Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Proclaiming Jesus through Education and Christian Formation
Summer 2021 Issue No. 55
ursulinesmsj.org
Future of Retreat Center 2021 Jubilarians The Knottsville Connection
Ursuline Sister Helping Others at Catholic Charities in Indiana
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, We are in the midst of a very warm summer. Our weather has been good, and our blackberries are huge because of the rain we’ve had. We have also been blessed with several thousand ears of sweet corn from our farm. God’s blessings from our gardens have been many this year. In this issue you will read many great stories about our Sisters and their ministries to the people in parishes in our Owensboro diocese and beyond. Our ministry of education and Christian formation takes many avenues. We continue to serve in seven states and in South America. We truly believe we are serving in every way possible. One of our major areas of service has been our Conference and Retreat Center. We have served thousands of people in those buildings. We will continue to serve but it will be a little different in the future. The present buildings have been so much a part of our lives for so many years. The first building was built in 1874 and the next one in 1882. The others were added in later years, but they are all connected in so many ways. Major renovations were done in the 1990s but there are many The north wing of the Mount Saint things that also need to be replaced Joseph Academy was built in 1904. It became part of the Retreat Center from that renovation. The repairs in 1983. would cost a considerable amount but there isn’t any way to repair the bricks that are disintegrating and the foundation that is crumbling. The decision has not been easy for the Sisters because many of us grew up in that building when it was Mount Saint Joseph Academy. I came to the Academy when I was 13 and in my sophomore year, I was asked to lock the doors every night. Little did I know that in 1997 I would begin locking up the doors again as the director of the Conference and Retreat Center. And I never expected to be in the position of congregational leader when we had to deconstruct this wonderful space. Our hearts are sad, and we have shed tears, but we know that for everything there is a season, and the season has ended for our beloved building. Father Volk probably never thought it would last this long. Please pray for us as we find new ways to share our ministry and remember the many blessings that came from the community built in this holy space. God bless all of you.
Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU
Congregational Leader, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 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: Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships............................... Doreen Abbott, OSUA Director of Development.................................................. Carol Braden-Clarke Mission Advancement Assistant....................................... Sister Mary McDermott Contributing Writer........................................................... Sister Ruth Gehres Contributing Writer........................................................... Sister Marietta Wethington 2
COVER: Ursuline Sister Michele Ann
Intravia stands in front of the Catholic Charities office on Ninth Street in Tell City, Ind. The building was once the convent for the Benedictine Sisters who served at St. Paul School across the street. INSET: The first building on the Mount Saint Joseph campus with the portico was built in 1874, and the south wing on the right was added in 1882.
INDEX Sister Michele Ann in Tell City, Ind........ 3-5 2021 Jubilarians...................................... 5-8 Soli Deo Gloria........................................... 8 Sister Spotlight.......................................... 9 Connection to Knottsville, Ky............ 10-11 Retreat Center Future/Programs....... 12-13 Powerhouse of Prayer............................. 14 Obituary................................................... 14 Donor Highlight...................................... 15 Religious Life Still Viable Vocation......... 15 Escape to the Mount............................... 16
OUR MISSION We, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, proclaim Jesus through education and Christian formation in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.
OUR CORE VALUES • Prayer • Service • Empowerment • Justice • Contemplative Presence ...In the spirit of Saint Angela Merici
CONTACT US Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org • Facebook: facebook.com/ursulinesmsj • Instagram: Ursuline Sisters of MSJ • Twitter: twitter.com/ursulinesmsj • YouTube: UrsulineSistersMSJ
Sum m e r
2 0 2 1
JoAnn Smith, left, joins Sister Michele Ann Intravia near the coats they are collecting for a free giveaway beginning in October at the Catholic Charities office in Tell City, Ind.
job,” Sister Shellie said. While the size of the community and the office is a drastic change from Louisville, the needs the agency fills are similar. “We provide assistance with rent, utilities, purchasing medication and buying work shoes and boots so people can be employed,” Sister Shellie said. “Our main goal is to help people become self-sufficient.” Catholic Charities is a United Way By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff agency and also receives funding from the main office in Indianapolis. Otherwise, it raises utside St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City, Ind., donations with a Christmas appeal and an Easter is a blessing box that says, “Take what you need, appeal. Sister Shellie began an Independence Day give what you can.” fundraiser this year that brought in $4,000. On a low wall that surrounds city hall, residents The agency serves as the fiscal agent for the leave bags of groceries for the less fortunate. In this Perry County Food Coalition, a group of five food Ohio River town of about 7,200 residents, the message pantries. The office serves as a drop-off point for food is clear – people need to look out for each other. donations, and representatives of the pantries collect The agency that plays a key role in serving the the food for distribution. One of those pantries is needs of Tell City is the local Catholic Charities office. Martin’s Cloak, affiliated with St. Martin of Tours Since January 2021, the director of that office is Church in Siberia, Ind., near St. Meinrad. Financial Ursuline Sister Michele Ann Intravia. donations are made through Catholic Charities to “We’re serving low-income people, lots of single disseminate to the pantries. moms,” Sister Michele Ann said. “The ecumenical Because Catholic Charities has been in operation work here is very visible. I attend an ecumenical lunch so long and has its screening procedures in place, it’s with all male preachers. They help out a lot, it doesn’t common for other charities to route donations through matter what church you are. We try to attend to the the agency to get them into the hands of the poor, needs of the day.” Sister Shellie said. After 19 years as a special education teacher or “The Salvation Army gives us funding to give out principal, Sister Michele Ann – nearly everyone calls in their name one time a year,” she said. her “Sister Shellie” – turned her efforts to helping On Thursday evenings, a hot meal is provided the poor. She spent two years serving through a program Sister Shellie at Casa Ursulina in Chile, then served supervises called “Table of Blessing.” 