Jubilarian – 2009
Regina Miller, SSND
Professed in 1939
Sister Regina Miller celebrates 70 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She ministered as a teacher, administrator, editor, motherhouse staff member, classroom aide and volunteer.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
Two experiences from my teaching career filled my heart with pain and made me aware of social needs in our changing world. The first one dealt with the idea of the broken family when I was registering a new fifth grader. Upon asking her the name of her dad, she asked me “Which one?” I learned that she had five dads and her heart struggle concerned me deeply. I tried to fill her void and relieve her burden by being kind and loving towards her.
My second experience happened in religion class with a question in the book that asked, “Have you ever had an experience that made you very sad?” An African-American girl raised her hand and shared what had happened in the last week. She and her best friend, who was white, were walking home together from school. When they reached her friends home, the mother came out, grabbed her daughter and said to her, “I don’t ever want to see you again with that girl.” I knew how the two liked and enjoyed each other and my heart was pained by the evil of racism. The girls did continue to be friends in school.
What drew you to the SSND Community?
I went to school at St. Joseph’s in Galeon, Ohio. It was the sisters’ attitude that drew me. On the playground, Sisters Designata and Casper had so much fun with us and with each other. Sister Timia was the cook sister and forever smiling. I wanted their happiness, but when I thought of leaving home and going to far-away Milwaukee, I wanted my vocation to go away. It didn’t, and at age 16, I decided to give it a try. I was filled with fear as I took my first train ride, alone. I had to change trains in Chicago and go by taxi to another depot. I was scared but at every turn, there was someone to help me. Angels appeared when I needed them. When a cab drive saw me pounding on the big door of the prison-looking mother, old motherhouse and getting no response, he came to my rescue and showed me how to get into the entrance, rang the doorbell, and waited with me until a very friendly and welcoming sister came to the door. I walked through those big double doors and all my fears were gone. I felt I was where I should and wanted to be.
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I would like people to know of our wonderful foundation in the heritage of Mothers Theresa and Caroline and how their spirit moves us to change according to the needs of today and to make Christ visible in our world.
What is your current ministry?
I live in our retirement home in Elm Grove. Since I am 90 and much slower in everything I do, I enjoy spending my time in prayer and presence.
Sister Regina’s missions:
St. Anne, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Augustine, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. George, Kenosha, Wis.
St. Francis Xavier, Green Bay, Wis.
Holy Cross, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Nicholas, Milwaukee, Wis.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
St. Mary, Alexandria, Ind.
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Regina and two SSND associates,
Peg Murphy and Barb Badanish, enjoy a
gathering at Notre Dame of Elm Grove.
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.