Recently, I had the opportunity to have lunch at The Convent. For those of you who may not know, that is the new name given to the New Dawn Centre for Arts and Culture, the former Holy Angels Convent in Sydney. No, I was not downstairs in the old kitchen; I was upstairs in the new Better Bite Café, in the space that once was the sisters’ community room. This café is but one of the many projects operating out of our former Congregation de Notre-Dame convent. It is a venture whose profits go back into funding some of New Dawn’s valued community undertakings, many of which would be dear to the heart of former Congregation de Notre-Dame residents, and very much in keeping with our continued mission of liberating education. New Dawn’s mission of creating a culture of self-reliance through social innovation translates into creating an environment in The Convent for the development of music, art, and drama, not to mention providing culinary education and training for the healthy “meals on wheels” program and other socially conscious endeavours.
Following the announcement, last May, of the passing of Sister Louise Côté (S.S.-Claire-des-Anges), the sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame had to postpone the funeral due to the health measures imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The ceremony in memory of Sister Louise is therefore taking place on September 17, 2020.
Summertime Event in Woodstock, August 19, 2020
Congrégation de Notre-Dame Associates gathered in Woodstock, on the pool patio at the home of Helen. We received two new Associates, Myrna and Ellen. Marjorie Allison-Ross led us in a prayer service that included a reading from Marguerite’s Writings, a poem from Janet Malone’s work, and an inclusive listing of prayer intentions ranging from local concerns to issues from the peripheries. Father Martin Arputham, newly installed pastor, was present to share in our celebration. He appreciated learning about Saint Marguerite and Congrégation de Notre-Dame Associates.
Bouquets of daisies were presented to the new Associates, to Helen, our hostess, and to the “out-of-town” Sister, myself.
Sister Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Maria Vazquez talks about Associate Relationship and what it means to be an Associate, what they do, what they live together, how they pray... and how it all connects!
Maria Vazquez
Sr. Joan Curtin, CND, works for the Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of New York, supporting catechists, catechumen, and their families, and nurturing their faith!
Sister Joan Curtin, CND
As a former teacher, campus minister, vice principal and principal in a high school, Sr. Patricia knows education is not only about academics.
Sister Patricia Ells, CND
As a nurse, Sister Janet Lawrence, CND, isn't new to compassionate care but becoming a hospital chaplain opens a new path for her to accompany the sick and heal on a different level.
Sister Janet Lawrence, CND, on becoming a chaplain
Sr. Kathleen Deignan, CND, is a teaching theologian at Iona College. She sees young people yearning for spirituality and explores with them the teachings of Thomas Merton and Thomas Berry. An accomplished musician, Sister Kathleen's own spirituality is also nourished... by song!
Spirituality and Songs, Kathleen Deignan, CND
Sr. Maria Cassano has been the Principal of St. Jean Baptiste High School in NYC for over 10 years. She speaks of the school and of liberating education.
Sister Maria Cassano, CND
In this #Nunday video, Sister Sue shares what she loves most about being a sister and being part of an unfolding story.
Sister Susan Kidd, CND
Sr. Nancy Downing, CND, talks about the "Covenant House" which offers integrated services to homeless youth in NYC. She speaks of hope, and love!
Sister Nancy Downing, CND
Sr. Teresa Barton, CND, is Principal of the Villa Maria Academy in the Bronx. She reflects on the importance of teachers and families working together.
Sister Teresa Barton, CND
Every day is a new adventure for Sister Jackie who sets out with Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys by her side!
Sister Jaculyn Hanrahan, CND, Current Ministry
Sister Regina had a strong desire to be like Mary; she found Sisters who opted to live as Mary did on Earth.
Sister Regina Kwanyuy Somirla, CND
Sister Catherine Molloy, CND, missionary in Cameroon, on the multiple aspects of mission: social justice, access to water, education... life!
Sister Catherine Molloy
Sister Libby Osgood, novice, brings her own gifts to religious life, following the footsteps of the "fearless" Marguerite Bourgeoys, learning to be present, meeting the needs... which can include fixing the kitchen sink!
Sister Elizabeth (Libby) Osgood, novice
Sister Patricia McCarthy, CND, acquired a taste for social justice at a young age and taught traumatized children for years, before going on the road advocating peace and non-violence. She is now back in classroom, sharing her love of God and God's love for His children.
Sister Patricia McCarthy, CND
Sister Rebecca McKenna, CND, talks about "The Small Plot" land project and its four foci: contemplation, working the land, education and, environmental advocacy.
