On February 15, 2023, F.L.I.G.H.T. (Faith Leaders in God’s Hands Today), a select group of seniors at Chaminade Julienne High School, and their moderators visited Mount Notre Dame. Archivist Sister Kim Dalgarn, SNDdeN welcomed them to the Museum. After a brief introduction, she divided the students into groups and sent them on a scavenger hunt in the Museum and the Heritage Hallway. This was a creative way for the students to learn about the Congregation and the history of the Ohio Unit. When the students gathered to share their answers, Sister Kim provided additional information, using a powerpoint presentation with many pictures.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Jo Anne Depweg, Joan Krimm, Rita Sturwold, and Nancy Wellmeier, three of whom graduated from Julienne, joined the seniors in small groups. Sister Kim invited everyone to reflect on questions related to Notre Dame Mission Spirituality and share their responses. The Sisters were impressed with the depth of the students’ insights and their willingness to share. The visit concluded with lively conversation during and after lunch and a group picture in the chapel.
Students apply to become participants in F.L.I.G.H.T., which provides them with a unique opportunity to soar to new heights. They gain experience as servant leaders, explore their faith together, and learn more about the charisms of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and of the Marianists, co-sponsors of CJ. They also lead retreats and plan service activities, monthly liturgies, and prayer experiences for the CJ community, often highlighting the charisms of the sponsoring Congregations.
During their return trip to CJ, the students were enthusiastic about meeting with and hearing the Sisters’ stories and learning more about the Congregation. They were in awe of the Heritage Hallway, the items in the Museum, and the room dedicated to Julienne graduate, Dorothy Stang. These Faith Leaders in God’s Hands Today and their plans for their futures certainly lifted the Sisters’ spirits!
Sister Rita Sturwold, SNDdeN