50th First Profession
Sister Constance Schmidt
Birthplace: Effingham, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in theology, St. Mary’s University, Texas, 1985
Master’s in theology, Institute of Religious Formation, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1986
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Aloysius, 1971-74
Coordinator of religious education, Northeast County Deanery, 1987-90
Director of initial formation, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1987-93
Coordinator of volunteers, Criminal Justice Ministry, 1989-93
Provincial Council, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1999-2003
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1974-77
Teacher and administration, Holy Family, Freeburg, Missouri, 1977-83
Principal, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1983-85
Teacher, St. Anthony High School, Effingham, Illinois, 1986-87
Teacher, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 1993-95
Director of volunteers, Holy Rosary Mission, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 1995-99
Teacher, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 1995-99
Parish life coordinator, Our Lady of the Sioux, Oglala, South Dakota, 2003-11
Pastoral team coordinator, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 2006-11
Teacher, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 2011-13
Assistant for evangelization and formation, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 2013-18
Secretary to General Superior, Generalate, Rome, Italy, 2018-present
About Sister Constance Schmidt: I am grateful for all the people and opportunities, both in community and ministry, as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Serving 21 years on the Pine Ridge Reservation was truly a great blessing. The Lakota taught me so much!
50th First Profession
Sister Susan Renner
Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in special education, Cardinal Stritch University, Wisconsin, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Mary’s Special School, 1971-76
Administration, St. Mary’s Special School, 1976-84
Administration, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1984-87
Administration, St. Mary’s Special School, 1987-91
Maintenance director, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1992-95
Director of initial formation, St. Louis area, 1997-2005
Futuring the charism team, St. Louis area, 2005-12
Area coordinator for associates, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2012-18
Mission advancement support, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2013-18
Service outside the archdiocese: Administration, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1992
Program director, Family Center, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1995-97
Assistant director, Family Center, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1997-2005
Volunteer, Family Center, East St. Louis, Illinois, 2005
Director of formal education, St. Nicholas Academy, Jefferson City, Missouri, 2018-present
About Sister Susan Renner: My first ministry, working with special needs children, were the happiest 20 years of my religious life. We sisters loved being with and working together with the children. They brought out the best in each of us. God is faithful always!
50th First Profession
Sister Maxine Pohlman
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in language arts, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in religious education, Boston College, 1983
Certificate in ecology and the human spirit, St. Thomas University, 2004
Service in the archdiocese: Co-coordinator of hospitality, Notre Dame Hall, 1985-87
Director of communications, Maria Center, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1987-92
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1992-99
Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, 1999-2004
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Mary, Belleville, Illinois, 1971-72
Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1972-78
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Du Quoin, Illinois, 1978-79
Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1979-85
Program assistant, Oblate Ecological Initiative, Godfrey, Illinois, 2005-09
Director, Oblate Ecological Initiative, Godfrey, Illinois, 2010-present
About Sister Maxine Pohlman: It has been my privilege to educate children, youth and adults for many years. I could never have imagined this amazing journey, and I am so grateful. Educating about our rare and precious planet for the past 15 years has been a special blessing.
50th First Profession
Sister Frances Cabrini Poglajen
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, 1971
Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1994
Master’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 2000
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Aloysius, 1971-74
Teacher, St. Andrew, 1977-79
Nursing aide, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1985-86
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1985-87
Infirmary coordinator, 1987-91
Nurse, Saint Louis University Hospital, 1992-94
Nurse manager, Saint Louis University Hospital, 2003-11
Administrative director of nursing, Saint Louis University Hospital, 2011-13
Patient care manager, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 2014-15
RN in hospice, Mercy Health Services, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Philip, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1974-76
Teacher, Santa Isabel, Los Angeles, California, 1976-77
Teacher, St. Henry, Belleville, Illinois, 1979-83
Teacher, St. Mary, Alton, Illinois, 1983-85
About Sister Frances Cabrini Poglajen: On my 19th Annotation Retreat, I prayed daily, "I ask for your grace, oh Lord, that all my motives, decisions, knowledge be in service of your divine majesty." If my motives were true, then my decisions and efforts would also be.
