Sunday, October 12, the Sisters at Residence Despins were asked to make sandwiches yet again for the Immaculate Conception Drop In located in the poorest area of the city. If a parish is unable to come through or there is no parish at all, the Sisters are called upon. Sisters then call upon their friends in the residence (Grey nuns and lay people) to assist them in making sandwiches for about five hundred people. Sadly, the numbers at the Drop In have increased from about 250 to 450 over the past few years. The sandwiches are picked up, delivered, and served by teams of generous individuals, some of whom are our SNJM Associates.

The hungry are fed and God smiles. – Marylyn Gibney

According to a recent survey, there are some 1,600 homeless persons in Winnipeg.  Not noted on this survey, or anywhere else for that matter, are some 5,000 who live in substandard housing facilities. These persons, other than having a roof over their heads, are in no better situation than those living on the streets. For the most part, they are the “invisible homeless”!

Enter into play Equal Housing Initiative (EHI), a Non-governmental organization based in Winnipeg. They are presently engaged with the owners of the McLaren Hotel located at 554 Main street. They have initiated a redevelopment process, which includes renovating and repurposing the hotel into a safe and affordable supportive recovery housing.

The MB Justice and Peace Committee had been looking into possible action in the area of homelessness, Given the media reports on the McLaren Hotel, members got in touch with the team leading this project to learn more. In the aftermath of this connection, key players on the team were invited to give a presentation at the Despins Residence. On Tuesday, June 6^th, Rick Lees, executive director at EHI, accompanied by Sebastien De Lazzer, director of strategic initiatives, gave a rendering of the situation and the project.

Key ideas underlying the approach used by EHI to carry out this project are …

• A focus on “beings who fall apart and not just buildings that fall apart”
• An effort to work according to these ideals:
  • equity – basic needs should be met: are we offering fair opportunities?
  • social responsibility – housing has been recognized as a human right: are we being inclusive of all?
  • holism – all aspects of wellbeing are intertwined – financial, physical, mental, relational, as well as recognizing the value of one’s purpose; are we implementing the necessary support systems, not just looking at bricks and mortar?

The EHI team has been working for the better part of two years, laying the groundwork …

• establishing a sound network of relationships with the tenants of the building to determine their needs, to help them cope with present challenges, and mostly to value them as respected individuals.
• promoting partnerships with various service providers – social, medical, financial …
• building a strong “multisector” board, persons not only offering expertise each in their area, but given their own life experience, coming with a vested personal interest.
• contacting the governmental agencies from which funding is provided, and following up with potential players in the ongoing phase of implementation.

A brief overview of the end product was presented – in essence, it is offering the residents a simple home which will allow them to live in greater dignity and security, communal spaces to enhance their relationships, and health assessment areas to help promote and maintain greater wellness for all.

Needless to say, those in attendance learned of a dire situation, in general, not well known.

AND, all were touched by the beauty of this “Lift Program”.

For the SNJM MB Justice and Peace Committee

Yvonne Massicotte, snjm

On May 10, 2023, to mark the annual end of year SNJM associate programme, the Holy Names associates, sisters and friends gathered in the St. Mary’s Academy Holy Names Chapel to celebrate the Eucharist in honour of Mary.

The Liturgy, planned by Margaret Kingdon and Kitty Kelly, began with Kitty leading a litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary which enumerates the many attributes of Mary our Mother, the first disciple of Jesus. Next, all present recited The Memorare asking for Mary’s protection and intercession. During Mass the prayers for the faithful included those for peace in Ukraine and Sudan  and prayers for the Associates and Sisters who are ill and those who have gone to their reward this past year.

Celebrant Father Mark Filips reminded us that the Mass is the highest form of prayer in Catholic worship since we come together as the Body of Christ. The dominant theme of the homily and readings illustrated the willingness of Mary to accept God’s will that she become the mother of Emmanuel. She must have been so frightened as she pondered, and with humility, trusted in God’s will. This thought brought to mind for me the words of a Holy Names Mistress of Novices, urging her charges to Soyez disponibles, – ‘be available’.

The liturgy was beautiful and meaningful as we were led, a cappella, by Sister Charlotte in singing the responses, psalms, and hymns. Thanks to all who contributed their gifts. Before the recessional hymn, announcements included congratulations to the SNJMs of the Manitoba Province who were celebrating their Jubilees this year:

• 70^th Vera Hoelscher and Sr. Louise Van Belleghem
• 60^th Johanna Jonker
• 50^th Charlotte Leake

The evening culminated in the parlour where we gathered for refreshments. The camaraderie was palpable! I am sure everyone felt imbued with a sense of commitment to do our best to act as God wills.

