PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY HISTORY
A big thank you to Connie Asp from OLPH in Sherwood Park for researching the history of the Prayer Shawl ministry.
January 2006: Rita Atkinson from St Edmunds Catholic Women’s League made a presentation to our Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council in Sherwood Park on the Prayer Shawl ministry. Rita became aware of this ministry while at her vacation home in Christopher Lake Saskatchewan.
Madelaine Walker, a lady from Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan had a 29 year old daughter that was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She wanted to help her daughter Nicole out as she found the hospital very chilly and asked Madelaine if she had any shawls at home. Madelaine who was a weaver did not have any shawls on hand and since she was caring for her daughter and her infant at her daughters home she could not make any at this time. So she prayed that some way she could provide her daughter with a shawl. Madelaine was able to go home to Christopher Lake for a day and she saw an article in the Saskatchewan Anglican written by a member from the Saskatoon Anglican church.
It was entitled “Mantles of Healing: using the ancient craft of knitting to bring God’s love to others”.
The article described the Shawl Ministry which was initiated in 1998 by 2 graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, Janet Bristow & Victoria Gale. They gave birth to this ministry as a result of their experience in a program of applied Feminist Spirituality.
The ministry focuses on creating what are alternately called prayer shawls, comfort shawls, peace shawls or mantles. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the one who will receive it. These intentions are continued through the whole creation of the shawl, and when it is finished, it is prayed over or blessed before being gifted to the recipient. A little card is attached with a prayer written on it.
Upon reading the article, Madelaine Walker immediately went out and purchased some yarn, created a shawl and her daughter used it until her death. The shawl was also used at her memorial service. Following her daughter’s death Madelaine found much comfort in making prayer shawls for others. Madelaine browsed the internet and found www.shawlministry.com which lead her to the women who initiated the ministry and from there she received permission to form a chapter in her community. (Christopher Lake Saskatchewan)
Rita Atkinson brought this information back to St Edmunds Catholic Women’s League council in Edmonton and their council also formed a charter and introduced this ministry to other councils in Edmonton.
The website www.shawlministry.com is still active and has a lot of information.
A big thank you to Connie Asp from OLPH in Sherwood Park for researching the history of the Prayer Shawl ministry.
January 2006: Rita Atkinson from St Edmunds Catholic Women’s League made a presentation to our Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council in Sherwood Park on the Prayer Shawl ministry. Rita became aware of this ministry while at her vacation home in Christopher Lake Saskatchewan.
Madelaine Walker, a lady from Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan had a 29 year old daughter that was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She wanted to help her daughter Nicole out as she found the hospital very chilly and asked Madelaine if she had any shawls at home. Madelaine who was a weaver did not have any shawls on hand and since she was caring for her daughter and her infant at her daughters home she could not make any at this time. So she prayed that some way she could provide her daughter with a shawl. Madelaine was able to go home to Christopher Lake for a day and she saw an article in the Saskatchewan Anglican written by a member from the Saskatoon Anglican church.
It was entitled “Mantles of Healing: using the ancient craft of knitting to bring God’s love to others”.
The article described the Shawl Ministry which was initiated in 1998 by 2 graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, Janet Bristow & Victoria Gale. They gave birth to this ministry as a result of their experience in a program of applied Feminist Spirituality.
The ministry focuses on creating what are alternately called prayer shawls, comfort shawls, peace shawls or mantles. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the one who will receive it. These intentions are continued through the whole creation of the shawl, and when it is finished, it is prayed over or blessed before being gifted to the recipient. A little card is attached with a prayer written on it.
Upon reading the article, Madelaine Walker immediately went out and purchased some yarn, created a shawl and her daughter used it until her death. The shawl was also used at her memorial service. Following her daughter’s death Madelaine found much comfort in making prayer shawls for others. Madelaine browsed the internet and found www.shawlministry.com which lead her to the women who initiated the ministry and from there she received permission to form a chapter in her community. (Christopher Lake Saskatchewan)
Rita Atkinson brought this information back to St Edmunds Catholic Women’s League council in Edmonton and their council also formed a charter and introduced this ministry to other councils in Edmonton.
The website www.shawlministry.com is still active and has a lot of information.
