What We Do

The School Sisters of Notre Dame have taught thousands of students throughout the United States, Africa, and Latin America.

Today our ministry of education has expanded through advocacy and service to those in need within parishes, crisis shelters, nursing homes and social service centers. For us education means helping people reach the fullness of their potential.

Well past traditional retirement years, our senior sisters continue to serve as tutors, mentors, volunteers and companions and through the ministry of prayer. Through participation in the landmark study on aging and Alzheimer's disease, The Nun Study, they are the focus of the book, Aging with Grace, by Dr. David Snowdon, and have been featured on national television, National Geographic and Time magazines.

Education
SSNDs serve as administrators, teachers, librarians, and tutors in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and universities.

Pastoral Work
In a continued effort to promote human dignity, foster values that reveal the reign of God, and confront with the Gospel message those elements that impede human development and unity, SSNDs serve in hundreds of programs at both the diocesan and parish level. Sisters serve as pastoral associates, directors of religious education programs, teachers, and spiritual directors.

Health Care
Through their involvement in health care ministries, SSNDs become a channel of God’s transforming healing power. Sisters minister as chaplains, dentists, nurses, nurse practitioners and mental health professionals in hospitals, clinics, retirement facilities, and home health care.

Social Work
In response to cultural and educational needs that necessitate going beyond school walls, the sisters work in the community as counselors, social workers, and chaplains in prisons and detention centers.

Justice and Peace
The School Sisters of Notre Dame have a special commitment to helping persons who are poor and for working for justice in the world. SHALOM is the SSND International Network for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. SHALOM joins its voice with those who cry for justice and provides a voice for those who are voiceless in their struggle for justice. As a registered non-governmental agency, the SSNDs have a fulltime representative at the United Nations.