Salem Associates
Salem ASASV January Meeting
November Meeting
Salem October 2024 Reflection Summary
This month's reflection by Janet Nadeau centered on the Scripture that Jesus commanded, "Love your enemies..." (Lk 6:26-27) as we continued looking at nonviolence. John Newall in his book The Rebirthing of God focused on Ghandi's belief that through deep prayer and connection with God we can be renewed in our depths. Some actions useful to avoid violence might be prayer, a pause, and being curious rather than furious.
Salem September 2024 Summary
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During our associate meeting in Sept. the Salem group's reflection by Anne DeVoe was focused on non-violence and peace. The resource for our meeting came from part of chapter 6 in The Rebirthing of God by John Newell. Ghandi was mentioned as a world leader of non-violence.
Mary Ellen's reflection from January meeting
2023 Salem ASASV Meetings
At our December meeting Gisele Deschene presented an Advent reflection.
November 2023 Meeting
At our Nov. meeting that Anne DeVoe facilitated we concluded our study of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. We focused on how we’ve been and will continue to incorporate them in our daily living.
We also had a guided meditation on peace and prayed for peace in our world, country, church and congregation.
Salem Associates Meeting
October 2023
Salem Associates Meeting
, 2023
Salem Associates Meeting
February 4, 2023
Salem Associates Meeting
November 5, 2022
Summary Salem Associates Meeting October 11, 2022
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The meeting centered on an overview of the Fruit of the Spirit, the topic for this year, given by Janet Nadeau. Jesus tells us in John 15:1-2 that the best fruit is close to the vine and even good fruit needs pruning. The fruit is not to be our own possession, rather it is to bring about the "transformed life that God desires" for the Christian Community. Pope Francis in his book, Walking with Jesus, urges us to read and meditate on a Gospel passage daily so that Jesus is at the center of our lives and our companion on our journey. He stresses that it is the work of the Holy Spirit, with our cooperation! Lively and enriching sharing on "recalling a time when we needed to call on the Holy Spirit" followed.
The summary of Salem’s Sept. 10, 2022 meeting – ASASV – Anne DeVoe
During the 2022-23 meeting we will be learning about the fruit of the Spirit as referred to in Galatians5: 22-25. I introduced the fruit and referred to the gifts of the Spirit we studied last year. We looked at the guidebook pages 5 and 7. Chapter bookmarks were ritualized and distributed by Sr. Muriel Lemoine.
June 2022 Meeting
Salem did not have a regular reflection. We reviewed the year with each facilitator giving a brief overview of the gift of the Holy Spirit that they presented at a meeting during the year. June focused on bringing peace for ourselves and the world with so much need for us to pray, serve and share our gifts.
Salem Associates' May 9, 2022 Meeting
Salem Associates' April 2, 2022 Meeting
Salem Associates' February 5, 2022 Meeting
Mary Ellen Abodeely's summary, handout and reflection.
Today we looked at the gift of the Holy Spirit called piety or reverence. It may have the connotation for many of us picturing ladies in church praying or practicing devotions. However, piety has a broader meaning which has to do with being an authentic Christian. It involves the willingness to worship and serve God..and to serve him with love. It means taking the time for personal prayer and developing a real relationship with the Lord, seeking His guidance and allowing the Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions. It means nourishing our inner core by giving reverence to God, allowing Him to remain at our center to direct and guide us. It can be described as being truly righteous and single hearted, putting one’s life in the hands of God and offering Him worship and praise. This is demonstrated by how we live our lives and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit as exemplified by St. Andre Bessette who had stated, “My only ambition is to serve God in the most humble tasks.”
Summary of Salem Associates Meeting on January 8, 2022
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Our theme was Wisdom, a Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Scripture Reading was from the Book of Wisdom 6:12;7:7-14,28
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The reflection was about how rich in spiritual gifts we truly are in receiving the Holy Spirit. Wisdom is the crown jewel of the gifts because “all good things come together in her company.” Wisdom is seeing things as they truly are, and not as we want them to be. It is an attunement to God that springs from intimacy with God, which helps us to deal with life situations in the best way possible. We attain wisdom by wanting, desiring and asking for it. As we consciously invite the Spirit into our lives, problems and plans, we witness wisdom-at-work as our concerns become adjusted and our issues resolved. Pope Francis wrote, “Wisdom is seeing with God’s eyes, listening with God’s ears, feeling with God’s heart and speaking with God’s words.” In wisdom, truth and love fuse together. We learn to love rightly; we learn to love truly, as God loves.
