Jean Ann Crisostomo, SSND
Professed in 1958

Sister Jean Ann Crisostomo celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, local leader, vice-principal, counselor, principal, regional councilor, development director, coordinator of religious, curriculum director, superintendent and university instructor.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Serving as a delegate for the 22nd General Chapter in Brazil was a very special experience. The dynamics that took place among our sisters in searching for God’s will in our century was most profound and a real enlightenment of the great women we have in our congregation. I enjoyed the opportunity to be of service to our educational system on island both in the Catholic and public school systems. I helped facilitate meetings to improve the quality of the educational system. I firmly believe that every student deserves a caring, competent, and highly qualified teacher. I further believe that in empowering these professionals is a real satisfaction for me.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
My first exposure to the SSNDs was at St. Francis School. I was in the eighth grade when I first met the sisters and I knew before then that I wanted to be a teacher. Seeing them enjoy teaching, being with the students, and always willing to help out, gave me that desire to be like them.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
I am most grateful to the compassionate and understanding God who will not abandon me. I have been blessed by the support and love of my sisters in community. The congregation is generous in providing me with limitless opportunities to know who I am as an international SSND — an educator the broadest sense of the word.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We are an international community with great sense of justice and possessing a great sense of helping those in need. We are dedicated women, who tirelessly continue to search the will of God so as to create a peaceful society. We are women of prayer.

What words of encouragement would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of religious life?
Our life as SSNDs is a call from God to continue his mission on earth expressed in ministry. Prayer life is the center of our life and our strength to continue the mission of Jesus is found in that core.

What is your current ministry?
I am presently working at the School of Education, University of Guam as an instructor for Administration and Supervision and an NCATE Coordinator. I minister to the faculty, staff and students at the School of Education

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
The Lord has blessed me with good health, life-giving ministry, and a supportive community. My ministry has many challenges but found the School of Education Community to be most affirming and understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

Sister’s missions:
St Francis, Yona, Guam, 1959-1968
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam, 1969-1970
St Francis, Yona, Guam, 1970-1972
Notre Dame High School, Talofofo, Guam, 1972-1983
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1984-1986
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam, 1985-1986
Notre Dame High School, Talofofo, Guam, 1986-1993
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1993-2004
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam, 08/1993 - 01/1994
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam, 1995-1996
Diocese of Agana, Agana, Guam, 1995-2000
University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam, 2001-Present