The Eagle Epiphanytide 2017The EagleDear Associates,Oblates and Friends,

The past few monthshave been exciting andfun and daunting all atthe same time. I wouldlike to begin by tellingyou about all of us whoare involved in theministry of theSisterhood at this time.

As I mentioned in my last letter, there are nowfour Sisters serving in Victoria where their mainministry is being a praying presence in theDiocese of British Columbia. In late November/early December, I spent ten days with theSisters, praying with them, attending SundayServices at various churches, taking part in aspecial service at St. James’ Cathedral for the40th Anniversary of the ordination of women inthe Anglican Church, and accompanying two ofthem to Nanaimo to be part of a Quiet Day andmeet some of the Associates from up-island.The part I enjoy the most is having individualvisits with each Sister.

However, there wasanother highlight:visiting Butchart’sGardens with all thespecial Christmaslights around thetheme of the song,“The Twelve Daysof Christmas”. Thiswas made possibleby some of the

Associates and their friends who collected freecoupons for us. Thank you, Victoria Associates.

On September10th we received twoAlongsiders,ClaudineCarlson (L) andJanet Phillips(R). Janet hasbeen providing pastoral care on the 2nd floor ofSt. John’s Rehab and Claudine has beenhelping with the Companions Program.

On September 11th we had the Commissioningof the five Companions. Bp. Linda Nicholls wasable to be present for this special event in thelife of our Community. These young womenhave become an important part of ourcommunity, sharing their many gifts in a varietyof ways, for example, singing in the choir,gardening, playing the organ, helping at St.John’s Rehab and sharing chapel duties.

L to R: Christine Stoll, Hanné Becker, Amanda Avery,Bishop Linda, Alisa Samuel & Sarah Moesker

Back row: Srs. Brenda & Susanne. Front row: Srs. Louise & Sue Continued on page 2

2

On September 13th, Melody Steinman wasadmitted as a Postulant. She along with Srs.Amy Joy and Dorothy Grace take part in EfMand Sr. Kathryn (see next paragraph) who wasreceived as a Novice on September 29th is oneof the mentors of the EfM program.

Sr. Kathryn radiated joy onthe day she was received asa Novice. She has beenhelping out in the GuestHouse and the kitchen aswell as mentoring EfMsince the beginning ofSeptember.

On September 18th, we had the commissioningof Molly Finlay in her student placement forWycliffe College. She also has been helping usin many ways, including preaching, doingtheological reflections with the Companions,and singing parts of the service. We appreciateher joy and enthusiasm. See article page 10.

Sr. Karan, OHP (Order ofthe Holy Paraclete) arrivedin Toronto on October 4th

to spend a month with us aspart of our exchangeprogram with OHP whichbegan in 1988 through theagency of Carol Bunker

who knew both communitiesand thought we could benefit from an exchangeprogram. Sr. Karan spent four days with Sr.Elizabeth Ann and myself while we were onholiday at our cottage in Port Sydney and joinedus on some strenuous walks in Algonquin Park.At a Sisters’ Family Supper Party, she led usthrough a murder mystery in which six Sistersplayed different parts and she was the detectivesolving the mystery.

Sr. Anne-Cathy Graber, amember of the CheminNeuf, an inter-denominational religiouscommunity in France, cameto live with us for severalmonths while she doespostdoctoral work at theToronto MennoniteTheological Centre inToronto.

One of our special guests in November wasArchbishop Fred Hiltz who joined us for theEucharist, dinner, and an evening of sharing.

Sr. Amy Joy, Melody Steinman & Sr. Dorothy Grace

Sr. Kathryn

Sr. Karan, OHP

Sr. Anne-Cathy

Molly (2nd from left) is seen here with her husband Steveand children, with Sr. Connie on the left and Sr. Elizabethon the right

The Primate Fred Hiltz with Hanné Becker, Christine Stoll,Amanda Avery & Sarah Moesker (Alisa is hidden)

3

Another special visitor to preside at theEucharist and stay for a talking meal andconversation with the Community wasArchbishop Colin with his wife Ellen. Theyshared photos of their trip to South America.

In December we invited Bp. Patrick Yu and hiswife Kathy for a Eucharist, dinner and eveningof conversation before he retired; he shared hishopes and plans for the coming year.

Other happenings have included moving theStations of the Cross we received in 2014 intothe copse of trees south of the guest housewhich allows more privacy for those who arepraying with each of the Stations.

