Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Spring 2016 Vol. 15, No. 1
Proclaiming Jesus through Education and Christian Formation
www.ursulinesmsj.org
INSIDE...
Pilgrimage in Pictures 2016 Jubilarians New Center Director
New Leaders Start This Summer
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From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, As I walk home these spring evening twilights, I’m serenaded with cascades of squeaks and chirrups from regiments of spring peepers and chorus frogs encouraging their mates. My early mornings find me in animated conversation with birds of every stripe and feather intent on building nests and starting families. We know of spring as a time of growth and new birth; but as we have moved through the preparation days of Lent Sister Sharon into the Easter season of resurrection and expansion, perhaps we can be reminded that, as children of God, we are always taking part in a season of growth and birth. These evenings frogs will deposit eggs in a nice, comfortably squishy mud puddle where they will become a nurturing gelatinous mass soon to become tadpoles eager to transform (transition?) to relatives of those very frogs that started the whole thing. And in snug nests of twigs, grasses and bits of trash, the birds will lay and guard their eggs, soon to become nestlings, then fledglings and eventually the next round of parenting birds. These “seasonal” transitions and transformations should be for us our daily fare with our loving God. In some way or another, each day, I know I’m presented with the opportunity to ask myself: • Am I a tadpole here? Am I encountering that moment when my flipper has become a foot and instead of swimming weightless, I must surrender my cushioning muddy pool for a hard gravity-weighted surface? • Am I a fledgling still safely in the care of my parents but being pushed to the edge of my nest and urged to trust my wings to the air currents I cannot see? • Am I the parent encouraging or pushing the fledgling out of the nest? • Am I both? When must I choose? Each day I am in transition in my life’s journey with and to my God. But sometimes our times of transition are more noticeable or seemingly more significant, stretching us beyond our daily fare. In this issue of Ursulines Alive, we introduce the sisters who will transition to our new Leadership Team in July; we share images of Ursuline journeys of growth within this Year of Mercy; and we invite you to pray with Sister Celine as she transitions to our pinnacle of ministry in the Powerhouse of Prayer. We ask, too, for each of your prayers in support of our current leadership group as we transition into the next expression of our journeys. We continue to pray for each of you and your transformative journeys as well. In Angela, Sister Sharon Sullivan, OSU Cover: The newly elected leadership Council gathered for an informal meeting in Paola, Kan., in February. Left to right: Sister Judith Nell Riney, Sister Pat Lynch, Sister Amelia Stenger, Sister Kathleen Condry and Sister Pam Mueller. LEFT: This statue of Christ the King can be seen along the path of the Rosary Walk at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Ursulines Alive is published by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. Three issues are published each calendar year. EDITORS: Director of Mission Advancement/Communications...... Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design.................... Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF: Director of Development................................................ Sister Amelia Stenger Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness............................. Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships............................. Marian Bennett, OSUA Communications and Development Specialist............... Kris Mango Mission Advancement Assistant..................................... Sister Marcella Schrant Contributing Writer......................................................... Sister Ruth Gehres Contributing Writer......................................................... Sister Marietta Wethington 2
In this issue Ursuline Sisters elect new leaders who will start their 6-year terms in July.......3 2016 Jubilarians.....................................6 Take a Pilgrimage at the Mount..........8 Powerhouse of Prayer......................... 10 Soli Deo Gloria.....................................10 We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God New Leader Biographies ....................11 New Retreat Center Director..............14 Development.......................................15 Upcoming Events ................................16
Our Mission We, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, proclaim Jesus through education and Christian formation in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.
Our PURPOSE Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children
OUR CORE VALUES • Prayer • Service • Empowerment • Justice • Contemplative Presence ...in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici
Contact Us Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org • Facebook: facebook.com/ursulinesmsj • Instagram: Ursuline Sisters of MSJ • LinkedIn: Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph • Snapchat: ursulinesmsj • Twitter: twitter.com/ursulinesmsj • YouTube: UrsulineSistersMSJ
New Council prepares to lead by following Saint Angela
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By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Sister Amelia Stenger said she felt humbled and privileged to be called to serve in the moments following her selection as the 16th canonically elected leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. “In my heart, I was saying, ‘I love this community and will try to do my best to serve them,’” she said. “In my head, I was thinking, ‘God, how am I going to do this? I need your help.’” In the months that followed her Dec. 30, 2015, “Leadership is all election as congregational leader -- and that of the about empowering Sister Pam Mueller, left, four other sisters who will complete the 2016-22 and Sister Amelia Stenger, leadership Council -- Sister Amelia’s role came more others to lead ... right, join Sister Mary Celine into focus. Weidenbenner, standing, “As leader of the community, it is my with the gifts that and Stephany Nelson, center, during Community Days responsibility to work with the Council to offer the they have.” 2014. Stephany entered the sisters ways to grow in their spiritual lives,” she said. community as a postulant Sister Kathleen “The other responsibilities include finding ways a few days later. The group to build community among the sisters, offering forms the bonded group assistance in their personal needs, listening to them, fostering known as In Sieme, Italian for “all together.” cooperation and serving in any way I can to provide for their welfare. It means calling each sister to give her best for the LEFT: Sister Kathleen Condry, right, is joined by Sister community because each one of us is responsible for all of Marcella Schrant during us.” Community Days in 2015. The new Council will be installed during a ceremony Both sisters previously July 17 in the Motherhouse Chapel. That follows a Chapter served as leader of the of Affairs during Community Days which will help set the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan. course for the coming six years. Joining Sister Amelia will be Sister Kathleen Condry as assistant congregational leader, seeing the potential in others.” and Sister Pam Mueller, Sister Judith Nell Riney and Sister Sister Judith Nell said she has a quote from Pat Lynch as councilors. Sister Kathleen and Sister Pat both Winston Churchill in her office which reads: “Courage have community leadership experience from their days as is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., and both will be moving what it takes to sit down and listen.” from Kansas to Maple Mount in their new roles. “I believe leadership is about serving both the “What I have come to realize is that leadership is all individual and the good of our entire community,” she about empowering others to lead, each in their own way, said. “My hope and prayer is to serve the community as with the gifts that they have,” Sister Kathleen said. “I am best I can with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the sure that I will learn more than I will teach.” prayers of all. And I pray for forgiveness when I make Sister Pat said she plans to look to Ursuline founder Saint mistakes, which I will surely do.” Angela Merici for guidance. Opportunities and challenges “I admire Saint Angela’s organization and creativity,” “We have the opportunity to renew our community Sister Pat said. “She put this company together and wisely and look to the future with hope,” Sister Amelia said. chose people who could assist and support her dream. Trust “With the knowledge and commitment of the other in the Holy Spirit is essential – we do not do this on our members of the Council and the commitment of own. It is helpful to be cheerfully optimistic.” every sister, we hope to Sister Pam and Sister Judith Nell both live in Owensboro rebuild the community and minister at Brescia University, where they plan to Continued on page 4 continue their roles part time while serving on the Council. Sister Amelia Stenger, Sister Pam said she wants to work collaboratively with the left, places an Ursuline Council and all the sisters. “Over the years I have admired Associate pin on her leadership that models harmony, unity, caring and joy,” she niece, Joan Teder, during said. “I can’t predict, but the gifts I offer are empathy, humor, Associates and Sisters Day in June 2013. deep listening, ability to motivate others, strong faith and 3
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The Ursuline Sisters who serve at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., (including Sister Judith Nell Riney and Sister Pam Mueller) gather at the Brescia Convocation in January. From left are Sisters Betsy Moyer, Helena Fischer, Judith Nell, Rose Jean Powers, Mary Diane Taylor, Cheryl Clemons, Pam, Susan Mary Mudd, Rose Marita O’Bryan and Barbara Jean Head.
