The Sisters worked for many days to prepare for the Soup Supper that was held (after being postponed for two weeks due to snow) on February 16th. Sr. Mary Beth made her famous cinnamon rolls (left) and Sr. Lucille, Sr. Carmelita and Sr. Immolata baked breads and rolls for the bake sale. On the day of the supper, Sisters and Associates worked all day to prepare soup, relishes and desserts. Six hundred people came to Notre Dame to enjoy home made chili, chicken soup or potato soup, and to sample the Sisters' brownies, dessert bars or cookies. Neighbors, friends and relatives of the Sisters, Notre Dame Academy alumnae and many people who wanted to support a good cause helped raise money for transitional housing for women and children. All the proceeds from this event, which was sponsored by the Notre Dame Sisters and Associates Non-violence Committee, go to help the already-existing Catholic Charities program called "Family Passages." Family Passages, in addition to providing temporary housing for women and their children who are leaving a violent family situation, also assists through teaching job skills, financial management, parenting and other necessary self-sufficiency skills. The options provided by Family Passages are often the best means for women to learn how to live outside of a violent family situation. The Sisters and Associates are planning a garage sale in June as the next fundraiser for transitional housing.

St. Nicholas Night with Sr. Stephanie

Everyone knows that Santa Claus comes on the 25th of December, but do you know who comes on the 6th? Legend has it that Saint Nicholas does! St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived somewhere in Asia about three hundred years after Christ. He is remembered around the world at Advent time for his kindness to the poor. It is said that he gave gifts in secrecy to the poor and needy of his village. In Russia and Greece he is a patron saint, and the Dutch call him "Sinterklass".

On December 3rd, Mary Our Queen parish celebrated St. Nick night. The evening included food and drink, caroling, crafts, prayer, and appearances by Mrs. Claus and St. Nick. Sr. Stephanie Matcha coordinated the event. Over 400 adults and children came to celebrate that night. Children made ornaments for their tree at home, masks, necklaces, and hangers for their door knobs. Adults enjoyed fellowship and caroling. Families went on bus tours to see the Christmas light displays of the neighborhood, and St. Nick even stopped by for a visit. Many brought gifts for the poor in the sprit of St. Nick. Several boxes were filled with the generosity of those attending. A $2 per person free will offering was suggested for those participating to cover the costs of the night.

Remembering the kindness of St. Nick is perfect for celebrating the beginning of the Advent season. The custom of hanging stockings is said to have come from the legends surrounding St. Nick. To follow St. Nick's example, we can give to the poor and needy in our area. Some suggestions: give socks and mittens to shelters or poor families, invite over a family who would otherwise not enjoy a nice meal, volunteer at your local shelter, perform random acts of kindness for others.

Next year, put your shoes outside your bedroom door when you go to sleep on December 5th and see in the morning if St. Nick has left you a surprise! As you prepare your home and heart for this year's Christmas, take some time to think about what St. Nick did for people in need. We pray that we can all live our lives as aware of those in need around us as St. Nick did.

Students from Mrs. Julie Merriman's first grade class at Blessed Sacrament School in Omaha, Nebraska, made their annual Halloween visit to Notre Dame. Many of the Sisters, residents and staff dressed in costumes to celebrate. The students were also dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes. They sang and entertained retired Sisters and residents of Seven Oaks of Florence.The students were also dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes. They sang and entertained retired Sisters and residents of Seven Oaks of Florence.

Sr. StephanieMatcha (right) and representatives of Mary Our Queen parish braved Hurricane Ivan during the International Catholic Stewardship Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Closing of the Jubilee Year was celebrated on August 15, 2004 with a Liturgy and Reception.

The Planning Committee: Srs. Rosalee Burke, Sally Ann McReynolds, Dorothy Rolf, Margaret Hickey and Stephanie Matcha
	The Sisters were honored by the presence of family, friends, former students and co-workers.

The 2004 Notre Dame Development Dinner, A Celebration of Spirit, was held on April 18, 2004.

The Dinner featured a Silent Auction and a program telling the history of the Notre Dame Sisters in Europe during the last half century. Special guest Sister Metoda, Provincial President of the Slovak Province of the Notre Dame Sisters, accepted the Mother Qualberta Krivanec Service Award on behalf of the Notre Dame Sisters of the European Provinces. Sr. Metoda recounted her days as a "secret Sister" while Sr. Dorothy Pluhacek translated her speech from the Slovak language into English.

Many volunteers worked to make the Dinner a great success and a lot of fun for the nearly 300 guests attending. The auction, featuring hundreds of handmade gift items, pieces of art from around the country and local restaurant and business certificates, raised money that will go to subsidize the ministries of the Notre Dame Sisters over the next year. The raffle also highlighted generous Omaha businesses, as one of the prizes was called "Celebrate Omaha" and included gifts from Kellogs, Vic's Corn Popper, Borsheims Fine Gifts, Herman's Nuts, the Omaha World-Herald, Robert's Dairy, Goodrich & Goodrich, and many other fine Omaha-based businesses. Omaha celebrity Dave Webber was emcee for the fourth year, bringing his guitar along as he'd promised the crowd in 2003.

Photos © 2004 courtesy of Daniel Lindblad