Little did I know or expect that 2015 would be such a special year of celebration. It began in January when Pierrette Boissé and I joined Denise Malo for our community celebration of our diamond jubilee. Toronto provided another opportunity of giving thanks with several of “our ceremony” --- a real gift after our wonderful provincial assembly. Later I was privileged to share with the jubilarians of the island.

Thank you for your prayers, cards, emails and other gestures of support and friendship---they have added to my joy. It has all been quite an experience! Last week you were in my heart as I lived another gifted moment, a “retreat of thanksgiving,” at our Congregation of Notre Dame House of Prayer in Longueuil.

These 60 years have been grace-filled and I am deeply grateful. Thank you for having been companions on the journey.

May God fill your hearts with peace.

Marilyn von Zuben, CND 

In January of this year, another batch of Marguerite Bourgeoys Bursary Application Forms was forwarded to our Sisters for distribution. The 2015 process took ten months to complete. The last bursary cheque was mailed out on October 28th.

This year one hundred and fifty-five bursaries were granted to a wide range of students.

Gratitude is expressed to the many sisters and associates who assisted in the distribution process. Having personal contact with the applicants is always an added benefit! This gratitude is also extended to the General Administration for the allocation of funds for the program.

And … the good news continues!!! This awesome journey begins all over again in early January! Stay tuned! 

Sisters Lorraine Abbass, Rosemary Brosseau, Shelley Grant, and Donna McInnis met on October 5th at the Visitation Province Centre in Bedford to review all requests received seeking financial support.

The Committee members recommended 34 charities for financial support based upon the requests that were sent to Visitation Province. These recommendations were approved by the Administration Team at its meeting on October 20th.

*Poverty is a common thread that weaves its way through all categories.

Twenty-nine organizations will be visited by a local Congregation of Notre Dame sister who will deliver the cheque in person. This is one way to spread awareness about the presence and support of the Congregation of Notre Dame in today’s world.

The next meeting will take place on April 27th at the mother house. Once again, sisters and associates are invited to encourage any organizations in their local area to seek financial support if needed.