Meet Sister Jean Smith, CSJ Peterborough
|
Sister Jean Smith
|
I was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, growing up
the only sister to two brothers. My earliest association with
the Sisters of St. Joseph was as a student. Feeling a call
to religious life, I entered the Community from our Academy
in Lindsay, in 1949. For twenty-eight years following graduation
from Teachers College, my primary ministry was teaching in
schools in the Eastern Ontario communities of Ottawa, Almonte,
Peterborough, Port Hope, Lindsay and Campbellford.
The years 1984 to 1987 found me in Regina, Saskatchewan,
with two other Sisters from my Community, ministering at Martha
House. This residence provided accommodation and emotional
support to single girls and women during pregnancy. While
there I was also involved with New Beginnings, ministering
to the separated, divorced and widowed.
For two terms beginning in 1987, I was elected to our Leadership
Team. During that time I was also Co-ordinator of our Motherhouse
at Mount St. Joseph. The years 1987 to 2005 found me a member
of one of our Associate groups.
Following my terms on the Leadership Team, I had the privilege
of experiencing a nine month sabbatical at the Mercy Centre
in Madison, Connecticut. It was a time of renewal of body,
mind and spirit. Being at Mercy Centre was a wonderful experience
for me.
Upon my return to Peterborough in September 1996, I began
my ministry in our Spirituality Centre at Mount St. Joseph.
This ministry involved working with prayer groups, spiritual
direction, coordinating retreats and sponsoring workshops.
After nine years in this ministry, I will be retiring from
the Spirituality Centre. This has been a wonderful experience
for me, as I have been enriched by so many people.
In September 2005 I am beginning a new ministry on the Vocation/Formation
Team. Assuming the role as Director of Candidates will bring
me into contact with women discerning God’s plan for
them. I look forward to this new challenge in my life. God
has richly blessed me in my 56 years as a Sister of St. Joseph
of Peterborough.
Back to Meet a Sister
|
