School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
50th First Profession
Sister Dawn Achs
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1968
First profession: 1973
Final profession: 1976
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Notre Dame College, 1973
Master’s in education and special education, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1982
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher and staff member, St. Mary’s Special School, St. Louis, 1974-81
Principal, St. Joseph Vocational School, 1988-89
Member of Ongoing Formation Team, St. Louis Province, 1989-93
Administrator, St. Engelbert Focus School, 1993-95
Education consultant, Epiphany School, St. Louis, 1995-97
Administrator, St. Ann School, Normandy, 2000-04
Administrator, St. Catherine Laboure School, St. Louis, 2004-06
Provincial councilor, School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, 2019-23
Service outside the archdiocese: Administrator for special education, East St. Louis Deanery, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1981-83
Associate director for special education, Diocese of Belleville, Belleville, Illinois, 1986-88
Director of communications, School Sisters of Notre Dame Generalate, Rome, 1997-2000
Associate superintendent, Diocese of Victoria, Texas, 2006-08
Associate superintendent, Diocese of Dallas, Texas, 2008-present
About Sister Dawn Achs: The Gospel reading at my final vows was Jesus inviting Peter to get out of the boat and come to Him on the water. The homilist challenged me to never be afraid to get out of the boat. That challenge has followed me to this day.
Sister Jeanne Goessling
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1970
First profession: 1973
Final profession: 1978
Education: Bachelor’s in art, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1974
Master’s in private school administration, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1984
Master’s in pastoral studies, Loyola University, New Orleans, 2012
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St Louis, 1977-83
Volunteer, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1987
Principal, Sts. John and James School, Ferguson, 2000-02
Teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas-Mercy High School, 2002-03
Teacher, Trinity Catholic High School, 2003-04
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Rita, San Diego, 1974-76
Teacher, St. Mary, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1976-77
Principal, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1983-87
Principal, St. Mary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1988-93
Teacher and principal, St. Theresa’s Girls’ Secondary School, Kisii, Kenya, 1993-99
Director of religious education, Holy Trinity, Springfield, Missouri, 2004-18
Assisting the School Sisters of Notre Dame formation community, Kisumu, Kenya, 2018-present
About Sister Jeanne Goessling: As a SSND, I have experienced the evolution of religious life, the Church and world with its opportunities and challenges. God’s sending has taken me to many places and cultures, arriving as a stranger and leaving as friend.
Sister Patricia Gravemann
Birthplace: St. Charles
Entrance: 1970
First profession: 1973
Final profession: 1979
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1974
Master’s in elementary education administration, Clarke College (now University), Dubuque, Iowa, 1986
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1974-77
Coordinator of religious education, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1977-82
Teacher and principal, St. Engelbert, St. Louis, 1982-89
Administrator, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2003-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Principal, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1989-95
Principal, Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Caseyville/Fairview Heights, Illinois, 1995-2003
About Sister Patricia Gravemann: When I was at St. Joseph in Manchester, we spent many evenings together, our living room by the fireplace and shared stories about our families, growing up and mission experiences. That was a treasured community experience for me.
Sister Patricia Gunn
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1970
First profession: 1973
Final profession: 1978
Education: Bachelor’s in mathematics, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1974
Master’s in elementary education, Clarke College (now University), Dubuque, Iowa, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, St. Louis, 1974-77
Home base educator for Head Start, Old Mines, 1996-99
Teacher, Richwoods R-VII School, Richwood, 1999-2012
Volunteer, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2012-13
Driver, The Sarah Community, 2013-16
Community coordinator assistant, Veronica House, The Sarah Community, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher and principal, St. Mary, Belleville, Illinois, 1977-86
Principal, St. Joseph, Freeburg, Illinois, 1986-95
About Sister Patricia Gunn: My memories include having community members, family and friends with whom I could laugh and cry; reconnecting with former students, parishioners and coworkers; and being grateful for those who have encouraged, supported and challenged me to grow.
