Valentine's Day at Stella Maris 2 South was filled with much love, happiness, and caring. We were blessed with the presence of students from Catholic High School and Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School, as well as our wonderful Stella Maris Staff.
News
Although SSNDs have been in Canada since 1871, it did not become a province until 1927, with the opening of the beautiful motherhouse in Waterdown, Ontario. The Canadian Province became the 12th province within the international congregation. The following story shares highlights of the past 99 years.
Over the past year, I have sometimes stepped back—from the news, from difficult conversations, from people whose views differ from mine—in the name of self-preservation. But prayer has been gently revealing how easily that withdrawal can become rooted in fear rather than trust.
Sister Peg lived a life of service. Rev. Lawrence B. Terrien, PSS, presided over her service, memorializing Sister Peg, saying, I join all of you in giving thanks to God, who, by showing us in the life of his daughter and disciple, Sister Peg, helped us to see that Jesus did not take the kingdom back to heaven with him at his ascension. He continues to manifest his presence in people like Sister Peg, who took those beatitudes to heart, who worked to serve that kingdom and to show that it is possible to live here and now - the way I believe she is still living that life fully in the presence of her and our mighty Lord.”
The Venerable August Tolton died on this day in 1897. Born as a slave, he was called to be the first black priest in America. Fr. Tolton built a thriving, integrated parish and his sermons drew parishioners from other dioceses – so many, in fact, that a racist “dean” of the diocese declared that Fr. Tolton should no longer minister to white parishioners.
In 2014, Sister Kate Kinnally and I were in our glory as administrators of Hope Rural School, a school for the children of immigrants in Indiantown, Florida. We loved what we were doing!
Saying goodbye is never easy, and it is made even harder when the person you are saying goodbye to has become a treasured friend. This sentiment expresses how the members of the Haiti Collaboration Committee feel about Brian Stevens, the former Engagement Director for Beyond Borders.
On Wednesday, January 7, Sisters in Waterdown, Northern Alberta and England gathered for a delightful high tea to celebrate and welcome our new Provincial Council. Our distant Sisters joined us by Zoom. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and elegance, thanks to our Community Care Team, Jenna Buist and Marci Shea-Perry.
Witnessing the violent events and suffering of the past week have impacted all of us. We, the School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province, invite you to join us in prayer for the lives lost and for their loved ones who are now processing grief. We pray for peace, and unity in our homes, our country, and our world.
The SSND Waterdown community revived the ancient Christian tradition of blessing doorways. Can you guess what the blue sign on this door means?
Sister Shirley Stockus, SSND, says what we do today spirals forward, no matter how small it may seem. So many hopes and dreams are fulfilled with just some time and energy!
Sister Virginia was dedicated to spiritual life and sharing her love of connection with others. Her leadership was evident even after a diagnosis, which limited her mobility; she maintained an attitude of compassion for others and a sense of humor sprinkled with sarcasm. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us.
Sisters at Ozanam had several memorable Christmas experiences this year. Five Sisters from Bridgeport came to visit and lead Christmas carols. Sister Claire Bonneau played piano, while Sisters Pat Hammond, Rosanne Mensik, Francis Mensik, and Anne McCarthy sang with the group. All our Sisters beamed with joy!
For 173 years, the Institute of Notre Dame served as a beacon of hope and promise in the heart of Baltimore City. In 2020, the School Sisters of Notre Dame announced the sale of the IND property. The SSNDs and the IND alumnae never wavered in their belief that IND still had the potential to improve people’s lives. We believe Severn Development Company and CAM Management are the right partners to rejuvenate our beloved IND, providing affordable housing for seniors, and allowing the Caroline Center to continue as a workforce development center for women.
After becoming a teacher in the Chicago area, Carol continued pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. She ministered at Resurrection Life Center for over 20 years, 7 days a week, even during the pandemic. When no one was allowed inside during COVID, she went outside the Sisters’ windows, showing pictures and signs, and talking to them on the phone. She was kind and loving. Although she had great health challenges, she prayed at the bedside of people who were dying, comforted and visited many. A minister to the end!
Sponsored ministry leaders recently gathered for a formation session as part of the province’s Ministry Formation program. The session, held Nov.14-15, covered two main topics: Catholic Social Teaching as Mission, and including the Intersectionality with the Call of the 25th General Chapter and Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
Recently, Chicago-area Sisters celebrated the decades of love and care shown by alumna Marge Carroll toward our congregation. Margaret Carroll, Academy of Our Lady (AOL) graduate of 1954, served as Moderator/President of the AOL Alumnae Association from 1970 to 2025, when all records were sent to the SSND Archives in Milwaukee.
The Atlantic-Midwest Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame have installed a new Provincial Leadership Council on December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, at the Stella Maris chapel in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. Reverand Joseph Muth presided. After previously serving as Councilor, Sister Nancy Gilchriest, SSND, now begins her ministry as Provincial Leader of the province.
When I think of Advent, I have two childhood memories forever etched in my mind: Advent calendars and the countdown to Santa’s arrival.
This Fall/Winter edition of Blessings is a revamp of our Stewardship Report. While containing the same financial report information, we redesigned this publication to directly thank our family, friends, and benefactors for all their support in caring for our Sisters and sustaining our mission.
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