This month I . . .

• Researched, wrote and designed Spring Appeal letter, which will be mailed in May
• Continued to learn about Congregation of Notre Dame charism and ministries
• Continued to research major and loyal donors
• Continued making weekly thank you calls to major and loyal donors ($100 + or have given for 3+ consecutive years)
• Continued to compose general case for support (document that will serve as basis for future appeals and constituent outreach)
• Convened first meeting with Mission Advancement Advisory Committee
• Secured an additional member for the Committee: Joan Pesce, who is both a former sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame and an associate
• Continued weekly Facebook posting
• Worked on budget for 2015-2016 fiscal year
• Attended an NCDC workshop on strategic planning
• Had the honor and privilege of attending the External Communications meeting in Montreal at which I made suggestions for enhancing the congregation’s website and expediting improvements to it

Thank you very much! – Katherine DiGiulio

REMINDER: Please “” our Facebook page at Congregation of Notre Dame/USA

On Saturday, March 14^th, I gave a retreat day at Jude’s Parish Hall, South Holland, IL. The focus was Discerning Heart: Noticing God’s Presence and God’s Guidance. There was ample time for prayer and conversation. While eight (8) of the thirteen (13) associates were from the South Holland Community, there were representatives of the Joliet, Kankakee and Chicago Communities. The open sharing of their prayer experiences was a profound Visitation experience. I am grateful to sister Marilyn Medinger and the South Holland Associates for their planning and hospitality.

Front Row L-R: Donna Kirk, Susan Morris, Billie Porte, sister Marilyn Medinger
Back Row L-R: sister Bea Baker, Louise Renz, Alicia Parkinson, Eva Williams, Maria Vazquez, Mary Jo Hoag, Mary Simms, Gerry Radke, Mary Turton

On Friday, March 13^th, I was warmly welcomed by the Associates at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Chicago. After attending Liturgy with Sr. Bea Baker and a Joliet Associate on Sunday, March 15^th, I travelled to Kankakee to meet with associates and sisters. My days were full and enriched by the Congregation of Notre Dame family in Illinois. 

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When recently asked to share an article on the founding of ARCAN (Atlantic Religious Congregation Associate Networking) I was flooded with memories of our very simple beginning. As Sr. Alma MacLellan, CND, and I were working as co-coordinators in Associate Relationship we had often wondered how other congregations were making out in this relatively new venture. After a time of discernment, letters were sent off to our Maritime communities to invite those who were involved in associate leadership to gather together for a two-day  sharing session with us in Pictou. We began our meeting with prayer followed by a very open agenda, which offered lots of opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and ended with plans to gather again. From these simple beginnings ARCAN has grown into a vibrant network for all religious and associates in Atlantic Canada.

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