Sr. Rita Mary Perl, SND

Sister Rita Perl, the second youngest of nine children, was born and raised in Massillon, Ohio.  She attended St. Mary Catholic Elementary School.  After eighth grade graduation, she completed four years of high school at Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland.  Then, realizing a call to religious life, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame, a community dedicated to education.  Sister received her teaching preparation at St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio, where she obtained a BA and master’s degree in Education. 

Sister began a life of ministry in education, spending the last six years here at Our Lady of Lourdes School tutoring Grades K-4 children in math and reading.  While teaching in Ohio, she had the privilege of training student teachers from surrounding colleges in her classroom.  In addition, she enjoyed serving on the Advisory Committee for Young Authors in parochial and public schools in Geauga County.  After serving on diocesan report card and curriculum committees, Sister Rita accepted an invitation to write for Modern Curriculum Press revising Grades 1-3 Phonics Teacher Manuals.  Knowing that children have different styles of learning, she graciously accepted the challenge.  Grateful for all the educational opportunities given to her by her religious community, as well as, her love for children, Sister Rita’s enthusiasm for teaching has not diminished.  In the words of the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, she can truly say, “God is Good.”