Ursulines
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Proclaiming Jesus through Education and Christian Formation
Spring 2018 Vol. 17, No. 1
ursulinesmsj.org
Ministering at the Motherhouse Casa Ursulina Celebrates 20 Years Retreat Center’s 35-year Timeline
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From Our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, All of us entered the Ursuline community because we heard God calling us to follow him more closely and to minister to his people. Most of us entered knowing we would be teaching in some form or fashion. We profess vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and instruction. Most of us have taught in schools at one time or another. We served in every grade from kindergarten to university. After years of teaching, some sisters have been called to dedicate their gifts in other areas – pastoral ministries, healthcare, social justice, and service to immigrants and the poor. Many of us who began our service in schools are now involved in lifegiving ministries outside the classroom. Our ministries today are in seven states and in Washington, D.C., and Chile, South America. Besides these far-flung ministries, many sisters are also involved in internal ministry here at Mount Saint Joseph. These include sisters who are officially “retired,” but who are still able and wish to use their gifts in service to others. Internal ministry means that we are helping the community by taking on a responsibility at the Motherhouse. These responsibilities range from helping to care for the sisters in Saint Joseph Villa – our infirmary – to working in areas that serve all the sisters in the community It doesn’t matter what the task is – each one Sister Amelia Stenger, right, congregational is important for the life of the leader, looks over some information with community. Sister Nancy Murphy, secretary to the Leadership Council, in Sister Nancy’s office This edition of Ursulines Alive in Lourdes Hall. offers a glimpse into the lives of our sisters who serve in internal ministry. We are grateful for all the sisters who serve the community here at the Motherhouse and on mission. Happy Easter. We hope your Easter season is filled with many blessings.
Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Congregational Leader
Wouldn’t you like to win a quilt for only $ 20? This year, you get even MORE chances to win a handmade quilt with our Quilt Club annual memberships, available for only $20 each. We have extended our current Quilt Club year to March 2019. Sign up by May 3rd to get 11 chances to win! Drawings are on the first Friday of each month. Call Maggie at 270-229-2009.
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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: Communications and Development Specialist............... Maggie Matsko Director of Development................................................ Betsy Jo Mullins Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships............................. Marian Bennett, OSUA Mission Advancement Assistant..................................... Sister Mary McDermott Mission Advancement Assistant..................................... Sister Marcella Schrant Contributing Writer......................................................... Sister Ruth Gehres Contributing Writer......................................................... Sister Marietta Wethington
COVER: Sister Pam Mueller hugs Agustina at Casa Ursulina during her Dec. 1-14, 2017, visit to Chile. Photo by Sister Ruth Gehres. Inset Box: Sister Alfreda Malone, seated, looks through a binder in the archives to locate a historical photo, as Heidi Taylor-Caudill, archivist, assists her. Sister Alfreda has ministered in the archives since 2010.
INDEX Motherhouse Ministry........................... 3-6 Casa Ursulina..................................... 7-9,14 Conference and Retreat Center........ 10-12 Obituaries................................................ 13 Powerhouse of Prayer............................. 13 Sister Spotlight........................................ 14 Vocations................................................. 14 Development........................................... 15 Jubilarians................................................ 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 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 • Twitter: twitter.com/ursulinesmsj • YouTube: UrsulineSistersMSJ
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Sisters fulfill their calling while serving at the Mount By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
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or 43 years, Ursuline Sister Rose Jean Powers ministered at Brescia College – now University – in Owensboro, Ky. In 2016, she moved to Maple Mount to be director of Local Community Life, a ministry she served in for five years in the 1980s. “In both the ministry here and the ministry at Brescia, I deal/t with people who are/were learning to make major changes in their lives,” Sister Rose Jean said. “They are learning to relate to people they didn’t know before; experiencing life and learning from it, oftentimes from mistakes, oftentimes from someone else’s expertise in a particular matter and sometimes from sheer inspiration.” Her ministry at the Mount is to serve the needs of the sisters who live at the Motherhouse. “In this ministry you are always dealing with people ... the people you rub elbows with on a daily basis; the people you love; the people who are your chosen family,” she said. “You hope you can be there for them when they need you; supply them with what they need when they need it; and celebrate each and every day with them. … I hope my ministry evolves through openness to the gifts of the people around me and openness to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The Ursuline Sisters are known as an “apostolic Sister Rose Jean Powers, left, director of community,” meaning that like the apostles, they Local Community Life, visits with Sister venture from their homes to spread the Gospel and Melissa Tipmore, who was substituting serve the needs where they find them. Most supporters as transportation coordinator in March. Sister Melissa was full-time transportation of the Ursuline Sisters likely got to know the sisters coordinator for 18 years. through these ministries – teaching in schools, serving in parishes, and a myriad of other missions through the years. But since the Ursulines arrived at what is now Maple Mount in 1874, there have been ministries needed at the Motherhouse – caring for the land, maintaining equipment, preparing meals, paying bills and serving the needs of the sisters who live at the Mount. That is still true today. Each of the 71 Ursuline Sisters living at the Motherhouse has a ministry, some ministries are “full-time” – often well more than 40 hours a week. Sister Rita Scott is the plant administrator, meaning she oversees both the Maggie Matsko, seated, communications maintenance department and the farm, two roles that and development specialist in Mission are needed 365 days a year. Advancement, shows Sister Mary For some senior sisters, their work is the Powerhouse McDermott how to solve an issue with her computer. Sister Mary has ministered of Prayer, following Ursuline founder Saint Angela Merici’s command to “always pray in spirit and mind.” in Mission Advancement since 2017. The important liturgical life of the community is fulfilled by sisters who volunteer as lectors, servers, preparers of intercessions and Continued on page 4
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Sister Pat Lynch, left, assistant congregational leader, and Sister Judith Nell Riney, a member of the Leadership Council, talk with Gary and Ann Pierce during a ceremony dedicating the Moore Center at Brescia University on Sept. 8, 2017. Representing the Ursuline Sisters is just one of many responsibilities of the Council members.
