How did you come to know the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I was hired by the SSND in 1996 and worked for them for 11.5 years. I served as the director of development and communications of the former Chicago Province.
What drew you to become an SSND associate?
I became an associate in 2000 because, after working with them for three years, I had come to admire the sisters and the work they did.
What do you value most about being an SSND associate?
The SSND share their spirituality and perspectives with me so willingly. They opened my world in a way I’m pretty sure would not have happened had I not met them.
How does being an SSND associate influence your life?
Being an SSND associate influences my life in most ways, as it has become pretty much ingrained in me to filter decisions through the lens of my SSND-learned spirituality. I truly believe I am the person I am now in large part due to my experiences as an employee, associate, and friend of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
How do you connect with sisters and other associates?
I am on our associate core committee (in the Chicago area, we don’t have one person coordinating our associate activities – we do it by committee). We have regular gatherings with sisters and associates. There are a couple of sisters and associates with whom I have closer relationships, and we gather on our own more frequently. I also try to attend province virtual gatherings.
Do you have a favorite memory as an SSND associate?
After being associated with the SSND for more than 30 years, I have countless memories. It’s impossible to pick one. Too, as I was an employee for more than 10 years, I can’t always separate what is actually an ‘associate’ memory. But some of the best times of my life were my regular dinners with Sister Claire Marie Czerwiec. Our sharing on every topic imaginable was very meaningful to me.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about exploring my spirituality and living life the best way I know how. My husband was diagnosed with an incurable cancer in 2012; since then, I focus on being grateful for all aspects in my life. There are times when I am too tired, or too scared to do this well, but I keep trying; I keep seeking; I keep growing.
What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies, interests, etc.
As I have now been retired for a bit over a year, I have a lot more free time. I spend a good portion of it reading, cooking, and, as chair of the board, doing what needs to be done for SisterHouse, an SSND sponsored ministry located in the Chicago area. I also enjoy just being with my husband, children, and grandchildren.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I served as the secretary of the Chicago assembly for 10 years. That experience allowed me to really SEE the charism in action. How the sisters related to each other, to mission – how they discerned – all taught me so much – about them, and about myself.