2008 Jubilarians

Elizabeth Ann Uchytil, SSND
(Sister Betty)
Professed in 1983

Sister Betty Uchytil celebrates 25 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, principal, missionary and provincial councilor.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
One of my more meaningful events as an SSND was my preparation and “too short” of a mission experience with our Japanese sisters in Bandipur, Nepal. The closing of the school with over 600 students due to the Mroist insurgency in the country was one of the saddest and tragic experiences I can remember. Thank God for perseverance and changes in the government – the school reopened the following year.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
I was educated in grade school by SSNDs. As an adult, I returned to the parish and I met SSNDs again. I was touched by what I observed and experienced as the Sisters living intergenerationally. They cared for each other so lovingly and included young and old in their activities. It represented to me the beauty of honoring each others needs for fun, work, hospitality and ministry.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
I cherish my 25 years as an SSND. My life is richer, deeper, and broader and is lived more intentionally and courageously because of being an SSND.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The SSND continue to lead internationally in the ministry of transformative education, bringing all to the oneness that Jesus Christ was sent. Our life is a very viable choice for women today!

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
Being a Sister today requires a steadfast belief in living together for the common good vs. individualism. Our life requires a commitment to choose LIFE each and every day with joy, love and peace.

What is your current ministry?
My current ministry is being a member of our Provincial Council for the Milwaukee Province since 2005 and until 2011. I work with Sister Debra Marie Sciano, Provincial Leader and Sisters Joanne Armatowski, Mary Alyce Lach and Phyllis Marie Grzeczka.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
My life has been richly blessed. I am deeply grateful for God’s many blessings to me. So many wonderful women, men, experiences have helped shape my life – as gift. I have to admit, 25 years have gone by very quickly!

Sister’s missions:
St. Peter and Paul, Huntington, IN, 1983-1987
St. Mary, Menomonee Falls, WI, 1987-1993
St. Mary, Elm Grove, WI, 1993-1999
Notre Dame Elementary School, Bandipur, Nepal, 2000-2001
St. Roman Parish School, Milwaukee, WI, 2001-2005
SSND Provincial Offices, Elm Grove, WI, 2005-Present