MAY 2015
VOL. XX, NO. 4
Associates and Sisters Day promises “Saints Among Us”
A
Her talk will focus on the humanity of the saints, how many of them lived normal lives for their times until they opened themselves to follow where God was leading them. “The purpose of canonization is to provide models for us,” Sister Cheryl said. Her talk will challenge those present to find what in the saints’ lives is relevant to us today. She will discuss saints who were martyrs, scholars, reformers, mystics, ministers to the needy, missionaries, religious founders and lay people. Registration for Associates and Sisters Day will begin at 8 a.m. on the second floor of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, with the gathering in Conference Room A. A welcome, instructions on the day and an opening prayer service begin at 9 a.m., with Sister Cheryl set to begin at 9:30. Her talk will last until lunch time, and will include time for reflection and table discussions, along with a break. During that break, associates will be asked to write down their story of who invited them to become an Ursuline Associate and why they said “yes.” Some
Sister Cheryl
ssociates and Sisters Day on June 13 will of these stories will be shared help celebrate Pope Francis’ call to make this in the first session after lunch at “The Year of Consecrated Life” by featuring 1:30 p.m. Ursuline Sister Cheryl Clemons discussing Each year one of the “Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us.” most popular aspects of Sister Cheryl, academic dean and vice president Associates and Sisters Day is of Academic Affairs for Brescia University, is an a panel discussion. This year’s expert in Catholic history and has vast discussion is titled All those who knowledge of the saints. She earned her “Surprised by have yet to make doctorate from The Catholic University the Spirit,” with their lifetime of America in Washington, D.C., in panelists taking a few moments to talk commitment historical theology-systematics, which about someone who they believe was deals with the doctrine of the Church as called by God to serve and ended up are invited to it developed historically. The topic of someplace she or he did not intend to be participate in her dissertation was Saint Gertrude the by responding to that call. the commitment Great, a 13th century Benedictine mystic Our panelists are Associates Therese ceremony. from Germany. Allen of Louisville; Debbie Lanham of
Owensboro; Linda Monaco of Kansas City, Mo.; and Paul Parker of Central City, Ky. Following a break, participants will once again enjoy the opportunity to test their Ursuline knowledge with a trivia presentation. That will be followed by some recognition of associates celebrating anniversary years and a few other presentations, with a break before Mass at 4 p.m. Father Jerry Riney, an Ursuline Associate, will preside at Mass, and some new associates will make their commitment. It was decided following discussion at last year’s Associates and Sisters Day to have only one commitment to be a lifetime associate, so all those who have yet to make their lifetime commitment are invited to participate in the commitment ceremony. The commitment ceremony typically takes place about 4:30 p.m. CDT. Ursuline Associates and Sisters all over the country and elsewhere will be asked to recommit at 4:30 p.m. in their local time zone in what is being called a “global commitment ceremony.”n
Associates & Sisters Day is Saturday, June 13! See registration on back
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Associate Update
Associates & Sisters Day Saturday, June 13, 2015
Mount Saint Joseph Conference & Retreat Center – Conference Room A (2nd floor) “Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us” 8 a.m. Registration begins in Retreat Center Library (2nd floor) 9:00 Welcome and introductions 9:10 Opening Prayer 9:30 Sister Cheryl Clemons: Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us Break: Who invited you to become an Ursuline Associate and why? 11:50 Announcements and grace before meal 12:00 Lunch in the Motherhouse Dining Room 12:45 Associates making commitments practice in Motherhouse Chapel 1:30 Tell your Associate story 2:00 Panel discussion: Surprised by the Spirit 2:40 Test Your Knowledge of the Mount 3:10 Recognition of Associate Anniversaries and Advisory Board Members 3:20 In Memoriam Presentation 3:25 Happy Faces at the Mount 4:00 Closing Liturgy and Commitments: Father Jerry Riney, OSUA, presiding 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 www.ursulinesmsj.org • Email: associates.msj@maplemount.org Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships: Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness: Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, OSU Communications and Development Specialist: Kris Mango Director of Development: Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Marcella Schrant, OSU
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 2015
