East Sisters Welcome New Associates in 2026

Jeanne Festa has led a spiritual life since she was a child. Raised Catholic, Jeanne’s early fascinations with the stories of the Saints quietly shaped the direction of her life.

That foundation deepened when she later felt drawn to work as the lead receptionist at Notre Dame Health Care Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, she learned more about another Saint, Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

“I read a book about her life, and I was inspired by her courage and the way she spread the Goodness of God through education and service,” she reflects.

Festa recalls a pivotal moment when she noticed an Associate gathering taking place. Her curiosity piqued, she asked what it meant to be an Associate. As she listened, something immediately resonated.

Jeanne Festa and Michelle Mullaney at their Worcester ceremony

“I just knew,” she said. “I felt like God had been calling me for a long time—that I had a bigger purpose in my life. I had been praying about it all year, and this felt like part of the answer.”

On Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Notre Dame du Lac Chapel in Worcester, Mass., Festa joined Michelle Mullaney in a commitment ceremony to become Associates of the Notre Dame de Namur, vowing to live the charism of St. Julie through prayer, works and daily devotion.

Mullaney, an administrative assistant in Worcester, previously worked with the Sister Coordinators at du Lac in Worcester, where she experienced profound spiritual growth.

“Just talking with them, being with them—it’s their mission for God. It just emanates from them. It’s contagious,” she said.

“I felt very strongly that I needed to continue being part of this. God brought me here… I am far from perfect, but my beliefs give me hope and a clear direction for how I want to live. I believe God gave me humor and compassion as tools to help others.”

In another ceremony on May 16 in Ipswich, Massachusetts, we welcomed new Associate Randee Michaud, who has worked for Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for several years.

New Associate Randee Michaud

Michaud was initially impressed with the spirituality of the Sisters and Associates, saying she was especially touched by Saint Julie’s story: “St. Julie has become a part of my heart.”

Sister Catherine Pero, SNDdeN describes Michaud as “a most generous person – always thinking of others, always ready to help where help is needed and even willing to give extra time. She makes herself available to all and uses her creativity to make others happy.”

Association is a year-long commitment that may be renewed indefinitely. Many Associates go on to celebrate 45 or 50 years of dedication, and we are grateful for their devotion to our good God through their association with our Congregation. To our newest Associates, we pray your experiences are lavishly blessed!