Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN shares her reflections offered to our SNDdeN Jubilarians on September 28, 2008.

Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN

Jubilee …a time to go on pilgrimage…a pilgrimage of the mind and heart…an invitation to go back to your beginnings  and to our beginnings  in Notre Dame.

In today’s gospel the opening line is compelling…as Peter makes it clear, “Look, we have left everything and followed you”. He gives me cause to ask myself, ‘What was the EVERYTHING I left behind as I entered Notre Dame?’ I invite you to take a moment to remember, what was the EVERYTHING you left behind as you entered Notre Dame? 

 As you hold that memory, notice that Jesus doesn’t let Peter get into writing his first encyclical about the ‘everything’ left behind. Rather he engages in awakening Peter to the reality that in letting go, in leaving everything, he will receive a hundred fold and he will give a hundredfold. It will take time for Peter and the disciples to experience that truth…

When I was younger in Notre Dame after Vatican II, directed retreats became an option to preached retreats. I remember going on my first directed retreat and the director asking what was the grace I desired from the retreat.  I answered, “I want to know God better and to know myself better.”  Over the next five days each time we met I could only say about my prayer that nothing happened. On the last day I came in with a broad smile and announced that God had spoken.  The director curiously asked, “And what did God say?”  He said, “I am God and you are not!”

 That was the beginning of a retreat that has continued up to this moment…an awakening to my own humanness and God’s otherness… an awakening to God’s passionate desire to deepen our relationship… 

  …Time has a way of awakening us to the truth that the hundred fold is about a life long relationship that will change everything…

 

 -A relationship with our creative, imaginative, loving God who awakens us to the truth that creation is ongoing and that together with our good God, we craft each new day into being.

-A relationship with Jesus who reveals to us what being human means…Jesus who sets the captive free within us… setting us free to love… setting us free to engender life wherever we are.

-A relationship with the Spirit, breathing wisdom into our hearts …helping us to see with new eyes, to breathe that same life giving spirit into our relationships with others.

 

  …Can you remember when that was true for you …when the journey outward became the journey inward and God became real in a way the changed everything? 

 As you look back over your pilgrimage in Notre Dame and reflect on each of your missions, and communities what surprises did God hold in store for you?

-In what ways were you at work with God crafting each new day?

-In what ways were you engendering life, at times, experiencing great cost to yourself?

-In what ways has the Spirit, Wisdom breathed her breath on you and through you on others?

 Jubilee:

…a time of pilgrimage

…a time of remembering

…of bringing back to life so many moments of the journey

…a time of Eucharist

…of nourishing and being nourished in the remembering…

 

Jubilee:

…a time of celebrating how good is our good God! …

 

 

 

 

 

ORIENTATION

February 2009

The readings from February 22, 2009 help us to look forward to a new season of hope and of repentance. In today’s readings the theme is clear: God urges us to stop dwelling on the wonders He has worked in the past. God wants us to see the signs and wonders He is doing right now. And in order to recognize God’s action in the world today, we must be renewed! We must change our hearts!

In the gospel, Jesus heals a paralytic and shows what it means to help others and to be helped by others when needed.

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Lent is a time of newness—new resolutions and new beginnings.

JESUS HEALS A PARALYTIC

When He returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered together around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk?’ But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” – Mark 2:1-12

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition © 1993 and 1989 by the Division of  Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

 1.     If you were one of the paralytic’s friends and saw the crowds, what would you have done?

2.     Which feeling bests describes how would you feel if you were the paralytic when your friends decided to help you “drop in” on Jesus? (wary, grateful, apprehensive, mixed feelings, scared)

3.     What quality do the four men possess that impresses you the most? (faith, ingenuity, concern for their friend, determination, boldness)

4.     If you had friends who would take you to Jesus for healing today, what kind of healing would you ask for? (physical, spiritual, emotional, boldness)

5.     What characteristic do you most value in a friend? (loyalty, good humor, compassion, honesty, understanding, strong faith, others: ________________)

 

PRAYER

Find a quiet place to pray. Let go of the stress and anxiety of the day. Become aware of God’s closeness to you.

 After a while, slowly READ the gospel passage from St. Mark. Notice the different groups of people and their re-actions to the un-named paralytic and his four friends.

