.” Sister Marian went on to givehistorical testimonials of volunteers overthe years including an amusing tale about aweek-long church Bazaar that collected$3,400, enough to

pay off all the congregation’s debt for oneyear. The year was 1873!

Located on the main floor of ProvidenceManor, the McKinley Room features asmall library, a piano, fireplace andcomputer station. Future additions includea tearoom and child’s play area.

Sister Kathryn LaFleur, General Superior ofthe Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent dePaul, unveiled a portrait of CatherineMcKinley which will have a place ofhonour in this room. “Catherine McKinley(Mother Mary Edward) has come homeand would be delighted to be in the midstof her senior residents and their families,”remarked Sister Kathryn LaFleur.

Providence Manor is a long-term carefacility founded in 1861.

McKinley Room dedicationHeritage

CCeelleebbrraatteeJJuubbiilleeee

Sister Kathryn LaFleur,General Superior of theSisters of Providence ofSt. Vincent de Paul,unveiled a portrait ofCatherine McKinley at theApril event. Sister MarianMcCallum dressed asSister Catherine McKinley.

Photo reprinted withpermission from PCCCCONNECTIONS


Our Mother ofSorrows Chapel is abuilding ofarchitectural andhistorical signifi-cance. The originalchapel was built in1898.

1898 - October 13,First Mass wascelebrated

1898 - November 21,Official dedicationceremony

1898 - December,Mother Edwardorganized a bazaarto raise funds fororgan

1899 - February 20,Stations of theCross, donated byfriends andrelatives of theSisters were erected

1902interior decorationcomplete

1939three marble altarsinstalled

1959major renovationand expansion

2005major restoration

PROVIDENCE PAGES

THE RESTORATION OF the Pietaofficially ends an ambitious twoyear renovation project at

Providence Manor’s historic Our Mother ofSorrows Chapel.

The statue of the Virgin Mary mourningover the body of Christ has beentransformed from a creamy beige to huesof blue. A faux marble base matches thealtar.

Sister Patricia Ann Ryan, general treasurerat the Sisters of Providence for over 45years, spearheaded the extensive renovationproject. She calls the new Pieta “vibrantand alive.”

Restoration artists Ingrid Silver and AdrianKaraguesian were commissioned to repairthe Pieta. The Ottawa-based couple sayhistory — 107 years to be exact — guidedtheir vision. While peeling back the oldbeige paint, they uncovered the originalcolours which have been incorporated intothe new design. “The Pieta now hasharmony with the ceiling and art that flanksthe altar,” says Adrian Karaguesian.

The Pieta was built by Montreal-basedsculptor, Tomasio Carli, whose work is seenin churches across the country. Accordingto Mr. Karaguesian, “It is always a joy todiscover we are working on one of Mr.Carli’s statues.”

Due to age and weather, a plan wasadopted to return the venerable building toits original splendor.

Many original features of the church havebeen restored including the majestic stainedglass windows, wooden ceiling, slate roofand the locally quarried limestone exterior.

During renovation, builders discoveredhistorically significant items, including thesignature of an artist who created anoriginal stained glass window.

Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel was builtin 1898 under the direction of CatherineMcKinley. Over a century later, the Chapelstill serves its original function as a worshipcentre.

Chapel restoration complete CChhaappeellHHiissttoorryy

The newly restored Pieta at Our Mother ofSorrows Chapel at Providence Manor.


70 Years

Sr. KathleenMaguire

60 Years

Sr. M. Anna Kelly

Sr. Mary Rosaria

50 Years

Sr. Rose-MarieBokenfohr

Sr. JosephineDoiron

Sr. Avita Kilar

Sr. Sheila Langton

Sr. Frances Piasecki

Sr. Alma Sutton

Sr. Barbara Thiffault

BY: SR. JUDITH ANN & SR. REINALDA

OUR VOWS Through the Prism ofProvidence was the focus of arecent conference attended by

Women of Providence in Collaboration.Sisters Reinalda Kloosterman, Judith AnnMurphy, Rita Gleason and JeannetteFilthaut attended the conference atProvidence Centre in Edmonton.

The sessions began and ended with abeautiful prayer ritual led by Sister LindaHylla, CDP. After the ritual, Sister DawnTomaszewski,SP, began herpresentationby talkingabout what itmeant for herto become aSister ofProvidence.

Eachparticipantwas given abooklet called“Our Vowsthrough thePrism ofProvidence” outlining the theology ofProvidence. “Providence is about God’srelationship with the world. God’scontinuing action in our lives, and in ourhistory. This is more about relationships,webs, and interdependence than the staticworld of classical theology.” (Tomaszewski2005)

Dawn then presented the group with

reflection questions. This was followed withsmall group reflection and discussion.Emphasis was placed on relational power,the ability to listen, and being in the rightrelationship with others. We were touchedby Dawn’s use of the three L’s in relation tovows — listening, loving and living.

The Vow of Obedience: the active skill oflistening.

The Vow of Chastity: the act of loving allthat comes into our presence. It is amovement toward inclusion; a commitmenttoward more loving. Chastity is about cultivating right relationships.

The Vow of Poverty: living a call paced onthe right relationship with the planet. Wewere encouraged to live the EcologicalModel — what is essentially good for theplanet.

Sister Jeannette facilitated a businessgathering on Saturday. Sister did a great joband we’re proud of our own SP! Jeannetteinvited everyone to take the power of thelast days with Sr. Dawn Tomaszewski andbring it forward into the meeting. We thankour leadership team for giving us thisopportunity to attend this conference, ourlives have been enriched.

While in Edmonton we had the chance tovisit some of our Sisters — Sr. GraceMaguire, Sister Anna Kelly, and the Sistersat Rosary Hall. Sister Rita Gleason was ourfantastic chauffeur taking us to and fromthe airport. Wonderful Western Hospitality.

Conference: Living our Vows22000055JJuubbiillaarriiaannss

Srs. Reinalda, Judith Ann,Rita and Jeannette.


Healthy eating isessential to goodhealth.

Kingston is a foodinsecurecommunity.

Currently 1,007Kingston familiesare on the socialhousing registry.

