Partners: School Sisters of Notre Dame
SSND History
The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) was created to address the educational needs of 
women and children during the 19th century when Germany was in a time of poverty and political strife. As a result of these difficulties, children, primarily girls, were deprived of any type of formal education and as a result lived their lives as illiterate adults. To address these social and political issues, the School Sisters of Notre Dame was founded in 1833 by Caroline Gerhardinger (Mary Theresa of Jesus) to offer a remedy to the issues through the means of education. Caroline, along with the help of Father Michael Wittmann, took over the school and chose the Christian education of girls as the vital service her religious community would offer.
Today, while many of the sisters are still teachers, they do not all work in the classroom. Instead, they continue to focus on prayer, community life, ministry and education while spreading Jesus' message of love and unity throughout the world.
SSND Defining Characteristics
As a response to the call of Christ, SSND sponsored organizations pursue a Christian vision of what the human person is called to be. This is characterized by:
- a conviction that educational excellence empowers those served to reach their full potential as individuals and enables them to direct their giftedness toward transforming the world;
- a sense of responsibility for the world, especially the needs of women, youth , and other persons who are marginalized;
- a commitment to work for unity in a divided world, unity that is evidenced by inclusivity, internationality, and community building at all levels;
- openness to radical transformation, responding to issues of justice, peace, and integrity of creation, as well as to working for systemic change, as appropriate.
Sponsorship
SSND fulfills its mission and defining characteristics in many ways. One of which is through the sponsorships of organizations, such as the TYME OUT Youth Center. As a sponsored organization, TYME OUT shares the same defining characteristics, values, and dedication to education as the SSND.
Other SSND Sponsored Organizations
In our Milwaukee province, the School Sisters of Notre Dame sponsor three organizations. Their sponsorship allows for their creation and growth with the spirit and charism of the SSNDs rooted in their governing structures and daily operations. Other sponsored organizations include the School Sisters of Notre Dame Middle School, School Sisters of Notre Dame High School, and Mount Mary College.
For more detailed information on SSND History, please visit www.ssnd-milw.org or www.ssnd.org
