News

The Sisters of Charity I.C. and Associates seek to offer their assistance wherever the “Spirit of Charity” unfolds. If you’d like to be the first to learn “What’s New,” please be sure to check back often.

 

Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick recently recognized Laura Hughes, SCIC for her 12 years of service as member and chair of The Family Selection Committee for the Saint John Region.

The Mission of Habitat is to bring communities together to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. It’s Vision:” A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.”

CELEBRATING & PRAYING FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
SAINT JOHN, N.B. -- During the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Sisters of Charity, I.C. welcomed Associates and ecumenical guests to prayer with conversation Jan. 23 in Carmel Chapel at Ruth Ross Residence. Together, they explored the Week’s worldwide Good Samaritan theme from Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself.”

Guest presenters were a married Anglican clergy couple – and parents of two children -- who are community priests based at Stone Church in Saint John. The Revs. Jasmine and Terence Chandra responded to “interview questions” posed by Sister Roma De Robertis highlighting their vibrant outreach ministry among those living in poverty and seeking to overcome other challenges. The couple also invited and responded to questions from Sisters and Associates.

Sister Irene Buechler coordinated and introduced the Christian Unity liturgy. Rev. Tom Graham, a retired Lutheran pastor, proclaimed the gospel while Father Thomas Fowler -- who regularly presides at Mass in Carmel Chapel -- offered a blessing. Sister Mary Ann Maxwell provided music ministry.

Week of Prayer resources for Jan. 18-25 were prepared by a group of Christians in Burkina Faso in western Africa. They noted that Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan “not only challenges us to do good, but also
to widen our vision. We do not only learn what is good and holy from those like us, but often from those different from ourselves … The Good Samaritan is often the one we do not expect.”

For many years, Sisters in Saint John have celebrated Christian Unity Week annually with guests. In recent years, observing pandemic protocols, they invited messages from ecumenical friends and displayed their
pictures. This year they were thankful to once again welcome guests in person. The four clergy guests then joined Sisters for dinner at St. Vincent Residence.

Photo left to right: Srs. Roma De Robertis and Irene Buechler; Rev. Tom Graham; The Revs. Terence and Jasmine Chandra & Fr. Thomas Fowler. (Photo by Sharon Jacquard)

ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS & FREEDOMS

Sisters of Charity, I.C. and staff participated in Amnesty International’s 2023 Write for Rights campaign in early December in Saint John, N.B.  Annually, Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day and the 2023 observance marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Sisters, Associates and staff beyond the area were encouraged to sign Amnesty letters online.  The initiative was organized by Yolande Whalen (Justice Coordinator) with assistance from Sister Roma De Robertis and staff.  In photo:  Sister Rosemary Costley signs Amnesty letters at St. Vincent Residence calling for justice for persons in many countries who are treated unfairly, detained and even killed. (SCIC photo)

CHOOSING NEW PATHS FOR COMMUNITY LIFE & MISSION

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC) participated in their Chapter Oct. 23-28 in Saint John, N.B. with the theme, “Gathering the Wisdom ~ Blessing the Future”.  Preparation included a 15-month process of communal discernment focusing on personal and congregational transformation.

Facilitators were Sr. Bonnie MacLellan, CSJ – a canon lawyer and General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie – and Dr. Ted Dunn of Florida, a clinical psychologist who works with religious communities internationally.

During Chapter, SCIC elected a five-member leadership circle to begin Jan. 4, 2024 – feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Elected for the next four years are Sr. Roma  De Robertis, Congregational Leader with Srs. Alice Keegan, Patricia Poole, Laura Hughes and Mary Ann Maxwell.

The Sisters thanked outgoing leaders whose terms included an extra year during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Sr. Mary Beth McCurdy received special thanks for serving as congregational leader since 2010.

(Photo by Patty Marshall.  Left to right:  Srs. Laura Hughes, Mary Ann Maxwell, Roma De Robertis, Patricia Poole and Alice Keegan)

CELEBRATING SEASON OF CREATION 2023

Sisters of Charity, I.C. celebrated the culmination of the Season of Creation Oct. 4 with an original prayer ritual in Carmel Chapel in Saint John, N.B.  The celebration highlighted the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on the final day of the ecumenical season.  It also focused on the opening of the church synod gathering in Rome and release of “Laudate Deum”, the new teaching on ecology by Pope Francis.

Facilitators were Sisters Irene Buechler and Roma De Robertis, SCIC with justice coordinator Yolande Whalen.  In her reflection, Sr. Irene highlighted wisdom of Pope Francis from his Sept. 1 message for the opening of the Season of Creation.  Worldwide, this year’s theme was, “Let Justice and Peace Flow” (Amos 5:24).

Throughout the season, Sisters at St. Vincent Residence in Saint John offered weekly prayer and created displays to raise awareness and invite response to strengthen ecological sustainability.  Yolande prepared informative columns with highlights for contemplation in the weekly newsletter sent to Sisters and Associates in various parts of Canada.

