Sister Betty Uchytil, SSND

Professed in 1983

When I joined the School Sisters of Notre Dame at age 30 in 1980 I was considered a "delayed vocation." That doesn't ring true today. Like me, many women find themselves in meaningful careers and yet find something is missing in their lives. That is part of my vocation story!

I was taught by the SSNDs in grade school along with my seven brothers and one sister in Superior, WI. In high school, the La Crosse Franciscans taught me. I continued my college education at UW-Superior receiving a BS degree in Elementary Education. I felt fortunate to land my first teaching position right in my hometown. During my 10 years of teaching for the Superior Public School system, I dated, owned my own home and even raised three of my brothers before the gnawing feelings returned to me about religious life. Renewing my relationship with the SSNDs, but this time as a young adult, I felt the call to religious life come alive in me again.

I moved to Milwaukee, selling my house, leaving a tenured teaching position and joined the SSNDs. The rest is "no regrets" history!

I've continued my passion for education, receiving my Masters in Administrative Leadership, which took me to my first mission as a Principal in Huntington, IN. This also was my first experience as an educator in a Catholic School. The gift of living in community and ministering with other SSNDs and sharing in the SSND mission has given me enormous blessings.

As an international congregation, I've experienced the worlds of our sisters in many different countries come together to vision our future by participating in two international gatherings called a General Chapter. I've also had the privilege of working with our Japanese sisters in a mission school in Bandipur, Nepal. Hoping to impact the lives of all whom we minister to sometimes calls us out of our comfort zone. To be united with God's people, to give our lives, and to proclaim the good news is part of our SSND lifestyle. I know that I didn't have to go half way around the world to leave my comfort zone or to work with God's people, but I felt a great desire and call to be a missionary.

Again, God called me to move on. Just 10 months ago, I was elected to a leadership position on our Provincial Team for the Milwaukee Province. This new position continues to challenge and bless me as a woman of hope. God called me through my baptism to grow to my full potential. I believe being a School Sister of Notre Dame helps me fulfill that call each and every day. I am proud and grateful for my 23 years as an SSND.