50th First Profession
Sister Shelley Hogan
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in English, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Administrator, Notre Dame High School, 1983-97
Teacher, Ranken Technical College, 1998-2000
Library assistant, St. Louis County Library, 2001
Assistant principal, St. Elizabeth Academy, 2002
Administrative assistant, Notre Dame Preschool, 2008-09
Librarian, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2002-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1971-72
Teacher, Aquinas High School, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1972-77
Teacher, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Illinois, 1977-83
About Sister Shelley Hogan: I had the privilege of being principal of Notre Dame High School in St. Louis. As I journeyed through the years, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit and Blessed Theresa in working with faculty and staff to share the immanent presence of God.
50th First Profession
Sister Kathleen Kull
Birthplace: Keokuk, Iowa
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, Eureka, 1981-89
Teacher, St. Aloysius, 1989-90
Teacher, St. Sebastian, 1990-96
Pastoral care worker and director of religious education, Our Lady of Fatima, Florissant, 1996-98
Teacher, St. Jerome, 1998-2000
Caregiver, CSJ Ministries, 2000-02
Tutor, New Florissant Library, 2000-06
PSR teacher, St. Dismas, Florissant, 2002-05
PSR teacher, Sacred Heart, Florissant, 2002-06
PSR teacher, St. Sabina Parish, Florissant, 2005-06
PSR teacher, St. Ferdinand Parish, Florissant, 2005-06
Tutor, Notre Dame Tutorial Center, 2006-07
Formal education aide, Notre Dame Preschool, 2007-08
Volunteer services, various places, 2008-present
Prayer and presence, 2008-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Ridgway, Illinois, 1971-72
Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1972-81
About Sister Kathleen Kull: Working with children and parents for sacramental preparations is a highlight of my ministry experiences. Another life-giving experience for me has been working in liturgy in my parishes.
50th First Profession
Sister Kathleen Drilling
Birthplace: Tulare, California
Education: Bachelor’s in social science, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in pastoral ministry/spirituality, Loyola University of Chicago, 1985
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, 1970-71
Teacher, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1976-78
Director of vocations, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1978-82
Administrator, Caroline Retreat Center, 1981-83
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1983-88
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Helen, Fresno, California, 1974-76
Administrator/teacher, Santa Isabel, Los Angeles, California, 1974-76
Teacher, San Joaquin High School, Fresno, California, 1988-99
Campus minister/teacher, San Joaquin High School, Fresno, California, 1999-2001
Administrator, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Fresno, California, 2003-13
Director of religious education at St. Paul Catholic Newman Parish, California State University, Fresno, California, 2013-present
About Sister Kathleen Drilling: All I ever wanted to do was teach and the School Sisters of Notre Dame opened my mind and heart to a love of learning. The sisters mentored and encouraged me in the spirit of Blessed Theresa and as her charism took root, I found my passion and loved every minute of it.
50th First Profession
Sister Ethel Marie Biri
Birthplace: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Education: Bachelor’s in theology and English, Notre Dame College, 1972
Master’s in religious education, Seattle University, Washington, 1982
Master’s in human resource training and development, Webster University, 1992
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1972-74
Director of adult religious education, St. Christopher, Florissant, 1987-91
Human relations, Koplar Enterprises, Inc., 1992-93
Teacher, Paul VI Institute, 1993-96
Student services director for options, Fontbonne College, 1993-96
Pastoral associate, St. Joseph, Farmington, 2006-07
Director of religious education, St. Joseph, Farmington, 2007-08
Director, Interprovincial Novitiate, 2008-10
Administrator, North Perry County Catholic, Perryville, 2016
Director of mission integration, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Rita, San Diego, California, 1972
Teacher, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Illinois, 1972-74
Teacher, St. Anthony, Effingham, Illinois, 1975-77
Teacher, Northeast Catechetical, Edina, Missouri, 1978-83
Adult religious education, St. Peter Parish, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1985-87
Chancellor, Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, 1996-2006
Director of lay ministry and formation, Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky, 2011-15
Director of Notre Dame PSR, St. Augustine Campus, Belleville, Illinois, 2017-18
About Sister Ethel Marie Biri: Much of my time as chancellor involved ministry with victims of abuse. I was most aware, in that ministry, of how God invites one to cooperate with God’s will, whether difficult or delightful and the deep joy that flows from doing God’s will.