The Oct. 4 chapel display at Ruth Ross Residence showcased a vibrant tapestry of life.  Nestled among an array of flowers, boughs, fruit and vines were Sisters’ stuffed animals, birds and other creatures.  The display highlighted the Christian tradition of blessing live animals on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology who was known to befriend God’s creatures.

Trees Inspire Gratitude & Awareness

Yolande Whalen (Justice Coordinator) facilitated a gathering Sept. 26, 2023 in Carmel Chapel among Sisters of Charity IC and Associates from Greater Saint John, N.B.  Together, they celebrated the Creation theme, “Let justice and peace flow.”

With a PowerPoint presentation and conversation in small circles, they explored a focus on trees as guardians of waterways.  They also considered their vital role in filtering and preserving water for all living beings.

Trees were underscored not only for their beauty but also for the responsibility they represent in ensuring justice and peace permeate our interactions with the world.

The significance of five regional trees – willow, cedar, birch, maple, and oak – was highlighted, emphasizing their attributes and how they symbolically represented influential people in participants’ lives.

The event concluded with prayer, individual blessings, and words of appreciation for the tall elm tree at Ruth Ross Residence, which some visited from the front yard and patio. This was followed by social time indoors, with refreshments provided by staff.

(Photo left to right)  Sisters Monica Guest, Roma De Robertis, Irene Buechler; Justice Coordinator: Yolande Whalen; Sisters Louise Arsenault, Audette Richard, Anita Holmes, Sandra Barrett; SCIC Associates: Myra Murphy, Barb Fennell, Denise Isaacs; Sisters Margaret MacLean and Pat Poole (bottom front). Photo by Andrea Butler 

ANNIVERSARIES HIGHLIGHT GRACE & FAITHFULNESS

Sister Laura Hughes celebrated her 50th anniversary of religious life Sept. 8, 2023 at Ruth Ross and St. Vincent Residences in Saint John, N.B.  Originally from a farming family on Prince Edward Island, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC) in 1973 on Sept. 8 – feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sister Laura ministered in eastern and western Canada in human resources in both public health care facilities and hospitals operated by SCIC.  For six years, she was administrator of the former St. Vincent’s motherhouse in Saint John.  Today she offers education in health care ethics and is Coordinator of Community Service at SCIC city residences.

For her recent celebration, Sister Laura was joined by Sisters and guests during Mass in Carmel Chapel at Ruth Ross followed by a festive meal at St. Vincent.  Other SCIC also celebrated significant anniversaries of religious life, including four who entered 65 years ago:  Sisters Muriel Buckley, Rosemary Costley, Margaret Coyle and Margaret MacLean.  SCIC also honoured Sister Rose Mulholland who entered 60 years ago.

Sister Mary Beth McCurdy -- SCIC Congregational Leader -- said like Mary, Sister Laura has been guided by the Spirit to live into many “yeses” through the years.  Offering words of welcome before Mass, she highlighted Sister Laura’s “faith, trust and loving hope” rooted in the gospel.  She also noted her commitment to ensuring the community’s Charity charism is “made real in our world”.

Father Tom Fowler – presider and homilist – paid tribute to the faithfulness, outreach and prophetic stance of the Sisters who were celebrating, noting their combined service and witness of more than 370 years.  (Photo of Laura Hughes, SCIC by Pat Poole, SCIC)

INDIGENOUS CEREMONY CALLS FOR GOOD NEW PATHS

Seven Sisters of Charity, I.C. with justice coordinator Yolande Whalen joined members of Indigenous communities, students, faculty and staff for an outdoor ceremony June 15, 2023 at the University of New Brunswick Saint John.

The Indigenous ceremony included a sacred fire, drumming and a round dance inviting everyone’s participation.  Remarks from Indigenous elders as well as university and city officials highlighted the desire for respectful and inclusive relationships.

Mi’kmaq Elder Jean Bartibogue offered prayer and wisdom as Knowledge Carrier-in-Residence from UNB Fredericton.  She prayed for a good new beginning for neighbouring land where the former Ward Chipman building was recently demolished.  In its place, a new Health and Social Innovation Centre is planned.  An Indigenous healing garden is also planned on the land behind Ganong Hall where the ceremony took place.

The event was emceed by Todd Ross, Indigenous advisor at UNB Saint John.  Guidance was offered by Wolastoqi Elder Imelda Perley.  Before outdoor closing prayer, participants appreciated viewing Indigenous art during a reception in Hazen Hall.

In photo, Yolande and Sisters are shown with Indigenous artwork.  Left to right:  Sisters Roma De Robertis, Irene Buechler, Muriel Buckley and Audette Richard; Yolande Whalen; Sisters Margaret MacLean, Mary Ann Maxwell and Sandra Barrett. (Photo by Marion Williams)