F e e l i n g at h om e i n a f r i c a
“Kids helping kids”
by Sr. Mary Kathleen Burns, California SND
Mercy. Curiosity. Charity. Energy. These are the words that come to mind when we think about our youngest partners in mission.
One of the great joys of being in an international congregation is to have sisters all over the world and to be able to feel at home no matter where you go. I experienced this firsthand over the last few months. I was asked if I would teach a month-long scripture class to the houses of formation in Africa, and so I embarked on a great adventure! For the month of February I was in Arusha, Tanzania with our 15 novices and 10 postulants, hailing from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. The directors of the program are our sisters from India, so we had our own mini United Nations! We met five days a week for three to four hours for lessons. It was a great time of learning and sharing with all of our newest members. It was so energizing to be with these women, who were so eager to learn and who were on fire for mission. I could only think of what impact they will have in their countries in the years to come. What a blessing they are to the Church! During that time I also had the opportunity to visit some of our missions. For instance, we made the four-hour journey on bumpy dirt roads to see our sisters working with the Masai tribe. I was so impressed and touched to see our sisters living among the people while running a little school for the children.
The journey itself, although long, was made entertaining by visions of giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and wildebeests. I also visited our mission in Kiomboi, Tanzania where our sisters run an orphanage and school. I was taken by the love of the children and the joy of the sisters there. My second month in Africa was spent in our central house just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. There I taught a similar course to our 9 Tertians (sisters preparing to make final vows). My time with the Tertians again re-affirmed a great sense of hope for the future. I saw in these Sisters an eagerness to learn and a strong sense of mission. My last stop in Africa was Uganda. I was grateful to have the opportunity to visit our sisters in Mpala and Buseesa to see the great work they are doing there. All the images I had seen in photographs came alive! I think what impacted me most about my journey was the love and commitment of our sisters, the joy, song and dance of the people, and the great desire of the children to learn. We have many wonderful sisters who have left their homeland to serve and more and more African Sisters who are building the Kingdom in their homeland. And I for my part am deeply grateful for this opportunity to spend time with our sisters in Africa!
Schools, CCD programs, scout troops, and organizations made up of young people have partnered in support of the mission in Uganda. Their initiative and interest inspire us daily and fill us with hope for the future of the mission...and the good things we know they are going to do. God bless our youngest partners in mission!
St. Agnes
“Dear Sisters, Thanks for coming to my school. I told my family about the things you talked about from Buseesa. I really liked how you made that monkey noise. It was super funny!” -Excerpt from a thank you card we received after visiting Holy Family School in Covington, KY.
Sr. Kathleen (top left) with Tertians, including Sr. Therese Marie from Uganda (bottom, second from right) Mary Queen of Heaven
St. Columban
St. Bernard
St. Patrick Pre-School
Tanzania
Way s t o Pa r t n e r PRAYER Your prayers for the mission students, sisters, teachers, farm workers, and volunteers are needed and appreciated.
How to Give ONLINE: Securely donate online at www.sndky.weshareonline.org/Uganda Pay by credit/debit card or bank transfer.
MISSION OUTREACH Arrange for a Sister of Notre Dame to speak about the Uganda Mission at your school, parish, or organization.
Tuition Assistance Tanzania
Give a donation that will allow a child to attend school at the mission and provides room and board during the school year. $50/month or $600/year.
Monthly Giving Companion Schedule an automatic monthly donation of any amount at www.sndky.weshareonline.org/Uganda It’s easy!
BY MAIL: Send contact info and check, cash, or money order to SND Uganda Mission Office, 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011. Checks payable to “Sisters of Notre Dame.” BY PHONE: Call Sr. Mary Margaret Droege at (859)392-8109 to pay by credit card over the phone.
PlannING AHEAD Not ready to give today? Give support later through a planned gift, such as: Wills/Bequests • Gifts of Stock • Charitable Gift Annuity • Individual Retirement Accounts • Property Charitable Trust • Life Insurance Policies
“In Jesus Christ we are all one nation though we may come from different countries...” -St. Julie Billiart, SND Spiritual Mother