Sowing Goodness

Bonded in Heart and Spirit Strong in Shared Vision

CELEBRATING 175 YEARS IN NEW ENGLAND

An Enduring Legacy of Goodness — Celebrating 175 Years in New England Learn about our history from establishing a deep presence in the mid-1800s in Boston, to quickly expanding across New England, and ensuring our enduring impact today and into the future.

Transition to New Leadership

We express deep gratitude for our outgoing U.S. East-West Leadership Team and welcome the new team who will transition on July 12, 2024, the birthday of St. Julie Billiart.

Susan Dennin Director of Communications, Managing Editor

The Hallmarks — an Update

The Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community, a significant and concise articulation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s mission, values and Catholic identity, were recently refreshed.

An du ng legacy of goodness in New England, 1849 - 2024

Associates: Strength through Mission

5 SPIRITUALITY: Sharing God’s Goodness through Pastoral Ministry 6 FEATURE: Celebrating 175 Years of an Enduring Legacy of Goodness in New England SHARED VISION 12 A Centennial of Shared Mission in Japan 13 SNDdeN at the UN

Teaching Women to Farm in the Congo

Province Prepares for Transition to New Leadership Team

Ecological Conversion and Commitment to Laudato Si’

Purchasing for Good

Save the Date

Join us as we celebrate an Enduring Legacy of Goodness in New England with our Gala on October 16, 2024. And make sure to check out other special events and Liturgies marking 175 years of impact.

On our front cover

Collage of 175 years of our Enduring Legacy of Goodness in New England, featuring Sisters and students at: Notre Dame Cristo Rey, ndec -Lawrence, St. Patrick’s, Lowell, Notre Dame Academy Hingham, Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center, Notre Dame Academy Worcester.

Michele Forté Executive Director of Mission Advancement

Jen Pearce Director of Development, Editor

A Reflection on Goodness

EDUCATION 18 The Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community

School Updates SISTERS IN MINISTRY

Justice and Peace Bookclub

Transforming Grace Initiative

Ensuring the Mission through Online Classes

Reflection on Strength of Connection across the Congregation

Pajaro Update 25 Synod on Synodality: Province Update

Julie’s Family Learning Program Celebrates 50 Years

Sowing Goodness

Volume 3, Number 1

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) make known God’s goodness through educating for life and taking a stand with people living in poverty, especially women and children.

SowingGoodness is published twice a year for friends of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur U.S. East-West Province by the Mission Advancement office.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur U.S. East-West Province snddeneastwest.org

Regional Office 351 Broadway Everett, MA 02149-3425

Regional Office 1520 Ralston Avenue Belmont, CA 94002-1908

Leadership Team

Sister Elaine Bain, SNDdeN

Sister Barbara Barry, SNDdeN

Sister Eileen Burns, SNDdeN

Sister Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN

Sister Mary Farren, SNDdeN

Executive Mission Advancement Team (EMAT)

Michele Forté, Exec. Director of Mission Advancement

Susan Dennin, Director of Communications, Managing Editor

Jen Pearce, Director of Development, Editor

Contributors

Sister Claudine Dumbi, SNDdeN; Sabrina Harper, AND; Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province; Transforming Grace Committee; faculty and staff of our schools and sponsored ministries; Mission Advancement Team staff

Design

Stoltze Design Group

Photography

SNDdeN and staff

John Gillooly

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur U.S. East-West Province is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 04-3210469.

Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of Sowing Goodness magazine!

Time and its tapestry of measurement and reflection is a predominant theme in this issue as we commemorate numerous anniversaries that weave through the fabric of our history. Among these, July holds special significance as we observe the tenth anniversary of our province’s establishment and the transition of a new leadership team composed of five Sisters who embody our collective commitment to service and leadership.

We invite you to explore our storied past, full of courage and conviction, as we commemorate 175 years of an Enduring Legacy of Goodness in New England. Alongside this momentous occasion, we pay tribute to other anniversaries, including the Japan Province centennial, Cristo Rey High School in Methuen, Massachusetts (20 years), Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts (40 years), Moreland Notre Dame School in Watsonville, California (125 years), and Julie’s Family Learning Program in South Boston (50 years). These milestones represent pillars of our strength, fortifying our shared vision and mission.

We’re excited to share that the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in the U.S. recently refreshed their Hallmarks after 20 years. The Hallmarks encompass seven essential characteristics, values and actions that define a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community. Notably, the addition of “care for all creation” in the third Hallmark reflects the principles of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical emphasizing environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of all life.

Also, aligned with Laudato Si’ and our dedication to justice and peace, we celebrate the transformative work of our Sisters, Associates, Notre Dame Mission Volunteers – AmeriCorps and ministry staff. Their unwavering commitment to advocacy and compassion resonates in communities far and wide, echoing our congregation’s core values.

Together, bonded in heart and spirit, we stand firm in our shared vision of creating a world infused with compassion and hope. Through our myriad ministries, we continue to illuminate the path of goodness in the world, a Mission that originated 220 years ago in Cuvilly, France. We invite you to join us in supporting this enduring legacy.

With gratitude,

The Leadership Team of the U.S. East-West Province

sister elaine bain

sister barbara barry

sister eileen burns

sister patricia chappell

sister mary farren

Our Community

Renewal of Vows: A Reflection Bonded in Heart and Spirit

BY SISTER KAREN POZNIAK, SND de N

each year, on february 2, Sisters and Associates celebrate the anniversary of the beginnings of our congregation, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN). Julie Billiart, Françoise Blin de Bourdon and Catherine Duchatel made their first vows on February 2, 1804, promising God to live their lives faithfully in poverty, chastity and obedience and a ministry of education for poor girls. As Julie learned, this work would need many women to help educate the young, and Françoise and Julie began educating women for this role.

Two years later, also on February 2, Julie received a vision of the Sisters

who would follow in her footsteps to take the community worldwide.

February 2 is also a special day for me since I made my first vows in Belmont, California, on that day in 1963.

Through the years in the congregation, I have been pleased to renew my vows in various places: SNDdeN communities, parish and school communities. The renewal of vows in a parish setting has been significant as a witness, and this year, Sister Marie Annette Burkart, SNDdeN and I asked the pastor of our parish, Holy Spirit in Fremont, California, if we might renew them at the parish Mass celebrated with the school community. As is the city of Fremont, our parish is a multi-racial, multicultural community that gives the sense of the entire world that Julie’s vision called her to embrace. We brought our vow candles, and Father Ken Sales informed the community that we would renew our vows after the homily. When he invited us to come forward, he explained to the students that the renewal of our vows was a prayer and that they could join us by holding their hands in the prayer position. We each read our renewal separately so the words could be heard twice. After the Mass, we were told that two 8th-grade girls already knew they wanted to be Sisters. Several students and adults came to

congratulate us, and we met a faculty member at the school who shared she had been in the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers – AmeriCorps program in San Francisco. She was delighted to know we were here in the parish. ❊

above : Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN, Father Ken Sales and Sister Karen Pozniak, SNDdeN at Holy Spirit Church in Fremont, California.

Finding Strength through Mission

BY SABRINA HARPER, AND

i serve as a pastoral associate at St. Matthias Church in Redwood City, California, and am proud to be an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) and a member of the SNDdeN U.S. Anti-Racism Team. I am participating in a small group from our parish embarking upon a multi-year campaign to better understand African American Catholics’ experiences and complicated history with the Church. We’ve read and discussed bishops’ documents, Fr. Bryan Massingale’s Racial Justice and the Catholic Church and Olga Segura’s Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church , amongst others.

Our theme for this year’s Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Feast Day celebration is “Bonded in heart and Spirit, strong in shared vision.” As I reflected on this during Black Catholic History Month, an event came to mind that illustrates how Sisters’ and Associates’ hearts are indeed Bonded in heart and Spirit. Through spiritual friendships fostered on the Anti-Racism Team, Associate Aulani Cler, AND and I invited Sister Martin de Porres Coleman, SNDdeN to St. Matthias to share her contributions and struggles as a Black Catholic Sister

of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and to highlight how congregational membership and association have not always been welcoming or inclusive to women of color. This sharing helped those in attendance become sensitized to the experiences of people of color within the Catholic Church. Grappling with these realities experienced by Sisters and Associates is one way our hearts and spirits are bonded. Our mission and commitment to one another can and will be strengthened through reflection and courageous conversations. ❊

ASSOCIATES VOLUNTEER AT THE WELCOME CENTER IN ARIZONA—AND BRING MUCH-NEEDED NEW SHOES

Libby Hagman, an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (AND), and her husband, Roger, had a tremendous experience volunteering at the Welcome Center in Phoenix last year. They returned in March 2024 to work alongside Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN and other Sisters and volunteers from across the country who volunteer time at the Welcome Center to assist migrants (asylum seekers) upon their arrival and help them feel welcome and comfortable.

