Campus Ministry
Retreats | OK Clean Water Project
The aim of Campus Ministry at NDA is to work closely with the adult and student populations to infuse and integrate both Gospel values and the charism of the Congregation of Notre Dame into all aspects of NDA life, and to bring our Mission of transformation alive through: a variety of Prayer Experiences, Retreats at each grade level, and regular involvement in Christian Service.
In the spirit of Marguerite Bourgeoys, foundress of the founding sisters of NDA, and of Our Lady, we strive to live with others in an open spirit of “visitation”: receptive to God moving within us, and generously sharing the joy of God’s gifts with each other. It is in this spirit that we discover God, welcome God in those around us, and celebrate in Joy the power of God living among us! Mary said in scripture, “My soul proclaims Your greatness, O my God, and my spirit rejoices in You.” Like Mary with the apostles, we nurture community, and welcome the movement of the Spirit to help us to “transform society”.
Everyone at Notre Dame has a personal experience of RETREAT every year. These retreats are coordinated and facilitated by the Campus Minister with staff, and older students in each school - elementary and high. Grades 8 through 11 go off the school grounds to another facility, and the seniors have the option of a 1 or 3-day retreat off of Staten Island, to the Jersey shore, or Shelter Island. God is certainly alive here!
Following the Gospel imperative we become involved with our sisters and brothers in need when we participate in CHRISTIAN SERVICE. On the elementary level, the girls participate in a variety of activities with their classes, such as: collecting food and goods, online projects to support literacy and hunger, making gifts and cards, etc.
In the high school, the campus ministry team of students organize a variety of activities throughout the year for involvement on Staten Island, and worldwide. AND the students are required an increasing number of hours of service each of the four years, in hopes of developing a “lifestyle of loving service”.
During the month of March, the entire school: PK-12, has been involved with the “Pennies for Patients” program of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is our 9th year involved with this program of our healthy children reaching out to support sick children, and we have maintained place as one of the top 5 collecting schools in all of NYC!
Also, during the season of Lent through spring, the high school is collecting money to help the people in Kumbo, Cameroon receive new water wells – for the first time! This project: the “OK Clean Water Project” was begun by CND sisters and friends in Ottawa, Canada to reach the people of Kumbo, where the sisters also minister.