A newsletter published by the Sisters of Notre Dame | Toledo Province | Winter 2011

New international leadership. . . page 4.

Sisters always on mission! page 8.

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otre Dame ~ more than 2200 Sisters united in 18 countries!

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Vol. 21, No. 3, Winter 2011

CrossRoads is published quarter-ly by the Partnership for Mission Office of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo, Ohio. Its purpose is to create a sense of shared mission among members, family and friends.

The title CrossRoads refers to the crossing of paths of our congre-gation and our friends in the communities where we serve. The “cross” in CrossRoads has special significance in our con-gregation’s history.

Editorial BoardDenis EbleSr. Marilyn Marie EllerbrockGeorge MezinkoSr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman

EditorTeri Bockstahler

Correspondence may be sent to:CrossRoadsSisters of Notre Dame3837 Secor RoadToledo, OH 436�3Phone: 419-479-3093

email: tbockstahler@toledosnd.org

Visit us on the web:www.toledosnd.org

Contributors:Sr. Mary Rose Moser

Our Mission:Sisters of Notre Dame proclaim God’s goodness and provident care. As disciples of Jesus, we:Create community for missionNurture faith through educationStand in solidarity with those in need.

Dear Friends:

Sr. Mary Delores Gatliff

A newsletter published by the Sisters of Notre Dame | Toledo Province | Fall 2009

EMPOWERED BY GRACE. . . page 3

DISCERNING GOD’S CALL. . . page 4

ANNUAL REPORT. . . page 10

About the Cover:The new Sisters of Notre Dame General Council was elected in Rome, Italy, during the General Chapter that took place in November, 2010.

(From left) For the United States - Sr. Mary Shuana Bankemper, Cov-ington, KY; For Brazil - Sr. Maria Alcidia Guareschi, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; For Asia-Oceania - Sr. Marie Emma Kim, Incheon, South Korea; General Superior - Sr. Mary Kristin Battles, Thousand Oaks, CA; Also for Asia-Oceania - Sr. Mary Sreeja Chittilappilly, Patna, India; For Europe - Sr. Maria Julindis Melis, Coesfeld, Germany. See page 4!

Toledo Province news brief Spiritual Networking for Life is a new program for young adults/young professionals who want to nurture their hearts and souls.

Eucharistic Adoration and Spiritual Networking began on January 4, �011 and will take place each Tuesday evening for young adults (ages 18-40) at the Notre Dame Provincial Center, 3837 Secor Road, Toledo.

Those in attendance spend some time with God in silent prayer anytime from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by conversation with their peers on the Sunday Scripture readings and other faith-based topics from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Both women and men are welcome. For more information, contact Sr. Marilyn Marie Ellerbrock at mellerbrock@toledosnd.org or call 419.474.5485.

The new year has begun with hope, and I am happy to report that the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame is strong and growing throughout the world!

This issue of CrossRoads provides you with a glimpse of our General Chapter that took place last November in Rome, as well as the major issues on which we will focus for the future. We thank you for your prayerful support as we participated in the Chapter. As our new leadership team in Rome transitions into office, they are very aware of the many collaborators ready and willing to support our mission!

Our Toledo sisters continue their ministries where the need is greatest, and they are inspired daily by God’s goodness and provident care and by the people they meet and serve.

Many of you have known the Sisters of Notre Dame for years. Some of you are just beginning to know our spirit, and we look forward to sharing life with you in days ahead. We are grateful to all of you for your support and your interest in staying connected with us. May God bless you.

In Notre Dame,

Sr. Mary Delores GatliffProvincial Superior

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Rapid expansion through Ohio and beyondPart II- SND archive series

“We want to show our charges the way to true happiness. . . Cultivate the sense of gratitude in children and train them to give joy to others. . . teach your pupils how to look for the bright side of life; show them that every cloud has a silver lining. . .”

Mother Maria CaeciliaMay, 1911

We last read in the Summer 2010 CrossRoads that the Sisters of Notre Dame left Germany because of the Kulturkampf policy which was changing Catholic life and education in that country.

Nine sisters traveled across the ocean and arrived in New York on July 4, 1874. The sisters were welcomed into the Diocese of Cleveland and took up residence at St. Peter Parish.