 Take time to RE-READ the gospel passage. What words or phrases stand out for you? Who is speaking them? What do they mean to you?

 Share your questions and insights with Jesus. Listen to his responses.

 Pray: GLORY BE to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever!

ST. JULIE SAYS

“Let us be cross-bearers. My dear, dear daughters, let us love the cross. In the cross, just because they cherish it, true Sisters of Notre Dame find peace.” –St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

 

 

 

 January 11, 2009

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

 

ORIENTATION

 

Our celebration of the Christmas Season does not end with the baby Jesus but with the adult Jesus.  Jesus’ baptism (at approximately 30 years old) by his cousin, John, was the beginning of his saving mission as the “beloved Son.” From this point on Jesus goes “public.” Like Jesus, our Baptism (whether as an infant or an adult) is a daily invitation to participate in the mission of Jesus and a lifelong commitment. At the heart of this mission is being faithful to the relationship to God and proclaiming to others God’s continued “mighty deeds” undertaken for our salvation.

 

This Sunday also marks the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week (January 11-17, 2009). At his baptism Jesus is named the “beloved Son of God.” With this celebration we are called to recommit ourselves to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We are also initiated through our own baptism to be the Beloved of God, commissioned to proclaim Good News with our lives.  

 

As a single, married, or woman religious, how will you best proclaim the Good News?

 

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

 

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1:7-11)

 

 

PRAYER

 

Find a quiet place to pray. Let go of the stress and anxiety of the day. Become aware of God’s closeness to you.

 

After a while, slowly READ the gospel passage from St. Mark savoring each phrase.  

 

RE-READ the passage. What words or phrases stand out for you? Who is speaking them? What do they mean to you?

 

Share your questions and insights with Jesus. Listen to his responses.

Pray: GLORY BE to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever!

 

Announcement:

View a short clip of They killed Sister Dorothy at You Tube.

http://www.youtubes.com/watch?v=sVaqqPURp1U

Check at www.ASKanSND.org during January for the date, time and channel for the TV viewing of They Killed Sister Dorothy.

 

 

 Sr. Ellen McAdam SNDdeN made her first vows as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at St. Isaac Jogues Church in East Hartford, CT.

The ceremony was marked with touches of this young teacher who prepared the Liturgy to include her family, friends and Sisters of Notre Dame. Her father, Rev. Mr. Robert McAdam delivered the homily. 

Novices Chinomnso Ewelike, Vivien Echekwubelu, Nancy Uhl and Srs. Patricia Toce, Sara-Ann Buckley, and Mary Rose Crowley were part of the Offertory Procession.

Sr. Virginia Sheehan SNDdeN, carrying a Notre Dame Processional Cross began the Entrance Procession. She was followed by newer members including Sr. Paula Jurigian SNDdeN (earlier post) and novice Diane Whitmarsh (earlier post).

The Rite of Profession came after  the Liturgy of the Word and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Sister Sara-Ann Buckley SNDdeN, Novice Director, gave an introduction to the rite and introduced Sr. Mary Rose Crowley SNDdeN, Leadership Representative for the CT Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sr. Mary Rose Crowley and Sr. Ellen McAdam

Sr. Mary Rose “called forth” Sister Ellen McAdam. “As Sisters of Notre Dame, daughters of Julie and Françoise, our mission calls us to live the community of love and justice envisioned by Jesus; to strive to be women of prayer united with God and responsive to the Spirit; and to stand with the poor through a diversity of ministries that all may experience fully God’s goodness. Ellen, will you commit your life with us, your sisters, as together we discern our deepening response to this mission?”

Sr. Ellen responded enthusiastically “Yes, I will commit my life with you.”

On Sunday, September 28, 2008, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Associates, Friends and Families gathered in Our Lady Queen Chapel in Ipswich, MA to celebrate 42 Sister Jubilarians. 11 Sisters reach gold (50 years), while 16 diamond (60 years), 11 platinum (70 years), 3 oak (75 years) and 1  alabaster (80 years) milestones. Their diverse ministries cross all levels of education including a college president, high school and elementary school principals, teachers and counselors.

Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN

The Sister Jubilarians chose Mark 10:28-31 for the gospel reading of the Liturgy. Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN offered her reflections on Peter’s remark: “We have given up everything to follow you.”

