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.

Atlantic Midwest Province 100 Club

We are fortunate to have a "100 Club " in our province. Sister Margaret Bauer is the eldest, at 103. Sister Mary Teresia Spodnik is 102. Sister Cabrini Ganz is 101. Sister Marie Anna Moltz is 100, as is Sister Katharine Reiter. Sister Marguerite Mary Bunter is the newest club member - she turned 100 on May 15.

Happy 100th Birthday to Sister Marguerite Bunter!

Sunday, May 15, 2022 marked the end of a type of trilogy: Three Sisters celebrated 100 years of birth in May in Ozanam Hall in Queens, NY. In May 2000, Sister Rosalita McNamee celebrated her 100th birthday. In May 2001 Sister Aveline Smith achieved 100 years. This year, Sister Marguerite Bunter enjoyed passing the 100th year mark of her birth.

A Gift From the Heart for Sister Irene Pryle

Kate Dannals, the councilor at Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke's School in Dundalk, MD, wanted to show her appreciation for the school's principal, Sister Irene Pryle, SSND. A talented quilter, Kate decided to craft something that honored Sister Irene's SSND roots and her love of the school.

March Madness Hit Close to Home for Sister Joan Pikiell

Sister Joan is a middle school teacher, and she used the NCAA Tournament as an entry point for a lesson. “I like to get the kids looking at universities,” she said. “So we randomly pick a team for everyone in the class to follow throughout the tournament. I got Rutgers, of course. That wasn’t random.” (Sister Joan's brother Steve coaches Rutgers Basketball.)

Sister Marie Jeanette Blatz Interviewed for StoryCorps

Jane Johnson interviewed her aunt, Sister Marie Jeanette Blatz, SSND about her life and experiences as a School Sisters of Notre Dame as part of the national StoryCorps Archive. Sister Jeanette is currently living at The Watermark in Bridgeport, CT.

Happy 100th Birthday to Sister Katharine Reiter

On January 27, we celebrated Sister Katharine Reiter’s 100th Birthday at Notre Dame Convent. First, all those present in the dining room when she came to breakfast sang "Happy Birthday." At 10:45am, we came together to celebrate a Thanksgiving mass for Sister Katharine.

Three Times the Charm: Sister Lois Zettler on Her Time in Rome

Sister Lois Zettler served at the Generalate three times: In 2001, 2002-07, and in 2011. Her final time in Rome was in December of 2011 to help with preparations for the 23rd General Chapter. She is currently missioned to Notre Dame Convent in Waterdown, Ontario. Associate Patricia Stortz recently did a Q&A with Sister Lois about her experience of living and working at the Generalate.

International Leadership: A Gift and a Challenge

“There is nothing like the international congregation; it is such a gift and such a challenge,” Sister Maureen said. She is grateful to have participated in various programs held during her years in Rome, when Sisters and lay staff came from all over the congregation. “It was as if the world came to our doorstep,"

Stretched, Challenged, Blessed...My Experience Ministering in Rome

Living at the Generalate in Rome is an opportunity to experience SSND life in a multi-cultural environment. In any given year, I formed community with Sisters from provinces across the congregation. Daily life had a flavor and character that I thoroughly enjoyed.