Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Proclaiming Jesus through Education and Christian Formation
Summer 2013 Vol. 12, No. 1
www.ursulinesmsj.org
100 Years of Leadership
Centro Latino’s 20th Anniversary 2013 Jubilarians New Ministries
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, We Ursulines gathered in Convocation in Cincinnati, Ohio, this July. We came from throughout North America – including Mexico and Canada; we were Ursuline Sisters who had made vows, Ursuline Associates who had made commitments, Ursuline members of the Company of Saint Ursula, Ursuline friends and colleagues who shared Saint Angela’s visions and hopes. More than 200 of us came together, making community, praying and sharing as we explored how “Angela’s Radical Gospel Vision” Sister Sharon could “Expand the Circles” of our service, witness and mission. Our keynote speakers encouraged us to embrace life-changing moments that could expand our circles while holding our focus on the dynamic eternal center which is Christ – and to recognize that, indeed, we ARE enough to be about this mission we share. And we did celebrate together that our circles were wide enough to share that mission. Then as we Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph began gathering in our Community Days, we explored and celebrated our lives as Ursuline Sisters and we reflected on the circles of our ministries this year. We were a bit surprised with the actual number of lives we touched directly. Think of this ... in just the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, we shared Christ’s love and Angela’s spirit with more than 50,000 people. Imagine that! Then, if we could add all those that each of you have touched with God’s love, we would have to be amazed at the power of the Spirit working among us. So join with us this issue as we reflect on the richness of Saint Angela’s spirit in the work, prayer and ministries that we all share. Enjoy the breadth of the experiences and wisdom that our “company” of congregational leaders brings – it is a bit unusual to have so many together. You will have a chance to nourish your own creative juices as you share in the gifts that our “Not Really Retired” Sister Rita Lavigne brings among us. Then be prepared once more to be impressed with the grace, gentleness and strong Saint Angela spirit of Sisters Fran and Rosemary as you read of their ministries among the Hispanic community in the Owensboro Diocese. Centro Latino, founded by Sister Fran, celebrated its 20th anniversary this August, and who can begin to count the lives touched and encircled through those years of sharing Christ’s love? We are so glad to have this opportunity to share with you our circles of ministries and service, and we look forward to hearing from you as you share with us the ways you reflect Saint Angela’s spirit and spread God’s love. We are enriched with the certainty that we hold each other in the expanding circles of our hearts’ prayers. With blessings of peace, Sister Sharon Sullivan, OSU COVER: These 12 Ursuline Sisters were all leaders of their communities, the most living in the history of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Seated in front are Sisters Annalita Lancaster and Raymond Dieckman. Standing, from left, are Sisters Marcella Schrant, Mary Irene Cecil, Michele Morek, Kathleen Condry, Mary Matthias Ward, Pat Lynch, Mary Ellen Backes, Dorothy Helbling, Rose Marita O’Bryan and Sharon Sullivan. The farmland of the Mount is in the background. Ursulines Alive is published by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. Three issues are published each calendar year. EDITORS: Director of Mission Advancement/Communications.........Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design.......................Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF: Director of Development....................................................Sister Amelia Stenger Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness................................Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships................................Marian Bennett, OSUA Coordinator of Formation for Ursuline Partnerships........Sister Marietta Wethington Administrative Specialist/Web Developer..........................April Ray 2 Mission Advancement Assistant.........................................Sister Catherine Barber
In this issue Current and former leaders share the strengths and challenges of the Ursuline Sisters .....................................3 Centro Latino celebrates 20 years........6 2013 Jubilarian Biographies.................8 Not Really Retired...............................10 Development.......................................11 Conference and Retreat Center ........12 Obituaries............................................15 New Ministries.....................................16 Soli Deo Gloria.....................................16 We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
Our Mission We, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, proclaim Jesus through education and Christian formation in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.
Our PURPOSE Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children
OUR CORE VALUES
• Prayer • Service • Empowerment • Justice • Contemplative Presence ...in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici
Contact Us Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ursulinesmsj Follow us on Twitter: ursulinesmsj ...and LinkedIn
Su m m e r
2 0 1 3
Sister Annalita Lancaster 1972-80
Leaders reflect on the gifts and challenges of the Ursuline Sisters
T
Sister Raymond Dieckman Paola
1974-82
Sister Dorothy Helbling Belleville
1975-89, 1995-2005
Sister Mary Irene Cecil 1980-88
Sister Mary Matthias Ward 1988-96
Sister Mary Ellen Backes Belleville
1989-95
Sister Pat Lynch Paola
1994-2002
Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan 1996-2004
By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
his summer marks the halfway point in the six-year term of Ursuline Sister Sharon Sullivan as congregational leader, and there is one benefit she has that none of her predecessors can claim – 11 other sisters who know what her job is like. Thanks to the mergers of Ursuline communities in Belleville, Ill., in 2005 and Paola, Kan., in 2008, and some blessed longevity, there are more sisters present who have led their communities than at any time in the 101-year history of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. This year also marks the 100-year anniversary of Mother Aloysius Willett becoming the first canonically elected superior of Mount Saint Joseph. The sisters were asked to reflect on how the community has evolved since they’ve been in leadership, the benefits and challenges of being an Ursuline Sister and how the sisters can remain relevant in the future. “With each passing year I have seen us continue to blend into one Ursuline family, from three,” said Sister Kathleen Condry, who was the last superior in Paola from 2002-2008. “This wasn’t an automatic happening just because we merged legally and canonically. It is happening little by little as we share our stories of the past, work together today and look toward the future.” Sister Michele Morek, who served at Maple Mount from 2004-2010 and oversaw the two mergers, said she rejoices that the three communities have become so at home with one another. “It feels like we have always been together,” she said. “I am so happy that American religious are not ‘waiting around’ for the official church to confirm the value of our life or ministry after the apostolic visitation (that began in 2009),” she said. “For example, Sister Simone Campbell and her ‘nuns on the bus’ movement has injected a note of pride and excitement, as well as a vision of us as ‘elders’ who have something to say to society, speaking truth to power. All these are good signs that we continue to find our own truth.” Sister Mary Irene Cecil, who served as superior at Maple Mount from 198088, said the community has evolved from being monastic to apostolic. “We have evolved from being educators only in the school setting to a broader understanding of ‘education’ as Christian formation in any ministry of service.” Sister Mary Ellen Backes was general superior in Belleville from 1989-95, and said the merger offered the sisters renewed energy for mission service. “It also offered us a new possibility for relationship with other sisters who shared our charism. As I see the community merged with Paola as well as Belleville, there is an obvious integration and blending with other groups of religious women which has added to the richness of our experience.” There is also a greater integration with the secular world given the increased number of associates, she said. “This integration and sharing of ourselves with others has invited us to a renewed understanding of who we are and who we are called to be for one another and our world. We recognize that we are one. We bring our histories, our stories, our gifts and talents. United as one, we are greater and more effective than we could ever dream to be individually.” Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan was the superior at Maple Mount from 1996-2004, and said there is an awakening to the community’s interdependence. “There is evidence of a maturing spirituality which acknowledges a connectedness between everyone and everything that grows more intimate and global by the day,” Continued on page 4
3
U r s u l i n e s
Leaders
A L I V E From page 3
she said. “We are much more aware as individuals and as a community that we must tend to the ‘kingdom’ that is all around us, that we must call attention to the hungers of the world, that we must stay attuned to the creative energy coursing through us and that it is for us to create a culture of hope and compassion wherever we are. There is a deepened desire to stay spiritually grounded listening attentively to the sound of our own souls throughout each day as we live out and live into the meaning of bringing forth the reign of God in our times.” Sister Sharon took office in 2010 and will serve until 2016. “Many say, and I agree, that more than anything else, serving in congregational Longtime friends Sister Pat Lynch, left, with Sister leadership is a time Kathleen Condry in Kansas in 2003. when those in Sister Kathleen followed Sister Pat as leadership must grow the leader of the Ursuline Sisters of and evolve; I hope I Paola, Kan. She served from 2002 until the merger with Mount Saint Joseph have grown,” she said. in 2008. “I notice that ‘evolve’ is defined as ‘develop, work out, emit,’ and that ‘emit’ means ‘to give off, as light.’ In that notion, I’ve seen the continual evolution of the witness of Ursuline fidelity as an evolving and growing witness to the light of the love of God.”
