Jubilarians

Picture of Sister Frances Mary

Rose M. Ernst, SSND
(Previous religious name: Sister Christa Maria)
Professed in 1938

Sister Rose M. Ernst celebrates 70 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, administrator, religious education coordinator and director, pastoral minister and volunteer. Sister retired in 2001 and currently ministers through her prayer and presence.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Being the speech teacher in the high schools to which I was assigned.
Being involved in high school speech class and especially my dream, Speech and German

What drew you to the SSND Community?
The Sister/Principal who inspired my and the fact I could be an SSND teacher and an SSND speech teacher, all in the speech department, drama, oral dialogue, speech debate, etc.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
As a Notre Dame – sincere devotion to Mary the Mother of God – to live it out daily in prayers, community and in our ministry with faith in this divinity – hope in His promises and love in His reflection.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We are educated and qualified to be leaders in all areas of education.

What words of encouragement would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of religious life?
Share faith experiences. Clarify values we hold in common. Appraise community strengths and weaknesses. Examine our efforts to serve in the light of our mission.

What is your current ministry?
Retirement, reflection, with our class of 1938 at Elm Grove

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
I have always wanted to be a teacher and in my sophomore year a SSND Sister invited me to be an SSND Sister teacher, one of the greatest joys, called to be that – Deo Gratias

Sister’s missions:
St. Joseph, Appleton, WI, 1936-1937
St. Aloysius, West Allis, WI, 1939-1953
St. Elizabeth, Milwaukee, WI, 1953-1955
St. Aloysius, West Allis, WI, 1955-1957
Our Lady of Peace, Marshfield, WI, 1957-1963
Marinette Catholic Central High, Marinette, WI, 1963-1964
Holy Name Central, Escanaba, MI, 1964-1966
St. Mary, Menasha, WI, 1966-1967
McDonell Central High, Chippewa Falls, WI, 1967-1969
Columbus High School, Marshfield, WI, 1969-1974
St. Paul, Sandwich, IL, 1974-1976
St. Mary, De Kalb, IL, 1976-1977
St. James, Madison, WI, 1977-1979
St. Mary, Richland Center, WI 1979-1980
St. Joseph, Edgerton, WI, 1980-1988
St. Henry, Watertown, WI, 1988-2001
Retired-Volunteer, St. Henry, Watertown, WI, 2001-2003
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 2003-Present