Nova Scotia youth rep chosen

SARAH CAVAN was elected by Nova Scotia delegates to the Maritimes Regional Assembly to be the provincial youth representative.

Sarah is a fourth year student at St. Francis Xavier University, majoring in English and minoring in religious studies. She hails from Metcalf, Ontario, and has been part of the Development and Peace Society on campus for the past two years. In 2008-09 the group was chosen the university’s Society of the Year.

Sarah’s activities with Development and Peace group have included organized the Fall Campaign, putting on a fund-raiser coffee house and working on the Song for Africa project which brought in a justice-themed film-maker to speak at StFX. Sarah is looking forward to attend the national youth leaders assembly in September.

Comments from first-time Assembly-goer

Kathy Gillis and Patsy Mooring

I would like to say that my entire experience on the weekend of the Regional Assembly was enlighting and uplifting. meeting others with so much experence and committment was very enpowering.The entire weekend was so well organized,the liturgy was wonderful.Thank you all for making my first Assembly a beauiful experience.
- Patsy Mooring, Diocese of Antigonish

Maritime regional meeting

The Maritime regional meeting delegates gathered at Villa Madonna near the picturesque Kennebecais River for our annual Regional Assembly. This was the first regional meeting for some members others were long time veterans.
On Friday evening we embarked on the first steps of our study of the issues that would provide our input to the 2011-2016 strategic plan.
On Saturday there was animated discussion on what it means to be a social justice movement in these times in Canada. While there appears to be many signs for concern we at Development and Peace are a people of hope and a prophetic voice.
There was general agreement that environmental issues form the basis of the new strategic plan. It was viewed as imperative that we focus on the social implications and continue to consult our partners for direction.
We enjoyed the presence of Gilio Brunelli, the director of International Programs at our meeting. His wisdom, experience and wit were valued. We tapped into his vast knowledge of Brazil for our upcoming exposure tour.
We are eager to hear the results of other Regional meetings and await the next steps in this innovative format for the OA .
We wish the regional meetings yet to occur Godspeed

Maritimes delegate to the AOA is chosen

Sharon Beals has been selected to attend the AOA as delegate for the Maritimes region. Sharon is the treasurer of the Halifax Diocesan Council.

Sharon writes:

I have been involved with Development and Peace for 30 some years in 2 parishes and at the Diocesan level. Any time spent with D & P is time well spent. I was very pleased to attend the Regional Assembly which was so well hosted by the Saint John Diocese. The prayers and Liturgy were thoughtful and beautifully presented. The Strategic Plan was sent out in time to be reviewed individually as well as at the Regional Assembly. We all appreciated Gillio Brunelli's presentation and company as well as Cathy Holtmann's study "Social Action as a Factor in Women's Religiosity" As usual at D & P meetings we enjoyed being together.I look forward to attending the Alternative Orientation Assembly in June.

Images from the Maritimes Regional Assembly

Gail McKibbon reporting to the plenary

Cathy Holtmann, Anne Marie Ryan and Kerri-Anne Ryan took part in the wine tasting session that was part of the Saturday night social.

Fr. Don Savoie, Gilio Brunelli and Joe Rodgers discuss issues

Ron Dow, Sharon Beals, Janet Shortt and Josie England

participate in buzzgroup discussions Saturday morning.

Maritime Regional Assembly

The Maritime Regional Assembly began this evening. Twenty-seven D&Pers have made the trip to Saint John, New Brunswick to reflect on the organization and its work. We look forward to fruitful discussions around our meeting tables and camaraderie late into the night with libations, hockey on tv and solidarity with our fellow members across the country. (Photo: Cathy Holtmann speaks to Ron Dow at Maritime Regional Assembly)