School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
40th First Profession
Sister Renee George
Birth place: St. Clair
Entrance: 1975
First profession: 1981
Final profession: 1989
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Quincy College, Quincy, Illinois, 1983
Master’s in English, Saint Louis University, 1991
Service in the archdiocese: Substitute teacher, various schools in St. Louis area, 1994
Teacher, Resurrection of Our Lord, St. Louis, 1994-99
Teacher, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 1999-2002
Teacher, Queen of All Saints, St. Louis, 2002-10
Teacher, Cathedral Grade School, St. Louis, 2010-12
Caregiver, Comfort Keepers, St. Louis, 2013-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Mater Dei High School, Breese, Illinois, 1984-87
Teacher, Helias High School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1987-93
About Sister Renee George: Pinnacles in our lives have the power to repeatedly bear us up on eagle’s wings. My final vows and 25th Jubilee included the liturgy celebrated with students, sisters, family and colleagues. For me, these were profound experiences, which enfleshed Mother Theresa’s love for the Eucharist and education.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
50th First Profession
Sister Barbara Ann Brunsmann
Birth place: East St. Louis, Illinois
Entrance: 1968
First profession: 1971
Final profession: 1980
Education: Bachelor’s in social studies, Notre Dame College, 1972
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1975-76
Special education teacher, St. Joseph’s Vocational Center, St. Louis, 1977-81
Child care worker, St. Mary’s Special School, St. Louis, 1977-93
Teacher, Marian Middle School, St. Louis, 2001
Teacher, Most Holy Trinity, St. Louis, 2002-2003
Teacher, Ste. Genevieve DuBois, St. Louis, 2001-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Philip, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1972-74
Teacher, St. Rita, San Diego, California, 1974-75
Teacher, Kabala Secondary School, Kabala, Sierra Leone, 1994-95
Teacher, Notre Dame Secondary School, Sunyani, Ghana, 1995-99
About Sister Barbara Ann Brunsmann: I believe it is the presence and support of my sisters in community that is the strongest in my memory. Wherever I go, whether the special school, Ghana or here at Ripa, I feel accepted, loved and at home.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
50th First Profession
Sister Patricia Murphy
Birth place: St. Louis
Entrance: 1968
First profession: 1971
Final profession: 1977
Education: Bachelor’s in social science, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1972
Master’s in business education, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1981
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1973-84
Teacher, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1984-93
Personnel services coordinator, former St. Louis province, St. Louis, 1993-2011
Database and personnel services coordinator, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2011-14
Database and government benefits, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2014-20
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Spring, California, 1972-73
About Sister Patricia Murphy: I am grateful for all the opportunities and blessings from each of my ministries.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
50th First Profession
Sister Betty Myers
Birth place: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Entrance: 1968
First profession: 1971
Final profession: 1975
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1972
Master’s in reading education, Clarke College (now University), Dubuque, Iowa, 1984
Master’s in elementary education administration, Clarke College (now University), Dubuque, Iowa, 1985
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bridget, Pacific, 1974-81
Teacher, All Saints, St. Peters, 2000-03
Community care coordinator, Anna House at The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2003-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Cairo, Illinois, 1972-74
Teacher, Holy Family, Freeburg, Missouri, 1981-87
Administrator, Holy Family, Freeburg, Missouri, 1983-87
Teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1987-94
Administrator, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1991-94
Teacher and administrator, Visitation Interparish School, Vienna, Missouri, 1994-2000
About Sister Betty Myers: My two summers in Honduras with the Notre Dame High School students working with the people, especially the children, was such a joy and enriching experience. I learned what poor is and that you don’t have to have a lot to be happy, appreciative and thankful. It’s with a grateful heart that I thank God for my religious community, family and friends who have enriched and blessed my life these 50 years as an SSND. I’ve enjoyed my ministries of teacher/administrator and now ministering to our dear elder sisters in skilled care. What a privilege and joy to accompany them each day and on their final journey home to our loving God.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
50th First Profession
Sister Charlene Zeisset
Birth place: Highland, Illinois
Entrance: 1968
First profession: 1971
Final profession: 1976
