Category: Sisters News

Celebrations of Two Great Ministries

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Two special events were held in St. John’s – both to honor the ministries of the Sisters of Mercy.

It is coincidental that in the formalities of both events the song Standing on The Shoulders was sung.  The song reflects on the strength and courage of those whom we followed in life and ministry and recognized that we are the shoulders upon which others will stand as they go forward.

St. Patrick’s Mercy Home

The Most Reverend Martin Currie, Archbishop of St. John’s, presided at a Mass at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home in the morning of this Week of Elder Care.  The celebration recognized the commitment of the Sisters of Mercy at the home for the past fifty-six years.

In her speech Sister Elizabeth Davis, Congregational Leader, described how the Sisters of Mercy responded to a vision of a former archbishop, P.J. Skinner, to establish a home for the elderly population by taking on the staffing and administration of the home.  She commended the dedicated staff and volunteers who worked with the sisters to provide the warmth and care that makes St. Patrick’s a “home”.

The music in the liturgy was lead by a group of women who were former students of the sisters at Holy Heart of Mary High School.

All were invited then to a lovely lunch and a celebration cake.

 

The Gathering Place

This is also big week for The Gathering Place.  The Gathering Place is a newly renovated and redeveloped community centre initiated by both the Presentation and Mercy Sisters in 1994 in response to the needs of the poor in the downtown area of the city.  In the beginning The Gathering Place was based in a vacant school building of the Sisters of Mercy and provided meals and time and space for social activities for the guests.  Various programs like literacy education, art, music, health and social services were added.  The Presentation Sisters were partners in the administration and coordination of this project.  The volunteer corps came from the various churches in the centre city area.

In 2012 a major financial campaign to renovate the building and to enhance the programs of the Gathering Place was undertaken with a goal of 7 million dollars.  At this date 6 million dollars have been raised through the hard work of the gift team and the generosity of people – thousands of dollars from  large multinational companies and a five dollar bill from a passer-by!

In the reconstruction phase basic services continued and were available through a nearby spirituality centre owned by the Presentation Sisters, The Lantern.  The life and the spirit of The Gathering Place continued in its temporary home until they moved home to the completely renovated space in late September.

Events of this week honored the guests, the founders, the volunteers, the donors, the media and the general public – all who are associated with The Gathering Place.

What a blessing for the poor and isolated of downtown St. John’s!

 

 

Mercy E-news Right from Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

We welcome among us Ms. Anne Walsh from Australia via Dublin. Anne was instrumental along with Adele Howard rsm for broadcasting the celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of Mercy International across the world through the mercyworld website.

Anne is the editor of Mercy e-news each week and will continue to produce that from right here in Newfoundland! Anne will be among us for two weeks until October 23 when she will return to her home in Melbourne. Anne has come to assist us in learning more about the world wide web and specifically about the Mercy world including our own website. We will have sessions that might have general appeal and provide basic information, as well as more technical workshops to help those who would like to learn how develop and to add articles to our website

We are delighted that Anne will be able to experience our beautiful history, culture and landscape and get to know the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that we will gain more expertise in working in cyberspace and within the mercyworld website.

 

        Anne at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America

       Anne at Blackhead 

Celebrating MIA 20th Anniversary

Posted on by Diane Smyth

In Newfoundland we began the week of celebration of the 20th anniverary of the Mercy International Association on Sunday September 21.

We began with the video Circle of Mercy thus bringing Sisters of Mercy from around the world into our gathering.   Sister Elizabeth Davis, congregational leader, welcomed the group giving a backdrop for the celebrations.  We enjoyed a slideshow of The Face of Mercy which included photos of many of the people in the room and which had been sent to Ireland to be part of the photo display during this week of celebration.

Sister Sheila O’Dea then led us through the liturgy that a committee had prepared for the celebrations at Baggot Street, Dublin on September 26.  The prayer was beautifully woven with readings, images, reflection and chants.  The refrains were written by some of our own sisters.  Bill Brennan, a well known local musician, had composed a piano piece, Country Rose, that was listened to as part of our reflection time.

The theme of our liturgy was Caring for our Environment.  The opening action invited all of life from the four corners of creation to the centre of our room as we turned to each of the directions.  Various symbols were brought to the centre of the room.  Water was one of the key symbols, which was later blessed.  Each of us asked to approach the water prayerfully and playfully to bless ourself or others with the water.  At the end of the liturgy we each turned to the various directions to bless all people and creatures in our cosmos.

Of course we all enjoyed wonderful refreshments following the liturgy.

