Sisters of Charity ic

Advent Prayer Service

On Thursday, December 4th, several Associates lead an Advent Prayer Service with the Sisters, friends and staff gathered in Carmel Chapel. The service began with our Land Acknowledgment and included an opening prayer from Henri Nouwen, reading of Isaiah 25:8-10, Psalm “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation”, intercessions, time of remembering our loved ones we lost this year and a reflection. The hymns chosen to highlight the theme were “Wait for the Lord” and “Christ be our Light.” Read more...

Praying & Advocating for Human Rights

Sisters and friends in Greater Saint John, N.B. signed Amnesty International letters on or around Human Rights Day -- Dec. 10, 2025. For about 20 years, they and Associates have engaged in the annual Write for Rights campaign. An invitation to pray for human rights and sign letters online was also sent to Sisters and Associates in and beyond New Brunswick. It included an original Prayer for Human Rights which was also offered together in Sisters’ residences.

Click Here to read: PRAYER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

In photo, left to right: Sisters Margaret MacLean (left) and Irene Buechler sign letters at St. Vincent Residence.

EXPLORING PALESTINIAN HISTORY & CULTURE

Dr. Helmi Alfarra, originally from Palestine, was a guest speaker Oct. 27, 2025 among Sisters and an Associate at St. Vincent Residence in Saint John, N.B. He was accompanied by Lynaya Astephen, a local advocate for social and ecological justice.

In Halifax, Dr. Alfarra co-founded the Atlantic Canada Palestinian Society to celebrate Palestinian culture and advocate for justice. Moving to New Brunswick, he established the Atlantic Canada Palestinian Society of Saint John. Goals are to raise awareness about Palestinian history and culture and challenge anti-Palestinian racism in the region.

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception are committed to learning about Palestine and its peoples while praying for peace with justice there. In November, Dr. Alfarra offered them an artwork piece he created for display in their residence.

As shown in the photo, it features embroidery of the Palestinian flag as well as an olive sprig and red anemone or Palestinian poppy. Sisters plan to continue learning about the land and its peoples through cultural events such as viewing of Palestinian films.

Left to right Muriel Buckley,scic, Dr. Helmi Alfarra, Lynaya Astephen

Sister Doreen Agnes McCarthy (Sister Miriam) peacefully went Home to her loving God on November 16, 2025, at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, NB. Born June 8, 1932, in Grand Falls, NB, she was the daughter of James W. McCarthy and Edna McCluskey.

Before she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on January 21, 1955, she was employed in the office of Senator Fred Pirie for bookkeeping and payroll. This enabled her to purchase a Ford Model A car to commute to work. Unfortunately, the horn did not work so she had to hold the wire to the shaft for sound. It did not have winter tires either, which made her commute even more challenging. This shows the adventuresome spirit she would continue to live with throughout her life.

Doreen earned her New Brunswick Teacher’s License and her Bachelor of Education and went on to teach for 23 years in Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, NB, Vancouver, BC and Wetaskiwin, AB.

Returning to Saint John, she joined the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team at the Saint John Regional Hospital for 7 years and later the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton for 18 years. Here she offered compassion, consolation, and comfort to those grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing illness, as well as celebrating new life, healing, and wholeness. Doreen generously shared her gifts of presence, prayer and hospitality with the Fredericton Community Kitchen, Birthright, SCIC Associates and newcomers, as well as her own Community.

Fondly known as “Dee” by friends and family, Doreen was always ready for an adventure~ good card game; swim at Gondola Point Beach; gathering with the family; trip to Ireland and Peru; visits with cherished friends and Associates; new ministries. To all of these, and much more, she brought candour with her chuckle and wit with her wisdom.

Predeceased by her parents James and Edna; sisters Anna McCarthy, Leitha Doody, Doris Cote, Dorothy MacDonald, Lorraine Paradis, Mary Johndro, Theresa Lukas and Marguerite McCormick; brothers Cecil, Merlin, Vernon and William.

Survived by her brother Basil McCarthy.

Visitation on Wednesday November 19, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Ruth Ross Residence (103 Burpee Avenue) with Vigil at 6:30 pm in Carmel Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, November 20, 10 am at Carmel Chapel. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Saint John. Arrangements under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424).

