Offers information on becoming an IBVM|Loretto Sister including the stages of formation and a link to FAQs you may have about the process. Becoming a CJ Are you searching for a way to make a difference? We invite you to explore the possibility of a consecrated life: grounded in God graced by the gospel of Jesus guided by the Spirit engaged in the world Congregation of Jesus is a community of Catholic women dedicated to serving God by responding to the greatest needs of God’s people. Learn More FAQ Stages of Formation Talk to Us The Inquiry Stage The Inquiry Stage is the first stage in learning about religious life, and is for women 18 years of age and older who wish to know more about the Loretto Sisters before coming to a vocation decision. During the Inquiry stage there is continuous conversation between women who have expressed interest in our way of life and the Loretto Sisters. What We Do Acquaint you with our community by phone, email, visits Maintain regular contact to help you with your discernment Provide prayer support by matching you with a sister who will pray for you Recommend some reading (books and articles) that will help you to know more about religious life and the Loretto Sisters What You Do Stay in communication with us Make the effort to meet with the vocation director and to visit one or more of our communities Continue to read and seek out information to help you make a decision Pray to know how God is at work in your life “Women should and can provide something more than ordinary in the face of the common need.” Mary Ward Expectations of an Inquirer What is Discernment? It is the ongoing search, above all, for the ways God is working in our lives. Prayer is most important in this search. The grace of vocation flows from our Christian baptismal commitment; a woman discerning a call to religious life is attentive through prayer and reflection to the ways Christ calls her to follow him as she considers becoming a sister. Women looking to be enquirers should: be at least 18 years of age have at least a high school diploma and at least two years of post-secondary education or two years of work experience be free of major financial debts and have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for the 12-month candidacy period be a practising Catholic for at least two years if widowed or divorced, some time must have elapsed since the annulment of her marriage or death of her spouse Stages of Formation “Called by God to a Life of Prayer and Service” 1. Candidacy stage The aim of this period (about one year) is to continue the process of getting to know the community, and providing an opportunity for the Sisters to know you. The community provides opportunities to help the candidate: understand your own personal faith journey deepen your relationship with Jesus use scripture for prayer become familiar with ‘awareness examen’ understand the importance of discernment in daily life reflect on your call to religious life participate in a variety of ministry experiences become aware of the multicultural aspect of the IBVM During this time the Loretto Sisters have the opportunity to assess the personal growth and faith development of the candidate and to reflect on her suitability for religious life and in particular for membership in our community. The candidate usually continues her work wherever she is employed. A psychological assessment is part of the application process to enter the novitiate stage. Mary Ward’s Journey Do you want to talk to someone who can guide you? Write to us First name* Last name* Email* Phone Long answer Submit Sarah Redikopp - Mission, Charism, Vocations Animator sredikopp@congregationofjesus.ca

Gives sources of the Loretto Sisters' spiritual approach and direction and its link to Ignatian spirituality. Our Spirituality Loretto Sisters, Congregation of Jesus | Canada, try to be attentive to the movements of God's Spirit in the world, and like all Christians, they look to the life and ministry of Jesus as the source of their spirituality. Founder of the Congregation of Jesus, Mary Ward, wanted her companions to be directly involved with people in their unique circumstances, and to be women who are characterized by a spirit of freedom, sincerity, justice and joy. She encouraged her followers to be open and to discern the various movements of the times, “referring all things to God”, and always seeking what the " greater good is.” Our spirituality seeks to foster an ever-deepening familiarity with God and a life of interior prayer. What suited her vision, and what has now become part of CJ spirituality, is the approach adopted by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who summed up his insights as “finding God in all things.” For both of these leaders, daily life and the ordinary way of doing things were viewed as the place where God is at work in our lives and in our world. Read More About Ignatian Spirituality Mary Ward (1585 - 1645), Founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Learn more: Who we are Our Story Mary Ward Institute Archives Where We Are General Congregation 2022 Calls GC 2022 Calls Called at this time to deep listening and transformation: We take personal responsibility for embracing the decision to "become one," as we encounter one another on the journey and claim the fullness of who we are called to be. Official Image for the GC 2022 Calls. GC2022 Calls Official Image GC CALLS Art Work Explanation – Mystery of the Incarnation GC2022 Calls Official Image GC 2022 Statement on Safeguarding and Conflict Resolution The Cause for Mary Ward's Canonization Declared Venerable by the Church, Mary Ward's journey towards canonization continues today. Learn more about her Cause, pray through her intercession, and help share the legacy of a woman whose faith and courage continue to inspire the world. Explore the Cause for Canonization →

