2008 Jubilarians

Jeanette Marie Wieland, SSND
Professed in 1958

Sister Jeanette Marie Wieland celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, community leader, personal needs manager, literacy teacher and volunteer.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
When I first went out on mission I had the first graders and then the second grade. After five years teaching the little ones, I was sent to teach the junior high students at SS Cyril and Methodius. Although I had the upper grades in school, I was still privileged for several years to teach the communion class in religious education. Another privilege I had was the years I spent with our retired sisters, serving their needs at both Notre Dame of Elm Grove and at nursing homes. They are truly our “women of wisdom” who shared so much with me.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
I was very impressed with my SSND teachers in grade school. In first grade, I wanted to be “just like sister.” Although I had OSFs (now SSSFs) in high school, I felt drawn to School Sisters of Notre Dame.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
Being a sister has been a privilege. I often felt unworthy of that privilege yet I wanted to do my best. Teaching was usually very rewarding because I could see my students improve and grow.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The School Sisters of Notre Dame form an international community. Our sisters are spread around the world. Our ministry is directed toward education which for us means “enabling persons to reach the fullness of their potential as individuals created in God’s image and assisting them to direct their gifts toward building the earth.”

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
A vocation is a call, a call from God. In responding “yes” to that call, you put yourself into God’s “hands” and there are many beautiful people that help you through the process. You are not alone in this venture. There are trouble spots along the way but God does not ask for more than you can handle. The goal at the end is union with God and “Oh, the others you may bring along are great.”

What is your current ministry?
My present ministry is teaching adults who are on W2 so they can pass their GED tests and get either their GED or HSED and have a better chance of employment. This enables them to better their lives for themselves and their families.

Sister’s missions:
Student, Mount Mary College, WI, 1958-1960
St. Anthony, Chicago, IL, 1960-1965
St. Cyril and Methodius, Milwaukee, WI, 1965-1973
St. Mary Czestochowa, Milwaukee, WI, 1973-1974
St. John De Nepomuc, Milwaukee, WI, 1974-1984
St. Peter and Paul, Merrillville, IN, 1984-1987
St. Peter and Paul, Merrillville, IN, 1987-1990
Sacred Heart, Warsaw, IN, 1990-1994
Reiman Publications, Greendale, WI, 1994-1995
St. Mary's Nursing Home, Milwaukee, WI, 1995
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 1995-2001
Havenwood Nursing & Rehabilitation, Milwaukee, WI, 2001-2005
Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, Milwaukee, WI, 2006-Present