Trust and Dare
As Catholic Sisters, worldwide, we
Vow for life to live consecrated celibacy, gospel poverty and apostolic obedience in community.
We are contemplative-in-action, united and spreading the cosmic love that Jesus the Christ brings. To help us to do this, we have hours of prayer daily (contemplation, personal and community prayer) and an annual retreat of at least a week.
Educate with a world vision. Work in solidarity with others.
Help people realize their dreams
Are ready to go to remote areas
Are content with little
Work for unity, respect for all peoples, creation. The Spirit of Love impels us, urges us to give all as we collaborate to create nonviolent communities, justice for all, healing our planet.
With Jesus' mother, Mary, we "Do whatever God tells you". Our other mottoes are, "Trust and Dare" and "Love gives all".
Our foundress said qualities needed to join our congregation are a basically cheerful attitude, a sense of adventure and love of God. We can then assist the applicants and each other to develop skills to live this way of life, creating it anew in every culture and time. Formation is a life-long process of being and becoming.
Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger founded the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1833 in Germany. Oil painting by Barbara Paleczny
Cathy Arata SSND initiated and led the 101 Days for Prayer for Peace to involve ecumenical and interfaith groups throughout the entire country.
Cathy is one of the founders and leaders of Solidarity with South Sudan.
Cathy Arata SSND with an Imam during the 101 Days for Prayer for Peace
Since 2020, SSND Communities in South Sudan. Juba: Sisters Rose Ngacha from Kenya and Karina Ruth from Peru; Old Fangak: Sisters Theresa from Poland and Dominica from Germany
Mama Business Group in the UN Protection of Civilians’ Camp, Juba, SS.
SSND sponsored: Women participate in a two-week training in Basic Economics and Formation of their Women’s Group, and later in a two-week leadership training in Healing Stress/Trauma, After planning their ‘business’, a team approves it and we gave $100 loan (in local South Sudanese pounds). They met regularly and repaid their loan with interest which, to their surprise and delight, became their emergency social fund for anyone in serious need and their savings.
They told us they never knew it would be possible to earn a living and even save money. Women also said they are healthier and happy as they provide for their families.
Out of 8 groups with 25 in each, two moved away, one died and one of our neighbours refused to repay her loan. Repayment of loans make it possible to loan larger amounts later and/or start new groups.
Online Evening Prayer with the Vocation Team
October 20 and 25, 2022; November 22, 2022; December 20, 2022 - One hour on selected dates – 5pm PT / 6pm MT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET
Register for the ZOOM link at www.ssnd.org/events.