Oktoberfest Weekly Winners - 2025!
Our last Oktoberfest drawing took place at Villa Assumpta, today! Thank you to everyone who supported this annual fundraiser. Because of you we raised over $121,000!
News
Let us unite for peace in our world
Join Shalom North America’s virtual prayer room for peace! Open every Friday, 10 am – 10 pm, EST.
VA Mass of Remembrance
On October 5th, our sisters hosted a mass at Villa Assumpta, “Celebrating a Legacy of Love,” to recognize the last open mass at their home before moving to Stella Maris. More than 200 people gathered for mass and lunch and shared memories!
Sister Adele Shea, SSND - 1933 – 2025
At her 60th Jubilee, Adele wrote, “Early on I fell in love with Jesus Christ. He was so important in my life. My love has grown, and my trust in God’s love has been strengthened.” For twenty-five years as sacristan, she meticulously prepared the Lord’s table for the Eucharistic Celebration and other prayerful events. We give thanks for her generous spirit among us!
A Canadian Pilgrimage of Trust & Belonging
On Thanksgiving weekend, 12 residents and six of us volunteers from A Better Tent City in Kitchener, Ontario, ventured on a two-hour bus 'pilgrimage' of sorts to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We went down to the Niagara River for an exciting ride on the Maid of the Mist!
Alzheimer’s Walk at Stella Maris on October 16th
On a chilly but pretty day in October, the Sisters at Stella Maris participated in the 4th Annual Walk to end Alzheimer’s Disease. Wrapped in colorful Afghans, sweaters, blankets and hats, we held flowers and signs to cheer on the walkers. It was a delightful outdoor event!
Exciting Moments from the Center
One of the most exciting moments for the teachers and staff of SSND Educational Center is when our graduates share their success stories with us. SSNDEC is a family affair. We are never happier than when we see our graduates and their families thriving!
Chicago Area Associates Re-Covenant
Sisters, Associates and guests gathered at Marian Village for the annual Chicago-area recovenanting ceremony on September 21. This was a special day for associate Kathi Barth, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first covenant.
SAB Graduate: One Young Woman's Story
When I attended Sisters Academy of Baltimore back in 2015-2019, I quickly realized it is much more than a school. It's home, in many ways. Principal Sister Delia Dowling, the teachers, and the staff were our coaches, cheerleaders, mentors, and teachers. What makes this place so different, though, is that those important people continue to be important in our lives today.
SSND Archivist Shares Stories
Michele Levandoski, director of the SSND North American Archives in Milwaukee, recently shared some thoughts on a Facebook page run by the Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious.
Sisters Thank VA Staff
Among all the challenges of moving to Stella Maris is having to say goodbye to most of our beloved staff members. We held a ritual in the Assembly Room on Sept. 29 to thank them for their service. The room was packed with Sisters, the Provincial Council, and staff members.
Celebrating Foundation Day 2025!
As we celebrate the founding of our congregation, may we faithfully follow the example of Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, our foundress, who placed her trust and hope in God. She dared everything and enabled in so many, the belief that God loves us all.
Associate Leaders Meet
The inaugural gathering of Associate area coordinators and directors from the Atlantic-Midwest and the Central Pacific Provinces occurred Sept. 18 via Zoom. The purpose was to provide mutual support, share successes and challenges, and enjoy fellowship.
Letting Go: Sisters Share Thoughts
Villa Assumpta has been all bustle and commotion lately, with our Sisters packing and preparing for their move to Stella Maris. Recently, I asked four Sisters how they are feeling about their move...
A Composite of Heartfelt Thank Yous to Sisters
As immigrants, we left our native land to come here. We were scared to live in our old country, and maybe just as frightened to come to this one, with all its new ways of living.
Foundation Day Prayer 2025
Today, we celebrate Foundation Day during the Jubilee Holy Year 2025 with its focus on Pilgrims of Hope. Journeying globally as a universal Church toward Hope calls forth historical and other contemporary examples of Pilgrims of Hope, internationally, nationally and congregationally.
Northeast Associates Celebrate First Covenants
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Associates and Sisters from the Northeast area gathered at 3030 Park (Senior Living Hospitality) in Bridgeport, CT to celebrate the First Covenants of Helen Ramos and Larry Vitulano.
Pilgrimage of Hope: A Journey of Reflection, Responsibility, and Hope
During the Season of Creation, at the invitation of the province JPIC Pilgrimage of Hope Committee, our School Sisters of Notre Dame, Waterdown, hosted a deeply reflective and inspiring program centered on the theme Peace with Creation. Sisters and Associates gathered to explore their connection with nature, deepen their understanding of ecological responsibility, and reflect on the spiritual call to care for the Earth.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving Day 2025
On Monday, October 13, our province celebrates Canadian Thanksgiving Day with our sisters, associates and staff in Canada. We give God praise and thanks for all we have received and pray in gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon us, our family, friends and congregation.
Sister Dorothy Mary Leising, SSND - 1924 - 2025
Sister Dorothy's parents, Mary Smith and George Leising, instilled deep faith in their 9 children, with two sons, ordained as priests, and their daughters Dorothy, Blanche, and Florence all becoming School Sisters of Notre Dame! In her words, “I felt drawn to them in a special way. Their whole-hearted, self-sacrificing lives radiated through every day.” May Dottie’s boundless love and energy permeate our SSND life.
Nicholas Black Elk on the Road to Canonization
As we approach Indigenous People’s Day on October 13, you may wish to share the story of Black Elk with your community or family and offer his prayer: Great Spirit, Creating Love, we are made in Your image and likeness...
Looking at God in New and Grace-Filled Ways
Early on in the retreat the question: “Why did God make you?’ received a strong chorus answer right out of our Baltimore Catechism days. “Wrong!” Honora said as she quoted Fr. Charlie Mulholand’s homily, “God made me so that God could know me, love me and be happy with me in this life and in the next.”
New Ministry Leads to New Friends
Nine years ago, I finished my ministry as a Director of Religious Education and pondered what was next in my life. I discovered an organization that welcomes immigrants and introduces them to their new homes and lives. Now I join other volunteers and visit immigrant families each week.
My Graced Adventure of Aging
Over the years, I was asked or offered to move into all sorts of unfamiliar ministerial situations. Having lots of physical and imaginative creative energy, I was quick to respond and act - to do anything, go anywhere. I inherited the spirit of my parents who emigrated from Germany for the adventure of America. The adventurous spirit in all the Theresa and Caroline stories helped to attract me to SSND. My life in SSND has always felt adventurous.