Loretto Sisters' commitment to education with links to Loretto College Residence, Loretto Schools and the important work of our Education Liason. Education From the earliest years of the Congregation of Jesus, our founder, Mary Ward and her companions engaged in the works of education, particularly the education of women. The five Loretto Sisters who first came to Toronto from Ireland in 1847 opened the first Loretto School in North America with nine initial boarding students. The traditional “free school” for the children of St Paul’s Parish followed soon after. The Loretto Sisters became known for excellence in education and went on to establish private schools in various areas of Ontario. Schools were established in Toronto, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Lindsay and in Sedley, Saskatchewan. After the Separate School Act in 1863 Loretto Sisters went out daily to teach in a variety of urban and rural Separate Schools throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan. Today our ministry of education continues to evolve in response to the needs of the times. Loretto Sisters continue to be educators in very diverse settings including: Education for justice, peace and the integrity of creation Educating for personal growth and leadership through workshops and presentations in various community and parish settings Serving the Catholic Community as Diocesan Directors of Religious Education Teaching in university and seminary settings Educating for Christian formation through RCIA and scripture study Teaching English as a second language to refugees and immigrants Ministries Loretto College - U of T Education Liaison Loretto Schools Mary Ward Centre - Education Latest Updates Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking That spirit of working together was at the heart of Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking, an ancillary event of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The gathering brought together people working in Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia and international anti-trafficking networks, offering different perspectives on one shared question: how can we reach people earlier and strengthen prevention across borders? Landing Day 2026: Friends and Companions in Mission Sarah Redikopp, Mission, Charism, and Vocations Animator, Loretto Ministries Today, we celebrate 179 years of the Loretto Sisters in Canada! On Landing Day, we remember the histories of the Canadian CJ province and reconnect with the mission that animates our community. This year brings extra celebration, as the first Landing Day since the unification of the two branches of Mary Ward’s Institute (the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus) in Nove Join Our Mission: Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy The Mary Ward Centre, is seeking an energetic, creative, and faith-inspired Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy (Youth Animator) to accompany and empower youth and young adults (ages 15-35) as leaders for justice, peace, human dignity, and the integrity of creation. 1 2 3 4 5

Gives links to Loretto Abbey and Loretto College School. Loretto Schools Loretto Abbey Loretto College School Mary Ward Secondary School

Provides information about the Loretto Sisters' commitment to past students and links to Loretto Alumnae Association. Loretto Alumnae The Loretto Heritage The Loretto Schools and Loretto College Residence are an important part of the Loretto (CJ) heritage in Canada. Loretto sisters were known for their excellence in education as well as their commitment to Christian formation. Loretto continues to actively foster an ongoing relationship with those schools which began as Loretto Schools and are now Catholic Secondary Schools. Loretto Sisters also seek to nurture a continuing relationship with those Catholic Separate schools where there was a strong Loretto presence in the past, as well with the schools that bear our name or that of our founder Mary Ward. A gathering of Loretto College Residence Alumnae and IBVM Sisters at Loretto Day celebrations in 2006 Visit the Loretto Alumnae Association Learn more about the Loretto Alumnae Association and get updates on news and activities.

Learn about our Loretto Education Liaison and how she provides students and teachers with learning opportunities in Canada and worldwide. Education Liaison The Loretto Sisters have been acknowledged and acclaimed leaders in Education, both here in Canada and in many countries throughout the world. Our historical involvement with education in Canada includes the founding of elementary and secondary schools in the last century as well as extensive involvement in Catholic Separate School Education, particularly in Ontario and Saskatchewan. The Loretto Sisters actively foster an ongoing relationship with schools that have a Loretto name and heritage, as well as schools that are associated with us, or named after the IBVM founder, Mary Ward. We wish to honour and continue our very special connection with all of these schools, both here in Canada and throughout the world. The Loretto Education Liaison seeks to nurture an awareness and understanding of IBVM /Ignatian spirituality in these school communities. The Loretto Education Liaison provides students and teachers with an opportunity to learn about current IBVM initiatives in Canada and throughout the world, and to become better acquainted with the extraordinary life, ministry and charism of our founder Mary Ward. The promotion of justice and peace is an important aspect of this work. Through the Education Liaison, schools are able to establish links with the worldwide IBVM Justice and Peace Network and with the NGO office at the United Nations in New York.