As these young families, parents with children, young adults and older persons arrive at the Welcome Center, they have the opportunity to choose a set of clean clothing, including shoes. During their last visit, Roger and Libby noticed that there was a shortage of new sneakers for school age children. They launched a drive to collect shoes early in 2024 and brought a car full of sneakers when they returned to the Welcome Center in March.

above : Libby Hagman, AND and Kathy Noether, AND deliver much-needed shoes to the Welcome Center in Phoenix.

above : Sabrina Harper, AND surrounded by Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as they advocate for measures to address climate change.

Notre Dame Mission Volunteers

AmeriCorps: Impact through Shared Vision

volunteers and staff of Notre Dame Mission Volunteers – AmeriCorps (ndmva ) serving throughout the U.S. gathered in Baltimore in February 2024 for the annual ndmva Mid-Year Conference. This yearly event offers volunteers professional and personal development and networking opportunities. A highlight of the highenergy three-day gathering was the opportunity to meet nearly two dozen Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) who came from across the U.S. to support the volunteers, share the Sisters’ mission

SERA ANDERSON, 24

Hometown: Rochester, New York

Serving in Hartford, Connecticut

Role: Art and Theater Teacher at Trinity Academy

I see the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur reflected not just in the work that I do at the school but also, being at Mid-Year, I see it in everyone’s passion for education and for change and for trying to create the best possible opportunities that they can in places and areas where resources may be very limited.”

and history and help volunteers deepen connections to the charism of the SNDdeN. The Sisters founded the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (ndmv ) group in 1992 to promote literacy and education with volunteers working in classrooms and community centers. In 1995, ndmv partnered with newly created AmeriCorps to form Notre Dame Mission Volunteers – AmeriCorps and expand the program. Today, over 400 ndmva volunteers work full-time for 11 months, serving in 24 cities annually. ❊

AARON GAXIOLA, 27

Hometown: Watsonville, California

Serving in Watsonville, California

Role: AmeriCorps team member at Growing Greatness

I love that I am able to grow. It’s my last year so this is a very, very emotional kind of parting for me. This is my last Mid-Year and I think that what the program has given me is that it has built me up, and it has really taken me places that I never thought I would be.”

ASHLEY STOUT, 22

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Serving in Nazareth, Kentucky

Role: Program Assistant in the Office of Ecological Sustainability (Sisters of Charity of Nazareth)

St. Julie talked about teaching students what they need to know for life and I think that as climate change and environmental issues get worse and touch every aspect of human life, that is a skill and something that students increasingly need to know.”

SHARING THE VISION

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIRST NDMV VOLUNTEER

Inspired by his aunt, Sister Jane McAndrews, SNDdeN and her missionary work in Kenya and Sudan, Jay Muldoon joined the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (NDMV) pilot program and became the first volunteer in August 1990. Muldoon’s first assignment was at Mother of Christ Church in Cincinnati, where he worked for a year as the youth minister and assistant to the social worker. He also served elementary and high school students in a low-income community, hosting after-school study groups and taking students on field trips to museums and amusement parks. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur officially founded NDMV in 1992 to provide literacy and education to those in need.

Three years later, the NDMV became a partnership program with AmeriCorps, now comprising over 400 members in 24 cities, and officially known as Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps. Reflecting on his service, Muldoon said, “I think everyone should do volunteer work. They should step out of their boundaries, step out of their comfort zone… and take a little while to support someone else.”

Sharing God’s Goodness through Pastoral Ministry Spirituality

BY SISTER KATHLEEN GALLIVAN, SND de N

i am grateful for the deep sense of being bonded in heart and Spirit with the Notre Dame world and for the diverse ministries through which we proclaim God’s goodness.

The sense of bonding began long before I entered the congregation. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were

above : Sister Kathleen

my teachers and mentors in elementary and high school. Even as a child, I was inspired by the story of Julie Billiart and contributed my pennies to the Sisters’ global missionary work. Julie’s story spoke to my heart. Contemplating a career path, I debated between joining the Sisters or pursuing nursing, ultimately opting for the former, a decision I’ve never regretted.

Over the years, I have ministered in various educational roles from

elementary to college. I have worked as a parish Director of Religious Education and a Formation Coordinator for the Boston Province. I was privileged to spend time in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria and begin the International Final Vow Program with Sister Dorothy Connelly, SNDdeN (rip). These experiences have deepened a sense of bonding in heart and Spirit, realizing that the world is my home. I feel pride in all the ways we serve God’s people. The opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in theology, pastoral care and psychology broadened my horizons to embrace interfaith ministry, a value I hold dear. For the last 21 years, I served as the Director of Spiritual Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a large trauma 1 hospital in Boston. In this ministry, I realized my early calling to healthcare. I have been honored to lead a multifaith, multicultural staff, work with amazing healthcare professionals, educate the next generation of chaplains, and care for patients, families and staff.

I have witnessed the sanctity of life’s transitions, from welcoming new lives to comforting the departing. Being an essential worker during the pandemic reinforced the privilege of sharing our mission of God’s goodness. I am profoundly blessed by these experiences and the opportunity to live out our charism in service to others. ❊

Gallivan, SNDdeN with Spirituality Services team members at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

An du ng legacy of goodness in New England, 1849 - 2024

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GOODNESS

celebrating 175 years in new england

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, based in Namur, Belgium, made a courageous decision to send Sisters to America, a nation barely 80 years independent, despite harboring concerns about the women’s safety and unknown challenges awaiting them. Yet, steadfastly committed to the vision of co-foundress Julie Billiart, they embarked on a mission to share their charism and educate those in need. Their historic venture began in 1840 when eight Sisters arrived in Cincinnati, established a school and became essential community members.

Five years later, a visiting Bishop implored them to extend their educational mission to Boston, a burgeoning hub of immigrant influx. In November 1849, amidst a nation still grappling with its identity, three Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur clandestinely arrived in Boston from Cincinnati. Their objective was to manage the parish school at St. Mary’s in the West End, marking the beginning of a pioneering journey that would shape education and community service in New England for generations to come.

MID-1800 s

Establishing a Presence in Boston

The Sisters’ arrival in Boston was not without adversity. Undeterred by the prevailing antiCatholic sentiment, the Sisters demonstrated resilience through early setbacks and their efforts soon gained positive attention, leading to requests for schools in nearby cities. In 1852, they opened St. Patrick’s School in Lowell.

Always mindful of society’s pressing issues, the Sisters realized that many children could not attend school because many immigrant parents worked in the textile mills. In response, the Sisters pioneered childcare services to address the needs of working-class families. This initiative marked perhaps the earliest childcare center in the U.S.

LATE-1800 s TO MID-1900 s

Expanding Schools and Ministries

The impact and the reputation of the Sisters continued to grow across Massachusetts, as did the ever-increasing need for education. They swiftly established schools in Roxbury, Salem, Lawrence, East Boston and South Boston, and by 1867, they expanded to Chicopee, Worcester and Springfield. Recognizing child labor as a prevalent issue, the Sisters set up ‘Night Schools’ and an Industrial School in Boston. By 1891, their influence extended beyond Massachusetts with the opening of St. Teresa’s in Providence, Rhode Island, marking the beginning of a broader expansion. Their presence burgeoned throughout Connecticut, and they assumed leadership roles in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Pemberton Mill in Lawrence collapsed on January 10, 1860, less than five months after the Sisters of Notre Dame had opened St. Mary’s School in Boston. The school was used as a temporary morgue for the dead until they could be identified.

below :

Students Mary Quinn, Adeline Hennessey and Doris Donohue at Lowell Academy in 1921.

above : Students at St. Patrick’s School, Lowell, celebrate International Day.

Emmanuel College

Recognizing the need to provide women with educational opportunities beyond high school, in 1919 the Sisters opened Emmanuel College in Boston, the first Catholic College for women in Massachusetts, to 27 passionate students, gaining its charter in 1921. In 1952, the College began to transform from a commuter school to a residential college. For over 80 years, Emmanuel served proudly as a Catholic liberal arts and sciences college for women and enjoyed a reputation for academic rigor and a commitment to social justice. In 2001, the College officially became a coeducational institution. Today, Emmanuel College boasts over 70 majors, nurturing the aspirations of over 2,000 co-ed students.

DID YOU KNOW?

