The Eagle Michaelmas 2015The EagleDear Associates, Oblates and Friends,The past year has been a year of transition forour Community but we have also been blessedin so many ways. As I write this article many ofthe Sisters and Oblates are in their Long Retreatled by retired Bp. Gordon Light. Many of you

will know him as awriter andcomposer ofspiritual songs andhymns including“She ComesSailing on theWind” from whichwe chose the titleof our history, AJourney JustBegun. Bp.Gordon used thewritings of Richard

Wagamese, an Aboriginal writer, for his talks onthe theme, “All Our Relations” and alsointroduced us to many of his own songs.Although I have not been in retreat at this time,I have found Bp. Gordon’s talks profoundlymoving.

We have just completed a very long butspacious Annual General Chapter which

included reports on all our ministries and manyexcellent discussions on a variety of topics. Nearthe beginning of our Chapter we had theprivilege of listening to Marie Wilson describeher six years of experience as one of threeCommissioners on the Truth and ReconciliationCommission. She challenged us all to read the“94 Calls to Action” and to discover how wemight promote reconciliation with ourAboriginal neighbours. As some of you know,during the 22 days between the beginning ofthe last Truth and Reconciliation session (May31st) and National Aboriginal Day (June 21st) werang a gong 55 times at each Eucharist inmemory of the 1017 aboriginal women andgirls who have been murdered since 1980.

Our Chapter alsoincluded greatcommunity time. Wehad a "Fun Afternoonwith Strawberry Teaand Hats" for which theSisters used theircreativity and ingenuity.

Thanks to thegenerosity of Christ

Church, Oshawa, where Sr. Constance Joannawas the interim priest for 16 months in 2013-2014, we were able to go to Stratford to seeeither the musical, Carousel or Shakespeare’sLove’s Labours Lost. Both performances weremarvellous; we also enjoyed a picnic lunch nearthe Festival Hall and supper at En Route on thereturn journey. Finally, thanks to many smalldonations which were designated for our “TreatFund” (no receipts given), we had a localexcursion to the new Aga Khan Museum inToronto where we were given an extremely

Marie Wilson (front row, centre) with Sisters Continued on page 2

Sr. Elizabeth

2

informative tour by a medical doctor who is alsoa volunteer. This was followed by a picnic atBluffers Park and a visit to the beautiful RosettaMcClain Gardens.

Chapter also provided us with time to share ourfaith journeys, both as we didlectio divina together in smallgroups and as we shared witheveryone forms of prayer eachof us had found most helpfulover the years.

On a couple of evenings duringChapter, Sr. Elizabeth Annshared her experiences of hersabbatical time in England. Shebegan with a few days of holidayin Glasgow and then went to theOrder of the Holy Paraclete inWhitby for most of her stay.Near the end of her time inEngland, she visited LambethPalace, attended Eucharist in theUndercroft, and met Prior Anders Litzell, thePrior of the new Community of St. Anselmwhich began at Lambeth Palace in September.She will tell you more about her sabbatical timein the next Eagle.

We too are beginning an exciting new initiativein September, 2016, called “Companions”through which we hope to attract youngerpeople to discover how “To Live in God’sRhythm” through spending a year living in ourCommunity. You will learn more about thisinitiative from Sr. Constance Joanna’s article onp.7.

This program is similar to our program forAlongsiders which we began in September,2011. In September, this year, we received twonew Alongsiders: Adwoa Lewis-Wilson who wasat our Women at a Crossroads Program in Julyand comes to us from New York and Boston inthe United States; and Barbara Sheppard whois from Toronto.

Archbishop Colin Johnson has been ourEpiscopal Visitor for the past ten years."Episcopal Visitors are the guardians of theConstitutions of the community and guarantorsto the Church at large of the community's soundadministration, stability and right to confidence."

