Issuu

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

SND USA WINTER 2021

The Heart of Parish Ministry

ALSO INSIDE: Opening SND USA-Sponsored Schools Amid COVID-19 Opening SND-Sponsored Schools Worldwide During Pandemic Nourishing Our Sense of Wonder

SND USA

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 A Letter from the SND USA Provincial Team 2-7 The Heart of Parish Ministry

8-13 Opening SND USA-Sponsored Schools Amid COVID-19 14-15 Opening SND-Sponsored Schools Worldwide During the Pandemic

16-17 Nourishing Our Sense of Wonder

18 Consider Participating in an Upcoming SND USA Spiritual Retreat

19 CARES Act Incentives Extended

20-21 Spotlight on SND USA Associate Kevin McNamara

l-r: Sister Rebekah Kennedy, Thousand Oaks, CA; Sister Shauna Bankemper, Covington, KY; Sister Regina Fisher, Toledo, OH; Sister Margaret Gorman, Chardon, OH; Sister Patricia Garrahan, Chardon, OH

LETTER FROM SND USA PROVINCIAL TEAM Dear Friends, As we begin 2021, our prayers continue for the many individuals and families impacted by the coronavirus. May our loving God bring healing, and may our world celebrate together as an effective vaccine becomes available to all. This issue of SND USA magazine features Sisters of Notre Dame serving in parish ministries throughout the country. Ever since our eight pioneer Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in the United States in 1874, SNDs have served in parishes â€“ initially teaching in parish schools and gradually moving into ministries that serve the adults of the parish as well as the children. Responding to new needs, parish ministers serve the marginalized within their neighborhoods and communities, and use opportunities to expand their outreach nationally. Sisters engaged in parish ministry often stay out of the limelight, serving for decades behind the scenes but integral to the life of the parish community. They are engaged in teaching, catechetical instruction, sacramental preparation, and more. They support parish programs at homeless shelters or food pantries, and direct retreats and activities for various groups. We are pleased to shine a light on their faithful work. In addition, this issue reports on how SND USA-sponsored schools opened amid the coronavirus pandemic and continue to offer an excellent Catholic education, prioritizing in-person learning wherever possible. At the time of this publicationâ€™s printing, SND USA-sponsored school administrators have been successful in protecting the health and safety of faculty and students despite the national surges in COVID-19 cases. Their creativity and hard work are a testimony to their commitment to each individual student. We thank you for your continued support of our congregation, and pray that 2021 will be a year of renewal, health and joy for you and your loved ones. Gratefully, The SND USA Provincial Team

Winter 2021

The Heart of Parish Ministry

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

In all ways, as we move forward together with Jesus Christ, let us connect faith with life. Immaculate Conception Parish Vision Statement Port Clinton, Ohio

Sister Joyanne Sullivan, St. Dominic Parish, Eagle Rock, California

hether in poor, urban settings; affluent, suburban

neighborhoods; or Hispanic communities with predominantly Spanish-speaking congregations, Catholic churches have long been anchors in their communities. Sisters of Notre Dame have played a vital role in parishes across the country, at first in addition to their teaching duties at the school and often today as full-time parish ministers. Working with people of all ages and backgrounds is experienced as a blessing. continued on page 4

Winter 2021

The

Heart of Parish Ministry

continued from page 3

Perhaps Sister Marilyn Ann Angel, SND, Faith Formation Director at Immaculate Conception Parish in Port Clinton, Ohio, describes parish ministry best: “It is a sacred privilege. As I go about my ministry from day to day, I am reminded that I don’t walk alone. I walk with Jesus Christ, my companions on staff, and the adults and children of the parish where I serve.” “I had the joy of walking with 37 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) inquirers and their sponsors who have joined our Catholic community throughout the years,” Sister Marilyn Ann replies with a smile. “Our Ave Maria Study Club focuses on enhancing the spirituality of women, and I serve as their spiritual director. Another group of active women in our parish is Altar Rosary Society of which I am moderator. This group keeps members abreast of many issues: peace and justice, women’s issues, human trafficking, battered women, etc. She continues, “I also direct our Parish Religious Education Program which includes mentoring catechists. Our program consists of children in grades 1-6 and Year 1 and Year 2 Confirmation

Port Clinton, Ohio

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

candidates. I also conduct First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation meetings with the parents, and lead the sacramental retreats. It is a true joy to plan all the sacramental celebrations. For our Confirmation candidates, I invite young adults from the Culture Project (dedicated to addressing critical human rights issues by creating and supporting artistic work that amplifies marginalized voices) who provide presentations on Human Dignity, Sexual Integrity and Social Media. I also work with volunteers to organize and implement our Children’s Liturgy of the Word program, proclaiming the gospel to God’s little ones each Sunday. “Immaculate Conception’s parish ministry has grown over the years and currently includes 55 active ministries of volunteers who move together with Jesus Christ to connect faith with life,” she exclaims. “The most recent ministry is a Social Concern Ministry which focuses on issues of capital punishment, drug overdoses, natural disaster relief, and other current social issues. The greatest need within parishes today is connecting people who have faith with those who have no faith.”

Across the country, Sister Teresita Keliher, SND, works at St. Philip Parish in Pasadena, California. She states, “I am presently ministering in a multicultural parish, which provides many opportunities to learn and grow in my own faith. We have so much to learn from one another. Harnessing the power of working together, we live out Christ’s commandment to love and care for one another in the Church we are building today – not only for ourselves but for future generations.”

Sister Elaine Winter, SND, has served at The Community of the Good Shepherd Parish in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 10 years. Her main responsibility as Director of Faith Formation is working with the Preschool Coordinator, Youth Minister (who coordinates grades 7-12), College Minister, and Adult Coordinator.” “Our parish has more than 4,000 families living in a suburban area north of Cincinnati. Most of the adults

“ This group keeps members abreast of many issues: peace and justice, women’s issues, human trafficking, battered women, etc.” - Sister Marilyn Ann Angel, SND, Faith Formation Director at Immaculate Conception Parish, Port Clinton, Ohio

For the past 40 years, Sister Teresita has worked in parish ministry in a variety of ways. “One thing I have learned is to be adaptable. Most of my ministry has been in religious education, preparing programs for children of all ages and working with teachers and parents and instructing them on their faith journeys,” she describes. “Working in parish life has opened up many new areas of interest: ministering to the sick and elderly, preparing and assisting at liturgies, working with new parents to prepare for their child’s Baptism, and preparing lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Probably the most important aspect of parish ministry is simply being there every day to offer support and encouragement.”

have a college education, and many work at Procter and Gamble and are transient. We have a variety of cultures and countries represented.”

Sister Michelyn Beckerich, SND, has been active in parish ministry at Holy Spirit Parish in Newport, Kentucky, for nine years. She finds working with elderly individuals within her parish particularly rewarding. “I visit the sick at their homes or in nursing homes. They are so happy to see me. It has been difficult continuing this ministry during the pandemic,” Sister Michelyn admits. In addition to pastoral care, she reads at Mass, is a member of the choir, and greets people before Mass. “There are many ministries beside these: Altar Society, Foresters, and helping families plan funeral arrangements. Holy Spirit Parish has a garden to raise vegetables for those who are hungry, in addition to our monthly collections.”

She adds, “The greatest challenge is trying to connect with people, help people feel welcome, and invite them to participate in parish life. Our parish council is called ‘The Assembly of Leaders’ (AOL) and includes 72 people. We meet quarterly and break out into four groups – Liturgy, Pastoral Care and Outreach, Education and Faith Formation, and Stewardship. People offer suggestions as to what our parish needs to work on in each of these areas in keeping with our parish mission and vision. AOL members vote to choose the three top priorities which become the goals for the next year.”

Additional ministries within Good Shepherd Parish include Sanctity of Life Ministry, homelessness services in Greater Cincinnati, 55+ Ministry, Wellness Ministries, Bereavement Ministry, and Caring Hands Home Assistance, to name a few. “We have a huge outreach program. One of our outreach programs is Shepherd’s Share. At each of our four church entrances we have blue bins for Shepherd’s Share. The items are taken to St. Francis Ministries located in downtown Cincinnati,” Sister Elaine states.

“For me, parish ministry is engaging with people right where they are!” says Sister Jolisa Lazaro, SND. continued on page 6 Winter 2021

The

Heart of Parish Ministry

continued from page 5

“Parish ministry is the stomping ground, where the people of God come together to celebrate the Sacraments, break bread in Eucharist, pray in humble adoration, grow in deeper faith, and volunteer service to individuals who are poor. Parish Ministry is where one experiences the ebb and flow of life.” Sister Jolisa ministered at St. Anthony Parish in downtown Long Beach, California for eight years. “At this very multicultural, welcoming and vibrant parish, I organized the Renew Program along with the lay ministry leaders. The Renew Program is where Catholics come together to pray and reflect on the Scriptures. There is a need for smaller supportive communities within the parish where faith can be shared and strengthened,” Sister Jolisa states. “After the three-year program, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of this parish. Many small groups continued to gather to have weekly Bible studies.” Sister Jolisa was also the Director for Liturgy and the Spanish RCIA, encouraging lay leadership

At St. Lucy’s, Sister Jolisa serves as Assistant Director for Religious Education, Confirmation Team member, resource teacher for the catechists, and Parish Liaison Coordinator for the Missionary Discipleship Pathway Program. The Missionary Discipleship Pathway Program is a series of evangelizing experiences offered to any adults who are curious about or seeking to explore and deepen their relationship with Jesus. The dynamic sister’s ultimate objective as a parish minister at St. Lucy, as at St. Anthony Parish, is simple: “I want to be an example of what it truly means to be a servant leader and always try to follow one of my favorite quotes: ‘You have been told what is good, and what the Lord requires of you…act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.’” (Micah 6:8) Sister Marilyn Zgonc, SND, is in her seventh year in parish ministry at St. Ladislas Church in Westlake, Ohio. Previously, she was involved for seven years in parish ministry at St. Mary Parish in Elyria, Ohio.

“ One would not know the people are impoverished because of the genuine, joy-filled spirit and kindness parishioners show.” - Sister Jolisa Lazaro, SND, St. Lucy Parish, Long Beach, California

through training and workshops. “Strengthening their confidence in their specific ministry was always my goal so that, eventually, the light of Christ’s love continues to shine for all who step on the parish grounds at St. Anthony, known as the Mother Church of Long Beach.” Sister Jolisa now works at St. Lucy Parish, located on the west side of Long Beach. Another multicultural and welcoming parish, Sister says the only difference is that the parishioners are economically poor. “One would not know the people are impoverished because of the genuine, joy-filled spirit and kindness parishioners show,” Sister Jolisa describes. “They are so grateful for everything they have – family, food, faith, Mass and adoration outdoors along with time to volunteer and help others.”

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

“At both parishes, I was blessed to minister to the senior population since they hold a special place in my heart,” she says. Sister Marilyn continues, “Before this pandemic, I was so grateful to bring the Eucharist to our homebound parishioners, which I’m still doing on a more limited schedule. Since we are unable to visit nursing facilities now, I look forward to the time when I’ll be able to conduct Liturgy of the Word services in these facilities and share the Holy Eucharist with them.” St. Ladislas Parish, comprised of approximately 1,500 parishioners, is extremely involved in social justice issues. “Our Hunger Center prepares nutritional, wholesome meals at St. Patrick’s Church and St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, both located in Cleveland, Ohio. Our parish also distributes about $800,000 each year, donated from grocery and other stores.”

“One of the greatest needs within parishes today is evangelization,” Sister Marilyn thoughtfully reflects. “To quote Bishop Robert Barron, ‘There are far more ex-Catholics than Catholics in the U.S.A., and the fastest growing category of religious affiliation is none.’ St. Ladislas is blessed with a dynamic Evangelization Committee which meets monthly to reach out to the unbaptized and those seeking Confirmation.”

Religion Program (Parents give direct instruction at home to their children.); Vacation Bible Camp; and Parish Service Day.

Sister Judy Bucco, SND, has served as Director of Religious Education at St. Joan of Arc (SJA) Parish in Chagrin Falls, Ohio since 2004. “The greatest need at SJA is Adult Faith Formation and involvement in faith activities for families,” she says. “I involve 16-18 parents as Confirmation Team Leaders each year for our instructional Parish Confirmation Sessions; several others in our Vacation Bible Camp; and additional volunteers for Jesus Day preparations and as Jesus Day Group Leaders. This is a small way to involve adults and children together, but I think an effective one.”

“I love being the administrator of our PSR Program and working with Catechists and our children!” she exclaims. “When I observe classrooms, I find how much our children express a desire to continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus and in their knowledge and love for our faith and our Church. I also love facilitating parent meetings for the Sacraments and including a panel of parents who share how they were a part of the process.” Sister Susan Javorek, SND, sums it up well. “Ministry at Holy Angels Parish these 20+ years has revealed to me the Body of Christ in very visible and tangible ways. It has offered me the privilege of walking with people in their joys and heartaches, their moments of conflict, their forgiveness and peace. My heart has been greatly expanded by learning, questioning, praying, celebrating, serving and visioning with so many people living their faith.”

Other parish ministries Sister Judy participates in include preparing children for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist; the Parish School of Religion (PSR); the Family

Why not become more involved in your faith and local parish? To learn more about parish ministry, visit sndusa.org to connect with the SND regional office closest to you. Sister Marilyn Zgonc gives communion to parishioners of Ministry of Care program.