50th First Profession
Sister Janise Berberich
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in music education, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in theology, St. Mary’s University, Texas, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1986-91
Counseling administrative assistant, Notre Dame High School, 1993-94
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1994-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. George, Linn, Missouri, 1971-73
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Effingham, Illinois, 1973-77
Teacher and principal, St. Joseph, Ridgway, Illinois, 1977-83
Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1983-85
Teacher, St. Philip, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1985-86
Teacher, Instituto Notre Dame, El Progreso, Honduras, 1992-93
About Sister Janise Berberich: I love sharing the SSND charism with my students through the many service trips I have taken over the years. Making connections and seeing the students share our love for the SSND mission is a joy and memory I hold dear.
60th First Profession
Sister Kathleen Stark
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1962-65
Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1965-75
Clerical staff, St. Martin of Tours, 1978-82
Clerical staff, Hosea House, 1982-89
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1989-90
Coordinator of transportation, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1990-94
Volunteer, St. Augustine Wellston Center, 1992-94
Parish outreach, St. Augustine Wellston Center, 1994-2018
Volunteer, St. Louis Area, 2018-present
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Northeast Catechetical, Edina, Missouri, 1975-77
Teacher, St. Joseph, E. St. Louis, Illinois, 1977-78
About Sister Kathleen Stark: The most memorable experience of my many years as a School Sister of Notre Dame are all the wonderful relationships formed and treasured. It is with a grateful heart that I remain friends with so many who have touched my life.
60th First Profession
Sister Luella Willenborg
Birthplace: Effingham, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in religious studies, University of St. Thomas, Texas, 1979
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Sts. Joachim and Ann School, St. Charles, 1988-05
Care of elderly, CSJ Ministries, 2005-12
Care of elderly, St. Louis Area, 2013
Volunteer services, St. Louis Area, 2013-present
Prayer and presence, SSND residence, 2005-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, Effingham, Illinois, 1962-65
Teacher, Holy Cross, Cuba, Missouri, 1965-69
Teacher, St. Augustine, Breese, Illinois, 1969-70
Teacher, St. Anthony, Effingham, Illinois, 1970-81
Administration and teacher, St. Joseph, Scott City, Missouri, 1981-88
About Sister Luella Willenborg: I treasure all the unique ways fifth graders shared their gifts and talents with me for 43 years. I also appreciate the daily witnessing of the deep faith of the elderly.
60th First Profession
Sister Marie Denice Houston
Birthplace: Freeburg, Missouri
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in elementary education, Southeast Missouri State University, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bernadette, 1961-70
Postmistress, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1984-86
Tutor, Notre Dame Tutorial Center, 1986-88
Teacher, St. Matthias, 1988-90
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1993
Tutor, private homes, Arnold, 1993-95
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, 1993-95
Teacher, St. Bernadette, 1998-99
Volunteer ministry, St. Vincent, 1998-99
Teacher, St. Bernadette, 1999-2000
Cook, Nazareth Nursing Home, 2000-01
Cook, KinderCare Learning Center, 2001-07
Receptionist, Notre Dame Learning Center, 2007-09
Community service, Liturgical Fabric Arts, 2007-19
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Family, Freeburg, Missouri, 1970-76
Teacher, St. Marianne de Paredes, Pico Rivera, California, 1976-84
Teacher, St. Mary, Brussels, Illinois, 1990-92
Teacher, St. Theresa’s Girls’ Secondary School, Kisii, Kenya, 1996-97
Tutor, N.D.C.O. The Notre Dame Children’s Outreach, Homa Bay, Nyalienga, Kenya, 2019-present
About Sister Marie Denice Houston: While in Kenya, Africa, I had the privilege to be invited to many students’ homes, one stands out as memorable. In a hut made of sticks and mud, I was served tea made over three stones on an open fire. The simplicity and grace was astounding.
