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School Sisters of Notre Dame:
A “Powerhouse” in Canada and beyond for 80 years

February 14, 2007

The Motherhouse for the Canadian Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) sits atop the Niagara escarpment next to massive power lines that send hydro-electric power from Niagara Falls throughout Ontario. Opened 80 years ago on February 14, 1927, Notre Dame Motherhouse has been and remains a powerhouse of prayer and service from which SSNDs radiate throughout Canada and England. Their goal: to shed the light of Christ and the light of knowledge where there is urgent need.

The congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame was founded in 1833 by Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger in Bavaria Germany. Her focus was on the education of girls since she knew that as mothers they would be the first educators in the family and key to the renewal of the family and of society. She believed that education was the most effective way to bring about change in society. Today the congregation continues to emphasize the education and empowerment of women, children, and persons who are poor, so that they may reach their full potential and use their gifts to build a better world. By the time Blessed Theresa died in 1879 there were over 2,500 Sisters in mission in Europe and North America.

In 1871 Sisters were sent from the mission in Milwaukee to administer an orphanage and teach in St. Agatha, Ontario. Soon others were sent to educate young people in other communities in Southern Ontario and Saskatchewan. By 1927 there were 19 SSND convents in Canada.

Up until 1927, Sisters were sent from the United States to Canada. Canadians interested in joining the congregation traveled to Milwaukee for their initial religious formation. Over time it became apparent that the uniqueness of the Canadian culture would be best served by establishing a Canadian site where Canadian women could receive their formation within the congregation and from which Sisters could be sent to meet the urgent needs in Canada and beyond. The beautiful site on the edge of Waterdown, Ontario, was chosen.

There have been many changes over the years in religious life, in the Motherhouse structure and uses, in the Canadian province, and in the ministries of the sisters. What remains the same is the SSND educational vision.

Traditionally this educational vision was largely expressed in school settings. However, right from the start the Sisters also sought opportunities to educate in innovative ways in orphanages and nurseries, and in evening and weekend classes for women working in factories.

The educational vision continues in the Canadian Province in new ways today, in workshops that raise awareness of global justice issues related to human trafficking and ecological sustainability, in developing ways to collaborate with school systems and Catholic lay leadership, in raising awareness of the goals of the United Nations ’ goals, especially as these relate to education, the needs of women and children, and the alleviation of poverty.

Today the Notre Dame Motherhouse continues to be a powerhouse. The sisters in the ministry of prayer and presence make it a powerhouse supporting those sent to minister in Canada, England, Italy and the USA, and in the SSND mission extensions of South America and Africa. Together with 3,800 School Sisters of Notre Dame in 36 countries, they work to empower persons through education believing that in this way the world can become a better place for all.

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For more information contact:
Patricia Stortz, Communications Coordinator

Transforming the world through education.