VOL. XIII, NO. 4
May 2008
Associates help rebuild Gulf Coast after hurricane By Carol Alvey, OSUA
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aints Joseph and Paul Church, Owensboro, sent its second group of 10 volunteers to Pass Christian, Miss., March 1-7, and I have been lucky enough to be a part of this on both occasions. Last year, we worked on two homes where much work had already been done, but this time was an entirely different matter. When we drove up to the 125-year-old house that had been in an unimproved state for 2 1/2 years, the only thoughts that came to mind were “hopeless” and “this should have been condemned.” Ursuline Associate Carol Alvey But by the end of the first workday, those thoughts repairs a porch during her March Ursuline Associate Penny Burns nails trip to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi began to change. I think faith became hope and hope boards to frame a house in Biloxi, with a group from Sts. Joseph and became reality, all of which were driven by love and Miss. SEE STORY ON PAGE 3. Paul Church, Owensboro. determination. As a person with no building experience, I can say without a doubt that EVERYONE can contribute something to rebuilding the Gulf Coast. It’s important to be part of a team and to have someone with experience to give direction. However, whether it is doing the actual building or carrying items so that those constructing can avoid wasting time getting supplies, everyone’s job is valuable to the finished product. At this particular work site, I was able to use a crowbar to help remove the old wood siding. After that, I may not have been able to actually hammer on the new siding, but I could relay the measurements for the cutting and bring the materials to the team members who were on the ladders. I then helped make sure the boards were level before the nails went in. In other words, in my own way, I helped make a difference! I think it’s impossible to make one trip to that devastated area and not want to return. In fact, before the end of this trip, talk turned to what we would do the next time we came. When that happens, I know I will be part of the team! n
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Celebrating 25 Years of Associates and Sisters! Associates and Sisters Day 2008 Saturday, July 19
• Opening Prayer by Sister Marietta Wethington and Sister Fran Wilhelm • Keynote Presentation by Sister Cheryl Clemons: “Scrapbooks, Lighthouses, and Spaceships: Angela Merici as the Foundation and the Promise of Holiness and Service for Today’s World”
• Lunch in the Motherhouse Dining Room • The Ursuline Associate Story:
Recognition of Former Directors • Jubilee Year Presentation • Action Steps for the Future Liturgy and Commitment Ceremony with Fr. Tony Shonis, Presider
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Associate Update
Letter from the director... Dear Ursuline Associates, Candidates and Friends, It’s time to celebrate our 25 years as Ursuline Associates! Angela Merici has walked with us here at Maple Mount for over 130 years, guiding us with her courage and foresight. We associates have been part of that walk. Our celebration begins on July 19 at Associates and Sisters Day with Sister Cheryl Clemons’presentation,“Scrapbooks, Lighthouses and Spaceships.” Throughout the next 13 months we will share prayer and explore new ministries with immersion experiences, retreats, and special days of caring. I urge you to mark your calendars now. Plan to be part of the celebration as we continue our journey of faith together. Mrs. Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Ursuline Partnerships
38th Annual Save the date! Mount Saint Joseph Barbecue Picnic to benefit retired Ursuline Sisters is Sunday, Sept. 7. Volunteers needed! 270-229-4103 ext. 278 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 Ursuline Partnerships: Mrs. Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Spiritual Formation for Ursuline Partnerships: Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU Administrative Assistant: Christi Bowman Editor/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski 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.
May 2008
Celebrating 25 Years of Our Associate Directors Sister Fran Wilhelm 1983-91 A native of Waterflow, N.M., Sister Fran was the first director of the Ursuline Associate program. She is the founder and current director of Centro Latino in Owensboro. Sister Mary Lois Speaks 1991-96 A Henderson, Ky., native, Sister Mary Lois is an instructional assistant at Marion County High School in Lebanon, Ky. Sister Elaine Burke 1996-98 A native of Louisville, Ky., Sister Elaine directs the spiritual portion of the Brescia University Ministry Formation Program. Sister Marita Greenwell 1996-02 A native of Rhodelia, Ky., Sister Marita was a music teacher and director of Brescia’s Contemporary Woman Program. She is retired. Sister Marie Bosco Wathen 1996-02 A native of Finley, Ky., Sister Marie Bosco was professor of education at Brescia from 1974-97. She is retired. Cecilia McEldowney 2002-04 The first lay person and associate to be named director, Cecilia is a 1966 Academy graduate. She lives in Ohio. Sister Marietta Wethington 2004-07 A native of Casey County, Ky., Sister Marietta serves as director of spiritual formation for associates and alumnae. Marian Bennett 2004-Present A native of St. Paul, Minn., Marian previously served as alumni director at Brescia.