Sister Margaret Rose Coyle (Sr. Marie Bernard) peacefully returned Home to her loving God on November 5, 2025, at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, NB. Born July 4, 1940, in Saint John, she was the daughter of Gerald Andrew and Jean Marie (Arbing) Coyle. She joined the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1958, and dedicated her life to education and pastoral ministry. After earning her Teacher’s License, she taught for 18 years in various locations across Canada~ Saint John, Vancouver, BC, Farrellton, QC, Edmonton, and Fort Saskatchewan, AB. Later, she served as a Pastoral Associate in Lloydminster, AB and with the Alberta Regional Marriage Tribunal in Edmonton. She pursued advanced studies in theology and canon law, earning both a Licentiate and a Masters in Canon Law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, ON. From 1992-2002, she served as the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor for the Diocese of Whitehorse, Yukon.

She was Congregational Treasurer for eight years and during that time oversaw the deconstruction of St. Vincent’s Convent and Mount Carmel Convent, as well as the construction of St. Vincent Residence.

Known to all as “Margie”, her years in mission brought out her gifts of organization, research, practicality and common sense. But it was her time in the Land of the Midnight Sun that nurtured her trailblazing spirit. Working with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Diocese of Whitehorse, Margie also shared her love of nature which surrounded her ~the kinnikinnick flower, Pine Lodgepole, dazzle of the Northern Lights~ with those who visited. She was kind-hearted, hospitable and enjoyed the subtlety of satire, often sending a cartoon to brighten someone’s day.

Predeceased by her parents Gerald and Jean; brother Patrick; sisters Jean Marie Robichaud, Shirley Morton, Barbara Hobbs, Dorothy Hutchison, Audrey, Mary, Sister Theresa Coyle, scic, and Geraldine Coyle.

Survived by her sister, Pauline Coyle.

Sister Theresa Frances Hucul (Sister Mary Dennis) peacefully went Home to her loving God on November 1, 2025. Born on January 15, 1944, in Vancouver, she was the eldest daughter of Frederick and Florence (Gavin) Hucul. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in 1962 and pursued education and music, earning her Bachelor of Arts from UNB, Fredericton and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Paul University, Ottawa. Sister Theresa gently and generously shared her creativity and spirituality, especially in music and pastoral ministries, in parishes in Hampton, Sussex and Norton in NB and St. Matthew’s Parish in Edmonton, AB as an Adult Faith Facilitator and Liturgical Worship Leader. From 1967-1974, she taught at St. Joseph’s School in Saint John and St. Dunstan’s School in Fredericton.

As an artist, musical composer and singer, she drew her inspiration from the beauty and wonder of creation, the love of her Creator and the interconnectedness of all our relations. In her reflections on her song “Where Your Treasure Is” she writes:

“In the cycles of life, in the elements,
In the daily round...
It is You who gift me…
At every moment in the unfolding process…
It is You who surround me…
You who lead me…
Through the days and years and seasons of my life…
It is You I love…
You I follow…

For more than 60 years, Theresa composed over a hundred songs and released five musical compilations~ Harvesting, All Praise, Companion God, Sorrow and Wings and Radiant. Her final work, Radiance, was a collection of favorites from these.

Listening to her music, you hear her profound faith and trust in her Creator and her awe at the splendor of the Cosmos and the Universe.

Theresa possessed a delightful sense of humour and was quick with a witty observation or pun. She was most proud of her Ukrainian heritage and musical traditions from the family. For her, all moments were sacred, all friends were treasured, and all experiences were “songs” to sing.

“Simple faithfulness I give to you…simple faithfulness my whole life through.”
(T. Hucul)

Predeceased by her parents Frederick and Florence, sister Marguerite and brother John.

Survived by her brothers Dennis, Frederick Jr., Ronald and Thomas.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2025 marked Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day acknowledges the systemic suffering experienced by Indigenous young , people in Residential Schools. This day honours the Survivors and intergenerational survivors whose resilience and wisdom are our teachers. This day, also known as “Orange Shirt Day”, reflects the story Phyllis Webstad, whose residential school experience proclaims today that” Every Child Matters.” Read More...

