Just 40 days ago we celebrated the feast of Christmas and the mystery of the Incarnation.  Today, Mary and Joseph continue to live faithfully their response to  God’s call as they fulfill the requirements of the law and bring Jesus to the temple. Along with Simeon and Anna who faithfully waited for the coming of the Messiah, they witness God’s revelation to His people.

Each of us is also called to live our daily lives in fidelity to God’s call.  For our Sisters, this may be Sister Mary Kent Burgard teaching a readiness class at Lial Catholic School, Sister Mary Patricia Snyder hosting a bible study, or Sister Virginia Marie Myers helping with food preparation in our Provincial Center kitchen. We bring our gifts and talents, as Mary did, to furthering the mission of Jesus wherever we find ourselves each day.

Many of our Sisters entered Notre Dame on this Feast of the Presentation and celebrate their anniversaries today. May Mary continue to be their companion as they share God’s goodness and care with others. Happy Anniversary, Sisters!

As we begin the celebration of this Catholic Schools Week, I’m mindful of the powerful gift of education that I have received from so many in my life.  First and foremost, I am most grateful to my parents for all they have taught me both by their words and the example of their lives.

Sr. Mary Ann Culpert with Notre Dame Academy students.

In the Gospel, we are told that Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace before God and men. In his humanity, Jesus needed to learn just like the rest of us.  Certainly, Mary and Joseph were primary educators in his life.  Many of the parables and images Jesus used in his own teaching were likely ones he learned from Mary in his early years.  It’s not hard to make the connection between the compassion and mercy Jesus showed to others and what he must have witnessed in Mary’s example.

As Sisters of Notre Dame, we look to Mary as a model educator.  Our ministries of education are privileged ways for us to help others come to know the deep truth of God’s goodness and provident care.  Perhaps you have been educated by one of our Sisters or perhaps you are a co-educator.  Celebrate the great gift of Catholic education with us this week!

Join us in rejoicing with our Sisters in Papua New Guinea as they celebrate the installation of Sister Mary Lilian as the new delegation superior this weekend.  Sister has been with our community since 1992 and has served most recently with the local radio station. We ask Mary, Queen of Apostles, to intercede for her and for all of our sisters as they proclaim God’s goodness and provident care to the people of Papua New Guinea. See Sr. Mary Lilian now!http://t.co/tsnVWoMi