A Contemplative Moment

Early this summer, our senior family members were invited to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to meet their first grandchild. She was born during the pandemic and few of us had the privilege of meeting her. On this special day, she was almost two years old and made her entrance in her mother’s arms following an afternoon nap.  She stayed close to her parents until she felt safe enough to wander around the large deck and meet the gang.

We enjoyed a wonderful July afternoon sipping cool drinks and catching up with family happenings. We watched with pride as the birthday girl opened her gifts: storybooks which she loves and a fluffy pale blue bunny that can no doubt be found in her crib these days.

Following a delicious summer supper, we continued to relax under the two large awnings.  Suddenly the sky became overcast, there was a thunderclap and rain began to sprinkle the deck.  Our little girl quietly stepped into the space between the awnings and opened her tiny hands to receive the falling drops.  All was silent as we watched the scene unfolding before us.  Obviously, this child in her pretty blue dress was experiencing a new and deep awareness of a special part of nature.  There she continued to stand, perfectly still, contemplating the raindrops meeting her being.

Image: Unsplash/Mike Kotsch

The rain fell slowly at first and then with increasing intensity until it suddenly poured.  She laughed and ran for shelter and her waiting grandpa. Suddenly, I realized that we had witnessed a profound contemplative moment, seen through the eyes of a child.

How much we take for granted in the everyday wonders of our world:  the beauty of summer, the change of seasons, the force of nature, a sudden cloudburst and the miracle of life and love portrayed in the blessing of our newest little family member.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

September Sixth, The First Day of School

Image: Unsplash/Deleece Cook

I recall my childhood experience in late August each year, of anticipating the start of a new school year. I eagerly longed to see my classmates, anticipated being elevated to a new grade, and meet my new teacher.  On September 6, 2022, thousands of children in the London area will arrive at school proudly displaying new shoes, new clothes, and colorful backpacks full of such supplies as crayons, pencils, erasers, and notebooks. They will be eager to begin their experience of a new school year.  But not all children will have a backpack; some will endure the humiliation of “making do” with worn clothing and a lack of all the items listed as “essential supplies” by their schools. Parents will suffer with their children. However, our City of London responds to the needs of children and there is a community-wide effort to ensure that no child will be deprived of school supplies.  

In 2001, Natalie Trimble and Chantal McLaughlin started” Supplies for Schools” in their basement. This nascent program has evolved into “Best First Day”, a community-wide drive to donate school supplies to children in need. United Way Elgin Middlesex, Thames Valley Education Foundation, and The Salvation Army coordinate this drive, which, in 2021, donated nearly 3,200 backpacks full of supplies to students of all ages in London’s school districts. Backpacks and supplies are distributed to public, Catholic, and Indigenous schools. Donors may purchase supplies online, participate in workplace collections, or leave supplies at a drop-off location until September 2nd. Several businesses have chosen to become drop-off locations.  Individuals have given supplies, or sometimes formed teams to collect and donate money or supplies to this project. Donors may, if they choose, select particular schools as recipients for their contributions; the donated backpacks and other supplies will be distributed through the Thames Valley Education Foundation.  

If you wish more information about how you might help children in need to have a happy and successful educational experience, you will find an excellent source of information by visiting: Best First Day.

Sister Pat McKeon, CSJ

Reflection on Generativity

Reflection on Generativity

generativity noun gen·​er·​a·​tiv·​i·​ty | \ ˌjen-(ə-)rə-ˈtiv-ət-ē \

: a concern for people besides self and family that usually develops during middle age especially : a need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation —used in the psychology of Erik Erikson

Recently, we, the Sisters of St. Joseph, collectively generated words to describe our current and evolutionary view of our CSJ community? The word “generative” stood out. This quality typically is assigned to people who have passed through stages of development and maturation.

Recently as I was reading an article in the series on Integral Christianity online, I came across a section named, “Why Old People Will Save the World”. Here I need to put the article in some context and say that it addresses the role older people can play in this stage of life in the human community, not save “the Whole” of existence.

