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.
Associate Director of Mission Advancement: Jen Coito
Contributors and advisers for this edition: Giuliana Battaglini, Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein, Mike Darnall, Sarah Marcuse, Jodee McElfresh, Sr. Regina Robbins, Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh, Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt, Lisa Stupar, Gary Tetzlaff and Sr. Joanne Wittenburg
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 the Provincial
Dear Friends,
As this is being written, so much of the world is on pause as lifestyles adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring of 2020 will forever be engraved in our minds and hearts. So frequently, we hear how the virus is spreading, and we see its impact with empty highways and closed stores and schools. Also, we hear incredible stories of the creativity, resilience and generosity of the human person. This time can challenge us to reflect on all that we have taken for granted… health, loved ones, freedom, friendships, community. Suddenly, our global interdependence has become incredibly tangible!
The charism or unique gift that the Sisters of Notre Dame can share with the world is an awareness of God’s goodness and provident care. As the theologian Meister Eckhart wrote, “God’s goodness is revealed in human goodness.” We see God’s goodness in the generosity of health-care professionals and other first-responders who courageously risk their own health to care for others. We discover God’s goodness in a more genuine neighborliness and concern for each other. We experience God’s goodness as we feel inspired to change our lives whenever “normal” returns.
This issue of Vision and Challenge highlights the many graces the Sisters of Notre Dame have received and in turn, have been able to share. The gift of your partnership, as we together live out the mission of Jesus, is a treasure! We hope that you will enjoy the photos of each SND currently affiliated with the California province. “Where one of us is, all of us are”—proclaiming and sharing the Gospel message. We also appreciate the loyalty and generosity of our many donors whose partnership enables us to respond to the needs of the times.
Thank you!
As we have shared previously, the union of the four North American provinces into SND-USA will begin in July. We look forward to sharing new initiatives and realities with you as this unfolds. Until then, we pray that with the vision of God’s provident care that has graced our lives, each of you will find strength for the challenges we may face.
Sr. M. Anncarla Costello, S.N.D.
The smiles of La Reina graduates Emily Robbins Beutner ’04, Tamara Harper ’87 and Sr. Anncarla Costello ’69 reflect the joyful simplicity of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
With You on the Journey
On Saturday January 25, Laura Kane was received into the novitiate of the Sisters of Notre Dame during an evening prayer service at the Covington, Kentucky Provincial Center. Laura surprised the congregation with an a capella rendition of “What Wondrous Love Is This” to open the prayer service. Sr. M. Anncarla Costello presented Laura with her crucifix and Constitutions. Laura received her religious name, Sister Laura Marie, with Our Lady of Guadalupe as her patron.
Laura first met Sr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman and Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh at a Catholic Sisters Now panel in Los Angeles in January, 2016. After Sr. Jenny shared her vocation story, Laura’s first words to her were, “I am mad at you!” The talk made her feel that she “had to think about religious life.” She also felt an immediate connection with Sr. Val and her “great sense of humor and boundless joy.”
Previous ministry experiences included: Cursillo retreats, cantoring at Mass, and grief group facilitation. For 15 years, Laura volunteered with “A Place for Kids”, a nonprofit that provides a safe and healing space for grieving children and their parents. Laura describes it as a “most sacred, humbling experience of accompanying others. Her professional experience was in real estate, specializing in “right-ofway” proceedings. An avid traveler, Laura has even lived in Spain with a host family in order to improve her Spanish-speaking skills.
Before entering the community, Laura had “live in” experience at Providence House in Long Beach and Notre Dame Center in Thousand Oaks. During this time, Laura offered support and counseling to Spanish-speaking families through Catholic Charities. As a postulant in Covington this past fall, she taught English at El Centro de la Divina Providencia and provided pastoral care to Spanish-speaking prisoners through the Exodus Jail Visitation program.
