New chapel at Trinity Woods

The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) will move to Trinity Woods, a new intergenerational residence on the Mount Mary University campus, Milwaukee this fall. Leaving the historical Notre Dame of Elm Grove (NDEG), Elm Grove, Wisconsin, campus, including the Holy Family Chapel, will be a major change for the sisters; however, they will worship in a new chapel and sacred spaces that will preserve the heritage of the sisters.

“The new chapel will seat 120 people and feature the marble altar and wooden tabernacle from Holy Family chapel,” said Mary Kay Murray, Resource Development Director. “This will provide continuity between NDEG and Trinity Woods.” In addition to the altar and tabernacle, stained glass windows that depict the Holy Family and mysteries of the rosary will be brought over to the new chapel. The chapel lobby will display artwork made by the sisters and panels from the Heritage Room at NDEG that portray important events in the history of SSND. Stained glass windows in the lobby will show symbols of healing and resurrection. In addition to the chapel, the new building will feature sacred spaces for contemplation and prayer, including courtyards, prayers rooms, a butterfly garden and flower bed boxes. Finally, the Caroline Bell from NDEG will be brought over to Trinity Woods. The bell, named after Mother Caroline Friess, North American foundress, holds an important place in SSND history, since it rang for the first time upon her death in 1892.

One supporter of the Trinity Woods chapel project is Mount Mary Alum Barb MacGinnitie. She and her husband are sponsoring the Butterfly Garden, which will be located in the West Courtyard. The Butterfly Garden will provide a tranquil place for the sisters to pray and reflect. While butterflies already migrate to the Mount Mary campus, creating a garden lush with flowers and greenery will continue to attract butterflies. “When I attended Mount Mary, sisters were always there for us students,” said Barb. “We look at it as a way to honor them. I have a cousin, Sister Susan Adrians, who is an SSND, so we decided to sponsor the Butterfly Garden in her name.”

“We need your help to make the new chapel and sacred spaces a reality,” said Mary Kay. “Join us in preserving the heritage and enriching the spirituality of our sisters. We all know the strength and the power of prayer. Our number one request is prayer intentions. Sisters pray throughout the day, both individually and in community. Through your financial support, we can provide a sacred space for prayer and the celebration of the sacraments.” Please contact Mary Kay Murray at mmurray@ssndcp.org or by phone at 262-787-1037, if you have any questions or want more information.