Mea Culpa – We Stand Corrected

Letters to the editor

Mea Culpa – We Stand Corrected

William Boothman, Director of Finance, The Sisters of St. Ann

Volume 29  Issue 4, 5 & 6 | Posted: June 30, 2015

     Dear Editor,
     Re: “Deadline Looms, Bethlehem Brinkmanship Offers Optimism, Catholics divided over leadership on investing”
     I wish to correct the content relating to The Sisters of St. Ann interest in the Bethlehem Retreat Centre in the recent above noted article published in the ICN, “Spring 2015 edition”. The Sisters were approached in early 2015 by the chair of the newly formed Friends of Bethlehem Retreat Center Society. 
     One introductory meeting only was held to review the possibility of an investment. No “discussions” ever began and to say “it was suddenly announced that the idea was closed” is an inaccurate description of us simply gesturing, ‘Thanks but No thanks’. 

     Dear Editor,
     Re: “Deadline Looms, Bethlehem Brinkmanship Offers Optimism, Catholics divided over leadership on investing”
     I wish to correct the content relating to The Sisters of St. Ann interest in the Bethlehem Retreat Centre in the recent above noted article published in the ICN, “Spring 2015 edition”. The Sisters were approached in early 2015 by the chair of the newly formed Friends of Bethlehem Retreat Center Society. 
     One introductory meeting only was held to review the possibility of an investment. No “discussions” ever began and to say “it was suddenly announced that the idea was closed” is an inaccurate description of us simply gesturing, ‘Thanks but No thanks’. 
     At no time was this decision discussed with the local Ordinary (Bishop of Victoria), nor was any advice or directive received from him or his staff. The Retreat Centre is situated on a beautiful piece of lakefront property but operationally speaking faces a similar environment to that of many retreat centres in North America. I hope that it will be a profitable investment for those involved. The Board of The Sisters of St. Ann determined that a long term investment in the Centre wouldn’t be appropriate given the Sisters’ own realties.

   

William Boothman, Director of Finance, The Sisters of St. Ann