Goodness in Action - October 2023 Updates

Praying for Peace

"God of all creation, bring justice and peace to our world. Teach us to be peacemakers. Guide us in our pursuit of justice and the common good. Inspire us to welcome all, forgive all, and love all. Direct us as we walk in the shadow of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Inspire us to perceive the world through your eyes, that we might find hope and joy each day, supportive of each other, for the sake of your Kingdom."

- Author Unknown


Read our statement on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East here.

Remembering Sister Catherine Owens, SNDdeN (1921-2023)

Sister Catherine Owens entered the convent in 1938, seeking to answer the call to serve God more faithfully, and took the name Sister Catherine of the Cross. She attended Emmanuel College and embarked on a career in education. In addition to her time in education, Sister Catherine served the Notre Dame de Namur community in various leadership roles. This year, she celebrated her 85th year of service as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.


Sister Catherine completed her earthly journey on October 2, 2023, at the age of 102.


Learn more about Sister Catherine here.

Remembering Sister Eileen McCarthy, SNDdeN (1935-2023)

Sister Eileen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1955. For more than 40 years, she served as a teacher, known for her generous and understanding heart. After she retired from the classroom, Sister Eileen served as California Province Executive Secretary and then served as manager of the Hermitage Arms Apartments in San Jose, and volunteered her time in support of her fellow Sisters.


Sister Eileen went home to her good God on October 4, 2023, at the age of 88.




Learn more about Sister Eileen here.

Remembering Sister Elizabeth O'Connor, SNDdeN (1921-2023)

Remembering Sister Geraldine Harris, SNDdeN (1931-2023)

Sister Elizabeth O’Connor entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1938 and became a teacher, beloved by her students in various schools throughout New England. After retiring from teaching, she served for 22 years as a Pastoral Minister at St. Margaret, in Beverly Farms, Mass. This year, Sister Elizabeth celebrated her 85th year of religious life.


Sister Elizabeth went home to her good God on October 6, 2023, at the age of 102.


Learn more about Sister Elizabeth here.

Sister Geraldine Harris, SNDdeN

Sister Geraldine Harris became a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur in 1951. She taught seventh and eighth graders in Notre Dame schools throughout California for 22 years. After this, she founded the Susan House, a board and care home for children with special needs in Campbell, Calif., where she continued working for 23 years. She also volunteered at the St. Francis Catholic Kitchen in Santa Cruz, Calif. 


Sister Geraldine passed away on October 22, 2023, at the age of 92.


Learn more about Sister Geraldine here.

Sister Rosalie Pizzo accepts NDSJ Award
Sisters and Staff at the 2023 NDSJ Women of Impact Award Ceremony

Many Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, including NDSJ alumnae, attended the event.

Sister Rosalie Pizzo, SNDdeN Named NDSJ Honoree at Women of Impact Luncheon

On Friday, October 13, Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose held its annual Women of Impact event. Sister Rosalie Pizzo, SNDdeN was named this year’s alumna honoree.


Sister Rosalie, a graduate of the NDSJ class of 1952, has spent a lifetime making a difference through education, pastoral ministry, social justice and religious leadership. As NDSJ writes, she has sought to “empower the dignity of each person and to build up diverse communities of goodness, faith and learning.”


Congratulations, Sister Rosalie!

Proceeds from this event go toward empowering young women in their pursuit of STEM education.


Learn more about Sister Rosalie Here!

Celebrating 30 Years of Compassion and Care

In 1993, 51 Sisters and the mothers of two Sisters were moved to their new home, the newly established Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester, Mass. Now, thirty years later, The Notre Dame Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Center continues this legacy of care, providing exemplary long-term nursing care and short-term rehabilitation in a warm, welcoming environment.


This milestone was celebrated on October 13, at the annual Notre Dame Health Care Fall Event. As part of the event's festivities, Sister Mary Farren, SNDdeN accepted an award on behalf of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, recognizing the Sisters' achievements in healthcare. In addition, Sister Elaine Bain, SNDdeN received a certificate in recognition from the mayor of Worcester, honoring the work done at the LTC center.

Sister Mary Farren accepts award on behalf of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Sister Mary Farren, SNDdeN accepts an award on behalf of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Large truckloads of hats, coats, household goods, and other essentials were collected for Ukrainian and Haitian refugee families.

Lending a Helping Hand to Ukrainian and Haitian Refugees

The Chicopee, Mass. area is home to a sizeable population of both Haitian and Ukrainian refugees, primarily women and children who have been displaced from their homes.


In September, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and our Associates collaborated with the Sisters of Mercy in a joint effort. Four SNDdeN facilities and two parishes worked together to collect donations of essential goods. The result was two large truckloads of donations and $7,000 in gift cards and cash, resources that will go toward assisting refugee families get ready for the winter and the school year ahead.

Submit your Prayer Requests for All Souls' Day

The Sisters always welcome your prayer requests. Each November, on All Souls Day, we are called to be particularly mindful of our beloved dead. We invite you to submit your prayer requests so that the Notre Dame de Namur Sisters and Associates can pray with you for your intentions. Please list the names of your beloved deceased you would like us to pray for on the form HERE.  When submitting your request, you are welcome to share something special about your loved ones. 

Upcoming Observances

Join us in Celebrating Black Catholic History Month

November is Black Catholic History Month, a time marked to celebrate and highlight the history of Black Catholics, both in America and around the world. Throughout the month, we will share our Black Sisters' stories and highlight Black Catholic saints and important figures on our social media platforms.

Sisters Share Experiences for National Vocations Week

National Vocations week is an annual event aimed at promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Stay tuned to our social media platforms in November as our Sisters share their reflections on discernment and vowed life.


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