In Mission 2023

A Graced Journeyof 190 Years
Sister Roxanne Schares, SSND,
General Superior

190 years ago, our congregation cameto life when Caroline (Blessed M.
Theresa of Jesus) Gerhardinger and twoother women began a common religious
life in Neunburg vorm Wald, Bavaria,
Germany. A journey of love was undertaken, one of discerning and responding
to urgent, evolving needs in society. It
became a graced journey that has encircled the globe.
Through a profound experience of God’s
love, a love that could not wait to giveeverything (MT, 1), Blessed Theresa
was impelled to make God’s cause theonly concern of her heart and address
the urgent needs of her times througheducation. Her spirit inspired others tolive this same love commitment: to be
deeply inserted in the world, address
its basic needs, lay down their lives soothers might live, and bring all to oneness with God (cf. YAS, Foreword,C 33).
These 190 years have been a journeyof faith, vision, and courage of morethan 20,000 School Sisters of Notre
Dame. It has been an experience of theoverwhelming love of God, calling
forth a bold response of love andfidelity that has touched, shaped,
and transformed countless lives
around the world even through incredibly challenging and turbulent
periods in history.
This issue of In Mission sharesreflections of different momentsof this 190-year journey, from its
earliest beginnings in Europe tocrossing oceans and spanningthe continents of North and SouthAmerica, Asia and Africa. The stories highlight attentiveness to evolving situations, discerning God’scall in the signs of the times, anddaring to respond in unsuspected
ways to critical global concerns
caused by social upheaval, war,and climate change.
Together, Sisters, Associates, andpartners in mission are addressing
the crises of the times and witnessing to the unconditional, universal love of God. It has been, it isa shared, graced journey of love.

Publication of the
School Sisters of
Notre Dame
Generalate, Rome, Italy
gerhardinger.org
Province of Latin America
and the Caribbean (ALC)
provinciaalc.org
Province of Africa (AF)africassnd.org
Atlantic-Midwest Province(AM)atlanticmidwest.org
Central Pacific Province(CP)
ssndcentralpaciﬁc.org
AF, AM, CP Collaborative
site
ssnd.org
Bavarian Province (BY)
schulschwestern.de
withAustria-Italy (OR-IT) andCzechoslovakia (CE)ssnd-austria.org
skolskesestry.cz
Hungarian Province (MG)iskolanoverek.hu
Polish Province (PO)ssnd.plSlovenian Province (SI)notredamke.rkc.si
Layout: Sister M. Karolina
Müller, SSND

Inside this issue ...
Planting Seeds in the New World

3

Sharing the Charism

10

SSND Timeline

4, 5

Reflection of a Former Student

11São José Hospital

6, 7

Finding New Ways of Being

12, 13

Associates: Partners and Friends

8

The Challenges of the Change of Regime

14

International Shalom Network

9

Sisters of the Bavarian Province Respond

15

What Lies Beyond?

9

2 / In M i ssi o n

We are grateful to the
Sisters and lay colleagues
who translated from theoriginal languages toEnglish, and from English
to each of the province
languages.
Thank you!

Planting Seeds in the New World
By Caelie Haines, Director of Communications, Atlantic-Midwest Province
After founding the Congregation in Bavaria,
Germany, in 1833, Blessed Mother Theresa
Gerhardinger came to North America in 1847 withfour other Sisters, including Sister Caroline Freiss.
After some confusion about where they were to be
missioned, the Sisters arrived in Baltimore, Maryland.
They started a school for girls, the Institute of Notre
Dame (IND). Blessed Theresa, as the leader of herinternational congregation, had to return to Germany
so she entrusted 23-year-old Sister Caroline to leadthe congregation’s mission in North America. The
School Sisters of Notre Dame met the needs of theirtime by educating girls, principally in elementary
schools, but also in orphanages, day nurseries, andindustrial schools. They trained future teachers andpioneered in the development of kindergartens. For
girls who were factory workers, they provided nightschools where they could receive basic education.
Under Mother Caroline’s guidance, the North American part of the congregation thrived, spreading acrossthe United States and Canada. Now, 176 years after
she accepted her mission, SSNDs are still making a
difference in these countries and around the world.
Some are educating in traditional schools. Others
have found innovative ways of educating, such as
centers for English as a Second Language and creating homes for women in recovery where they cannourish their minds and their souls. On the groundsof IND, where Blessed Theresa once walked, thetuition-free Caroline Center trains local women forjobs as certified nursing assistants and pharmacy
technicians.
Blessed Theresa wanted her congregation to teachgirls, women and the marginalized, skills that mightprovide them with a better future. That mission isstill carried out in the Atlantic-Midwest and Central
Pacific Provinces in North America, spanning many
U.S. States, Canadian Provinces, England, Guamand Japan.

