Toward the end of the My Sister's Keeper evening of gratitude for 15 years of service, a candlelight moment of remembrance reflected on those who have passed away and those who continue to give so much in so many.

Fifteen years of service and caring

My Sister’s Keeper, which started at our church in 1999 under the guidance and direction of Myrna Cook, celebrated its 15th year anniversary on Thursday with a dinner and evening of special recognition at the St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church in Scarborough.

The Rev. Ruth Morrison from our church was the keynote speaker and reflected on the early moments of MSK’s existence and the reality it was little more than Myrna asking the congregation for some help.

And now, 15 years later, it has become such an important and vital source for women seeking to make a smooth transition from incarceration back into community life.

The Rev. Ruth Morrison

The evening of celebration and remembrance, with the theme Bountiful Harvest, included special recognition for MSK Director Kelly Dell’Aquila, Ruth and Myrna. 

MSK Director Kelly Dell'Aquila receiving a gift to recognize her years of dedication and service.

For her continuing guidance, mentoring and support of MSK, Ruth was presented a sterling silver bracelet with a charm listing the longitude and latitude of our church. “Now I’ll always know where I am,” she said.”

Myrna was presented a pendant with the inscription of the Cumberland County Jail’s longitude and latitude, recognizing where the inspiration for MSK began for Myrna and her late husband Bill. Myrna received a standing ovation from the large gathering after the presentation.

Myrna, far right, receives a standing ovation from My Sister's Keeper's mentors, mentees, advisory board and friends of the ministry.

Lt. Arlene Jacques of the Cumberland County Jail and also a member of the MSK Advisory Board, opened the evening with remarks about the many meanings of gratitude and what that means to so many people in the MSK organization.

Lt. Arlene Jacques addresses the gathering at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church.

Lt. Jacques closed her remarks with a quote from Albert Schweitzer:

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

Such as the women and men who have shaped, nurtured and maintained My Sister’s Keeper for the past 15 years.

Rev. Jeff McIlwain and "This Little Light of Mine."

Rev. Jeff McIlwain, volunteer pastor at the Cumberland County Jail, offered a closing prayer for the evening and then added a personal touch by singing a few verses of “This Little Light of Mine.”

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

Every day, every day, every day. every way.”

As in My Sister’s Keeper