Partnering in Mission

Parallax Sunflower

Program Overview

Partnering in Mission is an orientation program welcoming new teachers and staff into the network of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur sponsored ministries and schools. The program offers an in-depth view of the history of the congregation, its mission and purpose, Catholic social thought, Notre Dame de Namur Hallmarks, and the spirituality and vocation of a Notre Dame de Namur educator. Sessions include presentations and time for small group sharing and discussion.

Program Objectives

  • Learn about the SNDdeN mission, history, and current activities of the Sisters and their ministries.
  • Connect with fellow teachers and staff across the national and global SNDdeN network.
  • Discover educational and classroom resources on social and environmental justice, Catholic social thought, and the Hallmarks.
  • Develop professionally and personally as a mission leader at your school.

Meeting Schedule

Six meetings per academic year held once per month on Zoom.

Mondays – Each session is offered twice per day to accommodate schedules.

Dates for 2025-26:

  • October 6 | November 3 | December 1, 2025
  • February 9 | March 2 | April 13, 2026

Download Flyer

Monday, October 6, 2025

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work:

Read:
Watch: Optional:  Watch first 15 min of video: “Saint Julie Billiart and the Mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Think About:
  • What connections do you see between St. Julie’s life and spirituality, and your school today?
  • What resonates with you personally about St. Julie’s life and educational vision?

Additional Resources:

 

Videos about St. Julie and the History of the Congregation:

 

Websites about the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur:

Monday, November 3, 2025

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work:

Read:
Watch: Introducing the 7 Hallmarks (16 min)
*Adjust the playback speed on the bottom righthand corner, as you see fit.

Think About:
  • In what ways do you see the Hallmarks being applied in your classroom and school community?
  • How do the theological concepts and values behind the Hallmarks connect with you personally and professionally?

Additional Resources:

  • Hallmarks Collateral & Flipbook
  • Hallmarks Retreat – Two-Day gathering of Notre Dame educators held in CA and MA annually. Speak to your principal to sign up.
  • Zoom recording from Session 2
    To view full screen, click the word “Vimeo” in bottom right of video.

 

Monday, December 1, 2025

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work: 

Read:
Watch:
Think About:
  • How do you see connections between the global agenda of the SNDdeNs and the work that you do or the work that you see happening at your school?
  • What are some of the principles of Catholic social teaching that come through in your work and teaching? What could you expand upon?

Additional Resources:

Monday, February 9, 2026

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work:

Read:
Watch:
Think About:
  • Feb 12th marks the 21st anniversary of the death of Sr. Dorothy Stang, whose life and legacy continues to inspire the mission of our educational communities. What do you find most inspiring about her story?

Additional Resources:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work:

 

Reflection Questions:

  • How is the SNDdeN mission related to inclusion, and vice-versa?
  • Think of a time when you were changed for the better by an unexpected visitor.

 

Additional Resources:

Monday, April 13, 2026

Eastern: 3:45 pm or 6:15 pm | Pacific: 12:45 pm or 3:15 pm

Pre-Work:

 

Reflection Questions:

  • How has your vocation changed over time? What is your “calling” at this moment/time in your life?
  • How has your work/ministry/career shaped who you are?
  • What values are most important to you as an educator?