On the second Sunday of Advent, we had aspecial service which has become a tradition atSt. John’s Convent over the past six yearscelebrating the “Great O” antiphons. The“Great O’s” are a series of antiphons to theMagnificat (Song of Mary) sung at Vespers sinceat least the eighth century C.E. beginning onDecember 16th. DifferentSisters, Along-siders orCompanions chose asymbol to represent eachof the “Great O’s”. Eachperson in turn took hersymbol to the altar,explained why she hadchosen that item torepresent that particularO Antiphon and thenplaced it on the altar.

On December 16th, we were delighted towelcome Bishop Linda to the convent toconfirm Sr. Amy Joy as a member of theAnglican Church. Fortunately the event camebetween two snowstorms so some of Amy Joy’sfamily and friends were able to be present.

Over Christmas weekend, we had our annualChristmas Retreat led this year by Sr. ConstanceJoanna on the theme, Christmas in PopularSong. We had many other guests join us for theEucharist and dinner on Christmas day. Theyear ended with the New Year’s Retreat which Iled this year.

By the time you receive this it will be Februaryand much more will have happened at theconvent, still unknown to us at this time. As wego forward into the unknown of 2017, we prayfor peace and reconciliation in all communities,among all peoples, throughout the world. Maythis be our constant prayer.

With love and prayers,Sr. Elizabeth, SSJDReverend Mother

Bishop Linda confirms Sr. Amy Joy, with Sr. Elizabeth Annin the background

Christine Stoll with her Oantiphon symbol

4

Last August I wassurprised to learn thatwithin two months Iwould travel over theHudson Bay towardsToronto and the Sistersof St. John Divine asthe OHP/SSJDexchange Sister for2016. A whole monthof exciting newexperiences awaitedme.

Looking back now, I wonder how I managed tofit them all in, yet the memory I most treasure isnot the places I visited, wonderful though theywere, but the hospitable and friendly Sistersthemselves, whose impact will remain with mefor a very long time. Impressions all roundseemed to me to be on a grand scale, broadstreets, tall buildings, large parks and widesmiles on Sisters’ faces.

No sooner had I arrived than I was whisked offto the beautiful Muskoka region. Walking thetrails around Algonquin Park and CranberryMarshes revealed the Fall in all its crowningglory. Whether it was the crunch of fallenleaves, the brilliant colours of the maple trees orthe variety of mushrooms emerging from theundergrowth, all brought delight and excitingdiscoveries.

Back at the convent, I had every reason for agenuine celebration of Thanksgiving. By thenSisters’ names and faces began to fit togetherand I was eager to get to know SSJDCompanions and Oblates. This didn’t take longas we ate, worshipped and mixed together on adaily basis. In chapel unfamiliar Offices wereclearly marked and explained in a compactbinder and the accompaniment of organ andchime bars was an additional pleasure. Time forquestions, fun and conversation came regularlyat Recreation with the occasional choice of

pursuing a hobby...knitting, walking, watchingDVDs, and for me, joy of joys — a dip in thewarm waters of the rehab hospital’s therapypool.

Reformation Sunday came along and wasmarked by a special evening service producedand conducted by the Companions. TheAlongsiders and Sisters showed me local beautyspots and introduced me to the history of theFirst Nations peoples. Taking advantage of anOHP Sister who was game for anything, theNovices entertained me with a trip aroundToronto, to China Town (real Chinese food) tothe world famous Niagara Falls, and much morebesides.

Guests came to the convent almost daily, somefor retreat, training sessions, spiritual directionor just to maintain friendship with a Sisterhoodthat extended a constant open-door policy andgenuine welcome. I was one of those guests andtreasure the memory and privilege afforded tome to be there. I hold an enduring impressionof my last night, of Sisters acting out a murdermystery play during a splendid farewell dinner.Long may the OHP/SSJD exchange programlast.

Sr. Karan, OHP

Strengthening the ties

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Last October the Sisters of St.John the Divine in Torontowelcomed Sr. Anne-Cathy, amember of the Chemin NeufCommunity, to spend ninemonths with them. A native ofFrance, she came to brush upher English and pursue post-

doctoral studies in non-violence at theMennonite Centre affiliated with the TorontoSchool of Theology (University of Toronto).