A particular piece that caught my attention came from Maggie Kuhn, the founding person of the Grey Panthers. She lists five M’s as suitable roles for elders able to function cognitively as follows:

1. Mentors: teaching the young

2. Mediators:  help resolve civil, racial and intergenerational conflicts

3. Monitors:  of public bodies, be watchdogs of City Hall/government

4. Mobilizers:  of social change

5. Motivators: who urge people away from self-interest only toward public good

These possible generative roles don’t exclude younger generations from being effective in their roles nor can they replace the importance of spiritual practices/contemplation among us and pushing its boundaries for the sake of the world. Engaging in spiritual practices with partners it seems to me can be even more influential as the Spirit within knows how to lead each and all of us in this time.

I continue to feel gratitude for our CSJ charism given to all of us for the sake of the world where I find great support in the “ALL OF US” part. There may come a time when generativity can’t be expressed in roles anymore and turns increasingly into dependence on others, due to a weakening of body or other limitations.  We make way for Presence—to others, to events, to reality as it appears. Putting this in terms of evolutionary spirituality, this is the phase when becoming and moving towards Wholeness in Jesus Christ is being realized. Is this process of letting go and becoming Whole through these phases not the most generative for the good of all?

-Sister Mary Vandersteen, csj

Celebrating, Cottage-Style

Did you know that there’s a new treat called birthday timbiebs?  That’s what our little foursome at the cottage discovered when we set out to celebrate Sister Dora’s 85th birthday.  The venue chosen for the special lunch was Tim Horton’s because one of our Sisters generously shared a sizable gift card which she had received.  These are the special, unexpected deeds of kindness that occur during our life together in community.   

Sister Dora celebrates her 85th birthday

On July 12th, off we drove to nearby Bright’s Grove to celebrate the occasion and spend our windfall. Fortunately, Timmy’s usual lunchtime hustle and bustle was absent, so we had a leisurely celebration.  Of course, Tim Horton’s menu doesn’t include birthday cake, but we did spy the new, delicious waffle cake birthday timbiebs.  These little round bites sufficed for cake and candles to complete our special event.

Incidentally, I’m a belieber and follow the career of Canada’s young Justin.  Therefore, it was fun to have this be a part of our unique way to celebrate Sister Dora before returning to relaxing at Derrynane cottage on lovely Lake Huron. Its inviting water and magnificent sunsets provide a perfect setting to savor our last days of summer bliss.  We are forever grateful for this quiet, refreshing retreat where we’ve been vacationing for over half a century. Quite a Canadian moment indeed.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Etched in My Heart Forever

This morning I was reading a short reflection written by one of the MacKenzie-Fort Smith Diocesan staff.  She points to the question “Who is our neighbor?”  The parable of the Good Samaritan tells us that our neighbor is everyone!  Like Jesus’ story, we’ve all had the experience of being passed over in time of special need. This is illustrated in an experience I had last week on my birthday. 

I woke up feeling a wee bit out of sorts.  I tried to shake it off but the feeling of being in a funk continued.  So, I decided to take a long walk around Frame Lake neighborhood (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories) to explore the rugged beauty that surrounds me. This most often grounds me and offers me a new perspective.  After walking about 2 kilometers I saw some men sitting on a semicircular cement block.  They were laughing and swinging their arms.  I wondered if they were playing “hand games” a familiar Indigenous sport that usually attracts hundreds of people.  Anyway, I inquired if this was what they were doing.  The men laughed and said they were throwing stones at a small target along the bank. They were simply enjoying each other.  I could tell they had spent the night outdoors and enjoyed a night of bottled spirits. 

I was about to walk away when I realized that I had my tiny purse with me and perhaps a couple of gift cards for A&W.  Oh, let me backup for a moment.  Over the past 18 months or so, whenever I receive small donations, I purchase $10 A&W gift cards and give them away to people asking for money on the street.  This way, they can buy a burger and a drink for about $9.52.  I looked in my small purse thinking I might have at least a few cards on hand.  Well, lo and behold, I had 7 gift cards!  Was this meant to be or what?

I passed the gift cards to each of the men and received several comments.  There is one comment that will be etched in my heart forever.  

One of them asked, “Is it okay from now on if we call you MAMA BURGER? “

My response, “It sure is.”

I laughed and chuckled all the way home. I have a street name now!  And that feeling of being in a funk was completely lifted.  Mama Burger received the BEST gift on her birthday!

-Sister Linda Parent, csj