(CAROA, A Handbook ofGuidelines, p. 65) ArchbishopColin has been extremelygenerous with his time over thepast ten years, not only visiting theCommunity each year to listen andadvise but also being available tothe Reverend Mother whenevershe sought his advice or help andwe are most grateful to him. It iscustomary to elect a new BishopVisitor following the election of anew Reverend Mother and I amdelighted to announce that Bp.Linda Nicholls has accepted thatposition. She knows theSisterhood well already and hasoften facilitated meetings for us.

We look forward to an even deeper relationshipwith her in the next few years.

As always there are some changes inresponsibility in the coming year. Sr. Doreenhas accepted the role of Prioress along with herresponsibilities in the Finance and Fundraisingoffices. Sr. Elizabeth Ann is the new NovitiateDirector and together with Sr. Dorothy will be incharge of the Guest House ministry. Sr. Brendareturns as Head-of-House to Victoria where shewill be joined by Sr. Debra for a few months. Assoon as Sr. Sue is fully recovered from her mostrecent surgery, she will join Sr. Brenda at St.John’s House, BC. Sr. Constance Joanna hasaccepted the role of Alongsiders and VocationsCoordinator which includes oversight of the newCompanions Program. She also continues toteach at Wycliffe and to be Honorary Assistantat St. George on Yonge. Sr. Susanne will jointhe team of Sisters who work at St. John’sRehab: Srs. Beryl, Anitra and Louise. Srs.Jocelyn, Sarah Jean and Jessica will also help

Bishop Linda Nicholls

Continued on page 3

News from St. John’s House, BC

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Sisters Brenda, Dorothy and Debra were thesisters in the House for most of the year. InMay, Sr. Dorothy returned to the convent andSr. Jessica came out until Chapter.

Sr. Brenda continued as Head-of-House. Shesat on Aboriginal Neighbours, conducted SafeChurch workshops and provided spiritualdirection. At the Bishop’s request, she becameco-chair of the Right Relations Task Committeeconcerning relations with First Nation People tofulfill the Diocesan vision. Other highlights ofthe year were being a mentor for a theologicalstudent’s field placement, and walking with theEmmaus Community, a new MonasticCommunity, as it grows.

Sr. Dorothy did the bulk of the Associate workthis past year and focussed on finding andconnecting with Associates we hadn’t heardfrom in a while. She continued visiting a

mentally challenged woman and was asked bythe diocese to be a co-facilitator for EfM. Sr.Dorothy also did spiritual direction.

Sr. Debra was sacristan and did pastoral visitingat James Bay Lodge, as well as conducting themonthly celebration of life service for those whohad died. She also preached and celebrated theEucharist in the house and in both Anglican andLutheran churches.

We all participated in responsibilities at theEucharists and Divine Offices and in the dailyupkeep of the house. We all conducted QuietDays and workshops. We continued to pray forthe Diocese, visit various churches on the Islandon Wednesdays and Sundays and attenddiocesan events.

part time at SJR. Sr. Anne continues her workas sacristan assisted by Sr. Amy Joy. Sr. HelenClaire continues as Associate Director for theEastern & Central Provinces while the Sisters inBC care for the Associates in the WesternProvince. Sr. Dorothy is the new OblateDirector. Sr. Margaret Ruth continues aslibrarian and looks after the Bookroom corridor.Our Associate Pauline Head has taken over theresponsibility of ordering books for thebookroom from Eileen Beatty who has donethis for many, many years. We are so grateful toboth of them. Sr. Wilma is our corresponding

secretary and assists in the Fundraising Office.And Sr. Patricia supports us all with her prayers.

On September 8th, the 131st Anniversary of ourFoundation, we rededicated the refurbished altarfrontal in the Lady Chapel originally created byour Mother Foundress and early Sisters andAssociates, and brought to new and glorious lifeby Seanagh Murdoch.

On October 13th Sr. Dorothy is going to visitthe Order of the Holy Paraclete (OHP) as partof our ongoing exchange program. This is avery special year for OHP because they arecelebrating their 100th Anniversary.

Please pray for us as we continue to serve Godand the world God loves through our life andministry.