The Sisters of Notre Dame foundress, Sr. Maria Aloysia, was part of that first group of sisters who came to the United States and was a teacher at the sisters’ first American school, St. Peter Parish. Two other sisters began ministry at St. Peter School with Sr. Maria Aloysia, and three sisters traveled to Cleveland’s west side to staff St. Stephen School.

The Sisters of Notre Dame expanded their ministries across northern Ohio in communities such as Fremont, Napoleon, Norwalk, Sandusky, Fostoria, and Leipsic, to name only a few. Sisters also went to southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.

1877 ~ Sr. Maria Aloysia taught at Saint Mary Parish, Toledo, Ohio, and then spent six years in Delphos, Ohio, where the sisters both taught school and took care of elderly people.

1878 ~ The motherhouse of the congregation was located in Cleveland from 1878 to 1888. Notre Dame Academy, elementary school and high school, began in 1878 in Cleveland.

1880 ~ More than 200 Sisters of Notre Dame were on American soil.

1884 ~ Mount St. Mary Institute opened in Newburgh Township (near Cleveland) as a protectorate for girls. Not only were orphans served, but also other children whose families were in need.

1886 ~ Sr. Maria Aloysia moved to Mount Saint Mary in Cleveland, where she was able to

realize her dream of caring for at-risk children. In 1887 she also became the superior there, giving her responsibility for the local community of sisters, for the sick sisters and for the farm.

1889 ~ On May 6, Sr. Maria Aloysia died at Mount Saint Mary and is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Cleveland.

1904 ~ Notre Dame Academy was founded in Toledo.

1923 ~ There were 600 Sisters of Notre Dame in the United States. Of the 75 institutions that the Sisters of Notre Dame staffed in the USA at that time, 26 were in the Toledo District. Among those in the Toledo District were 24 elementary schools, seven high schools (including Notre Dame Academy in Toledo), two schools of music, and a school of art.

1924 ~ Reverend Mother Maria Caecilia Romen established new provinces in the congregation.

Establishing new provinces was the last important decision during Mother Maria Caecilia’s term of office, according to the “History of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld, Germany, 1900-1925.”

She wrote, “In America we now have three provinces: Cleveland, Covington (KY) and Toledo. The last two were districts until now. Rome prefers division into provinces rather than districts and gladly permitted this division for that reason. But there were also

other reasons that forced us to make the change . . . The work is also too difficult and too much for a provincial superior, especially because of the schools, whose system is different in each diocese. Further, we have made Covington and Toledo provinces because there should also be novitiates there.”

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Sr. Mary Pancratia Pohl with her charges in the 1920’s at Mount St. Mary Institute in Cleveland.

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Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo Province with newly elected General Superior, Sr. Mary Kristin. (from left) Sr. Joanne Mary Frania, Sr. Mary Carol Gregory, Sr. Loretta Marie Borgerding, Sr. Joan Marie Recker, Sr. Mary Kristin Battles, Sr. Mary Delores Gatliff, Sr. Marietta Widman, Sr. Mary Stephan Kreinbrink and Sr. Mary Teresita Richards.

On a break from General Chapter meetings, Sisters of Notre Dame wait at the bus stop for a ride to the city.

Coming together as OneCanon Law and the Sisters of Notre Dame Constitutions requires that every six years a Chapter be held to evaluate present status, to promote suitable renewal, to elect leadership and to determine future direction.

The Sisters of Notre Dame General Chapter took place in November of 2010. The Sisters examined issues on an international level, taking each culture into consideration. The delegates attended many meetings and also enjoyed their time in Rome! The delegates represent more than 2200 SNDs in 17 countries worldwide from very different lands – yet they were representing very similar challenges.

“I had a strong feeling of inter-connectedness among all of our sisters. We are one congregation connected even though we are stretched all over the globe,” said Sr. Mary Delores Gatliff, Toledo Provincial Superior.

Delegates from the Toledo Province included: Sr. Mary Delores Gatliff, Provincial Superior, Sr. Mary Carol Gregory, Provincial Assistant, Sr. Mary Teresita Richards, Sr. Loretta Marie Borgerding, and Sr. Joanne Mary Frania

who served as a secretary for the chapter.

“At the General Chapter we were able to focus on the needs in the world . . . we are living and trying to follow the Gospel. So this time helps us ask ourselves what are we called to be and do,” said Sr. Joanne Mary Frania.

