Jennifer Pierce

Sister Jennifer Pierce, SNDdeN was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and raised in the nearby town of Danvers. The youngest of six children, she grew up in a family that placed deep value on education. Her mother continues to be a source of strength and inspiration, while her father, who passed away in 2023, remains an enduring presence in her heart. 

Sister Jennifer first felt the call to religious life during her junior year of college. She had already entered religious life with another order but during a visit to the Sisters of Notre Dame community in Ipswich she experienced something profoundly different. The genuine joy, vibrant spirit and hospitality of the SNDdeN Sisters struck a deep chord. As she continued to visit their homes and witness their ministries, Jennifer felt an unmistakable sense of belonging. She knew, without doubt, “There is no place I would rather be.” 

Her first mission was at Saint Patrick School in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she began teaching second grade. It was there that she experienced one of her most treasured memories—preparing her culturally diverse students for the school’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. As they sang an Irish song with infectious joy, Jennifer was moved to tears, touched by the beauty of unity and shared celebration. 

Over the years, Sister Jennifer has served in a variety of educational roles, from elementary and junior high classrooms to adult education, including ESOL and citizenship instruction. It is this ministry with immigrants that she holds especially close to her heart. She sees it as far more than teaching; it is the privilege of walking alongside others in their journey, witnessing their courage, and allowing their stories to transform her own life. 

Now serving in the heritage center in Namur, Sister Jennifer feels profoundly grateful. This ministry allows her to deepen her understanding and love of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s history, to walk among sacred sites, and to share this rich legacy with others. It is a role that grounds her more deeply in the charism of St. Julie Billiart and in the global mission of her congregation. 

As she celebrates her 25th Jubilee, Sister Jennifer reflects with gratitude on the many Sisters who have shaped her path, the joy of shared ministry and the gift of a vocation that continues to evolve. To those discerning religious life, she offers this wisdom: “You will have days that are difficult and days that bring you more joy than you could imagine. Be open and remember that your call is renewed each day.” 

Sister Jennifer finds deep hope in that very renewal—the daily invitation to say “yes” again to God’s call, even in the face of human imperfection. She is inspired by the strength and spirit of her congregation, and by the enduring impact of St. Julie, a woman who truly changed the world. 

One of her favorite scripture verses captures the essence of her vocation: “Only guard yourself and guard your soul carefully, lest you forget the things your eyes saw… and you shall make them known to your children and to your children’s children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) 

Through her life and ministry, Sister Jennifer continues to live that call: remembering, sharing and opening her heart each day to transformation and grace. 

Updated in 2025