1849 TO TODAY

The Changing Novitiate Over 175 Years

When the Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Boston in 1849, they numbered only three. Fifty years later, more than 1,600 women in Massachusetts had taken their vows as Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The Sisters opened 33 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island throughout those years. In the next century, their numbers and influence would continue to grow.

During the early years, the Sisters educated and trained postulants and novices in Cincinnati. As entries into the congregation increased in the late 1800s, a novitiate was established in Waltham. A new novitiate was dedicated in Ipswich in 1962 in response to increased growth in religious life in the 1950s. The Ipswich Province Center now houses offices for the East-West Province, the Congregational Mission Office, the Notre Dame Spirituality Center and the Julie Billiart Residential Care Center, and the Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center also calls the property home. In 2013, the Sisters protected 71 acres of their property from development, and worked with the Essex County Greenbelt to set a $1.1 million conservation on land that is home to large breeding populations of water birds and a shellfish nursery.

above left : Sisters standing with Cardinal Richard Cushing at the dedication of the new Novitiate at Ipswich. above right : Photo of the Ipswich Land Trust protecting 71 acres from development.

There were 32 Notre Dame schools in New England by the end of the 19th century. Over the next 50 years, another 15 schools opened in Massachusetts and 24 were staffed by Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

below left : Sister Alice Gertrude Keating, SNDdeN speaking with two students in 1952. below right : Emmanuel College students in 2024.

VISION FOR HEALTHCARE

With the labor of teaching hundreds of children, many Sisters needed rest and medical care. In 1900, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur opened Notre Dame du Lac in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a peaceful sanctuary of caring, renewal and healthy living. In recognition of growing community needs, Notre Dame Health Care (ndhc) was created in 1990 and began serving the general community in 1993 through the opening of the award-winning skilled nursing facility. ndhc is a place of welcome that delivers high-quality care for the whole person—mind, body and spirit—with dignity and respect.

SISTERS IN RETIREMENT

To provide for our Sisters in retirement, the Julie House was opened in 1994 in Windsor, Connecticut, and the Julie Billiart Residential Care Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts, was opened in 2006. The Sisters redefine what ‘retirement’ means through ongoing enrichment activities, prayer circles and social justice projects.

MID-20TH CENTURY TO TODAY

Connecticut and Farther

Afield

The Connecticut Province was officially established in 1959, and the convent was in Fairfield. Over the next five decades, they taught in 24 Connecticut and Rhode Island schools. In 1951, they opened a parish school in Exeter, New Hampshire, followed by schools in Salem and Nashua. Despite the closures of many of these schools in the latter part of the 20th century, the Sisters maintained a presence in the communities, focusing on the needs of immigrants and the underserved, a mission they continue to uphold. Today, 28 Sisters still call Connecticut home.

The Holy Innocents House, Bloomfield, Connecticut

Responding to the AIDS health crisis in the 1980s, Sister Claire Pierz, SNDdeN saw the need to care for children suffering from the disease. Despite the complex and daunting licensing requirements, she founded Holy Innocents House in Bloomfield, Connecticut, in November 1989. She and her volunteers became foster parents to infants and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Initially fostering twins exposed to AIDS, Sister Claire expanded to care for more children similarly affected, earning a designation for ‘medically fragile’ children. She courageously challenged the prevailing misconceptions about AIDS, advocating for the inclusion of affected children in foster care. The home is now closed, but Sister Claire maintains contact with former foster children, comforted that they found loving families and understand their worth. Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire, impacting the perception and care of medically vulnerable children today.

above : Sister Claire Pierz, SNDdeN with foster child.

EARLY 20TH CENTURY THROUGH TODAY

Global Expansion

The Sisters’ global reach expanded in 1924 when they ventured to Japan. Celebrating a century of Mission and ministry, today there is a thriving province, school and university. In 1931, the Sisters opened a school in Rome, Italy. In 1946, they assumed leadership roles at Mary, Star of the Sea School in Honolulu, Hawaii.

above : Sisters presented with leis upon arrival in Hawaii.

Notre Dame Spirituality Center

The spirituality of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is characterized by the call to discover and become the very goodness of God in our world. The Sisters commit themselves to deepening their relationships with God, one another, those living in poverty and the whole of creation. In living their mission, they seek abundance for all and have found a way to share their charism through the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich. Established in 1998 and open to the public, the Spirituality Center provides a contemplative setting and spiritual and educational opportunities to enable others to profoundly experience life’s goodness.

responding to the needs of our time

PROJECT CARE AND CONCERN – D ORCHESTER

Project Care and Concern (pcc), under the direction of Sister Joyce McMullen, SNDdeN, responds to the needs of low-income families, youth and senior citizens by helping folks attain their fundamental human rights whenever they have been deprived. Their mission is to build nurturing communities in Dorchester where children are cherished, families are supported and older adults are respected. The program’s impact has grown over the years and now includes senior citizen services and programs, summer camps for children, a food pantry and a thrift shop.

above : Sister Joyce McMullen, SNDdeN in her office at PCC.

NOTRE DAME EDUCATION CENTER – L AWRENCE

Notre Dame Education Center - Lawrence (ndec - l ) is proud to be a bridge of hope for adults in the Greater Lawrence area, seeking to improve their lives and families through education and community engagement. ndec - l is an inclusive learning community where diverse, underserved adults enrich their lives through education and gain the tools necessary for enhanced professional opportunity and community engagement. ndec - l provides English language and citizenship classes, skills training and leadership development—tuition-free or low-cost—in a learning environment that is welcoming, respectful and dignified.

above : Sister Pauline Raposo, SNDdeN with her co-workers at NDEC-L.

Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center

The Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center, located in Ipswich, stands on the ancestral homelands of the Pawtucket People. The Center opened in 1984 on the premises of a former dairy farm. Through educational programs and community building that address ecological justice issues, the Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center inspires people of all ages, preschool through adult, to explore their innate creativity and connection to the earth. The Center strives to model ecological sustainability in a space that embraces the belief that all life is sacred and the diversity of life is essential for the planet’s well-being.

Learn more about our 175th anniversary at our website: snddeneastwest.org/175NE

Ongoing Educational Institutions & Social Services

• St. Patrick School in Lowell (1952)

• Notre Dame Academies of Boston (begun in 1853, now in Hingham)

• Academy of Notre Dame Tyngsboro (begun in Lowell in 1854)

• Emmanuel College (1919)

• Notre Dame Academy in Worcester (1951)

• Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center (1984)

• Julie’s Family Learning Program (1974)

• Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Methuen (2004)

• Notre Dame Education Center – Lawrence (1997)

• Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Dorchester (1973)

• P roject Care and Concern in Dorchester (1973)

An du ng legacy of goodness in New England, 1849 - 2024

Deep Roots and a Flourishing Future

True to the founding Mission of St. Julie, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s commitment to share their charism remains unwavering. Over 175 years, they traversed every diocese in New England, enriching communities with their educational legacy. Today, they remain the longest-serving religious congregation of women in the Archdiocese of Boston, their deep roots epitomized by academic institutions and social service endeavors throughout New England. Countless Sisters still serve in parishes, schools and service agencies throughout New England, tending to the flourishing examples of God’s goodness planted long ago. Through resilience, compassion and dedication, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have left an indelible mark on generations of students and communities, ensuring an enduring legacy of goodness that continues to inspire.

Shared Vision

Celebrating a Centennial of Shared Mission and Vision in Japan

in july 1924, six Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, led by Sister Marie Claire Leahy, SNDdeN, embarked from San Francisco to Okayama to oversee a school for young women despite the Sisters’ limited knowledge of Japanese culture. They aimed to dedicate themselves to religious life, evangelization and education, as guided by Julie Billiart. At the time of their arrival, Japan was facing social and economic upheaval due to the 1923 Tokyo earthquake. They encountered difficulties in student recruitment due to the school’s reputation, aging infrastructure and financial constraints.

Sister Marie Claire, SNDdeN sought assistance from the Massachusetts Province to revitalize the school, while the Sisters in Japan enhanced the curriculum, earning recognition for academic excellence.

Global Crisis: World War II and Post-War Resilience

With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the Sisters faced adversity. They were confined to house arrest and later interned in a hostile camp, yet managed to maintain their faith with limited freedoms. Despite suspicions, they continued their educational duties,

facing hardships such as food scarcity while caring for boarding students.

After the war, seven American Sisters returned to rebuild the school, earning admiration for their commitment to education from the government and locals. The Notre Dame institution flourished, fostering enduring bonds between Japanese and American Sisters, strengthening their shared vision.

Growth of a Province

From 1947 to 1956, additional American Sisters joined, leading to Japan’s eventual independence as a Province in 1975. New convents and schools

were established, contributing to Japan’s post-war reconstruction.