Budget items likerent, clothing, andphone bills,sacrifice healthyfood as a priority.

IAN STUTT

EVERY WEEK, DEB Greer and aplatoon of volunteers serve a hotlunch at the St. Vincent de Paul

Society on Stephen Street. The people whoeat there at noon are part of the alarmingnumber of our neighbours described byprofessional dietitians as suffering from“food insecurity.” (see Can This personAfford to Eat Well?)

There’s a nurturing feeling that comes fromsharing good food —with strangers or family.Everyone understandsthe healthy feeling thatcomes from a nutritiousmeal. Regular access toa healthy diet shouldsurely be a right ofcitizenship.

But hunger continues to stalk our city. Thefood banks and hot meal programs areworking fulltime to feed hungry people.Intended as temporary solutions, they nowseem more necessary than ever.

“There was a 40% jump in food bank useafter the cuts to social spending in 1995and there has been a 5-6% increase peryear since then,” says Deb Greer, whoseLoretta Hospitality Centre recentlyincreased its hot lunch program from threeto fours days each week.

The charitable work of the food banks andmeal providers is playing a crucial role inmeeting the emergency needs of the poor.But we need to keep working to make them

obsolete. As Jamie Swift of the Justice andPeace Office always insists, food programsare “necessary but insufficient.”

There is also a growing concern around theeffects that our food system – theproduction, distribution, and consumptionof our food – have on our health. Ourfood system is becoming less diversified,more centralized.

Fewer large businesses now control howand where our food is produced. LoblawCompanies Limited, for example, owns orfranchises more than 1,050 stores inCanada.

As concern for the health of our commu-nities and the environment rises, manypeople are focusing on how we organizeour food system. Several Canadian citieshave already taken significant steps toachieve what is often referred to as foodsecurity – a situation where all communitymembers have access to good, healthy foodall the time.

Having worked with Kingston’s church-based meal providers, the Justice and PeaceOffice began exploring the possibility of asimilar initiative in Kingston. Together withthe Public Health Unit and the NorthKingston Community Health Centre, wehosted a dinner event at the LorettoHospitality Centre in early May. We wantedto begin a dialogue on food security withmany of Kingston’s community membersinvolved in food issues.

Healthy eating at risk FFooooddSSeeccuurriittyy

Justice and Peace

Ian Stutt

Continued on next page


Factors thatthreaten foodsecurity

• single parent household

• low socioeconom-ic status

• unemployment

• low education levels

The vegetarian supper featured locallygrown food and brought together churchmeal providers, public health dietitians,farmers, academics, retailers and otherhealthyfoodadvocates.

Sister PeggyFlanagansaid it was avaluableopportunityfor peopleto sharetheir ideas:

“With sucha range ofperspectives on food issues and our foodsystem, we all learned a lot and formedvaluable new relationships.”

Our objective was to bring together peopleinvolved in food issues to share a meal, getto know each other, and exchange ideasabout how to address the issues of hunger,poor nutrition and the environment.

We also discussed the concept of foodlocalism — a movement that began as areaction to the increasingly global scale ofour food system. Some 75 cents of everydollar spent on food goes to processors,packagers, shippers, advertisers, andretailers. Too little goes to the farmers. Soit’s increasingly difficult for small familyfarms to make ends meet. Ruralcommunities struggle.

While locally produced food items travel anaverage of 100 km from field to table,imported food travels an average of 5,400km – 81 times further. This devours hugeamounts of fossil fuel, contributing to theglobal eco-disaster that is climate change.

What’s more, food is bred not for itsnutritional value or taste, but efficiency intransportation over long distances.February tomatoes are as tough as golfballs, and this is reflected in their taste.

Food localism focuses on rebuilding directrelationships between farmers andconsumers. It holds the possibility offarmers working together with school mealprograms, academic researchers andchurch-based meal providers.

Both food security and food localism offerideas that can help in our work towards asocially and environmentally just society. Byrebuilding relationships within our localfood system, we can work together toidentify the food-related needs of ourcommunity and explore creative ways ofaddressing them.

Many of our neighbours are going hungry.Yet there is an abundance of food beingproduced. Farmers can’t make ends meet.

Our grocery stores are overflowing withNew Zealand apples and shrimp fromBangladesh. Yet we are trying to reduce ourfossil fuel consumption so we don’t fry theplanet. Solutions to these problems areavailable if we look ahead, organize at thecommunity level…and work together.

Food: local verses globalContinued from previous page

Justice and Peace

FFooooddSSeeccuurriittyy

Walter Cheney, who cookshomemade soup for the InFrom the Cold Shelter, and Sr.Peggy Flanagan, a volunteerwith the Salvation Army’sBread of Life meal program.


“In From The Cold”is now operatingyear-round due toan increase inhomelessness inKingston. SisterAlda Brady wouldappreciate thefollowing donations:

• socks

• deodorant

• tooth brushes

• sugar

• laundry soap

• razors

• shampoo

• peanut butter

• cereal

• cash (tax receipts provided)

Donations can bepicked up or sentto:

Housing HelpCentre

428A Barrie Street

Kingston, ON

K7K 3T9

613-531-3779

James Hill is a 20 year old single man with a disability. He has never been able to work.His only source of income is from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

James Hill does not have enough money to meet his basic expenses. He has no money tospend on home insurance and household supplies, like over-the-counter medicines,bandaids, bank fees, postage, long-distance phone calls, cable, computer, internet services,gifts, church or charity donations, haircuts, recreation, savings, and other necessary items.

The budget has been reprinted withpermission from KFL&A PublicHealth. For more information on foodsecurity visit www.healthunit.on.ca.

Can this person afford to eat well? IInn FFrroommTThhee CCoolldd

Justice and Peace

Source of Income Amount per MonthODSP Shelter Allowance $414.00ODSP Basic Allowance $516.00GST Credit $25.18Total $955.18

Monthly Expenses Amount per MonthRent-1 bedroom apt. (utilities included) $627.00Food ($39.28/week x 4.33 x 1.15) $195.60Laundry (at Laundromat-$6.00 x 4.33/wk.) $26.00Soap, shaving cream, toilet paper etc. $25.00

Clothing/footwear ($400.00/yr) $35.00Bus $44.00

Total $977.60

Shortfall $955.18 - $977.60 = - $22.42


Missions

Religion:33% RomanCatholics

33% Protestant

18% Indigenousbeliefs

15% Muslim

Population:26,404,543 (estimateJuly 2004)

Literacy:69.9% over 15 yearscan read and write

Languages:English is theofficial language.Luganda, Swahili,other Bantu andNilotic languagesare spoken.

