What is that place?
Over the years, prior to my working here at Villa Assumpta, there were many occasions I would find myself driving down Charles Street, looking over to the left, seeing the chapel and asking, What is that place?
News
Marion House Hosts 17th Annual Race
Marian House welcomed more than 400 participants—both in-person and online—for the 17th Annual Race to Embrace Independence. The event raised over $34,000 toward its $50,000 goal, supporting Marian House’s mission to empower women on their journeys to recovery and independence!
Tipping Point Reached
Niigaan Sinclair, a Canadian Indigenous leader, notes that this year, 14 million people – a third of Canada’s population - wore the indigenous orange shirts, walked publicly and celebrated together on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Our Lives are Bound Together!
Pictures and words of Blessed Theresa and Mother Caroline grace our November board at 3030 Park. We also honor 10 of our dear Sisters whose lives and deaths, from 11/2024 to 11/2025, were celebrated here and at St. Andrew’s Church in Bridgeport, with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bethel.
Sister Dominica Visits Chicago Area
Sisters at Marian Village enjoyed a visit with Sister Dominica on Oct. 27. She shared many stories from her ministries, including some from her time in Berlin after the wall came down and others from her time in South Sudan.
A Beautiful Outing in Waterdown
We here at SSND took full advantage of the fall beauty with a trip to the Mum Show at a local greenhouse in Hamilton, ON. The theme changes every year, and this year’s theme was “under the sea.”
SAB Graduate: One Young Woman's Story
When I attended Sisters Academy of Baltimore back in 2015-2019, I quickly realized it is much more than a school. It's home, in many ways. Principal Sister Delia Dowling, the teachers, and the staff were our coaches, cheerleaders, mentors, and teachers. What makes this place so different, though, is that those important people continue to be important in our lives today.
Chicago Area Associates Re-Covenant
Sisters, Associates and guests gathered at Marian Village for the annual Chicago-area recovenanting ceremony on September 21. This was a special day for associate Kathi Barth, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first covenant.
Ozanam Celebrates 2025 Jubilees and Birthdays
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, three SSNDs at Ozanam Hall celebrated their 70th Jubilees: Henrita Frost, Mary Laurellen Nixon, and Rosemary Spodnik. Dorothy Leising celebrated her seventy-fifth jubilee in heaven. The jubilarians wore sashes to designate the big day!
Oktoberfest Weekly Winners - 2025!
Our last Oktoberfest drawing took place at Villa Assumpta, today! Thank you to everyone who supported this annual fundraiser. Because of you we raised over $121,000!
Sister Adele Shea, SSND - 1933 – 2025
At her 60th Jubilee, Adele wrote, “Early on I fell in love with Jesus Christ. He was so important in my life. My love has grown, and my trust in God’s love has been strengthened.” For twenty-five years as sacristan, she meticulously prepared the Lord’s table for the Eucharistic Celebration and other prayerful events. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us!
A Canadian Pilgrimage of Trust & Belonging
On Thanksgiving weekend, 12 residents and six of us volunteers from A Better Tent City in Kitchener, Ontario, ventured on a two-hour bus 'pilgrimage' of sorts to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We went down to the Niagara River for an exciting ride on the Maid of the Mist!
Alzheimer’s Walk at Stella Maris on October 16th
On a chilly but pretty day in October, the Sisters at Stella Maris participated in the 4th Annual Walk to end Alzheimer’s Disease. Wrapped in colorful Afghans, sweaters, blankets and hats, we held flowers and signs to cheer on the walkers. It was a delightful outdoor event!
Exciting Moments from the Center
One of the most exciting moments for the teachers and staff of SSND Educational Center is when our graduates share their success stories with us. SSNDEC is a family affair. We are never happier than when we see our graduates and their families thriving!
VA Mass of Remembrance
On October 5th, our sisters hosted a mass at Villa Assumpta, “Celebrating a Legacy of Love,” to recognize the last open mass at their home before moving to Stella Maris. More than 200 people gathered for mass and lunch and shared memories!
SSND Archivist Shares Stories
Michele Levandoski, director of the SSND North American Archives in Milwaukee, recently shared some thoughts on a Facebook page run by the Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious.
Sisters Thank VA Staff
Among all the challenges of moving to Stella Maris is having to say goodbye to most of our beloved staff members. We held a ritual in the Assembly Room on Sept. 29 to thank them for their service. The room was packed with Sisters, the Provincial Council, and staff members.
Celebrating Foundation Day 2025!
As we celebrate the founding of our congregation, may we faithfully follow the example of Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, our foundress, who placed her trust and hope in God. She dared everything and enabled in so many, the belief that God loves us all.
Associate Leaders Meet
The inaugural gathering of Associate area coordinators and directors from the Atlantic-Midwest and the Central Pacific Provinces occurred Sept. 18 via Zoom. The purpose was to provide mutual support, share successes and challenges, and enjoy fellowship.
Letting Go: Sisters Share Thoughts
Villa Assumpta has been all bustle and commotion lately, with our Sisters packing and preparing for their move to Stella Maris. Recently, I asked four Sisters how they are feeling about their move...
A Composite of Heartfelt Thank Yous to Sisters
As immigrants, we left our native land to come here. We were scared to live in our old country, and maybe just as frightened to come to this one, with all its new ways of living.
Foundation Day Prayer 2025
Today, we celebrate Foundation Day during the Jubilee Holy Year 2025 with its focus on Pilgrims of Hope. Journeying globally as a universal Church toward Hope calls forth historical and other contemporary examples of Pilgrims of Hope, internationally, nationally and congregationally.
Northeast Associates Celebrate First Covenants
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Associates and Sisters from the Northeast area gathered at 3030 Park (Senior Living Hospitality) in Bridgeport, CT to celebrate the First Covenants of Helen Ramos and Larry Vitulano.
Pilgrimage of Hope: A Journey of Reflection, Responsibility, and Hope
During the Season of Creation, at the invitation of the province JPIC Pilgrimage of Hope Committee, our School Sisters of Notre Dame, Waterdown, hosted a deeply reflective and inspiring program centered on the theme Peace with Creation. Sisters and Associates gathered to explore their connection with nature, deepen their understanding of ecological responsibility, and reflect on the spiritual call to care for the Earth.
