Notre Dame

The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio are members of an international congregation that began in Coesfeld, Germany in 1850. Two teachers, Hilligonde Wolbring and Elisabeth Kühling, cared for poor, neglected children whose families were unable to provide for them.

At the invitation and encouragement of Rev. Theodore Elting, the two women decided to continue their good work as vowed religious. They were already formed in the spiritual and pedagogical tradition of Bernard Overberg. Through the Sisters of Notre Dame of Amersfoort, Holland, they received a way of religious life coming from St. Julie Billiart. The new religious congregation expressed its charism, a deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care, both in spirituality and in apostolic ministry.