Sister Mary Carlann, SND
I'm not one of those Sisters who tell you, "I knew I wanted to be a Sister from the time of my First Communion." I would have to say that God planted the seed in me gradually beginning in my junior high years.
When I entered as a freshman at Notre Dame Academy in West Los Angeles, the idea grew in me. I saw the Sisters as happy, dedicated women. I thought that was the BEST thing anyone could do with her life. It was service to God and to others. Through my high school years, I was not shy about telling my classmates of my intention to join the Sisters of Notre Dame. Most were incredulous, claiming that I would only last 6 months. Why? Because I liked to laugh too much. That always seemed a strange answer to me because I had seen the Sisters laughing and having a good time. When others would ask me why I wanted to be a Sister, the most accurate answer I could give was, "It seemed as natural to me to be a Sister as it does to most of you to be wives and mothers." In short, it felt right.
I entered the Sisters of Notre Dame 44 years ago this September of 2007. It sounds like a LONG time when I write the number, but it doesn't feel like a long time living it. I feel blessed to be part of a wonderful international congregation, and I have had fulfilling ministries throughout the years. For approximately six years I worked for the Catholic Schools department of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the Religion Coordinator for the High Schools of the archdiocese. I am primarily a high school teacher, and in more recent years, an administrator as well. As a sideline, I have given numerous retreats and workshops to youth and adults. I am currently serving at my alma mater, Notre Dame Academy, where I am Assistant Principal of Students.