MEET A SISTER

Meet Sister Rosemary Leahy, CSJ Peterborough

Sister Rosemary Leahy

We are women faithful to prayer, living lives based on Scripture and Gospel values, rooted in our CSJ spirituality. Our ministries respond to the poor and most needy, particularly where the need is not already being met.
(Vision Statement of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peterborough)

On August 15, 1946, ten little children were gathered celebrating the 7th birthday of Harold Leahy, when suddenly his Mother and Father rushed away leaving his Grama in charge. Their destination was St. Josephs Hospital - 1 1/2 blocks away. Before the day was over, James and Clara had a baby girl, Rosemary. I am the youngest child of the Leahy Family with three older brothers, Gerald, Harold and Clair. I attended Immaculate Conception School and St. Peter's High School. Before entering, I lived all my life in East City Canada. That is the area east of the Otonabee River in Peterborough, where a closely knit community still exists.

I worked for a year at Victoria and Grey Trust before going to Teachers' College. My dream was fulfilled when I was hired by the Peterborough Board and taught grade two at Sacred Heart School for four years. At this time Sister Cecilia, my Principal, was to become my mentor. She was constant in her prayerful encouragement and guidance, in those early years. I knew that one of these years I would approach the Sisters of St. Joseph to request acceptance into the Community. I had been around Sisters most of my life. The Sisters taught me in school and, my Mother had three cousins who were Sisters, with whom we were in close contact. The most influential push for me was when teaching, I was asked to pilot the new Come To The Father catechism course for grade two. My faith came alive at that time when the Love of the Father expressed in Jesus and the Spirit touched me deeply.

I had many wonderful opportunities to expand this experience, but it was mostly in the classroom in the passing on of this miracle that I felt this overwhelming love of the Father for me. Finally in 1972 I made a move, and was one of the first Sisters to get my novitiate training outside of the Motherhouse. The first year I was in Ottawa teaching at Corpus Christi School, and living with the Sisters at St. Mary's Convent. I followed their lifestyle as much as possible. In September, 1973, while in the Novitiate, I took courses at St. Paul's University for one year. I then moved to the Villa in Cobourg for my canonical year, and began teaching at St. Michael's School. The program at the Villa was an inter-community novitiate experience. In July of 1975, I made my First Commitment. The following September I continued teaching at St. Michael's.

In September, 1976, I had to leave the classroom due to illness. From November of that year until the following September, I lived and worked at our Marycrest Home for the Aged. This was followed by three years of Catechetical teaching for the parishes in the Northern Deanery of the Peterborough Diocese. As a part of a team, I lived in Bracebridge. It was my responsibility to train catechists, visit parishes, run parent/teacher meetings and at times, teach lessons in the parishes. While in Bracebridge, I served as Spiritual Advisor to the various CWL Councils, attended CWL workshops and conventions. I was also privileged to work on the Ministries Program.

It was during my time in Bracebridge that I made my Final Profession of Vows August 15, 1979, on my birthday....a day to remember.

Part of my ongoing education involved two years of Spanish at Trent University, Sacraments and Christian Education from the University of St. Michael's College, as well as instructor and participant in the Ministry of Prayer, Eucharist and Readers Programs.

In 1980 - 1981, I again fell ill and at this time, a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus was made definite. I would need much recuperation. My lifestyle was to take a drastic change after this. I had many serious flare-ups of Lupus, resulting in prolonged hospitalizations. My family and community were most encouraging and supportive through these times with their continued prayers. I was also blessed with many skilled doctors and finally managed to get some normality back to my life.

At the end of 1981, I was sufficiently well enough, and began working with the Diocesan Catechetical Centre here in Peterborough. I continued this work as well as worked in Christian Family Ministries. In 1991, I was appointed Assistant Coordinator of the Motherhouse. I continued my work in the Diocesan Office as well, until 1996. It was in my time at the Diocesan Office that I was privileged to work with Sister Dolores and Sister Bogdana, Sisters of the Passion. My relationship with these two deeply spiritual women is a gift I will always treasure. I also left this Office with many fond memories of the families and staff that I had worked with.

These days I continue as Assistant Coordinator of Mount St. Joseph. My work is varied and quite interesting. This ministry of hospitality allows me to work within my health limitations and at the same time is a rewarding experience and opportunity to serve. It is truly a joy and privilege for me. My daily contacts with our staff has afforded me many occasions to live our charism.

I have truly been blessed in so many ways. Deo gratias!!

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