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Become a Sister

Exploring a vocation with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur begins with a desire to learn—about religious life, about who we are as a community and about God’s purpose for your life.

Become a sister hero 2 Sister Nancy O'Shea at the Nuns on the Bus Event

Begin the Journey of a Lifetime

We look forward to connecting with you.

This page is a starting point, a guide to the resources and information that can help you discover your vocation. As you explore, we invite you to bring your questions and reflections to prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Remember, discernment is a journey that unfolds over time, and we are here to walk it with you.

If you’d like to talk or need guidance, please reach out to Vocations@ewsndden.org.

Join us on the journey! Each month on the 12th, we meet virtually to discuss religious life and discernment. To see upcoming dates for Journey with St. Julie and to register, click here.

IMG 0072
Sabrina Harper, Vocations Promoter

Prayer for Vocations

LORD of the Harvest,

BLESS young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call.

Open their hearts to great ideals, to great things.

INSPIRE all of your disciples to mutual love and giving— for vocations blossom in the good soil of faithful people.

INSTILL those in religious life, parish ministries and families with the confidence

and grace to invite others to embrace the bold and noble path of a life consecrated to you.

UNITE us to Jesus through prayer and sacrament,

so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace.

Amen. 

– Pope Francis

Contact Vocations

I realize more than ever the need there is for strong, generous, courageous souls who fear nothing, except displeasing the good God.
– St. Julie Billiart, L 47

video thumbnail - Are you called to a religious vocation?

Sister Bárbara Gutiérrez, SNDdeN - Vocations Video

Are You Called to Religious Life? Sister Bárbara Gutiérrez, SNDdeN discusses her call to religious life and what drew her to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

video thumbnail - World Day of Prayer for Vocations Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN

World Day of Prayer for Vocations - Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN

Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN discusses the call to religious life and what drew her to a vocation as a vowed religious woman.

Who are the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur?

We are members of a religious order founded in 1804 by three women, St. Julie Billiart, Françoise Blin de Bourdon and Catherine Duchâtel. Our mission statement reads, “Sisters of Notre Dame, women with hearts as wide as the world, make known God’s goodness and love of the poor through a Gospel way of life, community and prayer. Continuing a strong educational tradition, we take our stand with poor people, especially women and children, in the most abandoned places. Each of us commits her one and only life to work with others to

“Create Justice and Peace for All.”

Much like academic titles (PhD, MA, etc.) the SNDdeN after a Sister’s name indicates that they are a vowed Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Our daily schedule depends on our local community and its individual members. Some Sisters are involved in full-time ministry, while other Sisters who are no longer in active ministry or engaged in study have a more flexible schedule. Regardless of where our Sisters live and minister, our day concludes with evening prayer and time in community.

Following Vatican II, religious Sisters were encouraged to be more present to the world and to wear clothes suitable for the ministry and time in which they served. With this invitation, Sisters prayed, reflected and discussed how to live and do this ministry. This time of reflection solidified their zeal to make known God’s goodness and love of the poor through a Gospel way of life, community and prayer. This new focus led Sisters to let go of their traditional habit and follow in Jesus’s footsteps, who did not require his disciples to wear a uniform. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur wear a special cross as a sign of their consecrated life.

If you feel God is calling you, do not be afraid – be attentive and pray for God’s guidance. God will open the way if this is his will. Each life’s journey is unique. Here are some basic prerequisites for discerning with us:

  • Have a love of God, a deep prayer life and the desire to learn and serve
  • Be an active Catholic or in formation to become a Catholic
  • Be in good health in body, mind and spirit
  • Be between the ages of 20-50
  • Be a legal U.S. citizen or have legal status to live and/or work in the U.S.
  • Have a minimum of two years of college/university or equivalent work experience beyond high school and the ability to study
  • Have no canonical or legal impediments to entrance

Contact Me about Vocations

Complete this form, and Vocations Promoter Sabrina Harper will reach out to you about your interest in a religious vocation.