Blessing the Future

On June 19, 2025, the documentary film “Blessing the Future” was debuted at the BMO theatre in Saint John. The event was hosted by the Greater Saint John Community Foundation with invited guests from many of the Sisters’ partners in mission over the years, as well as sisters and friends. The Sisters of Charity were founded by Honoria Conway and three companions to meet the urgent needs of Irish immigrants who were affected by the cholera epidemic, in Saint John, NB in 1854. They focused on the care and education of children, as well as those who were sick, elderly, and living in poverty. Today, they also focus on social and ecological justice and a commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. They partner with many groups and organizations which share the spirit of their mission, including their Associates who live the charism of Charity in their daily lives. Watch Blessing the Future HERE
(photo~ Unsplash)

National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Sisters of Charity, I.C. gathered on June 21, 2025, in Carmel Chapel, to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day through ritual, prayer, and song. The event was facilitated by Sister Mary Beth McCurdy, SCIC, coordinator of Indigenous Awareness and Relationships. It included a land acknowledgment, prayers to the Four Directions and a traditional story about the origins of the June Strawberry Moon. Sister Theresa Hucul led the singing of her composition “Solstice,” to welcome the beginning of summer and the group listened to the ancestral Honour Song by internationally known Wolastoqiyik artist Jeremy Dutcher. Sisters are committed to the Truth and Reconciliation process and have engaged with Indigenous presenters and the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, along with participating in dialogues on Indigenous issues. June is also recognized as National Indigenous History Month across Canada. Photo ~ Kate Griffin

Journey of Encounter Synodal Conversations

From June 15-18, 135 participants from across Canada gathered at St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, ON, for the "Journey of Encounter Synodal Conversations" which focused on making the Church more welcoming and inclusive while addressing our baptismal call and community involvement. The sessions included conversations on Living Out Our Baptismal Call, Who Are We Doing It With?, Growing in Synodality and Walking as Pilgrims of Hope. Associates Mary Ann Kneeland and Donna Schroeter and Pat Poole, scic attended the conference.

Charity Igniting Hope~ Inspiring Action

The Sisters of Charity Federation met in Moncton, NB, on June 2-6th. The gathering brought together leadership members of the 14 congregations from Canada and the United States. This year, members from the Strasbourg Federation, Sr. Maria Michaela Roth of the Congregation of Vienna, and Katrin Geiger and Fanny Douhaire joined the meetings.

In this Jubilee year as “Pilgrims of Hope,” the theme was “Charity Igniting Hope~ Inspiring Action.” Read more...

ASSEMBLY INSPIRES HOPE AMONG LEADERS

Four Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception from Saint John, N.B. participated in the general assembly of the Canadian Religious Conference May 22-25 in Montreal.

About 190 women and men religious from across Canada gathered for the 2025 assembly at the Sheraton Airport Hotel. Held every two years in French and English, the assembly welcomes leadership teams of Catholic religious communities – both active and contemplative.

Seated in small groups, participants engaged in creative processes, including silent reflection, personal journalling, synod-style table conversation and large group sharing. “Pilgrimage” emerged as a key assembly motif during the church’s Jubilee Year with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.

Participants also engaged in a collective process to update the CRC’s mission statement. The Montreal-based conference accompanies leaders and other religious community members in their life and mission. It also supports their call to promote justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

Photo by Sister Linda Haydock, SNJM. Sisters of Charity, I.C. from Saint John, N.B. (left to right): Sisters Pat Poole, Roma De Robertis, Mary Ann Maxwell and Laura Hughes.

PARTICIPATING INTERNATIONALLY WITH HOPE THAT TRANSFORMS

Sister Roma De Robertis of Saint John, N.B. participated in an international gathering of leaders of women’s religious communities from around the world May 5-9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Hosted by the International Union of Superiors General, it came during the UISG’s 60th anniversary year and coincided with the election of Pope Leo XIV.

The congregational leader of Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception joined about 950 women religious for the UISG’s 23rd plenary assembly with the theme, “Consecrated Life: A Hope that Transforms”. The theme flows from this Jubilee Year highlighting our global call to be Pilgrims of Hope.

