Update Nov. 2013

November 2013

VOL. XIX, NO. 2

Eight new associates joined us in October As the 30th anniversary year of the Ursuline Associates program approached, it seemed apparent the best way to celebrate such a landmark was to offer the one gift that continues to give – an invitation to become an Ursuline Associate.

From late 2012 to fall 2013, an emphasis was placed on approaching quality candidates for associate membership. Three fine candidates joined us on their journey during Associates and Sisters Day – Kelly Roe, Jacqueline Sommers and Joan Teder – but on Oct. 23 we had the largest fall commitment of new associates ever.

While the Ursuline Partnerships office prefers new associates to make their commitment during Associates and Sisters Day in June, that isn’t always possible for our candidates. Rather than making them wait another year, a fall commitment date is set each year, usually for just a few associates.

This October, the sisters were graced with eight people making their first commitment, and one associate making her lifetime commitment. Their spirit is a testament to how much becoming an Ursuline Associate means to them. Please take this opportunity to learn more about our new associates on Page 4.

If you know someone who you believe would make a good Ursuline Associate, the Partnerships office will be glad to provide information to share. n

First Commitments The class of initial Ursuline Associates posed after the Oct. 23 fall commitment evening prayer.

The newest Ursuline Associates, from left, Bishop William Medley, Father Ray Goetz, Carol Morris, Keith Hudson, Genon Putnam, Keith Putnam, Carrie Wieder and Florence Wieder.

Lifetime Commitment The Ursuline Associate Program was started in 1983 and is still going strong!

FAR LEFT: Sister Rose Jean Powers places an initial commitment pin on Florence Wieder. LEFT: Sister Amelia Stenger pins Father Ray Goetz. RIGHT: From left, Jacqueline Sommers, Brenda Busick and Jean Simpson stand to renew their commitment as Ursuline Associates.

Associate Martha House, right, made her lifetime commitment, along with her contact Sister Suzanne Sims.

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Associate Update November 2013

A Note from Marian...

Dear Associate Sisters and Brothers, The countryside of Maple Mount Farm is alive with the harvest. The trees are putting on their spectacular autumn display. And we’re entering the time of Advent anticipation.

Many changes are taking place here at the Mount: new construction, new roofs, new paving and new associates. We’re concluding our 30th anniversary year with 11 new initial associates and six new lifetime associates. (See cover story plus biographies on Page 4).

But much at the Mount remains constant and enduring.

Angela continues to guide and protect us; her lively spirit breathes life into all we do. I’m reminded daily of the Ursuline spirit alive in all associates. Prayer, service, compassion, diligence, patience, generosity – Angela lives in you!

As we enter this Advent time of waiting, let’s think about giving a gift only WE can give. Let’s share our Christmas joy by giving the gift of welcoming hospitality.

Someone in your life may be waiting to hear about Saint Angela and the Ursuline Associates. Just offer an invitation and see what happens. You may be surprised!

I wish you many blessings of a calm, fruitful Advent and Christmas Season, Marian Bennett, 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 • Fax: 270-229-4953 www.ursulinesmsj.org • Email: associates.msj@maplemount.org Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships: Marian Bennett, OSUA Coordinator of Spiritual Formation: Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU 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 Director of Development: Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU Administrative Specialist/Website: April Ray

ASSOCIATE MISSION STATEMENT We, 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 Friends, One of the first songs I learned as a young Brownie (Girl Scout) more than 50 years ago was “Whene’er You Make a Promise.” The words to that simple, but haunting melody are: Whene’er you make a promise Consider well its importance.

And when made Engrave it upon your heart.

Now we may not have talked about that song at every meeting, but we did recite the Girl Scout promise at each gathering. And we sang the round frequently – we thought it sounded beautiful; but, if you’ll permit me to say such a thing, its premise also was core to the “charism” of Girl Scouting.

Sometimes we managed to live up to the challenge of the promise, sometimes we believed it truly was engraved upon our hearts, sometimes we failed. But each time we were with another Girl Scout, we were clearly reminded that our promise was our goal.

