Sharing the Heart of BVM: The Purpose of Life and Mission
Students from Our Lady of Tepeyac in Chicago hug Associate Lori Ritz after seeing the Mississippi River for the first time during their visit to Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa.
The Office of BVM Life and Mission invites sisters, associates, students, and other persons of faith into relationship and supports them in building community, deepening spirituality, and responding to critical human needs. We do this through a variety of interactions, being present in each other’s lives, and through conversation and communication.
Building Relationships
The BVM sisters share their life, mission, and ministry by engaging students of all grade levels in visits, discussions, activities, and prayer. As director of the Office of BVM Life and Mission, “I am able to witness the cross-generational interactions,” shares Lori Ritz. They are educational, inspiring, and fun. Students learn about sisters and religious life. Many of them have had no contact with sisters or situations in which to learn about the BVMs.
Each opportunity to share is unique. Life and Mission also reaches out to alumni, as well as parish and service groups. Making connections in unique ways tells stories of the past and present, seeks commonalities, creates bonds, and stretches all to see what is at the heart of who we are. Lifelong friendships are formed, impacting BVMs and participants in ways that are immeasurable.
Deepening Spirituality
Prayer, reflection, and conversation reveal the heart of the BVMs.
Sharing the spirit of the BVM sisters not only preserves their spiritual legacy but also helps those we share it with deepen their own spirituality and walk with God.
Responding to the Needs of Others
Caring for the physical and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters is a way to reach beyond ourselves, allowing us to serve and better appreciate those who are vulnerable and in need.
Responding to the needs of others causes us to grow and understand what is at the heart of who we are.
Making Lifelong Connections . . .
The Office of BVM Life and Mission cherishes relationships built with students and prayer partners. BVMs enjoy spending time with students during various events and activities. Through these shared experiences, we can discover how we can learn from one another and expand ways to share the Heart of BVM—and the Heart of You.
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week, celebrated in late January, invites students in schools across the country where BVMs taught to participate in a poster contest depicting the national theme for the week. Students K–12 share their reflection through their art.
Re-kindling the BVM relationship with students, teachers, and administrators always prompts storytelling of the BVM history in their school.
Check out the contest winners! tinyurl.com/4vshu398
Tucker LaBelle, Clarke University student, recently collaborated with the Office of Communications to produce videos celebrating Catholic Schools Week: Faith. Excellence. Service. Check out his work at: tinyurl.com/2p9f4jc7
Clarke University Prayer Partners
Dubuque, Iowa
Clarke resident assistant Jaida Kroning shares, “I lost my grandma last year. This year has been hard with graduation coming up and it being my final year at Clarke as well without her.
“Thankfully, I met such a kind soul, BVM Marge (Paul Joseph) Sannasardo. She has taken on that grandmotherly figure in my life. She has loved me as her own and for that I will be forever grateful. I’ve been able to talk about life, sports, and traveling, which we have bonded over and enjoyed sharing. Marge is a special lady and I’m beyond grateful that our paths have crossed!
“She came to one of my volleyball games, and it was fulfilling to see her big smile up in the stands! Marge has taught me that many special people will come into your life and make an impact. We don’t always notice it right away, but when we do, it makes you appreciate that individual a little bit more!”
Carmel Catholic High School
Mundelein, Ill.
BVMs co-founded Carmel Catholic High School. While sisters no longer teach there, the school continues to highlight the BVM charisms and keeps the spirit alive through curriculum, activities, and spiritual life.
Carmel Catholic Director of Mission Effectiveness Kammie French says, “The legacy and story of the BVMs are deeply woven into the fabric of Carmel Catholic High School. Our school culture is what it is because of this influence. When our students serve our sisters and brothers in need, think critically, advocate for justice and care for their peers, the core values of
the BVMs are alive.”
Wahlert Catholic High School
Dubuque, Iowa
BVMs have served Wahlert Catholic High School as teachers, administrators, and donors. They have also helped individual students through BVM scholarships, sustaining the impact of the many sisters who taught there and helped to shape Dubuque’s proud tradition of Catholic education.
Recently, students from the Real-World Communications class interviewed 17 BVMs to learn about their life and mission.
In a social media post, Holy Family Catholic Schools shares, “We’re very grateful to the BVM sisters for sharing about their lives and faith . . . Our students are so blessed to have such a strong and supportive faith community!”
Dowling Catholic High School
Des Moines, Iowa
A candlelight service and Christmas project are part of the legacy of the BVMs, who founded St. Joseph Academy (SJA) in Des Moines in 1885 as a school for girls. In 1972, it merged with a boys school and became Dowling Catholic High School.
Continuing the legacy of SJA, students annually assemble gift baskets and distribute them to families in need. BVMs contribute gift cards placed in each basket, and when able, travel to Des Moines to partake in the distribution. Afterwards, faculty, staff, and students gather in the gym for a candlelight service.
Dowling Catholic President Dr. Dan Ryan shares, “We are proud to share this heritage. Thank you for being our partners in so many ways over so many years.”
Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix
BVMs have staffed Xavier College Preparatory since 1943, when they established the Catholic high school for girls. Under the leadership of BVM Sisters Joan Fitzgerald, Lynn Winsor, and Joanie Nuckols, Xavier has become an academic and spiritual powerhouse.
In one junior class, a focus was placed on listening to God’s call. Through activities and discussion, students reflected on Mary’s call to be the mother of Jesus, watched a video of BVMs sharing about being open to the call in their lives, and talked about what a call might look like in their own lives.
Student Grace Bunch says, “This experience really helped me understand how much my faith has influenced my life so far and that it will always influence my decisions . . . I will always remember these lessons and I’m extremely grateful for the growth that this talk has instilled in me.”
We love sharing the Heart of BVM. If you are interested in partnering with us, we invite you to contact:
Office of BVM Life and Mission: bvmoutreach@bvmsisters.org