15 years at the Sister Visitor Center in Different businesses and families Louisville, with nine of those leading prepare a meal in collaboration with the the office. It is a Catholic Charities of Evangelical United Church of Christ, Louisville agency. which is just a block away. About a dozen years ago, Sister “We use their fellowship hall,” Shellie attended a Catholic Charities Sister Shellie said. “During Covid we leadership workshop in California, served out the window. Now they are and ended up at the same table as Joan coming inside to eat for fellowship.” Tell City was settled by SwissHess, the director of the Tell City office German immigrants and named Lifeline for Families is another for Swiss hero William Tell. The since 2005. When Sister Shellie began ongoing program that Catholic looking for a new ministry in 2020, she town hall features an apple with Charities offers to low-income an arrow through it that lights up got a call from Hess in November. pregnant women and families with red at night, recalling the story “She told me she was retiring and of Tell shooting an apple off his small children. Diapers and formula son’s head with a crossbow. asked if I wanted to interview for this Continued on page 4
Sister Michele Ann making a big difference in a small town
O
Town Hall
3
U r s u l i n e s
Difference
A L I V E From page 3
are available, as well as car seats and pack-n-plays – a combination bassinet, diaper changing station and play area. The Early Years Store is for infants to 3T, allowing families to select maternity clothing, baby clothing, baby furniture and other items. In October, a coat giveaway program for all ages begins. “When people come here for children’s clothes, we give them eight outfits,” Sister Shellie said. “We only gave three in Louisville. Here we’re looking at a smaller group of people.” The flip side of dealing with a smaller Sister Michele Ann Intravia, left, and JoAnn Smith hold one of the car seats that is given to community a needy family in Perry County, Ind. is having less staff and fewer resources. Sister Shellie works with one part-time assistant, JoAnn Smith, a 10-year veteran who answers the phone, helps with walk-ins and is in charge of The Early Years Store. “We have always defined ourselves as having rural poverty,” Smith said. “Our job base is manufacturing, but you have to have a two-income family. The rest is service work, people trying to make it on minimum wage. We have lots of single mothers. We stand out as the place to call. If you don’t know where to go, call Catholic Charities, they will help you.” The community has a homeless problem, Smith said, which Catholic Charities tried to address with an emergency shelter during the winter of 2019. The homeless stayed at different churches, including one night at the Catholic Charities office, and the agency stored all the bedding. “It fell apart with Covid,” Smith said. “It sickens me when they’re homeless and I can’t help them. We don’t have a big base of support. We don’t have a Daniel Pitino Shelter,” a reference to the homeless shelter in Owensboro named for the late son of basketball coach Rick Pitino. Even though Evansville, Ind., is less than an hour away, the Catholic Charities office is part of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. (The speculation is, the archbishop at the time wanted the St. Meinrad Archabbey in his archdiocese, so the communities between Tell City and St. Meinrad are part of the archdiocese.)
Child Care
4
“We don’t have a finance person here,” Sister Shellie said. “There is so much computer work, because I have to send everything to Indianapolis.” Because Covid made communicating remotely essential for most everyone in the organization, Microsoft Teams helped with the distance, she said. Her predecessor was involved with several boards in the community, and Sister Shellie attended her first Chamber of Commerce meeting in June. Because Covid shut down so many gatherings – including Mass for many people – Sister Shellie hasn’t had a chance to meet a lot of the residents, but that is changing as the restrictions are easing. However, fewer restrictions likely mean a surge in need, she said. “The moratorium on evictions for late rent payments was lifted at the end of June, so we anticipate a lot of people needing assistance,” she said. One of the people she’s glad she met is volunteer Bill Simpson, who helps with whatever Sister Shellie needs. “He says, ‘just call 1-800-Bill.’ He helped me put my glider together, helped me move my furniture in,” she said. “He told me his purpose here is to help people.” Indiana hasn’t been a ministry destination for many Ursuline Sisters, but the northern neighbor is actually the first state outside Kentucky where the Sisters served. In 1916, Sisters began teaching at St. Anthony School in Jeffersonville, just across the Ohio River from Louisville. Sisters served there until 1937, when the great flood destroyed the school. Living in such a small community is an adjustment for Sister Shellie, a native of St. Louis who has lived in larger cities during her 41 years as a Sister, except for the six years she served in Mayfield, Ky. She joked that at times she feels like she lives in Mayberry, the fictional town on “The Andy Griffith Show,” but she’s
Clothing Sister Michele Ann Intravia, right, and JoAnn Smith in The Early Years Store, which Smith runs at the Catholic Charities office. Families can select up to eight clothing items for infants to 3T from the store.
Sum m e r
enjoying some of the perks of smalltown life. “In Tell City, nothing is very far. The town hall is across the street. I can walk to pay all my utility bills. It takes 3 minutes.” She lives just three minutes away from the Catholic Charities office, which was once used as the convent for the Benedictine Sisters who served across the street at St. Paul Church. “I feel so safe here. I read that Tell City is one of the top ten safest cities in Indiana,” she said. There are no other women religious living nearby, but the Benedictine Sisters in Ferdinand, Ind., aren’t too far away. She can now get to Maple Mount in about an hour. Sister Shellie is in a bonded group with
2 0 2 1
Sister Suzanne Sims and her former housemate Sister Maureen O’Neill, who is now living at the Mount. “I have been to the Mount more often, it’s so much easier to be so close,” she said. She is also only a half hour away from her longtime friends Associates Amy and Tom Payne, who live in Owensboro. The couple comes to Tell City for Wednesday night Mass and the three have dinner and then evening prayer together. Sister Shellie said she feels comfortable in Tell City, and Smith, a native of the area, said the people are very excited to have a sister running Catholic Charities. “Sister Shellie is the coolest sister ever,” Smith said. “They especially like who Sister is. She’s not stuffy!”n
The Ursuline Sisters celebrating jubilees in 2021 are as follows: Seated is Sister Clarence Marie Luckett, 70 years; from left, are Sister Nancy Murphy, 60 years; Sister Rosanne Spalding, 60 years; Sister Helena Fischer, 60 years; Sister Susanne Bauer, 70 years; Sister Julia Head, 60 years, Sister Betsy Moyer, 50 years; Sister Marilyn Mueth, 40 years; and Sister Kathleen Kaelin, 60 years.
