Ursulines
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Spring 2022 Issue No. 57
Proclaiming Jesus through Education and Christian Formation
ursulinesmsj.org
Outgoing Leadership Council reflects on past six years INSIDE:
• A Religious Community is More Than its Buildings • Sister Martha Still Aiding Tornado Victims • New Book about Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
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From Our Congregational Leader Dear Friends of our Ursuline Community, Time is certainly moving faster these days. It hardly seems possible that six years have passed since I was asked to serve as congregational leader. Those on the Council – Sister Pat Lynch, Sister Pam Mueller and Sister Judith Nell Riney – have shared their gifts in so many ways. I am grateful for their commitment to community. I am also grateful for the lives of Sister Kathleen Condry and Sister Helen Smith, who served on the Council until God called them. Much has happened during these six years, too much to share in this small space. The most important thing that I can say is thank you. Thank all of you who have prayed for us, worked with us, helped with activities, visited with our Sisters and shared so much with us. Our Ursuline community has served in many ways and in many places over the past 148 years. We will continue to serve. As in all things there will be changes, but with continued faith in God and the knowledge that God will always be with us we will move into the future together. God bless each of you. May God’s love be with you. Sister Sharon Sullivan, right, then Please pray for us. We pray Congregational Leader, hands her candle to her successor, Sister Amelia Stenger, during for you every day. the 2016 New Leadership Council installation. Sincerely, At left is Sister Pam Mueller and the late Sister
Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU
A Look Back at Leadership Council........ 3-5 New Book about Ursuline Sisters...............6 Powerhouse of Prayer.................................7 Letting Go of Buildings......................... 8-10 Casa Ursulina in Chile Update..................11 Sister Martha Helps Tornado Victims..12-13 Sister Spotlight..........................................13 World Day of Prayer for Vocations..........14 Development Director News....................14 Donor Spotlight.........................................15 2022 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.
Kathleen Condry. Seated at right is Bishop William Medley, bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro.
COVER: Members of the Ursuline Sisters Leadership Council on Feb. 11, 2022, from left, Sisters Pam Mueller, Pat Lynch, Amelia Stenger and Judith Nell Riney.
CORRECTION: In the Winter 2021 Ursulines Alive, we regret that there were two errors among the listings of donors. On Page 15, the name of Joan Horan was misspelled in the Patrons section. On Page 19, in the Memorials, John C. Klein donated in memory of Sisters Juliana and Philomena Mick.
Wish to join our Kindness Campaign? You get 12 inspirational cards mailed monthly to your chosen recipient. New cards begin in June. The Ursuline Sisters ask for a contribution of $50. Contact Carol Braden-Clarke: 270-229-2008 • carol.braden-clarke@maplemount.org • www.ursulinesmsj.org/kindness-campaign Ursulines Alive is published by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. Three issues are published each calendar year.
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INDEX
EDITORS: Director of Mission Advancement/Communications......... Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design...................... Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF: Director of Development....................................................Carol Braden-Clarke Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships................................Doreen Abbott, OSUA Mission Advancement Assistant........................................Sister Mary McDermott Contributing Writer.............................................................Sister Ruth Gehres Contributing Writer.............................................................Sister Marietta Wethington
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
P I H S R E D LEA UNCIL CO or future s f d s n e e r a e r p u e r n p te “For it is not enough to begin, if one does not also persevere.” r i e as th S pr i n g
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The Leadership Council in October 2017: Back row: Sister Pam Mueller, Sister Helen Smith, Sister Judith Nell Riney. Front row: Assistant Congregational Leader Sister Pat Lynch and Congregational Leader Sister Amelia Stenger
–Saint Angela Merici, Prologue to the Rule
By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
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erseverance is “a steady persistence in a course of action … especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement.” Resilience is the “ability of a person to adjust to or recover readily from illness, adversity, or major life changes.” As the Ursuline Sisters’ Leadership Council winds down its six-year term this July, “perseverance” and “resilience” are words the members used to describe their Sisters. It was a term marked by two years of Covid-19 that derailed strategic planning efforts. Heaven welcomed 45 Sisters – two of whom served on the Council. Never in the community’s 110 years of existence had two Council members died in office. And yet, as the Council prepares to hand over the reins to new members, the Sisters can look to the future with the belief that a strong foundation is in place, if only the Sisters rely on God and the intercession of their founder, Saint Angela Merici. “I learned that we are resilient, and that the spirit of Angela is alive and well among us,” Sister Pat Lynch said. “Each of us carries a piece of her special charism, and we recognize in each other the gifts
that each one brings.” “I believe we have many Sisters who have tremendous hearts of service,” Sister Judith Nell Riney said. “I appreciate and respect their dedication, gentleness, and generosity not only in community but in all the areas of ministry where they reside and work. Our senior Sisters certainly are our wisdom figures; they have much to teach us and share with us as we face the future. I am grateful to all for their prayerful support during this time of service on the Council.” Sister Amelia Stenger serves as congregational leader, and said her term has been filled with the unpredictable. She is proud that during so much uncertainty, communication with the Sisters was a constant. “The first week I was in office, I sent out a note to tell the Sisters something that had happened that week,” Sister Amelia said. “Several of them wrote back and said they really appreciated the information. They asked if we would do it again the next week. That is how the Week in Review started and we have only missed one or two over the whole six years. One of the things that Sister Kathleen Condry, left, with Sister Ruth Gehres during Community Days 2015. RIGHT: Sister Judith Nell Riney, left, and Sister Helen Smith during Community Days 2016.
