Sisters' Stories

Sister Stephania Walczak, SSND

As I look back on my 65 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame, I have witnessed many changes in the world, as well as in SSND.

SHARING A LOVE STORY - Betty Lackenbauer, SSND

What drew me to a Life of Consecration was a loving God. We are born of love; love is our birthright.

Judy (Piergalski) Pappas

SSNDs formed my life through elementary and high school. So many made a positive impact on me during those years, including my aunt who was an SSND.

Sister Mary Enda Hughes was an educator and award-winning poet who produced scores of works of poetry and prose over her lifetime. Sister Enda was a professed member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame for 68 years.

Fruits of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger’s spirit in South America - Sister Martin de Porres Kimpel

How privileged I have been to “expand my understanding of interculturality and commit to develop skills for intercultural living.” I have had the privilege of ministering in Bolivia for nine years, in Peru for 33 years and in Paraguay for nine years.

Nursing a Love of God - Sr. Sharon Brunier, SSND

I was introduced to SSND when I began first grade at the Institute of Notre Dame. I had wanted to go to school, but because my birthday was in February, our parish school wouldn’t take me until the following year. My parents tried IND, and they let me begin first grade a year early.

An SSND Gift of Internationality - Ethel Howley, SSND

While traveling in Beijing during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, I boarded a bus and grabbed the first empty seat. After getting settled, I turned to two young women sitting in my row and asked them, “Where do you come from?” They responded, “Lithuania.”

Sister Eugene Geiger's very special guests

Sister Eugene Geiger received some very special guests this month. Her great grandnieces, Caroline and Paige – wiggly and pink six-month-old twins - came to Villa Assumpta to meet their great-great-aunt for the first time.

Malala Yousafzai comes to Caroline House!

Malala is known worldwide, and now she is known in Caroline House! By Eileen Denny, SSND

Reflections on Caregiving - By Sister Bernice Feilinger, SSND

How does a math teacher become a caregiver? What does it mean to serve in that capacity within a religious community? Reflecting on my role for the last 19 years with our sisters, I realize that my past has helped to prepare me.

Sister Mary Ann Tantalo, SSND

May has been a big month for Sister Mary Ann Tontalo, who celebrated her 104th birthday on May 1 and her 70th Jubilee on May 5. On the occasion of her 100th birthday, she shared the following about how she came to join the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the missions to which this decision has lead her:

Sister Mary Etto Staab

“At the early age of five, I was taken by my saintly mother to St. James School where I learned to love and admire the good sisters. This love and admiration grew with the years and my only desire was ‘to be a sister’. On the day of my First Holy Communion I begged our dear Lord to give me the grace of a religious vocation and I felt He had answered my prayers.”

Mary Foley Celebrates 50 Years as a School Sister of Notre Dame

Sister Mary Foley, celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a School Sister of Notre Dame May 9th, and the State of New Jersey, County of Bergen, and Borough of Demarest all declared it Sister Mary Foley Day in honor of S. Mary’s numerous contributions to people throughout the world.

Shining light on a sister pioneer from the past - By Suzy Blackburn

We’re all familiar with the photo of Mother Caroline, surrounded by four other sisters. It hangs above the computer in my office, so I look into the eyes of those five women every day....

SSND education nurtures women in leadership

Mayor Lorraine Durnan Bell made history in November 2017, when she was elected first woman mayor to serve Oxford, Pennsylvania.

Sister Jacci Glessner - mission work in Puerto Rico and Peru

Sister Jacci reflects on her mission work in Puerto Rico, where she ministered as an educator for nine years from 1968 – 1977, and on her 18 years of pastoral ministry in Peru, from where she has recently returned.

Sister Julita Jelen celebrates 102 years!

Sr Julita's Niece Kathy shares “I remember as a child going with my parents to visit Sister Julita. She would always show us her classrooms and walk us proudly through the schools where she ministered. She was so enthusiastic about the students she taught and cared for.”