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By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections. The Treasure of Unity Next week we begin the week of prayer for Unity on January 18th – the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter and end the week of prayer January 25th – the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Sharing some reflections around the […]
Saturday Reflections by Sr. Doreen, SSJD. (Psalm 131) Lord, I have little or nothingI am no one and can bring nothing to you at all.I am only a simple human being.I understand little of earth’s great affairs.But I know this, that I must still my soul in quietness, and like a child who rest upon […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD Isaiah 60: 1-6 / Psalm 72: 1-14 / Ephesians 3: 1-12 / Matthew 2:1-12 Bishop William Cliff in the January Church Paper “The Mustard Seed” (Diocese of Brandon) wrote: “Epiphany … God has whisked back the curtain on the mystery of the little one born to be light in the darkness […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections As we begin the New Year – and during this first week, the Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6,th I have been thinking about STARS. One of the thoughts of inspiration that came to me was remembering something I heard said a long time ago, that […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. 1 Sam. 2: 18-20, 26 / Psalm 148 / Col. 3: 12-17 / Luke 2: 41-52 When I was asked if I would share the homily today – the First Sunday after Christmas – my first reaction was to smile at the church calendar, our ordo and the lectionary – they […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections O Virgo Virginum (Virgin of Virgins) O Virgin of Virgins, how shall this be? For neither before you was any like you, nor shall there be after. Daughters of Jerusalem, why do you marvel at me? The thing which you behold is a divine mystery. “O” – a […]
Friday, December 24, 2021 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-29;Luke 1:67-79 On Christmas Eve, it seems strange that the readings do not reflect preparation for the miracle of Christmas. Or so it seems? What is God inviting me to hear, see, and feel at this time? God is calling me to fearless obedience to my Creator […]
Thursday, December 23, 2021 Malachi 3:1-5; Psalm 25: 1-14; Luke 1: 57-66 “All these things were talked about through the hill country of Judea” Luke 1:65 (RSV) Zechariah certainly got everyone talking after they heard him bless the Lord! He had been mute; his tongue was loosened only after he wrote that his son’s name, surprisingly, […]
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 1 Samuel 1:19-28; Psalm 113; Luke 1:46-56 This past year has been a year of giving thanks with sincere gratitude for both the things that have not come to pass and for the things that have. Today is the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, mother to Jesus and to the world. […]
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Psalm 33:1-5, 20-22; Luke 1: 39-45 In our readings today, we are called to rejoice and give thanks. I am sure this is to be done unreservedly, unconditionally, and certainly, unbegrudgingly, no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves. And yet, our hearts still hold the pain. I do […]
Monday, December 20, 2021 Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24Luke 1: 26-38 Today’s Gospel reading from Luke is a good reminder that God can come to us at any time, unexpectedly, and under the most unusual circumstances. Here, God has come to a young, unknown woman in an obscure village in Galilee. This surprising call to Mary evokes […]
Sunday, December 19, 2021 Micha 5: 2-5a,Luke 1: 39-45, 47-55,Hebrews 10:5-10 Mary’s visit to Elizabeth’s home (Luke 1: 39-45) could only be described as divine because of the circumstances that occurred at both their homes. Firstly, Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, was told by an Angel that Elizabeth, his barren wife, would bear a son. Secondly, Mary […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections O Emmanuel O Emmanuel! (Isaiah 7:14, 8:8), hope of the nations and their Saviour (Isaiah 33:22) (Genesis 49:10) : Come and save us, Lord our God. “O” – a call of longing and wonder to Jesus with a particular name; a praise for the wonder of that name; and […]
Saturday, December 18, 2021Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:11-19Matthew 1:18-25 There are three reversals in today’s Gospel reading, moments when the story is moving in one direction and then changes course. Each of these reversals is introduced with the small word ‘but’, which signals an upending of expectations. Mary is pregnant but she is not married; Joseph decides […]
Friday, December 17, 2021 Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72:1-9; Matthew 1:1-7,17 All Our Relations In the passage from Matthew’s gospel, there is a list of Jesus’ ‘relations’ going back to Abraham, fourteen generations. Jesus would have known who his relations were. They would have been spoken about–who they were, what they did, how they were related– […]
Thursday, December 16, 2021 Isaiah 54:1-10; Psalm 30; Luke 7:19-23 Opening to the Blessing of Impermanence “The Only Constant in Life Is Change”- Heraclitus. This truth speaks to humanity through the ages. Existence is inherently uncertain, and our response impacts our ability to live and love fully. The readings today use images that spoke to the people […]
Isaiah 45: 5-8, 18-25Psalm 85: 8-13Luke 7:19-23 Psalm 85: 10 Grace and truth have met together; justice and peace have kissed each other. (Complete Jewish Bible) This verse reminds me of Sister Nora who believed fervently that the psalms held answers for life’s problems and queries. The sons of Korah speak prophetically about the […]
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13Psalm 34:1-8, 15-22Matthew 21:28-32 I was so happy and proud when I recently made my first profession to SSJD. I replaced my wooden novice cross with the silver and ebony community cross and got to wear the knotted cincture. A real nun at last! Then I got my Advent […]
Monday, December 13, 2021 Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a. Psalm 25:3-8. Matthew 21:23-27 The way Jesus spoke ruffled many religious leaders. People respected him, but he lacked the social status to which they owed their own authority. So they approached him one day in the Temple, asking, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave […]
Zephaniah 3:14-20Canticle 3 (Isaiah 12: 2-6)Philippians 4:4-7Luke 3:7-18 Singing is the expression of love in Zephaniah 3:14-20. God restores and the people sing! Songs of gratitude with full hearts, rejoicing in the return of bounty and goodness from shame and disaster. Why? For God has removed judgment and moves among the people, protecting them and […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections O Oriens (Morning Star) O Morning Star (Zechariah 6:12) splendour of the light eternal (Habakkuk 3;4; Hebrews 1:3), and bright sun of righteousness: (Malachi 3:20): Come, and enlighten all who dwell in darkness (Psalm 107:10) and the shadow of death (Luke1: 78-79) “O” – a call of longing […]
Sirach 48:1-11Psalm 80:1-3, 14-18Matthew 17:9-13 God chose a solitary soul from the wilderness east of the Jordan to stand before Ahab and call Israel to repentance. Sirach enumerates in this reading all the ways in which Elijah spoke the word of the Lord in his warnings to Ahab regarding the famine, the great contest on […]
Isaiah 48:17-19Psalm 1Matthew 11:16-19 Matthew speaks to me about prejudice. Both John and Jesus were rejected because they were different – based on the company they did or did not keep. Jesus was labelled a glutton and a drunkard because he ate with people rejected by the culture of the time. John was rejected because […]
Isaiah 41: 13-20Psalm 145: 1-4, 8-13Matthew 11: 7-15 As we approach the season of Advent, we are invited to reflect upon how it is that God listens to us. As I write this reflection, we have just completed 18 months of a world-wide pandemic. Here in Manitoba, we have just begun reopening. The congregation where […]
Isaiah 40:25-31 ‘Psalm 103 1-10Matthew 11:28-30 These texts speak powerfully to oppression, resiliency and hope. For many years, First Nations in Canada have been calling on other Canadians to recognize the horror, grief and injustices experienced in the Indian Residential schools established to enforce the Federal Government’s policy of assimilation, “to kill the Indian in […]
Isaiah 40:1-11Psalm 96 Matthew 18:12 -14 My sister and I were quite young when our mother read Bible stories to us as we tucked into our beds. Sweet memories of simpler days long past! In one of our favourite books was the story of The Lost Sheep described in Matthew 18 and the painting by Alfred […]
Isaiah 35:1-10Psalm 85:8-13Luke 5:17-26 “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus…” Isaiah 35:1 When I was young, and living in Calgary, we would begin to search, in earnest, for crocuses in early May. Though the happy and vibrant prairie crocuses sometimes did not appear […]
Baruch 5:1-9Canticle 19 (Luke 1:68-79)Philippians 1:3-11Luke 3:1-6 There is, I think, a widespread “wilderness experience” in our culture. Ours is a wilderness of chaos, competition, confusion, isolation; a wilderness of loneliness, anger, fear, anxiety. There is “wilderness” in the endless search for identity, a place to belong. “Rough places”, all of these. In the midst […]
By. Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Sister Doreen’s Reflections O Radix Jesse (Branch of Jesse) O Branch of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations (Isaiah 11:10); (Romans 15:12) all kings will keep silence before you (Isaiah 52:15); and all peoples will summon you to their aid: Come, set us free and delay no more. (Habakkuk […]
Isaiah 30: 19 – 22, 23 – 26Psalm 147: 1-12Matthew 9:35 – 10: 1, 5 – 8 Remembering and recalling can be powerful actions in reflection; so also is our imagining capacity. When we sit in quiet seeking to imagine, picture, or hear the Scriptures speak to us, we sink more deeply into the truth […]
Isaiah 29: 17-24Psalm 27: 1-6, 17-18Matthew 9: 27-31 The Season of Advent comes at the time of year in the northern hemisphere as we move into visibly shorter daylight hours and into longer nights. I can think of no better reflection on our heart’s longing for Christ’s coming into our hearts at this season […]
Isaiah 26:1-6Psalm 118:19-24Matthew 7:21-27 As I read the passages allocated for today’s reading, the words that come to me are hope and trust. The psalm tells us God is our strong rock. It’s up to us to trust. God offers but we have to respond. “This is the day the Lord has made.” Now we […]
Isaiah 25:6-9Psalm 23Matthew 15:29-39 Today’s readings are seeds of hope. Ruben Alvez states “Hope is hearing the melody of the future”. Isaiah prophesied that the veil of death will be swallowed up and the people. The Israelites or Jews, will know God is with them and they will rejoice. In the gospel passage, Jesus is […]
Isaiah 11: 1-10Psalm 72: 1-8Luke 10: 21-24 As we continue to plod through the world pandemic, today’s readings, especially Isaiah, bring us fresh hope for the future, just as it comforted the Jews in ancient times. The violence, racism and injustice that afflict our world, the lack of health care and medicines, and our fear […]