And just this October, nine associates made or renewed their Ursuline Associate commitments – their promises – and joined or expanded their witness in league with ours. It is an impressive moment to state publicly one’s commitment and to lay bare the path on which the Holy Spirit seems to be leading one’s soul. For we know that before stepping forward in such an action, each one “considered well” and discerned in depth the weight and personal importance of this initiative.

So in my prayers, I offer deep thanks for the eight new Ursuline Associates who have just made their initial commitments, and for the one who has expanded her commitment to a lifetime. And I would ask each of you to pray as well that the Spirit will indeed engrave these promises upon each of our hearts.

In Angela, Sister Sharon Sullivan, Congregational Leader ASSOCIATE ADVISORY BOARD • Marian Bennett, OSUA, Ursuline Partnerships* • Sister Barbara Jean Head, Owensboro, Ky. • Dan Heckel, OSUA, Mission Advancement* • Sister Nancy Murphy, Leadership Council Liaison • Carol O’Keefe, OSUA, Overland Park, Kan. • Carol Owen, OSUA, Owensboro, Ky. • Joan Perry, OSUA, Owensboro, Ky. • Sister Marietta Wethington, Ursuline Partnerships* • John Wood, OSUA, Barlow, Ky. *Ex-officio member

November 2013

Associate Update

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The Young Daughters of Saint Angela is a group for girls ages 11-18 who study Saint Angela’s life and seek her guidance. There are two chapters of Y-DOSA: Kansas City, Kan., metro area and St. Mary of the Woods Catholic School in Whitesville, Ky. To start a Y-DOSA chapter in your community, contact Marian Bennett, (270) 229-2006, marian.bennett@maplemount.org.

Kentucky Y-DOSA news

By Sister Suzanne Sims, OSU

Some of the Y-DOSA girls from Whitesville, Ky., attended the Sept. 7 East Bridge Art & Music Festival in downtown Owensboro. They were participating in the chalk drawings. The festival showcased 30 artists from Kentucky and Indiana and featured live music, food and children’s activities.

Kansas Y-DOSA news

By Carol O’Keefe, OSUA

SUMMIT AT THE MOUNT We spent three exciting, faith-filled days in June at Mount Saint Joseph for our 2013 Y-DOSA Summit.

We were greeted by Sister Suzanne (Sims) and our Y-DOSA sisters from Kentucky. Some of the girls had stayed in contact since the 2012 Summit in St. Louis.

We were able to visit and spend some real quality time with all the sisters at the Mount.

A few of the many highlights included playing bingo with the sisters at Saint Joseph Villa, Sister Rita Lavigne played the grand piano in the Madonna Room for us and Sister Suzanne taught us a new way to knit hats for charity.

Our spiritual sessions guided us on how to better listen to the Holy Spirit and how to practice relying more on our faith. We had a lot to write about in our journal sessions.

2013 SCRUTINY RETREAT There are not enough words to describe our amazing weekend at Camp Timberlake. While blindfolded, during our session on “Trust,” we learned a lot about listening to the right inner voice. We hiked, we prayed, we played some fun games and we ate a lot of great food. Our 2013 Scrutiny Retreat came to a close as we attended Sunday evening Mass together at Queen of the Holy Rosary–Wea. THEY ARE BLESSED & PINNED Congratulations to Eileen Benne, Abbey Carlson, Mallory Long and Maddie Reilly. Ursuline Sisters, Associates, family and friends came together on Aug. 10 at Queen of The Holy Rosary-Wea in Bucyrus to Continued on page 5

One of the prayer and reflection activities we shared this fall was use of a question: How have you grown spiritually since you became a member of Y-DOSA? • “I am more comfortable now leading prayer in a group.”

• “I go to Sacrament of A member of the Whitesville, Ky., Reconciliation more Y-DOSA group tries deep-fried often and sin less.”

Oreos at the Sept. 8 Mount Saint Joseph Picnic as another member • “I have learned new ways to pray.” helps her with her wheelchair.

