The Sisters of Notre Dame began their ministry in eastern Kentucky in 1963 when they partnered with Dr. Claire Louise Caudill and nurse Susie Halbleib on an undertaking that led to the establishment of what is known today as UK St. Claire HealthCare.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Louise and the people of the area shared an inspiration. Their vision, spirit and determination led them to an achievement that was just short of miraculous. Together, they raised over a quarter-million dollars and recruited the Sisters of Notre Dame to support their dream of establishing a hospital to provide modern healthcare for families and communities.

The Sisters of Notre Dame trace their beginning to Sister Mary Aloysia in Coesfeld, Germany (1850). She began a community known as the Sisters of Notre Dame, which is committed to the education and care of children. The way of life followed by the community was adopted from that of Saint Julie Billiart. Despite thirty years of physical suffering, Julie was able to recognize God’s goodness in her life. Her common phrase was, “How good is the good God.”

In 1874, the Sisters of Notre Dame came to the United States, and in April of 1963, the sisters arrived in Morehead, Kentucky, to assist with the transformation of healthcare in the region.