VOLUME XI, NUMBER 4
MAY 2007
Hawesville Associates almost like family A close-knit group, the Hawesville associates meet in one another’s homes. Pictured left to right are Marian Bennett and Sister Marietta Wethington, codirectors of Ursuline Partnerships, with associates Isabel Crenshaw, Maxine Beavin, Shirlene Quinn, Mary Ann Schilling, and Shirley Hagman.
By Mary Ann Schilling, OSUA
I
n the mid 1980s, a group of very diverse women began a new journey in their lives. The Ursuline Sisters who worked in the parishes in our county invited us to become Ursuline associates. One of the first to begin this journey was Isabel Crenshaw, who was invited to join the Sisters in prayers, meals, fun, and learning about Saint Angela. Then, others were invited to become associates, and the group grew. Our group has single, married and widowed women from many life experiences — an enrichment for the group. Some who gather with us are Ursuline Associates, and some are not. In the spirit of Saint Angela, we believe in keeping the
door open so others can come and join us in prayer, meals, learning about the ways of Angela, and maybe a mad game of dominos. Over our many years as a group, we have learned much and have experienced many transitions. The first big change came when we no longer had Ursuline Sisters in our parishes. We had to grow through this loss. But people change — we are called to walk our own life journey. Knowing this has helped us to cherish those moments when others have touched our lives and helped us to grow closer to God. We have also had our moments of enlightenment. We came to realize in a deeper sense that we are part of a larger group of people. We are affiliated with a community of Ursuline Sisters who have promised to pray for us daily, who desire to help us to extend the Ursuline apostolate into our daily lives and to live Gospel values. This group includes all the women and men who are associates. Our group has grown in prayer. In the beginning we used the Liturgy of the Hours. Then we had a period of prayer services and other
You are invited to Associates and Sisters Day
SUNDAY, July 8, 2007
“Associates and Sisters Moving into the Future” “Mary Remembers” presented by Sister Rita Klarer Watch your mailbox for further details!
Continued on page 3
Page 2 Associate Update May 2007
Glennonville retreat focuses on “Seven Sorrows”
O
n Saturday morning, February 24, Marian Bennett and Sister Marietta Wethington led a morning of prayer and reflection for the Glennonville, Missouri, area associates as well as for parishioners of Saint Teresa and neighboring parishes. The 24 women and men in attendance listened as Mary, through the voices of the co-directors of Ursuline Partnerships, reflected on her seven sorrows: the prophecy of Simeon; the flight into Egypt; the missing of Jesus; Mary meets Jesus on the way of the cross; Jesus dies on the cross; Jesus is taken from the cross, and Jesus is laid in the tomb. Marian and Sister Marietta then shared related sorrows in the events of their own lives. Retreat participants were invited to reflect on how their lives have been visited with similar sorrows and were given an opportunity to share those with each other. According to Sister Marietta, all agreed that the morning was very enriching and a good way to begin the Lenten season. n
Attending the retreat in Glennonville on February 24 were, row 1: Kathleen Bader, Janet Kuper, Ada Bader, Sister Marietta Wethington. Row 2: Deb Bader, Raymond Weidenbenner, Barbara Weidenbenner, Marge Hirtz, Gertrude Hirtz, Peggy Deken. Back Row: Charlotte Ubelhar, Cletus Weidenbenner, Marie Kuper, Virginia Kerperien, Lale Siebert, Joyce Belcher, Lucille Weidenbenner, Cheri Bader, Ruth Deken, Geneva White, and Ben White.
Above: The retreat was a family affair for Deb Bader, left, and her mother, Ruth Deken. Retreatants met from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch.
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 Website: www.ursulinesmsj.org E-mail: associates@maplemount.org Co-Directors of Ursuline Partnerships: Marian Bennett, OSUA / Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU Editor: Sister Ruth Gehres, OSU Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski
Cheri Bader, Janet Kuper, and Peggy Deken listen to stories. Janet is principal of Saint Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Glennonville, Missouri, where the retreat took place.