Winter 2021

Opening SND USA-Sponsored Schools Amid

COVID-19

This past fall, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued infection protection guidelines for K-12 schools returning to in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Each school district across the United States was tasked to make decisions based on the rates of COVID-19 in their community, and the district’s capacity to mitigate risks within their schools. The agency suggested the lowest risk for in-person learning involved a “hybrid” learning model with online mixed with in-person classes – small in-person classes with alternating or staggered schedules. Furthermore, the CDC recommended cloth face coverings for students, teachers and staff, no handling common items, frequent handwashing, regular deep-cleaning of highly touched surfaces in school facilities, eating lunch in small groups, rearranging desks to face all in one direction, and installing plastic shields in bathrooms where sinks could not be six feet apart. SND educators across the country worked with great determination and creativity toward one goal: to keep students safe for in-person learning and the full experience of a close school community. Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, KY

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

Lial Catholic School

TOLEDO, OHIO Lynn Cherry is Head of School at Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse, Ohio, which includes a pre-K through 8th grade elementary school. “I started working together with faculty and staff last June to create our guideline resources,” Cherry says. Three handbooks were designed to guide and assist Lial families through the 20202021 school year: Living Lial at School Handbook, and Living Lial at Home Handbook were created

systems were installed on our HVAC units. This system helps to clean our buildings of mold, pollen, allergens, and viruses. All carpets and ductwork were thoroughly cleaned. ‘Zones’ were created designating certain classrooms, doors, and restrooms to specific grade bands to reduce the number of contacts a student/staff member encounters. Our weekly Mass is celebrated virtually in all classrooms.”

“ Our goal was to open safely and lovingly for families ready for face-to-face instruction.” - Lynn Cherry, Head of School, Lial Catholic School, Whitehouse, Ohio

to run in tandem with each other to meet the needs of families wanting face-to-face instruction for their students and those wanting remote instruction. If the entire school had to learn remotely, all families follow Lial Catholic School’s Online Handbook. Cherry explains, “I reworked many of our policies to keep our schools safe. Custom plexi barriers were designed and installed on all community tables in classrooms, the Science lab, and the Spanish room. Three outdoor classrooms were created with custom picnic tables and large tents. Two water stations were built outside allowing for eight students at each station to safely wash hands while being socially distant. It was designed off drip irrigation systems found in greenhouses. Additionally, iWaves air purification

Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse began their normal five-day schedule on September 1. Families choosing the “Living Lial at Home” option also began on September 1, using Google Meets to join classrooms from home. “Our goal was to open safely and lovingly for families ready for face-to-face instruction,” Cherry states. She is confident that Lial Catholic School continues to provide the same high-quality education despite COVID-19. “We put in long hours to prepare for this school year. An added bonus, we have great parents who are involved and who work well with their children’s teachers,” she explains with a smile. “Lial isn’t just a building; it’s the people who choose to fill it. Our Lial community is like a family. Together, we support each other in faith and friendship to keep each other safe and healthy.” continued on page 10 Winter 2021

Opening SND USA-Sponsored Schools Amid COVID-19 continued from page 9

COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Jack VonHandorf, principal of Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Kentucky, and his 2020-21 School Planning Team are constantly adjusting to the COVID-19 situation. They designed three plans at the onset of the school year:

• Plan 1

Traditional Learning @NDA: Full return to school with safety precautions in place

• Plan 2

Blended Learning @NDA: Combination of online and in-person classes to reduce the number of students at school

• Plan 3

Remote Learning @NDA: Full remote learning

“We began working last May to develop our Pandas Return to Campus Plan, ensuring that necessary health and safety measures were in place to mitigate the spread of coronavirus when school opened on August 17. NDA President Dr. Laura Koehl and I presented this plan to our community through a pre-recorded video,” VonHandorf says. “We also posted a written version on our website for reference throughout the school year. We followed what was provided by the CDC, NKY Health Department, the Kentucky Department of Education, and the Diocese of Covington. We also took into consideration all the data collected from recent parent surveys as well as input from faculty, staff and students.”

Self-Test is one of the best,” VonHandorf exclaims. “This self-test is completed by NDA students in the morning before they enter the building. Their responses produce a green or red screen on their phone or iPad. If they receive a green screen, it indicates they are healthy to attend school that day, and they show school personnel as they enter the building. If the screen is red, students must contact the school nurse before reporting to school. Along with the self-test, school personnel are taking student temperatures. This custom-designed app makes our arrival procedure safe, healthy and efficient.”

In addition to increasing the physical safety of their school community and COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies, NDA’s plan includes programs provided by their Student Services Department, addressing the social and emotional wellness of their students.

The experienced NDA principal believes the protocols put in place enable NDA to remain open and control the spread of the virus. “Our students are spaced six feet apart in classes and at lunch. We require masks in all classrooms. We added additional cleaning and sanitizing procedures. We are doing everything we can to protect our students while they are at school, and we are encouraging them to take safety precautions outside of school,” reiterates VonHandorf. He says they hired a school nurse, who works closely with the Northern Kentucky Health Department and Diocese of Covington, to help with emergency measures.

“While there have been many new protocols, policies, guidelines, and modifications at NDA for the 2020-21 school year, NDA’s custom COVID-19

“We communicate with students and families directly affected by the person who has tested positive for the virus,” he adds.

“We also took into consideration all the data collected from recent parent surveys as well as input from faculty, staff and students.” - Jack VonHandorf, Principal, Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills, Kentucky

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, KY

“We are a one-to-one iPad school. This technology allowed us to quickly move to online learning in the spring of 2020,” VonHandorf states. “We added additional technology to improve the online experience that some students are choosing for their classes. “This is an opportunity to reinforce what it means to be a community and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make to be supportive of one another. We focus on comprehensive and transparent communication to provide parents

and students with all the information they need regarding school at NDA during this time. We built a great deal of trust within our community with the success of our remote learning implemented last spring. As a leader in educational technology, NDA was well positioned to take on the challenge of virtual instruction without sacrificing the quality of a Notre Dame Academy education,” VonHandorf says. continued on page 12

Winter 2021

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High Scool in Chardon, OH

Opening SND USA-Sponsored Schools Amid COVID-19 continued from page 11

CHARDON, OHIO Like Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Kentucky, Notre Dame Schools in Chardon, Ohio safely made reopening schools for in-person learning a priority. All students, faculty, and staff are required to wear masks. They may be on campus only if healthy and symptom-free. “We conduct temperature checks for everyone entering our buildings,” Dr. Michael Bates, President of Notre Dame Schools, remarks. “We augmented our facilities staff to ensure frequent sanitizing and disinfection of highusage areas. We created new spaces to socially distance in classrooms and at lunch. We continue

Joseph Waler, principal of NDCL, credits the high school’s successful reopening to student leadership as well as the careful, deliberate preparations of the faculty and staff throughout the summer. Students in grades K-12 returned to campus with a staggered start over 10 days in mid-August. Students had a choice for in-person or virtual learning. “We follow local and state guidelines and rely on local health authorities to do contact tracing,” he adds. “Our messaging abides by HIPAA privacy laws. If our county or schools are asked to quarantine or return to online learning for a period of time, we are readily prepared.”

“We created new spaces to socially distance in classrooms and at lunch.” - Dr. Michael Bates, President, Notre Dame Schools, Chardon, Ohio

to coordinate with the local Geauga County health authorities and a Board task force of doctors and nurses on all policies related to COVID-19.” A local newspaper reported, “Leadership and school spirit, not the coronavirus, surged on Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (NDCL) campus the end of August as students and staff stepped up to implement the health and safety protocols enabling NDCL to offer in-person instruction for 95 percent of the 710 students.”

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

The Notre Dame School’s president is confident they are providing the same high-quality education despite the pandemic. Bates says, “Parents receive weekly communication from both the elementary school and high school during the pandemic, and we provide them with resources to be even more resilient as parents.” He reassures students and parents, “You are loved by God and by our community. Never forget that our community abides in love and with respect for you. We are in this together, and we will thrive through this time.”

Instructor Stephanie Gray teaches her class online at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, California.

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA Maggie Marschner, Principal of La Reina High School & Middle School in Thousand Oaks, California, says they have done monumental work to protect the health and safety of their faculty, staff, families and students at La Reina. “Through careful planning and oversight, our Director of Facilities and Operations, Mr. Laird Wilson, and his staff did an incredible job preparing La Reina’s facilities according to federal and state regulations to ensure all health and safety guidelines are in place,” Marschner states. “Through the summer of 2020, the La Reina staff worked tirelessly to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. We gathered as a community and formed the Return to Campus Task Force, composed of medical, therapeutic, instructional, legal, security, technical and other areas of expertise. We prepared for the eventualities of this school year,” Marschner continues. “Our administrative team re-imagined three master calendars: one that allowed for socially distanced classrooms, as well as a hybrid version for La Reina on campus, and La Reina at-home option. She says desks are positioned six feet apart, and each classroom has hand sanitizing wipes and pump options available. The air conditioning system pulls fresh air and circulates it while windows are opened so air flow maintains the same direction. Hallways offer an eight-feet distance so students can move safely following directional arrows. They have touchless water stations and the spacious layout of their campus accommodates outdoor instruction.

“As both an educator and principal, I am most concerned about the safety and well-being of all students and staff,” Marschner emphatically states. “We remain vigilant to maintain the necessary guidelines and procedures. Temperatures are taken before students exit their vehicles in the morning. Students take a health screening survey prior to coming to campus. If a student is identified as having contracted COVID-19, La Reina’s staff works in full cooperation with Ventura County Public Health Department.”

“We remain vigilant to

Marschner adds, “La Reina maintain the necessary educators are guidelines and procedures.” professionals of the highest - Maggie Marschner, Principal, La Reina High School & Middle School, Thousand Oaks, California caliber. Their instructional pedagogy is something that, as professionals, they are continually refining. Last March, La Reina pivoted to Distance Learning with one day’s notice. La Reina’s faculty and staff boldly stepped into Spring 2020 and took on the challenge of COVID-19 by giving 110% every day in the virtual environment. We saw the results of that work with a 97% attendance rate, 91% AP pass rate, and our students maintaining their A-F grading scale. “The tradition of La Reina is rich and strong, never more so than at this very moment in history during the 2020-2021 school year. La Reina continues to lead the way in our community by boldly facing a shifting landscape, grounded solidly in the Educational Vision and Principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame.”

La Reina High School in California provides outdoor learning and social distancing in the classroom.

Winter 2021

Opening SND-Sponsored Schools The challenges of opening schools across the

schools use their free time to work in community

U.S. pale in comparison to the realities of SND

gardens to help feed the hungry. Sister Esther,

schools in other areas of the world.

SND, director of the Aloysia Home in Tanzania,

Many countries were in lockdown with their borders closed. In Mpala, Uganda, schools and colleges have been closed with limited online classes. Students residing in SND boarding

Africa, writes, “As the coronavirus has affected programs and activities all over the world, we, too, are staying home with the children who board at our school. We keep busy with different

“COVID 19, with its sudden upheavals, has changed our routines and lifestyles.” - Sigit Setyawen, Operational Director of Notre Dame Schools, Jakarta, Indonesia

Sister Prisca teaches a primary class in India during the pandemic.

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

Worldwide During Pandemic activities like farm work, harvesting the

In Bangalore, India, schools remain closed

maize we planted, and planting trees around

while the Sisters of Notre Dame provide

our compound. The girls have also been

food for the families in need. India currently

busy with their studies each day, taking

has the largest number of confirmed cases

exams on the internet, participating in group

of coronavirus in Asia, and the second-

discussions, competing in debate, creating

highest number of confirmed cases in the

and telling stories, and making cards and

world after the United States. Sister Sudha

different decorations.”

Varghese, SND, in Patna, India painfully

Likewise, challenges abound in Jakarta, Indonesia that has a total of 1,330 students enrolled in Notre Dame classes. Sigit Setyawen, Operational Director of Notre Dame Schools, Jakarta, describes, “Teachers and students were not well prepared for the online teaching and learning that suddenly occurred. Our biggest challenge is teachers’

describes, “Our people are starving, and they have no work which means no money. I try to get dry rations packed and distributed among our people, particularly the elderly, widows, pregnant women, mentally/ physically challenged persons, orphans and whoever is in need of food. We started this last April, and it still continues.”

readiness. We are all finding it extremely

Sister Beena, SND (in the Patna province)

hard to master the technology challenges.”

concurs, “COVID 19, with its sudden

Setyawen continues, “We opened 73 classrooms in Zoom. Some students and teachers have devices (laptop or smartphone) to learn or teach online; others do not have wi-fi at home. School will probably reopen in July 2021 for juniorsenior high (blended/hybrid learning) and elementary school two months after juniorsenior schools. Our students are longing to return to the classrooms.”

upheavals, has changed our routines and lifestyles. Work, worship, home, healthcare, education and social life have all been altered. We are forced to adapt to quarantine, lockdowns, and physical distancing. Lockdowns have jeopardized the academic atmosphere everywhere, especially in India. There is an overwhelming sense of emotional damage, anxiety and uncertainty among teachers, students and their parents about classes, examinations and academic progression.”

Winter 2021

Each issue of SND USA Magazine will now include a feature article on spirituality by a guest writer. We hope you find the words inspiring, insightful, and encouraging.

Nourishing Our Sense of Wonder

A woman, living on the shores of Lake Huron, had her three-year-old grandson visiting for Christmas. One morning the two of them sat in the living room watching the sunrise over the lake. It was a beautiful sight, with the yellow and orange light reflecting on the water. The next morning the woman was working in the kitchen when she heard her grandson yelling excitedly from the living room, “Grandma! Come quick! It’s doing it again!”

Wonder Sister Melannie Svoboda has ministered in education, formation, and leadership. Currently she gives talks and retreats nationally. She is also the author of many books including: Hanging Onto Hope, The Grace of Beauty: Its Mystery, Power, and Delight in Daily Life, and Picking Strawberries: Prayer-Poems to Nourish the Soul. Visit her blog “Sunflower Seeds” at www.melanniesvobodasnd.org.