By Joy Lussier, SNJM Associate

The Bureau de l’Éducation Française celebrated 50 years of French immersion in Manitoba during its in-service day on May 3, 2023.  The day began with a video tribute to Sr. Léonne Dumesnil, who, as Principal of the first immersion school in 1973, was the pioneer of French immersion in Manitoba. The conference program further expounded on her impactful leadership role:

“This great pioneer of French immersion naturally promoted and contributed to the development of immersion in our province. Her strong sense of leadership, perseverance, interpersonal skills, dynamism and dedication constitute qualities sought in an educational leader.”

In 1981, Sr. Léonne was invested into the Order of Canada for her contributions to the development of the French Immersion Program

Congratulations Sr. Léonne!

Click here to see the video tribute.

The Associates annual retreat took place at St. Mary’s Academy on Saturday November 26, 2022 with Sister Lesley Sacouman presenting “Love is made Flesh”. The retreat was organized by the Associates Spiritual Committee.  About 26 members, sisters, and guests were in attendance.

The morning began with an impressive spread of cookies, muffins, and loaves to enjoy with coffee and chatting with each other.

Kitty Kelly welcomed everyone and introduced Sr Lesley with: “Sr Lesley began as a Catholic school teacher, on to working in the inner city, on to welcoming newcomers to our city. She is presently the Executive Coordinator of the Holy Names House of Peace, where 20 refugee women make their home.”

Sr Lesley’s friendly tone and demeanor are so perfect for our group as we continue to try to become closer to Jesus with the help of our Blessed Mother and Mother Mary Rose. She gave us food for thought and questions about why we were there that day, what is our greatest desire right now and where in our lives can we hear sheer silence. It was the beginning of advent so we were asked “are we willing to wake up, begin again and turn our will and life over to God?”  The final reflection was of Christ on the Cross and the words “Love is made flesh, …through you, … with you…and in you. My thought every day is: Everything flows through Him.”

Patti LeBlanc, feeling empowered, thanked Sr Lesley for coming and presenting to us. We are truly grateful.

The Spiritual committee members organized by Chris Butterill are Elizabeth Grover, Patti LeBlanc, Kitty Kelly, Margaret Kingdon and Tonina Fiorentino.

Written by Jean Van Walleghem

Photos by Sr. Marylyn Gibney

Featured image Sr. Lesley Sacouman and Patti LeBlanc

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, approximately 350 people enjoyed a wonderful Christmas meal at the Immaculate Conception Drop-In Centre, courtesy of the SNJM Sisters and Associates of Manitoba.  The drop-in, located in the Point Douglas neighbourhood of Winnipeg, provides weekly meals to those in need.

The Christmas meal is the highlight of the year at the drop-in, and this year was no different!  Each guest was given a hot meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, and cranberry sauce.  Every meal also included a festive napkin, cutlery, a mandarine orange, a buttered bun, homemade baking, a candy cane, and a container of milk.

The SNJM Manitoba Associates’ Outreach Committee organized the event with the generous assistance of their Associate members and the Sisters.  Given the great response to requests for funds to support this event, all costs have been covered and a generous donation has been made to the drop-in to help fund additional meals throughout the year.

This meal is truly a community event, and the outreach team of Nancy Militano, Teresa Campbell, Pat Bozyk, Nicole Boudreau, Joy Beauchamp, and Mary Morton would like to thank everyone who contributed time, talent, and/or treasure to make it successful.  It is a great blessing to be able to serve in this way, and the team is confident that our neighbours in Point Douglas were embraced by the love that comes with a nourishing meal.

Mary Morton

Featured picture : Teresa Campbell

October 6, 2022 – What joy there was when, for the first time in three years, Associates, family members and Sisters came together to celebrate the feast day of founder Blessed Marie Rose Durocher and to receive two new Associates.  Chris Butterill and Paulette Martel warmly welcomed everyone gathered in the chapel at Despins Residence. The first scripture reading reminded us that we are all ambassadors of Christ. We then listened to the personal reflections of Patti LeBlanc and Colleen Ridley as each shared her journey on becoming an associate. Afterwards Sr. Edith called them forward to make their formal commitment. After signing their contracts, each received an Associate pin and a single rose, and was greeted with a warm round of applause. Then, the Associates and Sisters renewed their commitment to living out their promises/vows through prayer and actions to promote peace and justice, to promote the good of the whole Earth community and to walk together to bring the Acts of Chapter to life.

The Magnificat followed. We prayed that as ambassadors of Christ, we continue to cast fire on the earth as our beloved foundress, Mother Marie-Rose, would have us do. Our celebration continued over a light lunch and coffee.

Written by Sr Marylyn Gibney

Featured image Colleen Ridley and Patti Le Blanc

A group of approximately 26 associates enjoyed a joyful, energetic, in-person coming together on September 14, 2022 in the St. Mary’s Academy library. It had been a while!