Saint Angela is (She had turned her ankle.) The surely smiling with Y-DOSA group volunteered in a dinner stand at the picnic. these honest and shared responses.

The girls who attended the second annual Summit at the Mount last summer shared some of what that and other past Y-DOSA activities meant to them. The Summit helped them to meet a lot of new people, to interact in prayer and fun with the Kansas girls and to learn more about the Mount. The activity they all liked best was playing bingo with the Villa sisters! You won their hearts, sisters. They are ready to play again. The prizes were great!

The girls who were available came to help with the picnic overnight for the second year. They enjoyed getting to be a part of the volunteer meeting, party and Mass. One girl will always remember this picnic as the one where she turned her ankle early in the day and was pushed around in a wheelchair by another. They may want to have a Y-DOSA booth next year!

Finally, we are excited to have two members requesting lifetime membership. We will be scheduling the Scrutiny Retreat and pinning ceremony later this semester for Mary Hardesty and Colsi Stauffer. Please keep all of our Y-DOSA members and their families in your prayers. n

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Associate Update November 2013

Welcome, New Associates!

Father Ray Goetz, a priest of the Diocese of Owensboro, is currently Mount Saint Joseph chaplain, half-time lecturer at Brescia University and pastor of Saint Alphonsus Parish, Saint Joseph, Ky. He grew up just down the road in Saint Martin Parish, Rome, Ky.; he is Ursuline-educated; his mother, Mary Blandford Goetz, is a 1937 Mount Saint Joseph Academy alumna. Usually found with a smile on his face, he is described as “a holy priest” and “a scholar of scripture.” He “rarely speaks against anyone” and is a “caring, kind and prayerful person.” He is “always present to the broken-hearted, helping them on life’s journey.” His contact companion is Sister Amelia Stenger.

Keith Hudson, a Daviess County native, is Associate Academic Dean and Director of Online Programs at Brescia University. Retired from state government, Keith attends Saints Joseph and Paul Parish.

There he is a sacristan and a member of the social justice team, parish pastoral council, the Saint Benedict Homeless Shelter advisory board and block party team.

His decision to seek associate membership was influenced by the teachings of Angela Merici and the Ursuline commitment to social justice. He says, “Service is part of my everyday life,” especially for individuals who have been marginalized by society due to mental, physical and/or emotional disability. Lifetime Associate Martha Little, his contact companion, tells us Keith is “always willing and ready to move when duty calls.”

Known for his generous, compassionate and untiring enthusiasm, he was recently recognized with a Brescia Star Service Award.

Carol Morris of Owensboro has been married to her husband Philip for 38 years and a member of Immaculate Parish for 33 years. They are parents of daughter Erin and son Kevin. She serves on the parish bereavement dinner and Saint Benedict Homeless Shelter meal committees; she is a member of the parish Right to Life group, the vocation prayer statue ministry and is co-chair of the Country Store booth for the parish picnic. Full of joy and energy, Carol considers raising her children and now her grandchild to be her most important job.

Carol is described as “a woman of prayer who is sensitive to the needs of her immediate family and her parish family with an outgoing, cheerful spirit.” Her contact companion is Lifetime Associate Joan Perry, her long-time friend and colleague at Owensboro Catholic High School.

Bishop William F. Medley was ordained the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro on Feb. 10, 2010. He grew up in Marion County, educated by Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph and was a social worker for the Kentucky Department for Human Resources before entering priesthood. He was active in the Archdiocese of Louisville prior to his ministry in the Owensboro diocese. Sister Catherine Barber, his former teacher says, “We will be enriched by his presence and many personal gifts in his service to our community.”

His decision to become an Ursuline Associate is based on “a lifelong association with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph as teachers, friends and fellow pilgrims.”

His contact companion is Sister Amelia Stenger.

Genon Putnam of Greenville grew up in Muhlenberg County. Ursuline Sisters guided her through all eight grades at Saint Joseph Catholic School. She lives a life of generous service, volunteering wherever she sees a need. She is actively involved with the Saint Joseph Parish picnic and with the silent auction at Mount Saint Joseph’s picnic. She volunteers as deputy director of 911 Emergency Services in Muhlenberg County and is always ready to lend a hand of care in both man-made and natural disasters.

