December Associate Relationship East Newsletter 2022
Holy Angels and St. Theresa’s group met at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys church on October 20th, 2022. The prayer service on Interculturality was presented, reflections and sharing transpired.
The Miramichi, NB group met to celebrate Sr. Marie St. Coeur Birthday and reflect on Taking the Chapter Home. Rosamond has decided to step back as Group Leader after ten years.
We will miss Rossi so much as she is a valued and important member of the Miramichi group as she continues as an Associate. The group will be a support and loving companion for each other and the whole Congregation de Notre Da,e community on their journey with Mary, Marguerite and our loving God. We ask the Miramichi Sisters and Associates to discern as we pray for another Leader.
Mass For Shut-Ins Celebrates its 60th season
The taping for the Feast of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys will take place January 7th, 2023 at 10 am at St. Marguerite Church on Cabot Street,Sydney, N.S.The viewing will be on CTV Jan.15,2023.
Mass for Shut-Ins is aired on Sundays on CTV or can be viewed on demand on our Diocese of Antigonish YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYevnyrNU6zIWHDh8KJ71w
Donna began her position as Co-Coordinator Visitation Province East. She visited Sydney Holy Redeemer Convent and was assisted with her new role by Dianne and outgoing Coordinator Theresa.
Summerside Associate Group "Advent Retreat" held on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022. Sister Regina was our facilitator. Sister Joan Marie Chaisson and Sister Cecile Buote were in attendance.
Sister Joan welcomed Sister Regina and thanked her for doing the retreat. Sister Regina based her talk on the Samaritan woman at the well. She began with a song entitled “Come to the Well” in relation to the season of Advent. Advent is a waiting well! Waiting is not easy! People in Scripture who spent time waiting were Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Anna in the temple. Sister Regina stressed that Presence in the moment is so important!
Sister Regina gave us questions to reflect on, if we wished, during our half hour of personal quiet time. She stated that as we approach the “well” of Advent, Jesus is waiting for each one of us.
Questions to ponder are: What are my thoughts, words, etc.? What does Jesus say to me?
What “living water” do I need this Advent? How do I share this “living water" with others? Do I need to leave anything behind?
These questions gave us lots to think about and ideas to put in practice!
To end off our session with prayer we again went back to the hymn Come to the Well! I know we all enjoyed this inspiring session! Thanks Sister Regina so much!
Sister Joan presented Sister Regina with a gift of thanks. Then we could all chose a wrapped gift which happened to be a beautiful Magnolia Ornament from the Willow Tree collection. Thanks so much Sister Joan.
We were then all treated to a delicious Christmas dinner. There was lots of chit chat
and laughter! We are all truly blessed to belong to a great group of friendly and loving individuals! God is Good!
Submitted by Louise Doiron, Associate
On December 2, 2022 a dual celebration (40th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and the 40th Anniversary of Associate Relationship) took place at Holy Redeemer Convent in Sydney, N.S. The Congregation de Notre Dame Sisters organized and invited Associates to this spiritual day.
St. Marguerite was with us on this sunny day enabling associates from as far as Mabou and Sydney Mines to travel and share in this milestone occasion. The prayer service prepared by the 40th Anniversary Associate Relationship Planning Committee was adapted. In the Chapel, Sisters and Associates joined in song, in stillness in conversation, reflection and enriched sharing. Dianne thanked the Sisters for their spiritual guidance, support and companionship for the past forty years. A special thank you was expressed to Sisters Connie MacIsaac, Mary Morris, Gwen O’Neil and Catherine V. MacDonald. A lunch was served.
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