the community asked of us was to have more communication. Every Sister got a letter every week.” The Council that began in July 2016 featured Sister Amelia as congregational leader and Sister Kathleen Condry as assistant leader. The Councilors were Sister Pam Mueller and Sister Judith Nell – who both maintained their ministries at Brescia University – along with Sister Pat. Both Sister Kathleen and Sister Pat had previously served as superiors of the Ursulines of Paola, Kan., the community that merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. Tragedy struck the Council almost immediately. Sister Kathleen was diagnosed with a fatal illness and died just two months into her term on Sept. 5, 2016. In a special election that fall, Sister Pat was elevated to assistant leader, and Sister Helen Smith – another former Paola Sister who had served in leadership – was elected as a councilor. Less than three years later on Sept. 2, 2019, she also died. The Council decided to forego another election and continue with four members the rest of the term. “The hardest times were when Sister Kathleen Condry died and then Sister Helen died,” Sister Amelia said. “We had not Continued on page 4
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During the celebration of the life of Mother Aloysius Willett on Oct. 1, 2020 – the 100th anniversary of her death – the Sisters gathered in the Mother Aloysius Room to listen to the discussion, all wearing their masks due to Covid-19 protocols.
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lost a member of the Council to death in 50 years.” (Sister Consolata Stallings was the last Sister to die in office, in 1969.) “We had to adjust so many times because things changed so much. Sister Kathleen did a really good thing for us before she died. She took all the information that had been given to us by all the Sisters and categorized that information into the focus areas that guided the work that has been done in committees.” The community asked this Council to work on a strategic plan for property management, to better serve a smaller community. The Sisters began working with Community Living Solutions, a Wisconsin company that specializes in evaluating buildings of religious communities. Progress was made, but six months after
Duane Hedwig, left, and Terry McLaughlin of Community Living Solutions take a break from their presentation to the Sisters during Community Days in 2019. 4
Sister Helen’s death, Covid began and slowed the planning work. “We did as much as we could on Zoom meetings,” Sister Amelia said. “They helped us get good information and we will use what we can as we move forward as a community.” Sister Pam said although the strategic plan wasn’t completed, a foundation is there for the next Council to build upon. “We will make recommendations for continuation of planning and implementation of particular areas concerning living space as well as facilitating the spiritual, social and physical aspects of care for all of our Sisters and for driving our mission into the future,” she said. Sister Pam noted that some of the buildings let it be known that they could no longer be fixed. Both Paul Volk Hall, a residential building used for 40 years, and the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center – previously Mount Saint Joseph Academy – will be deconstructed sometime in 2022. “We will need to ritualize our grieving for the loss of these buildings and connect our past to our dreams for the future,” Sister Pam said. “There is opportunity for new hope and freedom moving forward.” Sister Pam, Sister Judith Nell and Sister Amelia are all Academy graduates.
Sister Larraine Lauter speaks via Zoom to the Sisters in the Mother Aloysius Room in the basement of Saint Joseph Villa on Oct. 1, 2020. The Sisters got used to communicating online during Covid.
The Covid pandemic, now at two years, brought much more than delays in progress. “There were many months that we were not able to be together even here at the Motherhouse,” Sister Amelia said. “We had started visiting all the missions and had to stop because of Covid.” “The pandemic created weeks of isolation and loneliness for our Sisters in Saint Joseph Villa,” Sister Judith Nell said. “And even though we all learned to Zoom and could eventually ‘see’ one another, and finally gather, there remain lingering effects of this pandemic on all of us.” Sister Pam said a challenge for her was attempting to keep the Sisters’ spirits up during the pandemic. “Keeping hope alive along with a sense of humor,” was a challenge, she said. “I kept reminding myself that it’s about loving service, and striving to not become cynical. It’s always trying to see the bigger picture.” Of the current Council, only Sister Pat had served in elected leadership before. The other three members said their greatest surprise in holding office was the constant need for flexibility to adapt to new issues.
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Ursuline Sisters and Associates started to communicate online via Zoom during the pandemic. This was an Associate meeting in January 2021.
