My name is Sister Gilda Bruce, and I currently live in Orange, California.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I heard about the SSND aspiranture my eighth-grade year. My teacher, Sister Ignacious, SSND, planned a field trip to the high school in St. Louis and to see the motherhouse. Once I saw the sisters, I wanted to be there.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
I currently minister as a massage therapist. I am also one of the Associate co-Coordinators for California.
What ministries have you served in prior to now?
I taught 21 years: 18 full-time and three years part-time as I studied massage therapy and began building a practice in St. Louis.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Read, walk in nature, cook and volunteer at a local church food pantry, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the local women’s prison for Women of Wisdom program.
What do you feel is the most important thing for people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We strive to be grace-filled women in our world, responding in love to needs in our day.
What do you love most about being a SSND?
I am inspired and loved by these women. I know we are each so much more because we do life together.
Finish this sentence: I am proud to be a School Sister of Notre Dame because…
There is such wisdom, inspiration, vision and joy among us.
What has been most challenging for you as a SSND?
Stretching myself to understand where another is coming from.