BY SISTER MARGARET MAIKA

ALMOST TEN YEARS after leavingMary Reparatrix Secondary Schoolcommunity in Uganda, East

Africa, it seemed there could be no bettertime for a return visit. The 25thAnniversary Celebration was scheduled forApril 2003. However, plans were suddenlyaborted when a US attack on Iraq becameimminent in late February 2003, andpostponement of international travel wasadvised. Both LucyMyers and I weredisappointed, as wehad excitedlyanticipated beingpresent for thisevent. Plans weresuspendedtemporarily. In themeantime, twosignificant packages arrived from the newhead teacher, nourishing the desire andhope for a return visit.

The first was a video of the 25thanniversary celebration. Deep joy andexcitement surged through me as Lucy andI viewed the video. Then the thrillingmoment of watching the foundingmembers step forward to receive acertificate. Their commitment anddedication to making their dream for thismuch needed Secondary Girl’s BoardingSchool had been acknowledged. As wewatched the video, I vividly recalled ourpoverty and struggle in constructing theinitial, poor school facilities on the new site

between 1989 and April 1994. Ourimpoverishment in those years was like alarge festering wound that would not heal.Yet four founding members — Kasozi,Ndwadde, Lunagoba and Ssemukya —were fiercely determined to ensure the newschool facility would be adequate when wehad to vacate the former premises. A fewmonths later, the second package arrivedcontaining a certificate of merit for me!What an overwhelming surprise! I felthumbled but privileged in beingacknowledged among the school’s foundingmembers!

We began our travel plans again in 2004.Due to work related circumstances, Lucywas not free to accompany me. So Idecided to go alone.

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport early onthe morning of Friday, September 10,2004, I was spared the long wait of goingthrough customs. Though I was tired frommy long sleepless flight, adrenaline beganpumping when I caught sight of mywelcoming committee — a small band ofstudents, the head teacher, and a few otherteachers. Warm greetings and introductionsfollowed and my hosts soon ushered meinto a hired taxi van. Leaving the airport,we were soon traveling along the familiarroad overlooking Lake Victoria, surroundedby the lush natural beauty I remembered sowell. Even through heavy and sleep-deprived eyes, I could readily see the manypositive changes and improvements thathad taken place over the past ten years.Soon we arrived at the residence of the

UUggaannddaaFFaaccttss

Emotional return visit

Sr. Margaret Maika


Presented to SisterMargaret Maika

“This honour isgiven to ReverendSr. Margaret Maikain recognition of hercontribution to theestablishment andfounding of theSchool. May Godbless your work .Given this date 5thApril 2003” Signedby The Deputy ChiefJustice of Ugandaand the Archbishopof Kampala Diocese

Sisters of Mary Reparatrix where I hadlived during my first two years.

As Sr. Annette brought me to the guestsection of the residences, a flood ofmemories instantaneously came back to me.It was here that I had lived for almost ayear upon my return to Entebbe inNovember 1990 to continue teaching andinvolve myself more directly in the newSchool Building Project. Intense Ugandanheat, jet lag, and since my primary purposewas to visit the School and special Ugandanfriends, I settled into the “quiet life” in theSisters’ guest section.

The changes that touched me most deeplyrelated to Mary Reparatrix SecondarySchool. Words are so inadequate todescribe my deep feelings each time Ivisited the school. Staff and students alsoparticipated in a late afternoon tea partyheld in my honour. Such a mix of feelingsat what I witnessed in light of our newschool’s desperately impoverishedbeginnings! In my exhausted state, I hadbeen wondering if giving so much of mylife energy and love to the Ugandans fortheir dream had been worth it? Thisphantom doubt was quickly eroding.

What was most rewarding for me was thatthe Ugandans had definitely takenownership of their school, faithfullycarrying on in the same spirit ofcommitment, dedication and integrity astheir Founding Ugandan members!

Mary Reparatrix Secondary School whichearlier ranked among the lowest in Uganda,can now boast of its ongoing

accomplishments. With its recent expansionto include levels equivalent to grades 12and 13,and withenrollmenthavingdoubled to350 andgrowing,the schoolprovidesan oppor-tunity formorefemaleyouth to receive a high standard ofsecondary education. A significant numberare accepted for university.

And the school compound? So manysignificant changes! Directly ahead of meproudly stood the new dining hall facility.For years, its naked foundation layvulnerable to the elements. Now thecompleted simple facility providesdesperately needed space for two largeclasses, each of 50 to 62 students. A smallextension provides a one-roomaccommodation for a kitchen staffmember, a small office for the dean ofstudents, and a small room for a tuck shop.However the school compound, which Ihad known so well, now looked strangelycrowded, as newly constructed buildingsaccommodate the growing number ofstudents and staff.

Positive changes in EntebbeMissions

CCeerrttiiffiiccaatteeOOff MMeerriitt

Sr. Margaret and LaetitiaDdamba enjoying the traditionaldance and drumming of thestudents.


“Soon we arrived inthe hub and heat ofKampala. It wasreadily evident thatthe people and carpopulation haddoubled. or tripled!If it had not been forthe driver andcompanion, I wouldnot have found myway through thisformerly familiararea.”

- Sr. Margaret Maika


Missions

FFaammiilliiaarrtteerrrriittoorryy

One major hurdle remains. The schoolneeds a dormitory to accommodate theboarding students. The students still crowdinto two classrooms and two laboratories inthe main school building which stilldoubles as a dormitory. With increasingenrollment, the initial single beds gave wayto bunks, and at present triple-decker bunkbeds. You can imagine the congestedsleeping conditions!