Mother Caroline Friess and School Sisters of Notre Damein the early days in North America.

https://gerhardinger.org / 3

4 / In M i ssi o nhttps://gerhardinger.org / 5São José Hospital
The Foundation andContinuity of a Mission in
People's Health Care
By Sister Isolene Loﬁ, SSND, São José Hospital
General Director, Province of Latin America and the
Caribbean

6 / In M i ssi o n

São José Hospital in Criciúma, Santa Catarina,
Brazil, owned and sponsored by the School Sistersof Notre Dame, opened in 1936. Over the past 87
years, the hospital has continuously grown, adaptedand expanded in response to the signs of the times.
Initially the hospital had only 20 patient rooms andsome procedure rooms. Today, it includes 47,000
square meters and is one of the city’s largest
hospitals.

The world has changed significantly since
the hospital was founded, and it continues toaccommodate changing needs. A new wing is now
under construction to serve the area’s population
estimated at more than one million. Now 1,580
employees and 300 medical specialists staff São
José Hospital.
As a teaching hospital, São José offers a Medical
Residency: approximately 1,000 medical interns
pass through its halls each year. Patients receive
treatment in a variety of medical specialties in
cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery,and transplants each year. Approximately 96%of those cared for are subsidized by the Brazilian
government.
São José has kept the SSND charism alive for morethan eight decades. Through its highly trained staff
and physicians, the Brazilian Sisters take pride inproviding an environment of care that is centeredon the patients and their specific needs, promoting
physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
As a congregation, we are called to care for theneeds of the world and to live believing that the world

can be a place of peace, community and health. São
José Hospital has faced many challenges over theyears and has responded with fidelity and courage.
As a result, the hospital is respected and admiredthroughout the region and state for the services
provided.
The SSND community of Brazil believes that the
Hospital São José de Criciúma, has always responded
to the signs of the times, drawing inspiration from ourfoundress: “All the works of God proceed slowly andin pain; but then, their roots are the sturdier and theirflowering the lovelier”. (MT 2277)

In 2022:
216,141
22,237
11,211
702,057

admissions
hospitalizations
surgeries
lab exams

96.12% of admissions and procedures were subsidized by theBrazilian government.

School Sisters of Notre Dame serving at São José Hospital.