Sister Madeleine Lane
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1970
First profession: 1973
Final profession: 1978
Education: Bachelor’s in theology, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1975
Master’s in pastoral counseling, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1979
Degree in marriage and family therapy, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Washington, D.C, 1992
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin de Porres, Hazelwood, 1978-79
Parish minster, St. Cronan, St. Louis, 1986-89
Director of vocations for the School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 1982-86
Family therapist specializing in grief therapy and a spiritual and retreat director and facilitator, The Family Center, St. Louis, 1990-2021
Adjunct graduate professor in the spirituality program, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St Louis, 2015-20
Spiritual director and therapist, various places throughout St. Louis, 1979-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Philip, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1974-76
Parish minister, St. Boniface, Quincy, Illinois, 1976-78
Teacher, Our Lady of Angels Franciscan Seminary, Quincy College, Quincy, Illinois, 1979-82
Adjunct graduate professor in the spirituality program, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, summers, 1994-2014
Ministers with several congregations of women religious throughout the United States, 1979-present
About Sister Madeleine Lane: I remember the love and fun shared by sisters at St. Alphonsus Rock High School. To this day, my experience of making one community, and including all, continues to attract me to our mission with a grateful heart
60th First Profession
Sister Mary Hope Billing
Birth name: Constance Ann Billing
Birthplace: St. Charles
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in English, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1964
Bachelor’s in music education, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1974
Master’s in religious education, St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Indiana, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1967-72
Teacher, St. Michael, St. Louis, 1979-82
Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1988-90
Teacher and liturgy coordinator, Ascension School, Chesterfield, 1994-2013
Teacher, St. Austin School, St. Louis, 2012-13
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Illinois, 1964-67
Teacher, St. Paul Elementary School and St. Paul High School, Highland, Illinois, 1972-79
Director of religious education, St. Paul and St. James, St. Jacob, Illinois, 1973-79
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Iowa, 1982-88
Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1990-93
Teacher, Kyoto Notre Dame University and Notre Dame High School, Kyoto, Japan, 2014-20
Volunteer, English Help Center, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto, Japan, 2019-present
About Sister Mary Hope Billing: God’s gift — serving and living with our Japanese sisters, sharing their culture, traditions and viewpoints. Their call for peace awakens in me the desire to be peace and extend love, be love and extend joy, be joy and extend peace.
Sister Joyce (Sister Paulanne) Engle
Birthplace: Teutopolis, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in English, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in cross-cultural ministry, Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, New York, 1991
Service in the archdiocese: Pastoral minister, St. Christopher, Florissant, 1972-78
Driver, School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 1988-89
Minister to the elderly, Congregation of St. Joseph Ministries, St. Louis, 2006-07
Tutor, Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Program, St. Louis, 2013-14
Volunteer, Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2013-14
Volunteer in the St. Louis area, 2016-present
Prayer, presence and service, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, and Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Mater Dei High School, Breese, Illinois, 1965-68
Teacher, Aquinas High School, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1968-72
Pastoral minister, St. Joseph, Cairo, Illinois, 1978-80
Social worker for Daystar, Cairo, Illinois, 1980-83
Parish staff, the Interprov Cherokee Project, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 1983-84
Pastoral minister, Sacred Heart, Dexter, Missouri, 1984-86
Children’s ministry, Children’s Place, Malden, Missouri, 1986-88
Catholic Charities, Springfield, Illinois, 1988-89
Parish administrator, Our Lady of the Sioux, Oglala, South Dakota, 1991-94
Pastoral minister, St. Mary, Lower Brule, South Dakota, 1996-97
Volunteer and pastoral minster, St. Bruno, Pinckneyville, Illinois, 1999-2004
Pastoral minister, St. Paul, Highland, Illinois, 2005-06
Instructor with the Progressive Education Program, New Iberia, Louisiana, 2007-11
Volunteer, Sacred Heart Family Center, Camden, Mississippi, 2014-15
About Sister Joyce Engle: A new spirit came to me in 1972, during my first directed retreat. Within months, my life changed from teaching to pastoral ministry, from Iowa to Missouri, from traditional to experimental community in Caroline House. Seed planted. Harvest draws near.
