Latest News

December 6, 2023 – In her Advent reflection, Sister Mary Kay Brooks, a member of SSND Central Pacific Province provincial council, contemplates how to respond with faith and see the goodness in others during an era of global strife and suffering. From mass shootings to war, she grapples with the question, “How can we be so cruel to each other?” Read More »

December 6, 2023 – At Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield, Wisconsin, School Sisters of Notre Dame receive specialized memory care tailored to their needs. Daily Mass, prayer, music, exercise, gardening and more allow the sisters to stay engaged in this enriching community designed with their input. Learn More »

December 6, 2023 – Sister Kathy Schmittgens shares a reflection of ways to show love through sustainable giving. The Christmas shopping season offers a chance to be mindful of consumption and a chance to live into the SSND Laudato Si’ Year 2 Action Plan. Discover More »

November 13, 2023 – During the 25th General Chapter of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Rome Pope Francis thanked and praised the sisters for their longstanding dedication to education, service and spirituality. He urged them to continue to make Christ visible by effectively bearing witness to the joy of the Gospel in meaningful service to the Church. Read More »

November 1, 2023 – The November issue of Shalom/UN-NGO newsletter is available online. This newsletter is an e-publication of the School Sisters of Notre Dame that provides timely information for reflection and action on priority matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Read more about SSND social justice issues. Read More »

November 1, 2023 – School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) living at The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, Missouri, were spurred to action after watching the film, The Letter, and hearing a talk by Sister Maxine Pohlman on Laudato Si'. Sisters organized themselves into one of three groups: Prayer, Education and Action. Sister Judith Herold reflects on how the three groups are living out Laudato Si’ and emphasizes the value of community in responding to the ecological crisis - by joining together, supporting and working toward solutions. Learn more about how SSND are empowering their community and view a short video on our webpage. Explore More »

November 1, 2023 – As School Sisters of Notre Dame, gratitude is at the heart of SSND spirituality and is expressed beautifully in lived experiences. From reflecting on God's abundant graces, to appreciating SSND community, to finding joy in the natural world, these perspectives highlight the multitude of reasons to be thankful. With Thanksgiving around the corner, SSND reflect on gratitude, inspiring an attitude of thankfulness, not just during this season, but every day. Read More »

November 1, 2023 – National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is celebrated annually in November to promote vocations to ordained ministry and religious life. This year, NAVW is November 5-11. School Sisters of Notre Dame North American Vocation Team hosts activities online and in person to educate youth and young adults about discerning God's call. They partner with schools, parishes and others to connect with those in discernment. SSND invite everyone to consider what they can do to raise awareness of religious vocations during NVAW and beyond. Discover More »

October 9, 2023 – In this article written by Sister Judy Best, Sister Barbara Pfarr shares her experiences of white Christian nationalism. Read More »

October 4, 2023 – From the beginning of their founding in 1833 until the present, longing for the oneness of all in God motivates School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) to work to create peace and nonviolence in our world. From small acts of kindness to advocacy on critical issues, SSND have worked to create right relationships and stand up for the marginalized. Sisters Paul Mary Draxler and Lois Martens write of inspiring stories of SSND marching for civil rights, helping women escape abuse and poverty, advocating for nuclear disarmament and more. Learn more about the rich history of promoting nonviolence and reflect on how SSND carry forward this critical mission. Discover More »

October 4, 2023 – Over 300 alumnae and former faculty gathered for a reunion Mass and reception honoring the legacy of the Academy of Notre Dame in Belleville, Illinois, August 5, 2023. Attendees spanning four decades reunited to give thanks for the superior Catholic education provided by the School Sisters of Notre Dame from the school's opening in 1924 until its closure in 1972. Stories and memories were shared along with historical memorabilia. The school's history shows the bonds built there continue to unite graduates 100 years later. The reunion celebrated the community and values nurtured over generations at the Academy of Notre Dame. Learn More »

October 4, 2023 – October 24 marks the 190th anniversary of the founding of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND). On this day in 1833, Caroline Gerhardinger (later known as Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger) and two other women began living in community in Bavaria, Germany, planting the first seeds of the SSND congregation. While early celebrations of this milestone are unknown, we know the 25th anniversary was commemorated in 1858 and grand festivities were held for the 50th, 100th and 150th anniversaries. Today, Foundation Day is celebrated everywhere SSND gather as they remember their roots, give thanks for their blessings and recommit to their mission. Read More »

October 1, 2023 – The October issue of Shalom/UN-NGO newsletter is available online. This newsletter is an e-publication of the School Sisters of Notre Dame that provides timely information for reflection and action on priority matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Read more about SSND social justice issues. Read more »

September 12, 2023 – When you drive through Elm Grove, Wisconsin, it is hard to miss the impressive Notre Dame Hall that was designed by architect Eugene Liebert in 1898 for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. This article takes you through the historic building before it is converted into apartments. Read More »

September 6, 2023 – We are excited to announce the annual School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) Women’s Leadership Luncheon! Every year in March, SSND holds luncheons across the Central Pacific Province in Dallas, Milwaukee, St. Louis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The focus of the 2024 Women’s Leadership Luncheon celebrates the theme Women as Peacemakers in a Fractured World of Violence. We will share the impact peacemakers are making in our communities and how the work they are doing is inspiring others to do the same.
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