About the Sisters News

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur invite you to join our next Live The Good opportunity. In alignment with the Dorothy Stang Initiative and the Sisters’ commitment to reducing the use of plastics, we will be writing letters to several local and national stores asking them to provide eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags. This opportunity will be held at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Ohio Province have signed the Advent Not Arms letter, calling for peace in the Middle East through a suspension of arms sales to Israel, a ceasefire, and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza. Organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, this letter reflects the Advent season's hope for justice, peace, and the sacredness of all life. Read the full letter and join us in prayer and action for peace.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Bridget Murphy, SNDdeN, who passed away on December 7, 2024.

An Unexpected Surprise

December 6, 2024

Check out the latest blog from Holly Schlaack, director of volunteer engagement, as she shares a heartwarming story about Sr. Betty Ann Zengel’s visit to a horse farm.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur hosted an event exploring the insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jesuit priest, scientist, and spiritual writer. Teilhard’s vision of the Eucharist integrates evolution and faith, calling us to see God in creation and our shared journey toward unity.

Explore prayerful reflection, advocacy, and education in this call to action inspired by Rev. Steven Charleston. Learn how to respond to pressing legislative concerns like the Energy Permitting Reform Act, Ohio's HB 451, and federal nonprofit policies. Discover community efforts for positive change, environmental justice, social justice, indigenous rights, climate action, and nonprofit advocacy.

Christmas Every Moment

November 18, 2024

Reflect on the spirit of Christmas and its call to be Christ-centered by putting others first. Explore how the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur live this call daily through sacrifice, service, and love, bringing Christ into the world. Join us in making every day Christmas through faith and action.

Discover a heartfelt prayer celebrating God's grace and creation, paired with autumn wisdom on preserving insect habitats. Learn how small changes in fall yard care can protect pollinators and native species while fostering balance in nature. Actionable tips included.

Watch the recording of "The Eco-Spirituality of Teilhard de Chardin" with Dr. Sue Sack, a theologian and expert in eco-spirituality. This event, held on November 9, 2024, is the second in our Dorothy Stang Initiative series for the Laudato Si' Platform. The session explores Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of creation, the role of the Eucharist within the cosmos, and our shared journey toward the "Omega Point." Dr. Sack offers insights into Teilhard's life and teachings, with practical reflections on how we can live out eco-spirituality in daily life.

Sister Paula Marie Becker, SNDdeN

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Paula Marie Becker, SNDdeN, who passed away on November 1, 2024.

Duas Vidas e Uma só Causa

November 8, 2024

Duas Vidas e Uma Só Causa ("Two Lives, One Cause") tells the powerful, interconnected stories of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, and Dorothy Day, highlighting their shared dedication to justice, environmental stewardship, and advocacy for marginalized communities. This documentary, adapted and subtitled with permission from Tatiana Polastri, inspires viewers to reflect on the impact of living with purpose. In honor of Sister Dorothy’s 20 years of service and sacrifice, we invite you to share how she has touched your life. Please send your reflections to [email protected].

As we approach Election Day and settle into the season’s shift with Eastern Standard Time, we’re drawn to Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” In the midst of change and uncertainty, these words call us back to the two great commandments—love of God and love of neighbor. May we listen deeply and carry this message into our lives, moving closer to the kingdom through love, understanding, and action. Written by Sister Colette Didier, SNDdeN, and shared at Mount Notre Dame chapel, this reflection comes with the Sisters' prayers for all during this time.

Discover insights from Dr. Matthew Goldberg's recent UC Center for Public Engagement with Science talk on climate change action, emphasizing the power of personal connections, focused priorities, and thoughtful conversations. Learn how discussing climate concerns within our communities can drive understanding and collective action, plus small steps we can each take to make a lasting difference.

Engage in prayerful reflection and take action during this election season with LCWR’s Transforming Grace Virtual Prayer Space, open starting November 4. Stay informed on global conflicts, including recent reports on potential food aid bans in Gaza, and find resources for participating in peaceful advocacy and responsible citizenship. Upcoming events include Georgetown University’s post-election analysis on November 12. Explore Catholic resources for Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, encouraging a commitment to our faith through informed political participation.

Reflect on the deep connections we share with our loved ones in heaven and the lasting presence of their love and prayers. This post invites us to remember and honor those who have gone before us, turning our memories into prayers of gratitude. As we embrace November’s remembrance, may we feel our unity with all believers, saints, and angels in the communion of faith. Blessings to all in this season of reflection and spiritual connection.

Join the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in prayer during the final weeks before the national elections, invoking the spirits of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and their wives. Learn how you can engage in prayer, advocacy, and action for the Haitian community in Springfield, OH, and find resources on key issues such as Ohio's Issue 1. Plus, discover how you can become a Prayer Partner for state legislators in 2025. Stay informed and make a difference!

Join us on a spiritual journey through France, following in the footsteps of St. Julie Billiart. From her humble beginnings in Cuvilly to her founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Amiens, this trip deepened our understanding of St. Julie’s mission of education, justice, and faith in the goodness of God and people. Her legacy continues to inspire service and hope today. Written by Ted Miles, NDMVA Executive Director. Learn more in the NDMVA September 2024 Newsletter.

The Ohio Office of Mission Integration hosted an in-person gathering on October 4, 2024, in Amiens Hall, with the theme “Living St. Julie’s Legacy Today.” Faculty and staff from Ohio Notre Dame schools participated in formation activities exploring the Hallmarks, charism, and legacy of St. Julie Billiart. The event included presentations, spiritual workshops, and visits to the Heritage Hallway and Museum, enriching participants' connection to the Notre Dame de Namur mission.

Congratulations to Sister Thérèse DelGenio, SNDdeN, on receiving the 2024 Transformation Award from The Center for Respite Care!

Discover how Christian relationships, rooted in love and attentiveness, can transform the way we engage with one another. Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN, reflects on the importance of listening, humility, and following Jesus to heal divisions and strengthen our witness in today's world. Let's strive to love as He loves, one encounter at a time.

As proud members of the Ohio Sisters Justice Network, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur actively participate in their non-partisan campaign to encourage everyone to vote. Sisters and staff alike have embraced this call to action. Together, we can make a difference through this vital act of citizenship, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts. Let us join hands in fulfilling our responsibility to build a just and compassionate society.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Agnes Francis Jung, SNDdeN, who passed away on September 27, 2024.

Your Little Bit of Good this week emphasizes the importance of reducing fossil fuel consumption during the Season of Creation (SOC) 2024. Small actions like cutting back on energy use, reducing meat consumption, and avoiding plastics can help reduce your environmental impact. Prayers for creation are shared, and you're invited to support the Fossil Fuels Non-proliferation Treaty, follow daily meditations, and include a "rosary of creation" in your prayers. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to positive change.

Join the Adrian Dominican Sisters for the Season of Creation Peace Prayer every Tuesday at 4:00 PM (ET), from September 3rd to October 1st, for a time of scripture, reflection, and intercessory prayer. Along with prayer, take action by advocating for justice through the Farm Bill, supporting the ETHICS Act to end congressional stock trading, and preparing for National Migration Week. Explore resources to stay informed and involved in promoting Catholic social teaching and care for creation.