When asked what has drawn her to the Sisters of Notre Dame, Laura responded: “The idea of serving God and His people for the rest of my life, with the support of like-minded and courageous women doing the same, is exciting! I am drawn to the sisters’ “joyful simplicity” and their service to the global community.” Laura has felt God’s presence nudging her along, affirming that she is exactly where she is supposed to be.
Vocations Team Update
Since the launch of an SND-USA national vocations team in July 2019, Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh, Sr. M. Kelly Rush, Sr. M. Ruth Lubbers, and Sr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman have collaborated on ministry outreach across the country. The team experience one-another’s grace-filled support as they share their unique gifts, talents and personalities for the good of the Church.
By approaching vocations with a national mindset, the team has been able to respond to a variety of emerging needs around the country.
Their 2020 vocations schedule has included:
• Student Leadership Summit sponsored by FOCUS ministries in Phoenix, Arizona
• Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Christus Ministries’ Caritas Retreat in Oceanside, California
• Charis Retreat in Chardon, Ohio
• Encounter Retreat: An Ignatian Silent Retreat in Chardon, Ohio
• Women’s Silent Retreat in Thousand Oaks, California
• Theology on Tap at Boise State Newman Center in Boise, Idaho
Recently, the Vocations Team compiled a resource list for young adults in need of spiritual support during the Covid19 pandemic. They also made themselves available for spiritual direction, pastoral care, and mentoring via electronic means.
To arrange for a presentation, talk, or retreat for young adults, please contact our national Vocation Director Sister Jenny Zimmerman, SND – Email: vocations@snd1.org
The boundless joy that Sr. Laura Marie Kane (on the far right) discovered in the SNDs is shown here by Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh (left) and Sr. Anncarla Costello (center).
Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh and Sr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman regularly speak on “Prayerful Decision Making” to a variety of young adult groups.
Thank You to Our Donors
In this edition of Vision & Challenge, we invite you to celebrate our mission! Thank you to everyone who made a donation during 2019! Every contribution affirms your partnership with the SNDs in our lives of service as consecrated women religious.
You are impacting thousands of lives:
• Providing for the daily needs of SNDs whogive uncompensated service to the Church and humankind in California, Kentucky, East Africa or Rome.
• Joining our outreach to those who suffer spiritual, emotional, social or economic poverty.
• Sharing our traditional Notre Dame educational benefits with students from pre-school through graduate school.
• Guiding young adults as they discern life choices.
• Maintaining Notre Dame Center, where hundreds find fellowship, education and spiritual refreshment.
• Caring for the medical, dental, vision and hearing needs of our senior members.
• Inspiring those who seek a closer relationship with God and a moral compass to guide their lives in the ways of peace.
Throughout our 170 year history, the Sisters of Notre Dame have been blessed by generous partners. With grateful hearts, we pray that you are richly blessed for joining us in living the mission of Jesus Christ.
Laura Acosta
Rudolph Acosta
Helene Acton
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Janell & David Adams
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Christina Ahearn
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Deborah Alam
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Kimberly Alloway
The Alvarez Firm, A Law Corporation
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American Martyrs Parish
Anonymous
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Aviara Real Estate
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Gary Tetzlaff (left) and Chuck Harley (right) present Jen Coito with a generous donation for the Nun Run from the Knights of Columbus, Westlake Village.
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E
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Howard Brown & Sons Auto Sales, Inc.
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GOD’S GOODNESS IS REVEALED IN HUMAN GOODNESS.
THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR PARTNERS ON MISSION!
Christine & Thomas Hudson
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Rodriguez
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I & J
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Life Centers of Ventura County
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Premier Capital Management Inc. DBA The Stedge Group
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Q & R
Mary Inez Quevedo
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Ray Sobrino’s Termite
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Staples Construction Company, Inc.