Leadership Leaders
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by attracting vocations, inviting more associates and building relationships with the surrounding community. Saint Angela said she would always be with us and we will depend on that promise as we go forward to ‘Act, move and believe.’ “Some of our challenges include attracting new members to our community, finding ways to keep our sisters involved in ministry, continuing to support our mission of education and Christian formation and supporting our retired sisters,” Sister Amelia said. “To do this will take some strategic planning and the support of each member of the community. Together, all things are possible.” Sister Kathleen said the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are a group of intelligent, creative and compassionate women. “We have the opportunity to be significant agents of change, to reach out and touch the world with God’s healing mercy and love -- personally and systemically,” she said. “We need to continually discern the needs of God’s people and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us.” The challenges are “to live in harmony and to stay passionate,” she said. “Keep the fire blazing!” Sister Pat echoed a similar challenge, “to continue to be united in harmony to meet the needs of those” they serve. Sister Pam hopes the sisters take the opportunity to strategically contemplate who they are as a congregation, trusting God and Saint Angela as their guides, “as well as our own sisters, associates and friends.” She also believes there is an opportunity to be more focused on attracting new sisters. Sister Judith Nell said the sisters have the opportunity to make a difference in their daily dealings with every individual they encounter.
Heather Hauskins, then a nursing student at Emporia State University and activities coordinator for the student council at the Didde Center, brings Sister Pat Lynch, left, a quesadilla for lunch during the Busy Bee Retreat in March 2011.
“Our mission challenges us to proclaim Jesus through formation and education -- is this not the greatest opportunity for now and in the future?” she said. “And we need to remember Pope Francis’ admonition to be happy people! People need to see that we are a caring, happy and giving group of sisters.” She believes the Ursuline community has serious decisions to make about its future. “We each have the responsibility of deciding that future together,” Sister Judith Nell said. “We must live with faith and hope in God’s will for our future, all the while continuing to dedicate ourselves to our mission and ministry in today’s world.”
Living Saint Angela’s words
Each sister was asked how “Together, all things she would apply Saint Angela Merici’s advice concerning leadership:
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“Do not consider yourselves worthy to be superiors and leaders. Rather, regard yourselves as ministers and servants, reflecting that you have more need to serve them than they have to be served by you, or governed.” “I consider this leadership position to be one of awesome responsibility,” Sister Judith Nell said. “And I pray each day that I will serve the community with reverence for one another, have courage to face the hard times, trust in God’s will and walk with a joyful heart.” “I am already praying for God to provide me with the graces I don’t even know I will need,” Sister Pam said. “I’ve had lots of opportunity to reflect upon forgiveness; forgiving and being forgiven. I hope I have the courage and wisdom to know when to ask for forgiveness and when to forgive. I pray for the virtues of humility and
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respect to serve me well in learning what this experience of leadership will teach me,” she said. “I am looking at serving in leadership as an opportunity for service and on-going personal formation.” “I pray every day for the courage and strength that I will need to serve as Angela served,” Sister Amelia said. “Saint Angela has given us such a wonderful example of leadership. She wasn’t afraid to do the lowliest of jobs, speak with popes, challenge the governors of the time, collaborate with the lady governors, ask for support for her sisters and educate everyone as she went about her business of building the Ursuline community. All I can do as I take on this role is trust that God and Saint Angela are with us and will give us what we need to serve in this time of our history.” “I believe this (message) wholeheartedly,” Sister Pat said. “For me, leadership is a ministry.” “Saint Angela’s style was all about servant leadership,” Sister Kathleen said. “There is no room for love of power, she is saying -- but rather, empower others by showing them that they are capable and loved. That was Jesus’ leadership style also.”
possible.” Sister Amelia
Sister Pam Mueller, left, and Sister Judith Nell Riney, center, join Lisa Gulino following an Ursuline Associate Advent service Dec. 3, 2015, in the Brescia University Chapel. Gulino is a theology professor at Brescia, where the two sisters minister.