60th First Profession
Sister Carol Marie Wildt
Birthplace: Washington, Missouri
Education: Bachelor’s in chemistry, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in religious studies, Saint Louis University, 1985
Doctorate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame College, 1973-77
Spiritual retreat director, Notre Dame Hall, 1977-83
Teacher, Cardinal Glennon Seminary, 1977-87
Director of archives, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1997-11
Archivist, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1962-69
Teacher, Notre Dame College, Cleveland, Ohio, 1987-90
Professor, Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1990-97
About Sister Carol Marie Wildt: After teaching over 30 years at the secondary and collegiate level, I was appointed archivist in St. Louis. This ministry has deepened my appreciation and gratitude for the courage and risk-taking of many School Sisters of Notre Dame who have gone before me.
60th First Profession
Sister Carol Jean Nishke
Birthplace: East St. Louis, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, 1964-69
Teacher, St. Liborius, 1969
Teacher, St. Barbara, 1970-72
Teacher, St. Engelbert, 1972-73
Elementary administration and teacher, St. Engelbert, 1973-80
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Illinois, 1962-63
Teacher, St. Louis, Nokomis, Illinois, 1963-64
Teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1969-70
Teacher, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1980-81
Teacher, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1981-82
Elementary administration, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1982-84
Parish program director, St. Augustine, N. Little Rock, Arkansas, 1984-89
Executive director, St. Augustine Center for Children, N. Little Rock, Arkansas, 1989-09
Director of archives, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi, 2009-12
Associate archivist, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi, 2012-18
Local archives contact, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi, 2018-
Prayer and presence, St. Anthony’s Garden, Covington, Louisiana, 2019-present
About Sister Carol Jean Nishke: A great blessing of my early years was being missioned to North St. Louis where I fell in love with the African-American community. Then in, 1981, I attended the Renewal Program in Chatawa, Mississippi, and then moved south for more.
60th First Profession
Sister Sharon Maureen Driscoll
Birthplace: East St. Louis, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in economics, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1972
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Dominic Savio, 1962-71
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School, 1972-81
Teacher, St. Joseph, 1981-86
Driver, Villa Gesu, 1986-90
Secretary to provincial council, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1990-2007
Administrative assistant to provincial council, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2007-11
Executive administrative assistant to Provincial Council, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Henry, Belleville, Illinois, 1971-72
About Sister Sharon Maureen Driscoll: Grateful and blessed in community, as a teacher and in service to our sisters. My years at our retirement center were a graced time. I am blessed in my current ministry with the opportunity to be in contact with sisters, associates and staff.
60th First Profession
Sister Laurette Haberberger
Birthplace: Granite City, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in Spanish, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. William, 1962-67
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, 1971-72
Teacher, Notre Dame Preschool, 1983
Secretary, St. Elizabeth of Hungry School, 1997-2004
Secretary, St. Raphael, 2004-05
Driver, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2008-10
Prayer and presence, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2012-16
Volunteer, various St. Louis locations, 2012-16
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2016-2020
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1967-71
Administration, Instituto Notre Dame, El Progreso, Honduras, 1973-77
Elementary administration, Santa Isabel, Los Angeles, California, 1978-83
Administrative assistant, St. Vincent, Keokuk, Iowa, 1983
Teacher, Anton M. Slomsek Elementary, Etiwanda, California, 1984-87
Teacher, St. Hilary, Pico Rivera, California, 1987-90
Elementary administration, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1990-95
Secretary, Queen of Peace, Belleville, Illinois, 2006-08
About Sister Laurette Haberberger: The call to ministry comes in surprising and unsuspecting ways. In the summers of, 1965-67, I went to California to prepare young students for First Communion. In the parish, I gave solace to a grieving family seeking a blessing before a burial. (Sister Laurette died peacefully on April 29, 2020.)
60th First Profession
Sister Janice Fennewald
Birthplace: Westphalia, Missouri
Education: Bachelor’s in American Studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in elementary education with a concentration in psychology, Southeast Missouri State University, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Rosary School, Warrenton, 1998-06
Assistant transportation coordinator, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2007-09
Province transportation coordinator, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2009-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1961-69
Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1969-72
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Missouri, 1972-73
Teacher/administrator, Blessed Sacrament/St. Mary’s, Hannibal, Missouri, 1973-80
Teacher/administrator, Aquinas-East/West, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1980-89
Teacher/administrator, St. George, Hermann, Missouri, 1989-93
Teacher, Visitation Interparish School, Vienna, Missouri, 1993-97
Teacher, St. Patrick School, Rolla, Missouri, 1997-98
About Sister Janice Fennewald: What a gift to be in touch with former students, parents and staff. I am grateful for each one who has enriched my life and whose lives I have inspired. God’s love is reflected through each one’s uniqueness.