Sr. Mary Carol Gregory added, “The issues are similar such as the change in family life, the economy has a world-wide effect on all people, and we are all concerned about the lack of peace and justice in today’s world . Poverty, violence and the lack of human dignity just add to the list of challenges.”

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Sr. Mary Kristin Battles was elected in November 2010 and will serve through 2016.

On a break from General Chapter meetings, Sisters of Notre Dame wait at the bus stop for a ride to the city.

Sr. Joan Marie Recker, Sr. Loretta Marie Borgerding and Sr. Mary Carol Gregory pose in Assisi.

The Sisters of Notre Dame are committed to educating women and children.When women and children are educated, they can change their own lives, eventually become leaders, and can bring about change in the world, Sr. Mary Carol further explained.

“When we heard stories from our own sisters about the poor status of women in their countries, it was disconcerting; however, we believe our ministries can help these women to see their value in the world. God is calling us to trust His goodness and be women of hope,” Sr. Joanne Mary related with concern.

In view of the tasks ahead of the congregation, the sisters took steps in a discernment process which assisted the delegates in casting their votes for leadership during the third week of the General Chapter meeting.

The new Superior General is Sr. Mary Kristin Battles. She belongs to the Thousand Oaks Province, California, USA. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Education / Administration. She is a certified Spiritual Director, Catechist. and has held different

leadership roles within her Province. Currently she is completing her 9th year as Provincial Superior. Sr. Mary Kristin succeeds Sr. Mary Sujita Kallupurakkathu, SND, who was elected Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld in 1998.

Sr. Mary Carol concluded, ”The world has changed and has become very small. We have to work as one. . . work more closely with the other Provincials . . . share our expertise and our sisters! As an international congregation we are interdependent, and collaboration allows us to be of greater service to all.“

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to 2011 and the Winter issue of Crossroads! Thanks to all of our partners for the successful 20th Annual FamilyFest as well as for your support and contributions to the 2010 Partnership for Mission Fund. Your generous support this past year has helped us continue our ability to reach out to others. Through the years your partnership has allowed us to nurture faith through education at all

levels. We remain steadfast in our goal to continue our commitment to education throughout Northwest Ohio, the United States and Papua New Guinea..

During the past year donors have also chosen to include the Sisters in their estate planning. Their planned gifts allow them maximum use of their charitable donations. One of the main benefits of their planned giving is, depending on circumstances, diminishing or eliminating income taxes (including capital gains) and the transfer taxes (gift, estate, and inheritance). Two examples of planned gifts include:• Bequests - A charitable bequest is a specific distribution from your estate to the Sisters of Notre Dame through your will. This is the most simple and most common form of a planned gift. • Life Insurance - Life Insurance can be an easy and effective way of making a charitable gift to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Whether you donate an older policy that you no longer need or start a new policy, life insurance offers a unique way to turn a modest investment into a sizable gift.

Congress recently re-authorized tax-free gifts from IRA accounts. If you’re age 70 ½ or older –– you may be able to take advantage of an important incentive for charitable giving. The re-authorization of the provision allows donors to make gifts from their IRA accounts to one or more charities, without first incurring income tax on the withdrawal. This means that you can direct that amount to the Sisters of Notre Dame with no federal income tax liability. The IRA Rollover may provide you with an excellent opportunity to make a gift during your lifetime from an asset that would be subject to multiple levels of taxation if it remained in your taxable estate. You can make this type of gift until December 31, 2011. Please call for further details.

If you have already included the Sisters of Notre Dame in your estate or other gift plan, please inform us so we can thank you and celebrate your generosity now, through The Wolbring Giving Society.

Wishing you a Happy & Blessed 2011!

George MezinkoPartnership for Mission Director

P.S. If you would like to discuss or receive information on your participation in The Wolbring Giving Society, please contact me at 419.479.3093 or via e-mail at gmezinko@toledosnd.org.