Here’s the scoop on our 2021 jubilarians! These Ursuline Sisters are celebrating special anniversaries of religious life. Congratulations may be mailed to: Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Sister Susanne Bauer, a native of Louisburg, Kan., is celebrating her 70th year of religious life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Mary College (now University of St. Mary) in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1968 and a master’s in educational administration from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, in 1981. Sister Susanne was an educator for
42 years and was assistant superior and treasurer of her religious community, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., from 1990-98. (The Paola Ursulines merged with the Maple Mount community in 2008). In Kansas, she taught at Saint Philip Neri School, Osawatomie (196467) and Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park (1959-64 and 1967-70). She also taught at Holy Angels School, Garnett (198990). She was principal of Sacred Heart School, Ottawa (1998-2001) and was a teacher’s aide at Holy Rosary-Wea School, Bucyrus (20012009), where she also helped with the after-school care program. Her longest tenure was the 19 years she spent at Saint John School in Bartlesville, Okla., (1970-89),
including serving as principal there from 1976-89. After retiring to the Motherhouse in Maple Mount in 2009, Sister Susanne served as the chapel sacristan until 2018. She is now a sacristan substitute and likes to “visit with people.” She is also a member of the Powerhouse of Prayer and was asked to pray especially for the essential Food Services staff this year. Her feast day is Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Sister Clarence Marie Luckett, a native of Marion County, Ky., is celebrating 70 years of religious life. She was born Agnes Mayola, the seventh of 10 children. In her primary education, she was Continued on page 6
5
U r s u l i n e s
jubilees
A L I V E From page 5
taught in some schools by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education from Brescia College (now Brescia University), Owensboro, in 1967 and a master’s in education from Western Kentucky University in 1976. She began her Ursuline life as a teacher at St. Denis School, Fancy Farm, Ky., 1953-55. Sister Clarence Marie was a teacher for 29 years in Kentucky, including at St. Lawrence School, Philpot (1955-57); St. Martin School, Rome (1957-64); St. Paul School, Princeton (196467); St. Paul School, Leitchfield (1967-71), and St. Ignatius School, Louisville (1971-82). She served in outreach and transportation for the Sisters at the St. Boniface convent in Louisville (1982-85), then from 1985-92, she was the “Sister in charge” of the craft room at Maple Mount, preparing and pricing items for the annual picnic. She also helped with transportation at the Motherhouse. She provided parish ministry in Hardinsburg, Ky., (1992-95) and Hispanic ministry with Centro Latino in Stanley, Ky., (1995-98). She served in outreach ministry in Caneyville, Ky., and made quilts and crafts for the Ursuline Sisters from 1999 until her retirement in 2015. She estimates that she made at least 50 quilts for the Ursuline Sisters’ Quilt Club through the years. Sister Clarence Marie is a member of the Powerhouse of Prayer, and this year is praying especially for the ministry of Sister Laurita Spalding. Her feast day is April 25. Sister Helena Fischer, a native of Owensboro, Ky., is celebrating her 60th year of religious life. She embodies Saint Angela Merici’s message to adapt to the signs of the times, 6
constantly changing to meet the needs of college students for the past 34 years. She was taught by Ursuline Sisters in grade school and Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She earned a degree in French from Brescia College in 1965, and a master’s degree in education from Morehead State University in 1971. She was a teacher at St. Ignatius School, Louisville (1965-67), teacher and assistant principal of St. Francis School, Loretto, Ky., (1967-71), principal and teacher at St. Paul School in Leitchfield, Ky., (197174), principal of Seven Holy Founders School, Affton, Mo., (1974-80) and teacher and principal of St. Charles Borromeo School, Albuquerque, N.M., (1980-87). She served as chairwoman of the Mount Saint Joseph Picnic from 19912000. Since 1987 she has ministered at Brescia College/University in Owensboro, as director of institutional research (1987-97), assistant registrar (1987-90), and registrar (1990-present). Sister Julia Head, a native of Stanley, Ky., is celebrating her 60th year of religious life. A lover of books, in her ministry she especially appreciates the privilege of walking the faith journey with those who are seeking to know Christ Jesus in a deeper, richer way. She was taught by Ursuline Sisters in grade school and at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She earned a degree in English from Brescia College in 1965, and a master’s degree in English: Linguistics from Morehead State University in 1973. She earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from the College/ University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., in 1988. She ministered in Kentucky as a teacher in Louisville at St. James School (1965-67), and St. Margaret Mary (1967-72), and as a teacher at St. Alphonsus School,
St. Joseph (1972-73), at Christ the King School, Madisonville (197778), and at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Owensboro (1978-79). She then served as coordinator of religious education at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (1979-86). She has served at Immaculate Parish in Owensboro on three instances, first as coordinator of religious education (1986-88), then as pastoral associate (1999-2010) and since 2016, in adult faith formation ministry. She was the director of religious education at Precious Blood Parish, Owensboro (1988-92), then served in the Office of Adult Education for the Diocese of Owensboro and as coordinator of off-campus classes for introductory ministry formation courses at Brescia College/University (1992-99). She was director of the apostolate at the Motherhouse (1973-76). She also taught in Nebraska City, Neb., at Lourdes Central High School (1976-77). She served six years as assistant congregational leader for the Ursuline community (2010-16). Sister Kathleen Kaelin, a native of Louisville, is celebrating her 60th year of religious life. She was taught by Ursuline Sisters in grade school and at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Her ministry has been committed to helping others uncover their own wholeness and holiness and radiate that in the world around them. She earned a degree in English from Brescia College in 1965, and completed two master’s degrees, one in religious education from St. John’s College in Cleveland in 1975, and another in transpersonal psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, Calif., in 1994. She taught at St. Angela Merici School, Florissant, Mo., (1965-73). She ministered in Maple Mount as a teacher at Mount Saint
Sum m e r
Joseph Academy (1973-79), as director of the temporary professed for the Ursuline Sisters (1979-86), and as associate director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (1988-91). She ministered for the Diocese of Owensboro from 1983-89, first as co-director of the Office of Social Concerns, then as co-director of the Office of Worship and Spiritual Life. She served in the ministry formation program at Brescia College (1985-88). Since 1994, she has served as a therapist and spiritual guide in Louisville, for 10 years at the Center for Sacred Psychology and since 2012, as a spiritual guide and meditation teacher at the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center. Sister Nancy Murphy, a native of Curdsville, Ky., is celebrating her 60th year of religious life. She was taught by the Ursuline Sisters in grade school and at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Throughout the years she learned to do multiple ministries at once without losing her focus on prayer and spirituality. She earned her bachelor’s degree in French from Brescia College in 1965, and a master’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University in 1973. Her former religious name was Sister Mary Hugh Murphy. She taught at St. Margaret Mary School (1965-68), St. Edward School (1968-72), and St. Ignatius School (1980-81) all in Louisville, at St. Catherine School, New Haven, Ky., (1972-73), and was head teacher at Calvary Public School, Calvary, Ky., (1973-78). She served as principal of St. Thomas More School, Paducah, Ky., (197880) and she taught at St. Angela Merici School, Florissant, Mo., (1981-84). She ministered at Brescia College/University as assistant