https://gerhardinger.org / 7

Associates: Partners and Friends
By Trudy Hamilton, Director of Communications, Central Paciﬁc Province
Associates are lay women and men who live out
the mission and spirit of the School Sisters of Notre
Dame (SSND) in their everyday lives rooted in thespirit and vision of Blessed Theresa, foundress of the
SSND. Together, Associates and Sisters continue
this mission.
Associates and Sisters are called to address theurgent needs in our world with courage, boldness
and hope. Together, they focus on the needs ofwomen, youth and persons who are marginalized.
Sister Kathy Schmittgens, co-director of the Central
Pacific Province (CP) Associates, said, “Integral
to the SSND Gospel commitment is our work forjustice, peace and care of creation.”“A spiritual relationship develops, which is mutuallyenriching and challenging. Associates and Sisters
share their gifts, prayers and commitment to faith aspeople of peace, hope, justice and love,” said Anne
Carey, co-director of CP Associates. “This covenant
relationship reflects unity and diversity to further the
mission of Jesus in the spirit of Blessed Theresa.”
The School Sisters of Notre Dame began to explore
the possibility of Associates in 1970, as Vatican II
called for a more active role of the laity in the Church.
The guidelines for Associates in North America
were initiated in 1976, with the first six Associates
accepted in 1977.
Today, in CP more than 300 Associates live theGospel and spread the spirit of Blessed Theresa andMother Caroline in 16 states, Guam and Japan. “As
we continue to grow, the needs of our Associates
8 / In M i ssi o ncontinue to change,” said Anne. “Especially during
the pandemic when Associates couldn’t gather inperson, we had to be creative in how we could still
be together in prayer, community and service.”“Many of the things we added during the pandemic
continue to be used today,” said Sister Kathy.
“Associates meet online in between regional inperson meetings. Many feel that the online gatherings
have created community in ways that they couldn’t
have if they only met 2 or 3 times a year. Spanish
speaking Associates have invited Associates aroundthe world to participate in online community events.
In addition, we developed a new online orientation
program for Associates. Many Sisters are also
joining us for these sessions.”“Associates use their individual and unique talents
to help address changing needs, serving in theirlocal communities and beyond,” said Anne. “Theyhave valued the opportunities to participate in
the Assembly of the Whole and the dialogues in
preparation for the General Chapter. They are calledwith us to become a Laudato Si’ Congregation.”
Read Associate stories to learn more about theirwork and impact on our world.
“We are crossing barriers and boundaries every day.
Women and men 21 or older who want to share theirfaith tradition in harmony with the SSND charism areinvited to become associates,” said Sister Kathy.

International Shalom Network
By Sister Marinez Capra, SSND,International Shalom/JPIC Network Coordinator

What Lies
Justice, peace and global responsibility are rooted Beyond?
in our charism and central to our life and ministries
as School Sisters of Notre Dame. General Chapter
Directional Statements have continually called us,
locally and congregationally, “to realize a world ofpeace, justice and love.” (YAS C 17) The Mandate
for Action (19th General Chapter) led to establishingin 1994 our International Shalom Network to work
actively and boldly to address the urgent cries
for justice, peace and integrity of creation in our
globalized world, at personal, communal, national
and international levels.

In the 29 years of being an International Shalom
Network, we recognize with gratitude how our
network has collaborated through our five continental
branches and other global partners to address peace,justice and ecological education, human rights,
migrants and refugees, discrimination, indigenous
communities, human traﬃcking, racism, healing, andpoverty. Shalom as our way of life has sharpened
our awareness on global issues and challenged us toseek for a more authentic living of the gospel values.
Since our 2021 SSND commitment to become a
Laudato Si Congregation, the International Shalom
Network continues to address climate change crises
to respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of theearth. It offers another concrete opportunity for a
deeper conversion and transformative action for amore sustainable future.
May our Shalom Network be fire that ignites our
passion and hope for the future as we live into a
prophetic witness of universal communion.

By Sister Beatriz
Martínez-García,
SSND, UN-NGO
Representative
This year, the SSND commemorates 30 years ofministry at the United Nations. The Department of
Public Information accepted our Congregation as an
NGO in 1993 and the Economic and Social Council
granted us the Special Consultative Status in 1998.
As an international congregation, these associations
enable us to bring the urgent needs of the global
community to the attention of UN member states andto bring the gift of our charism and the values of theGospel to bear on the deliberations and decisions of
the United Nations.
For 30 years, we have worked in collaboration with
the Shalom Network and other NGOs educating,and advocating for girls, traﬃcked, indigenous,
migrants, refugees, homeless people, for social andclimate justice. Sisters Ethel Howley, Ann Scholz,
Eileen Reilly, and Beatriz Martinez-Garcia, NGOs
Representatives, have accompanied hundreds ofSisters, colleagues and students to United Nations
events.
The Fourth Womens’ Conference inBeijing, the World Summit for Social Developmentin Copenhagen, the Earth Summit in Brazil,
Commissions on the Status of Women, Permanent
Indigenous Forum, the UN Water Conference in New
York are examples of these events.
I would like to describe the work of the SSNDs at
the UN with the following words: commitment, risk,trust, love, transformation, struggle, education,
collaboration, hope, and advocate. What words
would you add to this list?
This is an opportune time to ask ourselves:
How has our presence at the UN influenced ourcommunities and ministries?
How can we collaborate with others to strengthen
our presence and voice?
What is God calling us to do or change regarding
our ministry at the UN?
https://gerhardinger.org / 9

