by Heather Sinclair, Assistant to the Coordinator, Sisters of Charity Living at Caritas and Parkstone
Covid-19 moved into our world like a dark cloud and with it came ‘self-isolation’ and ‘social distancing’. Yet despite these strange and unsettling times, unique opportunities have emerged to let the light shine in. People are finding unconventional and creative ways to connect, one of the silver linings in this dark cloud.
At Caritas Residence, one such silver lining recently appeared. A pen pal project between Sisters and local children started not long after a state of emergency was declared in Nova Scotia and the ‘stay in place’ measures enacted. Word spread and soon after we were contacted by a local youth group called “Exchange for Change.”
Exchange for Change is a group of homeschooled youth that’s been meeting for six years. Every two weeks they get together to make crafts to sell at one of the Farmers’ markets to raise money for charities of the kids’ choice. In the past, they have supported Feed NS, the Ronald McDonald House, Unicef, the NS Nature Trust and the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, among others. In early March, the youth made chili for 30 people at the Out of the Cold shelter with supplies kindly donated by a local grocery store.
These days the group is not able to meet in person to carry out their usual works, so they seek opportunities to socially connect and reach out to others rather than be limited by social distancing. They were very excited to approach and connect with The Sisters of Charity at Caritas.
In a creative card-making blitz, the group sent good tidings and well wishes by delivering 50 homemade cards for 50 Sisters! *
Their group leader and parent volunteer, Cassie Kent, wrote, “We have been meeting virtually, enjoying each other’s’ good humour (and bad jokes), while making cards which will hopefully communicate the kids’ best wishes and thoughts of hope, encouragement and solidarity to the Sisters. We are in this together!”
It seems they did indeed succeed in their intention. As Sister Alice Mailman wrote in a response to the group, “Thanks so much for your thoughtful, positive wishes and delightful creative art in your cards for all of us here at Caritas. It was wonderful to read them … Be assured of my prayers for each one of you. Keep up the good work you’re doing!” And from Sister Deanna MacDougall, “What a wonderful way to keep connected! Be safe and thank you again for thinking of us… God Bless you and your efforts.”
A great big heartfelt thank you and virtual hugs to Ella, Rachel, Leo, Ira, Emmet, Sophie, Asa, and Cassie! Your cards are a silver lining in difficult times, they brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. You guys are awesome!
* The cards were gathered and ‘quarantined’ for 12 days before delivery.
More Charity Alive – May 2020
Nova Scotia Strong
We keep hope alive knowing how blessed we have been by the prayers and love at home and all over the world.
How we are coming together during the pandemic
A parade, Zoom chats and in-person ministry. A glimpse at how we are coping during COVID-19.
Last Sister moves out of St Patrick Convent in Roxbury, MA
The last Sister of Charity leaves Saint Patrick Convent, Roxbury, our first mission in the United States.
Praying during the Pandemic at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley
The Lenten season was profoundly moving this year not only because it coincided with the Pandemic Coronavirus but also because of the reflections offered by Sisters Mary Ann Connolly and Judy Park.
From the Archives – North Sydney
The Sisters first started their health care ministry in North Sydney, NS at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital in 1908.
Charity Alive – April 2020
When This Is Over
Covid 19, the pandemic, will end but the experience will continue to inform our memories, thoughts and behaviours for some time to come.
Federation Company of Charity Formation Personnel
Sisters Maryanne Ruzzo and Evelyn Williams along with our Associate Co-Coordinators Ann Masters and Carol Evans attended the Company of Charity Formation Personnel meeting in New York in early March.
El Salvador Water Project
The members of our Water Project committee, Mabel Najarro, Maureen Wild, Kay Conroy, Carrie Flemming, Cecilia Hudec and Maryanne Ruzzo, as well as all the Sisters, are thrilled that our first water project in Chalatenango, El Salvador is complete.
Regional Meetings
Regional Meetings brought together Sisters and Associates, from all over to reflect on Sister Peggy O'Neill's talk from the Federation Assembly last May.
From the Archives – Bermuda
At the request of Archbishop O’Brien, four Sisters departed Halifax on February 15th 1890 and arrived in Bermuda after four days at sea. On March 3rd, 1890, they opened Mount Saint Agnes Academy. The Sisters owned and operated the school until 1975, when they transferred ownership to the Diocese of Hamilton.
