Provincial Area Gathering–Kamloops
Visualize the statue of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys where she’s standing with one arm reaching behind her and another reaching forward. That image reflects the gathering of Congregation of Notre Dame sisters and associates which took place in Kamloops on November 10, 2016. The morning session was facilitated by Sr. Catherine Walker who took us back to the General Chapter of summer 2016 and engaged us in a process of hearing and responding to Congregation of Notre Dame Chapter orientations 2016 – 2021. After a wonderful potluck lunch (feast!), Sr. Shelley Grant moved us forward in a process to begin our preparation for Visitation Province Chapter, July 2017. The 15 of us who were present representing the Thompson Nicola and Okanagan areas were thoroughly engrossed in this first of several such gatherings to take place throughout the Province. We came away enriched by the experience, looking forward to carrying out our mission statement as it evolves for Visitation Province in the coming year, and embracing the challenge of being who Christ calls us to be as Congregation, ever hopeful, ever joyful in our wounded yet beautiful world.
Visit to the Maritimes
From November 7 to 11, 2016, a team from the Communication Services of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame visited the sisters who live in the Maritime Provinces. During this all too short visit, we recorded a certain number of video interviews (in English and in French) that you will soon find on our social media. Meanwhile, we would like to share with you some of our travel impressions and fond memories of the visits that filled our days. When one visits the sisters, one enjoys generous hospitality, lively conversations and the opportunity to grow a little through contact with these devoted teachers. To all of you who offered us such a warm welcome, Thank You!
Advent 2016
Advent 2016 Entrance Antiphon Psalm 24: 1-3
To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.
Today my Advent journey begins - a spiritual journey with our precious Trinity in search of the Star in the East. I ponder the words “my enemies” with little awareness of where my journey will take me, but somehow, I know I need to begin.
