Meet
Harry Contois
,
CSJ
Peterborough
Associate
I was born and raised in Midland , Ontario , home to the Canadian Marytr Shrine. I am a former Augustinian, retired nurse and technician. I am married to Valerie (Biggs) and we have four wonderful children: Theresa, Trevor, Christopher, and Jean-Paul (JP), and four beautiful grandchildren, Liam, Ryan, Emily, and Cameron.
I love to garden, read, do crosswords, camp, listen to classical music, cook, and generally enjoy life.
I am involved in the church as an Eucharistic Minister. I am a hospital volunteer, and help with St. Vincent de Paul. I have an ear and shoulder for the disillusioned and the disconsolate. I am also a choir member, and a sponsor on call for converts, taking spirituality courses . I am devoted to Our Lady, St. Theresa Liseux, Divine Mercy, and Sacred Heart.
Being an Associate means the world to me. It helps me to stay focused on the values in a world gone astray. My co-Associates offer me periods of reflection wherever my busy life overwhelms me and changes the focus. The Associates help me to realize we share the same desire to come aside and rest awhile when our world presses in on us and they help me to stay the course.
I live out the Charism daily by being patient, tolerant, understanding, and with periods of prayer and reflection. I ask God to work through me, let my hands, ears, eyes, and lips be an instrument to reach and touch the lonely, despondent, those with mental, physical, and spiritual pain. I pray constantly for strength to do God's will, to curb my being judgmental , and to ask God to never give up on me and to guide me, especially on this journey as an associate and to keep me strong in his strength and love.
My hopes and dreams for the Associate Community is that they will continue to increase in their numbers, their faith and trust in God, overcome personal trials,and ride the storms of controversial practices in the world. Also, that we as Associates continue to strengthen and support each other on this our journey. May we continue to grow in understanding of expectations and purpose for our being blessed with this new following.
Note: (Harry's wife Val has also celebrated her commitment in the Anna Vey community and they are planning their missioning in the spring as a couple. )
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