FEBRUARY 2022
VOL. XXVII, NO. 3
Santa Claus pays a visit to the Ursuline Sisters By Dan Heckel, OSUA, and John Wood, OSUA
E
ach December on the Saturday closest to the feast of Saint Nicholas, the Western Kentucky Associates arrive for a party in Saint Joseph Villa at Maple Mount bearing gifts and an abundance of smiles for the Sisters. Even Santa Claus himself has been known to make an appearance – although never when Associate John Wood is around, for some reason. With Covid cases on the rise in December 2021, the Associates had to tone down their festivities. The Associates still distributed poinsettias, crocheted blankets and goody bags for the Sisters. Let’s let Santa himself describe how the day went, as he dictated to Associate John Wood: “Santa has got to go!” Mrs. Claus said on the morning of Dec. 3. That afternoon was to be our sleigh ride to the Mount in
Left to right: 1) Western Kentucky Associate Risë Karr organizes gift wagons for the Saint Nicholas Day celebration in Saint Joseph Villa on Dec. 4, 2021. 2) Western Kentucky Associates Betty Boren, right, and Santa Claus (perhaps John Wood), share gifts with Sister Marie Julie Fecher. 3) Western Kentucky Associates, from left, Mike Sullivan, Sid Mason, Risë Karr, John “Santa Claus” Wood and Betty Boren prepare gifts to share with the Sisters.
preparation for the Western Kentucky Associates' annual Santa Claus visit to the Sisters in the Villa. Mrs. Claus woke up with a hurting back and thought the sleigh ride might be too much. But she was explicit, “Santa has got to go!” Santa knows that Mrs. Claus is the boss. I loaded my sleigh and headed to the Mount. Oh, and Mrs. Claus told me to tell all the Sisters that she misses and loves them and to have a Merry Christmas! I arrived late afternoon at the Mount, (made the sleigh invisible) and met with fellow Western Kentucky Associates Betty Boren, Risë Karr, Sid Mason, Mike Sullivan and John Wood to spend the evening preparing the variety of gifts donated by the Associates. We enjoyed our annual gathering of laughter, obnoxious kidding and sharing while getting everything ready.
As you know, our visit this year was very different from the past years. Because of the Covid guidelines, we could not meet in the Rainbow Room. We had to deliver the gifts to the individuals in their rooms. And what a joyful, fun experience that turned out to be. Here we were processing down the hallways with Sisters Alicia and Cecelia Joseph. Christmas music with a cart loaded with gifts and elves in line to be Santa's helpers (the best!). As we stopped at each doorway with a “Ho, Ho, Ho,” we entered Continued on page 3
Page 2
Do you volunteer? Let us know Happy New Year! Another year has arrived, and we are now into 2022. I remember when I was in grade school the teacher asked us to write an essay, “What Do You Think it Will Be Like in the Year 2000?” Mine talked about flying electric cars, moving walkways, robot maids, etc., just like the Jetsons. Well, I got a couple of things right. As we begin this new year, let’s think about how we move forward in the Associate program. How can we continue building our relationships with the Ursuline Sisters’ community at Mount Saint Joseph and in our own communities? Going out into our community helping in any manner we can is a great way to begin. Some examples might be serving at a soup kitchen, helping at the International Centers for the new refugees coming into your areas, or even bringing items to the shelters to help those who are homeless meet their personal hygiene needs. The Owensboro Associate group has been volunteering at a church soup kitchen on Wednesday evenings, and it has been a very uplifting experience. The words of thanks and appreciation from each of the people who have just eaten a warm meal is such a blessing to me. If your group is doing any type of service in your community, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you! Blessings to all!
Doreen Abbott, OSUA
Coordinator 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 Website: ursulinesmsj.org Email: associates.msj@maplemount.org Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships: Doreen Abbott, OSUA Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA Director of Development: Carol Braden-Clarke Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Mary McDermott, OSU
ASSOCIATE PURPOSE 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.
Dear Associates, We hope you are doing well. It seems that Covid just does not want to leave us alone. Many people continue to ask us to pray for those who are affected by the virus. We pray each day for them and for you. Hopefully, it will be gone by the time we want to come together this summer. It will be wonderful to see you again. Please continue to pray for us as we work through the deconstruction of our building. This is very difficult for us. We are moving the museum items to storage and are working on some possibilities for housing them in the future. Just keep all of this in prayer, please. God bless you.
Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU
Congregational Leader Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Father Larry will be keynote for June 25th Associates Day The Rev. Larry Hostetter, president of Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., and an Ursuline Associate, will be the keynote speaker at Associates and Sisters Day on June 25, 2022. Father Larry will speak about the university’s new Caritas Center and the theology of caritas. Sacred Scriptures along with classic and contemporary texts of the Catholic intellectual tradition integrate the vision of love expressed by Jesus Christ and his mandate: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” (John 15:12). Three themes associated with caritas are identity, knowledge and action. Father will guide listeners to: Discover the vocation to love through greater self-knowledge, Explore the meaning of love through Christian heroes and saints, theology, and Christian ethics/ Catholic Social Teaching and, Put love into action through service, prayer, worship and community-building efforts. Father Larry became an Associate in 2014, with Sister Sharon Sullivan as his contact. We’ll share more details about Associates and Sisters Day, including a schedule, in the May edition of Update.
Reflective Moments Moments Reflective
Page 3
Beware of hardening our hearts
By Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU
As I was preparing to write this reflection, a line from Psalm 95 kept rambling around in my head. I’m not sure why. The line is, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.” I asked myself: What is a hardened heart? Do I have a hardened heart? What causes a hardened heart? Pope Francis wrote that this particular passage reminds us of the parental tenderness of God that calls sinners to come to God. We are all sinners. We each have a piece of hardness in our hearts. That hardness could have come from a painful experience, maybe even from childhood. It could come from rejection by a family member, a close friend or from a coworker.
SANTA
Sometimes people with hardened hearts are closed in on themselves and have no regard for others. It seems to me that a hardened heart is one that is cold, insensitive, unyielding and unfeeling. Someone with a hardened heart is spiritually deaf and blind. Where do I find those things in my life? What do I want to do about them? A hardened heart may be characterized by fear, restlessness and insecurity. We might ask ourselves: Do I live in fear? Am I restless? Insecure? Saint Angela, in her prayer, asks God to light up the darkness of her heart. She wants to see those places of hardness within. Am I able to pray that same prayer? Do I really want to know what is in my heart? If I see my hardness, will I
have the courage to do something about it? There is another scripture passage that speaks of hardness of heart. This one comes from the prophet Ezekiel and gives us a great promise from God: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Yes, our God is a loving God who cares for us and will take away any hardness in our hearts. We only have to say yes. Reflection: Go with Angela to the feet of Jesus and ask for eyes that will see any hardness in your heart and for courage to allow God to change the hardness into love.
from front
the room and were met by smiling faces, twinkling eyes and clapping hands. It just made our day! And to have that repeated at every room was a truly joyful new MSJ experience. And Sisters, if you contact Mrs. Claus for any reason, please tell her I did pass on her Christmas message. Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa wanted to say that John and Elaine Wood have a long history with Ursuline Sisters dating back to 1947, when they attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School in Bonne Terre, Mo. They were taught well about their Catholic faith as well as all the academic skills they would use throughout their lives. “It was such a joy for us when we moved to western Kentucky in 1969 and at St. Mary Parish in LaCenter, where the Ursuline Sisters from Mount Saint Joseph visited every summer to teach religion classes to the children,” John Wood said. “That’s how we were eventually introduced to the Mount Saint Joseph Associates. It has been a joy! "Thank You Sisters for your dedication, prayers and counseling over the years. Looking forward to Christmas 2022.” n
Owensboro Associates paused for a photo after their Jan. 18 meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall. Front row, from left: Susie Westerfield, Donna Favors, Marian Bennett and Debbie Lanham; Back row: Delores Turnage, Doreen Abbott, Jennifer Kaminski, John Little and Martha Little. Dan Heckel took the photo. (Everyone wore masks during the meeting!)
2022 Women's Retreat: "Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit," led by Sister Cheryl Clemons, Ph.D., will take place Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Mount Saint Joseph Auditorium. Find out more at ursulinesmsj. org/living-in-the-power/ or call 270-229-0206.