May 2008
Associate Update
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A Trip to Bountiful By Penny Cooper Burns, OSUA
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hat probably seems like a weird title for the article you are about to read. But, as I look back on our experience, I feel like there were many who reaped rewards. Those families uprooted by Hurricane Katrina had some much needed help to get their homes restored, and the volunteers who helped came to realize just how blessed we are. Penny Burns stands with Norman on the porch step of his home The Knights of Columbus Councils from three in Biloxi, Miss. Penny, along with her church group, helped with churches (All Saints, Taylorsville; St. Francis Xavier, the repairs. She said she was “appalled” by the devastation she saw when she arrived, especially since it has been over two years since Mount Washington; St. Romuald, Hardinsburg) solicited Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. volunteers to go to Biloxi, Miss., to help with the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. Several folks had been or picked up trash. The types of jobs are many – virtually down there a few months earlier and knew how much something for everyone — skilled and unskilled; male or work still needed to be done. Twenty-six signed up to female; young and old. head south at the end of January. Personally, when the catastrophe happened, I thought After a 12-hour trip, we “tourists” were appalled by to myself, “What can I do to help?” Like so many what we saw upon arrival. Two and a half years after the others, I donated cleaning goods, food, and money to hurricane, the devastation organizations that were is still everywhere. Homes enlisted to assist the are still in ruins, trash is victims. While I wanted piled in heaps in yards and to do more, I felt I didn’t along the road, and where have the necessary skills Saint Angela Merici, First Counsel there had been coastal needed to help with the homes, now only the rebuild. But, I found out shadow of a foundation peeps out of the sand. they can use any type of volunteer help. Working through the Biloxi Diocesan Office of Long The best part of the experience was meeting the Term Recovery, and with Habitat for Humanity, our people we were helping. They were so grateful. Many group was assigned various duties in a number of houses. told us that if it weren’t for the volunteers from church The skilled and civic groups, they wouldn’t be as far along as they are workers in our in the rebuild. It brought tears to my eyes to hear about group installed how they lost literally all of their possessions and, in electrical wiring some cases, family members in the storm. In spite of their and plumbing loss, the residents are very gracious. Many fixed lunch lines while for the workers (one day our the unskilled group had chicken gumbo, folks put up fried chicken, mac ’n cheese, insulation, and sweet potato pie… hung drywall, yummy!). Others came to help painted, out alongside the volunteers. attached If you think you’d like to exterior siding help, contact the Diocesan and put down Office of Long Term flooring. Some Recovery at (228) 701-0555 swept out the or check their Web site, www. ruins of homes mshurricanehelp.org. n
You have more need to serve them than they have to be served by you.
Left: Carol Alvey uses a crow bar to remove siding from an older home in Pass Christian, Miss. Right: Penny helps paint boards in Biloxi.
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Associate Meetings
Associate Update / M
Henderson County Associates met April 11. Left to right: Dotty Liles, Bea Porter, Sister Marietta Wethington, Louise Leasor, Sister Margaret Ann Aull, Betty Christian, Bobby Joe Christian.
Left: The Associate Advisory Board met April 11. All of the members were present. Pictured, seated: Sister Maureen Griner and Sister Mary Lois Speaks. Standing: Marian Bennett, Paul Gray, Mary Ann Schilling, Therese Fraize, Sister Marietta Wethington.
