2008 Jubilarians

Mary Alma Witkowski, SSND
Professed in 1938

Sister Mary Alma Witkowski celebrates 70 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, coordinator/director of religious education, pastoral minister and volunteer. Sister retired in 1996 and currently ministers through her prayer and presence.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
I served as a primary teacher for 40 years; a director of religious education for 20 years and a pastoral care minister to the elderly. I loved the varied ministries and did my best. Students return after 30 or 40 years and tell me about their accomplishments.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
Being the oldest in a family of nine, I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I had plenty of practice playing school, and marching as in a wedding with my younger sisters and brothers. My teachers were understanding as well as patient and interested in their students. I loved learning.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
I loved my teachers and wanted to help them and help my sisters and brothers to love school and enjoy whatever there was to do.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The SSNDs were good teachers and character builders. They were patient and kind with large classes and helped the slow learners.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
Cultivate a love for children. Find something good before administering correction. Develop a prayer life.

What is your current ministry?
In retirement I pray each day for all the children I taught and for their parents.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
I recommend that parents encourage children early. Ask them what they would they like to be when they grow up. Pray for the intention of their mind.

Above is Sister Mary Alma's First Communion picture and a photo of her while an SSND Aspirant, along with her brother and three sisters. The youngest girl is also an SSND – Sister Mary Johnalyn Witkowski.

Sister’s missions:
St. Boniface, Milwaukee, WI, 1936-1937
St. Francis, Milwaukee, WI, 1938-1947
St. Peter, Chippewa Falls, WI, 1947-1952
St. Mary, Elm Grove, WI, 1952-1959
St. Elizabeth, Milwaukee, WI, 1959-1962
Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary, Sun Prairie, WI, 1962-1965
St. Cyril and Methodius, Milwaukee, WI, 1965-1970
St. Stephen, Milwaukee, WI, 1970-1979
St. Augustine, Milwaukee, WI, 1979-1987
Tri-Parish Catholic Community, Allenton, WI, 1987-1995
NDH, Marian Catholic Center, Milwaukee, WI, 1995-1996
Retired, Motherhouse, Milwaukee, WI, 1995-1996
Volunteer Ministry, Nursing Homes, Milwaukee, WI, 1996-1997
Volunteer Ministry/Pastoral Care, Claire Meadows, Franklin, WI, 1997-2000
Retired, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 2000-Present