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Support Our Aging Religious
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Pump Water System Update
Last spring, the Sisters of Notre Dame in California and Kentucky launched a campaign to improve the lives of 22,000 individuals in the village of Buseesa, Uganda. The availability of clean water has been a regular challenge. From the beginning of the mission, the sisters recognized this difficulty. Water sources have been a local spring and captured rain water, but storage tanks for rain water have limited capacity and durability. In this drought-stricken area, a pump water system is the only sustainable way to meet hydration and sanitation needs.
During this time of the COVID-19 virus, frequent hand washing has become an important step toward prevention. The assumption, though, is that the water is clean. Although there are relatively few virus victims in Uganda, the situation is a reminder of the importance of clean water!
This new durable system will use a borehole deep well and a distribution structure—a pump house, gravity tank and stand, lower tanks, piping and taps. An additional tap at the parish will allow community access to safe drinking water. To date, more than $50,000 (or about 50% of the total cost) has been raised through the California province—enough to begin! The SNDs are most grateful for donations from foundations, parishes, schools, and individuals. According to Sr. M. Colette Theobald, head teacher at St. Julie’s, the first phase (drilling the borehole deep well) will begin in the near future.
We apologize for any misspellings or omissions. Kindly notify the Office of Mission Advancement to make any correction. Thank you again and may God bless you always for your kind donations!
Since the mission opened in 1995, water has been a challenge. Pioneers Sr. Delrita Glaser and Sr. Margaret Mary Scott collect water at a local spring.
TEAM AWARDS
Family & Friends
LARGEST TEAM: Horan Sisters & Friends
MOST SPIRITED: The Hanson Family Schools & Churches
MOST SPIRITED:
St. Mary Magdalen, Camarillo
LARGEST TEAM:
St. Jude the Apostle
HONORABLE MENTION: Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool
Corporate Team
LARGEST TEAM: Staples Construction, Ventura
FUNDRAISING TEAM AWARDS
FIRST PLACE:
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus
SECOND PLACE: Running Robbins
THIRD PLACE:
Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles
Thank you to all of our sponsors, vendors, pray-ers, volunteers and Community Service Fair participants. With your help, we have raised more than $50,000 from this year’s Nun Run. Revenue from this event will support spiritual, educational and social outreach, locally and around the world.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Horan Media Tech Advisors, Knights of Columbus – St. Jude the Apostle and St. Max Council, La Reina High School & Middle School
Gold Sponsors
Conejo Valley Guide, Enterprise Fleet Management, 805 Goats, Habit Burger Grill, Knights of Columbus – St. Timothy Council, Lloyd’s Plumbing, Road Runner Sports, St. Paschal Baylon Men’s Club, St. Paul the Apostle Church
Silver Sponsors
The Alvarez Law Firm, Bay Alarm, Custom Printing Inc., EMCOR Mesa Energy Systems, Knights of Columbus – Holy Cross Council, Lindero Canyon Dental Group, Oakwood Dental – Laura Bucci, DDS, Ryan Wharton & Mary Militello, Aviara Real Estate, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services LLC, SoCalSportsShots.com, Staples Construction
Bronze Sponsors
Life Centers of Ventura County, Sobrino’s Termite and Pest, Stutzman Plating, Thousand Oaks DJ Company, Thrivent Financial, UCLA Health, US Foods
Friends of The Sisters of Notre Dame
Furlong & Furlong Associates, Knights of Columbus – St. Catherine of Siena Council, Nestle Ready Refresh, Smart & Final Foundation, Stonefire Grill, Target
Overall female winners
1. Kaitlyn Ray, La Reina
High School, Thousand Oaks
2. Audrey Cunningham
3. Nina Russillo
Overall male winners
1. Edgar Perez, Lemonwood School, Oxnard
2. Liam Papavasilou
3. Alex Papavasilou
Upper left: The race begins! Upper right: La Reina student Kaitlyn Ray crosses the finish line as the first-place female runner. Bottom left: Runners at prayer before the race begins. Bottom center: The furthest virtual runners were Gary and Judie Tetzlaff, showing their gear from Antarctica. Bottom right: Sr. Leanne Hubbard, Sr. Amy Hauck, Sr. Regina Robbins, Sr. Shawn Marie Doyle and Sr. Marie Julie Bruss show their gratitude to Mike Scioscia, Nun Run Grand Marshal.