With love and prayers,

Sr. Elizabeth, SSJDReverend Mother

Continued on page 4

4

Sr. Jessica visited Associates and Oblates andhelped out in maintaining the house. Sheattended Our Place weekly as a volunteer.We are grateful to the Rev. Canon Sue House,the Rev. Dan Fournier, the Rev. Karen Fast, theRight Rev. Barry Jenksand the Right Rev. JohnHannen for theirfaithfulness in celebratingthe Eucharist for us. Weare grateful to all whohave celebrated for usregularly.

Our Associate SusanPatterson and OblatesDorothy Dahli andDoreen Davidsoncontinue to help out inthe house on a regular basis, for which we aregrateful.

With the help of a youth group, the treed areaat the back of the property has been cleanedout. There is still more to do but it looks tidier.

This year is the first occasion, since I have beenhere, that we all ended up sick at the sametime. I closed the house for a week so we wouldbe well enough to celebrate Mother Hannah’sFeast Day and the Book Launch. We combinedthe two celebrations. As we had no reading orsinging voices, the Associates and Oblates didmost of the reading and singing. It was a joyfultime and we are grateful to all who joined us forthe celebration.

Quiet Days and workshops were better attendedthis year. A workshop on “Spirituality of anAltar Guild” in Vancouver was well attended andappreciated. The “Finger Labyrinth Quiet Days”were almost full and much appreciated by boththe young and the old. A popular session wasthe Lenten series facilitated by Bishop Jenks.We also had a youth group come to the houseto learn about the religious life. Other Quiet

Days were conducted in various churchesaround the Island, including the LutheranChurch. We also did speaking engagements onSSJD, community life and Benedictinespirituality.

Sr. Elizabeth Ann madeher last visit as ReverendMother to the House inNovember. We had anAssociate-Oblategathering in QualicumBeach. At this Sr.Dorothy did a QuietMorning, and Sr.Elizabeth Ann receivedthe First Promises ofKathryn Tulip as anOblate. Sr. Elizabeth Ann

updated all on community happenings and Sr.Brenda updated them on activities at St. John’sHouse. We had a great day but we were awareonly half of the Associates were there due to asnowfall and the lack of snow tires which arerequired to drive the mountain passes, and theflu going around.

A highlight for us all, this year, was attendingsome of the First Nation educational sessionsand feasts. We helped out at the 39th BC EldersGathering in July where some 4,000 were inattendance. Again this year we helped at the T-Bird/Clergy Soccer Tournament in Victoria.

The Rt. Rev. Logan McMenamie met with thethree Anglican communities in Victoria–SSJD,St. Aiden (a dispersed Benedictine OblateCommunity), and the Emmaus Community–andasked us to work together to help revive theChurch. We have not yet met to further discussthe Bishop’s request.

I thank Sisters Dorothy and Debra for theirsupport of me.

Sr. Brenda, SSJDHead of House

Sr. Jessica, the Rev. Andrew Twiddy, Sr. Debra and Sr. Brenda

News from St. John’s House, BC (continued)

5

This past year the Guest House has seen manychanges. I was assigned as Guest HouseCoordinator last September with Sr. Amanda asthe Food for the Soul Coordinator. Sadly, Sr.Amanda decided to leave the Community at theend of September. Sr. Sarah Jean wassubsequently assigned asAssistant in October. In April ofthis year she experienced aserious fall and broke her leg;she continues to recuperate.Since then, Sr. Amy Joy hasbeen our part-time Food for theSoul Coordinator in conjunctionwith her ongoing responsibilityas Volunteer Coordinator. FriscaOzorio remains in her role asGuest House Administrator, andGloria Eccheveria as ourhousekeeper.

Despite the changes which havetaken place, we continue towarmly welcome many diverseindividuals and groups. This past year we havewelcomed Church groups, mainly Anglican, butalso Lutheran and Baptist, mission societies,Roman Catholic religious novices, Buddhist andwellness meditation groups, children’s ministrygroups, etc. For the first time, we hosted aParish Administrators Retreat Day, thebrainchild of Craig Gustafson, parishadministrator at St. George on Yonge AnglicanChurch. This retreat was offered to parishadministrators of various denominations andwas a great success with participants from theAnglican, Lutheran and United churches.

