Sisters' Stories

The History of the SSND Educational Center

Seeds planted in Wilton, CT grow in Queens, New York....in the midst of a New York City power outage, Cathy, Jean and Janice moved into the second floor of the convent, which had been designated as their community space, while the basement and first floor became the Center.

Sister Charlotte and the SSND Teachers in Belleville, IL

I was a student at St. Teresa Catholic School from 1956 to 1964. Five of the eight Belleville Catholic schools had SSNDs in residence. Our principal, Sister Carol Therese (now Sister Charlotte Gaughan) loved to teach us!

Advocating for Long-term Solutions

After working at schools and parishes for 45 years, Sister Virginia (Ginny) Grumich now has more time to turn her attention to social justice issues.

For all that has been, THANKS; for all that will be, YES.

As I celebrate the anniversary of my arrival in Peru for the first time 42 years ago, I am most grateful to God for the many opportunities, life-giving experiences and challenges that have touched me and helped me to grow during these years.

Reflections from Sister Clara Foeckersperger

Sister Clara Foeckersperger reflects on her experience living under the Hitler Regime in Germany and surviving and ministering for six years in war-torn England.

Celebrating 165 years of ministry in Rochester!

SSND has a long history of ministry in Western New York. On March 19, 1849, Sister Caroline Friess, with another sister and a candidate, founded the congregation’s fourth branch house in America in Buffalo, New York.

Celebrating 185!

At the top of the printed Directional Statement, an image of three sisters, with open arms, fling golden circles of "Love Gives Everything" out into the universe.

Visit to Detained Student Leads to New Ministry

In 2011, Sister Mariel Kreuziger and Sister Anton Marie Voissem, both then age 80, were retiring from full-time ministry but were not ready for full-time retirement. “We work with people of many different religions and cultures. It has given me a new vision for who God is. God is for all of us.”

We Just Couldn’t Do Without Our Sister Custodian

It is not to the Fire Department nor to the Rescue Squad that people turn to when calamity strikes at IND. Whether it is a mop or a shovel, or the elevator key that is needed, students and teachers alike go to Sister M. Notburga.

A Pillar of Faith and Strength Both Here and Abroad

Sister Mary Ann Wood joined Johns Hopkins Medicine International in 1991 as one of its first international care coordinators. They recognized Sister Mary Ann as “the official Angel” for the grace and care she showed patients - and staff - for more than two decades.

Getting the Gang Together: Octoberfest in Wilton

For 21 years (1988-2009), Octoberfest was a beloved Columbus Day weekend tradition for the Sisters in Wilton and the surrounding areas.

Solidarity Day at Villa Assumpta

Each month, School Sisters around the globe gather in local groups to pray and take action on the most pressing social justice and peace issues. This SSND international network for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation is called Shalom.

SSNDs Survive the Great Chicago Fire

In 1871, the School Sisters of Notre Dame staffed three parish schools in Chicago. The schools were located in different parts of the city, but each was affected by the great fire.

Bringing the Notre Dame Learning Center to Life

The sisters determined through research that women had local resources available to them, and that the greater need was for personalized tutoring for children.

SSNDs in Richmond During the Civil War

"On the feast of St. Benedict, the train brought me to Richmond, Virginia."

Sister Mary Rachel, SSND, Pioneer in Special Services

With the opening of the Remedial Reading Clinic in 1957, the Catholic School System in the Archdiocese of Baltimore was able to offer Special Services to Children for the first time.

Mother Bear – A Volunteer Project Turned Ministry

The Mother Bear Project is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota that distributes handmade bears to children affected by HIV/AIDS in the developing world.

The Man in the Gray Suit

Sister Mary Frances Angermaier shares the story of a miracle at St. Vincent’s on March 21, 1984.

Sister Mary Magdalita Wyczalek: Learning from Sisters at a Young Age

As the first of eleven children, Sister Mary Magdalita Wyczalek, then known as Julia, was the leader of her siblings and neighborhood children.

English Tutoring Project Celebrates 20 Years of Success

The English Tutoring Project (ETP) in St. Louis helps immigrant students in Catholic schools learn English.

She Believed She Could, So She Did!

Mary Pamela Crawford, NDMU Class of 2018, details her 30-year quest to earn her degree.

Memories of 1950s IND

"I am forever grateful for my IND education." - Ellen Norton Cullen

I Was Sent

Saskatchewan Associate Virg Burant-Plosz describes her experience of interculturality in the Far North.

SSNDs Living Under Communism

Mother Georgianne Segner, SSND, General Superior, (1968-1977) had great concern for her Sisters living behind the Iron Curtain.

Continued