A New Springtime

April is here! In Ottawa, it is a beautiful season. Trees are starting to bud, flowers are peaking out of the green grass, and there is no sign of snow remaining. We are all excited about the warmer weather, and finally getting to put our winter boots back into storage. Spring is a time for new life and new beginnings.

There is also a new season happening for us, the Servants of the Cross. Our Community has grown to the point where we are establishing a new household in Cornwall, Ontario. This new location will be the house of formation where women who are in their two years of Applicancy will come to live, learn, and grow closer to God as well as be formed in our life. This will be the first time in over 20 years that we will not be all together under one roof. It is a big step for us!

Not too long ago, we heard a word from the Lord to “Expand.” When this house became available, we understood the word to be to expand our presence not only in Ottawa but to Cornwall, Ontario. This scripture was on our heart from Isaiah:

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; hold not back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities…” – Isaiah 54:2-3

It is said that as long as the Founder (or Foundress) is alive, those who join are considered founding members of the Community. I remember being asked in my interview before my acceptance into the Applicancy program:

“How do you feel about being a pioneer?”

As per the dictionary, someone who is referred to as a pioneer in a particular area of activity is one of the first people to be involved in it and develop it. Being among the founding members of the Community makes each of us a pioneer.

Once I understood what they meant by this, I honestly felt honored about being counted among the founding members. Now, I am part of the pioneering group moving to Cornwall. I get to be a part of the founding of a brand-new household. To be honest, for me, being a pioneer brings a mix of feelings of excitement as well as a bit of anxiety as we go to uncharted territory. Change can be harder for some people than others. I can struggle with change, but I know I am not going it alone as Jesus is always there by my side. Having this daily assurance from him brings me peace and great hope for the future.

This is a big change for all of us and will take time to adjust. There are new people to meet, new schedules to follow, and even new hats for me to wear with new responsibilities entrusted to me. You can say that there are bittersweet feelings as we go through these growing pains.  However, I am always down for new adventures, and this certainly qualifies.

Sr. Michael Penelope and I will be the Sisters moving with the 3 current Applicants to the new foundation. It will be quite an adjustment for everyone, but we all know that this is a good thing that is happening. Having a house of formation will allow the new women to embrace being one with the Lord. It will make it easier for them to focus on themselves in their relationship with the Lord, and not worry about the busyness of ministry life. This new home has a lot of space to grow. It is an answer to our prayers.

Sr. Anna, Sr. Monique, Sr. Melinda, and Sr. Meagan will remain here in Ottawa at our current home. They will be our Sisters who will continue to lead our apostolic work. The Applicancy team will be coming in from time to time from Cornwall.

We look forward to our Opening Mass and Open House in May, as we celebrate with the wider Community the beginning of this new season. We look forward to all the ways that the Father will provide for each of us and as a Community as this new phase unfolds before us. As we settle into our new home, would you keep us in your prayers as we navigate and process this new change in our lives? As always, Fr. Bob Bedard, pray for us!