Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
General material designation
- Textual record
- Sound recording
- Graphic material
Parallel title
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
Level of description
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
-
1968-2012 (Creation)
- Creator
- Faith and Sharing Federation
- Place
- Ottawa
Physical description area
Physical description
3.75 m of textual records
189 audio cassettes
7 photographs
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
Other title information of publisher's series
Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
Archival description area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The first retreat was held in Marylake, Ontario in 1968 and was led by Jean Vanier, internationally renowned spiritual writer and leader, and founder of other Catholic organizations, including Faith and Sharing and L'Arche. A retreat is usually a five or seven day excursion to a retreat centre or church that consists of time for personal prayer, a presentation based on biblical scripture by one or more animators and group meetings where people can share their experiences. Mediation, relaxation and silence are a primary focus of the retreats; music and song are also considered important and there is often a theme song chosen for a retreat. There are “happenings” where participation in dancing, singing or parlour games is encouraged, followed by a sharing of experiences by groups or individuals about the retreat through poems, sketches, imitations, and other forms of expression. A celebration of forgiveness is often followed by a feast known as the “celebration of Life”. The Eucharist is a central activity of the retreats. One of the aims of the retreats is to bring together a cross-section of people with an emphasis on those who are marginalized in society. Each retreat usually consists of priests, bishops, people with disabilities, members of religious orders and laity. The retreats take place throughout Canada and North America. Mini-retreats and week-ends are also organized and Vanier continues to provide leadership at annual retreats.
Custodial history
The records were transferred to the University of St Michael’s in May 2004. Prior to their transfer to St Michael's, the records were deposited in the Archives Deschatelets, Ottawa for ten years. During that time, Madeleine Seguin worked with archivists Father Andre Dubois, Father Romuald Boucher and Father Roland Leclaire to arrange and classify the records. In 2002, Sr. Sue Mosteller of the Henri Nouwen Literary Centre initiated the transfer to St Michael's with English Coordinator Marilyn Moore. A Deed of Gift was signed by Moore and Richard Alway, President, USMC, on February 12, 2004 and March 4, 2004 respectively
Scope and content
The fonds consists of administrative, organizational, summary and financial records relating to the Faith and Sharing Federation. The records range in date from 1968 to 2012. The fonds is composed of eight series:
- History and Spirit of Faith and Sharing
- Documents of the Secretary, North American Committee
- Correspondence of the North American Committee
- Documents related to participation in the Canadian Conference of Catholic Lay Associations
- Faith and Sharing Bulletins
- Financial Files
- Sound recordings of Retreats
- Secondary resources collected by Madeleine Sguin, Secretary of the North American Committee, related to Jean Vanier
The majority of the records are textual however, as indicated, the fonds includes almost 200 recordings of retreats, including many talks by founder Jean Vanier.
Notes area
Physical condition
Good
Immediate source of acquisition
See custodial history.
Arrangement
The fonds is arranged according to a classification scheme imposed by Secretary Madeleine Séguin and archivists at the Archives Deschatelets.
The classification numbers are retained in the note area of the file level description.
Records are filed chronologically.
Language of material
- English
- French
Script of material
Language and script note
In many cases documents are translated in both English and French.
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
Associated materials
Accruals
Further accruals are expected annually.
General note
The source of the supplied title proper has been taken from the official name given to the charity when it became incorporated.
General note
A detailed content listing of audio cassettes from 1971 to 1991 was prepared by Sguin and is available in the Archives.
Alternative identifier(s)
Standard number
Standard number
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Faith and Sharing Federation (Subject)
Genre access points
Control area
Description record identifier
Institution identifier
Rules or conventions
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation, revision and deletion
Created: February 7, 2014
Revised: July 29, 2014
Language of description
- English