Sister Jeannine Vermette’s passion and life work has been to spread the joy of music. Her many activities include directing church and youth choirs, promoting French liturgical music in western Canada, accompanying at Sisters’ jubilees and funerals, teaching instrumental lessons, providing a music memory program at a nursing home, leading sing-alongs with family, friends, the sick and elderly.

Recently Sr. Jeannine and her work were profiled in La Liberté, a French language weekly newspaper in Manitoba. The article is reprinted here with the permission of La Liberte.

On September 16, 2020, in Holy Names Chapel at St. Mary’s Academy, candidates Nicole Boudreau, Anita Cohen, and Adele Kory made their first commitment as Associates.

The service was planned in detail by Kitty Kelly and Sr. Marylyn Gibney. In addition to the candidates and the Associate Leadership Team, attending the ceremony were Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, Provincial, and Sr. Johanna Jonker, who accompanied Adele. Nancy Brennan, Associate candidate, was invited and attended as she has begun the journey to commitment and will continue with us.

The Ancestral candle was lit by Kitty. The Opening Prayer to Marie-Rose Durocher was read by Sr. Marylyn. The candidates were called upon by Sr. Marylyn to respond to the call. They all spoke from the heart about their faith journey and their contact with a member of the SNJM community. The Sisters and Associates are blessed to receive new Associates with this great faith, understanding, kindness and generosity to the people of our community and the whole world.  We will be able to continue the mission to serve others and live the charism of Mother Marie-Rose.

The candidates were introduced to our community by Associates and Sisters. Deanne McDonald spoke with Nicole at the Immaculate Conception Drop-in Centre at which they both regularly volunteer. Kitty met Anita at St. John Brebeuf Church when Kitty was presenting the “Come and See” brochure to all parishioners attending Sunday Mass. Adele told us that when she was teaching in Iqaluit she met Sr. Edith Grenier. She continued to want to be involved with SNJM and met Sr. Johanna Jonker at Micah House.

Chris’ reading from Isaiah 55:6-11, was followed by a time of quiet reflection. Holding their candles the candidates listened to Sr Lorraine as she asked “Do you wish to make your commitment?” They answered I do and the commitment prayer was said together. Then each one signed a contract “to promise to live the charism of the Congregation, to embrace the Acts of the General Chapters that touch the lives of the Associates, to deepen my personal relationship with God and to serve others in whatever capacity I am called”.  They were presented with the SNJM Associates pin.

As we all held our hands over them, Kitty read the Blessing of New Associates and roses were presented to them by Jean, Chris and Sr. Johanna.  The Associates renewed their commitment together, followed by the Sisters renewal of their vows. Mary Morton played the organ and sang the most beautiful Magnificat, Canticle of Mary.  We then prayed a closing prayer and gathered on the 3^rd floor for cookies and grapes, all wrapped individually for safety.

To conclude, it was not our usual celebration; we missed Despins Chapel with all the Sisters and many more guests and Associates present for commitment and renewal on October 6, 2020 Feast of Mother Marie-Rose. We will remember this service as a beautiful evening of being one in the spirit and one with each other as members of the SNJM Community.

Click here to view more photos.

by Jean Van Walleghem   

 

September 9, 2020 – The fall Gathering of Associates and Sisters from Manitoba took place via Zoom, and was well attended. This format did not dampen our enthusiasm to connect with one another.

Once again this September we launched our theme for the year 20/21: The Call of our Lives Through Grace-filled Transformation

The opening prayer which was prepared by Kitty Kelly invited each of us to recognize that God’s gift of grace will accompany us as we discern the call of our lives.

Gina Hoe presented a reflection on personal transformation which included a thought provoking question – Am I open to be transformed?

We then broke into chat rooms for a time of small-group sharing guided by three questions:

1. What do you see as out of synch, or unsettled in our world today?
2. Do you have a sense that the Spirit is leading you to a personal transformation as you become aware of these issues?
3. What helps you when you are faced with a need to change?

Each group was invited to report on their discussion before the evening was concluded with a blessing prayer for God’s grace as we respond to the transformative process during the coming year.

Kitty Kelly

On this rainy afternoon of August 14, 2020, and in the middle of a pandemic, the SNJM’s of Manitoba gathered under the Despins Residence gazebo to celebrate  Sr. Yvette Ricard’s 75^th anniversary of religious profession.  The celebration was enriched by the accordion music of Sister Jeannine Vermette and by a song composed by Sr. Cathy Laviolette.

Sr. Yvette was a teacher for over 50 years and has fond memories of her students.  Throughout the years, she has shared her talents as counsellor, seamstress and cook.  She performed these duties with great skill.

Always elegantly dressed, she continues to maintain friendships with many residents and community members.

We wish her many more walks in the fresh air, health to enjoy the young family she has befriended and the abundant blessings of our God.

“With great joy and gratitude, we congratulate you, Sr. Yvette.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in his deep love.”

