Update: Effective September 1, 2021, there will be an address change for the Development Office. Please see the “Donations” tab for the new address and more information.
The Sisters of Notre Dame and staff gathered on January 21st to receive some unexpected news: This year, 2021, is the last year the Villa Julie Residence, acquired in 1947 by Sister Provincial Rosalia of the Blessed Sacrament, will be a residence for the Sisters. All the Sisters and staff were aware that a study was underway to determine the viability of the Villa and that there was the possibility of closure in a few years; nevertheless it was not expected so soon.
The Villa Julie Futures Committee, comprising members from the three U.S. provinces, had been meeting for more than two years. During this time they conducted two surveys with the Sisters most likely to come to the Villa, and reviewed information about the finances and personnel involved in operating and maintaining Villa Julie. They also sought assistance from the National Religious Retirement Office to help guide their deliberations toward making a recommendation about the future of the Villa.
The focus of all their considerations was the physical, emotional, and spiritual care of our Sisters. In light of all the information gathered, it became clear that to maintain Villa Julie as a residence would not be the best use of community resources in providing good care for the Sisters. A facility capable of housing 28 Sisters now has a community of 13, and there is no evidence that this number will increase.
And so we embrace “New Beginnings.” A celebration of the years at Villa Julie was held on June 26e. And as the Sisters get settled in SNDDeN retirement residences in Ohio and Massachusetts, and in a private facility in Baltimore we will publish their new addresses. Meanwhile, the Sisters would appreciate your prayers for their well-being as they move through this period of transition, confident in the all-loving Good God and in the on-going care of their Sisters in Notre Dame.
This change will also result in some transitions for the Tri-Province Development Office, presently house at the Villa Julie Residence. As more information becomes available, we will provide it. We hope our donors will continue to support the Sisters and their ministries, through this site or such other as may be designated.