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spirituality Series,woman walking in the woodsReflections for single women
aged 20-45


First Wednesday of each month,
through December 2026


Next Sessions: 


February 4: "Hope"


March 4: "Transformation"


Each session is 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT


Hosted by:


Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN
email: Marieannette.burkart@sndden.org
phone: 408-390-7184


and


Sister Josita Colbert, SNDdeN
email: Josita.colbert@sndden.org


To register, contact Sister Annette.  

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omega imageDrawing on a variety of sources, we will explore the integration of science and spirituality to become more Christ-conscious in our everyday lives. Your facilitators, Sisters Mary Boretti and Ellen Keane, SNDdeN will lead the discussion. To receive the Zoom link, please register by calling  978-380-1574 or emailing spirituality.center@sndden.org.








There is no charge to participate in Omega Gatherings; however, free-will offerings are always appreciated. You can donate online or by sending a check to Notre Dame Spirituality Center, 30 Jeffreys Neck Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. https://www.ndspiritualitycenter.org/donations

Upcoming dates in 2026: Feb 18, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 20, Jun 17

In-person events are also offered at the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts. More details here: https://www.ndspiritualitycenter.org/retreats-programs



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                    [post_content] => Our next reflection gathering will be on Saturday, January 24, 10:30 am PST, when Associate Kai Marks will lead us on the topic of Living with Great Expectations.

Kai notes: "In times of turmoil, it can be tempting to focus on fear and darkness. Some traditions even caution people against having expectations. When seen through one lens, this may be sound counsel. Yet, if we choose to live with integrity, and if we cultivate our ability to 'see with eyes of faith', we know that we can begin to experience miracles and destiny moments. We know that we can have every reason to hope, to not only have 'great expectations' for what lies ahead, but also to understand how living in a state of great expectations helps bring us closer to the sacred, closer to realizing our dreams, closer to one another, and closer to all we are meant to become."

RSVP by email to Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN at stoner@sndden.org.

The next Belmont Reflection Gathering will be March 28, 2026.
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January - December 2026sunflowers Praywith Sisters
Second and Fourth Wednesdays of Each Month
7 p.m. PT | 10 p.m. ET


OPEN TO ALL WOMEN


Hosted by Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN and Sister Karen Pozniak, SNDdeN


To register, contact Sister Annette at 408-390-7184

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                    [post_content] => February JourneyJourney with St. Julie is an opportunity to explore religious life and the charism of our founder.

The next virtual meeting is on Thursday, February 12. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Please contact Vocations Promoter Sabrina Harper at vocations@ewsndden.org with any questions.
                    [post_title] => Journey with St. Julie (Virtual)
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Drawing on a variety of sources, we will explore the integration of science and spirituality to become more Christ-conscious in ouromega image everyday lives. Your facilitators, Sisters Mary Boretti and Ellen Keane, SNDdeN will lead the discussion.






Upcoming dates: March 18, April 15, May 20 and June 17

To receive the Zoom link, please register by calling  978-380-1574 or emailing spirituality.center@sndden.org.

In-person events are also offered at the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

More details here: https://www.ndspiritualitycenter.org/retreats-programs

There is no charge to participate in Omega Gatherings; however, free-will offerings are always appreciated. You can donate online or by sending a check to Notre Dame Spirituality Center, 30 Jeffreys Neck Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. https://www.ndspiritualitycenter.org/donations



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[caption id="attachment_7483" align="alignright" width="627"]Winter Retreat "Blessed be the longing that brings you here...for the one you long for longs for you." — adapted from John O'Donohue's poem "For Longing"[/caption]








5-Day Directed or Private Retreat


Arrival: Monday, February 23 between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.







Departure: Friday, February 27 at 1:30 p.m.







Cost: $105 per night with a $100 deposit. 


You will select the number of nights you wish to stay on this private retreat, and pay the balance upon arrival. 







