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Season of Advent
Spiritual Reflections
As we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior during the Advent season, we look forward to sharing spiritual reflections from Sisters across the Congregation, along with recommendations for weekly action from our Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation office. Visit our website to find not only Advent prayers and reflections, but also a place to request the prayers of our Sisters. We thank the Congregational Mission Office for providing these meaningful messages of hope and grace.
| | Giving Tuesday is December 2! | | |
Tuesday, December 2, is Giving Tuesday—a day that invites us all to give generously to the organizations and missions that reflect our shared values and care for the world around us.
The mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is bold and enduring: to make God's goodness visible in all they do. Every Sister dedicates her life to bringing hope and ensuring that God's goodness flourishes—through education, care for the Earth, and steadfast advocacy for peace and justice.
Your generosity makes this mission possible. Together, we can build a world rooted in compassion and shared humanity—one act of giving at a time.
| | Highlights from Across the Province | | |
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Advocacy in Action: Standing for Justice
During November's Black Catholic History Month, Sister Patricia (Patty) Chappell, SNDdeN was the featured speaker at an event on the University of San Francisco campus.
Her topic, "Breaking the Silence: Courageous Conversations around Racism, Power, and Privilege," inspired attendees to stand for justice and confront unjust systems.
"Every human life from the womb to the tomb is sacred and worthy of profound respect—no exceptions," said Sister Patty. "A moral society prioritizes the needs of those made both poor and most vulnerable."
🎥 Click here to watch her whole talk, starting at the 7:47 mark.
➡ Learn more about our justice and peace efforts on our website.
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Gathering for Social Justice
Sisters and staff attended the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C. The weekend was full of fellowship among our Notre Dame schools and the opportunity to connect with new friends, sharing the charism of St. Julie and our efforts to advocate for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation! As an official sponsor of this event, we support the most significant annual Catholic social justice gathering in the U.S.
Pictured (L-R): Sisters Maria Delaney, Vivien Echekwubelu, Bárbara Gutiérrez, SNDdeN, Sabrina Harper, and Sister Kathryn Keenan, SNDdeN welcome attendees at the IFTJ.
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"Where Mission Meets the Moment"
As many as 45 leaders from Notre Dame schools attended the National School Leadership Conference in Baltimore, an annual event hosted by the Sponsorship and Mission Integration offices of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
The theme, "Where the Mission Meets the Moment," was explored through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions and more. Attendees from the U.S. East-West and Ohio provinces considered how the SNDdeN mission is relevant to children, youth and young adults today.
(Above) Conference attendees get ready to tour Sisters Academy and attend Mass at Trinity School.
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Sister Jon Julie Sullivan, SNDdeN Mission Award
At the Notre Dame Health Care Center's annual fundraiser in late October, Sister Marna Rogers, SNDdeN was the recipient of the Sister Jon Julie Sullivan, SNDdeN Mission Award.
She was recognized for her many contributions to Notre Dame Health Care and the greater Worcester community in ways that embody the spirit and creativity of the award's namesake.
You can learn more about Sister Marna on our website.
| | Make sure to follow us for more news and information! | |
Celebrating Vocations
We celebrated the vocation of religious life during National Vocations Awareness Week with daily social media content that culminated at the 2025 Faith Formation Conference in San Mateo, Calif.
Sister Karen Pozniak, SNDdeN (pictured) joined Vocations Promoter Sabrina Harper in hosting a booth where conference attendees learned more about our charism and founder, St. Julie Billiart. God is good!
If you're curious about vocations, visit our website for information.
| | | Sisters Margaret Lanen and Monica Daniel Madden, SNDdeN | | |
Julie's Family Learning Program-Fall Event
Julie's Family Learning Program in South Boston held its Fall fundraiser on November 12, 2025. The evening was highlighted by a speech from program graduate Shaquilla Meadows, who shared her success in pursuing a nursing career. "I was a young mother with hopes and dreams, but I didn't think they were attainable while caring for my children," she said. "Having a support system like Julie's throughout my journey was so important to my success."
You can support Julie's by donating an item on their wish list or becoming a tutor.
| | | Journey with St. Julie is an opportunity to explore religious life and the charism of our founder. All are welcome! The next virtual meeting is on Friday, December 12. Register here to receive the Zoom link, and visit our website for more information about the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Please contact vocations promoter, Sabrina Harper, with any questions. | | | The Notre Dame Spirituality Center is hosting a monthly virtual event to explore the connection between science and spirituality. The next Omega Gathering is on December 17. To receive the Zoom link, please register by phone 978-380-1574 or email, and be sure to visit the website for the schedule of upcoming gatherings in 2026. | | | Sister Immaculata Marie McDonnell, SNDdeN | |
We praise God for the life of Sister Immaculata Marie McDonnell, a SNDdeN for 78 years, who returned to God on October 28, 2025, at the age of 97.
Born Mary Josephine McDonnell, she was raised in a devout family that valued prayer and religious vocations. She had a strong devotion to Our Lady and remained deeply happy and fulfilled; upon celebrating 75 years of religious life, Sister Immaculata reflected with joy, "I loved it!"
You can read more about Sister Immaculata's life here.
| | | Sister Agnes Rose McNally, SNDdeN | |
We praise God for the life of Sister Agnes Rose McNally, a SNDdeN for 79 years, who completed her earthly journey on November 6, 2025, at the age of 97.
A dedicated teacher, professor, and leader, she coordinated community programs and guided teams with grace throughout Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Agnes believed she "saw God's hands" calling her to become an SNDdeN and to inherit a share in Julie's dynamic belief that God is good.
You can read more about Sister Agnes here.
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