FAITH INTO ACTION JULY, 2020 NOTRE DAME SISTERS 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112 (402) 455.2994 | NotreDameSisters.org FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY. BELOW ARE UPDATES ON OUR WORK.
During this time of civil unrest Dear Brothers and Sisters, My heart is torn in so many directions these days – from COVID-19 to the effects systemic racism has on our communities and country. The devastation that is resulting from both is weakening our nation. Day after day, innocent people are being harmed. The very soul of our nation is dying. This past month, people have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the deaths of unarmed people of color at the hands of police officers. In our very own Omaha community, citizens and police have been hurt, a young man has been shot and killed, and anger continues to boil over. To our brothers and sisters of color, we are with you. We stand in witness to the struggles you face daily in our community. We want to see justice served for senseless murders. Since the pandemic began we hear the recurring phrase, “We are in this together.” It can be difficult to believe
this when we see neighbor standing against neighbor on every TV news station. Let’s not let this phrase be buried under all that we are viewing each day. Remember, we ARE in this together. In Omaha, our police are and our community are in this together. In Omaha, our citizens of color and our local government are in this together. In Omaha, our religious and non-religious neighbors are in this together. As a woman religious, I ask forgiveness of our sisters and brothers of color for inadvertently bringing harm by my inaction and through my negative action. I pray for the healing of relationships; I pray for healing for our cities and our nation. I wish to dedicate myself, once again, to building God’s beloved community. Can we try this together? Sincerely,
Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND Provincial President of the Notre Dame Sisters
We have a new look! Every 20 years or so it is recommended to get a refreshed or new logo. While we want to have a more modern look, we are so tied to our symbol we didn't completely redesign it. The logo's colors and type have been updated, but the symbolism remains the same. The three elements—the cross for our faith, the letter M for Mary for whom our Congregation is named, and wheat represents the Eucharist and the initial vision of our foundress for a congregation that would endure through many difficulties and persecutions— represent essential elements of our vocation, history, and identity.
PRAY WITH US! • For all those struggling with health concerns, those affected by the virus and the staff serving them. • For world leaders and legislators in all countries that the common good of all is at the heart of their decision making. • For an end to racism, oppression and poverty plaguing so many of our sisters and brothers. • For peace in our hearts, communities and the world.
Celebrating a reunion online We weren't sure how a completely online reunion would go. We expected a small turnout and some technical glitches...Wow, were we surprised!
We had around 50 alumnae and Sisters join us on our Zoom call, with updates from the Sisters, from the Class of 1970, and many others. We were so impressed with how many people knew the trivia questions! "It was so delightful seeing many of you at the 'reunion,'" said Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND. "I always love seeing you and hearing your stories and see you connecting with each other. Together we make a great group of women, right? Please stay well and happy and hope we will be together again soon." "It was nice to hear the girls ask how the Sisters are doing," said Sr. Josita Hanus, ND. "The recent support of the Alumnae towards the “Celebration of Spirit Online Auction”, the success of “Omaha Gives” and the recent response to the “Spring Appeal” touched us Sisters deeply. Know that all the Sisters remember in their daily prayers all their former students including the graduates of Notre Dame Academy and their family members."
DON'T MISS OUT! Did you know that our Sisters and Associates write a reflection each and every week about the Sunday gospel? Don't miss out on these insightful reflections by some of your favorite people. Go to notredamesisters.org/ weekly-reflections for the latest!
Join us for live conversations Each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. we will stream a live conversation with one of our Sisters. If you are on Facebook, you can enter questions in the comment section and we will do our best to answer them! If you are not on Facebook, no problem! You can still watch live at 10:30 at facebook.com/notredamesisters on any Wednesday and our live video will pop up for you to view.