California Region

Mission Advancement Egram

January 28, 2022
One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. 
MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT
...celebrating Catholic Schools Week '22
Dear Friends,

January 30 through February 5 is Catholic Schools Week throughout the United States. Readers who were students or teachers in a Catholic school since this was initiated in 1974 may remember open houses, essay or art contests, special liturgies and celebrations. In reflecting on the impact of our Catholic schools, I stumbled upon a fascinating juxtaposition!

The photo on the left shows a transitional kindergarten student at Notre Dame Academy Elementary in Los Angeles. After reading a few stories about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of equality, the TK students did a collaborative painting exercise. Each child took a turn adding ideas to someone else's painting. At first some were upset that their painting was changing in a way they did not intend, but soon they were curious and amazed at how their paintings became even more beautiful than they imagined.

On the right is Tamara Harper, a 1987 alumna of La Reina High School, speaking at a graduation ceremony. Tamara has just completed service as the chairperson of La Reina's Board of Trustees, the first alumna to hold the position. In that capacity, she had many opportunities to bring her skills as a collaborative leader and an attorney to the school community. Those who have worked with her know that she goes above and beyond in service...to everyone entrusted to her care. On February 2, Tamara will receive La Reina's Distinguished Alumna Award. Congratulations, Tamara!

And so this celebration of Catholic Schools Week is a time for us to find hope in the mission and impact of our Catholic schools. We see students such as the budding artist, and alums such as Tamara Harper, embodying the theme of the week: "Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service."
As Sisters of Notre Dame we are grateful for all who journey with us, in all of our ministries, especially within our Catholic schools. God's grace and your partnership enable results even more beautiful than we can imagine. Thank you!

Blessings always,
Director of Mission Advancement Services
2022 NUN RUN
...just one week away!
With hearts full of gratitude, the SNDs are pleased to announce that the Eighth Annual Nun Run will be a fun experience of sunshine, COVID-safe fellowship and prizes galore! It will be in-person with a 5k (8:30 a.m.) or 1 mile (8:00 a.m.), starting and ending at La Reina High School & Middle School, or anywhere as a Virtual Mileage Challenge! Here are a few important details:
The top 5 participating teams (to date) are
St. Paschal Baylon School Bears
St. Jude the Apostle
Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool
Horan Siblings & Friends
La Reina High School & Middle School

The top 5 fundraising teams (to date) are:
Knights of Columbus St. Jude & St. Max Council #8072, Westlake Village
Horan Siblings & Friends
LA Star Steppers
Running Robbins
Megaffin Marathoners

Special thanks to all of our donors, especially these organization and business sponsors.

Please submit photos of virtual participants, to infoca@sndusa.org. Kindly identify the names of runners and location.

Follow this link to register and/or donate. For more information, visit www.nun.run or email Jen Coito. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 4, but registration is also available at the event.

Proceeds provide for spiritual, educational and social outreach, locally and around the world. And special thanks to our current and previous participants and sponsors!
FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE
THANK YOU, MARY JO!
After 15 years of service to the SNDs, Mary Jo Quevedo retired this month. She coordinated the finances and human resources departments, and shared many happy moments with the SND community. The sisters and employees are deeply grateful for her conscientious service and wish her all the best in her new ventures!
Left: Sr. Rebekah Kennedy presents Mary Jo Quevedo with a box of notes written by the SNDs of the region.
Right: Florie Pineda (the new finance manager), Sr. Joan Schlotfeldt and Mary Jo share a happy moment during her retirement celebration.
Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz, focusing on signs of God’s love and mercy,
is featured in the most recent edition of Global Sisters Report. Through this interview, readers will learn the history of Notre Dame Creations, and her unique approach to photography as ministry.

Stop Human Trafficking in LA
In preparation for the Super Bowl, the Junior League of Los Angeles is recruiting volunteers to help label bars of soap and makeup remover wipes for local hotels. Human Trafficking spikes during major sports events and this is a chance to help victims receive information about the Human Trafficking hotline. This labeling event is taking place on February 6 at The Ebell of Los Angeles from 11 am – 3 pm PST. See the attached flyer for all the details. Please note registration is required.
Currently, there's a national blood shortage. Vitalant is urging people to step up and donate to help rebuild the supply. Make your appointment today for the upcoming blood drive at La Reina High School. The drive will be held Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. To sign-up, please go to donors.vitalant.org and enter the Blood Drive Code: 8181 or call 805-542-8500. On behalf of those whose lives will be saved, thank you!