FEBRUARY 2009
VOL. XIV, NO. 3
Angela: Model of Listening retreats underway LEFT: Sister Ann McGrew and John Little direct an “Angela Merici: Model of Listening to God in Everyday Life” retreat for Ursuline Sisters and Associates in Paul Volk Hall at Maple Mount on Jan. 17. Ten retreats were held throughout January and February in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, New Mexico, Kansas, and Tennessee. RIGHT: Associate Mary Hartz takes notes during the retreat. By John Little, OSUA
Holy Spirit will be the primary guide, who sends a voice of counsel and inspiration “continually…into the heart.” Retreat participants had time to reflect on their own lives and how the Holy Spirit has guided them, along with how Saint Angela has been such a profound inspiration. Following the presentation, participants were asked to share their experience of the day. Comments included: “I received an insight on Angela’s life as a person (not just an unreachable saint).” “It gave me time to gather with others around Angela, listening and reflecting.” “Very good and inspiring. The questions and answers were good and the reflection time was very important.” The retreat was scheduled nine more times throughout January and February; each time led by an Associate and Sister. Other presentations include: Owensboro (Brescia University) – Jan. 24 Louisville/Glennonville, Mo./Belleville, Ill./Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center – Jan. 31 Grants, N.M. – Feb. 7 Associates & Sisters Day 2009 Paola, Kan. – Feb. 14 Saturday, June 27, 2009 Paducah, Ky./Memphis, Tenn. – Feb. 28 As an Ursuline Associate, it was a blessing “Celebrating the Future” to learn and be inspired by the sisters who have with Mary Cabrini-Durkin, author of dedicated their lives to following the spirit and the “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart” teachings of Saint Angela. I look forward to future collaborative events. Watch your mailbox for registration information! If you have suggestions for future retreat See our Web page for details as they become topics, contact Marian Bennett: (270) 229-2006 or Mary Cabrini-Durkin available: www.ursulinesmsj.org (Click on Associates) via e-mail at mbennett@maplemount.org. n
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n Saturday, Jan. 17, I was honored to team up with Sister Ann McGrew, OSU, to lead the first retreat presentation on the topic, “Angela: A Model of Listening to God in Everyday Life.” Twenty-five sisters and Ursuline Associates gathered for the event held at Mount Saint Joseph. The retreat day focused on the entire life of Saint Angela and how she grew spiritually through the years by listening to the Holy Spirit in prayer and in the voices of others. It was this intimate relationship that allowed her to form the Company of Saint Ursula, to challenge church leadership, and to inspire so many to follow her in faith. She was a visionary of her time, and she continues to be a role model for people of faith today. In the book “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart” by Mary-Cabrini Durkin, Angela tells her followers that the
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Associate Update
Letter from the director... Dear Ursuline Associates and Friends, Our anniversary year continues – 25 years of walking and working together with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph! The winter months have been busy with ideas and events to enhance our understanding of Saint Angela. We’ve drawn closer to her at retreats, studied her spirituality with a book study group and reached out to the homeless and those in need through our volunteer efforts. Now it’s time to look ahead to the future and Associates & Sisters Day. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 27. We will celebrate the conclusion of this special year with an inspiring day of prayer and friendship. Noted Saint Angela author Mary-Cabrini Durkin will be our featured speaker. This issue of Associate Update is filled with ways to seek peace within ourselves and in the world. Don’t miss the inspiring meditation Sister Marietta has prepared for us. And be sure to check out the Mount Saint Joseph Web page (ursulinesmsj.org) for the latest news of Mount Saint Joseph and our Ursuline ministries. May the spirit of Saint Angela guide your days, Mrs. Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Ursuline Partnerships ASSOCIATE Update is published four times a year for the Associates of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 Phone: 270-229-2006 • Fax: 270-229-4953 Web site: www.ursulinesmsj.org E-mail: associates@maplemount.org Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel Director of Ursuline Partnerships: Mrs. Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Spiritual Formation for Ursuline Partnerships: Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU Director of Development: Debra Noble Administrative Assistant: Christi Bowman Communications/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski Communications/Web Site: Tiffany Orth ASSOCIATE MISSION STATEMENT
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e, the associates of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus through the actions of our everyday lives. We commit ourselves to living the charism of Saint Angela Merici in union with and in support of the Ursuline community of Mount Saint Joseph.