A Note from Marian Dear Associate Sisters and Brothers, Spring is a time for renewal. After a long winter, God’s promise of renewal is visible wherever we look: the warming sun, bright yellow daffodils nodding in the soft breeze, maybe even a rainbow. Marian Bennett, OSUA It’s a time for associate Coordinator of renewal as well. As you will read Ursuline Partnerships elsewhere in this issue of the Update, associates near and far are invited to renew our commitments in union with associates and sisters gathered at the Mount. You will find a commitment renewal card on pages 3 and 4. Cut it out, keep it with you. Then at 4:30 p.m. on June 13, stop what you’re doing, just for a moment. No matter where you are, no matter the time zone, join hundreds of others to renew your commitment promise. Associate commitments will spread across the land like a giant wave of Angela’s spirit. That’s how I visualize Ursuline Associates from east to west raising our voices in gratitude for the consecrated lives of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph and renewing our commitment to their mission and vision. As I’ve said, Associates and Sisters Day is June 13 – a special day to refresh and rekindle your associate spirit. Why not consider making the journey to the Mount this year? It’s always worth the effort. If you have not yet made your lifetime commitment and received your associate pin, this is an especially good time to be with us. You’re welcome to bring family and friends to celebrate with you. You’ll find the registration form on the back page. Just fill it out and return it to me by May 29. Sincerely in Angela,
Marian Bennett, OSUA
Father Paul Joseph Volk: A Passion for God
Saturday, Aug. 22 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Retreat Leader: Sister Ruth Gehres Cost: $20 fee includes lunch In this retreat, we will walk a few hours in the spirit of Father Volk, whose life of prayer and courage brought God’s love to thousands of people in Kentucky and as far away as South America. To register, contact Kathy McCarty 270-229-0206 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org
May 2015
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RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT On June 13, Ursuline Associates will be making commitments at the 4 p.m. liturgy. We invite you to renew your own associate commitment by praying with them:
Several Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph who taught at Blessed Mother School in Owensboro, Ky., visited the classroom of Ursuline Associate Bonnie Marks during their Jan. 29 tour of the Owensboro Catholic Schools 4-6 Campus. The sisters were honored by Blessed Mother with a Mass, tours and lunch during National Catholic Schools Week. RIGHT: Nearly 80 Ursuline Sisters have taught at Blessed Mother School since 1948, including Sister Lois Lindle, far right, who stopped to talk to Bonnie during the tour.
Loving God, I renew my commitment TODAY as an associate of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. I promise to proclaim the gospel of Jesus through the actions of my everyday life. While continuing to live the vocation to which You have called me, I will embrace their charism and share in their mission, ministries, goals, ideals and challenges. I will pray for the Ursuline Sisters and Associates of Mount Saint Joseph and work to link my life with theirs in meaningful ways. I promise to grow in awareness of and commitment to the core values of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. …to foster a lived communion with God through daily prayer and a (OVER) Left to right: Theresa Butler, director of associates for the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville; Sister Kate Kuenstler, PHJC, JCD (canon lawyer); Sister Joanne Jansing, OSU, associate liaison for the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, and Marian Bennett, OSUA, director of Ursuline Partnerships for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. They were among 30 associates and sisters who attended an April 16 meeting hosted by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Oldenburg, Ind. Sister Kate presented, “Surprise of the Holy Spirit: Responding to the Call and Challenge of the Future.” LOWER LEFT: Associate Mike Sullivan of Paducah and his sister-in-law Vicki Kloss, second from left, talk with Ursuline Sisters Mary Irene Cecil (second from right) and Vivian Bowles, as Sister Marietta Wethington (seated) looks on, in the Motherhouse Chapel on Feb. 8. As part of a global celebration of the “Year of Consecrated Life,” the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph hosted a tour of the chapel, two community rooms, the library, craft room, archives, Angela Oratory, Retreat Center and the Gift Shop.
UPCOMING ASSOCIATE MEETINGS... Grayson County – June 24, July 22, Aug. 26 Kansas: Our Lady of Brescia – June 15, Aug. 17; St. Francis/Paola – June 6 Louisville: June 20, Aug. 15 Missouri, The Belles of Saint Rita – June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 Owensboro – Aug. 25 OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER... Mount Saint Joseph 5K Run/Walk – May 30 Evening with an Ursuline dinner/presentation – June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 Y-DOSA Summit at the Mount – June 4-6 Rediscover Catholicism class at the Center – June 11, Aug. 13 Associate Advisory Board – June 12 Associates & Sisters Day: “Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us” – June 13 Owensboro Associates Jail Ministry – July 18
Prayer card continued from page 3
spirit of selfless service, generosity and hospitality, … to seek the reality of true peace and dignity for all peoples in all circumstances, … and to recognize and reverence the presence of Christ in each person I encounter. I make this promise for Your glory in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici, our founder and inspiration. AMEN.
An Associate Prayer Loving God, let Saint Angela never cease commending us to your kindness. By always imitating her charity and prudence, may we come to a deeper understanding of the mission of Jesus. May we always reflect his presence in our lives. AMEN.
