Become an Associate

Northeast Associates Renew Covenants

Associates and companions met for a prayer service. Sr. Maureen Flemming led the SSND Commitment as a Laudato Si' Community and discussed what that meant. We enjoyed lunch, and then had a brief covenant renewal ceremony.

Lesson from the Holy Land

Standing atop Mt. Tabor, the place of Jesus' transfiguration, Associate Karen Didier was awestruck. "We are all called to the mountaintop to be with Jesus. But we must go down from the mountain and serve the people God puts into our lives."

Associates and the General Chapter

Submitted by Patricia Stortz, Associate

Pre-Associates Make First Covenant in Baltimore

“For all that has been—Thanks! To all that will be—Yes!” Dag Hammarskjöld’s famous quotation was the theme of the morning of reflection on November 5, as Baltimore Associates met in person at Villa Assumpta to celebrate first covenants and covenant renewals.

What Makes Us One - Can We Talk - Can We Listen

Can we move through our visceral reactions and talk across an apparent gulf? Do we have enough openness and curiosity to listen? In the next session of What Makes Us One, we will explore these questions. On October 22, 9:30-12:00, via Zoom, join us for a morning of virtual learning, reflection, conversation, and sharing of stories and insights, including time in break-out groups.

Associates Gather to Discuss Province Commitments and Future Roles

Associates from across the province gathered via Zoom on June 13 and 14 to ponder and celebrate their transformative journey.

Listening and Responding to the Cries of the Poor

On Saturday April 9, Southern Ontario Associates, along with friends and family, were privileged to have as guest speaker at our Zoom gathering Sherri Ramirez, the DeMazenod Door Outreach coordinator.

Nine Baltimore Pre-Associates Make First Covenant

On the afternoon of Oct. 24th, the pre-associates, their companions and guests gathered in person in the chapel at Villa Assumpta, with the other associates watching via livestream. The pre-associates shared individual reflections on passages from You Are Sent. Sister Sharon Kanis, on behalf of the Provincial Council, accepted the First Covenants and welcomed the newly covenanted associates to the SSND Associate Relationship.

Renewal of Associate Covenants in Southern Ontario

On Saturday morning, October 16, 14 SSND Associates in Southern Ontario renewed their covenant with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in a virtual celebration on Zoom. Also present were Sisters at Notre Dame Convent (NDC) in Waterdown, several others from Southern Ontario and one from Baltimore.

Stories of Associates - Joan Fischer

My life has been deeply touched and formed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame who have crossed my path and there are too many for me name. God bless them all. I am most grateful and blessed to continue to be an associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Saskatchewan Associates make Lifetime Commitment

July 24th, Associates in Saskatchewan gathered to make their Indefinite Covenant, a lifetime commitment to live the charism of Blessed Theresa in communion with the SSNDs and Associates of the AM Province.

Associates Explore Thresholds

“Why be a pilgrim still?” This question from Raphael Considine’s poem “Trasna” echoed through Thresholds, the annual meeting of associate area coordinators, held on June 14 and 15 via Zoom.

How I Went from "Los" to Found

I was so afraid that I would get in trouble for staying in the room while grownups were talking that I didn't tell a soul for years that I had met the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But I was changed. I had new pride and courage.

Reflections on these Trying Times

I grew up in a racially divided Baltimore in the 1960s and early 1970s. This year has made me realize, in the words of Austin Channing Brown, “Doing nothing is no longer an option for me.”

Congratulations to our Associate Mary Anne O'Donnell!

Mary Anne O’Donnell, AMSSND Associate, becomes the first lay recipient of the Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano Joyful Servant Award

What Makes Us One- The Legacy of Dorothy Day

The School Sisters of Notre Dame Atlantic-Midwest Province and the SSND Associates, in collaboration with Well for the Journey, invite you to view the second in our series of days of reflections on What Makes Us One.

What Makes Us One: Reflections on the Poetry of Mary Oliver

The School Sisters of Notre Dame Atlantic-Midwest Province and the SSND Associates, in collaboration with Well for the Journey, invite you to view the first in a series of days of reflections on what makes us one.

Do What You Love - By Associate Donna Bilek

1970, Archbishop Keough High School: It was here I first met the School Sisters of Notre Dame who have continued to be an inspiration and support in my journey through this life.

Not Knowing How Much I Would Feel the Love of God

My very first connection with the SSNDs occurred when Sister Maureen Fleming directed Religious Education at Assumption Church in Westport, Conn., where my two sons attended classes.

Associate Karen Didier reflects on her 32 years as an associate

It is so hard to believe that I have been an Associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame since 1987 - it seems like yesterday! For the past 32 years, I have made so many great memories by getting to know Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, Mother Caroline and all the School Sisters of Notre Dame and Associates here in the United States and in Germany.

“I believe volunteering should be an everyday part of our life experiences,” admits this humble Geri Award winner. “I don’t see what I did as heroic or beyond. I think this is the way we should all think about helping one another, that it should be a part of our life’s work.”

Continued