Today, the Notre Dame legacy endures, with numerous schools and a growing community of Japanese Sisters continuing the Mission established a century ago. ❊

above left : Sister Masako Miyake, SNDdeN teaching a First Communion class. above : Sisters Aimee Julie (Louise Koppenhafer), Frances Helena (Agnes Comber), Marie Claire (Elizabeth Leahy), Marie Raymond (Margaret Mary Lane), Marie Lucilla (Ellen Mulvaney) and Agnes St. John (Agnes Donnelly), SNDdeN. left : Sister Mary Koska, SNDdeN who was one of the seven American Sisters who returned to Japan in 1946 after the war.

SNDdeN at the UN: Sustainable Development

the sisters of notre dame de namur is an accredited nongovernmental organization (ngo) at the United Nations (UN) that has been serving since 2001. Currently, Sister Isabelle Izika, SNDdeN is the congregational representative. In her role, she continues the long tradition of engagement in addressing poverty, health and education. In 2015, the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (sdg), recognizing education as an indispensable means for everyone to realize their potential and for the international community to promote global progress.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries where the Sisters serve, they have organized discussions on climate change based on the consequences of human activities on the environment, including reduced agricultural production and the consequent deterioration in the health of rural populations. The Sisters are also working to remedy the destruction of the environment by initiating reforestation activities. ❊

above : Sister Isabelle Izika, SNDdeN pictured with NDA Hingham students during Founder’s Day activities.

left : Sister Claudine Dumbi, SNDdeN and her students training to become small farm holders and market gardeners.

Teaching Farming to Women in Congo Aids Country’s Renewal

BY SISTER CLAUDINE DUMBI, SND de N

as a professor, I believe that educating young people is paramount to our country because young people are our future, and we face many political and social challenges. In my work with students, I follow the education philosophy of St. Julie Billiart to “teach them what they need for life.”

Even though many of my students grew up in rural communities, most women have realized the need to learn agricultural practices that they had not learned in their village upbringing. I firmly believe that women taking up farming is an essential way for them to cope with the current national economic crisis and ensure the survival of their households.

Being with the students keeps me close to St. Julie Billiart, who accompanied those living in poverty in her small French village of Cuvilly, and reminds me of Pope Francis’ call

to be with those often left behind. I train them in organization and management skills to become successful small farmholders and market gardeners. Each woman has about one or two hectares (approximately 2.5–5 acres) of land, and they are eager to learn about soil health, water conservation, biodiversity, intercropping, pesticides and fertilizers. I teach them entrepreneurship skills, and they learn how to develop business plans that include budgeting, pricing and accounting so that the farm will produce income and food for their families. They also learn how to return profit back into developing and expanding the farm. Thinking about the future, I believe a scientific, ethical and humanitarianbased education will help us renew our country. My goal is to accompany young female farmers in this renewal. ❊

SISTER DOROTHY STANG TO BE HONORED IN ROME

Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN will be remembered at a special ceremony in Rome honoring her unwavering dedication to land reform in Brazil and defending the rights of people experiencing poverty. Martyred in 2005, her story joins those of global Christian martyrs at San Bartolomeo all’Isola Church. On January 10, 2025, a vial of soil from her murder site will be enshrined, a testament to her sacrifice. Sister Dorothy symbolizes courage and compassion. Despite death threats from loggers and landowners in the Amazon, she persisted, embodying the SNDdeN spirit. Honored posthumously worldwide, her life devoted to service continues to inspire others to act, leaving a profound mark on humanity and the Earth. ❊

Sister Claudine Dumbi, SNDdeN is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur of the CongoKinshasa Province and a professor and dean at the Université Catholique du Congo and the Université Pédagogique Nationale in Kinshasa.

Preparing for a Seamless Transition to Our New East-West Leadership Team

BY SISTER BARBARA BARRY, SND de N

all well-established organizations have a way of governing themselves. In the United States, we have a regular rhythm of electing government representatives. As Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we, too, have a self-governance structure and regularly elect Sisters to serve in leadership in the Congregation and individual provinces. For us, government exists to foster the life and Mission of the Congregation. Together with all the Sisters, our leaders promote the unity of the Congregation and facilitate our Mission of proclaiming God’s goodness. Our leaders are responsible for the care of our members

and allocating our resources for mission and ministry.

Unlike our country’s campaigning and voting process, we enter into a discernment process, calling on the Holy Spirit through prayer and communal reflection to select the Sisters who will fulfill the service of leadership for a particular time. We consider the needs of the Congregation and province. We also consider the needs of the Church and God’s people. We set priorities for the next several years and then determine who has the gifts, wisdom and experience to guide us in fulfilling our priorities.

We have just completed this process in the U.S.

East-West Province, and we are pleased to share with you our new leadership team, who will begin their service on July 12, 2024, and serve for the next five years. They are Sisters Maria Delaney, Kathryn Keenan, Patricia O’Brien, Roberta Rzeznik and Virginia Scally, SNDdeN. ❊

below : Our community has deep gratitude for the tremendous leadership and dedication of our outgoing Leadership Team members, who have served one or two terms, including through the pandemic. Sincere thanks to Sisters who are transitioning off the Leadership Team (pictured L to R): Sisters Mary Farren (since 2014), Eileen Burns (since 2019), Patricia Chappell (since 2019), Elaine Bain (since 2019), and Barbara Barry (since 2014) SNDdeN.

NEW EAST-WEST LEADERSHIP TEAM

Sister Patricia O’Brien

Sister Maria Delaney

Sister Roberta Rzeznik

Sister Kathryn Keenan

Sister Ginny Scally

Ecological Conversion and the Commitment to Laudato Si’

BY MARY ALICE MCCABE, SND de N

“To be protectors of God’s

creation is not an option. It is essential to a Gospel life lived as a Christian.” (LS 217)

two years ago on earth day, April 22, 2022, we, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur U.S. East-West Province, signed on to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform , officially declaring that we are committed to working with others across the world to address the threat that climate change poses to Mother Earth, to all created beings and to life itself. We said that we hear the cries of Mother Earth and our sisters and brothers impacted by irresponsible human activity driven by systemic greed. The Sisters’ plan of action in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ focuses on Education, Land and Lifestyle.

Education: We have broadly shared our commitment to the urgent message of Laudato Si’ and educated the Province through various communication tools, including newsletters, the Notre Dame Virtual School and province-wide meetings. We have brought Pope Francis’ message to our communities, ministries, schools and parishes. We have expressly made Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum part of the third Hallmark of our Notre Dame de Namur Learning Communities and have strongly encouraged that ecological justice studies be a priority.

Land: We are reviewing our history and association with the land’s natural features under our stewardship and are studying ways to ensure we will leave these lands in perpetuity for future generations.

Lifestyle: We challenge one another to make fundamental changes, including recycling, composting, avoiding products sold in plastic, shopping with reusable bags and conserving water, electricity, paper and gasoline by car-pooling. And we are planting vegetable gardens and replacing some lawns with pollinator gardens. ❊

THE CALL FOR ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION

We must always ask ourselves: Are we doing enough? The words of two prophetic voices calling for ecological conversion: Pope Francis and theologian Sister Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, might help us answer the question.

Pope Francis recognized that after nine years, his Laudato Si’ message still had not reached the consciousness of most humans. That’s why he wrote his second urgent call, Laudate Deum in October 2023.

In Laudato Si’, Francis first called us to an ecological conversion: The ecological crisis is a summons to profound interior conversion. To be protectors of God’s creation is not an option. It is essential to a Gospel life lived as a Christian. (LS 117)

In Laudate Deum, he repeats with even more urgency the need for change if we are to save Planet Earth:

There are no lasting changes without cultural changes, without the maturing of lifestyles; there are no cultural changes without personal changes. (LD 70)

Sister Johnson’s writing reminds us that ecological conversion can cause us to feel outrage and deep sadness as we witness corporate and political practices that devastate the earth and the lives of poor people. Ecological conversion needs to be practical. We need to consider the whole community of life as we decide how to spend money, what products and services to buy, how to heat homes, run businesses and vote.

“We know that greedy human action is causing the mind-boggling extinction of 23,000 species annually. We haven’t a minute to lose!” says Sister Johnson.

An Ecological Conversion Lifestyle Inventory

• Has my lifestyle changed significantly, or do I live with the same consumer habits as I did five years ago?

• Have I accepted any self-imposed inconvenience that shows my commitment to change?

• Do I ask myself at the end of each day:

– What did I do today to protect the earth?

– What did I do today that added to the destruction of God’s creation?