Kathleen Bader and Virginia Kerperien enjoyed the retreat.
Photo at right: Ben White, Geneva White, and Joyce Belcher reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary at the morning retreat.
May 2007
Associate Update
Page 3
Associate Therese Lawson, left, and Sister Michele Morek talked during Donor Appreciation Day March 24.
ASSOCIATES VISIT THE MOUNT–Left: Associate Anna Conn attended a Women’s Retreat March 16-18 in the Conference and Retreat Center along with her daughters, Karla Welch, left, and Kelly May, center. Kelly is in the process of becoming an associate. Middle: Associates Martha and John Little enjoy Bananas Foster at the April 14 Southwest Sunsets fundraising dinner for the Center.
Recommitment Ceremony
Hawesville
Continued from front
types of prayer — a direction which for a time was needed. Then we came to a point when we felt something was missing. As we talked about our prayer time together, we realized that what we missed was the Liturgy of the Hours. When we prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, we truly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. We also felt a spiritual connection to the sisters at the Mount and all people who use this prayer. It is so powerful to realize that we are never praying alone, but always with someone somewhere. Like all pilgrim people, we are seekers for what brings us closer to God and each other. The friendships that have developed over the years have bonded us in many ways. Not only do we share prayer, meals and fun times, but we
A group gathered on March 1 to help Father Freddie Byrd, pastor at Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro, celebrate his recommitment as an Ursuline Associate. Father Freddie has been an Ursuline Associate for nearly 20 years but had not received his lifetime associate pin until the recent ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are Sister Suzanne Sims, Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, Sister Marietta Wethington, Father Freddie, Marian Bennett, and Victoria Cecil. Victoria, director of religious education for Blessed Mother, is in the process of becoming an associate. Above right: Marian, a member of Blessed Mother, gives Father Freddie his long overdue pin.
care for and about each other. Shirlene calls and checks on Isabel each day. We’ve not only talked about our lives, but also our funeral plans. This may seem like a strange subject, but it is part of the journey. Shirlene wants associates to be her honorary pallbearers. Not only in life do we walk together, but we want also to walk the last steps together. Maxine, Shirley, Shirlene, Isabel, and I, and anyone else who joins us, try to learn and listen to the words of Saint Angela and the direction she gives us. In her own words, Saint Angela guides our gathering: “Always let your principal recourse be to gather at the feet of Jesus Christ, and there, all of you, with all your daughters…offer most fervent prayers. For in this way, without doubt, Jesus Christ will be in your midst, and as a true and good master, he will enlighten and teach you what you have to do” (Last Legacy).
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Associate Meetings
Associate Update / M
Sister Mary Lois Speaks, OSU
State Sena David Bos
Phyllis Troutman OSUA Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher
The Henderson/Union County associates met on February 3. In attendance were, front row: Therese Fraize, Dottie Liles, and Sharon Speaks. Row 2: Louise Leasor and Father Tony Shonis (both standing on the right). Row 3: Sister Marietta Wethington, Jane Denton, Don Speaks. Back row: Sister Margaret Ann Aull and Larry Denton.
The Louisville associates gathered on February 17. Enjoying the meeting were, front row: Sue Donahue, Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney, Penny Burns, and Marian Bennett. Back row: Lorraine Luken, Sue Scott, Leon Donahue, Marian Pusey (guest), Pauline Goebel, Chris Denniston and Sister Maureen O’Neill.
Mark your calendars for the annual Mount Saint Joseph PICNIC! Saturday, September 8 - Preparation Sunday, September 9 - Picnic Associates are welcome to volunteer at the event to benefit our retired sisters.