Leadership models
“Over the years, I have had some wonderful mentors,” Sister Amelia said. “Sister Francesca Hazel, my music teacher, was small in stature but was a giant when it came to creativity, foresight, inclusiveness and beauty. She challenged me to stand up and sing to the world even when I was afraid. Sister Monica (Aud), my fourth grade teacher, was gentle and kind and expected the best from each one of us. Brother Terrence McLaughlin, a Christian Brother and leadership mentor, challenged me to lead with courage, caring, consistency and cooperation. “Bishop John McRaith, a leader, co-worker and friend, showed all of us who worked at the diocese that
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commitment to the people of God is truly a work of the Holy Spirit,” Sister Amelia said. “We are just along for the ride if we allow the Spirit to work through us. I hope a smidgeon of their wonderful gifts rubbed off on me.” Sister Kathleen said, “The leaders I try to emulate are the ones who can stay cheerful even on a bad day, who seem to have time even when they are too busy, and who listen without interrupting, judging or offering their own solutions. They can inspire and guide with just a few well-chosen words.” Sister Judith Nell said, “I have always appreciated persons in leadership who were not concerned with position, power, or control but rather demonstrated genuine interest, compassion, and concern in working with others.” Sister Amelia said working with others is important to her. She’s served in leadership in education, at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center and in development, and said each role has served as an educational tool to broaden her perspective, challenge her to grow, open new horizons and allow new relationships to form. “This role will hopefully do the same,” she said. “As a teacher, I am always looking for new things to learn so I can share them with others. Pope Francis said something that I really hope I can put into practice. ‘Teach prayer by praying, announce the faith by believing, offer witness by living.’” Sister Amelia said she hopes to motivate and inspire the Ursuline Sisters to look for positive change as they build their future together. “I, in cooperation with the Council, hope to bring the intelligence, energy, compassion and commitment needed to achieve our goals as we make plans this summer,” she said. “A good leader helps the members fulfill their potential. We have wonderful sisters who have much to share. Again, I look to Pope Francis who gives the example of a servant leader. He is not afraid to challenge but does it in a loving way. We hope to do the same. “Everything in life has a purpose,” Sister Amelia said. “Each time I have been called by the community to do something new, it has been the best thing for me at the time. I simply ask God and Saint Angela to be with me, Kathleen, Pam, Judy and Pat as we begin this journey together.” See new leader bios on Page 11 Sister Pat Lynch, left, and Sister Evelyn Latham visit during Community Days in July 2015.
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Seven Ursuline Sisters celebrating jubilees in 2016 Seven Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are celebrating jubilees of religious profession this year. They have dedicated a combined 405 years of service to God’s people. The jubilarians will be honored on July 16 during Community Days. U r s u l i n e s
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Sister Pauletta McCarty is a native of Curdsville, Ky. An educator for more than 36 years, she taught at St. Catherine School, New Haven, Ky., (1943-44), St. Joseph School, Mayfield, Ky., (1944-45), Seven Holy Founders School, Affton, Mo., (1945-51), Blessed Mother School, Owensboro, Ky., (1951-52 and 1969-76), St. Bartholomew School, Buechel, Ky., (1952-58), St. Paul School, Leitchfield, Ky., (1958-60), St. Joseph School, Central City, Ky., (1960-63), St. Romuald School, Hardinsburg, Ky., (1963-65, 1989-92) and St. Benedict School, Nebraska City, Neb. (1965-69). She also served as a minister to nursing homes at Precious Blood Parish, Owensboro (1981-86) and was a parish minister at St. Joseph Catholic Center, Greenville, Ky. (1986-89). She was assistant local superior, director of transportation and sacristan at Mount Saint Joseph. Sister Pauletta retired to the Motherhouse in 1998, where she remains active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.
Sister Mary Irene Cecil is a native of West Louisville, Ky. She was a teacher for 21 years at Immaculate Conception School, Earlington, Ky., (194850, 1962-65), St. Brigid School, Vine Grove, Ky. (1950-55), Holy Cross School, Holy Cross, Ky. (1955-59), Good Shepherd School, Hillsboro, Mo. (1959-61), St. Joseph School, Leitchfield, Ky. (1961-62) and Seven Holy Founders School, Affton, Mo., (1965-69). She was supervisor of schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville (1969-76). She was elected as a councilor on the leadership Council (1974-80), then was elected major superior of the community (1980-88). She was coordinator of staff, director of lay ministry and director of adult formation for the Diocese of Owensboro (1989-95). She was director of postulants for her community (1995-96) and minister to the sick at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Owensboro (1996-2002). She was codirector of pastoral care at Saint Joseph Villa at the Motherhouse (2002-2009), and daily annalist for the community (201014). Since 2009 she has been a seamstress for the sisters in Saint Joseph Villa at the Motherhouse.
Sister George Mary Hagan is a native of New Haven, Ky. She was a teacher in Kentucky for 26 years, at St. Peter of Alcantara School, Stanley (1958-59), St. Peter of Antioch School, Waverly (1959-61), St. Sebastian School, Calhoun (1961-62), St. Andrew School, Harrodsburg (196264), St. Martin School, Rome (1964-69), St. Anthony School, Axtel (1970), and Blessed Mother School, Owensboro (1970-84). She was director of religious education for the Office of Chaplains at Fort Knox (1984-2003). She was program assistant volunteer at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (2004-05), then director of religious education at St. Alphonsus Parish, St. Joseph, Ky. (2005-2009). Since 2009 she has been involved in numerous internal ministries at the Motherhouse, including transportation for the sisters.
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Congratulations!
Jubilarian congratulations may be sent to Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. Founded at
Maple Mount in Daviess County, Ky., in 1874, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph currently minister throughout Kentucky and in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York and Tennessee; and in Washington, D.C., and ChillĂĄn, Chile, South America.
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Sister Ruth Mattingly is a native of Loretto, Ky. Her former religious name was Sister Walter Ann Mattingly. She was a teacher for 28 years, at St. Bartholomew School, Buechel, Ky. (1958-66), St. Teresa School, Glennonville, Mo. (1966-67), Immaculate Conception School, Hawesville, Ky. (1967-72), St. Denis School, Louisville (1972-84) and St. Joseph School, San Fidel, N.M. (1991-93). She was a parish minister at St. Joseph Parish, Leitchfield, Ky. (1996-2005). She served at the Motherhouse in personal and pastoral care in the infirmary (1984-91) and as coordinator of the Guest House (199396). She is active in prayer and in quilting baby quilts at the Motherhouse.