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eucharistic ministers at daily Mass, as well as leadership roles in the Divine Office. Sister Rose Jean said she enjoys being with the Ursuline Sisters and all the other wonderful people who work at the Mount. “Each and every day I learn something new and interesting about at least one of them,” she said. Her challenges include witnessing the aging of the community and the diminishment of people whom she has always held in the highest esteem, “while at the same time the awe and wonder at what these people have accomplished with God’s help and blessing throughout their lives,” she said. For Sister Pat Lynch, coming to minister at the Mount was a new experience. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior to the merger with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. She had continued to serve in Kansas until she was elected to leadership in 2016, and is now assistant congregational leader. “I’m a people person, so getting to know new people is interesting to me,” Sister Pat said. “I enjoy hearing the stories of people’s lives and sharing thoughts and feelings. I hope to contribute to a positive attitude. I am impressed by the gentle, humble spirits of our sisters and how grateful they are for our employees and their service. It takes a lot of people to run this complex and they all work very hard. I feel privileged to serve on our leadership team and I do appreciate the other sisters who serve with me.” Like Sister Rose Jean, Sister Pat came directly from serving on a college campus. Sister Pat served at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. “I enjoyed working with college students in my 4
previous ministry, although the generation that I worked with at ESU (2009-2016) was different from the previous campus ministry population at the University of Kansas (1987-1994). It was a whole different generation that communicated with cell phones and texts (even emails were outdated) from those I knew at KU,” Sister Pat said. “In my past ministries, the biggest adjustment I had to make was going from working with nonverbal children as a speech-language pathologist to being a school administrator and working with special education teachers and Sister Monica Seato paraprofessionals (who were very verbal!). School, Memphis, T “But in the end, we are all children of Schools Week, Jan 2 God and, as an Ursuline, my call is to help spread God’s love to everyone I meet,” Sister Pat said. “One of Saint Angela’s characteristics was her flexibility, which helps me when I need to adjust to different circumstances. Kentucky is very different from Kansas in some ways but being with other Ursulines feels like home.” Sister Monica Seaton was teaching in Memphis, Tenn., when she returned to the Mount in 2016 to become director of Vocations. She appreciates the opportunity to visit and interact with other sisters living at the Motherhouse and being able to take part in special community celebrations. “This part of community living is what I missed when I ministered in Memphis, because of the distance,” she said. “I also felt a void when one of our sisters died and I was unable to be here for the funeral.” One of Sister Monica’s biggest challenges serving at the Mount is not being “among the people” on a daily basis. “It is a sacrifice a sister makes for community in order to carry out the necessary tasks of a particular ministry,” she said. “As director of Vocations, my ministry takes me out to schools and parishes, but it is not the same as getting to know those individuals on a long-term basis. I am a member of St. Stephen Cathedral Parish and try to be involved in the life of the parish in many ways. This helps me maintain a connection with the people in the pews and aids in sustaining my ministry. “As Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, we are one community and say where one of us serves, we all serve,” Sister Monica said. “There is work to be done here at the Motherhouse and sisters are able to fill those roles. Other sisters are out on mission meeting and serving the needs of the people and the Church in a specific way. Internal and public ministries complement one another, and both are gift to our community. Vocation ministry certainly encompasses the aspects of both internal and public ministry as I walk with those who are discerning their vocational call in life, and simultaneously, I share our
on poses with the kindergarten class at St. Patrick Catholic Tenn., after a presentation on vocations for National Catholic 29-Feb. 2. The “heart” means vocations are full of love.
Sister Ann Patrice Cecil, right, postmaster at the Maple Mount Community Post Office, prepares to mail an envelope for Sister Pat Rhoten, left. Sister Ann Patrice has served in the post office since 2013. Sister Pat is the librarian on campus.
Ursuline Way of Life with others.” Sister Ann McGrew is an example of a sister serving multiple roles. In 2017, she became the treasurer for the sisters at the Mount. Each of the sisters submits a monthly budget for their needs and Sister Ann provides them with money for clothes, over-the-counter medicines, ink cartridges for their Sister Ann McGrew sits in her treasurer’s office and prepares printers, etc. She pays cable TV for a program she was planning bills and expenses for the Guest to give at St. Peter of Alcantara House, and chaplain stipends. Parish, Stanley, Ky., during Lent. Sister Ann also is the novice director, serves on the coordinating team of the Spiritual Direction Training Program and has a part-time religious education ministry at St. Peter of Alcantara Parish. She also leads a book study at the Retreat Center. “Working with the sisters is rewarding,” Sister Ann said. “I do a lot of listening, like most of us do at the Mount. I enjoy doing things for the sisters.” One of the challenges of serving at the Mount is “my world can get very small,” Sister Ann said. “If I’m here, then my world shrinks. When I work in the Spiritual Direction Training Program, those people bring their world here.” There’s a certain symmetry to serving at the Motherhouse later in life, Sister Ann said. “When we came here as young sisters, we didn’t leave,” she said. “Then we went out to teach. But we always came back in the summer. We had tasks to do, but coming back and being part of that drew us together. Being here now, it makes me think the same way. You start here and you end here. Sort of like bookends to our life.” Sister Amelia Stenger spent 26 years in education before returning to the Mount in 1997 to lead the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center for 13 years. She spent six years as director of Development, until she was elected as congregational leader in 2016. “My ministry is located at the Mount, but my responsibilities go beyond our beautiful space here,” she said. “Our sisters are located in many places away from the Mount, so it is important to keep all the sisters in mind as work is done here. The Mount is home, so it is always wonderful to be here.” The original Ursuline Sisters at the Mount ministered solely at the Motherhouse for the first 26 years, teaching at Mount Saint Joseph Academy or serving the other needs on the grounds. It was 1900 before two sisters began teaching at St. Raphael School four miles away. “I think about those first sisters often,” Sister Amelia said. “They didn’t have anything when they came here and were still so committed. We have so much and hopefully have that spirit of pioneering that they had as we look to our future. They had their challenges then, and we have ours now. We need to be as strong as they were.”n See a complete list of Motherhouse ministry Sisters on the following page. 5