What is the best part of being an Ursuline Sister and the greatest challenge? “The greatest thing is being united with a wonderful group of women and all of us striving for the same goals,” said Sister Marcella Schrant, who was superior in Paola from 1990-94. “The greatest challenge is getting more members to join our community. We just need to continue to trust in the Lord that whatever happens will be the best for us. Saint Angela has asked us to be ready and willing to do whatever is needed and that she will be with us for all times.” Sister Raymond Dieckman, superior in Paola from 1974-82, felt she was called to be an Ursuline Sister. “Being a sister allowed me to do the things I’d always hoped for from the time I was a little child -- to be able to teach school,” she said. “It allowed me to do what God was calling me to do.” Sister Annalita Lancaster was superior at Maple Mount from 1972-80, and said it is nearly impossible to name the best part of being Ursuline. “It is a privilege to be a member in a hope-filled group of consecrated women walking the painful path of giving birth to the new,” she said. “Our greatest challenge is to continue to move out
4
of the box of century-old answers to life’s meaning and ask questions relevant to our present times, freeing ourselves from that blindness that comes from fixation on law and tradition.” Sister Mary Matthias Ward was superior in Maple Mount from 1988-96. “The best part and greatest challenge of being an Ursuline Sister seems to be one and the same for me …to keep my eyes on Jesus and to stay focused on being a servant.” “The best part about being an Ursuline Sister is being a spouse of Christ, which was Angela’s call and ours, then being a follower of Saint Angela and her charism,” Sister Mary Irene said. “I am not an individual who is in ministry, but a member of a larger group who minister together. We say in our Constitution, ‘We are one in mission and ministry.’ Being an Ursuline means that there is an interconnectedness among us and with all Ursulines all over the world and through the centuries beginning with Angela. It continues today with God’s Spirit ever broadening and extending Angela’s charism which was given for all time and is still alive today. “The greatest challenge that I see is keeping our trust that Angela’s spirit is alive today and continually renewing and uniting our spirit with hers amidst chaos and uncertainty of today’s world,” Sister Mary Irene said. “The best part of being an Ursuline is knowing I am part of a worldwide family, helping to spread the charism of Angela throughout the world,” said Sister Pat Lynch, superior in Paola from 1994-2002. “A challenge is to keep the focus on the mission while also addressing the necessary business of planning for the future and all that that entails.” “The best part of religious life for me has always been that it provides me with a challenge to become my very best self and to develop all my gifts for service to the world,” Sister Michele said. “It provides me with support in the form of wonderful companions who provide me with models of what holy people should be and with personal love and encouragement; and it has provided me with the opportunities and tools Sister Rosanne Spalding, left, and Congregational Leader Sister Michele Morek presented the new bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., William Medley, with a gift for his February 2010 ordination. Sister Michele served as congregational leader for the Ursuline Sisters from 2004-2010.
Sum m e r
Sister Marcella Schrant pictured at her desk in 1994. She led the Paola Ursulines from 1990-94.
to develop my spiritual life.” Sister Mary Ellen said the best part of being an Ursuline Sister is being united with other women who have responded to God’s call to embrace vowed life. “To share the charism with other sisters is to share something you know you couldn’t
do yourself. This is community. “The greatest challenge is discovering how to share our lives more fully with those we companion, particularly our associates,” she said. “Our core group is getting smaller and smaller. The challenge is to expand our thinking, our invitation, beyond our fears and institutional structures. The great question is how do we pass on the things that really matter?” Sister Rose Marita said, “The best part of being an Ursuline Sister are the relationships I nurture and sustain within the community and among friends and associates that contribute to my being able to nurture and sustain energy in this transformational ‘project’ of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Those relationships assist me in being ‘attentive with a great and eager heart’ (from Saint Angela’s “Prologue to the Rule”) to life’s continual unfolding of God’s graciousness to me. “The greatest challenge is the same challenge that has been with us since the time of Angela – staying grounded in hope as we face fearlessly the reality of our times. Facing the future with facts and faith is the ever-present challenge. Holding our truth lightly is essential.” Sister Kathleen said the best part of being an Ursuline Sister is also its greatest challenge. “Every one of us has a distinct style of living out our common call to publicly witness to Christ and to the Church. We don’t walk in lock-step, yet we are journeying together toward the same destination,” she said. “I think we’re like the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, a whole crew of colorful characters. In my efforts to live a consecrated life, the support and spirit of my Ursuline Sisters mean everything to me. They are brilliant, creative, passionate, generous, holy women, and I love them all more than words can say. I feel truly blessed to be an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph.” The greatest challenge is to “stay
2 0 1 3
united in one heart and one will, all of us respecting and appreciating and employing one another’s gifts, so that as Saint Angela put it, ‘we do not lose our fervor,’” she said. Sister Sharon said it’s a privilege being part of such faithful communal witness. “One of the best parts of being in leadership is the chance to share that privilege with other Ursulines and other religious congregations as well,” she said. “I believe one of the biggest challenges for the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph is for each of us to recognize the absolute power and the worth of the simple act of our faithful witness.”