Partnership for

Mission

IN HONOR OF:

Gilbert FisherCarolyn Fisher

Delores GettelfingerDoug & Cheryl Gettelfinger

Glenn & Mary Ann HalmJohn Halm

Mary Jane ManusDoug & Cheryl Gettelfinger

Mr. & Mrs. Walter D. Reinbolt FamilyMr. & Mrs. Walter D. Reinbolt

Virginia WernimontBarbara Wernimont

Sr. M. Alma Rose LangenderferDeacon & Mrs. Richard Cuprak

Sr. M. Annunciata SutterJoan M. SutterStella Sutter

Sr. M. Beatrice Ann FurlongDennis & Sue Jolliff

Sr. M. Camilla LochotzkiMr. & Mrs. Michael Moeller

Sr. Carol Mary BognerAgnes E. Bogner

Sr. M. Carola BillatPatricia J. Newell

Sr. M. Carroll SchemenauerNancy A. Stearns

Sr. Marie Christine CerviSam F. Schillaci

Sr. M. Clarine YoungScott & Nancy Eiker

Sr. M. Claver PollaufAnn T. AlexanderBarbara & George BeeryBill & Phyllis Boyle

Sr. Colleen Marie CousinoRuth A. Stang

Sr. M. Corese FloydMr. & Mrs. Michael Moeller

Sr. M. Cynthia ShafferDonald & Janet Hickey

Sr. M. Dean PfahlerLinda D. Stemen

Sr. M. Frances HerkenderSusan & Lance Jackman

Sr. M. Gertrude Ann MuellerNick & Mary Mueller

Sr. M. Jeanette BihnDeacon & Mrs. Richard Cuprak

Sr. Jennifer Marie ZimmermanMr. & Mrs. Robert Hulbert

Sr. Joella Marie RuffingSuzanne Doscher

Sr. M. Johnita ElwerDiane Elwer

Sr. M. Joseleen HemkerJoseph & Clare AlvaradoHelen Pothast

Sr. M. Keneth OstheimerThomas Erhart

Sr. M. Laurann DietrichNancy A. Stearns

Sr. Linda Maria PelagioEvelyn Sindicic

Sr. M. Magdaleva CampSusan HabustaMarilyn T. Pennington

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Thank you!The honorariums and memorials are listed for donations to the Sisters of Notre Dame received from October 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Please notify the CrossRoads office at 419-479-3093 should you find an error of omission or spelling.

In SympathyJames Bates - brother of Sr. Joyce Marie BatesEli Alex Peresta - father of Sr. Mary Anton PerestaIris Arndt - sister of Sr. Kathleen Mary Longeway

Sr. Marcia Marie DestatteBetty L. Myers

Sr. M. Marilyn MayleGeorge & Betty SchlottererMarilyn Zehringer Snedden

Sr. Mary del Ray BognerAgnes E. Bogner

Sr. M. Maxine YoungEvelyn Sindicic

Sr. M. Patricia SnyderBarbara StevensDonald & Janet Hickey

Sr. M. Raymund JohnsonAnn Johnson & Andy Leonard

Sr. M. Teresita RichardsDouglas Daley

Sr. Theresa Mary HickeyHelen Pothast

All Notre Dame SistersBonnie & Howard BondDoug & Cheryl GettelfingerTom & Carol Pletz

IN MEMORY OF:

