Celebration In Honour of the Provincial Leadership Team(s)

Alleluia Alleluia!  The impromptu choir sang joyfully on June 4, 2022, the eve of Pentecost, as the sisters gathered to thank the out-going provincial leadership and welcome the new one.

The sun was shining on the grounds of the gazebo at the Despins Residence, home to half of the sisters in the Manitoba province. A lunch time dessert gathering was organized so we had time to visit and chat with each other as we said thank you.

The Selection Committee made up of Sisters Josephine Chudzik, Charlotte Leake, Carmen Catellier had many meetings since early November 2021 with facilitator, Sr. Huguette Fleurant, to co-ordinate the process of selection with the guidance of Sister Lorraine St-Hilaire.  So, it was with a real “whew it’s done!”  sigh of relief that we gathered.

Out-going team July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, provincial leader
Sr. Edith Grenier, provincial assistant
Sr. Susan Wikeem, councillor for canonical matters

In-coming team July 1, 2022 –  2026 
Sr. Susan Wikeem, provincial leader
Sr. Edith Grenier, provincial assistant
Sr. Yvonne Massicotte, councillor for canonical matters

Sister Cathy Laviolette facilitated the afternoon program co-ordinating the many hands that helped in organizing this gathering. Roses and cards with gifts were given to each team member along with a short greeting.

The cross-over from one team to the next reflects our province’s limited number of sisters.

Sister Edith Grenier, assistant, carries on to the next team. She was fêted with the words of the wise and prudent. Sayings of the sages carried the theme of gratitude for her many years of service in our finance department as well as many other areas.

Sister Yvonne Massicotte has accepted to be the third person for the canonical make-up of the new team. The words of thanks were carried in a small receptacle but oh so packed with her many qualities, abilities and talents.

Sister Susan Wikeem, accepting to serve as province leader was succinctly honoured by the title  “That woman is her”.  We all admire her dedication and the clarity and wisdom she will bring to lead us in this time of transition in our congregational reorganization.

Sister Lorraine St-Hilaire was honoured for her many years of service through a comparison to the natural rivers where she has lived close to all her life. From her youth by the clear, humble Rat River, to the meandering many-faceted banks of the Red and Assiniboine, with the beauties and culture of the Richelieu and the mighty flowing expansive waters of the St. Lawrence.

It was a bit chilly in the shade of the gazebo but our warm hearts and energetic Alleluia Alleluia made the time of our thanksgiving gathering memorable and happy.

Our prayer: Mother Marie Rose give us a double portion of your spirit.