Young Adult News

October 2024 Edition

Foundation Day for

Sisters of Notre Dame

On October 1, 1850, the first three sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld, Germany made their religious profession of vows kneeling before the Coesfeld crucifix in St. Lamberti Church. We are deeply indebted to these women and grateful for their openness to God's workings in their lives. The ministries in which we engage today are in the spirit of the faith and love of these women. Please pray with us in gratitude for the simple and inspiring works they began and for all those who have stood on their shoulders and continue the mission of Jesus in our own times.

The Coesfeld Crucifix

Care of Creation Examen

With the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, the Season of Creation, which began September 1, comes to an end for this year. Below is an Examen based on how we can care for our Common Home of Earth. May praying it help you to recognize and immerse yourself in God's goodness to us through the beauties of our world.

1. I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made. Where did I feel God’s presence in creation today?

2. I ask for the grace to see creation as God does – in all its splendor and suffering. Do I see the beauty of creation and hear the cries of the earth and the poor?

3. I ask for the grace to look closely to see how my life choices impact creation and the poor and vulnerable. What challenges or joys do I experience as I recall my care for creation? How can I turn away from a throwaway culture and instead stand in solidarity with creation and the poor?

4. I ask for the grace of conversion towards ecological justice and reconciliation. Where have I fallen short in caring for creation and my brothers and sisters? How do I ask for a conversion of heart?

5. I ask for the grace to reconcile my relationship with God, creation and humanity, and to stand in solidarity through my actions. How can I repair my relationship with creation and make choices consistent with my desire for reconciliation with creation?

6. I offer a closing prayer for the earth and the vulnerable in our society.

Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life offered a program for young adults which may be of interest to you. It is entitled "Young Adults in this Election Year: Rebuilding Broken Trust in Institutions and Leaders." The video of it can be seen by clicking the button.

Georgetown University Young Adults and the Election

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

As we shared with you last month, the Sisters of Notre Dame's Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) office keeps before us Catholic Social Teachings so that what we do is in keeping with Gospel values. We also encourage others to be witnesses to Jesus' message and mission.

Besides our corporate stance on racism, we also advocate for change based on Catholic Social Teachings. As Catholics and constituents, we have the privilege and responsibility of building relationships with those who represent us in government. As we build these relationships, we can share what we have experienced, observed or learned and challenge our officials to create or support legislation that provides more equitable conditions for all. One of the ways that we do that is an online platform called 'Voter Voice' through which we reach out to state and national leaders to effect change. The issues are always explained, and you can choose to send the letter on or not. If you would like to add your name to the email list to receive information on issues going before the House or Senate, please click on the link below to sign up for Voter Voice. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Ms. Katie Drager from our JPIC office at kdrager@sndusa.org.

Sisters of Notre Dame Voter Voice Sign Up

Synod on Synodality

The members of the Synod on Synodality will gather in Rome from September 30 - October 27 for the last session of the synod. As with the session last year, the first two days will be days of prayer and reflection lead by Father Timothy Radcliffe, OP and Mother Ignazia Angelini, OSB.

How can you unite yourself with the work of the synod and support those who are taking part in it? May your prayerful spirit add light to the workings of the synod.

Discernment for

Religious Life

Are you wondering about a call to religious life? The Sisters of Notre Dame Vocation Team is working with many women interested in exploring this call and learning more about discernment. If you want to be added to a list of faith sharing, retreats, and other opportunities for discerners, contact us at vocations@sndusa.org.

Events

Faith Sharing

Hope you can join us on Friday, October 11 at 8:00pm ET.

Monthly Faith Sharing Sign Up

United in Prayer

Our next United in Prayer is scheduled for Monday, October 14 at 6:00 pm ET /3:00 pm PT. If you are unable to join us in person, please go to the Facebook page for Sisters of Notre Dame Vocations for the online experience. Let us pray for peace wherever we are.