• When I shop or think of shopping, do I ask myself: Do I need or want it?

Climate change represents a profound injustice. We are called to prophetically denounce it not by words but by action.

Using Purchasing Power for Good

an encounter with Sister Ani Wihbey, SNDdeN at the Province Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts, will likely include a discussion about wise consumerism. It will also include a discussion of the book “The Better World Shopping Guide” by Ellis Jones, a professor at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. The book encourages consumers to empower their purchases for a better world. It serves as a compass for socially and environmentally conscious buying—the book details which companies prioritize sustainability, human rights and social justice.

When Jones heard about how much Sister Ani loved the book, he decided to come to Ipswich and provide her with 100 books before her 100th birthday this summer.

We encourage you to read this pocket-sized reference and see how your everyday spending decisions can positively impact our world. ❊

A Reflection on Goodness

BY SISTER PAT ROLINGER, SND de N, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CUVILLY ARTS AND EARTH CENTER

Every work of art tells a story about the artist, so every act of creation tells us something about God, the Creator.

as a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Cuvilly embraces the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community. The first Hallmark is “We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.”

In the Book of Genesis, we hear the Creator proclaim that every act of creation is good. Therefore, being immersed in the natural world is to be immersed in goodness.

At Cuvilly, learning to love the land we live on and walking respectfully through the woods

and fields is to live goodness. Honoring and caring for each person, each barnyard critter and every plant and insect is a unique expression of the Divine, which is to live goodness Living goodness is creating a space where all life exists in an ecological balance, honoring diversity as essential to the well-being of the planet. As we breathe in the goodness of God that surrounds us, we echo St. Julie Billiart, the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, “Ah, qu’il est bon le Bon Dieu! Oh, how good is the Good God!” ❊

below : Mural by Sister Janet Mullen, SNDdeN.

Education

The Hallmarks are a significant and concise articulation of the Sisters of

Notre

Dame

de Namur’s mission,

values and Catholic identity, which we all share.”

Sister Louise O’Reilly, SNDdeN

Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community 2024

BY SISTER LOUISE O’REILLY, SND de N

what do we know now that we did not know twenty years ago? What has influenced our Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) mission in recent years?

The Offices of Sponsored Ministries (osm ) of the Sisters of Notre Dame de

Namur East-West and Ohio Provinces began to explore these questions concerning our Hallmarks in the winter of 2022. The Hallmarks are a significant and concise articulation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s mission, values and Catholic identity, which we

share. Conversations began, and interest in a review of the Hallmarks was brought to the staff’s attention at the School Administrators Conference in June of 2022. We started there because our Hallmarks have been a deep part of the Mission expression in the school ministries since they were published in 2005. Ideas and suggestions from those conversations led to work updating some of the Hallmark’s statements. In January 2023, school communities, sisters and colleagues in other SNDdeN ministries received an initial revised draft and survey. All were invited to reflect prayerfully and deeply on the language of the current Hallmarks and a new proposed version, guided by the following questions: Do the suggested changes seem pertinent now and in the future? Do they add significance to the Hallmark?

We invited conversations in focus groups in all U.S. ministries to discuss

education and healthcare issues specific to our two provinces’ schools, centers and healthcare facilities and how the Hallmarks reflected these realities. Over the next few months, the osm processed the 300+ responses from individuals and groups. Constituents observed that the Hallmarks are still remarkably relevant and applicable to current times and issues, suggesting that the original document was an appropriate and prophetic description of a Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ministry. The osm worked carefully to address suggestions and better align the sub-statements with each Hallmark. And now, the “refreshed” Hallmarks are ready. They are a reference and a source of unity for all in our Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur circle and carry strength from a collaborative process. We thank all who participated in helping to arrive at Hallmarks that will serve for another generation to come. ❊

EMMANUEL COLLEGE NAMES 14TH PRESIDENT

In January, in a unanimous vote, the Emmanuel College Board of Trustees appointed Beth Ross, Ed.D., as the College’s 14th president.

Previously, Dr. Ross served Emmanuel and its students for 23 years in a series of critical positions, including dean of institutional effectiveness / chief data officer and, most recently, acting president.

Her comprehensive understanding of institutional operations—and her commitment to collaborative engagement with students, faculty and staff— make her an apt successor to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have previously held the Office of the President, including President Emerita Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN.

Over the years, Dr. Ross has earned the admiration of the College community for her deep dedication to student success, her contributions to campus life and her warm and optimistic spirit.

Dr. Ross holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Regis College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Suffolk University. ❊

Moreland Notre Dame School: 125 Years of Educating Students for Life

BY SISTER LOUISE O’REILLY, SND de N

in 1899, five Sisters arrived in Watsonville, California, to staff the new Moreland Notre Dame Academy. The first school—an imposing Victorian-style structure on Main Street—was the gift of Mrs. Margaret Moreland in honor of her only daughter, Josephine, who died just a few months before she graduated from the College of Notre Dame (high school) in San Jose, California.

From the beginning, the school has served its students’ spiritual and academic needs, including day pupils who—during the first four decades— were never asked to pay more than a dollar a month. In September of 1942, a new elementary school was dedicated to accommodating the growing needs, and today, this building is home to Moreland Notre Dame’s grades 1 to 6, the learning center, art room and offices. The new junior high classrooms, large parking area and playing field were added to the adjacent property in 2004.

Today, the school community, known as Moreland Notre Dame School (mnd), thrives and serves over 200 kindergarten through 8th-grade students. The diverse student population reflects the community; close to 20% of the students receive some tuition assistance. mnd was recently named the Best Private/ Charter School and Best After-School

Program in The Pajaronian’s 2023 Best of Pajaro Valley Awards.

At the heart of the mnd community is its motto: Moreland Notre Dame— educating students for life. Principal Cathy Mottau shares: “mnd is a Christ-centered school that strives for academic excellence and a deep understanding of the Catholic faith. Teachers, staff, students and families work together to provide a hopefilled Christian atmosphere where students have daily opportunities to encounter Christ.”

In early September 2024, Moreland Notre Dame will celebrate 125 years of educating students spiritually and academically. Celebrations will include a dinner dance for parents, friends and alumni. The mnd community looks forward to ensuring future students have opportunities to excel for many years. ❊

Sister Louise O’Reilly, SNDdeN is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur of the U.S. East-West Province. Sister Louise has served in many roles as an educator and leader and is currently a Director of Mission Integration for the East-West Province.

above : Moreland Notre Dame students celebrate the 4th annual Irish Dash Color Run, one of the largest parent club fundraisers of the year.

Hallmarks Today to Empower Tomorrow

notre dame de namur university (ndnu) is dedicated to educational diversity, equity and inclusion (dei ). President Beth Martin, a passionate advocate for low-income students, recently represented ndnu at the 2024 aiccu (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities) Day in Sacramento, California, with ndnu ’s Director of Financial Aid Lynnell Hannah and mba stem graduate student Denise Sandel. At the event, ndnu amplified the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community by engaging with lawmakers, educators, community leaders and advocates, all united by a common goal—to secure increased funding and resources for lowincome students. ndnu delegates discussed the pressing need for targeted investments in education to bridge the gap that often hinders academic achievement among marginalized communities. Delegates also supported the ongoing dialogue about educational dei (diversity, equity and inclusion) in California. As the state continues to navigate the complex landscape of education reform, ndnu ’s tireless efforts underscore the importance of the Hallmarks in addressing educational socioeconomic disparities and ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. ❊

SERVICE WITH A SMILE AT NOTRE DAME BELMONT

During the 2023 -24 school year, Notre Dame High School Belmont in Belmont, California, celebrated the Hallmark “We Commit Ourselves to Community Service.” Many students participated in the Service With a Smile InterSession course, a weeklong immersion where students gave back to the community. Students began the week by volunteering at Jasper Ridge Farm, a non-profit organization that facilitates animal therapy for adults and children in need. Students mucked stalls, cleaned saddles and groomed therapy animals, including goats, miniature horses and sheep. As the week progressed, students participated in a Bayfront Cleanup for the City of San Mateo. Next, students put together hygiene packages for families in need and held a bake sale benefiting youth who experience homelessness in San Jose. ❊

Notre Dame Elementary

at notre dame elementary in Belmont, California, fostering human connection is paramount. Beyond mere education, it’s about nurturing a sense of community. Every interaction contributes to this vital foundation of connection, creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. It’s about recognizing everyone’s unique perspective, fostering empathy and building trust. By embracing this Hallmark, “We

create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve,” we acknowledge the importance of imparting knowledge and cultivating an environment where every voice is valued. Through shared experiences and mutual respect, we weave a tapestry of belonging, ensuring that each person feels seen, heard and supported, thus fostering a safe and inclusive space for learning and growth. ❊

above : NDNU students, faculty, staff and administration advocate on the steps of the California State Capitol for low-income students.