Salem Associates' December 7, 2021 Meeting
Salem Associates' November 2, 2021 Meeting
Salem Associates' September 7, 2021 Meeting
Salem Associates' June 1, 2021 Meeting
Summary of June Meeting
Our June meeting was a prayer service for the needs of the Congregation, ourselves, country, world by calling on the power of the Holy Spirit. Our question for sharing was "I am challenged by the Holy Spirit to -------?" We all contributed to enrichment of each other with our sharing. Anne DeVoe who facilitated the meeting suggested we write down one blessing a day for the summer that we could share when we meet in September!
Salem Associates' May 4, 2021 Meeting
Reflection by Gisele*
Meeting Outline*​
Salem Associates' April 6, 2021 Meeting
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Reflection by Karen*
Meeting Outline*​
Opening Song*
Scripture Reading*
Closing Song*
SUMMARY OF MY ASASV REFLECTION ON MARK 16: 1-8
Finding the Risen One
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome hurried off to the tomb of Jesus between the early morning hours after the Sabbath and His burial; they had not planned for the help they would need to roll away the large stone sealing the tomb. To their utter amazement, the stone was removed so they could enter. Inside the tomb they encounter a young man dressed in white who tells them Jesus has risen, to alert Peter and the others, and remind them all that Jesus will meet the disciples in Galilee. Their amazement and confusing fear limit their ability to remember or understand the Lord’s words leading up to the crucifixion. How and where can we find the Risen One in our daily lives without fear limiting our understanding of Jesus’ deep love for each of us?
Karen P
Salem Associates' March 6, 2021 Meeting
Reflection by Elaine*
Meeting Outline*​
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March 2021 Salem Meeting Summary
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The meeting centered on Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan from Mark 1:12-15, the reading of the 1st Sunday of Lent. Elaine Faunce presented the reflection with examples of how our being tempted is a journey that Jesus has also been through. We all felt that the rich and abundant sharing is a gift that benefits us all and for which we are very grateful.
The Early life of Founder - Fr. Jean Harper
Salem Associates' January 6, 2021 Meeting Summary
Complete meeting outline and reflection by Mary Ellen*
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The focus of the meeting was a celebration of Emmanuel, God with us in the midst of the many challenges we are currently facing. His presence in this world brings light and joy into darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it. Joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of Jesus and when we have Him we can bring his presence, hope and witness into the world. We need to let it show on our faces so that those around us can see and know that God is here.
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Questions: How has the Lord been present to me during this Advent/Christmas season?
Is Jesus revealing something new to me at this time?
December 2020 Salem Associates Summary
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Summary of Reflection given by Christopher Doyle: As we look back at last year's unimaginable journey through Covid's sickness and death, we begin a new liturgical year. In 2 Peter 3:8-15, Peter instructs his followers about the delay of the second coming of Christ and that for God, "one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day."
Chris was the friend and caregiver of Paul Plante, Salem Associate who died in October 2020, and he relates how many days since then have seemed like a thousand years. He spoke of angels being there during this extremely hard time--the woman who prayed over him at the hospital, a kind and trusted realtor, friends like treasured jewels--of the second coming of Christ in the rebirth of our souls, our salvation, when we keep our eyes on God who loves and saves us in our waiting and trials.
Sharing questions: What can I do to keep my trust in God's promise this new liturgical year? How can I go about preparing my soil for the seed of God's love? Very rich sharing followed.
November 2020 Salem Associates Meeting Summary
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A moment of silence was held for Paul Plante, friend and Salem Associate who died Oct. 26, 2020. Then, Janet Nadeau reflected on the Passover Meal at which Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist from Luke 22:14-20 bringing images of Thanksgiving gatherings. They will be different this year; we will miss love ones, yet we give thanks for all that comes from God, and we see the good so many are doing for others. Our desire and love for the Body and Blood of Christ grow when we are unable to gather at the Banquet, yet we give thanks for the self gift the Lord leaves us in this humble form.
Carlo Acutis, a teenager who died in 2006 and loved and promoted the Eucharist was named "Blessed" in Oct. 2020 by Pope Francis. He recommended thinking of receiving the Eucharist as...a foretaste of heaven. Meister Eckhart, the German mystic, said, "If the only prayer you ever say is Thank You, that would be enough."
