California Region


Mission Advancement Egram


February 28, 2023

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. 

MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT

...proclaiming God's goodness and compassionate love

Dear Friends,


Beyond a doubt, we have all been shocked by the tragic passing of Bishop Dave O'Connell last week. The outpouring of grief that we have experienced--as individuals, communities and as shared by the news media--is an incredible testament to the man of faith, integrity and compassion that he was.


Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein fondly remembers Bishop Dave as the retreat director when her class completed training for Merciful Companions. (Sr. Betty is shown in the photo to the right with the bishop.) This is a ministry of lay women and men who journey with those healing from the effects of abortion, especially the depression and trauma which require emotional and spiritual healing. During that retreat and celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop Dave exemplified the warmth, understanding and compassion needed in this ministry.


Sr. Leanne Hubbard, as Director of Field Education at St. John's Seminary, shared these reflections. "Fr. Dave, before he was a bishop, was pastor at St. Michael’s in downtown Los Angeles, and in that capacity, he was an excellent mentor for seminarians during their ten-month parish internship. He modeled absolute commitment to those on the margins, particularly immigrants, but anyone who was struggling to make a living. Personally, other than this absolute commitment to stand by those with the least voice and fewest resources, I was the most impressed with his personal story of conversion to the person of Jesus Christ which he shared with the seminarians, and I am sure all who would listen. When I think of the 'new evangelization,' I think of Dave’s ability to convey that personal, saving grace of salvation, of complete reorientation to the person of Jesus. When he talked about Jesus, he was so real, so tangible, so present. Dave was consistently that tangible warmth of his Beloved--cheeky, playful, compassionate, and challenging."


Fr. Jay Cunanne, Bishop Dave's dear friend since their seminary days in Ireland, has often been quoted in the past 10 days. His sermon to the parishioners of St. Cornelius Parish in Long Beach on Feb. 19 is quite powerful. I want to share it with you because Fr. Jay was also a dear colleague and friend of our Sr. Emilie Ann Palladino. In fact, he celebrated her Mass of Christian Burial in 2018. Please follow this link and find inspiration in the graces of friendship!


It is not often that we are so touched by a saint in our midst. We can only be grateful for Bishop Dave O'Connell's life, a life poured out proclaiming God's goodness and compassionate love.

Grateful blessings, today and always,


Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

Congratulations to our Ugandan students and staff...

for the awesome test results from their fall leaving exams!


  • All of the students tested at St. Julie's Primary received the highest possible aggregate score, meriting Division I status. Their scores were in English, science, social studies and math.
  • 95% of the students at Notre Dame Academy Secondary earned Divison I status and the other 5%, Division II. Their achievement reflected subjects such as English, history, geography, math, physics, chemistry and biology.


In the photo above, Sr. Rozaria Katusabe, St. Julie's headteacher, is shown with some energetic and enthusiastic students! Special thanks to all of our donors for the East Africa mission whose generosity makes their hope, joy and achievements possible...

Thank you, Emily!

The Sisters of Notre Dame offer heartfelt congratulations to Emily Ginsburg on her 20 years of service as a member of the health care staff at Notre Dame Center! In this photo, Sr. Rita Marie Schroeder shared this moment of joy and gratitude with Emily on behalf of the entire community.

March - National Reading Month


Olga Hernandez sees the SND mission today as one of social justice, compassion, and love for one another. As an SND Associate, she personally embraces this mission by giving a voice to young adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and severe handicaps. Olga sees her job as a vocation. “I truly love what I do, and I feel God placed me here to be an instrument to help my students in the best way I know how. " Read more about Olga's inspiring story in the latest issue of the SND USA magazine.

In celebration of "National Reading Month," we want to welcome the readers who are new to the SND Mission Advancement Egram for the California Region. This monthly newsletter provides updates about the life and ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame, as well as our associates and ministry colleagues.  Readers can learn more about the impact of their spiritual and financial support for the SND mission. And here is a link to the issues since it all started in July, 2016. Enjoy!

As part of Catholic Schools Week, Sonia Impellizerri visited Notre Dame Center. She attended Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool, and she is now a freshman at La Reina High School & Middle School. Sonia is shown with Sr. Colette Theobald, her currentreligion teacher, and Sr. Carol Marie Papet, from her preschool days.

Students at Notre Dame Academy Elementary celebrated Black History Month in many different ways. This photo shows students collaborating on paintings together. Each student started one and passed it on. The next student could add their ideas to the picture, working interdependently.


Congratulations to Notre Dame Academy's varsity basketball team! They earned the championship in the CIF Southern Section Divison 4A. We are proud of you!

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

...click on the respective logo for more information

Saturday, March 18, 8:00 a.m.

at Dodger Stadium


LA Big 5k in support of South Central LAMP

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

at Padre Serra Church, Camarillo


HEALING WOUNDS

Catholic Lenten Mental Health Retreat

...reflect on God's plan for healing & mental health

Sunday, March 26, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

at California Lutheran University


Many Mansions Bowls of Hope

Thursday, March 30, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

at Sacred Heart Church, Ventura


"How Does One Live a Hopeful Christ-Centered Life in a Turbulent World?"

 by Sr. Val Roxburgh, SND

SNDUSA Website

SND USA Magazine, Winter 2023

New!