Other Little Ships
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she and Sr. Constance Murphy SSJD reflect on today’s Gospel.
A “Do-able” Contemplative Life with God
Join the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith as she reflects on the Rule of St. Benedict, contemplation and daily life.
Let Me Tell You A Story…A Homily for the Second Sunday after Pentecost.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on the power of Story in her latest homily.
A Homily For The Feast of St. Barnabas.
Join Sr. Kathryn as she reflects on the person of St. Barnabas in her latest homily.
The Kin-dom of God: Being Jesus’ Family.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on being Jesus’ family in her recent homily.
The Final Instruction: A Homily for the Feast of the Ascension.
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on the Feast of the Ascension in her latest homily.
Come to the Table: A Homily for The Feast of Corpus Christi
Join Sr. Doreen as she offers her reflections for the Feast of Corpus Christi.
The Dance of the Trinity
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she reflects on Richard Rohr, the Trinity and the Divine Dance in her recent homily.
The Great In-Between.
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on “in-between time” in her May 16th sermon.
Waking in Heaven: A COVID Year. A Retreat with Kathleen Norris.
Retreat Format: Zoom Event Registration Fee: $ 160.00 Registration Deadline: September 29, 2021. Led by Kathleen Norris is an award-winning poet and writer. She is the author of The New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Amazing Grace and Acedia and Me. Retreat Details: 1) Please note that handouts (if applicable) will be sent out the day before the retreat 2) […]
New Look at Formation: A Retreat with Kathleen Norris.
Retreat Format: Zoom Event Registration Fee: $ 160.00 Registration Deadline: October 3, 2021. Led by Kathleen Norris is an award-winning poet and writer. She is the author of The New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Amazing Grace and Acedia and Me. Retreat Details: 1) Please note that handouts (if applicable) will be sent out the day before the retreat 2) The zoom […]
Rogation Sunday, Mother’s Day: Rejoice in the alleluias of new life!
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Homily for St. John’s Day
Sr. Elizabeth Ann shares her reflections for St. John’s Day.
St. John’s Day, May 2021
Some pictures from this year’s St. John’s Day!
Homily for the Feast of Philip and James.
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann, SSJD as she reflects on the Apostles Philip and James in her recent homily.
Reflections on the Good Shepherd.
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 […]
Who was St. Mark, the Evangelist?
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 […]
Easter 3: Jesus Has Many Disguises.
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 […]
Easter Sunday Homily
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 […]
Good Friday Homily
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 […]
Maundy Thursday Homily
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 […]
Palm Sunday
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 […]
Mary’s Response to God’s Call and Our Response: The Movement of a Call
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on Responses to God’s calling in her latest homily.
The 4th Sunday in Lent: Jesus, Baseball and the Gospel.
Join Rev. William Morrison as he reflects on Baseball, Jesus and the Gospel in his latest homily.
Live-Streamed Evening Prayer
The Sisters of St. John the Divine warmly invite you to join them for Evensong. Evening Prayer will be live-streamed each Sunday at 5:00pm ET. To join us, please click the YouTube window below: To print the Order of Service, please click the printer icon on the top right-hand corner of the document. To download […]
Homily for Mother Hannah’s Feast Day.
Learn about Mother Hannah, as Sr. Elizabeth shares her story in honor of the Feast day of the Foundress of SSJD.
God of the Cosmos, God of the Home.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on the healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law in her latest sermon.
SSJD’s Prayer for Christian Unity: The Unity of All Peoples and All Creation.
During this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, SSJD recorded a special prayer service. By clicking the link below, you can join us in prayer. Come, let us pray. Click here to view the video.
The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Join Sr. Doreen as she reflects on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
The Conversion of Paul
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on the Conversion of Paul in her latest homily.
Confession of Peter the Apostle
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 […]
What Time Is It?
Join Sr. Ann as she reflects on Time in her latest homily.
Homily for the Anniversary of the Consecration of the Convent Chapel of St. John the Divine
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 […]
Week of Prayer for Christianity
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 […]
Coventry Carol Lullaby for Holy Innocents
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on the beloved English carol the “Coventry Carol” in her latest homily.
The Baptism of Jesus and the Voice of God.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she shares her reflections on the Voice of God and the Baptism of Jesus in her most recent homily.
How Do We Prepare for an Unknown Future?
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she offers her latest reflections in her New Year’s Homily.
You Are The Temple
Settle down with your favorite drink and join Sr. Amy Joy as she reflects on Mary, dwelling-places and God’s temple.
Christmas Day Homily
Join Sr. Doreen as she shares her reflections on the Birth of Jesus.
