Sister Judy Best, SSND, carried the stories of the School Sisters of Notre Dame to the Passion for Living conference this past June in a picnic basket. But as she laid out the elaborately embroidered tablecloth and napkins, she only touched the surface of the rich narrative the basket holds. To delve deeply into this symbolic womb is to bring to life a rich SSND history that is illustrated creatively and meticulously with a collection that includes a family photo album, ballet slippers, badges, video and interactive CDRom – all stored in the picnic basket.

“Some people talk about us as if we’re only in the past tense, or that we’re all retired, or have left religious life,” Sister Judy said. “I wanted to share a picture with our publics that might indicate the rich heritage many of us are being faithful to both in the aging process and in ministry. I began working on our heritage in 1970. It began as a hobby and is now my passion.”

Sister Judy's project, Sturdy Roots: an Educational Resource for Studying the Heritage and Spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, takes its title from the motto that was often used by SSND Foundress Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, “All the works of God proceed slowly and in pain, but then their roots are sturdier and their flowering the lovelier.”

The basket sets the stage for a picnic where people have gathered to share food, stories, pictures, sometimes dance and have good conversations. Facilitator directions are included in each basket to help explain the meaning of the basket and its contents. Sister Judy encourages people to use a small segment for their own prayer or to share with a book club, classes, or other group.

“ I can see Sturdy Roots being used with benefactors, possibly as Christmas gifts which they might study to learn more about SSND,” Sister Judy said. “Associates, faculties, family members, newer members may find the information helpful. My hope is that whoever uses Sturdy Roots will tap the rich resources that form the core values of our identity and spirit as School Sisters of Notre Dame.”

An elaborate handmade tablecloth is the centerpiece of the project and exemplifies the importance of needlework in the story of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Needlework was an important part of education. Blessed Theresa was aware of the importance of needlework in educating young women. The curriculum in her first school at Stadtamhof directs that needlework be taught ten hours a week. In America, Mother Caroline continued this German/European tradition of seeing needlework as a vital part of education. Today, the Liturgical Fabric Arts Department in the St. Louis Province carries on this tradition.

On the CDRom, one can read letters from Blessed Theresa that provide insight into her experiences with American children as well as her views of what she expects of older members of the congregation and her words of encouragement to a newer member. In the “Seeds of Hope” section, viewers can peruse the international photo galleries of new members and “pray for the women pictured here that their courage and desire to follow Christ inspire you to a deeper discipleship.”

The work of more than 100 people is invested in this project. SSND sisters and friends helped stitch the tablecloth and napkins, create the music and video, program the CDRom, and organize and type the research.

“The most rewarding thing has been the positive energy in both those who worked so hard to create it and those who are discovering it,” Sister Judy said. “We’re all educators and my hope is that Sturdy Roots ‘draws forth’ the deep strength and commitment that resonates in the lives of many of the sisters portrayed in the study.”

For more information about the baskets and CDRoms, please contact Sister Judy at judithb@yhti.net.

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