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Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney, information receptionist, The following Ursuline Sisters are assigned Powerhouse of Prayer these ministries at the Motherhouse: Sister Naomi Aull, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Catherine Barber, crocheting afghans, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Susanne Bauer, sacristan, Liturgy Committee, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Luisa Bickett, quilter for the Quilt Club, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie William Blyth, ministering to Ursuline Associates, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Eva Boone, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Joseph Angela Boone, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Clarita Browning, visit Villa sisters, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie Goretti Browning, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Elaine Burke, member of coordinating team of the Spiritual Direction Training Program, Liturgy Committee, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Emma Cecilia Busam, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Ann Patrice Cecil, postmaster. Sister Joyce Marie Cecil, information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie Carol Cecil, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Irene Cecil, seamstress for sisters in Saint Joseph Villa, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Jude Cecil, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Rose Marie Craycroft, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Kathleen Dueber, transportation coordinator Sister Helen Leo Ebelhar, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie Julie Fecher, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Ruth Gehres, Casa Ursulina liaison, writer and ` proofreader for Communications office, English tutor for Vietnamese sisters, transportation for sisters, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Margaret Marie Greenwell, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Paul Marie Greenwell, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister George Mary Hagan, transportation for sisters, Liturgy Committee, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Claudia Hayden, family ministry, assisting in Saint Joseph Villa Sister Marie Michael Hayden, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Dorothy Helbling, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Henning, Director of Worship and Liturgy, Director of Postulants Sister Francis Louise Johnson, mail distributor, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Rose Karen Johnson, substitute information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Catherine Kaufman, dining room decoration, care of plants, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Elizabeth Krampe, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser, assistant to the archivist Sister Celine Leeker, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Lois Lindle, transportation for sisters, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Dee Long, assistant to the archivist, information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Clarence Marie Luckett, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Pat Lynch, Assistant Congregational Leader 6
Sister Alfreda Malone, assistant to the archivist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Angela Matthews, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Ruth Mattingly, quilts baby quilts, information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Pauletta McCarty, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary McDermott, assistant in Mission Advancement, information receptionist, hospitality in chapel, directs tours of campus, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Patrick McDonagh, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Ann McGrew, local community treasurer, director of novices and Spiritual Direction Training Program Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, assistant in the Finance office, newspaper deliverer, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie Montgomery, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Pam Mueller, member of the Leadership Council, coordinator of Mission Effectiveness Sister Nancy Murphy, congregational secretary Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, medical leave, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, postmaster, Guest House coordinator, quilter for Quilt Club Sister Diane Marie Payne, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Gerald Payne, craft maker, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Rose Jean Powers, Director of Local Community Life Sister Clara Reid, quilt binding, information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Pat Rhoten, campus librarian Sister Judith Nell Riney, member of Leadership Council Sister Marcella Schrant, Mission Advancement assistant, information receptionist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Rita Scott, Plant Administrator Sister Monica Seaton, Director of Vocations, Director of the Contact Program Sister Sheila Anne Smith, crochets filter covers for Water With Blessings, musician for monthly anointing in Saint Joseph Villa Sister Kathy Stein, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Amelia Stenger, Congregational Leader Sister Grace Swift, master gardener, culinary cook, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Melissa Tipmore, assistant to the archivist, transportation, substitute transportation coordinator Sister Mary Agnes VonderHaar, daily annalist, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marie Brenda Vowels, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Mary Matthias Ward, director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, and director of the Diocese of Owensboro Spiritual Life Center Sister Marie Bosco Wathen, assists sisters in Saint Joseph Villa, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Marietta Wethington, writer for Communications office, information receptionist, transportation for sisters, Powerhouse of Prayer Sister Rebecca White, assistant to the archivist, coordinator of Angela Oratory Sister Emerentia Wiesner, seamstress, craft making, Powerhouse of Prayer
Sister Pam Mueller, left, joined Sister Mimi Ballard, center, and new Associate Mercedes O’Campo at the market during her visit to Chile. RIGHT: Sister Pam, far right, helps Casa Ursulina volunteers peel potatoes for a special meal.