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1972
Bachelor’s in physician assistant program, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 1982
Doctorate in medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1988
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1972-77
Teaching, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1977-78
Physician’s assistant, Villa Gesu and School Sisters of Notre Dame St. Louis province, St. Louis, 1982-84
Internal medicine resident, St. Mary Hospital, St. Louis, 1988-91
Physician, Christian Hospital Nebraska Medical Group, St. Louis, 1991-95
Physician, Health Care Group of St. Louis, Florissant and St. Louis, 1995-2000
Hospitalist, Christian Hospital Nebraska, St. Louis, 2001-02
Hospitalist, Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, 2002-03
Tutor, Notre Dame Tutorial Center, St. Louis, 2002-03
Physician, private practice, St. Louis, 2003-09
SSND representative, Nun Study and Religious Orders Study, 2010-present
Member, School Sisters of Notre Dame province committees, St. Louis, 2010-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Iowa, 1978-80
About Sister Charlene Zeisset: I am so grateful to have been blessed with the call from the School Sisters of Notre Dame to weave teaching and medicine in my ministries. I treasure all I have received from my students and my patients.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Marilyn J. Ancer
Birth place: East St. Louis, Illinois
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Michael, St. Louis, 1970-72
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1972-75
Elementary education administrator, St. Raphael, St. Louis, 1975-77
Teacher, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 1978-79
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary, St. Louis, 1979-82
Business manager, St. Francis De Sales, St. Louis, 1982-89
Finance staff member, Sancta Maria at Ripa, St. Louis, 1990-93
Finance staff member and business manager, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1993-2009
Post office assistant, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2010-13
Bookkeeper, LaSalette Fathers, St. Louis, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Missouri, 1963-65
Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1965-70
About Sister Marilyn J. Ancer: Sharing, through photography, Mother Nature’s beauty and other life events is quite humbling! Greeting cards displaying various nature scenes delighted many. A photo of a single water lily was featured in the 1999 SSND calendar. For this gift of a “photographer’s eye,” I am grateful!
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Luanne Boland
Birth place: St. Louis
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in special education, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1969
Service in the archdiocese: Special education teacher, St. Mary’s Special School, St. Louis, 1963-70 Administrator, St. Mary’s Special School, St. Louis, 1970-76
Special education administrator, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1976-85
Special education administrator, Job Experiences for Special Students, St. Louis, 1985-91
Childcare worker, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Group Home, St. Louis, 1979-92
Director of development, SSND Resource Development Office, St. Louis, 1996-2004
Coordinator of donor relations, SSND St. Louis province, 2004-07
Program director assistant, Office of Special Education, St. Louis, 2007-09
Director of special education schools and learning centers, Office of Special Education, St. Louis, 2009-16
Transportation coordinator, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Yengema Secondary School, Yengema, Sierra Leone, Africa, 1992-93
Teacher, Port Loko Catholic Secondary School, Port Loko, Sierra Leone, Africa, 1993-95
Community service, SSND Generalate, Rome Italy, 1995
About Sister Luanne Boland: During my college years, a visit to St. Mary’s Special School convinced me that I wanted to teach God’s children with special needs. This was my first assignment, and it led me to 36 happy years in special education.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Rose Ann Ficker
Birth place: New Trier, Minnesota
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in history and education, Mount Mary College (now University), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1963
Master’s in sociology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1979
Clinical pastoral education, Willmar, Minnesota, 1991-92
Post graduate studies in spirituality and theology, School of Applied Theology, Berkeley, California, 2000-2001
Hispanic pastoral ministry course, Mexican American Cultural Center, San Antonio, Texas, 2001
Spiritual direction certificate, Aquinas Institute, St. Louis, 2005
Service in the archdiocese: Volunteer for Hispanic Ministry, St. Joseph Parish, Manchester, 2001-02
Director of Hispanic ministry, St. Francis De Sales, St. Louis, 2002-03
Co-founder and director of Hispanic ministry, Holy Trinity, St. Ann, 2003-20
Spiritual director to Hispanics and resource person in Hispanic ministry, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Adalbert, Silver Lake, Minnesota, 1963
Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Searles, Minnesota, 1964-65