ST. JOHN’S CONVENT CHRISTMAS EUCHARIST
Share with the Sisters of St. John the Divine in their Festal Christmas Eucharist. Just click on this link:
December 24, 2020
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 […]
Did You Miss our Live-Streamed Advent Festival of Lessons and Music?
Not to worry, you can still join us! To view the video, simply click play below: Wishing you and yours a blessed Advent Season!
Sunday, December 20, 2020
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
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 […]
Advent Festival of Lessons and Music!
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 […]
Wednesday December 16
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 […]
Monday, December 14, 2020
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 […]
The Beginning of Hope. The Messiah: The Gospel according to Handel’s Oratorio.
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on the Gospel and Handel’s Messiah in her latest Homily.
Monday, December 7, 2020
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 […]
Sunday, December 6, 2020
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 […]
Saturday , December 5, 2020
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 […]
Friday , December 4, 2020
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 […]
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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 […]
Tuesday , December 1, 2020
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 […]
Monday, November 30, 2020
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 […]
Sunday, November 29, 2020
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 […]
The 2021 Retreat Catalogue is here!
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!
The Reign of Christ
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she shares her reflections on the coming of Christ’s Kingdom in her latest homily.
Belong – Behave – Believe.
Cozy up with your favorite hot drink and read Sr. Constance Joanna’s latest homily.
Re-Launching Your Life In Retirement Retreat- CANCELLED
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.
Homily for All Soul’s Day
Join Sr. Elizabeth as she reflects on All Souls Day in her most recent homily.
Advent Reflections
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.
Musings from My Desk
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 […]
New: Online Prayer Requests
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
Homily for the Feast of St. Luke.
In honor of the Feast of St. Luke, Sr. Elizabeth shares what she appreciates about the Gospel of St. Luke.
What’s In A Name?
Join Sr. Elizabeth Ann as she reflects on Naming.
Teach Us to Pray: Being Grateful
The Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith offers her reflection on Gratitude- just in time for Thanksgiving!
Requiem Homily for Sr. Sue Elwyn, SSJD.
Please click the link to read Rev. William Whitla’s touching tribute Homily.
By Whose Authority?
Settle down with your favorite cup of tea and be inspired by Sr. Anne’s latest homily.
Sr. Amy Joy’s Life Profession Video
With great joy, the Sisters invite you to share in Sr. Amy Joy’s Life Profession.
Take My Life And Let It Be Consecrated, God, to Thee.
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.
The Humbling of Humanity
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 […]
Funeral Service for Sr. Sue, SSJD.
The Sisters invite you to join them via livestream for Sr. Sue’s funeral.
Rest in Peace, Sr. Sue, SSJD
It is with deep sadness that we share with you that our dear Sr. Sue Elwyn, SSJD passed away early this morning.
Growth of the Soul: An upcoming online retreat with Max Woolaver.
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!
The Amazing, Overwhelming, Eternal Love of God.
Sr. Constance Joanna reflects on the Cross for the Feast of the Holy Cross.
Forgiveness Is An Invitation
Sr. Elizabeth Ann reflects on the power of forgiveness.
Homily for Sr. Wendy Grace’s First Profession
Read Sr. Sue’s Homily for the First Profession of Sr. Wendy Grace.
Join the Dance: A Homily for Proper 20
Sr. Doreen invites you to join with her as she reflects on Psalm 67!
On the Feast of the Assumption of Mary
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 […]
On the Feast of St. Stephen
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 […]
The Feast of the Visitation
Enjoy this homily, as Sr. Doreen reflects on the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
August 16th Homily from Christ Church Cathedral, BC.
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 […]
On Listening: Homily for August 9th
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
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 […]
2020 Fall Retreats and Courses
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 […]
Feeding Thousands
Sr. Wendy Grace offers her reflections in her latest homily.
Kathleen Norris Retreat Has Been Rescheduled for 2021
GOOD NEWS: Kathleen Norris’ Retreat “A New Look At Formation” Has Been Rescheduled For The Weekend Of October 1-3, 2021.
Companions: Continued Journeys Along the Way.
Enjoy the final entry for the 2019-2020 Companions Program Year.
The Golden Thread Called Wisdom
Join Sr. Anne as she reflects on Wisdom in her recent homily.
In Celebration of Womanliness
Join Sr. Sue as she offers her poem on the Celebration of Womanliness.
Click here to read the poem…
Homily for Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Sr.Wendy Grace, a SSJD Novice, offers her homily on Saints Peter and Paul for your enjoyment.
Click here to read more…
A Journey Just Begun
Join our Companion Kelsea as she reflects on her experience in the 2019-2020 Companions Program.
Online Courses!
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 […]
A Journey Full of Grace
Read our Companion Jasmine’s final blog entry for the 2019-2020 Companions Program year!
Homily for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.