Sister Joanne (Sister James Maureen) Hanrahan
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in history, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in history, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1974
Doctorate in American studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1979
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1967-72
Program director, Maria Center, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 1978-91
Provincial leader, School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 1999-2007
Coordinator for the process that brought the former Dallas, Milwaukee, Mankato and St. Louis Provinces together to form the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, 2008-11
Coordinator for infrastructure development, SSND Central Pacific Province, 2011-13
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Agatha, New Athens, Illinois, 1965-67
Teacher, Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, Illinois, 1972-73
Director of the Women’s Institute, the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now University), Baltimore, 1991-98
Facilitator and consultant for various religious communities throughout the United States and, other countries, 2013-present
About Sister Joanne Hanrahan: Experiencing the life and ministry of sisters, our international congregation has been an inspiration and blessing. Being with sisters of our congregation and other women religious, I have seen charism and mission incarnated, lives of commitment and love.
Sister Ruth (Sister Louise Maureen) Hinderer
Birthplace: Fulton
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in mathematics, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in business education, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1970-76
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1976-78
Teacher, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1979-81
Administrator, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1981-90
Administrator of the SSND Cooperative Investment Fund, 2016-19
Volunteer, Theresa Center, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Pius X High School, Downey, California, 1965-66
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Springs, California, 1966-70
Associate principal, Bishop Conaty High School, Los Angeles, 1978-79
Treasurer for the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) former Dallas Province, 1991-2002
Various finance positions for the North American Major Area Coordinating Center, for the School Sisters of Notre Dame Cooperative Investment Fund and the former SSND provinces, 2003-11
Community leader, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi, 2011-16
About Sister Ruth Hinderer: I am so grateful for the many and various ministries leadership called me to during these 60 years and for all the sisters with whom I served. It has been a blessed time.
Sister Rose Rita (Sister Cyra) Huelsmann
Birthplace: Breese, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in guidance counseling, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1965-66
Teacher, St. Barbara, St. Louis, 1966-72
Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1973-74
Teacher, guidance counselor, coordinator of religious education and principal, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1974-78
Principal, Notre Dame Elementary School, St. Louis, 1978-81
Administrator, Notre Dame Hall, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1986-88
Housemother, Boys Hope/Girls Hope, St. Louis, 1988-92
Co-community leader, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 1992-96
Coordinator of volunteers, Criminal Justice Ministry, St. Louis, 2004-17
Director for the temporary professed for the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, 2015-present
Hospitality coordinator, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2021-present
Spiritual director, the St. Louis area, 2003-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Illinois, 1972-73
Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1981-86
Missionary, El Progreso, Honduras founding Casa Margarita, an orphanage for girls, 1997-98
Principal, St. Bruno, Pinckneyville, Illinois, 1999-2003
About Sister Rose Rita Huelsmann: Meeting with four SSND in Rome, each from a different country, to study the life of St. Augustine is a treasured memory from my life as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Context and internationality deepened my understanding of Church.
Sister Mary Canisia Hyodo
Birth name: Maria Assumpta Hyodo
Birthplace: Ehime-ken, Japan
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in music, Elizabeth Music College, Hiroshima, Japan, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1997-2013
Sacristan, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2003-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Organist, Memorial Cathedral for World Peace, Hiroshima, Japan, 1960
Music teacher and orchestra advisor, Notre Dame Elementary School and Notre Dame High School, Kyoto, Japan, 1961-63
Liturgy committee member, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, 1979-80
Community service and sacristan, SSND Generalate, Rome, 1987-90
Member of Japan Regional office staff, Japan, 1991-96
About Sister Mary Canisia Hyodo : I appreciate everything SSND and the community have done for me. I love being a SSND.
