Hospice – Each Patient is a Gift

After being in leadership for the Notre Dame Community for eight years, I was searching for a new position to utilize my gifts and experience.  In a previous ministry as Pastoral Associate at St. Patrick’s in Fremont NE, one of my areas of focus was working with seniors,…

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Living a Legacy of Resistance: Racial Equity for a Forgotten Minority



On October 21, we invited people to our Facebook live discussion about the legacy and active resistance of the Omaha tribe.
In partnership with Movement in Omaha for Racial Equity (MORE) coordinated by A’Jamal Byndon, a grassroots organization working to bring racial equity to communities through advocacy, education, and…

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Harvesting Local Walnuts with Sr. Anita

Black walnut trees grow all over Omaha. You can identify them with their black bark and round, green nut fruit. The black walnut has a globose nut (meaning it is roughly globular or round), while the nuts on the butternut tree are more egg-shaped and smaller. The nuts…

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Divine Providence from Sr. Ernestine Havlovic

By Sr. Ernestine Havlovic, ND

Trust in Divine Providence always meant a lot to me and still is a source of comfort to me. I have a story from my younger years I will share with you.

In my earlier years as a religious, we Sisters got our yearly ministry…

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A resident’s story – Notre Dame Housing

“Don’t expect everyone to understand your journey, especially if they’ve never had to walk your path.” That is the adage that hangs in Barbara Scott’s kitchen over her sink. She refers to it often like a mantra.

Barbara has lived in a one-bedroom apartment at Notre Dame Housing for…

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Ministry Update – Notre Dame Housing’s Year in Review

Read the Year in Review below to see all of the progress NDH has made over the past year, including vaccinating residents right here on campus, partnering with new management companies, improving the food pantry, and much more. Plus, read the touching testimony of one resident’s journey to…

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Being the Light of the World – a reflection for associates and all of our supporters

Reflections from our Associates Commitment Ceremony – September 19, 2021
Almighty and ever-loving God, light has long been a symbol of Your abiding presence. A pillar of fire traveled with the Israelites during the long journey in the desert, reminding them of your presence and protection. Your Son Jesus…

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Investing in Our Children – Expand Your Horizons


In this conversation, speakers examined childcare issues faced by parents and providers like access, affordability, and workforce pay. See the conversation above to learn about recent updates on current research that uncovered disparity and lack of equitable chance of future success and opportunity for children of color. Take…

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A prayer on 9/11 from Sr. Joan Polak, ND

God of the Universe,

We call upon you in these troubling times of our world.

We unite in prayer especially for the people of Afghanistan whose lives are in turmoil and danger,

For the armed forces who supported them,

For the people affected by Hurricane Ida and the responders working to meet…

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Poems by Sr. Joan Polak, ND

While she was born in Brainerd, Nebraska, Sr. Joan Polak, ND, travelled far from the Midwest, making her Central and South American ministries some of the most impactful in her life. Celebrating 70 years of religious profession, Sr. Joan is  daughter of the deceased Ivan and Frances Polak…

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