Sr. Sue offers her Homily for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene for your enjoyment.
To Walk On An Ancient Path
In her final blog of the 2019-2020 Companions Program, Florence reflects on her experience as a Companion.
Fall 2020
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 […]
Proper 15a: Couple-archs and the Parable of the Sower
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on Couple-archs and the Parable of the Sower.
Click here to read more…
Proper 16a: Dreams,Wheat and Weeds: Something Sacred This Way Comes.
Sr. Constance Joanna continues her reflection of “couple-archs” and introduces us to a”Weeds and Wheat” Soap-Opera.
Click here to read more…
Homily Proper 14 A: God of Love
Sr. Constance Joanna offers her reflections on God’s relationship to us for your nourishment. Enjoy!
Click here for more…
Proper 13A- Discipleship and the Peace of God
Join Sr. Constance Joanna as she reflects on discipleship and the peace of God.
Click here to read more…
Homily for the Feast of St. Benedict.
Join Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD as she reflects on St. Benedict and his “Little Rule.”
Homily on The Birth of John the Baptist.
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…
The Light In Our Hearts
Join our Companion Jasmine as she reflects on the Holy Spirit as the Light in our hearts.
Please click here to read more…
Models of Ministry
Pour a cup of tea or coffee, settle on the deck and enjoy Sr. Anne’s Homily on Models of Ministry!
Click here to read more…
My Big Sister
Join our Companion Kelsea as she shares her thoughts about her Big Sister.
Spirit of the Living God
Join our Companion Florence as she reflects on the Holy Spirit.
Click here to read more…
Friends of the Soul
Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and settle down with Sr. Elizabeth Ann’s Trinity Sunday Homily!
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Plaint of an Ordinary Christian
From the creative writing of Sr. Sue, a poem she’d like to share with you. Enjoy!
Click here to read more…
Home for the Heart-June 2020
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 […]
God in the City: Pentecost and the Holy Spirit.
Join Shannon as she reflects on images of the Holy Spirit from her living room window.
Click here to read more…
Homily for Easter 5
Join Sr. Constance Joanna, SSJD as she reflects on Paul’s sermon in Athens…and Toronto!
Click here for more…
Christ is Risen?
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.
Click here to read more…
Teach Us to Pray: Keep Holding On.
Join the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith as she reflects on prayer, the pandemic and Holding Crosses.
Click here to continue reading…
Mindfulness for Christians Event: Online!
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…
Lumen Christi
We invite you to read our Companion Kelsea’s reflection on her experience of Easter at the Convent this year.
Click here to read more…
Love Poem II
We invite you to read a poem by our very own Sr. Sue entitled Love II.
Click here to read more…
Convent Lockdown: An Easter Experience.
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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Let Nothing Disturb You
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 […]
Resucito!
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 […]
Time is Turning Catherine Wheels.
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 […]
Easter 3
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 […]
Lay it all down: Lament as a spiritual practice.
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 […]
Global News Article Features Former SSJD Companion.
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.
The Tree of Life and Your Story: A Reflective Exercise.
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 […]
Uncle Carl and the Easter Bunny
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 […]
Of Comfort, Courage and Joy: the 2020 Preaching Series for the Triduum and Easter Sunday.
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 […]
Easter Sunday: SURPRISE!
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. […]
Holy Saturday: A FERTILE TIME
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 […]
Good Friday: JOYFUL SHEEP
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 […]
Maundy Thursday – NOT ME!
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 […]
Triduum Homilies!
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 […]
Wading In
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 […]
Palm Sunday: REJOICE, REJOICE, REJOICE GREATLY
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 […]
Tree of Life
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. […]
A Miniseries: Traveling from the Dark to the Light
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 […]
Women at a Crossroads 2020: CANCELED
***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!
Snow and Silence
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 […]
Annunciation
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, […]
COVID19 update
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 […]
Re Member
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 […]
News regarding the Branch House
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, […]
Mea Culpa
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 […]
Wednesday Musings
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 […]
A Morning Meditation
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 […]
Holding Onto God’s “Cantus Firmus”
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 Eagle Epiphanytide 2020
The latest issue of the SSJD Newsletter is now online – view here »
John Bell Retreat Has Been Rescheduled For 2021
GOOD NEWS: John Bell’s retreat “The Spirituality of the Psalms,” has been rescheduled for the weekend of March 5-7, 2021.
Welcome to our new website!
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 […]
Article: Spiritual gap year gives women space to reflect, deepen faith
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 […]
Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas re-elected as Reverend Mother
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 […]
SISTERHOOD FEATURED IN ANGLICAN JOURNAL
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
Divine Light
Daily Advent Reflections written by the Oblates and Sisters of SSJD. Read online here or sign up to recieve the reflections via Email