Jubilarian – 2010
Joel Patrice Christy, SSND
Professed in 1960
Sister Joel Patrice Christy celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has served as a pastoral assistant, taught handicapped children, and is currently director of the day care center that she founded in Charleston, W. Va.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
So many experiences stand out in my mind that it’s hard to highlight just one. As a pastoral assistant, I had the humbling experience of holding people in my arms as they passed away and then working with their families in the intertwining of hope and sorrow that we call the grieving process. As a teacher, what could be more rewarding than preparing a handicapped child for First Communion and sharing the joy of parents in knowing that their entire family could be strengthened, together, through the Body and Blood of Jesus?
What drew me to the SSND Community…
I remember the first SSND that I had ever met. Sister Mary Ernest Gibson was my teacher in first grade, and I wanted to be just like her. Throughout grade school and high school, wonderful experiences with our Sisters followed one upon the other.
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
After 50 years, I can tell you first-hand that we have changed with the times but still retain our interest in education. Like other SSNDs, I have engaged in different forms of ministry over the years, but we remain essentially educators—by example, careers and way of life.
In my current ministry…
In 1987, I started Sacred Heart Day Care Center in Charleston, W.Va. As director of the center, I now collaborate with doctors and lawyers who used to sit on my lap in their preschool days! Some of the staff members and I have been working side-by-side for 17 years (and still counting). Our rector, Msgr. Sadie, is ever supportive.
Looking back and looking ahead…
I can’t think of one day since I entered the SSND community in 1958 that I’ve been other than happy to be a religious Sister. It’s a good life, full of friends, work and love.
Sister Joel Patrice’s missions:
Holy Name, Sheboygan, Wis.
St. John Vianney, Brookfield, Wis.
St. Mary, Elm Grove, Wis.
St. Coletta School, Jefferson, Wis.
Cardinal Cushing School, Hanover, Mass.
St. Paul, Bloomer, Wis.
Notre Dame of Dallas Special School, Dallas, Texas
St. Clement, Lancaster, Wis.
Sacred Heart Center, Charleston, W.Va.
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.