The Gift of Being a CSJ Companion
Connie Morley, CSJ Companion of the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Hamilton
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Connie Morley
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Other than being a formal member of the CSJ Companions of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton for 8 years, I am also
employed as one of the Co-ordinators/Instructors of St. Joseph’s
Institute of Faith Development, a joint ministry of the Sisters
and their CSJ Companions. The primary activity of the Institute
is the operation of the lay ministry formation and skill-development
Certificate Programme in Faith Development Facilitation. I
enjoy my involvement especially because of the highly collaborative
process in which we engage.
My association with and interest in the Sisters of St. Joseph
began in Grade One at St. Ann’s School, continued in
high school and at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. As
a Registered Nurse I worked on Paediatrics and then in Administration
at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I obtained my Labour Studies
degree from McMaster. I have been blessed over the years to
be able to call a number of the Sisters personal friends.
Now coming full circle, our Director at the Institute, Sister
Joan McLoughlin, was my Grade Eight teacher and my Companion
Contact Sister is Sister Ignatius McLoughlin who was the principal
at St. Ann’s. Sister Anne McLoughlin is the Co-ordinator
of the Companions and Spiritual Director for the Institute.
Yes, you have guessed, they are blood sisters.
When I asked to join, our small Companion’s group welcomed
me graciously into an already active community, which includes
a married couple. We meet monthly at each other’s homes
or at the Sisters’ Motherhouse. These prayerful meetings
include potluck suppers twice a year. The charism and spirituality
of the Sisters of St. Joseph are an important part of my life.
Many of these grace-filled people have been my mentors.
My experiences have helped shape the person I now am. My
episodes of breast cancer have lead to my living out of gratitude
and thanking God each day that I am here. I am very aware
and grateful for all the people, my husband, family and friends
who so generously and unconditionally continue to support
me. These friends also include women who I have supported
through their journeys with breast cancer.
Like most families, ours has had its share of painful memories
and difficulties that I recognize have contributed to our
becoming closer. Like any other ‘Nana’ I think my
4 grandchildren are pretty special. We enjoy frequent family
gatherings and we often celebrate special occasions with good
food, especially as part of our Polish heritage. The joy of
spending time with family and friends is not taken for granted.
I enjoy cooking…trying new recipes, walking often and
simply decorating and managing a home. I find it is important
to stay connected to friends and I am fortunate to be a member
of various circles that ensure we do share time together.
I still have a close friend from that Grade One class at St.
Ann’s School.
The beauty of life and the gift of my faith are my true
blessings. Being a CSJ Companion is an extension of that gift.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story and my
connection to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton.
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