News from Blessed Sacrament Province
Sr. Maryann Calabrese and I enjoying a visit with Sisters Julia Lydon, Jeannette Bolduc, Margaret Rose Farley, and Mary Ledden at Mozaic (JSS). Conversation along with ice cream sundaes added warmth and fun to our visit.
Sr. Joann Compagno, photographer
Benincasa and Tiny Homes in Connecticut
Blessed Sacrament Province, by way of a small grant, has been able to support Connecticut’s Benincasa Community in their effort to solar panel their Dan Berrigan Center. The panels are in place and the Berrigan Center is already running off “green energy.” The Province is happy to have participated in this project.
“Benincasa,” a lay community, founded in the 21st century, is dedicated to the works of mercy and justice. Comprising nearly 600 members, it is grounded by faith, an emerging understanding of the new cosmology, the development of new economic models in our world, and the need for deepening relationships with the land and one another.
While this community initially came together on New York’s upper West Side, it eventually moved its Motherhouse to Guilford, Connecticut. The move gave the Community opportunity for collaboration and expansion.
Associate Relationship 2023 CND Associate Retreat
On September 8-10, 2023, twenty-six Congregation of Notre Dame Associates attended their annual retreat at Wisdom Housein Litchfield, CT on the theme “GREET, PRAY, LOVE,” adapted from the book by Elizabeth Gilbert. We gathered to Greet each other in person after the isolation of COVID, experience a different way to Pray, and be with each other in a spirit of Love and visitation! Marguerite’s spirit accompanied us throughout the weekend.
That evening we gathered in a sacred circle to get to know one another, especially the new Associates. This weekend retreat was a time to mindfully connect and strengthen our Associate relationship.
On Saturday, the Associates each had the opportunity to participate in one of the following forms of prayer led by an Associate: “Photography as Meditation” (Bonnie); “Praying with a Mandala” (Maria), “Sit, Knit, Pray” (Sharon), “Praying in Color” (Donna) and “Sacred Water Prayer” (Maria).
There was enough time to walk around the grounds and enjoy quiet moments of reflection. We were joined by Congregation of Notre Dame sisters – Joan Mahoney, Marylou Lyons, Maryann Calabrese, and Mary Ann Rossi – for the First Commitments of new Associates Kathleen and Diane. It was a celebration of visitation and full of love, followed by a special dessert – brownies and ice cream!
On our last day on Sunday, we came together for “Mugs and Moments” – a time of quiet prayer while drinking a special hot drink of our choice in the company of each other.
Final blessing, time to say goodbye! Go forth with the spirit of Marguerite!
Associate Ellen Lynch was presented with the Sisters of Charity award from Catholic Academy of Waterbury at their annual awards dinner. She is the school council Chair. She is an SMS alumna and her lifelong work and commitment to Catholic schools was honored.
Eldering In Grace
A monthly circle of mindfulness dialogue with companions on the journey of eldering
Monday, November 6,2023 at 5:00 P.M.
Presented by Danny Martin, creator of the Mindfulness dialogue program and Kathleen Deignan, CND. Director of the institute for earth and spirit and co-host for these sessions.