Sr. Jacqueline Schmitz, CSJ Sr. Jacqueline Schmitz cannot remember a time when the Sisters of St. Joseph were not part of her life. From grade school at St. Mary Margaret through Nazareth and her calling in religious life, the CSJ charism of unity has inspired Sr. Jackie and has given her a sense of belonging and purpose. She has applied that purpose to an almost unbelievable number of roles at Nazareth, including PE teacher, Assistant Dean, Principal, Guidance Counselor, Campus Ministry and Trustee.
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through activities or sports or academics, it all comes down to the relationships that are being formed. I was able to find a place where I fit which helped me feel good about myself; that security helps me want to make other people in need feel the same way.” In fact, offering opportunities to belong is something Sr. Jackie believes is only getting better. “It’s not just sports that offer a way to be involved. When I see the stat about 96% student involvement, it makes me so proud and hopeful. It’s marvelous.”
“There’s something about being here. I can feel the energy of life. ‘That All May Be One’ is so ingrained in this place and the resulting unity is visible in the classrooms, at Masses and even at Pep Rallys and sporting events. It’s always reinforced so it’s always a joy to be on campus.” The large swath of alumni who know Sr. Jackie as a tough-loving principal likely also remember her fun-loving alter ego Nancy Nazarene. She is proud of both sides of herself and grateful for the ways Nazareth nurtured her competitive spirit and made space for a residential prep student discerning her religious calling. “Honestly, I came to Nazareth because they had great girls sports teams and the only way I could come was by doing the convent prep program and boarding here. It turned out to be the best decision in my life.” While sports remained (remain!) a passion, Sr. Jackie also found a community which encouraged girls to be strong women, to be leaders, to make a difference in whatever ways they thought they could. “What Nazareth did, and still does, is offer a sense of belonging. Whether it’s
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The other CSJ lesson that Sr. Jackie took to heart was, “Every one of us matters.” She knew it from every nun who educated her and lived it with the service projects she’s organized, witnessed or aided over the past 60 years. She continues to serve a world in need in myriad ways, notably through the TEACH program and her work at the U.S./Mexico border in Texas. “Sometimes I wonder how much good I’m doing making hundreds of bologna sandwiches. Then I remember that everyone needs to eat. I am filling a basic need.” Meeting people’s needs has been a tenet of Sr. Jackie’s life and her best piece of advice for the future. “What is most important is what is needed to make someone’s world just a little bit better. We need each other to make it into the future.”