60th First Profession
Sister Judith Best
Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in theology, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosary High School, 1962-67
Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, 1967-70
Coordinator of spiritual renewal, Notre Dame Hall, 1970-72
Spiritual direction, Notre Dame Hall, 1972-79
Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, 1979-80
Leadership, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1987-91
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1991-98
Spiritual direction, Windridge Solitude, Lonedell, Missouri, 1999-2002
Spiritual direction, SSND Residence, Washington, 2002-05
SSND heritage research, SSND Residence, Washington, 2004-08
SSND charism resource, various places, 2008-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Director of spiritual renewal of laity, Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, 1981-87
About Sister Judith Best: As a history and religion teacher, I am grateful for all the students who have taught me, including the wider Earth community. Another gift, has been learning more about my beloved SSND community through coordinating the website sturdyroots.org.
60th First Profession
Sister Barbara Boedeker
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in History, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter, St. Charles, 1961
Administration, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1969-71
Teacher, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1971-76
Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, 1976
Tutor, St. Gabriel the Archangel, 1977-78
Teacher, St. Joseph, Kimmswick, 1978
Nursing aide, Villa Gesu, 1979
Teacher, All Souls, 1979-89
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1991-92
Teacher, Our Lady, Festus, 1992-2000
Assistant in finance, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2000-03
Volunteer, Veronica House and Anna House, Bridgeton, 1999-08
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2008-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 1961-63
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, Washington Park, Illinois, 1963-64
Teacher, Most Pure Heart of Mary, Chamois, Missouri, 1964-69
Teacher, St. Michael, Radom, Illinois, 1971-76
About Sister Barbara Boedeker: My favorite book to read is "Trust and Dare" with Mother Teresa’s thought for the day. My fondest memory is when my third graders at Our Lady in Festus gave to me Mother Teresa’s blessing as I gave to them at the end of each school day.
60th First Profession
Sister Patricia Bauer
Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in mathematics, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in mathematics, Saint Louis University, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1962-64
Teacher, St. Wenceslaus, 1964-65
Teacher, Rosary High School, 1965-77
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1977-83
Teacher, Rosati Kain High School, 1985-87
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1987-93
Director of initial formation, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1993-97
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1997-2011
Spiritual guide, St. Louis, 1996-current
Volunteer, St. Francis Xavier Church, 2012
Volunteer, St. Patrick Center, 2012-present
Volunteer, St. Louis, 2012-present
Prayer and presence, St. Louis, 2007-present
About Sister Patricia Bauer: As educator and advisor, I experienced hope. As a spiritual companion, I’m inspired by the wisdom of the homeless, privileged to accompany those seeking spiritual growth, and blessed through co-facilitating monthly faith-sharing with retired sisters.