Sister Susan (Sister Magdalen Marie) Jordan
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in Latin and French, the former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in French education, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1965-73
Teacher, Laboure High School, St. Louis, 1973-79
Teacher and campus minister, Kennedy High School, St. Louis, 1979-80
Researcher, St. Louis Economic Conversion Project, St. Louis, 1980-81
Coordinator, Midwest Coalition for Responsible Investment, St. Louis, 1981-2007
Social responsibility resource person, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) Cooperative Investment Fund, 1990-2007
Provincial councilor, former SSND St. Louis Province, 2007-11
Provincial councilor, Central Pacific Province, 2011-19
Volunteer, various locations throughout the St. Louis area, 2019-present
About Sister Susan Jordan: As an SSND, I have met, lived, community and served in ministry with many wonderful people. I value my varied experiences, and I learned from so many, including companions, students, colleagues, family and our good earth! I am grateful!
Sister Nicolette Karcher
Birth name: Shirley Margaret Karcher
Birthplace: East St. Louis, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, the former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in education, with a minor in reading specialist, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, St. Louis, 1965-68
Teacher, Our Lady of Lourdes, Washington, 1968-71
Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1971-72
Teacher and principal, Immaculate Conception, Dardenne, 1978-85
Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1985-86
Teacher, St. William, St. Louis, 1987-95
Teacher’s aide, Notre Dame Preschool, St. Louis, 2012-13
Substitute teacher and provided before and after school care for children, Sacred Heart School, Troy, 2013-14
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1972-78
Teacher, St. Ambrose, Godfrey, Illinois, 1995-97
Teacher, St. Bernard Indian Mission, Fort Yates, North Dakota, 1997-2010
Volunteer and substitute teacher, various locations, Belleville, Illinois, 2010-13
Tutor, Red Cloud Indian Mission School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 2015-17
Volunteer, St. Vincent de Paul, East St. Louis, Illinois, 2017-present
Prayer and presence, Belleville, Illinois, 2017-present
About Sister Nicolette Karcher: My SSND years have been a blessing working with students from rural to city life. Most of all, I cherish my ministry with Native Americans on the Dakota reservations, which has deepened my relationship with God, earth and all creation.
Sister Rosalyce Mercurio
Birth name: Marie Rose Mercurio
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in history, the former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Bachelor’s in nursing, St. Joseph College, Worcester, Maine, 1987
Master’s in geriatrics and gerontology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Nurse’s aide, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1968-69
Registered nurse, Villa Gesu, 1971-76
Special needs staff, St. Mary’s Special School, St. Louis, 1981-87
Nursing supervisor and registered nurse, Villa Gesu, 1987-93
Site manager, St. Elizabeth North Day Care, St. Louis, 1993-97
Parish health minister, Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Louis, 1997-2005
Pastoral associate, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Louis, 2005-16
Director of mission integration and spiritual care for The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2016-20
Volunteer, various locations throughout the St. Louis area, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Geneva, Nebraska, 1965-67
Teacher, St. Dominic, Breese, Illinois, 1967-68
Registered nurse, St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, Illinois, 1976-81
About Sister Rosalyce Mercurio: When I entered SSND, Sister Canisia Borgmeier offered the following advice, “Every night, pray for the gift of perseverance.” This gift from God calls me daily to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ as a SSND.
Sister Reina Marie Quiroz
Birth name: Theresa de Jesus Quiroz
Birthplace: Pimienta, Cortez, Honduras
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Food service, housekeeper and seamstress, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 1963-67
Food service, housekeeper and seamstress, St. Engelbert, St. Louis, 1971-72
Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1972-95
Food service, housekeeper and seamstress, Naomi House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 1995-96
Volunteer, Queen of Peace Center, St. Louis, 1995-96
Prayer, presence and service, Naomi House, 1996-2019, and Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Food service, housekeeper and seamstress, the Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1967-70
Institute of San Jose, El Progreso, Honduras, 1970
About Sister Reina Marie Quiroz: One hot day when I was on my Jubilee trip to Rome, I shared cold water with the sisters around me. I turned around and there was Pope John Paul standing before me. He embraced me for my charity.
