Provincial Sister Kathleen Harmon brings good news:
“I am happy to announce that Associate Barbara Markus has accepted the position of Director of Associates. Barb brings both leadership and administrative skills to this role, as well as her years of experience as an Associate.
Welcome aboard, Barb! God is good!”
Barbara shares her own story:
Little did I know when I stepped into Homeroom 9E at Julienne High School in the fall of 1961 that it would be the beginning of a long journey home.
As I got to know the Sisters during my years at JHS, I knew I wanted to be like them. The next part of the journey included my fifteen years in the community of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Along the way, I honed my skills as an elementary teacher (junior high students were my favorites!) and though I left the order, I continued in education retiring after forty-three years. When I graduated from the classroom (which I still miss) to become a principal, I used the skills learned from SND, to foster whole-some and holy environments for the schools and parishes. Looking back, I realized that I began my teaching career in an SND school, Immaculate Conception, and ended it also in an SND school, St. Helen. Julie has been with me for a long time.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a liturgical minister and facilitating RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) programs. After retirement I became hungry for something “more” and was introduced to spiritual direction by a blurb in our parish bulletin. Receiving spiritual direction ultimately led to Association which was a “coming back home.” In addition, I’ve been working as a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem, in Juvenile Court. Being a CASA has reminded me of the SND mission.
About a year ago, the possibility of accepting Discerners opened again. As a member of the AALT (Acting Associate Leadership Team), I have been blessed with the privilege of walking with four faith-filled women who are discerning the call to Association. As I journeyed with these women, I, too, was discerning a call.
On February 28th I will set out on the next step of my journey as Director of Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Together we can strengthen our connections as Associates and live out Julie’s spirituality more fully. I am looking forward to meeting with you and finding out your dreams for Association. I am asking your prayers and I assure you that you will be in mine.
Barbara Markus
Director of Associates