California Region


Mission Advancement Egram


January 31, 2024

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. 

MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT

...there is a time...

Dear Friends,


To paraphrase the words of Ecclesiastes, there is a time to begin and a time to end. Last week, the Board of Directors of La Reina High School & Middle School announced that La Reina will close as of June 30, 2024. All involved recognize that this was a very difficult and painful decision. The Board of Directors has shared this document, providing answers to some of the questions currently circulating in the community.

Having spent 30 years in ministry at La Reina, I can only thank God for the privilege of journeying with so many wonderful students, parents and staff members. I am also confident that the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame will certainly continue through the lives of those God has entrusted to us at La Reina over the years. Thank you for being part of our great story.


Blessings always,

Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

Kicking off the SND California Centennial!

On January 28, the SNDs were honored at the annual Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for our 100 years of continuous service in Los Angeles. It was a celebration of profound grace as we opened our Centennial Year. Gratitude to God, to individual jubilarians and to several religious orders comprised the theme for this liturgy and reception. Golden Jubilarians Sr. Julie Marie Arriaga and Sr. Margaret Mary Scott receive congratulations from Archbishop Jose Gomez.

Sr. Anncarla Costello welcomes graduates of St. Leo School, Watts.

Sr. Judeen Julier, Sr. Jolisa Lazaro, Sr. Paulynne Tubick and Sr. Shawn Marie Doyle celebrate with parishioners from St. Lawrence of Brindisi Church, Watts, one of the two pioneer parishes in which the SNDs ministered.

January happenings...

Sisters from across the United States visited in early January for the "Press Pause" program. This is a renewal program based on Laudato Si by Pope Francis. Through presentations, prayer, reflections, excursions and artistic activities, the participants encountered God's presence and deepened their awareness of the unity of all creation. In this photo Sr. M. Jane Vovk of Chardon, Ohio, creates an ink drawing.

Responding to those in need in Mexico, the SNDs led a clothing drive. Fr. Gustavo Castillo of St. John's Seminary coordinated efforts from many groups. Preparing to load a truck are Sr. Teresita Keliher, Sr. Antoinette Moon and Fr. Gustavo.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

...living with one heart, one hope, one mission

Through Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024


Virtual Nun Run


We have decided that our 2024 Nun Run will be virtual. There will be no in-person event as previously planned for Saturday, Feb. 3.


Here's how the virtual event will work. Participants will be able to walk or run any time through Saturday, Feb. 3. Our Nun Run team will mail your souvenir t-shirt and finisher medal. Those who are already registered for the in-person event will be able to request a refund of their event fee or transfer to the virtual run. Log into your race account on www.nun.run for further instructions.


All proceeds from the event will continue to support the SND Life & Ministry Fund, focusing on outreach to the homeless, immigrants, human trafficking survivors, the elderly, the sick and others in need. They have long been the beneficiaries of this event, and we continue to appreciate all who support the SND mission.

Thursday, March 14, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Holy Cross Church, Moorpark


How are the Spiritual Works of Mercy Essential in our World Today?

presented by Sr. Val Roxburgh


Friday, March 15, Noon to 1:00 p.m.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Whittier


Jesus, I Surrender Myself to You,

You Take Care of Everything

presented by Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz

SNDUSA Website

SND USA Magazine, Fall, 2023

SND 2022 Impact Report, California Region