It is said of Genon, “Her life is one of service and prayer, just as Saint Angela did. She works diligently in helping our community to become a better place.”

Genon and Keith have been married over 40 years; they have two children and six granddaughters. Sister Michael Ann Monaghan is her cousin. She was guided through her associate formation by lifetime associates Jean Simpson and Lisa Day and by Sister Rose Karen Johnson, who is her contact companion.

Keith Putnam describes himself as electrician, firefighter, emergency medical tech (EMT), maintenance foreman and planner. Others describe Keith as “gentle and kind with lots of wisdom,” and “a shining example of volunteerism.” A U.S. Army veteran, his goal is to help where help is needed.

Among Keith’s many volunteer activities, he is director of emergency services for Muhlenberg County, with wife Genon acting as assistant director. He is involved in helping older citizens and plays Santa every year for children who know Christmas only because of Keith’s compassion and empathy.

Continued on page 5

November 2013

Associate Update

Jean Simpson tells us, “He does so many things that we don’t know about until someone lets us know how he saved their life or helped them over tough times.”

Keith was guided through associate formation by Sister Rose Karen Johnson and lifetime associates Jean Simpson and Lisa Day, who is his contact companion.

Carrie Wieder, an Owensboro native and member of Saint Stephen Cathedral, retired recently from US Bank Home Mortgage after 37 years of service. She has been described as an “outgoing, hardworking, committed individual whose strong Catholic faith has always dictated her actions,” and an “unassuming person, loyal to the hilt and a good listener.” Always active in her parish, Carrie has been a lector and Eucharistic minister; she assisted with the Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and the Catholics Returning Home groups. Currently, she coordinates the Safe Environment training for the parish and is in the process of applying to be a Stephen Minister.

She was guided through her associate formation by Sister Suzanne Sims. Her contact companion is Sister Claudia Hayden.

Florence Wieder was born in Owensboro and is the eldest of eight children. A former member of the Mount Saint Joseph community, Florence taught for 38 years and “loved it.” She taught children of all ages, including those with special needs. She retired in 2008, and since then her organized, hospitable nature, fueled by an open, giving spirit, makes her a valuable volunteer in her parish and community.

Sister Sharon Sullivan, her lifelong friend, tells us Florence is “a natural historian” and teller of entertaining stories. Her friend Ruth Ann Carrico says she is “a teacher who taught, with compassionate, competent care and concern, children with special needs from all walks of life.” Florence describes herself as “a single woman who lives with my sister and two dogs.” She was guided though her associate formation by Sister Suzanne Sims; her contact companion is Sister Rose Jean Powers.

The Y-DOSA girls enjoyed attending a Summit at Mount Saint Joseph in June. The two girls at left are from the Kansas group, and the three girls at right are from the Kentucky group.

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Picnic Helpers

Associates Elaine Wood, center, and Mike Sullivan help in the volunteer booth at the 43rd Mount Saint Joseph Picnic on Sept. 8.

Associate Margie Hill, left, hands money to Mark Sims as Associate Helen Miles looks on in the cake wheel booth.

Associate Jerry Birge was the picnic emcee. RIGHT: April Ray, left, a member of the Mission Advancement office at Mount Saint Joseph, discusses picnic details with Associate Suzanne Reiss.

KANSAS Y-DOSA

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celebrate as these four girls were received and pinned into full Y-DOSA membership. Father Jerry Spencer, associate chaplain, delivered a very uplifting and inspiring message before the blessing of the pins. n A Y-DOSA handbook will soon be available for anyone interested in starting a new chapter. Contact Marian Bennett: (270) 229-2006 • marian.bennett@maplemount.org.

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Associate Update November 2013

Reflective Moments Moments Reflective

The purpose of Reflective Moments is to offer you a way to incorporate the spirit of Saint Angela Merici into your own lives. We hope that it enriches you spiritually.

