Sion Charism Stories

Barbra's Story

Seven years ago, half way through the school year, I arrived at école bilingue notre-dame de Sion to take over the grade one class. This is how I first met the Sisters of Sion, through one sister, Sister Jackie Chenard. I asked her who the gentleman above the light switches in each classroom was, and if she could tell me a little bit about her order. At first she just looked at me as if she was wondering where to begin. I understand, now, that there are no quick, easy answers to these questions.

I am still at the school today, and so is Sister Jackie. I now teach the two Grade Six English classes, all the morality classes, and am the English librarian for the library. Over the years I have been allowed to learn who the gentlemen above the light switches is, as do all the children who attend our school. His name was Theodore Ratisborne and he is the founder of the Sisters of Sion. He told them to do everything with love, and they do. It has inspired me to try and do this as well in my daily interactions with the children and my personal life.

The school's mission statement which allows for a celebration of diversity is something I feel very strongly about. Over the past few years it has become apparent that we must all work very hard towards this end. In 2004 I traveled to Chicago to attend the Islamic studies days that had been organized by Sister Stephanie and Sister Marie Ellen. It was a wonderful enriching experience that continues to help me work with the diversity within our school and has significantly broadened my understanding of the world.

Two years ago I attended Chapter and felt once again very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful circle. During the week I was there I felt very touched in many ways. The image of Biblical Sarah is one that has stayed with me these past few years. (Isabelle portrayal of God was also a personal highlight.)

At present I am attending the Montreal Sister's discussion group around the Tikun Olam Articles and am a part of the fledgling Membership committee. Both have afforded me the opportunity to learn and reflect.

In January of this year I went to visit our sister school in Kansas City. What an enriching experience! As proud as I have always been of how hard our school works to instill the values of respect and the Spirit of Sion into our students, knowing that there was another school in another country that shared this common thread with us gave me a great deal of hope for our future.

The Sisters constant movement towards reconciliation in the world is a very powerful needed message in today's world. I have become a better person because they have touched me.

École Bilingue Notre Dame de Sion, St. Laurent, Quebec