Over and over again, our guests who come forquiet time on an individual basis comment aboutthe peace they feel simply upon entering theConvent. They say the silence enables them to“go inward”, something they find difficult toachieve in their day-to-day lives. We have hadan increase in the number of people who comefor a personal day retreat. It is a joy andprivilege to provide the space and silence for

our guests so that they may be spirituallyrefreshed and nourished.

Our “Food for the Soul” retreats and quiet dayscontinue to be well received by participants.This past season we had Phyllis Tickle in

October 2014 and Margaret Silfin May 2015. Their talks andretreat sessions were very wellattended. Once again, weoffered a Taizé weekend inFebruary 2015 with Fr. ErikOland, SJ, and the spirit of quietand contemplation permeatedthe whole Convent.

We were honoured to haveBishop Chilton Knudsen (retiredbishop of the Episcopal Dioceseof Maine) conduct a “Grace ofForgiveness” retreat this March.The participants so appreciatedBishop Chilton’s gentle spirit. Acreative arts retreat, “Creative

Paths to the Divine”, led by Robin Pacific andSr. Mary Rowell, CSJ, was a joyful experiencefor the small and intimate group of women whowere invited to explore the divine through thearts--visual, musical, theatrical, etc.

It has been my privilege to be a member of thismost vibrant and important ministry over thepast four years. I continue to pray that all whoare welcomed here find the peace whichsurpasses all understanding and the courage toshare that peace and love with all whom theymeet.

“Hospitality means we take people into thespace that is our lives and our mindand our hearts and our work and our efforts.Hospitality is the way we turn a prejudicedworld around, one heart at a time."~Joan Chittister, OSB

Sr. Susanne, SSJDGuest House

News from the Guest House

6

I have enjoyedmy year asOblate Director. Isent monthlynewsletters to theOblates and Ihave beenenriched by theirresponses asthey are a verycommittedgroup ofwomen. I had a visit with most of the Oblatesthis year, including the Oblates living onVancouver Island, as I am in St. John’s House,BC, as I write this report. The photo abovecame from an evening out with all the Oblateson Vancouver Island.

At present we have 18 Oblates and two womendiscerning to become Oblates. CarolynMadeley, Lynne Van der Hiel and Chris Hookermade Life Promises on September 5th at theend of the annual retreat. Lynne Samways-Hiltz and Mervat Iskander renewed their InitialPromises at the same time. Kathryn Tulip madeher Initial Promises on November 29th, 2014 atan Associate-Oblate gathering in QualicumBeach when Sr. Elizabeth Ann was visiting BC.Dorothy Dahli renewed her Initial Promises onJune 26th, 2015.

The Oblatescontinue to attendtheir respectivechurches and toexercise theirministries. TheOblates fulfilled theirresidential time andretreatcommitments at theConvent, St. John’sHouse, BC, or other

retreat centres. A few of the Oblates are nowentering a time in their life when I haveencouraged them to modify their residential andretreat commitments according to theircapabilities. Some found these adjustmentsdifficult as they felt they were not fulfilling theircommitment to the Sisters. However, they havecome to accept that these changes in no waydiminish their commitment to the Sisterhood, asprayer is at the heart of their call as an Oblate.

The Director of Oblates keeps a Book ofRemembrance with memories and a photo ofeach deceased Oblate. Oblates and Sisters haveprovided their memories of Shirley Wigmoreand Virginia Finlay to update this book, andthey will do the same for Violet McKean, whodied in early August. We will have a specialmemorial service at a Eucharist during theOblate Triennial in 2016 to give the Oblates achance to say their goodbyes. The Rev. FrancesDrolet-Smith, an Oblate, will preside.

I thank you for this privilege of being OblateDirector and I am delighted I will continue toshare this ministry with Sr. Dorothy, who hasbeen appointed the new Director of Oblates.

