Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame
Who is invited to be an Associate?
Christian women and men, married and single, are invited. Associates are called to share in the mission of Jesus Christ through the charism, spirituality, and ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame by a non-vowed commitment.
Associate Mission Statement
Drawn by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, we are called by our good and provident God to be a hope-filled presence in the world. This relationship deepens our relationship with God through prayer, moves us to solidarity with the poor and marginalized and impels us to radical discipleship.
Steps toward becoming an Associate?
- Inquiry meeting
- Prayerful discernment
- Submission of forms
- Interview with the directors
- Five formation sessions
- Meeting with sponsors
- Covenant retreat
- Covenant
How do Associates live out the Notre Dame charism through prayer and spirituality?
Most Associates participate in monthly faith sharing, attend Mass frequently, and attend an annual retreat. Many of Associates reflect on the Scriptures, do daily discernment, pray the rosary, attend exposition, and practice meditation.
How do Associates live out the Notre Dame charism through ministry?
In innumerable ways Associates are the eyes, ears, hands, and feet of Jesus…
- In their families
- In the provincial house
- In their parishes
- In health care facilities
- In schools
Associate Candidates 2012-13
Meet our 2012-13 Sisters of Notre Dame Associate Candidates. These Christian ladies and gentleman have pledged their intention and support to the SND Associate Program.
Pictured below: Leah Britt, Michele Ferguson, Bev Fischesser, Karen Iannetti, Joanne Kenner, Marilyn Polley, Beth Schoettle, Jim Schoettle, Cathy Stevens, and Mary Gayle Taney.
The Sisters of Notre Dame keep these individuals in their prayers as the candidates participate in fromation sessions and do daily discernment in their call to share in the mission of Jesus.
LEAH BRITT is married to Tim Britt, a deacon, and they have three children. Leah has been connected with the Sisters for her whole life through N.D.A., which her mom, aunts, she, and her sister attended. Her sister, Debbie Turner, is an Associate. Leah is an expanded duties dental assistant and office manager as well as a volunteer in R.C.I.A. at her parish, St. Mary, Alexandria. Leah’s sponsor is her NDA classmate, Sister Mary Judith Niewahner.
MICHELE FERGUSON from Lexington is married to Lee, who is a deacon candidate, and she has one stepson. She attends the women’s retreats each year with her sister-in-law, Sherri Ferguson, who is an Associate. Michele and her husband own a small carpet cleaning business, and she has returned to school at EKU to become an elementary school teacher. Michele is active in politics, in Pro-Life, and in her parish, Christ the King. Her sponsor is JoAnn McQueen.
BEV FISCHESSER is married to Jim, and they have two daughters and two granddaughters. She is a registered nurse in the field of oncology, serving newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. Bev also works at least one evening a week in Lourdes Hall. She participates in walks which promote cancer awareness. Bev enjoys walking, reading, and having quiet time with her family and dog. Her sponsor is her high school shorthand teacher, Sister Janet Marie Hoffman
KAREN IANNETTI from Cincinnati is married to Lou, and they have two grown children. She is recently retired from being a school librarian. Karen has attended many women’s retreats with her friend and Associate, Mary Ellen Millar. Her hobbies include photography and spending time with her grandchild. Karen has served in many ways at her parish, St. Veronica in Mt. Carmel, and now is taking care of her elderly parents. Sister Mary Reinette Kroeger is her sponsor.
JOANNE KENNER is married to Charlie, and together they have four children who live in different parts of the country and in Rome. Her connection with the Sisters of Notre Dame is through her daughter, who graduated from NDA, and through her friend, Leah Britt, who is also an Associate candidate. Joanne is active in her parish, the Covington Cathedral. She is also in charge of her husband’s dental office. Joanne’s sponsor is Sister Mary Margaret Agnes Hemmerle.
MARILYN POLLEY is a twin and has two sons. Her sister-in-law is Associate Jan Ferguson. Marilyn has worked for 3 ½ years as a certified nursing assistant in Lourdes Hall, where she loves the Sisters, because they have brought her closer to God. She has also done much volunteer work in Lourdes Hall with her friend and Associate, Mary Ann Stulz. Marilyn belongs to St. Henry Parish and has a second job at at Remke’s Market. She chose Sister Mary Sebastien Schmidt for her sponsor.
BETH SCHOETTLE is married to Jim, who is also an Associate candidate this year. They belong to Blessed Sacrament Parish and have one son, Kevin. She is the niece of Sisters Mary Kathelyn Fritz and Stefanie Fritz, who is her sponsor. Beth’s hobbies are cooking, baking, sewing, camping, and politics. She is a physical therapist assistant. Beth loves to learn more about her faith (through bible studies, reading, and the Mustard Seed community) and loves to share her faith to others.
JIM SCHOETTLE is married to Beth, an Associate candidate. Their son Kevin attended Julie Learning Center at St. Joseph Heights the first year it opened. Since starting to date his wife, he has been connected with our Sisters, who would go out of their way to make him and the family welcome. Jim does printing at Duro Bag and was a cub scout/boy scout leader. His hobbies are photography, video editing, biking, and hiking. His sponsor is fellow Associate, Rick McQueen.
CATHY STEVENS is married to Bob, and they have three grown daughters. She has volunteered at St. Charles Care Center, St. Joseph (Crescent Springs), Notre Dame Academy, and the Notre Dame Urban Education Center. Presently she volunteers at St. Elizabeth Hospital and takes neighbors and relatives to the doctor. Cathy enjoys running, biking, yoga, cooking, gardening, and working with the children at NDUEC. Cathy’s sponsor is Sister Mary Paul Ann.
MARY GAYLE TANEY is married to Pat, and they have three daughters and five grandchildren. They belong to St. Xavier Church in Cincinnati and live in Holy Cross Parish. Most of her ministry is devoted to Holy Cross High School, in her parish, and in the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Latonia area. Mary Gayle is retired from working in the nursing home environment. She loves music, singing, and spending time with her family. Mary Gayle’s sponsor is Sister Mary Tereze Deye.
How can I get further information?
Sisters of Notre Dame Associate Director
1601 Dixie Highway
Covington, KY 41011
Sister Mary Renee Nienaber, SND (859-635-4188)
Sister Mary Luann Bender, SND (859-331-9483)
Associates@sndky.org