As a result of sessions initiated by The Martha Spirituality Center and Fr. John Lacey, some of the lay people who participated became committed to continue this process in the diocese. A series of sessions began on Monday September 22 in St. Francis of Assisi Parish in which a total of 20 lay people were present including the coordinating committee, of which I am a member. It was so hopeful to see this initiated by members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Cornwall; five of whom are, of course, on the coordinating team. I was very happy to be invited to be part of the team. We all agreed we were off to a good start. People shared openly regarding how the scandal had affected them and members of their families and their desire to be part of the process of healing.
At the National CWL Convention, held in Fredericton, NB, in August, CND Associate Doreen Gowans was elected National Chairperson of Community Life. Doreen lives in Kamloops, BC and she has been a very active CWL member for several years. Doreen has also worked with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Core Committee of Visitation Province, CND. Doreen asks for our ongoing support and our prayer. Already on the job, she refers to newly adopted Resolution 20114.01 Restoration of Health Care for Refugee Claimants and suggests we consider writing to rona-ambrose@parl.gc.ca about this issue.
On August 27, 2014 the parishioners of All Saints Pastoral Unit gathered in Saint John the Baptist Church to honor Sisters Anne Marie MacKenzie and Mary Joan MacDonald on the occasion of their Diamond Jubilee of profession to the Congregation de Notre Dame. In keeping with our Associate Relationship Mission and Vision Statement the Associates of Pictou/New Glasgow gathered with New Victoria Associates Gerald and Winnie Odo to live “mutuality in visitation”. The celebrant was Fr. Gary MacPherson who highlighted the word “yes” many times in his congratulatory words to both these wonderful Sisters who have given so much over the past 60 years to those they shared time with on this journey. Here are their words of sentiment: To Fr. Gary, the parishioners, the CWL, the choir and to all who were so kind in acknowledging our Diamond Jubilee. We deeply appreciate the prayers, warm wishes, the gifts received, and your abiding presence to us, not only during our celebration, but throughout the years. God bless you for your thoughtfulness, and know that you are in our prayers.