Sister Rebecca McKenna, CND
Sister Jewel Renna, CND, explains we are all called to a special relationship with God - not just vowed religious but the laity, too! She also reminds us that marriage is a beautiful vocation.
Sister Jewel Renna, CND, on Baptismal call († 2019)
The path to a religious vocation can take many different turns: Sister Karen Kelly, CND, first obtained a masters in physics before saying "yes" to the "Physicist Extraordinaire".
Sister Karen Kelly, CND
At the age of 93, Sister Madelyn Brennan moves back to Canada after 63 years of mission in Japan.
Sister Madelyn Brennan, CND († 2021)
Sister Catherine Smith was a teacher, a librarian, a parish assistant... Like Marguerite Bourgeoys, she likes going out to people!
Sister Catherine Smith, CND
Sister Susan Kidd, CND, describes how her role at the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre is about Visitation, and the charism of Marguerite Bourgeoys.
Sister Susan Kidd, CND
Sister Eleanor McCloskey, CND, has always loved to learn and she shares her many passion with young and old!
Sister Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Sister Leona Smith, CND, tells us how the mission of the Cancer Centre at Holy Redeemer Convent pursues Marguerite Bourgeoys’s by “Going to those in need”.
Sister Leona Smith, CND
Sister Maureen Lamarche, CND, has been in Japan for the past 46 years. She talks about the Congregation history in the land of the Land of the Rising Sun, her mission and her vocation.
Sister Maureen Lamarche, CND
Sister Marilyn von Zuben, CND, came back to Canada in 2010 after many years of mission in Cameroon; her mission life continues as she serves with refugees and women who are experiencing difficulties.
Sister Marilyn von Zuben, CND
As a teenager and later, as a young adult, Sister Maco found she connected with Marguerite Bourgeoys, sharing a desire to care for families and a compassionate heart.
Sister Immacolata Maco Casseta, CND
Sister Réjeanne Bourque,, CND, taught and was very active in parish ministry for many years; she remains engaged and involved, teaching, caring, being a loving presence.
Sister Réjeanne Bourque, CND († 2021)
For the past 20 years Sister Shelley Grant has lived and worked with the people of the First Nations. She talks about her mission and her great love for the people.
Sister Shelley Grant, CND
Sister Kathleen Duffin speaks proudly of her Irish heritage and sings for us!
Sister Kathleen Duffin
A representative for the Congregation of Notre-Dame at the United Nations Sr Stacy Hanrahan discusses her ministry.
Sr Stacy Hanrahan, CND (Part 1)
Sister Claudia on consecrated life (Spanish with English Subtitles).
Sister Claudia on Consecrated Life
Sister Bernadette Gallant, CND, came to parish ministry at an exciting time - right after Vatican II. She speaks of "walking in the presence of God" with a compassionate heart.
Sister Bernadette Gallant, CND
Sister Simone Abbass, CND, is the local leader of a Congrégation de Notre-Dame community in Sydney. From her teaching days to her current ministry in leadership, her relationship to Marguerite Bourgeoys has evolved.
Sister Simone Abass, CND
Sister Janet Lawrence, CND, on Internationality and coming to religious life from and American background.
Sister Janet Lawrence, CND, on Internationality
Sister Peggy Doyle, CND, reveals there is no straight path to a religious vocation... but there are steps in discerning whether this is the right life choice for you.
Sister Peggy Doyle, CND
We are dedicated to our mission of liberating education
through prayer, work and community.
We follow Jesus, the Light
of the world.
Sisters Silvia Leticia Corea Sagastume, CND and Minkada Onana Brigitte, CND (CND photo, 2013)
Our Mission
Women and men committed to their baptismal call to live Jesus' mission of service, through justice, love and compassion in today's world.
As partners, sisters and associates, faithful to their personal vocation, commit themselves to proclaim by their entire life, the Good News of a God of Love.
To learn moreSister Elizabeth King, CND, and Ms Yolande Cormier, associate, walking along the shore during an Associate Relationship meeting in Pensacola, Florida, USA
(Photo Sister Marilyn Doucette, CND, 2009)
Office hours: monday to friday from 8:30 to 4:30 pm
General Administration
2330 Sherbrooke West
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3H 1G8
Phone: 514-931-5891
Fax: 514-931-2915
Email: cnd@cnd-m.org
History
of
our
Mother House