Celebrating Rosa Mystica
“Treasuring our past, celebrating our present and welcoming our future” was a fitting theme for a unique SND celebration on November 17. Gratitude, memories, stories and laughter were woven together as the sisters recalled the history of Rosa Mystica Province. This gathering was an opportunity to mark the upcoming transition to one United States Province.
This timeline summarizes a few significant dates:
• 1924 – The first 11 SND pioneers came to Los Angeles from Ohio.
• 1927 – Sr. M. Benigna Esparza (from St. Lawrence of Brindisi Parish, Watts) was the first Californian to join the SNDs.
• 1948 – The California novitiate opened with the entrance of Sr. M. Rose Anthony Ballard (from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Silverlake).
• 1961 – The Rosa Mystica Province, dedicated to Our Lady, Queen of the Rosary, was established.
Since 1961, the provincial superiors have been Mother Mary Anselm Langenderfer, Mother Mary William Gara, Sr. Mary Francelia Klingshirn, Sr. Mary Joann Schlarbaum, Sr. Mary Amy Hauck, Sr. Mary Kristin Battles and Sr. Mary Anncarla Costello. They have inspired the SND life of consecration and guided the sisters’ service in response to the unique signs of the times.
The festivities provided an opportunity for the sisters to:
• Gratefully acknowledge individual and community blessings.
• Praise and thank God during a morning prayer service and at a Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Marc Trudeau.
• Enjoy displays of memorabilia—photos and historic items of interest.
• Remember community members who have since passed into eternity through photos and storytelling.
Sr. Louise Marie Hlavac, who helped to prepare the memorabilia display, commented: “I remembered the time a former prisoner came to visit Sr. M. Lynn Liederbach. She didn’t recall him, but his words were so gracious, appreciative and tender, indicating what her presence meant to him when he was incarcerated. I was in awe to have witnessed their exchange.”
Sr. Mary Amy Hauck had these thoughts after the event:
“Seeing the photos of our deceased members really touched my heart. It was a privilege
Sr. Rebekah Kennedy and Sr. Joann Schlarbaum are energetic participants in the SND Jeopardy game.
Choir members Sr. John Shinn, Sr. Angela Lee, Sr. Shirley Marie McGovern and Sr. Shawn Marie Doyle fill the chapel with song.
Sr. Teresita Keliher welcomed Most Rev. Marc Trudeau for the celebration.
to walk with them in life and, for many of them, be at their bedside as they transitioned into eternal life. We owe them so much! Many left their homes in Ohio with a heavy heart. By working together in a spirit of faith, trust in God and simplicity of heart, they would build a province whose spirit would reflect those same virtues.”
Bringing closure to this phase of SND history in California, the sisters look forward to being part of the larger national SND-USA community. With the formal installation of the new leadership team on July 5, 2020 in Chardon, Ohio, the sisters welcome the future, a future full of hope.
“May God give us a spirit of wisdom so we can see what hope his call holds out for us.”
Adapted from Ephesians 1:17-18
A
A little frivolity brought much laugher to the day! An SND California jeopardy game (see questions in the box) brought memory challenges
Often the SND chauffeur in the early years Who was Lottie Bond?
The one and only SND who completed the LA marathon Who is Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt?
Since her hometown is New York, she is an expert in using public transportation Who is Sr. Mary Grace Leung?
The dynamic SND duo currently ministering at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital? Who are Sr. M. Angela Lee and Sr. Mary John Shin?
Two SND’s born outside the United States Who are Sr. Marie Paul Grech (Malta) and Sr. Cristina Marie Buczkowski (Argentina)?
The original name of the property on Overland Avenue, now home to Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles
What is Rancho La Lomita?
long-time SND tradition is the vaudeville skit, “The Mortgage on the Cow.” Sr. Valerie Marie Roxburgh, Sr. Frances Wahl and Sr. Judeen Julier capture the hilarity of the moment.
Sr. Angela Lee, Sr. Judeen Julier, Sr. Jane Marie McHugh and Sr. Luellen Boeglin pause in the midst of memory-sharing.
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THOUSAND OAKS CA 91360
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RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
The Grapevine
The Sisters of Notre Dame offer their sympathy and prayers to the families of these individuals who have died:
• Stanley Tulacz, father of Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz.
• SND Associates Ken Gilbert, Nancy Grasmehr and Cege McGrath.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
The monthly SND Mission Advancement Egram features a unique column, “Where are they now?” Providing updates on SND colleagues and former students, this article illustrates how they live the SND mission by serving, leading and giving hope within our diverse society.
Individuals featured in 2019 include Sr. Lois Best, S.N.D., Gabriella Brignardello, Cathy Brunasso Cota, Rev. Paul Janowiak, S.J., Rev. Raymond Marquez, Melodie Camp Santana, Lizette Martinez Strom, Kimberly Shively Tharp and MacKenzie Vandergeest. The columns can be found at www.sndca.org/where-are-they-now. Send suggestions for this column to info@sndca.org.
GREAT NEWS FROM NOTRE DAME ACADEMY SECONDARY IN BUSEESA!
The 2019 national tests results showed that NDA students ranked:
• 16th overall, out of 3,000 + schools
• #5 in chemistry
• #4 in physics
• #1 in mathematics
COMING MILESTONES:
• 25 years - The Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Buseesa, Uganda in July, 1995
• 15 years – Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool opened August, 2005. The first students are graduating from high school this spring!
NOTRE DAME ACADEMY has been awarded the National Catholic Educational Association’s President’s Award for Creative Innovation in Catholic Education. This award is presented annually to ONE program that has furthered the mission of Catholic education through an innovative program or approach. Notre Dame Academy’s work promoting growth mindset, habits of mind, and preparing girls for an unknown future has been instrumental in redefining and setting a new standard in Catholic education for the 21st century.
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST CHERISHED VALUES? How do you want your values and legacy to impact the future? PLEASE CONSIDER including the SNDs in your will or estate plan to support the causes that have been important in your life. You might also name the SNDs as a beneficiary on a bank account. Our legal title is “Sisters of Notre Dame of Los Angeles,” and our IRS nonprofit identification number is 952005867. For further information, please contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin at 805-917-3714. Thank you and be assured that your gift will be transformative in sharing God’s love and provident care with generations yet to come.
US POSTAGE PAID
THOUSAND OAKS CA PERMIT #5
Remembering
Sr. Mary Therese Kirstein 1930 - 2020
Sr. Mary Therese Kirstein was born in Chicago in 1930, the youngest child of Mary and William Kirstein. Following her parents’ death, her aunt took her and her siblings to Cleveland so that they could grow up among their cousins. Sr. Therese later wrote, “She was the only mother I knew…” Sr. Mary Therese joined the SNDs in 1948 and after college, spent 33 years as an educator in Ohio and California.
Her brother Edwin’s death during World War II was especially difficult for her. She faithfully offered prayers for the “safety of our military throughout the world and our veterans at home” either at Mass or during the community Liturgy of the Hours.
Sr. Therese was devoted to community and to the care for the sacristy and altar decorations, a natural outgrowth of her prayer life. Bruce Kelly, an SND Associate wrote, “Heidi and I have very fond memories of her presence at SND celebrations and lectio divina.”
Following her passing, a number of friends expressed their admiration on social media. Words and sentiments often repeated were “beautiful, sweet smile,” “very kind soul who always led by her example,” “loving, kind and gentle…I always felt her warm acceptance.” May Sr. Mary Therese now feel the warm acceptance of her God.
