Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary | | |
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IHM Catholic Education Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2023
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Animated by the IHM Charism of Love,
Creative Hope & Fidelity ..... Embracing the Mission as Joyful Bearers of God's Redeeming Love!
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Dear Sr. Mary Ellen,
As we enter the month of November, we are reminded of the importance of thanksgiving and remembrance. This is especially true as we reflect on the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival. The Eucharist, which literally means thanksgiving, is a gift from the Son of God, through which He nourishes and strengthens us with His own Body and Blood as we journey through life. This is a time to come together in gratitude for this gift. May we lift our hearts in praise to our God, who comes to abide with us through the Eucharist.
During this month we also remember our loved ones who have gone before us. May the example of their lives and ways they reflected God's love and goodness be a model for us as we seek to be Christ to one another.
With praise, love and thanksgiving in the IHM Tradition, I ask God to gift you with the graces of love, creative hope and fidelity to be a bearers of God's redeeming love wherever you find yourself.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Sue, IHM
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The IHM EdNotes Digital Book will be released at the end of the month so there will be no IHM Catholic Education Newsletter in December. Please look for pertinent information in this issue for December's special moments. | |
On November 10th, our IHM Founders Day, we offer praise, love and thanksgiving to our God of Boundless Love, as we celebrate the 178th anniversary of our founding! | |
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In 1845, Father Louis Gillet encouraged Mother Theresa Maxis to leave Baltimore and travel to Michigan to serve the French speaking immigrants. With imagination and courage, Theresa, along with our other first IHM Sisters, embraced the mission and the IHM Sisters never looked back!
Learn more about the IHM Sisters here!
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Click here for
Founder's Day resources!
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November
IHM Virtue of the Month
Recollection and Silence
| In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the noise and distractions that surround us. Taking the time to practice November's virtues of recollection and silence can help us stay connected to our God. By embracing moments of stillness, we can find clarity, inner peace, and the strength to face any challenge that comes our way. So why not make a commitment to incorporate recollection and silence into our daily routines? We may be amazed at how much more centered and grounded we will feel, no matter what may be swirling around us. Don't leave home without the power of recollection and silence! | | |
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December
IHM Virtue of the Month
Prayer
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As we enter the month of December and the Advent season, let us take a moment to reflect on the virtue of prayer. This month, we are called to focus on our relationship with God Incarnate, who comes to us in the person of Jesus. Despite the busyness of the season, let us make a conscious effort to establish a sense of peace and quiet within ourselves, so that we may be attentive to the invitation of our ever-present God. Through prayer, we can deepen our connection with God and find comfort and hope in His loving presence. Let this be a time of reflection, renewal, and growth as we journey towards the celebration of the birth of our Savior. | | | |
Congratulations, Sister Teresa Ballisty! | |
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the nine principals from the 2023 cohort of National Blue Schools Winner who are the 2023 recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Sister Teresa Ballisty IHM- Principal of Saints Philip and James School in Exton, PA was named as a recipient of this award. Sister Teresa is one of the school leaders who will be honored during the National Blue-Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, 2023. | |
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National Vocation Awareness Week | |
Jesus is looking for a few good women and men! Find excellent resources to use in your classrooms to share ideas about VOCATIONS!
Learn more about vocations.
By the way, the IHM Sisters are looking for a few good women! Consider using these interactive resources in your classroom.
Find out more!
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Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation new letter on the care of the Earth, Laudate Deum. We can make a difference!
Read our Holy Father's Exhortation
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IHM Christmas Tradition for Children and Adults | |
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Each Christmas Eve the IHM Sisters gather in chapel to honor the birth of the Christ Child. We know that Jesus is King of the Universe and as such we are all members of his royal court. In the stable of Bethlehem, who are the members of that Court? In our rich tradition, we choose, by chance, which member we are. Each sister selects a card that may read the cow, the stable, the shepherd, the crib, even the Mother Mary herself. On the card is also a practice to do throughout the year as we take on the gifts that each member of that court brings.
This is a beautiful custom you may want to adopt as you send the students home for Christmas Vacation.
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November
1 All Saints Day
2 All Souls Day
5-11 National Vocation Awareness Week
10 IHM Sisters' Founders Day [1845-2023]
Celebrating 178 years! A Legacy of Grace!
13 World Day of Prayer for the Poor
23 Thanksgiving Blessings!
December
3 Advent Begins
8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
12 Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe
25 Christmas Day
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Feast of the
Immaculate Conception
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The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, honoring Mary, who was conceived without sin. On this day, the sisters publicly renew their vows, recommitting themselves to serving God and His people. As a congregation that holds a special devotion to Mary, this is a significant event for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal of their commitment to living a life of service to others. | | |
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | |
On December 9, 1531, a miraculous event occurred when Our Lady appeared to Blessed Juan Diego, a recently converted Aztec, and asked him to request the bishop to build a church for her on the barren hill of Tepeyac, which is now part of Mexico City. The bishop asked for a sign, and on December 12, Our Lady again appeared to Juan and told him to pick the Castilian roses which miraculously appeared on the hill and bring them to the bishop as a sign. When Juan opened his tilma to show the roses, an image of Our Lady appeared on it, to the awe of everyone. The bishop built the church as requested. This miraculous event continues to inspire and bring hope to millions of people around the world and is celebrated every year on December 12 as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. | |
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SAVE-THE-DATE!
Come to our unique
teacher-centered free professional development day for educators at all levels!
Saturday, March 16, 2024
@ Villa Maria Lower School,
Malvern, PA
Details will follow!
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Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Proclaiming the Gospel Message in the Spirit of Jesus the Redeemer
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