Sister Barbara Jean (Sister Mary Kathryn) Rupp
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in music, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Loretto, St. Louis, 1965-71
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Eureka, 1984-87
Principal, Immaculate Conception, Dardenne, 1987-99
Principal, Marian Middle School, St. Louis, 2000-02
Administrative assistant, Tree House Ministry, St. Louis, 2002-11
Driver, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2011-13
Service outside the archdiocese: Principal, Holy Angels, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1971-78
Principal, St. Aloysius, Tulare, California, 1978-81
Principal, Our Lady of Mercy, Merced, California, 1981-84
Pastoral care, Carlyle Healthcare Center, Carlyle, Illinois, 2013-21
Prayer and presence, Warsaw, Illinois, 2021-present
About Sister Barbara Jean Rupp: I am overwhelmed with wonder and eternal gratitude for all that has been given me by God through family, friends and community. My life as a SSND has been filled with opportunities and experiences I would never have believed possible!
Sister Lynne (Sister Mary Karen) Schmidt
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in English and Latin, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in English, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 1973
Master of Divinity with a Word and Worship specialization, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, 1983
Doctorate in ministry, Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Andrew Elementary School, St. Louis, 1964-65
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1967-68
Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis, 1968-69
Teacher, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1969-74
Program director, Rural Ministry Education Institute, St. Louis, 1989-90
Program director for personal growth, Maria Center for Lifelong Learning, St. Louis, 1990-92
Adjunct faculty in the theology department, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1992-99
Director of the corporate ministry program (adult ministry formation), Saint Louis University, 1992-94
Director of religious education, St. Peter Parish, Kirkwood, 1994-97
Director of religious education, Sacred Heart Parish, Valley Park, 1997-2007
Provincial councilor, former School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 2007-11
Director of religious education, Our Lady of the Pillar, St. Louis, 2012-13
Offered workshops and retreats for adult faith formation and theological education, various locations, 1969-present
Pastoral associate, St. Cronan, St. Louis, 2014-19
Provincial councilor, School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, 2019-23
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Spring, California, 1965-67
Teacher and parish administrator, St. Rose of Lima, Guaimaca, Honduras, 1974-75
Pastoral associate, three connected parishes in Nebraska: Our Lady of Good Counsel in Gothenburg, Christ the King in Cozad and Sacred Heart in Brady, 1975-77
Pastoral associate, St. Peter, Fulton, Missouri, 1977-80
Co-director of the Newman Center and as a staff member at the ecumenical center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 1983-87
Director of catechetics and worship, Diocese of Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, 1987-89).
About Sister Lynne Schmidt: Province Days and Jubilee – coming together with sisters from the Central Pacific Province. Always a gift! Looking forward to future events where we will continue to find ways to gather and celebrate together!
Sister JoAnn (Sister Mary Ricardo) Volk
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in English, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965).
Service in the archdiocese: Secretarial staff member, School Sisters of Notre Dame Vocation Office, St. Louis, 1966-68
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, St. Louis, 1977-85
Teacher, Holy Guardian Angels School, St. Louis, 1986-87
Teacher, St. Peter, St. Charles, 1987
Teacher, Our Lady of Lourdes, Washington, 1987-89
Prayer, presence and service, St. Louis, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, the Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois, 1965-66
Teacher, Hannibal Catholic School, Hannibal, Missouri, 1971-77
Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1968-71
Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Illinois, 1985-86
Teacher, St. John the Baptist School, Quincy, Illinois, 1989-90
Teacher, All Saints School, Quincy, Illinois, 1999-2005
Teacher, St. Peter, Quincy, Illinois, 2005-14
Substitute teacher, Quincy, Illinois, 2014-20
Prayer, presence and service, Quincy, Illinois, 2014-21
About Sister JoAnn Volk: During my 55 years of teaching, Catholic elementary education, I cherished the many people who mentored me and taught with me. I have loved being a SSND for 60 years. The students and parents have touched my life in many wonderful ways.
