From “Call Stories to Help You Discern,” republished with permission from VISION Vocation Guide 2025, pp. 19-21.  The stories of how God calls people to religious life are as varied as the people in that life. Here we share Sister Limétèze’s story, unique but with some common threads. Like others, her story shows how God’s call is persistent, requires openness,...Read more

To “seek” is defined as “an attempt to find (something).” In scripture alone there are multiple uses of the word: in reference to seeking out a resting place (Numbers 10); seeking the good of a people (Esther 10); seeking to dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life (Psalm 27); or seeking the kingdom of God (Matthew...Read more

The SSND North American Vocation Team (NAVT) is ready for the New Year! Several opportunities are planned to connect young adults with SSND and SSND with young adults, as this is the demographic most likely to be in a stage of discerning their vocation in life. Please help us promote the following events to young adults within your circle of...Read more

National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) in the U.S. is celebrated the first full week in November every year. The SSND North American Vocation Team invites everyone to consider what can be done to increase the awareness and understanding of religious vocations during NVAW and beyond. 10 ways to help promote a culture of vocation: Pray for all young people to...Read more

We are happy to be a part of the fifth annual Meet Our Sisters Tour during National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) November 5-11, 2023. The “tour” highlights the life, mission and ministries of Catholic sisters living and serving throughout Illinois. Learn more here. School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) were founded in 1833 in Bavaria by Blessed Theresa of Jesus...Read more

Searching for answers to life’s big questions can lead to many paths. In our youth, it may seem that leaving home is what it will take to discover ourselves. School, activities, volunteer work, friendships, internships, jobs or even church can take us away from “home” and provide opportunities to grow and learn in new environments. And as we discovered from...Read more

by Laurie Lindauer, Communications Manager, SSND North American Vocation Team I departed a little before 8 a.m. on the morning of June 12, 2023. The sun was shining and the sky was a clear, deep blue with some puffy white clouds. The drive from St. Louis to Ellington (Missouri) was scenic. The first half, on major routes, provided views of...Read more

All women discerning religious life with the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) take a slightly different path depending on their personal inner journey, profession and the structure of her home province. One program that remains the same for all SSND is the novitiate – the heart and center of initial formation. Once a woman completes the affiliation and postulancy...Read more

Discovering God’s will for your life – your vocation – is a process. It is not just one decision, but a collection of decisions that leads to peace and joy in your heart. God wants you to be happy! Listening for God’s voice in the big and small moments of life, we hear God’s invitation to use our gifts and...Read more

According to Sister Bridget Waldorf, she “put in a lot of miles” this summer. As a member of the North American Vocation Team (NAVT) for the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), Sister Bridget made sure she had plenty of opportunities to accompany young people during their summer break this year. This meant participation in several days-long programs scheduled throughout...Read more