Page 4
Charlotte walks in Angela's footsteps By Associate Suzanne Reiss
C
harlotte Paez is originally from Harahan, La. She met Gustavo Paez while they were attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and 42 years ago they married. After his graduation from LSU, Charlotte moved to Venezuela with her husband. Charlotte did not know the language and began a steep learning curve. However, over 14 years she became quite fluent in the language and culture. Over time, she and Gustavo were blessed with four daughters. Due to shifting economic times the Paez family returned to the United States. Their journey to Kentucky started when Gustavo got a job with Perdue Farms, and they moved to Beaver Dam. It was there that Charlotte began her relationship with the Ursulines. Through her work at Centro Latino, she met Sister Rosemary Keough and Sister Fran Wilhelm. The Paez family parish was Holy Redeemer in Beaver Dam, and there they met Sister Luisa Bickett. Charlotte was inspired by these women and their tireless commitment to reach out and do anything and everything they were asked. Sister Fran told Charlotte that having a second language was a gift from God. However, that gift is wasted if you do not use it to reach out and benefit others. Much like the gospel of the “talents,” you can’t just bury those talents, they must be invested and used. That is exactly what Charlotte has done. It is also those Sisters who invited Charlotte to become an Ursuline Associate. Given Charlotte’s strong commitment to family, she approached Gustavo and they decided this would be a journey they would travel together. They became Associates in 2001. While working in Owensboro at the Kentucky Cancer Program, Charlotte immersed herself in volunteer work and helping out at Centro Latino. She became involved in her church community at Holy Redeemer. She and Gustavo were tireless at MSJ picnics, thoroughly enjoying working in the Yard Sale booth. She was the leader of the Associate jail ministry in Owensboro. Since Charlotte began her job in 1998, she has used her bilingual talents to reach out to the Hispanic community through translation, interpretation and program presentations. Gustavo’s work brought the Paez family to Louisville in 2016. Charlotte was able to remain with the cancer program in the Louisville office. Charlotte and Gustavo share their home with Gustavo’s
mother, who is 98 and speaks very little English. Charlotte’s mother was a recent victim of Hurricane Ida in LaPlace, La., and her home was heavily damaged. She, too, came to Charlotte Paez Louisville to spend time with the Paez family. While in Louisville, Charlotte’s mom was diagnosed with a reappearance of breast cancer. All these things plus Covid have presented tremendous challenges for Charlotte’s family. But Charlotte’s philosophy is: “It is not easy but that is what we are called to do.” Angela guides us to be where we are needed. In her First Counsel, she states: “Think of yourselves as being servants and helpers, with greater need of serving them than they have of being served or governed by you.” Charlotte embraces family and works continuously to be a positive influence through her job. Her local church, St. Paul, is trying to “come back” from the death of two pastors in the past year and the struggles presented due to Covid. Charlotte has rejoined the choir and recently participated in a Christmas Choir concert: “When We Needed a King.” She was hoping to spread a bit of joy, hope and peace to the parish community through the beautiful message of our Lord’s birth. She is also a regular participant in weekly adoration. Their family does “Family Sunday” (Covid permitting). Charlotte, Gustavo, his mother and their daughters and grandchildren meet at the Paez home for a meal. It keeps them connected and close, in good times and difficulties. Charlotte commented that when she was in Owensboro near the Ursulines, “it was easy to walk in Angela’s shoes. There were opportunities at every turn to not only have a contemplative life but to volunteer, participate, act, and make a difference.” She said since she has been in Louisville it is more difficult. But Charlotte said she has internalized much of Angela’s teachings. Her relationship with Angela is currently more spiritual in nature. There are specific prayers she offers daily for various groups and individuals. She is embracing the call from her church parish to help reach out and revitalize people’s interest in the church community. Charlotte said, “Walking in Angela’s footsteps is different these days, but it is still a journey I embrace daily.”
