Nurturing gifts builds stronger faith

Meet our donor Ann Kampeter

Ann Kampeter’s relationship with the School Sisters of Notre Dame dates back to age 10, when she met an inspiring School Sister of Notre Dame who helped form her into the person she is today. As Ann’s current position is parish secretary for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, this sister helped lead her to having a strong faith.

“I met Sister Willibald Verling at 10 years old,” she said. “We spent many hours together working in the church at St. Thomas the Apostle where I grew up and had many long talks about her calling to be a sister. She was so passionate about her vocation and was focused on serving God and everyone she could.”

Ann has translated the passion Sister Willibald showed into her everyday life not only by taking care of St. Stanislaus’ day-to-day needs, but also by serving on the board of the Samaritan Center. This organization provides food, clothing and medical and legal help to underprivileged people in Jefferson City and surrounding counties.

Although Sister Willibald has passed, Ann has found active SSNDs who continue to inspire her. Sister Jean Dietrich was at Helias High School in Jefferson City when Ann was a student there and still serves there as principal. “Sister Jean was one of the people in my life who taught me to keep my faith in the center of my life,” she said. “Helias is very blessed to still have Sister Jean as part of their community.”

As parish secretary, Ann regularly works with Sister Kathleen Wegman, the chancellor of the Jefferson City Diocese. “Sister Kathleen’s selfless giving is a true inspiration to me; she is so compassionate in her work and how she ministers to all of the people in the Jefferson City Diocese.”

Ann believes the sisters have inspired her to have a charitable side and to give selflessly. “I have been very lucky to have the sisters as part of my life and I will always be grateful for their influence on me. The [sisters] gave so much to me that I just want to give back,” she said. “I want to thank them for all they do. They are truly a blessing.”

Story featured in donor newsletter Vol. 1 2018.

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