Paul BaierMr. & Mrs. Dennis BrengartnerJulie & Kyle Grathwol

Betty OttDean & Eloise RenwandCharles & Rita Singler

Kathy (Sloma) BarnesJanet Sloma

Cynthia BosioDavid Bosio

Everett & Eleanor BuettnerVirginia Will

Todd BuettnerJames & JoAnn Buettner

David BundyRuth Bundy

Bill BugnerMarilyn Bugner

Frank & Mary BugnerEd & Diane BugnerCatherine (Bugner) Noga

Todd CarderJim & Lois Carder

Emiel CoolMary M. Droll

Catherine CurryMary & Jerome Hettel

Walden ‘Bud’ DamschroderMary A. Damschroder

Paul DeRoseJoe & Nan Hohman

Nancy FisherTeri & Paul Bockstahler

Leo & Catherine FurlongLawrence & Kathleen Furlong

Donald G. GabrielRose Mary Gabriel

Irene GerdemanMr. & Mrs. Ronald S. Lingvai

George GradelEvelyn Sindicic

Josh HartzellEd & Rita Hartzell

Doris V. HawkinsTom & Marsha Scampini

Rita HemkerPaul Hemker

Don HettelMary & Jerome Hettel

Mary Lou HoeflingerCarol Fleitz

Lloyd KavanaghTeri & Paul Bockstahler

Raymond W. Keller, Sr.Eileen Suplica

Margaret KerriganJanet Diab

Patrick KohlerMary E. Kohler

Donald J. KoontzErnestine Koehn Koontz

William R. Link, Sr.Kay Wilson Campanile

Robert D. Machion, Sr.Dom & Lauri Machion

Robert F. MahaffeyIrene Pchalek

Duane MarshSr. Mary Margaret Foos, SND

Audrey Heschel McCueSusan McCue-Harris

Donna McDonoughRobert C. McDonough

Mary Jeannette MenkeSr. Shauna BankemperFrank & Kay CampanileHarry & Annita FlanaganDiana IrelandBarbara MeskerMarilyn J. WagnerFrank Wellmann

Evelyn MillerGeraldine Szkatulski

John & Veronica MillerPaul & Dorothy Schaffer

Gerhard Otte, Jr.Kay Wilson Campanile

Eli A. PerestaJean HollerScott & Jennifer LongMr. & Mrs. Jerome PerestaPhyllis PerestaRon & Charlotte Vogel

Shirley PolcynJohn E. Polcyn

James PollaufMargie & Danny Knopp

Kathryn PrusakiewiczGeraldine Szkatulski

Willis U. & Edna

Roselyn ReinboltMr. & Mrs. Walter D. Reinbolt

Joseph ReinekeWayne & Jennifer HackettKipp & Cheryl Kennedy

Richard & Imelda RennerRonald & Arlene Wagner

Carl & Martha SchafferPaul & Dorothy Schaffer

Peggy SchroederDorothy Swary

Rogert SeibertPhil, Judy & Jackie Helterbrand

James SinglerCharles & Rita Singler

Peter & Ruth SlomaJanet Sloma

Francis Joseph StackCarol Fleitz

Denny StemenLinda D. Stemen

Char StoberLinda D. Stemen

Leona StuderVirgil F. Studer

Dorothy Molyet SugarPhilip A. Sugar

Felix (Max) SzymanskiAlice V. Szymanski

Lois Jean TrauneroRobert J. Traunero

Arthur & Genevieve TurbyMichael Turby

Karen Tscherne VonckCaroline Tscherne

Lois WagnerMr. & Mrs. Larry Hall

George WehringRich & Barb Reineck

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In Toledo, Ohio ~Sisters Mary Cyrilla Hellman and Mary Brigid Kelly minister to the in-mates at Toledo Correction-al Facility. They go together on Wednesday afternoon to assist at Mass or lead a Communion Service for the male inmates. Sr. Mary Cyrilla (left) also teaches GED classes for those completing their high school education. “We do not see the results of our ministry, but it is sufficient that ‘seeds’ have been sown and will be brought to fruition at the right time by the Divine Gardener,” says Sr. Mary Cyrilla.

Sr. Mary Brigid (right) also works with Sr. M. Lou Dibasuk, OSU, to lead a women’s group on “Spirituality of 12 Steps” twice a week. “The spirituality program allows the women to reflect on and deepen their relationship with God and grow in the virtues of honesty, faith, acceptance and trust,” according to Sr. Mary Brigid. “The women often discover that at the root of their addiction to alcohol, drugs or unhealthy relationships and behavior is a deep longing and hunger to know and internalize that they are unconditionally loved by God and often by fam-ily,” she related.

In Defiance, Ohio ~ Sr. Julie Marie Bosch ministers at a twelve-bed inpatient Hospice facility which also offers care at home. “I volunteer at Hospice Mon-day through Friday spending anywhere from five to six hours a day. I help with personal care for the patients, pastoral care for the patients and their families and sometimes answer the phones, and keep track of records. My ministry at Hospice gives me the opportunity to live out the Mission of Jesus. As a staff,

we try to treat every patient with respect, dignity, and compas-sion. We also want to make sure that every patient and their en-tire family can feel at home in our facility.”

“My ministry is very interesting, challeng-ing, and rewarding. I

have the opportunity to bring joy, hope, and compassion to our world each day. Since we are surrounded with life and death issues daily, I am able to focus on what truly matters, and how to make this a special time for all to spend their final days. I am truly blessed in this ministry and experience spiritual growth daily,” said Sr. Julie Marie.