PROVINCIAL ADVENT/CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The Advent/Christmas message by Judy Look is up and running on the catholicyyc.ca site.
Click on the Mary Banner to go to the page. The message from Judy is also on YouTube.
The ABMK has a YouTube channel - search Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Catholic Women's League and you will find it. Subscribe to it!
Her Christmas message will come up later in the month. As will the Diocesan presidents messages. They also will be uploaded to the YouTube channel.
Janet MacPhee 9 Dec 2020, 12:09 (2 days ago)
to Janet, Christine, Jan, Lolain, Mary, Shirley, Diane, Donna, me, Susan, Theresa
Dear All
The Advent/Christmas message by Judy Look is up and running on the catholicyyc.ca site.
Click on the Mary Banner to go to the page. The message from Judy is also on YouTube.
The ABMK has a YouTube channel - search Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Catholic Women's League and you will find it. Subscribe to it!
Her Christmas message will come up later in the month. As will the Diocesan presidents messages. They also will be uploaded to the YouTube channel.
https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/cwl
The Advent/Christmas message by Judy Look is up and running on the catholicyyc.ca site.
Click on the Mary Banner to go to the page. The message from Judy is also on YouTube.
The ABMK has a YouTube channel - search Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Catholic Women's League and you will find it. Subscribe to it!
Her Christmas message will come up later in the month. As will the Diocesan presidents messages. They also will be uploaded to the YouTube channel.
Janet MacPhee 9 Dec 2020, 12:09 (2 days ago)
to Janet, Christine, Jan, Lolain, Mary, Shirley, Diane, Donna, me, Susan, Theresa
Dear All
The Advent/Christmas message by Judy Look is up and running on the catholicyyc.ca site.
Click on the Mary Banner to go to the page. The message from Judy is also on YouTube.
The ABMK has a YouTube channel - search Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Catholic Women's League and you will find it. Subscribe to it!
Her Christmas message will come up later in the month. As will the Diocesan presidents messages. They also will be uploaded to the YouTube channel.
https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/cwl
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Sherwood Park
OLPH Council in Sherwood Park participated in gathering items for the Women’s Shelter in Sherwood Park.
Over 30 tote bags/ suitcases filled with PJ’s, underwear, toiletries, slippers, hats & gloves were delivered to the shelter on Saturday Dec 5th, 2020. There were also over 20 handmade quilts, with a-few stuffed animals to match, made by Coby Veeken & her sisters.
Over 30 tote bags/ suitcases filled with PJ’s, underwear, toiletries, slippers, hats & gloves were delivered to the shelter on Saturday Dec 5th, 2020. There were also over 20 handmade quilts, with a-few stuffed animals to match, made by Coby Veeken & her sisters.
Elsie Yanik
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Alberta/NWT Bishops' Pastoral Letter and Initiative for Christian Renewal
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Housing for Women Book Society
NEWS RELEASE – May 20, 2020
WINning: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of Opening a Women’s Shelter
Edmonton, AB – Housing for Women Book Society proudly announces the publication of their
book that chronicles the history and the stories of the determined people who formed the first
women’s shelters in Edmonton, Alberta. WINning: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of
Opening a Women’s Shelter is written by Marsha Mildon.
In the late 1960s, women arriving in Edmonton without friends, money, or homes, had no good
choices. The women – and a few men – who realized this, came together to find a way to help.
This book records the 50-year history, and more importantly, the stories of how the founders got
started, how they worked for years despite setbacks, how they fought to keep going, and how they
won to serve those women in need.
“WINning reflects the ups and downs of fifty years of sheltering,” says shelter founder and longtime
Board President Ardis Beaudry. Read the stories – heartbreaking and heartwarming – of the
founders, funders, volunteers, staff, and the women who stayed in the shelters.
The Catholic Women’s League, United Church Women, and Anglican Church Women, and the
Quakers worked alongside the Junior League, Lee Foundation, municipal and provincial
governments, Sisters of Providence, Sisters of the Atonement, professional women, baby-boomers,
and later, ACWS and other agencies, to launch and maintain the women’s shelters. CWL members
will recognize many names: Daisy Wilson, Ardis Beaudry, Kay Charest, Rose-Marie McCarthy,
Betty Nigro, and more ... and will enjoy and appreciate their amazing stories!
