October E-gram, California Region
In this year of St. Francis, we pause to consider his prayer as a timeless guide for our spiritual growth and our journey to peace. We cherish the memories of those who have gone before us and the grace-filled dimensions of peace that are their heritage: love, pardon, faith, hope, light, joy, consolation, understanding, giving and birth to eternal life. And we have recently experienced the passing of Sisters Kristin Battles, Joanne Wittenburg and Mary Ann Hanson. Each of them provided great inspiration for all who knew them, and we are committed to sharing their distinct legacies into the future.
Sister Mary Ann Hanson
Sister Mary Ann HansonMarch 22, 1938 – October 21, 2026Professed August 16, 1958 Sister Mary Ann was the eldest of fourteen children born to Clayton and Irene Hanson. In many ways, she was always a second mother to her siblings, who fondly called her “Mama Bear.” Growing up in Watts, California, Sister Mary Ann attended […]
Sister Mary Joanne Wittenburg
Sister Mary Joanne Wittenburg(Formerly Sister Mary Ste. Thérèse)November 27, 1940 – October 4, 2026Professed August 16, 1961 Joanne Louise was the first daughter of Harry William and Florence Wittenburg, born on November 27, 1940. Over the next few years, Jim, Elayne and Bob, joined the family. Born and raised in Los Angeles, from an early […]
September E-gram, California Region
In California, we will always treasure the funeral services for Sister Mary Kristin Battles which were held on September 24. In addition to her relatives and the SNDs from California, we were honored by the presence of the members of our General Government as well as provincial and regional leaders from around the world. In God’s providence, these leaders were in the United States for a meeting planned many months ago. Each of them had many opportunities to collaborate with Sister Kristin during her 12 years as our Superior General. Her funeral, reception and burial services were experiences of “global sisterhood.”
August E-gram, California Region
“There is a time for everything under the sun…” As you read through this egram, you will see that a variety of experiences and graces have marked our days. Summer always brings a change of pace: vacations, retreats, celebrations, the beginning of school and parish programs, and changes in ministry for some of our sisters.
Sister Mary Kristin Battles
Sister Mary Kristin BattlesAugust 13, 1946 – August 15, 2026Professed August 16, 1967 Sister Mary Kristin, born Jane Kristin Battles, was the daughter of William and Claire Battles. She lived her first five years on the East Coast. During this time her sister Susan and brother William also joined the family. The family moved to […]
July E-gram, California Region
With the launch of this Mission Advancement Egram, we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of these monthly digital publications. These egrams were designed to provide updates about the life and ministry of the SNDs as well as our Associates and ministry colleagues. To view an archive of these egrams, click on this link. And special thanks to our many faithful readers!
All Souls Day Mass
On All Souls Day the Sisters of Notre Dame in California invite family, friends and guests to honor the lives of their deceased love ones in a Memorial Mass. Following the liturgy, join us for a reception to celebrate memories of the SNDs who have made an impact on their lives. All donors, friends, and family […]
Sister Cristina Marie Buczkowski
Sister Cristina Marie BuczkowskiMarch 13, 1961-August 27, 2025Professed July 26, 2003 Sister Cristina Marie Buczkowski was born Cristina Josepha Buczkowski in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was the daughter of Mr. Walter Buczkowski and Mrs. Helen Buczkowski (nee Podlesny) and had four siblings, three brothers and one sister. Her family emigrated to the United States of […]
Sister Mary John Shin, SND
Sister Mary John Shin, SNDAnna Chun-I ShinMay 31, 1946 – Apr. 22, 2025Professed: Aug. 24, 2008 Sr. Mary John was born Anna Chun-I Shin in Daegu, South Korea, on May 31, 1946. Together with five siblings, she grew up in a family that was devoutly Catholic. In addition to attending a Catholic elementary school, she assisted her […]