Fall is a favorite...but death can be hard Fall is one of my favorite seasons.

I love the crisp air that reminds us that something is changing.

Sister Marietta My spirit Wethington, OSU takes delight in the beautiful trees when the leaves give up their chlorophyll and take on the brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. I love hearing the crunch of the leaves under my feet when I go for a walk. Yes, fall invigorates me.

Some people don’t like fall. It reminds them of death and death is something we don’t always want to face. We cling to life as we know it.

I have on my desk a card with a picture of my sister. Above her picture are the words, “In Loving Memory.” My eyes well up with tears when I look at it. Although I know she is free from suffering and the cancer no longer has a hold on her, I miss her. Would I want her back? No, not with the pain she would be enduring. She didn’t really want to die. She was not ready to leave her family, but Jesus called and she took his hand and walked with him through the door of this life into the next.

My sister was younger than I. Her death makes me aware of my own vulnerability. I have some questions to ask myself: • What has my life been about?

• How well have I lived my life?

• What good have I done?

• How have I wasted my life in any way?

• What did I do that was worthwhile?

• What do I need to do with the time I have left?

• How do I want people to remember me?

(Adapted from May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp, SM) My nieces and I often talk about how we are learning a new relationship with their mom, my sister. We know she is with us in a very real, but different way. Even though we are still in pain we can rejoice that she is now fully alive, is the person she was created to be for all eternity. We know she will be waiting to welcome us when it is our time to go.

As I embrace my pain I turn to Angela. She experienced a lot of loss in her life – the death of both parents at a very young age and the death of a beloved sister. I know Angela understands my pain and loss and will companion me in my grief. I invite her to go with me to the feet of Jesus, the place we can most surely find consolation.

Reflection:

For your reflection sit with the questions above.

Prayer:

O God of Life and Death, walk with us on our journey here on earth. Help us to live in such a way that we will be ready when you call us from this life into the next. Amen.

November 2013

Associate Update

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Ursuline Associate Father Tom Barrett of Vienna, Ill., came to Mount Saint Joseph to visit the former Ursuline Sisters of Belleville, Ill., on April 19. Left to right are Sisters Dorothy Helbling, Catherine Kaufman and Mary Patrick McDonagh

Associates/Employees...

Two Ursuline Associates who are also members of the Mission Advancement staff at Mount Saint Joseph are involved in new endeavors.

Dan Heckel, director of Mission Advancement for the Ursuline Sisters, is a member of their 20132015 Spiritual Direction Training Program. This group meets for a week-long session four times a year at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center to develop and practice the skills necessary to learn the art of spiritual direction. The new class, with participants from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, began on Oct. 14. Other associates who have completed the program are Judy Gray, Martha Little, Randy Shelby, Karen Siciliano, Michael Ziegler and the late Larry Devocelle.

Jennifer kaminski, whose title is communications specialist/ graphic design for the Ursuline Sisters, has been elected to the board of the Communicators Network for Women Religious (formerly known as NCNWR – National Communicators Network for Women Religious). The group’s mission is to be a network of professional support and education for members who promote the understanding of women religious and advance their mission. CWR members represent religious congregations that range in size from 18 to 4,000 vowed members worldwide. Jennifer will serve a three-year term beginning in January.

Ursuline Associate Mary Danhauer was presented with the Brescia University Distinguished Alumni Award on Oct. 19 by Brescia President Father Larry Hostetter.

Ursuline Associate and Mount Saint Joseph Academy graduate (1971) Mary Danhauer was honored with Brescia University’s highest award, Distinguished Alumni, during Homecoming festivities in October. Danhauer graduated from Brescia College in 1976 with a bachelor of science in chemistry. During this time, she was a member of the Mount Saint Joseph Ursuline community. She taught high school science while earning a master’s degree in horticulture from Murray State University.