Peter’s very human comment follows a section often referred to as “The Rich Young Man.” The young man asks Jesus about “inheriting eternal life.” Jesus answers his queston. He responds that he has done what Jesus asks “since his youth.” And then, Jesus looks at him, loves him, and says to him: “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At this remark, the story continues, the young man’s face fell, and he went away, for he had many possessions.

Taking the long view of life from 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 years of consecrated living, those present could testify that Jesus’ answer is true! “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

What have you given up to follow Jesus?

On September 6, 2008, Sr. Paula Jurigian made her perpetual commitment as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. In the midst of Sisters of Notre Dame, family and friends, Paula professed perpetual vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience to God as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur during a Eucharistic Celebration. From start to finish the afternoon was truly blessed!

Sr. Paula, Sr. Rosemary (Leadership), Sr. Jane McAndrews (Mentor)

The Rite of Profession took place within an Eurcharistic Liturgy or Mass. This particular rite is celebrated between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It has three parts: The Calling Forth, a Covenant Ceremony between the Sisters and Paula and the Profession of Vows.

Sr. Rosemary Crowley began the Rite of Profession by calling Paula to stand with her in front of the congregation. During this part, the whole congregation hears that “you have been called by God and by this community to profess your commitment within the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. What do you seek?” Paula answers: “After prayer, reflection and discernment, I come today to prfess perpetual vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience to God as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.”

The Covenant Ceremony follows the Calling Forth. A covenant is an agreement between two parties by which they lovingly bind themselves to each other in privileges and responsiblities. By professing perpetual vows as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, Paula enters into a covenant with her Sisters in mutual service to God’s people.

Sr. Paula professes her vows after lighting a candle reminding her of her baptism.

Paula acknowedges with deep gratitude the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have been with her on her journey. “My life has been and continues to be blessed by the friendship, love, support, challenge and prayer you have shared with me at every step of my journey. Your lives have inspired me, your words have affirmed me, and your friendship has empowered me as I have deepened my commitment to the mission of God through the Congregation.”

The Sisters respond: “Paula, we your Sisters join you in giving praise and thanks to our good God for your desire to live your life according to your calling. …We, your Sisters support you in this commitment and promise that we too will walk with ou as together we strive to ack justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God…”

The Profession of Vows, follows next with the Lighting of the Candle, Profession of Vows, Signing of the Profession Document, Affirmation of the Community and the Sign of Peace.

After the Rite of Profession, the Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rite.

To be continued

Diane became a novice today at a Blessing Ceremony and Rite of Reception into the Novitiate held in Ipswich, MA. She was joined by Sisters of Notre Dame, family and friends. She was welcomed by Sr. Edie Daly SNDdeN who is one of our Formation Ministers.

Diane's community, Diane and Sr. Rosemary

During the ritual many Sisters, who have worked with her during the last two and a half years, publicly witnessed to her sincerity, depth of prayer, and love of the poor.

Sr. Sara Ann Buckley SNDdeN, Novice Director, began the formal reception rite by calling forward Diane. Following testimonies from her formation community, her mentor and a representative from the province leadership team, Diane is specifically asked–”Do you wish to begin this next phase of incorporation into the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur?” Diane answered: “Yes, this is what I wish and sincerely desire with all my heart.”

With this affirmative response, Sr. Rosemary Crowley SNDdeN, the Leadership Representative, and Diane enter into a dialog that explains the purpose of the canonical novitiate year. “You will be given the sacred space and time needed to come to know Jesus Christ more intimately and to integrate your life of contemplation, ministry and community living. May you come to a deeper understanding of our Notre Dame heritage and may our good God increase your desire to live as a Sister of Notre Dame.” Throughout the ritual the assembled Sisters of Notre Dame pledge to support Diane, as well as the other two novices, Nancy and Vivien, that will be living in the canonical novitiate community in Hartford, CT.

Sr. Rosemary hugs, a smiling Diane, after presenting the novice cross.

Sr. Rosemary presented the novice cross while Sr. SaraAnn presented The Letters of St. Julie. This signals the community to sing “Ah! God is good!” A Prayer of Blessing and Closing Song concluded the ritual.

Diane’s family and Sisters continued the celebration with dinner at noon in the Sisters’ Dining Room.