News

Fasting from Fear and Anger

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.

A Weekend in Haiti with Freda

To spend time with Freda, a Beyond Borders program coordinator, is to be reminded what joy, generosity, and commitment look like when they are shared freely and lived without reserve.

Quotes to Reflect On

Our Sisters share inspiring Lenten reflections. Each one offers a rich opportunity for reflection.

Valentine's Day at Stella Maris

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.

Celebrating 99 Years in Waterdown

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.

Valentine's Day: More than Candy at Waterdown!

While many celebrate Valentine's Day with roses and chocolates, the community at SSND-Waterdown honoured a remarkable milestone: 99 years since the founding of the original Canadian Province and the opening of the motherhouse at 1921 Snake Road.

Margaret "Peg" Mattare, SSND - 1936 - 2025

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.”

Remembering the Venerable Augustus Tolton

The Venerable Augustus Tolton died on this day in 1897. Born 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.

Sister Kate's 10-Year Miracle

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!

Bidding Farewell to Brian Stevens

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.

An Elegant Welcome for New Council

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.

Statement from Provincial Council - January 13, 2026

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.

Waterdown Revives Beloved Tradition

The SSND Waterdown community revived the ancient Christian tradition of blessing doorways. Can you guess what the blue sign on this door means?

Hope Grows through Prayer and Action

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!

Virginia Stasium, SSND - 1946 - 2025

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.

Christmas at Ozanam

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!

SSND Close Sale on Historic Institute of Notre Dame

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.

Carol Brunner, SSND - 1947 - 2025

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!

Catholic Social Teaching as Mission

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).

A Chicago Treasure

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.

Installation of New Provincial Council

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.

Waiting for Santa

When I think of Advent, I have two childhood memories forever etched in my mind: Advent calendars and the countdown to Santa’s arrival.

The Stewardship Report looks a little different this year!

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.

Hope: The Connecting Cord

Maryland Associates began their Nov. 8 retreat and Covenanting day with the inspirational words of Dr. Pat Fosarelli: “Endings, Beginnings and Everything In-Between: Hope is the Cord that Connects Them All.” This was also a special year for 4 Associates who celebrated a milestone anniversary: Lindsay Thompson and Peggy Russell - 35 years; Debra Franklin - 20 years; and Diane MacKenzie - 10 years!

Continued