July 4, 2019 marks the 145th anniversary of the arrival of the first Sisters of Notre Dame in the United States.

When the Sisters of Notre Dame first arrived in America in 1874, one provincial house (in Cleveland) served the needs of all the sisters. 

by Sister Joan Terese Niklas, SND Archivist

In 1995 Sister Mary Albert Murphy was the first Sister of Notre Dame in the worldwide congregation to reach 80 years of Profession!

by Sister Mary Joan Terese Niklas, SND Archivist

"...History has a way of repeating itself. “Growing pains” were again experienced in 1979, calling for additional space for the dear older sisters and summer accommodations for the sisters residing in affiliations during the apostolic year. Joseph Hall with its 80 new rooms became a reality and was dedicated on December 8,1980 by Bishop William Hughes."

May 10, 1956 was groundbreaking for the new wing at St. Joseph Heights. Prior to Mass, Bishop Mulloy removed three shovelfuls of dirt outside the building during the groundbreaking ceremony. Then he returned to chapel, that was filled to overflowing. In his sermon the Bishop stated, “You have gathered brick and mortar and, more important, some of the money required for the project. The work is God’s. In His strength may you go forward so that more witnesses for Christ may be trained here at St. Joseph Heights for the years to come.” The new wing was called Mary Hall.

This month the focus is upon some of the “Above-Ground Treasures” in the yard at St. Joseph Heights.

Mr. Bob Kress is a treasure hunter. He attends the monthly meetings of Northern Kentucky Treasure Hunters. After retiring, Mr. Kress was able to spend more time with his hobby of metal detecting. In 2011 he requested permission to search the grounds of the provincial center for historic and interesting artifacts. Sr. M. Joan Terese Niklas, provincial archivist, was delighted with the project and hoped that the buried treasure of the St. Joseph medal (planted over 100 years ago) might be discovered. 

Ground was broken on March 19, 1926 – the feast of St. Joseph. The cornerstone was laid on September 12, 1926. From 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. a procession of children and adults, headed by acolytes, clergy and Bishop Howard, traveled from the sisters’ residence in Covington to the new building site. Six thousand participants were in the procession! Bishop Howard performed the ceremony, so rich in beauty and significance.

In 1914 the Sisters were encouraged by the purchase of the Heck Farm. The next challenge was the acquisition of funds to construct St. Joseph Heights. World War years (1914-1918) strained communication with the Generalate in Germany. Divine Providence supplied Mr. John F. Cook.

When Theodore Heck sold his farm to the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1912 (plus two additional acres in 1914), the Sisters’ property extended to approximately 54 acres. Twenty-two thousand dollars was the total price of the Heck Farm.

The Dream Began Here.

Where? The current Park Hills Animal Hospital at 1555 Dixie Highway. In 1907 this building was part of the Old Fedders Farm that was developed into three plats facing Lexington Pike (now Dixie Highway). The Sisters of Notre Dame bought the front plot.

November 13, 2017 was the 90th anniversary of the dedication of the St. Joseph Heights Provincial Center.

by Sr. Mary Jessica (Chardon Province)

On October 1, 1850, which we celebrate as our Foundation Day today, Hilligonde Wolbring and Elisabeth Kühling began their canonical novitiate as Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Annathal Convent in Coesfeld, Germany.

From the SND Annals: 

In 1982, Mother Teresa came to Kentucky for the dedication of her mission in Jenkins, Kentucky. While in Northern Kentucky, she stayed at St. Joseph Heights...an arrangement secretly planned for her security.

Did you know...in the 1920s, Sister Mary Philomena was called upon to take charge of the fundraising for the building of a provincial house on Dixie Highway and organizing the St. Joseph Heights Home Association?

Did you know...the Sisters of Notre Dame came to St. Joseph Children’s Home in Campbell County on May 1, 1877?

St. Joseph Children's Home had been established as a diocesan orphanage for boys. Previously, another religious community had staffed the home.

by Sr. Mary Joan Terese Niklas

Did you know...the time capsule within the cornerstone of the former Notre Dame Chapel on Fifth Street, Covington is enclosed in the files of the Provincial Archives?

The cornerstone is dated September 17, 1901. The time capsule bears the information that the document occurred under the reign of Leo XIII and Bishop Maes; Mother M. Cecilia, reverend mother and Sister M. Armella, provincial superior; and under the government of President Roosevelt.

by Sr. Mary Joan Terese Niklas

Did you know...the current parking lot at St. Joseph Heights was formerly a pond?

The current, large blacktop parking lot in the back yard of the provincial center replaced the original pond on Mr. Heck’s farm. In 1912 when Mr. Heck agreed to sell his farm to the Sisters of Notre Dame, the property included a pond. An amazing event occurred on the morning of March 18, 1933. 

by Sr. Mary Joan Terese Niklas

Did you know...why the Covington provincial center was (and is) called St. Joseph Heights?

In 1907 the Sisters of Notre Dame purchased a portion of the Fedders Farm (the current Park Hills Animal Hospital) and the adjacent Berry Farm on Lexington Pike/Dixie Highway.