News

Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Today is the Feast Day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (celebrated in Canada on April 17). St. Kateri is the first Native American to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution so we can have cleaner streets, water ways, and beautiful communities. The movement has inspired participants in 190 countries! Each of us making a small change will collectively make a massive difference to our communities

Applications for the U.S. Gospel fund are open until October 1. Changes to the process and updated forms can be found here. We invite organizations who align with SSND’s mission to apply. 

By Sister Debbie Liesen, SSND

On Tuesday evening, June 11th, and Wednesday, June 12th, Associates from the Central Pacific and the Atlantic Midwest Provinces gathered via zoom to hear about The Call of the 25th General Chapter. 

The SSND Educational Center in Woodhaven, New York, unveiled a newly redesigned website recently. It's full of pictures and useful information!
The governments of the world are working together to increase investment in social protection systems to help prevent child labor. Despite the headway that has been made, 160 million children, or one in ten, are still trapped in child labor.
You are invited to join online or watch the recordings of a monthly series based on the book, “The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World” by Father Aaron Wessman, G.H.M.
World Ocean Day is an annual celebration on 8 June as well as a call for ocean and climate action throughout the year. This year's theme for World Oceans Day 2024 is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate!
A paleontologist, theologian, geologist, philosopher, evolutionary theorist and mystic, Teilhard’s story and ideas on evolution and integration are revealed in a drama of personal awakening, a search for meaning, scientific adventure, unresolved conflict with authority, and human love.
The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) is celebrated every year on 22 May. This universal observance commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992 and provides a unique opportunity to foster wide support for the Convention, its Protocols and related action frameworks. Biodiversity Day 2024 campaign encourages us to "Be Part of the Plan"!
World Migratory Bird Day
For the first time ever, World Migratory Bird Day is focused on the importance of insects for migratory birds, and highlights concerns related to decreasing populations of insects. Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species, not only during the breeding seasons but also during their extensive journeys and greatly affect the timing, duration, and overall success of bird migrations.
A prayer service on Thursday, May 9 will be live from Blessed Mother Theresa’s tomb in Munich, Germany, beginning at 1:00 EST (7:00 pm Munich time). It will last approximately 20 minutes. It will be recorded and will be available later on Gerhardinger.org.
SNAC is our Shalom North America Newsletter, an instrument of hope, formation, and action concerning priority matters of social justice. This month's issue contains many topics; "Dignitas Infinita" on Human Dignity, Greenhouse Gases, Migratory Birds, Laudato Si', Biodiversity, Dirty Dozen, Red Dress Day, Crossing the Border, Non-Self-Governing Territories, Public Health, Artistic Bridges, Gaza, Sudan, Closing Gun Loophole, and Civilize It!
Alice McDermott has been my favorite fiction writer since she accepted an invitation to attend the SSND Jubilee Book Club to discuss her novel, The Ninth Hour, about 15 years ago. Two key women propel the story...
Take action! Sign the Petition about Plastics, asking our global leaders to commit to a Global Plastics Treaty and get active in the U.S. Senate by asking them to expand the US Child Tax Credit!
Do you miss one of your friends at an AMSSND site, but it is too far to travel?  We’ve put iPads with Facetime at each of our nine major sites (Ozanam, Stella Maris, Villa Assumpta, Watermark, Waterdown, Marian Village and Resurrection Life).  So, who are you going to call first?  And second?
Sisters and Associates from Ontario, New York, Connecticut, Chicago, Massachusetts, Florida, and Baltimore - recently gathered for a mini-retreat presented via Zoom by the OPDIC committee. "Spring Growth" explored the wisdom of plants, inviting attendees to prayerful reflection on their own experience of nature.
Easter Eggs created by Sisters in Waterdown, Canada
Waterdown Sisters brought back the tradition of colouring Easter Eggs this year.  No matter which method the Sisters chose, the eggs turned out colourful and bright.  They make a cheery representation of the Hope of Easter.  

Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Flanagan visited Villa Assumpta recently to provide an update on the ongoing Nun Study. It includes 678 SSNDs, 75 to 107 years of age, who agreed to participate in the research. 

Always, friendly and outgoing, Sister Margaret was described by a niece as “exuding the joy of the Lord.”  Margaret was 104 years old and in the 84th year of her religious profession at her death on March 9, 2024. Her funeral and reception were held on her 105th birthday with over two hundred parishioners, 20+ SSNDs, and seven clergy in the congregation to bid Sister Margaret farewell and to celebrate her life. Cherished memories were shared by all who knew her.