Sister Rita Scott is a native of Louisville, Ky. She was an educator for 20 years, from 1970-1990, serving as a teacher at St. Brigid School, Vine Grove, Ky., St. Paul School, Leitchfield, Ky., Mother of Good Counsel School, Louisville and St. Joseph School, Bowling Green, Ky. She was principal and teacher at St. Teresa School, Glennonville, Mo., and St. Andrew School, Harrodsburg, Ky., and principal at Blessed Mother School/ St. Angela Merici School, Owensboro. She served as associate business administrator for the Ursuline Sisters from 1990-2001, and since 2001 has been plant administrator at the Motherhouse. Since 2010 she has also served as an elected councilor on the Ursuline leadership Council.
Sister Angela Fitzpatrick is a native of Emporia, Kan. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior to that community’s merger with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. She was a teacher at St. James School, Bartlesville, Okla. (1969-70) and Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park, Kan. (1970-71). She served in parish ministry for 29 years, as a pastoral associate at Holy Trinity Parish, Kansas City, Mo. (1971-72), pastoral team ministry with the Northeast Cooperative Services, Kansas City, Mo. (1972-75), pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kan. (1975-78), pastoral associate at St. Columba Parish, Conception Junction, Mo. (1979-85), pastoral associate at Sacred Heart and St. Casimir parishes, Leavenworth, Kan. (1985-86), pastoral associate at St. Gabriel Parish, Kansas City, Mo. (1986-96) and pastoral associate at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gladstone, Mo. (1997-2000). She was administrative assistant at Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan. (2001-2006), a CSJ caregiver in Kansas City, Kan. (2006-07), chaplain/ bereavement coordinator for Hospice Care of Kansas/ Midwest, Lenexa, Kan. (200810) and since 2010, a CSJ caregiver in metropolitan Kansas City.
40 years Sister Martha Keller, a native of Whitesville, Ky., is celebrating 40 years. She was a teacher at Immaculate Conception School, Hawesville, Ky. (1980-87), St. Pius Tenth School, Owensboro (1987-88), St. Mary High School, Paducah, Ky. (198990) and Owensboro Catholic High School (199093). She was pastoral associate at St. Romuald Parish, Hardinsburg, Ky. (1993-98), St. Sebastian Parish, Calhoun, Ky., St. Charles Parish, Livermore, Ky., and St. Anthony Parish, Browns Valley, Ky. (2000-01) and St. Francis deSales Parish, Paducah, Ky. (2008-11). She was director of faith formation at St. Joseph Parish, Bowling Green, Ky. (2001-03) and pastoral associate and director of faith formation at St. Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro (200308). She has served in internal ministry at the Motherhouse in health care (1988-89) and as director of vocation ministry and the potential member contact program (1999-2000, 2006-07, 2010-14). Since 2012 she has served as pastoral associate at St. Jerome Parish in Fancy Farm, Ky., and as director of the contact program for the Ursuline Sisters.
Bouquets!
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Five Ursuline Sisters from Louisville, Ky., came to the wilderness of what is now Maple Mount in 1874 to open Mount Saint Joseph Academy for girls. As the school grew, several additions were built, but this section is the original Academy. When the Academy closed in 1983, the buildings became part of what is now the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. The statue in front of the door is Saint Joseph holding the baby Jesus.
The Rosary Walk celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016. This pathway of bricks and stones forms a loop and joins together at a cross. The beads of the rosary are represented by round stepping stones, and a different mystery is carved into a square at each decade. Loved ones are commemorated on the bricks that line the walk. There are still bricks available. Found on the northwest corner of campus, “Advenia Regnum Tuum” is Latin for “Thy kingdom come.” The Rosary Walk now passes in front of this statue. The feast of Christ the King is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It is also referred to as the Sacred Heart statue.
The five pioneer Ursuline Sisters traveled on a flatboat down the Ohio River from Louisville and arrived in Owensboro in August 1874. They were met by members of the Strehl family, who brought them via a wagon to what is now Maple Mount, where they were greeted by Aquila and Louise Blandford on Aug. 15, 1874. The couple offered the sisters a meal of watermelon and buttermilk. In May 1936, 80 years ago, seniors at Mount Saint Joseph Academy presented Mother Gonzaga Cotter a stone marker for the spot where those five Ursuline Sister enjoyed their first meal
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6 At the entrance to the Memorial Garden is a marble stone honoring Father Paul Joseph Volk, the German-born missionary priest who was responsible for bringing the Ursuline Sisters from Louisville to open Mount Saint Joseph Academy. He was pastor of St. Alphonsus, just across the road, but went on to build 27 churches in Central America and Kentucky. Maple Mount was always his home and he was buried in the convent cemetery following his death in 1919. The marble used for this monument was formerly the altar in the chapel prior to the 1992 renovation.
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During the Year of Mercy, the the faithful to make a pilgrim of pilgrimage. Mount Saint J one of those places. Here are a few of the places worth seeing on your visit...
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At the culmination of the Memorial Deep within the human heart is the desire to Garden is one of immortalize heroes and heroines. The circle of the statues of names enclosing this garden attempts to express Saint Joseph on that longing to celebrate those special persons campus. Saint Joseph, husband who gave the Ursuline Sisters life and nurtured their dreams. of Mary, foster father of Jesus, was an honorable man who trusted the mysterious ways of God; heeded the voice of an angel and went into exile to protect Mary and Jesus. He is the special guardian of the universal Church and the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. He is the patron of married couples, carpenters, bursars, house hunters and sellers, doubters, housewives and the dying. His feast day is March 19.