Provides information about the IBVM, Loretto Sisters in Canada community including recent happenings, events, our spirituality, what we do, and how to get involved. Meet the Loretto Sisters CJ Worldwide Meet the Loretto Sisters Living Mary Ward’s charism today through education, justice, spirituality, and pastoral care. The Congregation of Jesus in Canada is part of an international community of women religious founded by Mary Ward in 1609. Inspired by her vision of freedom, justice, sincerity, and joy, we continue to respond to the needs of our time through ministries that foster human dignity, compassion, and hope. Across Toronto and Canada, we serve through education, spiritual accompaniment, social justice initiatives, care for seniors, and partnerships that strengthen communities. Through ministries such as Mary Ward Centre, Loretto Maryholme, and Presentation Manor, we seek to accompany people on their life journey, helping to build a more just, peaceful, and caring society. Who we are Justice ✤ Sincerity ✤ Felicity Stories & Updates More news Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking That spirit of working together was at the heart of Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking, an ancillary event of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The gathering brought together people working in Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia and international anti-trafficking networks, offering different perspectives on one shared question: how can we reach people earlier and strengthen prevention across borders? Landing Day 2026: Friends and Companions in Mission Sarah Redikopp, Mission, Charism, and Vocations Animator, Loretto Ministries Today, we celebrate 179 years of the Loretto Sisters in Canada! On Landing Day, we remember the histories of the Canadian CJ province and reconnect with the mission that animates our community. This year brings extra celebration, as the first Landing Day since the unification of the two branches of Mary Ward’s Institute (the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus) in Nove Join Our Mission: Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy The Mary Ward Centre, is seeking an energetic, creative, and faith-inspired Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy (Youth Animator) to accompany and empower youth and young adults (ages 15-35) as leaders for justice, peace, human dignity, and the integrity of creation. 1 2 3 4 5 Called to Something More? Explore a Vocation to Religious Life Explore a life rooted in faith, inspired by Mary Ward, and dedicated to serving God and others. Discover a vocation with the Congregation of Jesus. Learn more CJ Events Upcoming Past Multiple Dates Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day Thu, Oct 15 Loretto Maryholme Details Caregivers' Retreat Fri, Oct 23 Loretto Maryholme RSVP Called by Name: An Invitation to Religious Life Sat, Oct 03 10 Montcrest Blvd Details Multiple Dates Silent Retreats 2026 Tue, Sep 29 Loretto Maryholme Details Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking Mon, Sep 28 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PO Details Load More Spirituality Through the Ministry of Spirituality we actively encourage and support others Learn more Loretto Sisters, Congregation of Jesus | Canada, are an active community of Catholic women seeking to spread the Gospel as ‘Contemplatives in Action’. Learn more Mary Ward (1585 - 1645) founder, an English woman who held a strong conviction “that women in time to come will do much,” continues to inspire and challenge women today. Learn more Congregation of Jesus has had a presence in Canada for over 175 years and continues with our mission to educate and inspire young women. Learn more "Do your best and God will help." More about Mary Ward

