A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with Eleanor, my Spiritual Director, about Lent. In one simple sentence, she helped me change my not-very-positive thinking and feelings about Lent into something new. Eleanor said, “Lent is really about transformation.” It was a “bing” moment for me! I’m sure I’ve heard this many times before in my life; but a few weeks ago, I heard it in a new way. Funny how the Spirit works. God knows my heart and where I am in my life at this moment. I needed to hear the word transformation equated with Lent. And so, it is with this word and this lens that I offer this simple reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel…
Hi my name is Teresa Mckerral I live in Salmon Arm BC. I am a CND Associate with the Kamloops CND group. As well, I have the great honour of being the Western Associate Representative on Visitation Province’s JPIC committee. This year for Lent, as well as doing our usual Development and Peace Share Lent collection, our parish in Salmon Arm is also involved with Give it up for the Earth. This is a two part program from the Citizens for Public Justice. One part is a Call for Action! For example, ● walk, bike, or bus ● buy less, buy local, buy used ● eliminate air travel ● eat less meat; eat local & in season ● reduce electricity use ● support eco-friendly businesses ● divest from fossil fuels ● upgrade windows, doors & insulation ● buy fair trade ● cut waste ● refuse one-use / over packaged items. The second part is to send a prepaid postage postcard to The Honourable Minister Catherine McKenna telling her what we are committed to giving up and ask that emissions be reduced as promised. These postcards will be passed out after Mass on the 11th and 18 of February. I spoke about Give it up for the Earth at Mass on the 28th of January. This is the second year our parish is participating. Last year I ordered 50 postcards and they were gone in about 10 minutes. This year I ordered 200 and I hope that they all are used. The third way we are bringing a social justice theme to Lent is we are using the Jesuit Forum guide, On care for our common Home to study Laudato Si.
I am looking forward to Lent this year.
A new collaborative, made up of Women and Men Religious, has been formed to explore ways to help people attain affordable housing in Toronto.
During their last meeting, it was agreed to send a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau in response to the new National Housing Strategy which was announced November 22, 2017. This group then reached out for support to other religious communities. Sister Rebecca McKenna, with the support of the team, has endorsed this letter in the name of Visitation Province.
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