financial aid director (1984-89), grants research writer and assistant director (1994-97), then director of institutional research (1997-2002). She ministered in her community locally as director of the juniorate program (1984-91), as local superior (1989-94), director of novices (1997-2004), as assistant local community life coordinator (1999-2000, 2003-2005) and assistant to the archivist (2016-17). She was local coordinator and property manager of the former motherhouse in Belleville, Ill., (2005-10) following the merger of the Ursuline Sisters of Belleville with Mount Saint Joseph. From 2007-2010, she served as an office clerk with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Belleville. She was an elected member of the Ursuline Leadership Council from 2010-16, while also serving as congregational secretary and director of formation. She is now serving as congregational secretary. Sister Rosanne Spalding, a native of Springfield, Ky., is celebrating her 60th year of religious life. She met the Ursuline Sisters as her teachers at Fredericktown High School. Her life has been devoted to leading people to Jesus, especially preparing children and adults to receive the sacraments. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Brescia College in 1965 and a master’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University in 1974. She taught in Kentucky at St. Bernard School, Clementsville (1965-67), Mary Carrico School, Knottsville (196769), St. Catherine School, New Haven (1972-76), St. Peter of Alcantara School, Stanley (197678), and at Precious Blood School, Owensboro (1969-70, 1980-82), serving as principal there from 1978-80. She was a teacher and principal of Christ the King School,
2 0 2 1
Madisonville (1982-86). She taught at St. John School, Plattsmouth, Neb., (1970-72). She was director of religious education at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Owensboro (1986-98), and, since 1998, has been pastoral associate and director of religious education at Precious Blood Parish, Owensboro. Sister Elizabeth Mary “Betsy” Moyer is celebrating her 50th jubilee. A native of Nebraska City, Neb., she was the oldest of nine children (one sibling died at birth) and learned added responsibility as a teenager while living with and caring for her grandmother. Sister Betsy’s unique background in health care and education has enabled her to minister in multiple ways to different generations, including school children, college students, and the elderly. She earned a bachelor’s in education from Brescia College (now University), Owensboro, Ky., in 1974; an LPN credential from the Owensboro School of Practical Nurses (Community and Technical College) in 1979, and a Master of Arts from Trinity College, Washington, D.C. She also studied School Administration at Western Kentucky University in the summer of 2000. Sister Betsy’s many years of teaching included two Owensboro schools: Bishop Soenneker (19992001) and Catherine Spalding (2001-02). She also taught at St. Paul School, Leitchfield (1974-77). As principal, she helped Holy Angels students transition to a different school in Sorgho, Ky. (1997-99). In New Mexico, she was a principal at St. Joseph School, San Fidel (1983-84, 1985-89) and taught at St. Francis Cathedral School, Santa Fe (1989-93). She was also a principal in St. Mary School, Pierce City, Mo. (1993-96). Sister Continued on page 8
7
jubilees
From page 7
Betsy has also been active in health care ministry. She began as a nurse assistant in the Motherhouse Infirmary at Maple Mount, and then served as an LPN there intermittently for 10 years. She was the health care administrator of Saint Joseph Villa, Maple Mount (2004-08). She taught religion and helped in a health clinic in Jamaica (2008-09). She was an LPN for Vintage Park Assisted Living, Paola, Kan. (2009-10). From 2010-12, she was an LPN for St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, Mo., while also teaching third-grade religion at a local parish. Since 2012, she has served at Brescia, first as Assistant Registrar and then in the School of Education, where she was Administrative Coordinator and Data Manager, and now Curriculum Resource Center, Field Experience
Coordinator and Office Manager. Sister Marilyn Mueth, a native of St. Michael’s in Paderborn, Ill., is celebrating 40 years of religious life. She was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, then an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph after their 2005 merger. Prior to entering religious life, she was a school secretary and a paralegal secretary. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in the 1970s. She also earned a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Louis University in 1991. All of her ministries, including 30 years and counting as a teacher in Catholic schools, have been in Illinois. Known for her energy and
enthusiasm while teaching, Sister Marilyn also uses her musical talents – she plays the guitar, organ and accordion. She taught at Immaculate Conception School, Columbia (1972-79), and Holy Childhood of Jesus School, Mascoutah (1980-81, 1988-91). She was religion coordinator at Queen of Peace School (1982-85) and a retreat director at King’s House Retreat Center (1985-86), both in Belleville. She served as a pastoral associate at St. George Parish, New Baden (1986-88). From 1991-2012, Sister Marilyn was a teacher at St. James School in Millstadt. She was the librarian and taught religion and math at Holy Trinity Catholic School, Fairview Heights (2012-2014). After a ministry to help her family, she returned to St. James in 2016 as a K-8 resource teacher.n
Soli Deo Gloria We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
Ursuline Sister Larraine Lauter was recognized in May 2021 for the work she does with Water With Blessings, earning a Louisville high school’s prestigious award. Sister Larraine received the 2021 Trinity Peace Medal, an award given by Trinity High School for the past 51 years to persons recognized for their efforts that promote peacemaking, justice building, and service to others. The award was created by Klaus Mittelsten, who at the time was chair of Trinity’s Foreign Language Department, along with then-Trinity principal Rev. Thomas Duerr. Sister Larraine’s brother, Ron, is a graduate of the all-male Catholic school. Sister Larraine has served the last 10 years as executive director of Water With Blessings, which provides water filters and training to “Water Women” in impoverished countries. She co-founded the ministry with Arnold LeMay and Jim Burris after they determined that successfully providing clean drinking water was the solution to widespread cholera outbreaks in Honduras, where they Trinity High School photo traveled yearly as missioners. Combining the technology with training and prayer is bringing healthier lives to God’s thirstiest people. The Water Women – now numbering more than 115,000 worldwide – promise to provide clean water for their families and three other neighboring families using a Sawyer PointONE water filter. Water With Blessings is now active in 48 countries and the Navajo nation in the United States. Sister Larraine Lauter was the keynote speaker for Associates and Sisters Day on June 26 in the Mount Saint Joseph gym. She spoke about Saint Angela Merici’s vision for lay people. 8
Two women made their commitments as new Ursuline Associates on Associates and Sisters Day: Maryann Joyce, (left) director of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, and Mary Alice Wethington. Both are from Owensboro, Ky.