While teaching in Nebraska, she was certified as an EMT and volunteered on the Rescue Squad. She was the first woman religious and the second woman on the squad. She returned home to teach at Owensboro Catholic High School while earning a master’s in nursing from Vanderbilt University. As a very active member in the Catholic Church, Mary was involved in social justice issues and facilitated several JustFaith programs. She went on an immersion trip to the Diocese of Owensboro’s sister diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. This one week changed her life and she felt called to return to Jamaica to work in the Diocese medical clinics for the next three years. Since then, she has worked at the McAuley Clinic which serves low-income residents in Owensboro. Mary attributes much of who she is today to the professors at Brescia, the Ursuline community and to those who are poor and on the fringes of society.

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Associate Update November 2013 Associate Melissa Tuley, left, listens to Sister Ann McGrew, right, director of the Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center, during the “Angela and the Gift of Contemplation” retreat on Aug. 17. The event drew 15 people. Sister Ann was explaining Saint Angela Merici’s dual role in living both a contemplative and apostolic life. Ursuline Associate Joan Perry was also in attendance.

BELOW: Associates Mary Hartz, left, and Bernadette Howard pick up commitment cards at the Immigration Reform prayer service at Mount Saint Joseph on Oct. 3.

ABOVE: Associate Marilyn Beam cuts up potatoes on Sept. 7 in preparation for the 43rd annual Mount Saint Joseph BBQ Picnic as Sister Amelia Stenger’s great niece, Megan, watches. BELOW: Associate John Wood helps the Brescia University baseball team erect the picnic tents.

At the meeting of the Muhlenburg County, Ky., Associates on Aug. 14, the group brought 22 pairs of shoes to donate to the Rotary Club program that is collecting shoes for needy school children. On hand to accept the donation was Emily Poole, right, (holding shoes) the daughter of Lisa Poole. Lisa is a member of St. Joseph Church in Central City and also the local Rotarian president. Two potential new associate members were in attendance at the meeting. The associates also provided refreshments for their church open house on Sept. 22.

Service of the sisters is “A Gift of Love” Dear Associates,

Each year during November, December and January, we send a letter to all the people on our mailing list inviting them to be a part of our mission by donating to our annual fund appeal.

All of you will be getting one of these letters. You are an important part of the work of the Ursuline Sisters.

This year, the theme of our appeal is “A Gift of Love.” Our Sisters have given and continue to give their lives out of love for God and the people of God. If you speak with any of them, they will tell you stories of what they have done over the years to serve. They will tell you about their students and what they are doing today.

They will share the wonderful times and the times that were really difficult. Many have worked for 30 years or more in the classroom and then started new careers

in parish ministry, nursing and many other areas. Each is committed in her own way to the work that Saint Angela started over 475 years ago. Today, our work may be a little different because our times are different, but the reason for the work is still the same — love of God and the people of God. Many of you already support our mission with your time, talent and treasure. It helps us help so many in the different ministries where we serve. We encourage each of you to return the “Gift of Love” card with a donation that will continue to help the Ursuline Sisters in their work of service. As an Ursuline Associate, you are a part of that work. Your gift of love will make a difference in the mission of the Sisters. You are helping us serve.

God bless each of you. We pray for you each day.

Sister Amelia Stenger, Director of Development

November 2013

Associate Update

Page 9 Members of the Tri-State Conference of Associate Leadership, a regional chapter of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR) met Oct. 11-12 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse in Cincinnati.

NACAR is a membership organization that acts as a catalyst to serve, empower and promote the Associate-Religious relationship. Attending the semi-annual meeting were (left to right): Marian Bennett, Associate, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph; Jo Ann Paulin, Associate, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth; Sister Carren Herring, OSM, Sisters of Mercy; Sister Mary Tewes, OSB, Benedictine Sisters of Saint Walburg; Maria May, Associate, Ursuline Sisters of Louisville; Marilyn Flege, Associate, Sisters of Mercy, South Central Community; Mary Jo Mersman, Associate, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; Erna Dennis, Associate, Ursulines of Brown County; Jane Schaefer, Associates, Sisters of St. Francis-Oldenburg; Carolyn Meyer, Associates, Sisters of St. Francis-Oldenburg; Theresa Butler, Associate, Ursuline Sisters of Louisville.

