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Celebrating
Catholic Schools Week
Our sponsored schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, January 25-31, with Mass, special presentations, activities with the Sisters and more. We are so proud of our teachers, students, staff and administrators for actively living the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community!
Check out our social channels for a peek at how the Sisters' mission and charism are present in our schools.
| | Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur joined Sisters of St. Joseph in front of Mount St. Joseph's in Brighton, Massachusetts, for a prayerful protest against human trafficking. | | |
A Landmark Victory for Human Trafficking Survivors
The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act was recently signed into law by President Trump. This was a key advocacy priority for the Sisters, and it happened because of persistent advocacy efforts, including meetings on Capitol Hill, powerful testimony and outreach to lawmakers.
This new law helps survivors of human trafficking by allowing certain convictions to be vacated and arrest records expunged when offenses were the direct result of being trafficked, and it expands access to legal support for post-conviction relief. Read more on our website.
| | Upholding Justice and Pursuing Peace | | |
As part of a global community, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur seek to transform unjust structures and systems, foster new ways of connection that allow all creation to experience God’s courageous and prophetic goodness, and respond to the signs and needs of the times. Recently, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province, issued several statements advocating for compassion and respect for human dignity worldwide:
Venezuelan Crisis: Along with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), we issued a statement in response to the crisis in Venezuela that honors our commitment to human dignity, justice and peace.
Foreign Policy: The Sisters stand in agreement with the recent joint statement by several archbishops who called for a morally grounded U.S. foreign policy. Our charism of proclaiming God's goodness and advancing justice and peace compels us to affirm that policies must be guided by solidarity, compassion and respect for human rights.
Restraint in Minneapolis: In solidarity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, we issued a statement calling for calm, restraint and respect for human life in matters of immigration enforcement. Let us all embrace a Gospel response to the challenges of our time.
Choosing Nonviolence: We affirm the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) call to choose nonviolence as a faithful expression of the Gospel. Together, may we be witnesses to transformative love in our world.
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Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN (center) volunteers at the Clothing Closet, a ministry in Arizona. At right is our vocations promoter, Sabrina Harper.
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On the Ground in Arizona
In the current issue of Sowing Goodness magazine, Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN shares how the Spirit leads her to "welcome the stranger" as she lives and serves the marginalized in Arizona.
One way she makes an impact is at the Clothing Closet, a ministry founded and run by the Arizona Muslim Women's Association (AMWA).
AMWA assists refugees and others in need and invites individuals and families to "shop" for clothes, shoes, and other household items donated by local congregations.
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The Winter Sowing Goodness Magazine is Online!
This issue highlights our 2025 Jubilarians, stories from across the East-West Province and Congregation — including the perpetual vows of Sister Gillian Wallace, SNDdeN — and our annual report for fiscal year 2024-25.
Make sure to sign up for your own copy if you're not already on our mailing list.
| | Make sure to follow us for more news and information! | | |
Notre Dame Academy Marks
75 Years of Catholic Education
Notre Dame Academy (NDA) in Worcester, Massachusetts, celebrated its 75th year of educating for life in the Notre Dame de Namur tradition. The school celebrated with a community Mass and reception, during which students shared reflections on St. Julie.
Read the article about this event and the school's founding in the Catholic Free Press, and learn more about Notre Dame Academy, a place rooted in St. Julie's mission where students discover their strengths, build confidence and grow as leaders committed to service.
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NDA alumna Andrea Salvidio Brewster '85 (left) stopped for a photo with her former principal, Sister Ann Morrison, SNDdeN.
| | | Sister Nancy O'Shea, SNDdeN joins Katie-Sue Scullen, Sponsorship, at the Symposium. | |
West Coast Educators Gather
Educators from Notre Dame de Namur schools gathered in Belmont, California, for the 2026 Educators Symposium, "Mission and Inclusion in Notre Dame de Namur Education."
Discussions focused on Hallmark #5 and understanding how kindness, empathy and diversity shape Notre Dame classrooms and leadership.
The day strengthened connections across our network and renewed our shared commitment to education for justice and women's empowerment.
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SNDdeN Founders' Day Celebration
We pray for our Sisters across the U.S. East-West Province who will renew their religious vows on January 31, and for the 27 Sisters marking significant Jubilees in 2026, including four who have recognized God’s goodness for 80 years!
Stay tuned for photos and more information as we celebrate our Jubilarians!
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Summer Immersion Experience
Apply Now
Looking for a transformative summer retreat experience? Step into a unique opportunity! Our inaugural Laudato Seeds of Change immersion program is designed for women ages 20+ who care about their connection to the Earth and to one another and want to live their values more deeply. This two-week experience will take place from June 21 to July 5, 2026, at the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
If you're ready to be part of real change, this experience is for you. Learn more and apply: Laudato Seeds of Change: An Immersion Experience.
Priority will be given to applications received by February 28.
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For more opportunities to deepen your spirituality, learn more about the Sisters and find time for reflection, please check out our Events Page on our website:
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February 4: Spirituality Series - for women 20-45
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February 11 and February 25: Pray with Sisters - for women 20-45 (NEW!)
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February 12: Journey with St. Julie - for women 20-45
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February 18: Omega Gathering
Visit the Spirituality Center website for events held in Ipswich, Massachusetts, including:
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Sister Catherine Horan, SNDdeN
We praise God for the life of Sister Catherine Horan, SNDdeN, who went home to her good God on January 3, 2026, at 86.
An educator and administrator, Sister Catherine also served in both local and international leadership within the Congregation, ministered to unhoused women and worked in Kenya with children with disabilities and small business owners.
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Sister Mary Elizabeth Duke, SNDdeN
We gratefully remember the life of Sister Mary Elizabeth Duke, SNDdeN, who went home to her good God on January 15, 2026, at the age of 75 after 58 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She was born in 1950 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Melia) Duke. She entered the Congregation in 1968.
Sister Mary lived her vows as an educator and school principal throughout Massachusetts.
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Ash Wednesday is on February 18, marking the beginning of the season of Lent.
As we prepare for Easter, we will share reflections, retreats and prayers. Be sure to visit our website to focus on spiritual preparation in this time of hope and renewal.
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Deepen your spiritual renewal this Lenten season! Partner with a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur to share your spiritual journey and see how God is working in your life.
When: Throughout Lent (February 18-April 5)
Where: Virtual; meet with your partner online or by phone for 30 minutes once each week.
Audience: Single women 20-45
Registration: Contact Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN at marieannette.burkart@sndden.org
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