Bicentennial of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

On February 2, 2004 the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of our religious congregation. It was on that day in 1804 in the city of Amiens, France, that our foundress, St. Julie Billiart, and our co-foundress, Franciose Blin de Bourdon, made their first vows as Sisters of Notre Dame.

Sisters of our congregation in Europe, Britain, Africa, Asia, Latin American and North America from Hawaii to Maine will unite in community to celebrate this 200th Jubilee of life in Notre Dame and to reaffirm our vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. We shall also reaffirm our prayer and our commitment to strive to “let our hearts be as wide as the world” in our efforts to proclaim “how good God is” in our own time and place, as Julie did in hers.

Join with us in thanking our good God for His infinite love and generosity and for the privilege of serving with the people of God for 200 years.

Sr. Margaret Claydon, '45
President Emerita

Calendar of Events: 2004

February 8 - 8:30 pm
Liturgy of Thanksgiving
Kerby Chapel

Reception to follow.

Simple Suppers: March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 26
Simple Supper renews a Lenten tradition of simple meals and nourishing conversation. Come share soup, bread, and the hospitality of the Sisters in their dining room located in the basement of Main Hall. We will discuss different aspects of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Each program will include a brief prayer, topical presentation, a meal and lively discussion. Learn about the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Trinity community, your friends, classmates and faculty members. Please RSVP to Campus Ministry at 202-884-9653, mccrabbb@trinitydc.edu. Special thanks to Sr. Maura Prendergast, SND, '61 for serving as our chef.

March 4 - 5:00 pm
Mission
Sr. Margaret Claydon '45

Consider the importance of “mission” and its purpose in our lives. Hear how Trinity College was conceived and grew out of the Notre Dame mission and explore how that mission is reflected in the College today.

March 18 - 12:10 pm
Collaborating with the Laity
Sr. Mary Ann Cook '60

Companions on the Journey: Friendship and Partnership in the Spirituality of the SNDs. How are the spiritual values of Julie Billiart reflected on campus today? Where are they visible at Trinity College? How are we enriching one another as we journey together through our Trinity years?

March 25 - 5:00pm
Social Justice
Sr. Mary Evelyn Jaegen

Catholic social teaching has profoundly influenced the life of the Sisters of Notre Dame. We are called to share the love of God with those whose lives we touch. Come and reflect with us on new developments in Catholic social teaching. 

April 1 - 12:10 pm
Education
Sr. Rosemarie Bosler '62

Education lies at the heart of Trinity College. Join us for this inquiry into the ideals of Julie Billiart and the pedagogy of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

April 15 - 5:00 pm
Retreat - The Spirituality of Notre Dame
Facilitated by Sr. Mary Ann Cook '60

Experience an evening of reflection and discovery. Perhaps the best way to describe Notre Dame spirituality is to say it is eucharistic – essentially a prayer of thanksgiving and praise: How good God is! We gather in gratitude with all of humanity and all of creation, into the prayer of the Risen Christ. We open our hearts wide to all people, embracing their joy and hope, grief and anguish with hearts as wide as the world!

If you've ever made bread, you know the invisible power of yeast. Join SNDs, students, faculty, and staff in discovering how the “yeast” of Notre Dame spirituality is at work in the Trinity community…and in you!

Schedule
5:00 pm - Evening Prayer
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:30 pm - Presentation

Please register by April 12 by calling Campus Ministry at 202-884-9653 or e-mail at mccrabbb@trinitydc.edu.

April 16
Alumnae Council

Trinity Alumnae will gather in the spirit of Notre Dame to reflect on the accomplishments as well as the future goals of the College.

April 21
Founders' Day – Sacred Space Tours

As we celebrate our beginnings, come and see the sacred spaces of our campus. Come and see the places that nourish our foundation.

Come and see Notre Dame Chapel. Hear the story if its dedication. Learn about the art, the architecture, and the decorations of this holy place.

Come and see the Sisters' chapel in Main Hall. Share in the story of the early community and witness the contemporary life of the sisters.

April 26 - 12:10pm
In the Spirit of Mary
Susan Timoney, STD, Vice President of EPS

Mary, a model of discipleship, has shaped the ministry of the sisters. Mary's faith serves as a topic of Catholic dialogue with Protestant and Muslim believers.

The Sisters of Notre Dame have always had a special relationship with Mary, the Mother of God. The medal of our Lady of Guadalupe is worn by sisters who serve as Congregational leaders.

June 4-6
Alumnae Reunion

This Reunion will celebrate in a special way the Bicentennial Anniversary. Join with friends, family and classmates as we give tribute to our alumnae and to the Sisters of Notre Dame. This will be one reunion you won't want to miss!

September 10-11
Symposium on SND Education

The Congregational Leadership Team for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur will gather with the Trinity College community and friends to discuss the current and future ministry of Sisters of Notre Dame around the world.

For more information about the 200th Jubilee Celebration at Trinity, please contact Barbara Humphrey McCrabb, Director of Campus Ministry, at 202-884-9653, mccrabbb@trinitydc.edu.