Jubilarian – 2010
Helen Marie Skierkowski, SSND
Professed in 1960
Sister Helen Marie Skierkowski celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. The call to religious life continues to be a joyful, unfolding mystery in her life.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
I wish I could describe all of the living and deceased SSNDs that have been an inspiration to me, either by their friendship, teaching or example. Knowing and sharing life with these women continues to be the best part of being an SSND. I have also known and worked with many dedicated lay people who have been an inspiration.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
What drew me to the SSNDs is still a mystery which has continued to unfold throughout the years. I can describe how I got to be an SSND.
I went to grade school at Saint Stanislaus, Michigan City, Ind., where the School Sisters of Notre Dame taught. The first time I remember thinking about being a Sister was when the principal came to our primary room and asked how many wanted to be Sisters when they grew up. I raised my hand, along with many others. Sister said she wondered how many would still have their hand up when they got to eighth grade. I decided then that my hand would be up. Through the grades, I thought of being other things, but in the back of my mind, I always remembered that I was going to be a Sister.
When my oldest sister, Ruth Ann, was in eighth grade and I was in sixth, she started talking about going to high school in Prairie du Chien, Wis., where the SSNDs had an aspiranture at Saint Mary’s Academy. I did not say much to others, but if that was how someone became a Sister, I decided that I was going to go there, too. During the next two years, I observed what Ruth Ann did when our family went to visit her.
During my eighth grade, a representative from the Michigan City High School came to talk about the opportunities at the school and to tentatively sign up students. I went home that day and told my parents that I did not sign up because I was going to Prairie du Chien.
As I look back, I believe my understanding of what it means to be an SSND grew as I matured and went through the stages of formation. I continue to grow in that understanding through retreats, workshops, reading, and reflection.
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
By visiting the Sister(s), you can get to know who we are. We also have publications and a Web site that highlight our ministries on five continents and in Oceania. Contact us anytime!
In my current ministry…
My current ministry is in the printing department of the SSND provincial offices. I have been in this ministry for my entire religious life. The school year of 1960-61, I attended classes in printing at what is now Milwaukee Area Technical College.
In my 49 years in the SSND print shop, the department has gone through two moves and several equipment updates. When I joined the department, it was a combination letterpress and offset operation. In the early 1980s, the computer replaced older typesetting equipment. Recently a digital press and copier were acquired for color work.
Looking back and looking ahead…
Along with printing, I had a part-time ministry from 1963 to 1997. I taught junior high students in religious education programs in Mequon, Grafton, Port Washington, Saukville, and Milwaukee. During these years, I studied off and on at Mount Mary College, graduating in 1979 with a BA in religious education.
Sister Helen Marie’s missions:
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
Motherhouse, Milwaukee, Wis.
SSND Provincial Offices, 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.