MEET AN ASSOCIATE

Meet Beth McKinlay, Peterborough Associate

I was introduced to the Associates four years ago when I was a newcomer to Peterborough and looking for a spiritual community, over lunch with Sister Jean Smith while attending a weekend retreat at the Mount in Peterborough. Through her mentoring, Sister Jean introduced me to the beautiful spirituality that is at the heart of the Associates.

I was immediately attracted by the idea of meeting regularly with others who were committed to living the charism of Unity and Reconciliation through Active and Inclusive Love. The Philosophy statement struck a chord deep within me with its optimistic affirmation that “Love is,” its emphasis on “prayerful reflection and contemplative action,” and its reminder to always move “toward the MORE – in gentleness, peace and joy.” I was inspired by the emphasis on social justice, including care for the earth. This was particularly important to me as some of my most powerful and healing experiences of the divine have taken place in nature.

I live outside Peterborough with my wonderful husband of nineteen years, and our two teenage girls. We live beside a forest where I often walk, or sit in stillness. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, cycling and Sacred Circle Dancing. My desire for a deeper understanding of spirituality led me to begin studying part time for a Master’s Degree in Ministry and Spirituality at Regis College, University of Toronto. I find this very rewarding on a personal level and in my work as a high school religion and science teacher. The most important lesson I have learned as a teacher reinforces the message of the charism – love is what matters above all.

The Associates have been a very important source of spiritual nourishment for me. Over the past decade, I have devoted a lot of time to reflecting on the nature of the divine and its place in my life. I have enjoyed many stimulating conversations with other Associates who would also describe themselves as “seekers” on the spiritual path. I have found the charism to be extremely helpful when discerning how to deal with situations or people in my life, and I come away from Associate gatherings energized by the support and inspiration that I receive from this spiritual community.

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