Vision & Challenge is published three times annually by the Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province.
SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME
Founded by Hilligonde Wolbring in Coesfeld, Germany in 1850, the Sisters of Notre Dame is an international congregation of women religious who serve the church in 18 countries. The Sisters of Notre Dame have ministered in California for more than 94 years, bringing hope to humankind through education, faith formation, spiritual development, pastoral ministry, health care, social outreach ministries and missionary service. For more information, visit www.sndca.org.
VISION & CHALLENGE TEAM
Provincial Superior: Sr. M. Anncarla Costello, S.N.D.
Director of Mission Advancement Services: Sr. M. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.
Communications Manager: Sarah Marcuse
Contributors and advisers for this edition: Sr. Kristin Battles, Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein, DebraBuckingham, Jen Coito, Sr. Anncarla Costello, Darlene Goodman, Annabelle Gordon, Sr. Marie Paul Grech, Deacon Joe Hamamoto, Sr. Amy Hauck, Sr. Judeen Julier, Sarah Marcuse, Kevin McNamara, Sr. Lisa Megaffin, Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt, Sr. Joyanne Sullivan, Lisa Stupar, and Sr. Joanne Wittenburg
Artwork, Graphic Design: Jamie Designs, Inc.
Updates:
Please contact the Mission Advancement Office for the name and/or address corrections at info@sndca.org or 1776 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
PRINTING
Vision & Challenge is printed locally by Custom Printing in Oxnard, California. Please remember to recycle your copy after reading.
A message from Sr. M. Kristin Battles
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR, 2001 - 2010
EDITOR’S NOTE
The Sisters of Notre Dame are grateful to be able to share this 25th anniversary commemorative edition of Vision & Challenge. We include the reflections of the three provincial superiors during this time. It was Sr. Kristin Battles who inaugurated the province’s development office and Vision & Challenge in 1993. In this message, Sr. M. Kristin Battles, current superior general of the Sisters of Notre Dame, recalls the beginnings.
Dear Friends,
It is hard to imagine that 25 years have passed so quickly! We launched Vision & Challenge in 1993 as a way to share with you, our relatives, benefactors, ministry colleagues and friends, what was happening throughout our California Province. You are the people who have partnered with us for so many years and through prayer, friendship and financial support, have made our ministries of education, health care, missionary work, and works for justice, peace and the integrity of creation possible.
Let me say a few words about the title Vision & Challenge. Vision refers to the mission we as Sisters of Notre Dame are committed to— incarnating the love of our good and provident God. Challenge refers to the everyday realities we deal with in making our mission concrete in word and deed.
Here is an interesting paragraph from that first edition. What are our current challenges? We face the challenge of ministering in a world hostile to Christian values, where family life is endangered and excessive pleasure and materialism are glorified; the challenge of educating youth to accept others regardless of race, nationality or religion as brothers and sisters; the challenge of helping to transform our world into a just and loving community.
I believe we have been true to our goal of making Vision & Challenge an instrument of communication and inspiration. You, our readers, are a part of our Notre Dame story and we want you to experience how God in his goodness and provident care is using all of us together to help build his Kingdom here on earth. Thank you for your loyalty and support. I hope each time you receive a new issue it brings joy to your heart to see the good that is being done for others and that you feel an important part of the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
Very gratefully yours,
Sr. M. Kristin Battles, S.N.D. Superior General of the Sisters of Notre Dame
Sr. Anncarla Costello with Sr. Kristin Battles
A message from Sr. M. Anncarla Costello
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR, 2010 - 2020
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to be able to share our recent history through this edition of Vision & Challenge! As you read these pages, you will note that we have embraced a broad diversity of ministries in responding to new needs, while strengthening our commitment to our sponsored institutions. We cherish the legacy of Catholic education which has been ours since our founding nearly 170 years ago, and we remain firm in our commitment to Catholic education (in all of its forms) empowering individuals to realize their God-given potential.
Our sponsored institutions are La Reina High School & Middle School in Thousand Oaks and Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles, recently renamed to include both the elementary and high schools. We have entrusted these schools to governing boards that include Sisters of Notre Dame as board members. We are proud that Lilliam Paetzold, a graduate of NDA Elementary and High School, currently serves as the president of Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles. Similarly, Tamara Harper, a La Reina alumna, is the chairperson of La Reina’s Board of Directors. The commitment of these alumnae, as well as alumnae who are on the staff of each of these schools, illustrates how the Notre Dame heritage has been transmitted to younger generations. Carrying on our traditional outreach to those in need, each of these schools awards significant financial aid to deserving students.
