Sometimes, a little bit of good food and a lot of happy memories are all it takes.

The Resource Development Office for School Sisters of Notre Dame hosts “Celebrate & Connect” events across the province throughout the year as an opportunity for sisters and friends of SSND to share an afternoon with the goal of supporting the special bonds between sisters and communities.

In June, the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, joined in the effort by providing a catered meal and helping set up a space at Helias High School for the gathering to take place. All told, more than 80 sisters, former students, and other friends of SSND spent an afternoon that was a welcome and enjoyable opportunity to do exactly as promoted—Celebrate & Connect.

“The Diocese of Jefferson City was a wonderful and special diocese to minister in,” said Sister Betty (Elizabeth Ann) Myers, who attended the event. Sister Betty served in the Diocese of Jefferson City from 1981-2000 as teacher and administrator across three different parish schools. “I loved living and working there. The people in the parishes and schools were very generous and were very supportive of the schools. They worked very hard to keep the small schools going. It was very family-oriented, and they built community with one another.

“It was so special to reconnect with teachers and administrators that I worked so closely with in the diocese. There were great memories, stories, and laughter shared by all. Seeing students that I taught was a bonus of the day, there was lots of reminiscing of the classroom and stories of our time together. It was also wonderful visiting with other SSND that I lived and worked with in the diocese. We always had fun together.”

As guests arrived, they were treated to a summertime spread of pulled-pork sandwiches, buffalo chicken dip, pretzel bites, cookies, and tea. Everyone was encouraged to visit while enjoying their meal.

After that, Sister Kathleen Wegman shared a program which highlighted the history of SSND in the Diocese of Jefferson City. She called out Sisters Ann Marie Bonvie and Carleen Reck who were both present and had served as superintendents in the diocese. There was acknowledgement of Dr. Erin Vader, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Jefferson City; Sister Bernita Wasinger, who has served in the diocese for some four decades over the course of her ministry; and a few words from Associate Norma Struemph, encouraging others to consider learning more about the SSND associate program.

Attendees also viewed a slideshow video created by the diocese, which featured images of sisters ministering in Jefferson City over the years.

“I served in the Diocese of Jefferson City from 1984 through 1988 as principal at Immaculate Conception school in Loose Creek, Missouri,” said Sister Ann Marie Bonvie. “In 1988, I moved to Jefferson City and worked as a consultant for religious education in the diocese’s Religious Education Office. In 1991, I was named superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese and served in that position until 1999. Working with Bishop McCauliffe, who was a strong supporter of Catholic education, was a real privilege. In addition, I served with a tremendous educator, Barbara Swanson, as my associate superintendent.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had to revisit donors and friends of SSND at the gathering at Helias High School. The people of the Diocese of Jefferson City are very generous in their support of Catholic education and of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. May God continue to bless them for their generosity.”