Activities for High School Students

“Stray Lambs” and Rehabilitation, or Resources for Young Women in difficulty in the 1850s

High School Levels 3, 4 and 5

Situation Scenario

In 1850, Marie Fitzbach, future Foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec, opened the Asile Sainte-Madeleine on Richelieu Street in Quebec City, as a shelter for women released from prison.

Activity

This activity gives the story of and the reasons for the shelter. Through the touching story of Marie Grégoire, the first ?penitent? at Asile Sainte-Madeleine, students will find out what options were available in the 1850s for women who wanted to turn their lives around. Have things really changed for young women in difficulty 150 years later?

Means

Guided tour to pique curiosity; presentation of reference objects; excerpts from period texts on ?penitents?; contemporary testimonials written by women in difficulty.

Length45 to 60 minutes
Cost 3 $ per student ; free admission for 3 group leaders *
* This activity is also offered as part of the Discover the Provincial Capital program.
For more information, call 418-646-7987.

Hospital-Shelter for Marginalized Women

High School Levels 3, 4 and 5

Situation Scenario

Between 1874 and 1972, thousands of expectant, unwed women, rejected by their families and society, gave birth at the Hôpital de la Miséricorde (a mercy hospital) in Quebec City, often in secrecy. From 1901 onwards, the Good Shepherd Sisters cared for babies at the Crèche Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Québec (a foundling home). Eighty-five percent of those babies were given up for adoption.

Activities

This activity gives students a look into the secrets of the Hôpital de la Miséricorde (1874-1972) and the Crèche Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (1901-1972), two institutions founded in old Quebec City by the Good Shepherd Sisters. They'll also learn about some surprising medical techniques.

Means

Guided tour to pique curiosity; presentation of reference objects and period photographs; meeting with a Sister of the Good Shepherd who worked at one of these institutions.

Length45 to 60 minutes
Cost 3 $ per student ; free admission for 3 group leaders  *
* This activity is also offered as part of the Discover the Provincial Capital program.
For more information, call 418-646-7987.

Meeting Other Cultures the Good Shepherd Way

High School Levels 1, 2 and 3

Situation Scenario

The Good Shepherd Sisters, missionaries since 1935, help women and children in Lesotho, South Africa, Haiti, Brazil and Rwanda in many different ways in order to lessen their hardships.

Activity

Taking inspiration from the Sisters' work, a guide presents the five developing countries where the Good Shepherd Sisters are active and encourages students to compare the life of a child in Quebec with that of a child in these countries (geography, access to education and healthcare, aids, armed conflicts, democracy, etc.).

Means

Photographs, maps, illustrations, mystery item game, meeting a sister or humanitarian volunteer who worked in the four countries.

Length45 to 60 minutes
Cost 3 $ per student ; free admission for 3 group leaders