“There is never a dull moment because something is always happening that is unexpected,” Sister Amelia said. “Planning a day is really difficult because things happen that are never planned.” Sister Judith Nell said it was important for the Council to listen to the divergent concerns and opinions of all the Sisters. “Our community is a microcosm of the whole of society so we can expect and do see the spectrum of diverse attitudes among all of us,” she said. “The attitudes and experiences of the different individuals and generations can make the gap wider if we are not willing to do our part in support of the common good, to listen and speak with respect, and to be faithful to our Ursuline commitment.” Sister Pat – who served in leadership in Paola for 23 years – said she was encouraged that the network of leaders for women’s religious communities is stronger than it has ever been, thanks to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and other women’s groups that are active in the world today. “We are not alone,” she said. “We are all going through a similar transformation, and we can learn from each other.” Sister Pat had continued to minister in Kansas following the merger, so she has lived in Kentucky only during the past six years. The move to the Bluegrass
State allowed her to get to know the Sisters living on campus. “It has been a Sister Pat Lynch, right, blesses a portrait of joy to me to hear their stories. founder Father Paul Joseph Volk with holy Covid prevented us from water as Sister Amelia Stenger reads a prayer. The Ursuline Sisters celebrated the painting’s visiting off campus as much new location in Saint Joseph Villa on Nov. 1, as we had planned to, but that 2021, after its removal from Paul Volk Hall. gives me even more to look future. The question is, can we find forward to,” Sister Pat said. “In not our way, but God’s way, into my duties here, I have also gotten the future? God invites the whole to know many employees and I community to open our hearts to appreciate all of them. They are the Holy Spirit’s gift of wisdom, gifted, smart, loyal and caring. We not just one of us or a few of us, are so blessed.” but all of us to plan the road ahead Sister Pam is grateful for the and walk it together.” opportunity to visit Casa Ursulina Sister Pat said the community in 2017, the Ursuline ministry still has much work to do to be begun by Sister Mimi Ballard in ready for the future. Chillán, Chile. “We must have the will to “It has meant so much to me listen to the Holy Spirit. We must to have met the women Sister concentrate on how to carry out Mimi forms community with and our mission,” she said. “Life will serves with such generosity, joy be simpler, but we still must deand love,” Sister Pam said. institutionalize. It will be hard to The Ursuline Sisters will gather let go of the way things were done over Memorial Day weekend to in the past. But we are facing the elect the next Council, which will future and God will never abandon take office on July 17. None of us.” the current Council members Sister Amelia said the Ursuline are eligible for re-election. The community will face the future Council members said the Sisters with determination just as their need to face the future with predecessors did. honesty and faith. “The first pioneer Sisters “Religious life as experienced who came on the flatboat were traditionally, as well as membership determined to build a school and in the Catholic Church, has teach,” she said. “We have been experienced fundamental changes called by our vows to place our for a number of years,” Sister trust in God, and with God’s help, Judith Nell said. “Like most we will move forward. Community religious communities across is about moving forward together. the U.S., our MSJ community is Not any one of us has all the an aging community and we, as answers. All of us have the a community, need to face that answers together.”n reality and plan accordingly for the
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“ Hope and Firm Faith ” tells the story of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
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By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
There are so are chronicled through the eyes of many fascinating the Sisters who lived them, using stories interwoven their own words from letters they throughout the sent. You’ll meet all the Sisters history of the who’ve served in leadership, and Ursuline Sisters of Sisters who were simply noted for Mount Saint Joseph, eventually any their kindness. You’ll learn how discussion of one typically leads a the Mount Saint Joseph Junior listener to reply, “Someone should College and Brescia College write a book.” began, and who was responsible In June 2017, at the conclusion for keeping them going. The of her first year as congregational relationships between the Sisters leader, Sister Amelia Stenger and their bishops and priests – decided it was time to find most supportive, others tense – are “someone” to write that book. detailed. You will learn of their “Come by my office, I want to perseverance through the hard talk about a project with you,” she times – from their arrival in the said to me that June. Little did I woodlands in 1874, to the struggle know that her “project” was to write the history of the for independence in 1912, through the changes and Ursuline Sisters who call Maple Mount home. resulting exodus of Sisters following the Second I had never written a book before, but I agreed to Vatican Council in the 1960s. be that “someone.” The ensuing four years provided Mostly, you will learn about many amazing a life-changing experience for me as I got to know women who managed to forge their own identity many Sisters who long ago went to heaven. I was while devoting their lives in service to God and the motivated by a paragraph I read in a book by two Church. They were teachers, but so much more – role Australian professors: models, spiritual giants and fearless pioneers. This is “History isn’t about the past. It’s about someone their story – one that continues being written today. else’s present. We hope to write about them as vividly To preorder your copy of “Hope and Firm as if they were in the room with us.” Faith:” Soon, you will have the chance to see if that You can order online at ursulinesmsj.org/hopehappened. “Hope and Firm Faith: The Story of and-firm-faith-book. Or to order by mail, send the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph” will be us your name, address, phone number and email available this spring. (The exact date is still up in the address. Indicate if you would like your book signed air at the time this magazine went to press.) by the author (at no extra charge). The cost is $37.10 We are fortunate to have such expansive archives for the book (that includes sales tax) plus $10 for at Maple Mount. Other than trips to the archives shipping. If you order two books, shipping is $14. of the Sisters of Loretto and the Ursuline Sisters of Make check payable to “Ursuline Sisters” and Louisville, the research for this book was all done at mail your check and the Mount, with the Dan Heckel has served as director of Mission Advancement and information to: help of the Internet and Book Order Communications for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph since some well-placed phone 8001 Cummings 2007. He made his commitment as an Ursuline Associate in 2009. calls. Road The key ministries He lives in Owensboro, Ky., with his wife Sherri. They have one son, Maple Mount, KY and adventures of the Max. This is his first book. 42356 Ursuline community
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Powerhouse of Prayer
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– By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
Sister Catherine Marie is grateful for God’s presence After she receives the Eucharist at Mass, Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser says a prayer that was taught to her when she made her first Holy Communion. It begins, “Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus …” and continues for two lengthy sentences. “It means so much to me,” she said. “I use it as my thanksgiving prayer after Communion. It says what I want it to say.” While that formal prayer is important to Sister Catherine Marie, showing any gratitude for what God does in our lives is a worthwhile prayer, she said. “When I have a problem of any kind, and I’m able to solve what I need to do, my first reaction is ‘Oh, thank you Jesus.’ I don’t know how many times a day I say that,” she said. “I think the Lord helps us in so many ways that we don’t even know about. I’m so grateful.” Sister Catherine Marie has been an Ursuline for 62 years. For many of those years, she was a music teacher. One of the most thrilling times of her life was earning her master’s degree in music education from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Owensboro, Ky., where her father owned a shoe repair shop, Blue Ribbon Shoe Stop. “My mother taught me to pray,” she said. “We said the rosary as a family and grace before meals. “I like to have my rosary with me to pray,” Sister Catherine Marie said. She’s made several rosaries. She made the beads for a large, wooden rosary that hangs on her wall, and another rosary that uses aurora borealis stones. She was taught by Sisters of Charity through the fifth grade, but when the family moved, she switched to Sts. Joseph and Paul School, where she was taught by the Ursulines.
