Sr. Rosanne Zastoupil: 60 Years of Serving God and the Church
On July 13, Sister Rosanne Zastoupil will celebrate her 60th Jubilee in a private ceremony with the monastic community. This jubilee stands as a remarkable testament to the power of faith, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Born and raised on a farm southwest of Dickinson, Sister Rosanne is the youngest of nine children in the close-knit family. With seven “very protective” brothers and the responsibilities of farm life like tending to the chickens, pigs, or milking cows; she quickly learned the values of hard work and perseverance. Her mother sold milk and eggs to buy food and clothing for the family. She fondly recalls her early years in a one-room country schoolhouse. Although she once imagined becoming a nurse or flight attendant, her path led instead to a life deeply rooted in prayer, community, and service.
Inspired by her older sister, Sister Renee, and the example of the sisters who taught religious education in her youth, the seeds to her vocation were being quietly sown. Sister Rosanne discerned a call to religious life and entered Annunciation Monastery.
She pursued her education at the University of Mary, where she earned earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1968, followed by a minor in accounting in 1973 and a master’s in management in 1996. Her dedication and leadership were recognized with the Heritage of Servant Leadership Award in 2008 and the Presidential Leadership Award in 2013.
Sister Rosanne served at the University of Mary for 41 years in roles ranging from financial aid to accounting, and payroll and benefits. “I really miss the contact and relationships with students,” she admits. She cherished her interactions with students and was there for students who needed guidance or a listening ear.
While she is “officially retired,” her spirit of service remains strong. As subprioress of Annunciation Monastery, she is available to the sisters 24/7. Sister Rosanne is the canonical treasurer for Annunciation Monastery, overseeing its financial affairs and serves on the boards of CHI St. Alexius Health and the University of Mary. At the monastery, she is on the monastic council, and chairs the monastery finance council.
At the heart of her vocation is an unwavering commitment to the Benedictine way of life. “My God, my prayer life, and my Benedictine sisters are my support,” she says with gratitude.
As Sister Rosanne celebrates her 60th Jubilee, we honor her legacy of steadfast service, quiet strength, and faithful devotion to God and others.