February 2009
Bishop John J. McRaith retires RIGHT: The Most Rev. John J. McRaith, bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, celebrated Mass at Mount Saint Joseph in 2007 for Saint Angela Merici’s 200th year of sainthood.
Below: The bishop smiles as he drives a tractor at one of the Mount Saint Joseph picnics.
ABOVE: Sister Joseph Angela Boone has worked with the bishop in the Diocesan Office for 20 years.
LEFT: The popular “Bishop’s Ride” at the Maple Mount picnic, with the bishop at the wheel.
The Most Rev. John J. McRaith, bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro for 26 years, an Ursuline Associate since 1985, and a faithful friend to the Ursuline Sisters, resigned as bishop on Jan. 5, citing advice from his doctor to reduce his workload. Ursuline Sister Joseph Angela Boone has worked closely with Bishop McRaith since she became chancellor and director of administration of the diocese in 1989. Below are some of her thoughts: “The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, founded in rural Daviess County, enjoy a true friendship with Bishop John. His love, loyalty, and care for the earth makes his bonding with the rural Ursuline community a given. For me, working under Bishop McRaith’s guidance has been an enriching experience. His daily celebration of the Eucharist is a special gift that we enjoy here at the Catholic Pastoral Center. His patience, kindness, gentleness, and generosity have been far reaching to many, even to a 2 a.m. caller asking for money. We pray that his retirement will be enriching and energizing and that he has the time to do those things that only an ordained minister can do.”
February 2009
Associate Update
ANGELA BOOK CLUB
The first book club meeting for associates featuring “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart,” by Mary Cabrini-Durkin, took place Jan. 13 at St. Martin Church, Owensboro. Pictured, left to right, are book club leaders Peggy Clark and Martha Little, as well as John Little. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month.
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Fr. Ben’s Lifetime Commitment Father Ben Luther, center, made his lifetime commitment as an Ursuline Associate at Mount Saint Joseph on Nov. 5, 2008. Standing with him are his contact sisters, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, left, and Sister Rose Theresa Johnson, right. Father Ben is the pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Central City.
Ursuline Associate Advisory Board The Ursuline Associate Advisory Board posed for a photo at its Dec. 6, 2008 meeting. Pictured, left to right: Michael Ziegler, Sister Nancy Murphy, Sister Maureen Griner, Mary Ann Schilling, Paul Gray, Sister Marietta Wethington, Mike Sullivan.
New Chapel Windows booklet
“Divine Light: The Story of the Windows and Appointments of the Motherhouse Chapel of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph” has just been published! The 48-page booklet details the story behind each of the beautiful windows in the Motherhouse Chapel and was written by Sister Annalita Lancaster, OSU. Copies are $10 plus $2 if postage is required. Contact Sister Vickie Cravens: 270-229-4103ext.302;archives@maplemount.org.
Laurie Hicks, right, with contact sister, Sister Suzanne Sims, at her first commitment Mass Nov. 5, 2008.
Welcome, Laurie! New Ursuline Associate LAURIE HICKS of Owensboro is a registered nurse and a member of St. Stephen Parish, where she is a Eucharistic minister and taught religious education. She is the mother of four children, one of whom is still at home. She values being taught by Ursuline Sisters at Immaculate School in Owensboro. Her contact sisters are Sister Suzanne Sims and Sister Martha Keller.
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Associate Update / F
It’s not too late to purchase your Quilt Club membership for only $20!
Fr. Brian Johnson joins Sister Jean Madeline Peake and Associate Jody Ziegler at the Grayson County Associates Christmas party Dec. 5, 2008. Sister Jean Madeline was principal at St. Benedict School in Wax from 1957-60, and was a parish minister at St. Joseph Parish in Leitchfield from 1985-96.