Ursuline associate attends signing at Kentucky capi
A bill to ban human trafficking in Kentucky was sign law by Governor Ernie Fletcher on March 26 at the state building in Frankfort. An Ursuline associate and three U Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph who helped push for the p of the bill witnessed the signing. Phyllis Troutman of Raywick, who has made her li commitment as an Ursuline Associate, accompanied Mary Lois Speaks to Frankfort. Other attendees were Jacinta Powers, Sister Catherine Barber, and Jennifer Kam communications assistant at the Mount. Sister Mary Lois is a board member of UNA International, a coalition of 14 congregations of w religious with a mission to help women and children in p immigrants and refugees, and the welfare of the plane nongovernmental organization, which is authorized to p drafts for consideration by the United Nations, has fo on human trafficking because it primarily affects wom children in poverty. “This new Kentucky law is a first step in our effo awareness raising and education,” Sister Mary Lois sai explained that UNANIMA is trying to attack the root problem of forced prostitution and is publishing a “St Demand” educational packet in September. Sister Jacinta is a former board member of UNANIMA Catherine is one of the persons who contacted State S David Boswell to encourage him to sponsor a bill to ban trafficking in the state. Senator Boswell sponsored Sena 43, which makes it a felony offense to force anyone into domestic work, or the sex trade. The bill also sets a po non-incarceration for victims. The federal government and at least 27 other state passed laws outlawing human trafficking. For more infor about UNANIMA or human trafficking, visit the website unanima-international.org. n
May 2007
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Welcome to our New Associates
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Brenda Busick, a member of St. Joseph Church in Central City, has been married to her husband, Jesse, for over 30 years. They have one son. Her generous spirit is evident in her thoughtfulness and willingness to help others at a moment’s notice. She is described as “so quiet…yet so powerful.” In addition to participating in the parish’s food pantry and bereavement dinners, she works part time as housekeeper for her pastor, Father Ben Luther, who is also an Ursuline Associate. Brenda’s contact sisters are Sister Rose Karen Johnson and Sister Rose Theresa Johnson.
Father Carl McCarthy is a priest of the Owensboro Diocese and pastor at Saints Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro. Raised in the Curdsville, Kentucky, area, he attended St. Alphonsus Grade School and Owensboro Catholic High School. The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, and Father Carl is determined to carry on their gifts of simplicity and service with his usual enthusiasm. It is said, “He certainly has the spirit of St. Angela in his heart.” Sister Suzanne Sims is his contact sister.
Susan Reiss of Louisville is a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church. Widowed after 58 years of marriage, she is mother of John, Mary Jo and Suzanne (who is also a new Ursuline Associate... see story at right). Visits with her aunts, Sisters George Ann Warren and Bartholene Warren, led her to friendships with many sisters in the Ursuline Community; one of those is Sister Eileen Howard, who became her contact sister. Described as “wonderfully maternal, Susan treasures the sense of belonging she experiences at Mount Saint Joseph.”
Suzanne Reiss began her lifelong relationship with the Ursulines through Sister Bartholene Warren, her great-aunt. Sister Eileen Howard, Suzanne’s contact sister, describes her as “a woman of integrity and of firm conviction.” Others testify to her caring nature and infectious laugh. She states that her “one overriding goal or purpose in life has been ‘to make a difference.’” After a 28-year career with National City Bank Corporation, Suzanne retired to become primary caregiver for her father, 82, who was disabled by a broken hip and dementia. She and her mother, Susan, visit the Mount often, always ready to tackle the sisters’ many project lists. She and her husband live in Lanesville, Indiana.
Father Tony makes lifetime commitment Father Anthony Shonis, associate pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson, Kentucky, signed his lifetime commitment as an Ursuline associate September 5, 2006, at a ceremony in Belleville, Illinois. Sisters Nancy Murphy (his contact sister) and Nancy Liddy were commissioned to witness the signing. Father Tony was a chaplain for the Ursuline Sisters in Maple Mount from 1986-2000. He has led the Thomas Merton retreat at Mount Saint Joseph. His radio ministry is called “Celebrating the Catholic Journey.”
