The story we're sharing with you this Advent starts with a five-year-old child from a broken family who was sent to boarding school with a teddy bear as her closest confidant. The story ends happily, though, with a Christmas star, angels and a promise of loving prayers. This child's rambunctious, high-spirited ways led to more than one change of elementary schools. Some teachers wondered what would become of this bursting-with-energy, mischievous girl. As a teenager, she was sent to Moreland Notre Dame School in Watsonville. Probably no one would have imagined then that she would fall so in love with God that serving God would become her highest goal in life. Inspired by Sisters at the school and stories she heard, she dreamed of becoming a missionary to Africa. She never made it to Africa, but she has no regrets. Becoming a Sister of Notre Dame gave her the chance to be a strong, positive influence in the lives of thousands of young people, just as other Sisters had been in hers.
This Sister admits to being a demanding math and science teacher, but many former students describe her as "one of the most important figures in my life," and "a real dynamo." She created a lively classroom atmosphere, but her greatest gift was caring for each student and believing in each one’s potential. Her affection for her students made big differences in their lives.
Sr. Helen Cecilia
Now, at 96, Sister Helen Cecilia Miller still speaks with the same energy and enthusiasm she's been known for all her life. She still finds creative ways to let people know that she cares about them. If you visited her today, you would probably find her in the kitchen, no longer baking up a storm of delicious breads and cookies, but seated at the table, with a candle, two small angel figurines, and pages of names. Sister likes to pray there every day for the friends, family and former students on those lists. Praying, she says with conviction, is the very best and most important gift she can give.
A Christmas star in the front window will be her main decoration this year, a reminder of Christ's light in dark December and these troubling times, and also, of Sister Helen Cecilia's own light. It's not a cliché or an exaggeration to say that her life really does brighten lives all year. Though remarkable in so many ways, Sr. Helen Cecilia is one of the many Sisters of Notre Dame who continue to reflect God's love. The Sisters are still educating young people, still making a difference in the lives of individuals, still working to change unjust systems that keep people in darkness. This Christmas you can make a difference for our elderly and infirm Sisters. The cost of care and medical expenses for Sr. Helen Cecilia and our other retired Sisters adds up to quite a significant amount when multiplied by the 81 Sisters needing that care. The situation is compounded by there being fewer Sisters earning salaries or stipends to help cover those costs. Even with prudent financial management and using available government programs, there is still a big gap between income and expenses for retirement needs. I ask you to help us provide that care by extending your Christmas circle of giving to include our retired and infirm Sisters. We count on your generosity again this year. Your support of the Sisters is more important and more appreciated than you realize. I join with the Sisters in praying that the light of Christ shine in your heart and home this Christmas. Monica May
Development Director
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