Sister Mary Louise Van Straten, SSND

Having taught elementary school for 40 years, religious education for four years and having been a school secretary for seven years, I wondered what I would do when I retired to Notre Dame of Elm Grove. That question was answered very quickly when I was asked to be sacristan.

After a few years here, I joined the Peace and Justice Commission. As a member I am made aware of current issues, especially those affecting the poor, marginalized, and the environment. It helps me to know what issues to bring to prayer. In June of 2001, the School Sisters of Notre Dame joined the organization called For Whom the Bell Tolls and since then I keep track of each person scheduled for execution in the United States. On the execution day, we remember in prayer: the person being executed, the victim(s) and their families. We also pray for an end the death penalty in the U.S.

As a teacher, my greatest challenge was working with twelve emotionally disturbed children in one classroom. On the other hand, one of my greatest joys was to know that students appreciated what I did. I found this out when in the middle of the year when I moved from teaching fifth grade to fourth grade. As I walked into the fourth grade room, all the students clapped. I had had them the year before in third grade. (Another time when I moved from fifth to third, one of my former fifth graders was on patrol. As I walked my students to the corner, he jokingly said to me, "Sister, you flunked.") While serving as school secretary, I was challenged to use a computer. I was given a certain program and had to figure it out by myself. What a thrill when I got it to do what I wanted! I marvel at how God works through the inventions of men and women.

I felt God's call to be a religious from my earliest years. Growing up on a farm in De Pere, Wisconsin brought me closer to God through nature. I attended St. Mary's Grade School and De Pere High School. After graduation I decided to enter the convent. The hardest part about coming to the convent was leaving a very loving family. In fact, for a few days I was sick from loneliness. (At the time I entered the convent, sisters were allowed to return home only on the death of a parent.)