Society has changed a lot in 50 years, yet there are still women in need of shelter, and dedicated
people working to provide it. These are their stories
NEWS RELEASE – May 20, 2020
WINning: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of Opening a Women’s Shelter
Edmonton, AB – Housing for Women Book Society proudly announces the publication of their
book that chronicles the history and the stories of the determined people who formed the first
women’s shelters in Edmonton, Alberta. WINning: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of
Opening a Women’s Shelter is written by Marsha Mildon.
In the late 1960s, women arriving in Edmonton without friends, money, or homes, had no good
choices. The women – and a few men – who realized this, came together to find a way to help.
This book records the 50-year history, and more importantly, the stories of how the founders got
started, how they worked for years despite setbacks, how they fought to keep going, and how they
won to serve those women in need.
“WINning reflects the ups and downs of fifty years of sheltering,” says shelter founder and longtime
Board President Ardis Beaudry. Read the stories – heartbreaking and heartwarming – of the
founders, funders, volunteers, staff, and the women who stayed in the shelters.
The Catholic Women’s League, United Church Women, and Anglican Church Women, and the
Quakers worked alongside the Junior League, Lee Foundation, municipal and provincial
governments, Sisters of Providence, Sisters of the Atonement, professional women, baby-boomers,
and later, ACWS and other agencies, to launch and maintain the women’s shelters. CWL members
will recognize many names: Daisy Wilson, Ardis Beaudry, Kay Charest, Rose-Marie McCarthy,
Betty Nigro, and more ... and will enjoy and appreciate their amazing stories!
Society has changed a lot in 50 years, yet there are still women in need of shelter, and dedicated
people working to provide it. These are their stories
| winning_orderform.pdf |
Here's the Global TV link for coverage of CWL/KofC lunch for Inner City Pastoral Ministry, served from Bissell Centre (Sun Apr06/'20). The CWL project was to sew lunchbags. Knights provided the pre-packaged food
items (and our family with 4 CWL members and 2 KofC members packed and delivered the lunches).
https://globalnews.ca/news/6781897/edmonton-church-meals-less-fortunate-covid-19-coronavirus/
| national_response_to_covid-19.pdf |
Message to the Elderly and Isolated - from Archbishop Richard Smith
Joan Carr, Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic Schools Obituary
CARR, Joan
October 11, 1952 - February 9, 2020
...to act justly, to love faithfully and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Susan Carr. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Kevin Carr; their children Sue (Bill), Jim, Patrick (Young-hee); grandchildren Bob, Laura (Kyle), and Mitch; her brother Jim; numerous relatives, friends, and cherished colleagues. Joan was predeceased by her parents Jack and Julia.
Joan lived out her vocation to Catholic education in service to Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD). She began her career, which spanned 45 years, as a kindergarten teacher. After several years in the classroom, Joan then served the Division in many senior leadership positions including Consultant for Special Education Services, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and various Human Resources roles. She also served the province through a secondment to Alberta Education.
Upon her return to ECSD, Joan undertook school-based leadership as Principal of St. Richard Catholic School before returning to Division level service as Director of Educational Planning and Administrative Services, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately as Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic Schools. She led the Division for 14 years.
Joan will always be known and loved as a person with a passion for Catholic education and for providing students with a broad spectrum of faith-based programming to choose from in order to reach their fullest potential. This has established the character of ECSD as one which provides for personalized programming to engage student gifts, talents, and passions through high quality Catholic educational experiences. Most of all, Joan loved bringing students, staff, and families into closer relationship with Jesus.
Joan's visionary leadership has created a culture of excellence in ECSD. Service to students was a primary focus and resulted in the establishment of innovative centres that provide wraparound services for students and families by creating the potential for engaging community partners.
