by Monica and Brian Shebib
Many of our Associate groups are discussing the need to be connected to one another, to follow the Charism of the Sisters of Charity in what we do and how we are connected to the world we live in today.
My connection to the Sisters of Charity started when I was named for two Sisters at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in North Sydney, NS run by the Sisters of Charity who were instrumental in helping our family of twelve. My schooling from grades one to eleven was under the guidance of the Sisters at St. Joseph School. My career started at St. Elizabeth Hospital and then the Halifax Infirmary under the guidance of the Sisters. My connection continued for 30 years while living in Halifax. Two Sisters I might mention are Sisters Joan O’Keefe and Nancy Fader.
Our move back to Cape Breton set me in another direction. Sister Agnes Burrows, whom I had met in Halifax at one time, was the lead Sister of the Associates in North Sydney. I knew all members of the group so I was invited to join. In 2006 I made my commitment to follow the Charism of the Sisters of Charity. Sister Agnes was instrumental in my journey forward as my Spiritual Director.
The path I am following today I believe was influenced by my connection to the Sisters of Charity. I started as a Palliative Care volunteer at our local hospital. I was invited to join the Hospice Board six years ago.
Excerpts from an interview with Nancy King, The Cape Breton Post. (edited)
“Brian and Monica, Co-Chair the campaign to raise money for the construction of the long-planned Hospice. Their joint challenge of leading the fundraising efforts began a few years ago. Because of Monica’s involvement with people over the years and her interest in Palliative care, she is able to talk about her experiences. On the other side, Brian knows about the Hospice, he’s been hearing about it for a long time, and he’s the business part of it.”
When the Hospice residence is finished it will complete The Circle of Care here in our Community. A special thanks to the Congregation, my Associate and Sister friends for their support to help build our Hospice.
More Charity Alive – February 2021
Reflections on our Chapter Statement
Sisters Anne Harvey, Mary Beth Moore, Judith Park and Margaret Coppenrath reflect on the Chapter Statement that shapes the vision of our Congregation for the next six years.
A Post-Pandemic Church: Prophetic Possibilities
The 2020 Chapter call to “…embrace our own vulnerability, trust the presence of the Spirit …and commit ourselves to …care for one another…” had special meaning for me because it came in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic as I was completing my third book on healing the Church from the wounds of the clergy sexual abuse crisis.
“To be or not to be” – or to Be Transformed!
If your heart is full of faith and still fearlessly open to exploring the energy of transformation of religious life (even if we have to pass through some forms of completion), then read on!
An Associate Story: The Circle of Charity
The path I am following today I believe was influenced by my connection to the Sisters of Charity. I started as a Palliative Care volunteer at our local hospital. I was invited to join the Hospice Board six years ago.
Compelled by Love, You Responded
Please continue to partner with us as we work to heal the wounds of the embittered, be peacemakers in troubled places, and bring the compassion of the One who calls us to those who need it most.
From the Archives
A common thread in the Congregational history and charism is responding to a call to serve those in need.
Charity Alive – November 2020
Transitions
This month’s theme engages us with the theme of transition.
Introducing the Congregational Leadership Team, 2020 – 2026
Meet Sisters Joan Butler, Joan Dawber, Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick, Mary Lynn Flett and Mary Anne Foster.
Celebrating Nonagenarians
Celebrating our Sisters who are over 95 who have continuously evolved over their 7 decades of service and community within the congregation.
We Remember Them
From the 1890’s to the present day, some 1070 sisters of twenty-seven different religious communities taught, nursed, cared for the children, women and men of this Diocese. That included about 167 Sisters of Charity of Halifax.
Volunteering as Election Poll Workers in New York
Given the turmoil around the upcoming election and in the nation itself, Sister Roberta Kerins and I decided to make our contribution by volunteering to be poll workers.
“Come Walk With Me”
On this 200th Anniversary of Elizabeth Seton’s death and entrance into her beloved Eternity, she invites us to spend a few moments with her in the Valley of St. Joseph.
From the Archives
As the Sisters of Charity – Halifax embark on a new transition of leadership at the end of 2020, we’re looking back at another time of change in the community.
Support the mission of the Sisters of Charity this Christmas
There are many ways to make donations part of your Christmas giving this year.