What do the Ursuline Sisters need to do to remain relevant for the future? “Remaining relevant is being where we are needed at the time needed,” Sister Mary Matthias said. “It is being aware where God is in our lives and being open to where God calls. It is being bound together as community in love and harmony.” Sister Dorothy Helbling was superior in Belleville from 1975-89 and 1995-2005. “Being open to so many people that walk in is relevant. I love it when people come in for liturgy or meals,” she said. “We have to reach out to people.” Sister Raymond said it has been good to expand the sisters’ ministries. Sister “I’m looking at this larger Sharon Sullivan, right, visits with Sister Jean community, I see the sisters Madeline Peake after being all doing different things, elected congregational working in different areas. It leader in 2010. She will serve in that position until 2016. just amazes me that they’re able to go out and do all the things they do.” “If we each believe that we carry God’s love, God’s light, within us, in our very person, and if we share that divine light with others, we need not worry about our relevancy,” Sister Mary Ellen said. “We need to be authentic, accept who we are and share our gifts and talents, the Ursuline charism, with others. If we do this, it will continue in surprising ways.” “As long as Ursulines exist and are in tune with the Holy Spirit, they will serve others,” Sister Pat said. “If they remain faithful, they will be relevant.” “We just need to stay alert to what God is calling us to be for our society, for the global community in which we live,” Sister Michele said. “The charism of Angela Merici (with its gifts for development of lay spirituality) is a gift for the ages, perhaps especially our age.” “A company of women, small or large in numbers, in love with God and respectful of the dignity of all persons Continued on page 13
5
Centro Latino still divinely inspir By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
rsuline Sister Fran Wilhelm was a teacher for 21 years, served in missions in South America and California, ran a prayer house, directed charismatic renewal and the Ursuline Associate program and served in her community’s leadership. To people in Owensboro, Ky., and five surrounding counties, the ministry she is most known for will celebrate 20 years this August -- Centro Latino -- which advocates for Hispanic people and offers them translation and transportation, among other roles. “It doesn’t seem like 20 years, the time has just flown,” said Sister Fran, who founded the ministry and has served as its director since the beginning. “It seems like everything else in my life prepared me for this ministry. My favorite part is dealing with women and children.” For the past 13 years, she has been joined by Ursuline Sister Rosemary Keough, who drives to neighboring counties with Hispanic families so they can attend doctor’s appointments or other needs. “From the very beginning I’ve loved it very much,” Sister Fran said. “I love the Latin culture, I’ve learned so much from them. Seeing people in need and then seeing those needs attended to, that’s what has made it so fulfilling.” “Saint Angela Merici, our Ursuline founder, told us to ‘Act, bestir yourselves...’ and showed us the way to serve the people, especially women and children,” Sister Rosemary said. “When Sister Fran started the ministry, she was definitely practicing hospitality to the Hispanic folks who were similar to refugees -- far from their homelands and with great needs.” When Sister Fran completed her term on the Ursuline leadership Council in 1992, she asked Owensboro Bishop John McRaith if he would like her to reach out as a church person to the growing number of Hispanic people moving in as farm laborers. She thought she would get a few months off for a sabbatical before she began, but a woman approached Sister Francis 6
Joseph Porter in the grocery one day asking if she knew of a priest who spoke Spanish who could help her. Sister Francis Joseph told her she knew an Ursuline Sister who could help her. “At 8 a.m. the next day, the woman was at my door, seven months pregnant with four children with her,” Sister Fran said. “She wanted help interpreting so she could register for food stamps. She was getting no prenatal care. I started making calls.” Sister Fran grew close to the woman and her family over the course of the next year and was present to witness the birth of her son, to whom she serves as godmother. When Sister Fran told Bishop McRaith that she wanted a center where Hispanics could get help, he suggested she speak with Father Pike Powell, who was pastor at St. Peter of Alcantara Church in the western Daviess County community of Stanley. The church had an empty school building it wasn’t using. Brescia College (now University) donated old beds, and each of four rooms housed up to eight people at a time. “Many times a van with 17 people in it would show up at 11 p.m.,” Sister Fran said. “We’d let them sleep on the floor.” In the early days, the ministry consisted of housing and directing the men to available jobs. McRaith, ABOVE: Sister Fran Wilhelm, Loni Daniels who is now and Sister Clarence Marie Luckett at the former Centro Latino location in Stanley, Ky. bishop LEFT: Sister Clarence Marie, Loni and Sister emeritus, said Fran at a Centro Latino celebration. he knew there ABOVE: A First Communion at St. Peter was a need of Alcantara Church in Stanley. All three for Hispanic photos were taken in the 1990s. ministry for a people who mostly remained hidden. “Fran is (Centro Latino’s) patron saint, nobody would doubt that,” McRaith said. “She knew I wanted to start Hispanic ministry and she took it and ran with it. The most important part was how we welcomed them.” “Not many people would hire them,” Sister Fran said.
