A Celebration of Impact and Hope-Donors and Volunteers Appreciation Brunch 2025

Spring came alive at the FCJ Centre during its Donors and Volunteers Appreciation Brunch on May 10, 2025, where 44 guests gathered to celebrate the contributions that made 2024 a year of growth and transformation. Framed by the theme of “new beginnings” and the Year of Hope, the event was a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the leadership team, staff, the FCJ sisters, and the Board.

The event began with a Land Acknowledgment and Welcome Address by Associate Director Rita Khanchat, followed by an opening prayer and grace before meals led by Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, fcJ. Guests then enjoyed a delicious brunch thoughtfully prepared by our wonderful kitchen team.

Whitney Nagasan, the Executive Director, shared highlights from the past year, the stories of hope, healing, growth, and renewal, and how the support of donors and volunteers continues to shape the Centre’s mission as a Centre of hospitality and hope where God can be experienced in a changing world. She offered reflections from people whose lives were touched by the Centre’s programs and retreats, grounding the event in real impact. She shared testimonials from a private retreatant and a nonprofit organization about their time at the Centre.

Thanks to this steadfast support, the Centre welcomed nearly 13,000 guests in 2024, including close to 9,000 from 168 different groups. Key initiatives, like the Spiritual Direction Training Program (SDTP), proudly graduated eight new spiritual directors, five of whom joined the Centre’s growing team of 20 spiritual directors. Together, they facilitated 650 spiritual direction sessions. Sr. Ger led 241 counselling sessions from January to October, while 71 retreatants deepened their journeys through private retreats.

The impact of our retreat and formation programs is deeply felt in today’s fast-paced and uncertain world. Whether it’s through moments of silence in private retreats, the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, or courageous conversations in our reconciliation work, these programs offer something rare: space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

New offerings for the Year of Hope like Walking in Hope and Growing Through Adversity responded to a yearning for deeper meaning and resilience. Regular programs such as Tuesday Examen, Midweek Reflections, and monthly formation gatherings remained strong foundations. Our Truth and Reconciliation efforts, including the Blanket Exercise and Indigenous-led reflections, expanded understanding and healing. Laudato Si’ initiatives promoted ecological awareness, from energy-efficient upgrades to Earth Day celebrations.

From interfaith gatherings and children’s Easter egg hunts to young adult outreach, Vacation Bible School, and Alpha programs, the Centre continues to serve as a place of welcome, hospitality, healing, and faith formation. Renovations, including 26 new low-flow toilets and updated flooring, were made possible through fundraising efforts like the Annual Spring Tea Party.

As we look ahead to more washroom upgrades this summer and continued outreach, the brunch served as a reminder that our work is only possible through shared generosity.

Board Chair Michael Barbero closed the morning with a heartfelt message of gratitude, thanking the leadership team for their dedication, the FCJ sisters for their ongoing support, and reminding donors and volunteers that their generosity and presence are at the heart of the FCJ Centre’s mission.

In this year of hope, we move forward with Hope in Christ, united in faith, joy, and love, building a community that continues to touch lives in lasting and meaningful ways.#