Beyond our sponsored institutions, we are devoted to providing religious instruction and faith formation to many generations: toddlers, school-age children, young adults, seminarians, senior citizens. We also respond to social needs through our direct service to the poor both in the USA and abroad. No matter where we are, we strive to reveal Christ’s presence.
As we have chronicled our 25-year vision in this newsletter, we look forward to continuing our service to the people of God even more broadly with our sisters throughout the United States. We thank God for His provident care and thank you for your generosity support…
Gratefully in Notre Dame, Sister M. Anncarla Costello, S.N.D.
Lilliam Paetzold presents a diploma.
Sr. Joyanne Sullivan (center), Director of Adult Faith Formation and Evangelization for St. Dominic’s Parish in Eagle Rock, is shown here with parish and archdiocesan leadership. Back Row: Fr. Peter Rogers, OP, Dione Grillo, and James Guerrero Front Row: Fr. Dominic DeMaio, OP, Sr. Joyanne Sullivan (center), and Cecilia Treat .
A 1987 graduate of La Reina High School, Tamara Harper, Esq., received a Comerica Bank/Los Angeles Lakers Women’s Business Award.
Responding To The Needs Of The Times
Impelled by a missionary spirit, we respond to the needs of the times and share God’s compassionate love with people of all faiths and cultures, particularly those who are poor and marginalized. Constitutions of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Article 3
Over the years, the SND response to this call to mission has taken on a variety of forms in meeting human needs:
• Thirst for the divine. As a complement to other forms of spiritual formation, we especially accompany young adults and offer spiritual direction and consolation to those in pain.
• Justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC). We embrace the needs of the times as they unfold, providing direct service to those in need, and education, advocacy and leadership for systemic change. Issues that tug at our hearts have called us to action, and previous editions of Vision & Challenge have told some of these stories in detail. The following vignettes outline a few of the ways that SNDs are sharing God’s compassionate love in new and varied ways.
Through Kindred Hearts Ministries
Each year, Kindred Hearts Ministries educates, encourages, and supports more than 600 people on their journey to a deepened relationship with God and Mary, Mother of the Church. A variety of prayer experiences are available at Notre Dame Center and to boards and leadership teams, school and parish staffs, deacons and their wives, archdiocesan ministers, and parish missions. Kindred Hearts Ministries has touched lives in varied places such as: San Pedro, Silver Lake, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Saticoy, and Woodland Hills. Coordinator Sr. Marie Paul Grech believes that “We want to continue to meet the needs of our Catholic population as things change in the Church. One of our greatest joys has been giving the diaconate candidate retreats and the RCIA retreats. These have given us the opportunity to broaden the reach of grace.”
Antoinette
Combating Human Trafficking
OUR CORPORATE STANCE: We the Sisters of Notre Dame of the California Province corporately stand in support of human rights and the dignity of each person. We, therefore, oppose the trafficking of all persons especially women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Since 2008, the Sisters of Notre Dame in the United States have taken a corporate stance against human trafficking in all its forms. Locally, we collaborate with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) to provide a shelter for victims of human trafficking and advocate for systemic change. Awareness and advocacy efforts are incorporated into religion and social studies curricula in our schools. Sisters also speak at community events, Rotary Clubs, and other public forums across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
In her role as a chaplain at California Hospital Medical Center in Downtown Los Angeles, SM. Judeen Julier is on the front lines of identifying and supporting trafficking survivors. A 2017 survey from CAST revealed that more than half of labor and sex trafficking survivors had received medical care at least once while they were being trafficked. Yet 97% of them had not been offered crisis services from their healthcare provider. Sr. Judeen serves on the task force of California Hospital’s Human Trafficking Response Program, training medical professionals to recognize signs of trafficking, intervene with a trauma informed approach, and connect with community resources.
Participating in the Freedom Walk has become an SND tradition. Shown here are Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt, Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein, Sr. Judeen Julier, Sr. Anncarla Costello. Peeking out from her sign is Sr. Jan Marie Villalobos.
Sr.
Marie participates in a Kindred Hearts activity.
Through South Central LAMP
“LAMP epitomizes a group that serves the ‘poor and marginalized,’ with free ESL and parenting classes for mothers while their children are in preschool. The staff exhibits the highest dedication possible. The facilities remind that I can make do with less. We all need that touch of reality and LAMP was the push for me.”
Kevin McNamara, SND Associate & LAMP volunteer
Through Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool
Betty Mae Bienlein,
Kristin
In response to the need for childcare in the Conejo Valley, the SNDs founded Notre Dame Learning Center (now known as Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool) in 2005.