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Associate Upd
Get Moving at the Mount! 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, May 30, 2015 Registration: 7:15 a.m. Race: 8 a.m.
The Ursuline Sisters of Mount You can run, walk Saint Joseph are hosting their or volunteer! second 5K – the official 5K for the Daviess County Bicentennial! It is open to runners and walkers of all ages and will take place on the grounds and nearby roads. All proceeds will support the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters.
REGISTER ONLINE OR ON RACE DAY ursulinesmsj.org/help-the-sisters/5k
Preregister by May 11 to be guaranteed a free T-shirt COST: $25 per person (Ages 6 and under free)
Race will be chip timed.You can pick up race packets the week prior to the race at Brescia University’s Bookstore or the day of the event. The race site is 12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56. For more information, contact Dan Heckel
270-229-2007 • dan.heckel@maplemount.org
Debbie Lanham
Debbie Lanham connects with the sisters through a lifetime
By John Little, OSUA
As an 8th grader at St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Ky., Debbie Lanham was part of a girl’s class trip to visit Maple Mount. “I was in awe of the girls and the school,” she said. Along the way, Debbie was also taught by the Ursuline Sisters in both grade school and high school. Little did Debbie know, but her connection with the Ursulines would continue through her adult life. Today, she is a co-leader of the Ursuline Associates in Owensboro. Debbie said she became involved with the associates while in spiritual direction with Martha Little. Martha invited Debbie to learn more about the associates. After formation, she joined the group. In 2012, the Ursuline Associates were meeting in Debbie’s home parish of St. Pius X. “At that time, Martha was a co-leader but she was
stepping down from the position due to a new job,” Debbie said. “She asked if I would like to take over as one of the co-leaders and I said ‘yes.’ I love being with the sisters and the other associates.” Debbie is married (Kenny), has four children (Kena, Candice, Craig and Cole), and two grandchildren (Collin and Harper). A third grandchild is on the way. Debbie said she loves to travel, babysit, sew, read, play volleyball and spend time with friends. She is very active at St. Pius X and just joined Impact 100, an organization of community women dedicated to transforming lives in the community through giving. Debbie said her participation with the associates has strengthened every aspect of her life. “Now, I try to serve my church, community and family in the example of Saint Angela,” she said. “Our monthly lessons really help me stay focused on what is important in life and gives me direction when decisions have to be made.” Debbie summed up her involvement with the associates very simply -- “it is always a work in progress!”
Reflective Moments Moments Reflective
date / May 2015
New Life in Christ Jesus...
T
he writer Alice Camille states, “Easter is truly a verb, a dynamic event pushing upward from darkness into light.” In our baptism we died and rose with Jesus. We became an Easter people. Maybe we can say we became verbs. On Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil, we gathered in the darkness outside or in the gathering space of our church and watched as the Easter fire was built. From that fire a Paschal candle was lit. We experienced the power of one as light from the Paschal candle spread light to the candles we each held. What a powerful image. In the darkness we may feel alone and lost but it only took a moment for the light to spread throughout the church as we Christians, we Easter verbs, turned to light the candles of those around us. We were surrounded by other believers gathered to proclaim that Jesus is risen and is bringing us new life. Even nature seems to be a verb these days. As I walk around our campus I see the grass greening, the flowers
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By Sister Marietta Wethington
blooming and the trees leafing. New calves are prancing in the pasture. The cold, dark days of winter are giving way to newness of life. Easter is the greatest holy day in our Catholic tradition, so great that it takes 50 days to celebrate. How do we keep that event alive in our life? Do we? Or do we harden our hearts to the interior movements within, not allowing the stone to be rolled back so Jesus and his love may be made visible to those around us? There is a song that tells us love is not love until we give it away. How do we give away the divine love that Easter brings to us? It is not meant to be kept for ourselves. The task should not be so hard. Love is shared through a happy smile, a helping hand, a kind word or an act of generosity. It is shared by being considerate of those around us and showing respect for each one. The Christian life is a journey we walk together. How will you be a verb during this Easter season and in the year to come?
