Presenting my ministry at Providence Saint-Joseph CHSLD.

I have been living here at Providence Saint-Joseph CHSLD (a long-term care facility in Montreal) for more than 10 years. My role, as a Sister of Providence, is to coordinate the spiritual services for our 143 residents who are vulnerable elderly persons in their loss of autonomy. We are one of the few CHSLDs in Quebec that offers daily Eucharist to their residents, and here I have the privilege to do so on a daily basis. Accompanying those at the sunset of their earthly lives is another spiritual service provided at Providence Saint-Joseph. The sacrament of forgiveness and the sacrament of the sick are available for those residents who express a desire to receive them.

We also provide compassionate presence to the residents through visits with them, and with their families and caregivers who also need spiritual support. This allows me to live moments when I can experience the presence of God’s grace and feel closer to the suffering Christ. These intense minutes touch my heart deeply

I am involved in the following two CHSLD committees: the Living Environment Committee and the Users Committee. Through my participation, I become the voice of the voiceless in supporting  the rights of our residents. In summary, this ministry places me at the very heart of our charism and mission as a Sister of Providence. I thank the Divine Providence for walking with me on this journey and for granting me the grace of being a witness to God’s infinite Love.

Sister Danielle Charron, SP