Catholic Mission In Canada

After teaching for 43 years, Sister decides to take on ministry in Mayo, Yukon.

The third youngest in a family of twelve, I was born in Prince Edward Island, grew up on a farm, and received my early education in a one-room school house. From Grades 8 to 10, I attended a boarding school run by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.

Following in the footsteps of my older sister, I attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown where I Received my teaching certificate in 1943. I taught students from Grades 1 to 9 for the next four years. Knowing that teaching would be my chosen career, I entered the community of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame in Montreal and made temporary vows in 1949 as Sister Saint Angela Marie.

During those forty-three years of teaching, I continued to study, completing my Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees as well as master’s degrees in mathematics and school psychology.

In 1986, I was asked to consider early retirement to fill a need for parish ministry at Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Fort Nelson in the Diocese of Whitehorse, Yukon. Not being used to saying “no” and being reluctant to give up the work I loved so much, I asked for some time to think about it. However, our provincial leader informed me that we would have to discontinue the mission because no other sister could be found to accompany me. I offered to go solo if that was necessary and so, it happened. The Provincial and Council accepted my offer and I was soon to be introduced to parish ministry, thus beginning a new chapter in my life. I was leaving home once more—all the way from the East to Northwestern Canada. Flying over the snow-capped mountains was not too reassuring; however, the joyful face of the 80-year-old pastor who met me at the airport on my arrival, assured me I had not made a mistake.

The parishioners flocked in to meet me and became my friends and helpers immediately. I soon became involved with Foster Children, caring for girls who needed a safe home for a period of time. I also worked as a substitute teacher serving nearby schools and organizing religious education classes in which parents became involved preparing children for First Communion and Confirmation.

Father Paullet, our pastor, was a man who liked to keep things forever. I soon developed a special interest in garage sales. I upholstered chairs, found treasures in his old garage, storage rooms, in the cupboards and in corners one would never think of looking. I suggested that a garage sale was timely, a good way to downsize, but Father was a bit reluctant, yet he agreed for me to try. Father Paullet gave me lots of scope to work. He was the wind beneath my wings. I loved my ministry in Fort Nelson and the people with whom I worked.

Five years can go by pretty fast and having come directly from the classroom without a break, my community offered me a year's sabbatical. This took me to Edmonton where I enrolled at Newman Theological College in a Ministry Program. Before the course ended, I received a call from Oblate Bishop Tom Lobsinger, then Bishop of Whitehorse, inquiring about my plans. My answer was simply, “Waiting for the Spirit to call me.”
Bishop Tom said: “Well, listen well, He is calling.” “Here I am Lord, speak,” I replied, “I am listening.” Bishop Tom gave me the names of several parishes where he needed people to shepherd the flock. When I asked where the greatest need was, he replied without hesitation, “Mayo!” Bishop Tom then requested my posting from our provincial leader, Sister Marie Hagan, who in turn asked if I was ready to take on the parish of Christ the King in Mayo as administrator. True to form, I answered, “You know, Marie, I would do anything for Christ the King. Will He be there?”

And so on August 23, 1992, I arrived in Mayo with my dog Honey in a small station wagon loaded to the hilt with items for our first garage sale. Parishioners never knew what hit them. Due to ill health, Father Henk Huijbers, O.M.I. retired to the Oblate Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon, and I was given free rein. The signs went up. We had to get the outside straightened first—windows, shed, outside wood to the cellar, a 500-gallon oil tank, beds, lumber. All precious things disappeared in a short time and the cash was banked for future plans. A section of the garage was sold and the bigger one was given away to someone in need. The ground was prepared for the new garage, and the very next year, garage sales began in earnest. Everyone chipped in and helped.

I worked from early morning until late at night and kept an open line to the Master Himself, Christ the King. The garage came to be known as the Mayo Mall and business was thriving. It was possible to get almost anything you wanted if you paid the price and asked for it on time. The structure was completely paid for in a very short time. Fund-raisers resulted in new floor coverings for the kitchen, porch and church. People in the community were very supportive whether they were parishioners or not, and of course, Catholic Missions In Canada provided financial support which was greatly appreciated.

Once a teacher, always a teacher. I used my teaching skills by doing a literacy program for interested students, mostly seniors. Each year, one of the students was awarded the Student of the Year for the Yukon.

Because of the needs in the community, I served beyond the call of duty. Aside from serving as chief returning officer for the Federal Election, I took the census for the federal government, served as manager of the local CIBC bank, did pricing statistics at the local store, served as treasurer of the School Council, did substitute teaching at the J.V. Clark School and Yukon College and gave the local news over CBC radio. I was up early and went to bed late.

I always looked forward to Sunday when a neighbouring priest would come for Eucharist and the people would gather after the service and refreshments served in a homey atmosphere.