Meet Carolyn Jackson – London Congregation Associate
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Carolyn Jackson
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My name is Carolyn Jackson. Originally from Toronto, my family
and I have lived in a village just north of Woodstock for
almost 30 years. My daughter, aged 28, lives in Winnipeg.
My son, aged 30, lives in Woodstock and works with my husband
and me in our small family-owned business.
Over the years I have volunteered a lot in my community:
currently I am a peer support volunteer for women who have
been diagnosed with breast cancer and a facilitator for an
after-breast cancer support group in Woodstock; I serve on
the Residents’ Council of a nearby nursing home; I volunteer
at our local community library; and I am involved with the
U.C.W. at our church.
I am a member of one of the Associate groups of the Sisters
of St. Joseph of London, Ontario – “The Dream Weavers”.
Our eight members meet monthly at one of our homes in Woodstock.
Sister Doreen Kraemer was our original leader but we now take
turns with this . Sister Doreen leads us on an annual weekend
retreat with time for prayer, reflection, sharing and socializing.
We also have the annual October Oxley Retreat which is held
for all Associates in the London area.
In 1993, when several friends, members of the original London
Associates Group, formed the Woodstock Associates under Sister
Doreen’s guidance, I was invited to join. I was drawn
to become an Associate by Sister Doreen’s soft spoken
wisdom and insights of a loving God, and the special qualities
of the wonderful women in our group which have helped to enhance
our spiritual growth. I have been encouraged to reach deeper
into my own spirituality through quiet reflection and prayer.
As an Associate, I feel a strong spiritual connection to
the Sisters of St. Joseph of London as they welcome us as
equals to their community gatherings. We each carry with us
the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, as we reach out
to our family, friends, and the larger community in our daily
lives.
A special bond has developed over the years, in our group
and within the larger Associate community, as we share happiness
and sorrow; we have laughed, cried, prayed for and comforted
each other in time of need.
When I return from an Associate meeting or retreat, I have
a renewed sense of faith and vitality, which helps me to reach
out to others in my daily life.
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