In this year of Laudato Si, around 60 participants, religious women and men, along with several lay persons from Despins Residence in St. Boniface, slowed down to reflect on “the call to universal communion” (#76 Laudato Si’) proposed by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’.  Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, SNJM facilitated these few days of retreat from June 7 to 11, 2020, in the spirit of Sabbath (#71 and 237).

The retreat was also offered to the SSMI community in Winnipeg from August 16 to 20, 2020. They too had to cancel their retreat due to Covid-19.  The following is a brief summary of the retreat.

« The universe was at play with God.  It was the Sabbath.”

(Prayers for the Sabbath)

For four days, it was the Sabbath. It was in that spirit that we slowed down to contemplate the mystery of creation and to discover greater depth in life. (114) As stated in the encyclical, Laudato Si’: “The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely.” (233)   Enlightened by readings from the Encyclical, Laudato Si’, and short talks, we prayed to deepen the call to a spirituality of communion, being one with God, with ourselves, with others and with the environment. Music, poetry, dance and beauty enriched our experience of personal and communal prayer.

At times, we also contemplated Earth, our mother in distress (2) and we approached certain great ethical questions presented in Laudato Si’.  We opened our hearts to conversion, (8) a call to change our vision, our attitudes and human behaviors that contribute to the earth’s devastation.  On the other hand, we reflected on our deep convictions and motivations that inspire us to protect the Earth and to take care of it.

We called this Sabbath “Delight”! (Exodus)  May it shed its light (237) on our daily lives that we might live in deeper communion, embraced by the creative Love that pervades the whole universe.

Due to social distancing there could only be 25 people in chapel; others participated from their apartments using closed circuit television and suggestions for personal reflection and prayer.

Dancing to the Canticle of the Sun, Joëlle Brémault, employee at Despins,
inspires us by her love for planet Earth.

Lorraine St-Hilaire SNJM, retreat facilitator.

Manitoban Sister Joanne Pundyk, living and ministering in Brazil since 1987, has found her home with the Brazilian people. She began in São Paulo in parish ministry and then moved to ministering with children and adolescents living on the streets and with prostituted women. In 2009 Sr. Joanne moved to Maceio, a coastal city in Brazil. There she first ministered as Coordinator of Projeto Thallita, a home for sexually abused girls. Today, she is the Coordinator of the Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa, a center for 7- 14 year old children and women, providing a place where all are welcome and offering opportunities to help the children and women better their lives. She also is a member of the Maceio section of the Brazilian anti-trafficking network – Rede um Grito Pela Vida.

Recently Sr. Joanne reported on activities during the covid-19 pandemic.

On June 10 and 11, we distributed food hampers to families of the Children’s Pastoral, one of the activities that is part of the Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa in Maceio, Brazil. The COVID pandemic has left many people unemployed, so the hampers were a much appreciated gift from the Associação Maria e Tse Hung Sieh.

Read more about Sr. Joanne and the Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa.

Congratulations to Sr. Michelle Garlinski, SNJM, who was elected May 11, 2020 to the Board of the National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD).

Sr. Michelle, who made first profession on January 3, 2018, is the newest member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Manitoba. She has experience and education in Youth Ministry, Sociology and Theology. For 28 years she has ministered in parishes and schools in Calgary and Winnipeg providing faith education to young people and adults. Sr. Michelle is currently the Director of the Mission and Charism Office at St. Mary’s Academy, Winnipeg, Manitoba. With the support of her community and mentors, she initiated the retreats for Religious 55 and Under in Canada. These have become annual events since 2017.

Click here to read more about NAVFD.

On March 22nd, a group of retired nurses responded to the critical shortage of gowns and masks for front line workers by recruiting volunteer seamstresses. One of the retired nurses, associate Lise Hamelin, asked Sr. Marguerite Mulaire if she would collect sheets from Residence Despins. Sr. Marylyn Gibney spread the word by approaching other Holy Names Sisters, the Associates, and past and present teachers from St. Mary’s Academy. They were asked to donate or to get involved in making gowns and masks. People swung into action, happy to be of service. Along with the nurses, the volunteer seamstresses created more than 500 gowns, 1000 masks, and 100 caps for two doctors’ offices, the Birth Centre, St. Amant, and Doctors Manitoba.

Thank you to associates Lise Hamelin, Mary Morton, and Joy Beauchamp. Thank you teachers Deb May, Bernadine Letkeman, Saratha Joseph, and Linda Dart.

Twenty-One Neighbours currently live at the House of Peace, a residence for newcomer women located in the heart of Winnipeg. Recently Sister Lesley Sacouman, Executive Director, described how the Neighbours were responding to the pandemic crisis:

“We are doing our best to stay healthy by keeping social distance and exercising daily. Seven Neighbours still work in the community as cashiers, cleaners and health care workers. We are proud of them.  Since March 18th, at the suggestion of one of the Neighbours, those who wish gather to pray every evening from 8:30 to 9:00 in St. Francis Chapel. Neighbours are Hindu, Muslim, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic. We pray in silence, united with all peoples throughout the world.  At sunset, around 9:15, we sit down to eat with our Muslim Neighbours who are faithfully observing Ramadan by fasting from food and water all day. A shining star in our home is Gradine, our three-week old baby.  She and Furaha, her mom, lift us up and brighten our lives. We have so much for which to be thankful.”