Since many of our sisters could not attend this gathering we celebrated the event at McAuley Convent on September 22.  We began in the chapel with the liturgy as prepared for the worldwide celebration.  It was so moving to see so many of the sister residents and staff of McAuley Convent participate in the various components of the service and to participate in the refrains.  We then had a “good cup of tea” before watching the slide show “the Face of Mercy”.

As the week continued many of our sisters joined in the worldwide celebrations as

they were livestreamed from BaggotStreet chapel.  We were so pleased to be able to join in the celebrations “live”  through the world wide web, even thought some of them were in the early hours of the mornign for us.  We were so delighted that Sisters Patricia March and Monical Hickey as well as Anne Curtis, one of our colleagues, could be present among the group in Dublin for the celebrations and to represent us there.  We were so pleased to contribute to the celebrations on September 23 and to contribute to the liturgical celebration used on September 26.  We were especially pleased and excited when Patricia told the story of the formal opening of Mercy International Centre and are grateful to her deep love and commitment to Mercy.

We thank the committee who met often to prepare the litugical format and to carry out the various local celebrations.  We thank the sisters who worked to prepare to celebrate at home and to manage the technology that brought us into the chapel at Baggot Street!  We are especially grateful for the group who planned this international celebration of the twenty years of world wide Mercy.

 

Update: The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 

“I needed some help and you gathered here with me”

The Gathering Place opened its doors in 1994 and offers services to people who are homeless or live in less than desirable housing conditions, are often unemployed or do not have adequate social supports.  The goal is to foster among Guests independence, self-respect and dignity. While those who come for programs and services now live in St. John’s, many have come from across Newfoundland and Labrador and some from outside the province.

Founded by the Presentation Sisters and the Sisters of Mercy in response to the needs of those coming to their doors seeking food, the Gathering Place now provides many programs and services including meals, foot care, a clothing supply boutique and hair care service.  Through collaboration with other agencies, guests of Gathering Place have access to housing experts, nurses and social workers.  Guests can avail of advocacy, literacy and computer programs.  Inner-city churches have assisted the venture since its beginning, and many other service organizations, church groups, foundations, corporations and individuals make financial and in-kind donations towards the ongoing operation.

The Gathering Place is housed in the former Mercy Convent School, located in the heart of St. John’s.  It is a registered charity governed by a Board of Directors with members from the Leadership Teams of the two congregations and from the community at large.  The programs and services are offered through a volunteer-driven operation led by a leadership team (an administrator and two Sister co-directors) and two employed staff members.  More than 150 volunteers ensure that programs and services are consistently available.

“We are on the move!!!”

In late 2010, the Board of Directors led a one-year strategic planning process to assess the quality of work being done at The Gathering Place and to determine whether the ministry was still needed. Advice was sought from guests, volunteers and representatives from many agencies interfacing with and related to concern for the Guests.  Throughout the consultation process, there was unfailing support for the work, a conviction The Gathering Place provides an essential service which must be maintained.  The Gathering Place was encouraged to do “more of the same” and to enhance programs where possible. It was strongly recommended that renovations to the facility would broaden the range of services provided and ensure continuation into the future.

To facilitate the renovations project begun in September 2012, programs were relocated to The Lantern, a spirituality centre owned by the Presentation Sisters near The Gathering Place.  Despite limitations of space there, many programs continued to be available to the Guests. A fundraising campaign to finance the complete renovation of the facility was initiated with a goal of $7,000,000 ($5M for renovations and $2M for endowment).  To date, the campaign has reached the $5.6M mark thanks to the donations and efforts of many corporate, community and church groups and individuals as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments.  Eco-friendly and energy-efficient guidelines were adhered to in developing an accessible, safe and versatile facility.

Programs and Services

The programs and services of The Gathering Place returned to the totally renovated and enlarged space in September 2014.  The re-designed facility better meets the needs of the Guests.  Increased capacity for noon meal and breakfast programs accommodates the ever-increasing numbers of people who are in need of food.  A laundry room has been added, and showering facilities will help those who experience restricted access to showers in their boarding houses.  There are quiet spaces where guests can read, listen to music and think.  An elevator makes all areas fully accessible.   A clothing supply program provides shoes, clothing and household items.   Volunteer seamstresses help guests with minor repairs and adjustments to clothing.  Computers and computer training are available to allow guests to access many government services available online only.  Education and training in health and wellness are offered.  A mailroom gives guests a fixed address where they can receive correspondence.  Programs such as art, jewellery-making and crafts not only develop creative talents but may be a source of a little pocket money for the artists and artisans.

