School Sisters of Notre Dame

The School Sisters of Notre Dame strive to empower people, especially those who are poor, women and children, to reach their full potential.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province are vowed members of an international congregation within the Catholic Church, serving God’s people on five continents. We have had a presence in Mankato, Minnesota since 1865.                  

The congregation was established in Bavaria in 1833 by Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, in the midst of political and social upheaval, and widespread poverty. In the belief that the renewal of society depended on the Christian family, in which the mother, the first educator, had a key role, the Christian education of girls would be the vital service offered by our community. 

In response to a request to teach the increasing numbers of German immigrant children in the United States, Blessed Theresa and five other sisters arrived in New York in 1847. School Sisters of Notre Dame were instrumental in establishing the parochial school system in the United States. Since that time, the School Sisters of Notre Dame have taught thousands of students throughout the United States, Africa and Latin America. 

Today, our ministry of education has expanded to include advocacy and service to those in need within parishes, crisis shelters, nursing homes and social service centers. For us, education means empowering people, especially those who are poor, women and children, to reach their full potential as individuals created in God’s image.

 We continue to educate in schools and in other areas where there is urgent need, to care for children and people who are in need because of poverty, to support and encourage women, and to work for justice and peace.

“Let us begin now to do earnestly what we one day we wish we had done.” ~ Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, 1850 

We welcome you to partner with us, through your donation, so we can continue “to do earnestly” the work which is before us and respond to the critical needs of the world community. Thank you for your support.