Welcome!

Welcome to Around the Well! We are a group of younger religious (55ish and younger), serving the Catholic Church in Canada. Through various activities such as retreats and other in-person/virtual gatherings, we seek to foster a “community of communities” where younger members of religious communities can come together to give witness to a life lived in Christ.

On our blog, you will find reflections on ministry, charism, spirituality, and stories about what it is like to be a younger religious in Canada today. Our aim is that this blog will be a voice of hope not only to our members, but also to anyone who may be discerning a vocation to religious life.

We chose the name Around the Well for this site, because it reminds us of our common thirst for Jesus, and our desire to be present to each other.

Click here to listen to Michelle Garlinski, SJNM and Sarah Rudolph, IBVM discuss Around the Well on the “Holy Names Sisters: Women on a Mission” podcast.

Thanks for visiting: Hope you enjoy your time “Around the Well!”

2024 Around the Well Retreat 

We had a wonderful time at our 2024 Summer Retreat. 13 of us gathered “Around the Well” with our facilitator, Anne Walsh. It was a restful and insightful time for all!

Recent Blog Posts:

  • Walking Humbly Together
    Sr. Violaine Paradis, CND recently attended the Convocation of the National Religious Vocation Conference. Below are her reflections on the experience of Convocation, and the themes that were presented. Sr. Violaine has shared this reflection with Vocations Canada, and was … Continue reading Walking Humbly Together
  • THE DIVINE DANCE
    By Giang Pham, RNDM In the midst of the universe I stand,Embraced by the Holy Mystery’s handThe sun’s embrace, so warm and bright,Bathes the world in golden light.I drink the sun’s life – giving rayAs trees and grasses feel its … Continue reading THE DIVINE DANCE
  • THE MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION
    The following was created by Sr. Giang Pham, RNDM, during the retreat in Edmonton. In the moment of transformation,We glimpse the world anew –The trees are not always green,But hues in varied view.They shimmer in blues and purples,As if the … Continue reading THE MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION
  • Walking with Living Feet
    This Vocation Reflection was written by Sr. Ita Connery, FcJ, a member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, who is currently living in Calgary, AB, and ministering at the FCJ Christian Life Centre. One of the most common things in … Continue reading Walking with Living Feet
  • Pentecost: The Breath of Jesus
    by Br. Michael Perras, OFM Pentecost is not just a great festival which marks the birth of the Christian Church it also calls the followers of Christ to action. The most common image for Pentecost is the descent of the … Continue reading Pentecost: The Breath of Jesus