Our Sisters

School Sisters of Notre Dame continue to live the vision of Foundress Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger in a variety of ways. Below our Sisters share stories of their work and ministry.

Waterdown Sisters Enjoy a Special Summer Visit

On Thursday August 8th, SSND Waterdown Sisters enjoyed having an ice cream truck come to visit them at the motherhouse. The line was through the front doors before the toppings were on the table! Thankfully it was a warm, sunny day, so the Sisters could indulge in the cold treat outside together.

Celebrating SSND's Profession Class of 1959!

On July 25, 2024, members of the Profession Class of 1959 gathered by Zoom to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Class of 1959 Profession. Sisters from Baltimore, Wilton, and Chicago participated in the live Zoom event.

Will We Pass the Test of Time?

There is a season … a time. Time and again we gather as a community to reflect about our purpose. We are surrounded by time whether we wear watches or not. We’ve got time on our hands. What time is it?

Visiting Our Japanese Sisters

I was fortunate to spend four days with our sisters in Kyoto, Japan, en route to the Shalom International Meeting in Guam, July 22-27. There are 47 Sisters and 15 Associates in the country. Generously, the Sisters introduced me to the Japanese culture and to their delicious food. We visited some Japanese heritage sites and participated in a green tea ceremony.

Connecticut Associate Celebrates 25 Years!

During my years as an SSND Associate, I have met and talked with many of the SSND Sisters through the years. I have enjoyed many encounters with the SSND Sisters, sharing my life stories and hearing their life stories. Many of the Sisters have taught me many things and shared so much with me. I hopefully have taught them things too.

A Model Nun

The 1960s were a time of transition both inside and outside the institutional walls of Catholic schools and convents. We saw our SSND teachers change from the more voluminous and starched veil framing their faces to the closer-fitting headgear. One face in either style was unforgettable...

Waterdown Sisters Celebrate 60 Years of Lake Marie

By Stacie Perreault, Waterdown LEAD Department

Florida Associate Celebrates 20 Years

Bernadette Macy shares thoughts from West Palm Beach. "The charism of Mother Theresa - “transformation through education,” grounded in the Eucharist with Our Holy Blessed Mother Mary - resonated in my heart and impelled me to become an Associate."

Communion through Diminishment

By Sister Justine Nutz, SSND

We hold in our hearts many sisters, beloved relatives and friends who are currently suffering serious illnesses and many who have recently gone on to God.

Waterdown Sisters Celebrate Jubilees

The day started with all the Jubilarians receiving a blessing and corsage for the celebratory day. Following a beautiful Jubilee Liturgy Mass, Sisters and guests and Associates made their way to the dining room to enjoy a turkey dinner, and maybe a glass of rosé to toast the celebration!

The Bluebirds of Nun Migration Season

Small blue envelopes placed atop breakfast plates delivered the news in late June or early July: You would be "flying" to another mission within days. Sister Marcianne Bzdon, SSND, remembers older Sisters calling the blue envelopes "bluebirds."

Death Penalty Abolitionists Attend Tribeca Film Festival

Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND, traveled to New York City in June to see "Rebel Nun," a documentary about Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, and her work to abolish the death penalty. The film was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival, a star-studded event that attracted red-carpet celebrities from Gloria Steinem and Taylor Swift to Robert DeNiro and Trevor Noah. One celebrity was Sister Helen, who is Sister Eileen's friend and mentor in the abolition movement. We asked Sister Eileen to share some thoughts about her ministry, her friend, and the film itself.

A Spring Concert by The Watermark Chorus

Residents and guests of The Watermark were treated recently to a lovely concert performed by The Watermark Chorus. Sisters, staff, family, and friends enjoyed the performance in the auditorium. It was standing-room only!

Chicago Jubilarians Celebrate Milestones

Marking 75 and 60 years respectively, Sisters Jean Phelan and Emily Wollschlager enjoyed the company of their Sisters, families, and friends during their Jubilee celebration. Enjoy browsing the photos from the event!

NDP Students Visit Stella Maris Sisters

By Sister Rose Federici, SSND

NDP graduate Carolyn Gugerty Hrdlick is a nurse who brought students to Stella Maris last week. Five NDP students who are interested in being nurses visited our Sisters on Two South for two afternoons.

An Honor Worth Sharing!

Sister Mary Heather MacKinnon shares "On June 6, 2024, I was honored as I retired after more than 30 years of ministry with the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), which serves 46 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, and 3 continuing education facilities in four cities in Southern Ontario".

Remembering the Institute of Notre Dame

By Sister Patricia Murphy, SSND

The morning of June 5, Villa Assumpta Sisters were treated to a traveling exhibit of IND heritage that is permanently housed at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Going to See the Lilacs (Not!)

By Stacie Perreault, LEAD Co-Coordinator, Waterdown

Waterdown Sisters and staff visited the Royal Botanical Gardens (RGB) recently.

The RBG is made up of many different parks, and special parks for certain plants, nature, and life.

She is gray.

Florida 6th Graders Live Out Laudato Si' by Raising Money for Haiti

Sixth-grade students from Sarasota, FL, recently raised more than $2,000 for the people of Haiti. The students of St. Martha Catholic School held a fun and successful fundraising auction in April.

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