First and Lasting Impressions from My First Visit to Chile and Casa Ursulina Sister Pam Mueller, a member of the Ursuline Leadership Council, visited Chile for the first time from Dec. 1-14, 2017. These were her impressions. Though my time was short, from start to finish, I can say I had a true encuentro (encounter) with the spirit of the Chilean people and their country. I am fortunate that my visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of Casa Ursulina. Sister Ruth Gehres and I helped by putting together a collage of pictures from the earliest days to the present. These photos told the story of so much growth and progress – of Casa Ursulina as a gathering place, and of the community of women who are the heart and soul of this ministry. At Casa Ursulina I witnessed the encouragement and support that the women gave each other. I arrived in time to participate in several “last classes” before the summer break. There were Christmas gift exchanges and food to share. In one of the weaving classes, the women drew names for buying Christmas presents. When each one presented her gift, she had to explain why she chose this particular gift for “her person.” So often, they expressed appreciation for the support someone had given or the obvious friendships that were being shared. Just the sheer pleasure of the group coming together regularly was obvious. Community in the
truest Christian sense was visible and tangible. I saw how they loved one another – and Sister Mimi Ballard, and Ruth, and because I was Ursuline, even me! And they had fond memories of Sister Shellie – that is, Sister Michele Intravia, who ministered at Casa Ursulina from 2003-2005. The culture is spiritual. Mimi explained to me that Nov. 8 to Dec. 8 is the Month of Mary, like May for United States Catholics. The people prepare a Marian shrine in the church, and on Dec. 8, they adorn Mary’s statue with flowers and carry it in procession to honor the mother of Jesus. This Dec. 8, a national holiday, we processed from our small mission church to the larger parish church, where we celebrated Mass with parishioners from two other churches. Because the hosting parish church did not survive the 2010 earthquake, we were using an abandoned warehouse. The celebration was joyous, and hospitality abounded. The pastor introduced Ruth and me, and we were warmly welcomed. To my surprise, as soon as the celebration of the Immaculate Conception ended, it was Christmas! Nativity scenes suddenly appeared in the churches. Hope truly makes that which is longed for present! I found a beautiful simplicity among the people. At Casa Ursulina,
people pulled together to cook, clean, set up tables and chairs, take things down, wash pots and pans, put away dishes, sweep and put things away – almost magically. Nothing seemed to overwhelm anyone. Everybody helped. It seemed fitting that the induction of the new Ursuline Associates came on Dec. 13, the last evening of my visit. Sixteen happy new associates were received, and four veteran associates received their associate pins. Even in my short time there, I was cognizant of the various expressions of Saint Angela’s many gifts being put to service through Casa Ursulina. Servant leadership is alive with joy and simplicity that is rooted in justice and love! n
Sister Pam, left, joins a Marian procession in Chile on Dec. 8, 2017. 7
Gathering for a photo at the Casa Ursulina 20th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 6, 2017, were, left to right, Keynote speaker Father Raúl Manriquez (retired pastor of the local parish church and a longtime friend and supporter of Casa Ursulina); Sister Pam Mueller, Sister Mimi Ballard, Bishop Carlos PellegrÍn Barrera of Chillán and Sister Ruth Gehres.
A Celebration of Women: Casa Ursulina Mark By Sister Ruth Gehres
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festive spirit reigned on Dec. 6, 2017, when the Casa Ursulina community welcomed family, friends and a multitude of guests to a celebration: the 20th anniversary of the founding of The Dianna Ortiz Ursuline Center for Women – Casa Ursulina! Very early on this bright spring morning (yes, early December is spring in Chile!), a crew of Casa Ursulina women were already rounding up chairs and stools from all corners of the house. Sister Mimi Ballard, center director, had promised a formal celebration – something amazingly rare in Casa Ursulina’s bustling environment. We were expecting an overflow crowd. Just outside, another lively group was transforming the patio into a showplace for crafts and a variety of needlework, paintings, spinning and weaving, and baking – all creations of the women of Casa Ursulina. To make the anniversary celebration even more exciting, the Coordination Team had scheduled the annual Exposición on the same day. The artisans were all on hand to explain their work and, if desired, to sell their creations. By noon, over 100 enthusiastic visitors were overflowing the sewing room, an improvised auditorium for the occasion. Special guests included Bishop Carlos PellegrÍn Barrera of
Chillán and Father Raúl Manriquez, retired pastor of our parish church and a longtime friend and supporter of Casa Ursulina. Representing the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph was Sister Pam Mueller, a member of the Ursuline Leadership Council. Sister Pam had traveled some 16 hours from Maple Mount, Ky., to share in this celebration. The welcoming party included five of the seven women who, together with Sister Mimi, were the founders of this ministry in August 1997. Father Raúl, the keynote speaker, fondly remembered Casa Ursulina from its earliest days, when the center offered a two-year program for pregnant teens and their babies. Since then, hundreds of needy women of all ages have found companionship and support, with opportunities for growth in many areas. Father Raúl emphasized solidarity as central to the spirit of Casa Ursulina: “All of the women have been integrated into this mission, so that they all feel that this house is their own.” For the neighborhood, the parish and the diocese, he declared, “Casa Ursulina has been a constant example of solidarity, always open and welcoming.” Several longtime members of the Casa Ursulina community traced the history of the house, while others described it as a gift for them
and their families. Also speaking in gratitude were women from Casa Ursulina’s outreach programs in two outlying rural areas. Anelida Erisa (photo below), from the outreach program at Piedra Lisa, testified to the significance of Casa Ursulina in her life. “For me,” she said, “Casa Ursulina has meant everything. Sister Mimi and the other teachers have opened doors for me to exhibit my work and to bring added income to my home at a very critical time. For me, Casa Ursulina has been like a beautiful family.” Twice monthly the farm women from Piedra Lisa gather in a oneroom school with Sister Mimi and monitoras (teachers) from Casa Ursulina. After six years of training, these women have become skilled spinners and weavers. A special moment came as Sister Pam presented a beautiful plaque to Sister Mimi from the Ursuline community. Dedicated to the Dianna Ortiz Ursuline Center for Women – the official title of the ministry – the plaque reads: “With love and gratitude for 20 years of training and Christian formation in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici.” Vigorous applause followed the presentation of
Sister Pam Mueller, left, a member of the Leadership Council of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, presents a plaque from the Ursuline Community to Sister Mimi Ballard, founder and director of Casa Ursulina in Chillán, Chile. Casa Ursulina celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding by Sister Mimi and seven Chilean women. Over 200 women annually participate in the ministry of Casa Ursulina.
ks 20 Years of Ministry the plaque. Sister Mimi’s response was equally enthusiastic. “These have been 20 years of opportunities to work in solidarity – 20 years of being surrounded by talented and generous women, with the support of my religious congregation, focused on helping those who have most need.” She then highlighted the work which continues to flourish in Chillán and beyond. Approximately 230 women are now actively involved in the ministries of Casa Ursulina. At the close of the program, Bishop Carlos PellegrÍn led the blessing of the house and the exhibition of the women’s work, recognizing especially “the work of
CONTACT CASA URSULINA
• Ursulinesmsj.org, click Ministries, then Casa Ursulina • rgehres@gmail.com • mimiballard@gmail.com • Casa Ursulina on Facebook • History of Ursulines in South America PowerPoint: http://tinyurl. com/Sr-Ruth-Gehres-Chile
Maria Teresa, Sonia and Gabriela display the creations of the Volunteer Workshop – a group of some 20 women who meet weekly to make warm comforters for the elderly/ bedfast/poor in the area. Every year they create about 25 simple quilts from used clothing and donated material.