Immediately to the right of the Dining Hallis a newly constructed small L shapedbuilding. It accommodates the new 5 and 6classrooms and a modest one-room library,sparsely stocked primarily with outdatedCanadian books. Adjacent to this buildingstands another addition — outdoor bathhouse featuring three additional large watertanks installed nearby to harvest rain water.

Other new construction on the compoundcaused my heart to leap with gratitude. Theoriginal storage building has been replacedby apartment units for three of the full-time teachers.

As I continued around to the mainentrance of the school, I felt joyful surpriseupon seeing the three small palm saplingtrees Lucy and I planted prior to leavingUganda in April 1994. They now stretchskyward, swaying their welcome. I plantedthe largest remembering the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul; Lucyplanted the second remembering theProvidence Associates; I planted thesmallest tree, remembering my special

partnership with the Ugandans.

If any doubts lingered in my memoryabout giving so much of my life energy andlove to help this small group of Ugandansrealize their dream, or if my earlierconvictionthat Godhad luredme toUganda fora purposebigger thanmyself wasstillquestioned,thesemisgivingshave beenwashedawayforever.

Two weeksafter arriving, I sadly bid farewell and tookmy last fleeting glimpse of Uganda beforelifting off the Entebbe runway for my longjourney home.

Thank you to my congregation — Sistersof Providence of St. Vincent de Paul-forsupporting me in my work at the school,and for their generous financial assistancetowards the school’s ongoing renewal. ToLucy Myers for her generosity of spirit,companionship and her creative teachingand work at the school. To the many familymembers, friends, students, teachers and

Opportunities for studentsContinued from previous page

Sr. Margaret Maika and LucyMyers planted these trees atthe school’s entrance in April1994.

Sister of ProvidenceMargaret Maikareturned to EntebbeSeptember 2004 towitnessimprovements tothe school she co-founded.


DDrreeaammrreeaalliizzeedd

Justice advocate in Kingston

specific school boards for their financialsupport. To the several Canadian andinternational organizations that alsocontributed generously. You are asignificant piece of a successful andunfolding dream — a needed femaleSecondary Boarding School in Entebbe,Uganda, East Africa. And on behalf of themany Ugandans who repeatedly expresstheir gratitude to you, “Katonda AlibaweeraAbbokola Obulundi!” Thank you!

Entrepreneurial SpiritMissions

One class of students listening attentivelyduring the speeches at the tea party held in Sr.Margaret’s honour.

Mary Corkery of Toronto recently addressedKingston area social justice advocates whilevisiting the Sisters of Providence. “I ammoved to see the Sisters of Providence andso many of their friends in the Kingstoncommunity,” said Ms. Corkery. ExecutiveDirector of KAIROS: Canadian EcumenicalJustice Initiatives.“Kingston’s ecumenical spirit on the socialjustice front is remarkable. And the FridayVigils give public witness to your deep andlasting solidarity with people who seek jus-tice.” Ms. Corkery also visited the HeirloomSeed Sanctuary at Providence Motherhouse,describing it as an “historic effort to protectnative seeds from genetic engineering andbio-patenting by corporations.” KAIROS issponsored by both the Canadian ReligiousConference and the Canadian CatholicOrganization for Development and Peace.

Sister Kay hasmany interestsincluding graphicdesign. She createdthis logo, which isused to promote herprograms.


MissionsCCrreeaattiivveeEEnneerrggyy

PROVIDENCE PAGES

ONTARIO’S FIRST accredited teacherof T’ai Chi Chih has returned toKingston to offer her specialized

programs. Sister Kay Morrell offerssessions at Catherine McKinley Hall atProvidence Motherhouse. In the carpetedroom on the south side, four classes of T’aiChi Chih began in April and two morewere added recently. Art Therapy gotunderway in May in the north room.

There are many different kinds of T’ai Chi.Californian Justin Stone designed the 20moves known as T’ai Chi Chih in the 70’s.This practice now has teachers throughoutthe world. “It is a very gentle form thatoffers increased health and psychologicalbenefits,” says Sister Kay.

Sister Kay developed these two uniqueprograms in Toronto, where she workedfor the past ten years at St. Joseph’s Health

Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’sCollege School, the Workplace Safety andInsurance Board, Queen’s Park and theDownsview Services to Seniors.

Drawing on her training at Toronto’s ArtTherapy Institute, she designed her BriefArt Therapy Programs to meet the needsof clients who are not experiencing majorpsychological problems, but are trying togrow and cope better with daily stress.Both private and group sessions are avail-able. Participants can choose Ongoing ArtTherapy if they want support over somelength of time.

Participants in Toronto, knowing she was aReligious Sister, asked Sr. Kay to designprograms connecting art and prayer.During the course of the year, Sister offersSaturday mini-retreats and longer programsfor those seeking spiritual direction or anopportunity to meet with others to discussquestions surrounding faith.

To learn more about the variety ofprograms being offered, contact Sister Kayat (613)544-4525 ext. 175 and ask for abrochure about the T’ai Chi Chih, ArtTherapy, Prayer/Art Retreats and SpiritualJourney programs including a schedule ofupcoming dates. Program descriptions arealso available at www.stjoe.on.ca under thelink “For Your Health.”

T’ai chi chih, art therapy

Sister Kay Morrell performs a T’ai Chi Chihmovement in her studio at Sisters ofProvidence Motherhouse.


Sr. Helen MaryMurphy

(Sister Mary Alma)

1914 -2005

IInnmmeemmoorriiaamm

SISTER MARY ALMA WAS called hometo her loving God on January 14,2005 at Providence Motherhouse.

Mary Helen Murphy, the second of sixsiblings, was born in Melrose, Ontariowhere she grew up on the family farm andattended the local elementary school andlater Napanee Collegiate for three years.Mary Helen enjoyed a happy, lovingchildhood with her two brothers and twosisters — one sisterdied in infancy. Thechildren took turnshelping with thechores around thefarm before andafter school. One ofthe cherished timesfor her was goingfor the cows early inthe morning withthe sun shining overthe dew covered grass and birds singing inevery tree. These experiences filled her withjoy and gratitude for all God’s wonderfulgifts.