Central City/Muhlenberg County Associates met April 16. Pictured, seated in front: Paul Parker (guest), Jean Simpson, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, Sister Marietta Wethington, Connie Clements. Standing in back: Marlene Mohaghan, Sue Hudoff (guest), Tom and Linda Zender (guests), Laura Smith, Don Monaghan, Melinda Prunty, Sister Rose Theresa Johnson.
Priests who are associates met at the Mount on Feb. 27. Above, Ursuline Associate Bishop John J. McRaith speaks to the group. Sister Barbara Jean Head listens.
Hancock County Associates met March 13. Seated in front: Isabel Crenshaw and Mary Ann Schilling. Standing: Marian Bennett, Shirley Hagman, and Shirlene Quinn.
Western Kentucky Associates met March 14. P Seated: Sister Karla Marie Kaelin and Betty B Sister Mary Jude Cecil, Mike Sullivan, Marian Sid Mason.
May 2008
Pictured: Kneeling in front: Risë Karr. Boren. Standing: John Wood, Elaine Wood, n Bennett, Sister Teresa Riley, Pat Wilson, and
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Associate Bonnie Marks takes trip to Jamaica with Ursuline Sisters
Ursuline Associate Bonnie Marks gives a hug to an island resident during her March 27-April 2 trip to Jamaica. She made the trip with Ursuline Sisters Michele Intravia, Kathleen Kaelin, Martha Keller, Betsy Moyer, Jacinta Powers, and Monica Seaton. “The only thing I can say at this moment is that it was the most spiritual journey I have ever been on,” Bonnie said. “At the present, I am in thanksgiving for all the blessings Jesus poured down upon us during this mission and for the special bond I now hold with six more Ursulines.”
Bonnie and Sister Martha Keller play with children at an orphanage in Jamaica. The purpose of the trip was to explore opportunities for new Ursuline ministries. The group of seven plans to meet again to begin the process of evaluating the possibilities.
Left and above: Bonnie greets Ivy, who has been homebound for over 20 years in Jamaica.“Bonnie was very moved by her,” said Sister Jacinta Powers.
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Associate Update
May2008
Associates’ Special Days to Remember 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 21 Helen Pfeiffer 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 Panchyshyn Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in June 987 Winnie Cohron 1 1988 Therese Allen 1990 Mary Ann Childs, Janet Kuper, Perla Pike, Margaret Tasaka 1991 Alice Blazina, Bobby Joe and Betty Christian, John Hancock, Odelean Hill, Linda Lattus, Loretta Oliver, Nancy Richards, Mary Ann Schilling, Donna Szurgot, Diane Wilson 1992 Nellie Coffman, Gail Funk, Margaret Gallegos, Wanda Gibson, Don and Maxine Hobbs, Kevin Karl, Jeanne Lamastus, Ramona McConnell, Brenda Sauer, Mike and Pat Sullivan 1993 Betty Boren, Peggy Clark, Jodie Fulkerson, Risë Karr 1994 Lois Bell, Chico Irizarry, Joanne Mason 1996 Joe and Kay Buckman 1997 Therese Lawson 1998 Shirley Eckert, Mary Rose Shoemaker 2002 Madeleine Bianco, Jean Dowdy, Audrey Durbin, June Fowler, Mary Lowry, Jeanne Miller, Irene Rapier 2003 Rose Mary Egli, Benjamin and Carolyn Head, Michael Lemm 2004 Kathy Kiper, Arleen Naglich, Dolores Polson
August Birthdays
July Birthdays 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 16 17 19 0 2 22 23 24 25 27 30 31
Ione Deken, Sara Scully Donna Karcher, Helen Miles Lela Buettmann, June Fowler Philomena Bollinger, David Henderson, Christopher Walls Barbara Boatner Fr. Tony Shonis Shirley Eckert, Mary Jo Johnson Mary Lowry Fr. Carl McCarthy Gloria O’Hara, Don Speaks Mary Danhauer, Chico Irizarry Jean Dowdy, Ann Leonard Trudy Peak, Jean Simpson, Debbie Vogel Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC, Fr. Joe Nangle Judy Krese Raymond Morelli Larry Denton Suzanne Gochenouer Sarah Bowling Marjorie Cook Gloria Adams, Michael Conley, Debby Ludwig, Lorraine Luken, Gustavo Paez