Teacher, St. Dominic, Northfield, Minnesota, 1965-69
Teacher, St. Agnes, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1969-71
Teacher, Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mankato, Minnesota, 1971-72; 1973-77
Teacher, Marycliff High School, Spokane, Washington, 1972-73
Director of residence, Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mankato, Minnesota, 1973-77
Teacher and director of residence, St. Mary, New England, North Dakota, 1977-79
Teacher, Columbus High School, Waterloo, Iowa, 1979-84
Administrator, Casa Feliz San Lucas Orphanage, San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, 1984-88
Hispanic ministry, St. Mary, Madelia, Minnesota, 1988-90
Hispanic ministry, St. James, St. James, Minnesota, 1988-90
Hispanic ministry coordinator, Diocese of Winona, Minnesota, 1992-99
Pastoral minister to the Hispanic community, Sacred Heart, Owatonna, Minnesota, 1999-2000.
About Sister Rose Ann Ficker: During my front-line experience serving in wartime Guatemala, I witnessed brutality and forgiveness by those so cruelly treated. Ministering for 30-plus years to Hispanics in Minnesota and Missouri, I felt their palpable faith, always grateful that the School Sisters of Notre Dame supported me lovingly, allowing my presence to our suffering families.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Doris Jean Grewe
Birth place: St. Louis
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1975.
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Engelbert, St. Louis, 1965-67
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1967-71
Administrator, St. William, St. Louis, 1982-91
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1963-65
Teacher, Sacred Heart, DuQuoin, Illinois, 1971-77
Teacher, St. Mary, Alton, Illinois, 1977-82
Clerical staff member, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1991-92
Finance staff member, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1991-92
Teacher, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1992-2003
Parish secretary, St. James Church, Millstadt, Illinois, 2004-present
About Sister Doris Jean Grewe: I am grateful to all the School Sisters of Notre Dame who have shared community with me. My years in education and as parish secretary have enriched my life.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Linda Jansen
Birth place: Breese, Illinois
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in economics, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in business administration, Arkansas State University, Conway, Arkansas 1972
Master’s in administration, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1974.
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1963-72 and 1987-2001
Administrator, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1972-76
Teacher, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1976-77
Administrator, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1977-79
Secretary, former SSND St. Louis province, St. Louis, 1979-87
Treasurer, former SSND St. Louis province, St. Louis, 2001-11
Assistant treasurer, SSND Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, 2011-16
Finance department and resource development office volunteer, SSND Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, 2017-present
About Sister Linda Jansen: During my teaching experiences, one of the things I enjoyed was working with students outside of class to build floats for homecoming, putting together our school yearbook and taking students to contests to test their business skills.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Mary Regina Kabayama
Birth place: Osaka, Japan
Entrance: 1958
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in kindergarten education, Nara Women’s College, Nara, Japan, 1951
Bachelor’s in elementary education, Tamagawa Teachers’ College, Kyoto, Japan, 1966
Service in the archdiocese: Staff member, liturgical fabric arts, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2000-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School, Kyoto, Japan, 1963-99
Volunteer, Tender House Work Center, Kyoto, Japan, 1999-2000
About Sister Mary Regina Kabayama: I taught around 1,500 children in the 35 years I was at Notre Dame Elementary School in Japan. I liked to teach young children because their lives were an expansive possibility before them. Each different, I wanted to help each blossom. Because Japan was not a Christian country, I helped the parents in every way I could to learn how to discipline their children. After my retirement, I mentored young teachers for about four years, showing them how to discipline their classes. Now in the United States, I enjoy making creative things in the SSND department where we make vestments and banners. I have learned very much. I also enjoy making numerous, personal creative projects. I love cooking Japanese food and sharing it with other sisters in our international community. God has abundantly blessed my life, and I am deeply grateful.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Janice Munier
Birth place: Freeburg, Illinois
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, 1973
Master’s in religious studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1992.