Sr. Jessica, SSJDSr. Dorothy, SSJD

News of our Oblates

Lynne Van der Hiel, Chris Hooker, Carolyn Madeley

L to R: Dorothy Dahli, Sandi Austin, Sr. Debra, Doreen Davidson,Sr. Brenda, Julie Poskitt, Sr. Jessica, Kathryn Tulip

Seeds for the Church, Change for the World

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For more than 130 years the Sisterhood hasregularly offered many opportunities for bothwomen and men who are seeking God. In asociety which has become increasinglysecularized and whose values are often inconflict with the values of the Christian faith,seeking God can be problematic. We try towitness to loving and cooperative relationshipsrather than competition, the deep needs of thehuman spirit rather than the superficialsatisfactions of consumerism, and silence in aworld of noise. The Sisterhood of St. John theDivine has been a refuge for many who sharethese values.

Drawing people to GodAs a result of the Sisters’ outreach, many havebecome Associates of the community, enteringinto a relationship of mutual support andspiritual partnership. The Convent Guest Houseand our branch houses have been available forpersonal and group retreats. Sisters both inToronto and Victoria go out to lead retreats anddays of quiet reflection in parish churches andcolleges. Both men and women come to theConvent or St. John’s House in Victoria forspiritual direction and pastoral conversations.Many join us for prayer and worship in ourchapels.

Enlarging the Circle: Opportunities forWomenIn recent years we have also developedprograms especially for women who are seekingopportunities to live alongside a monasticcommunity for a period of time and to share thevalues of a life of prayer and service with others.Our “Women at a Crossroads” program runsfor three weeks every summer and the“Alongsider” program usually lasts for a year.Both Alongsiders and Women at a Crossroadshave come from across Canada, the UnitedStates and England.

Companions on the Way: Traditional andNew MonasticismBeginning in September 2016, we are inviting10 young women between the ages of 22 and

40 to join us for a year of “Living in God’sRhythm.” They will form community amongthemselves and with the Sisters, balancingfriendship with times of silence and solitude,and developing a rhythm of life in the context ofa community of prayer. In addition, they will beencouraged to develop leadership skills that willassist them in whatever role in life they may becalled to.

A Radical InvitationAs the Sisters seek to know where God iscalling us in the future, we want to plant seedsof change as we learn more deeply what itmeans to follow Jesus by living a counter-cultural Christian lifestyle in a secular world.Please consider encouraging women you knowwho may be interested to explore theCompanions program with us.

Spread the WordPlease share the information card enclosed withthis Eagle. If you are interested in knowingmore, visit the special Companions website,www.ssjdcompanions.org, or contact SisterConstance Joanna, the CompanionsCoordinator, at companions@ssjd.ca

APPLICATIONSApplication deadline is June 15, 2016 fora start date of September 10, 2016.Depending on the number of applicationswe receive, we may make decisions earlierand put others on a waiting list. Pleaseinquire soon!

News of Central and Eastern Associates

8

In early June I received a photo from ValKenyon in St. John’s, Newfoundland, whichshowed four members of the SSJD family whomet by chance at an AFP Conference. Left toright are: Gladys Collins from St. John’s, NL;the Rev. Val Kenyon from London,ON; the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smithfrom Halifax, NS; and Val Bennettfrom St. Hubert, QC. Frances is anOblate, the other three areAssociates. What I found so specialabout the photo is that these fourwomen from four differentprovinces were celebrating theirconnection with SSJD.

As the follow-up to the Community Visitationlast year, all Sisters met for extended periods inJanuary and May this year. The timing of theseaffected two events for the Associates in theToronto area. The Epiphany Tea was cancelledand the annual general meeting was delayeduntil June 13. However, the annual BBQ picnicon July 18 was held on schedule; the weathercooperated and a good time was had by all.Associates welcomed the opportunity to bringgrandchildren and friends to enjoy our beautifulcourtyard. Our 2014 Advent Quiet Day was ledby Bishop Linda Nicholls and many Associatesand friends were here. The Lenten Quiet Day,led by the Rev. Maggie Helwig, was also wellattended.