A religious vocation was often mentionedto her by her aunt. She gave much thoughtto this state in life. During the summer of1933 she met Sister M. Bibiana and SisterM. Everildis at her aunt’s home in Stoco.Sister M. Bibiana encouraged her to writeto the General Superior, Mother M. Ursularight away. Then, with two other youngwomen, Mary Helen entered the novitiateof the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincentde Paul September 15, 1933 and made her

First Profession of Vows on August 15,1935. She was then sent to Maryvale Abbey,Glen Nevis to finish her last year of highschool. In September of 1936, Sister M.Alma began the Nurses’ Training programat Brockville. The following year, shedeveloped pneumonia and later wasdiagnosed with active TB. This ended hernurses’ training and began a year of bedrest at the infirmary at St. Vincent. Thenext year she was sent to Moose Jaw whereshe was on a modified rest treatment andthen began helping in the Medical RecordsDepartment. In 1946 she obtained herMedical Records Librarian registration. Sheworked in Medical Records until 1964.Then she was named Administrator andSuperior of Providence Hospital, MooseJaw and later Administrator of St. Mary’sHospital, Camrose. During her sabbaticalyear beginning in 1981 she took the CredoProgram in Spokane, Washington. In 1982she was named Co-ordinator of theMotherhouse. In 1988 she was assigned toYale House in Winnipeg to assist with sixdevelopmentally handicapped young men.After four years in Winnipeg, Sister wasassigned to the Pastoral Care Team atProvidence Manor where she remaineduntil she retired to the Motherhouse in2001. Even in retirement, Sister kept busyassisting in the sewing room.

Sister M. Alma was a prayerful, hospitableand joyful person with keen insight andsensitivity to the staff and patients underher care in our hospital facilities. She alwaysmade everyone feel welcome with herwarm smile and genuine laughter.

Sister shares gift of joyPassings

Sr. Mary Alma Murphy


Passings

Sr. Sarah GertrudeMcGinn

(Sister M.Stanslaus)

1913-2005


SISTER GERTRUDE WENT home to herloving God peacefully on February 8,2005.

Sarah Gertrude McGinn was born atFairview Farm on the 4th Concession ofMatilda Township, Dixon’s Corners,Dundas County on Oct. 7, 1913, the eighthchild of James McGinn and Alice(Gibbons). Six weeks later she was baptizedin St. Ann’s Church, Dixon’s Corners.Gertrude was not long to enjoy the lovingcare of her fatherfor in January of1914, Jim McGinndied ofpneumonia. Thenshe, too,contractedpneumonia whichwas to be arecurring illnessfor many years.

With the help ofGertrude’s fourbrothers, but especially the oldest, John, hermother struggled to maintain the familyfarm. During her early childhood growingup on the farm, and while her older siblingswere all in school, her companions becamethe cats and dogs which she dearly loved.

After six years in the local public school,Gertrude insisted on following her sisters’footsteps to Maryvale Abbey at Glen Nevis,where she grew to love plaid and Scottishmusic. Her love of reading had beeninitiated by the gift of her first library cardfrom her sister, Dorothy, when she was

eight years of age. Sadly, it was Sister MaryJerome’s hawk eye that prevented her fromreading all the books in the little library atthe Glen.

When she was either eight or nine years ofage, her father’s two cousins, Sister MaryMichael and Sister Mary Alexander visitedher home. It was then that she decided toenter the convent. When she was sixteen,she plagued her mother until she went tothe parish priest, Rev. James Ryan, whosaid, “The mark is there, you’ll have to lether go.” Only her immediate family knew,for Gertrude realized that there would betoo much opposition to a 16 year oldburying herself in the convent.

After three years of high school, sheentered the Novitiate at the House ofProvidence in Kingston, Aug. 15, 1930.After graduating from Ottawa NormalSchool, she began her career teaching everygrade from 1 to 13. Her ministry in teach-ing took her to Kingston, Tweed, SmithsFalls, Gananoque, Trenton and Belleville.After receiving her B.A. ‘cum laude’ fromthe University of Ottawa, she did summercourses at the University of Montreal andLaval in order to become proficient inFrench which she taught at NicholsonCatholic College in Belleville for nine years.

During her retirement, Sister ministered atthe McKinley Centre, worked at theswitchboard, was Oratory sacristan, andvisited the Day Care at Providence Manor.

Sister Gertrude lived a life of faith in themidst of deep suffering. Her keen mindand loving outreach to her students, to the

Deep faith amid suffering

Sister Gertrude McGinn


The theme ofNational NursingWeek - Patientsfirst. Safety Always.

Research clearlydemonstrates thelink between thequality of practiceenvironments andpatient outcomes.

“We all have a stakein improving thesafety of the healthsystem. Registerednurses are involvedat all levels ofmaking the healthsystem safer andmore effective forpatients and theirfamilies.”

- Deborah Tamlyn,President CanadianNurses Association

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residents of Providence Manor and to theprisoners whom she supported by herprayers and friendship, were an inspirationto all.

Sister Gertrude, was predeceased by herfather, James, her mother, Alice (Gibbons),her brothers, John, Wilfred, Henry andPatrick, her sisters, Kathleen McGinn andDorothy King. She will be dearly missed byher many nieces and nephews. She will alsobe fondly remembered by her manyrelatives and friends, as well as by themembers of her religious congregation.

The Mass of Christian Burial, held in theChapel of Mary Mother of Compassion,Providence Motherhouse on Friday,February 11, was presided over byArchbishop Emeritus Francis J. Spence,accompanied by many other members ofthe clergy. Homilist Rev. Gerald Byrnereflected on how Sister Gertrude, even inher suffering, encouraged the nurses andstaff. He spoke of her friendships with theman who delivered her oxygen and theprisoners who moved her wheelchair fromthe chapel on Sundays.

Deep faith at early age

PROVIDENCE PAGES

NATIONAL NURSING week wascelebrated at Sisters ofProvidence May 11, 2005. A tea

party was held in honour of the 24 nursingstaff employees. In a heartfelt speech, 97year old Sister Marion Farnand, herself aformer director of nursing, thanked thestaff on behalf of the Sisters ofProvidence. The health care team at Sistersof Providence of St. Vincent de Paulincludes RNs, RPNs, PSWs and studentson placement.