Click here to read more about House of Peace.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (ps. 126: 3)

On May 1, 2019, St. Mary’s Academy birthday celebrations began with a day-long birthday party for students and staff. Honoured guests included Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Grey Nuns, Board members and special friends of the Academy. The day started with Mass in Alumnae Hall presided over by Archbishop Albert LeGatt, current Archbishop of St. Boniface. It was fitting that he be invited to preside because when the school opened on May 1, 1869, the site was then within the boundary of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. After Mass and a thrilling fly over by an armed forces Dash 8, a delicious community lunch with pizza, chips and birthday cake was shared by all in attendance followed by an afternoon of fun activities.

 

At the Marian Awards on May 11, 2019 the school recognized its founders, The Sisters of Charity of Montreal, (known commonly as the ‘Grey Nuns’). On May 1, 1869, Sisters Ste Thérèse and Mary Jane McDougall, opened “Maison Ste Marie” (St. Mary’s Academy). This was the first Catholic school to serve the English-speaking Catholics on the west side of the Red River. The Grey Nuns operated Maison Ste Marie until 1874 when the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary assumed responsibility for the school. The Sisters of the Holy Names joined the Academy community in honouring the Grey Nuns for their faith, service and leadership in establishing St. Mary’s Academy.

The 150th Birthday Community Picnic took place on St. Mary’s Academy’s grounds at the end of August. Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary were in attendance along with over 400 alumnae, students, parents, current and former faculty and staff and friends. The program included the launch of the Legacy Rose Garden, a tribute to the 150-year legacy of learning, faith, service and leadership that has taken place at St. Mary’s Academy. This garden honours the contributions of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae and friends.

 

On September 27, 2019, St. Mary’s Academy hosted a 150th Birthday Gala in honour of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Twenty-five Manitoba Holy Names Sisters and four out-of- Province Sisters were in attendance. Over 700 guests from near and far were in attendance including parents, students, alumnae, current and former parents, staff and board members as well as many friends of SMA.

SMA President Connie Yunyk, an alumna herself and the mother of an alumna, as well as being an associate of the Holy Names, enthusiastically welcomed everyone. Sister Kathleen Ross brought greetings on behalf of the Congregational Leadership Team.

A special moment in the program was the presentation made to the Sisters of the Holy Names by the Parents’ Guild. Current President Ramona Thomson, and former President, Pattie Moore (Delabbio ’69) unveiled a picture of the stained-glass mosaic that was installed outside of SMA’s Alumnae Hall doors. The inscription beside the mosaic reads, in part, In gratitude to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and all SMA educators and staff for the 150 years dedicated to the education of our daughters in spirit, mind and body. Click here to read more…

Homecoming Weekend continued on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Sisters who were former SMA students and teachers participated in the brunch for classes celebrating reunion years followed by an afternoon open house and tours for all alumnae.

Homecoming Mass, in this 150th anniversary year, was celebrated at St. Boniface Cathedral with Archbishop Albert LeGatt presiding. Sister Michelle Garlinski, Director of Mission and Charism welcomed everyone. The music ministry was led by SMA’s 150th Community Choir, directed by associate Mary Morton (Evans ’78). The choir included former SMA music teacher Sister Jeannine Vermette and alumna Sister Josephine Chudzik. Connie Yunyk, Associate and Academy President, had the last word, thanking celebrants, choir and all participants for the beautiful liturgy.

The annual Mother Marie-Rose Week at St. Mary’s Academy incorporated a unique twist this year as part of its 150th birthday celebration. SMA hosted a Come and See for six SNJM Schools including Albany, NY, Alhambra, CA, Oakland, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and Tampa, FL. The visitors arrived in time to join the Manitoba SNJM family on Sunday, October 6, 2019 for the annual celebration of the Feast of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher and renewal of Associate commitment. Sisters and Associates were delighted to meet the visitors.

St. Mary’s Academy closed its 150th anniversary year on December 8, 2019, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass and High Tea. Mass was celebrated in Alumnae Hall with Archbishop Albert LeGatt presiding. A special moment took place at the conclusion of Mass when Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, SNJM, and Sr. Susan Wikeem ’63, SNJM, presented to Connie Yunyk, SMA President and SNJM Associate, an Apostolic Blessing upon the Academy from the Holy Father Pope Francis.

The Holy Father Pope Francis graciously bestows the Apostolic Blessing upon Teachers, Students and Staff of St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as they celebrate on May 1, 2019 their 150th Anniversary of founding.

The Holy Father prays that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Academy may be a place of encounter with the person and message of Jesus Christ and thereby assist the young women who pass through its doors to go forward and make a most valuable contribution to the life of the Church and the wellbeing of society, especially the least.

 

Click here to view all pictures from the St. Mary’s Academy 150th Celebrations.