The Winter, 2004 edition of Vision & Challenge reported that “Basic Christian values such as respect for self and others and delight in the wonder of creation will be central to the program’s philosophy. Learning through play will draw out each child’s gifts of childhood: simple truth and trust, surprise, wonder and awe….NDLC will have many intergenerational benefits as well: for the children enrolled, for the students from the adjacent La Reina High School, who will learn child care and child development theory as volunteers and observers; for the students’ parents who will have a values-oriented, unique, and safe program for their preschool children; and for the semi-retired and retired sisters of Notre Dame who will have opportunities to interact with the children.”
On any given day, the children can now be found praying before a snack, building a castle with legos, playing in a mud kitchen, marveling at bird eggs, banging a drum or learning to play hide-and-go-seek.
Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein, site director, stated that “The SNDs and the families served by NDLC are deeply grateful to the many donors who helped make this new venture possible. In particular, SND Associate Vicky Godar’s bequest of $262,000 has had a significant impact on the lives of the many children enrolled since 2005.”
Sr.
Sr.
Battles, Most Rev. Thomas Curry, Linda Cravens, Director of the Moorpark College Child Development Center, Sr. Lisa Megaffin and Thousand Oaks Mayor Bob Wilson turn the first shovel for Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool in 2004
(Above) As a postulant, Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh served as a LAMP volunteer, caring for an infant. (Below) Sr. Florette Marie Adams has shared her gift of music with children in schools and parishes locally and in Kentucky and Uganda--and here at LAMP.
Through SND Associates
In 1999, the SNDs launched an Associates program for Catholic men and women who feel called to live the SND spirit and mission as lay persons. They commit themselves to share this spirit in their families, work places, parishes, volunteer ministries and local community. Several Associates speak f or themselves…
Annabelle Gordon, a member of the first class, believes that “Although it all sounded a little vague at first, I am a seeker, and I have learned so much about the SND secret to joyful living—a strong prayer life. The Associates are a group of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds with an infectious spirit of joy and service. I have seen this vibrant community evolve as SNDs and Associates share spirituality and fellowship. Together we proclaim the goodness of God!”
Debra Buckingham of Chandler, Arizona, writes: “I have experienced the SND spirit as an Associate since 2014. Through dedication to social justice and equality, I have instilled in my children the need to give of their time to fight the injustices of the world. This commitment was seen most recently as both my son and daughter worked hard ‘to get out the vote’ for the midterm election.”
Associates Deacon Joe and Audrey Hamamoto say, “We were encouraged to step outside of our comfort zones…. now serving our parish as a deacon couple. Learning from the SNDs to put the marginalized first was a lesson that quickly became a passion. We serve in detention ministry at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey and on the RCIA team at St. Cornelius Parish…. Seeing the SNDs and Associates at work is truly seeing Jesus at work in the world.”
Thank you for playing a vital role in expanding our various ministries. From “Swing into Spring” to the Nun Run, your presence and generosity have made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Join us on Feb. 2, 2019 for our 5th Annual Nun Run, www.nun.run
The first group of Associate Candidates, their sponsors and the Associate Planning Team is shown here. (Back row) Sr. Rebekah Kennedy, Sr. Regina Robbins, Sr. Shirley Marie McGovern, Sr. Kathleen Burns, Cristina Buczkowski (now Sr. Cristina Buczkowski), Sr. Bernadette Pendola, Sr. Amy Hauck, Joan Tyhurst, Sr. Leanne Hubbard and the late Nick Tyhurst; (middle row) Gabrielle DeBernadetto, Sr. Jolisa Lazaro, Prudiel Libatique, Lois Harrion, Andrea Fuchs, Nancy Grasmehr, Tom Grasmehr and Sr. M. Francelia Klingshirn; (front row) the late Sr. Marilynn Palenchar, the late Vicki Godar, Margaret Tran and Annabelle Gordon.
Sr. Kristin Battles escorts the late Sr. Dwina Marie Towle across the start line of the 2016 Nun Run.
Basket mania at Swing into Spring, vintage 1990’s.
“What We Do Best Is Education... the Only Thing That Changes People.”
A message from Sr. M. Amy Hauck
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR, 1992 – 2001
In the fall of 1992, a coffee break conversation set our Uganda mission into motion. I was attending our General Chapter when Sr. Joell Overman, superior general, approached the North American provincials and shared some astounding news. She had received invitations for missionary sisters from four different African bishops. Would any province consider a mission in one of these countries? After much prayerful consideration and consultation with the sisters in our provinces, Sr. Margaret Droege (Covington Provincial) and I decided to explore a joint venture in Uganda.
Sr. Margaret and I made an exploratory trip. Upon arrival, we were greeted with Ugandan hospitality, rich with joyful simplicity. The spirit of the SND charism was already present from the moment we arrived. We didn’t bring it; it was already there!