Nurses recognized for service

Nursing staff at Sisters of Providence posebeside a bouquet of flowers presented tothem in honour of Nursing Appreciation WeekMay 9-13, 2005. Pictured from left to rightLesley Dalgleish, Sandi Doyle, Eileen Gouthro,Dana Reed and Vicki Heath.

Sr. Mary AgnesGrace Dorian

(Sister Mary Adele)

1914-2005



Passings

MARY AGNES GRACE Dorian camefrom Belleville, the second ofthree children born to Edward

and Annie (McCormick). She received herearly education at Avondale Public Schooland St. Michael’s Academy, attended highschool at Belleville Collegiate andVocational School. As far back as she couldremember, she wanted to be a Sister. Herparents agreed.Her fatherindicated thatthe conventwas a goodplace for her.Her mothermade herpostulant dressand was veryhappy aboutSister MaryAdele’s deci-sion, becauseher own desire to be a Sister had nevermaterialized. The Sisters who taught her atSt. Michael’s Academy, as well as her musicteachers, were a great inspiration to her.

She entered the Sisters of Providence onAugust 15, 1933. After 2 years of novitiate,Sister Mary Adele was assigned to theAdmitting Office and switchboard at St.Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville.While she was there, she recalled going ona collecting tour with Sister M. Antoinetteto all the businesses in Brockville to requestfunds to pay the coal bill.

After one year she was assigned to St.

Mary’s Hospital in Camrose, Alberta whereshe remained for 30 years as business man-ager. She then went to Providence Hospitalin Daysland, Alberta in the same capacityfor one year. In September of 1967 she wasassigned to the Father Dowd Home inMontreal as Superior, Administrator andBusiness Manager. In this same capacity,she went to St. Anthony’s Home in MooseJaw in 1973 where she remained for thenext five years. Finally in 1978, she wasassigned to the Motherhouse BusinessOffice until January 2001 when she retiredfrom active duty.

Sister possessed a calm, efficient ability inher field. Her cheerful, helpful, sympatheticmanner, ready laughter and Irish charmendeared her to many.

Sister Mary Adele was called home to herloving God on April 6, 2005 with severalSisters at her bedside.

Endearing Irish charm

Sister Mary Adele


Lord, now you letyour servant go inpeace;

your word has beenfulfilled:

my own eyes haveseen the salvation

which you have pre-pared in the sight ofevery people:

a light to reveal youto the nations

and the glory ofyour people Israel.

Luke 2.29-32

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Passings

The following Eulogy was given by Sister PatriciaAnn Ryan at Providence Motherhouse on April 8,2005.

Most of us can remember a time whenwe’ve been upset or fatigued and SisterMary Adele has, through a deliberate touchor a look, expressed great concern.

We know in our bones that at suchmoments, Sister was revealing her deepfeelings for us.

Sister Mary Adele was blessed with acompassionate understanding of thenatural world, she chose to express heremotions through behaviour that isvirtuous, namely goodness. I mention theword virtuous as Sister lived her vocationto the fullest as a Sister of Providence,woman religious full of love, joy, fervour,dedication, compassion, fortitude, resource-fulness, great generosity – a woman ofprayer and suffering.

As I keep reflecting about ways that Sistercould choose to do good, I realize thatexemplary behaviour didn’t always have tobe extraordinary, it could also be morequiet and unassuming. Sister had a moralsense to good, she treated people withsympathy, compassion and fairness.

Her beloved family was always uppermostin her thoughts, conversation and prayers.She loved them deeply and they in turnaddressed her so lovingly as Auntie Sister, avery endearing salutation.

Sister Mary Adele was most conscientious,always looking out for the needs of others.

She so valued her Community that she wasalways patrolling the Motherhouse to keeporder or look after the personal needs ofthe Sisters. Her example gave many peoplenourishment and hope.

In addition to her prayer and ministry life,Sister enjoyed some hobbies and jollies.High on her list of relaxation werecrossword puzzles, word find books andreading material from our library. She alsoloved reading the lives of the Saints andbiographies of interesting people. She wasvery conscious of water conservation andin the summer months she would cover thewhole Motherhouse checking out thesupply of distilled water in the de-humidifiers. She had a supply of gallon jugsand filled them regularly for use whendoing our ironing. Her unique talents fordécor and dressing up the tables for festiveevents was another one of her gifts.

She had a great ability for purchasing andlooking for bargains. As you know, sheprovided the Sisters with the opportunityto purchase attractive boxed cards forEaster, Jubilee and Christmas. Timbits,popcorn and cheesies were always welcomeat her table. She loved them, so we kept aninventory on hand. She also shared cheesecurd with Sister Gertrude Casey from timeto time.

Her big challenge and love was herMinistry, the world of finance. She had atremendous association with her methods

Sr. Mary Adele remembered



Guided Retreat:Spirituality for the

Global Citizen

Marie Elena Dio, SC

In turbulent times,an invitation to tapinto the wisdom ofthe contemplative,the sage and theprophet as weengage with globalrealities. MarieElena, a Sister ofCharity, listens tothe world from hervantage point asNGO (non-governmentalorganization)representative atthe UN, and bringsto her life and min-istry a deep atten-tiveness to theSpirit of God.

Wednesday July 6, 4p.m.-WednesdayJuly 13, 1 p.m.

Register byWednesday June 22

Cost $525

UUppccoommiinnggeevveenntt

of accounting, she put life and romanceinto mathematics and magic into heraccounting programs. She enjoyed workingwith figures, reconciling bank and missionaccounts. When everything was in balance,you could see her radiant face break out ina beautiful smile. Then she would sit on theedge of her chair and clap her hands in allhumility as another month of accountingwas in place.

Paperwork was an absolute delight; she wasconstantly focused, methodical, organized,consistent, absolutely ‘no clutter.’Everything in apple pie order andperfection to a ‘T.’ What a legacy she leftus!

