Jubilarian – 2010
Paul-Mary Draxler, SSND
Professed in 1950
Sister Paul-Mary Draxler celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has taught children and improved teacher education. In a role reversal, she just completed the third year in a four-year bible study program.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
The most remarkable opportunity of my life was my time on Ebeye, a tiny speck of land in the middle of the Pacific, where I realized the vastness and magnificence of God’s creation and experienced the beauties of four cultures other than my own. The Marshallese teachers needed further education in order for the school to survive without foreign support. With approval of the pastor and the Prefect Apostolic, many SSND Sisters from our province and beyond, the Jesuits, and U.S. colleges began the collaborative Queen of Peace Teacher Education Program. Because of my innovative personality, I have enjoyed opportunities to improve children’s education. In each school where I was principal, we opened a kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and/or preschool with childcare, and updated curricula to meet or exceed current standards.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
I was drawn to SSND through my elementary school teachers and my older sibling, S. Mary Raymond. As a child, I thought of becoming a teacher, a missionary and a contemplative. I decided I’d never be holy enough to be a contemplative, and the prospect of being killed as a missionary definitely did not appeal to me. I admired my SSND sister and my teachers. So, here I am, an SSND who taught, was given the privilege to be a missionary (and survived), and is called in retirement to be contemplative. How’s that for getting what you ask for?! (Thank you, God!)
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are a worldwide congregation, aware and willing to respond to global opportunities and challenges. Dedication to the Eucharist and to Mary sustain our efforts to educate those whom we are called to serve. Service includes formal education, but also education for social justice, environmental preservation and other concerns.
In my current ministry…
I am currently retired but fill the spare time. I continue to teach ninth and tenth graders religion in preparation for Confirmation, am Eucharistic minister to patients in our local hospital, participate in prayer/study groups, and have just completed the third of a four-year bible course sponsored by the La Crosse Diocese through Viterbo University.
Looking back and looking ahead…
Celebrate! God is good!
Sister Paul-Mary’s missions:
St. Patrick, Menasha, Wis.
St. Leo, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. Francis Xavier, DePere, Wis.
St. Philip, Rudolph, Wis.
St. Stephen, Stevens Point, Wis.
St. Augustine, Milwaukee, Wis.
St. John Baptist, Marshfield, Wis.
Mid-state Technical Institute, Marshfield, Wis.
Wholistic Growth Center, Little Falls, Minn.
Queen of Peace, Ebeye, Marshall Islands
St. Mary School, Auburndale, Wis.
SSND Residence, Marshfield, Wis.
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.