Sister Jane Frances (Sister Roselle) Wand
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, director of religious education and pastoral ministry, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1970-77
Sabbatical, St. Louis, 1990-91
Prayer, presence and volunteer services, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Blessed Sacrament, Belleville, Illinois, 1965-70
Resource person and a religion consultant for Northeast Catechetical, Edina, Missouri, 1977-81
Parish pastoral associate, St. Martin, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1981-84
Pastoral minister and director of religious education, San Solano Missions, Tohono O’odham Reservation, 1984-88
Parish pastoral associate for three Missouri parishes: Our Lady of Sorrows in Williamsville; St. George in Van Buren; and St. Catherine in Piedmont, 1991-97
Massage therapist, St. Vincent Nursing Home, Quincy, Illinois, 1999-2001
Massage therapist, Holistic Health Chiropractic Center, Quincy, Illinois, 1999-2000
Massage therapist, Quincy Health Arts, Quincy, Illinois, 2000-01
Massage therapist, Body-Mind-Spirit Massage, Quincy, Illinois, 2002-13
Pastoral associate, Immaculate Conception, Perryton, Texas, 2016-present
Pastoral associate, St. Peter Catholic Church, Booker, Texas, 2016-present
Lay ecclesial minister, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Booneville, Mississippi, 2019-23
About Sister Jane Frances (Sister Roselle) Wand: I have loved meeting people, different parts of the United States through my varied ministries over these many years. They have greatly enriched my life.
70th First Profession
Sister Louise Marie Benecke
Birth name: Marianne Seraphim Benecke
Birthplace: Shrewsbury
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1959
Education: Bachelor’s in theology, Notre Dame College, 1962
Registered nurse, Mercy School of Nursing, 1965
Bachelor’s in nursing, Texas Women’s University, 1969
Master’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Aloysius, St. Louis, 1953
Teacher, St. Elizabeth Day Nursery, St. Louis, 1960-66
Nurse practitioner, La Clinica, St. Louis, 1999-2001
Parish nurse and volunteer ombudsman, VOYCE, 2012-16
Prayer and presence, the Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Health care coordinator, Madonna Manor, Marrero, Louisiana, 1955-68
Nurse educator and director of nursing, Indian Health Service, Fort Defiance, Arizona, 1971-75
Leadership of the associate degree nursing program, Navajo Community College, Tsaile, Arizona, 1975-76
Pastoral ministry position, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Page, Arizona, 1976-77
Nurse educator, Arizona Regional Medical Program and Catholic Charities, Phoenix, 1977-79
Coordinator of Catholic Relief Services health and nutrition program, Hodeidah, Yemen, 1978-81
Coordinated Brownsville Clinic, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, 1981-83
Trained nursing staff, Valley Home Health, Pharr, Texas, 1983
Teacher, Rio Grande College, Edinburg, Texas, 1983-85
Nurse practitioner educator for Chinle Nursing Home, Chinle Home for Special Needs Children, 1986-88, and Chinle High School, Chinle, Arizona, 1988-91
Worked with Northland Pioneer College, extending the certified nursing assistant program to Hopi tribal land, 1991-96
Worked at the Kitchen Clinic, Springfield, Missouri, 1996-99
Developer and coordinator, Migrant Whole Health Outreach, Kennett, Missouri, 2003-09
Migrant border ministry, Douglas, Arizona, 2010-12
Nurse practitioner, Wings of Angels Clinic, Aqua Prieta, Mexico, 2010-12
About Sister Louise Marie Benecke: My soul rejoices for gifts received from varied and multi-cultural ministries in the United States and the Middle East. Experiences of surrogate motherhood, awareness of sacred connectedness with all created beings in universal related personhood...fullness of life shared and received. Thank you, God of love!