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

When Jesus told us to become like little children, I think he was encouraging a childlike sense of wonder like that of the woman’s grandson. Children marvel at just about everything—even ordinary things: the rising sun, a creeping woolly worm, a chocolate chip cookie. Why is a childlike sense of wonder so important for our spiritual lives? First, wonder begets learning. When we wonder about things, we are often drawn to learn more about them—whether they be a certain person, an unusual bird at our feeder, or even a passage in scripture. Second, wonder can incite us to action. Our awe of rivers and forests may lead us to join conservation efforts to preserve them for future generations. Similarly, a disturbing news headline can move us to get involved with a particular social issue. Wonder can often lead to selfless service.

Third, a sense of wonder can bring us closer to God. St. Thomas Aquinas said that wonder was “the first rung of the ladder that leads to God.” Wonder or awe has the power to generate prayerful communion with God. And lastly, wonder instills life and vitality. As author Merry Browne wrote, “You know you’re old when you’ve lost all your marvels.” When

to make s’mores over an open fire, to read a certain poem, to go on a 6-hour river cruise, to take in a good movie, to sip a glass of wine together on the back porch.

When we wonder about things, we are following in the steps of Jesus. He stood in wonder at the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, a hen sheltering her chicks beneath her wings. He was fascinated we by bread rising, wheat germinating, wine aging, wonder and tiny seeds growing into big trees. He marveled at about people too: the playfulness things of children, the profound love of parents for their we are children, the compassion of a Centurion for his servant, following the faith-driven spunk of Syro-Phoenician woman in the steps the who wouldn’t take no for an answer. of Jesus.

If wonder is so important, then how might we nourish wonder in our daily lives? One way is to slow down. This can be hard because we live in a world that defies speed. We drive fast, work fast, talk fast, eat fast, and demand that our internet service be fast. So, we need to slow down on a regular basis or even pause from the rush in order to pay more attention to the people and world around us. In this way we can become noticers—especially of beautiful things: the dark inquisitive eyes of a child, the softness of a kitten’s fur, the taste and texture of Grandma’s nut rolls, the comforting strains of a favorite song.

We can also encourage others to take time to wonder with us. I have been dragged by family members or friends to go for a walk in the park, to sit and gaze at a sunset,

Jesus

So, may our prayer be: God of Wonder, when I behold the marvels of this world, I am filled with awe, vitality, and gratitude. Help me to nourish my sense of wonder by slowing down and becoming a noticer. May my wonderings lead to selfless service of others. I ask for these graces through our attentive Brother Jesus and the power of his awe-inspiring Spirit.

Amen.

continued on page 16

Winter 2021

Consider participating in an upcoming

SND USA Spiritual Retreat Awakening to God Within Us During these times of tension and restlessness and the behaviors they have evoked, we look for a sense of meaning and assurance. Where do we look? What do we find there? Cistercian monk and priest Thomas Keating and Franciscan priest Richard Rohr invite us to spend some time in retreat looking honestly at ourselves and knowing that God can lead and enlighten us if we only listen. Their CD series, Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer, provides a pathway and practice for us. We look forward to your joining us March 12-14, 2021, as Frs. Keating and Rohr guide our virtual weekend retreat consisting of six sessions (approximately 60-90 minutes each). Visuals accompany the presentations. For further information, call Lial Renewal Center at 419-877-0432.

Choosing Christ in the World This is a valuable extended virtual or on-site retreat in everyday life inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola which allows the retreatant to deepen her/his spiritual longings without leaving the reality of ordinary daily life. With the aid of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, the retreatant finds nourishment for the desire to see Christ more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly. For more information: contact Sister Joanne Mary Frania, SND at 419-913-9851 by September 1, 2021.

Finding Christ in the World This is a virtual or on-site, 12-week retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola for persons who desire to integrate the events of everyday life and their spiritual search. This experience requires participants to commit to prayer daily using the materials provided in the book,

Finding Christ in the World, while living the events of their ordinary daily life. Each week the group gathers virtually to deepen their prayer experience by sharing with the help of a facilitator. For more information about this virtual retreat and where to order the book, contact Sister Joanne Mary Frania, SND at 419-913-9851 by September 1, 2021.

On-Going Spiritual Direction/ Companioning Spiritual direction/companioning is an ancient practice of accompanying people who desire to grow in their relationship with God and find greater peace and purpose in their lives. This confidential, one-on-one meeting every 4-6 weeks is conducted in a respectful, prayerful atmosphere. Further information can be found on the Lial Renewal Center website: lialrenewalcenter.org.

Hanging onto Hope in a Beautiful and Imperfect World How do we remain hopeful amid the gloom and doom that pervades the daily news and our personal lives? This retreat explores that question by contemplating the nature of hope and its relation to faith, love, and courage. It also offers ways we can nourish hope in our lives through such things as prayer, service, friendship, letting go, playfulness, and beauty. Using scripture, music, poetry, stories, and short videos, we will be invited deeper into the Mystery of God, the ultimate source of all hope. Facilitated by Sister Melannie Svoboda, SND, this retreat is scheduled for May 23-29, 2021 at Heartland Center for Spirituality, Great Bend, KS. Further information can be found at www. heartlandspirituality.org.

To learn about additional SND USA spiritual retreats and programs open to the public, please visit the Lial Renewal Center website at lialrenewalcenter.org or the Bethany Retreat Center website at bethanyretreatcenter.org 18

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

CARES Act Charitable Tax Incentives Extended Through 2021 Some of the charitable benefits included in the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) passed on March 27, 2020, have been extended through the 2021 calendar year. These two important charitable benefits provide donors several unique opportunities in 2021 when considering philanthropic support to charities of their choice.

1. An Expansion of the Universal Charitable Deduction for Cash Gifts The universal charitable deduction has not only been extended but given a well-deserved upgrade. The new deduction is $300 for single filers and $600 for married couples filing jointly. This is available to taxpayers who take the standard deduction. This tax incentive is available for cash gifts to qualified charities like the Sisters of Notre Dame (but not to supporting organizations or donor advised funds).

2. An Extension of the Cap on Deductions for Cash Contributions Contributions to public charities, like the Sisters of Notre Dame, are generally limited to a percentage of a taxpayerâ€™s adjusted gross income (AGI). The CARES Act lifted the cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, increasing it from 60% to 100% of AGI for 2020 (and now for 2021). Any excess contributions available can be carried over to the next five years. For corporations, the law raised the annual limit from 10% to 25% of taxable income. As we look ahead to a new year filled with promise, we remain grateful for your ongoing interest in and support of our ministry efforts. For more information on including the Sisters of Notre Dame in your estate plans, please contact your regional Mission Advancement Office.

COVINGTON, KY: JODEE MCELFRESH | jmcelfresh@sndusa.org THOUSAND OAKS, CA: SISTER LISA MEGAFFIN | lmegaffin@sndusa.org TOLEDO, OH: SISTER CAROL GREGORY | cgregory@sndusa.org CHARDON, OH: CARRIE HIGGINBOTHAM | chigginbotham@sndusa.org

The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.

Winter 2021

Spotlight on SND USA Associate

Kevin McNamara

Kevin McNamara talks with Sr. Regina Robbins while donating blood at a La Reina Blood Drive.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is home to 4.3 million Catholics in nearly 300 parishes in 120 cities and three counties. Sunday Eucharist is celebrated in 42 languages. SND Associates are living, working, teaching, worshipping, and serving across this diverse landscape. Associates serve as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, catechists, and retreat leaders. They are active in parish-based bereavement and crisis accompaniment ministries, as well as outreach to the poor and marginalized. Each of these Associates is “drawn by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame…. To be a hope-filled presence in the world.” What led Kevin McNamara to become an advocate for those in need, an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and a volunteer extraordinaire for the sisters?

According to Kevin, the answer is simple. “The work was just there to be done.” 20

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

Kevin started giving back during his 31 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He helped with the Padre Los Ninos program in Skid Row, which provides services to children of immigrants, and at South Central LAMP (Los Angles Ministry Project), an organization founded by eight congregations of Kevin McNamara receives the Spirit of La Reina award. Catholic sisters after the civil unrest in 1992. The program’s goal is to help immigrant women and small children with familyKevin’s story, in many ways, centered programming. prepared him for a life of service “When you and faith. A graduate of Notre Dame When Kevin retired from the Police Department in 2004, helping others was already ingrained in him. In High School in Sherman Oaks, think back, you fact, seven hours into his retirement, La Reina called, CA, and California State University and he answered. His daughter, Caitlin, was graduating Northridge, Kevin is the oldest of just want to and the Sisters of Notre Dame needed help. He joined five siblings. When he turned 19 the staff, serving as the Facilities Manager. Since then, give something years old, he was drafted and sent to Vietnam. While Kevin was serving, the sisters have called him time and time again. “The sisters have me on speed dial. And I always answer,” he his father died. Family friends back.” says with a grin. stepped in to help raise the children and ensure they could remain in a Recently, Kevin received the “Spirit of La Reina Award,” Catholic school and go onto college. Kevin never forgot. the highest award given to a member of the La Reina “When you think back, you just want to give something Family. According to Kevin, “I am no hero. I am just back,” he states. “You want to sleep at night.” doing what anyone would do.” Those who know him beg to differ. Except he does so much more than anyone else. Just ask St. Julie Billiart Parish in Newbury Park where he (pre-COVID) regularly spent the night at its Winter Shelter program for homeless people. Just ask St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish where he served on the Finance Board. Just ask La Reina High School and Middle School where Kevin has been a mainstay, assisting the Director of Facilities in all tasks great and small, or just ask the Development Director where Kevin helps to raise funds for the school and is a generous donor.

If you are interested in becoming a SND Associate, please contact:

Winter 2021

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Cleveland, OH Permit No. 498

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. SND USA National Headquarters 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024

SND USA Regional Offices 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 3912 Sunforest Court, Suite B, Toledo, OH 43623

www.sndusa.org Chardon Office Prayer Line 440-279-1163 Toledo Office Prayer Line awillman@toledosnd.org Covington Office Prayer Line info@sndky.org or 859-291-2040 Thousand Oaks Office Prayer Line info@sndca.org HELP DISCOURAGE WASTE:

If you received duplicate mailings, want to be removed from our mailing list or want to change an address, call (440) 279-1178. printed on recycled paper

Are You Being Called? Have you thought about how you can make a difference in the lives of people around you? Do you want to reconnect with your faith or learn more? Perhaps you have sensed God calling you to a religious vocation. Maybe you are interested in exploring your own spirituality. Throughout the scriptures we are reminded that God has a unique design for each of our lives. The Sisters of Notre Dame Young Adult and Vocation team are offering several online Zoom programs in 2021 that may spark your interest. For example, this past December, young adults across the U.S. participated in several book studies including Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen and Discerning the Will of God: The Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making by Timothy Gallagher, OM. Please visit www.snd-vocation.org to learn about upcoming book studies and other online programs for young adults. We would love to have you join us! In fact, mark your calendar now for the online Lenten Retreat for Young Adults on March 5 at 7:00 p.m. through March 7 at 3 p.m. This weekend online retreat was inspired by the book, Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life, by well-known author Joyce Rupp. Through presentations, small group sharing, communal prayer, meditation and quiet times, Sister Mary Dean Pfahler, SND, a certified Boundless Compassion facilitator, will invite young adult participants to open their hearts to themselves, to one another, to all living beings and to the earth. To register or for more information, please contact Sister Jenny Zimmerman at vocations@snd1.org.

Sharing Godâ€™s Goodness and Love

Network Winter 2021

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission.

Sharing God’s Goodness and Love The Sisters of Notre Dame acknowledge that their charism – a deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care – motivates them to serve others through their unique gifts. Sisters work with numerous organizations and social outreach programs, caring for pregnant women with little or no support, feeding the hungry through parish ministries, offering religious education to children and adults, serving at the U.S. borders, and so much more. However, the sisters are not alone in experiencing this charism. Innumerable individuals are being awakened to their spirituality through service to others.

At age 87, Gladys Walcott shares the SND charism one seed at a time. Gladys is a founding member of E. C. Grows Community Garden, located at 15000 Woodworth Road in East Cleveland, Ohio. The thriving garden began 13 years ago when Gladys retired from public office as president of East Cleveland City Council. Today, rather than a gavel, her tools of the trade include hoes, spades, trowels, shovels and, of course, seeds. “I was taking care of my parents and found myself falling in a rut,” Gladys admits with a smile. “A friend invited me to a workshop about taking wasted, unsightly land in the city and doing something good with that space. Well, I knew of a parking lot (overgrown with weeds as tall as me) across the street from the Coit Road Farmers Market. I, along with four others, asked to use the half-acre land for a community garden. The landowners agreed and donated the land for our use.” Motivated and encouraged, Gladys convinced passing truck drivers to help clear the land. “It was an asphalt parking lot,” she describes with a laugh. Soon, the small group was able to construct five raised vegetable beds. A humble beginning.

more. “We also grow cucumbers. They are Sister Marie Manning’s favorite,” Gladys adds with a giggle. “We are currently planting rose bushes around the garden, and we grow other flowers, including sunflowers. We do not sell our produce. We invite people to take enough for their families and share with their neighbors. We do accept donations which enable us to keep our garden organic. The untreated wood and cement blocks used in the garden are expensive. We also ask for a $10 membership fee for others who want to garden here. We welcome people of all faiths.” “My faith motivates me,” Gladys emphatically states. “I have been a charter member of my church, Mount Olivet Church of God, in Cleveland, for 70 years. There, I have served as Sunday School teacher, usher, and am referred to as the ‘Church Mother.’ I am close to being the oldest person there.” “Everyone can witness God’s goodness and love,” Gladys encourages. “At our community garden, we definitely could use more volunteers to share God’s love! It’s good to teach and talk about the goodness of the Lord, but it’s better for people to see it in your life. I feel I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” Gladys is not the only one using her unique gifts and circumstances in life to help others experience God’s goodness and love. Brendan Knapp, 17, a junior at Bay Village High School, volunteers at Blessing House, a children’s crisis care center, caring for children from newborns through age 12 whose parents or caregivers are experiencing a crisis or emergency and a high level of stress that might put their children at risk of abuse or neglect.

