News

In Memoriam: Sister Zita Merkowsky, SSND

After 30 years as an elementary school teacher, Sister Zita continued using her teaching skills with catechetical classes for children attending public school in Kitchener, Ontario and as parish coordinator of weekly religion classes in Cloverdale, British Columbia. In Wilkie and Unity, Saskatchewan, she lead Bible study groups and visited the elderly and those in nursing homes.

Shalom Action Alert (U.S.): End Support for Yemen War

It has been eight years since the war in Yemen began. The current truce provides an opportunity for the warring parties to find a negotiated resolution to the conflict. As SSNDs are committed to a more just and peaceful world and take a clear stand against war and all forms of violence. Please join us in urging Congress to take action.

In Memoriam: Sister Rita Johnson, SSND

“Sometimes there are no adequate verbal answers to the hard life and death questions patients and families ask," said Sister Rita about her work as a hospital chaplain. "The most a chaplain can do is express the healing presence of a compassionate God who hears our cry and is present in a warm embrace, silence, and tears.”

Golfing for Good

The annual “Golfing for Good” tournament for the benefit of Notre Dame Learning Center took place at the Webster Golf Course in Rochester, NY on July 30. The weather was perfect!

Celebrating 175 Years of SSNDs in North America

On July 30, 1847, the first six School Sisters of Notre Dame stepped off a ship called The Washington and entered a new mission field. Blessed Theresa quickly learned that things in America were not what she had been led to expect.

First "Proclaiming the Fire Within" Retreat Was a Success

At the end of June 2022, Ministry Services offered a new retreat, "Proclaiming The Fire Within," at the Cranaleith Spiritual Center in Philadelphia. This retreat builds on the foundational retreat "Claiming The Fire Within," which is offered every other year.

Sisters Academy Is Having a Summer Full of Fun!

This summer, Sisters Academy of Baltimore students are participating in a range of on- and off-campus activities, from STEM to art, team building, physical education, language arts, and mathematics.

Notre Dame Convent Sisters Face Another Transition

On the morning of July 12, the Sisters at Notre Dame Convent in Waterdown, Ontario Canada gathered in the chapel for a brief prayer in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary. The Sisters prayed the Memorare and sang the Salve Regina even as they heard the sounds of the crane arriving...

Photo by Ludvig Hedenborg: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smoking-pipes-of-factory-polluting-environment-7001364/

Faith Institutions Announce Multi-millionaire Divestment from Fossil Fuels

On July 5 thirty-five religious organizations from six countries, with more than $1.25 billion in combined assets under management, have announced their divestment from fossil fuel companies. Among them are 19 Catholics including five dioceses in Ireland and two in Canada.

First Day of the Resilience Workshop at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

A new initiative by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) to bring researchers, policymakers and faith leaders together to understand the scientific and societal challenges of climate change and develop solutions for enabling resilient people and resilient ecosystems.

Father Simmons Retiring from Archdiocese of Baltimore

Father Simmons is retiring after 61 years as a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, he credits the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Brigid School for nudging him toward the priesthood.

On the Dignity of Life (A Joint Province Response to the Overruling of Roe v. Wade)

Urged by the love of Christ and of our sisters and brothers, the School Sisters of Notre Dame work actively toward enhancing just structures that foster the fullness of life and toward changing unjust structures that inhibit it.

Happy 100th Birthday to Sister Marguerite Bunter!

Sunday, May 15, 2022 marked the end of a type of trilogy: Three Sisters celebrated 100 years of birth in May in Ozanam Hall in Queens, NY. In May 2000, Sister Rosalita McNamee celebrated her 100th birthday. In May 2001 Sister Aveline Smith achieved 100 years. This year, Sister Marguerite Bunter enjoyed passing the 100th year mark of her birth.

Sister Sharon Slear Retires From Illustrious Career at NDMU

There was a retirement celebration for Sister Sharon Shear at Notre Dame of Maryland University on May 11. Sister Kathleen Feeley shared her reflection on the contributions Sister Sharon made during her 34 years at "the College."

Council Statement Reguarding Mass Shootings

Last weekend (May 13-15), the United States experienced multiple mass shootings in three different areas of our country. There are times when words fail to convey the impact that grotesque acts of violence have on our souls and our society. The racially motivated massacre in Buffalo, New York is one of them.

A Special Farewell for Sister Arlene Flaherty, OP

There was prayer, lunch and gift-giving as Sisters gathered at The Watermark community in Bridgeport, CT i May 2 to express gratitude and say farewell to Arlene Flaherty, OP, who has been the AM Province’s JPIC Director for the last 9 1/2 years.

May 9, 1879: Feast Day of Blessed M. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger

Each year on May 9, the anniversary of her death, we remember and look to Blessed Theresa as a guide for our own lives and times, and pray that the charism entrusted to her might continue to find life and expression in all those touched by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

The Catholic Review Interviews Sister Roxanne Schares

SSND General Superior Says Order’s Ministry Remains Strong - Sister Roxanne Schares was interviewed by The Catholic Review on March 30, just as she was beginning her visitation to the province.

The General Council Visit

Enjoy this collection of photos from their visits!

General Council Day One Meetings

It was a great first day with the General Council!

March Madness Hit Close to Home for Sister Joan Pikiell

Sister Joan is a middle school teacher, and she used the NCAA Tournament as an entry point for a lesson. “I like to get the kids looking at universities,” she said. “So we randomly pick a team for everyone in the class to follow throughout the tournament. I got Rutgers, of course. That wasn’t random.” (Sister Joan's brother Steve coaches Rutgers Basketball.)

Happy 103rd Birthday Sister Margaret Bauer!

Sister Margaret Bauer celebrated turning 103 years young on March 15. She is currently the oldest Sister in the province. Birthday greetings came from all over, including one from General Superior Sister Roxanne Schares in Rome. The Generalate community also sent her a greeting.

Statement from the School Sisters of Notre Dame CP and AM Provinces Regarding Ukraine

The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) Central Pacific Province and Atlantic-Midwest Province condemn the military action in Ukraine and the suffering it is causing.

Message from the General Council

At this time, we remember particularly the people of Ukraine and Eastern Europe and invite all of us to join with our Shalom Centers of Prayer for Peace, praying daily our common Prayer for Peace.

Continued