Sister Mimi and of the Ursuline Sisters and lay volunteers from the United States, who have brought forward this beautiful mission.” Then, in a burst of joyful spontaneity, the bishop led everyone in the spirited singing of “O Beautiful Virgin of Mount Carmel,” a favorite hymn to Mary, beloved patroness of Chile.n
ABOVE: Sirian displays the work of the weaving group from San Clemente. Sister Mimi spends one weekend a month in this community, about two hours north of Chillán. LEFT: A crowd gathers for the anniversary celebration inside Casa Ursulina. Front row, third from left is Evelina Salas, the oldest of the founders of Casa Ursulina. She has been an Ursuline Associate for 12 years.
See a history of Casa Ursulina on page 14. 9
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. Schedule your event at the Center. Call 270-229-0206.
Center celebrates 35 years of spiritual growth In May 1983, dwindling enrollment at Mount Saint Joseph Academy and fewer teachers available resulted in the Ursuline Sisters’ leadership deciding to close the school. In true Ursuline fashion, the decision resulted not in pining for the past, but looking for a passage to the future. Immediately, talk began on how to best utilize the buildings. The result was the creation of the Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center. That was 35 years ago this summer, and today’s Retreat Center continues to serve the spiritual needs of the Diocese of Owensboro and to offer a hospitable gathering place for groups of all types. For those who’ve just discovered the Retreat Center in recent years, the following is a condensed history of how it arrived at its present moment, and where the future may lead.
1983
The original Mount Saint Joseph Academy building is now part of Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.
The Diocese of Owensboro was 46 years old in 1983 but had never had a retreat center. The new bishop, John McRaith, was a major supporter of a retreat center and backed the Ursuline Sisters’ plans. When the younger sisters came home from teaching in the summer of 1983, they joined to clean out the old school and prepare it to become a retreat center. Sister Mary Bertha Wethington, then 77, sewed all the tablecloths and drapes for the new Center. Sister Mary Matthias Ward, retreat director at Saint Thomas Center in Louisville, volunteered to return to Maple Mount to run the new center. When she arrived in July, she learned there was a group booked for August – Bishop McRaith and his staff. The Center was cleaned, painted and in place in less than four weeks. The Center’s first break came when a regional Cursillo group of about 200 people arrived in October 1983. Bishop McRaith designated the Center the Spiritual Life Office for the Diocese of Owensboro. The Center director was expected to spend two days a week at an office in the Pastoral Center.
Sister Mary Bertha
1988 Sister Mary Matthias left the Retreat Center in 1988 when she was elected major superior for the Ursuline Sisters. Sister Marie Goretti Browning, who had been the director of spiritual formation for the Ursuline Sisters, was serving in parish ministry when she became director of the Center in 1988. Many Catholic groups were using the center in those years, and some Protestant groups also began to come. With the growth in use of the Center, it became apparent that the facility needed renovation. The heating and cooling systems were inadequate, the rooms were not large enough and there were only common bathrooms.
Christian Leadership Institute in 1990
1994 As the time to renovate the Center drew closer, Sister Marie Goretti discerned that new leadership was needed. She left the position in 1994. Sister Darlene Denton was principal at Sts. Simon and Jude Elementary in Louisville when she was asked to become director of the Center. Sister Mary Matthias, then major superior, appointed Sister Darlene as a hands-on, organized person who could handle the stress during the renovation. 10
Father Kevin Karl chats with an attendee on Catechist Day on Feb. 6, 1993. Photo by Frances Gaddin, appeared in Western Kentucky Catholic.
1996 Construction began in 1996. Renovation posed many challenges, partly because the Center remained at least partially open during construction. One of the biggest challenges was the elevator. Because the four buildings that comprised the Academy were constructed at different times, the floors weren’t at the same level. To make the building handicapped accessible, a main ground floor entrance was needed for the elevator. Another entrance was needed above – at the first balcony level. That’s why the first two elevator landings are designated 1A and 1B. Terry Blake, an architect for The RBS Design Group, developed the idea of the facade as the entrance to the facility. The facade was built with reflective glass windows facing south, diverting heat from the building to keep it cooler in the summer. Because the original building is on the National Historic Register, its exterior could not be changed. Geothermal wells were dug to heat the building. Because Mount Saint Joseph is built on an aquifer, drilling the wells was tough. Memory Garden Workers had to look for old cisterns that were not on any map. Sister Agnes Sister Agnes Catherine Williams, who had become an Ursuline Sister Catherine in 1925 and still had an excellent memory, was a resource to help locate the cisterns.
1997 Sister Darlene served as director until the renovation was almost complete. Ursuline leadership knew the next Center director would need good community relations skills, and experience with special projects, fundraising and leadership. They appointed Sister Amelia Stenger, who was superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville. She arrived in August 1997. The renovations were completed by Jan. 15, 1998, when a Christian leadership group spent the weekend. The center also had a new name – the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Adding “Conference” was an effort to appeal to the needs of the business community.
1999 To celebrate the 125th year of the Ursuline Community, commemorative bricks were sold for a Memory Garden. The 2,000 bricks sold – at $125 each – established the foundation of the Center’s endowment.
2006 A second major fundraising project, the Memorial Rosary Walk, was dedicated, also with a $125 donation per brick. Some of the major retreats during Sister Amelia’s time focused on women, centering prayer, Thomas Merton and the charismatic movement. Several groups of quilters began using the Center, and more environmental programs were added. July 2006 also marked the graduation of the first class in the Spiritual Direction Training Program at the Center.