Sister Catherine Kaufman
License No. 0290
Sign up by March 5 to get seven chances to win a quilt, and support the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph at the same time! Call 270-229-4103, ext. 278
Send us pictures of ways you are fulfilling your mission as Ursuline Associates, and we may print them! E-mail digital pictures to associates@maplemount.org LEFT: Marian Bennett, director of Ursuline Partnerships, left; Sister Ruth Mattingly, seated; and Grayson County Associates Brenda Semar, Carol Hill, and Jody Ziegler model clothing covers made by the Grayson County Associates for the sisters in Saint Joseph Villa on Oct. 31, 2008. Once they found out there was a need, “they took it upon themselves” to make them, Marian said.
A Challenge for the Associate and Sister 25th Anniversary – A Day of Caring Saint Angela Merici’s life and spirituality inspire us to serve our neighbor. Let us bring our year of celebration to a meaningful conclusion by reaching out with the blessing of help and concern for others. We’ll share our stories in June at Associates and Sisters Day.
• Who is in need in your neighborhood? At your church or your place of work? Would your local group of associates and sisters work together to help out? • Read to a child who needs encouragement. Give a busy mother a bit of time for herself. A Day of • Visit a local nursing home to cheer up the lonely. Caring • Grab a paintbrush or broom to brighten up someone’s surroundings. • Do some housecleaning or grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor. • Volunteer with your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate or homeless shelter to provide safe, decent housing for people in need. • Gather a group to help spruce up the grounds at your church. Volunteer for vacation bible school. • Give away one of your beautiful smiles!
February 2009 Fr. John Vaughan and Fr. Phil Riney visited the Mount for a meeting of priests who are associates on Nov. 12, 2008. At left is Sister Michele Morek and at right, Sister Ann McGrew.
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Welcome, Sister Helen!
Sister Helen Hermreck, above right, became the first sister to arrive from Paola, Kan., since the Paola Ursulines merged with Mount Saint Joseph. She arrived via private jet (courtesy of a friend who owns an aviation company) Jan. 7 in Owensboro, and was met by Sister Vickie Cravens and Randy Shelby, health care administrator. Once at Maple Mount, Sister Helen was greeted at Saint Joseph Villa by several sisters welcoming her in song. Before she retired, Sister Helen spent many years in California, first teaching children with disabilities and then working in pastoral ministry.
Sister Diane Marie Payne, left, now co-sacristan for the chapel, and Associate Suzanne Reiss stand by the Christmas tree that they just decorated in the Motherhouse chapel. Suzanne helped decorate other trees in area buildings on campus.
The Western Kentucky Associates met Jan. 9 at the home of Sid Mason. Pictured, left to right: Sid Mason, Marian Bennett, John Wood, Elaine Wood, Marianne Potina (back), a Youngstown, Ohio, Ursuline Associate; Sister Marietta Wethington, Sister Martha Keller (back), Sister Teresa Riley, Pat Wilson, Ruth Metschuleit, Sister Mary Jude Cecil (seated).
What one associate can do: Volunteering at a homeless shelter
By Sarah Payne, OSUA
I have always been drawn to volunteering and working with the needy. For the past several years, I meant to volunteer at St. Benedict’s shelter in Owensboro, and time always got away from me. This year, one of the Advent daily reflections suggested helping out the homeless. My sister, Meghan, and I decided that we wouldn’t let time get away from us this year. We know that St. Benedict’s is always in need of more volunteers, and this was our chance to give some of our time to help out. I am also keenly aware of the major role that many of the Ursuline Sisters play in the success
of St. Benedict’s. I see how involved Sister Suzanne Sims has been in the shelter, and she inspired me to make volunteering at the shelter a part of my life as well. My experience at the shelter was very humbling. It truly made me stop and look at all of the wonderful SHELTER STORY blessings that I have in my life and be grateful for all of those things that I typically take for granted. I was truly blessed by all of the volunteers around me, as well as the guests at the shelter. I am so fortunate, and I know that what God asks of me is to share my gifts with others. As a student, I have not been inclined to give monetary support to places, so the gift that I have to give has been my time. I look forward to working at the shelter more and adding that as another blessing in my life.