“Chemin Neuf is a Roman Catholic Communitywith an ecumenical vocation, founded in Francein 1973,” Sr. Anne-Cathy said. “We seeourselves as a sign between churches, that wecan pray together and evangelize together. Weare a sign of unity—that men and women, layand religious can live together. And we are asign of reconciliation, as each house hasmembers of different nationalities livingtogether. Daily life together is the mostimportant testament.”

Members may be consecrated brothers andsisters who take the traditional monastic vows ofpoverty, chastity and obedience, and a fourthvow—to give their life for the unity ofChristians. There are also lay members.Consecrated members live in Chemin Neufhouses. The lay members, mainly couples, haveseparate, private accommodation within thehouses or live close to a house so they can jointogether for services, prayer and occasionalmeals. All share in the community’s mission,responsibility and prayer. More than 20parishes are entrusted to the care of theCommunity. In 2016, Chemin Neuf wasrepresented in 30 countries and hadapproximately 2,000 members.

While members come from different countriesand denominations, non-Catholics remainfaithful to their denomination even though theyare part of the Chemin Neuf Community. Thisprovides a powerful witness of the reality of

men and women of diverse churches forginglinks together in intentional Christiancommunity. Chemin Neuf has two main roots—Ignatian spirituality and the CharismaticRenewal—the traditional and the new. TheCommunity Constitutions state: “The solidityof the Community depends upon thepersonal relationship of each one of us withJesus.”

“Community life lends itself to healing betweenindividuals, and perhaps ultimately betweenchurches,” said Sr. Anne-Cathy. “Our housesare safe places where we can ask forgivenessfor the hurts we cause each other, now, or inthe past.” Some members come from countrieswhich were colonized by the French andrelationships between ‘colonizers’ and‘colonized’ can be fraught with memories andpast actions. Monthly meetings in each housegive opportunities for the members to get toknow each other and to have ‘hard’ discussionsif necessary, in an atmosphere of respect andopenness. From time to time the ritual of thewashing of feet is available.

Sr. Anne-Cathy first encountered Chemin Neufwhile at university where members ran herstudent residence. “It was a revolutionary ideato me, that Catholics and Protestants can livetogether.” The ministry in student residencescontinues to be one of Chemin Neuf’s methodsof evangelization to young people. Otherprograms include Ignatian and formationretreats. Cana sessions, for couples andfamilies, provide opportunities for them to growthrough dialogue and prayer.

Sr. Anne-Cathy was, and still is, Mennonite. Shewas intrigued by the ecumenical nature of theCommunity and at 27 left her professional lifeto join it. Some years after taking her final vowsshe discerned a call to become a Mennonitepastor. “I wasn’t sure how that would work out,but it did.” After discussion with her MennoniteChurch and the leadership of Chemin Neuf she

Ecumenism in Practice

Continued on page 9

6

Companions on

The seed for our Companions Program wasplanted at our general chapter meeting in 2012.The idea was to recruit ‘six young women’ togive them a taste of the monastic life, howeverwe were too busy that year to do anything aboutit. Then in 2015, the idea was fleshed out andgrew into our Companions Program.

We believed God was calling the Sisterhood toinvite young women to spend a year with us, ina traditional monastic setting, to deepen theirrelationship with God and in a way to become‘new monastics’. Over the spring/summer of2015 a Steering Committee of Sisters beganwork, led by Sr. Constance Joanna, and joinedlater by Wycliffe partners. They designed andprinted promotional material and made tripsacross the country to speak about the Programin churches, universities, SSJD Associatemeetings, diocesan events. The Program is freeto participants thanks to a generous grant fromthe Diocese of Toronto.

In September 2016, five women became ourfirst Companions. This diverse group comesfrom BC to Nova Scotia, ranges in age from 21to 37, comes from different Christiandenominations and are at different stages intheir career/work. The women live with us inthe Enclosure, sit with us in choir and refectoryand attend our daily morning meetings. Theyhave their own sitting room, attend classes onvarious subjects and are becoming a communityunto themselves. The women also attended acourse on monasticism at Wycliffe, from whichtwo of them have acquired credits towardsdegrees. At present the women are assigned towork in different areas of the convent and at St.John’s Rehab. In the new year some of themwill volunteer with outside charities. Forinformation on the Companions Program, visitwww.ssjd.ca

It’s still early days for the Program, however wethought you would like to hear what has beenhappening to these women.