All students taught by Ursulines in New Mexico schools are invited to a Reunion in Farmington, New Mexico, June 1-3, 2007. This is the first Reunion ever for New Mexico graduates. Several Ursulines from New Mexico and Maple Mount will attend. For more information, write or call Patricia Baca, 2503 Scholfield Lane, Farmington, NM 87401–(505)634-0759
FORMER Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are invited back to Maple Mount on Sunday, June 10, 2007, for a 10:30 a.m. Mass, a meal and tours. Please RSVP by calling Sister George Mary Hagan at 270-229-4103 ext. 731.
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Associate Update
May2007
Remembering Special Associate Days...
June Birthdays
2 Gary Mesnier 3 Ruby White 4 Connie Del Muro, Lina Trujillo, Gertrude Tyrala 5 Nettie Castle 6 Jeff Goldsmith, Martha Little, Mildred Shrewsbury 8 Ann Collins 10 Bobby Joe Christian, Carol Jo Hogan, Ramona McConnell 16 Martha Ann Matthews 17 Pat Sullivan, Cletus Weidenbenner 19 Anna Dye 20 Rebecca Leonard, Louis Peak 21 Helen Pfeiffer, Adrian Bumpus 22 Jean Grant 24 Jo Morelli, Fr. John Vaughan 26 Perla Pike 27 Phil Dees, Elenita McConnell, Suzanne Reiss 28 Raynell Prado 29 Grace Dell Aquila, Carolyn Baseheart
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in June 20 years Winnie Cohron 19 years Therese Allen 17 years Mary Ann Childs, Janet Kuper, Perla Pike, Margaret Tasaka 16 years Alice Blazina, Betty and Bobby Joe Christian, John Hancock, Odelean Hill, Linda Lattus, Loretta Oliver, Nancy Richards, Mary Ann Schilling, Donna Szurgot, Diane Wilson 15 years Nellie Coffman, Gail Funk, Margaret Gallegos, Wanda Gibson, Don and Maxine Hobbs, Kevin Karl, Jeanne Lamastus, Ramona McConnell, Brenda Sauer, Mike and Pat Sullivan 14 years Betty Boren, Peggy Clark, Jodie Fulkerson, Risë Karr 13 years Lois Bell, Chico Irizarry, Joanne Mason 11 years Joe and Kay Buckman 10 years Therese Lawson 9 years Shirley Eckert, Mary Rose Shoemaker 5 years Madeleine Bianco, Jean and Larry Dowdy, Audrey Durbin, June Fowler, Mary Lowry, Jeanne Miller, Irene Rapier 4 years Rose Mary Egli, Benjamin and Carolyn Head, Michael Lemm 3 years Kathy Kiper, Arleen Naglich, Dolores Polson
July Birthdays 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 16 17 19 20 2 2 23 24 25 27 30 31
Ione Deken, Sara Scully Helen Miles June Fowler, Lela Buettmann Philomena Bollinger, David Henderson, Chris Walls Barbara Boatner Fr. Tony Shonis Shirley Eckert, Mary Jo Johnson Mary Lowry Father Carl McCarthy Gloria O’Hara, Don Speaks Mary Danhauer, Chico Irizarry Carolyn Dowdy, Ann Leonard Trudy Peak, Jean Simpson Fr. Joe Nangle, Sr. Ann Middlebrooks Judy Krese Raymond Morelli Larry Denton Suzanne Gochenouer Sarah Bowling Marjorie Cook Gloria Adams, Michael Conley, Debby Ludwig, Lorraine Luken, Gustavo Paez
August Birthdays 1 Sandy Luz 3 Bob Beam 5 Barbara Goldsmith, Betty Medley 7 Dotty Liles 8 Dottie Clark 11 Ruth Bittel, Bonnie Marks 12 Wilma Howard 15 Isabel Crenshaw, Jacinta Garinger, Don Hobbs 16 Shirlene Quinn, Irene Rapier 17 Mary Brown, Michael Bufalini 18 Carol Hill, Meghan Payne 19 Larry Dowdy 21 Bruce Blandford 24 Sid Mason 27 Mary Leda Rice 28 Juanita Burke, Brenda Busick Marty Darst, Pat Riordan 31 Risë Karr
Please pray for these associates on their special days.
