Lucille Czarnecki, SSND
(Previous religious name: Sister Joanette)
Professed in 1938

Sister Lucille Czarnecki celebrates 70 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, organist, choir directress and secretary. Sister currently ministers through her prayer and presence.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Since music is one of my favorite pastimes, I guess it was natural that singing would be a special time in my teaching day. Children singing as a group were energetic and lively; our choir time together was special and our music period was unique, it that spontaneity, aliveness and fun took center stage. Needless to say, when there was a crunch for time, music never took a back seat.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
The sisters in our parish school seemed to portray a mystery. It was not only their religious habits that spoke of mystery, but also their way of life. Their smiles and cheerful classrooms spoke volumes.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
As I went through the stages of grade school teacher, high school teacher, organist, choir directress and later a secretary in various places – I felt a sense of belonging to someone and a group of people who were challenging me. I would say it was the unseen Spirit and the dynamics of community that alerted me and challenged me to new possibilities.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We are a people who are attuned to the “signs of the time.”

What words of encouragement would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of religious life?
You need to be a “risk-taker”; you will then be more fully engaged in day-to-day happenings. In turn your interests may point more clearly to a direction in life.

What is your current ministry?
Living in a large community such as ours, the opportunities for ministry are endless.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
We keep many guardian angels busy!

 

 

 

 

 

Sister’s missions:
St. Leo, Milwaukee, WI, 1936-1937
St. Anthony, Milwaukee, WI, 1938-1941
Holy Rosary, Darlington, WI, 1941-1946
St. John Nepomucene, Prairie du Chien, WI, 1946-1959
St. Francis Xavier, DePere, WI, 1959-1962
Notre Dame High, Milwaukee, WI, 1962-1965
Messmer High School, Milwaukee, WI, 1965-1973
Columbus High School, Marshfield, WI, 1973-1978
St. Anne, Milwaukee, WI, 1978-1985
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI, 1985-1987
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, WI, 1987-1990
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 1990-Present