A Thanksgiving Blessing, Staff Day 2025

This Thanksgiving we are reminded that our greatest treasure is our staff. Their presence, kindness, and commitment are what make the FCJ Christian Life Centre what it is. To celebrate them, we set aside October 8 and 9 as special days of gratitude and renewal. 

On October 8, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch out together, sharing laughter, stories, and good food. We also celebrated an advance 60th birthday for Gladys, our kitchen cook for 28 years, a milestone filled with warmth and joy. A special thank you to the Sisters, FCJ for their support and encouragement, which always uplift us. 

October 9 was our staff day away at Mount St. Francis. We began with input by the new Executive Director, Leah Perrault on hope, a theme that gave us space to pause and think about our lives and the work we share. Some of us journaled, others shared in conversation, each one finding meaning in their own way. 

The afternoon gave us time to simply enjoy being together. We fed the horses, laughed through two hours of fun teambuilding activities led by Pristine, our Retreat and Program coordinator, and wandered the wide-open spaces of the Mount. Some took a walk in the fresh air, while others rested quietly indoors with a short nap. We were treated to a healthy, delicious meal prepared by the Mount’s chef, which added to the sense of being cared for and renewed. A few even capped the day with ice cream from a local shop, simple joys that made the day even sweeter. 

Looking back, it was more than just a day away. It was a time of remembering our blessings, a reminder of the gift of each person on our team, and the hope we carry together into the work we do. Truly, our FCJ Centre staff is our greatest gift.