“Sister Rose Agnes Buckman taught me music there,” Sister Catherine Marie said. After two years attending Owensboro Catholic High, she transferred Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser holds to Mount her favorite rosary that she prays with while Saint Joseph standing in front her favorite picture of Jesus. “I know Jesus didn’t really look like that, but I Academy. like it,” she said. She joined the Ursulines upon graduation. Today, she is retired at the Motherhouse and serves part-time as an information receptionist and in the Powerhouse of Prayer, where she prays for the receptionists and the information services staff. It’s a fitting role considering that in the 1980s, she introduced her eighth-grade students to computers at Mary Carrico Catholic School in Knottsville, Ky. While formal prayer is still important to Sister Catherine Marie, she also enjoys the peacefulness of sitting with Jesus. “I like to just be,” she said. “I close my eyes to pray, so I can clear out all the scenes in front of me so I’m not distracted.” Friends can write to Sister Catherine Marie at 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.n
LEFT: The Ursuline Sisters at Maple Mount held the first of two Synodal listening sessions on Feb. 17. Pope Francis has set aside two years for this Synod in an effort to listen to all. RIGHT: More than a dozen Ursuline Sisters took part in the Diocese of Owensboro’s first Memorial Mass for Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of human trafficking victims (pictured on a banner at the altar), on Feb. 8 at St. Stephen Cathedral. 7
Identity can be redefined by letting go of buildings By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
In the 1980s, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., decided to raze the original Ursuline Academy building and a second building used for classrooms and boarders – both of which were deteriorating. Sister Pat Lynch was a member of the Paola Leadership Council during that time. “I went to high school there for three years,” she said. “I understand why people cry when buildings come down.” Sometime in 2022, the former Mount Saint Joseph Academy and later Retreat Center will be deconstructed. The foundation is deteriorating on the building, the oldest of which was built in 1874. Sister Pat – completing her term as assistant congregational leader for the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph this summer – is in a unique position to understand the feelings and emotions of her Sisters and the graduates of the
Academy. “It’s important to let go. It’s important to ritualize it,” Sister Pat said. Following the merger with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008, the Paola Sisters said goodbye to their Motherhouse, which is now being repurposed as a drug rehabilitation center.
“The building up of institutions was a big part of their response to the urgent needs of God’s people.” -Sister Anne Munley Leadership Conference of Women Religious
“In Paola, we had several gatherings where we shared memories,” Sister Pat said. “We blessed the premises. We laughed and cried. If you make it a ritual, it makes it easier to let go. Letting go is hard. It’s important to pay attention to feelings.”
This photo shows the back of the original Academy building, with the Academy students dressed in their best. The date is unknown, but it must be before 1882, because the addition of that year has not yet happened. 8
RIGHT: The original Mount Saint Joseph Academy is in the center, with the 1882 addition to the right. The addition provided sleeping quarters for both boarding students and Sisters, as well as an auditoriumrecreation center on the first floor. In the top right, the statue of Saint Joseph is in the niche under the gable. The statue moved to a pedestal in front of the central doorway in 1890.
There is encouragement in knowing the Ursuline community isn’t alone in dealing with the emotions involved in saying goodbye to a beloved building, Sister Pat said. “I know it’s hard, but we aren’t the only ones this is happening to,” she said. “Every religious community is going through this, in one way or another.” An important message to remember is that buildings are simply the container for the ministry that occurred there. The mission remains. Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Anne Munley leads the Discerning Our Emerging Future initiative for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
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LEFT: The depiction of the original Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1876, two years after it opened. ABOVE: The former Academy as it appears today.