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The Motherhouse Chapel is placed in the center of the campus because prayer is central to the Ursuline Sisters’ lives. This is the third chapel at Maple Mount, dedicated on Dec. 18, 1929, under the patronage of Saint Joseph. The chapel was renovated in 1964 and again in 1992. The stained glass windows came from the Emil Frei Art Glass Co., of St. Louis and Munich, Germany. The public is always welcome to attend Mass in the chapel – 7:15 a.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. Sundays – and Eucharistic Adoration is every Friday from 3-5 p.m., and the second Sunday of the month from 3-5 p.m.
e Diocese of Owensboro calls upon mage to one of the diocese’s places Joseph is e just
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Martyred in 303 A.D. at the age of 12, Saint Agnes is the patron saint of young girls. She is depicted holding a lamb and a palm branch. Since the 9th century, on the feast of Saint Agnes (Jan. 21) two lambs are slaughtered at the Church of Saint Agnese in San’t fuori le Mura, France. From the wool of these lambs is made the pallium (a strip of white wool with black crosses woven into the fabric) given by the Pope to an archbishop as a sign of his office.
8 One of the apparitions of Mary in the 20th century took place at Fatima, Portugal. She appeared to three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917. Our Lady’s message warned of the harm that we inflict upon ourselves because of greed and lust for power, lack of love among nations and rejection of the Gospel. Her plan of hope for the world called for daily devotion to bring about the conversion of Russia, the end of World War I and peaceful reconciliation among nations. Her feast day is May 13. Saint Theresa, the Little Flower, was born in France in 1873, entered the cloistered Carmelite monastery at age 15, and died at 24. She arrived at peace by accepting that “my vocation is love.” Her secret is called The Little Way: no act is without meaning when done within the awareness of God’s abiding presence. Soon after her death, public demand was so great that this young woman -- who had spent only nine years as a Carmelite nun doing dishes, laundry, scrubbing floors, cleaning and praying for the missions purely out of love -- was canonized and named a Mystical Doctor of the Church. Devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor (“Quick Help”) was planted in this country by the Ursulines who came from France to New Orleans in 1727. The recognition of Our Lady as patron of Louisiana is supported by two miracles that saved New Orleans from peril: the victory of the Americans over the British in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, and escape from the catastrophic fire of 1815. The shrine at Maple Mount was built to fulfill a promise made by two Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph who were on a cruise in the Caribbean when a hurricane approached. The sisters asked Our Lady of Prompt Succor to spare their ship and the lives of its passengers and crew. Their ship was among the few that safely reached shore.
10 Every deceased Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph is buried in the cemetery, (except Sister George Marie Morgan, who is buried in New Mexico.) Opened in 1910, it was the second cemetery on campus, and overlooks the farmland that has supported the sisters throughout their history. Several of the priests who served at the Mount are also buried here, including Father Volk. The marble crucifix was added on July 21, 1947. Anthony became a Franciscan friar in the hope of shedding his blood for Christ. In France and Italy, he was the most renowned preacher of his day. Saint Anthony is known to have moved with ease in the realm of minor and major miracles: raising the dead, exorcising the devil, and having a special power of restoring lost things. He is usually depicted holding the infant Jesus, who on one occasion, miraculously appeared to him and rested in his arms. Sometimes the infant is shown holding keys and glasses of which Anthony is looking. His feast day is June 13. 9
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– By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
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Powerhouse of Prayer
Sister Celine Leeker does her part through prayer This is a new feature that highlights the efforts of those Ursuline Sisters who minister in the “Powerhouse of Prayer,” who lift up all those who ask for prayers throughout the year. As a girl growing up in Olathe, Kan., Sister Celine Leeker learned to pray by watching her mother. “Seeing my mother’s example of prayer and how it affected her taught me to start praying myself,” Sister Celine said. Now in her 67th year as an Ursuline Sister – the first 60 as an Ursuline of Paola, Kan. – Sister Celine said prayer is extremely important to her. “I appreciate prayer, because we all belong to God. He put us here, we have to do our part,” she said. “We have time to pray, so we pray for the people who don’t have as much time. We pray for loved ones and for those who ask us for prayers.” She prays with the other Ursuline Sisters at the Motherhouse during 7:15 a.m. Mass, but she prays throughout the day as well. She arises at 5:30 a.m. so she can pray on her own before Mass. “At 11 a.m., we have the rosary every day,” she said. “I also join in the rosary at 4:15 p.m. I lead it if no one else can, but my voice isn’t very strong.” During the most recent Lent she prayed with a purple rosary. “I have probably 20 different rosaries,” Sister Celine said. “I take turns with them because people have given them to me.” The rosary is her favorite prayer. “I connect it with the Blessed Mother,” she said. “I’m asking her to be with me, to help whoever is in need. I think I learned that at home.” During Lent she also prayed the Stations of the Cross daily. “Anywhere is a good place to pray,” she said. “Prayer is important to me. I think it’s a responsibility.” Anyone who wants to send a request for the sisters to pray for them may email those prayers to prayer.msj@ maplemount.org, or prayers can be sent through the Ursuline website at ursulinesmsj.org/prayers. Friends can write to Sister Celine at 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Soli Deo Gloria
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We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
The Powers sisters are both making significant changes in their lives in 2016. Sister Marian Powers retired in January after 11 years sharing time as postmaster at the Ursuline Post Office. After 33 years as an educator, Sister Marian served in parish ministry, as local coordinator at Maple Mount and in outreach in her hometown of Cloverport, Ky., before beginning her postmaster ministry in 2005. This is her 64th year as an Ursuline Sister. Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger took over Sister Marian’s role in the post office, splitting time with Sister Ann Patrice Cecil. Sister Cecelia Joseph also continues to serve part-time as director of religious education at St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Stanley, Ky. Sister Rose Jean Powers is returning to the Mount in May to become local Sister Marian Powers, left, sits with her sister, Sister Rose Jean Powers, community life coordinator, a ministry she served from 1984-89. “I really enjoyed during Community Days in 2014. working with the sisters, and I’m looking forward to doing that again,” she said. “I’m not the best administrator, but I care for the sisters and look forward to providing for them any way I can.” Other than those five years she served at Maple Mount, Sister Rose Jean has served at Brescia College/University in Owensboro since 1968. She was an instructor of history, served with the residence halls, was director of residential life and campus minister. Since 2008 she has served as an assistant in the bookstore. She has been the sacristan at the Brescia Chapel since 1992. This is her 54th year as an Ursuline Sister. She replaces Sister Mary Matthias Ward, who is becoming director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. (See article on page 14.) Sister Rose Jean will begin her new ministry at the end of May.