”What TWO associates can do!”

By Sister Marie William Blyth, OSU

“Act, Bestir yourself.” These words of Saint Angela still reverberate in our daily lives as Ursuline Sisters and Associates minister in countless ways.

The Associate Update has been focusing on just how our associates are fulfilling that directive.

In this issue we have another example of what Mount Saint Joseph Associates are doing to follow Angela’s example in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Jim and Rita Wilkus live in Shawnee Mission, Kan., and are members of St. Agnes Parish.

In the 1950s Rita entered the Ursuline community in Paola, Kan., and was a member for 15 years. However, she felt called to the married life and left the order.

She did marry and raise a family.

Her husband died and after a time she married Jim Wilkus. Together they searched for ways to serve God and others. Rita still had close ties with the Paola Ursuline Sisters, and she and Jim became Paola Associates, wanting to deepen their spiritual lives in imitation of Saint Angela.

Sixteen years ago they saw an ad in the parish bulletin for volunteers to help at an Archdiocesan nursing home and they decided to try it. Every Tuesday finds them at Villa St. Francis. They join the residents for Mass, then Jim visits patients and also helps with a service for non-Catholics. Rita works in the gift shop. In doing this they say, “we feel we are following God’s desire that we help one another and Angela’s counsel to care for others in whatever way possible.”

Their interaction with others doesn’t stop there.

Both are active at church with Jim as a Eucharistic

minister and Rita as a lector. They also volunteer with other parishes, providing food and work at a local food kitchen once a month. Rita reminds parishioners through the bulletin, often providing recipes for the day.

On the appointed day she and Jim are Rita and Jim Wilkus on site, helping to serve and doing whatever else is necessary. Their reason for this is easy. Rita sums it up. “Didn’t Angela feed the hungry; those hungry for food and those hungry for knowledge?”

This husband/wife team is very involved in all associate activities. They lead associate formation meetings and discussion groups in their home and plan with other associate coordinators south of Kansas City. North and south groups also come together for reflection days in Advent and Lent. The north group enjoys Rita’s talent for bringing out Angela’s focus and adapting it to the present. Carol O’Keefe, a north group associate, describes the Wilkus home as “warm and inviting, with a spiritual aura. The home is like a spiritual piazza.”

It’s easy to see how Saint Angela has influenced Jim and Rita. Thank you both for your generosity to all God’s people and for being an inspiration to follow!

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Associate Update November 2013

Happy Birthday, Associates!

Sophia Awards Three Ursuline Associates were among recipients of the Diocese of Owensboro’s 2013 Sophia Awards. The Sophia Award is bestowed annually to senior individuals or couples who are models of faith in their parish or community.

BRENDA K. BUSICK, nominated by St. Joseph Church, Central City. Her contact companion is Sister Rose Karen Johnson and the late Sister Rose Theresa Johnson.

CATHERINE GAWARECKI, and her husband, Frank, nominated

by St. Paul Church, St. Paul.

Her contact companion is Sister Mary Louise Knott.

Rev John Vaughan, nominated by St. Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro. His contact companion is Sister Alicia Coomes.

Priest Assignments The following priests who are Ursuline Associates recently took on new assignments in the Diocese of Owensboro: Fr. Freddie Byrd: Dean in Central Deanery FR. Ray Goetz: Director of Formation for the Diocesan Office for the Permanent Diaconate FR. BRIAN JOHNSON: Dean in Eastern Deanery FR. JOE MILLS: Member of the College of Consultors FR. Jerry RINEY: Pastor of St. Stephen Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Owensboro, Ky., and a member of the