2010 When Sister Amelia was named director of Development for the Ursuline Sisters, Sister Ann McGrew became director of the Retreat Center, fresh off her six-year tenure in community leadership. Monthly book studies, a yearly music camp for students from St. Louis, a yearly prayer day for Catholic school sixth-graders and the monthly “Evening with an Ursuline” dinner/presentations began during her six years at the Center.
2016-present When Sister Ann became director of Novices in 2016, the Center came full circle, as Sister Mary Matthias returned as director. Today, the Center continues to attract artisan groups: quilters, spinners, crocheters and scrapbookers. Sister Cheryl Clemons’ annual spring women’s retreat continues to be popular. This spring, guests may pray the Stations of the Cross on campus, with a CD sound recording (by Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger). Recordings are also available for praying the rosary and the Shrine Walk. These CDs were recorded by Sister Elaine Burke and Sister Nancy Murphy. The meeting rooms in the Center have been renamed and many of the guest rooms redecorated to make them more pleasing to the eye. Several of the people who played a role in developing the Center have gone to heaven – Sister Mary Bertha, Sister Agnes Catherine, Sister Darlene, Bishop McRaith and Terry Blake. But their work and that of countless others continues to make the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center an ideal place to find quiet time with God or gather among the beauties of nature to focus on what’s important. Come, be a part of the future of the Retreat Center, and benefit from its past. 11
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What is a Retreat Center? ... What is Silence? It would be such a wholesome thing to choose a A broken left wrist and a bum left retreat. Or come and wander around. I am beginning leg don’t interfere with early morning to hear, “It is just too far away.” Is it? Or is it an conversations. Even at an early time excuse? How far do you travel for ballgames or my brain functions quite well. While other interests? When I worked in a retreat center recuperating in our health care facility, in Gallup, N.M., our farthest point in the diocese in an early hour of the morning, I was from Gallup was four hours away. It never dawned asked: “What is a retreat center? I’ve on me to think it was too far away. I just prayed I’d never been, I have no idea what it is.” get home before the cattle were Although “Mount Saint Joseph Retreat turned out. I did hate to come it isn’t exactly a 5 a.m. upon a herd of cattle. It always Center is holy ground.” conversation, I began to explain seemed they knew they had the that a retreat center is a place right of way as they ambled down the highway. of silence where we know that God is God. And then Retreat Center – silence – distance – holy ground. she asked, “What is silence?” I indicated that silence is What thoughts to reflect upon this Easter season. May being quiet, and not just verbally – also in movements and actions. The young lady seemed satisfied and left me the risen Jesus bless you. to my own query, what is silence? And how connected is In Saint Angela, Sister Mary Matthias Ward, OSU silence to people wanting to come to the Retreat Center? Recently I was summoned home for the occupational Director of Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center therapist. She asked about my working at the Retreat Center. What is that like? It has caused me to ponder holy ground, silence and time. Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center is holy ground. Father Paul Joseph Volk helped to build the original building. He walked these grounds, planted trees. It is holy ground. Mother Aloysius Willett, the first Ursuline superior, purchased pictures of the Madonna, which still eeling called grace our Madonna room. She walked these grounds. It to companion is holy ground. All those early Ursuline Sisters walked these grounds. All of the Academy girls and their families others on their walked these grounds. Most of our parents and families journey with God? now gone home to God walked these grounds. Oh, how Sign up for the 2018-2020 class of our Spiritual sainted and holy is this ground that contains Mount Saint Direction Training Program, sponsored by Mount Joseph Retreat Center. Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Most likely the first silence known on our grounds and the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. was an “imposed” silence on the Academy girls. The Beginning Oct. 16, 2018, participants meet sisters themselves, according to their rule, had “grand silence beginning at 8 p.m. and extended until after for weeklong sessions eight times over a two-year breakfast the next morning.” The Academy girls were period, entering into study, reflection and prayer asked to share in this Ursuline rule. around a topic fundamental to the understanding Silence isn’t just “not speaking.” Our actions, our and practice of spiritual direction. The program, walking, our movements carry silence. Today, we live which leads to certification as a spiritual director, in such a high technology world. Texting, phoning, takes place on a quiet, rural campus. Close to 50 Facebooking, Instagramming are constant. Is there ever a individuals from across the U.S. have completed moment of silence? Yet the young adult seems to crave adoration, much the program. incense. Is it silence they seek? We have moved through To register or for more information, contact Lent, and now it is Eastertime. Let us take time to ponder Sister Mary Matthias Ward: 270-229-0200 silence. Silence in my personal life. Silence in my mary.ward@maplemount.org working life. Do I need it? Will I pursue it? Please register by Aug. 31. Perhaps your pursuit will lead you to the Retreat Center, where you can be silent, walk holy ground and Limited scholarships are available. hear God say, “Listen to me – you are my beloved son/ Find a brochure: ursulinesmsj.org daughter in whom I am well pleased.”
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TRAINING PROGRAM 2018-2020
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Powerhouse of Prayer
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– By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
Prayer remains a constant in Sister Marie’s life This feature 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. Sister Marie prays every morning in rsuline Sister Marie Montgomery her room before joining other Ursuline served as a teacher in large cities like St. Louis and Louisville, but she Sisters in the Motherhouse Chapel to also spent 41 years in remote areas of pray before Mass. the Southwest as an educator or parish “I like to pray when I’m not rushed, minister. when I can keep my mind on what I’m Regardless whether she was alone or doing,” she said. surrounded by others, prayer has been a The chapel is her favorite place constant in her life. to pray, and the rosary is her favorite “Prayer has been a very vital part of my prayer to recite, which she does every entire life,” Sister Marie said. “From the day. earliest time of childhood, I learned at my “The rosary is so powerful,” she said. mother’s knee that God loves us, is present to us, and will “Prayer can move mountains.” protect and guide us in all that we do. This lesson from Silent prayer is meaningful to her as well. It was no childhood has been a guiding force in all the 95 years of doubt developed during her years in New Mexico in such my life.” places as Farmington, Waterflow and San Fidel. Sister Marie has been an Ursuline Sister for 74 years, “Sometimes I had people to pray with in New Mexico,” with 58 of those years as an educator. She grew up outside Owensboro, Ky., in the small community of St. Lawrence. she said. “We stayed after Mass to pray, that’s a good Now retired at the Motherhouse, she remains devoted to example to others.” the Powerhouse of Prayer. Sister Marie includes special intentions in her prayers “Numerous times in my life I’ve heard Jesus say, ‘Come whenever she knows someone is in need. When and where follow Me.’ Trusting in his call, I have experienced various someone prays is not what’s most important, she said. occasions when what my mother taught me has proven “Prayer is beautiful wherever it is.” true, that Jesus is always with me, protecting, guiding and Friends can write to Sister Marie at 8001 Cummings helping me,” she said. “Thank you, Jesus, for your great Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. love.”
