Today

The Liturgical Fabric Arts Department
(row 1, l to r) Sisters Mary Ann Giese, Rita Maureen Deimeke, Henriette Hoene, (second row, l to r) Frances Ann Eveler, LaVerne Kleinheider, Marie Virginia Strubhart, Regina Kabayama, Josephine Niemann, and Mary Avila Markiewicz.

The Liturgical Fabric Arts Department in St. Louis, Missouri, brought the first cash ($25) to the newly established motherhouse in 1896 and continues uninterrupted to the present. The sisters' needlework skills today are evident in the custom-made vestments, banners, and quilts which their customers treasure. 

The sisters of this department through their director, Sister Rita Maureen Deimeke and the initiative of Sister Avila Markiewicz, were responsible for creating "kits" for sixteen sets of tablecloths and napkins. Joining more than seventy-five School Sisters of Notre Dame, they created the lovely "Vine and Branches" tablecloth and napkins that form the centerpiece of "Sturdy Roots."

Sturdy Roots is the work of more than 200 School Sisters of Notre Dame, Associates, and professional staff. A handmade tablecloth and four napkins are also part of Sturdy Roots. Facilitator directions are also available. This resource is contained in a picnic basket which is available through SSND motherhouses.

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