Isaiah 2:1-5Psalm 122Matthew 8:5-13 I love the Message translations of these readings and found myself highlighting the following: Come, let’s live in the light of the God (Isaiah) For the sake of the House of God, God I’ll do my very best for you (Psalm) Go, what you believed could happen has happened (Matthew).\ In […]
Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-91 Thessalonians 3:9-13Luke 21:25-36 In Jan Richardson’s book, Through the Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas (2011), she says, “Advent seems as much a place as a season.” Accordingly, her text takes us through a succession of ‘doors’ inspired by the Advent calendar tradition wherein we find behind each ‘door’, “some […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD Sister Doreen’s Reflections O Sapientia (Wisdom) O Wisdom , from the mouth of the Most High (Sirach 24; 3-5), you reign over all things to the ends of the earth with your strong yet tender care (Wisdom 8:1). Come and teach us how to live (Isaiah 40:14). “O” – a call […]
By Sr. Kathryn, SSJD. Rom 8.15-18 Ps 128 Matt 10.28-33 We remember today St Catherine of Alexandria. Her martyrdom took place during the reign of the emperor Maxentius at the beginning of the fourth century, not long before Christianity became legal. She was of noble lineage, very wealthy, beautiful, and had received the best education […]
By Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 Psalm 93 Revelation 1.4b – 8 John 18.33-37 The liturgical year is a curious thing. We progress predictably from Advent to Christmas to Epiphany to Lent to Easter to Pentecost to what we now call “Ordinary Time.” And today is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. But before we […]
Click the link to view Sr. Kathryn’s Life Profession: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4nzm9f41phltnxg/Sr.%20Kathryn%27s%20Life%20Profession.mp4?dl=0 By Rev. Joanne Davies. Peter said… “Look we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Today we will hear Sister Kathryn giving her life – every faculty of body, mind and soul – to God’s service. To be utterly consumed in […]
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. I thought that I would like to share a series of Saturday Musings each week, and since Advent is nearly upon us, the beginning of a new year for the Church, this would be a good time to start! Next week is the first Sunday of Advent, and so I thought […]
by Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD There is a story told about Martin on his way into Amiens meeting a beggar who was almost naked. Martin cut his soldier’s cloak in half and gave it to the beggar. Later, Martin had a dream in which he saw Christ clothed in half a soldier’s cloak who said, […]
By Sister Constance Joanna, SSJD Philippians 2.1-13; Matthew 16.13-19 The Letter to the Philippians and the Gospel from Matthew both declare who Jesus is – in Philippians, God who came to earth in humility, emptying himself of Godhead and greatness and living as a humble servant among humans – and in Matthew, the Messiah – […]
By The Reverend Andrea Budgey Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Psalm 90:12-17 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 In our Old Testament reading today, Amos channels God’s wrath against those who become rich through the exploitation of others: “because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain,” thunders Amos, “you have built houses of hewn […]
Retreat Cancellation. Regrettably we have had to cancel the Entertaining Angels Unawares retreat due to lack of registration. We hope to reschedule it for Spring 2022. Retreatants that have registered for the retreat will receive a full refund and will be contacted by the Guest House. We thank you for your understanding.
By the Reverend William Whitla Genesis 2:18-24 Psalm 8 Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 Mark 10: 2-16 +In the name of God, Creator, Word and Spirit, Amen This is agony day for preachers everywhere that the revised common lectionary is used. I know you love me, but why give me this difficult lesson on Divorce. I bet […]
By The Right Reverend Kevin Robertson Numbers 11: 4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Ps 19: 7-14 James 5: 13-20 Mark 9: 30-37 What a joy it is to finally be back with you again. I’ve missed you all very much and I’ve missed being here! I remember my last visit was February 29, 2020 for a Lenten […]
An 8-week virtual pilgrimage on Thursday evenings in March and April 2022 Dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 21, 28, 2022 From 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET Cost: $120.00 Registration Deadline– February 23, 2022. The series will be led by Sr. Constance Joanna Gefvert, a member of the Sisterhood of St. […]
Retreat Format: Online (Zoom) Dates: February 25-27, 2022. Registration Fee: $110.00 Registration Deadline: February 23, 2022 Led by John Frank-Epp. John holds a Masters of Theological Studies degree from Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He is a graduate of the Network of Biblical Storytellers International (NBSINT) and is a founding member of the Canadian Network of Biblical Storytellers. […]
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on the Eucharist in her latest homily.
Join Sr. Anne, SSJD as she reflects on the Body of Christ in her latest homily.
Join the Rev. William Whitla as he shares his reflections on Abundance.
Join the Rev. William Whitla as he reflects on the lessons learned by St. James, the Apostle.
Join the Rev. David Brinton OGS as he reflects on the strong and fierce love of St. Mary Magdalene.
A song written by 2021-2022 SSJD Companion Rachel Sutherland.
Join Archbishop Fed Hiltz as he reflects on reconciliation and healing in his Sunday July 18th homily.