Sarah Moesker is a student at the CanadianMennonite University in Winnipeg who hastaken a year off to attend the Program.

What attracted you to the Program?

My attraction to theprogram was due, inpart, to a desire forpersonal growth in thecontext of anintentional community.But I have also feltintrigued by the idea ofthe monastic life for anumber of years, andthis seemed a great

time to experience it. Sometimes when I wouldbecome stressed and overwhelmingly anxiousabout papers in university, I would beginwondering if I was called to a monastic life.However, given that I was usually also on theWestJet website searching up flights to Icelandin those moments, I suspect my desire wasmore of a “gyrovague” escapism than a call.

How has the Program changed you?I feel like a lot of the dross I consider to be myidentity is being scooped away. This process haslikely been in effect for quite some time now,but it is more obvious here at the convent.

Challenges and joysPresently, one of the things I have discovered tobe significantly challenging is being accountableto a group. There is something about it that Iam not quite comprehending, which is making itdifficult for me to really own the responsibilitiesof being here and living this lifestyle.

As for joys, it has been a thrill for me to notonly watch myself change, but to be presentwith others as they are experiencing this newenvironment and the strange and wondrousmovements of the Spirit as well. I have alsobeen sort of in awe at how simply being here

Sarah Moesker

7

has been healing for me. For example, I canfeel myself becoming more comfortable withbeing human. I think this has something to dowith living alongside the Sisters who probablycannot be anything but that, having decided tolive with one another for the rest of their lives. Itis cozy and prickly, mundane and glorious, andcomical and reverent all at once, making myusual distinctions and polarities between goodand bad, spiritual and daily, very difficult.

Alisa Samuel fromBrampton is theyoungest of the group,who has been workinguntil she decides whatshe wants to take atuniversity.

What attracted youto the Program?Although I am not

looking toward a vowed religious life, I sensed acall to become a Companion to the Sisterhoodof Saint John the Divine. I see this year as anopportunity for growth. One of the things thatattracted me to this Program was the dailyrhythm of the monastic life. I hope to become abetter steward of my time by learning thespiritual value of structured days.

How has the Program changed you?My experience of the program so far has beenchallenging, but also promising. It continuouslytests all my faculties – mental, emotional,physical, spiritual. In view of all the interiorwork one inevitably faces while living inintentional community, my self-awareness hasundoubtingly improved. Having said that, it’shard for me to clearly name how I’ve changed. Iknow my relationship with God is gettingdeeper, and I’m gaining momentum inaccomplishing many of my personal goals aswell. For example, I finally got my learner’spermit for my driver’s license! At the very least,

I am open to whatever transformation is takingplace inside of me.

Challenges and joysThe regulated schedule of this Program mayhave been one of the reasons I decided to joincommunity, but it has also been a greatchallenge for me simply because it is busier andmore rigid than I am accustomed to. Trying tojuggle the daily office with work assignments,study time, and personal endeavours, can beoverwhelming.

I have strong hermit-like tendencies, whichmeans I often feel uncomfortable in groupsettings. Obviously, this poses a huge challengeto me as I live in intentional community, wherealmost everything is a shared experience.Homesickness never caused me to feel alienatedor sad while living at the convent, but I do missmy family dearly.

While living at the convent, I have found joy inthe friendships I have made. Every day, I amgradually growing closer to my view of God asRedeemer and Creator God. In other words, Iam developing a deeper respect for creation asan expression of God. This has renewed in mea spirit of joy, and has given me the freedom tocelebrate His love and understanding with agreater range of people.

Hanné Becker, from Whitby, recently returnedfrom two years studying organ in Switzerland.

What attracted you to the Program?I was attracted to the Companions Programbecause it seemed to continue perfectly downthe road God had placed me on earlier this year.Previously, I had lived for a year in Christiancommunity with two sisters in Switzerland, andthere I was introduced, for example, to thewonderful ministries of prayer and hospitality.For me, the Companions Program offered anopportunity to continue in these ministries and

an Ancient Path

Companions continued on next page

Alisa Samuel

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the possibility to explore and develop other giftsI may have to offer to the world. It seemed anatural continuation to what had already begunin my life. I was attracted to the treading of theancient paths, and to finding deep wisdom andinsight for the ages.