1 3 5 7 8 11 9 12 15 16 17 18 21 24 27 28 31
Sandy Luz Bob Beam Barbara Goldsmith, Betty Medley Dotty Liles Dottie Clark, Stephanie George, Fr. Leo Reinhardt Ruth Bittel, Bonnie Marks Ruth Wright-Welzen Wilma Howard Isabel Crenshaw, Jacinta Garinger, Don Hobbs, Kellene Vogel Shirlene Quinn, Irene Rapier, Marcia Stoller Mary Ann Brown, Michael Bufalini Carol Hill, Meghan Payne Bruce Blandford Sid Mason Brenda Busick, Mary Leda Rice Juanita Burke, Marty Darst, Pat Riordan Risë Karr
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in August 1986 Bruce and Sheila Blandford, Philomena Bollinger, Mary Costello, Larry and Jane Denton, Claudette Ford, Jerry and Camilla 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 1998 Mary Danhauer 2001 Stella McClure, Bob and Rosann Whiting
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries in July 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1994 1999
2000 Isabel Crenshaw, Therese Fraize, Shirley Hagman Fr. Leonard Alvey, Marjorie Cook, Bishop John McRaith, Shirlene Quinn, Cathey Seaton, 2001 Laura Smith, Lil Wilson 2002 Juanita Burke, 2004 Andy and Annette Chavez, 2005 Patsy Claussen, Fr. Joe Mills, 2006 Msgr. Bernard Powers Fr. Freddie Byrd, Diane Hayden, Fay Higdon, Martha Ann Matthews, Pat Riordan Fr. Joe Nangle 2007 Marie Ritz Fr. Richard White, CMF Rev. Patricia Dawkins, Randy Lamastus, Pat Wilson
Jeff and Barbara Goldsmith, Paul and Judy Gray, George and Lorna Horishny, Mary Jo Johnson, Rev. Carol Owen, Gary and Mary Helen Riney, Mike and Meg Synk John Howard, Mary Lyne Polly Mouser, Ann Wilson Leon Donahue Karen Beavers, Sheila Clark, Joyce Firenza, Suzanne Gochenouer Bob and Marilyn Beam, Carlene Braun, Jacinta Garinger, Jean Gutierrez, Ola Higdon, Carol Jo Hogan, Louise Leasor, Mildred McDowell, Coreen Moore, Gustavo and Charlotte Paez, Jody Ziegler Carol Alvey, Ed and Gloria Cecil, Mary Jo Dodson, Violet Hamilton, Carol Hill, Gary and Serafina Mesnier, Don and Marlene Monaghan, Teen Robinette, Sara Scully, Brenda Semar
May 2008
Associate Update
In Loving Memory... Agnes Elizabeth Catherine Stenger Fluech, OSUA, 87, died March 17. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo., where she was organist for 40 years. She is survived Agnes Fluech receives her associate pin by a daughter, Sister from Sister Mary Sheila Higdon in 1998. Clara Ann Fluech OP, a Dominican sister, and sons Joseph, John, James and Edward. A native of Glennonville, Mo., and the oldest of 16 children, Agnes and Joe Fluech were married for 63 years. Known as a caring person, Agnes wrote: “I’m proud to be an associate! I love the sisters of Maple Mount. They taught me a lot.” SISTER EILEEN MULLEN, OSU, 95, died March 12 in her 78th year of religious life. A native of Fortuna, N.D., she was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Ill., before they merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2005. Sister Eileen was an educator for more than 50 years in Illinois, Missouri, and Sister Eileen North Dakota. Survivors include a sister, Mullen Ruth Gunsolley of Salado, Texas, nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community. SISTER CHARLESINE BOWLING, OSU, 96, died April 3 in her 77th year of religious life. A native of Athertonville in LaRue County, she taught in Kentucky and Nebraska. She served for over 40 years as a teacher and principal in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Three siblings were Sisters of Loretto, and Sister Charlesine one brother became a priest. Survivors Bowling include nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community. Both sisters came from families of eight children. Gifts in memory of the sisters may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
’ Put yourself humbly under the protection of His mighty hand. - Seventh Counsel
Saint Angela Merici
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A remembrance of Willia Bloemer Ursuline Associate 1995 – 2005