Abundant sharing followed on how we grow in thankfulness, especially when we are sad, hurt, blamed, upset, etc.
Salem ASASV October 2020 Meeting
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Anne DeVoe facilitated the meeting (outline) and the introduced book, Walking the Sacred Path by Dan Schutte which those giving reflections will use for a guide this year. It is loosely based on St. Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual exercises. The theme was "So Great Our Hunger," looking at Psalm 63 "O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you..." Sharing on "What most moves my soul?" and "How do I satisfy the longings of my soul?" enabled us to reflect on our needs and how they are met.
Our SEPTEMBER 2020 Associates meeting focused on Mathilde LeDuc, Mere Ste. Marie.--the last in a series we did on our foundresses. Eileen Luddy presented a very interesting and thought provoking reflection of her life (attached). She tried to accompany Jesus on His way of the Cross, and valued fulfilling the Rule of the Order. All in the group shared on how Jesus helps us accompany him.
FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ASSOCIATES GATHERING
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Welcome: Anne
Theme: Seed falling on good soil
Opening Song: This Alone -- Tim Mannion
Opening Prayer: Creator God, maker of all things good, be with us today as we listen to your Word. Open our hearts to your Word and make of us good soil, so that our lives will bear witness to your Word through our words and actions. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Early life of Hedwidge Buisson: Gisele
Scripture: Luke 8: 14 – 15
“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
Reflection: Gisele
Quiet Time: 10 minutes
Questions: What kind of soil am I? Do I keep my heart open for God’s Word? How do I sow His Word?
Sharing
Closing Prayer: God, the great sower, thank you for our sharing and time spent together today. We want to be good soil and receive your Word with an open heart. We ask for your help to be seeds of hope to others by spreading your Word through our words and actions. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Closing Song: You Have Called Us – Bernadette Farrell
This Alone
Refrain:
One thing I ask, this alone I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all my days.
For one day within your temple, heals every day alone. O Lord, bring me to your dwelling.
Hear, oh Lord, the sound of my calling.
Hear, on Lord and show me your way. Refrain
The Lord is my light and hope of salvation.
The Lord is my refuge, whom should I fear? Refrain
Wait on the Lord and hope in his mercy.
Wait on the Lord and live in his love. Refrain
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You Have Called Us
Refrain:
You have called us by our name. We belong to you.
You have called us by our name and we are yours.
You have chosen us to be members of your family.
In your love you have created us to live in unity. Refrain
You will lead us to your light, walk before us through the night.
You will guide us on our journey. You will keep our vision bright. Refrain
You will hold us when we fall, give new strength to hear your call.
You will never be beyond us, for your love is all and all. Refrain
You will nourish, you will lead, giving every gift we need,
For your reign will be established from the smallest of all seeds. Refrain
Through our sharing here today may our faith and life convey,
Christ our light and Christ our vision, Christ our purpose, Christ our way. Refrain
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Early Life of Hedwidge Buisson
Hedwidge Buisson was the youngest of the first three aspirants, having just celebrated her 16thbirthday four days before entering the congregation. She was born on September 4, 1837 in Trois Rivieres, Quebec. She was the fourth child of Antoine and Emilie Buison who went on to have 6 more children. Her family moved to St. Gregoire and settled on a farm containing 60 acres of land. It was located very near to the church.
Hedwidge received a splendid family formation as her parents were both educated persons and were models of Christian and social life. Her childhood years were spent in a comfortable home filled with love. As a child, she loved to spend her time in a secluded corner of the house, building small altars which she would adorn with holy pictures and greens and flowers from nature. Hedwidge loved religious feast days, especially the hymns and music.
She began her schooling at a young age and likely made her First Communion at the age of 12 in her parish church at St. Gregoire. By that age, she was already inwardly drawn to spiritual things. She wrote: “At twelve, I was convinced that God wanted me all for Himself. Where? When? How? I did not know. I did ask the good Master to show me the way I should follow, but left all concerns as to my future up to him, trying my best to fulfill my daily tasks.”
In1852, at the age of 15, she had shown such progress in her studies that she was able to pass an examination leading to a teaching certificate. Although only 15, she was hired by the School Commission to teach in the Ecole St. Henri, replacing Julie Heon, who did not have sufficient qualifications for teaching.
