A View from the Dome: November ’23
Letter from the Superior General: November 2023
Dear Friend,
November is the month of remembering. We celebrate All Saints, All Souls, our Veterans, and Thanksgiving Day, when we recall all the good God has done for us. On Nov. 26, we remember Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. As we remember, it is important to know that Jesus the Lord is with us.
In this year of the Eucharist Revival, we celebrate that Jesus wants to be with us. He is with us at every Mass, at Adoration and as we pray and offer thanksgiving. His presence among us is more than a sign. He is risen to eternal life with His Father. He told us that whenever His friends meet and break bread – a human sign of companionship and fellowship – He would be present.
In the Gospel of Luke 22:19-20, Jesus tells us clearly how to remember; “Then He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of Me.” Likewise, He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which will be shed for you.” This scripture passage helps us see the simplicity, the encounter and the challenge. Bread is the work of human hands, an essential nourishment for our life. Jesus speaks clearly. Bread, like His body, is broken for us. His whole life was poured out for His people.
The breaking of bread, which happens at every Mass, is a sign of God’s presence here and now. The breaking of bread is a challenge to us. We are asked to give our lives, like Him, for His people. We come to God for forgiveness, and for strength to live our lives in a Christian way. When we receive Him in the Eucharist, we commit ourselves to live like He lived. We, by faith, have confidence that with His help, we can do that. In His Love, we have hope that God’s will is done.
During November, our SSMO Sisters pray for you and remember God’s promise of everlasting life with Him.
Yours in Christ, Sr. Michael Francine Duncan
Visit ssmo.org/contact to send a prayer request or message to the Sisters.
SSMO Vocation Newsletter – November 2023
A monthly publication of news, events and topics important to Community and religious life. Click here to view the November issue.
We are pleased to share with you that Sister Alison and Sister Anna have been selected to represent the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon at SEEK24 this upcoming January. To learn more about the conference, visit their website.
We are looking forward to celebrating Valley Catholic School on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the VCS Gala. This year’s celebration will be held at NW Events in Hillsboro. Highlights will include silent and live auctions, and the Light-a-Fire special appeal — a paddle raise for tuition assistance. All proceeds support programs and sustain the Sisters’ more than 120-year mission of providing Catholic education.
Your contributions create new and exciting opportunities for students, keep classrooms full, promote inclusion, and maintain consistency for families in need.
Contact Caroline Fogarty at [email protected] or 503-718-6486 for more information.
Join the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon for an exciting voyage to Valley Catholic High School’s Fall Play, “The Fearsome Pirate Frank!”
Prepare to be swept away by the talent and passion of our students as they bring this swashbuckling adventure to life. Laughter, heart, and incredible performances await you.
Be sure to grab a root beer float in the lobby courtesy of the VCHS Booster Club.
Performances:
Nov. 3, 4, and 10 at 7 p.m.
Nov. 5, 11, and 12 at 2 p.m.
Click here for show tickets.
The Annual Fund Helps Cultivate Faith and Action
The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon cultivate lives through faith and action. They sow seeds of God’s love and nourish people through education, health care and outreach.
Give to the Annual Fund. Your gift grows with us!