Her superlative leadership and service to Catholic education and the broader community garnered many recognitions. Joan was the recipient of the Newman Theological College Chancellor's Award (2019), the ACSTA Appreciation Award (2018), CASSA Canadian Superintendent of the Year (2016), Alberta EXL Award for Excellence in the Superintendency (2016), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and an organizational recipient of Alberta's Top Employers (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Joan had a special commitment to the Indigenous community and to ensuring that students had the opportunity to experience the richness of authentic, culturally relevant educational opportunities. She understood the importance of and greatly valued the wisdom and counsel of the Elders. In honor of her work for Indigenous children, the Elders gave her the Cree spirit name Asiniy Achakos Iskwew, a name which she carried in her heart.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at St. Joseph Basilica, 10044 -113 Street, NW. It will be livestreamed www.connelly-mckinley.com/obituaries/joan-carr/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kevin and Joan Carr Endowment Fund with the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation, www.ecsfoundation.ca. To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Published on February 13, 2020
October 11, 1952 - February 9, 2020
...to act justly, to love faithfully and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Susan Carr. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Kevin Carr; their children Sue (Bill), Jim, Patrick (Young-hee); grandchildren Bob, Laura (Kyle), and Mitch; her brother Jim; numerous relatives, friends, and cherished colleagues. Joan was predeceased by her parents Jack and Julia.
Joan lived out her vocation to Catholic education in service to Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD). She began her career, which spanned 45 years, as a kindergarten teacher. After several years in the classroom, Joan then served the Division in many senior leadership positions including Consultant for Special Education Services, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and various Human Resources roles. She also served the province through a secondment to Alberta Education.
Upon her return to ECSD, Joan undertook school-based leadership as Principal of St. Richard Catholic School before returning to Division level service as Director of Educational Planning and Administrative Services, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately as Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic Schools. She led the Division for 14 years.
Joan will always be known and loved as a person with a passion for Catholic education and for providing students with a broad spectrum of faith-based programming to choose from in order to reach their fullest potential. This has established the character of ECSD as one which provides for personalized programming to engage student gifts, talents, and passions through high quality Catholic educational experiences. Most of all, Joan loved bringing students, staff, and families into closer relationship with Jesus.
Joan's visionary leadership has created a culture of excellence in ECSD. Service to students was a primary focus and resulted in the establishment of innovative centres that provide wraparound services for students and families by creating the potential for engaging community partners.
Her superlative leadership and service to Catholic education and the broader community garnered many recognitions. Joan was the recipient of the Newman Theological College Chancellor's Award (2019), the ACSTA Appreciation Award (2018), CASSA Canadian Superintendent of the Year (2016), Alberta EXL Award for Excellence in the Superintendency (2016), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and an organizational recipient of Alberta's Top Employers (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Joan had a special commitment to the Indigenous community and to ensuring that students had the opportunity to experience the richness of authentic, culturally relevant educational opportunities. She understood the importance of and greatly valued the wisdom and counsel of the Elders. In honor of her work for Indigenous children, the Elders gave her the Cree spirit name Asiniy Achakos Iskwew, a name which she carried in her heart.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at St. Joseph Basilica, 10044 -113 Street, NW. It will be livestreamed www.connelly-mckinley.com/obituaries/joan-carr/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kevin and Joan Carr Endowment Fund with the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation, www.ecsfoundation.ca. To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Published on February 13, 2020
St. Francis Xavier Camrose 2020
Article about Catherine and Austin Mardon
| catholic_couple_brings_the_love_of_family_to_young_people_with_mental_illness.html |
| october_grace_newsletter.pdf |
Dear Catholic Women's League of Canada Edmonton Diocesan Council,
Each year, tens of thousands of Edmontonians and Albertans turn to Catholic Social Services in their hour of greatest need. Thanks to the support of donors like YOU, we are able to respond to their call for help.
These are individuals like Colby, who came to us in desperation after an injury left him unable to work and provide for his family.
You can read his entire story below:
View this email in your browser
Join us and become a Ripple of Hope for those in need by donating today.
Each year, tens of thousands of Edmontonians and Albertans turn to Catholic Social Services in their hour of greatest need. Thanks to the support of donors like YOU, we are able to respond to their call for help.
These are individuals like Colby, who came to us in desperation after an injury left him unable to work and provide for his family.
You can read his entire story below:
View this email in your browser
Join us and become a Ripple of Hope for those in need by donating today.