Sharing the Charism

By Sister Monica Benedict, SSND, Province of Africa
The Gambia
For Martha Mendy, working
with the School Sisters of Notre
Dame was a great opportunity
for collaboration and giving backto the Notre Dame School, Soma
in The Gambia, for the significant
impact the Sisters made in her
life. The experiences have called
her to avail herself to be a positive
influence to others. The Sisters
were Martha’s teachers who
trained her to acquire skills as aseamstress. Since then, twelve
years ago, she has worked with
them.
Marthasharesamutualrelationship with the Sisters whoreach out to her, listen to her andguide her in times of challenges.
“The Sisters were my teachers
who trained me to acquire skills intailoring and making tie and dye.
They have trained others as well.
Through this, I earn my living fromthe training I received from them,”
said Martha.
Martha recalled with gratitude themany times the Sisters invited her
10 / I n M i ssi o n

to join the students for school trips
and invited her to pray with themas well as play games. These were
all great privileges and fun for her.
Martha shared: “Working with the
Sisters for these number of years,
I learned the values of justice,peace, unity and love. I also
learned how to speak English,
though not perfectly. And I am
grateful for the good relationshipI share with them.” Martha ishappily sharing her learnings
with the grade-nine students
and teaching them etiquette.
She hopes to continue working
with the Sisters and helping thestudents where necessary. Martha
is enthusiastic about advancing
the SSND charism and helping
others discover their God-given
potentials. “I will continue using
the skills and good values I learned
from the Sisters,” said Martha.
Ghana
Studying at Notre Dame GirlsHigh School, Sunyani, Ghana, forfour years made a tremendous
impact in the life of the graduates.

One woman recalled with great
enthusiasm the serenity of theenvironment at the school, such apeaceful atmosphere which makes
the school environment conducive
for teaching and learning. “My
Alma Mater was a home of serenity
and beauty,” she said.
She recalled with fond memory thebond they shared with the Sisters
and as a school community. Thiswas very significant for her. “It felt
like a family and so learning waseasier for us. The Sisters gave us
their best, so we were empowered
for the future,” she said.
"The Sisters taught us the value of
discipline, truth, honesty and loveas young learners; preparing us tobe women who are nation builders
and role models in the society.
These values have been an
integral part of my life ever since.
What makes SSND educationdifferent and meaningful is that
it is a holistic experience. “TheSSNDs gave us education as wellas life and spiritual guidance.”

Reflection of a Former Student
By Kasia, a former student of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in the Polish Province
While at school I stayed in the SSND dormitory.
Especially important for me was the experience ofcommunity during integration meetings, trips, prayer
times, pilgrimages, and excursions. I was happy toexperience the Sisters’ support especially during
exams.
A great joy for me was the opportunity to get involvedin volunteer work with children and young people.
I learned how to deal with specific situations with achild, gained pedagogical experience, and also thesatisfaction of being able to selflessly help and bea support for others. I experienced sincere care forthe whole person and help in discernment; being
accompanied by the Sisters was important to me.
The Sisters imparted values to the students throughtheir words and their example. The joyful witness oflife with Jesus was evident; the Sisters were always
ready to listen, to talk. They willingly shared their life
experiences. I learned good habits such as caring formy surroundings, maintaining order, and caring forthe environment.

I also came to understand the spiritual dimensionof the Eucharist and holidays such as Christmas.
Particularly enjoyable experiences were a common
Christmas Eve supper and theater performances,where the Sisters played along with us and then after
the performances talked about matters of faith. We
had our own chapel, where we could go, sit down andsimply pray.
The Sisters were able to bring out what was good andbeautiful in us. I learned how to continue this in mylife and in my relationships with my students. During
my stay in the dormitory, I established very deep
relationships and friendships that are still a source ofstrength in my life today.
When, many years later, I defended my doctoral
thesis, I invited all the people who were important to
me to the defense, and I couldn't imagine the Sisters
not being present at that important moment. Finally,
I would like to say that I am currently discerningwhether the man I met is a good candidate for me
as a husband. I would be very happy to bring him
to the Sisters so that they can help me with thisdiscernment.
https://gerhardinger.org / 11