S u m m e r
2 0 2 1
The Leadership Council commissions Sister Helena Fischer, Sister Sara Marie Gomez, and Sister Vivian Bowles on July 9 in the chapel. The Council presents each Sister’s ministry assignment for the coming year at a ceremony during Community Days. The 2020 jubilarians did not get to celebrate last year due to the pandemic, so they joined the 2021 jubilee celebration. Ursuline Sisters who had jubilees in 2020 are, seated from left, Sister Marcella Schrant, 75 years; Sister Marie Goretti Browning, 70 years; Sister Marie Carol Cecil, 70 years; and Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney, 70 years; standing left to right are Sister Elaine Burke, 70 years; Sister Pam Mueller, 50 years; Sister Cheryl Clemons, 50 years; and Sister Michele Ann Intravia, 40 years.
This group is having way too much fun during Community Days from July 6-9. Standing from left are Sister Susan Mary Mudd, Sister Angela Fitzpatrick and Sister George Mary Hagan; seated from left are Sisters Rosanne Spalding, Mary Celine Weidenbenner, Margaret Ann Aull, Laurita Spalding, Monica Seaton and Mary McDermott.
Sister Barbara Jean Head, left, and Sister Martha Keller listen as Father Eugene Hensell presents “The Parables of Jesus” at a July retreat for women religious in the chapel. LEFT: Sister Cheryl Clemons spoke of Julian of Norwich at a Women’s Retreat which took place on May 22 at Lourdes Parish Hall in Owensboro, Ky.
Sister Spotlight: Sister Marietta Wethington Meet Sister Marietta – A Big Fan of Books and the Christmas Season Z Best advice she ever received: “My Dad told me to do my best and not worry about what others think about me. That’s not always easy; however I do try to do it.” Z Favorite spot at the Mount: “There are two special places for me here at the Mount: the front campus by the Sacred Heart Shrine and before the large crucifix in the cemetery.” Z A place she would like to visit: Ireland. Z Favorite holiday: Christmas. “I love the liturgy and the Christmas music. My large extended family always gathered to celebrate together. I love the Christmas decorations.” Z A skill she would like to learn: “Play any kind of musical instrument – the flute, piano or organ.” Z In her spare time... “I love to read. I’m an eclectic reader and may have two or three books going at one time. I read scripture every day. I like to read biographies of saints or other inspiring persons. I also like to read fiction. It teaches a lot about how people interact with each other. When I was teaching primary grades, I loved that. I not only taught children to read but to love to read. Something that would benefit them for the rest of their lives.” 9
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Ursuline Sisters still benefiting from KnottsvilleSt. Lawrence, Ky., connection Ursuline Sisters and Sisters
By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
W
hen Sister Margaret Ann Aull told her parents during her senior year of high school that she wanted to enter the Ursuline community, she received only support. “I grew up in a family where the Catholic faith was very important. Going to church was a big part of our lives,” Sister Margaret Ann said. “When I told them that I was thinking of becoming a Sister, they told me they would be very proud to have a daughter who was a Mount Saint Joseph Ursuline.” Sister Margaret Ann (pictured at left) went to St. Lawrence Grade School and St. William High School in nearby Knottsville, two small, but highly Catholic areas on the east side of Daviess County, more than a half hour from Maple Mount. Her teachers at both schools were Ursulines – one of the reasons that 47 women from those two 10
communities eventually became Ursuline Sisters. Today, Sister Margaret Ann is one of six remaining Ursulines from those east county towns, joined by Sisters Marie Joseph Coomes, Rose Karen Johnson, Mary Gerald Payne, Naomi Aull and Marie Montgomery, the community’s oldest member. “The pastor, Father Robert Whelan, talked a lot about religious life to us,” Sister Margaret Ann said. “From a young child, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Back then, it was only the Sisters who taught in Catholic schools. I knew I wanted to be a Sister.” The Sisters who were most influential to her were Sister Agnes Jean Greenwell, who taught her in the 7th and 8th grades at St. Lawrence School, and Sister Paul Joseph Mattingly, who taught her at St. William High School. The two later ministered together at St. Pius X School in Owensboro. “They always seemed happy and
of Charity stand in front of their convent at St. William School in 1962. Front row, left to right: Sister Isadore Brown, Sister Jamesina Spain, Sister Bernard Anita Flaugher, Sister of Charity Theresa Jane Cecil, Sister Emma Cecilia Busam, Sister Mary Evelyn Duvall and Sister Pierre Brady; Second row, from left: Sister Mary Oderic Settles, Sister James Marie Pfeffer, Sister of Charity Ann Marie Carrico, (an unidentified Sister of Charity), Sister Ann Vincentia Abell and Sister Mary Brigid Fulkerson; Top row, from left: Sister James Alma Bickett, Sister Christina Eckmans, Sister Rosina Hinton, Sister Charles Borromeo Calhoun, Sister Charles Joseph Eberhard, Sister Nazaria Mattingly and Sister Jane Frances Donahue.