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Learn more about the new Ursuline leadership Sister Pam Mueller
Sister Amelia Stenger
New title: Congregational Leader Years as an Ursuline: 48 Current ministry: Director of Development for the Ursuline Sisters since 2010, Maple Mount. Previous ministries: Director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Sister Amelia Center (1997-2010) Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Owensboro (1984-91), then for the Archdiocese of Louisville (1991-97). Elementary school teacher and principal (1971-1984)
Sister Kathleen Condry
New title: Assistant Congregational Leader. Years as an Ursuline: 46 Current Ministry: Pastoral ministry for the Church of the Nativity, Leawood, Kan., since 2009. Previous ministries: Sister Kathleen Superior of Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan. (2002-2008); leadership Council (1982-90, 1994-98). Assistant superintendent for leadership and mission for the Archdiocesan Education Office, Kansas City, Kan. (1998-2002). Assistant principal, principal and president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park, Kan. (1988-98) Teacher or principal in Kansas (1970-87)
Sister Judith Nell Riney
New title: Councilor Years as an Ursuline: 49 Current ministry: Director of Library Services at Brescia University since 1987. Previous ministries: Staff librarian at Brescia College (1980-87). Teacher and librarian (1971-79)
Sister Judith Nell
New title: Councilor Years as an Ursuline: 46 Current Ministry: Director of campus ministry at Brescia University, Owensboro, Ky., since 2005. Previous ministries: Director of Women’s Discernment, Sister Pam Brescia, (2004-2007) Director of Vocation ministry for the Ursuline Sisters (2000-2006); Director of the Contact program (2000-2003) Director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at St. Louis University (1992-94), then director for the 1818 Advanced College Credit Program at SLU (19942000) Professor of speech language pathology at Brescia (1981-92) Speech-language pathologist for the Diocese of Owensboro (1974-79) Teacher (1973-74)
Sister Pat Lynch
New Title: Councilor. Years as an Ursuline: 49 Current ministry: Office manager/campus minister at the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan., since 2009. Previous ministries: Sister Pat Superior of Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan. (1994-2002); leadership Council (1982-90, 2002-2008) Vocation and formation director for Ursuline Sisters (2002-2006), formation and spiritual direction (20062009) Lakemary Center for children with developmental disabilities (speech therapy aide, 1971-72; speech pathologist, 1974-81; education coordinator, 198186). Do you subscribe to our monthly email newsletter, “The Pilgrimage”? You can sign up on the home page of our website: ursulinesmsj.org 11
A Ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Give Peace, Quiet and Prayer a Chance
MISSION: Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center offers and hosts programs in a rural environment of tranquility for people of all ages and faiths to nurture spiritual and personal growth, advance the arts and promote lifelong learning.
The men studying to become part of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Owensboro pause to take a picture during their weekend of study on March 19. The men started coming to the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center each month in 2013 as part of their four years of study. Front row, from left: Mike Marsili, James Morgan, Richard Murphy, Scott Jones, Chris Gutierrez and Ken Bennett. Back row, from left: Larry Conrad, Roberto Cruz, Brett Mills, John Cecil, Brent Kimbler, Dale DePoyster, Robert Higbee, Mike Houtchen, Joe Loeffler and Wayne Boudreaux.
Dee Huber, of Louisville, left, was joined by her sister Cheryl Leadbeater of Virginia Beach, Va., at the March 11-13 women’s retreat titled “The Tender Mercy of Our God: Jesus and Gospel Women.” Sister Cheryl Clemons, (left, ringing a prayer bowl) led the large gathering as she related the stories of several women in the gospels.
An interested crowd of 13 people braved rainy weather to join Sister Ann McGrew for the March 10 monthly discussion of the book, “A Father Who Keeps His Promises” by Scott Hahn.
LEFT: Sheila Gravely, of Hendersonville, Tenn., has come to Runaway Quilters for 15 years, but this was her first year for the Quilting Friends in February. The Runaway Quilters come to Maple Mount each September to work on their individual projects. Sister Amelia Stenger started inviting them to the Mount in February to sew quilt tops to benefit the Ursuline community. ABOVE: Faye Kirtley of Bardstown, Ky., holds a block of the Burgoyne Surrender quilt she was making at the Friends retreat. 12
Sister Debra Ann Bailey, left, a Sister of the Lamb of God; Ursuline Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, center, and Martha Alle, director of finance for the Ursuline Sisters were among attendees for the March 1 Evening with an Ursuline dinner and presentation. Sister Marietta Wethington said Saint Angela Merici’s message in 16th century Italy is still relevant to us today, as she presented “Angela, A Woman for All Times.”
Tony Bittel and Sister Joseph Angela Boone listen to Sister Amelia Stenger explain “Why Do I Feel Guilty When It’s Time to Relax?” at the Feb. 2 “Evening with an Ursuline” dinner/presentation.
