Jubilarian – 2009
Mary Caroline Jakubowski, SSND
Professed in 1959
Sister Mary Caroline Jakubowski celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She ministered as teacher, administrator, provincial leader, social worker, artist and graphic designer.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
Since entering religious life, there has been no experience without meaning, and in all cases, achievement at some level. For many of these years, however, I have been privileged to serve the sisters in leadership. As a result, I have been allowed to get to know the beauty of each sister, been deeply impressed by their spirituality, dedication and service, and have been blessed by their love and support.
Another rich blessing has been the many ways in which I worked with children. Classroom teaching was fun. Serving as school principal expanded my circle of friends and helped strengthen my leadership skills. And then, working with pregnant teens and foster children gave me a tiny taste of motherhood. What more could a woman ask in a single lifetime?
What drew you to the SSND Community?
The School Sisters of Notre Dame were part of my DNA…in that Sister Angella Masaski was my mother’s sister. How proud I was to claim her. In addition, I was taught by all SSNDs at St. Mary Czestochowa and St. Casimir in Milwaukee.
I believe that my vocation was nurtured from early on. Sister Prudentia recommended that I take art lessons at the SSND Motherhouse in downtown Milwaukee, which I did for eight years. At times, when in the sixth grade, I was allowed to begin a lesson before Sister Lucilda returned from lunch and sometimes was asked to teach a bit of art or music to Sister Antilia’s fourth graders, while Sister was working with the altar boys.
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are grounded in sound theology and prayer. They listen to the Holy Spirit, the Church, one another and do all that is possible to respond to the needs of the times, just as Mothers Theresa and Caroline did. Our readiness to respond to the cries of the earth and God’s people are examples of this.
What is your current ministry?
Currently, I am a graphic designer with a small, community-blessed business called Caroline Design. My mission is to make quality graphics available to church-based groups and entities that serve women and children. This is an enriching way to round out my ministerial life and to use the artistic skills that have been affirmed and supported throughout my life.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I AM SO PROUD TO BE A SCHOOL SISTER OF NOTRE DAME!
Sister Mary Caroline’s missions:
St. Mary, Burlington, Wis.
St. Vincent de Paul, Milwaukee, Wis.
Caroline Academy, Mequon, Wis.
St. Agnes, Butler, Wis.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
Catholic Social Services, Winona, Minn.
Provincialate, Milwaukee, Wis.
Rentokil Tropical Plants, Evanston, Ill.
Catholic Charities, Waukegan, Ill.
Caroline Design, Park City, Ill.
Photos of Sister Mary Caroline show her in original habit (top-left, before 1963), in modified habit (lower, after 1963) with Sister Angella Masalski (left), as they admire the baby Sister Caroline holds and in a further modified habit while at St. Agnes School, Butler (top-right, about 1970)
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.