A big highlight in her life was her weeklyvisit to the bank. I can see her excitedlyclutching her black bank satchel of cashand bank deposits. Our driver would escorther with great vigilance and respect. Thebank staff loved her and welcomed herwith open arms. Sister touched their heartsand lives in a very special manner. She wastheir heroine, one staff member at the banktold me: “She is like a touch of the divine.”

Sister also had a great love of animals, her

desk blotter was dressed up with pictures ofimportant animal friends from her manyyears in the West; she had a specialrelationship with this menagerie. She saidthey were calming and comforting, and Iquote one of her favourite sayings. “Ananimals sensitivity is usually just a quietsimple gesture.” Now doesn’t that remindyou of our own Sister Mary Adele?

I share these thoughts this evening onbehalf of Sister Monica and Sister Yvette. Ialso feel the presence of the spirit of thelate Sister Martha Diethelm, a wonderfulSister and friend. We were blessed to betogether in our office team setting for 22years with Sister Mary Adele. Sister Yvettereplaced Sister Martha when she went toMoose Jaw. We are deeply grateful to Godto have had this blessed time with her.

We will miss her. Her beautiful eager heartwas the size of a whale. The sharp sparklein her eyes will be a sentinel as we tuck herwarmly in our hearts with many fondmemories, recalling that ‘giving was herreason for living.’ It radiated from her soul.

Compassionate understandingContinued from previous page

Passings

ProvidenceAssociates arewomen and men,single or married,who experience acall to deepen theirbaptismal promisefor gospel living bysharing in thecharism, thespirituality and themission of theSisters ofProvidence of St.Vincent de Paul,without vowedmembership in thecongregation.


PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATES

THE PROVIDENCE Associates’ springretreat May 27-29, 2005 began onFriday night with presentations by

Sisters Shirley Morris and Theresa Moher.The 30 Associates and Sisters were re-acquainted withThomas Berry andTeilhard de Chardinthrough readingsand a video. SisterDiane Brennenbrought greetingsfrom theLeadership Team and presented LaraineCorbin with a sculpted figure of St.Vincent de Paul in appreciation of her sixyears of unprecedented work as Co-direc-tor of Providence Associates.

A cosmic walk was offered on Saturday. Atcertain points along the walk, candles werelit marking historic events in our universe;250 million years ago when the firstdinosaurs and flowers appeared, 1.5 million

years ago when humans first appeared andover 2 thousand years since Christ wasborn. The walkended withreflection of theplanet today andwhat role we playin its future.

Following thewalk, retreatantswere lead throughtwo spiritualwalks at theMotherhouse andLemoine Point.Later in the day,participantsscreened thevideo “TheUnfolding Story”that warned of alooming globalcrisis, but withthe upbeat mes-sage that we can reverse the impendingdamage.

Following a ritual closing of the retreat,using symbols of water, earth and fire, theAssociates joined the regular worshippingcommunity at Mass on Sunday.

MMiissssiioonnssttaatteemmeenntt

Eco-spirituality retreatAssociates

Retreat presenter SisterShirley Morris.

Associates and Sisters watch a video.

Retreat presenter SisterTheresa Moher.

“Nature is nota place to visit,

it is home.— Gary Snyder


Mission week Feb.14-18, 2005.

ProvidenceContinuing CareCentre is committedto compassionatecare and excellencein the provision ofcomplex continuingcare, longer termmental health care,long term care,palliative care,geriatric andrehabilitationprograms andforensic services ofthe people of south-eastern Ontario.

Trusting inProvidence andstrengthened by thespirit and traditionof our sponsors, theSisters ofProvidence of St.Vincent de Paul, westrive to meet thephysical, emotional,social and spiritualneeds of eachperson. We believein treating eachperson with respect,dignity and compassion.

As a teachingcentre, we worktogether with theregional communityto provide andadvocate forwellness, innovationand excellence incare delivery,education andresearch.

Health SystemPPCCCCCC

mmiissssiioonn

PCCC FOUNDATION unveiled itsupdated donor wall at St. Mary’s ofthe Lake Hospital with a flourish,

on February 14, thanking donors for theirgenerosity. Names of individuals,businesses and community groups aredisplayed for cumulative donations of$2,000 and upwards. Recognition levelsrange from Friend ($2,000-$9,999) toPatron ($100,000+). Currently, 296 namesare inscribed.

The unveiling was timed to coincide withthe first day of PCCC’s annual MissionWeek, a week reserved to reflect on andcelebrate our mission of compassionatecare.

PCCC updates donor wall

Sister Sheila Langton, Sister Kathryn LaFleur,General Superior of the Sisters of Providence ofSt. Vincent de Paul and Cathy Dunne, PCCCPresident & CEO.

PCCC FOUNDATION...WHO WE ARE

The Providence Continuing Care Centre Foundation is the charitable arm of PCCC. It is aseparately incorporated non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board ofdedicated community members.

The Foundation’s mandate is to raise funds to assist Providence Continuing Care Centreby bridging the gap between limited government funding and our hospitals’ importantequipment and capital needs.

PCCC Foundation Board:

• Peter Dacin • Dr. Allan

• Cathy Dunne • Peter Merkley, Chair

• Doug Hogeboom • Andrea Panet

• Dale Irvine-Shields • Greg Welch

• Sister Sheila Langton • Barbara Yates

• Gillian Little, Vice Chair

Reprinted with permission from PRISMS, published by PCCC Communications Department

Providence ContinuingCare Centre

Sisters of Providence of St.Vincent de Paul


Heirloom Tomato Day

Saturday August 27,2005 (tentative).

10 reasons to saveHeirloom Seeds:

• connection with Earth and mystery of creation

• historical value

• cultural relationship

• sustainability

• adaptability

• diversity

• variation

• taste

• usage

• economics

Motherhouse


PROVIDENCE PAGES

THE PUBLIC GOT a glimpse ofhorticultural history at the Sistersof Providence of St. Vincent de

Paul in the spring. Century-old plants andseeds, cultivated at the Heirloom SeedSanctuary at the Princess Street site, wenton sale during a balmy first weekend inMay.

The sanctuary, a tranquil plot covering ahalf acre of land, produces 417 varieties ofseeds and plants. But the tomato plantsdrew the most interest — 94 differentvarieties harvested at the historic site. Youcan travel the globe looking for rareRussian or Livingston Paragon tomatoes,but you will find them all in one place atthe Sisters of Providence.