PUBLIC EDUCATION THE CATHOLIC WAY video
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OVER 18 DOCUMENTARY www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4yYJDiuqSI
COMMITTED TO LIFE
National palliative care framework on track
By Deborah Gyapong
OTTAWA (CCN) - With $6 billion earmarked for home and palliative care in the 2017 federal budget, Canada is on track toward making quality end-of-life care more accessible. "This is really good news," said Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, whose private member's Bill C-277 calling for a national palliative care :framework has passed the House of Commons Health Committee. It will come up for vote on third reading in April. Gladu said this is the first time the Liberal government has mentioned palliative care in the budget. "Everyone is really excited and on-board," she said."There's money in the budget and the health minister is moving in a supportive direction. It's all good news." "The demand for home care services is growing," budget 2017 said. "Today, approximately 15 per cent of hospital beds are still occupied by patients who could and would prefer to receive their care at home, or would be better off in a community-based setting." The $6 billion, spread over the next 10 years, is designed to improve "access to home, community and palliative care services," the document said. Gladu noted the money is going to start flowing immediately. Gladu sees momentum for developing a national palliative care framework through not only the budget announcement, but also through the support Bill C-277 is getting. After hearing witnesses, the Health Committee made some minor amendments to the bill. Gladu expects it will pass both the House of Commons and the Senate before the summer break. The Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada has already proposed a framework called "The Way Forward" that was done with federal funding two years ago, Gladu said. The Quality Coalition includes 39 organizations such as the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada; various palliative care and home care associations; various organizations representing health care professionals such as the Canadian Medical Association; and organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. "It's a well-written document and the committee heard evidence on it," she said. "They don't have to start from scratch." Sharon Baxter, executive director of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association that managed "The Way Forward" project led by the Quality Coalition, said they were expecting to see the $6 billion announced in the 2017 Budget because "that's been in play" in discussions the federal government is having with the provincial and territorial governments. It remains to be seen, however, where this money is going to be spent, she said.
Though encouraged by the announcement of the money, the association, which operates as a secretariat for the Quality Coalition, will be pushing all levels of government to fund "new initiatives over and above what's already existing."
The "health care system funds specialist care and palliative care provided in hospital settings," Baxter said. Other settings, such as long-term care homes, or their own beds are "not part of the Canada Health Act." Provinces have set up their own home-care systems. "What's included in coverage is different in each province," Baxter said. "We know clearly Canadians are saying they want their care delivered in the community and at home as long as possible, so we really need to look at how we provide services across all the set tings, not just at the hospital," she said. With legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide, but no "universal coverage for palliative care, it would be a shame if a Canadian chose to hasten their death because they were in pain."
Prairie Messenger March 29, 2017 pg. 1 & 8
CCCB - Updates on Euthanasia & Physician Assisted Suicide Resources List
www.cccb.ca/site/eng/media-room/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide
Roman Catholic TV production team in Canada Announcement: “With great pleasure, we present to you (the) retrospective, Refuge: a Canadian history of faith and newcomers. Originally commissioned by The Catholic Women’s League of Canada and supported by more than two dozen Canadian religious communities, the series remains invaluable as background for the current refugee crisis and how it is, as today’s Canadian Christians, we continue to provide welcome and accompaniment for the world’s abandoned and on-the-run victims of war and famine.” To view the online series, please go to www.romancatholictv.com.
| Pope Francis Mercy to Earth Examen of Conscience.pdf |
Speak Out for Conscience Rights!
With physician-assisted suicide now legal in Canada, healthcare practitioners and facilities in some provinces are in a compromised position. Those who cannot support assisted suicide or euthanasia because of their conscience, faith, or commitment to the Hippocratic Oath could be forced to compromise their convictions. They shouldn't have to. The Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience has recently launched a petition campaign protect these conscience rights; please do your part by signing the petition at http://www.canadiansforconscience.ca.
With physician-assisted suicide now legal in Canada, healthcare practitioners and facilities in some provinces are in a compromised position. Those who cannot support assisted suicide or euthanasia because of their conscience, faith, or commitment to the Hippocratic Oath could be forced to compromise their convictions. They shouldn't have to. The Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience has recently launched a petition campaign protect these conscience rights; please do your part by signing the petition at http://www.canadiansforconscience.ca.
| Joan Carr Receives The Canadian Association of School System Administrators Award of Excellence .docx |