Deep Gratitude

Deep gratitude is extended to the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, the Board of Directors, the Project Team, the Gift Team, the project manager, contractors, tradespersons and donors (government, corporate and personal) for making this venture possible.  Special thanks go to the Guests who have been patient and understanding with the ongoing renovations and to the staff and volunteers who have continued to serve guests throughout these two years of transition.

We ask God’s blessing as we look forward to moving back to new space and enhanced programs.    We pray that all involved will be energized and excited by the potential to make even greater things happen at The Gathering Place!

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gatheringstjohns .  Visit our website at www.gatheringstjohns.ca .  Email us at specialproject@gatheringstjohns.ca .  Or call us at 1-709-753-2351.

Foundation Days

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Newfoundland mission from Baggot Street was established in St. John’s on June 3, 1842.  The founders were Sisters Ursula Frayne, Rose Lynch and Francis Creedon.  The celebration of 150 years of the Newfoundland foundation happened in 1992 and brought Sisters of Mercy from all over the world to St. John’s.   

At that 1992 assembly a significant milestone in the foundation of Mercy International occurred. This historic event happened one day during the festivities!  The document that brought Mercy International into being was signed by Sister Mary Paschal, Great Britain and Sister Patricia March, Newfoundland.  The two copies were then entrusted to Sister Paulina of the Philippines to be brought to Sister Mary Carmella in the Philippines for the final signature.

Other Mercy leaders had earlier signed: Sister Kath Burke of Australia, Sister Judith of New Zealand, Sister Regina Kelly, Ireland, Mary Waskowiak, Americas.  The concept of Mercy International arose from the vision instigated by the Irish Mercies, especially Sister Mary Sebastian,  with the serendipitous presence of Sister Mary Trainor who was in Dublin when the idea was born.  She, with an international steering committee, spear-headed and coordinated the project that ensured that  Mercy  would be a world-wide reality that would bloom into Mercy International Centre and Mercy International Association with out-reach into the world of hospitality, spirituality, heritage and culture, social and eco-justice, and communications.

Now more than twenty years later we are among Sisters of Mercy from all continents of the world who are preparing to celebrate together the 20th anniversary of Mercy International.  We have a large committee and are diligently working to meet the standards set out by MIA to provide a prayer with a focus on environment and that may be used by sisters and associates worldwide on September 27.  We are collecting photos to portray the Face of Mercy.  This is project that is engaging nearly all Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland, directly and indirectly.  We all want to look our best and to show our best “face” to the world!  Our work is preparing us for a grand 20th anniversary celebration of Mercy International in September, here and abroad!  We are delighted that Sisters Patricia March and Monica Hickey, two devoted MICers, as well as Anne Curtis, Mercy colleague (Irish-born but Newfoundland-claimed) will be at Baggot Street for the celebrations!

New Book Released in St. John’s – Standing on Their Shoulders

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Today over forty sisters joined Charlotte Fitzpatrick, rsm in the release of her recently printed book, Standing on Their Shoulders: Stories of the “Irish” Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland. It was a beautiful sunny day in the midst of winter in St. John’s as the sisters gathered at the former St. Bride’s College, in the Kilbride area of St. John’s and on the feast of St. Brigid, February 1!

Sister Elizabeth Davis, Congregational Leader, connected the celebration of the revered Irish saint, our links in the communion of saints and in our Irish Mercy heritage. She thanked Charlotte for her research and for the collation of the stories of sixty women who were among the early members of the Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland. She thanked her for bringing their lives into our current memory and for immortalizing them in her 160 page book. After her speech Elizabeth led the group in a beautiful blessing of Charlotte.

Then Charlotte spoke to the group about her experience of writing the book and how moving it was to discover the stories of these Irish women who came from Ireland, across the inhospitable north Atlantic ocean, to live and minister as Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland for the rest of their lives. She visited the gravesites of many of these generous women with a prayer asking what they would like her to say about them! Charlotte read excerpts from the book to introduce aspects of their life story and to whet the appetite to read more. Some of those present knew some of the Irish women described in the book and shared their memories. Charlotte recognized with awe that Sisters of Mercy today are surely standing on the shoulders if these great women of courage and of Mercy.

Afterwards Charlotte autographed books for the sisters and all enjoyed a “good cup of tea.”

Charlotte Fitzpatrick rsm reading to the group
Closeup of Sr Charlotte reading from 'Standing on Their Shoulders'
Elizabeth Davis rsm speaking
Book signing

Remembering

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Reflection of M. Francis Creedon at the bedside of the dying Catherine McAuley,  November 11,  1841

My dearest Mother is dying.  Her breathing is so laboured and she seems so pale.  As I sit beside her now my thoughts are sad but they are ones of gratitude and concern.  I am so privileged to have this time with her. 

