MEET AN ASSOCIATE

Meet Lou McLeod and Maureen Gallagher, Peterborough Associate Community

Lou McLeod and Maureen Gallagher hail from Parry Sound and are two of the original Associates from the first Peterborough Associate Community. Since 1982, they have worked as a team to bring leadership and wisdom to the Emmanuel Associate community.

Lou has been married to her husband, Vern for 50 years and has 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Lou moved to Parry Sound from Mattawa, Ont. in the early 1940's. Maureen was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada with her husband in 1957. He became a member of the Ontario Provincial Police and they were stationed in North Bay for eight years where their four children were born. A transfer to Kirkland Lake was followed by a move to Parry Sound.

Like many Associates, both Lou and Maureen have said that the Sisters of St. Joseph have been a part of their faith-journeys for many years. Lou met the Sisters initially at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parry Sound where her children were born. As she tells us, "the Sisters were much admired and I was drawn to what I referred to then as "their quiet, gentle, efficiency". "How that description expanded over the years!" Experiencing some difficult times in her personal life, Maureen started searching for a deeper relationship with God and at this time became more involved in the Church and parish activities. Social Justice issues have always challenged her and she is still very much involved with Development & Peace. Lou has worked with the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation) program for over seventeen years.

A Sister of St. Joseph invited both women to attend a prayer group she was forming in the parish and this group continues 29 years later. Another Sister of St. Joseph invited the prayer group to attend a gathering where she and others introduced them to CSJ spirituality and the teachings of Father Medaille. Most of the prayer group agreed to meet with them. On June 11, 1984 the first commitment service was held with six members. Being the first group formed in the Peterborough Diocese, Lou and Maureen have such wonderful memories of the "early" years - especially "our retreats and workshops at The Villa St. Joseph in Cobourg".

Both women feel their journey with the Sisters and Associates has been exciting, challenging and rewarding in so many ways. Maureen says that she was encouraged and challenged in her commitment as an associate with the Sisters of St. Joseph by the caring and loving acceptance of the sisters. "The teachings of its founder, Father Medaille, touched me and made me yearn for a deeper connection not only with God but with those around me." Although Maureen and Lou are the only original members, they feel the women they meet with are very special and each time they gather, the bond deepens.

Reflecting on their lives as Associates, Lou adds: "I think most, if not all of you will agree, when a Sister of St. Joseph's enters your life, you can count on God to work through them. How blessed we are that He does."