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In the joy of eternal life SISTER ROSE MARIAN POWERS, 84, died Nov. 27, 2017, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 65th year of religious life. She was a native of Cloverport, Ky. Sister Rose Marian always wanted to bring people closer to God. She had a ready smile for all those she met, was devoted to her family and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She was a teacher and principal across Kentucky and was pastoral minister at four churches in her native Breckinridge County. She served as local coordinator at the Motherhouse in Maple Mount (1994-99) and part-time postmaster (2005-2016). Survivors include her sister, Sister Rose Jean Powers, OSU, Maple Mount; sisters-in-law Nora Jean Powers, Hardinsburg, and Oneida Powers, Louisville; nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was Nov. 30 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. SISTER MARY SHEILA HIGDON, 88, died Feb. 17 in Owensboro, in her 70th year of religious life. She was a native of Owensboro. Sister Mary Sheila was a teacher and parish minister for 61 years beginning in 1950, and served in Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska. She served at the Motherhouse as coordinator of formation for Ursuline Partnerships (2011-12) and since 2012, had offered transportation for the sisters and hospitality in the chapel. She made artful creations and had a love for cooking and flowers. She was devoted to decorating a Chrismon tree during Advent. Survivors include her brother, Eugene Higdon, of Owensboro, nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was Feb. 20 at Mount Saint Joseph with burial in the Motherhouse cemetery. Gifts in memory of a sister may take the form of donations to: Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356
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Come and See coincides with World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 20-22, 2018, we, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, are hosting a “Come and See Weekend” for single, Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 40. World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed Sunday, April 22. This day celebrates vocations to ordained and religious life in all its forms and we pray that women and men respond to God’s call to this way of life. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) released two annual reports: The Profession Class of 2017 and The Entrance Class of 2017. These reports show that, during 2017, 208 women and men professed perpetual profession in 101 religious institutes and 524 women and men entered 182 religious institutes. That is great news! God’s call is being heard and many are willing to say “yes” to that call. Did you know you can help promote religious life? It starts with an invitation. Invite those who have the gifts needed to live religious life to prayerfully consider their vocation. Let us all join together in prayer, especially on April 22, as we pray for an increase of vocations to religious life and ordained ministry. Help us promote our “Come and See Weekend!” Invite young women and let them know that this weekend requires no commitment, and there are no strings attached. It is a time to come away from our busy lives and be with the Ursuline Sisters in prayer and fellowship in our Ursuline Way of Life as we listen for God’s call. In the words of our founder, Saint Angela Merici, may they “experience the joy of being loved by God.”
CASA URSULINA: BEGINNINGS
The seed of Casa Ursulina was planted in 1962 when Pope John XXIII spoke an urgent plea for North American missionaries in Latin America. By 1966, six Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph were teaching in Venezuela and Santiago, Chile. Five years later, one of the three Santiago pioneer Ursulines followed a new call. With her heart for the poor, Sister Luisa Bickett joined sisters of other communities who were serving the impoverished people of Chillán, 250 miles to the south. In those days Chile was suffering through a brutal dictatorship (1973-90). “Children were begging in the streets,” the sisters remember. In 1978, Sister Mary Elizabeth (Mimi) Ballard joined Sister Luisa, who returned home five years later. Sister Mimi was moved by the needs of women struggling with poverty, single motherhood, unemployment, abuse, depression, low self-esteem, and lack of supportive companionship. By 1993 she was helping women’s groups to develop their own talents and strengths, while always reaching out to more women. These leaders began to dream of a house, a center, where women could gather in larger groups and engage in larger projects. The Dianna Ortiz Ursuline Center for Women grew out of this vision. Beginning with a simple half-duplex house, with only three rooms and “some shacks out back,” Casa Ursulina has steadily grown – with support from the Ursuline community, generous donors, and several grants – into a sizable facility hosting classes, workshops and a myriad of other activities for more than 200 women yearly. In addition, it has become a center of outreach ministry in its neighborhood, parish, city, and beyond.
