Over the course of a school career, students will have many teachers. Some may stand out just a bit more than others, and if one is truly lucky, the right teacher may provide a much-needed spark of inspiration and assurance.

Sister Carolyn Sur, not much older than her students at the time, was just starting out on her own journey as a sister and teacher when she had Carol Rhodes (now Toney) in her algebra class. For her part, Carol was already hoping to drop the class on the first day of school. Remaining in that class ultimately fostered a special student-teacher relationship which exists to this day, and which Carol credits with building her confidence and setting her on a path which has trekked across the globe.

As we recognize the contributions of the many School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) who have retired from long and inspiring careers in education, it is important to remember that SSND is still active in today’s educational system.

SSND are present as teachers, professors, tutors and administrators in both SSND-sponsored and affiliated ministries and beyond.

Sister Julie Brandt is just one such SSND, currently serving as president of a school system in Minnesota. In this article, she shares what inspired her to life as a SSND and how the congregation remains a steadfast example of caring, engaged and inspiring educators.

The week of March 8-14 celebrates Catholic Sisters Week. As we recognize the impact of sisters in our lives, it seems a good time to reshare an article from our archives which explains the differences between a sister and a nun – they are not the same!

While both are vowed women religious, nuns typically live cloistered lives, focusing on prayer, meditation and quieter contemplation. While sisters, such as School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), participate in more active ministries and are visible, engaged members of their community. For SSND, this includes the congregation’s well-known legacy as educators, alongside such other essential roles as caregivers, spiritual directors, advocates, mentors and more. It might be said that all nuns are sisters, since “sister” is often the title used when referring to a woman religious, but not all sisters are nuns.