During a 34-day Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) pilgrimage last fall, Sister Anna Marie Reha discovered the extraordinary amid the trek’s ordinary sights and sounds. The Camino is an extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and culminating in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, at the tomb of St. James. Attentive to God’s voice, she discerned that with eyes and ears open and the heart receptive, everything and everyone around us is extraordinary, the manifestation of Christ, a manifestation of the divine. She bids us to journey well into the New Year and beyond, “Buen Camino!” - open to extraordinary wonders in our midst.

Miriam Hankins, SSND associate, explores how her namesake, Sister Miriam Coovert, influenced her life, although they never met. Though Miriam did not know her namesake well, she learned that Sister Miriam served joyfully in many roles over 65 years - as a teacher, principal, leader and guide to young women discerning religious life. With deep personal roots and an affection for all she met, Sister Miriam planted seeds through her vocation that continue to bear fruit. Decades later, Miriam cherishes her rare name and has continued the SSND legacy herself by becoming a SSND associate. Though she regrets not connecting with her namesake in life, Miriam now sees how Sister Miriam's influence has flowed through her own life via lifelong ties to the SSND community.

Our daily consumption choices have far-reaching impacts on people and the planet. Tim Dewane, director of Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation, examines how factory farming and fast fashion degrade ecosystems, exploit labor and drive climate change - with the poor disproportionately bearing the effects. Yet there is hope - we can break this cycle through mindful consumption and by supporting sustainable practices. Tim spotlights solutions like organic farming, farmworker justice programs, fair trade goods, plant-based diets, local sourcing, policy engagement with corporations and reusable alternatives to single-use plastics. These measures foster community resilience, regenerate soil, uphold dignity, reduce emissions and curb waste. They also express gratitude for creation's gifts. As the School Sisters of Notre Dame critically evaluate needs and see each choice as an opportunity to live shared values, they model this interconnected mindset. When we realize how our actions impact all creation, we can contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world for all people and planet.

The SSND North American Vocation Team has several engaging opportunities planned in 2024 for young adults to connect with SSND and explore God's call, including the SEEK24 conference, Joyful & Alive Conversations, monthly prayer, discernment weekends and a summer service week. Those interested in learning more about these events and how to get involved can visit the SSND website for additional details and registration information.

Sister Mary Paul Holdmeyer, December 18, 2023
Sister Beverly Ann Fries, December 19, 2023
Sister Mary Tacheny, December 22, 2023
Sister Virginia Bieren, December 23, 2023
View Obituary page

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