Offers highlights and explanations of Mary Ward's spiritual journey. Highlights of Mary Ward's Spiritual Journey Glory Vision One morning in 1609 when Mary Ward was in London, she had just made her meditation with, as she thought little fervour. While dressing she resolved to make amends for this by giving a large sum of money to a person who fervently desired to enter religious life but lacked the necessary dowry. According to Mary she was doing her hair before a mirror when she had a profound spiritual experience. She perceived clearly that it was not God’s will that she should enter an austere order, something that she was considering at the time, but rather that she was called to a more excellent state which would do far more to promote the glory of God. MW Ignatian Spirituality Ignatian Spirituality In 1611, Mary Ward was recovering from serious illness. While she was alone and in her bed she experienced an extraordinary state of mind, described as a state of repose and profound peace. She was given the grace to perceive plainly the manner of religious life she was to follow and the way in which she should organize her Institute. This brought a great light, consolation and strength, such that it was impossible for her to doubt that this knowledge came from God. Mary heard an inward voice directing her to adopt a similar way of life, in matter and manner, to that of the Society of Jesus. In the England of that time, Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith freely or openly and if they did so, they risked suffering the gravest consequences, including imprisonment and even death. Mary Ward and her companions had taken the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were living a communal life together. They were ministering to the spiritual needs of their fellow Catholics under the most dangerous of conditions. They ministered to prisoners, the poor, the sick and the dying. This necessitated a certain mobility that earned them the name of “the galloping girls”. The idea of religious women being allowed to move about freely and go into places such as poor neighbourhoods and prisons was considered preposterous at the time. Women religious were strictly bound by rules of enclosure, rules which did not allow them to leave their convents or monasteries and move freely. The day was strictly ordered around communal recitation of the prayer of the church, the divine office. While Mary Ward and companions recited the divine office daily, they did so individually, enabling them to move about and minister freely. The inspiration to “adopt the same manner of life as the Society of Jesus” was a novel idea for women at the time. The desire to live this way as mobile apostolic women religious would meet significant resistance from church authorities and others. It would mean very great personal suffering for Mary herself and a lifelong struggle to gain canonical recognition for her Institute and its way of life. MW Just Soul Just Soul Experience While on retreat, and towards the end of completing the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in 1615, Mary Ward received the last of the three significant illuminations that shaped her spirituality and her Institute. The first, in London in 1609, revealed that the ultimate purpose of her still unknown work was the glory of God. The second, in 1611, pointed the road or the path to that goal: “Take the same as the Society”, (the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits). The third illumination was received while on retreat in 1615. While Mary was at prayer, she received an illumination or vision of “a just soul of indescribable beauty”, a soul free from hampering earthly attachments, utterly committed to truth (“verity”), disposed and ready for every good work that served God and neighbour. Through this experience, Mary gained a great clarity about the qualities necessary for those with a vocation to her Institute. Mary Ward wanted those who were to serve in her Institute to strive for this state of openness to God that had been revealed to her, a state characterized by sincerity (truthfulness or integrity), justice and freedom.

Provides information on how your donation can impact the work that the Loretto Sisters do. Donations Help sustain a legacy of faith, justice, and education For more than 175 years, the Loretto Sisters / Congregation of Jesus | Canada have served communities through ministries of education, spirituality, pastoral care, and the promotion of justice. Inspired by the vision of Mary Ward, the sisters continue to respond to the needs of our world with courage, compassion, and faith. Making a donation is a way to participate in our work to help sustain Mary Ward’s mission and support the ongoing work of the sisters and their ministries. You can make a monetary gift in the form of an ongoing monthly donation, a one-time donation, or a legacy in your will. Be assured that you and your generosity will be remembered in the prayers of the community and that your gift will have a positive impact. To donate by Credit Card: Make a secure transaction Donate through CanadaHelps To donate by E-transfer: Send funds to wpoole@ibvm.ca and include your name/address and where you would like to direct your donation: Loretto – General Loretto – Mary Ward Centre Loretto - Maryholme To donate by Cheque: Make out cheques to: “Loretto Ladies’ Colleges and Schools” and send them to: Congregation of Jesus Canada, Leadership Office Loretto College, 70 St. Mary Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1J3, CANADA Phone: 416-483-2238 Email: admin@ibvm.ca Designated Memorial Contributions on the Death of a Loved One Another way to remember a loved one and support the Loretto Sisters is a special one that is sometimes overlooked. You may designate the Loretto Sisters as a preferred charity to which contributions can be made at the time of a loved one’s death. A family can do this by including a statement in the obituary, such as: “Memorial contributions may be made to the Loretto Sisters by visiting congregationofjesus.ca.”

Offers the Loretto Sisters' mission statement and how we work to accomplish its objectives in a variety of ways. What We do Today, Loretto Sisters, Congregation of Jesus | Canada, work to accomplish the objectives of our mission statement in a variety of ways. These include works of education , promotion of justice and ministries of spirituality and pastoral care . Loretto Sisters can be found working in a wide range of ministries and occupations such as: working with refugees and immigrants coordinating parish social ministry programs teaching in University settings working in homeless shelters serving as Diocesan Directors of Education, Spiritual Directors and Chaplains advocating for justice at the United Nations We are committed to those works that promote the dignity, well-being and inclusion of all persons, particularly women and children. We seek to be empowering of others in our relationships and in our way of ministering. We value collaboration and seek to partner with those who share our values. Ministries Justice Education Ministry of Spirituality UN-NGO Mary Ward International Presentation Manor Our Mission We are women called by God to a life of prayer and service, committed to enriching the lives of God’s people, especially women, and to the promotion of justice, peace and integrity of creation. “Divine love is like a fire which will not let itself be enclosed; for it is impossible to love God and not to labour to extend God’s honor” -Mary Ward More about Mary Ward

