Helping her teach that class was a sister from SSND. And in that class were several other sisters interesting in learning about computers.

The sisters started inviting her to dinner and to church services.

“They were so happy, so hospitable to me,” DuVal said.

Eventually, she decided to join SSND.

At first, she thought little of the sacrifice her decision would mean. Only later, when having to give up her possessions, such as her car — “I cried,” she said — did she think about it. But even then it didn’t bother her much to start of life different from the one most of us dream about as we grow up.

“Do I miss having a family? Yes. Do I miss someone having his arms around me? You bet,” she said. “But I’ve gained so much more.”

The next five years

When the SSND convened its 22nd General Chapter in September, DuVal was there representing the Mankato province — one of six in North America and one of 20 in the world. Mankato’s province has about 350 sister members. There are about 4,000 SSND sisters worldwide.

The general chapter gathering brings sisters from around the globe together once every five years to determine the vision and direction the SSND will take for the following five years.

This time, when all the provinces had their say, the SSND decided to pursue a three-pronged vision they’re calling “Solidarity.”

1. They hope to cherish the diversity that exists within its ranks, and to spread the word that all humanity, and all living things, exist as one on earth.

2. Enhance education and increase efforts to reach marginalized populations.

3. Celebrate the Eucharist. Says the SSND statement, “we are ready to lay down our lives to be bread that is blessed, broken and shared for the life of the world.”

DuVal says she wants her work to continue making a difference in people’s lives the way she has with Loyola Catholic School.

She leaves Loyola knowing she’s done her best to position the school well for success. Among her favorite achievements are: Bringing the former Mankato Area Catholic Schools together in one unified entity; Encouragement of a strong school board; technological growth; and the transformation of the PTO to the Home and School Association.