Seminarians from the Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana made their annual silent retreat the week of Jan. 17-23. The seminarians meet with priests one-on-one, and otherwise remain silent. Each day they have Mass in the Center Chapel (pictured here). Schedule your next event at Mount Saint Joseph! Contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-0206
A note of farewell... Dear Friends of the Center, About six years ago I wrote my first letter to you. Now I am writing a letter that I hope will speak of all the wonderful people, celebrations and enrichment opportunities that we have shared together during my time as director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. These years have been enriching as we have gathered for prayer, discussion, fun, crafts, etc., that have brought you to Mount Saint Joseph. God has Sister Ann blessed our time together and has helped us each to grow closer to our loving God. The Spiritual Direction Training Program is very close to my heart. I believe it is indeed a ministry that Saint Angela would encourage us to continue, so we hope to have new interest for October 2017. This year we have eight wonderful participants with four team members. The once-a-month reflection or book discussion has been an educational as well as spiritual exercise for those who have been able to come. These two programs we hope to continue. A group of women meet six to eight times each year for yarn spinning. This group of women has been coming to the Center since 2007. How blessed we are to have them come. Participants in the Diaconate Training Program come to the Center each month. This group will be ordained in 2017. Having them here is a blessing for us. For the past two years we have offered “An Evening with an Ursuline” presentations each month. This is a great time to be enriched through the wisdom of a number of different Ursuline Sisters. It is impossible to name all the programs and people who come to the Center. We have had religious groups, business meetings, youth programs, music groups, church leaders, school prayer days, sacramental retreats for youth, programs for those preparing for marriage, groups interested in the environment, parish groups … each and every group leaves footprints on our heart. I wish to thank everyone who has been part of the Center this past six years. I assure you of my prayers for you and ask you to remember to pray for me as I begin a different ministry as director of the novice who plans to enter our community this summer. May your life be blessed and may your response to God be “Yes” as we continue on this journey that is our life. In the Spirit of Saint Angela,
Sister Ann McGrew, OSU, Retreat Center Director ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org
Don’t forget to visit the Mount Saint Joseph Gift Shop. You can find a variety of gifts and religious items. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment. 270-229-4103 ext. 818
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The 2015 Sister Agnes Catherine award goes to... Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church in Owensboro, Ky., presented its annual Sister Agnes Catherine Williams Stewardship Award in November 2015 to Aggie Boehman of Maceo, Ky. The award honors someone for providing outstanding ministry to youth and their Catholic formation.In her nomination was written: Boehman is Aggie Boehman a religious education teacher who “joyfully shares her faith with any child who happens to make their way into Faith Formation, or into her loving arms. For her, there is no greater joy than to see a child’s smile and hear their laughter, or see the recognition in a child’s face when she is trying to explain the nuances of our Catholic faith. She enters into everything with a joyous heart, be it in the kitchen during our parish celebrations or one of our many other activities.” Aggie and her husband John have four children: Keith, Daniel, Josh and Amanda. Created in 2007, this award honors the late Ursuline Sister Agnes Catherine Williams (1905-2007), who dedicated her life to educating God’s children, many of them at Sts. Joseph and Paul School.
A new group formation option for Ursuline Associates in the Owensboro, Ky., area began in October 2015. The first meeting, pictured above, took place in the Contemporary Woman room at Brescia University. Eleven potential associates attended, including front row, from left, Nettie Noel, Nouhad Bitar and Doreen Abbott; back row, from left are Cindy Bornander, Ron Bornander, Sister Marie Joseph Coomes (partly hidden), Carol Rumage and Lissa Alls. For more information about the Ursuline Associates, contact Marian Bennett at 270-229-2006. 13
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Sister Mary Matthias will once again lead Center
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Sister Mary Matthias rsuline Sister Mary Matthias Ward was Ward, left, greets serving as principal of St. Denis School in Paula Gray in Louisville, Ky., in 1978, when the priest the lobby of the Mount Saint Joseph she’d been working with became the director of Conference and spiritual life for the Archdiocese of Louisville. The Retreat Center. priest asked Sister Mary Matthias to join him as Gray, an alum of Mount Saint Joseph associate director at the St. Thomas Center, the Academy, was diocesan retreat center. attending one of She served in that role for five years, but in the Evening with 1983, Mount Saint Joseph Academy closed its an Ursuline dinner/ presentations. doors after 109 years and the Ursuline Sisters decided to convert the buildings into the Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center. Sister Mary Matthias came home to be its first director. she was elected major superior of the Ursuline Sisters Now 33 years later – after serving in elected in 1988. community leadership, parish and campus ministry, Following eight years in leadership, in 1996 she directing a retreat center in New Mexico and serving began seven years in campus ministry at Murray State the sisters in Maple Mount – Sister University in Murray, Ky., as well Mary Matthias is poised to once as parish administrator at St. Leo “I still believe again take over as director of the Church in Murray. She returned to Mount Saint Joseph Conference and people hunger and retreat ministry in 2003 when she Retreat Center on May 1. became director of the Sacred Heart thirst for peace “I really felt called by God to do Retreat Center in Gallup, N.M. it,” she said. “I was in prayer and it and time alone.” Sister Mary Matthias was asked simply hit me – ‘you need to return to come back to Maple Mount in Sister Mary Matthias to the Retreat Center.’ From that 2009 to serve as director of local moment, I was at peace with it.” community life for the sisters at the Motherhouse, a She will replace Sister Ann McGrew as director, role she will complete at the end of April. who has served since 2010. Sister Ann will become While serving on the Center Advisory Board at the director of novices for the Ursuline community. Mount in 2014, she was instrumental in starting the “I still believe people hunger and thirst for peace “Evening with an Ursuline” dinner/presentation, now and time alone,” Sister Mary Matthias said. “I believe in its second year at the Retreat Center. the Center can offer that. Maybe during this Year of “I’ve been happy with how that has progressed,” Mercy people will feel that hunger and thirst more.” she said. “It’s modeled after the Twilight retreats I gave Despite the Retreat Center existing for 33 years, in Gallup. We’ll go another year with them and then Sister Mary Matthias believes there are people in the evaluate.” diocese who don’t know where Mount Saint Joseph is. She recognizes a big challenge the Retreat Center “We need a way to reach these people,” she said. faces is getting people to step away from their busy Unlike when the Retreat Center opened, most lives and come to Maple Mount to awaken how God churches now have their own parish halls. Sister Mary is working within them. But success isn’t measured by Matthias recognizes the Retreat Center has to have the number of people who come. more of a purpose than simply a place to gather. “If a person is open and receptive to God’s grace, it’s “It’s to come aside and be still,” she said. “It’s the a success,” she said. retreat world that we’re trying to offer. We’re building Sister Mary Matthias has had many adventures programs that will encourage people.” since she first directed the Retreat Center, but she Now in her 62nd year as an Ursuline Sister, Sister believes they will help her to lead now. Mary Matthias spent 22 years as a teacher or principal “In 1983 I was young and maybe gullible,” she said. before beginning at the St. Thomas Center. She led the “I bring more wisdom now. I still have a lot of energy to bring to the Center.” Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center from 1983 until