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in July 20 years Isabel Crenshaw, Therese Fraize, Shirley Hagman 19 years Fr. Leonard Alvey, Marjorie Cook, Most Rev. John McRaith, Shirlene Quinn, Cathey Seaton, Laura Smith, Lil Wilson 18 years Juanita Burke, Andy and Annette Chavez, Pat Claussen, Fr. Joe Mills, Msgr. Bernard Powers 17 years Fr. Freddie Byrd, Diane Hayden, Fay Higdon, Martha Ann Matthews, Pat Riordan 16 years Fr. Joe Nangle 15 years Marie Ritz 13 years Fr. Richard White, CMF 11 years Bruce and Sheila Blandford, Philomena Bollinger, Mary Costello, Jane and Larry Denton, Claudette Ford, Camilla and Jerry Frey, Bernadette Howard, Wilma Howard, Lorraine Luken, Sandy Luz, Mary Margis, Sid Mason, Hita Merchant, Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC, Helen Miles, Bea Porter,
Fr. Brian Roby, Don and Sharon Speaks, Francis and Jean Steffen, Annette Stokes, Rita Summers, Phyllis Troutman 9 years Mary Danhauer 8 years Rev. Patricia Dawkins, Randy Lamastus, Pat Wilson 7 years Barbara and Jeff Goldsmith, Judy and Paul Gray, George and Lorna Horishny, Mary Jo Johnson, Rev. Carol Owen, Gary and Helen Riney, Meg and Mike Synk 6 years John Howard, Mary Lyne, Stella McClure, Bob and Rosann Whiting 5 years Polly Mouser, Ann Wilson 3 years Leon Donahue 2 years Karen Beavers, Sheila Clark, Suzanne Gochenouer, Darlene Sapp, Joyce Firenza 1 year Bob and Marilyn Beam, Carlene Braun, Jacinta Garinger, Jean Gutierrez, Ola Higdon, Carol Jo Hogan, Louise Leasor, Mildred McDowell, Coreen Moore, Charlotte and Gustavo Paez, Jody Ziegler
May 2007
Associate Update
In Memoriam... Sister Rosita Willett, OSU
Sister Mary Rosita Willett, 88, died February 21, in her 68th year of religious life. She was a native of Waverly, Kentucky. An educator for 49 years, Sister Rosita taught and served as principal in many Kentucky schools and was supervisor of the Owensboro Catholic Sister Rosita Willett Schools. She also taught in New Mexico. She was a member of the Department of Education at Brescia College, where she also served as registrar and as administrative assistant in the Ministry Formation office. She served in admissions at Mount Saint Joseph Academy and in hospitality ministry for Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Survivors include three sisters, Sister Dorothy Marie Willett, Maple Mount, Kathleen Dunkel, Englewood, Ohio, and Doris Trapp, Mount Carmel, Illinois; one brother, Joseph Vernon Willett, Evansville, Indiana; nieces and nephews, and her Ursuline Sisters.
Sister Ethelreda Hayden, OSU Sister Mary Ethelreda Hayden, 91, died February 25 in her 73rd year of religious life. She was a native of Fancy Farm, Kentucky. She ministered as a homemaker in Ursuline convents in Kentucky and New Mexico, and she taught for 36 years in Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Survivors include two sisters, Frances Goode of Paducah and Mary Elizabeth Willett of Boaz, nieces and nephews, and her Ursuline Sisters.