Notre Dame Academy

Worcester

built on the hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community, the Notre Dame Academy (nda ) student experience embodies our values of character, community and commitment to service. In February, nda’s PANDA Club (Prayerful Activities At nda ) organized a drive for Backpacks of Hope. Established in 2023 by two nda students, Aly ’27 and her sister Lily ’28, Backpacks of Hope provides backpacks filled with essential items to children in foster care situations and local juvenile courts (in Fitchburg, Worcester and Dudley, Massachusetts). We are grateful to the nda community who joined to make a meaningful impact. ❊

Notre Dame High School in San Jose

this past spring, Notre Dame High School in Downtown San Jose held its annual art exhibit, The Woman’s Place Project. The project is an interdisciplinary study of the strength and contributions of women across time, culture and industry. One hundred seventy-seven freshman class members designed colorful place settings to honor bold and brilliant women whose lives have significantly contributed to humankind. Students are encouraged to find a hero among the women represented by the place settings, a personal role model who has overcome obstacles and shattered preconceptions. The project allows students to develop their research, creative writing and public speaking skills as they present their hard work to those in attendance. ❊

BLACK LIVES MATTER Sisters in Ministry

Justice and Peace Bookclub: Addressing Anti-Racism through Reading and Discourse

BY SISTER DENISE CURRY, SND de N

following an invitation from Sister Cathy Waldron, SNDdeN to join an anti-racist book club, Sisters and Associates from across the province, East to West, formed the ZOOM Group. We did not all know each other at first, but now, we’re on a mission!

Our recent read was “Caste, The Origins of our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. It took about a year to meticulously go through this bestseller. To think of a caste system is to think of India’s treatment of the Dalits, where an individual’s social condition

at birth is a determinant of life. As schoolchildren, didn’t we think that was horrible? To read “Caste” is to learn that the most egregious application is found in the U.S. It reminds us of savage surgeries performed on African Americans without their

consent or anesthesia. Equally appalling are the system of laws and continued efforts of gerrymandering, stereotyping and disenfranchising that reinforce this social system. Wilkerson is a thorough scholar, and her research spans centuries. But “Caste” is not a dry tome; it is visceral.

We want everyone to read this book. But we are thinking most of our students in Notre Dame schools. Those of a certain age can probably conjure the famous 1936 photo of a German crowd saluting the Fuhrer, except for one person engulfed by the mass of loyalists, with his arms folded across his chest. We want our students to be that one person against the crowd. “Unless we know our history, we will be condemned to repeat it.” Our young people must understand their privilege and stand against U.S. caste laws and culture.

“Caste” is not about shame and blame. Neither we nor our students should be burdened by who we were— what good is that? Let’s work toward who we can be. And young people have fresh eyes to imagine where to begin. ❊

Transforming Grace: Viewing the U.S. National Election through the Lens of Transformative Justice

BY THE TRANSFORMING GRACE COMMITTEE: SISTERS NANCY CITRO, PHYLLIS D’ANNA AND GWYNETTE PROCTOR, SND de N AND MICHELE FORTÉ

in november 2023, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (lcwr ) launched the Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice initiative and invited its members to look at the

2024 U.S. national election campaign through the lens of transformative justice.

lcwr shares that the work of transformative justice is grounded in contemplation. It is an engagement in learning the skills and practices that will lead to decision-making and action that leads to being in right relationship with Earth and all human persons. lcwr invites us to engage our communities

in the collective discernment on “What is ours to do in this time?” Transforming Grace encourages participants to take responsibility for the personal and collective responses we can make in the challenges we will encounter during the national election period. Throughout the year leading up to the election in November 2024, lcwr is sharing periodic one-page reflection guides with inspiring and interesting videos, brief readings, prayers and questions intended to deepen conversation. The materials are designed for groups such as Sisters, Associates, staff and other partners in Mission. In response, the Sisters of

Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) East-West Province created the Transforming Grace Committee and have encouraged our community to use the reflections to engage meaningfully in the initiative. Sisters use prayer, meditation and discussion points from the reflections to guide discussion in their home communities and larger prayer groups. Sisters, Associates and staff were invited to gather via Zoom and in-person at the Sisters’ April Town Hall to collectively participate in a 60-minute Transforming Grace reflection and will continue to find ways to embrace the initiative as a community. ❊

To learn more about LCWR’S Transforming Grace initiative, visit: lcwr.org/transforming-grace

Ensuring the Mission: Sister Adapts Citizenship Classes

the onset of the covid-19 pandemic turned much of our traditional teaching methods and venues upside down. The U.S. Citizenship class at Notre Dame Education Center – Lawrence (ndec-l), led by Sister Catherine O’Brien, SNDdeN, was no exception. Recognizing the importance of learning and the need for continuity, Sister Catherine quickly pivoted and adapted the class for online instruction in 2020 and continues to teach it today. Virtual classes allow more accessibility to students with busy

For more information: ndeclawrence.net

schedules, jobs and families, enabling them to join from home. Sister Catherine notably begins each class with the “Pledge of Allegiance” and shares the rich and personal history of her parents’ immigration story with her students.

“It is that personal and gentle connection that embodies our Mission,” said Alisa Povenmire, Executive Director of ndec-l .

Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Notre Dame Education Center – Lawrence (ndec-l) provides English language and citizenship classes, skills training and leadership development—tuition-free or low-cost—in a learning environment that is welcoming, respectful and dignified. ❊

Ana Maria Perez, student

Sister Catherine O’Brien, SNDdeN and Eunimil Recio

Our Strength of Connections throughout the Congregation: A Reflection

BY SISTER JO-ANN FLORA, SND de N

in the summer of 2014, as a pace (Preparatory and Continuing Education) team member, I had the joy of working with our Sisters of the Congo-Kinshasa Province. Our team’s role was to teach English and computer skills to the younger Sisters of the province, gathered at the Kimwenza Province Center. We shared a small house near the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur-operated hospital with Sister Eulalie Nkengi, SNDdeN, a medical doctor, and Sister Suzanne Luntadilla, SNDdeN, a nurse. Early one morning, as we got up, Sisters Eulalie and Suzanne were just coming in from an exhausting night. They responded in the middle of the night to assist a mother giving birth to her first child. It was a difficult delivery, and the mother nearly died from blood loss. Against all odds and without the proper blood type, they saved her life. A few days later, I was taking a break between classes when Sister Suzanne brought the new mother and baby to the house. What a beautiful child! On our departure day, she gave me their photo as a parting gift, speaking with great pride and satisfaction: “Remember that these two lives were saved in a hospital of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.” How could I possibly forget? Unlike Sisters Eulalie and Suzanne, I cannot fully care for others’ medical needs. These heroic Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur do for others what this SNDdeN could not possibly do in one of the most abandoned places in our world. We are genuinely bonded in heart and Spirit, strong through shared vision. ❊

A COMMUNITY UNITED

In March 2023, devastating floods impacted the Pajaro Community in Monterey County, California, home to Casa de la Cultura Center, a non-profit founded by Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, SNDdeN. More than 250 community residents gathered a year later to celebrate their resilience. The event, hosted by the Pajaro Disaster Long-Term Recovery Alliance, was attended by community leaders and residents standing together to demand financial assistance from the local government. The celebration included music, food, photo galleries of the flooding and cleanup, a performance from the Watsonville Indigenous dance group Kalpulli Ehecacoatl and plenty of praise for Sister Rosa Dolores and Sister Theresa Linehan’s efforts to unite the community and provide emergency assistance to those impacted. ❊

below : Congolese Sisters from Sister Jo-Ann Flora’s English class: (top row) Moisette Ndilu, Christiane Nzimbu, (middle row) Agathe Ilakidi, Emilie Mafuku, Esther Tomba, (bottom row) Marie-Agnes Tasi, Godelieve Ziunga, Angele Nlambi, SNDdeN.

above : Sisters Rosa Dolores Rodriguez and Theresa Linehan, SNDdeN

Synod on Synodality:

Happily Surprised Again!

BY SISTER JOAN F. BURKE, SND de N

many of us have become accustomed to Pope Francis’ surprises and disarming pastoral approaches to issues facing the Church. We now see him modeling a new way of being Church by launching the Synod on Synodality, 2021–24. A Greek word meaning “coming together/ assembly,” Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur resonate with his efforts to create a Synod. Following the Second Vatican Council, many communities of women religious—including the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—have been using a similar process of communal discernment for decision-making, and we are pleased to see it becoming more accessible to the wider Church.