Retreat Directors: Sisters Ellen Keane & Mary Boretti, SNDdeN

For more information, contact the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Spirituality Center.



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                    [post_content] => IMG 9908 e1762183236334.jpgThe Hallmark Retreat gathers colleagues from our five SNDdeN California learning communities.  It offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community that are integral to the mission of each school.  The retreat invites helpful dialogue and sharing of ideas that can enrich participants and each learning community.

This event takes place at the Notre Dame de Namur Villa Angelica, a Sister of Notre Dame facility just south of Carmel. It is a by-the-sea location conducive to renewal and reflection.

See your administrator or campus minister/director of spirituality for more information. Registration coming soon!

View East Coast Hallmarks Retreat Information
                    [post_title] => West Coast Hallmarks Retreat
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Listen to Him-A Lenten Invitation to Becoming Whole 






Transfiguration3 jfifAt the Transfiguration, the voice of the Father calls Jesus his beloved son and implores us to "Listen to Him."


 And throughout the gospels Jesus also begs us to listen. He reminds those who have ears to hear. But do we truly listen with our own ears? Do we hear what Jesus is saying to each of us as a unique person? What does he desire for us? The Transfiguration reveals the wholeness of who Jesus truly is. Throughout the gospels, he invites us to wholeness as well, to a place of integrating all of our joys and sorrows, gifts and wounds. Using the Lenten gospels as our guide, and the companionship of mystics and poets, we will enter a deeper place of listening to Jesus and his invitation to being transformed into who we truly are. 

 






When: March 6-8, 2026
Where: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Spirituality Center, Ipswich, Massachusetts







[caption id="attachment_7485" align="alignright" width="244"]Dan Burns Dan Burns[/caption]

Presenter: Dan Burns, Deacon Dan Burns was ordained in 1998 and has served in parish ministry as well as Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Boston. He is a certified spiritual director. Dan also spent thirty years as a research scientist, lab director, and instructor at MIT. He and his wife Marianne have two children and six grandchildren.







Cost: $295 Deposit: $100 

Register here



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                    [post_content] => March JourneyJourney with St. Julie is an opportunity to explore religious life and the charism of our founder.

The next virtual meeting is on Thursday, March 12. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Please contact Vocations Promoter Sabrina Harper at vocations@ewsndden.org with any questions.
                    [post_title] => Journey with St. Julie (Virtual)
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                    [post_content] => Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Spirituality Center, Ipswich, Massachusetts

The Hallmark Retreat engages educators in reflection and conversation on the 7 Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community. We encourage all Notre Dame de Namur faculty and staff to attend a Hallmark retreat during the first several years of their tenure. The retreat includes time for learning, discussion with colleagues from across the SNDdeN network, and time to plan strategically with fellow teachers/colleagues from your own school or learning center. The retreat also includes time for personal reflection, rest, and socializing.

Please see your principal, campus minister or mission leader for more information and to register.

Sponsorship Event Registration Button

View West Coast Hallmarks Retreat Information
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                    [post_content] => Our next reflection gathering will be on Saturday, March 28, 10:30 am PST.

RSVP by email to Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN at stoner@sndden.org.

 
                    [post_title] => Reflection Gathering in Belmont, California
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                    [post_content] => 
Laudato Seeds logo 3

As Pope Francis emphasizes in Laudato Si, our current ecological crisis is brought about by human action — by our own overconsumption and lack of consideration for the natural world. In the United States and other nations across the world, we need to fundamentally change how we live. This immersion experience will call participants to rediscover their place within the Community of Creation, divorcing themselves from an anthropocentric worldview and instead making a commitment to honor their own interconnectedness and interdependence with nature.  

As Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we live in hope for a brighter future — and that includes our advocacy for the community of creation. Through this program, we will foster opportunities for social action for a select group of fellows. All participants will commit to lifestyle change and spiritual renewal, discerning how to shift from an attitude of stewardship toward the earth to one of kinship with the planet. 

