News

Statement from Provincial Council Aug. 28, 2025 

We mourn the loss of innocent life taken in a devastating act of violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church. As School Sisters of Notre Dame, we have had the joy of celebrating Mass with our students, fellow teachers, and their families over decades of dedication to Catholic education. The fact that violence of this nature could occur during such a sacred time is incomprehensible. We recommit ourselves to advocating for an end to the gun violence which plagues our nation. To the Annunciation Catholic School community, especially the families who have suffered loss, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul Minneapolis, and the people of the Minneapolis area, we pray for you and mourn with you.

United in Mission Newsletter - Summer 2025

Enjoy the latest issue of United in Mission, published by the Office of Mission Formation. The issue harvests the fruits of rich Spring and Summer programming and makes available many valuable resources as ministries head into a new school, program, and board year. Enjoy!

UISG Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Peace

On the occasion of the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, proposed by the UISG for August 14, 2025, let us join together in prayer with open and compassionate hearts. Entrusting ourselves to the intercession of Mary, Mother of Peace, we pray that all peoples may rediscover hope, justice, and the gift of reconciliation, in communion with many around the world who long for peace.

Sister Virginia Brien, Sojourner

On July 30, 2025, the Sisters at Villa Assumpta celebrated 100 years of life, faith and endurance as we celebrated Sister Virginia Brien's 100th birthday. We reflected on the amazing treasure of Sister Virginia’s life.

Sisters Celebrate 178th Anniversary

On July 31st, the SSND community at 3030 Park celebrated the 178th Anniversary of SSND coming to America in 1847. We enjoyed reflections, petitions, and a rousing sing-along to Neil Diamond’s Coming to America. A large sailboat and scrapbook with photos and articles about our 1997 Battery Park celebration added to the joy and memories around this special day!

Scrapbook Honors Final Year of Service

Sister Patricia McCarron, SSND, earned many celebratory honors throughout her final months as our school’s ninth Head of School, a position she held for 20 years. Enjoy a scrapbook of memories created in celebration of her tireless service!

SSND Speaks Out

SSND Sisters, Associates, friends and colleagues gathered with Sisters from 60 congregations from across the United States on June 24 to urge lawmakers not to cut critical government programs. The Sisters Speak Out Prayer and Public Witness Gathering was held at the U.S. Capitol, and approximately 40 "echo events" were held across the country. (Catholic News Agency)

Sister Ann Louise Impink, SSND - 1939 - 2025

In her ministries both as a Sister of Christian Charity and a School Sister of Notre Dame, Ann Louise served as teacher, Director of Religious Education, and Pastoral Associate in a variety of locations in NJ and PA. A highlight of her ministry came in 1992 when she was missioned to La Paz, Bolivia for a year. Ann Louise entered eternal glory at Stella Maris after a day shared praying with her sisters. She is remembered fondly for her love of butterflies and dancing. We are grateful for you, may you rest in the loving arms of our God.

NY, NJ and Connecticut Alumni Gathering

SSND held a gathering of alumni, family, friends and colleagues at St. Catherine of Siena, McClinch Family Center in Trumbull on June 1st. Attendees from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey enjoyed an afternoon of reconnecting!

Brother Ken Shares Stories of Hope and Healing

On Friday, 21st June 2025, the School Sisters of Notre Dame welcomed Brother Ken, a Holy Cross Brother from Ghana, for a heartfelt and inspiring talk. His testimony, drawn from years of working with people affected by leprosy, left a profound impact on the community. Brother Ken spoke openly about the harsh realities of life and ministry in Ghana. He described the deep stigma still surrounding leprosy—how those suffering are often marginalized, feared, and forgotten.

Annual Gathering Feeds Hope

The Annual Associate Gathering was held on the evening of Tuesday, June 10th and during the day on Wednesday, June 11th. It was all via Zoom, with several of the Central Pacific Associates and Sisters joining us. The Associate Area Coordinators chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as our theme for this year’s gathering.

Sisters Speak Out!

School Sisters of Notre Dame from the Atlantic-Midwest and Central Pacific Provinces will be among Catholic sisters from about 50 congregations across the United States gathering for prayer and a press conference at the Capitol on June 24!

Northeast Associates Meet for Prayer, Presentations, and a Fond Farewell

The Northeast Associates and Companion Sisters met on May 24, 2025 for their bimonthly meeting. It was a well-attended, lively meeting with many things happening! It began with a beautiful prayer service led by Associate Carol Jakab which was based on Our Lady Undoer of Knots, a popular Marian devotion, particularly in recent years thanks to the promotion by Pope Francis.

Laureate College Honors Sisters

Last week we Sisters at SSND-Waterdown attended an appreciation event presented by the students of Laureate College. They displayed some of their gifts and talents in music, singing, and dance following coffee and cake together.

"The Best of the Best"

After 45 years of service, Sister Irene Pryle, SSND, has retired from her ministry as principal of Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School in Dundalk, MD. Sister Irene will cherish her school memories, along with the honor she earned from Pope Francis in 2023, when she received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

A Regal Day at Waterdown

Victoria Day in Canada is a public, national holiday in honour of Queen Victoria, the longest-running queen who celebrated her birthday on May 24. The national holiday is also known as May Two-Four, May Long, and May Long Weekend. It falls on the Monday preceding May 24, giving many a 3-day weekend.

Freeing Butterflies at the Royal Botanical Gardens

A group from SSND Waterdown enjoyed a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens on May 20 in Hamilton, Ontario. We visited the beautiful Lilac Dell. It was a real treat for all the senses with the amazing smell and variety of colours of lilacs everywhere

SSND Supports Gun Violence Awareness

Eight Baltimore-area congregations, including SSND, have launched a campaign against gun violence called “Put the Guns Down.” Organized by the Sisters of Bon Secours, the goal is to raise awareness about gun violence as a public health epidemic and to take a stand for peace, healing, and hope.

Lesson of the Three Candles: A Gift from 1947

At St. Joseph School, 87th St, Manhattan, our 4th grade always attends 8 AM daily Mass together, in assigned pews. Then we eat a brown-bag breakfast at our desks, mostly milk and jelly bread. We carefully wipe our desks clean. It is Spring,1947.

Chicago Crosstown Rivalry 2025

A friendly baseball team rivalry was in full expression recently at Marian Village in Homer Glen, IL, when the Crosstown Classic was played. Both baseball teams - the Cubs and the White Sox - are from Chicago, but the fans tend to favor either the North Side team (Cubs) or the South Side team (White Sox).

A Special Mother's Day Tea at Waterdown

On Sunday May 11, we hosted a special Mother's Day Tea at Waterdown. It included a May Crowning Sing Along, two special guests, and a time for sharing memories!

May Crowning at Villa Assumpta

On May 14th, the Sisters at Villa Assumpta devoted time to honoring Mary. Many gathered physically in the Chapel, and others participated through closed-circuit TV. The prayer was led by our 2025 SSND Jubilarians. The Opening Song was “Immaculate Mary.”

Celebrate Jubilee 2025!

Saturday, May 17, 2025, was a special day for the Atlantic-Midwest Province. We enjoyed our province-wide jubilee celebration together ... without leaving home!

No Woman is an Island: A Community Weaving in Ontario

Earlier this year, the Sisters came to our local assembly, each prepared to share one gift which she contributes to the life of our faith community. At the end of the assembly, each Sister chose a colour from a basket of coloured yarns.

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