Be inspired alongside the Loretto Sisters and their efforts to bring justice, integrity and freedom to others. How to get Involved Integrity, Justice, Freedom The Loretto Sisters are dedicated to enriching the lives of God’s people through ministries that meet the pressing needs of our times. We are inspired in our efforts by the characteristics of Integrity, Justice and Freedom, three characteristics that our founder Mary Ward envisioned for her community. Integrity Calls us to “be such as we appear and to appear such as we are”. Justice Informs us that our lives are bound up in right relationships to God, to other people, to our planet. Freedom Is a strong conviction that we must rid ourselves of all that hinders us from living out God’s will for us; the ability to “refer all to God”. Vowed members, associates, past students and friends of Loretto, are all a part of our IBVM mission to enrich the lives of God’s people through our ministries of education, spirituality and justice. Learn More Pray With Us Associates Alumnae Volunteer Donate

A glimpse of our community of Sisters who live at Presentation Manor Presentation Manor Presentation Manor is a retirement residence in Toronto, where our senior Sisters live. They are active in many different pursuits and provide support to others in the community and beyond. A glimpse into the lives of our Sisters living at Presentation Manor We hope this glimpse of the community, written by Helen Cameron IBVM, gives you a sense of the vibrant lives of the Loretto Sisters, whose ministry of prayer and presence is the backbone of our Institute. Presentation Manor: What's in a name? Several months ago, a sister who lived at Loretto College asked what we “did” at Presentation Manor. Trying to explain, I was lost for an answer, because there are so many ways I could have responded. So, I asked and I listened, and I read the monthly calendar of events and activities, and I will try to give you some sense of what life is like here. First of all, one of the things that might help is to listen to the wise words of one of the Basilian Fathers, who plays the piano every day with a great deal of artistry, and accompanies the cantors on a Sunday morning. I was practising for a Liturgy recently, and moaning about not being able to sing as I once used to do. His remark was that we can all continue to do 'something', to use our gifts a little, even if we can't do that in quite the same style as we once did. Point taken. So if one can smile and greet, but not much more, that is a great contribution to other people's spirits. If one can read in public, one can volunteer for the ministry of Reader at Mass. If a new resident comes to the dining room and looks baffled by the crowd and the noise, a welcoming wave to an empty place at the table goes a long way to making someone feel at home. Smiles in the hall, both from residents and staff, time spent in the front reception area, playing Scrabble, sharing the newspaper or a cup of coffee, or enjoying a conversation: these are all times well-spent. At least one of us has been 'adopted' by one of our young weekend receptionists who phones the sister when she comes to work, so that they can find time for a visit and a chat (She's missing her granny!). There is a variety of talents among us. Marion Pacey not only supports a number of the card and Bingo games, but has knitted over 1,000 “mask holders” that have helped us keep ourselves and our visitors safe since the first COVID outbreak. Cabrini Fahlman has made major contributions to the hard work required to make our gardens beautiful, and also can be counted to visit the residents in assisted living, to help with sewing, and generously to devote her time when she sees someone in need. Christine Leyser, one of the “founding mothers” of our presence here, is still very involved. She initiated the now well-used Library, the Tuck shop which responded to a need during COVID, and the outdoor bird feeders, as well as working with Rosemary Albon and others in implementing a quite-thorough recycling program. Christine is always on the move, and is probably engaged in many more activities than we actually know. Yvonne Steffler, who came later, reads at Morning Mass, and brings a wonderful smile with her when she checks incoming mail, delivers packages, and makes lovely items for sale at the Tuck Shop. Yvonne still maintains close contact with friends in Keswick and Niagara Falls. Ursula Witkowska helps provide music for Sunday Liturgy, serves both with the Liturgy Committee and with the “on call” team for medical emergencies among us, and is part of the inter-community “Together for Mission” committee, as well as enjoying a game of Euchre. Some others of us, still with an incurable longing for knowledge and wisdom, read theology and history, attend online classes, participate in workshops and conferences which take place here at Presentation Manor or online, and try to keep ourselves aware of