Each morning, participants will work at Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center. Tasks may include organic farming, animal care, land restoration, and other activities, all focused on our interconnection with the natural world. Afternoons will include educational and spiritual direction opportunities. This program is rooted in a spirit of lifelong learning for all participants. As a group of laywomen and vowed religious, we will commit to learning together and sharing in the joy of creation. Please see below for a sample daily schedule.  

This program is rooted in community and simple living. Participants will live communally in dorm-style postulant housing at the Spirituality Center and will have daily opportunities to connect with our sisters and the charism. They will also have a chance to learn about our mission, history, and current commitments and actions for social and ecological justice, while helping us discern how to continue our work in building community with creation.  

Duration: 2 weeks (14 days)
Location: Notre Dame Spirituality Center – Ipswich, Massachusetts
Dates: June 21 – July 5, 2026
Capacity: Max 7 women
Deadline to apply: Priority deadline is February 28, 2026. The final deadline for consideration is April 30, 2026.   

 

Core Objectives: 


    
 	
  • To deepen understanding of Laudato Si’ through meaningful engagement with the natural world 
    • 



    
 	
  • To foster ecological conversion through immersive experiences, rooted in hope.  
    • 



    
 	
  • To build intentional community through shared prayer, service, and reflection – all rooted in a deeper eco-spirituality that calls for a renewed relationship with Creation 
    • 



    
 	
  • To provide opportunities for discernment, both in personal vocation and our commitment to the natural world. All participants will leave this experience with a fundamental conversion and reorientation to the Community of Creation 
    • 



    
 	
  • To equip participants with practical tools for environmental advocacy and sustainability, weaving our lives into the community of creation.  
    • 



Logistics 


Housing and Facilities: 

Participants will be provided with dormitory-style housing in the Postulant Wing of the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, Massachusetts. One of the expectations of this program is a commitment to “simple living.” We expect that participants will collaboratively cook some of their own meals, sharing time and communal resources. Participants will have access to a small kitchen area near the postulant rooms. Additionally, they will have access to communal bathrooms and gathering spaces in this area of the Spirituality Center.  

Participants will also have access to the outdoor spaces and chapel at the Spirituality Center, allowing for many opportunities for individual and communal prayer and reflection.  

Because of the nature of the space and shared bathrooms, this program will be open to women who are interested in deepening their spirituality through a nature-based program, and who are comfortable with both a very physical daily program and community living.  

Please note that all participants will be expected to provide their own transportation to the Boston area. We can assist by arranging transportation from Logan Airport to Ipswich.  

Daily Schedule Overview 

The following is a tentative outline for the weekdays: 

8:00 a.m. Breakfast/Morning Prayer 

9:00 a.m. Work at Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center (organic farming, caring for animals, land restoration, etc.  

1:00 p.m. Lunch 

2:00 p.m. Educational Opportunity (might include classes or presentation on marshland/forest ecosystems, Laudato Si, environmental sustainability, permaculture, etc. from both sisters and outside organizations) 

4:00 p.m. Free time, work time, opportunities for spiritual direction 

6:00 p.m. Communal dinner  

7:00 p.m. Optional formation and prayer activities (might include discussions on discernment, prayer opportunities, gatherings with sisters, community nights, or any other ideas that arise from the group) 

Weekends will include more community gathering opportunities, including trips to local historic sites connected with care for creation, presentations from local conservation groups, and social outings. Each day will provide additional opportunities to interact with the sisters in Ipswich. Sisters will be invited to attend community events and/or provide spiritual direction so that all participants can see our charism in action.  

Laudato Seeds of Change 2026 Application Laudato seeds horizontal

Also, for your consideration:

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spirituality Series,woman walking in the woodsReflections for single women
aged 20-45


First Wednesday of each month,
through December 2026


Next Sessions: 


February 4: "Hope"


March 4: "Transformation"


Each session is 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT


Hosted by:


Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN
email: Marieannette.burkart@sndden.org
phone: 408-390-7184


and


Sister Josita Colbert, SNDdeN
email: Josita.colbert@sndden.org


To register, contact Sister Annette.  