prayerful,” Sister Margaret Ann said. “They were good teachers.” When Catholics who had migrated to central Kentucky from Baltimore decided to move farther west, the early ones settled in St. Lawrence, where the first church in Daviess County was built in 1831 by the legendary Father Elisha Durbin. The first St. Lawrence School opened in 1879, led by Franciscan Sisters. In 1889, the growth in the parish resulted in the congregation being split between St. Lawrence and the new St. William Church in Knottsville. That same year, lay public school teachers began at St. Lawrence. In 1912, Father Louis Hilary Spalding, the pastor of St. William, asked the Ursuline Sisters to lead
S u m m e r
2 0 2 1
the new school he was opening, Ursuline just as the Sisters were about Sisters, to become an independent community. Sister Aquina Losson Sisters of Charity, led the staff of four Ursulines students and at St. William. In 1920, the parishioners Ursulines took over St. Lawrence file out of as well, and in 1937 the Sisters St. William began a high school at St. School in William. Knottsville Sister Marie Joseph went to during St. Lawrence Elementary and St. the 50th William High School. She recalls anniversary the impact Sister Mary Evelyn celebration Duvall had on her in the third of the school and fourth grades. on May 20, “My mother was sick a lot, 1962. Sister Mary Evelyn knew that,” Sister Marie Joseph said. “I credit her with teaching me to read. She would get out and play with the Sister Leo students.” Johnson and Sister Mary Gerald joined Father Joseph the community the same year as Egan with the Sister Margaret Ann and recalled 36 first-grade how crowded St. William was students at all the way through high school. St. William Her influential teachers were Catholic Sister Leo Johnson, Sister Merici School Mattingly and Sister Mary David around 1940. Thomas. “They taught us well. Sister Sister Leo Leo always rang the bell for us was from St. to come in from playing,” Sister Lawrence. Mary Gerald said. She is the 10th Payne from the Knottsville-St. Lawrence area to become an Ursuline Sister. Ursuline All of the east county Sisters said the Sister Mary Ursuline spirit remains in the area, mostly Celine because Ursuline Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner Weidenbenner continues to serve in is pictured Knottsville. She teaches social studies and teaching at religion to the upper grades at Mary Carrico Mary Carrico Memorial School. The school replaced the old St. William Elementary in the 1960s and was Memorial named for the mother of a generous benefactor. School in “I intend for the Ursuline influence to Knottsville in be present. I think the people still seem to 2016. appreciate it,” Sister Mary Celine said. She has taught at the small school since 2007 and said the people sacrifice to keep the school going “It’s an area of very deep faith and deep support of the because it’s important for their children to have Church,” she said. “Everybody is taking care of everybody else.”n a Catholic education. 11
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center to Original building erected in 1874
A
cknowledging that all things eventually reach the end of life, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have decided to deconstruct the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. The Retreat Center has operated since August 1983, when it took over the buildings that occupied Mount Saint Joseph Academy, the all-female high school that opened in 1874. The Academy graduated its last class in the spring of 1983. The Diocese of Owensboro did not have a retreat center until the Ursuline Sisters decided to open one. Since 1989, the Retreat Center has also been the Spiritual Life Office for the diocese. The “building” is actually a number of buildings that were added throughout the years when the Academy was growing. The original building was constructed by Father Paul Joseph Volk in 1874, to be run by five Ursuline Sisters of Louisville who traveled by flatboat down the Ohio River to open the Academy. It is one of the oldest buildings in Daviess County. Additions were built in 1882, 1904 and 1962. A major renovation occurred in 1996-97, which included adding the glass-enclosed façade that serves as the entrance to the Retreat Center and provided space for an elevator. The bricks used by Father Volk for the initial building were made from soft clay and are known as the 12
“miracle bricks” in Ursuline lore. This story was recounted in “Born to Lead,” the book about the early days in Maple Mount written by Sister Eugenia Scherm. “When the kiln of brick which Father Volk had burned was opened and the masons were on hand to begin the building, the bricks were soft and unfit for use: the men returned home expecting not to begin work until another kiln was burned. The priest was silent; he was seen about dusk passing around the kiln praying. He had gathered some straw and bush lying near which he put under the kiln and then lighted it. This subterfuge was no doubt to conceal the miracle which he knew God would not deny in this emergency, as the brief flash of fire had not sufficient heat to have any positive effect on the kiln. “However, Father Volk called the workmen back; they returned more in respect for the good priest (everybody respected him) than in hopes of finding the very bricks which were soft and unfit for use the day before, hard and safe to be used in the large 2 1/2 stories, 74 x 34 feet building to be erected. The men lost no time to begin the erection of the building, which is still standing today.” Those original bricks are now disintegrating, and the foundation of the building is crumbling, which would be extremely expensive to repair. It’s not just the oldest parts of the building that are in need. The fire suppression system and the heating and cooling systems – both installed during the 1996-97 renovation – all need replacing. The Ursuline Sisters recognize that their many supporters expect the Sisters to be good stewards of their donations. This money is given to support the Sisters in
their ministries and to care for their needs. As good stewards of these funds, the Sisters did not believe it was wise to spend an extensive amount of money to maintain buildings. While the Sisters love the history and spirit of these buildings, the spirituality of the Retreat Center has always been about the message, and that message will continue. “We will look at possibilities for the future of the retreat ministry,” said Sister Amelia Stenger, congregational leader for the Ursuline Sisters. “We need time to investigate the needs of the Diocese and surrounding areas. In 1983 when the Academy closed, we began something new. Now, we must look to the future again and decide what God is calling us to do.” The decision was an emotional one for the Ursuline Sisters, many of whom graduated from the Academy. Sister Amelia is a 1967 graduate, and also served 13 years as director of the Retreat Center.