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We Never Walk Alone... Dear Friends of the Ursuline Sisters,
Everywhere we turn these days we read quotes from Pope Francis on the gift of Mercy. One of the ones I like the most comes from his writings, “The Church The Ursuline Sisters put up a banner on their of Mercy.” He says: “I campus for the Year of Mercy declared by Pope think this is truly the most Francis. It is located near Lourdes Hall. wonderful experience we can have: to belong to a people Sister Amelia Stenger, left, and Sister walking, journeying through Jane Miriam Hancock Besides offering pilgrimages to Mount history together with our Saint Joseph (see pages 8-9), here are some Lord, who walks among us! We are not alone; we do not walk other activities happening at Maple Mount alone. We are part of the one flock of Christ that walks together.” for the Year of Mercy. The public is always . The Ursuline Sisters have never been alone since we arrived invited: here at Mount Saint Joseph in August of 1874 or for that matter, Each Friday there is Eucharistic since Saint Angela started the community in 1535. We have adoration from 3-5 p.m. in the walked beside so many people who have supported us with their Motherhouse Chapel. There is also time, talent and wonderful generosity. We have journeyed with adoration on the second Sunday of the saints like Mother Katharine Drexel as we began our missions month from 3-5, followed by evening in New Mexico. We have walked with many other sisters and prayer (excluding Sept. 11 - picnic day). missionaries who began ministries in South America in the 1960s. Aug. 14, the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass We have stood side by side with sisters, bishops, priests and lay will be celebrated with Bishop William people in Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Illinois, Medley, with neighboring parishes invited. New York, Tennessee, Nebraska, Minnesota, Louisiana and Washington D.C., to name a few. We have never walked alone. During these years we have tried to serve as ministers of mercy by Statement of Accountability As a member of the National Catholic Development sharing our educational talents and helping those in need. Conference, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph . Now we are called to renew that call to mercy in all that we submit an accountability report after their annual do. Let us walk with each other, support each other in times of financial audit. This is a summary of Donations/Bequests and Expenses for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. If you need and share the gift of compassion that Pope Francis so often have questions, contact Sister Amelia Stenger at 270talks about. We cannot wait for someone else to do it for us. Let 229-2008. us walk together to serve. Revenue__________________________ Unrestricted 260,899.31 47.97% . If you listen to Pope Francis speaking, he usually speaks in Restricted 22,360.00 4.11% Italian. Often you will hear him use the word “insieme,” which Restricted Alumnae 455.00 0.08% MSJ Center 4,029.00 0.74% means “together.” As a community of Ursulines, we are serving Chile Missions 8,430.00 1.55% together as we walk this journey. We also share that journey with Grants 2,500.00 0.46% all of you who are reading this magazine. We are grateful for you Bequests Unrestricted 35,495.18 6.53% 5,445.00 1.00% and all you do to help us along our journey. Thank you for being Retirement Quilt Club 39,220.78 7.21% a part of our mission to serve God and the Church. Annual Dinner/5K 3,514.00 0.65% Picnic 161,507.73 29.70% .God bless you and those you love. 543,856.00 100.00% Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU Expenses_________________________ Director of Development, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
More Year of Mercy
Do you shop on Amazon? Go to smile.amazon.com and select the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph as the organization you wish to support. Thank you.
Retirement Fund 206,173.51 37.91% Chile Ministry 8,430.00 1.55% MSJ Center 4,029.00 0.74% Restricted 22,815.00 4.20% U.S. Ministry/Program Service 269,418.56 49.54% Management/General 23,992.68 4.41% Fund Raising 8,997.25 1.65% 543,856.00 100.00%
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8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org If you have a smartphone, this QR code goes to our website.
Please Join Us for These Upcoming Events Evening with an Ursuline Dinner/Presentation First Tuesday of each month from 5–6:30 p.m. Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center The $20 fee includes dinner. May 3.....Sister Vivian Bowles, OSU Mind Management June 7.....Sister Ann McGrew, OSU The Choice to Say “Yes;” The Choice to Say “No” July 5......Sister Mary Matthias Ward, OSU Blueprint for Life: Beatitudes Aug. 2.....Sister Ruth Gehres, OSU The Gift of Forgiveness
•A Father Who Keeps His Promises April 14, May 12, June 9, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
•Journey with Angela at the Mount Saturday, April 23, 2016 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
•Mount Saint Joseph Academy & Junior College Alumnae Reunion May 14-15, 2016
Sister Rosanne Spalding was among the thousands of chaperones and high school students who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 19-21, 2015 in Indianapolis. The conference theme was “Here I Am, Lord.” Sister Rosanne serves as pastoral associate and the director of religious education for Precious Blood Parish, Owensboro. She is also the contact person for vocations for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in the Diocese of Owensboro. Pictured, left to right: Caleb Wimsatt from Owensboro Catholic High School; Madison Connor from Apollo High School; Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro; Danielle Durbin from Owensboro Catholic High School and Sister Rosanne.
•Yarn Spinning Weekend Retreats
Eucharistic Adoration
June 3-5, Aug. 26-28, Nov. 4-6
•Annual Associates and Sisters Day Saturday, June 11, 2016
•Conference and Directed Retreats for Women Religious July 17-22, 2016. Theme of conference: “Cultivating a Heart of Contentment.” Led by Father Jack Conley, CP
•Angela Retreat Day Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. Theme: “50 Years of Ursuline Missions in Latin America.” Led by Sister Ruth Gehres
North American Ursuline Convocation July 7-10, 2016 Galt House Hotel,
Second Sunday of each month and every Friday Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Adoration will conclude with evening prayer.
Louisville, Ky.
A gathering of Ursuline Sisters and members of the larger Ursuline family northamericanursuline convocation.weebly.com
Fundraiser for the Ursuline Sisters Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas Dinner, Silent & Live Auctions
Saturday, May 7, 2016 Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission
Save the date! Mount Saint Joseph’s 46th Annual Barbecue Picnic benefit for the retired sisters is Sunday, Sept. 11! License No. 0290
Grand Raffle Prizes: $10,000 • Handmade Quilt • $3,500 • $1,000 • $500 • $250 • $100 Raffle tickets are $5. Booths open at 10:30 a.m. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m.