Meet Sally Fletcher, CSJ Pembroke Associate
Vision Statement
Small Faith Communities of men and
women inspired by the CSJ Charism and Spirituality, committed
to participate in bringing about a transformed Church and
Planet through Inclusive and Active Love.
|
Sally Fletcher
|
Greetings from Ottawa!! Here is my story as a CSJ Associate.
I am originally from England, emigrating to Canada with my
family when I was 11. Education and work in psychiatric nursing
and social work, has taken me to different parts of Ontario
and Nova Scotia . I have lived in Ottawa at different times
and have now been here again for about 14 years. My connection
with the CSJ community started many years ago when I worked
as a social worker in Renfrew County. I met Sr. Marjorie FitzPatrick,
Co-coordinator of CSJ Associates, through my mother, Mrs.Terry
Fletcher as they worked on “Development & Peace “
issues for CCODP. I am deeply grateful to Sr. Marjorie for
our friendship and her kind spiritual guidance over the years.
I later met many members of the CSJ Sisters in Pembroke and
Ottawa and appreciate their prayers and welcoming support
to me individually and to the other Associates . I feel I
have grown spiritually from retreats, reflection days and
other gatherings at St. Joseph’s on the Lake. I was especially
honoured to serve on the former “Pembroke CSJ Ecology
“ Committee.
I am able to participate less actively now due to health
constraints but remain a keen background supporter of the
many CSJ faith, social justice and community initiatives.
I am an active supporter of my friends, Susan
and Richard Schmaltz and their “Oneness through Mission”
work in Guatemala.
My life has been enriched as I grow spiritually in a wide
variety of ways and feel God’s presence as we strive
to live out the CSJ charism of inclusive and active love .
I was privileged to have become a committed Associate 3 years
ago and am also an original member of the CSJ Associate group
in Ottawa, called “Heart of the Earth”. We have
been meeting for over 10 years now, with sensitive guidance
since the start from Sr. Marjorie FitzPatrick. In the early
years of H. of E., Sr. Nicole Aubé was a key participant
as was Margaret Kruger (who is presently on leave of absence).
In more recent years, Anita McGean has also become an important
link with the group, as she carefully co-ordinates with Sr.
Marjorie the leadership of the CSJ Associate movement. Our
monthly Associate meetings and occasional gatherings with
other Associate groups are for me a source of growth and inspiration.
At our small meetings we take turns facilitating the group
and members Grace McGuire, Kevin Doyle, Michelle Armstrong,
Dorothy Collins, John Weir, Irene Boucher and myself all contribute.
We pray & sing together, share the joys & struggles
of life, offer each other spiritual support and challenge
ourselves by study & reflection on new perspectives to
our faith. For example, one of our members, Kevin Doyle, facilitated
profound discussion through the viewing of the series of videos
by Brian Swimme. One aspect which lives with me, is now seeing
God as the image of “Comprehensive Compassion” and
attempting to live in a broad appreciation of the interconnectedness
of all on earth. This is meaningful to me as we all take steps
to live according to moving towards a transformed planet .We
are presently using Sallie McFague’s book, “Life
Abundant” as a resource and I find her perspective illuminating.
I am also fortunate to be inspired in my faith by the vibrant
and progressive parish of St. Joseph, here in Ottawa where
I am an active participant. As I complete the writing of this
profile, it is Ascension Sunday, May 15, 2005 and I have just
returned from Mass, which I feel was truly an example of transformed
church. There was participation by many in all aspects of
the celebration. Fr. Richard Kelly, OMI gave an inspired homily
preceded by the first reading from Acts being offered in 4
languages. There was a baptism and confirmation with 2 more
people becoming participants in this welcoming community.
The music and singing of the choir, liturgical dance and beautiful
décor all enhanced the experience. A number of us stopped
after Mass to drink or buy Fair Trade coffee in support of
the work of our former pastor, Fr. Robert Smith, OMI and we
were very pleased to see Fr. Robert himself visiting St. Joe’s.
Interfaith dialogue is also important to me and I am honoured
to have Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim friends. I
attend interfaith services whenever I can and I feel these
are special opportunities for growth. I think again of the
part of the CSJ Associate Vision Statement which invites us
toward oneness and reconciliation.
Another blessing is God’s gift of music in my life
and I have had the wonderful opportunity to take a series
of group singing lessons this past year. I am happily singing
with an incredible gospel choir called “Big
Soul Project” (please see our website for more information
and to download free samples of songs).
Once again, I am drawn by the similarity of our philosophy
to CSJ Charism in that we sing for ‘peace, hope, joy
and to foster a sense of community’ wherever we go. No
wonder we are frequently booked by churches, seniors’
care facilities, fundraisers for health organizations and
a wide variety of community groups!!
I am grateful to my parents, Ken and Terry Fletcher, brothers
Tom and John and extended family in the Ottawa Valley and
England. Close friends in Ontario and Nova Scotia and our
proactive CSJ network enliven the path as my journey continues.
Back to Meet an Associate
|
