Sion Charism Stories

Rosaleen's Story

I was asked several times to share with you my ecumenical/interfaith experiences and reminded several more times. 

As the founding Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Ecumenical/Interfaith Office and the Founding Coordinator of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre, I have had an opportunity to coordinate many firsts for the Archdiocese and the City of Edmonton.  I can give you only a glimpse of my ministry in this area.

When I was working in the schools, the Religion Consultant, a priest, happened to drop into my office.  During our conversation, I mentioned that I was planning a year in Israel and his response was, “It will change you.”

And it was one of the defining moments in my life.

The past thirty plus years, and part of that time I was still working in the schools, I have had the privilege of being called to build relationships with the Interchurch and Interfaith Communities.

Over the years, I coordinated many, many interchurch and interfaith dialogues and prayer services from 1)  the first ecumenical prayer service at the request of CBC and the first to be  broadcast on T.V. 2) to making history in  Edmonton with the first Jewish/ Roman Catholic Prayer and Dialogue at the Synagogue with the Rabbi and the Archbishop officiating 3) to organizing a major celebration, the only religious service held, for Edmonton’s Centennial that brought together Faith Leaders from 13 faiths and over 500 from the multifaith communities who filled our beautiful City Hall  4) to the first Jewish/Christian/Muslim dialogue that drew about 300 participants 5) to being a consultant to hospital Chaplains setting up multifaith chapels 6) to the first and many interfaith prayer services for elimination of racial discrimination remembered on March 21.

I have spoken to many different and varied interchurch and interfaith groups and events locally and as far away as Cape Town, South Africa and Barcelona, Spain at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. 

Frequently, I have been called upon by the Provincial Government, City Council, the Archdiocese and many organizations for correct protocol with the multifaith community.

At a big gala, the City of Edmonton recognized my work with a plaque presented by the Mayor.  It still amazes me that my religious work was recognized by the city.

This is but a glimpse of my journey and each day I realize all is privilege and gift.