Congratulations to Sister Pat Carter who was awarded the Annual Volunteer of the Year Award for the United Way in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, April 26. Here is the wording of the chairperson in notifying her.... ...you are the recipient of our Outstanding Volunteer Contribution. This award is presented in recognition of an individual that is an active and involved member of our Campaign Cabinet. The volunteer works diligently to engage employees by setting up workplace presentations, assisting with events and canvassing in their workplace. You have been a rockstar this year and we are ever so grateful for all you have done and accomplished. I personally am looking forward to continue working with you moving forward. Thank you for all you have done in support of United Way, Sister Pat! We really couldn't do it with out you!

This week we pray for the Sisters of St. Joseph missioned in Madagascar and for the people of that country. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Aosta, Italy have 103 Sisters and 200 Associates serving in Madagascar. Their works include: school, adult literacy, tailoring, empowerment of women, nutritional education, dispensaries, care for lepers, visiting prisoners, first evangelization, catechism, pastoral work and retreat centres. The mission in Madagascar was established in 1965. From Vatican News: Pope Francis will visit Madagascar September 7 with the hope of rekindling hope among citizens tired of instability. The big island nation famous for its Vanilla production is situated off the southeast coast of Africa. Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, but its people are fatigued by endless political instability and disputed elections that have sometimes turned violent and occasionally deadly. As the country’s Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana told Vatican News, earlier in the year, “Our country is rich in resources (but) we are among the poorest countries in the world." Pope Francis will therefore find in Madagascar a Church hierarchy that seeks to be a voice for the poor and marginalised. In the words of Cardinal Tsarahazana, the Church in Madagascar wants to be the prophetic voice that speaks boldly about the country’s socio-economic welfare in a non-partisan manner. Amnesty International has called on Pope Francis to raise concern over human rights violations. Click on title for link to Pope's concerns.

Congratulations to Doris and Franz on the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The couple renewed their vows and celebrated at St. Joseph's Motherhouse on August 29, 2019. Be sure to check out the photos. Check out the other vocations that you may choose in your life.

Sister Edith Arsenault celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends who gathered at St. Joseph's Motherhouse for a luncheon and sharing of memories. Blessings Edith! Click on the title for a link to Edith's 100th Birthday photo album.

During the THIRD week of AUGUST, we listen to the heart of the world and hold in our prayer the Sisters of St. Joseph and the people of LEBANON. This week we pray for the people of Lebanon and for the nine Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon who minister there. They are mostly involved in school and youth ministry. Consider holding in prayer: 1. Very recently two drones fell on the city of Beirut amounting to an open attack on the country's sovereignty and an attempt to foment regional tensions. aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/hezbollah-chief-israeli-drones-lebanon-skies-190825165611883.html 2. Striving for sustainable practices: “The only way to revive our ancestral land and demonstrate its beauty and diversity is to abide by the laws of natural agriculture and biodynamics,” . . . . “That’s the way our ancestors used to work.” https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/23/travel/lebanon-sustainable-practices-tourism.html