Based in Rome, the UISG offers support, education and formation among women religious globally. For more about its mission and the assembly, see www.uisg.org

Ten-year Anniversary at Saint John Outflow Ministries

In May 2015 a group of Associates and Sisters served their first meal to those in the city who were in need of a healthy supper on a Sunday night. The now monthly ministry was begun by the Associates as they recognized the many individuals in the city who were living in poverty in the inner city and were also connected to Outflow Ministry. The group began in Saint John, NB, in 2005, offering a simple meal in the city’s uptown King Square~ a hotdog or hamburger.

Today this faith-filled organization serves 600-800 meals a week with its volunteer teams like the Associates and Sisters. They also operate a men’s shelter 365 days a year, 24/7, a community pantry and clothing depot, a social enterprise café and carpentry shop. Our meal is on the first Sunday of each month, serving hot casseroles, fresh rolls, desert, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice which is provided by many friends and family as well. It is a privilege to be part of Outflow’s outreach in the city for these past 10 years. The Charism of Charity is truly alive and vibrant in our Associates! (Photo~ Rowena Doiron)

Development and Peace Solidarity Sunday

On April 6^th, Sisters, Associates and staff of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, NB, gathered in Carmel Chapel to observe Development and Peace-Caritas Canada Solidarity Sunday, the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada. This year Pope Francis has declared 2025 the Year of the Jubilee, calling on us to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” In the Jubilee campaign of 2000, he asked us to “forgive the debts of countries that will never be able to repay them”. Once again, we are urged to Turn Debt into Hope by acting against the root causes of poverty, inequality and oppression. Read more...

Sister Patricia McDonald Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

On Sunday, March 16, 2025 Sisters and Staff gathered at Ruth Ross Residence to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sr. Pat with Mass and dinner. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Sister entered the SCIC community on January 6, 1956. Before that, she was employed in general office work for the city of Edmonton and later as a Dental Assistant. Throughout her nearly 70 years with the community, her ministry included Credit Manager at Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, SK and Personnel Director and Purchasing Agent at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Saint John. She was also the General Secretary for the SCIC Administration for several years. Sister received many birthday wishes from her family, Associates, and friends. Congratulations and blessings on a life well lived! Photo Credit: Raciel Scarff

Black History Month

On February 19^th, Sisters, Associates and staff gathered at Ruth Ross Residence to welcome two guests who shared the richness of Black history in New Brunswick. Mr. Ralph Thomas, (Co-founder and Director of the New Brunswick Black History Society) and Ms. Mutiat Adeleke (Program Director).

Mr. Thomas highlighted many of the unknown figures and their significant contributions in business, arts and sports. In addition, he spoke about the origins of the presence of the Black population in the province. Read more...

CELEBRATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick – Focusing on hospitality and inclusion, Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC), Associates and guests celebrated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity here Jan. 22.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson of the United Church of Canada offered a lively, heartfelt reflection on her journey with Affirming faith communities. In her tradition, this includes awareness of gender diversity and respectful inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ persons in all aspects of ministry. It also involves hospitality and attentiveness to others who are often overlooked, misunderstood or excluded. Read more...

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On December 6^th, we gathered to commemorate the 35^th anniversary of the tragedy which took place at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec, where 14 women were shot and killed. Twelve of these were studying engineering ~ a field long dominated by men~ one was a nursing student and the other a university employee. Thirteen other women survived. The perpetrator, Marc Lepine, also took his life on that fateful day. This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate this day as National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Read more...

ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, Associates, staff and friends participated in the Development and Peace-Caritas Canada fall awareness and action campaign in autumn 2024. In Saint John, N.B., they signed more than 40 postcards which Development and Peace will later give to federal legislators. Sisters also encouraged others to access fall action resources free online at www.devp.org/campaign/resources

With the theme, “Reaping Our Rights”, the campaign focuses on advocating for and with peasants and small-scale farmers in the Global South. It calls for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation for Canadian companies operating abroad.

The campaign also highlights the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas – “a major victory for peasant movements around the world”.