Today, E. C. Grows Community Garden includes more than 40 community volunteers who tend 65 to 70 raised garden beds. They grow everything from tomatoes, corn, all types of squash, beets, Swiss chard and other leafy greens to garlic, potatoes and

“When several opportunities arose to fundraise for or do volunteer work at Blessing House, I immediately responded because I am very aware of the blessings and comforts I have received that others have not,” Brendan matter-of-factly explains. “In my own small way, I contribute to the bigger goal of improving the lives of children and families who come to Blessing House seeking safety, assistance and love – all things I do not take for granted.”

Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101

Brendan has been involved in fundraising and volunteering at Blessing House through Saint Raphael Parish in Bay Village, Ohio since 2017. His service includes making repairs, re-landscaping the yard and outdoor play areas, moving furniture, speaking at Mass, and organizing various fundraising events, including a basketball tournament for Blessing House.

On the cover: Gladys Walcott shares the SND charism one seed at a time at E. C. Grows Community Garden. 2

Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

WINTER 2021

“In my own small way, I contribute to the bigger goal of improving the lives of children and families who come to Blessing House seeking safety, assistance and love – all things I do not take for granted.” — Brendan Knapp, 17, a junior at Bay Village High School Brendan Knapp working alongside Sister Mary Berigan at Blessing House

“I feel by offering my time and making myself available to whatever needs come up, I am letting God lead me and teach me. I may not know the next urgent need at Blessing House, but I know I want to assist Sister Mary Berigan and Blessing House. I would encourage other teens to do so whenever the call comes,” says Brendan. “As the Volunteer Coordinator of High School Ministry at St. Raphael Parish, I am ready to respond and trust that my actions will make work easier for the Blessing House staff as well as improve the lives of the kids who come there.” Another individual impacted by the Sisters of Notre Dame and their charism is Andy Bushman, Munson Township Trustee in Geauga County. “I go way back with the Sisters of Notre Dame,” exclaims Andy with a smile. “My entire family attended Saint Mary Elementary School in Chardon, Ohio. I heard stories about the Sisters of Notre Dame as a child. In first grade, I had Mrs. Koesel as my teacher. Her daughter is a Sister of Notre Dame. Sister Mary Antoinette taught me catechism. My oldest sister’s best friend in school was Sister Janet Helphrey. Those are just a few of many family connections.” Andy says that as a child, his perception of the Sisters of Notre Dame was that their whole mission was education. “They provided an excellent Catholic education for their students,”

he states. “As an adult, I see the sisters moving beyond education and actively participating in the community – as members of the Hunger Task Force Board, WomenSafe Board, working with the cancer support group, fighting human trafficking, assisting immigrants, and so much more.” Andy says the Sisters of Notre Dame have served as role models throughout his life. “They taught me, as a child, that learning can be fun. As an adult, I have experienced the broader range of their charism and outreach. People do not realize all they do in this community, and it is done with humility and care. I hope to continue their mission through my service to their congregation and my community. The SND mission has become the ‘Bushman Way!’” Another individual impacted by the Sisters of Notre Dame is Aaron Calton. While serving as an alumni volunteer at St. Ignatius High School, the 28-year-old is currently taking a year to discern with the Jesuits whether a religious vocation is in his future. Prior to this year, Aaron taught Theology and was the Director of Service Ministry at Trinity High School. Aaron is currently living in community with other alumni volunteers. His volunteer activities include helping with Stockings for Christ, Zelie’s Home, and the Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry at St. Ignatius. continued on page 4

www.sndchardon.org

Sharing God’s Goodness and Love continued from page 3

He reflects on the role the Sisters of Notre Dame have played in his life. “I grew up attending St. Augustine Parish in Tremont. Sister Janet Kondrat worked at the church, and from a young age, I witnessed her gentleness and openness to people,” Aaron recalls. “Then, a few years ago, I met Sister Kate Hine and recognized immediately someone who cared and wanted other people to know God. She helped me grow in my faith. She never gave up on me.” Aaron continues, “I really admire Sister Kate’s devotion to bringing God to other people. She has such great joy. Then, in planning a Charis Retreat, I met many other Sisters of Notre Dame. In their Chardon Provincial Center, I saw a statue of Julie Billiart with her arms extended to heaven. At that moment, I knew that is what I wanted my life to be – completely open to God’s will.” “Through the history of the Church, religious orders come and go, but their mission never dies,” Aaron states. He sees the mission of the SNDs continuing through so many individuals impacted by the sisters. Victoria Frabotta also embraces the SND mission in her own life. Vicki graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Chardon, Ohio in 1986. She states, “We were encouraged to be of service to others as students. After I earned a master’s degree in education, Sister Donna Paluf hired me to teach at NDCL in 1991. There were more sisters working at the high school then. I worked closely with Sister Eileen Quinlan with the theatre productions. She was a great mentor to me in the English Aaron Calton

“ Through the history of department. The SNDs are master teachers and encouraged young teachers like me.”

the Church, religious orders come and go, but their mission never dies.”

Vicki, who has taught at — Aaron Calton NDCL for the past 29 years, describes her desire to serve asylum seekers entering the U.S. at the southern borders. “I first learned of La Posada from Sister Karen Somerville. She came to speak to the NDCL faculty during one of our teacher development days,” Vicki recalls. “I called her afterward to learn more about the work she did to help these refugees. I also spoke with Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane about her experience at the border. I had been wanting to do more service, but as a single parent, my priority was my daughter. With Briana (NDCL ’18) working during the summer for money for college, I had more time available. I felt it was something I SHOULD do.” She continues, “The Sisters of Notre Dame are helping the religious order of Sisters of La Posada at the southern border, showing solidarity among the religious communities. With all the rhetoric being used, I wanted to experience the border myself. What I experienced was how much hope there is in the world, despite all the pain and loss, for many immigrants and refugees to get to this point. Just as there are slave stories and Holocaust stories, there are immigrant stories. People arrived with just the clothes on their backs -- people who want the chance to learn the English language and work. All the immigrants and refugees want is safety and freedom to earn a living and contribute to society. At La Posada, they are treated with dignity.” The passionate educator and mother encourages others in the community to get to know the SNDs and embrace and share in their charism. “The Sisters of Notre Dame are leaders in so many ministries,” Vicki describes. “There is something for everyone. For me, knowing they are involved is comforting, almost like I’m visiting a relative’s home.” If you would like to participate in the SND charism by offering your own unique gifts, please consider volunteering in one or more of their ministries. Visit sndchardon.org to learn more about how you can get involved. Or simply contribute where you feel called to in your own life. Expand the SND charism through your own spheres of influence by sharing your unique gifts with others.

Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

WINTER 2021

A Lasting Tribute SISTER KATHERINE MARY

(formerly Sister Mary David Anne)

Born Katherine SKRABEC on April 16, 1936 Entered into religious life, September 8, 1954 Entered into eternal life, August 3, 2020 Katherine “Katie” was the youngest of three girls born to Anthony and Mary (Pust) Skrabec. The family lived in Cleveland, in St. Vitus Parish. When Katie was 10, her mother died; six years later, her father. Although deeply saddened, Katie experienced the loving care of her sisters and extended family. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1954 and responded to God’s invitation to religious life. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary David Anne.

Sister Katherine Mary earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and an Advanced Catechetical Diploma and Master of Arts degree in Religious Education from Notre Dame Institute in Middleburg, Virginia. She taught every elementary grade over the next 48 years. She ministered at St. James and Christ the King Schools in Warren, OH; St. Agnes, Arlington, VA; St. Joseph Franciscan in Cleveland; St. Justin Martyr, Eastlake; St. Aloysius, East Liverpool; St. Michael, Canton; and St. Joseph School in Winter Haven, FL. In 2006, she moved to the provincial center in Chardon, immediately volunteering “wherever needed.” She spent 15 years working in the Archives, using her artistic skills to create memorial photo albums featuring all the deceased sisters of the province.

SISTER ANNAMAE

(formerly Sister Mary Denismarie)

Born Anna Mae MURPHY on May 9, 1936 Entered into religious life, February 2, 1954 Entered into eternal life, September 24, 2020 Anna Mae was the youngest of five children of Denis and Margaret (Kelly) Murphy. She attended Notre Dame Academy and four years later became a postulant, attracted by the SND’s prayerfulness and warmth. Sister Annamae earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master’s degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland Heights. She taught primary and then junior high grades for 12 years in Warren, Cleveland, Elyria, Eastlake, and East Liverpool. She ministered as principal throughout the next 33 years

www.sndchardon.org

at St. Benedict School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Cleveland; St. Peter School, Canton; St. John School in Warrenton, Virginia; Our Lady of Victory School in Washington, DC; and at St. Peter School, Lorain. In 2003, she retired from active school administration, and spent 16 more years at St. Peter’s, Lorain. She chaired the stewardship program, helped coordinate the hospitality program and the Giving Tree, managed the extended day and morning care program at the school, served on parish committees, and did pastoral counseling. In 2019, a steady decline in health brought her to the provincial Healthcare Center.

A Lasting Tribute SISTER MARY ROSE ANNE

Born Shirley Ann WEBB on November 17, 1929 Entered into religious life, September 8, 1949 Entered into eternal life, September 25, 2020 Shirley was the youngest of six children of Arthur and Cecilia (Archambeau) Webb. The family moved from Michigan to Cleveland, Ohio in 1941, where the children attended Immaculate Conception School. At St. Peter High School, Cleveland, she majored in business and English and took as many science courses as she could. As she came to know the Sisters of Notre Dame, she discerned her own vocation to religious life. She entered the community in 1949. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Rose Anne. Just three years later, she was missioned to St. Gregory the Great School in South Euclid. She continued to teach intermediate and junior high students at parish schools in Canton, Cleveland,

Youngstown, Massillon, Avon, and Sheffield. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master’s degree in education from Xavier University, Cincinnati. She was an excellent teacher, and her leadership and mentoring skills were recognized as she served as principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Cleveland; St. Francis of Assisi, Gates Mills; Holy Name School in Gulfport, Florida; and St. Paschal Baylon School, Highland Heights. Upon concluding her time in administration, Sister Mary Rose Anne taught 6th grade in various schools for another 14 years. She was the computer coordinator and librarian at St. Thomas the Apostle School, Sheffield Lake, for six years, and spent a dozen years as technology coordinator at St. Justin Martyr School in Eastlake.

SISTER MARY DOREEN

Born Dorothy STRAHLER on March 23, 1929 Entered into religious life, February 2, 1947 Entered into eternal life, October 7, 2020 Dorothy was the fifth of eight children born to Raymond and Stella (Oakes) Strahler. She grew up on the family’s large farm in Randolph, Ohio. She attended Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, as an aspirant, and became a postulant in February of her senior year. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Doreen. Her sister Loretta (Sister Merita) had joined the SND community a few years earlier; another sister (Sister Sylvia, MMS) became a Medical Mission Sister. Sister Mary Doreen received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio, and a master’s degree in administration from St. Xavier College in Chicago, Illinois. She spent more than 40 years in the ministry of education. She

Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

taught each of the elementary grades, often two grades in one room. She was a principal for 12 years, frequently teaching a class as well. Her assignments took her to schools in Youngstown, Cleveland, Mentor, Chardon (all in Ohio) and to Arlington and Winchester, Virginia. She wrote more than 300 poems, the fruit of her keen observation of the outer and inner world. Several were published in magazines and books of poetry. Her exquisite needlework won prizes at the county fair. For 39 years she was a much-loved local superior, coordinating schedules, arranging events, and seeing to the daily needs of several hundred sisters. In July 2018, Sister Mary Doreen became a resident of Notre Dame Village Assisted Living, continuing to meet daily challenges with grace and graciousness.

WINTER 2021

May our deceased sisters rejoice in God’s everlasting love.

SISTER MARY LAURETTE Born Patricia KRAMER on December 16, 1930 Entered into religious life, February 2, 1952 Entered into eternal life, October 14, 2020 Born in Garfield Heights, Ohio to Ned and Laura (Schmidt) Kramer, Patricia was the youngest of three children. After completing elementary school at St. Peter & Paul Parish in Garfield Heights, she attended Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland. She enrolled at St. John College to study elementary education, becoming a postulant in Feb. 1952. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Laurette. By 1956 she was teaching 5th and 6th graders at schools in Northeastern Ohio parishes, and in 1959, earned a BSE in elementary education from St. John College. That same year, she learned that her offer to serve in the India Mission was accepted. She arrived in India on her 30th birthday. For the next 30 years, Sister Mary Laurette’s educational ministry took her to schools in Patna, Jamalpur, and Bangalore. She returned

to the States for one year to earn her master’s in education at Cleveland State University. She served as classroom teacher and principal, curriculum director, accreditation coordinator, teacher supervisor, school counselor, and education coordinator for the Patna province. In 1970, she worked with three sisters and four lay teachers to establish the Campus School at the University of Agriculture and Technology in Patnagar, in the Himalyan region of Northern India. Sister Mary Laurette embarked on another 30-year journey in 1991, integrating her spirituality and creativity as a DRE at St. Ann Parish, Arlington, VA; and at Annunciation, St. Bernard, and St. John the Baptist parishes in Akron. She then mentored teachers at St. Thomas Aquinas-St. Philip Neri Schools in Cleveland, and tutored adults at the legacy project on Ansel Road. At age 80, she was still sharing her zest for life, volunteering at the Geauga Senior Center, SND prayer line, and SND Health Care Center.

