Solidarity Statement

The Notre Dame community is profoundly heartbroken by the recent events that have taken place in both our city and country. As Catholics and as a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, we believe in and stand for the preservation and sanctity of life and in upholding the dignity of all people. As educators, we strive to help our students and staff to be informed about and understand issues surrounding racism, social justice and mercy. This alignment of faith and education is aimed to not only inform but to ignite compassion so that as individuals we can choose actions seeded in faith that promote healing and empathy.

Notre Dame High School denounces all forms of racial intolerance and brutality. With humility and kindness, we stand in solidarity with those courageous individuals in the fight for change who strive to eliminate systemic racism and other forms of injustice that creates inequity among us. We recognize and stand united with those individuals dedicated to honorably protecting and serving our community through this difficult time.

Let us pray together for the Notre Dame High School community, our city of St. Louis, our country, and the world at large, a prayer for racial healing from Catholic Charities USA:

God of justice, in your wisdom you create all people in your image, without exception. Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being. Open our minds to understand that all your children are brothers and sisters in the same human family. Open our hearts to repent of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others. Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination, and their passionate appeals for change. Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history. And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven, and establish peace and equality for all in our communities. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We Are ND

Our mission at Notre Dame High School is to develop young women to be confident, compassionate Christian leaders. During this time, we empower our alumnae and students to evoke their powers of knowledge and faith to rise above and firmly unite humanity. We believe in the power of sisterhood.

Notre Dame High School encompasses a diverse population with 15% of our students comprised of women of color and includes students who reside in 34 different zip codes across St. Louis City, County and Illinois.

We value conversations that deepen understanding of marginalized groups in our history and promote Christian values. Specifically, we require courses in Social Justice and Moral Development, give students the opportunity to be actively involved both locally and globally in the spirit of SSND with clubs such as Shalom Club, Rosie's Rebels and the Campus Ministry team as well as ensure racial context and embolden thought-provoking dialogues throughout our History and English curriculum.

We Stand Firmly United

Through action, reflection and service to others, our students are routinely encouraged to educate their heart as well as their mind. We believe in taking an active approach to holistic learning, celebrating individuality and helping transform the world through education.

In our dedication to the development of young women who are empowered to choose how best to be involved in community action, we invite you to find your voice, decide what steps you are going to take as our country moves forward in building bridges, opening conversations and praying for peace.

We are present and we are listening and admittedly, we do not have all the answers, but we are here to help. We want to chart a path forward that can above all transform the world through education.

Student Support

We would like to recognize the emotional and mental health needs of our students and community during these times of trauma. In an effort to support our students immediately as they process the most recent events our school Administrators and other professional health services are available.

Saint Louis Counseling
www.saintlouiscounseling.org
314-544-3800