Join Sr. Wendy Grace as she reflects on Saints Peter and Paul in her homily for Sr. Suzanne Marie’s First Profession.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on St. Thomas in honor of his Feast day.
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on the Gospel for this Sunday and the faithfulness of God.
Join Sr. Kathryn as she reflects on the incredible life of St. John the Baptist in honor of his feast day.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she and Sr. Constance Murphy SSJD reflect on today’s Gospel.
Join the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith as she reflects on the Rule of St. Benedict, contemplation and daily life.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on the power of Story in her latest homily.
Join Sr. Kathryn as she reflects on the person of St. Barnabas in her latest homily.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on being Jesus’ family in her recent homily.
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on the Feast of the Ascension in her latest homily.
Join Sr. Doreen as she offers her reflections for the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she reflects on Richard Rohr, the Trinity and the Divine Dance in her recent homily.
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on “in-between time” in her May 16th sermon.
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Sr. Elizabeth Ann shares her reflections for St. John’s Day.
Some pictures from this year’s St. John’s Day!
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD as she reflects on the Apostles Philip and James in her recent homily.
By Sr. Anne, SSJD. In a Lutheran parish in Pennsylvania where my father was employed there were numerous pictures of Jesus as the Good Shepherd throughout the Sunday School rooms and nursery. In fact, one of the Nursing Homes in that city was called the Good Shepherd Home. It is an image that has stayed […]
By Sr. Elizabeth, SSJD. Mark’s Gospel is by far the shortest gospel and is generally recognized by scholars as the earliest attempt to record the apostolic tradition concerning Jesus the Messiah. Dean Robert Willis of Canterbury Cathedral has said several times that each of the Gospels is an attempt to record what that writer believes […]
By: Sr. Doreen, SSJD Acts 3: 12-19 / Psalm 4 / 1 John 3: 1-7 / Luke 24: 33-48 You will have noticed, as I have, that the readings for Easter week are repeated on this Sunday, and indeed last Sunday as well. When we get repeats so close together, I always feel that God […]
By. Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD. Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Amen. On my first full day in Jerusalem on tour with my brother in January 2020, we entered a Garden outside the city walls of the Old City. Traditionally the site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus […]
By: Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 22:22-30 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 19:1-42 O most afflicted–I crucified thee. God interceded–for my salvation–not my deserving. Amen. We began today with the stations of the cross, as I did in Jerusalem just over a year ago with my brother on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. We […]
By Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD. Then take the towel, and break the bread, and humble us, and call us friends. Suffer and serve till all are fed and show how grandly love intends to work till all creation sings, to fill all worlds, to crown all things. (CP 442, verse 4) Amen. One of the final […]
By Sr. Elizabeth Ann Zech 9:9-10 Psalm 24 Phil 2.5–11 Mk 11:1-11 PSALM 122 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of God.”2 Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.3 Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself.4 To which […]
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on Responses to God’s calling in her latest homily.
Join Rev. William Morrison as he reflects on Baseball, Jesus and the Gospel in his latest homily.
The Sisters of St. John the Divine warmly invite you to join them for Evensong. Evening Prayer is live-streamed each Sunday at 5:00pm ET. NO EVENSONG on January 23, 2022. Instead, the Sisters invite you to join them in watching the Diocesan Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Christian Unity from 4:00 – 6:00 pm ET […]
Learn about Mother Hannah, as Sr. Elizabeth shares her story in honor of the Feast day of the Foundress of SSJD.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on the healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law in her latest sermon.
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on the Conversion of Paul in her latest homily.
By Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD. Readings: Acts 4:8-13; Psalm 23; Matthew 16:13-19 A question and three words: confession, common, and companion. Jesus asked the disciples, “What is the scuttlebutt?” or, “Who do people say that the Chosen One is?” The disciples answer that some people are saying John the Baptist, and others Elijah, still others […]
Join Sr. Ann as she reflects on Time in her latest homily.
By Sr. Wendy Grace, SSJD Readings: 1 Kings 8:22-30, Psalm 122, 1 Peter 2:1-5, 9-10, John 20:19-21 (NRSV) Today, January 17th is the day we celebrate the consecration of the Chapel of St. John the Divine. To consecrate means ‘to make or declare sacred, to set apart as sacred, to devote to a purpose.’ Consecration […]
As Christians throughout the world pray during this week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 18-25, 2021), we thought you might enjoy the series of videos offered by the Anglican Church of Canada for this week. The theme this year is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” (John 15: 5-9). To […]
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on the beloved English carol the “Coventry Carol” in her latest homily.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she shares her reflections on the Voice of God and the Baptism of Jesus in her most recent homily.
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she offers her latest reflections in her New Year’s Homily.
Settle down with your favorite drink and join Sr. Amy Joy as she reflects on Mary, dwelling-places and God’s temple.
Join Sr. Doreen as she shares her reflections on the Birth of Jesus.