Act like the Apostles Dear Associates, We hope your Easter season is filled with many blessings. So many times during these days of prayer between Holy Week and Pentecost, we hear of the wonderful preaching of the apostles as they spread the Good News that Jesus is alive. They went fearlessly healing and teaching about Jesus and His Mercy. As Ursulines and Ursuline Associates, we have the same opportunity to teach as the apostles did. There are so many today who do not believe in Jesus. In some parts of the world, Christians are still being killed for believing in this Risen Jesus. Let us try in every way possible to make a difference in someone’s life by sharing Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness. During these weeks between Easter and Ascension, we ask you to pray for the success of our 5K and the annual picnic held Sept. 13. We need everyone to support these great projects. Information about the walk/run and the picnic are on the website and all the publications between now and September. We hope you will participate in some way in both of them. We are so grateful to have you as a part of our mission. God bless you and those you love. Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development
Left to right: Bonnie Snyder (Blessed Mother Church Why Catholic group), Sister Vivian Bowles, Associate Debbie Lanham, Associate Charlotte Paez, Helen Ann Hunt (Blessed Mother), Shirley Kent (Blessed Mother), Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, Associate Marian Bennett and Sister Rose Jean Powers visited the CrossRoads food pantry in Owensboro on March 25. (Also present: Associates Dan Heckel and Karen De Sosa.) The Owensboro Associate group has been donating special foods for diabetics to CrossRoads. RIGHT: Right to left, Sister Betsy Moyer and Sister Sharon Sullivan say a prayer in the food pantry after helping to put away donated items.
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2 Gary Mesnier Lois Nunnally 4 Connie Del Muro Lina Trujillo Gertrude Tyrala 5 Nettie Castle Paula Graves 6 Jeff Goldsmith Martha Little 8 Ann Collins 9 Keith Hudson 10 Bobby Joe Christian Ramona McConnell 16 Martha Ann Matthews 17 Juanita Haskins 20 Rebecca Leonard 21 Helen Pfeiffer 22 Jim Wilkus 24 Jo Morelli Fr. John Vaughan 26 Perla Pike Karen Siciliano 27 Phil Dees Suzanne Reiss 28 Tony Butel Dee Carroll Raynell Prado 29 Nannette Krasovic Applications are being accepted for the 2015-2017 Spiritual Direction Training Program which begins Oct. 26 at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Contact Sheila Blandford: 270-229-0269
Associate Update
2 Ione Deken Sara Scully 4 Donna Karcher Helen Miles 5 Lela Buettmann June Fowler Janice Lawless Arth Joan Teder 6 Philomena Bollinger David Henderson Christopher Walls 7 Barbara Boatner Karen De Sosa 8 Sherry Duer Fr. Tony Shonis 9 Shirley Eckert Mary Jo Johnson 10 Harriet Jack Mary Lowry 11 Fr. Carl McCarthy 12 Fr. Ray Goetz 13 Loraine Hardy Don Speaks 16 Mary Danhauer Dan Heckel Chico Irizarry Daughn O’Neill Mary Sandlin 17 Jean Dowdy 19 Julie Holt Trudy Peak Jean Simpson 20 Sr. Ann Middlebrooks SEC Fr. Joe Nangle 21 Debbie Lanham 22 Judy Krese 23 Raymond Morelli 24 Larry Denton 25 Suzanne Gochenouer 27 Sarah Bowling 30 Marjorie Cook 31 Gloria Adams Theresa Caffey Debby Ludwig Lorraine Luken Gustavo Paez Marilyn Paul
Get your 2015 Mount Saint Joseph Picnic raffle tickets - $5 each You can win $10,000 • $1,000 • $500 • $250 • $100 • 2-year Lease on Toyota Corolla • Queen-size Quilt • Thomas Kinkade Cross Stitch
Get your tickets from any Ursuline Sister or call Sister Amelia Stenger 270-229-2008 • amelia.stenger@maplemount.org
Next Spinners Weekend is May 29-31 at the Retreat Center Call Kathy McCarty to register ... 270-229-0206
May 2015
The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 1 Sandy Luz Marilyn Mischlich 2 Dale Holt 3 Bob Beam Jim Wilson 5 Betty Medley 6 Lisa Day JoAnn Lynch 7 Dotty Liles 8 Dottie Clark Stephanie George 9 Pam Brickler Bob Lawrence Florence Lyon 11 Ruth Bittel-Nunez Bonnie Marks 12 Wilma Howard 15 Isabel Crenshaw Jacinta Garinger Don Hobbs 16 Shirlene Quinn Marcia Stoller 17 Michael Bufalini 18 Carol Hill Meghan Payne 21 Bruce Blandford 23 Lawrence Guenther 24 Sid Mason Doris Rommelfanger 25 Joyce York 27 Brenda Busick Mary Leda Rice 28 Juanita Burke Pat Riordan Joanne Thompson 30 Jean Murphy 31 Risë Karr
invite you to our 45th annual
PICNIC Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 For the benefit of the retired Ursuline Sisters
Serving barbecue pork, mutton, chicken 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Booths! Games! Yard Sale! Silent Auction! Burgoo! Ice Cream! Holiday Decor! More!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Call 270-229-4103 ext. 284 or 260 License #0290
’
But in his mercy he has wanted to use you as his means for your greater good, so that you could merit more from his infinite goodness. - First Counsel
Saint Angela Merici
May 2015
Associate Update
In Loving Memory... SISTER MARY EILEEN HOWARD, 87, died March 8 in Owensboro, Ky., in her 67th year of religious life. She was a native of Whitesville, Ky. Sister Mary Eileen had a musical soul and loved to help others enjoy music as a teacher or liturgist. She once said a lack of music “would be like taking all the birds out of the world.” She was a music teacher in Kentucky and Missouri for 46 years, served as a music minister at Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish, Owensboro (1984-85), and was liturgist at Mount Saint Joseph (197684, 1996-2013). She was the contact sister for Associates Susan Reiss, Suzanne Reiss and Brett Stallings. Survivors include her sisters, Ita Belle Howard of Whitesville and four brothers, James Howard of Louisville, Robert Howard of Whitesville, Daniel Howard of Philpot, Ky., and Brice Howard of Owensboro. The funeral Mass was March 12 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. Gifts in memory of Sister Mary Eileen may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Young Daughters of Saint Angela (Y-DOSA) report
ABOVE and RIGHT: Kansas Y-DOSA members, along with their group leader, Associate Carol O’Keefe, enjoy a rest after helping at a recent parish fish fry.