Books for Jamaica: We only shipped 11 boxesof books to Jamaica; the usual amount isaround 15. As these need to be storedbeforehand in the Associate Office, I requestedbooks only be dropped off in January andFebruary. These were extremely cold monthswith bad weather and may have affected thequantity of books received for the project. Forthe 2016 project I will accept books fromNovember to February.

Lay people and vocational deacons are helpingclergy to carry responsibilities as never before.Several Associates have become vocationaldeacons, most recently Carol Brunton ofToronto in April, Mary Pickup of Montreal inMay and Elizabeth December-Lovell of Ottawain September.

I’ve been kept busy with the usual operations ofthe Office–meetings with Inquirers, Discernersand Associates, whether by email, snail mail,phone calls or in personal visits. I had hoped tomake Sr. Sarah Jean responsible for the EasternAssociates but she was transferred to the GuestHouse after a couple of months in the office;however, she led the Montreal Advent QuietDay at the end of November. Groups ofAssociates continue to meet in several cities.

While many of you have been using publicationswith scripture and reflections for daily devotions,several sites now exist on the web from whichyou can receive daily email reflections. Thesecan be specially helpful during Advent and Lent.

Continued on page 9

News of Western and Overseas Associates

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Wherever possible, I suggest that Associatestake advantage of spiritual direction. Hereagain, technology can be useful; I’ve heard oftwo Associates who have moved across thecountry and maintain their spiritual directorsusing Skype.

One of the consequences of our growing olderis that we are obliged to slow down, to let go ofsome of our activities and to live a simpler life.This can lead to a deeper relationship with God.

A recent letter from an Associate described thegift of the Associate Rule. She wrote:

The value of my having and attemptingto keep the Rule for Associates, simplyput, is that it keeps drawing me back tomy spiritual centre. It keeps me fromflying off in all directions and becomingtotally lost in a world of “busyness”.

Another commented on the accountabilityaspect of the Rule as “a discipline which keepsher honest in trying to make Christ the centreof her life.” I trust that the Rule continues tosustain Associates in their ongoing journeys.

Sr. Helen Claire, SSJDAssociate Director, Central and Eastern

This year has been an extra blessing as we wereable to meet some Associates we have prayedfor but did not know. It worked well to visitAssociates on our travels to the Convent as thiscut costs.

Vancouver Island Associates continue to supportour St. John’s Day celebrations and five cameto our gardening day. Their help is essential inmaintaining the BC House.

Vancouver Associates were visited twice. Sr.Dorothy visited in the fall, and in the spring allthree of us, as well as Sr. Anne who wasvisiting, went for the meeting. We thankedHeather Luccock, Sheila Martindale andElizabeth Murray who all resigned after manyyears of service. We give thanks for theircommitment to the Sisterhood. At the meeting,the Rev. Paula Leggett and Clare Palmer wereelected as the new convenors. There is a senseof renewal amongst the Associates.

Kelowna Associates are very active and haveinvited the contemplative society to join themfor retreats. This is working very well for them.

Sr. Dorothy was able to visit both theSaskatchewan and Manitoba Associates thisyear. Susan Roe-Finlay is now convenor of theManitoba area. We gave thanks to Hazel Birtfor her faithfulness as convenor. The Associateshave made an “SSJD badge” to wear when theyare out.

Sr. Brenda visited the Edmonton Associateswho are in need of prayer as some are driftingaway and the faithful core are fewer. It is ourhope to visit the Calgary Associates this comingyear.

This report would not be complete without a bigthank you to Sr. Dorothy who did the bulk ofthe Associate work for the house. She spentmany hours trying to locate people as emailsand letters were returned. Do remember to letus know when you move or change your emailaddress so we can keep in touch.