ed after 20 years “As their wives and girlfriends started arriving from Chiapas, Mexico, we expanded to a family ministry. We helped them enroll the children in school and accompanied women for prenatal care. Word spread among the Hispanic LEFT: Sister Fran Wilhelm helps to interpret a speech therapy session in June between Trina Pryor, owner of community. Many Simply Speaking, and 2-year-old Emmanual (“Meme”), as his mother looks on. Meme was born three months of them had heard prematurely, and began the First Steps program at 8 months. RIGHT: Sister Fran, left, and Sister Rosemary Keough at their home at Centro Latino in Owensboro, Ky., in July. They have worked together for 13 years. of us before they Over the years, the needs have increased, although got here.” some remain the same. The Hispanics are almost always Connie Caceres joined the ministry after a year, and living in poverty and need help registering for the social Sister Nancy Liddy and Sister Clarence Marie Luckett network services, Sister Fran said. “So many of the sisters both helped in the early days of Centro Latino. Sister say, ‘(Saint) Angela would be involved in what you’re Rosemary arrived on Dec. 31, 1999. doing if she were here today.’” “At 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, we got a call from the police that The earliest obstacles to overcome were prejudice, 10 Hispanics were drunk and needed a ride home,” Sister Sister Fran said. “When we became more visible, respect Fran said. “I called Sister Rosemary and said ‘Welcome to for our ministry began to grow. We started getting all Centro Latino.’ We got calls from the police and hospital sorts of awards.” at all hours of the night. Finally they learned they needed In 1993, the sisters would never have imagined that their own translators.” Hispanic voters would be so heavily courted by both Sister Rosemary said Sister Fran taught the Hispanics, political parties, after the facts showed that Hispanic especially the men without their wives, how to live in this voters greatly aided President Barack Obama’s re-election. country. “She put them in contact with farmers for work, The Hispanics keep up with what is happening with the housekeeping in the classrooms-turned-dormitories, immigration bill in Congress, both sisters said. spiritual teachings with prayer meetings, choir practice “It’s out in the open that they are undocumented for Mass, etc. She did so many things to welcome these workers,” Sister Fran said. “We used to have to hide that ‘strangers in our midst’ as brothers and sisters.” fact. People realize there are 11 million undocumented When the pastor changed at St. Peter, he and the people in the states. I’ve seen a change in attitude toward Parish Council decided they had another use for the Hispanics after having involvement with one of us. building, so Centro Latino vacated the property on Sept. People realize there aren’t many Americans who would do 30, 2000. the menial work our people do. The awareness helps us “We were looking for another property in town that do what we do.” would provide housing, but that wasn’t going to work Sister Rosemary said education will be the most out,” Sister Fran said. The diocese bought a house near pressing need in the next five years, especially if the St. Stephen Cathedral for the Marriage Tribunal to use, immigration bill passes and the immigrants are allowed but since it was going to take a year for it to move in, to work toward citizenship. Sister Fran believes the future Centro Latino was allowed to use it. “We’re still here 13 need may be in helping the children who are born in years later,” Sister Fran said. The sisters live there for free, America. but their salaries and cars are provided by the Ursuline “The mixture of cultures, sometimes the people with Sisters. Allen Shreve began working with the ministry in that experience don’t feel they belong to either group,” 2000 and continues today. Continued on page 13
7
15 Sisters Celebrating Jubilees of Religious Life
70 years... tSister Naomi (Mary Benigna) Aull, a native of Knottsville, Ky., is celebrating 70 years. Sister Naomi taught in New Mexico, Nebraska, Missouri and various places in Kentucky. From 1977-2002, she served in outreach ministry at St. Boniface Parish, St. Martin Parish and Schuhmann Social Services Center in Louisville. She retired to Mount Saint Joseph in 2002. tSister Emma Cecilia Busam, a native of Owensboro, is celebrating 70 years. For 38 years she was a teacher in Kentucky schools. Sister Emma Cecilia began serving as an archivist in 1983, first for the Ursuline community and then for the Diocese of Owensboro (19912011). She was certified by the Academy of Certified Archivists in 1989 and is a founding member of the Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious. She is now an archives consultant at Maple Mount. tSister Annalita Lancaster, a native of Flaherty, Ky., is celebrating 70 years. She taught at schools in Kentucky and Nebraska, was supervisor of elementary schools in the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville, and served as director of St. Angela Education Center, Louisville. She was major superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph from 1972-80. 8
She was director of admissions for Brescia College, served as associate director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (1984-88), and was a pastoral associate in Clinton, Ky. She was the first director of mission effectiveness for the Ursuline Sisters (19952005). Since retiring in 2005, she has been an archives assistant at the Motherhouse. tSister Marie Bosco Wathen, a native of Marion County, is celebrating 70 years. She taught and was principal at schools in Kentucky and Missouri, then served as a professor of education at Brescia College (now University) from 1974-1997 and as its institutional research assistant from 1997-2005. She was co-director of the Ursuline Associate program for six years. She retired to the Motherhouse in 2005 and is an archives assistant at Mount Saint Joseph.
60 years... tSister Margaret Ann Aull, a native of St. Lawrence, Ky., is celebrating 60 years. She has served as a teacher, principal and parish minister in Kentucky at a dozen locations, including 10 years each as pastoral associate at St. Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro, and Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Henderson. Since 2010 she has served as coordinator of pastoral care at Immaculate Parish in Owensboro.
The 15 Ursuline Sisters who are celebrating jubilees of religious life this year are, seated, from left, Sisters Emma Cecilia Busam, Annalita Lancaster, Marie Bosco Wathen and Naomi Aull (all celebrating their 70th). Standing, from left, are Sisters Mary Lois Speaks (50th), Kathleen Dueber (50th), Rita Lavigne (60th), Paul Marie Greenwell (60th), Margaret Ann Aull (60th), Catherine Barber (60th), Mary Agnes VonderHaar (60th), Mary Gerald Payne (60th), Jacinta Powers (40th), Pat Rhoten (50th) and Mary Celine Weidenbenner (50th).
tSister Catherine Therese Barber, a native of Springfield, is celebrating 60 years. She taught or was principal in seven Kentucky schools. She served in health care and pastoral care at the Ursuline Motherhouse (1977-86), as a patient representative at Mercy Hospital and Owensboro Mercy Health System (1987-97) and as a receptionist at Brescia University (1999-2002). She has served in several Motherhouse ministries, and since 2008 has been an assistant in Mission Advancement. tSister Paul Marie Greenwell, a native of New Haven, Ky., is celebrating 60 years. She was a teacher in Kentucky and Missouri, including 16 years at Seven Holy Founders School, Affton, Mo., (1970-86). She was secretary at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center and served in parish work, including 15 years as administrative assistant to St. William and St. Lawrence parishes, Knottsville, Ky., (1991-2006). Since 2008 she has been an assistant to the archivist at the Ursuline Motherhouse. tSister Rita Lavigne, a native of Topeka, Kan., is celebrating 60 years. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior to the merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008, and ministered solely in Kansas. She was a high school business teacher, a school
secretary/bookkeeper, organist, retreat coordinator and served in community leadership. She was business administrator of the Lakemary Center, Paola (196987), and coordinator of the Paola Association for Church Action Food Pantry (1999-2008). She moved to Maple Mount in 2009, where she serves as assistant to the archivist. tSister Mary Gerald Payne, a native of Knottsville, Ky., is celebrating 60 years. She taught in 10 Kentucky schools and in New Mexico and Missouri, also working in the parishes at some of those schools, and in the summer remedial reading programs. Since 2003 she has ministered in transportation and as a craft maker at the Motherhouse. tSister Mary Agnes VonderHaar, a native of Vine Grove, Ky., is celebrating 60 years. She served in Kentucky as a teacher and principal. She was assistant superior and director of retirement for the Ursuline Sisters (1988-96), then a pastoral associate in Hickman, Ky. Since 2004, she has served as an apostolic minister and now minister of presence at St. Mary of the Woods, McQuady, and St. Anthony Parish, Axtel, Ky.
