Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

St. Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to make known God’s goodness, especially among the poorest and most abandoned people in the world. Today, Sisters work with refugees in London, street children in Nairobi, immigrant farm workers in Florida, AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe … and always, women and children who are among the very poorest. Sisters work to enable those who are materially poor to obtain what is rightfully theirs by changing unjust structures.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are recognized as outstanding educators and, over the years, thousands of Sisters have taught children and adults on five continents. Although many Sisters continue to staff schools, others have chosen to work with the homeless, AIDS patients, the elderly poor, and countless others in need of help. All of this activity has one aim: to proclaim in our time, as St. Julie did in hers, that God is good.

In 2023, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur joyfully celebrated 175 years of mission and ministry. They first arrived in Massachusetts in 1849, and for more than 175 years, the Sisters have served the Commonwealth with deep devotion — through schools, parishes, social service ministries, and community programs that uplift those most in need. Their enduring presence continues to shape Catholic education and compassionate service across the region, including their ongoing partnership with NDCR.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, women with hearts as wide as the world, make known God’s goodness and love of the poor through a Gospel way of life, community and prayer. Continuing a strong educational tradition, we take our stand with poor people, especially women and children, in the most abandoned places. Each of us commits her one and only life to work with others to create justice and peace for all.

The Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

The Sisters live St. Julie’s message of God’s goodness through presence, compassion, joy, and a deep trust in God’s care for all creation.

2. We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.

Every individual is valued, respected, and nurtured as a unique expression of God’s love, deserving of justice, opportunity, and belonging.

3. We educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for all creation.

Inspired by Catholic social teaching, the Sisters work to change unjust structures, promote nonviolence, and protect the earth and the vulnerable.

4. We commit ourselves to community service.

Service is a lived expression of faith. The Sisters and their ministries walk with those most in need, responding with courage and compassion.

5. We embrace the gift of diversity.

Diversity is seen as a source of richness and strength. The Sisters foster inclusive communities where all cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.

6. We create community among those with whom we work and those we serve.

Community is built through mutual respect, shared purpose, collaboration, and the belief that we grow stronger when we support one another.

7. We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.

Education extends beyond the classroom to nurture the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially — preparing individuals for meaningful lives of service, leadership, and faith.

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