Page 5
Associates finding ways to serve even amid the pandemic
A handful of Associates are trying to sneak past Covid-19 while its back is turned and do some outreach ministry. In Owensboro, Sister Pam Mueller alerted Associates to the Feed a Friend soup kitchen at Unity Fellowship Church. The church, just a block away from Brescia University where Sister Pam is Associate Doreen Abbott Associate Sam the director of Campus Ministry, provides washes dishes during Abbott prepares to the Unity Fellowship wash a tray during a meal to the needy on Wednesdays and Associate Dan Heckel and his Church meal in wife, Sherri, prepare to serve at the Wednesday, Fridays. Brescia students and Sister Pam Owensboro on Jan. 5. Jan. 5 evening meal. the Unity Fellowship “Feed a serve food and clean up on Fridays, but Friend” kitchen on Jan. 5. the church was lacking volunteers on Wednesdays. Owensboro Associates Sam and Doreen Abbott, Debbie Lanham and Dan Heckel – along with their spouses Kenny Lanham and Sherri Heckel – are serving the Wednesday night meal and the clean up afterward. Everyone involved finds the experience rewarding and time well spent. More Associates are welcome to join. Many Associates are understandably being thwarted in their desires to serve due to concerns over Covid. Hopefully, this pandemic will be over this year and we can return to spreading Angela’s teachings through actions in 2022 Associate Commitment Anniversaries our communities. Philomena Bollinger Cecilia McEldowney Kathi Skidd 40 YEARS (1982) If you are finding ways Betty Medley-Wallace Elizabeth Curtin Joyce York to serve in your community, 5 YEARS (2017) Ruth Mesnier Shirley Eckert 35 YEARS (1987) please let Doreen Abbott Samuel Abbott Fr. Tony Shonis Wilma Howard Fr. Ed Bradley know. She can be reached at Erica Cabezas Bobby Jo Smyth Therese Lawson Margaret Brasuel Catalina Contreras doreen.abbott@maplemount. Joanne Thompson Fr. Freddie Byrd 25 YEARS (1997) Jeannette Contreras org or 270-229-2006. n Jean Vanderheiden
Associate Father Ray Goetz, the chaplain for the Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse, empties black walnuts into buckets on the back of his cart on Nov. 10, 2021. He was using a nut roller to gather walnuts in the Mount Park to be sold or utilized in meals in the dining room. With the help of the visiting Vietnamese Sisters on campus, an estimated 1,000 pounds of walnuts were harvested.
Margaret Chavez Maribeth Clancy Loni Daniels Joan DeBauge Mike Inyart Janet Kuper Linda Lattus Bonnie Marks Janet Matyk Irene Quigley Brett Stallings Mike Synk Donna Szurgot Margaret Tasaka Marilyn Terry Barbara Weidenbenner Lucille Weidenbenner
30 YEARS (1992) Bruce Blandford Sheila Blandford
Velma Chavez Lena Dees Phil Dees Jeff Goldsmith Loraine Hardy George Horishny Lorna Horishny Mary Jo Johnson Michael Lemm Patricia McGannon Rev. Carol Owen Mary Riney Meg Synk
20 YEARS (2002)
Marian Bennett Sheila Clark Karen Feehan Joyce Firenza Suzanne Gochenouer Karen Howard
15 YEARS (2007) Brenda Busick Gail Davenport Stephanie George Mary Hartz Fr. Carl McCarthy Eddie Prunty Melinda Prunty Susan Reiss Suzanne Reiss Fr. Jerry Riney Judy Sims Marcia Stoller Elaine Wood John Wood
10 YEARS (2012) Michelle Hayes Diann Jenkins Jennifer Kaminski
Luisa Espinosa Donna Favors Mercedes Filipi Rosa González Kim Haire Clarina Henríquez Sandra Herrera Mary Justice Maria Erica Lorca Gabriela Mora Mercedes O’Campo Claudio Olea Guadalupe Pantoja Jose Pérez Esterlinda Santana Delores Turnage Karen Wells Susie Westerfield Pat Wilson Tina Wolken
Page 6
Three Kings Project aims to bring hope to tornado victims
1 María Erica Lorca 2 Shearon Harris Diane Wilson Doris Wilson 4 Jennifer Kaminski DeAnne Schmidt 5 Stella McClure 6 Cheryl Boardman Mike Inyart 7 George Horishny 9 Mercedes O'Campo 10 Chris Denniston 11 Margaret Birge Marian Pusey 12 Velma Dees
14 15 18 19 20 21 23 25 28 31
2 3 4 5 6 8 9 11 12 14 16
17 Terry Barnes Alisa Clark HAPPY EASTER! 18 John Laker 21 Dennis Reilly Kathi Skidd 24 Fr. Ed Bradley 25 Rev. Patricia Dawkins Doreen Haughton Susan Scott 26 Fr. Larry Hostetter 28 Michael Lemm 29 Michael Ziegler 30 Roxanne Bollin
Martha House Larry Minks Lily Cloughley Joyce Firenza Evelina Salas Marilyn Trechter Marian Bennett Violet Hamilton Wanda Gibson Fr. Brian Johnson Wanda Rickard John Caton Carrie Wieder Lucille Weidenbenner Claudette Ford
1 Karen Howard 4 Murilla Giittinger 6 Jerry Birge 7 Susan Reiss KENTUCKY DERBY! 9 Ruth Wright-Welzen 10 Dee Bechtoldt 11 Clarence Kaiser 12 Sonia Pradenas 14 Loni Daniels Tina Wolken 18 Karen Feehan Michael Synk 19 Carol Hardy
21 22 25
Mary Costello Pauline Goebel Diane Hayden Mike Sullivan Carolyn Porter Florence Wieder Angelina Glomb Marcy Merti Elaine Wood Carlene Braun Marcella Critchelow Jodie Fulkerson Denise Heying Meche Filipi Pam Knudson
