Historic
Timeline

Qualberta Krivanec, Caroline Babacek, Qualbertina Vanek, Xavier Hava, and Nothburga Komrska in Fenton, Missouri to staff an orphanage for children of Czech immigrants.

Centennial of the birth of Rev. Gabriel Schneider, founder of the Poor School Sisters de Notre Dame in Bohemia

Sisters staff two more schools: St. Joseph School in Chelsea, Iowa and St. Ludmila School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Reception of novices in Schuyler, Nebraska; staff St. Mary art/sewing school in Schuyler

Sisters begin assisting Father Edward J. Flanagan at his first Boys’ Home in Omaha, Nebraska

Sisters begin receiving U.S. citizenship papers. Money and merchandise is sent to the Sisters and relatives in Czechoslovakia. A religious reception is held in Schuyler, Nebraska

Sisters staff Assumption School in Omaha (photo) and St. John the Baptist School in Prague, Nebraska

Notre Dame Sister Anna Sedivy dies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Plans to build Academy and convent at 35th and State Street commence

Notre Dame Academy is blessed and classes begin

Sr. Gustava Melmer (pictured right) welcomes the First General Visitation held in the United States by Mother Salesia Havlik and Sr. Ermine Halma

Publication of “Gabriel Schneider, Founder of the Congregation of School Sisters of Notre Dame in Czechoslovakia” by Dr. Joseph Beran

80th anniversary of the founding of the congregation in Bohemia in 1853. Remember, only 60 years after becoming a Congregation, Sisters began coming to the United States.

25 years celebrated in the United States; Visitation of Mother Salesia Havlik (Pictured middle) and Sr. Ermina Halma (pictured left) from Bohemia

Sisters staff Our Lady of Lourdes in Porcupine, South Dakota (pictured above in winter)

A number of Sisters in Europe are under arrest by Nazis. At least three Sisters die in concentration camps, but many more were held.

Sisters staff St. Therese School in Omaha

The Missouri River floods and over 1,000 families evacuate in Omaha including Sisters living at St. Theresa’s

Mother Fabiola released from Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Mecklenburg, Germany. Three Notre Dame Sisters died at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Germany: German Provincial Sr. Epiphania, Sr. Ernestine, the Provincial Assistant, and Sr. Susanna from Prague.

Co-founder of the Notre Dame Sisters in France in 1597 Alix LeClerc becomes “Blessed Alix”; American Sisters continue to send relief funds, cloth and food packages sent to the community in Europe

Blessing of the spacious and beautiful chapel on August 13.

Centennial of the founding of the Notre Dame Congregation. This is the peak of our growth in terms of new and living Sisters.

Shrine to St. Joseph is built by Rev. James Hannan, SJ to commemorate the 50th Jubilee

Election of Pope John XXIII; Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of the Notre Dame Sisters

Sisters staff Bishop Neumann School in Clarkson, Nebraska

Sisters staff LaSalle High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two Sisters sent as missionaries to Chile, South America (Marritte/Joan in Chile); Sisters adopt a modified habit

Second Session of Vatican Council II; adoption of vernacular in the celebration of Sacraments and Liturgy of the Eucharist. This not only affected the Sisters but this liturgical reform changed the way all Catholics experience Mass.

First Provincial Assembly; post-Vatican Council activity: communion rail removed, Friday abstinence is personal responsibility, Sisters return to Baptismal name, changes in novitiate formation

Moon Walk by three astronauts; Sisters are permitted to wear clothing other than a traditional habit

In addition to education, the Sisters engage in CCD, tutoring, vising the aged, nursing and social work

As a response to the renewal of religious life from Vatican Council II, Sisters write Vision Goal under the guidance of Sr. Marjorie Tuite, OP and Sam Beasly.

Articles of Incorporation of the Notre Dame Sisters are renewed to reflect both Nebraska state laws and Canon Law

Charism and Mission Statements composed. Infirmary is organized as an on-site healthcare center for Sisters

The acceptance of a pin/penchant as an international symbol

Peace and Justice Office established. Polish and Vietnamese refugees housed at Motherhouse for two years. The third floor rooms are renovated so Sisters have individual quarters rather than living in dorms

Revised Constitution approved by E. Cardinal Pironio, Prefect, November 20, 1983

Sisters allowed to choose place of ministry with approval from their Provincial President. This allowed a more democratic process for Sisters to determine their own gifts and how to apply them

Sisters begin a Catholic Hispanic ministry in Omaha opening the Catholic Hispanic Office in South Omaha. Velvet Revolution in Europe overthrows Communist control changing the life of the Sisters globally. Berlin Wall is torn down

First Memorial Mass to honor deceased benefactors

Plans for seniors “to age in place” in the local community discussed at Assembly. Plans begin for transitioning into housing for local seniors. 85 years in the US celebrated. Office of Religious Formation reorganized by the Archdiocese

Phase I of construction of housing for low income elderly; dedication of HUD I

Dedication of HUD II (photo of ribbon cutting) and Building III: kitchen, dining room and auditorium renovation for housing

Terrorist attack on World Trade Center in New York, Pentagon in Washington, DC and plane crash in Pennsylvania claimed thousands of lives

“Stir the Embers – Emblazing the Fire” celebrates 150th anniversary of the founding of the congregation in Czechoslovakia. Safe Homes Project established to serve women graduating from local shelter programs

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI after the death of John Paul II in April

Plans created for the redevelopment of the Motherhouse into more Notre Dame Housing apartments totaling 107, which it currently still has all occupied.

Sr. Anezka Bednarova and Sr. Silvie Nemcova attend the closing of the 100th anniversary in the US

Pope Benedict XVI resigns; Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio becomes Pope Francis on March 13

Pope Frances declared a Holy Year of Mercy and issued encyclical Laudato Si; Conrad Hilton Fund provides grant to educate Hotel/Motel employees about trafficking

Advancement Office conducts a major gifts campaign entitled Proud Legacy, Bright Future to raise funds for the Sisters and their ministries

Both Sr. Rita Ostry and Mary Kay Meagher travel to Assumption House in El Paso to assists people migrating. Mothers and Others advocacy group begins holding signs on 72nd Street in Omaha as a join effort with other congregations to bear witness to families seperated at the border. Omaha Archdiocese celebrates Arch Omaha Unite on June 8, the first time in modern history all local parishes came together under one roof