Sister Ethelreda Hayden
Gifts in memory of Sisters Rosita Willett and Ethelreda Hayden may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. n
We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • • • • •
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Ann Rapier Hancock, OSUA
Ann Rapier Hancock, 83, of Huntsville, Alabama, died February 25, 2007. She is survived by her husband, John (also an Ursuline Associate) and their children, Kelly, John, Frank, Tom and Donna. Ann and John lived most of their married life on the family farm in Waverly, Kentucky, retiring to Huntsville in 1989. Ann made her Ann and John Hancock lifetime associate commitment in 1991, at the invitation of her sisters-in-law, Sisters Jane Miriam and Jane Irvin Hancock. In the words of her son, John, Ann was “a prolific writer, avid reader and stellar student, a superb organist and an excellent ballroom dancer.”Early health problems did not prevent her from being involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her son, Tom, said his mother was“given a choice in life, to live with polio or to walk…she chose to dance.”
Isabelle Lozier King, OSUA
Isabelle King of Lebanon, Missouri, died March 30, 2007, at the age of 81. She is survived by Walter, her husband of 60 years, and four daughters, Terry, Peggy, Pat, and Mary Beth. She was born in Patterson, New Jersey, and retired to the Lebanon area in 1992. Belle became a lifetime Ursuline Associate in 1999. Her contact sister was Sister Renee Monaghan. Isabelle King In addition to being a devoted wife and loving mother, Belle was a nurse who specialized in terminal cancer patients. In the course of her work, she realized that “there were few people willing to care for persons with AIDS.” After retiring to the Lebanon area with her husband, she began “a ministry to people with AIDS, their families, siblings and loved ones.” Belle liked getting dressed up and enjoyed attending dances, parties and banquets. She liked happy things and special occasions. Her family was very important to her. She was a loving and devoted person, who sought“to surrender myself completely to Jesus.”
Therese Allen, OSUA, whose brother, Jimmy Osborne, died February 27 Mary Jo Dodson, OSUA, whose sister, Phyllis Price, died March 8 I want you to be blessed Odelean Hill, OSUA, whose sister, Clara Blackwood, in the name of the Father died March 19 Marian Bennett, OSUA, whose mother, Gertrude Ischer, and the Son and the died March 19 Holy Spirit. Phyllis Thomas Troutman, OSUA, whose husband, Last Counsel of Saint Angela Merici Mike, died April 10
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO,KY 42301 PERMIT NO. 120 Please help us update our mailing list. If there are errors in your address, please inform us so that we may correct them.
Upcoming Events,,, • May 19-20 - Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Reunion • May 30-June 6 - Centering Prayer Retreat at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center • June 1-3 - Reunion for former students in New Mexico • June 9 - Regional Associates Meetings: Louisville, Brescia University, Mount St. Joseph, Western Kentucky • Sunday, June 10 - Former Sisters Event at Maple Mount • June 20 - Muhlenberg County Associates Meeting • Saturday, July 7 - Ursuline Sisters Jubilee (18 sisters) • Sunday, July 8 - Associates and Sisters Day (Registration at 8:45 a.m.) • July 7-10 - Ursuline Sisters Community Days • July 12-15 - North American Ursuline Convocation • July 31 - Owensboro Associates Potluck at Legion Park • August 2-5 - “Sheep to Shawl” Workshop at Center • August 18 - Louisville Associates Meeting • Saturday, September 8 - Picnic preparation day • Sunday, September 9 - Mount Saint Joseph Picnic
You are invited to the
North American
Ursuline Convocation Thursday-Sunday July 12-15, 2007
Galt House
Downtown Louisville ANGELA: The Foundation and Promise Plenary speaker: Sister Cheryl Clemons, assistant congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph To register, contact Liliane Dozois 207-782-1458 e-mail liliane37@verizon.net.
The registration fee is $175 and includes meals, materials and socials. The Galt House can be reached at 1-800-THE GALT.