Perhaps you’ve seen posters suggesting we sleep well tonight; the USA Army is on the watch. I don’t need to enumerate all the terrible things going on in our world from ICE raids to starvation to floods and fires. But I find comfort in knowing my sisters, the Sisters of Notre Dame, are on the watch. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina wiped out towns. Our sisters went there to start up schools and we are still in Louisiana.  The Philippines this week evacuated 3000 people after increasing Mayon Volcano activity. Our Sisters are not there in the exact spot of the volcano which is part of 7100 islands, but we have a presence by creating Stella Maris Retreat Ccenter in 2008. One of our sisters who recently died, Sister Mary Rose Bernard Groth, was able to change the culture and health of Papua New Guinea almost single-handedly as she taught about AIDS and created care centers. The list goes on: Germany, Italy, Netherlands, India, Africa, and more. Although I am very proud of our Sisters, I am not bragging. I am sharing the fact that one sister or one place of ministry can have a huge impact which lasts years. If you are reading this on January 9, we are celebrating the birthday of our foundress Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring born in 1828. Sister Maria Aloysia–one sister who founded a congregation that’s still on the watch. There won’t be a birthday cake, for we will participate in a day of fasting, prayer, and advocacy for the needs of the world. After all, we’re on the watch.

Now, if anyone reading this blog feels inspired to have a similar adventure, you’re welcome to become a Sister or an associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Keep watch with us.