The Bishop of Rome—as Pope Francis prefers to be referred to— invited all Catholics to engage in a shared “conversation with the Holy Spirit” on the pastoral needs of the Church today in 2021. The aim is to arrive at decisions co-responsibly: bishops, clergy, women and men religious and laity together. The first session in October 2023 considered the topics highlighted during the prior two-year consultation with local churches across the globe. Their synthesis is now the focus of consultations in preparation for the final session in October 2024.

Learn more about what surfaced at the October 2023 first session and is to be more closely examined at the second session in October 2024 at this link: www.usccb.org/resources/synodalchurch-mission-synthesis-report. The second session will recommend concrete, action-oriented decisions to guide the Church in responding to the demands of our times. Another surprise—55 of the 365 voting participants in the Synod are women! ❊

Julie’s Family Learning Program Celebrates

50 Years!

nestled in south boston, Julie’s Family Learning Program (Julie’s) welcomes all, offering complementary educational programs and supportive resources to foster strong, thriving families and adults. Since its founding in 1974, Julie’s has remained dedicated to empowering mothers to recognize their strengths and apply their expertise to enhance and transform family life. In 2019, Julie’s expanded its mission to encompass all underserved learners aged 16 and older, providing flexible opportunities to obtain essential educational credentials and workplace skills necessary to achieve their life goals.

This year marks a significant milestone for Julie’s as it celebrates 50 years of empowering learners, revitalizing families and strengthening community bonds! Founded by Sister Louise Kearns, SNDdeN and Sister Jean Sullivan, SNDdeN, Julie’s enduring vision lives on through the commitment of its present-day educators. Julie’s continues to impact local families and individuals, bringing about transformative change while embodying a shared vision with its founding Sisters and serving as a beacon of hope— providing opportunities for future generations. ❊

above : (L to R) Sister Bárbara Gutiérrez, SNDdeN, Bill Sullivan, brother to Sister Jean Sullivan, SNDdeN, Sister Louise Kearns, SNDdeN, Kathy Sullivan, sister-in-law to Sister Jean, Sister Maria Delaney, SNDdeN.

above : Sister Joan Burke, SNDdeN leads a discussion about Synod on Synodality with Sisters, Associates and staff at the Belmont Province Center.

Support Our Sisters in Ministry

Generous benefactors are at the heart of the Sisters’ work today, just as they have always been, making it possible for the Sisters to continue their mission of education and working with, and on behalf of, those living in poverty. Our Sisters continue to serve in many ministries including education, immigration, social justice and pastoral care.

Wherever Most Needed Ministries in the U.S.

MONTHLY GIVING

Give peace of mind: make a gift that gives all year round.

Join the Locke Monthly Giving Circle and become a beacon of support for our Sisters and their vital ministries.

Why give monthly?

Ensure Stability: Your consistent monthly donations provide our Sisters with reliable support they can count on year-round.

Maximize Impact: Reduce administrative costs, allowing more of your gift to benefit our ministries directly.

Provide Convenience: Save time with automatic deductions, ensuring your support continues seamlessly.

Ready to make a lasting impact? Sign up online or by phone today! online : snddeneastwest.org/

Join us in carrying forward St. Julie’s enduring legacy of goodness throughout the year.

above : Sister Kathleen Murphy, SNDdeN with students in Tyngsboro. above right : Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, SNDdeN, Executive Director of the Casa de la Cultura Center in Pajaro, California. right : Sister Michelle Henault, SNDdeN arranges flowers at the House of Prayer in Carmel, California.

top : Sister Elizabeth O’Connor, SNDdeN (RIP) with Sister Roberta Rzeznik, SNDdeN at the 2023 Jubilee Celebration at Emmanuel College.

above : Sister Sharon Joyer, SNDdeN and Sister Helen Cecilia Miller, SNDdeN (RIP) sharing a hug at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, California. middle right : Sister Gillian Wallace, SNDdeN teaching a class at Notre Dame High School in San Jose, California, where she is a Religious Studies teacher. bottom right : Sister Joyce McMullen, SNDdeN with staff of Project Care and Concern.

To see more stories of the incredible impact your support has made, please visit: snddeneastwest.org/ our-call-to-action

TRIBUTE CARDS

To celebrate the lives of loved ones, you can purchase Tribute Cards showcasing artwork and photography of our Sisters. We have seven cards for different occasions, and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur remember the recipient and the donor in their prayers. All donors are acknowledged. To order, please call our office at 617-387-2500 or visit our website, snddeneastwest.org/ request-tribute-cards

For more information or to support the Sisters, please contact Jen Pearce, Director of Development, at: jpearce@ewsndden.org or 617-387-2500.

Support Our Community

Living in a community offers numerous benefits that enhance the Sisters’ spiritual growth, ministry effectiveness and personal well-being. It fosters a sense of unity, purpose and mutual support that strengthens their collective mission to serve God and others.

For me, community is the gift of spending my one and only life in the company of women with whom I share a worldwide mission, spirituality and commitment to goodness. It’s being part of a founding story that continues to be relevant and inviting more than 200 years later. In community, I can support others and have influence beyond anything I could ever do on my own. And I have found myself immediately at home around the world wherever our Sisters and Associates are present.”

Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN

Have you thought about establishing and sharing a tradition of giving together within your family? Philanthropy offers a meaningful opportunity to express your family’s shared values with the wider community that can have a lasting impact on you and the organizations you serve.

FAMILY GIVING CAN:

Unite Families: Giving together unites families across generations, locations and life circumstances, reinforcing bonds between family members and the values they share.

Instill Financial Responsibility: Integrating philanthropic conversations and activities into family life nurtures a sense of financial responsibility among younger generations.

Pass on Healthy Attitudes: Giving together is an excellent method for passing on healthy attitudes about money and helping others.

Impact Meaningful Causes: Family philanthropy offers a powerful way to impact causes that matter most.

Our favorite tradition at Christmastime is to select and share a cause to support and tell our family members why each cause is so deserving.”

SNDdeN Donor

Would you like to know more about the Sisters in between issues of the magazine? Are you a Former Sister who would like to keep in touch?

Email: ewcommunications@sndden.org / Call: 617-387-2500

Scan: QR code above

Support the Future

Create a Lasting Legacy

the st. julie billiart legacy society was founded to recognize generous donors who have committed to the future of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur through a planned gift. Every gift to the Sisters is critical in helping them continue the crucial work in their ministries and care for the Sisters in retirement.

Planned gifts are creative ways to support the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, where you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are personally making a difference in the life and ministries of the Sisters.

I feel very blessed to have received 12 years of education from the Sisters of Notre Dame. I received an excellent education, [was] well prepared for college and [was provided] additional guidance in moral and religious standards. They lived what they taught. Those years have given me the background and confidence to be a leader and to successfully have my own business, as well as contribute to the community.”

Sally Backus, Salinas, California

For more information or to notify the Sisters of your estate plans, please contact Jen Pearce, Director of Development at:

jpearce@ewsndden.org or 617-387-2500

CELEBRATING AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GOODNESS IN NEW ENGLAND

An du ng legacy of goodness in New England, 1849 - 2024

OCTOBER

16

WEDNESDAY 6:00 PM

2024

MARRIOTT HOTEL – BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS

sponsorship opportunities

175th Enduring Legacy Sponsor:

$175,000 – Two tables of 10

St. Julie Billiart Sponsor:

$100,000 – Two tables of 10

Courageous 1849 Sponsor:

$50,000 – One table of 10

Namur Sponsor:

$25,000 – One table of 10

Cuvilly Sponsor:

$10,000 – One table of 10

Mission Sponsor:

$5,000 – Six seats at dinner

more info

To confirm your sponsorship level or for more information, please contact Jen Pearce, Director of Development Office: 617-387-2500 Cell: 781-718-2254 Email: jpearce@ewsndden.org For more event information: snddeneastwest.org/175NE

please save the dates

Saturday, August 24 at 4 pm Liturgy at Notre Dame Health Care, Worcester, Massachusetts

Saturday, September 7 at 4 pm Liturgy at St. Gregory Parish, Dorchester, Massachusetts

Saturday, September 14 at 4 pm Liturgy with Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap. at St. Patrick Parish, Lowell, Massachusetts

Wednesday, October 16 at 6 pm 175th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Boston at Marriott, Burlington, Massachusetts (ticket purchase required)

An event will also be held in Connecticut – Date TBD

To learn more about our anniversary events, to read stories about the Sisters’ history in Boston or to purchase tickets to the 175th Anniversary Dinner & Gala, please visit: snddeneastwest.org/175NE

In Memoriam

We

prayerfully remember our Sisters who have died between October 7, 2023, and March 2, 2024. The following brief obituaries are testament to the rich lives that Sisters lead in fulfilling their vocation of service to God. Please remember them in your prayers.