How has the Program changed you?While it may bedifficult to tracksignificantchange withinmyself in onlyfour months, Iam certain thatthere have been,and will continueto be, changes.For example, Ihave felt morecomfortable infacing some of the fears head-on that hadpreviously held me back. A strong and reliablecommunity of faith helps root a person andwhen one is inspired by a mentor or friend orsister in Christ, this significantly helps to inchone forward in this kind of progress. It helps alot to have role models as well as peoplecheering you on in the Sisters, Alongsiders andother Companions. I am very grateful for thisand continue to pursue my own role in being asupport to those who need me.

Challenges and joysAs with any part of life there are both joys andchallenges to the Companions Program. Someof the biggest joys include being part of a groupof young women who pursue the monastic liferight now in our modern world. Each of uscomes from very different backgrounds, but weultimately come together as one in the Body ofChrist, which is a wonderful blessing. It is agreat blessing getting to know the sisters andtheir wealth and depth of wisdom andunderstanding. Perhaps best of all is the timeone has to focus on prayer and on being close

to God. Intentional community is alwayschallenging and it is this part that keeps ushumble before God and each other, relying onguidance from the Holy Spirit and the love ofChrist that binds us together as we joyouslytravel over every hill top and boldly go throughevery valley of this life.

Amanda Avery is from Halifax where she is thedirector of a pre-school program.

What attracted you to the Companions?I have come to the realization that God’s will isto become more immersed in scripture and todeepen my faith in God's plan for me. I havetaken a class at the Atlantic School of Theologywhere I continued my discernment and inquiryon becoming a priest. After the winter term andafter much prayer I applied to the school tostudy and complete my M.Div. I felt attendingthe Program and becoming a companion willsupport and define my journey and path.

How has the Program changed you?I feel that it's still too early to say how thisprogram will change me. We have been herefor just four months. At this point in time, I feelthat I am still figuring out my way around,getting to know who I am and my identity away

from friends, and whatearning my M.Div. willlook like, and how Iwant to use it.

Challenges and joysChallenges –community andconnecting witheveryone,understanding therhythm and being able

to follow it as it has been a short while.Joys – meeting the Sisters and getting to knowsome of them, working in the hospital; meetingmy fellow Companions and buildingrelationships and friendships.

Companions continued from page 7

Hanné Becker

Amanda Avery

Companions continued on next page

9

Christine Stoll is a math teaching assistant at acollege in Port Coquitlam, BC.

What attracted you to the Program?When I first read about the CompanionsProgram in the Anglican Journal back inDecember 2015, I thought that I would haveliked to have done that a few years earlier, butthat this was not the right time. I had been sickfor two years, and living in a big city and taking

some academic coursesdid not feel life-giving.Four months laterwhen my health finallyimproved, I decided tobuy a car to regain themobility lost because ofsickness. My mind wasfull of car stuff. Therewas no room in mymind for anything else.But then I had thesense that God was

saying to me: “Christine, let go of the car”. Andwhen I did that, it was the CompanionsProgram that came to mind, and a sense thatthis is what I needed to do.

How would you like the experience of theprogram to change you?One of my hopes for this year is to renew and

deepen my relationship with God, that I may fall in love with God again, that I maylearn to be faithful to the God who is faithful tome. I’m also hoping for help with discernment. Idon’t expect to have all the answers by the endof the year, but I hope to have a sense ofdirection about what to do next, and thecourage to begin something new. Lastly, I’malso hoping that during this year I will be able toopen my eyes to my gifts, to say “yes” to them,and to use them for the building up of God’sworld.

Challenges and joysFor me the challenges have been in living withothers. How do you live together when youhave conflict, when you have been hurt?

I felt a deep sense of joy and peace when Iarrived. This was not about any one thing inparticular - perhaps it was just the whole rhythmof life that came so naturally to me and to methis was confirmation that I have come to theright place. One of the biggest joys was slidingdown the snowy hill behind the convent. Havinglived near Vancouver, BC, for the last 15 years,I have not experienced a snowy winter in a longtime. Thanks be to God for God’s awesomecreation, for friends with whom to share joy,and for meeting me in childlike wonder anddelight.

was granted permission to pursue this vocationwithin a vocation, and is now an itinerantMennonite pastor.

Originally Sr. Anne-Cathy planned to stay witha family in Toronto. Then she realized howimportant community was to her, and also thevalue of living with another denomination. “Ithought it would be important to live as astranger in Toronto. It is a spiritual step to feelweak, limited in language and in a differentculture. A good learning experience.”