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Associate Update
February2009
Remembering Special Associate Days March Birthdays:
2 Shearon Harris Diane Wilson 5 Kay Buckman Stella McClure 7 George Horishny 10 Chris Denniston 11 Margaret Birge 12 Velma Dees 14 Mary Costello Pauline Goebel 15 Diane Hayden 16 Joan McKinnon 17 Evelyn Cange 18 Camilla Frey Mike Sullivan 19 Carolyn Butler 20 Angelina Glomb 21 Fr. Leonard Alvey Marcy Bufalini Elaine Wood 23 Carlene Braun 24 Catherine Roddy 25 Marcella Critchelow Jodie Fulkerson 26 Bea Porter
April Birthdays: 1 2 3 4 6
8 9 11 14 15 6 1 17 18 21 22 24 25 27 28 29
Frances Elder Phyllis Ann Hackmann, FS Larry Minks Jeanne Miller Joyce Firenza Evelina Salas Marian Bennett Mary Jo Dodson Violet Hamilton Mary Rita Trittschuh Sue Donahue Wanda Gibson Fr. Brian Johnson Doris Kolb-Hopkins Wanda Rickard Lucille Weidenbenner Laura Smith Fr. Richard White, CMF Claudette Ford Terry Barnes John Laker Jerry Frey Mildred McDowell Fr. Ed Bradley Carolyn Head Rev. Patricia Dawkins Fr. Brian Roby Susan Scott Edna Marnell Michael Lemm Michael Ziegler
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in March: 1997 1998
Priscilla Archunde Frances Elder David Henderson Gloria Henderson Sandra Jull Anna Lesousky Sharon Rose
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in April: 1988 1990 1997 1998 1999 2001 2005 2007
Debby Ludwig Gertrude Tyrala John Allen Fr. Ed Bradley Margaret Brasuel Mary Ann Brown Loni Daniels David Grant Jean Grant Rev. Phil Hoy Bonnie Marks Janice Miller Joan Minks Larry Minks Fr. Phil Riney Brett Stallings Lina Trujillo Margaret Trujillo Chavez Fr. John Vaughan Ann Ruth Hayden Georgann Stuck Judy Embry Fanny Gonzalez Lena Dees Phil Dees Velma Dees Marian Bennett Catherine Gawarecki
May Birthdays: 1 2 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 14 18 19 21 22
Karen Howard Marie Ritz Murilla Giittinger Lil Wilson Madeleine Bianco John Allen Jerry Birge Susan Reiss Ruth Wright-Welzen Clarence Kaiser Sonia Pradenas Loni Daniels Michael Synk Paul Parker Cecilia McEldowney Gail Davenport Loretta Oliver Tracy Strother 23 Maxine Hobbs 24 Ola Higdon Sandra Jull 25 Rose Mary Egli Kevin Karl Amy Payne Judy Sims 26 Sr. Agnes Ijoko, HHCJ 28 Sharon Rose 29 Jean Bertram 30 Rev. Tom Barrett
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in May: 1989 1991 1992 1994 1998
Claire Buckley Nettie Castle Connie Del Muro Joan McKinnon Midge Palm Edith Whitechurch Margaret Stenger Paul Kordenbrock Judy Krese Christopher Walls June Irizarry Cecilia Curtis
Please pray for these associates on their special days.
