Sisters of Notre Dame, California

1 day ago

For the SNDs, the “sandwich story” has had great historical significance as this graphic illustrates. The story is that Aldegonda Wolbring and Elisabeth Kuhling shared sandwiches with the orphan children in the village of Coesfeld, Germany. The “sandwich story” continues even in the midst of the fire tragedy plaguing the Thousand Oaks area. Sr. Rebekah Kennedy, Dean of Mission at La Reina High School & Middle School, provides this personal story:

“I had a faculty/staff Service Retreat planned for the faculty and staff of La Reina High School & Middle School on Friday morning. Sr. Marie Paul Grech and Sr. Antoinette Marie Moon had a presentation on service prepared, and then we would follow up with five on-site service projects that would benefit the local community. After the tragic shooting at Borderline on Wednesday night, I had hopes that we could pull it off, but plans changed early Friday morning. Shortly after midnight, I awakened to an alert on my phone about a fire erupting in the local vicinity. After briefly watching the news, I looked to the east. There I saw an intense orange glow on the hills near the 23 freeway. By about 4 a.m. the sky was still orange, but the flames on the hill had moved away from us. I was receiving messages that faculty and staff had evacuated and were continuing to evacuate. Thus my decision to cancel the Service Retreat was made for me, and I sent out an email to the entire faculty and staff with that information.

One of the service activities planned for the school staff was providing a sandwich lunch for the homeless who gather at United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks on Friday evenings. The bread, meat, fruit and vegetables and everything else that goes with a lunch had been purchased. Bless the sisters at Notre Dame Center and Dr. Michael Downey (an evacuee)! By 2:30 we had 50 lunches made, bagged, boxed and ready for delivery that evening. Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein and I drove the boxes to the church only to read a sign that notified the homeless there would be no dinner that night! We then took the lunches to the Goebel Senior Center (another evacuation site), but they had no more room. Another evacuation center was just opening at Thousand Oaks High School and they were most grateful for the donation.

We are deeply grateful to all of the SNDs around the world, as well as our relatives, Associates, colleagues and friends, for their prayerful support as we begin the healing after the tragic shooting on November 7 and the devastating fires.” ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California

4 days ago

The Sisters of Notre Dame in California are united with our local brothers and sisters after the tragic incident at Borderline last night. We deeply appreciate the many messages of prayer and concern received from around the world. This photo was taken as the procession began for the fallen hero, Sgt. Ron Helus.

One of our dear SND friends, Maryellen Emma, shared with us how this incident has touched her family. In a text message this morning, her son Thomas wrote, “I just want to express my love and appreciation for you all. I was talking with Kathleen last night about how I was frustrated with where I was in life and finding purpose. After dinner, Eric reached out about grabbing a drink and playing pool at Borderline and I said I’m just gonna go to bed…he felt the same. After what happened last night, I firmly believe that God was looking out for me and renewed my faith that I definitely have a purpose here and I’ll figure it out when the time comes. But I know my purpose currently is to be a great brother and son to you all and support you any way I can. I love you all very much…”

We know that there are relatives and friends of our SND Associates and La Reina High School & Middle School community who have been impacted by this tragedy. We ask that you join us in prayer for healing and strength. ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California

4 days ago

Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, the Sisters of Notre Dame offer our prayers and support for the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting tragedy. There will be a blood drive today at La Reina High School for the victims. The address is 106 W. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks. ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California

1 week ago

With tomorrow's important midterm elections, we encourage voters to vote with the CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS in mind. We also pray for our elected officials, that they may always support the common good of all humankind. ... See MoreSee Less

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