Bishop Deogratias Byabazaire accompanied us to various schools within his diocese. We quickly realized that differences in culture and education styles would hinder our ministry in the established institutions. Nonetheless, the call to serve in the region was very strong. After we returned, we entered in discernment and we voted as a province to begin the mission with a model primary school in Bussesa, a very poor and remote village.
Ugandan Milestones
1992
Sr. Joell Overman invites the North American provinces to consider missions in Africa
1995 Sisters arrive and a convent is built in Bussesa, Uganda
1998
St. Julie Model Primary School opens
We opened St. Julie’s Model Primary Boarding School with 40 Catholic students from the poorest families. Boys and girls shared the responsibilities of daily chores, a culture shock for them! Our pioneers were Sr. Jane Marie McHugh and Sr. M. Margaret Scott (from California), and Sr. M. Delrita Glaser and Sr. M. Janet Stamm (from Covington). Each of them had a gift to bring. As I look back on the last 25 years, it is incredible to see how far we’ve come. We now offer educational opportunities spanning nursery school to high school. God has undeniably shown His goodness and provident care from the very beginning, and for that we are grateful.
With gratitude, Sr. M. Amy Hauck, SND
2003 Notre Dame Academy Secondary School opens
2006
First Ugandan SNDs make vows
2008
St. Julie Nursery School opens in Buseesa
2011
Notre Dame Nursery School opens in Mpala, Uganda
2019 Opening of A-level at Notre Dame Academy
Sr. Amy Hauck with Sr. Jane Marie McHugh
Sr. Paulynne Tubick is shown here in a St. Julie’s classroom.
The SNDs learned to survive in an area of subsistence farming. Sr. Margaret Mary Scott discovers some garden essentials, growing bananas, maize, sweet potatoes and pineapples, to name a few crops.
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The Grapevine
WINTER, 1995
Sr. Carlann Paganelli will be traveling to Japan to visit Seisen International School in Tokyo. She has been invited to assist the faculty in preparing a human sexuality curriculum. (Sr. Carlann passed into eternity on May 15, 2010).
SPRING, 1997
Sr. Joanne Wittenburg will travel to the Ukraine this summer to teach English to sisters of various religious orders.
SPRING, 1998
Sr. Marilynn Palenchar has discovered a cyberspace ministry. Through email and the internet, she can correspond and provide pastoral support for people who have multiple sclerosis and other crippling diseases. (Sr. Marilynn passed into eternity on June 24, 2000).
WINTER, 1999
Sr. Joyanne Sullivan, Director of Adult Religious Education at Sacred Heart Church in Saticoy, received a Woman of Vision Award from the Ventura County Inter-faith Ministerial Association.
SPRING, 1999
Sr. Louise Wanamaker authored Grammar Power—The Essential Elements. This is a two-year workbook for junior high students, including units on sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation rules and much more. (Sr. Louise passed into eternity on March 27, 2002).
FALL, 2000
Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz and her ministry of photography, Notre Dame Creations, were featured in The Tidings, the Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
SUMMER, 2001
Sr. Amy Hauck is assuming a new ministry as parish manager for St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley.
WINTER, 2007
Six SNDs volunteered to decorate the float for the Donate Life entry in the 2007 Rose Parade—Srs. Luellen Boeglin, Anncarla Costello, Judeen Julier and Joyanne Sullivan from the California province; and Sr. Justina Jeong and Sr. Paschal Park from the Korean province.
SUMMER, 2009
Sr. Cristina Marie Buczkowski, a member of the first group of California SND Associates, professed perpetual vows as a Sister of Notre Dame. Sr. Cristina first felt the call to religious life as an Associate Candidate.
SUMMER, 2010
Under the guidance of former Uganda missionary Sr. Paulynne Tubick, the seventh graders at St. Hedwig’s in Los Alamitos raised funds for five laptop computers for St. Julie’s in Uganda.
SPRING, 2014
Sr. Judeen Julier, chaplain at California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles, received a Hello Humankindness Award, given to staff members who go the extra mile for patients, their families and other staff.
SPRING/SUMMER, 2015
Sr. Frances Wahl received the Excellence in Catechetical Service Award for the San Pedro Region of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The Sisters of Notre Dame gratefully acknowledge the individuals who have made bequests to the community. These gifts have provided much-needed resources which support our senior sisters, sisters who give uncompensated service to the Church and our outreach ministries. Please consider remembering the “Sisters of Notre Dame of Los Angeles” (our legal title) in your will or estate plan. Our IRS tax identification number is 95-2005867. For further information, call the Mission Advancement Office at 805-917-3714. Be assured of our prayerful good wishes.
