In the weeks leading to Christmas, the daily Mass readings remind us of Our Blessed Mother’s total trust in God, Who is all-powerful, full of mercy and love. Developing an organization such as NACN-Canada is a challenge in the early years; at times, it is overwhelming. We are so inadequate to the task without God’s grace. He has given us Mary as our model of perfect, humble discipleship. This year, I ask for you to demonstrate mercy and love for the small group of nurses who have sustained this organization over its first four and a half years.
You may have ideas of what NACN-Canada could and should be doing. If so, I ask you to join NACN-C as a paid member and volunteer to implement your ideas. Membership fees make it possible for us to maintain and update our website, subscribe to a virtual meeting platform, and participate in CICIAMS, the international body of Catholic nurses. Your membership enables you to support Catholic nurses and to advocate for the true good of our patients. Our plans for 2023 include virtual and in-person meetings for Catholic nurses. Please join us virtually or in person on April 27, 2023 from 7-9 pm when Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska’s biographer, Dr. Gosia Brykczynska, will speak about her at the Newman Centre, 89 St. George St. in Toronto.
Catholic nurses in Canada face significant challenges. In these, the Holy Spirit is on our side. He led us to ask for prayers from our CICIAMS colleagues across the world as we engaged with politicians to limit the expansion of euthanasia. He has given us a new chaplain, Fr. Anish K. Antony, CFIC, who accepted our invitation immediately. He led us to Fr. Tom Lynch of Priests for Life Canada and Matt Marquardt of the St. Monica Institute as we expand our membership, plan events for students, and seek charitable status. He has also invited us to volunteer opportunities with Horizons of Hope, Compassionate Community Care and the nurse mentorship program at Canadian Physicians for Life.
It is always a challenge to find the perfect time for nurses to meet, given the demands of shiftwork, short-staffing, the increased acuity and numbers of patients, and nurses’ responsibilities at home. We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the vocation of nursing. Like many of you, NACN-C’s board members have faced significant challenges this year. If you have a good idea and are willing to help develop it, we would love to hear from you.
God Bless you and your family this Christmas and in the New Year.
Helen McGee,
RN MN CPMHNC President,
National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada