ENRICHED BY CREATIVE

of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Article 1

Now I’ve often heard the comment, “I thought you were a teaching order.” Well, yes. I remember drilling phonics as a first-grade teacher. Wearily, I started daydreaming and wondered, “Is this all there is?” (Don’t get me wrong—my sister and niece have been devoted primary teachers for many decades, and we all owe immense gratitude to those who patiently taught us the basic skills.) Today, a lot of phonics drills probably happen through digital devices. Perhaps my restless pondering was a nudge of the Holy Spirit to expand my ministry horizons through new and creative ways.

Over the years, I have been privileged to serve the people of God beyond a traditional classroom. My ventures into photography started with a nudge of the Holy Spirit to volunteer to serve as a yearbook adviser many years ago. As a photographer, it is thrilling to capture the uniqueness of the human personality and the beauties of nature. It has also been an awesome grace to collaborate with non-profit organizations that provide affordable housing and give hope through education and supportive services.

Our Constitutions include the call and responsibility to enrich our congregation’s charism by creative fidelity. Throughout our history, as individuals and as a community, we have discovered many ways to live this “creative fidelity.” By the graces of the Holy Spirit, we recognize that our charism and its expression are dynamic and ever-evolving, rather than static. They are part of our spiritual DNA.