She said when cherished buildings are razed, there is a sense of loss and a need to deal with the grief. “In the United States, 19th century apostolic congregations made a huge contribution to the building up of the country by establishing schools, hospitals, colleges and various entities for pastoral and social services,” Sister Anne said. “With great personal sacrifice, religious communities educated multiple waves of immigrant populations, and provided pathways for upward mobility,”
she said. “These same religious communities made education at all levels available to women, and in educating women, they educated families and contributed to changing unjust structures that blocked the full development of God-given gifts and potential.” Sisters were a labor force for the Church, and met major needs of the Church and society, Sister Anne said. “The building up of institutions was a big part of their response to the urgent needs of God’s people,” she said. “Institutions became
a visible sign of the Sisters’ commitment to the mission of the Gospel. In terms of identity, mission was equated with ‘doing’ and cherished institutions were a sign of the community’s collective identity.” Removing these buildings can result in the loss of this “visible sign” of the mission, but Sister Anne said it can free religious communities to redefine their identity. “Religious congregations are growing in deeper awareness that the heart of a call to religious life is the quest for God,” she said. “There is a change of mindset emphasizing the meaning and value of religious life in and of itself and a profound commitment to its future. “Shifting identity is reflected in a
In 1962, Bloemer Hall was erected as part of the Academy building, housing the post office, Student Shop, students’ infirmary and private rooms. When Bloemer Hall was later incorporated as part of the Retreat Center, the Student Shop became the Gift Shop.
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The chapel in the 1882 wing became the library when the 1929 chapel opened. (See Library at right). When the Academy closed, the room became the museum. What Retreat Center guests recognize as the large conference room was at one point a classroom and a Study Hall in the 1904 addition.
Father Bernard Barnes, the chaplain at Mount Saint Joseph in 1983, blesses the newly established Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center in August 1983. When Mount Saint Joseph Academy closed in May 1983, the buildings were transformed into the Retreat Center.
Renovation began on the Retreat Center in 1997 with the addition of this façade that connects to the four wings of the building. From left are the 1882 addition, the original 1874, the 1904 addition and the 1962 wing to the right.
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The windows go into the new façade in 1998.
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perception of oneness in which charisms of different congregations complement one another as gifts of the Spirit freely given for the sake of all,” Sister Anne said. “Identity is not so much about what we ‘do’ as religious but ‘who we are.’ Identity is rooted in being called by a God of Love to be love journeying sideby-side with God’s people.” Sister Pat joined the Ursuline Sisters in the midst of the changes occurring during the Second Vatican Council. She said her entire religious life has been challenged by the phrase “it will be different,” and what the community is facing now is the next step. “It’s important to listen to the Holy Spirit. God is running the show, we aren’t,” Sister Pat said. “We need to take steps that honor our past, respect change and look to the future."n RIGHT: This room has served many purposes through the years in the Academy, from a dining room to a place to welcome guests. Mother Aloysius Willett made a point of buying one painting of Mary each year for this room. When the building operated as the Retreat Center, this “Madonna Room” served as a place of relaxation for guests. The paintings and the woodwork around the doors and windows are being preserved for future use. The buildings remaining today – from left the 1904 addition, 1874 original Academy, and the 1882 addition – are expected to be deconstructed this year, along with the 1962 addition on the northeast corner.
The renovated – and renamed – Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center reopened in January 1998, with this glass-enclosed façade built for the new entrance and to house the elevator. The Retreat Center building was permanently closed in 2021.
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Sister Mimi adjusts focus of Chile ministry due to Covid I
Sister Mimi Ballard, left, registers someone for class a few years ago at Casa Ursulina in Chillán, Chile.
n March 2020, more than 200 women had signed up for fiber arts classes at the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph ministry in Chillán, Chile. They were abruptly told to stay home – the Covid-19 pandemic had begun. The Chilean government acted to curb the spread of Covid, including curfews and fines for those not wearing masks. But restricting public gatherings produced a new set of problems, ones that caused Casa Ursulina to adjust its mission once again, said Sister Mimi Ballard, who leads the ministry. She returned to Kentucky in November to have back surgery, but plans to return to Chile this spring. “By April 2020, a lot of people were coming to us who didn’t have anything to eat,” Sister Mimi said. “We have so many people who live on odd jobs – like selling items on the street. There was no structure in place to help them.” Casa Ursulina mainly teaches weaving and spinning to local women, while also offering them a sense of community and a deeper spirituality. It has always had a modest food pantry, along with clothing and a supply of adult diapers to help senior citizens. But as the ministry tried to have more food on hand, it quickly strained the budget, Sister Mimi said. She sent a message to the various craft leaders, asking them to share with everyone in their groups that the ministry needed help. “I was pleasantly surprised how many people came with food,” she said. “We never had to spend money on food again after April.” In March 2021, the government made money available for every family member living below a certain poverty level, which decreased the need for the food pantry, Sister Mimi said. But the isolation caused by Covid took a toll on people, especially older women or women living alone, Sister Mimi said. “I’ve never spent so much time on the phone
