Jubilarian – 2010
Mary Elsa Metternich, SSND
Professed in 1935
Sister Mary Elsa Metternich celebrates 75 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. As an educator, she taught in elementary, intermediate and secondary schools. The two areas where she spent numerous years in ministry were Michigan and the South Pacific.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
Working with people of many different cultures has been very meaningful for me. I taught Native American children at Holy Child School, in Harbor Springs, Mich. In 1956, I went to Guam for the first time and, three years later, became principal of Mount Carmel School in Agat. I have also taught students in Ebeye and Yap. For a while, I worked with the school health program in Yap. As a medical assistant, I travelled by boat for 16 to18 days at a time, caring for the sick on the Caroline Islands and Marshall Islands. I have been blessed by experiencing the beauty of people and their willingness to share what they had.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
As a youngster, I first saw pictures of Sisters in books and magazines. I asked my parents who these women were and what they were doing. Then I met the SSNDs who taught me at Saint Augustine School, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and admired them because they were so caring, giving and such happy women.
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
As SSNDs, we know first-hand the peace and joy of a community willing to offer services wherever we’re needed.
In my current ministry…
I am 94 years old; so, now I can retire. I live at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, where the other Sisters and I offer our prayers and presence to the community.
Sister Mary Elsa’s missions:
St. Benedict School, Blue Island, Ill.
St. Mary, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Holy Childhood, Harbor Springs, Mich.
St. Francis, Yona, Guam
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam
St. Gabriel, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Holy Name, Sheboygan, Wis.
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam
St. Mary, Yap, Caroline Islands
Queen of Peace, Ebeye, Marshall Islands
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, Wis.
Various Places, Milwaukee, Wis.
Retirement Center, Sun City, Ariz.
SSND Casa de Desierto, Sun City, Ariz.
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, 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.