Time to get started!

The time is overdue for ShareLife to officially enter the blogosphere.

I’ll be using this space to keep you updated on news, happenings and the many inspiring successes that are part of the ShareLife experience. You’ll hear about our campaign efforts in parishes, schools, staffrooms and board rooms across this vast and rich diocese. We’ll celebrate successes, seek feedback and trumpet the cause of ShareLife and the more than 40 Catholic agencies supported by our generous donors.

My posts will be short and frequent. Send me your feedback, anytime, about any posting.

So, here we go…

One of the most obvious changes you’ll see this year isn’t a change at all. The theme of last year’s ShareLife campaign, “You can work wonders!” is staying around for the foreseeable future. We liked it and so did a lot of other people (experts and amateurs alike), so this positive message of hope will be our call to arms moving forward. Whaddya think?!?

On another front, one of our long-time ShareLife agencies celebrated a significant anniversary earlier this week. On Sunday (Sept. 13), Mary Centre (http://www.marycentre.com/), celebrated the 20th anniversary of the arrival of their first residential client. This weekend (Sept. 20), the community of volunteers, staff and supporters are gathering for a Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish to mark two decades of compassionate, professional care for people with developmental challenges and their families. Since the first resident arrived, Mary Centre has grown to provide homes with full-time care as well as independent living apartments to 42 adults in the Greater Toronto Area. They also offer outreach programs, respite care and community support services to more than 275 people and their families.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the success of Mary Centre as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.