Share with the Sisters of St. John the Divine in their Festal Christmas Eucharist. Just click on this link:
2 Samuel 7:1-6 Psalm 89: 1-4,19-29 Luke 1:67-79 Christmas Eve! Have you finished your shopping? What about the first Christmas Eve? Mary and Joseph were “shopping” for a place to stay and all the rooms were taken. Lots of people were in Bethlehem for the census count. When I was in […]
Not to worry, you can still join us! To view the video, simply click play below: Wishing you and yours a blessed Advent Season!
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Psalm 89:1-4,19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has looked with favour on the lowliness of His servant”. These words written in Luke’s gospel formed part of Mary’s response to a message from God delivered […]
Thursday, December 17, 2020 Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72:1-8 Matthew 1:1-7,17 In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. (Psalm 72.7) The world is in deep need. Thousands of quivering voices herald each rising of the sun and each setting of the moon. If one […]
Peel off your gloves, shake the cold from your feet and gather with the Sisters for an online evening of lessons, advent hymns and prayers. You are warmly invited to join the Sisters on Sunday December 20th at 4:30 EST for a scriptural and musical celebration of the fourth week of Advent. The Advent Festival […]
Isaiah 45: 5-8,18-25 Psalm 85: 8-13 Luke 7: 19-23 For me, it has been a year of some darkness. Like John the Baptist in today’s gospel reading, I’ve sometimes yearned for signs to bolster my hope. So, this reflection is for myself. Jesus responds to John’s question, “Are you the […]
Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17a Psalm 25: 3-8 Matthew 21: 23-27 After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his cleansing of the temple of the merchants (Mt. 21: 12-13) Jesus returns to the temple. The priests and elders approach believing that Jesus has not studied with a well-known rabbi nor […]
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on the Gospel and Handel’s Messiah in her latest Homily.
Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 85:8-13 Luke 5: 17-26 The man in the Gospel is named “friend” by Jesus because of the love and serving he accepts with trust. Jesus sees the faith and love of those who serve him. Out of the life of this heartfelt service, Jesus releases him from the weight […]
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Latin 1156B, fol. 82r. Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2,8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Isaiah 40: ‘Comfort, comfort my people, says your God…’ At the beginning of each Advent season when I was a young girl in Denmark, my mother taped to the wall the […]
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26 Psalm 147:1-12 Matthew 9:35-10:1,5-8 Recently, I tried an experiment, and cut the bottom off a celery stalk and the bottom off a head of lettuce and put both in water. The celery stalk grew little pieces of celery and lots of leaves to a height of about four inches, and […]
Isaiah 29:17-24 Psalm 27:1-6, 17-18 Matthew 9:27-31 In the last six months, “Believe in Jesus” has been the constant mantra for many Christians. In the advice given on how to get through this time of pandemic, political upheaval, and racial unrest, many people have said to follow a routine; keep busy; and if you are going outside, wear […]
Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 23 Matthew 15:29-39 Psalm 23:4—Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.Isaiah 26:9—My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. Anxiety abounds in these troubled times. It is not hard to be distressed […]
Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-8 Luke 10:21-24 When we read all of Luke 10 to learn more about “the seventy others,” we find that Jesus sent them (not the disciples!) ahead of him to every town he planned to visit, to cure the sick and announce that “the Kingdom of God has come […]
Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Matthew 8:5-13 This passage in Matthew demonstrates an exceptionally strong profession of faith. What is marvellous, indeed incredible about this is that the advocate of the faith-filled request is a centurion, a Roman soldier, whose purpose in Israel is to subject Jews to the rule of the Emperor. He is […]
Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 Advent is upon us, and the readings give me a sense of hope, urgency, and Divine Love. In Isaiah, we hear humankind’s lament for relationship again with our God, the Holy One. There is a cry to God to heal us […]
A listing of retreat offerings and registration details can be found in the Food for the Soul section of the website. We look forward to having you join us!
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she shares her reflections on the coming of Christ’s Kingdom in her latest homily.
Cozy up with your favorite hot drink and read Sr. Constance Joanna’s latest homily.
We regret to have to share that this retreat has been CANCELLED. We hope to reschedule when we are able to have in-person retreats again at St. John’s Convent Guest House. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, please contact the guesthouse at guesthouse@ssjd.ca or call 416-226-2201 ext. 305. Thank you.
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she reflects on All Souls Day in her most recent homily.
Stamp the snow from your boots, warm your hands by the fire and join the Sisters and SSJD family and friends as we gather virtually around a series of short reflections this Advent Season. A new reflection will be posted to this blog page each day of Advent.
As warm sunny days begin to cool and leaves rustle and crunch; as we exchange t-shirts for sweaters and curl around mugs of hot tea, my mind turns to our Companions and the transitions they are experiencing as they continue walking their respective paths. As Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program, it was my privilege […]
Do you have prayer requests that you would like to share with the Sisters? United with you in prayer, the Sisters will remember your intentions in a special way for a week during their daily worship. Kindly submit intentions to: prayersplease@ssjd.ca
In honor of the Feast of St. Luke, Sr. Elizabeth shares what she appreciates about the Gospel of St. Luke.
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on Naming.
The Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith offers her reflection on Gratitude- just in time for Thanksgiving!
Please click the link to read Rev. William Whitla’s touching tribute Homily.
