We can also learn from the call stories of others.  The following are personal accounts of Sisters and their journeys into religious life.  These stories may help you come to know more clearly how God is calling you ... often it is in the very ordinariness of our lives. God was offering me a choice ... I watched them closely ... I was attracted by their way of life of prayer... The Sisters were always so happy to see them ... Why I am happy to be an SSND ... More stories... Return to "Am I Being Called?"

"I was attracted by their way of life of prayer..."

Sister Helen Schneider

From early childhood I had a fairly close association with sisters and was attracted to them because of their way of life, the prayer, the reaching out to others in need, and especially because of their dedication to teaching children.  I had an aunt who was a sister, and a cousin and my own sister had entered the community when I was only five years old.  I was taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame both in elementary school and in high school.  The thought of joining them never left me as I closely observed their way of life in my association with them.  As the years passed, my desire to be like them in reaching out to and teaching children grew stronger.  After high school, I reluctantly received my father's consent.  At that time, rules in most religious communities were quite strict and I believe my father did not want that separation from another daughter.  As rules relaxed and family visits became more frequent, he became very happy about my way of life. 

In my search I obtained information about other congregations, both active and contemplative, but I felt strongly that God was calling me to join the School Sisters of Notre Dame, where I would teach children how to live good Christian lives together in harmony and also give them a solid education.  I attained my desire when I joined the congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, was trained and educated to be a teacher, and then sent out to teach.  For 31 years, I spent time in the elementary schools as a teacher and then as a principal.  Later on, my call was in various phases of education in administration.  Then I returned to further studies, becoming a canon lawyer to minister to persons who experienced loss in broken marriages where much healing and compassion is needed.  In all of my ministries, I have felt fulfilled and grateful that my desire to live this way of life of dedication to God, to church and to God's people has been realized with the support of family, community and God's gift. 

Today Sister Helen's ministry is one of prayer, presence and service to our Motherhouse community as sacristan.