Sr. Brenda, SSJDAssociate Director, Western and Overseas

News of Central and Eastern Associates (continued)

Associate Milestones 2014 – 2015

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Admissions

Nova Scotia: Maureen Fee of Spry Harbour

Quebec: Rev. Marilyn Van Duffelen of Eastmain

Ontario: Maggie Beda of Thunder Bay; Rev.Sharon Tam, Rev. Joanne Davies, Jan D’Angelo,Fiona Strachan of Toronto; Marilyn Csihas of Ajax

Manitoba: Beverley Markwart of Portage Le Prairie

British Columbia: Caroline Colwill of Kelowna;Doreen Macey & Lorna Lyneborg of Penticton

Yukon: Rosemary Smith of Whitehorse

Special Anniversaries (for calendar year 2015)

25 years: Ven. Lynn Uzans, Rev. ChristinaEdwards, Rt. Rev. Linda Nicholls, Mary Pritchard,Jeanne Young, Rev. Canon Tim Elliott, Rev. GregPhysick, Rev. Susan Tate, Rev. Canon Ruth Ferrier,Rev. Pam Orman, Patricia Donald

30 years: Rev. Brenda McKnight, Carol Brown,Johnnie Brandford, Cora Richards, Rev. NoelPaterson, Linda Weatherston, Anne Pugh, MaeBritton, Keith and Violet Grazier, Evelyn Moore,Elizabeth Hilton

35 years: Vicki Milnes, Rev. Ann Griffin, Rev.James Decker, Rev. Lynne Calhoun, Barbara White

40 years: Ven. Allen Box, Edward Berryhill, DonnaBowdridge, Fran Noonan, Rev. Thomas McKnight,Rev. Fabian Hugh

45 years: Elizabeth Loweth, Rev. John Whittall,Eleanor Miller

50 years: Rev. Peter Meggs, Rosanne Kratts, Rev.William Duff, Jeanie Vant

55 years: Most Rev. Michael Peers, Rev. CanonFred Roberts, Rev. Ian Bockus

60 years: Rev. Duncan Abraham, EdithHutchinson, Nancy Bettesworth

61 years: Reta Smith

62 years: Rev. Sidney Horne, Mary Scovil,Margaret Reid, Bernice Pilling

63 years: Rev. James O’Neil, Evelyn Rubie

64 years: Mary Ann Graham

66 years: Dorothy Johns

70 years: Rev. C. Russell Elliott

Deaths (admission dates in brackets):

Kathleen Hellenius, Kamloops, BC (Aug 1985)Joan Francis, Toronto, ON (June 1974)Isabel Scandrett, Victoria, BC (June 72)Mary Frances Allin, Baltimore, MD (Sept 1952)June Emes, Cannington, ON (Feb 1981)Leni Pearce, Calgary, AB (June 2000)Rev. Janet Wood, Kelowna, BC (Sept 1990)Audrey Dawson, Trail, BC (Sept 1987)Kay Meggs, Montreal, QC (Aug 1964)Marion Stalter Legault, Perth, ON (Feb 1963)Peter Attia, Ottawa, ON (Sept 1989)Lilian Looker, Ditchingham, UK (May 1963)Sylvia Stuchbery, Wolfville, NS (Oct 2000)Rev. Roland de Corneille, Toronto, ON (May 1957)Joan Matsui, Toronto, ON (July 1998)Rev. James Moore, Newmarket, ON (Jan 1966)Rev Kathleen Hellenius, Kamloops, BC (Aug 1995)Ven. William Wright, Ottawa, ON (June 1944)Suganth Satyanadhan, St. Catherine, ON (Sept1993)Rev. Cameron Cairns, Ottawa, ON (Nov 1958)Lois Ann Evans, Hamilton, ON (Dec 1970)Christina Cuthand, Saskatoon, SK (Mar 1992)Emily Robichaud, Miramichi, NB, (June 1986)Patricia Le Compte, Winnipeg Beach, MB (Sept1989)Anne Tanner, Toronto, ON (1973)Dorothy Sullivan, Peterborough, ON (May 1997)Penelope Holeton, Toronto, ON (July 1999)Grace Janes, Halifax, NS (April 2009)Pauline Lukey, Sooke, BC (Oct 2009)Ven. Ian Stuchbery, Wolfville, NS (Oct 2000)Emily Edgley, Pincourt, QC (April 1992)Rev. Dorothy Daly, Elliott Lake, ON (Sept 1979)

News from St. John’s Rehab

11

The past year has been atime of change. It hasalso been a time ofrejoicing in the traditionof the Sisters’ ministry atSt. John’s Rehab (SJR)site of Sunnybrook HealthSciences Centre. This is afoundation that can bebuilt upon, for it is alegacy of hope and prayerto care for all people,helping them to heal.