in my life,” Sister Mimi said. “We told them to come. We have a big space, we could be distanced. We told them they could use the sewing machines, use the spinning wheels, or just talk. … That helped them not feel so alone.” When classes begin in 2022, some adjustments will be needed to keep everyone safe. “We’ll have fewer classes and smaller classes,” Sister Mimi said. “The class that has the most people is called Volunteer Workshop. It’s mostly senior citizens. They take the old clothes and pieces of material that are donated, cut them up and sew them together to make patchwork comforters. They are perfect blankets for someone who is bedfast.” Casa Ursulina once focused on younger women who could benefit from learning a craft that allowed them to stay home with their children. Now, those children are grown, so the focus will change again, especially as Covid lessens. “I don’t think we’ll go back to the way things were before. I think we’ll do more outreach to people who can’t come to us,” Sister Mimi said. “Our focus is going to be more on senior citizens. I think we’ll do a lot of things in conjunction with public health services. They have a program called Independent Senior Citizens. They teach cognitive and physical exercises for seniors. They have programs, we have the space.” Casa Ursulina opened in 1997, and this August will mark 25 years – far longer than Sister Mimi ever expected. She first served in South America in 1978. Now in her 55th year as an Ursuline Sister, Sister Mimi knows that the time she remains in Chile is growing shorter. She and the community leadership have worked to secure Casa Ursulina’s future. The ministry now answers to a foundation, so it will not depend on the Ursulines for its existence. It has a board of directors, with Sister Mimi as the president, but she plans to change that when she returns to Chile. “I know the day will come when I have to come home,” Sister Mimi said, “but it’s not yet.”n 11
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Sister Martha continues cards and tornado relief for the long haul By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
During the first week of December 2021, Ursuline Sister Martha Keller was wrapping up her catechetical work until after Christmas at St. Jerome Parish in Fancy Farm, Ky. She knew that when January arrived, she would be very busy. On Dec. 10, her plans and those of the parish changed drastically. Powerful tornadoes devastated nearby Mayfield. In the ensuing months, Sister Martha has found herself leading relief efforts for survivors and a card-writing campaign to lift the spirits of those in need. “The main question I get is, ‘Why did God let this happen?’ We’re seeing people who were already beaten down and struggling,” Sister Martha said. “This has provided an opportunity to realize how This bowl contains some of the more than 350 cards Sister Martha has received through the Three Kings Project.
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blessed we are, and how generous people are to help in a time of crisis. If we could just keep that spirit going, without judgment.” St. Jerome became a temporary shelter for the displaced immediately after the tornado, then evolved into a distribution center for donated items, such as toiletries, food and blankets. The Federal Emergency Management Agency took over distribution on Jan. 3. “Before Jan. 3, we helped 146 people,” Sister Martha said. Since that time, the parish has referred people to the right source to get help. The Catholic Charities office with the Diocese of Owensboro, led by Susan Montalvo-Gesser, is working on the long-term needs of the tornado victims. The office is training caseworkers and is providing more contacts for Sister Martha to assist. “None of us is the messiah,” Sister Martha said. “It’s been such a networking of people. Susan Gesser has been such a blessing. Just listening to her, this woman is steeped in justice. I was just amazed at the way she has been empowered by Bishop (William)
Medley to coordinate all the responses. It’s such a realization that this is the Church at its best. The Church is still Sister Martha responding to these people. We need volunteers. It’s going to be a long haul.” When Sister Martha learned of the Three Kings project begun by the Knights of Columbus chapter in Louisville, she decided to extend the project in western Kentucky until at least Easter, perhaps longer. Modeling themselves after the Magi who visited the Holy Family following the birth of Jesus, people write three notes of encouragement to the tornado victims and mail them to Sister Martha. “I have received about 350 cards,” Sister Martha said on March 1. “Some are from religious communities; some are Ursuline Associates. Some of the people, I don’t know who they are. They’ve
The Ursuline Sisters began leasing their farm in 2022, and no longer needed the many vehicles and farm implements they accumulated over the years. On March 3, more than 200 people arrived at Maple Mount to take part in an auction led by Kurtz Auction & Realty. Every item was sold. LEFT: Sister Elaine Burke talks with a farmer in the area where the Mount Finance office served hot dogs and drinks to all the participants. TOP RIGHT: These are some items for sale that were on display.
Janice Jones, of Mayfield, Ky., lost her home during the tornado. On Feb. 8, 2022, she was grateful to receive two cards of support from Sister Martha Keller through the Three Kings project. Jones is living with her son in Pryorsburg, Ky., six miles from Mayfield, while she awaits a move to Texas later this year to be with her daughter and grandchildren.