February 2009
Associate Update
In Loving Memory... Gloria Snider O’Hara, 75, of Brandenburg, Ky., died Dec. 24, 2008. She was the mother of six children, and is survived by her four daughters, Darlene, Lynnie, Sandra, and Kathleen, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was a former employee of Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, Ky., and a lifetime associate since 1999. Gloria’s contact sister was Sister Kathy Stein. James G. Sheehan, 67, of Paola, Kan., died Nov. 4, 2008. A Navy veteran, Jim spent his career in the grocery industry. He was a board member for the Paola Associates and active in many local church and business organizations. He was a strong advocate for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and served as president of the Serra Club. He is survived by his wife, Luetta; his daughter, Kathleen and his sons, Kevin and Christopher. Sister Elizabeth Ann Ray, 98, died Nov. 16, 2008, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 79th year of religious life. She was a native of Rhodelia, Ky. An educator for 54 years, Sister Elizabeth Ann was much loved by all the sisters. She worked quietly in service to the Lord. She taught Sister Elizabeth or was a principal in the Diocese Ann Ray of Owensboro, the Archdiocese of Louisville, and in Missouri. For 32 years she was a teacher and principal in New Mexico. She served on the Motherhouse Archives staff from 1985 until her retirement in 1997. Sister Walter Louise Lush, 94, died Dec. 23, 2008, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 72nd year of religious life. A native of Wax, she was an educator for 32 years, teaching in the Dioceses of Owensboro, Louisville, and in Nebraska. She was parish minister at St. Romuald Sister Walter Parish, Hardinsburg, and then served Louise Lush in outreach ministry in Caneyville until she retired in 1995. Sister Walter Louise enjoyed listening to music and group activities like bingo and kickball. She loved to talk and attend retreats. Please note: 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.
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Sister Rose Emma Monaghan, 93, died Dec. 27, 2008, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 75th year of religious life. She was a native of Percival, Iowa. She especially enjoyed being a high school teacher, teaching at St. William High School, Knottsville; St. Alphonsus Sister Rose High School, St. Joseph; St. Peter Emma Monaghan School, Stanley, and in many other schools in Kentucky and Nebraska. From 1959-86, she served as Postmaster of the U.S. Post Office in Maple Mount, where she “worked for God and Uncle Sam.” She was devoted to that role, and enjoyed meeting other postmasters. She retired in 1986, and remained a steadfast presence with her family. Sister Emily (Mary Augustine) Zent, 97, died Dec. 30, 2008, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 78th year of religious life. A native of Mott, N.D., she was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Ill., before the merger of that community with the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph in 2005. Sister Emily Zent An educator for 45 years, Sister Emily taught at six schools in Illinois and also in North Dakota. She enjoyed getting children ready for their first Holy Communion. She retired in 1976 and took on the ministry of writing to prisoners and interceding for them with the authorities. She loved children and animals.
We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • Penny Burns, OSUA, whose brother, Frank Cooper, died Dec. 23, 2008 • Molly Jacques, OSUA, whose brother, Chris Gomez, died Dec. 29, 2008 • Bonnie Adams, OSUA, whose mother, Laura Scoggins, died Dec. 7, 2008 • Risë Karr, OSUA, whose brother, Jack Goldsberry, died Jan. 7
’ For your part, lead a new life. - Seventh Counsel
Saint Angela Merici
Mark Your Calendars! Book Study: “Angela Merici: Model of Listening to God in Daily Life” Tuesday, March 10 Tuesday, April 14 Tuesday, May 12
Associate meetings:
Friday, March 13, Western Ky. Monday, March 16, Owensboro Wednesday, March 18, Muhlenberg County Wednesday, April 15, Muhlenberg County Friday, May 8, Western Ky. Saturday, May 16, Louisville
Retreat Center events:
• Feb. 27-March 1 weekend: “Women in the Bible” Women’s Retreat • March 6-8 weekend: Heart of Creativity Retreat • March 20-22 Weekend: Centering Prayer for Beginners Saturday, June 27 ASSOCIATES & SISTERS DAY
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A NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTORY IS COMING!
We’re updating the Ursuline Associate directory. Will you help us? Take a moment to answer these questions:
How would you like to receive information from Mount Saint Joseph? q e-mail q postal mail Do you want to receive daily prayer requests on the E-mail Prayer Network? q yes q no Do you have professional or ministry skills you can share? Please describe _________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Please review and update your address information: NAME _______________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP _____________________________ PHONE ______________________________________ E-MAIL ______________________________________ Clip this form and return to Office of Ursuline Partnerships, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount KY 42356, e-mail associates@ maplemount.org , or call 270-229-2006. Please respond by April 15, 2009. The directory will be available at Associates and Sisters Day on June 27, 2009.