In 2025 in the Diocese of Youngstown, more than 40 sisters are celebrating Jubilees of 25 to 80 years. Our Dennis Biviano had the chance to speak with two Notre Dame sisters in Chardon about their 65th-Iron Jubilee, their current mission, and decades of friendship.
“I keep thinking, what would be without each other? We’ve supported each other, we’ve counseled each other, we’ve corrected each other, we’ve loved each other all these years,” says Notre Damn Sister Mary Judith Ostrowski.
Sister Mary Lisa Novak and Sister Mary Judith Ostrowski have been friends for 71 years. They joined the Sisters of Notre Dame and made their first vows in 1960, before moving to their current location in Chardon.
“There were 40 young women in our group at that time. So all forty of us descended upon this place. And it was lovely. I remember we waved goodbye to our parents as we went on the yellow school bus to come out here, to start our life here,” says Sister Mary Lisa Novak.
Both attended Saint John College in Cleveland and share a love of teaching. Sister Mary Lisa in Cleveland, Canton and Warren as well as time spent as principal and superintendent of schools. Sister Mary Judith taught intermediate and junior high grades in Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. Education is still very much a part of their daily lives.
“For over 25 years, I’ve been involved with what they call mission effectiveness work. It’s an adult education. We share with our employees who we are, and who they are to us, in furthering the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame,” says Sister Mary Lisa.
And the Sisters of Notre Dame came to Cleveland from Germany in 1874. There are currently more than 400 across the country. The charism of the congregation is a deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care. This year, both sisters celebrated their 65th jubilee with dozens of others, in the Diocese of Youngstown and Cleveland. And now, at 85 years old, they enjoy listening and learning about others. At the same time, continuing to embrace their prayer lives, which they say has evolved over the years.
“It’s so very different because it’s not me. It’s God who’s giving me the graces. It’s God who is helping me to see, to perceive, to wonder, to ask questions, to appreciate. The secret is surrender. I can’t walk, so I can’t do a lot of things, but I can surrender. And it takes a great deal of time to come to that point. But God really does give you the grace. He gave it to me,” says Sister Mary Judith.
And as for advice to younger generations seeking out religious life..Sister Mary Lisa says don’t be afraid to share your dreams and plans with family and friends.
“Talk to people that you really feel have your good at heart. Because once you find that particular niche, when you start living that, and being responsible in your living of it, you become the person God created you to be,” says Sister Mary Novak.
“God did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He made this bond between us. And I know for myself, I’m inspired by Lisa, especially Lisa, and all the other ones,” says Sister Mary Judith.