From Willia Bloemer’s associate file: “I was a Baptist before marriage. My grandfather was a Baptist preacher. After marriage, I inquired of his parents where they went every Sunday morning. His Mom said, ‘We go to Mass.’ I asked if my husband was supposed to go. His mother said,‘Yes, but he doesn’t anymore.’ I said, ‘We’ll see about that!’ “The very next Sunday I got my husband up and we went to Mass. I had never stepped foot within a Catholic Church before, and when my husband genuflected, I fell right over the top of him! Recovering from that, I found myself jumping up and down a lot, but when the Host was elevated, the Lord told me that was what I was to believe. I was told to become a Catholic. I knew instantly what I had to do. “The very next day I went to St. Cecilia’s and was greeted at the rectory door by the newly ordained assistant, Father Francis R. Cotton, who instructed me. It was during that time that I realized I had the gift of prophecy, and even though Father thought I was nuts, I told him that one day he would be a Bishop. (He became the first bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro in 1937 and served in that capacity until 1960.)We remained friends until his death.” A remembrance by Sister Mary Lois Speaks: Sister Mary Lois, a former director of associates, met Willia, then 89, in 1994. “She still had a very active, alert mind, was refreshingly opinionated…and exuded confidence and authority. Her spiritual depth was amazing, and her prayer life was inspirational. Her appearance was diminutive, but her presence was powerful!” As a lifetime associate, Willia wrote: “I returned to my roots as a Bloemer to keep connected with the delightful MSJ Sisters. They taught my children at St. Barth’s, and I did laundry for them. I’ve loved MSJ all these years and want to join my prayers to yours for the Glory of God.” Note: Willia Poore was married to Victor J. Bloemer, a relative of Mother Augustine Bloemer, the first mother superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Willia died in Louisville in December 2005 at the age of 100.
We Extend Deepest Sympathy To:
• Sister Francis Louise Johnson, whose nephew, Richard Jackson, died March 12 in California. • Ruth Metschuleit, OSUA, whose mother-in-law died March 11 in Kankakee, Ill. • Sister Luisa Bickett, whose great-nephew, Robert Anthony Bickett, died March 21 in Owensboro. • Ann Wilson, OSUA, whose son, Steve, died March 3.
Upcoming Events,,, • May 17-18 – Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Weekend • May 25 – Sisters Reunion in Nebraska • May 31- Serenity Retreat: Restoring Inner Health, Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center • June 10-12 – Icons: Window to Joseph and Mary Retreat, Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center • June 13-15 – Landscape Painting En Plein Air, Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center • June 18 – Muhlenberg County Associates Meeting, Central City, 6 p.m. • June 23 – Owensboro Associates host Shrine Meditation Walk and Picnic at Mount, 5 p.m. • July 19 – ASSOCIATES & SISTERS DAY • July 20-27 – Centering Prayer Retreat, Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center • Sept. 7 – Mount Saint Joseph Annual Picnic • Sept. 21 – Owensboro Associates Meeting, 5 p.m.
See The Face of Poverty in Our World Immersion Experiences for Sisters and Associates
Step away from life as you know it.
May 30-31 Louisville - Sister Grace Simpson June 5-7
Memphis - Sister Maureen Griner, Associate Judy Gray
June 19-21 Owensboro - Sister Suzanne Sims June 24-25 Ballard County, Ky.
Sister Alicia Coomes, Sister Teresa Riley, Associates John and Elaine Wood
June 27-28 Mount Saint Joseph
Sister Suzanne Sims, Sister Maureen Griner
Would you like to attend? Questions? Contact the Associate Office:
270-229-2006
associates@maplemount.org