Jubilarian – 2009
Carol Schmitz, SSND
(Former religious name: Fatima)
Professed in 1949
Sister Carol Schmitz celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, administrator, councilor for province and congregation, director, pastoral care worker, local leader and volunteer.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
In 1982, called to serve in our Generalate in Rome brought me delightfully to meeting and living with our sisters who came from various countries. I surely enjoyed my six years there.
While in Rome, I met a priest who was one of the many who came to visit the Nigerian sisters who had been invited to live with us. They were of a different congregation, and were often visited by their companions. One of the priests who visited them, told me that I, too, should go to Nigeria when I finished my work in Rome. Strangely enough, three years later, I went to Nigeria and an SSND from Baltimore came to live with me there. She had her work to do. The priest who had invited me had now become Bishop! And he offered me a ministry that I had not expected! It was to teach young men who wanted to become priests. I also served them as spiritual director. I was there eight happy years. – I still receive telephone calls from at least six of them. Teaching can become loving!
What drew you to the SSND Community?
My parents had attended schools with SSND teachers: my Dad at St. Michael and Mom at St. Elizabeth. Dad’s sister became a Notre Dame – Sister Pacidia. Dad liked his schooling and Mom liked hers – and we had moved closed to St. Elizabeth, so my three brothers and I went there – and we were happy! When I left St. Elizabeth, I went to Messmer. I’d been doing a lot of thinking, and one day, my teacher suggested I do something (can’t remember exactly what it was) and I heard myself say – “Oh, I’m going to the convent.” And, yes, I entered the very next year – and here I am, as happy as ever!
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I would like people to know that most sisters of the past became teachers. But times have changed, and so have we. Our role is certainly to help people, and there are many things besides school learning that are important. We have elderly sisters who can’t walk far, talk loud, etc. but they pray. We all pray for those in need!
What is your current ministry?
I am currently involved as a member of the SS. Peter and Paul Church choir. I serve as a spiritual guide with a group at St. Veronica Parish. I help to “feed the hungry at our door.” I enjoy caring for the many plants we have and I’m finally beginning to use my wonderful art paints. I really like to do the faces of people!
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I would like to share joy, happiness, kindness and gratitude for all that people do for us.
Sister Carol’s missions:
St. Patrick, Menasha, Wis.
Our Lady of Peace, Marshfield, Wis.
St. Aloysius, West Allis, Wis.
Mary Queen of Heaven, West Allis, Wis.
St. Nicholas, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Joseph Orphanage, Green Bay, Wis.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam
St. Bernard, Appleton, Wis.
Generalate, Rome, Italy
St. Hyacinth, Milwaukee, Wis.
Visitation, Elm Grove, Wis.
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, Wis.
Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria
St. John De Nepomuc, Milwaukee, Wis.
Interprovincial Novitiate, St. Louis, Mo.
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
SSND Residence, Milwaukee, 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.