Work in God’s vineyard brings hope to world
As School Sisters of Notre Dame celebrate the foundation of the congregation, we invite you to reflect on our foundress’s words: “May God of the vineyard give growth so that what God’s love has called into being may bear blessed fruit in its time.”
Caroline Gerhardinger, who took the religious name Mary Theresa of Jesus, lived a life totally committed to the service of God and God’s people. She placed her trust and hope in God and the transforming power of God’s love.
On October 24, 1833, Caroline and two young women began their religious life in Neunburg vorm Wald, Bavaria. The School Sisters of Notre Dame congregation was founded to educate girls and young women from the lower and middle classes to help them become strong devout mothers, who would instill Christian values in their families.
Today, School Sisters of Notre Dame across North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia continue Blessed Theresa’s mission of education with a special commitment to women, youth and persons who are poor.
Our sisters witness and inspire hope in countless people through educational ministries that transform our world. View a Foundation Day greeting from the sisters.
Photo by Mary Conarchy
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Associates and sisters – A special connection
More than 280 women and men are connecting with School Sisters of Notre Dame through spiritual, educational and social activities as associates. You can discover the gifts God has shared through SSND, build relationships and become involved, too!
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Celebrating Mother Caroline: A lesson in courage
The passion and courage of Mother Caroline Friess, the American foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, can be seen in the ministries of sisters today. More 100 years later, sisters continue her efforts to educate and aid immigrants and those less fortunate.
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SSNDs call for immigration reform
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling to block the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals reinforces the need for Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Our mission as School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province supports and calls us to accept and serve all in need.