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1977-81
Director of vocations, School Sisters of Notre Dame St. Louis province, 1986-90
Campus minister, St. Elizabeth Academy, St. Louis, 1986-90
Pastoral ministry, Most Holy Trinity Church, St. Louis, 2005-present
Parish life coordinator, St. Louis Archdiocese, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Herrin, Illinois, 1963-67
Teacher, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Illinois, 1967-77
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, Holy Trinity, Stonington, Illinois, 1981-86
Pastoral ministry, Tohono O’odhan Reservation-San Solano Missions, Sells, Arizona, 1993-2005
About Sister Janice Munier: It all started with a “call” I felt as a young child. I am most grateful for that heartfelt assurance throughout my 60 years. My graced response, I celebrate with joy.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
60th First Profession
Sister Mary Beth Reissen
Birth place: Belleville, Illinois
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in chemistry, Notre Dame College, 1961
Master’s in chemistry for teachers, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1970
Master’s in international affairs, American University, 1985
Master’s in law and diplomacy, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, 1995
Doctorate in international relations, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, 2003
Academic awards:
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, master’s fellow, 1993-94
United States Department of State doctoral research fellow, 2002-03
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1971-75
Recent adjunct professor, Webster University, St. Louis, and Washington University, St. Louis
Board member of United Nations Association-USA/St. Louis chapter and Peace Economy Project-St. Louis.
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart Elementary School, Lawrence, Nebraska, 1961-62
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Illinois, 1962-71
Intern focusing on ocean-related issues, NETWORK religious lobby (now Catholic Social Justice Lobby), Washington, D.C., 1975-76
Associate director, Ocean Education Project, Washington, D.C., 1976-80
Program assistant, Center of Concern’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration, Washington, D.C., 1981
Pax Christi International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) representative at United Nations (UN) Headquarters, New York, New York, 1981-90
President, NGO Committee on Disarmament at UN Headquarters, New York, New York, 1985-92
Education and outreach coordinator, NGO Committee on Disarmament at UN Headquarters, New York, New York, 1991-92
About Sister Mary Beth Reissen: My 1977 piece, “The Romance of the Manganese Nodule,” about the mineral resource randomly strewn about the deep seabed, was useful in advocating at the Third U.N. Conference on the Law of the Sea for the just sharing of this “Common Heritage of (Hu)Mankind” resource.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister M. Charles Ann Crowder
Birth place: Washington
Entrance: 1948
First profession: 1951
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Bachelor’s in nursing, DePaul Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, 1967
Service in the archdiocese: Registered nurse, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1960-72, 1983, 1984-86 and 1988-99
Registered nurse, Grand Manor, St. Louis, Missouri, 1987
Volunteer, Anna and Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2000-19
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gerard Majella, San Antonio, Texas, 1951-57
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Highland, Illinois, 1957-59
Registered nurse, Clinica Las Mercedes, El Progreso, Honduras, 1972-78; 1979-82
Registered nurse, St. Rose of Lima, Guaimaco, Honduras, 1978-79
Registered nurse, SSND Health Care Center, Chatawa, Mississippi, 1987-88
About Sister M. Charles Ann Crowder: In 1985, I attended the beatification of our foundress, Mother Mary Theresa Gerhardinger, in Rome. On the eve of the beatification, our international group at the Generalate renewed our vows. We visited Germany — the notable places in the life of Mother Theresa.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister Laverne Kleinheider
Birth place: Washington
Entrance: 1948
First profession: 1951
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin de Porres, Hazelwood, 1973-75
Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1975-76
Teacher, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1976-77
Teacher, St. Joseph, Kimmswick, 1977-78
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1978-79; 2004-11
Teacher, St. Clare, St. Clair, Missouri, 1979-88
Staff member, Liturgical Fabric Arts, St. Louis, 1988-2007
Prayer and presence, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2007-11
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1951-54
Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Illinois, 1954-65
Teacher, St. Mary, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1965-69
Teacher, Holy Angels, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1969-73
About Sister Laverne Kleinheider: After teaching for 35 years, I was given the opportunity to help sew in the liturgical fabric arts department. This was something I had wanted to do for a very long time. I loved it. My joy was that for 19 years, I was helping to decorate the Lord’s house.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister Lisette Menke
Birth place: Brussels, Illinois
Entrance: 1948
First profession: 1951
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in elementary education administration, Saint Louis University, 1966.