SISTER JEAN MARIE Born Jean Marie DICK on January 31, 1927 Entered into religious life, September 8, 1944 Entered into eternal life, December 3, 2020 Jean Marie was the fifth child of William and Irene (Meiner) Dick. With her 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Jean Marie attended St. Cecilia School. After high school at Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, Jean Marie entered the Sisters of Notre Dame, and at investment, received the name Sister Mary St. William, in honor of her father. She earned a BSE from St. John College, Cleveland in 1953, and taught primary and middle grades over the next 20 years at St. Stephen and Gesu Schools in Cleveland; St. Michael and St. Peter Schools, both in Canton; and Campus School in Washington, DC. In 1963, she completed her master’s in educational

administration at Catholic University of America, leading to a 32-year ministry as elementary school principal. She served at St. Michael, Canton; St. Joan of Arc, Chagrin Falls; St. Margaret Mary, South Euclid; St. Helen, Newbury; and Holy Angels School in Clearwater, Florida. When Sister Jean Marie retired from education, she volunteered at Notre Dame Skills Lab as an administrative aide. In 1999 she moved to Chardon, and for 15 years she assisted in various offices, drove sisters to appointments, and made pastoral visits to the Health Care Center.

continued on page 10

www.sndchardon.org

2021-2022 Calendar Girl’s Night Out 2021

We are making plans to have it in October, 2021 when we can get out and enjoy each other’s company!

Regina Alumnae Retreat–2021

Because of the Coronavirus, this year’s retreat has been cancelled. Hopefully we can have it in 2022.

2020 Reunions

2021 Reunions

The reunion scheduled for June 6 was postponed until future notice. If you are not receiving emails, please send your email address to rhsalum@reginahigh.com to stay informed, or contact a friend who gets our messages to keep you up to date.

The reunion date is June 26, 2021 at Beth Ulery Parnin’s house. Contact Beth at funwithfit@sbcglobal.com. More information will follow.

Class of 1960

Class of 1970

Has been postponed. More information will follow. Check the Facebook page-Regina@50 - ask Deborah Buckley to friend you on Facebook to get on the page. QUESTIONS: Contact Deborah Buckley at djb215@gmail.com or 408-234-2962.

Class of 1975

Regina High Class of 1975 - 45th Reunion Due to the coronavirus, we have postponed the reunion until 2021. We will be sending out a list of lost classmates to try to find their email addresses. Pam Koeth will post Facebook messages on Regina High School Class of ’75. It is private, but one of us will let you in. You can send email addresses to rhsalum@reginahigh.com or Claudia.lund9@gmail.com. We will keep you posted.

Class of 1980

Regina High Class of 1980 - 40th Reunion Has been postponed until further notice. Please contact Pam Bell Huth with your contact details.

Class of 2010

Postponed until 2021. More information will follow. Send your information to RHSroyals2010@gmail.com.

Class of 1961

Class of 1966

Mary Judith Burdecki Fina is looking for volunteers to help with the reunion. Her email address is thatgirl@yahoo.com if you have any ideas or would like to help.

Class of 1971

50 year reunion Class of `71 Several classmates have begun work on our 50th reunion. We are hoping by October 22, 2021 the virus and vaccine will have made it possible to gather. If you are interested in helping or want to share your email or those of classmates, please text message one of us listed below, (maiden names). Looking forward to seeing everyone next fall. Stay well. Mary Sweeney 440-487-1236 Sue Loretta 440-488-2489 Carole Ferreri 440-463-1846 Jody Hummer 216-407-7568

Class of 1976

With Covid calling the shots, we are in a pandemic holding pattern for planning. Mary Anne DeGrandis Baucco, Sue Dileno & Maureen Stein-Vavro have started working on our reunion. If you are interested, contact Mary Anne: madbaucco@sbcglobal.net.

Class of 1996

Class of 1996 will be planning a reunion for June, 2021, assuming all is okay to proceed due to Covid. More information to follow. Julie Funk Lawrence has started working on the reunion. If you would like to help or have any ideas contact her at julie@krunchfinancial.com.

Class of 2001

There is a group starting to make reunion plans. If you are interested send your contact information to ReginaHS2001@gmail.com or rhsalum@reginahigh.com.

Reunion for 2022 – the ‘2 and ‘7’s

You might think your reunion is a long way off, but planning usually takes place the year before. The Alumnae Office will be happy to help you in anyway-emails, addresses, suggestions where other reunions have taken place, etc. Contact us at rhsalum@reginahigh. com or phone-text 216-905-4851. Please keep in contact and update your information, your home addresses and email addresses. This helps the classes working on reunions to get in contact with the whole class.

Congratulations to the first graduating class of Regina on their 65th Anniversary – The Class of 1956. 8

Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

WINTER 2021

Updates from Covington, Kentucky

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

40 Challenges for Lent Women’s Retreat From the Archives

Meet Tru-D Valentine’s Day Card We Remember

Dear Partners,

We Remember

SND USA ministries are farreaching, but depend on the involvement of individuals at a local level. Contact us to partner with the Sisters of Notre Dame in Covington, KY: Prayer Requests & General Info: info@sndky.org 859-291-2040 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011 Associates: Sr. Luann Bender lbender@sndky.org Sr. Rita Geoppinger rgeoppinger@sndky.org Tina Bernheimer tinatom@outlook.com Donations and Mission Advancement: Jodee McElfresh jmcelfresh@sndky.org 859-392-8228 Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC): Sr. Rita Geoppinger rgeoppinger@sndky.org Volunteer, Young Adult and Vocation Outreach: Sr. Ruth Lubbers rlubbers@sndky.org

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Sister Marianna Rumpke

Sister Mary Kevan Seibert

08/15/1933 - 09/25/2020

12/25/1935 - 10/03/2020

May Sisters Marianna and Mary Kevan delight in the embrace of our good and loving God. To read their full obituaries, please visit sndky.org/newsfeed/tag/obituary.

On the Cover: The cover photos are from the October 8 and November 5 United in Prayer events.

Live-streamed from Goebel Park in Covington, KY

The Sisters of Notre Dame, Benedictine Sisters, and Sisters of Divine Providence in Northern Kentucky host United in Prayer several times a year. The prayer takes place at the Goebel Park bell tower in Covington, KY, and is live-streamed at www.facebook.com/sndky. If you would like to be notified of the next United in Prayer, please let Sr. Ruth Lubbers know at rlubbers@sndky.org or 859-750-8190. #UnitedInPrayer

The Pulse | Winter 2021

United in Prayer

United in Prayer began in 2017 as a simple prayer gathering, open to all, with the goal of uniting instead of dividing, instilling hope instead of cynicism, and promoting peace instead of agitation.

Lent 2021 Here we are at the beginning of the happy times of Lent, yes I did say “happy.” Happy because it is a season, six weeks long, when we happily embrace the time of coming closer to Christ, to God, to the One who compassionately and lovingly gave His life that we might have life in abundance. How are we going to live these precious six weeks? We might take note from a Lenten message of Pope Francis. He says, “The Word of God helps us to open our eyes to welcome and love life, especially when it is weak and vulnerable.” Is God asking us this Lent to open our doors, open our eyes, to see each person as he or she is, a life worthy of respect, reverence and, yes, worthy of love? Lent doesn’t mean giving up our favorite meal, our favorite entertainment. Lent doesn’t mean giving up, but giving life to others. Maybe Lent means taking the Word of God seriously, living on every word that comes from the mouth of God. - Sr. M. Margaret Agnes Hemmerle, SND

The Pulse | Winter 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Lenten Challenge

Pause & Praise 40 challenges for the 40 days of Lent. Do them all; do one 40 times; try one per week; do whatever is most meaningful for you this Lent. Check in with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Buy extra food at your grocery store and donate it to a food bank or parish kitchen.

Do a small act of service (or a chore for children) without being asked.

If you are out and about today, go out of your way to compliment a parent.

Say a prayer for someone with whom you disagree.

Open doors for others.

Grab your phone and text a positive message to five random people.

Go through your closet and donate items you might not need any more.

Write/color a card and send it to someone, or even an organization.

Try your best to eat as healthy as possible today-appreciate and love your body!

Cook a special meal or bake a treat as a surprise to a neighbor! Consider attaching a word of thanks or a prayer to it as well.

Spend 15 minutes in quiet reflection.

Share online something for which you are grateful.

Think like a traveler today. Appreciate all that is around you and see everything in its beauty as though it is your first time seeing it.

Practice patience today, let someone else go before you in whatever that might be. Compliment a stranger. Embrace the golden rule today and treat everyone as you want to be treated, even if it is difficult.

Think positively today. Start putting away spare change for a designated charity today.

Write a positive review for a local business.

Write something down for only you to see that is thoughtful and meaningful.

Pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru.

Listen to a prayerful podcast.

Self-kindness is important! Block out 30 minutes today to do something that makes you happy.

Spend time with the Bible today; maybe even mark a few pages/lines that resonate with you.

Forgive today, whether it is something trivial or a lingering, divisive dispute.

Be environmentally conscious today and spend more time focusing on God’s creation.

Leave a thank you note for service workers, such as the mail carrier or garbage collector.

Reach out to someone whom you believe might be struggling silently.

Using a dry erase marker, write a note of encouragement on your mirror for yourself or family members.

Spend extra time with your family or friends today.

Send an email to a former teacher who has made an impact in your life. Spend today being extra grateful. Send an email or note to a coworker who deserves more recognition. Shop local today and give your thanks to those who keep our communities’ identity alive. 3

If the weather is nice, spend time outside today.

The Pulse | Winter 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

If you find yourself doing nothing or being bored throughout your day, use those moments to pray. Reach out to someone who might be alone or lonely and let them know you’re thinking of them. Write down your goals today. They can be spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, or all of the above! Smile as much as you can today.

Sisters of Notre Dame

Women’s Weekend Retreat The annual Women’s Weekend Retreat is going online in 2021. Date: March 27-28, 2021

Digital Details:

Topic: More than One Way to Pray

The virtual Women’s Weekend Retreat will take place on Zoom and include: • Mass live-streamed • Presentations and Breakout sessions

Cost: $10.00 Register: With form below or at www.sndky.org Contact: Margie Schnelle at 859-3928229 or mschnelle@sndky.org

To actively participate, you will need a computer with the following: tact us • Internet connection Please con any • Camera/webcam if you have • Microphone r concerns! questions o

Women’s Retreat Registration First and Last Name_____________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________ Email___________________________________________ Mail form and a check payable to “Sisters of Notre Dame” to: Sisters of Notre Dame Women’s Retreat, 1601 Dixie Hwy., Covington, KY 41011.

S E T A D P U _______

FROM SISTE RS AT AFFI LIATE SCHOO LS

Back at St. Anthony Many people don’t realize that the Sisters of Notre Dame first taught at St. Anthony School in Taylor Mill, KY, in 1902. Father Henry Looschelders, the first pastor at St. Anthony Church, asked the sisters to teach in the basement of the church. The sisters came from Mother of God daily by train for four years. Today, Sr. Mary Suzanne Rose is in her third year teaching Pre-Algebra to a select group of seventh graders at St. Anthony. She prepares them to take Algebra at nearby Holy Cross Pictured left to right: Sr. Suzanne High School when Rose, Carole Simon, and Sr. Mary they are eighth Ellen Strunk. graders. From St. Anthony each day, Sr. Mary Suzanne goes to Holy Cross where she assists in an Algebra I class and a Senior Topics’ class. Sr. Mary Ellen Strunk is in her second year of sharing the Spanish language with students at St. Anthony. They range from 5 – 14 years old. She says her enthusiasm makes up for whatever she doesn’t know of the language. The children seem to appreciate the opportunity. Sr. Mary Ellen shared that she walked into the first/second grade room one day to find everyone but little Simon there. Then she heard his voice, “Hola, Hermana!” He was there— grinning on the screen of an iPad sitting on his desk with his mom seated next to him. One morning each week, Sr. Mary Ellen also shares Spanish with students ages 3 – 14 at Prince of Peace Montessori in Covington, KY, and four days each week she spends two hours tutoring at Notre Dame Urban Education Center in Covington, KY.

The Pulse | Winter 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Sr. Sharron Goller Holy Cross High School, Covington, KY “I am technically retired, but I volunteer in our program for students with learning disabilities and with grant writing. I couldn’t stay away. I missed the kids too much. They give you life! We have students from every single walk of life and they all seem to get along. It’s like a family here. In fact, 14 teachers are Holy Cross graduates. They wanted to come back here to teach.” Sr. Tereze Deye Bishop Brossart High School, Alexandria, KY “After 30+ years as teacher, then guidance counselor - I am now employed as a permanent substitute teacher. I am happy to be of service and be able to work with so many wonderful people.” Sr. Anita Marie Stacy Covington Latin, Covington, KY “I teach Sophomores to Seniors in Algebra 2, Geometry, PreCalculus, and AP Physics I. My class size ranges from 3 to 31! The faculty here are so loving and helpful. You can tell they really love the school and the students. I like being a part of that. I love my students. They are great thinkers and so respectful. I will miss seeing them in person, but now I get to see their smiles since we do not have to wear masks in our online classes! Switching to online-only in the fall semester was the start of yet a new phase of experiences. Life is full of changes to embrace and God’s face is so visible in each turn of the corner.”

Here and There From the Archives

SNDs have been in Covington since 1874. 147 years and hundreds of sisters later, one can imagine the records, photos, and mementos that have accumulated. From 2006 until October 2020, Sr. Joan Terese Niklas (pictured above) has organized and shared these historical souvenirs as archivist at St. Joseph Heights. She said working in the archives has been one of her favorite ministries, partly due to the connections it has brought her. “Sometimes people came to me when they were working on their family tree and had a sister who was a relative,” Sr. Joan Terese explained. “My thing was not so much to have everything labeled and in a drawer, but to get it out and share it with other people.” She accomplished this by creating displays, writing articles, and serving as a liaison to numerous individuals and organizations.