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Upcoming Events

Jan 07, 2026 - Dec 02, 20268:00 PM
Spirituality Series

Reflections for single women aged 20-45 First Wednesday of each month, through December 2026 Next Sessions: February 4: “Hope” March 4: “Transformation” Each session is 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Hosted by: Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN email: Marieannette.burkart@sndden.org phone: 408-390-7184 and Sister Josita Colbert, SNDdeN email: Josita.colbert@sndden.org To register, contact Sister Annette.  

More Information
Jan 21, 2026 - Jan 21, 20264:30 PM
Omega Gathering: Explore Science & Spirituality (Zoom)

We will explore the integration of science and spirituality to become more Christ-conscious in our everyday lives.

More Information
Jan 24, 20267:30 AM
Reflection Gathering in Belmont, California

Our next reflection gathering will be on Saturday, January 24, 10:30 am PST, when Associate Kai Marks will lead us on the topic of Living with Great Expectations. Kai notes: “In times of turmoil, it can be tempting to focus on fear and darkness. Some traditions even caution people against having expectations. When seen through […]

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Jan 28, 2026 - Jan 28, 202610:00 PM
Pray with Sisters: A virtual gathering

January – December 2026 Second and Fourth Wednesdays of Each Month 7 p.m. PT | 10 p.m. ET OPEN TO ALL WOMEN Hosted by Sister Annette Burkart, SNDdeN and Sister Karen Pozniak, SNDdeN To register, contact Sister Annette at 408-390-7184

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Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 12, 20268:30 PM
Journey with St. Julie (Virtual)

Journey with St. Julie is an opportunity to explore religious life and the charism of our founder. The next virtual meeting is on Thursday, February 12.

More Information
Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 18, 20264:30 PM
Omega Gathering: Explore Science + Spirituality (Zoom)

Drawing on a variety of sources, we will explore the integration of science and spirituality to become more Christ-conscious in our everyday lives. Your facilitators, Sisters Mary Boretti and Ellen Keane, SNDdeN will lead the discussion. Upcoming dates: March 18, April 15, May 20 and June 17 To receive the Zoom link, please register by […]

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Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
Five-day retreat@Ipswich

5-Day Directed or Private Retreat Arrival: Monday, February 23 between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Departure: Friday, February 27 at 1:30 p.m. Cost: $105 per night with a $100 deposit. You will select the number of nights you wish to stay on this private retreat, and pay the balance upon arrival.  Retreat Directors: Sisters Ellen […]

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Feb 24, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
West Coast Hallmarks Retreat

The Hallmark Retreat gathers colleagues from our five SNDdeN California learning communities.  It offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community that are integral to the mission of each school.  The retreat invites helpful dialogue and sharing of ideas that can enrich participants and each learning community. This event takes […]

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Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
Lenten Retreat@Ipswich

Listen to Him-A Lenten Invitation to Becoming Whole  At the Transfiguration, the voice of the Father calls Jesus his beloved son and implores us to “Listen to Him.” And throughout the gospels Jesus also begs us to listen. He reminds those who have ears to hear. But do we truly listen with our own ears? […]

More Information
Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 12, 20268:30 PM
Journey with St. Julie (Virtual)

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Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
East Coast Hallmarks Retreat

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More Information
Mar 28, 20267:30 AM
Reflection Gathering in Belmont, California

Our next reflection gathering will be on Saturday, March 28, 10:30 am PST. RSVP by email to Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN at stoner@sndden.org.  

More Information
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026
Laudato Seeds of Change: An Immersion Experience with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

As Pope Francis emphasizes in Laudato Si, our current ecological crisis is brought about by human action — by our own overconsumption and lack of consideration for the natural world. In the United States and other nations across the world, we need to fundamentally change how we live. This immersion experience will call participants to rediscover […]

More Information
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