On October 16-17, 2024, the Mission Integration Office of the Ohio Province hosted a transformative Hallmarks Retreat for the Mid-Atlantic region at the serene Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. Faculty and staff members from Notre Dame de Namur-affiliated schools, including Trinity School (Ilchester, MD), Maryvale Preparatory School (Lutherville, MD), Sisters Academy of Baltimore (Baltimore, MD), Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (Baltimore, MD), and the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (Villanova, PA), came together for this special two-day formation experience.
The retreat offered participants a unique opportunity to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in a prayerful and peaceful environment. The beautiful grounds of the Bon Secours Retreat Center provided an ideal setting for reflection, dialogue, and renewal, grounding the group in the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community.
A Journey of Reflection, Sharing, and Commitment
Facilitated by Meg Sharp from the Mission Integration Office and Julia Tully, Campus Minister at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, the retreat guided participants through a deep dive into the Hallmarks. These values, central to Notre Dame de Namur schools worldwide, include the call to build inclusive communities, foster personal growth, and inspire a deep sense of social responsibility.
Throughout the retreat, faculty and staff engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged personal and collective reflection. Participants shared insights, identified ways to integrate the Hallmarks into their own school communities, and supported one another in brainstorming strategies for bringing these values to life in practical and impactful ways. The sessions allowed for thoughtful conversation on how each school could reinforce the Hallmarks, enhance student engagement, and deepen the spiritual formation of their educational communities.
Closing Ritual and Personal Commitments
The retreat culminated in a meaningful closing ritual, where each participant voiced a personal commitment to integrate a specific aspect of the Hallmarks into their work back home. This final moment highlighted the spirit of community and dedication, as each person offered a pledge to embody these guiding principles in their daily interactions with students, colleagues, and families.
Learn More
The Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community serve as a foundation for creating educational environments that are inclusive, compassionate, and rooted in social justice. To learn more about these guiding values and how they shape our schools, visit our Hallmarks page.