It was only a couple of months ago that Mother Catherine went to Birmingham to establish a Mercy convent.   Little did we know that this would be her last foundation.  She was not well when she left us and she wrote Sister Aloysius and told her of how ill she was.   She wrote to us (September 6) at Baggot Street telling us that she would soon return and  asking that we set up a bed for her where there would be more air and space.  She was very specific about what she wanted.  I had observed Mother Catherine these past months and knew deep within that she was  very ill.  When she arrived back here I knew for sure that our dear mother was dying.

These couple of years have been a time of great joy for me,  and now,  so much sorrow.  I have grown so fond of Mother Catherine and of the Sisters of Mercy.  I have lived here at the House of Mercy since July, 1839 and have learned much about being a Sister of Mercy and about the works of mercy.  I have learned from Catherine McAuley, from her teaching and her example.   What sensitivity she showed to the poor and how she works to ensure that women and girls are protected and educated, made fit for this world and for heaven too.  When I return to Newfoundland I hope that I will be able to carry on the good works in the manner  I have learned during my time here at Baggot Street.   At this moment I feel so uncertain about what might be my future and the future of the foundation in Newfoundland.  I am just professed.  It was understood that I would establish a Convent of Mercy in St.  John’s – this has been agreed between Mother Catherine and Bishop Fleming.  I wonder what might  happen to that plan after Mother Catherine dies.  I had hoped that Newfoundland might be the next foundation after Birmingham and that Mother Catherine would come with me.  But I know now,  that is not to be.

 

Around 7:00a.m.  Mother Catherine said that she would like to see each of the sisters. Despite her weakness, her shortness of breath,  and her pain,  she admonished and consoled us. She was entrusting to us her legacy, her legacy of mercy and the preservation of peace and union among us.  She encouraged me to trust in God’s providence.  She was sorry that she could not cross the ocean to establish the new foundation in Newfoundland  but that in heaven she would be asking God’s blessing on the mission and on me.  She asked that I extend her good wishes to “her bishop”(Bishop Fleming).  She told me that she has great confidence in my ability to carry out the works of Mercy in St. John’s and that I will have a good guardian and father in Bishop Fleming.  She was confident that Mother di Pazzi would come with me or send strong sisters to help me establish the convent – she reminded me that we would have to take our tea without milk,  and we had a little chuckle.  Her words were very encouraging to me.  I felt very peaceful and could place my trust in God in whatever the future might hold.  She held my hands and asked God’s blessing for me.

 

I sit quietly beside her now as she rests and regains her breath and strength.  She has spoken to each of us individually, to each of us sisters in the house.  Such is her motherly concern for all her “children” as she calls us. 

 

About half past eight  we all gathered in Mother Catherine’s room.  The Holy Sacrifice was offered  and we continued praying with her and around her.   She wanted to be anointed again in preparation for her death and she asked that the sisters wear their church cloaks.  She had words for the priests and her doctor, thanking them and seeking their continuing care of the House of Mercy and its inhabitants. She spoke to her relatives who came to see her.  Around 5:00 p.m. she asked for the blessed candle to be placed in her hands.  As weak as she was she thought about us, that we must be fatigued and that we had no supper.  She whispered to the sister in charge of the kitchen to make sure that she had a comfortable cup of tea for us when she was gone.  Mother Catherine continued praying and joining in the prayers for the dying.  At one point Mother Elizabeth was not sure that Mother Catherine could hear the prayers and  when she raised her voice our Mother suggested that there was no need to do so as she could hear distinctly.  A few minutes before eight she gave all of us, present and absent,  a blessing and then calmly closed her eyes, to open them no more.

 

 Catherine McAuley, our mother and foundress of the Sisters of Mercy was dead.  How sad our hearts are in the quiet and in the sacredness of these moments.   May her spirit and her charism reside in us.  May she bless us now from her place in God’s realm.  I especially need her presence with me as the Sisters of Mercy grow and spread Mercy to a land across the ocean and far from here.  Mother Catherine McAuley, pray for me.

Reference: The Life of Catherine McAuley by a Member of the Order of Mercy. New York:  P.J. Kennedy, 1896.

New Leadership Team Missioned

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On August 29, 2013 Sisters Elizabeth Davis, Sheila O’Dea, Diane Smyth and Elizabeth Marrie were surrounded by over sixty of their sisters in a prayer of blessing as they took up the call to leadership in their Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland.

The Missioning Service was held in the chapel of St. Bride’s Convent at Littledale, Waterford Bridge Road. These four women had been elected or re-elected to the ministry of leadership for the next four years during the 20th General Chapter held earlier in June. 