“Our wonderful, historic building has reached the end of its life,” she said. “The oldest building is 147 years old and several of the others are at least 115 years old. We had engineers and architects evaluate the buildings. The cost to repair would be extreme. There is nothing we can do to make the bricks better. All things come to the end of life. It has served its purpose well. Father Volk probably didn’t expect them to last this long.” The Sisters are relying on the
S u m m e r
be deconstructed... wisdom of their founder, Saint Angela Merici, who said in her Last Legacy, “And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.” The Retreat Center closed on March 13, 2020, when the rest of the Maple Mount campus was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Not having people in the building has hastened its decline, Sister Amelia said. The Retreat Center staff adapted during the pandemic to offer programming online and is offering some programming at parishes. The building is especially nostalgic for the more than 800 alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, many of whom return each spring for an all-class reunion. Alumnae Weekend was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and delayed this year until Aug. 28-29, when the banquet will be held in the Mount auditorium/gym. The gym is not affected by this decision and will remain available for programs. Problems with the building were first discovered during an ongoing review of all buildings on campus. Architects and engineers advised the Sisters on what the building needed and its costs. Major decisions affecting ministry are discussed and voted on when the entire community gathers during the summer for their Community Days. The vote by the Sisters to deconstruct the Retreat Center was held July 9, 2021. A timeline to deconstruct the building has not been determined, but it will likely not happen until 2022. The Center is only one of the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters, who serve in seven states and in Chile, South America.n
2 0 2 1
Spirituality programming continues... With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity. – MARK TWAIN
T
he deconstruction of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center comes as a great blow to all of us. These are times of great trial for the Sisters, the staff and all of you who have spent hours learning, praying, gathering with friends and eating here for many years. Yet, I have seen many times in my life how trials can make way for courage, virtue and new opportunity. Indeed, that is how the staff and I at the Center are operating; putting our hand to the plow and creating programs in the gym, off campus and virtually to enrich your spiritual lives for as long as we can. We want you to know that we have many ways for you to continue to plug into and experience our hospitality and quality programming this fall. Please review these listings and consider joining us at a program soon! • Belonging to Love: Online Prayer and Conversations, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Online Zoom, 6:30 p.m. CT. Share in Lectio Divina, silent contemplative prayer, and discussion. • A Day of Peace and Renewal for Police Officers, Sept. 25, MSJ Auditorium, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 fee includes lunch. • Fall into Fun–A Cancer Survivors Celebration, Sept. 27, MSJ Auditorium, 11:30-1:30 p.m. $15 fee includes lunch and a gift. • Yarn Spinners Retreat Days, Oct. 16 and Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, MSJ Auditorium. Anyone who enjoys yarn spinning, weaving, rug hooking, knitting or crocheting is welcome. $20 fee includes lunch. • The Grace of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves, Others and God, Oct. 23, MSJ Auditorium. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $40 fee includes lunch. Led by Sister Cheryl Clemons. • Inner Peace in Divine Love: A Four-Week Ignatian Retreat Online, Oct. 30- Nov. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. This virtual retreat invites participants to pray daily with selected Scripture passages, reflect on where and how God is leading, and then meet once a week to share. Led by Sister Cheryl Clemons. $40 for all sessions plus the book to be used. • The Star in My Heart: Early Preparation for Christmas, Nov. 14-Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Meets in person, 4-5:30 p.m. Using Joyce Rupp’s book, “The Star in My Heart,” as our guide, we will read, reflect and pray with selected passages that reveal how the Incarnation continues to unfold in our lives. Led by Sister Cheryl Clemons. $50 for all sessions plus the cost of the book. To register, please visit or ursulinesmsj.org/retreat-center; email retreatcenter@maplemount.org; or call 270-229-4103.
Maryann Joyce, Director
Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center 13
U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Powerhouse of Prayer
– By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
Sister Luisa serves in a bilingual Powerhouse of Prayer in the Horse Branch area, so I Ursuline Sister Luisa Bickett moved there.” served in Chile from 1965-83, and A year later, the first chicken twice she returned to the United processing plant opened in States via Mexico. She stayed a week the area, which brought many with some other women religious in Hispanic workers from Mexico and Mexico City and visited the Basilica Guatemala. of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “I think I was the only one in “I could walk to that shrine,” the county who spoke Spanish,” Sister Luisa said. “It was a great she said. “I took them to the honor.” doctor, to court, when they had Our Lady of Guadalupe has their babies. It was a wonderful remained important to Sister Luisa Luisa Bickett sits beside the statue of opportunity. I loved what I did,” all these years. Some of her Hispanic Sister Our Lady of Guadalupe that was given to Sister Luisa said. “I bet I was friends gave her a small statue of the her by some Hispanic friends. present for at least 20 babies. I miss patroness of Mexico that she keeps the Hispanic people. It was an answer to my prayer.” in her room in Saint Joseph Villa. These days, Sister Sister Luisa retired to the Mount in 2011 when she Luisa’s ministry is the Powerhouse of Prayer. “Prayer is important,” Sister Luisa said. Her favorite was 82, and immediately began quilting for the Quilt Club, which she continued until 2019. These days she ministry was an answer to her prayer. Sister Luisa returned to Maple Mount from Chile in spends her time reading and praying. “You can sort of turn what you’re doing into 1983, when her father’s health was failing. She decided prayer,” she said. she needed to remain after her dad died in 1984, so she Her favorite place to pray is the Motherhouse looked for a new ministry. She prayed that she would Chapel. She prays by herself at 4 p.m. until joining the get to serve the poor. Sisters for community prayer at 4:45. She also prays the She began serving in outreach ministry in Beaver rosary with some Sisters at 11:30 a.m. before lunch. Dam, Ky., for a year, where the ministerial association “I pray in English,” Sister Luisa said. “When I talk asked her to help people who couldn’t pay their electric to the Lord, I sometimes do so in Spanish.” bills. “I paid their bills, but then I went to see them Friends can write to Sister Luisa at 8001 Cummings afterward,” Sister Luisa said. “A lot of the people lived Road, Maple Mount, KY 43256.