Settle down with your favorite cup of tea and be inspired by Sr. Anne’s latest homily.
With great joy, the Sisters invite you to share in Sr. Amy Joy’s Life Profession.
It is with great joy that the Sisters share the homily for Sr. Amy Joy’s Life Profession.
Please click here to read the full homily.
by Sr. Louise, SSJD The phrase “the humbling of humanity”, came up as we discussed the impact of Covid 19 at our Chapter meetings this year. We spoke of how it has changed our world, our community, what we have viewed as normal and the result of this time of isolation. These were fruitful discussions […]
The Sisters invite you to join them via livestream for Sr. Sue’s funeral.
It is with deep sadness that we share with you that our dear Sr. Sue Elwyn, SSJD passed away early this morning.
Are you seeking greater freedom and depth of homecoming in your spiritual journey? Max Woolaver leads a retreat on one of Spain’s greatest spiritual poets- St. John of the Cross. Consider joining the conversation!
Sr. Constance Joanna reflects on the Cross for the Feast of the Holy Cross.
Sr. Elizabeth Ann reflects on the power of forgiveness.
Read Sr. Sue’s Homily for the First Profession of Sr. Wendy Grace.
Sr. Doreen invites you to join with her as she reflects on Psalm 67!
By Sr. Doreen, SSJD. Isaiah 7:10-15; psalm 132: 6-10, 13-14; Gal 4:4-7; Luke 1: 46-55 Mary is the favored one, the beloved in whom God is well pleased – and the one saint that has at least 7 Feasts attached to her name, either directly or because she was intricately involved.Mary’s birth, the Annunciation, the […]
By Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD. Jer 26:1-9(10-11)12-15 Ps 31 Acts 6.8 – 7.2a, 51c – 60 Matthew 23. 34-39 Even though initially I was drawn to the fact that the Church moved the feast of Stephen from December 26th to August 3rd , and I really love to sing the carol Good King Wenceslaus, instead […]
Enjoy this homily, as Sr. Doreen reflects on the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
By Reverend Canon William Morrison How does God speak to the Church? How does the Church change its mind? How does transformation happen? We could ask the same question of ourselves as individuals. How does God speak to us? How do we change our minds on important subjects? How does transformation happen within us? One […]
By Sr. Elizabeth, SSJD On my first reading of the scriptures for today, I was struck by a common theme running through them, the theme of listening for the voice of God. The reading from 1st Kings has long been a favourite of mine. What immediately leapt out for me when I read it this […]
Spiritual direction is a relationship that has nurtured Christians for centuries. It offers a private, prayerful accompaniment towards a deeper personal relationship with God and greater sensitivity to the presence of God’s Spirit in your daily life. Many people find it helpful to engage in spiritual direction in an ongoing way, usually monthly, and often […]
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE The Guest House and Convent remain closed, but most of our Fall retreats have been re-designed as on-line retreats. How to Register: Click here to register for Retreats or On-line Courses. Find the retreat or course you desire to attend and click the “read more” button. The registration form is below the […]
Sr. Wendy Grace offers her reflections in her latest homily.
Enjoy the final entry for the 2019-2020 Companions Program Year.
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on Wisdom in her recent homily.
Join Sr. Sue as she offers her poem on the Celebration of Womanliness.
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Sr.Wendy Grace, a SSJD Novice, offers her homily on Saints Peter and Paul for your enjoyment.
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Join our Companion Kelsea as she reflects on her experience in the 2019-2020 Companions Program.
SSJD will be offering online courses beginning this Fall. The following courses will be taught by Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, who for the past 16 years has taught in the Pastoral Theology department of Wycliffe College (one of the participating colleges in the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto). These courses are […]
Read our Companion Jasmine’s final blog entry for the 2019-2020 Companions Program year!
Sr. Sue offers her Homily for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene for your enjoyment.
In her final blog of the 2019-2020 Companions Program, Florence reflects on her experience as a Companion.
While our Guest House continues to be closed for the foreseeable future, we are converting most of our fall retreats to an on-line format. Silent Directed Retreat- September 15-17, 2020 Growth of the Soul – led by Rev. Max Woolaver. Friday–Sunday, October 16–18, 2020 Discover Spiritual Treasures in the World’s Religions – led by Kathy […]
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on Couple-archs and the Parable of the Sower.
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Sr. Constance Joanna continues her reflection of “couple-archs” and introduces us to a”Weeds and Wheat” Soap-Opera.
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Sr. Constance Joanna offers her reflections on God’s relationship to us for your nourishment. Enjoy!
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Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on discipleship and the peace of God.
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Join Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD as she reflects on St. Benedict and his “Little Rule.”
Sr. Louise offers her Homily for the Feast of the Birth of St. John the Baptist for your reading pleasure. Please click here for more…
Join our Companion Jasmine as she reflects on the Holy Spirit as the Light in our hearts.
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Pour a cup of tea or coffee, settle on the deck and enjoy Sr. Anne’s Homily on Models of Ministry!
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Join our Companion Kelsea as she shares her thoughts about her Big Sister.
