When recently asked to share an article on the founding of ARCAN (Atlantic Religious Congregation Associate Networking) I was flooded with memories of our very simple beginning. As Sr. Alma MacLellan, CND, and I were working as co-coordinators in Associate Relationship we had often wondered how other congregations were making out in this relatively new venture. After a time of discernment, letters were sent off to our Maritime communities to invite those who were involved in associate leadership to gather together for a two-day  sharing session with us in Pictou. We began our meeting with prayer followed by a very open agenda, which offered lots of opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and ended with plans to gather again. From these simple beginnings ARCAN has grown into a vibrant network for all religious and associates in Atlantic Canada.

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On Wednesday, Feb 11, 2015 fourteen Congregation of Notre Dame associates joined together in fellowship and love for their monthly gathering. We are feeling very blessed to have the presence of Sr. Marie St. Coeur, CND in our midst to help us plan and to participate at our meetings. We opened with our prayer to St. Marguerite Bourgeoys followed by the hymn “Peace is Flowing like a River” which contains the line – “setting all our captives free”. This was a precursor to the theme for our meeting about St. Josephine Bakhita. We also spoke about our own Sister Gilberte, CND and all she must have had to experience when she was in captivity.

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We have been in a process of discernment for who will attend the Assembly representing associates. Five associates (Bernadette Fegan, Thelma Libbus, Dianne MacAskill, Mary McKenzie and Anna Rowley) submitted their names and completed the Discernment process. Bernadette Fegan was selected to attend the Assembly with the two associate co-coordinators. The three associates will make presentations to associates in the Maritimes this Fall about the topics discussed at the Assembly, Contemplation and Dialogue.