In the joy of eternal life SISTER MARY DIANE TAYLOR, 88, died June 28 in Maple Mount, in her 69th year of religious life. She was a native of Fredericktown, Ky. Her love for art and education made her a beloved and respected teacher for more than 60 years. Beginning in 1954, Sister Mary Diane taught in Kentucky at Owensboro, Paducah and Clementsville, and in Affton, Mo. She helped start the art department at Owensboro Catholic High School (1964-67) and taught at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Maple Mount (1967-71). From 1967 until her retirement in 2018, she was an art professor at Brescia College/University in Owensboro and chaired its Division of Fine Arts. In 2016, the Administration building at Brescia was renamed in her honor. Survivors include the members of her religious community; siblings Catherine Clements of Springfield, Judy Thompson of Loretto, Eleanor Rapier and Thomas B. Taylor, both of Bardstown; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Chester and Eliza Diane Taylor, and siblings Francis Richard Taylor, William Chester Taylor Jr., Joseph Edward Taylor, Margaret Mary Boone, Martha Violet Smith and Mary Caroline Taylor. The funeral Mass was July 1 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. Memorials for an Ursuline Sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. 14
S u m m e r
Alice Wondra still honoring her high school teachers
A
lice Wondra attended a Catholic high school near her home in Great Bend, Kan., her freshman year, but it wasn’t a good fit. She still yearned for a Catholic high school experience, and learned of Ursuline Academy in Paola, Kan., where one of her friends attended. After visiting with her parents, she decided to travel 100 miles away and become a boarding student for her next three years of high school. Alice graduated in 1968 – three years before the Academy closed – but she has never forgotten the impact that the Ursuline Sisters had on her life. She has been a consistent supporter throughout her adult life and continues to be since the Ursuline Sisters of Paola merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. “I appreciate their influence on my life,” Alice said. “They still do really amazing things. They are a wonderful presence of Christ in the world. Their prayers are very
important.” Alice has continued to be impressed with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, whom she has never met, as she keeps up through publications. “How would you not be inspired by the life of Sister Dianna Ortiz?” she said, referring to the late Sister who devoted her life to serving the voiceless and victims of torture. Alice lives in Columbia, Mo., where she served for 35 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner before she retired. She was last in Paola in 2018, when she and some former classmates attended their 50th high school reunion. She relishes the memories of the Sisters who influenced her in those high school days long ago. “The Sisters were very inclusive,” she said. “I went to school with girls from South and Central America, from Mexico City. We got to know young women from different backgrounds and different communities. The variety of kids had to be really challenging for the Sisters. It was neat how they worked to form community out of us.”
2 0 2 1
Her father’s cousin was an Ursuline of Paola, Sister Edith Wondra, and Alice got to know her while she attended the Academy. She can quickly list the Sisters who helped to shape her life – Sister Patricia Schmitz, Sister Johanna Huettenmueller, Sister Eugene Reynolds, Sister Francis Hugh Walker, and Sister Virginia Sturlich, among others. While she was saddened when the Ursuline Academy closed, she understood why. She felt the same way when the Paola Sisters needed to merge with Mount Saint Joseph, which is why she is still a supporter. “I understood the merger, they couldn’t exist without it,” she said. “I’m impressed that the Ursulines have a variety of gifts and they are encouraged to use them to serve the best way they possibly can.” Alice has never been to Maple Mount, but she hopes to visit sometime on the way to seeing her sister, who lives in Lexington, Ky. “I could visit both the Ursulines and the land of Thomas Merton,” she said. Have the Ursuline Sisters influenced your life? If you would like to learn more about ways you can support the Ursuline Sisters, contact Carol Braden-Clarke, director of Development, at 270229-2008, or carol.braden-clarke@ maplemount.org.
Religious life is still a vibrant vocation By Sister Monica Seaton, Director of Vocation Ministry
D
id you know that 84 percent of religious institutes have had at least one serious inquiry since 2003? Did you know that 89 percent of religious institutes are promoting vocations to religious life? The week of Nov. 7-13, 2021, is recognized as National Vocation Awareness Week. It is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renewing our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. If you know someone who has the qualities to answer a vocational call to serve the Church in consecrated life, diaconate, or priesthood – let him or her know! Invite someone to consider a religious vocation today. Religious life continues to be a vital and vibrant vocation option. For more information on becoming an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, contact Sister Monica Seaton, director of Vocation Ministry, at monica.seaton@maplemount.org. 15
8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9998 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org
Trivia and Quilt Bingo return for a fun weekend in September Who was the Master of Suspense? What were the names of Cinderella’s stepsisters? If you enjoy a challenge and love trivia, join us in September for the return of Escape to the Mount Weekend. Trivia will be from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Blessed Mother Parish Hall in Owensboro. There is an entry fee of $25 that includes snacks and adult beverages. Get your team together for a fun evening. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 12 for Quilt Bingo in the Mount Saint Joseph gym. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and bingo will be from 1-4 p.m. There is a $25 entry fee which includes lunch and one free game. Each game after that will be $1 for small and mid-size quilt prizes and $2 for large quilt prizes. For planning purposes, we are asking you to visit our website at ursulinesmsj.org/escape-to-the-mount-weekend to register in advance for both events. If you have not purchased your Mount Raffle tickets, you will have one last chance to buy them at the event. Tickets are $5 with the Grand Prize of $10,000. This weekend is a great opportunity to get out and support the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph and enjoy the fellowship of others. This past year has taught us how much we need each other and just the opportunity to have fun. If you have questions contact Carol Braden-Clarke, at carol. braden-clarke@maplemount.org or call 270-229-2008. We are so grateful for your support and hope to see you in September!
Carol Braden-Clarke, Director of Development Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Don’t forget your $5.00 Mount raffle tickets! We’re counting on your support!
The drawing will be Sept. 12 at 4 p.m.
Get your tickets for a chance to win $10,000! • $5,000 • $2,500 • Quilt • $1,000 • $750 • $500 • $250 Order tickets online: https://ursulinesmsj.org/mountraffle
Escape to the Mount!
Saturday, Sept. 11 6–8:30 p.m.
Blessed Mother Parish Hall 601 E. 23rd St., Owensboro, Ky.
Enjoy snacks, drinks, beer, wine. $25 per person
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place teams (up to 10 players each)
Quilt Bingo Returns!
Sunday, Sept. 12 1–4 p.m.
Mount Saint Joseph Gym 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, Ky.
Play bingo to win quilts! Enjoy lunch and drinks.
$25 per person. One bingo game card provided. After that, $1 games for small quilt prize and $2 games for large quilt prize. Seating is limited at Trivia and Bingo. Sign up online:
ursulinesmsj.org/escape-to-the-mount-weekend or mail a check payable to Ursuline Sisters, Development Office, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount KY 42356
Questions? Contact Carol Braden-Clarke 270-229-2008 carol.braden-clarke@maplemount.org Visit our website and Facebook page for updates on these events. License #0290
