During this year’s Catholic Sisters Week, we are excited to be part of the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign—a national initiative that highlights the incredible work of Catholic Sisters across the country. This campaign showcases the diverse, dynamic, and impactful ways Sisters serve today. Below are just a handful of examples of how SSND are responding to the needs of our times in their ministries, their prayers, their daily interactions, and in everything they do and are.
After decades of serving as a teacher and principal, Sister Dorothy Zeller returned to Mankato, Minnesota, where she originally entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1962, to become Director of Good Counsel Learning Center. For the past twelve years, she has led the ministry which provides one-one-one tutoring for people no matter what their age or background. This includes instruction in everything from basic math skills and reading comprehension to English as a Second Language and citizenship. “Many of our students are immigrants and refugees,” said Sister Dorothy. “As we help them learn our language and acquire skills, they become our economic partners as customers, retailers, and contributors to our community’s workforce.”
Founder of the Safeguarding Initiative hosted at Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya, Sister Jacinta Ondeng’s ministry focuses on ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm—including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. An educator and psychologist by profession, Sister Jacinta provides safeguarding training to Church personnel, as well as members of Catholic institutions, religious communities, and formation houses across Kenya and beyond. “This training helps establish safe environments by implementing clear policies, safe recruitment processes, and effective reporting mechanisms,” said Sister Jacinta. “It fosters a culture of accountability, compassion, and respect, where all members are empowered to identify and address potential risks. We know that every effort we make creates ripples of change, and by standing up for the dignity of the vulnerable, we become instruments of God’s love and mercy.”
Three years ago, after 20 years as the school social worker at SSND-sponsored Academy of the Holy Angles, Sister Mary Foley moved into part-time ministry as director of the school’s auditorium services. Her role involves scheduling everything that happens in the newly renovated auditorium. She works with students, faculty, and guest speakers to facilitate microphones, lighting, and audio-visual presentations. She also does a lot of behind-the-scenes training with students who are learning to function as part of the stage crew, use the sound board, and operate the lighting system. When outside groups are interested in renting the facility, Sister Mary gives tours and works with them while they are at the school. “This has been very positive experience,” said Sister Mary. “Many of the groups I met with have never been in a Catholic school or talked with a Catholic sister.”
After 20 happy years as a middle school teacher, Sister Patty Rass was drawn to the ministry of art therapy because it combined her experience in education, her love of art, and her desire to help others find meaning in their lives. Since becoming an art therapist, she has worked with children, teens, adults, and seniors in a variety of educational, clinical, and spiritual settings, helping people to channel the creative process to bring about growth and healing. “One of my passions has been to explore the connections between art and spirituality,” said Sister Patty. “I learned the power of art as “soul-work” from my own experience. Now I share that knowledge with others through contemplative art gatherings and presentations focusing on art and wellness. I’ve connected with church groups, women’s clubs, retreat centers, art museums and senior residences with my message that art is good for the body, mind, and spirit!”
Hear Sister Patty talk about her art therapy ministry here.
Sister Evelyn Breslin serves as executive director of Notre Dame Learning Center in one of Rochester, New York’s oldest and poorest neighborhoods. Founded in 2004 for fellow School Sister of Notre Dame Lorraine Antczak, the center serves as an after-school tutoring program for students from grades one through nine. The children come once or twice a week to meet up with their own tutor, someone who focuses entirely on that child, helping with reading, English, or math but also playing games, exploring new ideas, and allowing the children to express themselves. “Having that focused attention from someone who is committed to them is very important for our students,” said Sister Evelyn.
To read more about Notre Dame Learning Center, visit https://atlanticmidwest.org/posts/ndlcs-20th-anniversary.
In honor of World Day of Migrants and Refugees held on October 5, a group of School Sisters of Notre Dame participated in a public witness in St. Louis in support of immigrants and refugees. The sisters, including Sisters Luanne Boland, Genevieve Cassani, Gail Guelker, and Ann Scholz (shown here) as well as Sisters Janet Crane, Jackie Toben, and Lynne Schmidt, gathered on the front steps of St. Pius V Catholic Church, a parish with a diverse immigrant population, singing songs, praying, and reading anonymous testimonies from immigrants. “The rally offered me the chance to be with other Catholics who support migrants and demand that they be treated with respect and dignity,” said Sister Lynn Schmidt. “Many sisters are involved in helping immigrants. Some accompany them to court and other hearings. Some provide water in the desert and help them find shelter. Some take food or medicines to families who are afraid to leave their homes. Some work with their churches or with other organizations that respond to immigrants’ needs in various ways. Some maintain deep friendships with those who are members of their communities. Ministry with immigrants has been a commitment of the SSND since they came to America, though usually in times less perilous than now.”
#LikeaCatholicSister
As we celebrate the ways in which Catholic sisters have been a source of strength, hope, and transformation, we also invite you to reflect on the ways you too make a difference in your community. Just as Catholic sisters dedicate their lives to service, advocacy, and faith, so we all can share compassion, uphold our values, and contribute to the greater good in our own unique ways.