New role for vibrant religious

Catholic New Times, May 18, 2003 by Dolores Campbell

Sr. Dora Bourgeois, FDJ (Filles de Jesus), doesn't mind telling you she's 70 and has been a religious for 50 years. Born in Cheticamp, Sr. Dora entered the Order, whose Motherhouse is in France, at 22, travelling to Trois Rivieres, Que. to begin her novitiate. Fluently bilingual, she has served in many areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, studied theology in Rome for three years, served two terms as Provincial of her Order, was Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Antigonish, and the list goes on.

Presently, Sr. Dora is the animatrice de paroisse or parish associate for two parishes on New Brunswick's north shore, in the diocese of Bathurst, and judging by her enthusiasm and energy, she is definitely enjoying this ministry role. The parishes, St. John the Evangelist in Belledune and St. Gabriel in nearby Jacquet River, had lost the services of their priest, who had decided to take a sabbatical. Unable to find a full-time replacement, Bishop Andre Richard appointed Sr. Bourgeois, a member of the Filles de Jesus community in Charlo, N.B., to administer both parishes, and four years later, Sister is thriving and so are the parishes.

St. John the Evangelist is the older of the two communities, while St. Gabriel has a younger population and, as Sr. Dora says, "different needs." One of the needs was a new church, built two years ago at a cost of $600,000, of which they owe only $9,000. A borrowing limit of $125,000 was set by the diocese, but in fact, the parish borrowed only $70,000 and raised the rest by way of suppers, village breakfasts, whatever it took. The church seats about 350, as does St. John the Evangelist, and Sr. Dora says that a great deal of planning went into the design and layout of the building, with plenty of cooperation and involvement from the parishioners. It boasts a large sanctuary and was built without pillars, making the altar visible from all parts of the building. Furnishings from the old church were recycled wherever possible.

Eighty years old and retired, Rev. Wilfred Benoit celebrates weekend liturgies at both parishes, while Sr. Dora looks after all other parish concerns. She has a license permitting her to perform marriages and has so far, presided at two. She has been given authority by the bishop to baptize and, at this point, has baptized 10. Of course, the people have the final word as to whether they want Sr. Dora to administer the sacraments or wait until a priest is available to do so. She has encountered only acceptance and good will among her parishioners, and particularly enjoys the notion of moving quickly when decisions must be made, a trait she feels is definitely due to the fact that she is a woman in this animating role. She is fortunate to have the services of an excellent secretary, Shelley Fournier, who assists her in her day-to-day responsibilities.

Joint parish councils meet in the fall and spring, while each parish has its own financial committee that deals with the specific needs of each parish. Liturgies are not duplicated. Ash Wednesday services are held each year as are penitential services. The Easter Vigil is celebrated in one parish with Easter Mass celebrated on Easter Sunday morning in the other. Sr. Bourgeois is obviously very happy with her ministry and feels it has given her the opportunity to bring her energy and creative skills to bear as she works with parishioners of the two parishes. While she believes she has certainly "opened some doors" she is reluctant to comment on what her role as animatrice de paroisse might lead to in the future. For now, she is content that she is doing God's work in a place where she is accepted and respected.

When I asked her what she wears in the performance of her duties, she was taken by surprise. "What do you think I wear? I wear what I would normally wear," she replied. 'I'm not into any garb if that's what you think."

Dolores Campbell is a writer for the Atlantic Catholic.