The General Chapter of 2010 saw the Congregation deepen the Chapter Acts of 2004, by encouraging each Sister to find a new energy in her mission. Since then, two Sisters of the English Province, Sheelah Clarke and Winifred Crowther, have done just that and now have a testimonial to prove it !

 

Exploring a new type of retirement living

 

In 2015, the Methodist Homes Association opened a new type of retirement living in Peterborough, where independence and care are closely aligned. At the same time the English Province began looking to its own future with regard to care for its senior members.

Sr Winifred Crowther pioneered the way by accepting a place at The Maples followed shortly afterwards by Sr Sheelah Clarke. How they live out their mission is seen in this testimony by a fellow resident, Robert Mason, who helped to welcome a group from the Council of the Congregation in October 2018.

 

Living a life style of relationship

 

“Prior to coming to The Maples I had experienced almost no contact with Catholic Sisters and was somewhat unsure about how relationships with them would be. It was good to see that they did not wear a habit and that both ladies dress in a manner that they and fellow residents are comfortable with.

Getting to know them as neighbours has been a pleasure. While sharing a similar background the ladies are very much their own people. They are quietly spoken and are genuinely interested in the lives of fellow residents – without being nosey !

The Sisters do not always sit together, e.g. at lunch, and go out of their way to give companionship to the full range of residents. They have a lovely, gentle sense of humour which is enjoyed by all. It is obvious they have a wide variety of experiences and that these have helped make them the caring and concerned people they are.

Getting to know them as neighbours has been a pleasure. While sharing a similar background the ladies are very much their own people. They are quietly spoken and are genuinely interested in the lives of fellow residents – without being nosey !

The Sisters do not always sit together, e.g. at lunch, and go out of their way to give companionship to the full range of residents. They have a lovely, gentle sense of humour which is enjoyed by all. It is obvious they have a wide variety of experiences and that these have helped make them the caring and concerned people they are.

It is very interesting hearing about their families and the experiences they have had during their lives. They never force these, or their views, on others but quietly impress people by the way they live their lives and demonstrate their faith in their day to day lives.

Sister Winifred is a valuable member of our Residents’ Committee and provides many residents with a « listening ear ». Sister Sheelah also provides a listening ear and regularly visits the local hospital and hospice to support patients and their families.

It is a privilege to know these two unassuming, kindly ladies. The residents of The Maples are extremely lucky to be able to benefit from what these two special ladies bring to their lives”.

 

The Chapter Acts in action

 

Nine years on from the General Chapter of 2010, Sisters Winifred and Sheelah continue to dare to encounter others :

 

“an encounter which leads beyond appearances,

assumptions and frailty,

permitting the best of oneself and others

to emerge in simplicity.”

The Chapter Acts 2010

 

Srs Winifred Crowther and Sheelah Clarke dj