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We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Therese Allen, whose sister, Lucille Osborne, died Jan. 28. Sister Jacinta Powers, whose brother, Joseph Hubert Powers III, died Jan. 25. Sister Amelia Stenger, whose nephew, Fred Stenger, died Feb. 26. Sister Joseph Angela Boone, whose nephew, Joseph A. Boone, died Feb. 17. Carol O’Keefe, whose aunt, Mickey Ramsey, died Feb. 10. Mary Ann Schilling, whose sister, Janet Schilling Titzer, died Feb. 25. Sister Marie Brenda Vowels, whose brother, David Richard (Dick) Vowels, died March 5. Lisa Day, whose father, Lee Curtis, died March 2. Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, whose sister, Anna Margaret Boarman, died March 17. Sister Luisa Bickett, whose brother, Alvin Bickett, died March 20. Joanne Mason, whose mother, Estella Howard, died March 29. Sister Catherine Barber, whose sister, Catherine Barber Edelen, died April 4.
Kansas and Whitesville, Ky. Y-DOSA members are looking forward to their 4th annual Summit this summer, June 4-6, at Mount Saint Joseph. They report, “We are always excited when we have the opportunity for our Kansas chapter to spend time with our Kentucky Y-DOSA sisters. It’s like a spiritual family reunion when we come together to pray, reflect, visit with the sisters at the Mount and learn more about the charism of Saint Angela. We are grateful to our leaders, (Associate) Mrs. Carol O’Keefe, (Associate) Mrs. Lisa Guenther and Sister Suzanne Sims and to our Y-DOSA moms for making these special events possible.”
The Owensboro Associates were joined by a few of the Ursuline Sisters at their Feb. 24 meeting at St. Pius X Parish Hall. They prayed and discussed current outreach projects and the latest formation lesson, “Jesus, Lover of Us All: Prophecy.”
If you have a smartphone, this QR code will take you to our website
!
REGISTRATION FOR ASSOCIATES & SISTERS DAY Saturday, June 13, 2015
Mount Saint Joseph Conference & Retreat Center, Conference Room A Registration 8 a.m.-9 a.m. in the Retreat Center Library - 2nd floor Name _____________________________________________________________________
We are meeting inside the Retreat Center
Address ___________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone (______)______________________Email __________________________________________________ LODGING INFORMATION: Lodging: q I need overnight accommodations on Contact Kathy McCarty Friday, June 12 270-229-0206 Meals: q Supper - Friday, June 12 kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org q Breakfast - Saturday, June 13 q Lunch - Saturday, June 13 To help us accommodate the greatest number of people, we ask you to limit your room Special dietary needs:_____________________________ choices to the following guidelines: NOTE: There is no charge for overnight accommodations on • All St. Ann rooms with twin beds are to be Friday, June 12. Registration is required. Please include a $10 shared. All suites and St. Ann rooms with registration fee to help defray costs. Make checks payable to double beds are reserved for couples. All Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Bloemer Hall rooms are private rooms (no sharing).
Return this form by May 29 with your registration fee to: Office of Ursuline Partnerships, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount KY 42356 FAX: 270-229-4953 • Register ONLINE at www.ursulinesmsj.org/associates Questions? Call 270-229-2006 • Email associates.msj@maplemount.org