This article was originally published in our Winter 2024 issue of Sowing Goodness.
During the summer of 2024, student leaders from 11 schools across our learning community came together at Emmanuel College for this year’s Student Leadership Conference. More than a hundred students and their teachers and chaperones joined our Sisters for several days of workshops, uplifting speeches, prayer, community service—and a little downtime at a ballgame at Boston’s famous Fenway Park!
On a day dedicated to the theme of leadership, Sister Pat O’Brien, SNDdeN gave a moving presentation on St.Julie Billiart as a leader. She challenged the students to have the courage to make mistakes and to step out of their comfort zones. “Julie knew that mistakes are part of the human condition,” she reflected, “God expects them, and so should we.”
Afterward, Sisters Bárbara Gutiérrez, Carol Lichtenberg, Kristin Hokanson, Mary T. Kelleher, Maryalyce Gilfeather, Pat Toce, Rita Sturwold, Susan Thornell, Julie Mokidi, Ellen Dabrieo and Patricia Shea, SNDdeN met with students for discussion sessions. Students had the chance to ask the Sisters questions about their vocations and the legacy of Saint Julie Billiart.
“I loved learning about the rich history of my school and the dedication the Sisters have to their schools,” shared Audrey Shisler, a student from Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Inspired by the conference, she plans to help organize sustainability initiatives at her school.
"A huge thing I learned is that you have to put yourself out there. If you don’t put yourself out there you won’t get as much out of the situations you’re in. People are usually friendly and welcoming.”
Arthirey Rosario, Student at Notre Dame Cristo Rey, Methuen, Massachusetts
Other highlights from the conference included a virtual meeting with congregational leadership team members, Sisters Mary Johnson and Lorraine Connell, SNDdeN, and time dedicated to service projects within Boston.
This year’s conference was organized by Sister Rosemary Reynolds, SNDdeN and Gina Helms, Campus Minister at Badin High School in Ohio. Sisters Maria Delaney and Pat Toce, SNDdeN provided critical support.
The Notre Dame High School conference seeks to empower these student leaders from across the country to do their best and follow their passions. “It is a joy for me to join our Notre Dame High School students and faculty members each year as we share in our common charism and mission,” said Sister Rosemary. “As Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we are blessed to know that the charism and mission are alive and well in the hands of our students and faculty members.”