SLOVENIA - Finding New Ways of Being SSND
By Sister Darija Krihn, SSND, Slovenian Province
It was in the year 1886 when the first SSNDs arrived
in Slovenia in Šmihel by Novo Mesto. Even though
at the beginning they were living in distressed
circumstances, they immediately started theirapostolate of education, first with deaf and speechdisabled children and then with kindergartens,
elementary school and different programs for young
women and language courses. Their educational
work was prosperous and they opened subdivisions
in different places. Our school complex with manyeducational possibilities was also opened in 1888 inTrnovo-Ilirska Bistrica. Sisters were proud to be able
to give education to so many children and young
adults.
The Second World War completely changed thissituation and brought anxieties and concerns to the
Sisters and children in their educational institutions.
Overnight or in a very short time, they had to leave
their schools and almost all their belongings. Sisters
from Šmihel were put in an old castle, without waterand electricity. Our communist government had
hoped that sooner or later they would die out. But no
Sister died during that time. They were able to findapostolates in parishes. Since they were teachers,
they were asked to teach catechism, lead church

12 / I n M i ssi o nchoirs, offer private music lessons, and serve as
housekeepers in parish homes and in the bishop’s
house. To earn a living, they also worked hardon the state’s agricultural cooperative and somewere employees in state administration. Some of
our Sisters were imprisoned for no reason by ourcommunistic government. Intimidation was painful
and after they were released, they never spoke of it,
because threats were so terrible.
Sisters in Trnovo-Ilirska Bistrica were put in a smallpart of their big institution. They were allowed to takewith them only some of their personal belongings.
At that time, they experienced heavy insults fromthe same children they were educating because
children were forced to turn against their teachers.
People from the neighborhood were helping them insecret, bringing them food and other items. Despite
humiliation, mistreatment and in secret settings, they
continued to do their educational work. They also
cultivated fields to have enough food. This remains
our one and only place where Sisters have been
living from the time of their first coming.
After our Slovenian independence in 1991, ourconfiscated properties were returned to us. Here, inIlirska Bistrica, we have a retreat house called Mother
Theresa’s Home. All ages come for retreat. Someare led by our Sisters; others are in cooperation
with various religious. Some of our Sisters takepart in our union of religious, others teach religion,
serve in pastoral ministry in parishes, offer practicalworkshops for girls, work with Caritas, lead self-helpgroups, visit the elderly, etc.
And all of this is just to confirm our conviction that
we are educators in all that we are; not being able tohave our own schools, we educate in other areas ofurgent need.

https://gerhardinger.org / 13

The Challenges of the Change of Regime
in the Hungarian Province of the SSND

By Sister M. Andrea Ivanics, SSND, Provincial Leader, Hungarian Province
In 1948, the communist leadership of Hungary
nationalised the teaching institutions. Under anagreement between the Hungarian Catholic Episcopate
and Communist government in 1950, four monastic
orders were allowed to operate under very strict
state control in the Communist Hungary. From 1950
onwards, only two convents of the Hungarian Provinceof the SSND were allowed to house Sisters (only 49
Sisters), in a greatly reduced number, despite the factthat at that time 362 Hungarian Sisters belonged to the
SSND. The former provincial leadership was forced to"dismiss" hundreds of Sisters.

change of regime, a section of society showed greatinterest in Christian values and in religious education.

In the autumn of 1989, communism was abolished in
Hungary. In early 1990, diplomatic relations between
Hungary and the Holy See were oﬃcially established.
Our areas of ministry were expanded, several new
convents were founded and some of our former
institutions were reclaimed. The long-awaited freedom,
however, caused disappointment to many of our fellow
Sisters who had faithfully lived their vows outside thecommunity of the Hungarian Province and now decided
to return. Until 1948, our Sisters who were forced
outside the religious community lived their religious life
according to the old pre-Vatican II Rule, the guidelines
and the old religious customs. The new organization of
our renewed community life and ministries was basedon You Are Sent and the directives of Vatican II, which
they could accept only with reservations or not at all.

