Teaching and Supporting Second Language Learning

As we examine the history of our Congregation we realize that the vision of our foundress, Mother Emilie Gamelin, was deeply rooted in MISSION, both in her native Montreal and throughout the world. This continues today, as our sisters minister to those most in need.

The Spirit guided me to the new-comers to Quebec. I have been working at PROMIS (Promotion-Integration-New Society), an organization in Montreal, which serves people who are learning to be integrated into French Quebec. I work with a program called Friendship -Twinning., with volunteers, and train them in intercultural issues. Then I introduce them to a newly arrived person or family, to start their integration process. I accompany them through follow-up by phone calls, visits and meetings.
S. Noëlla Bélanger, SP
I minister to immigrants and refugees who have come to the US, by teaching them English as a Second Language. For 11 years I have taught in Mt. Vernon, Washington, an area in the state that has many immigrants. Most of the students are native Spanish speakers, but there are a few from the Ukraine, with ages ranging from 18-71. The students found out the date of my birthday and celebrated with me, with red roses, a cake, and foods from Russia, the Ukraine and Mexico.. These people work hard during the day and are dedicated to learning English in the evenings!
S. Charlene Hudon, SP
In Great Falls, Montana, I give second language support by editing materials for persons who are writing, not in their native language, but in English: I edit journal articles for a Korean biology professor; I have a long-distance relationship with a former student, who lives and operates an English school in Tokyo; I assist a local linguistics student who works with an India-born person to speak English more clearly.
S. Mary Ann Benoit, SP
During the last 3 years I have had the joy of assisting two young women in English as a second language, one from Seoul, South Korea, and one from Nagano, Japan. I taught them the sounds, words and how to form sentences, and developed conversation and writing skills. It was a pleasure to work with both of them.
S. Julian Moran, SP
During 1999-2000 I was a volunteer teacher in an ESL program sponsored by a local church in Spokane. I tutored Anna, a 68 year old woman with a son and daughter in Spokane, who came to the US a few years ago. She was born in Poland and moved to Sweden at age 48. Thus English is her third language! It is a privilege and joy it to meet and be with people from all over the world.
S. Liz Cole, SP
Since I began teaching English as a Second Language in Seattle, Washington, I have met people from almost every country in the world! On average a class represents 18 countries. The ESL classroom presents many challenges to the immigrants and refugees, the most basic of which is to coexist with students from around the world - who often come from countries that have been at war with one another - and from countries for which they may not feel a warm affection. I teach basic English skills so they can do the ordinary tasks of life, and give the students opportunities to share their cultures with their classmates and me. I really feel that God directed me to this ministry and I try to look at life through the eyes of my students. I know what it is like to be overwhelmed by a new language and culture. I teach them to have skills that will enable them to live a happier, more peaceful and more prosperous life.
S. Paula Cosko, SP
The Yakima Valley in the state of Washington has a large population of Hispanic people, 98% from Mexico. Therefore, helping people learn English is a great need so they can gain skills and be more independent in their new environment. The students attend evening classes after a full day's work, tired but eager to learn. I teach "survival English," and a lot of camaraderie develops among the students. They are most eager to help each other learn. Pauline Lemaire, SP

Ministry with Chinese Youth in Calgary

Sr. Magdalena Chan, SP, who moved to Alberta in 1988, began working with the youth in the Chinese parish in Calgary, in 1993. Although this is not her full-time ministry currently, she still volunteers as Youth Minister for the parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There are three different sections of youth, from the student group at a university, a secondary level group and a junior group. Magdalena is involved in faith sharing, organizing retreat experiences, discussions, social and recreational activities, work with parents, etc. "I really thank God who directs me to and in this ministry, to use me as an instrument to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God."
         

Ministry with Chinese People in Edmonton
Sr. Gertrude Kwan, a native of Hong Kong, has been ministering to Chinese people in Canada since the mid 1960's, first in Montreal, then in Edmonton - visiting the sick in their homes and in hospitals, preparing adults and children for the reception of the sacraments, helping with the many needs of new immigrants to Canada - providing translation - accompanying people to government offices - to the courts - to the schools, and helping children learn and maintain their cultural heritage. This latter need developed into a Saturday school for Canadian-born Chinese children. Today the community has their own church and Chinese pastor, at the Chinese Catholic Parish of Mary Help of Christians.

 

 

 

 

 

Since 1998. Sr. Gertrude has retired from formal ministry, but continues to visit those in need and in hospital, takes Communion to senior citizens, instructs the dying, and prepares individuals who want to become Catholic. She has confided everything to divine Providence, saying "With God's grace and the help of Our Mother of Sorrows, I have lived with trust and confidence."

 
 
 
     

 

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