come from San Antonio and California.” The Global Sisters Report, which shares news about Catholic Sisters all over the world, shared an article about the project, which caught the eye of several religious communities. Sister Martha said she was not surprised by the outpouring of response. “In times of crisis, there are people who will respond.” She mailed cards to all those she has worked with since the tornado who have shared their address. She hands cards to the people who come into her office for help. Most of them do not open the cards in her presence,
because they are still dealing with the trauma. “They don’t linger, they can barely converse,” she said. Sister Martha is now the lone member of the St. Jerome staff still working with tornado victims. She has also returned to the sacramental preparation work she was hired to do at the parish, working with people involved in RCIA, reconciliation, first communion and confirmation. The only part of her ministry she hasn’t returned to is visiting the homebound, but that has more to do with Covid than the tornado. “I want to acknowledge how supported I’ve been by other religious communities, probably because of the Global Sisters Report article,” Sister Martha said. She is also appreciative of the Knights of Columbus. A chapter from New Jersey drove 23 hours to bring two trucks of canned goods, Sister Martha said. St. Jerome stored some of the items because the pantries in the area were full. “It’s just a network of
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people,” Sister Martha said. The stream of cards has slowed down, but Sister Martha said there is still a need if people want to participate in the Three Kings Project. Here are the steps to follow: • Write a note, a card or share a children’s drawing to inspire hope and joy. • Make three of these cards, and address them as either “Dear Brother or Sister,” “Dear Family,” “Dear Friend,” or some other salutation. • On the outside of the envelope, write “Three Kings Project.” • Place the three cards in a larger envelope and mail them to: St. Jerome Catholic Church c/o Sister Martha Keller P.O. Box 38 Fancy Farm, KY 42039 Whether to sign the cards or provide a return address is up to each individual. It is not essential, but it could lead to developing an ongoing relationship, Sister Martha said. Those who would like to donate to ongoing tornado relief may do so through the Catholic Charities office with the Diocese of Owensboro, through its website: www.owensborodiocese. org/give.n
Sister Spotlight: Sister Maureen O’Neill
Meet Sister Maureen – A Morning Person Who Enjoys Summer Z Favorite spot at the Mount: “I like going to the barn at the Mount to play with the kittens.
Last spring there were two Momma cats who each had five kittens.” Z Favorite month of the year: “August, because that is in summer, and my birthday is on the 15th of the month. August 15 is a holy day, the Assumption of the Blessed Mother.” Z Morning person or night owl? “Morning Owl – During high school at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, the wake-up bell was at 5:30 a.m. My body still follows that ‘early to rise’ habit.” Z First job: “I was a teacher for middle school-aged students. I stayed in that range for all my teaching years – students in grades 6, 7, and 8.” Z Favorite food: “Little Debbie Nutty Bars!” 13
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
We turn to Jesus... By Sister Monica Seaton, Director of Vocation Ministry
As I write this, we are about to enter the season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These practices invite us to grow and hopefully lead to a change of heart. Similarly, the Constitutions of Our Ursuline Way of Life give direction that “our community life and mission demand of us a constant conversion: again and again we turn to Jesus, the center of our life, and open ourselves to His Spirit.” Our vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and instruction aid and lead us in the daily process of transformation. World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed on Sunday, May 8, 2022. This day celebrates vocations to ordained and religious life in all its forms. In the gospel reading for this day we will hear, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father” (Jn 10:14-15). We pray that more women and men will grow to recognize and hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and courageously respond to God’s call to this way of life.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Holy Spirit, stir within us the passion to promote vocations to the consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, diocesan priesthood and permanent diaconate. Inspire us daily to respond to Your call with boundless compassion, abundant generosity and radical availability. Help us to remember our own baptismal call to rouse us to invite the next generation to hear and respond to Your call. Inspire parents, families and lay ecclesial ministers to begin a conversation with young Catholics to consider how they will live lives of holiness and sacred service. Nudge inquirers and motivate discerners to learn more about monastic life, apostolic life, missionaries, cloistered contemplative life and evangelical Franciscan life. Ignite our Church with the confident humility that there is an urgent need for religious sisters, brothers, deacons and priests to live in solidarity with those who are poor, neglected and marginalized. Disrupt our comfortable lives and complacent attitudes with new ideas to respond courageously and creativity with a daily ‘YES!’ Amen. –www.nrvc.net 14
Quilt Club, Kindness Campaign, Annual Raffle set in stone...
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pring is one of my favorite seasons of the year. It is when everything that has been dormant over the winter comes back to life. Driving to the Mount each morning I see the beauty of farm fields covered in purple until the crops begin to grow and I get to witness renewal of life. In many ways, for the past two years we have been in a dormant state. I have hope we will once again be able to meet with our supporters in person – to get to know you and learn your story and connections with the Ursuline Sisters. Even though things have been different, you have continued to show your support for the mission of the Ursuline Sisters. Our 2021 Quilt Club sold out in just three weeks and this year we are on track to sell out once again. Our Kindness Campaign is in its fourth year. For $50 you can send a monthly card for one year to the person of your choice who might need a little kindness or words of encouragement. Those who are receiving the cards have shared with us how much they look forward to the cards each month. Our 52nd Mount Raffle drawing will be on Sunday, September 11. Ticket sales will begin in June. Plans are in the works for the release of the book “Hope and Firm Faith: The Story of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph” written by Dan Heckel. We are excited to share the remarkable history of the Ursuline Sisters. We are so grateful for your support so this work can continue. Please watch our website and Facebook page for more details on the book release and other events. We hope to see you in person in 2022.