50 years... tSister Kathleen Dueber, a native of Shawnee Mission, Kan., is celebrating 50 years. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior
to the merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph, and ministered in Kansas. She was a teacher or principal, then served in a multitude of Motherhouse ministries, including bookkeeper, director of the infirmary, massage therapist, sacristan, medical claims handler and vocation director. She served on the Ursuline leadership Council (2002-08). She now lives at Maple Mount, where she serves as a member of the leadership Council and provides transportation for the sisters. tSister Patricia (David Clare) Rhoten, a native of Palmyra, Neb., is celebrating 50 years. She taught or was principal at schools in Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska and Louisiana. She was assistant to the president of Brescia College/University (199396). She served as the Motherhouse local community life coordinator from 1999-2005. Sister Pat now serves as an archives assistant at Mount Saint Joseph. tSister Mary Lois Speaks, a native of Henderson, Ky., is celebrating 50 years. She taught or was principal at schools in Kentucky and Nebraska. She was a parish coordinator in Owensboro and Louisville, served as Charismatic Renewal Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Louisville and provided parish outreach in Calvert City, Ky. She was director of the Ursuline Associate program from 1991-96, and ministered as
a district instructional assistant at Marion County (Ky.) High School (1997-2011). She now provides spiritual direction and outreach in the Raywick, Ky., area. tSister Mary Celine Weidenbenner, a native of Glennonville, Mo., is celebrating 50 years. She has spent her entire career in education, as a teacher or principal in seven Kentucky schools, including 15 years at St. Mary Middle School, Paducah (19912006). Since 2007 she has been a teacher at Mary Carrico Memorial School, Knottsville.
40 years... tSister Jacinta Powers, a native of Curdsville, Ky., is celebrating 40 years. She taught in Kentucky and Nebraska. She was a health care administrator for the Mount Saint Joseph Infirmary (1986-88 and 2003-04), a nurse in Owensboro and Louisville and director of the AmeriCorps and Bridge to Health Programs for the Diocese of Owensboro (2004-08). She was a member of her community’s leadership council (1996-2004), and taught and provided health care in Jamaica (2008-09). She has been a nurse for the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tenn., since 2009. Jubilarian congratulations may be sent to Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Convocation 2013
Sister Larraine Lauter set up an exhibit booth and presented a Convocation breakout session on Water with Blessings, which provides clean drinking water in developing countries.
The North American Ursuline Convocation is held every three years. Almost 200 sisters, associates, companions, company members and friends gathered July 4-7 in Cincinnati, Ohio. ABOVE LEFT: Sisters George Mary Hagan, Mary Henning and Nancy Liddy. GROUP: From left, Sister Martha Keller, Marian Bennett and Sisters Katheen Condry, Elaine Burke, Larraine Lauter, Martina Rockers, Pat Lynch (back), Ann Patrice Cecil, George Mary Hagan, Michele Morek (back), Mary Henning, Nancy Murphy, Nancy Liddy and Sharon Sullivan. 9
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Not Really Retired...
Sister Rita Lavigne uses present to learn the past
S
10
ister Rita Lavigne had never heard of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., until she was 28 years old. These days, she probably knows more about the 91 sisters buried in Paola than anyone alive. Sister Rita moved to Maple Mount in June 2009, following the merger of the Ursulines in Paola with those of Mount Saint Joseph. Soon thereafter she began working in the community archives, where she continues to build a history of the Paola Ursulines. “Sister Vickie (Cravens, former community archivist) and I became well acquainted,” Sister Rita said. “She asked if I’d like to work with her in the archives. I thought that sounded great.” Sister Vickie died unexpectedly in August 2010, but Sister Rita has continued working half days in the archives. There is a necrology book in the Motherhouse Chapel that contains one-page biographies of all the sisters who have died, and Sister Rita took it upon herself to add biographies of all the deceased Paola sisters. “I enjoy this. I learn more about Paola and these sisters than I would have otherwise,” she said. “This is such a great accomplishment for the Paola sisters, the archives and for Mount Saint Joseph in general,” said Sarah Patterson, community archivist. “Sister Rita has taken such great care to write the facts of each sister and to include a warm presentation of each sister’s personality. “Sister Rita is wonderful to have around the archives,” Patterson said. “She is a dependable, dedicated worker and shows great concern for the preservation of the records and enjoys sharing the stories of the sisters she knows and has known. Plus, it is fun to talk with her about the music of Richard Rodgers, her and my favorite songwriter.” Sister Rita grew up in Topeka, Kan., where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. Her parents ran a restaurant, but her father died when she was 9 and the family, which includes a younger brother, struggled through the Depression. It was her mother who taught her the love of the piano, which she continues to play by ear. When she graduated from high school, she earned a scholarship to a business college. She got a job as a stenographer at Hill Packing Co., making $11.88 a week. She worked there for five years, then spent the next seven years at an insurance company. “I went to Mass every day and one day the monsignor suggested I go to a women’s retreat in Paola,” about 80 miles away, Sister Rita said. “I was impressed by the whole thing.” After two years, she decided to enter the Ursulines of Paola when she was 30. Her postulant companions were 25, 21, 20 and 16. “We got along fine, but it wasn’t easy for me.” She received the habit in 1953, making this her 60th year as an Ursuline Sister. Sister Rita was a teacher for her first 13 years in the business department at Ursuline Academy in Paola (195658) and at Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission (1962-69). For four years between those high school
Sister Rita Lavigne in 1960 (below) and in 2013 in the archives office. She has been an Ursuline for 60 years.
assignments she taught sixth and seventh grade at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kan. “I liked teaching grade school, the kids were so much fun.” During the summers when she was at Bishop Miege, she attended the University of Notre Dame to work on her master’s degree in business administration. “I thought I was supposed to follow the sister in charge of the books at the motherhouse, but she wasn’t ready to retire,” she said. “Those summers were delightful, there were so many people from so many orders.” In 1969, she began her longest ministry and the one she is most associated with in Kansas, business administrator of the Lakemary Center in Paola, which serves developmentally disabled children and adults. She served there until 1987. “I volunteered for it, I thought I could use my experience,” she said. “I’m so glad I got to go to Lakemary, I loved the people there.” Because so many of the staff couldn’t leave their posts, Sister Rita was often the person to take a child to the airport or fulfill other necessary tasks. In 1987, she returned to Holy Name School as secretary and bookkeeper for five years. Sister Eugene Reynolds, the organist for the Paola Ursulines, died in December 1987, so Sister Rita began returning to the motherhouse on weekends to play for Mass and prayers. In 1990 she was elected to a four-year term on the leadership Council, and moved back to Paola full-time in 1992 to serve as organist and coordinator/ hostess of outside retreats, which she did until 1999. She was organist until she left for Kentucky in 2009. One of her favorite ministries was coordinator of the Paola Association for Church Action Food Pantry, which she did from 1999-2008. Churches of various faiths supported the food pantry, which was in the Paola motherhouse. “I got to know the volunteers well,” she said. “A couple of the volunteers were men, I learned a lot about football from one of them.” Moving to Kentucky at age 86 was one of the hardest things she’s done, but she has acclimated well. In her spare time, she watches the local and national news, PBS and visits with her dear friend, Sister Raymond Dieckman. “She is a very caring person,” Sister Raymond said. “She has many interests and abilities.” Friends can write to Sister Rita at 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. n
You Are a Piece of Our Art Work
ELVIS ANNUAL DINNER Elvis was in the house on April 27 to entertain a gymnasium full of friends and supporters during the annual dinner/auction to support Ursuline missions. From left, Associate Carol Hill, Sister Marietta Wethington, Associate Suzanne Reiss, Sister Amelia Stenger and Associate Pauline Goebel dance with Elvis impersonator Brad McCrady. Goebel made the red poodle skirts.
