Associates Engage Others and Care for the Earth

By Kathy Noether, AND

Notre Dame Associates – women and men who live out Saint Julie’s charism – partner with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in lives marked by goodness, simplicity and service to the poor. They embody Gospel values and the Hallmarks of justice, inclusivity, peace and care for creation.

• Two Associates serve on the Board of BACAR, Inc. (Bay Area Conference of Associates and Religious), now in its 30th year. BACAR fosters prayer, mission and shared spirituality between Associates and religious communities, and has led over a dozen sessions inspired by Laudato Si’.
• The East-West Associate Discernment program offers monthly sessions on the Charism, Mission, and Hallmarks, with a strong focus on Laudato Si’. Five Associates are active in the Laudato Si’ Working Group, helping lead these efforts.
• Retreats sponsored by the Sisters at Carmel often explore themes of creation and sustainability, welcoming Sisters, Associates and guests. Topics have included Native American spirituality, consumerism, migration and spiritual creativity.
• For over 35 years, the group The Other Road – made up of Associates, Sisters and friends — has gathered quarterly to advocate for ecological justice, long before the climate crisis became a global concern.
• At Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, Sister Theresa Linehan, SNDdeN and Kathy Noether led a session on sustainable living and ethical consumerism, featuring The Better World Shopping Guide by Dr. Ellis Jones.

Together, Notre Dame Associates and Sisters continue to share God’s goodness through action, reflection and care for Earth and all creation.

For more information, contact Kathy Noether at knoether@aol.com