California Region

Mission Advancement Egram

November 30, 2022

Saturday, November 17, found all of the SNDs in the California region gathered at Notre Dame Center. A special treat was greeting Sr. Kristin Battles (who recently completed her service as SND Superior General) and Sr. Valerie Roxburgh (who has spent the last 2 years in the midwest). On the left, Sr. Leanne Hubbard shares a story with Sr. Kristin; on the right, Sr. Marie Paul Grech and Sr. Rita Marie Schroeder welcome Sr. Val.

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving is barely over and we seem to be bombarded with the word "gifts." Gift cards, gift wrapping paper, gag gifts, gift baskets... And then there is the tempter a la Amazon, "get yourself a little something..."

This brings to mind one of my favorite Scripture passages, "If only you knew the gifts God wants to give you..." (John 4:10). As we engage in spiritual preparation for Christmas this Advent, we can be certain that there are an abundance of gifts that God is waiting to share. Not necessarily gifts that money can buy, but the spiritual gifts of hope, serenity, peace and joy. As Sisters of Notre Dame, we are devoted to sharing these graces, not just during Advent and Christmas, but everyday of our lives. Together with believers of many faith communities, we recognize that these divine gifts have an infinite, eternal value.

So when you hear the temptation to "get yourself a little something," we pray that you will find yourself surfing the spiritual internet of prayerful, silent reflection. We guarantee that there is an abundance of spiritual gifts that God wants to give you, just waiting for your open hands and heart. Enjoy!

Blessings always,

Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services

PS--Thank you to our hundreds of donors who join us in bestowing the gifts of faith and spirituality, education, healing and hope to those entrusted to our care, both locally and around the world. If you would like to make a contribution in honor of someone special, follow this link. The SNDs will be delighted to mail your honoree a special Christmas greeting.

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat...

November provided many opportunities to provide food for the hungry as these photos depict.

Students from Notre Dame Academy donated food to the families of South Central LAMP, a partner ministry of the California Region of the SNDs. LAMP empowers women and their families to advocate for themselves and their children through English language education, literacy initiatives, early childhood programs and a food pantry program.

“Every child needs food to eat.” This is the simple sentiment expressed in the book For Every Child a Better World that was used to introduce Notre Dame Learning Center preschoolers to the concepts of empathy and generosity during the holiday season. They decorated a “sharing box” and were asked to bring their favorite boxed or canned food to share with hungry children in their local community. Many chose to bring in mac-n-cheese and peanut butter; the food was donated to Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank. Sr. Carol Marie Papet is shown on the left, with Teacher Erica Wolfe on the right.

During this season of giving,

please consider donating life-saving blood.

Saturday, Dec. 17,

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

La Reina High School & Middle School

106 W. Janss Rd.

Thousand Oaks 91360

Click here for further information...

South Central LAMP is hosting a Toy Wrapping Party on Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers (15 to 20) will wrap presents for the women and children that SC LAMP serves, and as they say, many hands make light work! If you’re able to lend a hand for a few hours, we’d appreciate your help. Follow this link to volunteer.

If you’re unable to attend, but would like to participate in our toy drive, you can find our Amazon Wish List here. Gifts for the mothers are also needed, and here is their list. All donations need to be delivered to LAMP by Tuesday, Dec. 6.

For more information on South Central LAMP, please visit our website at https://www.southcentrallamp.org/

THANK YOU FOR TOUCHING THE LIVES OF OUR LAMP FAMILY MEMBERS!

And be sure to check out these Nun Run perks for all participants:

• Custom Nun Run Medal

• Custom Nun Run Shirt - Sign up by Jan 25, 2023

• Post-Race Food and Fellowship

• Community Service Fair - booths from non-profit service organizations with information about their mission, programs and volunteer opportunities.

• Awards – both team and individual prizes 

The SNDs are deeply grateful to all of our previous and current participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers. Proceeds from this event underwrite SND outreach to those in need.  For complete information regarding registration, running and fundraising teams, and the community service fair, visit www.nun.run. For assistance in setting up a running or fundraising team, just email Jen Coito.

When registering or making a donation, be sure to select your favorite team.  And thank you for making it a habit!

SNDUSA Website

Vision & Challenge, Fall 2022

featuring nature photography

by Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz