May 2009
VOL. XIV, NO. 4
Angela to ‘set us alight’ on Associates and Sisters Day By Mary-Cabrini Durkin
ASSOCIATES DAY 2008 – LEFT: Sister Clarence Marie Luckett, left, visits with Jean Gutierrez, of Clarkson, Ky. BELOW: Gloria Adams, left, of Hawesville, Ky., and Sister Clara Reid talk in the gym.
In many circles, the Ursuline family has rippled out from its Christ-center. Saint Angela Merici shaped it this way, centered it on Him, and gave it the impetus that has spread across centuries and continents. Thanks to the invitation of Sister Marietta Wethington and Marian Bennett, I will rejoice to share the energy in your circle on June 27. Congratulations to the Ursuline Sisters and Associates for your 25 years of sharing! Having celebrated your past and present, in June you will be “Celebrating the Future.” What a bold title for your day together! It suggests the energy that you find in your association with each other. Sister Marietta and Marian have asked me to lead a day of prayerful reflection on June 27. I rely on several other persons to help us all experience a fruitful day together: the Holy Spirit, Angela Merici, and you. • Please join me, beginning now, in asking the Holy Spirit to guide my preparation. May She open all of us in mind, heart, and spirit to the wind and the fire that She wishes to blow and to kindle among us. • As we follow in the footsteps of Angela Merici, I hope that we will find in her relationships with God and with others a model for our own ever-deeper intimacy with God and service to others. • In communal mathematics, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. Your presence to one another, your sharing of ideas, inspirations, and prayer will help the Spirit warm coals into flame. You notice the “fire” imagery in those words. In preparing my own remarks for that day, I have looked to the description given by Gabriele Cozzano, Angela’s right-hand-man, who knew her so well. He said that she was “... like a sun that gave light to all the others. She was like a fire, a conflagration of love, that set them “Celebrating the Future” alight. She was like a throne for God, which with Mary-Cabrini Durkin, author of instructed them.” -My hope for our time “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart” together is that we may allow Angela to set us alight. Mary-Cabrini Durkin belongs to the Company of Saint What does that have to do with the future? Ursula in the United States. A writer, editor, and civic Clearly, Angela’s foundation grew out of this activist, she lives in Cincinnati. central relationship. It had a future. Our past NEW: See registration form on back cover! and present are part of her future. Could she (Please note that registration forms will not be mailed separately this year.) have imagined in 1535 how this part of her Or register online: www.ursulinesmsj.org/associates future would look? Certainly not! Can we Or call 270-229-2006 or e-mail associates@maplemount.org
Associates & Sisters Day is Saturday, June 27
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Associate Update
Associates and Sisters Day Schedule Saturday, June 27, 2009 8:45 a.m. Registration, Mount Saint Joseph Gym 9:00 a.m. Welcome/Introductions/OpeningPrayer 9:30 a.m. Presentation by Mary-Cabrini Durkin “Associates and Sisters Celebrate the Future” Noon Lunch, Motherhouse Dining Room 1:15 p.m. Presentation continues 4:00 p.m. Liturgy and Commitment Ceremony Stay up-to-date on Mount Saint Joseph Ursuline news and events with The Pilgrimage, our NEW monthly e-newsletter! If you would like to receive The Pilgrimage, send your name and e-mail address to info@maplemount.org
ANGELA
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envision the next part of her future? Probably not! But we can cultivate and share that same energy and catalyze its release into today and tomorrow. Centering ourselves as she did, sharing with each other out of that center — that’s what I hope we will be able to do together on June 27. Thank you for the invitation to “Celebrating the Future.” .................................... Mary-Cabrini Durkin is a member of the Company of Saint Ursula. She is a writer and editor. With her sister she is co-author of “Jubilee Journal: A Workbook of Forgiving for the Millennium.” Among her other published works are “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart: The Rule, the Way;” “Follow the Spirit: Angela Merici and the Ursulines,” “St. Angela Merici: God’s Shining Star” (for children), “Ours: Jesuit Portraits,” and other religious and historical works, biographies, poetry, articles, and translations. During 41 very happy years as an Ursuline of Cincinnati, Mary-Cabrini taught at St. Ursula Academy (a high school). She lives in Cincinnati and is involved in an urban neighborhood. The volunteer work closest to her heart is with Bread for the World,
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Annual Save the date! Mount Saint Joseph Picnic to benefitretiredUrsulineSistersisSunday,Sept.13. Volunteersneeded!Call270-229-4103ext.278 Support the Ursuline Sisters... Donate online with PayPal! www.ursulinesmsj.org
May 2009
Letter from the director... Dear Ursuline Associates and Friends, Our 25th anniversary year is nearing its end. We’ve celebrated our past – the heritage of Saint Angela Merici and Mount Saint Joseph. We’ve celebrated the present – the ministries of nurturing women and children, working together for God’s glory. We’ve enjoyed the Angela Merici retreat, “Listening to God in Everyday Life,”and plans are underway for us to make a difference with A Day of Caring. Now we look forward to June 27 when we will celebrate the future. Mary-Cabrini Durkin, author of many books and articles including “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart,” will be our featured speaker. We will celebrate 25 years of blessing and accomplishment and look forward to a bright future of mission to the world!!! Our Mount Saint Joseph Web site continues to grow and expand. Even if you can’t travel to the Mount this year, be sure to check it for a peek at the many ways Angela’s spirit lives in today’s world. There’s even a special section for our young readers. Go to ursulinesmsj.org and enjoy! I join my prayers with yours, Mrs. Marian Bennett 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 Communications/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski Communications/Web Site: Tiffany Orth ASSOCIATE MISSION STATEMENT
W
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 2009
Associate Update
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What one associate can do: Find out where your light will shine
By Carol Jo Hogan, OSUA
LEFT: Parc
Provence in Finding a place to begin my Creve Coeur, journey with Our Lady’s Inn takes Mo., a facility for a rewind of my life during some dementia patients overwhelming times. Jack, my former husband, bottomed out in his alcohol RIGHT: addiction, and was hospitalized and Our Lady’s Inn in St. Louis, a eventually put in a 28-day rehab shelter for homeless pregnant women. There is also a location in program. Since Jack had lost his St. Charles County, Mo. job, I left my theater job to find a “real job.” Carol Jo Hogan dementia patients. I knew I would find the job speaks at the 2003 My job in Activities (We offer 103 activities a day) is Associates and Sisters where God needed and wanted to enter the world of our residents with dance, music, art, Day at Maple Mount. me in our St. Louis diocesan drama, golf, gardening, prayer, books, photos, costumes, newspaper, and as God does – He basketball, fish, birds, wherever their interests are. provided a “Help Wanted” ad from Our Lady’s Inn. I work in a house called Rose Garden, which has Our Lady’s Inn is a shelter for homeless pregnant residents in late to end state. So many of our residents women over 18 years old. It has been an amazing light have zero verbal skills, and are in wheelchairs, yet they for life – for 27 years in St. Louis and four years in St. can (and do) smile, laugh, clap, tap their feet, etc. These Charles County. moments of connection are our daily miracles and the joy I worked at the St. Louis shelter until I had surgery of our hearts. to replace my hip, and was asked by the director to I am thrilled to be part of a place that understands and consider coming to OLI West in St. Charles as the reaches for the dignity and uniqueness of each spirit and “House mom.” I was overwhelmed with the miraculous respects their ability to express it – even when disease offer – because it was a way God offered me a place has claimed some areas of “normal” to live rent-free, while serving His If we look for Him in all... expression. The peace, care, support, people. I moved to OLI West in love, and health care our residents June 2007, and filed for bankruptcy He is alive. are surrounded by is constant and and divorce that year, after 39 years indeed miraculous! The families of our residents are in of marriage. Yet I never for a moment doubted that the awe as they see their loved one dance, golf, garden, pet Lord was at my side strengthening, caring, loving, and a dog, giggle at a joke, or make an art project. To see the pointing me toward His plan for me. families realize their loved one is not gone – just changed Working at OLI till mid-September 2007, I realized – is a true blessing. (with great direction from others who had walked the I consider myself beyond blessed that God has called same path) that working here and living here was not a me to celebrate both points of life: the development balanced situation. So I embraced my house mother title during pregnancy and delivery of a new life as I see at and was on-call every night from 10 p.m. – 8 a.m. – in OLI – and the celebration of what truly lies with the spirit case the night staff needed help in an emergency – but as our residents journey in the last months of their lives. found another place to pour my talents and gifts into I witness every day that God blesses, embraces, and – and receive a paycheck. rejoices in all stages of life. He is with us from conception I was so blessed to be part of OLI’s program to help till He calls us home to Him. He will never abandon us homeless moms find a healthy path to a new life. We – even when the world (through life’s challenges) seems offer classes on parenting, sexual integrity, self worth, to have become impossible. finances; GED help; jobs for every resident; Bible study; If we look for Him in all – the eyes of a frightened prayer time; transportation; a clean room to live in; food, homeless woman, the giggle of a man who has forgotten clothes, etc. Each staff member – as well as our amazing his name, the soft touch of a woman holding a baby doll volunteers – reinforce that our God loves and respects calling it her daughter’s name – He is alive, He is caring, life. We are focused on His call to set His captives free and He is loving! How blessed we are to be part of His – one woman, one baby, one family – at a time. kingdom. I thank God for all He has called me to be part So where does the Lord open the next door for me? of, and pray you all are rejoicing in your ministries. You I was led to an amazing place in Creve Coeur, Mo., are needed, you are appreciated, you are loved. n called Parc Provence, a residential facility dedicated to
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Associate Update / M
Stella McClure of Leitchfield, Ky., an Ursuline Associate, was the lucky winner when the Ursuline Quilt Club held its raffle drawing in March. She posed with her new quilt in Saint Angela Hall.
LEFT: Sister Catherine Barber, left, and Director of Development Debra Noble, right, look over crafts made by Sister Mildred Katzer, center, during a visit to Paola, Kan. A group from Maple Mount, including Marian Bennett, visited Paola March 30-April 2.
Muhlenberg County Associates met March 18: Pictured, l Simpson, Judy Sims, Fr. Ben Luther, Elenita McConnell, D Busick, Dr. Valentino Simpao, Paul Parker, Wanda Rickard Connie Clemons, Sister Rose Theresa Johnson.
RIGHT: Associate Jody Ziegler, center, enjoys the company of Sister Francis Louise Johnson, left, and Sister Jean Madeline Peake, right, at the Feb. 27-March 1 Women’s Retreat at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.
Louisville Associates Met March 21: Louisville: Seated: A Marilyn Beam. Standing: Marian Bennett, Sister Marietta Intravia, Susan Scott, Sister Maureen O’Neill, Pauline Goe
Photo taken by John Mark Willcox
LEFT – Sister Carol Shively, OSU, (front row, far right) an second from far right) an Ursuline Associate, were among Shreveport Mass for Consecrated Life on Feb. 8. The Mass John Berchmans in Shreveport, La., honored those who ha The photo was published in the March 2009 issue of “Cath the Diocese of Shreveport. Sister Carol is superintendent o associate superintendent for child nutrition and curriculum
May 2009
left to right (Associates and guests): Jean Don Monaghan, Marlene Monaghan, Brenda d, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, Laura Smith,
Associates Lorraine Luken, Susan Reiss, Wethington, Sandra Jull, Sister Michele ebel, Suzanne Reiss
nd Sister Ann Middlebrooks, SEC, (front row, those honored at the first ever Diocese of s, which took place at the Cathedral of St. ave dedicated their lives to serving the church. holic Connection,” the monthly magazine for of schools for the Diocese, while Sister Ann is m.
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Being a Male Associate – Macho or not? By John Little, OSUA
Several months back, I had just finished working out at the local YMCA. There were two other men in the locker room, and as I was getting dressed, we started talking about what we were going to do that weekend. One of the men said he was taking his kids to the ballgame (macho). The other guy said he was working on building a deck in his backyard (very macho). They then asked what I was doing and I responded that I was going to Mount Saint Joseph for a gathering of the Ursuline Associates. They kind of stared at me and I said, “It’s a long story.” My male ego took a hit at that moment. Being an Ursuline Associate really doesn’t seem to be that macho of an activity, and it doesn’t seem to be something you would brag about to other guys. As the months have passed, I’ve thought about this question a lot – is being an Ursuline Associate macho? Should a man join such a group? After much deliberation, I’ve come to the conclusion that it may be the most macho thing I do. Being an Ursuline Associate is simply following the teachings of Saint Angela, who stressed that the strong should assist the weak. She emphasized that we should follow the life of Jesus (the man among men). We are to protect those who cannot protect themselves. We are to lift up those who have fallen. We are to be strong in our own faith so that others may gain strength from us. My father was an amateur boxer and drill sergeant in the Army. He was as macho as they come. What Angela taught her community and what he taught me as a child are the same. A “real man” uses the strength God has given him to help others. Yes, there is one major challenge to being a male Ursuline Associate. There are a few places in the Mount Saint Joseph complex where finding a men’s room is next to impossible. The place was not built with men in mind. What is no longer a question in my mind is that being an Ursuline Associate is a very “manly” activity. I am proud of my connection with the sisters and the other laity who are a part of the program. I would highly recommend to any man that he join and become an active member. It really is something you can brag about to the other guys!!!
What is a Day of Caring?
A Day of
Choose a project to aid your family, your Caring church, your community in the spirit of Saint Angela. Pray together...Work as a group or individually...Complete your project by June 1, 2009 BE SURE TO TAKE PICTURES E-mail them to associates@maplemount.org Photo presentation at Associates & Sisters Day June 27 NEED SOME IDEAS? Check out the MSJ Web site: ursulinesmsj.org/associates Make the world a better place, one associate and sister at a time! Join the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in their ministry of nurturing women and children
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Associate Update
May2009
Associates’ Special Days to Remember July Birthdays 2 Ione Deken, Sara Scully June Birthdays 2 Gary Mesnier, Lois Nunnaly 3 Ruby White 4 Connie Del Muro, Lina Trujillo, Gertrude Tyrala 5 Nettie Castle, Paula Graves 6 Jeff Goldsmith, Martha Little, Mildred Shrewsbury 8 Ann Collins 10 Bobby Joe Christian, Carol Jo Hogan, Ramona McConnell 16 Martha Ann Matthews 17 Juanita Haskins, Pat Sullivan, Cletus Weidenbenner 19 Anna Dye 20 Rebecca Leonard 21 Helen Pfeiffer 22 Jean Grant, Jim Wilkus 24 Jo Morelli, Fr. John Vaughan 26 Perla Pike 27 Phil Dees, Elenita McConnell, Suzanne Reiss 28 Tony Butel, Dee Carroll, Mike Gray, Raynell Prado 29 Grace Dell Aquila, Nannette Krasovic, Carolyn Panchyshyn
4 Donna Karcher, Helen Miles 5 Lela Buettmann, June Fowler, Janice Lawless 6 Philomena Bollinger, David Henderson, Christopher Walls 7 Barbara Boatner 8 Sherry Duer, Fr. Tony Shonis 9 Shirley Eckert, Mary Jo Johnson 10 Harriet Jack, Mary Lowry 11 Fr. Carl McCarthy 13 Loraine Hardy, Gloria O’Hara, Don Speaks 15 Carol Pace 16 Mary Danhauer, Chico Irizarry, Daughn O’Neill, Ernestine Sanders, Mary Sandlin 17 Jean Dowdy, Ann Leonard 19 Julie Holt, Trudy Peak, Jean Simpson, Debbie Vogel 20 Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC, Fr. Joe Nangle 22 Judy Krese 23 Raymond Morelli 24 Larry Denton 25 Suzanne Gochenouer 27 Sarah Bowling 30 Marjorie Cook 31 Gloria Adams, Theresa Caffey, Michael Conley, Debby Ludwig, Lorraine Luken, Gustavo Paez, Marilyn Paul
August Birthdays 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 12 15 16 17 18 21 24 25 27 28 31
Sandy Luz, Marilyn Mischlich Dale Holt Bob Beam, Jim Wilson Barbara Goldsmith, Betty Medley JoAnn Lynch Dotty Liles Dottie Clark, Stephanie George, Fr. Leo Reinhardt Bob Lawrence, Florence Lyon, Ruth Wright-Welzen Ruth Bittel-Nunez, Bonnie Marks 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, Doris Rommelfanger Joyce York Brenda Busick, Mary Leda Rice Juanita Burke, Marty Darst, Pat Riordan, Joanne Thompson Risë Karr
Lifetime Commitment Anniversaries for all Ursuline Associates can now be found on our Web site: www.ursulinesmsj.org Click Associates, then Lifetime Commitments
Saint Angela Retreats
ABOVE: Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center March 21
New Mexico Feb. 7 – Front: Velma Dees, Sister Sheila Smith, Kathy Pendlely. Back: Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, Dora Sanchez, Sister Sara Marie Gomez, Rose Sena, and Sister Clara Reid
Over 125 Ursuline Associates, Sisters, and friends attended the associate winter retreat, “Angela Merici: Model of Listening to God in Everyday Life,” in nine locations. A tenth retreat in Glennonville, Mo., was postponed due to the January ice storm. An attendee commented,“I can never get enough knowledge of Saint Angela.” Another said, “It bolstered my spirit!”
