Recently, Holy Trinity Parish, Trail, BC, hosted the Diocesan Development & Peace Fall workshop. Sister Norma Gallant organized the event along with generous support of many parishioners. The Fall workshop’s main objective is to oversee the education component of the annual Fall campaign. After a successful weekend, the participants attended Mass to mark the 50th Anniversary of D&P where a second highlight took place. Unbeknown to Norma and Associate Anne Pisacreta – they were both acknowledged and honoured for their generous dedication and commitment to the goals and accomplishments of D&P over the span of many years. The activities of the weekend and the tributes offered brought much joy into our Eucharistic celebration.
On Sunday, September 24, we began our "Conversations of the Heart" monthly gatherings. Our opening prayer was "Celebrating Creation" in the spirit of the Month of Prayer for the Care of the Earth from September 1 – October 4 introduced by Pope Francis.
Following our time of contemplative prayer, we reflected and shared on our experience of Chapter in July. Many commented on the sense of peace, joy, and deep listening that pervaded our gathering, as well as on our discernment for leadership. It was felt that the process of preparation initiated by the Chapter Planning Committee enabled us to enter fully into our table conversations.
Celebration! At de Sève Residence, on September 21 and 22, it was Diamond Jubilee Celebration time! Though Fall was waiting at the door, Summer with its sunshine and flowers, brightened our community gatherings. On the Thursday evening, Sisters Marie Azzarello and Françoise Boisvert, following the inspiration of Sister Joan Foliot and questions from us all, created a 'self portrait' one block at a time, of their lives lived from novitiate days to the present. Such rich, deep, sharing 'painted a picture' of the wise, generous women they are today. On Friday evening, we gave thanks to our loving God at Eucharist for these Diamond years. Sisters Anne Marie Lynch, Patricia Simpson and Doreen Zeppetini, diamonds too, were with us as were Sisters Joyce Roberts and Susan Cleevely. A festive two gatherings they were, with much joy and gratitude.