Jubilarian – 2009
Diane M. Ruplinger-Zoeller, SSND
(Former religious name: Mary Pascal)
Professed in 1959
Sister Diane celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, nursing assistant and volunteer pastoral care minister.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
Little did I realize when I received the religious name of Mary Pascal at reception in 1958 that it would signify the Paschal Mystery which would define my religious life. The first years of teaching – approximately 20 – I spent in elementary education, very often preparing the second and third graders for reception of the Eucharist. St. Pascal Baylon, my patron was very devoted to the Eucharist. The next 27 years up to the present, I worked as a CNA or certified nursing assistant at Notre Dame of Elm Grove. With 16 years on third shift and 11 on second shift, I frequently stood at the bedside of one of my sisters and prayed as she left this world for her heavenly home. This was life, death and resurrection – the Paschal Mystery personified.
What drew you to the SSND Community?
The contagious joy of my SSND grade school teachers – who taught at Christ King school in Wauwatosa in the 1940s drew me to this community. They were serious in school but when they were together, they shared a special happiness with each other and radiated it to those outside. I also happened to have an aunt that I idolized who was a School Sister of Notre Dame.
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame has been education. We have been involved in teaching from pre-school to adult in school around the globe. From education, we have branched out to numerous ministries, always to fulfill a present need. Opportunities to serve others in various capacities are great. Life is a teaching and a learning experience. It involves joy and sacrifice, difficulties and blessings. And the rewards are great.
What is your current ministry?
Currently, I work as a CNA at Notre Dame of Elm Grove as a pool or substitute on second shift. At Clement Manor, I am a volunteer pastoral care minister and member of the welcome committee. Pastoral care here involves lectoring, distributing Holy Communion, presiding at Communion services, ushering, cross-bearing, appointing participants in the various liturgies, visiting the elderly – especially those who have experienced a loss or who are upset. The welcome committee visits new residents to explain the schedules of activities and some of the services. We show them around, bring them to a meal in the Rainbow Room, introduce them to other residents and answer their questions. We also conduct tours during open houses. I minister at Clement Manor with the School Sisters of Saint Francis.
Sister Diane Marie’s missions:
St. Nicholas, Freedom, Wis.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Marinette, Wis.
St. Joseph, Wauwatosa, Wis.
St. Joseph, Oconto, Wis.
St. Mary, Elm Grove, Wis.
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, Wis.
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Clement Manor, Greenfield, Wis.
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.