WOMEN OF FAITH, MAKING A DIFFERENCE
APRIL, 2020 NOTRE DAME SISTERS 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112 (402) 455.2994 | NotreDameSisters.org
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY. BELOW ARE UPDATES ON OUR WORK. We are living in unusual times that call us to constantly look to our God for direction, assistance and wisdom. Many choices are out of our hands, many decisions have been made for us, and we are living as we have never lived before. We pray for the safety of our global community and especially those deepest in our hearts —our own relatives and friends, and each other. God holds us together in all of this. We will come out of this a stronger people, nation and world and we will have learned some valuable lessons. Our society is transitioning from one story or stance to another. One story is that of Separation and the other is Interbeing. Each has its own set of qualities. Both these stories affect our belief systems, our feelings, values and responses. In the Separation story one lives as a separate self in a world of the other. If there is more for you there is less for me and if there is more for me there is less for you. If you flourish or perish, it affects me. What I do doesn’t matter to you. The Separation story often uses the language of war. In the Interbeing story one is rooted in gift reciprocity and relationship. What I am is connected to who you are; what I do to another, I do to me. Every act is significant; I am gifted for the good of the whole. Each of us has a unique gift to give. The Interbeing story uses the language of love, compassion and connection. In this COVID-19 crisis we are seeing both stories being told; however, I do believe the Interbeing story is growing as individuals reach out to family, neighbors, friends and strangers and more and more are saying, “How can I help?” So much has changed in these last weeks and our world situation will not be changing soon. So important for us now is to live the moment we have with each other and to treasure it; to be mindful of the needs of those around us; to pray for the medical community and first responders; to pray for those who have the power to make decisions for all of us that they act out of wisdom and collaboration; to realize our own vulnerability and that of those around us. Let us continue holding each other in prayer and find ways to keep in touch. God bless you and God grant peace to our world. Wishing you peace, Margaret Hickey, ND Provincial President
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PRAY WITH US! We Sisters number 34 members. Sr. Christine Elias is currently in hospice, and we ask you for your prayers. We Sisters, who usually celebrate evning Mass together, are finding new ways to attend Mass and be together with one another, friends, and family.
For all those suffering with the coronavirus and the health care providers attending to them. For all people struggling to deal with the effects of dealing with this worldwide pandemic. For our refugees and immigrants throughout the world seeking safety, peace and a home that countries create just and welcoming policies.
Stephen Patrick O'Meara Honored with Service Award O’Meara was honored with the Mother Qaulberta Service Award for bringing attention to the human trafficking happening all around us, even when no one in Nebraska believed it was here. This former prosecutor in Nebraska and Iowa with a specialization in human trafficking and child welfare, is quick to cut off anyone who tries to list his accolades.“God prepared all of this to happen,” Stephen Patrick O’Meara affirmed. “I was not an outgoing kid, but I later realized how God prepared me to be a lawyer.” It was toward the end to already illustrious career (that O’meara reiterates was all God’s plan), he found Sr Celeste Wobeter, ND, and the Coalition on Human Trafficking.“Because the Coalition was a faith group of Sisters it was recommended for me to join. Celeste keeps me working! Started the hotel/motel program together,” O’Meara said.
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O’Meara began the Hotels/Motels Program with Sr Celeste in which the Coalition on Human Trafficking trained employees in the service industry, garnering major attention on the program and the issue. Elected officials, managers in the service industry, law enforcement, and the general public began supporting the Coalition. "Iowa is not immune from human trafficking as we sit at the crossroads of I-35 and I-80," said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who noted a trafficking ring recently was broken up in her hometown of Osceola.
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“Once people recognize that they themselves can do something about this, they get energized for our cause,” Sr Celeste said.
We can't wait to see you back at our Motherhouse Chapel in person for daily Mass when the virus passes
In fact, the Coalition is in the process of conducting 12 trainings in a 13-county area with OPPD with groups from 75-150 men “who are so incredibly attentive and grateful and ask great questions. They see the need and are grateful for the information, and we are grateful to teach them how to realize, recognize, and respond,” Sr Celeste continued.