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Teddies for Tragedies

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women: Teddies for Tragedies to Peru

 

Women at the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre are playing a role in making life a little brighter for children as far away as Peru by providing teddy bears to those who have been affected by natural disasters, famine and other tragedies. The women have been busy creating small, knitted teddy bears under the supervision of staff and the assistance of Sister Alicia Linehan of the Sisters of Mercy.

Some of the bears have made their way to Peru through the Sisters of Mercy who live and minister there. Participants in the program have received photos and words of thanks from the children who have benefitted from their creativity. The women in the program are pleased to have the opportunity to share the results of their handwork with children who have been affected by tragedy.
Since 1985, the Teddies for Tragedies project has led to hundreds of thousands of teddy bears being knitted around the world and given to charities and volunteers to distribute to children.  More information on the Teddies for Tragedies program can be found by visiting www.teddiesfortragedies.org.uk.
The Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Center for Women (NLCCW) is located in Clarenville, a town 140 km west of St. John’s. The Center was opened in 1982 and is the only facility for female prisoners in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  All provincially sentenced females, remands, federal inmates who do not pose a security risk as well as federal inmates awaiting transfer to Nova Institution in Truro NS are admitted to Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Centre for Women.

 

End of an Era

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The pastor, Fr. Pat Power, and parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Bay Bulls expressed gratitude and appreciation to Sister Patricia Gallant and to the Sisters of Mercy in the Eucharistic celebration of July 24, 2010.  Over thirty sisters joined the worshipping community for the special event. 

Patricia retired this year from teaching in the schools attended by children from Bay Bulls. She is the last Sister of Mercy to teach in the school system in Newfoundland, at least at this point in time.  Since 1842 when the first Sisters of Mercy arrived on this island from Dublin, education was one of the dominant ministries of Sister of Mercy.  Patricia’s retirement from her position marks the end of an era.

In his few words John O’Brien, a parishioner, thanked Sister Patricia for her ministry in the school and in the parish community of Bay Bulls.  He thanked the Sisters of Mercy, especially those who ministered in Bay Bulls since 1921 when St. Patrick’s Convent was founded there. 

Sisters Ann Normore and Patricia Gallant continue to reside in Bay Bulls and continue to minister there in various areas, especially in the music ministry of the parish.  Sister Elizabeth Davis received a plaque of appreciation and in turn said a few words of gratitude emphasizing the faithful support and collaboration of the people of Bay Bulls.  She also thanked the people for the gift of so many of their women who became Sisters of Mercy.

A pleasant and generous table, full of delicious food, had been prepared and served after Mass in the adjoining hall.