Sr. Mary Jo Hrnchir Celebrates 60 Years as a Notre Dame Sister
For Immediate Release (July 12, 2023) — The Notre Dame community joyfully gathers to honor and celebrate Sr. Mary Jo Hrnchir as she commemorates her remarkable 60th jubilee as a Notre Dame Sister. With six decades of dedicated service, Sister Mary Jo’s unwavering commitment to her faith and tireless efforts in various ministries have left a permanent impact on the lives of many.
Sr. Mary Jo, daughter of Henry and Clyta (Davis) Hrnchir, was born in Wichita, KS, and baptized at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Wichita. As the second of ten children, including three sets of twins, she grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of love, compassion, and selflessness.
Her journey of faith led her to enroll at Notre Dame Academy for high school, where she deepened her faith and developed a profound commitment to serving others. In 1961, she embraced her calling and became an aspirant, embarking on a lifelong journey as a Notre Dame Sister.
“When I was young, my Mom and Dad said I talked about being a Sister. The call was in my heart very young! I am grateful to be a Notre Dame Sister because it has brought me closer to Christ and given me the opportunity to be of service. God has guided me to care for the elderly. It has been my privilege to work with the unmet needs of the elderly.”
Following her profession, Sr. Mary Jo served as a dedicated helper at Notre Dame Academy and the Motherhouse, engaging in various tasks such as kitchen duties, laundry work, and dishwashing. Her humble service exemplified her devotion to the community and her willingness to support wherever needed.
When Notre Dame Academy closed its doors in 1974, Sr. Mary Jo found a new path of service at the Florence Nursing Home, where she worked as a nursing assistant for eleven years. Her compassionate care and genuine concern for the well-being of the residents touched the hearts of many and brought comfort to those in need.
Continuing her nursing work, Sister Mary Jo extended her services to Villa de Dante and Western Medical Services in Omaha. In 1994, she returned to the Florence Home, this time as a registered nursing assistant, bringing her expertise and warmth to enrich the lives of the residents once again.
Currently, Sr. Mary Jo’s ministry revolves around maintaining connections with the community, nurturing her prayer life, and extending her care to family, friends, and those in need. Her outreach efforts exemplify her compassionate spirit and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
As we celebrate Sr. Mary Jo Hrnchir’s 60th jubilee, let us honor her unwavering faith, selfless service, and profound dedication. Her compassionate presence has touched the lives of many, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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.