March 2022 Newsletter

FAITH INTO ACTION MARCH, 2022 NOTRE DAME SISTERS 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112 (402) 455.2994 | NotreDameSisters.org

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY.

BELOW ARE UPDATES ON OUR WORK.

A Prayer to our Provident and Healing God: A letter from our Provincial President There are the many issues dominating the headlines these days: COVID variants, arguments over masks, Ukraine, inflation, the Supreme Court, the Truth and Healing project with Native Americans, the Synod, and much more.

All these events have some things in common: they have our attention, they fill us with emotion, they seek solutions. But they also portray elements of love, hope, struggle, service, joy, vision and a call to action. They remind us that God walks with us in all events, in the struggles and questions. We can take these joys and sorrows and place them with our Provident and Healing God who will lead us to action. So let’s do that now.

Provident God, let us find You in our hearts and move us to love all with great respect and care.

Guard all those who have no shelter. May we help provide shelter. Open our minds to realize the struggle of our brothers and sisters of color who seek equity and justice. Help us work to change systems that perpetuate inequity.

Healing God, end the pandemic and remind us that each of us affects the well-being of another.

Bring world leaders to solve differences with diplomacy. Bless with courage and truth all those who seek truth and healing to end the trauma to Native American peoples. Be our strength in the difficult times and be our joy each day as we try to make a difference in your name.

Provident and Healing God, we believe in Your great presence with us each moment.

Sincerely, Sr. Margaret Hickey, Notre Dame Sisters Provincial President

PRAY WITH US! For the situation in Ukraine that peaceful negotiations may help to prevent a war in that area of our world.

Synod on synodality - what does it mean and how can you be heard at this time?

Pope Francis announced last spring that the topic of the October 2023 Synod of Bishops will be synodality in the Church. A synod is a meeting of bishop delegates from around the world invited to discuss a topic of theological or pastoral significance, in order to offer advice or counsel to the pope. Synodality is understood by Pope Francis to mean all members of the Church (clergy, laity, religious) participating in the evangelizing mission of the Church, journeying together as a community, prayerfully listening to one another in order to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit.

For continued efforts throughout the world to address the urgent concerns of our earth and the climate.

The diocesan phase will allow parishes, dioceses, and episcopal conferences to live out our synodal journey together, and to infuse this process into the life of their communities. To do that effectively, frequent, open, and quality communication is essential.

For those suffering from COVID-19 and for an end to this global pandemic.

In our increasingly digital world and considering the challenges many of us still face related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital and social media will be of paramount importance to ensure the people of God take their proper seat at the table of our discussions.

For openness and willingness to use creative solutions in healing the divisions in our country to address the needs of the poor and marginalized.

Visit the website for your local Diocese to learn more about what they are doing to engage with local Catholics in this important and prayerful time.

February 8 was the World Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

Worldwide there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking. Of these 25 million are victims of labor and/or sex trafficking, 15 million are trapped in forced marriages. Nearly 30% of all victims are men and boys and 1 in 4 victims are children.

Celebration of Spirit - March 27, 2022 at Happy Hollow Club Purchase tickets or a table $90 per ticket and $720 per table Bid on our Silent Auction The silent auction is virtual. You will be able to see the items and bid at the event, but bidding is open to all online from March 19, to 6 PM, March 27, 2022.

Purchase raffle tickets Purchase a $10 ticket online or from a Sister for your chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250 in our live drawing.

Raise the Paddle In-person or virtually raise your paddle to make a donation to the Notre Dame Sisters. This option will be open March 19, until March 28.

Go to one.bidpal.net/cos22 or use this QR code for more details, sponsorships, tickets, and the online auction. Have any questions? Call Sandra Koch at 402-669-1567 or email skoch@notredamesisters.org.