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
2013-2014 Quilt Club Tickets Now Available!
You get 12 chances to win a handmade quilt with our Quilt Club annual memberships, available for only $20 each. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend! A new quilt is raffled each month.
S is
te r R
g ti n uth M a t
ly
For details, visit www.ursulinesmsj.org, click on “Help the Sisters” and then “Quilt Club.”
New Quilt Club drawings begin Oct. 4. Order your tickets today! 270-229-4103 ext. 448 • april.ray@maplemount.org
License No. 0290
The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph would like to invite everyone to their 43rd annual
BBQ PICNIC Sunday, Sept. 8 For the benefit of the retired Ursuline Sisters
Booths open 10:30-3:00
Serving barbecue pork, mutton, chicken, burgoo 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Crafts! Games! Yard Sale! Silent Auction!
Grand Raffle Prizes: Tickets only $2 each You can win $3,500 • $1,000 • $500 • $300 • $100 • Homemade Queen-Size Quilt • 32” LCD HDTV Get your tickets from any Ursuline Sister or call 270-229-4103 ext. 448 • april.ray@maplemount.org
Volunteers needed! Give us a call to sign up!
We can also use donations for our Silent Auction, Craft booth and Yard Sale.
License #0290
Dear Friends, Summer is upon us and the days have been very nice compared to our heat wave last year. It has given us the opportunity to be outside more and enjoy the beauty that is all around us. The gardens are beautiful and the front campus is a peaceful place to walk and sit in prayer under the towering Sister Amelia trees. The sisters have enjoyed it while they are here for Community Days and retreat. During our Community Days gathering, the sisters had an opportunity to share much of what has been happening during the past year. One of our speakers asked us to think of an art work that may give us an idea of our lives in today’s world. There is much symbolism in art that can relate to our lives. A piece of art work didn’t come to mind, but a panoramic view of the Mount popped up immediately. There is a balcony on the fifth floor of St. Ursula Hall that looks out over the farm. One gets a tremendous view of the fields, lake, gardens and pastures that are a part of the land that we steward. The lines, textures and shades of color are exquisite and give us much to think The Saint Ursula Hall balcony about as we consider life offers a panoramic view of Mount Saint Joseph. today. We sisters are all different in so many ways. We come from all kinds of family situations and from many states. We work in nine states, Washington, D. C., and in South America. Our educational degrees are varied and we serve in many different ways, yet we come together as one under the guidance of our founder, Saint Angela, to serve God’s people. When we were renewing our vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and instruction at our yearly commissioning service, the sense of oneness and vocation call filled the chapel. All the sisters, associates and friends of our community were present in the prayer and promise of commitment to ministry. You were there in our prayer. You are a part of that ministry. You share with us your many gifts and talents. You are a part of that panoramic view of life and promise for the future. You give us hope. You give us courage. You give us the support needed to make a difference in this world. Thank you for being a part of our work of art. You are our blessing. God be with each of you. Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development
11
A Ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
OUR 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.
LEFT: Owensboro Catholic Schools sixth-graders learned about the history of Mount Saint Joseph while touring the Museum on May 1. RIGHT: The Young Daughters of Saint Angela groups from Kansas (pink) and Whitesville (blue) mingle in the Center courtyard during the June 13-15 Y-DOSA Summit at Maple Mount.
Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Calendar of Events - Fall 2013 AUGUST
Angela and The Gift of Contemplation ...........................Saturday, Aug. 17 Directors of Religious Education Day....................................Saturday, Aug. 17 Spirit & Truth Conference..............................Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 23-25 September
Mount Saint Joseph 43rd Annual BBQ Picnic..........................Sunday, Sept. 8 Glenmary Priests Retreat....................................................Week of Sept. 9-13 Study of Catholic Catechism for Year of Faith ............ Thursday, Sept. 12 Runaway Quilters.................................................Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 17-20 Retrouvaille............................................................ Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29 Diocese of Owensboro Permanent Diaconate Program..................Sept. 27-29 Diocesean Priests Retreat...........................................Week of Sept. 30-Oct. 4
This group of high school students with the Christian Leadership Institute listened to songs and guitar music in the Retreat Center chapel during a “Praying with Music” session. They stayed at Mount Saint Joseph June 23-28.
October
Midwest Retreat Center Directors......................Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 7-9 Study of Catholic Catechism for Year of Faith ..............Thursday, Oct. 10 Yoga and Meditation Retreat........................................ Weekend of Oct. 11-13 Catholic Engaged Encounter (1 night).......................... Weekend of Oct. 12-13 Spiritual Direction Training Program (Week 1)............................ Oct. 14-18 First United Methodist Women’s Retreat................Friday-Saturday Oct. 18-19 Yarn Spinning Day..............................................................Saturday, Oct. 19 Private Wedding Reception.................................................... Saturday Oct. 19 Diocese of Owensboro Permanent Diaconate Program....................Oct. 25-27 Marian Retreat with Msgr. Bernard Powers............Weekend of Oct. 26-27 First Baptist Church Choir..................................................... Saturday, Oct. 26 Quilt Club of Cadiz...................................................................Monday, Oct. 28
The sixth gathering to study the catechism of the Catholic Church took place June 13 at the Center, with seven people in attendance. Discussion began on the apostle Peter and how Jesus chose him to be the rock of his church.
November
Academy for Young Leaders...................................Saturday-Sunday Nov. 2-3 Teen Leadership Conference ................................... Friday-Saturday Nov. 8-9 Study of Catholic Catechism for Year of Faith ............. Thursday, Nov. 14 Diocese of Owensboro Permanent Diaconate Program...................Nov. 15-17 Yarn Spinning Day............................................................. Saturday, Nov. 16 Thomas Merton Retreat.................................................... Saturday, Nov. 16 Center-sponsored programs are in bold type. Please call to register. To register or to schedule your event, call Kathy McCarty 270-229-0206 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org 12
More than 50 sisters attended a retreat for women religious July 14-20 at the Center. “Considering the Vows and Community in Light of Angela’s Rule, Counsels and Testament” was led by Father Michael Crosby, O.F.M., Cap.