Paul Parker Cecilia McEldowney Gail Davenport Loretta Oliver Rose Mary Egli Kevin Karl Amy Payne Judy Sims 26 Sr. Agnes Ijoko 28 Marilyn Katzer Marianna Robinson 30 Rev. Tom Barrett 31 Norma Jean Witten
As families continue to rebuild their lives following the devastating tornadoes of Dec. 10, 2021, the Ursuline Sisters and Associates are adapting a project begun by the Knights of Columbus to offer prayers and emotional support. During Christmastide In the first (Dec. 25 to Jan. 6), the week after requests were Knights of Columbus made for chapter in Louisville began Three Kings the “Three Kings Project.” It cards, Sister sought to emulate the three Martha Magi from the east who Keller received brought gifts to the Holy three Family. Mary, Joseph and cards each Jesus were in a temporary from two shelter. They were joyful, Associates. but surely concerned for their future. The wise men brought them the gift of hope and encouragement. Surely each of us has the ability to lift someone’s spirits. The Three Kings Project asks people to: Write a note, a card or share a children’s drawing to inspire hope and joy. Make three of these cards and address them as either “Dear Brother or Sister,” “Dear Family,” “Dear Friend,” or some other salutation. On the outside of the envelope, write “Three Kings Project.” Initially, these cards were sent to the Knights of Columbus. The Paducah, Ky., chapter forwarded about 30 cards to Ursuline Sister Martha Keller, who has been heading relief efforts through her ministry at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Fancy Farm, near Mayfield, which received the most severe damage. Sister Martha has been handing out the cards to storm victims who she sees are in need of a lift. She is asking all Associates for their help to continue this service to those in need. Do not include gift cards, snacks or small gifts. Just simple thoughts and prayers, letting the people who have lost so much know that they are remembered. Once you’ve completed three cards, place them in a larger envelope and mail to: St. Jerome Catholic Church c/o Sister Martha Keller, P.O. Box 38, Fancy Farm, KY 42039. Whether you sign the cards or provide a return address is up to each individual. It is not essential, but it could lead to developing an ongoing relationship, Sister Martha said. Please consider participating immediately. Sister Martha will likely continue distributing cards until Easter, but the sooner your positive thoughts can be shared, the more hope you can bring to these people who are living day to day.n
In Loving Memory... ALICE T. ALBUS, 89, died May 10, 2018, in Lubbock, Texas. She made her Associate commitment in 1984, with Sister Dorothy Helbling as her contact Sister. Alice was employed as a registered nurse for more than 40 years, mostly at Veterans Administration hospitals. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Survivors include her sisters, Louise M. Albus and Monica Albus (Felix) Macha; and several nieces and nephews. SHIRLEY ANN PALMER, 86, of Baytown, Texas, died July 8, 2021. She made her Associate commitment in 2004, with Sister Ruth Gehres as her contact Sister. She was a woman of tremendous faith. Her favorite activities included baking, travel, dancing, outings in nature, music, planning parties for her beloved family and friends and watching the Rockets and the Astros. Shirley is survived by her spouse of 66 years, Lou Palmer; children Karen (Bill) Dzilsky, Keith Palmer, Kathy (Douglas) Lemman, Karla Palmer, and Kyle Palmer; and three grandchildren. JOHN ALLEN, 89, of Bardstown, Ky., died Nov. 15, 2021. He made his Associate commitment in 1987, with Sister Marie Brenda Vowels as his contact Sister. John was a graduate of the Chicago School of Architecture. He was retired from Tucker and Booker Architects, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he and his wife Therese served on several committees. John is survived by his wife, Associate Therese Osborne Allen; a son, John David (Cyndie) Allen of California; a daughter, Kathy Yvonne (Rick) Phelps of Louisville; and five grandchildren. FLORENCE E. “FLO” LYON, 89, of Wellsville, Kan., died Jan. 20. Flo was the sister of the late Sister Emerentia Wiesner. Both Flo and her husband Elden became Ursuline Associates in 2003, with the late Sister Hildegard Kocher as their contact Sister. Flo was a member of St. Teresa’s Altar Society, taught CCD and was a marriage prep counselor for many years. Flo volunteered at the Wellsville Library and Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed crochet, reading and cooking. Survivors include her husband, Elden; four children, Robert Lyon (Sally) of Fresno, Calif., Marge Humphrey (Craig) of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Steve Lyon (Erin) of Osawatomie, Kan., and Larry Lyon (Marianne) of Chaska, Minn.; five siblings, Marion Regier of Newton, Kan., Velma O’Brian of Bakersville, Calif., John Wiesner (Mitzi) of Garnett, Kan., Rose Haynes (Fred) of Lane, Kan., and Frances DeJarnett (Elroy) of Bedford, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Page 7