70th First Profession
Sister Ann Giese
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Liborius, 1950-51
Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, 1953-60
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School, 1981-82
Community service, Our Lady of Sorrows, 1986
Activity director, Villa Gesu, 1986-90
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1991
Staff facility special needs, St. Casimir Group Home, 1991-93
Associate administration retirement home, Rosary House, 1993-95
Ministry to elderly, Cardinal Ritter Institute, 1995-96
Director of Activities, Mother of Perpetual Help, 1996-97
Teacher aide, Notre Dame Preschool, 1998
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1998-2011
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Cairo, Illinois, 1951-53
Teacher, Holy Family, Freeburg, Missouri, 1962-66
Teacher, St. Marianne de Paredes, Pico Rivera, California, 1966-67
Teacher, St. Martin, La Mesa, California, 1967-72
Teacher, St. Rita, San Diego, California, 1972-74
Teacher, St. Michael, Hastings, Nebraska, 1974-81
Pastoral ministry, All Saints, Keokuk, Iowa, 1982-85
About Sister Ann Giese: The liturgy was about warm fuzzies and cold pricklies. To visualize this for children, the priest gave the example: The lady next door filled one bag with pine cones and the other with cotton balls. The kids loved telling their parents the story.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister Therese Mary Rebstock
Birthplace: Carmi, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in English, Saint Louis University, 1964
Doctorate in education, Waldon University, Minnesota, 1990
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Ghost School, 1953-55
Elementary administration and teacher, Our Lady of Loretto, 1960-61
Chairperson of English education, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1971-74
Province history research, SSND Residence, 1999-2004
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Mary, Eldorado, Illinois, 1950-51
Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1951-53
Teacher, St. Martin, Jefferson City, 1955-56
Teacher, St. Augustine, Breese, Illinois, 1956-58
Teacher, St. James, Coolidge, Arizona, 1958-60
Elementary administration and teacher, St. Luke, Belleville, Illinois, 1961-63
Teacher, Notre Dame Women’s College, Kyoto, Japan, 1964-65
Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1966-71
Teacher, Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan, and Notre Dame Women’s College, Kyoto, Japan, 1971-90
Teacher, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1990-92
Director of religious education, St. Joseph, Jasper, Indiana, 1992-99
Teacher, St. Meinrad College, St. Meinrad, Indiana, 1992-96
Teacher, Oakland City University, Oakland City, Indiana, 1992-2002
Teacher, Oakland City University, Oakland City, 2004-06
Lecture series, various locations, 2007-10
Staff, John Paul Catholic High School, DuBois County, Indiana, 2011-12
About Sister Therese Mary Rebstock: In 2016, I chose to move to Veronica House. The challenges, adjustments and understanding brought revelations and blessings in acceptance of my latest assignment! Sure gives new meaning for life yet remaining!
70th First Profession
Sister Anita Marie Lischwe
Birthplace: Brinktown, Missouri
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1961
Master’s in elementary administration, Saint Louis University, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1950-51
Teacher, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1951-55
Teacher, Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1961-63
Nursing Aide, Villa Gesu, 1972-77
Nurse, Villa Gesu, 1978-99
Volunteer, Anna House, Bridgeton, 1999-2015
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, 2005-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Anthony, Quincy, Illinois, 1948-49
Teacher, St. Boniface, Koelztown, Missouri, 1955-58
Teacher, St. Anthony, Quincy, Illinois, 1958-59
Teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1959-61
Teacher, St. Agatha, New Athens, Illinois, 1963-64
Teacher, St. Michael, Radom, Illinois, 1964-69
Teacher, Holy Family, Freeburg, Illinois, 1969-71
Teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1971-72
About Sister Anita Marie Lischwe: During the years I worked at Villa Gesu, I tried to visit the cemetery daily. In time, the sisters were moved to The Sarah Community and the deceased to Resurrection Cemetery. On my visits there, I felt a warm welcome.
80th First Profession
Sister Irene Kalapinski
Birthplace: Detroit, Missouri
Education: Bachelor in Art, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1964
Service in the archdiocese: Community Service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1940-42
Teacher, St. Michael, 1942-43
Teacher, St. Joseph, Farmington, 1943-44
Community service, St. Elizabeth Day Nursery, 1945-46
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, 1956-57
Teacher, St. Liborius, 1958-59
Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, 1970-76
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1976-83
Occupational therapy aide, Villa Gesu, 1983-90
Postmistress, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1990-2000
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2000-11
Ministry of prayer, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2000-11
Community service, Theresa Center, 2011-14
Prayer and presence, Theresa Center, 2011-14
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, 2014-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Community service, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1944-45
Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Illinois, 1946-50
Teacher, St. Gerard Majella, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1950-54
Teacher, Christ the King School, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1954-56
Teacher, St. Gerard Majella, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1957-58
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Missouri, 1959-60
Teacher, St. Mary, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1960-63
Teacher, St. Henry, Belleville, Illinois, 1963-69
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1969-70
About Sister Irene Kalapinski: Teaching art to all the students at St. Gabriel School holds wonderful memories. Each level was fun and challenging. The most interesting projects were with the eighth graders making life size paper mache animals or floor-to-ceiling murals. (Sister Irene died peacefully on May 5, 2020.)