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Threads and Spaces was the theme for the Conference of the Associates/Companions of the Canadian Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph, held on the weekend of June 3-6, 2005 at Georgian College, Barrie. Associates (also called Companions) are men and women of various ages who try to live the charism of the Sisters and journey with them in their lives of love and service. The Conference brought together 180 women, men and Sisters from the Dioceses of Toronto, Hamilton, London, Peterborough, Pembroke and Sault St. Marie to reflect on the vision of the co-founders, to dialogue on the vision for both Sisters and Associates for the 21st century, to pray and to renew friendships and make new ones. Sister Patricia Byrne, CSJ, a renowned theologian, teacher and historian from Baden, Pennsylvania, was the guest speaker and facilitator for the weekend. Sister Patricia led participants through an in depth study of some of the founding documents written by Father Medaille, SJ, one of the co-founders of the Congregation in 1650 in Le Puy, France. The group learned of Father Medaille's aims and aspirations for the Sisters. He described the need for the Sisters to be in union with God; the "dear neighbour" and others modeled after the vocation of their patron, St. Joseph. The Associates/Companions were also called to these same goals: to be humble, gentle, spiritually alive, committed to the advancement of the glory of God and the sanctification and love of the neighbour. The next step of the process, facilitated by Sylvia Vanhaverbeke, a csj associate from Peterborough, and Sister Patricia was a small/large group dialogue on the Associates challenge for the future. Participants spoke about being "instruments of unity", "fidelity to grace", and "celebrating God in our oneness". They also spoke of the future vision of Associates and Sisters as a "path that will be made in the walking". Sister Patricia reminded us that our call to unity is not about being the same as everyone else. Our first task is "to be who we are, and then there is a chance of being in relationship. Our call to unity and reconciliation, through inclusive and active love can bring about a transformation within ourselves, our planet and our church. Of course, the conference was not all work. There was also time for prayer and play. Associates from the Diocese of London led the community in several meaningful prayer experiences, associates from Sault St. Marie provided some humourous entertainment and on Saturday evening participants went on a supper cruise, complete with delicious food, beautiful scenery, and musical entertainment. Thanks to our Hamilton Group for this report. A series of photographs are included with thanks to Therese May from Peterborough.
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