Sister Ann Marie Connolly, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Louise St. John)

Known for her keen sense of humor and kindness, Sister Ann Marie taught many grades with her main focus on junior high school math. She was missioned to schools throughout Massachusetts and served as principal of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted in Waltham, Massachusetts. She went home to her good God on December 23, 2023, at the age of 89 years and after 71 years of religious life.

Sister Marion William Cotty, SNDdeN

A passionate advocate for social justice, Sister Marion became a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur in 1951 and served as an educator, pastoral associate, peace liaison and chaplain. She taught English and Religion at schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts and was a visiting professor at Notre Dame Seishin University in Japan. She passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 90.

Sister Harriet Cutting, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Harriet Christine)

A beloved educator, religious director and pastoral associate, Sister Harriet taught at several schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where she went on to serve as director of religious education for many decades. Sister Harriet went home to her good God on February 16, 2024, at the age of 89 and after 63 years of religious life.

Sister Geraldine Harris, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Geraldine Marie)

Sister Geraldine was a beloved educator who taught and served as a principal for Notre Dame schools throughout California. She founded Susan House, a home for children with special needs in Campbell, California, and later devoted her time to volunteering with nonprofit organizations. She went home to her good God on October 22, 2023, at the age of 92 and after 72 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Teresa Ann Leahy, SNDdeN Sister Teresa Ann was a devoted and excellent teacher. She served at many schools across California and in Portland, Oregon. She was a cornerstone of the community at Moreland Notre Dame School in Watsonville, California, where she served for many decades, including several years as the principal. She died on December 30, 2023, at the age of 93 and after 74 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Dorothy McCormick, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Dorothy Joseph)

Sister Dorothy was a highly educated woman who served in many roles at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C., including as interim president. She was also treasurer for the Sisters’ former Maryland Province. She later embarked on over 30 years of service in Kenya where she worked as a teacher to empower local students. She completed her earthly journey on December 9, 2023, at the age of 82 and after 64 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Elizabeth Michaels, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Elizabeth Louise)

Sister Elizabeth was an accomplished educator and academic on the faculty of Emmanuel College in Boston for 40 years. She also served her fellow Sisters in province leadership and on the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur General Council. Sister Elizabeth went home to her good God on December 11, 2023, at the age of 98 and after 77 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Edith Murphy, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Rose Patrice)

A deeply committed educator, Sister Edith taught at several schools in the Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts, areas, as well as summer school in Alabama. She served as a missionary in Nigeria and later worked with the St. Julie Asian Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, helping immigrants acquire English and computer skills. She passed away November 28, 2023, at the age of 86 and after 68 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Patricia O’Donnell, SNDdeN (formerly Sister George Therese)

Sister Patricia served as a portress, greeting visitors at Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur facilities throughout Massachusetts in Waltham, Ipswich and Tyngsboro. She became the retreat director for the Loretto House in Ipswich and later served for many years as a patient advocate for Notre Dame du Lac in Worcester, Massachusetts. She passed away on December 17, 2023, at the age of 87 and after 67 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Catherine Alice Panetta, SNDdeN

Sister Catherine joined the congregation in 1943 and enjoyed a 25-year career as a primary school educator in several schools in Massachusetts. Later, as a religious education coordinator in South Boston, she was a pillar of the community, lovingly known as the “Mother Teresa of South Boston.” In 2023, she celebrated her 80th Jubilee. Sister Catherine went home to her good God on November 23, 2023, at the age of 97.

Sister Catherine Timothy Shanahan, SNDdeN

A lifelong educator, Sister Catherine served at schools in New York and Maryland, including 42 years as assistant principal, religious education coordinator and pastoral associate at the Holy Rosary Parish in Staten Island. She started the program, “Rainbows,” for children suffering from the loss of loved ones. She went home to her good God on December 21, 2023, at the age of 89 and after 72 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Sharon Ann Skain, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Mary Fidelis)

Sister Sharon Ann touched many lives teaching at several Notre Dame elementary schools and in her 22 years as director of Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (rcia ) at St. Christopher Parish in San Jose, California. She went home to her good God on February 18, 2024, at 87 and after 68 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Kathleen St. John, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Kathleen Francis)

In her 63 years of consecrated life, Sister Kathleen served the Lord through the ministries of education, librarianship, substance abuse counseling and as a home health aide. She served on the former Connecticut Province Leadership Team and as a pastoral counselor for Julie House Residential Care in Windsor, Connecticut. Sister Kathleen went home to her good God on January 7, 2024, at the age of 85.

Sister Teresa Trayers, SNDdeN (formerly Sister Teresa Patricia)

A lifelong educator, Sister Teresa served at many schools throughout Massachusetts. For 24 years, she taught and served as a guidance counselor at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor for her dedicated service. She returned to God on March 2, 2024, at the age of 94 and after 76 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

u.s. east-west province

351 broadway

everett, ma 02149

Students at Academy of Notre Dame Tyngsboro celebrate 175 years in New England. Pictured are: Lillian Golden ’24, Anna Deignan ’25, Makenzie Micklovich (Grade 3), Andrew Amaral (Grade 3), Idirs Dumbuia (Grade 1).

Sowing Goodness - Summer 2024

Sowing Goodness

Bonded in Heart and Spirit Strong in Shared Vision

Contents

Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of Sowing Goodness magazine!

Our Community

Renewal of Vows: A Reflection Bonded in Heart and Spirit

Finding Strength through Mission

Notre Dame Mission Volunteers

AmeriCorps: Impact through Shared Vision

SERA ANDERSON, 24

AARON GAXIOLA, 27

ASHLEY STOUT, 22

SHARING THE VISION

Sharing God’s Goodness through Pastoral Ministry Spirituality

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GOODNESS

celebrating 175 years in new england

Establishing a Presence in Boston

Expanding Schools and Ministries

DID YOU KNOW?

Emmanuel College

DID YOU KNOW?

The Changing Novitiate Over 175 Years

VISION FOR HEALTHCARE

SISTERS IN RETIREMENT

MID-20TH CENTURY TO TODAY

Connecticut and Farther

Afield

The Holy Innocents House, Bloomfield, Connecticut

EARLY 20TH CENTURY THROUGH TODAY

Global Expansion

Notre Dame Spirituality Center

PROJECT CARE AND CONCERN – D ORCHESTER

NOTRE DAME EDUCATION CENTER – L AWRENCE

Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center

Ongoing Educational Institutions & Social Services

Deep Roots and a Flourishing Future

Shared Vision

Celebrating a Centennial of Shared Mission and Vision in Japan

Global Crisis: World War II and Post-War Resilience

Growth of a Province

SNDdeN at the UN: Sustainable Development

Teaching Farming to Women in Congo Aids Country’s Renewal

SISTER DOROTHY STANG TO BE HONORED IN ROME

Preparing for a Seamless Transition to Our New East-West Leadership Team

NEW EAST-WEST LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ecological Conversion and the Commitment to Laudato Si’

THE CALL FOR ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION

An Ecological Conversion Lifestyle Inventory

Using Purchasing Power for Good

A Reflection on Goodness

Education

Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community 2024

EMMANUEL COLLEGE NAMES 14TH PRESIDENT

Moreland Notre Dame School: 125 Years of Educating Students for Life

Hallmarks Today to Empower Tomorrow

SERVICE WITH A SMILE AT NOTRE DAME BELMONT

Notre Dame Elementary

Notre Dame Academy

Worcester

Notre Dame High School in San Jose

BLACK LIVES MATTER Sisters in Ministry

Justice and Peace Bookclub: Addressing Anti-Racism through Reading and Discourse

Transforming Grace: Viewing the U.S. National Election through the Lens of Transformative Justice

Ensuring the Mission: Sister Adapts Citizenship Classes

Our Strength of Connections throughout the Congregation: A Reflection

A COMMUNITY UNITED

Synod on Synodality:

Happily Surprised Again!

Julie’s Family Learning Program Celebrates

50 Years!

Support Our Sisters in Ministry

Wherever Most Needed Ministries in the U.S.

MONTHLY GIVING

TRIBUTE CARDS

Support Our Community

FAMILY GIVING CAN:

Support the Future

Create a Lasting Legacy

CELEBRATING AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GOODNESS IN NEW ENGLAND