Join our Companion Florence as she reflects on the Holy Spirit.
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Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and settle down with Sr. Elizabeth Ann’s Trinity Sunday Homily!
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From the creative writing of Sr. Sue, a poem she’d like to share with you. Enjoy!
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Are We There Yet? Sarapion the Sindonite travelled once on a pilgrimage to Rome. Here he was told of a celebrated recluse, a woman who lived always in one small room, never going out. Skeptical about her way of life – for he himself was a great wanderer—Sarapion called on her and asked, “Why are […]
Join Shannon as she reflects on images of the Holy Spirit from her living room window.
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Join Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD as she reflects on Paul’s sermon in Athens…and Toronto!
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We invite you to read the latest reflection by our Companion Jasmine as she reflects on her experience of Easter in lock-down at the Convent.
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Join the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith as she reflects on prayer, the pandemic and Holding Crosses.
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We are very happy to announce that a Mindfulness for Christians Event is being offered online.
WHEN: MAY 21, 2020, 7-9 pm
FACILITATOR: Rev. Sandor Borbely
HOW TO REGISTER: Please write to paul.interimminister@gmail.com
COST: Free of Charge!
Click for more details…
We invite you to read our Companion Kelsea’s reflection on her experience of Easter at the Convent this year.
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We invite you to read a poem by our very own Sr. Sue entitled Love II.
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Easter 2020 may be remembered for a lot of things, one of which may be “the year that people throughout the world became monastics,” albeit the vast majority, unintentionally so.
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Sr. Wendy Grace, n/ssjd For the last three or four months I’ve been repeating a few lines from St. Teresa of Avila as a kind of mantra, “Everything is changing. God alone is changeless”. These two sentences come from a longer poem which I have often used with the Anglican Rosary:Let nothing disturb you, Let […]
By Shannon, Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program Please note that while the written text can be found below, those who prefer audio recordings are asked to click “play” to listen to Shannon’s recording of the text. Friends, the state of the world is changing. But I don’t have to tell you that! Countless words […]
By Sr. Sue, SSJD. To help celebrate the great St. Catherine of Sienna, whose feast day is today, Sr. Sue has some lovely music to share with you! On the Day of Resurrection Time is turning Catherine wheelson this, the day of His rebirth;Time is somersaulting, leapingto the stars and back to earth;Time is playing […]
by Sr. Doreen, SSJD Propers: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1: 17-23; Luke 24: 13-35 Easter 3 – within the Great Fifty Days! Each year as we walk through the scriptures of Lent and Holy Week, and we arrive at Easter, I am always surprised! It is a surprise that […]
By the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith, Oblate SSJD The hope and joy we always anticipate of the Resurrection has been revealed to us. Depending on where you live, spring may have already made a welcome entrance with its usual gorgeous palette, accompanied by a fanfare of glorious bird song, floating on warmer breezes. Now, these poetic […]
Click the image below to read the Global News article featuring former SSJD Companion Amanda Avery and her work with Bayers Westwood Family Resource Centre. “Halifax Resource Centre Delivering Care Packages as Demand Rises for Food, Hygiene Products. Global News Article written by Aya Al-Hakim. April 15, 2020.
Tell our own story through the Tree of Life—- an experiential reflective exercise. By Jasmine, SSJD Companion. Since the last blog post that I wrote about the tree of life, some readers have asked how the tree of life imagery connects with our own storytelling. In this post, I am hoping to present a […]
by Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD. Readings: Acts 10.34-43, Psalm 118.14-29, Colossians 3.1-14, Matthew 28.1-10 The following homily was preached on Easter Wednesday when the Convent sisters celebrated the return of three of sisters who have moved back to Toronto from B.C. and were isolated in the Guest House for two weeks of self-isolation. It was […]
Read Srs. Anne, Elizabeth Ann and Sue and Archbishop Fred Hiltz’s homilies as they reflect on the readings for the 2020 Triduum and Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday By Sr. Anne, SSJD. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Matthew 21: 1-11 It all started with a plan forming in his mind. It was time to make a statement not […]
By Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD. Readings: Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 114; Luke 24:1-12 What memories do you associate most with Easter? No doubt some sad, some joyful, some even playful. We had a ritual when I was a teenager that my Mom, Dad, brother and I always watched “Your Hit Parade” on TV on Saturday nights. […]
By Sr. Constance Johanna, SSJD. Readings: Job 14.1-14; Psalm 31.1–4, 15–16; 1 Peter 4.1–8; Matthew 25.57-66 What happened during those hours from Friday afternoon till early Sunday morning, when Jesus was in the tomb? What we know from the Bible is that John took Jesus’ mother Mary to his home, and perhaps that is where […]
By Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD. Readings: Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12; Psalm 22:22-30; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 19:1-42 One of my favourite musical compositions is Handel’s Messiah – a universally-loved oratorio in the Christian world as well as among people of other faiths and none. It encompasses the whole of the Incarnation – from Advent through […]
by Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD. Readings: Ex 12:1-4, 11-14; Psalm 116.1, 10-17; 1 Cor 11:23-26; John 13.1-17, 31b-35 I recently read a delightful and deeply moving book by Sarah Miles, called Take this Bread. Sarah is an American journalist who loved cooking for lots of people, worked in restaurants as an assistant cook doing the […]
Join Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD as she reflects on the events of Holy Week through Art! Beginning Maundy Thursday through to Easter Sunday, Sr. Constance Joanna’s Homilies will be posted on the Homilies Blog of the SSJD website. Please see below for the posting schedule: Maundy Thursday Homily will be posted April 9, 2020 at […]
By Kelsea, SSJD Companion I have three plants in my room. All of them I have rescued from somewhere. One is a poinsettia from this last December that I couldn’t bear to watch disappear (probably, and it is shocking, into the garbage). The first I rescued from the chapel at the hospital next door (there […]
by Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD. Readings: Zechariah 9.9-10; Psalm 24; Philippians 2.5-11; Luke 10.28-40. Rejoice, rejoice, rejo-o-o-o-oice greatly! That’s a theme from Handel’s Messiah that we tend to associate with Christmas but of course Messiah is also a beloved oratorio in Holy Week. We tend to talk about the “Christmas portion” and the “Holy Week […]
By Jasmine, SSJD Companion Music tradition in the SSJD community is heavily involved in our worship, especially in the Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline. The use of worship music is diverse which includes monastic traditional chant, Anglican chant and hymns, compositions written by contemporary composers including our sisters, and other contemporary worship praise songs. […]
Homilies for the 2020 Lenten Season by Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD Most of us have traveled through Lent this year becoming increasingly burdened by the darkness of the world around us – politically, economically, and personally – as the COVID-19 virus has exploded. During some of that time I have been preaching on Sundays either […]
***It is with heavy hearts that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to cancel this year’s Women at a Crossroads Program. *** We thank all those who have applied. We hope to hear from you next year!
By Florence, SSJD Companion. Ash Wednesday was a snowy day. I was listening to the snow. Silence ushered the listening to my deepest self. “The highest form of prayer is to stand silently in awe of God” (Saint Isaac the Syrian) Holding its breath and standing on tiptoe, the creation is eager to hear from […]
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, […]
Dear Associates, Oblates, Friends and Visitors to St. John’s Convent, With heavy hearts we have closed our Guest House as of today and until further notice. We have also closed the Convent to all non-necessary visitors, which means our worship services, in response to directives from the Bishops of Toronto, will not be open […]
By Shannon, Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program These are familiar peopleWhose names I rememberAnd sometimes forget. We have been through life TogetherApartTogether Again Once strangers, we are now familyIn a mysterious sort of way Water and WineBread and VoiceThe Spirit makes it so Trying to follow the One who loves us and binds us […]
Dear Associate, Oblates and friends of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, At a meeting on February 26, 2020, Bishop Logan McMenamie informed Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas that, due to budget constraints, the diocese would have to radically reduce its financial support to the Sisterhood of St John the Divine going forward. At that meeting, […]
By Kelsea, SSJD Companion Mea culpa. Mea culpa. Mea culpa. Through my own fault. I have done wrong. Christe Eleison. We are going to say the wrong thing. I am going to say the wrong thing. It is immeasurably difficult to bare ourselves to one another wholly. It is just as difficult, to handle with […]
By Shannon, Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program It’s Wednesday and the Companions and I have just finished our weekly discussion group. As I gather my tea and rise from my chair, I marvel for the hundredth time at how fortunate I am to journey with these fine women. We’re almost seven months in. During […]
By Kelsea, SSJD Companion I am not sure how I wake up to my alarm. It gives off one little pulse on the sixth hour of the day. It is imperceptible, though it does the job of waking me up for the day; mostly. Morning. There is a little less darkness outside today. Through the […]
by Jasmine, SSJD Companion Dietrich Bonhoeffer once described life to his friends as a polyphonic composition, with God’s love as the cantus firmus and our life stories as the counter-melody. All together they make up harmonies and the beauty of a musical piece. The concept of cantus firmus or fixed song is a pre-existing […]
The latest issue of the SSJD Newsletter is now online – view here »
We want to welcome you to the Sisters’ new website. We hope you enjoy the new look, and find what you’re looking for easily. If you have any comments or suggestions about the site, please email Sr. Constance Joanna at cj@ssjd.ca. We would also like to acknowledge our web designer, Chris Steingart of QT Web […]
By Stuart Mann – posted January 27 to toronto.anglican.ca One is a music therapist, recently graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont. The second is a spiritual director from Hong Kong. And the third, from Lethbridge, Alberta, is discerning a call to the religious life. Three women from different backgrounds, but with one thing […]
The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, Toronto, is delighted to announce the re-election of Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas as the Reverend Mother. The voting took place on January 4, 2020 and Sr. Elizabeth was elected on the first ballot. Her term of office runs from May 2020 – May 2025. We would appreciate prayers for […]
For the Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine, a vow of poverty is about ‘more than dollars and cents.’ Read the full article by clicking the photo or download the PDF
Daily Advent Reflections written by the Oblates and Sisters of SSJD. Read online here or sign up to recieve the reflections via Email