2008 Jubilarians

Ruth Karnitz, SSND
(Previous religious name: Sister Jean Rene)
Professed in 1958

Sister Ruth Karnitz celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, coordinator and director of religious education and as a marriage tribunal auditor, advocate and notary.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
My jubilee trip to Rome was one of the highlights of my life. To me it was a thrill to walk in the footsteps of the early Christians in Rome, Ostia and Assisi and in the footsteps of Mother Theresa. One incident at St. Peter’s made me realize the universality of the Church – a group of pilgrims sang in German the hymn “Holy God We Praise Thy Name” all the way down the main aisle of St. Peter’s. It was also the first time I had a real insight into what it means for us to be an international congregation.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
The blessing the sisters gave at the end of each school day. To me it said they cared about what happened to us after we left school.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
It means being a spouse of Christ, with Him as the center and heart of my life. Christ uses me as an instrument to touch the lives of others.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
SSNDs are a vibrant group of women, diverse but united in their love for Christ and their care and concern for each other.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
If this is where God wants you, know that there will be struggles and hard times along with the good but you will find immense peace and joy.

What is your current ministry?
I am an auditor, advocate and notary in the Tribunal of the Diocese of Phoenix. To me this ministry is demanding and challenging. I am always learning something new. It is such a joy when I am able to help people come back to the Church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Sister's missions:
Student, Mount Mary College, WI, 1958-1960
Teacher-Intermediate, St. Nicholas, Milwaukee, WI, 1960-1962
Teacher-Intermediate, St. Benedict School, Blue Island, IL, 1962-1964
Teacher-Intermediate, St. Anne, Milwaukee, WI, 1964-1969
Teacher-Elementary, St. John De Nepomuc, Milwaukee, WI, 1969-1970
Study/Renewal, St. John's University, MN, January to August 1970
Coordinator of Religious Education, St. Joseph, Oconto, WI, 1970-1974
Coordinator of Religious Education, All Saints, Gladstone, MI, 1974-1982
Coordinator of Religious Education, Our Lady of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ, 1982-1983
Director of Religious Education, St. James, Glendale, AZ, 1983-1987
Community Service, Visitation, Elm Grove, WI, 1987-1988
Marriage Tribunal-Diocese, Diocese of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 1988-Present