FAITH INTO ACTION AUGUST, 2020 NOTRE DAME SISTERS 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112 (402) 455.2994 | NotreDameSisters.org FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY. BELOW ARE UPDATES ON OUR WORK.
A successful year, thanks to you Dear Brothers and Sisters,
to us, and giving us the strength we need to respond justly and morally.
We recenly completed our 2019-2020 fiscal year, and looking back on what we have accomplished in that time is remarkable. This past year has brought with it changes to daily and working life that no one ever expected. We faced implementing distancing rules to keep our Sisters and the people we serve safe. We accepted the call to stand in solidarity with our brothers and Sisters separated at the US/Mexico border. We were called to investigate our own white privilege and our relationship to the people of color we live with and serve. Many are suffering. Will our pain help us to reach out in compassion to the pain of our brothers and sisters of color, the abused, the homeless, the disregarded of our world and let their pain touch us into action? In the midst of the noise and challenges and key decisions of our lives, we are called to go into our quiet and to pay attention to how God is speaking
We are grateful that through the tumult of 2020 our partners stand with us. With great generosity, we were able to purchase new technologies for our Sisters to keep in touch with each other, family and the global community, in addition to funding our important ministries. It is the actions not only of our Sisters, but also our partners, all of you, who change lives for the better. All our lives are changing in these unusual times, but we want to be able to reach out to those most deeply affected. Thank you for helping us do this! Sincerely,
Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND Provincial President of the Notre Dame Sisters
A year of bearing witness In June of 2019 the Notre Dame Sisters with the Servites and Sisters of Mercy came together to talk about the issue of Immigration and the crises of separation of families on our southern border with the question: “How can we as religious women respond to this?” We decided to bring attention to Omaha. We began bearing witness on 72th and Hickory Streets, holding signs to bring awareness of families separated at the US/Mexico border. Over the course of the year, through rain, snow, and heat the group grew, naming itself Mother and Others: Justice and Mercy for Immigrants. We continue to write letters to the editors and call our Congressional people, pleading for just legislation.
PRAY WITH US! For those afflicted with the coronavirus and for the dedicated health care providers attending to them. For people struggling with unemployment and are deeply concerned about the livelihood of their families. For researchers and those working to find a vaccine to overcome the virus. For school administrators and health care officials as they work to provide safe ways to resume the school year. For all of us as we live with the uncertainty of these days, that we keep ever before us the care, concern and needs of those struggling and alienated.
Did you know that we now have all of our videos on YouTube? Simply type this web address or find the link on our website! bit.ly/3366ND
Our new website is easy to navigate and full of great info In our ongoing efforts to reach new people, we have updated our website. You can still find all of the great information you always have, donate to the Sisters, or submit a prayer request. We now also have a historical timeline, news and event information, our Instagram feed, and more. Don't forget to check the website for weekly reflections on the gospels, reach out to a Sister, or learn more about our ministries.
Prayer is a daily ministry in which all Sisters participate In these very challenging and difficult days of a pandemic out of control causing so much turmoil, worry, pain and grief, one can feel quite overwhelmed. However, it is most evident that we need to rely on a power beyond ourselves and that is prayer. The Notre Dame Sisters truly believe and trust that through our private prayer or gathering together and remembering in prayer those in need, God can touch and heal. We trust deeply the words Jesus spoke, “Ask and you shall receive.” Prayer is a way of sharing loving concern that can bring strength to the weary, comfort to those in pain, wisdom to those confused. Prayer is an amazing way to connect with others throughout the world. It is God’s powerful way of being present in the world. We do not take lightly the phrase, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” Sisters Patricia and Mary Jo, for example, do just that in their daily prayer together. It is our daily ministry of lovingly caring for a world desperately in need of hope, healing and peace. It is our way of being present to our global community each day. ~ Sr. Rita Ostry, ND