the larger world. Some of us follow hockey and baseball with passionate intensity, especially watching the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey – will they or won’t they? And there is always plenty of ice cream, once you know the ‘schedule’. Others of us intentionally work at being good conversationalists at the table, sharing news, laughter and memories. Juliana Dusel, who helps with lectoring at Mass, also brings a huge sense of the history of IBVM to her table conversations because of her ongoing work in archives, while others of us share stories and insights from our travels and ministries. Our laughter in the dining room is contagious. Helen keeps in touch with Mary Ward sisters and friends in other countries, maintains contact with a number of former co-workers, especially from Guelph, connects with former pupils (some back to the early ’60s), and makes a little music when she can. As a hobby she follows Anglo-Saxon history and language online. Bridget Nazareth chairs the committee for Pastoral Care and is a generous driver. Learn more: Our Story Our Spirituality Mary Ward Institute Archives Becoming One Women, in time to come, will do much. -Mary Ward Four Sisters make up the “Loretto Team”: (L to R) Celima Lindsay, Bridget Nazareth, Ursula Witkowska and Pat Grant (who also serves on the Presentation Manor Board); they plan prayer and provide events for the Sisters who live ‘independently’ of nursing care and supervision. Lynn Cira, of course, is responsible for the Sisters in Assisted living, as well as all business that has to be conducted with Presentation Manor management. The best walker of us all is Maria Lanthier, who has explored every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood on foot, and discovered secret pathways we hardly guessed existed. Edna Martin is enjoying a slightly new view after a move into a different room, but is happy with the beauty of the spring flowering trees. Different sisters have daily patterns that can be observed: Anne Murray heading to the Bistro for a coffee refill, while Marianna Gignac has 3:00 o'clock tea in the community room with whoever shows up. Sheila Zettel recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and was given a beautiful orchid to honour the occasion; Judy Kidd has enjoyed its beauty, too, but the question is, will the cat with the mysterious indigenous name leave the plant in its pot on the shelf? It’s early days yet – watch this space! Meanwhile, Mary Van Hee still finds ways to help the poor and maintains her contact with Combermere, while Norma Kirvan helps and companions many of the residents (including IBVMs) in Assisted Living. The sisters who reside in Assisted Living are very much a part of the community, whether by their prayers, their presence, or the joy they bring to the rest of us. Mary Laverty had a most entertaining visit with the new Archbishop: the laughter could be heard right down the hall! Rose Caneuill continues to be comforted by the animals she holds so caringly, while Mary Ellen Scanlon still enjoys contact with her beloved family. Mary Julia, we trust, is praying for the rest of us, just as she always did in days when she was more active. Many of us still remember her delicious meals at Brunswick Avenue. Maria Heinrich is perhaps the most peaceful of us all, and her face constantly conveys a sense of serenity, even when communication is difficult. April was an exciting month, first with Holy Week and Easter, then a visit from our new, friendly and relaxed Archbishop Francis Leo (What fun we all had on that occasion!) and finally culminating in the 100th birthday of Donata Dean, who had two full days of celebration with family, then with IBVMs and Christian Brothers. The month closed with a number of sisters attending the 175th celebrations at St. Paul’s Basilica. Now in the early part of May we are working to establish a brand-new Residents’ Council for Presentation Manor, with nominations and balloting underway. We have lost three Sisters fairly recently, Sheila Smith, Mary Martin Raczynski and Josepha Brown, and they are greatly missed, although some of us still add pieces to the jigsaw puzzle in memory of Sheila’s efforts, but we have gained two valuable members, Jeanne Cover and Angela McAuliffe, who arrived shortly after Easter. We hope they are feeling welcome and at home here. Adjustment to such a large community takes time. Life changes, often quickly, here at Presentation Manor, but there is a permanence to it as well, supported by the faith and friendship of the other residents, who give us the confidence we need to navigate an experience that is new to all of us. We can say, in the words of the Rankin Family song, “We’ve never been here before”, and know that there are learning curves still ahead of us that we cannot even imagine. And Jesus, the Risen Lord, is present in it all, and is our Companion on the journey. "Do your best and God will help." More about Mary Ward