NOVEMBER 2008
VOL. XIV, NO. 2
Angela leads us to new life By Carol O’Keefe, Paola, and Marian Bennett, Maple Mount
Change is often difficult. Newness can be frightening. But change brings new life, new horizons, new inspiration. Since 1912, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have followed Saint Angela Merici’s pilgrim way, reading “the signs of the times,” and acting. On the Feast of Saint Ursula, Oct. 21, 2008, Ursulines stepped out in courage and faith once again, with the merger of the Mount Saint Joseph and Paola, Kan. communities. Ten Ursuline Sisters from Belleville, Ill., arrived in 2005; now 23 Ursuline sisters join us from Paola. So it is with Ursuline Associates. We welcome the bright possibility of 101 new associates from Paola, just as we were blessed by the 33 associates from Belleville who joined us on our journey with Saint Angela. Since 2005, Belleville associates have continued to meet to reflect on Angela’s guidance and inspiration. Led by Sister Dorothy Helbling, they come together to share prayer, reflection and fellowship. In a recent issue of Associate Update, Owensboro associate John Little wrote, “What the Spirit has in store for the future is unknown, but God will lead us to new wonders and opportunities of spreading the vision of Saint Angela and the Good News.” At gatherings in August and October, Paola associates echoed that thought and formulated plans to remain true to the
Among the 30 people who joined Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, far left, for a retreat in Paola, Kan., in October were Dan Lawless, Joanne Thompson, Carol O’Keefe, Dale Holt, and Sister Marie William Blyth.
spirit and charism of Saint Angela by forming small faith communities to pray, share and study Angela. Tony Butel said, “Saint Angela is pointing the sisters and associates to broader opportunities and urges all to trust and pray.” Lisa Reilly agreed. “Things are going to open up for us in ways we can’t even imagine,” she said. Associates and Sisters Day is scheduled for June 27, 2009. On that special day, sisters and associates will gather to renew their relationship of spirit and mission. Associates will join to form a seamless new creation. As we strive to live the Gospel mandate, and as we work to learn from Saint Angela, every day is new and every day is a beginning. We walk together in the Pilgrim Spirit of Angela!
LEFT: Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Chapel, Maple Mount, Ky. RIGHT: Statue of Saint Michael in front of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola Motherhouse, Paola, Kan.