“I’ve been touched by the unconditional andgenerous welcome of the SSJD Sisters. It’s alsowonderful to have all these women priestscelebrating the Eucharist,” Sr. Anne-Cathy said.“I’m impressed by the inventiveness andopenness of SSJD—Alongsiders, Companions,Oblates. There’s a special dimension to thisplace which has nothing to do with productivity,which is what the outside world values.”

Sr. Anne-Cathy’s next placement will be inJerusalem.

Sr. Helen Claire, SSJD

Christine Stoll

Ecumenism continued from page 5

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My friendship withthe Sisterhood ofSt. John theDivine began sixyears ago, when Icame for a quietday with Sr.Elizabeth Ann. Abusy professional,the topic of “TheBenedictine

Spirituality of Work” intrigued me. Well, today,now answering a sense of calling to ordainedministry, St. Benedict’s “Little Rule” still has somuch to say to me—and to women of all ageswho are seeking to deepen their faith and towalk in a different path. Back then, however,when I first took a look around the Convent, Iwondered why there weren’t more women theremy own age? Doesn’t this ancient wisdom offergreat insight to those of us who are so busybuilding careers, raising children, eitherpartnered up or single? It turns out it certainlydoes, since when we offered “A Spiritual Spafor Busy Mums” as a quiet day, it booked upquickly, with women on a waiting list.

So, when Sr. Connie asked a group of us—myself, Karen Isaacs, and Barbara Jenkins toform a committee to help the Sisters in shapinga new program they were planning for youngwomen, called “Companions on an AncientPath” I said “yes!” And when we gathered, wecould sense the Holy Spirit at work—creativeideas began springing up and we were all soenergized about the idea. The concept grew—from a tentative beginning into a whole pioneerministry that is now the Companions Program.The wonder of the five amazing women that wenow have participating is not lost on any of uswho just started brainstorming one afternoon18 months ago. Our creative, life-giving God isat work!

As a Wycliffe M.Div. student I knew I had tofigure out a third-year ministry placement, and Imentioned in passing to Sr. Connie how great itwould be if I could come and work alongside herwith the Companions for my placement. It isfair to say that Sr. Connie and I are both “quick-starts” so we ran with the idea, and withpermission from the Diocese for a somewhatnon-traditional placement, we began planninghow it would work.

So, here I am, halfway through an absolutelyamazing opportunity to learn from the Sistersand from the Companions. Sr. Anne’s guidancearound liturgical duties, singing with Hanne´,mentoring Alisa and Sarah, and the joy that Ihave with Amanda and Christine as we all try tohear God’s still small voice in our times oftheological reflection (which thankfully isn’tdrowned out by our crazy Sunday afternoonlaughter!) have all been enormous gifts in myformation. And Sr. Connie’s amazing mentoringof me—the listening and questions that comeout of our meetings, is a huge privilege. Theseare lessons that I could never learn in anyclassroom setting, and this placement, whileperhaps somewhat unusual, is giving me anincredible set of skills as preparation for parishministry.

The ability to live alongside each other—whether in a monastic setting, or in our greatlarger church is what we all need to nurture inthis time in our ecclesial life. We are all sodiverse—both in personality and in our ways ofinterpreting the scriptures. But we are united inthe love of Jesus Christ. I take this with me as Igo, and I am so grateful to the SSJD foropening their doors and their hearts to me as Ilearn and grow within their “ancient future”community.

Molly Finlay, Associate

A Pioneering Placement

11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FUNDRAISING?

LOTS GOING ON IN 2016 - LOTS OF GRATITUDE AND THANKS IN 2016!

Hydro bills in 2016 hit the roof! How grateful we are for the solar panels on our roof, they

continue to pay back $$$ off our hydro bill! Grateful thanks to all the help we received in

having them installed.

We had a great donor appreciation afternoon - an opportunity to say thank you to all of

you! How we wish our friends from afar might have been with us. As we quoted Piglet’s

reflection with Christopher Robin that afternoon ... that even though he had a very small

heart, it could hold a rather large amount of GRATITUDE - and so we thank you for letting us say that our hearts also

hold a rather large amount of gratitude.