In another volunteer capacity for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sr. Julie Marie is present to others, especially the poor. “As we hand them a check to meet their physical needs, such as water, heating, or electricity, we hope to bring hope and a special ‘God bless you’ to those who need it the most. This is a wonderful setting that respects the uniqueness and dignity of those in need,” she added.

Always on Mission

In Ft. Wayne, Indiana ~Sr. Mary Gertrude Ann Mueller is a parish outreach minister for St. Jude Parish in Ft. Wayne. “Soon after I retired from teaching I was introduced to my new ministry of visiting seven Nursing Homes, seven Senior Apart-ment Complexes and about two dozen shut-ins in our parish. All of this

activity takes place within a radius of two miles from the parish complex. The first year I spent time visiting all these beautiful people and, when I began to count my contacts, I had met more than 200 people! This second year, I have tried to zero in on some who do not have many visitors,” said Sr. Mary Gertrude Ann.

“The devotion and reverence that all have for the Blessed Sacrament is very beautiful and inspiring to me. Some can be sleeping or thinking of something else, but as soon as I ask if they would like to receive Holy Communion, they brighten up and begin to pray with me and receive Holy Communion very devoutly and gratefully” she added.

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In prayer

we honor and

remember

continued from page 7

Millie WeidnerPhil, Judy & Jackie Helterbrand

Owen WeiserSue Shanahan

Ruth WestmeyerRuth Mary Westmeyer

Steve & Phyllis WestmeyerRuth Mary Westmeyer

Worthy & Jennie WhiteVictor & Sharon Stevens

Leslie C. WibergEarl J. Corrigan

Janet WilhelmRoger D. Wilhelm

Jerry WillVirginia Will

Burgan C., Colleen E. & Marie Sauber WilsonKay Wilson Campanile

David WoodsSr. Mary Brigid Kelly, SND

Harold ZollSr. Marie Joyce Dettinger, SND

Sr. M. Alphonsus FisherCarolyn Fisher

Sr. Angela Marie FortmanThomas Erhart

Sr. M. Antonelle ReineckFrank & Joan Barr

Sr. M. Coletta BlaserBill Bundy

Sr. M. Francella ReineckFrank & Joan Barr

Sr. M. Gerardis KlemanMary Kitchen EllisonKathy, Larry & Aaron Wilhelm

Sr. M. Gilmour GrussRev. Andrew Krafcik

Sr. M. Gregory WeltinMr. & Mrs. Robert L. KoehlRoman & Laura Weltin

Sr. M. John Joseph Gruss

Memorial Recognition

When a memorial gift or culmination of gifts

in the name of one person totals $�50 in a year, that individual’s name is permanently placed on a special memorial plaque displayed in the

Sisters of Notre Dame Provincial Center

Chapel.

Rev. Andrew Krafcik

Sr. M. Johnette BlaserBill Bundy

Sr. M. Lillian HoenigmanCeline Marciniak

Sr. M. Magdelida DorseyCynthia A. DorseyNorma J. DorseySteven M. Dorsey FamilyToni Gladon FamilyGordon & Marilyn LadwigM. Catherine Meehan

Sr. M. Pierre GrussRev. Andrew Krafcik

Sr. M. St. Xavier MuellerAnna M. Mueller

Sr. M. Virgie SayDick & Mary Say

Sr. M. Virgin OttBob & Rita Stieber

Deceased family membersErnestine Koehn KoontzRev. Thomas LeylandAl MillerDick & Ellen MittendorfJohn O’Donnell

In New Smyrna Beach, Florida ~ Sr. Joyce Maria Brennan is in minis-try at Sacred Heart School and Parish in the Diocese of Orlando, along with Sr. Mary Michaelyn Hempfling. “I assist the Grade 3 teacher with the ‘Extension Math’ program for six children. These students can move faster in Math and I really enjoy teaching them. They keep me youthful and keep me on my toes!” said Sr. Joyce Maria.

Sr. Joyce Maria also is a facilitator for the Renew program at Sacred Heart. “My goal is to bring the joyful spirit of the Lord to whomever I meet and to share our caring spirit and Notre Dame charism with everyone. Sr. Mary Michaelyn is the RCIA Director at Sacred Heart. The parents and parishioners tell us that they appreciate our presence,” Sr. Joyce Maria added.