Meet Tru-D

Tru-D SmartUVC is an ultraviolet robot that uses UV light to disinfect the air, water, and surfaces. The St. Claire HealthCare environmental services staff use Tru-D to disinfect areas in which patients with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases have received care.

Sponsored Ministry

H E L LO E IS

MY NAM

Tr u-D

Thinking Pink at St. Charles

Residents and staff at St. Charles Community were in “pink” mode in October. Between a walk-a-thon, bake sale and “think pink” activities, they raised more than $700 for breast cancer research. Sponsored Ministry

In October 2020, Sr. Joan Terese retired as archivist, handing off the baton to Sr. Margaret Droege. We thank Sr. Joan Terese for her service to the SND community...and to so many history buffs and genealogical researchers. Read Sr. Joan Terese’s “From the Archives...” articles at www.sndky.org/newsfeed/tag/archives Prior to becoming archivist, Sr. Joan Terese was a teacher and director of religious education (DRE). Once while DRE, she was informed a deaf student would attend her class the next year. “I thought I better start studying sign language!” Sr. Joan Terese said. And so, she learned sign language only to find out the student was going to another parish. “Still, I stuck with it and ended up working in student support services at Gateway Community and Technical College. I assisted some of the students I taught as DRE years before! The providence of how it all wound up was just so special.”

Let all that

you do be

done in

LOVE. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Sprechen Sie “Formation”? Each week, a group of sisters meet with novice Sr. Laura Kane as part of her formation as an SND. Sr. Maria Elke Baumann, who is from Germany and keeps the congregational archives and historical records in Rome, joined one of the Zoom lessons on early SND history. Sr. Elke shared interesting information and answered questions regarding SND congregational history from 1850-1855. Thank you for your expertise, Sr. Elke! Pictured, left to right: Laura Kane, Sr. Marla Monahan, Sr. Lynette Shelton, Sr. Elke Baumann, Sr. Evelynn Reinke, Sr. Barbara Marie Hurlander, Sr. Noella McEntee, and Sr. Heleen Hehman.

“

I am happy to participate in the formation meeting. It brings back happy memories of my own formation so long ago, and is a good means of renewal for me. It is such a joy to see the enthusiasm, hope and courage of the young woman preparing. She must feel the welcoming spirit and support from the sisters. -Sr. Heleen Hehman

St. Nicholas Treat in Uganda

“

On December 5, 2020, after some delay due to COVID-19, construction began on phase 1 of the deep well water project at St. Julie Mission in Uganda, providing a treat of clean water on the Feast of St. Nicholas.

deep borehole, making it much more reliable for water access in an area that now experiences longer and longer dry seasons.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed in support of our sisters’ water needs in East Africa. This project is different from standard wells as it pulls water from a very

#EastAfricaMissions #StJulieSmiles

Sr. Colette Theobald, teacher at St. Julie Primary, wrote, “They drilled down 90 meters. There is still much to do, but at least the water was found! Now they must construct the tank, dig trenches to pipe the water to the tank, install the pump and its solar panels, build a structure around the area, and pile water to the various areas needing water. Please keep this important project in your prayers.”

Sealed with a Prayer

Happy Valentine’s Day! To: From:

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Do you enjoy receiving a card in the mail? Would you like to send that same feeling to a loved one? Let us send them a card with a handwritten note. We will also add them to our daily prayer list. Please send the recipient’s name, address, and the occasion (thinking of you, sympathy, congratulations, etc.) to info@sndky.org or call Jodee at 859-392-8228.

VOL. XXVI NO. 3 WINTER 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

A Message from Mission Advancement Dear Readers,

VOL. XXVI NO. 3 WINTER 2021 Vision & Challenge is published three times annually by the Sisters of Notre Dame, California SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME Have ministered in California since 1924, 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. sndusa.org , and follow the link to Thousand Oaks, California. VISION & CHALLENGE TEAM 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: Mike Adams, Kristin Callaghan, Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ, Darlene Goodman, Jaclyn Guerrero, Tam Lontok, Nancy O’Sullivan, Betsy Potts, Sr. Regina Robbins, SND, Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt, SND, Lisa Stupar, Sr. Colette Theobald, SND, ThiThoa Ton, Sr. Joanne Wittenburg, SND Graphic Design: Jamie Designs, Inc. Updates: Please contact the Mission Advancement Office for name and/or addresss corrections at info@sndca.org or 1776 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Monthly egram: To subscribe to the monthly Mission Advancement Egram, send name and email address to info@sndca.org. Photography notes: Pandemic restrictions were followed for all photography during that timeframe. Please remember to recycle your copy after reading.

Repeatedly we see that life is like a tapestry. Although recent months may appear as the dark threads of the global pandemic, we do have opportunities to notice the colors of everyday life, both bright and metallic, colors perhaps taken for granted. In some ways, the contents of this Vision & Challenge have a tapestry-like appearance. We see the green of the genuine energy and enthusiasm of young adults. A number of Sisters and Associates of Notre Dame are privileged to journey with them as they seek a meaningful spiritual life in the midst of so many other opportunities. Their photos and stories certainly provide a much-needed dose of hope! California’s SND Associates have brought so much to our way-of-life and a colorful array to our tapestry for the past 20 years. We congratulate our pioneer Associates who made their covenant in 2000! This issue of Vision & Challenge includes some of their perspectives as they took the risk to follow God’s call. Those who have subsequently joined also contribute many gifts to our SND life and ministries. They represent a variety of nationalities and cultures—AfricanAmerican, Chinese, Cuban, Filipino, Indonesian, Mexican, Samoan to name a few. Their education and professional backgrounds are also diverse, from law enforcement to sales to nursing to engineering to education. They improve the community at large through food banks, bereavement counseling, nonprofit leadership, spiritual formation, parish service, prison ministries, pastoral outreach and much more. What a privilege it is to share our SND heritage with them—we are all certainly enriched by the many colors they bring to us and to the world! And finally, the lives of consecration and service of Sr. Antonine Manning and Sr. Joann Schlarbaum are the golden highlights of our tapestry. They reflect God’s goodness and provident care to the thousands entrusted to their care over the years. Congratulations to these inspiring SNDs and thank you for the gift that you are to the world! Each of you, as our cherished spiritual friend, is a unique thread in the tapestry of SND life and ministry. Your encouragement and spiritual and financial support are deeply appreciated. I truly hope that you sense a vibrant community spirit in these pages. Together, individual threads make up a beautiful tapestry. Thank you again for sharing with us ONE HEART, ONE HOPE, ONE MISSION. Gratefully,

Sr. M. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D. 2

VISION & CHALLENGE | WINTER 2021

Thanking Sr. Joann Schlarbaum

an icon and a legend at NDA

The community of Notre Dame

when I received my first communion,

Academy, Los Angeles recognized

confirmation and two NDA diplomas.

Sr. Joann Schlarbaum during their

When I came back to work at NDA,

Founders Day Celebration. The day

I framed my diplomas for my office

started with a virtual tribute with

because I was so proud to be home

Sisters of Notre Dame Zooming

again. Much to my surprise, I noticed

in from across the country. They

for the first time that my high school

shared special memories to mark

diploma was signed by Sr. Joann, since

her retirement from NDA. During

she was the provincial then.

a rosary prayer service, Sr. Joann shared with the students, “The

SR. JOANN, YOU ARE TRULY AN ICON,

Sr. Joann, although you never were my

rosary is like a kaleidoscope

A LEGEND AND A SPECIAL PERSON TO

teacher, you led and cared for the other

mirroring life with its lights,

THE NDA COMMUNITY! THANK YOU

sisters who taught us, so indirectly

FOR RADIATING GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL

you were influential in my life. My

shadows, and myriad of colors.... The kaleidoscope of life with its ups

CARE, MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN

daughters and nieces also benefited

and downs is worth living!” The

THOUSANDS OF LIVES... YOU ARE

from your care, just as so many girls

day concluded with a car parade and food drive supporting South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project

DEARLY LOVED… WE ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU… AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.

who have had the honor and blessing to know you and experience the love and care of a Sister of Notre Dame.

(LAMP). You have been a lifesaver for us in so Lilliam Paetzold, President of Notre

many ways, from sewing costumes

Dame Academy Schools of Los

for the drama department, assisting

Angeles, reflected on the impact

in the office, supporting students

of the Sisters of Notre Dame,

in the Student Learning Commons,

especially Sr. Joann, on her own life

speaking at prayer services, breaking an

and the school community.

Instagram record, and watching over all of us with your prayers.”

“I started coming to NDA as a baby when my cousins were enrolled here in the 60’s. My family had just emigrated from Cuba. This school offered them a place to nurture their Catholic faith. With so much that was unfamiliar, this place and the SNDs were like a piece of home in a foreign land. Many of my favorite memories are here with the sisters. When my cousin (also an NDA graduate) got married, I remember coming here as a little girl to take pictures on the convent lawn with the entire wedding party and the SNDs. Our last stop for trick-or-treating every year was the convent door, a nonnegotiable tradition. They taught me in just about every year from first through twelfth grades. They were there with me A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

Celebrating 20 years of SND Associates THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY FOR THE SND ASSOCIATES IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT OUR PIONEERS’ PERSPECTIVES. Over the years, collaboration with the

laity created many opportunities to share SND spirituality. Nevertheless, the universal call to holiness emphasized by Vatican II set the stage. In 1998, Srs. Mary Amy Hauck, Regina Robbins, Francelia Klingshirn and Rebekah Kennedy researched and designed such a program for the California province, which became the first Associate program for the SNDs in the United States.

Thousand Oaks and is a devoted volunteer in various ministries at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Newbury Park.

Tom Grasmehr A parishioner at St. Paschal Baylon in Thousand Oaks, Tom maintains his 30-year, weekly Cursillo grouping. He is also a cyber-prayer-messenger, regularly emailing the prayer requests of his large circle of friends.

Lois Harrion Currently, Lois Harrion is a Nursing Education Consultant in private practice and is a staff member of the Spiritual Care Department at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.

Prudiel Libatique Prudiel is a Word Processing Lead for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, in Los Angeles. He also serves as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) coordinator at St. Peter Claver Parish in Simi Valley.

Andrea Fuchs Petzi Sr. Antonine Manning is surrounded by Tom and Nancy Grasmehr at a community gathering.

Associates make a covenant to share in the mission of Jesus Christ, through the SND spirituality and mission. As appropriate, they participate in the sisters’ prayer, community life and ministry, while maintaining their existing commitments such as family, parish and workplace. This article is a virtual roundtable discussion with several of the original Associates. With grateful hearts, they also acknowledged the late pioneers Vicki Godar and Nancy Grasmehr. Meet the participants:

As the owner of AF International School of Languages and AF International College, Andrea had many opportunities to network within the SND world. Since 2019, she has been happily retired.

How did you first come to know the SNDs? Sr. Cristina: As a young adult leader at St. Mary Magdalen in Camarillo, I coordinated events at the parish and deanery level. Sr. Kathleen Burns, the SND Vocation Director at that time, joined our activities. The young adults (including me) loved her … she had a way of connecting with us, explaining theology and leading us in spiritual reflection.

Sr. Cristina Marie Buczkowski

Andrea: I came to know

During her year of Associate formation, Sr. Cristina heard God’s call to join the SNDs. Today, she serves as an administrative assistant at Our Lady of Victory School in Compton.

the sisters through Sr. Mary Amy Hauck, my student in one of my German classes at Moorpark College in 1994-95.

Annabelle Gordon Now retired from Air France, Annabelle Gordon lives in 4

VISION & CHALLENGE | WINTER 2021

Sr. Cristina Marie Buczkowski has devoted many years to the education of younger children.

Lois: I was introduced to the SNDs by one of my nursing graduates, Sr. Mary Bernadette

Pendola. As a student, she shared information about the sisters and their work.

Tom: My sister, Wilma, attended St. Stephen’s School in Cleveland many years ago…and our daughters, Gayle and Wendy, attended La Reina High School.

Who first introduced you to the idea of becoming an SND Associate? Annabelle: Sr. Jolisa Lazaro, then serving as the Director of Evangelization at my parish, St. Anthony’s in Long Beach, invited me to consider this opportunity.

Sr. Cristina: Sr. Kathleen introduced me to this new venture that would not only “feed me” spiritually, but also help me be part of something larger than my current ministry.

Prudiel: And Sr. Kathleen also encouraged me. She was involved in young adult ministries—who can say no to Sr. Kathleen!

Since Association was such a new concept for the SNDs and our friends and colleagues, what thoughts/wonderings did you have when you first reflected on this opportunity? Annabelle: I wondered what type of commitment would be required—financial, time, talent? My prayer life was stagnant, and I wondered if becoming an Associate, with a connection to women of prayer, would refresh my relationship with God.

Andrea: I had been discussing the concept of a “Third Order” or association with Sr. Mary Amy in 1998. We both agreed that something like this would be beneficial

Annabelle Gordon greets fellow Associate, Nancy O’Sullivan.

to anyone who wanted to share the SND spirit. When the Associate program became a reality, I was most eager to join.

Lois: During the orientation, I had the opportunity to meet several of Sr. Bernadette’s co-sisters and I immediately felt their infectious enthusiasm! The comfort I experienced in becoming an SND Associate was a “Godwink,” my Lord’s way of letting me know that this is a part of His plan for me.

Prudiel: My first thought was “I don’t belong!” I had no obvious spiritual connection, nor charismatic affiliation (I thought) and certainly, the wrong gender!

