Mission Advancement Egram - April 27, 2023

California Region

Mission Advancement Egram

April 27, 2023

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission.

MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT

...looking ahead to 2024!

Dear Friends,

When you opened this egram, the last thing you probably expected to see was the Hollywood sign and a red convertible! Did you know SNDs have been in LA almost as long as the Hollywood sign? These two Southern California "icons" give us the opportunity to announce that the centennary of SND presence in California will be celebrated throughout 2024! On August 30, 1924, 11 SNDs arrived at Union Station in Los Angeles and embraced their new ministries in the founding of St. Lawrence of Brindisi School in Watts and St. Matthias School in Huntington Park. In my early conversations with various folks about this moment in history, the resounding response has been "WOW!"

We are already planning a variety of ways to celebrate God's goodness and provident care as it has unfolded over these years...and we certainly look forward to sharing these graces with you. If you have ideas for this year of celebration, please email me!

We also encourage all Facebook users to join our California SND Facebook Group. Check it out for sunny news and maybe even some celebrity sightings (?) ... follow this link www.facebook.com/groups/sndusaca or just click the top graphic above and click JOIN GROUP.

And please share this link with friends and family who might also want to become part of our Facebook family.

Beyond a doubt, we know that the spiritual encouragement and financial support of thousands of friends have brought us to this moment in history and certainly reveal a future full of hope. Thank you for being our partners in mission...

Grateful blessings, today and always,

Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

Immigrant children

...praying with crayons

At the suggestion of Sr. Judeen Julier, Sr. Joyanne Sullivan recently gave an art lesson at an immigrant shelter in Mexicali through the Border Compassion program. Sr. Joyanne was accompanied by her colleague from St. Dominic's Parish, Michelle Perez. Sr. Joyanne wrote, "Our lesson was praying with crayons and it went very well! Our former pastor, Fr. Robert Corral, O.P. is now stationed in Mexicali, so he joined us and mixed in with the kids. Overall, it was a very moving experience."

Where are they now?

...Maria Madrigal, St. Matthias High School '95

Ann Storc, retired art and drama teacher at St. Matthias High School, recently discovered the fascinating career of Maria Madrigal, a 1995 graduate of St. Matthias High School. Maria was participating in the book signing for her book on marine biology at the LA Times Festival of Books.

Maria is an Education Program Specialist at the University of Southern California Sea Grant Program. She helps identify needs and resources to support coastal based education programs. Her role includes connecting with students, teachers, and families in formal education systems and after-school programming, and facilitating the collaboration of diverse partners in order to identify common programmatic needs and adaptation strategies, all while ensuring equity and access for all students and educators.

She also is the author of the Marine Biology book, part of the STEAM Powered Careers Collection. through Room to Read. This features 10 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-themed books to inspire first through third graders about the wide variety of exciting STEAM careers that they can start exploring. Created in collaboration with scientists, staff and faculty from USC, the collection explores topics ranging from polar science to gastroenterology to nanotechnology and more. The books feature a trio of fun characters and their animal friends, with each title illustrating a day in the life of a working scientist, many of whom come from communities underrepresented in STEAM. Each book highlights the present and future of a unique field and offers resources and more information for classroom use, including lesson plans. The entire collection is available digitally--enjoy! And prepare to be inspired and energized at the Room to Read website!

Thanks to our friends at Emcor MESA Energy!

Last week, a very large crane at Notre Dame Center could be seen from quite a distance! Staff members from Emcor MESA Energy were preparing to remove four heating/air-conditioning units, and then install new ones. Special thanks to Emcor...they have been Nun Run sponsors for seven consecutive years. We truly appreciate their partnership!

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

...click on the respective logo for more information

Saturday, April 29, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit 2023

Enjoy a lively evening of community and celebration as we come together to empower the next generation of Notre Dame Academy students.

Sunday, May 7 - 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Notre Dame Center, Thousand Oaks

Pre-Pentecost Retreat

for SND Associates & Friends

Join us for fellowship and inspiration. Reflect on your own personal gifts and embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Welcome the fruits of the Holy Spirit as you experience them in your own life and within your spiritual community. RSVP deadline is Thursday, May 4.

Wednesday, May 31 - 10:30 a.m.

1732 S. Lewis Rd., Camarillo

Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments

Grand Unveiling

This unique complex will be dedicated to extremely low-income seniors and seniors experiencing homelessness with a disability. A joint venture of Many Mansions and the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura, it is the first modular affordable housing community in Ventura County.

The program will include groundbreaking, a tour of the site, an exclusive look at one of the actual factory-built units and lunch. Click on the photo for more information and to RSVP.

SNDUSA Website

SND USA Magazine, Winter 2023

South Central LAMP

Impact Report 2021-22

SND 2022 Impact Report,

California Region

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Thank you!

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