In Shelby, Ohio ~ Sr. Mary Su-sanna Weaver, lives with a mentally challenged niece since her mother is deceased. “I never know what to ex-pect since she has a mental disability. The social worker told me that my niece cannot think in logical steps, so I cook and clean our little house and care for her in whatever challenges that occur,” she said.

Sr. Mary Susanna is also active at Sa-cred Heart Parish in Bethlehem, Ohio, serving as the sacristian, as a RCIA team member, and she gives Baptism instructions to parents before their baby receives this sacrament. “This year I also began going to Sacred Heart School and being there for the Latch Key program which helps the children and parents,” she added.

Once a week she helps at the local food pantry and is a Hospice volunteer. “I find walking with the sick and their family members a very sacred time. I try to talk about heaven and the sick person’s journey to God as much as they are ready to hear,” she concluded.

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Have you ever wondered what happened to the sister who taught you in elementary or high school? What is she doing now? Does she go by a different name? We continue to devote a page in CrossRoads to update you about our sisters and their current ministries. Thank you for your inquiries and interest!

tSr. Mary Paulena WilliamsTeacher aide, Mary Immaculate School, Toledo

pSr. Mary Richarde KaufmanLanguage Arts teach-er, Charleston Catholic School, Charleston, SC

pSr. Mary Anton Peresta (aka Sr. Mary Antun)Librarian, Lial Catholic School, Whitehouse, OH

tSr. Mary Lawrence WetliGrade 4 TeacherQueen of Apostles SchoolToledo

pSr. Mary Marcia Kiser (aka Sr. Mary Marsia)Jean Armus Reading Clinic Instructor, Toledo

tSr. Mary Dianne Rumschlag(aka Sr. Mary Dionne) Principal, Guardian Catholic Schools, Holy Rosary Campus, Jacksonville, FL

tSr. Mary Ellen Schroeder (aka Sr. Mary Leondra)Mirabeau Family Learning CenterNew Orleans, LA

tSr. Mary Frances Herkender(aka Sr. Mary Frank)Religious Education Coord. St. John the Baptist ParishToledo

Have our paths ever crossed?

Rest in Peace, Sr. Mary Agnes . . .Sr. Mary Agnes Link, died on January 22, 2011 at the age of 76. She was also known as Sr. Mary Dennis Ann. She was an enthusiastic teacher of children in grades one and two for 50 years.

In December 2010, she was still serving as a teacher’s aide at Norwalk Catholic School-Early Childhood Center, St. Mary Campus, where she ministered for 27 years. She had also served the parish and the community in numerous ways and had recently completed a Hospice training program for volunteers.

Each year she enthusiastically welcomed all of her new students and was, in turn, eagerly welcomed by them. Her delight in teaching was contagious, and her evident love for

everyone made classroom activities a pleasure. Sr. Mary Agnes found joy in the children and also in each person she met, young or old. She spent her summer vacations assisting the elderly sisters in the Health Care Center (HCC) at the Toledo Provincial Center. When caught up with her work in the HCC, Sr. Mary Agnes and another sister would have wheelchair races and tell the older sisters and nurses that they were practicing for their old age!

She entered the Aspirant School, attended Notre Dame Academy and professed vows in August of 1954, taking the name Sr. Mary Dennis Ann. She became known as “Dennis the Menace” for all her fun and trickery.

She received her BA degree from Mary Manse College, Toledo. Her career in teaching began in 1955 at St. Mary, Sandusky. She also taught at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, Fremont; St. John, Delphos; St. Joseph, Maumee; Immaculate Conception, Bellevue; and Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Toledo.

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Sr. Mary Gabrille

On November 3, 2010, Sr. Mary Magdelida Dorsey was born into eternal life. As a Sister of Notre Dame for seventy years, she labored as an educator, not only in her own country, but as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.

Sr. Mary Magdelida came to know the Sisters of Notre Dame through contact with Sisters from the Chardon (Cleveland) Province who taught catechism in New London, OH. She came to the aspirant school in Toledo as a junior, and entered the novitiate in January of 1938, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Sr. Mary Lauren.

