A Time of Hope – a letter from our Provincial President

What a year! This pandemic impacted all of us unpredictably, and most of us can expect a different kind of holiday season this year. Still, allow yourself to experience the excitement of Christ’s birth and connect with loved ones.

Remember, we all treasure the most basic tradition of sharing in the excitement of and gratitude for the birth of Christ. Purely and simply, Christmas is a celebration of the hope, peace, and joy His coming brought to the world. When we peel away the layers of our lives, what we all need the most right now is hope, peace, joy, and Christ.

Christmas Traditions

Contemplate this miracle with me. A small-town carpenter and his young wife, barely a teenager, could find no place but a stable to deliver their son to the world. The gifts of His birth were God’s power personified, bringing humanity the gifts of peace and presence eternally. It is incredible!

One of my personal family traditions growing up belonged to my Polish grandmother. After Christmas morning Mass, my family shared a host-like wafer before eating breakfast to keep us mindful of Jesus Christ’s enduring presence.

Our traditions allow us to reflect on the significance of the season while bringing us hope, peace, and joy. Doing so may even point out some of your deep-rooted values that you have lost sight of.

Your Community

We Notre Dame Sisters have made it our tradition for more than 100 years to serve the people of Omaha and beyond. Let us focus on what your partnership provides to Omaha:

Housing for Low-Income Seniors

Our Motherhouse continues to serve as the only Omaha non-profit offering affordable housing (107 apartments), social and supportive services, along with a senior center.

Domestic Violence Relief

Since July alone, we assisted more than 67 women and children transition from domestic violence shelters to their own apartment in town. We can only provide this with your help.

Sisters’ Individual Impact

Our Sisters often work one-on-one serving the community. Some examples are:

• Sr. Celeste Wobeter continues to care for her hospice patients during the pandemic.
• Sr. Mary Hlas continues to work night shifts as a hospital chaplain, serving the sick and dying at a time when family and loved ones cannot visit hospitals.

My Sisters and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas season. May the New Year provide hope, peace, and joy to you and your families. You too are making a difference in the Omaha community by supporting us and our ministries. We thank you all. Please know that you are in our daily prayers.

Blessings,

Sr. Margaret Hickey, Provincial President, N.D.