Since 2000, what opportunities and graces have you experienced that confirmed your decision to become an Associate. Lois: Personally, one of my most precious accomplishments is the act of forgiveness. Through some of my many Associate experiences I learned that forgiveness is a life-long process that requires continuous attention and work.

Sr. Cristina: I still remember when we learned about the SND charism—proclaiming God’s goodness and provident care. As I listened it came to me that I could be the one presenting that topic because it so resonated with me. During that formation period, my heart and mind were opened to hear and accept God’s call to enter the community. The rest is history. I made my covenant as an SND Associate in June 2000 and entered the community that August! Sr. Mary Amy Hauck with her German teacher, Andrea Petzi A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

Tom: Through so many spiritual growth opportunities and the genuine community spirit, Nancy and I felt very assured that we made the right decision. In 2000, Nancy wrote this testimonial: “Becoming an Associate has been a powerful part of my faith journey. Knowing more about the work of the sisters…makes me proud to be associated with them, especially in their global efforts. The respect and love of the people here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for the SNDs is well-deserved. I also learned how much fun these sisters have within their community, and how wonderfully they take care of each other and the many people they know and serve.”

How have you experienced the grace of being a hope-filled presence in the world? Andrea: During my 50+ years as an educator, I was

Sharing some laughter are Sr. Jolisa Lazaro, Associate Prudiel Libatique, and Sr. Jane Marie McHugh.

Annabelle: One blessing of being an Associate is the spirit of community that I so cherish! When it was time to relocate from Long Beach, I had many options. I realized that close to my Associate community, located primarily in Ventura County, would be a great place to call home. I hope that my relationship to the SNDs and the Associates continues to bring peace to my soul so that I, in turn, can radiate that peace and joy to others.

fortunate enough to meet many international students not very aware of the role God plays in everyone’s life. Also, having had three Sisters of Notre Dame on my teaching staff between 1997 and 2004 was a blessing, with their enormously positive influence. They made my schools a very special place! Many of the students remarked how “BECOMING AN ASSOCIATE they were touched by the sisters’ spirit HAS BEEN A POWERFUL of care and compassion. PART OF MY FAITH JOURNEY.

Annabelle: Through my participation in the SND Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation initiatives, I have experienced a greater awareness of our call to heal the world.

KNOWING MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE SISTERS…MAKES ME PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY IN THEIR GLOBAL EFFORTS.”

In a world in need of peace, what do you hope for in the future as an SND Associate? Sr. Cristina: As we read the “signs of the times,” especially the pandemic chaos, we need the Associates to discern their role in proclaiming God’s goodness and provident care TODAY. Their lived experience, voice, and spiritual strength and energy are great resources for God’s people—whatever and wherever the need.

VISION & CHALLENGE | WINTER 2021

Prudiel: I simply hope to be able to endure the race with grace, courage and humility. That in the end, I will have reached a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ. In conclusion, the Sisters of Notre Dame congratulate the pioneer group of Associates, and the many who have come after them. Together, we are deepening our relationship with God through prayer, we feel impelled to be radical disciples of Jesus, and we are moved to solidarity with the poor and marginalized. In the words of the late Sr. Mary Therese Kirstein, “Our Associates always teach me so much!” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING AN SND ASSOCIATE, CONTACT SR. LISA MEGAFFIN AT

Celebrating the jubilee of Sr. Bernadette Pendola are Lois Harrion and her husband, Milton.

LMEGAFFIN@SNDCA.ORG

Palpable & Contagious Joy “Contagious Joy” is the overwhelming sentiment expressed by young adults who encounter the Sisters of Notre Dame through Christus Ministries. Since 2013, SNDs have provided individual spiritual direction and small group guidance on the 4-day Caritas Retreat and Ignatian guided retreats, meeting young adults from diverse backgrounds in the process. One young woman commented on the consistent care that the Sisters have shown her, with no pressure to join the community. Newlywed Jaclyn Guerrero shared, “Even though I obviously was not called to religious life, when I see the Sisters together it inspires me to strive for that kind of deep, meaningful connection with those around me. I see what they have with each other and I want that with my own community- my husband, family, and close friendships.” SND Associate Tam Lontok, who helps coordinate the Caritas Retreat shared, “When I think of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Spanish term ‘querencia’ comes to mind. It is a place where others feel safe and a sense of home to draw spiritual strength and inspiration.

Their joy, openness, experience, courage, wisdom, and deep faith attracts me and many others to love and follow God more intimately.” Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christus Ministries has reached more than 1,000 young adults through virtual prayer series, helping them encounter God in fresh, tangible ways. One recent topic was The First Spiritual Exercises, based upon the book of the same name by Fr. Michael Hansen SJ, a method of offering elements of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in which retreatants follow a daily program of meditations and meet once a week for two hours of prayer, sharing, and sacred listening. The charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame is rooted in Ignatian Spirituality, and Sr. Kelley Rush, Sr. Valerie Roxburgh, and Sr. Jenny Zimmerman have each brought their own Ignatian wisdom to these reflections. ThiThoa Ton, a Christus staff member, commented on how impressed she is that Sr. Val consistently stays in touch with the groups she has served. “I hear from people all the time how Sr. Val texts or calls to check in on them.

Her outreach and genuine concern for them continues. She is such an inspiration to me.” For Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ, the SNDs reflect Jesus’ call of the apostles in the Gospel of Matthew. He sees the SNDs “catching” young adults up in their own joy in following Christ. He says, “They are drawing young people deeper into the life of God, and from there a sense of vocation follows. Their joy is palpable and contagious.”

What is Christus Ministries? A Jesuit affiliated non-profit that empowers young adults, families & parishes to grow spiritually, change lives & transform communities. FOUNDED: BASED IN:

2013, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

SERVING: Alaska, California, Idaho,

Hawaii, Texas, and online. SNDS & ASSOCIATES INVOLVED:

On the January 2020 Caritas Retreat, young adults observed the supportive and playful interaction among Srs. Ann-Marie Borgess, Val Roxburgh, and Kelley Rush.

SND Associate Jen Coito co-founded the ministry with Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ (second from right). Also pictured here are Martin Ngo, SJ, ThiThoa Ton, and Sr. Jenny Zimmerman.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

Happy Birthday Sr. M. Antonine Manning The community of La Reina High School & Middle School celebrated the 90th birthday of Sr. Mary Antonine Manning on Monday, November 23. Sr. Antonine was a pioneer member of La Reina’s faculty in 1964, and the school’s second principal. The ceremony included good wishes from Mr. Tony Guevara, President and Sr. Regina Robbins, Dean of Mission. The ASB officers presented flowers and other gifts from the student body. In her thank you remarks, Sr. Antonine said…“I’m really overwhelmed to see you here…it’s such a joy for me. I’m so

Emma Martin, La Reina’s ASB President, presents sunflowers to Sr. Antonine.

Remembering

grateful for the beautiful words… But this is not just for me, it’s for the Sisters of Notre Dame and everyone in the history of La Reina over these 56 years. La Reina has always had great students and parents supporting us—thank you!” “I have a little secret for you. If you want to have a life that is filled with joy and peace, there are two things I want to suggest you do. First, have constant gratitude—be grateful every single day. Gratitude to God, your parents, your school, your fellow students—gratitude to everyone. Before you go to bed, write down all the things you are grateful for that day. And the second thing I want to suggest is consistent kindness—kind in thoughts, words and deeds. I promise you that you will be a happy and peaceful person.” “I will these gifts to you—from myself and from the Sisters of Notre Dame. I am your praying sister, and I will continue to pray for you even after you graduate. Thank you again for this beautiful tribute, not just to me, but to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Thank you and God bless you!”

Sr. M. Sheila Fay 1933 - 2020

Sr. Mary Sheila was born in 1933 in Waterloo, Iowa and her family moved to California several years later. She and her two younger brothers were blessed with a Catholic education through high school. Sheila earned a scholarship to Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, earning a BA in Mathematics. Knowing the SNDs as her elementary school teachers at St. Rose of Lima in Maywood, she joined them when she felt called to religious life.

at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Sr. Sheila’s soothing voice and ability to read mathematically complicated textbooks were invaluable!

During her 44 years in secondary education, Sister had the distinction of ministering as a teacher, counselor and/or administrator in all four of the province’s high schools. In 1996, she spent the summer in Poland teaching English to young sisters. She also treasured her 15 years as a volunteer reader

Dying as she lived, Sr. Sheila went home to God very peacefully early in the morning of September 18. The Sisters of Notre Dame are confident that her gracious example of a woman of faith will influence many generations.

Perhaps Sr. Sheila’s most endearing quality was her ability to listen. She gave each person her full attention and wise advice. Each came away feeling supported and loved. When Sr. Sheila entered hospice this spring, she wrote a letter of gratitude to the SND community, family, friends, former students and colleagues. Their responses of love and gratitude filled her with abundant joy. Repeatedly, Sr. Sheila was characterized as a woman of great wisdom and dignity whose advice and encouragement guided many.

The Grapevine PUMP WATER SYSTEM UPDATE! After almost 2 years of planning and fundraising, the SNDs are excited to share the news that a borehole in Buseesa, Uganda is yielding fresh, clean water. Sr. Colette Theobald sent a message in early December that the first phase of the project is complete and successful. Next steps involve a storage tank, trenches to pipe the water to the storage tank, a pump and its solar panels, a structure around the area and distribution of the water to various areas. Thank you to everyone whose donations and prayers will benefit more than 22,000 people in and around St. Julie’s Mission! I WILL SPEND MY HEAVEN DOING GOOD ON EARTH. Sr. Therese of Lisieux, affectionately known as the Little Flower, often said that she would “spend her heaven doing good on earth.” This goal is for anyone! Please consider including the Sisters of Notre Dame in your will or estate plan, supporting the causes that have been important during your lifetime. You might also name the SNDs as a beneficiary on a bank account or retirement account. Our legal title is “The Sisters of Notre Dame.” For further information, please contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin at 805-917-3714 or 805-402-8623. Thank you and be assured that you will be doing good on earth for generations yet to come.

HOW MANY STEPS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO HEAVEN? Our hybrid Nun Run is running and walking the 6,344.43 miles from California to Rome! Participants are logging miles during the week of January 30-February 6. Visit www. nun.run to get involved or donate. Thank You

CROSSROADS WINTER 2021

Meet the Toledo Region Advancement Team. These hardworking individuals help to nurture relationships all year round.

ASHLEY HATCH Coordinator of Donor Relations Four years ago, I began working for the Sisters of Notre Dame as the Communications/Advancement Coordinator. I am now the Donor Relations Coordinator. I have always enjoyed meeting our Toledo donors and learning the history behind their giving. Over my years working for the Sisters, I have made many lasting relationships with our donors and the SND community. I was taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame when I was in grade school and I find joy to now be working beside them.

SR. MARY CAROL GREGORY, SND Advancement Team Advisor I am a lifelong Toledoan and I have been privileged to serve in Toledo for many years. My ministries have been primarily in the area of education and administration as an elementary, secondary and college teacher, Principal and President of Notre Dame Academy, Director of Central City Ministries of Toledo (CCMT), and Assistant Provincial and Councilor. Presently, I am delighted to be the Team Advisor and to work closely with a very dedicated and committed Advancement Team. Throughout these years, God has directed my life and I thank God for this special time to join you, our donors, to further the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

SR. SALLY MARIE BOHNETT, SND Coordinator of Advancement/ Grant Writing After graduating from college and working almost four years in a research lab, the tug in my heart to enter a religious community guided me to the Sisters of Notre Dame. The summer of 2020 marked my 40th year as a sister! Most of those years were spent in education, teaching in middle school or high school followed by campus ministry at the college level. Now God has led me to work with a great team in Advancement. What a joy it is to share with our donors our mission of making Godâ€™s love present in the world through our service.

ERICA TYBURSKI Advancement & Communications Coordinator I began working with the Sisters of Notre Dame in 2018 and I have enjoyed every minute of it! My role with the Sisters is the Advancement and Communications Coordinator. In this role I have the pleasure of compiling internal and external communication for our donors and extending our content across a wide spectrum of social media platforms. It is truly an honor to work alongside these empowering women.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION JOURNEY OF THE SOUL

The experience of God’s goodness Sr. Joanne Mary Frania, SND Are you at a crossroads in your life, trying to discern where God is leading you? Do you feel the need to go deeper in your spiritual search, knowing there is something more to which God is calling you? Are you experiencing some confusion in your life in view of some values with which you can no longer identify? Do you feel drawn to something that you are unable to clarify? Is God tugging at your soul in ways you find it difficult to understand? If any one of those questions has your name written all over it, you may want to pursue seeking out someone who can companion you and assist in your search. Spiritual direction, a sacred call, has been an ancient and tried service promoted and offered by spiritual giants like St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, to name a few. Over the years many centers of spirituality have offered classes training individuals to accompany spiritual seekers on their journey. So what is spiritual direction? It is an interpersonal relationship in which someone listens deeply and compassionately and encourages you to reflect on your life in the light of the Gospel and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Through this process, you are encouraged to become more aware of God’s presence and love for you. This does not assume spiritual preoccupation, but, upon some reflection, becoming more aware of inner tugs or responses in day-to-day life. The spiritual director does not solve problems or act as a therapist but can be compared to a midwife who pays attention to your experience and helps you see how God is an integral part of it. In other words, tending the holy within a person is of utmost importance and is a confidential and reverential in approach. God touches each person uniquely, freeing them to share openly and honestly.

Over time, the person in spiritual direction begins to treasure where God is leading her/him and experiences God’s presence and guidance in new and exciting ways, instilling greater confidence and freedom of spirit. The charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame is the experience of God’s goodness and provident care in one’s life. Therefore, the ministry of spiritual direction finds deep roots in our vocational call. We have a number of available trained spiritual directors so, if you feel the nudge to contact one in your area, check the list on LialRenewalCenter.org. You can then make an appointment and begin meeting once every 4-6 weeks.

