On Thursday evening, April 11, 2019, the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba recognized Sister Carol Peloquin for her work as chaplain in the penitentiary system for seven years followed by many years providing outreach to ex‐offenders through the Next Step Peer Support Program.

Sr. Carol was instrumental in collaborating with the Jesuit Community to establish Future Hope which operates three connected programs: Next Step, Quixote House residence for recently release offenders, and Massie Apartments providing an affordable independent living opportunity.

Sr. Carol has more then once shared, that in no matter what ministry she was engaged in, she always looked for the potential in each person she journeyed with and fostered that potential into life!

Congratulations Sr. Carol!

Fifteen years ago, Sister Lesley Sacouman and Sister Vera Hoelscher opened the front doors of the Holy Names House of Peace for the first time. They were not sure who would enter, but over the years, many women came from all over the world. These women enriched the House of Peace with their cultures and their varied experiences and religious expressions. They helped to make the House of Peace “an intercultural, life‐affirming refuge in the heart of Winnipeg where all are welcome.”

On March 26, 2019, Associate Maria Battaglia, Development Coordinator for the House of Peace, warmly welcomed twenty Sisters of the Holy Names to a celebratory anniversary lunch. She thanked the community for its contribution toward making the House of Peace a home for women in transition.

Sister Lorraine St-Hilaire, speaking on behalf of the Sisters, expressed our pride in the House of Peace and our gratitude to Sister Lesley Sacouman and to all those who have developed this meaningful ministry in the heart of our city.

On Sunday, March 3, 2019 the Italian Community honoured Associate Tonina Fiorentino with the Donna dell’anno Award (Woman of the Year) presented at the International Women’s Day Celebration held at the Caboto Centre. Tonina was chosen for her many contributions in her Italian community, and the community at large. She is very proud to be born in Italy, immigrating to Canada in 1960 with her family at the age of the 2 1⁄2 years. Her Italian culture remains dear to her heart.

Tonina is a talented singer. At the young age of eleven she started singing at Folklorama and at church. She sang with the Emmaus group of St John Brébeuf parish for 12 years and was privileged to record with them on two of their soundtracks. She frequently sings at weddings and funerals especially at Holy Rosary Parish where she is Pastoral Associate. Along with her husband, Tonina acts in the Italian Theatre group, Fratellanza Amatese, where she has had numerous roles.

Recently Tonina used her musical talent to reach out to the needy in the city. She recorded a CD directing proceeds of sales to Siloam Mission, and three inner city breakfast programs. A second CD raised funds for the Holy Names House of Peace.

In Tonina’s words: “I always say that God gave me a gift and so this gift will be shared as long as I can share it…”

Congratulations Tonina!

Balmoral residence opened on March 1, 2019.  The 104 years old house is situated on Balmoral Street close to downtown Winnipeg. The house is rented and the owners are our next door neighbours.

The goal of this community is to offer single women an opportunity to be part of a group where members dialogue with each other and nourish each other’s courage, dignity, mutuality and equality.  We hope to build a community of women who want to live out significant and liberating practices.  We will reach this goal according to how willing we are to give the best of ourselves and, in the meantime, learn how to accept the best of others.  We hope to create a peaceful and revitalizing living place.  We will open our doors to people in our midst who would like to join us for a special event or for a prayer time.

The words of Pope Francis encourage us: “Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit suggesting an audacious choice, do not procrastinate when your conscience asks you to dare follow Christ.”

Click here to read testimonials from Balmoral residents.

Esther, Lia, Jenny and Sr. Huguette enjoy their very first meal at 92 Balmoral Street.

The House the Sisters Built is a video production of Salt and Light Media, the Catholic TV channel available in Canada. The video aired on January 9, 2019 as part of the Catholic Focus series. The episode highlights the history of St. Mary’s Academy, focusing on the positive impact the school has had on its alumnae, the Church and Catholic education in Manitoba for the past 150 years.

Sr. Mary Gorman, Sr. Susan Wikeem and Connie Yunyk, Associate and current President, reminisced about their experiences as students and administrators. Connie also spoke about the school’s strategic plan and guiding principles for planning during the next few years. Sr. Michelle Garlinski, Director of Charism and Mission, spoke of the challenge of finding new ways to meet the needs of students while remaining faithful to the charism and legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

All four spoke with pride of the positive contributions that St. Mary’s Academy continues to make, well beyond the local school community, through its students and staff.

to watch the video.

On December 22, 2018, the Tardeen family joined the Refugee Committee members for a Christmas Party at the Sisters’ home at Despins Residence. The chicken and fries disappeared rapidly as everyone gathered around the table.

The family especially loved the way Santa visited them after the meal. They had questions about who Santa really was. Did he come through the chimney? What if there was no chimney? They understood that Santa was a symbol of the gifts each one received. The faces of the family members were radiant as they unwrapped their gifts.

The joy was followed by some formal and touching moments as the children expressed their gratitude to the Sisters and Associates.

The Spirit continues to call women and men to enter into a deeper relationship with the SNJM charism and mission. (Acts of Chapter 2016)

In January, two young University of Winnipeg students, Fiona Vowell and Isabelle Hodgson began three-months of volunteer service in the SNJM mission in Lesotho, Africa.

Prior to their departure, the Volunteer Committee organized a missioning ceremony. In her opening remarks, Sr. Johanna Jonker, SNJM, provided some insights into the hopes and dreams of Fiona and Isabelle who are pursuing degrees in Human Rights Studies. The beautiful description of the Mountain Kingdom, which Lesotho calls itself, really gave the new missionaries and their immediate families insight into the culture they would be experiencing.

Symbolic gifts were shared during the missioning. Fiona and Isabelle were given small wooden crosses to wear as a sign of Christ’s work to serve in His Name. They were also given a package of one hundred Canada pins which they could share with the people of Lesotho and South Africa. After the ceremony, refreshments were served in the cafeteria of Residence Despins. Sisters, Associates, and family members shared friendship and farewells to Fiona and Isabelle.

The Holy Names community gathered once again at Immaculate Conception Parish to host the annual Christmas dinner for inner city people, many of whom live either on the streets or in substandard housing. Associates Chris Butterill and Irène Kirouac coordinated the food donations and recruited volunteers. Associates, Sisters, staff and students from St. Mary’s Academy cooked, served and entertained. The talented Bart family provided music and led the singing with many people joining in their favourite carols including Joy to the World, The Lord has Come. He did indeed! And he continues to come in and through those who bring a life of joy and love to our world.

Associates Ernie & Lucille Bart & family entertaining everyone.

The “Elves Team” which included Bev (Associate), Nick, Leigh‐Ann, Sr. Marylyn, Deanne (associate), Sr. Edith and Sr. Michelle enjoyed working together and serving a scrumptious Christmas Dinner!