Coffee and companionship

Interacting with the men and women in the coffee shop provides a sense of being more closely connected to their lives and interests

By Sr. Noreen Kearns, O.L.M.
May/June 2013

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Transition is a word commonly heard these days as we are all forced to adjust to such things as climate change, economic uncertainties, and even shifting attitudes toward democracy in our own country. We Sisters have had to face transitions in our community, especially with the closing of our overseas missions, and in our own personal lives as well.

Volunteers Sister Noreen Kearns with her friend Eliza Landry work in the coffee and gift shop of a neighbourhood seniors residence. Noreen also does pastoral visiting in the long-term nursing unit. Volunteers Sister Noreen Kearns with her friend Eliza Landry work in the coffee and gift shop of a neighbourhood seniors residence. Noreen also does pastoral visiting in the long-term nursing unit.

I was the Directress of our Maryglen Residence in downtown Toronto when we closed our doors there after 44 years of communal ministry to women. I then took a mini-sabbatical including a few precious months at a spiritual centre run by the Benedictine Sisters on the banks of the Red River outside of Winnipeg. Coming back to Toronto, I moved to our central house on Leander Court and became available to help with the many tasks that life with nine other elderly people entails.

As I had always been interested in some part of ministry outside the community whenever possible, I was delighted to be invited to do pastoral visiting in the long-term nursing unit in one of the seniors residences in our neighbourhood. Not long after, I was asked to help out as a volunteer in their coffee and gift shop. Having enjoyed my past years at Maryglen Residence where I could listen to and chat with the residents, I soon agreed. Interacting with the men and women in the coffee shop has given me a sense of being more closely connected to their lives and interests.

Every Wednesday afternoon I look forward to my volunteer hours. The clientele are mostly between the ages of 80 to 97. They gather together each afternoon for coffee and muffins, but mostly for companionship and to hear the latest news, views, and gossip. Many drop in daily for a hot cup of coffee and to chat as they try to solve the world’s problems about politics, religion, and even the weather.

All the tables are filled and the coffee shop hums with chatter and laughter. It is about more than drinking coffee. It is a warm, friendly haven where people are able to meet together and feel they are accepted for who they are. My “coffee time” gives me the opportunity to share in the lives of the residents who seek only to be acknowledged as friends, not just as aged seniors. And my pastoral visiting continues to give me the privilege of offering a listening heart and consolation to those who can no longer visit the coffee shop.

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