Sister Catherine Marie (Sister Cynthia Rose) Brandt
Birthplace: Chamois, Missouri
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1959
Education: Bachelor’s in history, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1964
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Angels, Kinloch, 1953-54
Teacher, St. Joseph, Kimmswick, 1979-80
Driver, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1986-88
Volunteer, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, St. Ann, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph School, Freeburg, Illinois, 1954-69
Teacher, St. Michael, Radom, Illinois, 1969-71
Teacher, Immaculate Conception, Jackson, Missouri, 1971-75
Teacher, St. Teresa, Belleville, Illinois, 1975-76
Teacher, St. Martin, La Mesa, California, 1976-79
Teacher, St. Charles, DuBois, Illinois, 1980-86
Teacher and pastoral minister, St. Michael, Staunton, Illinois, 2008-15
About Sister Catherine Marie Brandt: I appreciate everything SSND and the community have done for me. I love being a SSND.
Sister Mary Paul Holdmeyer
Birth name: Leona Holdmeyer
Birthplace: Washington, Missouri
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1959
Education: Bachelor’s in natural science, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1956
Master’s in mathematics, University of Illinois-Urbana, Urbana, Illinois, 1967
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1966-74
Initial formation director, School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 1974-79
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia High School, Washington, 1989-2006
Tutor, Notre Dame Tutorial Center and Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 2006-15
Teacher, Notre Dame Learning Center, St. Louis, 2007-09
Community service for the Theresa Center, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2015-18
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2018-20
Prayer and Presence, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Jude Academy, San Diego, 1953-54
Teacher, St. Anthony High School, Effingham, Illinois, 1956-60
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Highland, Illinois, 1960-63
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1963-64
Teacher, Hannibal Catholic High School, Hannibal, Missouri, 1964-66
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Spring, California, 1979-89
About Sister Mary Paul Holdmeyer: I enjoyed teaching at St. Francis Borgia High School in Washington. The school had a great faculty and student body. I love being a School Sister of Notre Dame and living with so many wonderful women.
Sister Grace Marie Mueller
Birth name: Marie Patricia Mueller
Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1959
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Le Clerc College, Belleville, Illinois, 1947
Master’s in history, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1952
Doctorate of philosophy in Spanish, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock High School, St. Louis, 1953-58
Professor, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1961-77
Pastoral ministry, St. Christopher, Florissant, 1978-87
Provincial councilor, School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis Province, 1987-91
Prayer and presence Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2018-20
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Parish pastoral associate and parish life coordinator, St. Luke, Belleville, Illinois, 1991-2017
About Sister Grace Marie Mueller: I had a life-changing experience during a sabbatical at Divine Word Center in London, Ontario, Canada. Father Marcel Gervais, from Canada, led a renowned international year-long residential experience. The 30 international participants were immersed in a theological and cultural experience.
Sister Anastasia Wehner
Birth name: Mary Elizabeth Wehner
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1959
Education: Bachelor’s in history, the former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1959
Master’s in theology, the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, 1967
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bernadette, St. Louis, 1959-63
Teacher, St. Dominic Savio, St. Louis, 1963-69
Teacher and principal, St. Joseph, Farmington, 1969-73
Director of personnel services, Office of Personnel Service, St. Louis, 1980-88
Coordinator of donor relations, School Sisters of Notre Dame former St. Louis province, 2009-10
Hospitality coordinator, Sancta Maria, Ripa, St. Louis, 2010-18
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Blessed Sacrament, Belleville, Illinois, 1953-59
Program director assistant, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Missouri, 1973-80
Director of religious education, St. Joseph, Marion, Illinois, 1988-2008
About Sister Anastasia Wehner: I appreciate being a SSND all these years and am grateful for the many friends and acquaintances I have made.