The meeting was opened by Sister Marylyn with a beautiful land acknowledgement followed by a short recap of recent happenings, a lovely placing of candles in memory of associates and loved ones of associates who had passed away recently, an introduction to the new associates and current candidates, and an update regarding Manitoba’s new SNJM Leadership Team.

Connie Yunyk then presented a brief overview of the 3-day SNJM Charrette that took place in Chicago in June. (A charrette could be defined as a collaborative session that strives to arrive at a new design via planning and finding solutions.)

This charrette was attended by representatives from every SNJM province. Connie was among those who represented Manitoba.

Through liturgy, prayer and conversation, the group of delegates agreed that its goal, going forward, was for ALL of the SNJM community to come together and present a more unified overall focus and message while also acknowledging the differences that exist within the community.

Following Connie’s presentation, we learned about how the year would unfold: Speaking on behalf of Spirituality, Chris Butterill informed us that in addition to the Mother Marie Rose celebration being held at the Despins Residence on October 6th, there will be a Saturday morning retreat in November, an evening of reflection at some point in the new year, and a closing Mass in May. Speaking on behalf of Communications, Jean Van Walleghem explained that they are involved with such things as providing information to associates, keeping in touch with those who are not able to attend meetings regularly or who are not well, sending cards, asking members to assist with various meeting tasks, etc. Speaking on behalf of the Outreach, Pat Bozyk read a report from Mary Morton informing us about our continued involvement in providing a Christmas dinner at the Immaculate Conception Sunday Drop In, and about another yet-to-be decided outreach event that will take place in the early spring. Lastly, Gina Hoe, speaking on behalf of the Education, said that it was their hope to organize a presentation that focused on healing.

At this point, and in connection with the subject of education, Michelle St. Croix introduced and directed the activity of dividing into “mobile” groups to discuss 4 major questions: a) High points experienced in recent years; b) Low points experienced in recent years; c) How we coped; and d) What we thought was beneficial to the well-being of ourselves and others.

Following this time of meaningful discussion and sharing, the evening ended appropriately with everyone singing the lovely Beatles’ song “With a Little Help from My Friends”.

Written by Deanne McDonald

Featured Picture: Joy Lussier, Marnie Puchniak and Michelle St. Croix

On September 12, 2022, feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the sponsorship of St. Mary’s Academy was transferred to the St. Mary’s Academy Stewardship, a public juridic person of diocesan right.  Wow, that’s a mouthful!  What it means is that the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are no longer the canonical sponsors of SMA.  Sisters met on September 11, 2022 in the Holy Names Chapel to let go of this long-time ministry and to pray that the school will continue in the spirit of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher.

August 10, 2022 – On this lovely afternoon with sunny blue skies and a cooling breeze, the Manitoba Justice and Peace Committee held an Indigenous event. The park-like grounds of Despins Residence in St. Boniface were just the place to have a mini pow wow. Comfortable lawn chairs were set up in a semi-circle and spaced out to allow for a bit of social distancing, all shaded by beautiful maple and elm trees. The gathering space surrounded a young tamarack tree planted in honour of Creation last spring.

The committee had as its goal to take another step in healing and reconciliation between all of us in Canada. Part of the goal was to deepen spiritual knowledge and kinship through drum and dance. This past year the Justice and Peace Committee did focus on deepening our knowledge of Indigenous realities of the past in our shared history. The workbook “Listening to Indigenous Voices” put forward by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice in 2021 was studied by many small SNJM groups with associates and partners since the General Chapter of 2021.

Emcee, Yvonne Massicotte, SNJM, opened the activity with greetings and the Treaty Land Acknowledgement.  Prayerfully we brought to mind all our relations of creation which included land and people, while remembering the agreements between all the peoples of Treaty One Territory, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. We are all treaty people.

A very dedicated drum group from St. Kateri Indigenous Parish of Winnipeg presented themes and songs that they use for various celebrations including mass, wakes, weddings and any church service they are invited to attend.  Cheryl-Anne Carr, leader, introduced the spirit of the songs and the meaning of drumming.  The members included Metis and treaty people from northern reserves as well as Huguette Fleurant, SNJM, who recently joined the group.

Dancer, Jacqueline Brisson, Anishinaabe, graced us with the flair of her red jingle dress which she wears to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).  Jingle dress dancing aims at healing through sound, movement and drum.

The celebration was continued on the patio with sharing, conversation, and watermelon, bannock and jam.

It was a well-blessed afternoon attended by SNJMs, some of our associates and many residents of Despins for a total of about 50 people.

Carmen Catellier, SNJM

Above Photo: Jeannine Vermette, SNJM & Jacqueline Brisson