God touches each person uniquely, freeing them to share openly and honestly. Being grounded in who we are before God is a great help in living life’s challenges, joys and sufferings and in knowing that God’s presence and guidance is as certain as the dawn. The following reflections highlight how two individuals incorporate spiritual direction in their lives and the difference it has made. Sr. Joanne Mary Frania was trained in spiritual direction and retreat ministry at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth in Wernersville, PA, and has served in that ministry for 22 years. Prior to that she ministered as a high school teacher, formation director and in province leadership.

CROSSROADS AN INTERACTION WITH GOD

Showing me the way Rev. Dr. Ann Marie Montgomery Presbyterian Pastor My spiritual journey has been marked with a plethora of people who showed me the way, who walked part of the journey with me and who enriched my life with their gifts and encouragement and example. God has used authors, teachers, preachers, fellow Christians, family, friends, the Word to help me grow in my faith. I am a visual learner and so the created world, images and art have also taught me, spoken to me. My paternal grandmother was a woman of great faith who happened to be a Catholic. She modeled for me a life of prayer and trust in God. She taught me many different spiritual practices, without necessarily teaching me what they were called. She was a huge influence on my spiritual formation. As a young adult, raising a family of my own, I found myself struggling with my faith. My best friend from high school was killed by a drunk driver and a few years later my mother died with breast cancer. I went to talk with a pastoral counselor, and he was wonderful. As we were completing our time together, he suggested I might want to meet with a spiritual director moving forward. I wasn’t sure what that might mean or what it might entail. So, of course, I talked with grandma. She said that the Catholic Church had a long tradition of having spiritual directors. And so, it happened that I began to meet with Sister Mary in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1980’s which began a lifetime practice of meeting with spiritual directors. I don’t remember what order Sister Mary belonged to; I didn’t know enough to even ask. But I know she was a holy companion on my way. That’s how God has continually worked in my life, leading, guiding, speaking, providing what I need many times before I even know I need it! God brings the people into my life that I need for a season or an event. When I moved to Ohio eight years ago, just like finding a new doctor and dentist and hairdresser, I had to find a new spiritual director. Our Presbytery has yearly retreats at Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio.

So, I asked there about spiritual directors and began meeting with Sister Mary Dean Pfahler. Before she left for South Carolina she mentioned that new groups were forming to do the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. That is where I met my current Spiritual Director, Sister Joanne Mary Frania, and had an amazing year of growing in my faith. Participating in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius challenged me, stretched me, fed me and blessed me. My daily prayer life was enriched, my interaction with God’s Word was deepened and I made so many connections in seeing the holy in my daily walk. There was laughter and there were tears as I participated in this months-long practice. I thought we would never get past looking at and talking about sin! But in the end, grace had the last word!

God has provided and that has been true in my being led to the Sisters of Notre Dame. I need creative outlets for connecting my faith and life. Sister Joanne encouraged me to bring my poems and songs, my artwork, and various expressions of my faith. Over and over again in my life God has been faithful. God has provided and that has been true in my being led to SND! I give thanks for the Sisters of Notre Dame, for your work and witness, for your willingness to welcome ecumenical connections within Christ’s Body and for offering such a variety of ministries that bless the lives of others – like me!

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION REFLECTION OF ONE’S OWN SELF -AWARENESS

Listening to the whispers of wisdom Janet Hoey Robinson, PhD, RN Nurse, Educator, Administrator

Spirituality is the reflective study, discernment, and appreciation of one’s relationship with God Who calls us to ministry. In a pandemic world of complexity and confusion, deepening one’s own self-awareness of their spirituality is critically beneficial. I grew up in a family of seven where the importance of spirituality was highly valued. We all went through at least twelve years of Catholic education. Our college choices, careers and long-term life commitments continue to reflect our values. My dad went to Mass every morning and my sister entered a contemplative religious order 65+ years ago. I spent a great deal of time at convents and particularly enjoyed growing up at retreat houses. My husband and I even got married in a convent chapel 50 years ago because of visiting protocols for my sister during those years. Lial Renewal Center is a holy place where individuals or groups come together for a retreat or renewal. I have been involved at Lial in both silent retreats and spiritual direction. Adults come to the quiet to replenish heart and soul in this holy space. Gifts from nature surround them. On a silent retreat, the directee meets daily with a spiritual director and shares their journey in whatever way is meaningful for them. Leaving home, jobs and family is often refreshing and relaxing in the quiet atmosphere that facilitates listening to the whispers of wisdom.

As a spiritual director, I try to be present to God and the directee with my whole heart, mind and soul, as directed in the gospels. For someone coming for spiritual direction, the director and directee meet regularly (often monthly). While I have met with sisters, laity, ordained priests and ministers and those with a variety of beliefs, I am always profoundly touched by their presence and pray with and for them. It is a wonderful privilege to share another’s journey. There is a strong sense of the presence of God as the real director. I learned and have grown deeper in my own faith as I have ministered to others.

I sit alone before the Blessed Sacrament and renew and edit my thoughts. This practice has led me into a rich ministry of reaching out and listening to others. The Sisters of Notre Dame have had a direct influence on my spiritual journey as spiritual director. As I prepared to decrease my full-time roles as an academician and administrator, I searched for a program to guide me into the role of a spiritual director. The Dominican Center at Marywood’s three-year Spiritual Formation Program co-led by Sr. Joanne Mary Frania SND was a good fit for me. The sharing of reflective study with an emphasis on contemplative prayer was a treasure and will last a lifetime. The program invited us to develop our own personal Rule of Life to guide our practice of spirituality. I wrote my first one-page “rule” on Holy Thursday 2009. Every Holy Thursday since then, I sit alone before the Blessed Sacrament and renew and edit my thoughts. This practice has led me into a rich ministry of reaching out and listening to others. In conclusion, let us all join with the Sisters of Notre Dame to answer our own call to be committed to a contemplative, courageous, compassionate, covenantal relationship with our God.

Janet Hoey Robinson, PhD, RN, was a nurse, educator, and administrator at local universities. She taught a variety of nursing courses including ethics and diversity. She was active in the community in Catholic education, parenting and healthcare organizations. She helped facilitate the development of a community faith-based health care clinic and is currently an active board member. In addition to her passion for spirituality, her interests include grief and loss, hospice care and needs of the elderly. She has been married for 50 years and treasured parenting her three sons who are now fathers themselves. Her role as a spiritual director has been enhanced by the integration of her skills and experiences.

WAL ER

A MINISTRY OF

CROSSROADS

LIAL A sacred place to RENEWAL seek, renew PACEand TO gather W AND CENTER

LIAL RENEWAL CENTER | A MINISTRY OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

d o 43571

A MINISTRY OF

5908 Davis Road Whitehouse, Ohio 43571 419.877.0432

us sizes with WIFI on and group prayer utipurpose room, both have adjacent full kitchens rooms, accommodates 27-32 guests, 14 feature private baths ooms and meeting rooms lking trails and three decks er Toledo area and Toledo Express Airport

A SACRED SPACE TO E LIAL SEEK, RENEW AND lcoming, GATHER. RETREATS | SPIRITUAL DIRECTION | A DAY AWAY ersonal or

• Four meeting rooms of various sizes with RETREATS EXPERIENCE LIAL o Four meeting rooms of various sizes with WIFI WIFI A Private Retreat allows a person time and against the o Chapel reflection andagroup prayer • Chapel for personal and group AforPrivate Retreat allows person time andprayer space for deeper prayer Lial Renewal Center ispersonal a space for and deeperquieter and quieter prayer inina a ing seasons. o Dining room and lakeview mutipurpose room, both have adjacent full kitchens • Dining room and lakeview multi-purpose beautiful, natural setting. This time alone beautiful, natural setting. This time alone with God may be one or more days. peaceful environment wooded welcoming, room with adjacent kitchens27-32 guests, 14 o Individual and double guestrooms, accommodates feature with God mayprivate be one orbaths more days. or groupaccessible prayer andguestrooms penings for personal • Individual double guestrooms, o Handicap andand meeting rooms prayer, as well as meeting each day with A Directed Retreat provides quiet space accommodates 26-32 guests,for 14 feature DIRECTED RETREAT the backdrop xperiencereflection o against Seven acre lake, wooded walking trails and three decks private baths may extend a spiritual director. This retreat over a weekend, days or a space week. A Directedseveral Retreat provides quiet for ent care as of nature’s changing seasons. o Easy access from the greater• Toledo andguestrooms Toledo Express Airport Handicaparea accessible and prayer, as well as meeting each day with a p gathering meeting rooms The center is located on 94 spiritual director. This retreat may extend Guided Retreats gather individuals for a daily presentation and other group • Seven-acre lake, wooded walking trails and t.WIFI wooded acres in the beautiful Oak over a weekend or several days a week. reflections. three decks p prayer oom, both haveOpenings adjacent fullregion kitchens of Northwest • Easy access from the Greater Toledo area GUIDED RETREATS mmodates 27-32 guests, 14 feature private baths and Toledo Express Airport Ohio. Experience God’s goodness Lial Renewal Center is a welcoming, eeting rooms A Guided Retreat gathers individuals and three decks peaceful environment for personal or and provident care as you come for a daily presentation and other group Spiritual Direction encourages the seeker to become more keenly a and Toledo Express Airport reflections. group prayer and reflection against the for a retreat, group gathering or of how God is present and at work. Spiritual Directors are aware A Private Retreat allows a person time and space f backdrop of nature's changing seasons. to listen with you to the Holy Spirit, SPIRITUAL ask reflective questions, professional development. available DIRECTION beautiful, natural setting. This time alone with God

E TO D

EXPERIENCE LIAL

RETREATS | SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

The center is located onout 94 resources, wooded assist with roadblocks and point celebrate Spiritual Direction encourages the seeker to RETREATS | SPIRITUAL DIRECTION | A DAY AWAY acres in the beautiful Oak Openings become keenly aware of how God is present breakthroughs. A Directed Retreat space for prayer at work inprovides the person’squiet life. Spiritual of Northwest Experience A Private region Retreat allows a person timeOhio. and space for deeper and quieter prayer in a a spiritualand director. This retreat may extend over a w Directors are available to listen with you to beautiful,God's natural setting. This time alone with Godaway may beto one or more days. goodness and provident care asbe aINFORMATION day attentive, be creative and be quiet at Lial Take FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE CALL 419.877.0432 the Holy Spirit, ask reflective questions, point you come for a retreat, group gathering Renewal Center. Pack a lunch, a walk,Retreats sit thegather lake theroadblocks and outby resources, assistor with A Directed Retreat provides quiet space for prayer, as well as meeting each day take with Guided individuals for a daily pres or professional development. a spiritual director. This retreat maywarmth extend overofa weekend, several days a week. celebrate the fireplace. Letor the dayreflections. unfold and leavebreakthroughs. renewed. Guided Retreats gather individuals for a daily presentation and other group reflections.

rmation call us at 419.877.0432 Spiritual Direction encourages the seeker to become more keenly

Spiritual Direction encourages the seeker

LENTEN RETREAT

Making a difference HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE AROUND YOU? This weekend online Lenten retreat for young adults, inspired by Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life by well-known author Joyce Rupp, will help find a way of being a compasssionate presence that can help make a difference. Through presentations, small group sharing, communal prayer, meditation and quiet times, Sister Mary Dean Pfahler, SND, a certified Boundless Compassion facilitator, invites young adult participants to open their hearts to themselves, to one another, to all living beings and to the earth! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! To register or more information contact Sr. Jenny Zimmerman at vocations@snd.org.

STORYTELLING

Storytelling for the soul by Sheila Otto

MARCH 20, 2021 1PM-3PM

This virtual offering confirms that all things are possible. Brew up some strong coffee, pick out a sweet from the tray and sit with us at Lallaâ€™s Coffee Shop for a meeting of minds and souls across the ages and traditions. Lalla was a 14th century Kashmira poet who is the hostess for the gathering. She usually invites a very diverse group - poets, preachers, troubadours and storytellers from across time to share their wisdom. Story is at the heart of many wisdom traditions. You will be transported on Sheila Ottoâ€™s magic carpet. You never know who will show up! Register for the event at: LialRenewalCenter.org Donations are appreciated.

Sheila is a storyteller with a special interest in wisdom stories from around the world. Her underlying conviction is that play and pray are but one letter apart, so anytime she is telling stories there will be plenty of interaction, fun and even some learning.

CROSSROADS A WORD FROM OUR DONORS

“The Sisters have been a part of my life since first grade and I appreciate all they have done in Monroeville, Ohio and wherever they are. So, I want to help them with furthering their mission.” MRS. EVELYN RUFFING MONROEVILLE, OHIO

“The journey of strengthening the faith in my life led me to find the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo. I knew I needed to give back for all that God has blessed me with. They are good women doing good things and who spread God’s word. I support them in any way I can.” ANDRES OCHOA OREGON, OHIO

“The Sisters love what they’re doing and that was always evident to us and our children.” BOB SCHULTE DELPHOS, OHIO

CROSSROADS THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! WE KEEP YOU IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS.

Nationwide donors States highlighted in blue

IN LOVING MEMORY Sister Mary Joseleen Hemker January 29, 1925 - December 15, 2020 Sister was 95 years old and in her 75th year of Religious Profession. Sister Mary Joseleen lovingly dedicated 39 1/2 years as an Adoration Sister at the Motherhouse in Rome, Italy. She returned to Toledo in December 2000. As she prayed daily for each of us, our congregation, and our world needs, we offer our prayers for her. May she be embraced in the loving arms of her Beloved.