A Historic Step in Our Journey

This year marked an important transition in the life of the Notre Dame Sisters in Omaha. After more than a century as a province of the international Notre Dame congregation, we have transitioned to a canonical religious house.

As our community has grown smaller, the provincial governance structure, in which leadership is elected by the Sisters, was no longer practical. Following prayer, conversation, and discernment, the Sisters voted to request this change from our international congregational leadership.

In August 2026, the transition became official. Sr. Rita Ostry was appointed Coordinator of the Canonical Religious House of the Notre Dame Sisters in Omaha, with Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer appointed to assist her. Their appointments were made by Mother Metoda, General Superior of the Notre Dame Sisters, who has come to know our Omaha community well through her visits to the United States and conversations with each of the Sisters.

While our governance structure has changed, who we are has not. Our daily life, community, ministry, prayer, and Notre Dame spirit continue. We remain deeply grateful for the prayers, friendship, and support that have accompanied us through the years and especially during this time of transition.

As we begin this new chapter, we are encouraged by the many ways the Notre Dame spirit continues to live on—not only through the Sisters, but through the countless people whose lives have been touched by our shared mission. We move forward with gratitude for our past, confidence in the present, and hope for what lies ahead.

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We are a group of consecrated Catholic women dedicated to serving God, each other, and our world.
Through our service and ministries, we strive to meet the unmet needs of those in our community and throughout the world. As we continue to respond to the call of Christ as women of faith and prayer, we commit ourselves to building a global Christian community in joyful, loving service to others.

HISTORY RICH IN SERVICE