Foundation Day is one of NDP’s many beloved traditions. Along with the rest of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the NDP community celebrated the 188^th founding of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, who eventually established our school. Overall, it was a great time of celebration, renewal, community, and reflection.

The Foundation Day Liturgy took place on the morning of October 22, 2021. The senior class gathered together in the auditorium for the event as the rest of the school joined the celebration through Zoom. Although we were not all in the same place physically, we were joined as one through the celebration of the Mass and our spirit of unity. We were even joined by two special guests from the SSND who serve on the NDP Board of Trustees: Sr. Jane Cayer and Sr. Margaret Ellen Mahoney.

The liturgy began with a wonderful Call to Worship by Lizzy Kelly ’22, who shared some beautiful words about her struggles, faith, and foundation at NDP. Following the lighting of the candle by the Mother of the Liturgy, Sr. Mary Roy Weiss, a special candle lighting ceremony led by Rylan Sachs ’22 and Maeve McCarron ’23 was held to honor the three SSNDs who work at NDP: Sr. Patricia McCarron, Sr. Mary Roy Weiss, and Sr. Barbara Brumleve. The Liturgy was celebrated by Father Josh Laws, who gave a wonderful homily about the SSND, the foundation we’ve built at NDP, and the work we will continue to do in the future. Finally, the liturgy concluded with the five SSNDs who were present renewing their vows and performing a blessing over the NDP community.

Not only was this beautiful liturgy a way of bringing the NDP community together in celebration, but it was also an important reminder of our SSND roots and the future we have ahead of us.