From the start, she was an excellent teacher, much loved by her students. Though pleased with her position, she yearned for more and visited various congregations at Trois-Rivieres and Montreal, but did not feel that she was called to any of them. She eventually spoke with Father Marquis about her inclination towards religious life. He told her that he & Father Harper wanted to found a new community and that Hedwidge could be among the first ones to enter.
In the spring of 1853, she told her parents of her plant to join the newly formed community. At the young age of 16, the future foundress left home to begin her new life as a Sister of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
Her early formation with her family and schooling prepared her well this new step that she was taking. She was a young woman gifted with a s sensitive and well-balanced temperament. It is with these & many other gifts that she joined the three other foundresses.
Next month, Elaine will continue Hedwidge’s story as Mere St. Joseph, Mother of the Congregation.
Seed Falling on Good Soil (reflection)
In Luke’s gospel, we heard, “but the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
When I read about Hedwidge’s life, I felt that this gospel passage applied to her for she certainly was good soil. From a very young age, she had listened to God’s Word with an open heart & was open to wherever God wanted her to be. She believed in the Charism of Divine Providence before it was even a charism.
Hedwidge’s soil had been well-nurtured and well-nourished during her early years. Her parents were models of true Christianity, living faith-filled lives and instilling in their large family their faith and love of God. It is no wonder that she ended up being one of the Foundresses. For her heart was open and ready for the tasks that lay ahead.
As the great Sower, God throws seed all over, even in areas where little or no growth is expected. The seed in reality is his Word & He hopes that his Word will be heard everywhere. If we are fortunate enough to hear God’s Word, we must not be stingy or conservative with it, God’s Word must be shared everywhere and in all situations.
Besides sharing God’s Word, we must emulate Jesus in the ways & manners that He sowed God’s Word. We need to be generous when sharing God’s Word, for we cannot know where the good soil it. We must trust that God’s Word will bear fruit wherever it is spread.
We are all made of good and bad soil, depending on where we are on our life’s journey. Some days, when going through a difficult time, we may not be receptive to hearing the Word. Our soil may be rocky and choked with thorns and unable to absorb and nourish the Word. The seed will fall away unheard. Yet at other times, when our hearts are joyous and not burdened, the Word will fall on our good soil and will be fruitful.
From reading about Hedwidge’s life, it seems to me that she was 95% good soil. By her words and actions, she brought God’s Word to many. She was instrumental in the growth of the congregation during its early years. The Holy Spirit certainly worked will through and in her.
We here in this room all have good soil. We have all been blessed with a deep-rooted faith that we know that we must nurture so that it continues to grow and deepen. Yes, we have all had our crosses to bear, but because of our faith, we still stand strong and tall.
What do we need to keep out soil good and nourishing? By setting our minds & hearts on things of the Spirit. We must live each day in our faith, listening to God’s Word through scripture, prayer and conversation with others. This parable is not only about God as a sower, it is also about each one of us a sower.
Each day, let us remember who prepared our hearts, how we tend them in faith and how we share God’s Word of grace, forgiveness and love with others by our words and actions.
As an added note of how the Spirit works, I have a page-a-day calendar called Gratefulness Practice. On Wednesday, this was the quote by Taisen Deshinar:
“Keep your hands open, and all the sands of the desert can pass through them. Close them, and all you can feel it a bit of grit.”
Another of God’s winks that I was open and able to see.
January11, 2020
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Welcome: Anne
Theme: Later life of Julie Heon/Sharing on Wisdom Circles
Opening Prayer: We pray to you this day, Lord, to be our light as we gaze upon the horizon. Help us to recognize your presence as we fix our gaze on you. Help us to be people of hope as we seek your light and people of compassion who share your light with others. Creator God we turn to you and ask you to be our guide through the grace of your Holy Spirit and filled with the love of your son Jesus. Amen
Opening song: Earthen Vessels by John Foley, SJ
Scripture: Luke 13: 18-21
Then he said, "What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and 'the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches."' Again he said, "To what shall i compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened."
