The Congregation of Notre Dame Community at Andrus recently joined in prayer to celebrate the life of Sr. Dorothy Siemsen on her 90th Birthday. There was rich sharing on the many gifts and talents during Dorothy’s many years as a Congregation of Notre Dame sister. Some there knew Dorothy as a young sister; others have shared her life at Andrus. Dorothy’s response was one of gratitude to all there for sharing her years at Andrus and to God for her many years of life. A great ice cream social followed.
Everyone at the SSND residence in Wilton shared the joy of January 12, 2016. The sisters from Lourdes joined the larger community in the chapel. As usual, our “Notre Dame” sisters there welcomed us with their usual generous warmth and joy. At the Liturgy, Lectors were Mary Anne Powers, CND, and Pat Flattery, CND, and the homily was preached by Joan Mahoney, CND. The topic was Marguerite’s joy, and Joan delivered the homily in that same spirit. Sr. Mary Ann Rossi composed and read the Prayers of the Faithful. We prayed for Sr. Denise Conway, CND, on her birthday and remembered sisters Joan Annello and Rose Marie Duffy on the anniversary of their deaths. Sr. Marylou Lyons and Sr. Sue Poulin were Eucharistic Ministers and Sr. Mary Ann Calabrese was the coordinator of it all with her usual grace. After Mass, CND sisters and associates gathered in the Leclerc dining room for coffee and pastry.
Recently, a group of Congregation of Notre Dame sisters in the Norwalk area joined Sr. Sally Norcross at St Matthew Church, Sally’s parish, for a session of the “Underground Church.” The type of worship offered at these gatherings seems to attract young adults, so we went. I had invited Karen, a young woman (19 years old) from Sisters Pat McCarthy and Rose Mary Sullivan’s parish to join us there. She came with a few of her friends. We share our experiences and theirs because it seems to show the different styles of spirituality between the generations! At one of our General Chapters, the question was asked about Vocation Ministry: “What oceans do we need to cross to reach women who may be called to Religious Life?” I believe that being open to different types of spirituality and prayer may be one of them!! Let us tell you about the evening.
