After 24 years of teaching in the schools in the region (Québec, Canada), Sister Angèle Lépine opted for catechesis. After 15 years of dedication in St. Mathew, she is now volunteering in pastoral work at St-Gérard-des-Laurentides.

Sister Angèle is loved by children because she is a happy, active, and methodical person and a real pedagogue. To keep the children from grades 1 to 6 more interested for the last 23 years she has offered a supplementary activity: a children’s choir. Her program offers songs at their level for a Christmas concert or for the year’s end, and some religious songs for two or three celebrations that are of more interest to them: Christmas, first Communion, etc.

Having a choir allows her to know the children better and opens the door to catechesis without obliging the parents to adhere to the latter. The refusal of parents is rare because the children are open to hearing about Jesus and the sacraments. The whole group comes together for the choir practices, but is divided in small groups according to age for the catechesis. In order to do this several persons are needed. These catechists receive a formation and are supervised by Sister Angèle.

Those who were able to listen to the program “Builders of light” (Les bâtisseurs de lumière) (program of February 25th 2015) were captured by the spiritual freshness that she transmitted. The Centre for Volunteer Action of the Shawinigan region honoured her as the 2014 Volunteer for her remarkable commitment to the Pastoral Ministry of St-Gérard-des-Laurentides. Exerpt from the 29th Gala acknowledging volunteers.

She now shares a few thoughts about her lived experience on the occasion of this recognition: “I wish to thank all the people who have contributed to this wonderful celebration in recognition of the services rendered. After 23 years of volunteering, it warms my heart to be acknowledged in this way: “thank you! My biggest surprise was to hear the lived experience of so many volunteers. Truly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is very much alive! I am ever so grateful to you.” Angèle Lépine d.j.

Sr Lucie Larouche, d.j.