Jubilarian – 2009
Mary Hope Tritz, SSND
Professed in 1949
Sister Mary Hope Tritz celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, administrator, leader, coordinator, pastoral care worker and volunteer
A meaningful time or achievement in my ministry…
As I reflected on my past, two different “reactions” came to mind. I have had so many different assignments, and to me each one was very meaningful. I loved elementary school teaching, high school teaching, community “service” – coordinator, novice director, ministry to the sick and elderly – and parish pastoral ministry. Each ministry was very meaningful and I loved each one. Regarding achievement – from my perspective – God always “used” me to accomplish what God wanted! I didn’t achieve!
What drew you to the SSND Community?
I had one SSND teacher in grades 6, 7, 8 and felt called to become a sister. However, being in the LaCrosse diocese, and having relatives and friends as LaCrosse Franciscans, they were trying to talk me into joining them. I considered it, and planned to make application when a few of us went to visit them. As soon as I arrived, I KNEW I did NOT what to go there – no reason – I just felt it strongly in my heart! So, when my parent brought me to the SSNDs on Milwaukee Street, as I walked up the stairs, I KNEW this was where I BELONGED!
What would you like people today to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I appreciate what the mission advancement department, PDIC (personal development in community) and many sisters do to share information regarding what SSND mission is and how we strive to carry it out in a variety of ways.
What is your current ministry?
I serve as assistant local leader for the Theresa 2 wing at Notre Dame of Elm Grove (NDEG). I live and work at NDEG, as an assistant to Sister Marie Estelle Kuczynski. Sister Amy Refugia and I work together on T2 and Sister Mary Faith Parkinson serves as an assistant community leader for the rest of the community. So – we are a “gang” of four!
Sister Mary Hope’s missions:
St. Nicholas, Milwaukee, Wis.
Lourdes High School, Oshkosh, Wis.
Holy Name Central, Escanaba, Mich.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
St. Mary, Menasha, Wis.
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
St. Hyacinth, Milwaukee, Wis.
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, Wis.
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Bernadette Parish, Milwaukee, Wis.
Nursing Homes, Milwaukee, Wis.
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Mary Hope is pictured in different forms of the habit. The lower photo is a snapshot taken with her parents.
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.