Carol Braden-Clarke Director of Development
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
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Buchman family considers Ursulines special friends
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arl and Mary Buchman pushed their three children in strollers down the long driveway that led to the Ursuline Sisters of Paola convent. Their kids learned to ride their bikes there as well. Carl knew what that was like as a child. He grew up just two blocks from the motherhouse gates in Paola, Kan., tossing snowballs there in the winter. When he and Mary went looking for a home in Paola in 1969, they bought one just a few blocks from the convent. “It was wonderful having the Sisters for neighbors,” Mary said. “We got acquainted with Sister Pat Lynch, Sister Kathleen Condry and Sister Kathleen Dueber. We had lots of fun times. They’d come to our home on Friday nights and get home late. It was wonderful to have them as Carl and Mary Buchman friends.” Decreasing numbers of Sisters led to the Ursulines of Paola merging with the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. Many of the Sisters moved to Kentucky the following year. But the Buchmans have remained faithful supporters of the Ursuline Sisters every year since. “It was a sad thing when they left, but we totally understood,” Carl said. “We have nothing but fond memories. We’re just supporting the Sisters. They need help and we’re glad to do what we can.” Carl’s parents moved to their home near the Paola convent in 1928 – 33 years after the Ursuline Sisters arrived there. His father started Buchman Seed and Feed, and the Ursulines – who operated a farm at the time – were among his customers, Carl said. “I had Ursuline Sisters all through grade school at St. Patrick,” Carl said. The school was later renamed for the church, Holy Trinity. He would have to flip a coin to name his favorite teachers, he said, with the choice between Sister Bertrand Hochstatter and Sister Rita Redmond, who at that time went by Sister Mary DeLourdes. “Sister Bertrand was such a nice lady, she used to play baseball with the boys,” Mary said. “We were always close to Sister Bertrand.” When Carl served Mass for the Sisters, he was always invited to stay for breakfast with the girls attending Ursuline Academy.
“It took us 30-45 minutes to get back to school,” he said. “We loved every minute of it.” Mary grew up in Kansas City, Mo., but her grandparents lived near the convent in Paola. Mary transferred to Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission, Kan., for her senior year, where she was taught by the Ursulines. Sister Kathleen Dueber was two years behind her in school. “The Sisters have always been a part of our lives,” Mary said. The Buchmans have a son and two daughters, and two grandchildren, who all live nearby. The Sisters had an influence on their children as well. “Our kids all took piano lessons from Sister Eugene Reynolds. They all played the organ at church for the school Masses,” Mary said. Carl had back surgery in 1971, and for eight to 12 weeks, could not use steps. The family began attending Mass at the convent, where Carl could use the elevator. When they couldn’t find a seat at their parish for Midnight Mass one Christmas Eve, the family began a tradition of Midnight Mass with the Ursulines. It was the Sisters close to their age – the two Sister Kathleens and Sister Pat – to whom the Buchmans were closest. When Mary and Carl traveled to Mexico City for a Lions Club convention, the three Sisters watched the Buchman children for the week. “That probably confirmed their vocations,” Mary said with a laugh. Carl worked at his family’s grain business until 1971, when he started doing electrical contracting work. Mary stayed home to raise the children until her youngest was in kindergarten, when she began working part time in a gift shop. In the late 1970s the couple bought a laundromat. In 1987, they sold the laundromat and bought a mini-storage building. A few years later they bought a larger storage building, a business that Mary managed. They are both retired now and their daughter is running the storage business. Carl calls the Ursulines “faithful friends,” and Mary said she and her husband will continue to support the Sisters as long as they can. “We still have a connection and we certainly feel the desire to support the Sisters,” Mary said. “They’re special friends.” Have the Ursuline Sisters influenced your life? If you would like to learn more about ways you can support the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, contact Carol Braden-Clarke, director of Development, at 270-229-2008, or carol.braden-clarke@maplemount.org.l 15
8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org
Living in the Power
Ten Ursuline Sisters celebrate Religious Jubilees in 2022 These Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have served a combined 630 years of serving God and God’s people! They will be honored during Community Days in July and will be featured in our summer issue. Sister Marie Julie Fecher is the first 80-year Jubilarian since 2017 when Sister Mary Durr and Sister Mildred Katzer reached that milestone.
of the Holy Spirit
Sister Marie Julie Fecher
80 YEARS
SPRING WOMEN’S RETREAT
Saturday, April 30 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mount Saint Joseph Auditorium Sister Eva Boone
70 YEARS
Sister Ruth Gehres
70 YEARS
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan
70 YEARS
Sister Sara Marie Gomez
Sister Michele Morek
Sister Rose Jean Powers
60 YEARS
60 YEARS
60 YEARS
Sister Sheila Anne Smith
Sister Kathy Stein
Sister Sharon Sullivan
60 YEARS
60 YEARS
40 YEARS
During the Easter season, Christians joyfully celebrate the gifts of Life and Hope flowing from the Risen Jesus. But how do 21stcentury believers access first-century gifts? The link — the channel — is the Holy Spirit. One of the most important Western Catholic witnesses to the role of the Spirit is Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century German Benedictine nun and a Doctor of the Church. We will explore her insights. The day will include prayer, reflection, and small-group sharing. The $45 fee includes lunch. For those who wish, a Sunday Mass will occur at 4:15 p.m. To sign up: 270-229-0206 or retreatcenter@maplemount.org or online: https://ursulinesmsj.org/living-in-the-power/ PRESENTER: Ursuline Sister Cheryl Clemons, Ph.D., has been offering retreats, parish missions, and RCIA programs for over 25 years. With extensive training in theology, Scripture, spirituality, and spiritual direction, she brings to her annual Women’s Retreat a deep love for and study of prayer and spirituality.
