By Sister Maxine Pohlman The Laudato Si’ Action Platform’s goal of ecological education holds a special place in the lives of School Sisters of Notre Dame as we strive to be a Laudato Si’ congregation. In the prologue to You Are Sent, our SSND Constitution, we are reminded that from the beginning our congregation has been about “educating with a...Read more

By Sister Mary Heather MacKinnon As School Sisters of Notre Dame, associates and colleagues, we have made a public commitment to respond to Pope Francis’ call for us to be a Laudato Si’ congregation.[1] This seven-year commitment requires that we support and do our best to carry out the seven international goals proposed by Pope Francis and the Laudato Si’...Read more

Human trafficking is present in every state and province the School Sisters of Notre Dame live and minister. This modern-day slavery comes in many forms, including forced labor, forced prostitution, debt bondage and forced marriage. And while human trafficking often occurs unseen by us, we can all play a part in eradicating human trafficking through prayer, education, advocacy, survivor services...Read more

As we enter this holy time of preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, we undoubtedly get caught up in the nuances of the holiday season. From decorating our homes to finding the perfect gift for loved ones, the Christmas season is often associated with excess and overindulgence, making it difficult to follow the Laudato Si’ commitment...Read more

September 1-October 4 Season of Creation prayer  |  SeasonOfCreation.org  |  SSND Laudato Si’ Commitment The Season of Creation begins September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. Season of Creation is a time when we renew our relationship with God and...Read more

Click here for more SSND resources for peace. >>> The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) condemn the military action in Ukraine and the suffering it is causing. SSND in Eastern Europe are responding to the needs of the refugees, mostly women and children, who are fleeing into neighboring countries to escape the ravages of the war. SSND are providing food, accommodations...Read more

In 2015, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’ inspired and urged the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics and all people of good will to take urgent action against the injustice of the climate emergency and the ecological crisis, to protect the poor and future generations. The School Sisters of Notre Dame has a long history of working for the care of creation and...Read more

Click here for SSND resources on human trafficking A different kind of epidemic Effingham sits at the crossroads of two major U.S. interstates in the middle of rural Illinois. For a population of 12,500, there is an overabundance of truck stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels; a great number of travelers just pass through on a daily basis. There is...Read more

As School Sisters of Notre Dame, we direct our entire lives toward that oneness for which Jesus Christ was sent. In these challenging and uncertain times for all peoples of the world, it is important that we counter hatred and falsehoods with truth and love. No group or nation is responsible for this pandemic. Let us stand against anyone who...Read more

“We educate, advocate, and act in collaboration with others for the dignity of life and the care of all creation.” ~Love Gives Everything  The racism and domestic terrorism that took the lives of our brothers and sisters the weekend of August 3-4 must be uprooted. We cannot allow ourselves to be numbed by yet another unspeakable mass murder. This time,...Read more