News from Visitation East
ROSARY AND CND ASSOCIATE COMMITMENT PARKLAND SYDNEY NS
The Rosary has been a highlight for the Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters and residents of Parkland Cape Breton. It began over eleven years ago by the New Waterford CND Associates and it still continues. On May 17th, the Associates renewed their Commitment as an Associate and celebrated a 25 year Associate’s milestone.
Miramichi Associates Gather
Submitted by Fran Connell, Associate
The Miramichi Associates gathered on May 29, 2023.Sisters Eleanor McCloskey and Marie St. Coeur along with Woodstock Associate Marjorie joined Miramichi Associates for an annual retreat to celebrate the feast of the Visitation. This year our retreat was directed under the capable leadership of Trudy who led us along our Sacred Path with the teachings of Scripture, Hildegard of Bingen, Teilhard de Chardin and Sr. Ilia Delio among others. This was a very enjoyable day of continuing this tradition for another year.
Mass for Shut-Ins to honour the Feast day of the Visitation, was taped at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Sydney, N.S. on May 13, 2023 with celebrant Father Bedford Doucette who is also the Producer of Mass for Shut-Ins. This is a special time when Sisters and Associates celebrate the Visitation of our Blessed Mother with her cousin Elizabeth.Readers are Sister Agnes Campbell and Associate Geraldine and music was provided by the Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters of Parkland Cape Breton. Father Bedford and staff expressed appreciation for our participation this past year making the 60th year of Mass For Shut-Ins successful especially the support of CND Sisters Simone Abbass, Constance MacIsaac, and CND Associates, and music providers Sr. Elaine Hawrylak, Lorette Campbell and St. Leonard New Waterford.
CND ASSOCIATES RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
On March 30, 2023 the Summerside Sisters and Associates gathered for a meeting and Associate renewal of Commitments. Sister Joan Marie Chaisson welcomed her Associates and visiting guests. The meeting room was beautifully decorated with St. Marguerite Bourgeoys memorabilia. Sr. Joan offered each Associate a beautiful keepsake flower following their commitment. A delightful lunch and was provided by the staff of St Marguerite Convent.
RUSTICO AND LINDEN GROUP MEETS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
On June 2, 2023 the CND Rustico and Linden Associates met to renew their Commitment and and welcome Donna as their new Coordinator. Father Albin Arsenault, a journeying Associate, provided the blessing for the group. Anna Rowley Associate Relationship Coordinator and Sister Karen Kelly attended this gathering. Sister Karen Kelly shared her experiences of her recent trip to Japan.
A BBQ was held following this meeting at Donna’s cottage. A Visitation took place while Chef Jim Barbequed our supper!
Aren’t reunions wonderful. Dianne got reacquainted with her former teacher of 1959 Sheriff Jr. High Sydney, Sr. Mary Aloysius (Alice Long, CND) in Charlottetown, PEI. We were both certain St. Marguerite was watching us during this visitation.
Dianne, Donna, Sr. Eleanor McCloskey and Marjorie toured the oldest active Catholic church in PEI on May 31, 2023. The church was built in 1838.Journeying Associate Fr. Albin Arsenault is the Parish priest for this church located in Rustico.
PICTOU/NEW GLASGOW CND Associates meet and Signed their Renewal Commitments. Covid has affected gatherings but everyone was happy to get reacquainted. Sr. Anne Marie MacKenzie, CND and Dianne, Coordinator for Visitation Province East joined the meeting hosted by Group Leader Gwen on May 28, 2023 in the Rectory of the Stella Maris church. A delightful lunch was shared following the meeting.
VISITATION ANDREWS of CHARLOTTETOWN CND SISTERS
TEA AND TALK
A large group of women gathered on March 28th to share a tea and talk at Holy Redeemer Convent in Sydney, N.S. This is an opportunity for women to converse and socialize with others who share similar circumstances.
This event is hosted by Sr. Agnes Campbell and her Committee of CND Sisters and Associates.