In November, Sr. Louise took on the role ofSpiritual Care Coordinator, while continuing asthe spiritual care provider on A-1. In May2015 I was pleased to be appointed theSpiritual Care Coordinator. I see it as anexpansion of my work as the Priest-Chaplain.My appointment allows the Sisters toconcentrate entirely on direct pastoral care andto be more fully present to the staff andvolunteers. The Sisters continue to refer to mepatient visits that require more individual timeand a chaplain’s focus. The staff of SJR wouldtell you the foundation of St. John’s as a healingplace is the chapel and the Sisters. To say“SSJD” or “The Sisters” is a synonym forspiritual care. Therefore the Sisters are also themodel for spiritual care…and that includes me.All the work I do here as a chaplain and theSpiritual Care Coordinator is on their behalf. Iam so grateful to do so. Our team is Sr. Louiseon A-1, Sr. Beryl on A-3, and Sr. Anitra on A-4. We were also gifted with Dorothy Tam, anAlongsider with chaplaincy experience, on A-2.We are grateful our volunteers from theprevious year have remained with us, helping usto provide steady and continuous care. Thechapel of our Lady and Saint John is known asa welcoming place of worship, quiet, personalprayer and solace for staff, volunteers, patientsand their families. We have regular servicestwice a week and more during the Easter andChristmas seasons. SJR has a diverse culturaland faith population and all feel welcome to

seek out the chapel, whichis open 24/7.

In partnership withvolunteer services I amworking to develop patientactivities for individualfloors and, hopefully, in thefuture, the whole hospital.I have begun an art andmeditation group on A-3and with Sr. Beryl’s goodwork, a garden club. All

interactions and community life contributedeeply to the spiritual health of the patient. Andthrough my presence on the Quality of WorkLife Committee we hope to benefit the staff inthe same manner.

Every month the spiritual care office sends anemail to all staff called “Feasts, Celebrations andRemembrances”. Using information from a fewsources this email includes a reflective thoughtand then lists, by day, cultural, local, national,multi-faith, religious and folk observances of themonth.

I am on the Inter-professional EducationCommittee at SJR with the goal of continuingpast work with TST colleges and of havingstudents doing their field education here. Havingstudents will open up many new worlds oflearning about spiritual care.

This year, during the SJR annual staffappreciation BBQ, we took the opportunity togive staff, as a gift, the story of the Sisters’hospital work, written by Dr. Hart. The staff wasvery grateful. We also present the book topatients as they leave, and to those askingquestions about the hospital. The storycontinues to be told.

The Rev. Joanne Davies Priest-Chaplain

St. John’s Rehab ProgramAt Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sr. Beryl, Sr. Anitra, Dorothy Tam and Sr. Louise

12

The Houses of the Sisterhoodwww.ssjd.caSt. John’s Convent

233 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, ON M2M 2E8416-226-2201 • Fax: 416-226-2131 • email: convent@ssjd.ca

St. John’s House, BC3937 St. Peters Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2J9

250-920-7787 • Fax: 250-920-7709 • email: 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 registeredcharity. Our charitable donation number is BN 11925 4266 RR0001.

Back row: Sisters Beryl, Helen Claire, Elizabeth Ann, Constance Joanna, Dorothy,Debra, Doreen, Wilma, Anitra

Second row: Sisters Jessica, Anne, Margaret Ruth, Patricia, Sarah Jean, Jocelyn, Louise,Amy Joy

Front row: Sisters Elizabeth (Reverend Mother), Brenda, Susanne, Sue

Sisters of St. John the Divine, August 2015