Laudato Seeds of Change
An Immersion Experience with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
We are excited to launch our inaugural Laudato Seeds of Change program. This one‑week summer immersion experience is designed for a small group of women who wish to engage more deeply with Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical and respond to the current ecological crisis, which is rooted in overconsumption and disregard for the natural world.
Beginning June 21, 2026, eight women will gather at the Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, Mass., to commit to lifestyle change and spiritual renewal, discerning a shift from an ethic of stewardship toward one of kinship with the Earth.
Participants are joining us from across the country and represent a wide range of ages and experiences, including retirees, educators, mid-career professionals and former Notre Dame Mission Volunteers. All share a deep enthusiasm for being part of this inaugural program.
Laudato Seeds of Change is dedicated to cultivating and nurturing the “seeds of goodness” that flourish in our world today, particularly those found within our Community of Creation. Embracing our deep kinship with all of Creation, we will follow a model of reflection–action–reflection to engage collaboratively with the land in Ipswich, deepen our spiritual bonds with the Earth and one another and move beyond an anthropocentric worldview, allowing the land itself to transform, teach and guide us.
Meet Our 2026 Participants
Ciara of New Orleans, LA — “I’m excited to forge connections with individuals who care about the well-being of the world around them.”
Claire of Ipswich, MA — “This opportunity will offer me the tools I need to make positive changes in my life … (and) give me the confidence and knowledge to create a difference in the communities I live and work in.”
Darlene of Beaverton, OR — “I am excited to serve as both a student and mentor in courageously carrying out the vision and example of Sister Dorothy Stang.”
Janet of Hixson, TN — “The Laudato Seeds of Change program provides a perfect opportunity to grow a love of both the world around us and the God who created it. Learning and nature are two of our most precious gifts.”
Julie of Mobile, AL — “I’m excited to learn to weave all the parts of myself with God’s created world.”
Maeve of Washington, DC — “This program will deepen my relationships with both God and creation, and I look forward to learning from those who have been entrusted to be thoughtful stewards of the land.”
Melinda of Scranton, PA — “I am beyond excited to immerse myself with others reflecting on Laudato Si’, experiencing a change in lifestyle, and taking the necessary time and space for spiritual renewal.”
My of Baltimore, MD — “My passions, strengths and experiences align closely with the mission of the Sisters … particularly in their commitment to education, justice and care for our common home.”
Program Overview
In the United States and around the world, we are called to fundamentally change how we live. As Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we live in hope for a brighter future, one grounded in advocacy for the whole Community of Creation.
This immersion experience invites participants to rediscover their place within that community, to move beyond an anthropocentric worldview, and to honor their deep interconnectedness and interdependence with the natural world.
Rooted in community, simple living and lifelong learning, the program brings together laywomen and vowed religious to share in the joy of Creation.
Each morning, participants work at Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center, engaging in activities such as organic farming, animal care and land restoration, hands‑on practices that deepen awareness of our relationship with the Earth. Afternoons offer time for education, reflection and spiritual direction. Weekends include additional opportunities for community and exploration, such as visits to local historic sites related to care for Creation, presentations by regional conservation groups, and shared social outings.
Participants live communally in dorm‑style postulant housing at the Notre Dame Spirituality Center, with daily opportunities to connect with the Sisters and their charism. They will also learn about the Sisters’ mission, history and ongoing commitments to social and ecological justice, while helping discern how this work of building community with Creation continues today.
Join Us in 2027!
Interested in joining us next year? Please reach out for more information: vocations@ewsndden.org or 650-486-2177; otherwise, watch for announcements on our web and social media sites.