Oh dear, we needed a new car, whatever kind should we buy? Many ideas and many

suggestions. And then a miracle happened! A friend of many years generously gave us a silver

Ford Fiesta! However do we say thank you for a gift like this?

We have lots of people in our life! Four wonderful women in our Novitiate; 12 Women at a

Crossroads joined us for a month; two Alongsiders for the year; and a new Companions Program with five young

women. Our Oblates and Associates continue to spend time with us, and friends and families drop in for a time! Our

Guest House continues to be well used. How blessed we are.

One of our dryers needed constant repair! With hydro bills hitting the roof, and our dryers in constant

use with guest house and sisters’ laundry, we decided to purchase a commercial gas dryer. Again,

another miracle in the form of two large donations enabled us to purchase a 50 lb capacity gas

commercial dryer!

In little steps we continue to walk in a direction that honours our partnership

with creation and our call to stewardship. As a beginning, one of those little steps has been

the installation of LED lights in chapel as well as some other areas of the Convent.

Women’s Round Table: the time has come to ‘re-set the table’. We are planning an open house

Wednesday June 7th 2017 from 10 am - 2pm. Please consider this your invitation to come and

bring a friend whom you think might enjoy a visit to the Convent. We will have a presentation

beginning at 10:30 following coffee. It will be a pot luck lunch - bring something to share, and

enjoy friendship and conversation together. If you are coming, RSVP to 416-226-2201 ext. 303 or

wilma@ssjd.ca.

The Education Fund helps us to provide ongoing support to women seeking to discern their vocational path - especially

at this time for the new Companions Program, Alongsiders and our own Novitiate.

Maintenance Contingency Fund will continue to be increasingly vital as our building ages.

You may remember our GAP appeal – it’s still there! We need a 6% increase in Donations to meet this GAP ($100,000).

We do appreciate every little effort of support - prayerful as well as financial.

THANK YOU, WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

NOW WHAT ABOUT 2017?

12

Born in Smithers, BC, myfamily moved when I was sixmonths old and from thenuntil 1993 I lived in 19different locations. My fatherheld several different jobsuntil he finally settled inBanff and Calgary. I have anolder brother and sister.

In my late teens I felt a calling to the religiouslife, so on the advice of my parish priest Icontacted the Reverend Mother of SSJD. Shesuggested a visit to St. John’s Priory inEdmonton, where I lived for six months whileworking in the city. I was still too young to jointhe community (21 was minimum age) so Ibecame an SSJD Associate.

With time to wait I joined the Navy. When Iturned 21 I decided to stay in the military to atleast fulfil my three-year commitment. I wasoffered a commission to become an officer andbecame an Air Weapons Controller in the AirForce and served in North Bay and Great Falls,Montana. When pilot training was opened towomen, I applied and in February 1981, twoother women and I graduated as the first female

pilots in the Canadian Forces. I held severalpositions in the Armed Forces, wrote a book onthe History of 424 Squadron, flew Twin Ottersand Hercules, and Buffaloes in search andrescue. Another attempt to test my vocationwith SSJD was thwarted, due to medicalproblems. My military career continued, I wenton to become a major and was subsequentlytransferred to Trenton as the squadronoperations officer; from there I was releasedbecause of poor health.

Through all this I remained an Associate. WhenI heard about the Oblate program, I wasoverjoyed. It seemed the answer to my desirefor a deeper relationship with the Sisterhood. In2007 I began discernment and in 2009 I mademy first Oblate promises. Finally in 2013 Imade my Life commitment as an Oblate.

I will never regain my full health mentally orphysically, but lead a happy life in Belleville,ON, with my partner of 22 years, our twoWesties, limited activities at my church, and myrelationship with the Sisterhood as an Oblate.

Nora Bottomley

Meet another Oblate

The Houses of the Sisterhoodwww.ssjd.caSt. John’s Convent

233 Cummer Avenue, Toronto, ON M2M 2E8416-226-2201 • Fax: 416-226-2131 • email: convent@ssjd.ca

St. John’s House, BC3937 St. Peters Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2J9

250-920-7787 • Fax: 250-920-7709 • email: bchouse@ssjd.ca

The Eagle is published several times a year by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, St. John’s Convent,Toronto, ON M2M 2E8. An annual donation of $10 to help cover the cost would be greatly appreciated.Please let us know promptly of any changes of address. The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine is a registeredcharity. Our charitable donation number is BN 11925 4266 RR0001.