California Region

Mission Advancement Egram

September 30, 2022

Dear Friends,

Saturday, October 1, is a day of celebration for the Sisters of Notre Dame since it marks the 172nd anniversary of our founding in Coesfeld, Germany. Hilligonde Wolbring and Lisette Kuhling heard the call to a life of consecration. Today, that vision and passion are touching lives in 17 countries around the world. Little did they know the long-term impact of that vision and passion!

A cherished SND legend is that Hiligonde Wolbring shared her sandwich with Agnes, a poor village child.  In that act of compassion, Hiligonde was inspired to devote her life to poor children.  And that devotion and compassion continues.  After hearing about the malnourished children in East Africa without fruits or vegetables, 6-year old Clare decided to share her piggy bank, 76 cents, with the SNDs in Africa.  Click here to be inspired by her message...  And see the photo of the Aloysia House children below--the children she wants to support!

"Soli Deo" best describes our foundresses' spirit, for they knew that only in God would we find spiritual energy, hope, peace, and joy. As we celebrate this anniversary, we want to thank you for being our partners in bringing so many blessings to those entrusted to our care around the world. May you always find peace in God's faithful and eternal love, as we together embrace their vision and passion! 

Gratefully,  

Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services

These 172 years later, Sr. Shawn Marie Doyle continues the vision and passion of our co-foundresses as she brings God's compassion and love to her students at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Oxnard.

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

Unique Sabbatical Experiences, Part II!

Sr. Leanne Hubbard is shown here with the children and staff of Aloysia Home for Orphans in Koimboi, Tanzania. She wrote:  "When we arrived in Koimboi, the Sisters took us to Aloysia Home where 26 beautiful little girls sang and danced a welcome program for us after presenting us with ribbon leis. We were enamored with the littlest, Maria, who had come to the home when she was barely out of infancy, apparently quite despondent. But she was certainly the life of the party. Bored by staying in line, she wandered off to stand with her back to us and facing the children to better conduct their program. This is truly Sr. Aloysia’s work. While not all may be orphaned, they all need support and love that family cannot provide. They were such a happy lot!"  

Throughout September, Sr. Leanne Hubbard continued her sabbatical experiences in East Africa... 

Follow this link for additional updates.  

Donate here to join Clare's concern for the children of Aloysia House, designating the Global Mission Fund.  Thank you!

2022 SND General Chapter...

...Renew the face of the earth...Cultivate a Culture of Encounter and Caring

We are pleased to announce that the 2023 Nun Run, scheduled for Saturday, February 3, is off and running!  Proceeds from this event underwrite SND outreach to those in need.   For complete information regarding registration, running and fundraising teams, and the community service fair, visit www.nun.run.  For assistance in setting up a running or fundraising team, just email Jen Coito.

And thanks again to our top fundraising teams for 2022:

1st Place

Knights of Columbus Council 8072, Westlake Village, $7,765 - Gary Tetzlaff, Captain

2nd Place

Running Robbins - $4,860 - Sr. Regina Robbins, Captain

3rd Place

LA Star Steppers - $2,925 - St. Judeen Julier, Captain

PS--Late breaking news! St. Paschal Baylon School has already

taken the lead among the 2023 teams!!!

God's love & kindness

will shine upon us

like the sun

that rises in the sky. 

With each new dawn, we are reminded that God’s light continues to shine through the darkness to bring us peace and hope. Every day, approximately 500 Sisters of Notre Dame across the United States are praying for your intentions. Whether prayer requests are grateful, sad, terrifying, or exciting, the power of prayer is available to everyone, and we consider prayer to be one of our most important ministries. 

Beginning with All Souls' Day on November 2, we will dedicate the month of November to honoring those who have gone before us. It will be our privilege to also include your loved ones in these daily prayers. You are invited to email their names to prayersCA@sndusa.org.

Your intentions will be placed in our chapel at Notre Dame Center in Thousand Oaks, and the SNDs will faithfully pray for you and your honorees throughout the month. A special memorial Mass will also be celebrated each Wednesday; for further information about these Masses, please email specific questions to infoca@sndusa.org.

As we are united in prayer, your loved ones’ legacies will endure.  May you experience God’s comfort and peace in a special way during this season of remembrance. Thank you for being our partners in mission, reflecting the light of Jesus throughout our world.