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1951-65
Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1965-72
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Eureka, 1972-81
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School, St. Louis, 1981-93
Teacher, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 1993-2003
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2003-15
Volunteer, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2015-present
About Sister Lisette Menke: As a primary teacher, I had the privilege of watching the growth of the children’s adventure in learning. Placing trust in God, I also participated in various demonstrations with willing and happy children. Success always ends on a high note with God on your side.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister Martha Ann Schaefer
Birth place: Belleville, Illinois
Entrance: 1949
First profession: 1951
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1968
Master’s in theology, St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Rockport, Indiana, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Kimmswick, 1966-70
Teacher, St. Peter, St. Charles, 1970-72
Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1982
Prayer and presence, Veronica and Anna Houses, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2009-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Illinois, 1951-55
Teacher, Our Lady of Lourdes, Mobile, Alabama, 1955-58
Teacher, St. Jude Academy, San Diego, California, 1958-63
Teacher, St. Helen, Fresno, California, 1963-66
Teacher, St. Teresa, Belleville, Illinois, 1972-74
Director of religious education, Sacred Heart, Dupo, Illinois, 1974-78
Director of religious education, St. Joseph, Lebanon, Illinois, 1974-78
Director of religious education, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1978-82
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Herrin, Illinois, 1982-89
Director of religious education, St. Joseph, Marion, Illinois, 1982-89
Pastoral care, St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Illinois, 1990-93
Pastoral care, St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, Illinois, 1993-94
Chaplain, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Illinois, 1994-2004
Bereavement ministry and hospice volunteer, various locations in Belleville, Illinois, 2004-09
About Sister Martha Ann Schaefer: God let me share in His work of caring and loving His “little ones” as a teacher, mother and friend. I was moved to serve the sick and dying and enriched as I joyfully ministered to the suffering until my own retirement.
School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
70th First Profession
Sister Dorothy Venhaus
Birth place: Olpe, Kansas
Entrance: 1949
First profession: 1951
Final profession: 1957
Education: Bachelor’s in music education, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in music education, St. Louis Institute for Music, St. Louis, 1964
Doctorate in music education, Washington University in St. Louis, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Liturgist and music director, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1965-82
Teacher, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965-77
Liturgist and music director, St. Norbert, Florissant, 1982-85
Music director, St. Francis De Sales, St. Louis, 2000-05
Music director and organist, St. John Apostle and Evangelist, St. Louis, 2005-07
Music minister, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 2007-15
Liturgist, organist and piano instructor, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2015-16
Prayer and presence, Veronica and Anna Houses, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Cairo, Illinois, 1951-57
Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1957-61
Teacher, St. Mary, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1961-65
Teacher, Notre Dame Women’s College, Kyoto, Japan, 1987-99.
About Sister Dorothy Venhaus: Closing our 1951 profession class retreat in Rome, Mother Georgianne asked each of us to choos
