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423 Christmases with the Notre Dame Sisters In a small town of Remiremont, in Central France, Alix Le Clerc was born on February 2, 1576. Her parents were honorable people who were well-to-do and she was known for being charming and dancing and having many friends. When Alix became ill at age 17, someone gave her a book on the judgments of God and her life altered. At 19, she had a dream where Our Lady, dressed in a religious habit, was standing near the altar in church. Our Lady spoke, "Come, my daughter, and I shall receive you." In a neighboring town of Mattaincourt, Peter Fourier was ordained a priest in 1589 when Alix was young. He was noted for his gentleness, kindness and special devotion to Our Lady. He made the choice to move to a poor, spiritually destitute parish. He soon lamented over the lack of education for young girls and resolved to find a way to offer education to them. Two years passed since Alix had her dream when her family moved near Mattaincourt. Alix attended church services where Fr. Peter preached and began confiding in him that she
wanted to join a religious order. As weeks went by she talked more with Fr. Peter and prayed on which order to join. She felt a strong urge to found a new house of Religious Daughters but Fr. Peter feared she wouldn’t find others to join her. Six weeks later, four inspired young girls joined Alix. The first act of the new Canonesses of St. Augustine was the appearance of the five young women, pronouncing vows, at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1597, less than six months after Alix met Fr. Peter. St. Peter Fourier and Blessed Alix Le Clerc are considered the remote founders of the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters. From the Archives submitted by Sr. Anita Rolenc, ND Read the full story at NotreDameSisters.org/news
We were thrilled by the turn-out for our poinsettia sale Friends, neighbors, and businesses all made a difference in the lives of local women. We raised more than $1,300 for our Safe Homes program and were able to spread some holiday cheer! The Safe Homes Program provides a “Path Forward” for hundreds of women and children leaving domestic violence shelters in Omaha. We provide startup funds for utilities and rent for one month and follow-up support. Thank you especially to John and Wende Kotouc who purchased poinsettias for American National Bank Employees, Harold's Koffee House which will have our poinsettias on their tables, and Home Instead who graciously gave poinsettias to the people they serve. John A. Gentleman Mortuary will adorn their chapel with our poinsettias, Physician's Mutual order some for their offices, and Hiller Electric also supported the endeavor. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!
PRAY WITH US! Family members, coworkers, and friends struggling with the COVID pandemic. For newly elected national leaders as they assume their roles, they lead with wisdom and courage advocating for peace and justice in our world. For our sisters and brothers in Central America experiencing the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Eta.
Save the Date! Our annual Celebration of Spirit Dinner has been scheduled for: March 21, 2021
Did you know that we now have all of our videos on YouTube? Follow our story on a new platform!
A prayer during troubling times from Sr. Margaret Proskovec, ND There are many ways our hearts are troubled these days, seeming to come from all directions. A simple prayer I learned some 50 years ago by Marshall comes to mind often and speaks to the deep longing in my unsettled spirit. “O God, when we long for life without trials, without difficulties Remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” Dr. Peter Marshall, U.S. Senate Chaplain, Jan. 1947 – Jan. 1949 Similarly, in John 14:6, Jesus encourages his disciples – and us – saying: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus doesn’t mean for us to ignore the realities of life, but to find our way by facing the truth from the heart of what is happening… that makes growth in strength and grace possible. Our Savior invites us to respond in loving, caring ways with trust and faith in God’s power working with and through us, no matter what reality may throw at us, no matter what our limitations may be. So, as Christmas approaches, I long for the empowering presence of the One who is “the Glory of God’s own Son, full of Grace and Truth” to enter more fully into our troubled hearts. (Cf. Jn. 1:14) ~Sr. Margaret Proskovec, ND
Thanks for your generous gifts from our Amazon Wish List - passing them out was a blessing! We tried something new for #GivingTuesday this year, and weren't sure how our friends and partners would respond to it. Rather than asking for financial contributions on this international giving day (December 1), we asked for some basic necessities for the coming winter. With the help of SHARE Omaha we created an Amazon Wish List and invited people to purchase something for the Sisters while they shopped on Amazon.
We were all overwhelmed and amazed at the outpouring of generosity. Roughly 200 items were purchased and delivered directly to the Sisters. These gifts such as lift chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs will go a long way towards keeping us safe and comfortable all winter long. The smaller items were a huge hit as well, especially since some items are hard to find. Even the simple gift of toilet paper and toothpaste meant a lot to us!
THERE IS STILL TIME TO MAKE ONE MORE 2020 CONTRIBUTION AT NOTREDAMESISTERS.ORG!