Paola, Kan. Feb. 14 Sister Marie William Blyth, Paul Gray
THANKS to our presenters! Sister Marie William Blyth Sister Alicia Coomes Velma Dees Sister Darlene Denton Judy and Paul Gray Sister Mary Sheila Higdon Sister Kathleen Kaelin Janet Kuper John and Martha Little Sister Ann McGrew Sister Nancy Murphy Sister Rose Jean Powers Mary Ann Schilling Sister Suzanne Sims Father John Vaughan Sister Mary Matthias Ward Elaine Wood Michael Ziegler
May 2009
Associate Update
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In Loving Memory... Daniel “Dan” Lawless of Overland Park, Kan., 76, died Feb. 18. An active associate of the Paola Ursulines, Dan is survived by his wife, Janice, five children: Jeanne, Debbie, Julie, Diane and Dan Jr., and 12 grandchildren. It’s been said many times that Dan never met a stranger; his infectious humor and ready Dan Lawless friendship warmed any room. He was devoted to his faith and involved in his parish. He served on the board of the Johnson County Serra Club, as well as the Paola associates board. His prayer partner is Sister Helen Smith. Margaret “Peggy” Stenger of St. Louis, Mo., 84, died Feb. 21. She was educated by the Ursuline Sisters and received her BSN degree from St. Louis University. Peggy worked for the U.S. government for nearly 20 years as a registered nurse. After retirement in 1977, she spent many years giving hand and foot Margaret care for the sisters and elderly people in her Stenger neighborhood. Among Peggy’s survivors are her cousins, Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU and Mary Teder, OSUA. She made her lifetime associate on May 2, 1991 with her contact sister, Sister Michael Marie Friedman. Sister Dorothy Marie Willett, 87, died Feb. 4 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 68th year of religious life. She was a native of Waverly, Ky. An educator for 42 years, she had longlasting relationships with former pupils, and inspired some students to enter religious life. She loved to joke among other sisters, and Sister Dorothy tend to those who were ill. She taught in the Marie Willett Diocese of Owensboro, the Archdiocese of Louisville and in Nebraska. She was assistant local superior at the Motherhouse (1985-1989), then provided personal and pastoral care until her retirement in 2001. Survivors include two sisters, Kathleen Dunkel, Englewood, Ohio; and Doris Trapp, Mt. Carmel, Ill.; a brother, Vernon Willett, Evansville, Ind.; nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.
Sister M. Cordelia Spalding, 90, died April 5 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 73rd year of religious life. She was a native of Holy Cross, Ky. She was an educator for 47 years, 42 of those in the Archdiocese of Louisville. She taught in Louisville, Loretto, and Lebanon. She was principal and teacher Sister Cordelia at St. Thomas More School, Paducah, from Spalding 1952-57. From 1957-60, she was director of novices at Mount Saint Joseph. A gifted seamstress, she was a quilter for her community and director of the Ursuline Quilt of the Month Club from 1988 until her retirement in 2002. She loved to garden, cook, and travel to visit her family. Survivors include two sisters, Betty Bowling and Lucy Simpson, and one brother, Leo Spalding, all of Bardstown, Ky.; nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community. Please note: Gifts in memory of an Ursuline Sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Sister Nancy Murphy and Mary Ann Schilling, members of the Associate Advisory Board, discuss items at the board’s April 4 meeting in Paducah. Share your favorite memories of Ursuline Sisters, living or deceased, at Memories with Faithful Friends! Go to www.ursulinesmsj.org/ memories_with_faithful_friends
We Extend Deepest Sympathy To:
• Bruce Blandford, whose mother, Mary Louis Blandford, died Feb. 1 • Mary Jo Johnson, upon the death of her mother, Marjorie Johnson • Sid Mason, whose father, Bill Hewitt, died March 30 • Michael Synk, upon the death of his brother, Fred Synk
’ Leave everything to God to work his wonders at the time which He finds best. - Eighth Counsel
Saint Angela Merici
Mark Your Calendars! Book Study: “Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart,” Brescia University: Tuesdays: May 12 and June 9 (final meeting) Associate meetings: Grayson County: Fridays: May 22, June 26, July 24 Louisville: Saturday, May 16 Muhlenberg County: Wednesdays: May 20, June 17, July 15 Owensboro: Monday, June 22 Paola (Motherhouse): Wednesdays: May 20, June 17, July 15 Paola (Wea): Mondays: May 18, June 15, July 20 Western Kentucky: Friday, Oct. 9 Advisory Board: Saturday, May 30, Friday, June 26 DAYS OF CARING: May 2009 MSJ ALUMNAE WEEKEND: May 16-17 ANNUAL MSJ PICNIC: Sunday, Sept. 13
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REGISTRATION FOR ASSOCIATES & SISTERS DAY
Saturday, June 27, 2009 Name _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City, State, Zip __________________________________ Phone _________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Lodging: I need overnight accommodations for: _____ Friday, June 26 Meals: _____ Supper, Friday, June 26 _____ Breakfast, Saturday, June 26 _____ Lunch, Saturday, June 27 Special dietary needs _________________________________ Please note: There is no charge for this day or for overnight accommodations on Friday, but registration is required.
Return this form by June 1 to: Office of Ursuline Partnerships 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount KY 42356 Or FAX it to: 270-229-4953 Or Register ONLINE at ursulinesmsj.org/associates Questions? 270-229-2006 or associates@maplemount.org