We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • Sister Vivian Bowles, whose sister Carmel Hannan died Oct. 22, 2021. • Sister Catherine Kaufman, whose sister-in-law Pauline Kaufman died Oct. 31, 2021. • Sister Betsy Moyer, whose mother Virginia Moyer died Nov. 23, 2021. • Peggy Clark A’59, whose husband Gerald Leon Clark died Nov. 30, 2021. • Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, whose sister Lois M. Duke died Dec. 9, 2021. • Sister Amelia Stenger, whose sister-in-law Nelva Stenger died Jan. 2. • Sister George Mary Hagan, whose sister-in-law Amanda Boone Bratcher died Jan. 13. • Sister Karla Kaelin and Sister Kathleen Kaelin, whose cousin Mary Lou Kaelin Harbert died Jan. 16. • Anna Conn, whose mother Margaret Rose Danhauer died Jan. 20.
Plans for 2022 so far...
The new year brings a sense of renewal and hope for what lies ahead. These past two years have confirmed what I already knew — the importance of relationships and the human connection. We are grateful for you and your continued support. We appreciate your phone calls and notes of encouragement and appreciation. I hope we will have a chance to connect in person. We will make plans for events when things become more certain on the state of the pandemic. What is certain is the 2022 Quilt Club and the Mount Raffle. The new Quilt Club year begins on April 1. For $25 you get 12 chances to win a beautiful handmade quilt. Drawings for the quilts are the first Friday of the month. Last year we sold all 2,000 chances in just three weeks. We are selling 2,500 chances this year, so be sure to get your order in quickly. Quilt Club letters will be sent the first week of February. Our Kindness Campaign will continue. For $50 you can send a monthly card for one year to the person of your choice who might need a little kindness. We have received very positive feedback from recipients saying the verses are just what they needed and they look forward to the cards each month. Our 52nd Mount Raffle drawing will be on Sunday, Sept. 11. Ticket sales will begin in June. I wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to connecting with you in the coming year.
Carol Braden-Clarke
Director of Development for the Ursuline Sisters
Sister Mary Matthias to prepare monthly prayers for Associates
We are happy to announce that Sister Mary Matthias Ward is now a part of the planning group for our Ursuline Associate gatherings. She will be preparing a monthly prayer session for us to participate in at our group meetings focusing on “A Journey with Saint Angela Merici.” As you know, we began with the Novena in Preparation for the Feast of Saint Angela. We will continue the year with Sister Mary Matthias sharing her wonderful knowledge of our leader Angela through prayerful moments each month. We will continue to create and use our four yearly ongoing formation sessions related to Associates and Sisters Day. Each session will be sent out to all Associates and Sisters so that we can learn together as we move forward this year. If you are not sure if we have your email address, or if you have any questions, please email Doreen Abbott at doreen.abbott@maplemount.org or call her at 270-229-2006. Thank you, Sister Mary Matthias, and we look forward to walking this journey with all of you as well.
New History book on the Ursuline Sisters coming this spring!
Associate Audrey Durbin celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends on Oct. 30, 2021, at St. Brigid Parish in Vine Grove, Ky., her parish for over 60 years. Audrey graduated from the Mount Saint Joseph Academy (1939) and Junior College (1941). She became an Associate in 1999, with Sister George Mary Hagan (pictured) as her contact.
It’s likely that all Associates chose to join because of the influence of at least one Ursuline Sister. But few people know the full story of all the Ursulines who call Maple Mount home. A new book coming out this spring will tie together the history of the Ursuline Sisters whom we all love into one story. “Hope and Firm Faith: The Story of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph” was written by Associate Dan Heckel. It recounts important moments in the Ursuline Sisters’ history through the eyes and words of the Sisters who lived them. The book is now with the publisher, so a date when books will be available is unclear. Stay tuned to our website and social media to learn how you can get your copy. This is a book you’ll want to keep forever.