We had to conquer our own "closedness." We also had
to open ourselves to the world outside our schools,
to people in the community, to people of other faiths
and to people of no faith. We had to overcome ourfears and mistrust so that we could cooperate withvarious ecclesial and secular, cultural, social and otherorganizations and institutions, so that we could serve
those to whom God sends us.

However, the change of regime was a challenge for our
Sisters in the community, who lived in a very closed
community under constant threat from the outside
world. The opening that our two communities had tomake was unthinkable for decades. Another aspect isthat until 1989, students in our two high schools camefrom families with Christian values, many of whomwould not have been admitted to public high schools
because of their parents' political views. After the

14 / I n M i ssi o n

At the same time, however, during the years ofcommunism, almost the entire generation grew up
without encountering any form or demand for religious
practice. More and more students were admitted toour institutions, enrolled by their parents solely for thesake of a good education although they lacked basic
religious knowledge. These children (and their parents)
had to be welcomed in new ways, with flexibility andpatience.

The composition of our teaching staff has changed
fundamentally: the number (proportion) of civilcolleagues has increased significantly and we areslowly becoming a minority in our own institutions.
We had to learn to work with non-religious colleagues
based on mutual trust and appreciation. Until 1989, theSisters in the religious community had been working
exclusively with adolescents for decades, so we had
to "reprogram" our thinking to serve preschool andelementary school children, and later young adults.
The historical events in our country and in our province
constantly remind us of the words of You Are Sent:"Deep faith and high courage urged Mother Theresa
to risk already meagre resources to satisfy needs
wherever she was called. In her spirit we respond toGod’s call expressed in our time.” (YAS, C 24)

Sisters of the Bavarian Province Respond to Challenges
Caused by the War in Ukraine
By Sister Annemarie Bernhard, SSND, Provincial Councilor, Bavarian Province

On February 24, 2022, the invasion of Ukraine by
Russian troops began.
Just a few days later, the first refugees arrived inGermany, mainly women and children. The menremained in the country as soldiers.
Housing had to be created quickly; some convents
welcomed refugees into their homes. Fundraisingand aid campaigns were launched everywhere.
The children suffered particularly from the situation.
For them, the care and continuation of their education
had to be organized.
A teacher from our Theresia-GerhardingerGymnasium am Anger in Munich came into contact
with a Ukrainian-German teacher who was willing toteach in our school with two colleagues. In a very
short time, we were able to fill two classes with
Ukrainian girls, ages 14 - 16. Language classes
began immediately in German and English, but otherless language-intensive subjects were also taught,
such as art, sports, music.
Ukrainian children also came to our primary school

and kindergarten, where they received special
language support. For them, school meant a bit of
security and normality after the traumatic experiencesof war and flight.
The current situation reminds me of the Sisters'
reports about the time after World War II. The Nazi
government had banned all religious communities
from teaching. Immediately after the end of thewar, the School Sisters reopened their educational
institutions, where many traumatized girls found ahome again in the middle of bombed Munich. Former
students remember this time with gratitude.
The Sisters and helpers who feed persons who arepoor are also experiencing the changed situation
caused by the war. Every day, between 40 and 70
people – homeless, poor, refugees – come to pick up
a packed lunch. Clothing is also offered. The numberof people seeking help has roughly doubled since thebeginning of the war in 2022.
Like our Foundress, Mother Theresa of Jesus, andSchool Sisters throughout 190 years, Sisters aretrying to respond to the current need in cooperation
with many volunteers.

https://gerhardinger.org / 15

School Sisters of Notre Dame
are in mission in 27 countries:• Argentina • Austria • Belarus • Brazil • Canada •Czech Republic • England • Germany • Ghana • Guam •Honduras • Hungary • Italy • Japan •Kenya • Nigeria • Paraguay • Peru
• Poland • Puerto Rico • Romania • Serbia• Sierra Leone • Slovenia • South Sudan • The Gambia• United States of America

Transforming the world through education
16 / I n M i ssi o n