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
- impels us to radical discipleship
What are the 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
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
Our Newest Associates
Sherri Ferguson
St. Paul, Florence
Sherri is married to Mark, and they live in Sparta, KY, with their two children. She has been coming to the women’s retreats at the Heights for about five years. Sherri is a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. Her sponsor is Sister Mary Dolores Giblin.
Kathy Kramer
Mother of God
Kathy is married to Larry. She has known the Sisters of Notre Dame for four years, attending the women’s retreats. Kathy is a project manager at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. Her sponsor is Sister Mary Lea Paolucci.
Marlene Lutkenhoff
Sts. Peter and Paul, California, KY
Marlene is married to Douglas, and they have five children. She got to know the Sisters by attending the women’s retreat. Marlene is a nurse, retired from Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. Her sponsor is Sister Mary Ruth Agnes Delaney.
Sharon Petit
St. John, Covington
Sharon is married to Mike, and they have two children. She has known the Sisters for 28 years, from St. John Parish and Notre Dame Academy. Sharon Petit is a psychiatric nurse and works with her husband. Her sponsor is Sister Mary Magdelyn Strittholt.