Sister was very close to her natural sister, Sr. Mary Lauren. When Sr. Mary Lauren was a novice and Sr. Mary Magdelida was an aspirant,

they were not allowed to converse with one another except on very special occasions. One time, both sisters knew that they were separated only by the novitiate doors. Sr. Mary Magdelida, who was practicing her piano, found a means

of communicating with Sr. Mary Lauren. She began to play the tune “I love you truly.” That held them over until there was a permitted get-together!

Having received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, sister was well equipped to step into the classroom, and she became a beloved teacher to her students for 20 years in the Diocese of Toledo. She taught at St. Joseph, Fremont; St. Joseph, Maumee;

St. Augustine, Napoleon; St. Joseph, Monroeville; and St. Mary, St. James, Ladyfield and Mary Immaculate in Toledo.

In 1961 she was among the first four sisters missioned to Papua New Guinea. She continued her ministry of teaching at the elementary, secondary and college levels. Her love was for the poor, and she gave all of her efforts to learn the people, their culture and their traditions.

Well loved by all, she finally returned to Toledo in 1995 after 34 years in PNG. She continued to assist in the classroom for the next five years until failing health caused her to retire.

In 2004, she became a patient at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania where she died. She leaves a niece, Sr. Mary Frances Theresa Dorsey who teaches in Leipsic, Ohio.

. . . and Sr. Mary Magdelida

Sr. Mary Gabrille Priebe died on January 15, 2011. She was born in 1943 and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in east Toledo where she came to know the Sisters of Notre Dame. In the fall of 1957 she entered the Aspirant School and attended Notre Dame Academy.

After graduating from Notre Dame Academy in 1961, she entered the postulancy and was invested in August of that year. She graduated from Mary Manse College and spent seven years teaching at St. Mary Sandusky; St. Joseph, Monroeville; St. Joseph,

Fremont; and St. John, Delphos.

She then served as a nurse’s aide in the Provincial Center health care center for two years before deciding to attend the Northwest Ohio Practical Nurse

Training Center in 1974 to study licensed practical nursing. Many years later (2002) she graduated from Owens State Community College with an associate degree and became licensed as a

Registered Nurse. She ministered to the health care needs of her sisters in the health care center and at Lial Convent for more than 30 years.

Sr. Mary Gabrille played the accordion, and was a fun-loving person who enjoyed animals and dressing in costume for any occasion.

The last years of sister’s life were marked by serious illness, yet she bravely met each day, putting forth every effort to live as fully as possible. She is now in the presence of her Beloved.

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Facebook connections put Sr. Mary Berneta Schneider and Sr. Mary Rose Moser back in touch with former students, Jeff Dobyns, MD, anesthesiologist, and Shawn Truman, meteorologist. Both were graduates of St. Mary’s Sandusky High School. Jeff and his family came home to Sandusky from Denver, Colorado, and Shawn, flew in from Minnesota.

Several weeks before their trip to Toledo, Jeff arranged the visit with Sr. Mary Rose, his kindergarten teacher of thirty-six years ago and with Sr. Mary Berneta, his and Shawn’s religion teacher at St. Mary’s High School.

The December ��, �010, reunion began at the Toledo Provincial Center with Srs. Mary Berneta and Mary Rose. The group soon grew to include Sr. Mary Immaculee Heinl, former DRE at St. Mary’s, and

former principal of St. Mary’s High School, Sr. Mary Antoni Nadolny.

Dr. Jeff heartily greeted Sr. Mary Carola Billat at Rosary Care Center, and shared pictures of his family, to which Sr. Mary Carola questioned, “When was the last time you hugged your wife? Your

Facebook connects Sisters and former studentschildren?” Jeff said, “Ahhh, you still have the ‘teacher’ in you, Sister!“ He also told Sister of how he uses some of her phrases from class with his own children now.

At the Ursuline Center Jeff and Shawn graciously presented themselves to Sr. Mary Claver Pollauf, Sr. Mary Marilyn Mayle, and Sr. Mary Annunciata Sutter. Again, the men recalled touches of grace during elementary and high school days at St. Mary’s, Sandusky. With pride and gratitude, they shared about their continued journeys over the years.

“Coming Home” was a reconnecting and touching of hearts. Sparkling eyes, warm hugs, reminiscing and gratitude graced the afternoon’s pilgrimage of visiting the Sisters. Their “thank you’s” were numerous as they departed that evening.

Jeff Dobyns visits Sr. Mary Carola at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania.