2008 Jubilarians

Mary Eric Militzer, SSND
Professed in 1938

Sister Mary Eric Militzer celebrates 70 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, musician, educational administrator, director of instructional television, regional/provincial leader, and development director.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Each of my assignments was very challenging and meaningful. Perhaps pioneering on Guam, introducing instructional television into the parochial classrooms in the Milwaukee and Chicago Archdioceses, serving on the provincial council during the sale of our Mequon property and the purchase of the Marshall Street property would be a few examples.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
My teachers, a visit to the old motherhouse garden on Corpus Christi afternoon, the way in which SSNDs folded their hands as they prayed.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
I have been blessed… never did I doubt God’s call to me. I love the congregation and each sister in the congregation… I know many of them.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
That ours is a life style of commitment to service for the love of God. That love and dedication are the basis of our lives.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
The vocation of a woman religious like any walk of life has its joys and its tensions. In married life, a woman looks to her husband for love and support. In religious life one looks to Jesus in the Eucharist and companion sisters for love and support.

What is your current ministry?
Mine is a ministry of availability. I respond, as possible, to needs of many kinds.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
Quotes from YAS speak so clearly as to who I am and how!
“Christ is the center of our community.” C# 6
“The Spirit is our bond.” C# 6
“Our living together in faith is a service to God’s people.” C# 8
“Our striving for unity embraces all humanity and the whole of creation.” C # 9

Sister’s missions:
St. Anne, Milwaukee, WI, 1936-1937
St. Francis Xavier, De Pere, WI, 1938-1946
St. Mary, Kickapoo, IL, 1946-1949
St. Francis, Yona, Guam, 1949-1960
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1960-1964
Messmer High School, Milwaukee, WI, 1964-1968
Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 1968-1974
Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1974-1979
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, WI, 1979-1983
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, WI, 1983-1987
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, WI, 1987-1992
Retired, St John De Nepomuc, Milwaukee, WI, 1992-Present