Sister Spotlight: Sister Francis Louise Johnson Meet Sister “Lou” – Self-Taught Piano Player and Lover of Literature! Z Favorite TV Program: Jeopardy. “I love watching it because I like to challenge myself to answer
all the questions right, and if I don’t answer all of them correctly, I still learn something new.” Z Favorite Holiday: Easter. “The resurrection of our Lord is everything. It makes me so happy to know that Jesus Christ has risen.” Z First Job: Telephone Operator. “When I was 18 years old, I was hired as a telephone operator for Southern Bell Telephone in Mayfield, Ky.” Z Person She Admires: Sister Rose Emma Monaghan. “Even though she is in heaven now, Sister Rose Emma lived her life on earth in a wheelchair. Despite her challenges, she had tremendous faith and trust in God.” Z Best Advice she Received: From her Mother. “When I was a young girl, she always said, ‘When you pray, trust God with all your heart.’ That advice hasn’t failed me yet!” 14
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Vetters honor 71 years of Ursuline Influence
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n 1992, Willard and Doris Vetter began setting up an estate plan. Their first step was to recognize their charitable bequests. “I said, ‘Sweetheart, you make a list and I’ll make a list and we’ll compare,’” Willard Vetter said. “We both agreed on the Ursuline Sisters.” Doris Vetter In December 2017, Willard Vetter donated $50,000 to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in memory of Doris, who died two days before Christmas in 2011. The two were married for 61 years, living most of their life in Mankato, Minn. “It was a recognition of her dedication, not only to our marriage, but to our Church,” Willard said. “She was a remarkable woman.” Doris Vetter never forgot the impact of spending her senior year of high school at Ursuline Academy in Paola, Kan., where she was taught by the Ursuline Sisters of Paola. Then a young Methodist, she switched from public school because she needed to take chemistry to complete her nursing training. She graduated in 1940. Willard Vetter loves to tell the adventurous story of Doris before they met. She graduated from nursing school in 1944. She was commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps – “as an officer and a gentleman” – and subsequently served with the 42nd General Hospital Group aboard the Army hospital ship USS Marigold in Hawaii, the Philippine Islands, Okinawa and Japan. Following the Japanese surrender, her hospital group went to Tokyo to process Americans who had been prisoners of war. She met Willard in 1949 while he was working in STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY: As a member of the National Catholic Development Conference, the Ursuline Sisters submit an accountability report after their annual financial audit. This is a summary of Donations/Bequests and Expenses for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Questions? Contact Director of Development Betsy Mullins: 270-229-2008.
Revenue__________________________ Unrestricted Restricted MSJ Center Grants Bequests Unrestricted Retirement Quilt Club Spring Fundraiser Event Picnic
245,845.09 38.11% 33,965.00 5.27% 5,890.00 0.91% 2,500.00 0.39% 102,417.96 15.88% 8,983.00 1.39% 22,318.49 3.46% 17,085.00 2.65% 206,022.46 31.94% 645,027.00 100.00%
Expenses_________________________ Retirement Fund 237,323.95 36.79% MSJ Center 5,890.00 0.91% Restricted 33,965.00 5.27% Program/Ministries Service 327,659.76 50.80% Management/General 29,227.84 4.53% Fund Raising 10,960.44 1.70% 645,027.00 100.00%
The following donors were inadvertently left out of recognitions in the December 2017 Ursulines Alive. Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Schrader should be listed under Providers ($1,000-$2,499). Mai Vu-Ha should be listed under Friends ($1-$99)
Washington, D.C. They were married the following year, and Doris became a Catholic. They have two children, Dr. Marsha Vetter and Stephen Vetter. During their marriage, Doris maintained close relationships with several Ursuline Sisters of Paola, but especially Sister Roberta Allen, one of her teachers at Ursuline Academy, Willard said. When she told Sister Roberta her husband was building her a house, Sister Roberta created a “bold, abstract painting” as a gift, which was a key feature of their home for 49 years, Willard said. Doris was honored by the late Bishop Loras Watters in the Diocese of Winona, Minn., for her work in the church, Catholic education and Red Cross nursing. Despite her many influences, it was the kindness and model of spirituality that the Ursuline Sisters provided that Doris wanted to remember with her legacy. Ursuline Academy closed in 1971, and the Ursuline Sisters of Paola merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. But the spirit of the Ursulines who inspired Doris live on in today’s Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Do you want to leave a legacy as well? Contact Betsy Mullins, director of Development, to talk about estate plans: betsy.mullins@maplemount.org or 270-229-2008.
Eastbridge Arts Festival @ The Mount As the days get warmer and the snow melts, we say goodbye to winter and watch spring bloom. From the tree buds to chirping birds, we feel the newness of life. As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection and watch God’s creations roar back to life, we feel revitalized. The spring season is energizing! For most of us this is the time when we start spring cleaning or prepping for a new garden. The Ursuline Sisters have started their new project – event planning! The Ursuline Sisters have started the preparation for our September event, Eastbridge Arts Festival @ The Mount, Sept. 8-9. We are thrilled to host an event of this caliber here at the Mount and are excited to provide this event for you! This two-day festival will feature a unique blend of arts, crafts, music, food and fun on the beautiful grounds here at Mount Saint Joseph. Experience over 60 artists from around the region as they showcase juried fine art, as well as specialty craft exhibitors, theater performers, live music, interactive art for children and much more! The festival will include the Mount Saint Joseph Raffle to Benefit the Retired Sisters. The drawing will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9. The cost for the raffle tickets will remain the same, $5 a ticket. So, mark your calendar for September 8–9! We hope to see you there!
Betsy Jo F. Mullins, Director of Development
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8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org
15 Ursuline Sisters celebrate Religious Jubilees in 2018 Fifteen Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are celebrating anniversaries of religious life this year. They have dedicated a combined 880 years of service to God’s people. They will be honored during community days in July. You will learn more about them in our next issue.
Sister Naomi Aull 75 YEARS
Sister Emma Cecilia Busam 75 YEARS
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen 75 YEARS
Sister Luisa Bickett 70 YEARS
Sister Clarita Browning 70 YEARS
Sister Grace Swift 70 YEARS
Sister Vivian Marie Bowles 60 YEARS
Sister Ann Patrice Cecil 60 YEARS
Sister Rose Karen Johnson 60 YEARS
Sister Mary Elizabeth Krampe 60 YEARS
Sister Claudia Hayden 50 YEARS
Sister Amelia Stenger 50 YEARS
Sister Dianna Ortiz 40 YEARS
Sister Carol Shively 40 YEARS
Sister Nancy Liddy 25 YEARS
NEW BISHOP
Sister Laurita Spalding, left, and Sister Rosanne Spalding, right, attended the ordination ceremony of their nephew, Father Mark Spalding, when he was installed as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville on Feb. 2.
Save these Dates!
Saturday, Sept. 8 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 9 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Arts and Crafts and Food Booths and More! FREE ADMISSION
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