Reflection: Julie Heon/Wisdom Circle recap/sharing with Sr Muriel
I would just like to say that I found Diane's sharing last month on Julie Heon to be very inspiring. She described the early years of Julie's life and her family background which made life difficult for Julie. Julie was not able to get to school until she was 13 as it was too far, so her schooling was limited. She was not as learned or talented as the other 3 foundresses and Jean Harper did not allow her to teach school as a sister which was a hardship for her. Her family's eccentricities were an ongoing embarrassment to her and she was aware that they were mocked and ridiculed by people for the way they dressed and behaved. But she continued to follow her call to which she was awakened while teaching in the village boarding school from age 18 to 20 and she remained faithful to her desire to serve God as a sister despite the hardship of being assigned a more lowly position in the order, She was almost 22 when she joined the order in March of 1854 and was described as a pious, hard-working young girl who was simple, strong-willed and of average intelligence. She sometimes lacked balanced judgements could make decisions too quickly and adamantly. t'Her manners were rather plain, neither outstanding nor vulgar".
Julie would overcome these natural disadvantages through her good will, her desire for perfection and the practice of virtue. She never held a position of authority but was a valuable asset to her Congregation by taking over the humble duties in the service of her sisters and students. Sr Ste
Elizabeth wrote of her "blessed with good health, and physically fit, she was given the supervision of the kitchen and rendered invaluable services, always ready to help one and all at all times. From Father Harper, the pastor, she had this saying which became a familiar one for her: 'it is better to be ready fifteen minutes before than five minutes after". Sr St Michel-Archange depicts her as a "singular person with a rather quaint character but a truly devoted and prayerful sister."
Julie had a deep devotion to the Sacred Passion of Christ and would make the way of the Cross very prayerfully kneeling on the benches as she would lift the long skirt of her habit to kneel on the bench and could be heard moving between the stations as her tong skirt would drag in the aisle. She loved to teach religion and her catechism classes with the little ones preparing for first communion were admirable. She was a seamstress and sewed little dresses for natives in West Canada. She was also very devoted to praying for the Sisters in the United States which she did frequently. A brief description of Julie stated that her missions included religion and home economics teacher, and her qualities included punctuality, fidelity to regulations, tenacious worker, apostolic piety and very strong sensitivity. Some of her favorite prayers: "My little sisters — pray, pray well for the Sisters in the States" and "l have all eternity to rest"
Julie was a dedicated, prayerful sister and a humble servant of the Lord. And as Diane stated she was clothed in Christ. She lived the charisms of revealing the Father's love through all that she did and of relying on Divine Providence by giving her all to the community through her humble service. I must say that I take comfort in Julie's example of simple humble service as that is how I tend to experience God working in my life when I look back and see how He has been with me during the day. There was an image in a prayer reflection I recently saw giving a different take on Epiphany with the image showing what would have been the wives of the Magi with the Christ child and the caption "The Queens Came Late'. imagine that women would bring a warm blanket, some fresh bread and maybe a vessel of homemade soup. They would snuggle the child and spend some time chatting. I think this is how I mostly experience God in my life.. in the conversations with friends and family over the phone, in texts, emails or in person..in how I show care in what I say or don't say. Or in making a homemade dish which requires extra effort..orjust a simple dish that i provide when I am weary. I see God's presence when I am present to whoever is with me and try to really listen with my heart and to see beyond the words. I hope to grow in this capacity and to be more aware if and when this happens.
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When the Lord's face shines upon us, the divine light does not simply flood the room. -It focuses in,on each( one of us like a laser, with all the luminous intensity offa lover's gaze. God's face is radiant. God's smile is bright. God's eyes shimmer. 'Ihere is nothing dark in God's expression—no shady looks, no dim view of the human race.
Mary was the first to gaze into the eyes of Jesus with love. When the shepherds arrive at the manger, they also see the Christ child. I have to imagine that the Christ child sees the shepherds too. I have to believe that the face of God incarnate shines on them, transforming their vision. shepherds leave glorifying and praising God. They now see by a different light. That is how the glance of God works. We see because we are seen. We love because we are loved. The countenance of Christ clears our eyes and welcomes us into the light.
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Edward P. Hahnenberg
Edward P. Hahnenberg, PhD, is the author ofTheology for Ministry: An Introduction for Lay Ministers and other titles. He teaches at John Carroll University.
Quiet time: 10 minutes
Questions:
What speaks to me about the call to be, as Julie Heon was, a humble servant?
What does it mean for me to be yeast in my life?
Sharing
Closing Prayer: (paraphrased from Foundress prayers) Loving God, be with us to show us where you would have us go. Help us to throw ourselves into the hands of Divine Providence, to do everything in our power to accomplish the will of God with a spirit of generosity and we shall experience the gentle peace of the Lord.
Closing Song: Servant Song by Donna Marie McGargiII