The seeds belong to horticulturalists Caroland Robert Mouck who have dedicatedtheir lives to preserving the renowned col-lectionwhich wasoriginallyassembledon FoxfireFarm nearNapanee. It’sa holisticapproach togardeningwithout theneed forchemicals.Open-pollinatedplants produce

seeds that can be collected and planted forcenturies. The Moucks believe we shouldtry to live in harmony with all Creation,respecting one another. The seeds are areminder of this spiritual outlook.

Robert, easily identified by a shock ofwhite hair and flowing beard, tends theplants like a loving parent. After a fewminutes of conversation, customers realizethat he and Carol share encyclopedicknowledge of plants and seeds. Theecology-minded couple have invested alifetime into this life-giving passion.

This year marks the final public sale. “Weneed to re-focus on the seeds and not makethis a typical garden sale,” said Robert. TheMoucks hope to carry on the seed savingtradition by meeting with the HeirloomSeed Savers each month at the HeirloomSeed Sanctuary.

Heirloom Seeds for Sale

Robert Mouck explains seedpreservation to visitors at theheritage plant sale.

Sr. Margaret Maika selling Heirloom tomatoplants.


Directed Retreat

Rev. Jim Casper,SCJ, Deacon BillGervais, BeverleyMcDonald and IreneWilson

Friday August 5, 4p.m.-Friday August12, 1 p.m.

Register by FridayJuly 22

Cost $475 or$75/day

SISTER KATHRYN LAFLEUR

IT IS WITH MUCH enthusiasm and hopethat I welcome, on behalf of theLeadership Team, the Sisters,

Associates and Staff of ProvidenceMotherhouse our new Director ofCommunications, Christine Tripp.

Christine comes to uswith the experienceand expertise thatprepare her for theresponsibility of herposition as publicrelations liaison forthe congregation andDirector ofCommunicationswith its varied tasks and publications.

I trust that everyone will welcomeChristine, and help her to feel at home withthe characteristic hospitality that is ourspirit.

Please feel free to forward to Christinenoteworthy items and photos that could beused in future editions of ProvidencePages, Providence News or placed on theupcoming revised web-site. We desire tohave a broad overview of thecongregation’s ministries.

Welcome Christine, and every blessing onyour journey with us as you share in ourmission and ministry.

Serving with Compassion, Trusting inProvidence, We Walk in Hope.

Sister Kathryn LaFleurGeneral Superior

A warm welcomeMotherhouse


Sr. Kathryn LaFleur

The fifty days of Easter celebrate the joyful news of the resur-rection. Easter Day has so much meaning in the life of theChristian faithful that it takes fifty days to celebrate it well.One week is not enough. Not even a week of weeks. Rather, ittakes seven times seven days, plus one. A fullness of timeobserves the fullness of Easter. Part of that celebration in theChapel of Mary, Mother of Compassion, is the reflection of thegreat themes ofresurrection, baptismand light in theenvironmentalaccents that surroundthe sacred space. Theseason concludeswith Pentecost, thefiftieth day of theseason.

Easter reflections


Providence Pages isproduced threetimes a year:spring,fall and winter.

Submissions for thenext publication-Volume #3 Number#2 - are due MondayOctober 10th.

Providence Pages ispublished by theCommunicationsDepartment ofSisters ofProvidence.

PPrroovviiddeenncceePPaaggeess

PROVIDENCE PAGES

LIKE MANY PEOPLE, I’ve driven pastthe gates at 1200 Princess St. inKingston wondering what lies

beyond the chain link fence encircling themanicured lawns and stately buildings ofProvidence Motherhouse. If you drivedown the lane, you’ll find signs: “Thoushalt not park.” It is a reminder that thisoasis, right beside one of Kingston’s busiestintersections, is a different kind of place.

I discovered this in May when I took onthe job of Director of Communicationswith the Sisters of Providence of St.Vincent de Paul. It’s been a busy month oflearning new names, getting lost whilenavigating many hallways, and meetingmany Sisters and staff who have droppedby the office to say hello.

I’m excited to begin a new career and takeon the many challenges ahead. The firstmajor initiative for this office is the launchof our new website, under construction formonths. It will be unveiled soon.

My background is journalism andeducation. I spent 10 years at CKWStelevision in Kingston where I producedand co-anchored the 6 p.m.televisionnewscast. In 1994, I decided to stay homeand be a full-time mother to Alexandra andRiley.

Four years later, eager to return to full timeemployment and a new challenge, I turnedto teaching. My father is a retired teacher,and the occupation has always appealed tome. In 1998 I attended Queen’s University

and earned myteaching certi-fication. I washired by theAlgonquin &LakeshoreCatholicDistrictSchool Boardwhere I’veworked as an occasional teacher for thepast six years. I’ll be drawing on theseexperiences in my new position.

What has impressed me most since joiningthe staff of Sisters of Providence is theunique environment within this building,which provides a home and setting for thecongregation’s ministries. The pioneeringwork started by the Sisters in 1861continues to this day. While the charitablework has evolved, the Sisters remaincommitted to empowering others, epeciallythe poor and most vulnerable, to achieve abetter quality of life.

I was thrilled to meet up again with mygrade 6 teacher Sister Barbara Thiffault.Many years later, the roles have changed.Sister Barbara is now my colleague. When Iintroduced myself to her last month, shecouldn’t remember me — upsetting tothink I didn’t leave an impression. But sheassured me, “This is a good thing. It meansyou didn’t give me much trouble.” Whew.

On a personal note, weeknights and week-ends, you will find me at hockey rinks orsoccer fields with my children Alexandra,16, and Riley, 12, or walking my dog Ralph.

New Communications Director

Christine Tripp, the newDirector of Communicationsat Providence Motherhouse.

Motherhouse

A regularpublication of theSisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul

Please addresscorrespondence to CommunicationsOfficeProvidenceMotherhouseBox 4271200 Princess St.Kingston, ONCanadaK7L 4W4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission Statement

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

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

providence pages spring 2005

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