News

When Women Lift Each Other Up

When JuQuetta Adams arrived at Caroline Center as a student, she was determined to build a new path for herself. Through hard work and persistence, she succeeded in graduating from the Pharmacy Technician program. Today, she not only leads that program, but she has also been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Marquis Who’s Who, a national honor recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

My Voice Has Power: AHA Students Visit UN

The International Day of the Girl was celebrated this year on Friday, October 10, with an intergenerational town hall forum at the UN headquarters in New York City. Among those in attendance were 11 seniors from the Academy of Holy Angels, who chose to spend their day off from school participating in the event, accompanied by their teachers, Sarah Allen and Jennifer Cucchisi.

Saint Saviour Celebrates SSND Foundation Day

Father John Cush celebrated SSND Foundation Day at Saint Saviour High School*, Brooklyn, NY, with a joyous Mass on Oct. 24. The opening song, We’ve Come This Far By Faith, was sung by the gospel choir. The joy on the girls' faces as they sang renewed my sense of faith and mission, especially at this time of the world we live in. We ended Mass with the song, Let There Be Peace.

Southern-Ontario Associates Covenant Celebration

On October 18, the Saturday after the Canadian Thanksgiving, 13 SSND Associates in Southern Ontario renewed their covenant, while Sybil Percy made her first covenant. We were delighted to be able to gather in person with the Sisters in Waterdown!

Celebrating Thanksgiving November 2025

As we celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, some School Sisters of Notre Dame share their reflections on gratitude. Enjoy!

Sister Rosemary Howarth and Vu Display Colouring Sheet

SSND Waterdown Brings Artistic Vision to Life

Hamilton artist Vu Ngo, the founder of StoryPOP, came to speak to us about his vision to transform everyday spaces into living stories of resilience and hope. While listening, the Sisters realized Vu's vision fit perfectly into their charism.

Hearing the Cry of the Earth and the Poor: ORCIE’s Mission to Ottawa

Just 10 days after Parliament resumed this September, members of the Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology (ORCIE) were already knocking on doors on Parliament Hill, bringing faith-filled urgency to the climate conversation.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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