June 3, 2008 – The Sisters of Notre Dame in California just had another busy weekend. On Saturday, May 31, Sr. Regina Robbins participated in the offertory procession during the ordination of 12 deacons from St. John’s Seminary to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. As Director of Pastoral Formation, Sr. Regina helped these seminarians develop their ministry skills in a variety of settings through field education experiences.

"It is hard to explain in a few words what emotion comes over me when these "guys" that I have cajoled, challenged and tried to inspire for six years, seem to suddenly stand before the cathedral congregation as priests!" said Sr. Regina.

She was joined in the offertory procession by Vicar for Women Religious Sr. Anncarla Costello. Sr. Valerie Roxburgh also attended and found the experience to be “really vocation-affirming.”

Later that same day, nearly one thousand people attended Notre Dame Academy’s graduation ceremony at St. Basil Church. Campus Minister Sister Jolisa Lazaro was the MC for the celebration and Sr. Valerie gave the invocation. Sr. Kathleen Burns gave the benediction on behalf of the board of members.

Sr. Jolisa enjoyed seeing the new graduates hugging their families, teachers and friends who support them and encourage them to take what they receive from NDA to make a difference for good. “Many of our new graduates will go forth with academic excellence and leadership qualities that will benefit their future,” she said, “but more importantly, some will surely take their passion of spreading God's goodness by assuming their role to be catalysts of change for those who live on the fringes of society.”

“They are so dedicated and eager to face a world that has such need for their Christian values and enthusiasm,” observed Sr. Joann Schlarbaum. Earlier in the week at the Baccalaureate Liturgy, the graduating class of 2008 announced the establishment of a new scholarship fund in honor of outgoing Notre Dame Academy President Sr. Marie Paul Grech. The scholarship will support Sr. Marie Paul’s goal of helping the daughters of single parents receive a Notre Dame Academy education.

On Sunday, June 1, Sr. Anncarla welcomed 45 sisters from throughout the archdiocese to Notre Dame Academy for a talk on discipleship, evangelization and mission by Fr. Anthony Gittins, CSSp. Sr. Joann enjoyed how Fr. Gittins used practical and inspiring ways to make Jesus come alive. “He also said that encountering Jesus is a presence that disturbs because if one is sincere and open to Jesus' presence then it will lead to being sent,” she said. “This ‘being sent’ is not always easy because sometimes we're sent to places that we haven't chosen.”

“This was the last in a series of four lectures in honor of my predecessor, Sr. Mary Faith Clark,” explained Sr. Anncarla. “It’s sponsored by her religious community. I hope we can do it again.” About 300 sisters were able to attend over the course of the year including several Sisters of Notre Dame. “No matter what religious congregation we belong to, no matter our present ministry, we all have a passion to grow deeper in love with our Beloved and to do Christ’s ministry on earth,” said Sr. Jolisa.

Meanwhile at Our Lady of Grace Parish in the San Fernando Valley, Sr. Emilie Ann Palladino taught her monthly baptism class for about 30 parents and godparents. “It’s not required for godparents,” she said, “but they want to come to be enriched and share the experience with the parents.” Sr. Emilie Ann also interviewed parents seeking to have their child baptized. Her schedule was so full that she missed the annual parish picnic. “God willing, I’ll be able to go next year,” she said with a laugh.

Later in Long Beach, the formation community at Providence House hosted a farewell party for the novices who will be returning to Ohio later this week. Parishioners from St. Cornelius and other friends gathered to say good-bye to Sr. Marcela Macchiote and Sr. Nan Zeimet. Sr. Kathleen said that more than 50 people came to the casual potluck event. “We really formed a lot of bonds,” said Sr. Marcela. “It’s wonderful to be part of the parish community and that they feel they are part of us.”

Clearly the Notre Dame spirit thrives throughout the Southland.