Sr. Joy Connealy Celebrates 50 Years as a Notre Dame Sister
For Immediate Release (July 12, 2023) — The Notre Dame Sisters proudly honor and celebrate Sr. Joy Connealy as she marks an extraordinary milestone of 50 years as a devoted member of the Notre Dame Sisters. Sr. Joy’s unwavering commitment to her faith and tireless dedication to serving others have made a profound impact on the lives of many.
Born in 1949 in Macy, NE, Sr. Joy is the beloved daughter of the late Mick & Mary Jo Connealy. Growing up as the second child in a family of seven, she was nurtured in an environment of love, support, and strong family values. She received the sacrament of baptism at Holy Family Church in Decatur, NE, which laid the foundation for her lifelong spiritual journey.
Sr. Joy’s educational journey began at Norfolk Catholic High School, where she received a solid foundation in academics and faith formation. In 1967, she graduated and embarked on her higher education at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, NE, until 1969.
“I felt called to “give back” even before I knew any Catholic Sister! Coming from a farming community, a loving family and small faith community I didn’t have contact with religious women except during summer school. I admired their energy and love for life and got to know several religious communities through high school and college. But it wasn’t until I met the Notre Dame Sisters in college that I knew I had found a home. Their care for others opened a new world for me. Throughout my 50 years I have been affirmed and challenged and given the opportunity to grow in ways I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for this life of service.”
In 1971, Sr. Joy answered the call to religious life and entered the novitiate of the Notre Dame Sisters. During her career she served in Porcupine, SD on the Pine Ridge Reservation, in community service at Notre Dame Academy and as secretary to the President of the Notre Dame Sisters and as Executive Director of Teens Encounter Christ. For the past 37 years she has served as Provincial Treasurer, twelve of those years as a Councilor on the Notre Dame Sisters’ Leadership Team. Sr. Joy currently serves on the Notre Dame Housing Board and the Notre Dame Sisters’ investment committee.
As we celebrate Sr. Joy Connealy’s 50 years of faithful service, let us honor her unwavering dedication, selfless spirit, and profound impact on the Notre Dame community and beyond. Her tireless efforts and remarkable contributions have shaped lives and created a legacy of compassion and service.
About The Notre Dame Sisters
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 world Christian community in joyful, loving service to others. We have served in Omaha for more than 100 years, mostly as educators, nurses, and social workers.