California Region


Mission Advancement Egram


October 30, 2023

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. 

MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT

...excitement for the future

Dear Friends,


Over the weekend of October 20-22, Sr. Val Roxburgh hosted a Young Women's Retreat at Notre Dame Center. It was a time to reflect on their individual needs and their desire to grow closer to God. They also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the SNDs.


Here are some uplifting comments from the retreatants:


  • I'm happy to discover some people who love Jesus so much...
  • Prayer brings so much positivity into our negative world--we are so thankful to our prayer partners from across the United States!
  • Feeling the warm embrace of God this weekend has forever changed us...
  • I'm excited for the future...


We are deeply grateful to our many friends and donors whose generosity makes this type of event possible. The SNDs have identified outreach to young adults as one of our ministry priorities. As we recognize the potential ripple effect of our outreach, we are renewed in our commitment! Thank you for being part of our great story!


Blessings always,

Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Director of Mission Advancement Services


PS--Please join us in prayer for many blessings for those discerning God's call to consecrated religious life, diaconate or priesthood. National Vocations Awareness Week is November 5 through 11...

FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE

Where are you going?

...discerning one's call in life


Labor Day weekend found Sr. Grace Leung assisting young adults at the CACCLC (California Chinese Catholic Living Camp). She found that "they were on fire for God with many questions about our own discernment journeys. I also shared how my cultural background influenced me in my journey to religious life.... It was truly an inspiring weekend for me to share my experiences with these fine young adults."

St. Bonnie Hall of Fame

...honoring an SND loyal fan


Sr. Josanne Furey was recently inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura. As a staff member there from 1984 until 2007, she was a devoted fan of the Seraph football team. Sr. Rebekah Kennedy accepted the plaque in her honor and commented "I am confident that from her place in heaven, Sr. Josanne is wearing her Seraph's jacket and smiling broadly...."

Notre Dame Academy to launch all-girls middle school

...exploring each student's God-given potential

In its spirit of growth and innovation, Notre Dame Academy will launch a middle school designed exclusively for sixth- through eighth-grade girls in fall 2024. By offering a space in which middle school girls can explore, wonder, and grow in their God-given potential, the school will balance a rigorous, integrated curriculum with robust opportunities to build connection and sisterhood. 


Developed intentionally not just with girls but rather for girls, the differentiated curriculum features robust STEM offerings, including applied math and math lab, project-based science, innovation, and coding, along with integrated humanities, such as English language arts courses combined with social science. NDA’s strong Catholic identity and service learning program provide the foundation for age-appropriate leadership, social-emotional development, and self-discovery. 


Follow this link for more information.

La Reina achieves multiple recognitions

...celebrating commitment!

La Reina High School & Middle School school received the Ventura County Star's Reader's Choice Best Private School in Ventura County for the third consecutive year.

Other recent awards include 

  • The Platinum 2023 AP School Honor Roll, recognizing La Reina's commitment to a college culture, providing opportunities to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.
  • The Platinum 2023 AP Access Award which honors schools that demonstrate an effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.

Congratulations to La Reina senior, Ella Coleman, who was recently crowned as Miss Teen United States 2023! Ella is the founder of the non-profit organization Accessible Community Tutoring (ACT) to help under-resourced students with tutoring and study tools to achieve their goals. The school community is proud of Ella and looks forward to hearing of her future ventures.

Many Mansions invites holiday helpers

...sharing joy with those in need

This time of year can be especially challenging for those who struggle to provide food and necessities for their families. The community is invited to support Many Mansions families by donating grocery gift cards and unwrapped holiday gifts. Many Mansions residents live in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. For further information, follow this link. Thank you!

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

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

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 - 3:30 p.m.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels


Religious Jubilarian Mass


Please join the Sisters of Notre Dame as we celebrate 100 years of presence and service in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Religious sisters, brothers and priests from the Archdiocese will celebrate jubilee anniversaries as individuals and communities. Follow this link for further information; it will be updated as it becomes available.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 - 8:00 a.m.

La Reina High School & Middle School


10th Annual Nun Run


The Nun Run is celebrating 10 years of Nun-Stop Fun! The 10th annual Nun Run is scheduled for Saturday, February 3, and 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.


Although the event is more than three months away, these teams are already formed and jockeying for the winner's circle:

Chardon-Ay

Holy Toledo

Horan Siblings & Friends

LA Star Steppers

Megaffin's Marathoners

Our Lady of Guadalupe School

SND Associates

St. Jude the Apostle School

St. Paschal Baylon School Bears

Tarn Family

Thousand Oaks Flyers



If you have already registered and wish to join a team, please email [email protected].

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