Leaders
From page 5
as daughters and sons of God, will always be relevant,” Sister Rose Marita said. Sister Annalita said the Ursulines will remain relevant if they take seriously the legacy of Saint Angela: “If according to the times and circumstances it becomes necessary to do things differently, do so with prudence and good advice.” “We Ursulines find so much of what Angela taught to still be relevant after almost 500 years,” Sister Sharon said. “We embrace as always relevant the reality that our first and finest refuge will continue to be at the feet of Jesus; we affirm that this will be relevant no matter what decade, century or millennium. The message and mission will always be relevant and our challenge will always be to remain faithful to the mission and open to the Spirit.”n
Centro Latino
From page 7
she said. Sister Fran is most proud that all of the school-age children Centro Latino works with are in school and that the families are still receiving the sacraments. McRaith said the number of Spanish Masses has increased in the diocese over the past 20 years, and seminarians are now learning Spanish as part of their training. Health concerns have forced Sister Rosemary to cut back on some of her daily traveling on behalf of the Hispanics, and Sister Fran turned 84 earlier this year, but neither is concerned about the future of Centro Latino. “We just depend on the Lord showing us where to go,” Sister Fran said. “We’ve been divinely directed in everything we do. I don’t see the necessity of finding a substitute yet.” “God knows and God provides,” Sister Rosemary said.n
Dear Friends of the Center, The year July 2012 to June 2013 has been a blessed one for the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. During this time we welcomed 21 new groups and 69 returning groups. Many of these new groups came because one or more from their group came and was impressed by their Sister Ann McGrew, director of the time here and wanted to bring Mount Saint Joseph Conference and friends to experience the special Retreat Center, helps judge entries at the Owensboro Catholic Schools 4-6 Campus atmosphere of Mount Saint Science Fair on March 26. Joseph. Some of the new groups heard from friends about the great place at Maple Mount and wanted the same experience as their friends. To all who helped to make the 2012-2013 year a blessed one for our retreat center, we thank you. Please continue to share your positive experience with others. Now we look toward the 2013-2014 year and want to share some of the happenings we anticipate with you. Some Catholic school staffs have scheduled a day of planning and relaxation using our facilities. Picking up in August we will continue our study of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults for our “Year of Faith” activity meeting each month on the second Thursday. This will continue into January as a study of the Catechism for Adults in an effort to complete the information contained there. Again this year we will offer an Angela Day of Prayer on Aug. 17, Marian Retreat on Oct. 26-27, a day with Thomas Merton on Nov. 16 and an Advent Day of Prayer on Dec. 12. We hope you will plan to attend one or all of these opportunities. Beginning in September, the Diocese of Owensboro Permanent Diaconate Program will be meeting at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Since October 2004 we have offered a Spiritual Direction Training Program for those who feel called to be a spiritual director as well as those who want to hone their skills as a spiritual director. October 2012 found us with fewer than the minimum number required to offer this training. As of this writing there is a sufficient number for beginning the program in October 2013. We are pleased to share this blessed announcement with you and ask prayers for the successful completion of this program. We ask prayer for all the happenings here at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. May your life be blessed and as always we invite you to come to the Center for some time to BE and listen to the voice of God away from the hassle of everyday life. In Saint Angela, Sister Ann McGrew, Director ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org
Photo by Mel Howard
Applications are still being accepted for the 2013-2015 Spiritual Direction Training Program which begins Oct. 14 at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. For information, contact Sheila Blandford at 270-229-0269 or sheila.blandford@maplemount.org by Aug. 31. Find out more at www.ursulinesmsj.org
“Mary and Prayer” Oct. 26-27, 2013
Retreat led by Msgr. Bernard Powers
Pope John Paul II frequently spoke of the need to pray and called the faithful to “rediscover the art of prayer,” thus he took us to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Retreat fee is $125 (or $85 for commuters). Deduct 10% if paid in full by Sept. 26. Contact Kathy: 270-229-0206 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org. 13
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Center offers a home one day at a time The Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center staff is always eager to serve their guests. From the top are Cyndy Madi (food service), Sister Ann McGrew (executive director), Kathy McCarty (facilities coordinator), Nona Hancock (food service), Sheila Blandford (program coordinator), Elaine Foster (housekeeping), Trena Goetz (front left, housekeeping), Sister Marietta Wethington (retreat coordinator) and Trish Durham (food service manager).
ringing phones, Hortin said. “They are just so sweet, they take good care of us. They even open the gift shop for us,” she said. When the 15-member nursing faculty at Nursing faculty from Owensboro Owensboro Community Community and Technical College and Technical College came to the Center May 13 and 15. felt in a rut for their yearly retreat, they decided to come to the Center for the first time in May, said Melissa Alstott, associate dean of hen the Owensboro academic affairs and director of nursing. Community and Technical “It was really nice. We liked the meeting room and the College executive team wanted to food was out of this world,” Alstott said. “The grounds were get away for a day to focus on a plan really nice for all of us. It was nice to be able to get out and for the college’s future in September enjoy the afternoon. We’ll be back in May if I have anything 2012, they chose the Mount Saint to say about it.” Joseph Conference and Retreat Martha Little, director of the International Center in Center. Owensboro, which helps to resettle and fill the needs of “We wanted to get away from the immigrants and refugees, brought eight staff members for a hustle and bustle of the college and Owensboro so we could one-day retreat in December 2012. focus on the long-range goals of the institution,” said James “The staff had never experienced that, and none of them Klauber, president and CEO of the college. “It was a great were familiar with the Mount,” she said. Little is a graduate choice. We picked a picture perfect day to come, Mount of the Spiritual Direction Training Program at the Center Saint Joseph was absolutely beautiful. Everyone was so and has brought small groups out for prayer days, but this accommodating and the food was good. If we decide to do was her first time to bring a business group. another one, the Center will be our first choice.” “The Burmese people were fascinated with the chapel,” The Center can accommodate groups of any size for she said. “It was a really good experience. I knew I could overnight stays and spiritual retreats, but more and more count on the quiet and I knew the food would be good. I’m groups are realizing they can make use of the Center’s hoping our Bowling Green staff will follow suit, there are 30 meeting rooms and dining hall for a one-day purpose. of them.” Janet Hortin handles safety and marketing for J.D. Little has been with the International Center a year and Byrider, a used car and finance company that has locations hopes to bring the staff back in the fall. in Henderson and Owensboro, Ky. The company has Thirteen women from Zion Baptist Church in quarterly breakfast meetings with the staffs from both sites, Owensboro came to the Center in February to prepare for and the people in Owensboro wondered why they always their women’s conference, said Donnella Cason. had to make the 30-mile drive to Henderson, Hortin said. “We come for relaxation and to prepare for retreat,” she Earlier this year those meetings moved to the Center. said. “We try to get more in touch with God and with our “The Center is a halfway point between the two,” she group. said. “I go to Holy Name Parish in Henderson so I knew “It’s just a calm, relaxing place,” Cason said. “It’s always a about the Center. We are definitely enjoying it.” good experience, the people are always so nice and cordial.” The Center offers a location away from the office and the The Center offers meeting rooms of differing sizes to meet the needs of its groups, and has its own dining room staff to prepare meals. To look over what the Center has to offer or to book a meeting room, contact Kathy McCarty at (270) 229-0206, or kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org. n • Sept. 12 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Study the • Oct. 10 Each session is $10 Catechism Come and spin/knit/crochet with us! (includes lunch) • Nov. 14 with us! Spinners, weavers, knitters and crocheters of all A program book that covers every • Dec. 5 skill levels are welcome to attend the upcoming session is $5
W
Join us for the Year of Faith
14
LED BY: Sister Ann McGrew & Sister Marietta Wethington To register, call Kathy McCarty: (270) 229-0206 or email kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org
spinning gatherings at the Center
Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The $15 fee includes lunch. To register, call Kathy at 270-229-0206
S u m m e r
NEW ASSOCIATES: Jacqueline
ASSOCIATES DAY
Sommers, Joan Teder and Kelly Roe became new Ursuline Associates on Associates and Sisters Day on June 8. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Ursuline Associate Program. There are now 437 associates.
New posters listing all of the
names and birth and death dates of the deceased Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have been printed and are hanging in the archives hallway in Lourdes Hall. There are separate posters for the Ursuline Sisters of Belleville, Ill., and the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., that list those sisters who died prior to the merger of their communities with Mount Saint Joseph.
NEW CEMETERY MAP: A new map
of the Mount Saint Joseph cemetery is now available. Each headstone is listed by a row letter and number, which can be matched up to a separate listing of names. There are 480 people buried at the cemetery, primarily Ursuline Sisters but also priests and a few friends of Mount Saint Joseph. Copies of the map and the list are available at the receptionist’s desk in Saint Joseph Villa, or you can contact Sarah Patterson in archives. An Academy faculty cemetery map is also available.
2 0 1 3
LEFT: Sister Michele Morek, in the center of the back row, stands with other women religious outside the appointment gate for the Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House on April 9. The group was in Washington, D.C., to share resources and ideas on the prevention of human trafficking. Sister Michele represented UNANIMA International, where she serves as coalition coordinator. The nongovernmental organization of the United Nations has made human trafficking one of its main issues in its efforts to focus on the needs of women and children around the world.
SISTERS IN THE CAPITAL
ABOVE: Principals Beth Hendrickson, left, (St. Ann School, Morganfield, Ky.) and Sister Suzanne Sims (St. Mary of the Woods, Whitesville, Ky.), pose at Arlington National Cemetery. They took their eighth graders on a field trip to Washington D.C., in April. LEFT: Sister Michele Morek, second from left, attended a rally on May 18 in New York City to bring awareness to the Fair Food Program and to encourage Wendy’s to pay a penny more per pound for tomatoes to raise wages.
NYC RALLY
In the joy of eternal life Sister Frances Miriam Spalding, OSU, 94, died May 9 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 73rd year of religious life. She was a native of Bardstown, Ky. Sister Frances Miriam never slowed down and was always available to help anyone in need. She loved praying with her sisters, was devoted to Saint Therese of Lisieux and thrilled to see the St. Louis Cardinals win one more World Series. She was a teacher or principal in Kentucky and Missouri for 39 years, 1942-81. She served in parish ministry and outreach in western Kentucky from 1985-2003, when she came home to the Motherhouse to serve as activities director for the senior sisters until her retirement in 2007. She was director of transportation and assistant local superior at the Motherhouse from 1981-85. Survivors include nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was May 13 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery, where she was reunited with her sister, Sister Marie Spalding, who died in 1943. Sister Francis Joseph Porter, 79, died July 7 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 51st year of religious life. She was a native of Owensboro, born to the late Joseph Oldham Porter and Frances Evelyn Hayden Porter. Sister Francis Joseph was very prayerful and loved the beauty of nature. She was up early watering her many flowers or feeding a stray animal, but always made time to share a smile and a kind word for all who crossed her path. She ministered in the Mount Saint Joseph Post Office for 28 of the past 29 years, most of those years as postmaster. She was director of food services at Maple Mount (1980-84), a teacher at Mount Saint Joseph Academy (1967-68) and elsewhere in Kentucky. Survivors include her sister, Betty Lou Abel, of Jacksonville, Fla., her brother-in-law Mike Cecil, Chicago, nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was July 10 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements. Gifts in memory of a Sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. 15
8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org If you have a smartphone, this QR code goes to our website!
Soli Deo Gloria
We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
Sister Ann Patrice Cecil
Sister Mary Henning
Sister Karla Kaelin
Sister Martha Keller
The following sisters are involved in new or expanded ministries for the coming year. Sister Ann Patrice Cecil, postmaster, in addition to her role as assistant to the congregational secretary. Sister Mary Henning, director of worship and liturgy, and director of postulants for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. She was previously an associate professor of music at Brescia University. Sister Karla Kaelin, director of religious education at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Louisville, Ky. She was previously DRE at St. Mary of the Woods Parish, Whitesville, Ky. Sister Martha Keller, pastoral associate at St. Jerome Parish, Fancy Farm, Ky., in addition to continuing as director of vocation ministry and director of the contact program. Sister Larraine Lauter, math instructor at Kentuckiana Works Youth Career Center in Louisville, in addition to her role as executive director of Water With Blessings. Sister Mary McDermott, Motherhouse information receptionist. She previously served in hospitality at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Sister Monica Seaton, religion/special education teacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School, Memphis, Tenn. She previously served as a teacher at Youth Villages in Memphis.
Sister Larraine Lauter
Sister Mary McDermott
Sister Monica Seaton
Sister Michael Marie Friedman was one of two graduates of Mount Saint Joseph Academy to receive the Maple Leaf Award on May 19, given annually by the Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association. The Maple Leaf Award honors those who “personify the values of their Mount Saint Joseph education in contributions to their local faith communities, civic communities and/ or Mount Saint Joseph.” Sister Michael Marie, a 1964 Academy graduate, is principal of St. James Sister Michael Marie Friedman Elementary School in A64, left, holds her Maple Elizabethtown, Ky., Leaf Award, along with her which in 2012 was nominator, Anna Mattingly, awarded the honor of center, and Stephanie Warren, being named a National A73, vice president of the Alumnae Association, at the May Blue Ribbon School. She was nominated for 19 alumnae reunion banquet. the Maple Leaf Award by Anna Mattingly, a 1966 Academy graduate who has taught at St. James for 12 years. Sister Michael Marie came to St. James in 1990, when there were 173 students and no seventh or eighth grade. Now the school has multiple classes of all eight grades, 434 students, and has expanded opportunities for academics, clubs and sports due to Sister Michael Marie’s leadership, Anna said.