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EMBRACING OUR SHARED FUTURE,
celebrating 169 years of SND history
The true meaning of life is to plant trees,
under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ...Nelson Henderson
October 1 marks the 169th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Coesfeld, Germany. Our co-foundresses, Sr. Maria Aloysia Wolbring and Sr. Maria Ignatia Kuhling probably had no idea of the impact their commitment would make. As they prayed before the Coesfeld crucifix, they felt impelled to boldly take new steps. In this pioneering venture of sowing the seeds of the Gospel, planting trees of faith, their only certainty was God's provident care.
Similarly, the SNDs in the United States are preparing to boldly take the steps necessary to become one province. We are planting trees, under whose shade we do not expect to sit. Our only certainty is God's provident care.
The photo below shows a few of the individuals who are part of our heritage--SNDs, Associates, donors, relatives, colleagues and friends. As our partners, they join us in sowing the seeds of the Gospel. We can only hope that as our co-foundresses watch from heaven, they rejoice in seeing the fruits of their commitment, assuring us of God's provident care.
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SR. M. LOIS BEST,
a gentle presence for the sick
"... Witnessing to the gentle and loving way Sr. Lois approached each person was a gift--I learned so much from her. She truly was, and is, a blessing in my life!"
The "Where are they now" feature of the SND Mission Advancement Egram will give updates on our colleagues and former students--anyone entrusted to our care. We want to share how they live the SND mission by serving, leading, and giving hope within our diverse society. To submit information for this column, please email Sarah Marcuse at smarcuse@sndca.org.
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ON MISSION IN THE WORLD,
viewing the world with God's own eyes
The Sisters of Notre Dame join Pope Francis in recognizing October as "Extraordinary Mission Month". Pope Francis wrote "the Church is on mission in the world... as we view the world with God's own eyes and heart...fraternal love impels us to go forth to the ends of the earth."
At St. Julie Mission in Uganda, the first class of A-level students (similar to community college in the United States and shown in the picture to the right) will advance into their second and final year of this new program. A new class of first year A-level students will begin in February. The majority of the women in the first cohort are studying the sciences: chemistry, physics, biology, and math. Sr. Anita Marie Stacey, Assistant Principal, reports that there is a great need to provide scholarship assistance for the A-level students. $600 provides room, board, and tuition for a student for one school year. Please consider honoring the extraordinary work of the SNDs, lay partners, and the villagers of Buseesa in providing a better life for countless women and their families through a quality education.
or to make a gift in support of our Uganda Mission
www.sndca.org/donate. And thank you to the hundreds of individuals and groups who are living "extraordinary mission" through their sacrificial donations, "viewing the world with God's own eyes."
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PRAYERS OF REMEMBRANCE,
inspiring the community
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La Reina sophomore Zoe Watkins places flags of remembrance on 9/11.
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On September 11, students of La Reina High School & Middle School placed nearly 3,000 flags on the north lawn, remembering those who lost their lives in the tragic events of that day. The students also created a large flag of honor to commemorate victims' names. In their prayer for peace, students made a commitment "to those actions that will draw us closer to peace among all God's children."
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MOTHER-DAUGHTER RETREAT,
reflecting on valiant women
The Sisters of Notre Dame cordially invite daughters, mothers and grandmothers to a Mother-Daughter Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. It will be held at Notre Dame Center, 1776 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks.
Participants will reflect on the theme "who shall find a valiant woman, her value is far beyond pearls" (Prov. 31:10). It is designed to help mothers and daughters better understand their feminine gifts and each other through conversations and prayer.
The retreat is open to women at least 18 years of age. The registration fee is $25 per family, registration is limited and closes on Oct. 8. To register, contact Sr. Val Roxburgh at sistervalsnd@gmail.com.
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GRATEFUL HEARTS,
honoring our generous donors
The Sisters of Notre Dame wish to thank donors who have previously made gifts through an IRA distribution. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA account to the Sisters of Notre Dame. This law allows a transfer of any amount up to $100,000 annually to a qualified charitable organization without paying income tax on the distribution. The transfer does not generate taxable income or a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions. Your gift can satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution.
Our IRS tax ID is 95-2005867 and our legal title is the "Sisters of Notre Dame of Los Angeles." Donations may be designated for our Life & Ministry (unrestricted) Fund, Retirement Fund, Uganda/East Africa Fund or Julie Fund. For further information, please contact
Sr. Lisa Megaffin at 805-917-3714. May God bless you for your kindness to us and to those we serve.
This information is not intended to be tax or legal advice. Interested individuals are encouraged to consult a qualified estate planning professional before making a gift.
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Events and Quick Links
MISSIONARY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION
YOUTH APPRECIATION MASS
Wednesday, October 16, 9:45 a.m.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Readers who might be attending: be sure to visit the SND Uganda/East Africa table.
DIVINE OFFICE, BREVIARY, LITURGY OF THE HOURS: PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING THROUGH THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS
Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
St. Bartholomew's Parish Hall, Long Beach
Sr. M. Dean Pfahler, S.N.D. and Larry Fay
Information: Sr. M. Dean Pfahler, 562-438-3826, ext. 253
"RELIGION, RACE, AND SCANDAL: HOW DO WE SUSTAIN FAITH?"
An African American Ministry Form
Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Loyola Marymount University
Sr. Lareine-Marie Mosely, Ph.D., S.N.D.
LMU's Center for Religion and Spirituality is offering this event to reflect on the church and faith in light of current challenging times. Participants will consider and discuss how the church is sustaining the faithful or lagging behind in important social issues such as race, immigration and the clergy sex abuse scandals. Sr. Lareine-Marie Mosely is a member of the Toledo province and assistant professor of Religious Studies at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Follow this link to register.
SERVING THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF GRIEVING PARENTS
Saturday, December 7, 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
St. Bartholomew Parish, Long Beach
Presented by The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents
Click here for more information or call Sr. M. Dean Pfahler, 562-438-3826, ext. 253
For information about other coming events, follow this link to the calendar of events.
Special thanks to our contributors to this egram: Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein, Jen Coito, Madalyn Horton, Sarah Marcuse, and Lisa Stupar
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