A moment of gratitude in a month of Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving season offers an opportunity to reflect on the moments and memories for which we are especially thankful. We asked some of our School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) associates to share how their connection to SSND has helped inspire gratitude in their lives this year. From the feeling of being welcomed to the bonds of friendships – old and new, the value of relationships stood as a common inspiration for appreciation. As we all consider our reasons for gratitude this year, may we especially recall the relationships which make our days meaningful.
Associate Grace Avila, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Being an associate connected with the SSND has broadened my perspective on the world. I am grateful for the blessings and gifts in my life, and I recognize my responsibility to be aware of current events. The associate program and the sisters inspire me to look beyond my own experiences, to understand the challenges faced by those around me, and to speak out against injustices I see.
Associate Midori Teranishi, Kyoto, Japan
I visited Milwaukee before The Gathering event in Chicago. An associate picked me up at the airport and gave me a tour of the city. Another associate invited me for a nice lunch. I was able to stay at the International House. A sister showed me around Trinity Woods where sisters expressed their love of a visitor from abroad. These all prove School Sisters of Notre Dame’s internationality and hospitality, which stirred my gratitude, and which God must be pleased.
Associate Cecelia Brown, Coolville, Ohio
I was especially grateful for being an associate when nine of us associates came together to feed the homeless. We now continue to do this every 90 days.
Being an associate and my association with School Sisters of Notre Dame continues to fill me with unconditional love from not only the associates but also from the sisters. My heart is forever grateful for the bond of friendship.
I am especially grateful for our new associate, Sue Reed, who traveled with me to the conference in Chicago in June. It was an awesome experience for both of us. I am truly grateful to be an associate.
Associate Chris Ingrassia, Collins, Mississippi
What I am most grateful for as an associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) is in what I have learned and what I continue to learn.
To notice Christ in all things large and small.
To find Christ in every face.
How to be Jesus in our world.
If it weren’t for the charism of Mother Theresa and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, I might have missed these things.
Associate Mark R. Avery, Aurora, Illinois
My gratitude experience began on June 29th when I arrived at The Gathering in Chicago. I am profoundly grateful to the Provincial Council for the invitation to participate in this convocation. This was not a cursory invitation; associates were actively encouraged to join the vowed membership and representatives of sponsored and affiliated ministries.
I could not think of a better way to honor the associate vocation than by inviting us to journey together to celebrate the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) charism of unity and oneness, manifested by our ongoing transformative education to the world. I left our time together encouraged, emboldened and grateful to be part of the SSND family.
Associate Miriam Hankins, Columbia, Missouri
Since I retired, and as I age, my circle of friends and contacts has really become very small. Although my reasons for becoming an associate didn’t focus on expanding my social connections, I have found that the increase in communication with others has been very beneficial for me. For that, I am very grateful. Sometimes we cannot see what is happening at any given moment, but over time it becomes quite obvious. My horizons have expanded so much since I became acquainted with sisters and associates from all over the world. It is such a blessing to me.