Notre Dame Sisters

10/20/2026

Before you vote, know what you’re voting on.

Voting isn’t only about the races that receive the most attention. Nebraska ballots can include federal, statewide and local offices, judicial retention questions and ballot measures.
Take some time before you cast your ballot to see what will appear on yours. Then learn about the candidates and issues and make your own informed decisions.
Nebraska’s Voter Information Lookup can help you find your polling place and voter information, and the Secretary of State provides official information about the 2026 election.

Being prepared is part of having a voting plan.

Nebraska Voter Information Lookup: https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView

Nebraska Secretary of State — 2026 Elections: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

World Food Day: Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.

Food insecurity isn’t a problem somewhere else. It exists right here in our community.

Across the Food Bank for the Heartland’s 93-county service area in Nebraska and western Iowa, 1 in 7 people, and nearly 1 in 5 children, experience food insecurity. More than 259,000 people, including nearly 88,000 children, are facing hunger.

Through Notre Dame Housing’s Life Enrichment Food Pantry, we work with community partners, donors and volunteers to make nutritious food more accessible to residents and our community.

During the 2025–2026 fiscal year alone, the pantry distributed more than 112,400 pounds of food.

This year’s World Food Day theme reminds us that innovation isn’t always about new technology. Sometimes it means finding better ways to work together, reduce barriers, and connect available resources with the people who need them.

Every bag of groceries, every partnership, every volunteer hour and every new idea moves us toward a future where fewer of our neighbors have to wonder where their next meal will come from.

Today we nourish our neighbors. Together, we build a more food-secure tomorrow. To donate to the NDH food pantry, please visit: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ndh

10/13/2026

How will you vote on November 3?

A voting plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Decide now:
Will I vote early, by mail or on Election Day?
Where will I vote?
When will I go?
What do I need to bring?

Nebraska is a no-excuse early voting state, meaning registered voters do not need to give a reason to request an early ballot. Early in-person voting for the November election began October 5.

Making these decisions ahead of time can make Election Day a lot easier.

Nebraska early voting information: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/early-voting

10/12/2026

The numbers surrounding domestic violence in Nebraska are difficult to see, but they are important to understand.

Women in our state experience stalking, strangulation and threats with weapons at alarming rates. Children, too, are profoundly affected by domestic violence, sometimes witnessing or experiencing unimaginable loss.

Through the Notre Dame Sisters’ Safe Homes Program, we help provide financial assistance for needs such as rent, utilities, transportation and other necessities that can help survivors establish a safe home and begin again.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence, and commit ourselves to building communities where everyone can feel safe in their own home.

Safety should never be a privilege. Everyone deserves a safe home. For more information about the Safe Homes Program and to donate, please visit: https://notredamesisters.org/safe-homes/

10/10/2026

2026 World Mental Health Day: Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.
Mental health touches every family, every community and every part of our society. Yet for too many people, getting the help they need remains difficult, especially when resources are limited, programs lose funding, or affordable care is simply out of reach.

This year’s World Mental Health Day reminds us of something important: people with lived experience must be heard. Their voices and experiences should help shape the services, policies, and communities intended to support them.
As funding priorities shift and communities face difficult decisions about where resources are directed, we are reminded that mental health care is not a luxury. Access to compassionate, appropriate care can change and save lives.

As Notre Dame Sisters, we believe in the dignity and worth of every person. That means listening without judgment, challenging stigma, supporting those who are struggling and advocating for communities where people can access the care and support they need.

On World Mental Health Day, may we remember that sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen, believe and make room for another person’s story.

10/09/2026

Are you registered to vote?

Even if you’re pretty sure the answer is yes, it only takes a moment to double-check.

Nebraska voters can use the state’s official Voter Information Lookup to confirm their registration information and find their polling place. If you’ve moved or changed your name, this is an especially good time to make sure your information is current.

Check now, then remind a friend or family member to check, too.

Register to vote: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/registering-vote

Find your polling place: https://shorturl.at/sl4AH

10/06/2026

SEE. LOVE. VOTE.

As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors and care for the communities we share. One way we can put that love into action is by participating in our democracy.
Nebraska’s General Election is Tuesday, November 3.

This month, we’ll be sharing reminders and resources from NETWORK’s See. Love. Vote. campaign to help you prepare to cast your ballot.
Whether you vote early, vote by mail or head to the polls on Election Day, start with a simple question:

Find official Nebraska election information:
Nebraska Secretary of State — 2026 Elections:
https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections

10/05/2026

Domestic violence can happen to anyone.

In Nebraska, 46.8% of women and 39.2% of men have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

Behind every statistic is a person, a neighbor, friend, coworker or family member, who deserves safety, dignity and support.

Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Notre Dame Sisters stand with survivors and all those working to end domestic violence.

The Safe Home Program offers critical financial assistance to domestic violence survivors who have already taken courageous and concrete steps toward rebuilding their lives.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. For more information about the Safe Homes Program and to donate, please visit: https://notredamesisters.org/safe-homes/

10/04/2026

A peacemaker in a time of war. The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Most of us know St. Francis of Assisi for his love of animals and creation. But there is another part of his story that may be less familiar.

In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, Francis crossed enemy lines in Egypt and met with Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil, a Muslim leader. At a time marked by violence between Christians and Muslims, the two met face-to-face and spoke with one another.
More than 800 years later, their encounter remains a powerful example of what can happen when we choose dialogue over division and encounter over fear.

Today, we remember not only the saint who loved creation, but also the man who was willing to cross boundaries in the pursuit of peace.

His example challenges us today: Where are we being called to listen, to understand and to become instruments of peace?

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

Picture: By Fr. Robert Lentz, OFM, titled: St. Francis and the Sultan. You may purchase this holy card here: https://trinitystores.com/products/holy-card-st-francis-and-sultan-r-lentz-0