Jubilarian – 2010
Mariel Kreuziger, SSND
Professed in 1950
Sister Mariel Kreuziger celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Her current ministry in the Appalachian area of Ohio brings food for body and soul to the people.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
My years of ministry as an SSND are the building blocks that have led me to my diamond jubilee celebration. While all these years have been precious to me, I will cite two instances which grew out of my whole past.
I was invited to be organist and choir director at Saint James Parish, in Belvidere, Illinois, after twenty years of absence from working in the field of music. Needless to say, I spent many hours getting my fingers to fly over the keys again. And then it happened! I played with more ease and joy than I ever had done in the past. Each note became a prayer of praise to God. Four choirs and cantors brought me back to life, to resurrection. I am forever grateful to them.
A second time that I would like to share is when I began my current ministry at Sacred Heart Retreat House, in Torch, Ohio. Preparing for scripture classes and retreats drew me more deeply into the mystery of God. Sharing with the people has been an overpowering God-experience in my life, with each encounter helping me become who I am today. My love for the SSND community has grown as a result of walking with our SSND Associates in the Ohio area. For them, I am deeply grateful as well.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
I had four wonderful Sisters as teachers during my grade school years. I wanted to be a teacher. My two aunts, Sister Florence Stangler and Sister Mary Ellen Stangler, were also role models for me.
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are a wonderful community of dedicated women who keep the charism of our Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger alive and well. SSNDs, as an international community, work to transform the world through education. I’m proud to be a member of such a community.
In my current ministry…
Currently, I am retired but volunteer at Sacred Heart Retreat House. This ministry takes me into the Appalachian area of Ohio, where I give retreats and help maintain the retreat house and property. Along with Sister Henrita Gonia and our SSND Ohio Associates, we reach out to people through retreat house programs. Our Green Hope Garden project provides food for the needy, the opportunity to help cultivate the garden, as well as meditation areas for those who need quietude and rest. Families come together and celebrate who they are. Children come to pool parties in our swimming pool. Bit by bit, we break down barriers about religious Sisters and the Catholic Church.
Looking back and looking ahead…
Thank you, God, for giving me a long life in the SSND community to grow in appreciation of the many gifts I’ve received over these past 60 years. Thanks to my parents who helped nurture my vocation to religious life, especially through their good example of Christian living and sharing. Thanks also to my nine brothers and sisters who continue to support me. I am so grateful.
Sister Mariel’s missions: 
St. Joseph, Peoria, Ill.
St. Aloysius, West Allis, Wis.
St. Peter, Beaver Dam, Wis.
Notre Dame High School, Milwaukee, Wis.
Columbus High School, Marshfield, Wis.
St. Mary's High School, New England, N.D.
Holy Angels, West Bend, Wis.
Diocese of Marquette, Marquette, Mich.
St. Peter, Beaver Dam, Wis.
St. James, Belvidere, Ill.
Diocesan Satellite Office, Athens, Ohio
Sacred Heart Retreat Center, Coolville, Ohio
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.