Sister Maria Gomez Professes First Vows

Maria Irma Gomez professed first vows as a School Sisters of Notre Dame from the Central Pacific Province on June 23, 2013, at Holy Family in New Braunfels, Texas. This ceremony was a celebration of the union of these beloved communities – SSNDs, family, parishioners, former co-workers, students – who joined together in celebration of this special moment of Maria’s life.

Sister Maria was an active member of the Holy Family Parish for many years, working with RCIA, lectors, communion ministry, visiting the sick and rummage sales. She also taught in the public schools of New Braunfels in special education.

She met the School Sisters of Notre Dame through the efforts of the Archdiocese of San Antonio vocation office.

On June 30, Sister Maria had a reception at St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa, Mississippi, with the retired sisters, another beloved community who has supported her during the years in preparation for profession.

In August, Sister Maria will begin teaching preschool at St. Augustine School in Dallas, Texas. This new venture has been greatly helped by the former Notre Dame Preschool in St. Louis, Missouri. Sister Ann Marie Bonvie gave many supplies to help this poor school with materials for Sister Maria’s classroom.

Are you being called to religious life? Find out more about becoming a School Sister of Notre Dame, view discernment resources, take a survey or contact a vocation team member at www.ssnd.org/become-sister.

Article by Sister Ann Carol Kaufenberg, SSND

Top Photo: A former student and his mother attended the celebration. Sister Maria taught him when he was 3 years old!
Bottom Photo: Novitiate Community members, from left, Sisters Paul Mary Draxler, Carol Polczyn, Novice Joan Pikiell,
Sisters Maria Gomez, Pat Hogan, Ann Carol Kaufenberg, and Rose Cecile Espinos.