Photo by Sharon Jacquard shows Associates Donna Schroeter (left) and Mary Matheson signing postcards.

On October 25, 2024, 35 Sisters of the Religieuses de Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur travelled by bus from Moncton to Saint John, New Brunswick to join the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate the NDSC’S 100th Anniversary. During the dinner, Sister Roma De Robertis, SCIC Congregational Leader, invited Sister Murielle Duguay, NDSC Congregational Leader, to come forward for a special presentation. Sister Roma’s words,” We wish to offer you a gift that has rightfully belonged to you all along. They are now going to their proper home. In this box are the original letters and documents pertaining to the birth of your community…from our hearts to yours”. One document was the original letter of petition written by 31 SCIC’S to Mother Thomas on December 21, 1914. It was the request to establish an Acadian novitiate, recognizing the necessity to form sisters to meet the educational, language and cultural needs of the Acadian peoples. As the names of those sisters were read aloud, a sacred silence surrounded the gathering. As Sr. Roma noted, we give them “…avec toutes les bénédictions possibles…with every blessing.”

(Lt to rt~ Sisters Helene Allain, Murielle Duguay, and Odette Legere)

On Sunday, September 8^th in Carmel Chapel, Sisters, Associates, family and friends joyfully gathered to celebrate six Sisters of Charity ~Sisters Pat Poole (50), Alice Keegan (60), Anita Naves (65), Barbara Forestell (65), Audette Richard (75), and Elaine Henigman (80) for 390 years of faithfulness to the call of the Gospel and service among God’s people. The scripture readings highlighted the words of Isaiah to “satisfy the needs of the afflicted” and of Colossians “to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and love and

let the word of Christ dwell in you richly and whatever you do, in word or in deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The closing song captured each one’s response to the question: “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?” (The Summons).

Left to right~ Srs Pat Poole, Audette Richard, Alice Keegan, Anita Naves, Fr. Tom Fowler, Fr. Tom Fowler and Sr. Barbara Forestell, Sr. Elaine Henigman and Sr. Roma De Robertis

Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson facilitated a 3-day retreat for the Sisters in Saint John in preparation for the Season of Creation. Her theme was “Celebrating Hope Through Creation.” With sacred scripture, music, poetry, visuals, and reflection time, Elizabeth invited us to embrace the awe-filled beauty of all creation.

In her thank you, Sister Irene Buechler summarized the experience~

“You have encouraged us to be filled with wonder at the daily miracles in God’s Cathedral~learn endurance from the monarch butterfly, seaweed, snail, and the heron on its 68-hour non-stop journey. You have caused us to want to be “married to amazement!”

Lilac Tree Planting on Mother Earth Day

On April 22, 2024, the Sisters of Charity, I.C., Associates, Elizabeth Fry Society staff and friends celebrated Mother Earth Day by planting an Ivory Silk Lilac tree on the E. Fry property in the North End of Saint John, N.B.

The ceremony, led by Sister Roma De Robertis and Judy Murphy, Executive Director, emphasized the significance of nature in providing beauty, peace, enjoyment, nurturing, a sense of belonging and empowerment. They highlighted the importance of creating communal spaces that facilitate connections and promote healing for women and gender-diverse individuals affected by victimization and criminalization.

The event included Sister Margaret MacLean and Associate Mike Campbell reading Mary Oliver’s poem “When I Am Among the Trees” and blessings were spoken as Mark Dupuis of Greenway Landscaping planted the Lilac purchased from Brunswick Nurseries. The gathering concluded with a children’s Tree Song and thanks offered by Sister Laura Hughes.

(Photo left to right: back rows) Sisters Mary Ann Maxwell, Margaret MacLean, Mary Beth McCurdy, Audette Richard, Muriel Buckley, Roma De Robertis, Gertrude Mulholland, Irene Buechler, Sandra Barrett; SCIC Associate Mike Campbell; Sister Laura Hughes (left to right: bottom front) Judy Murphy and Jennifer Howe (Elizabeth Fry Society); Associate Barb Fennell; Justice Coordinator Yolande Whalen. (Photo by Melissa Moore)

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)