Jubilarian – 2009
Mary Brigid O'Reilly, SSND
Professed in 1949
Sister Mary Brigid O’Reilly celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She ministered as a teacher, administrator and regional / provincial councilor.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
I loved being with our sisters as a regional and provincial councilor. To be so closely part of each one’s life was a gift. After 12 years, I returned to students and the classroom – bringing the love and prayers of SSNDs with me. For the next 23 years, I felt at home teaching seventh and eighth graders – loving the students, the staff, the work, the parishioners and for 19 of those years, being blessed in community – living with my sister, Sister Mary Denis.
What drew you to the SSND Community?
My sister entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame when I was in first grade. I was taught by SSNDs for the first seven years of my schooling until our family moved and we were in different parish boundaries. The sisters were happy to be living and working together – this spirit drew me to SSND.
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I would like people to know that we are dedicated women – single-minded in that God is our first love. We want others to see Christ by how we share our love, faith and hope.
What is your current ministry?
I serve by my prayer and presence at Notre Dame of Elm Grove (NDEG). We begin each day with Eucharist and I spend the day with my companion-sisters, helping wherever I am able, loving and being loved by the sisters and the staff.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I am grateful for God’s gifts – My life, my loving family, my education and all SSNDs.
Sister Mary Brigid’s missions:
St. Francis Xavier, Green Bay, Wis.
Notre Dame, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
St. Elizabeth, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Joseph, Logansport, Ind.
St. Mary, Grand Rapids, Mich.
St. Mary, Detroit, Mich.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
St. Peter and Paul, Merrillville, Ind.
St. Mary, Alexandria, Ind.
The collage on the right includes photographs of Sister Mary Brigid pictured in her original habit (1952) and in a modified habit (1987). The lower photograph with her blood sister, Sister Mary Denis (on the left) was taken at a 2006 farewell celebration held to honor them for their many years of service to St. Mary School, Alexandria, Indiana as they began their retirement.
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.