Don’t Pull Down the Shades

If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shades.

-Tom Peters

Charitable organizations have received a welcome late Christmas gift, thanks to a recent decision by the Canadian government. Many seniors and others, motivated by goodwill, traditionally make contributions to their favorite charities before the end of December. However, this year, the mail strike severely hindered their ability to respond to year-end donation appeals. In an unexpected move, the federal government, perhaps heeding the warnings of the ‘Ghost of Yet to Come,’ has granted a timely extension to help offset the disruption caused by the postal delays. After requests from premiers, the government agreed to amend the Income Tax Act, allowing Canadians to claim charitable donation deductions on their tax returns through the end of February.

Image: Michelle Spollen/Unsplash

This extension gives taxpayers more time to support the local nonprofits that rely heavily on community contributions to fund vital social services. It's a reminder that the window of opportunity is still open to contribute and make a meaningful difference. Local organizations that support vulnerable populations are counting on continued generosity to meet their operational costs in 2025. So, in the spirit of the season, consider extending that goodwill beyond the holiday season—help your neighbors, keep the lights on for vital services, and ensure that your tax benefits work in your favor.

Let’s not let this chance slip away—the "Ghost of Yet to Come" may just be nudging you to act while this window of opportunity is still open.

Please note: In spite of parliament being prorogue the CRA will honour the draft legislation extending the deadline for making donations that are eligible for tax relief in the 2024 tax year for donations made before February 28, 2025.

“To help provide certainty as we head into tax season, the CRA is confirming that it will proceed with administering the 2024 deadline extension for charitable donations.”

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Image: Steve Johnson @steve_j / Unsplash

Reaching for Hope

A reluctant Facebook user, I received an email from a friend prompting me to view a new group of photos she had posted on Facebook. Below was one of them, an image taken of street art.

My experience viewing it can best be described by the timeless maxim, "A picture is worth a thousand words." In researching this adage, I found that it is frequently attributed to Fred R. Barnard, an advertising expert who first coined it in a 1921 article in the trade magazine, Printer’s Ink. Barnard’s insight suggests that a single image can convey more information than a lengthy description ever could, a point that has only gained relevance over time.

The piece of street art I encountered on my friend’s Facebook is a creation by a mysterious figure, known by the pseudonym Banksy. This English-based street artist and political activist has managed to keep his identity a mystery. His works often demand that the viewer take time to pause, think, and interpret.

The photo above links well with a fellow street artist, Shepard Fairey’s assertion, “Art is an important form of communication.”

Banksy’s work epitomizes this concept, by using visual language to deliver a compelling message. For me his imagery on the wall conveys themes of focus, perseverance, and gradual progress, an invitation for viewers to reflect on hope’s journey of striving and achieving new vistas step by step.

Why Banksy’s graffiti, caught my eye and engaged my reflection, was stimulated, perhaps in part, by “Pope Francis’ designation of the 2025 Holy Year of Jubilee as a time for renewal as "Pilgrims of Hope." which has been on my mind in recent reflections.

I invite you to allow Banksy’s art to evoke in you, your own words and thoughts on hope, proof that, indeed, a picture often says more than words can convey.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

That was then...This is now.

“That was then.  This is now.”

Six simple words that can inspire us every day. Years ago, I worked for a company called Trusted Transitions, which was devoted to helping seniors move from their houses into apartments or condos, or from an apartment or condo into a retirement residence or long-term care facility. As you have likely experienced yourself, moving forward often involves leaving things behind—things that are cherished, but are no longer necessary for the life you have now.

I remember once helping an older woman who was moving from her house to a retirement residence. She indicated that she wanted to take with her the full Mix Master set that sat on a top shelf in her kitchen cupboard.

Me: "Tell me about this Mix Master."
She: "It was the Mix Master I used to make all my children’s birthday cakes."
Me: "I understand. When was the last time you used it?"
She: "Oh, it has been years."
Me: "Do you plan to make birthday cakes at the retirement residence?"
She: "No, I don’t."
Me: "That Mix Master served you very well in the past. Do you need it now for your future?"
She: "Actually, I don’t. I will not take it with me."

We carry so much with us that was helpful in the past but is not needed now. This includes physical items such as dishes, utensils, clothing, papers, and Mix Masters! But more importantly, it refers to things we hold onto that prevent us from embracing what we need now. What do I need to let go of? Is it expectations of others? Expectations of myself? Is it dreams that no longer have the potential to be fulfilled? And what do I need now? Who do I need in my life? How can I best continue to serve others in spite of any limitations I may have? Who needs me and my prayers in their life?

“That was then. This is now.”

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Image:Muneeb Syed @muneebs/Unsplash

A Book Review

Book:“While I Breathe, I Hope: A Mystagogy of Dying” by Richard R. Gaillardetz

One of the joys I have in my ministry is travelling to other religious communities to facilitate retreats. A special “perk” is that members of the communities with whom I am working will often recommend to me books they have read.

Recently, a group of Sisters suggested I might appreciate a book, (they kindly gave me a copy) entitled, “While I Breathe, I Hope: A Mystagogy of Dying” by Richard Gaillardetz, late Chair of Systematic Theology at Boston College.  From its title I didn’t think it looked too promising. It certainly didn’t sound like a book to invite curling up in a comfy chair to read .. And let’s face it, how many have even heard the word, “mystagogy”? (It means a process to guide people in the mysteries of life in Christ).

I somewhat reluctantly opened the book one evening during the retreat. Contrary to my presuppositions I couldn’t put it down! It is one of the finest and most moving books I have ever read. It is truly a vivid guide in the mysteries of a life lived fully, with all its joys, ups and downs, doubts and faith, despairs and hopes, loves and losses, in Christ Paschal Mystery writ large.

Diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, Richard Gaillardetz, began sharing his experiences in a blog, posted on the support website, “CaringBridge”, from which the chapters of the book are derived. They are written sequentially during the last months of his life. Here, Gaillardetz seeks guidance from his Christian faith for the journey of dying. Each segment of the book ends with the Latin phrase, Dum spiro, spero, “while I breathe, I hope”.  In his personal journey at the end of life he finds challenges and consolation in his faith and he also discovers new meanings in faith practices and in the Church’s liturgical seasons and celebrations.

Image: Sandy Millar @sandym10/Unsplash

Beyond these ponderings, Gaillardetz reflects on his natural human struggles, his fears and doubts, joys and suffering, family relationships, on the nature of love and friendship and on the importance of accompaniment on the journey. He speaks, in most eloquent ways, of the gifts of grace in moments of darkness. At the same time, he interweaves humour, analogies from sports, images from art, inspirations from music and “down to earth” commentary on the radiance and gifts of life’s ordinariness.

This is a read for all and, perhaps, most especially, for those facing imminent death, for carers, family and friends and those grieving. Comfort is in each turn of the page. It is compelling, irresistible, utterly engaging and heart-rending. It is paradoxical in its exploration of both dying and the ultimate sureness that while I breathe, I hope and thereafter. Truly inspirational!

-Sister Mary Rowell, CSJ