September 2, 2026 - Season of Creation, celebrated each September and ending on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, is an opportunity for people across the globe to celebrate and consider their relationship with creation. It is also an opportunity to take action in efforts to protect and care for our common home. The theme for this year’s Season of Creation is Living Water. The School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province Laudato Si’ committee invites you to learn more about Season of Creation and why it is especially important in this moment of so many environmental challenges, especially as they relate to water. They also share a list of suggestions on how you can mark this month with creative, reflective, or action-focused activities. Join In

April 22, 2026 - Sister Joanne Poehlman, SSND appeared on “Morning Edition” on WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR to discuss recycling for Earth Day. Learn More »

July 2, 2025 - Sister Kathy Schmittgens offers some insights, motivations and inspirations from her attendance at a seminar which took place in the early days following the announcement of Laudato Si’. Read the Reflection »

June 4, 2025 - Sister Kathleen Storms offers a reflection on her ongoing participation in Laudato Si. Read the History »

October 2, 2024 – In 2015, Pope Francis penned his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, urging all people of the world to take action on the climate emergency and ecological crisis. In 2021, in a heartfelt response to this call, the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province (SSNDCP) dedicated themselves to a seven-year effort to “live more simply, responsibly, and sustainably and to educate, advocate and act in collaboration with others for the dignity of life and the care of all creation.” Walk With Us »

July 3, 2024 – “While there is much I will hold in my head and heart from this pilgrimage, it is the remarkably beautiful and resilient people that will stick with me most. A generous people of deep faith and rich culture who make the best of what they have and seem to stay positive even when faced with great challenges – for water, for education, for opportunity, for basic human rights and dignity. Read More »

February 7, 2024 – This Lent, Sisters Kathleen Storms, Paulette Zimmerman, Mary Lorentz and Lynne Schmidt share weekly Lenten reflections based on the principles of Laudato Si’. The SSND Laudato Si’ Action Platform works with sisters across the province to live out their seven-year commitment to be a Laudato Si’ congregation. Join Us »

January 3, 2024 – 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. Learn More »

December 6, 2023 – Sister Kathy Schmittgens shares a reflection of ways to show love through sustainable giving. The Christmas shopping season offers a chance to be mindful of consumption and a chance to live into the SSND Laudato Si’ Year 2 Action Plan. Discover More »

November 1, 2023 – School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) living at The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, Missouri, were spurred to action after watching the film, The Letter, and hearing a talk by Sister Maxine Pohlman on Laudato Si'. Sisters organized themselves into one of three groups: Prayer, Education and Action. Sister Judith Herold reflects on how the three groups are living out Laudato Si’ and emphasizes the value of community in responding to the ecological crisis - by joining together, supporting and working toward solutions. Learn more about how SSND are empowering their community and view a short video on our webpage. Explore More »