Readings were taken from Sacred Scripture, a text by Carmel Bourke “The Feminine Qualities of Leadership”, a paragraph from their Constitutions on “The Nature of the Institute”. There was also a reading of the interim statement from the Chapter.

The sisters warmly greeted Elizabeth, Sheila, Elizabeth and Diane in a sign of peace before moving to a pleasant social gathering and refreshments. The service was professionally video-taped so that sisters who could not be present might be able to see the event at another time.

May these four women be blessed by “A fire that claims us. A fire that sends us.”

 

20th General Chapter

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland celebrated their 20th General Chapter, June 16 – 21, 2013.  The Chapter, titled Tending the Fire of God’s Mercy, was declared “Open” by Congregational Leader, Sister Elizabeth Davis on Sunday evening.  There were almost 200 present in the Corpus Christi parish hall, among whom were about 80 Sisters, as well as Associates of the sisters, and colleagues and friends. The sisters of the two communities in Peru were in attendance.  Earlier that afternoon a prayer of remembrance was held in the Sisters’ Cemetery at Belvedere and also at McAuley Convent where the sick and infirm sisters reside. Relatives of the deceased sisters were present for the prayer. 

The same large group came together on Monday to reflect on where the Mercy of God is experienced and where it is needed.  Ms. Judith King of Donegal, Ireland was the Chapter facilitator and guided the group through the proceedings of the day.  In the evening the Archbishop of St. John’s, Martin Currie, presided at the celebration of the Eucharist.  The next day the sisters gathered to continue their reflection and discussion and to build on the work of the previous day.  On Thursday the Chapter of Election took place and the sisters elected four of their members who would lead them for the next four years.  The leadership team for 2013 – 2017 will be Sisters Elizabeth Davis (Leader), Sheila O’Dea, Elizabeth Marrie, Diane Smyth.  Friday was the last day of the Chapter and the session ended at noon. 

The reflections and conversations over these days provide guidance for the direction that the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland will take over the next four years. The 20th General Chapter was one of prayer, reflection, discussion, visioning and celebration.  Fun and humor also found a place in the days and evenings, especially a very well planned and fun-filled “kitchen party”.  A good cup of tea was always part of the day-to day events!

Big Plans for Future of The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

News Release

For Immediate Release – June 11, 2013    Expansion of Programs and Services at the Gathering Place
St. John’s, NL – Today co-chairs of the Board of The Gathering Place and a group of dedicated volunteers introduced a special project to enhance and expand much-needed programs and services to help ever increasing numbers of people with complex physical, mental or social difficulties. Intended to be ready late in 2013, the Gathering Place at 172 Military Road will serve more people with improved meal service, health, social and learning programs, in spaces that are accessible and safer.
Originally established in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters in response to the needs of those seeking food, The Gathering Place receives widespread support within the community.  Many service organizations, church groups, foundations, corporations and individuals make financial and in kind donations towards the operation of Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a registered charity and is managed by a Board of Directors with members from the founding organizations and members from the community at large. The programs and services are offered through a volunteer-driven operation of more than 150 people committed to ensuring that programs and services are available on a consistent basis.
In recent years, programs and services have been added to address the needs of guests. These include foot care, a clothing supply boutique and hair care service.  In addition, through collaboration with other agencies, guests of Gathering Place have access to housing experts, nurses and social workers who help address complex needs.  Guests may avail of other services to include advocacy, literacy and computer programs.
Through the guidance provided by a consultation process, the Board has made plans to enhance and expand programs and services. The Gathering Place of the future will better meet the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, promote equality and provide nourishment for those seeking respite from isolation and loneliness. Plans for broadening the programs and services include:
·         Increasing space for noon meal and breakfast programs
·         Providing an identification clinic for Guests (many people are transient and don’t have adequate identification and need to have a place to secure their documents)
·         Establishing a message centre or post office boxes
·         Making the facility accessible to those with disabilities
·         Adding laundry service areas
·         Facilitating a home-start kit program
·         Designating specific spaces for women and seniors
·         Allocating adequate space for creative pursuits
·         Providing facilities for showering
·         Providing education and training in health and wellness, literacy, computer skills and social development
Capital Campaign Inquiries:
Email:
Telephone:
(709) 747-0868  (709) 747-0868 FREE  
Mail:
The Gathering Place
172 Military Road
PO Box 1761
St. John’s, NL    A1C 5P5
 
Those wishing to make online donations to The Gathering Place Inc. (BN: 140263005RR0001) can visit www.CanadaHelps.org. Credit card donations can also be accepted by emailing: gatheringplace@nf.aibn.com

See video: http://vimeopro.com/user8266455/gathering-place-internal-review