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Alfred Karcher Melissa Radetic Irene Quigley Melinda Prunty Bishop Emeritus John McRaith 7 David Grant 8 Judy Lawrence 10 Larry Lynch 11 Mary Louise Kelly 12 Marvin Giittinger 13 Hita Merchant 14 Fr. Ben Luther 15 Don Monaghan Arleen Naglich 16 Carola Pulgar 17 Randy Lamastus Mary Teder 19 Elizabeth Curtin 20 Winnie Cohron Sally Greene Joe Welzen 21 Merle Weilbacher 22 Mary Hartz 23 Debra Dugger 24 Brenda Sauer 25 Fanny Gonzalez Sue Menke Ruth Metschuleit 26 Bonnie Adams Betty Boren Ann Ruth Hayden Joan Perry 29 Andy Chavez Leon Donahue 30 Brenda McGarrigle 31 Janice Miller

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priests’ Personnel Committee FR. John Vaughan: Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Madisonville, Ky., and a member of the College of Consultors Mount Saint Joseph cookbooks are still available for gift-giving for $15 each!

Contact Marian Bennett 270-229-2006

January 1 Molly Jacques Mary Ann McGraw Jan Miscannon 2 Mary Helen Riney Janet Matyk 3 JoAnn Emerson 4 Lupe Sabala Fr. Aloysius Powers Rita Wilkus 5 Therese Fraize 6 Milton Arganbright Lois Bell Theresa Benkeser Coreen Moore 7 Sheila Clark Karen Lasher John Little 8 Joseph Hubbard Debbie Walker 9 Penny Burns Paul Gray 10 Bobbie Laker 12 Maria Rose Galles Helen Kanter 13 Carol Morris 15 Mary Margis Rita A. Metzger Richard Piezuch Georgann Stuck 16 Teressa Hayden 17 Maribeth Clancy Paul Kordenbrock 19 Linda Perri 20 Jean Vanderheiden 21 Michelle Hayes Bernadette Howard 23 Pat Davis Elden Lyon Wilma Uziel 24 Mary Benkeser 26 Patricia McGannon

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Midge Palm Barbara Weidenbenner Larry Menke Marilyn Beam Craig Locke Phyllis Troutman Yolanda Moraga

February 2 Sarah Payne 5 Rev. Phil Hoy 6 June Irizarry 9 Therese Lawson Frank Rockers 10 Fr. Jerry Riney Teen Robinette 12 Catherine Butel 13 Msgr. Bernard Powers 15 Gloria Cecil Gloria Henderson Mary Kennedy John Wood 16 Ina Jeanne Dody Judy Hancock Margaret Tasaka 21 Stephanie Render Brett Stallings 22 Marlene Monaghan 23 Cecilia Curtis 24 Jeanne Lamastus 26 Ray Weidenbenner 27 Lisa Reilly Laurine Scott 28 Rev. Carol Owen

’ He has also, in his usual goodness, given and granted me such grace and gift as to be able to govern them according to his will.

Saint Angela Merici

- Testament of Mother Sister Angela, Bequeathed to the Lady-Governors

November 2013

Associate Update

In Loving Memory...

Sister Mary Renee Monaghan, 84, died Aug. 30 in her 65th year of religious life. She was born in Central City, Ky., was proud of her Irish heritage and loved to dance, play cards and tell jokes.

Her favorite pastime was helping others, especially children with special needs. A 1948 Mount Saint Joseph Academy graduate, she was a teacher and principal in Kentucky and Missouri, and a pastoral minister in Kentucky, Missouri and Indiana. Sister Renee was the contact companion for Associates Lela Buettmann, Arleen Naglich and Dolores Polson, all of Lebanon, Mo. Survivors include three sisters, Ann Boarman of Boonville, Ind., Sister June Monaghan, SCN, Nazareth, Ky., and Ursuline Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, Maple Mount; two brothers, Anthony and Donald Monaghan of Central City, and nieces and nephews.

Sister Jean Gertrude Mudd, 92, died Oct. 13 in her 72nd year of religious life. She was a native of Fredericktown. An educator for 49 years, Sister Jean Gertrude was “little but mighty” and always encouraged her young students to learn. She began making beautiful quilts in 1996 and continued until her retirement. She taught at schools in Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska, and served in health care at Mount Saint Joseph, 1980-84. Survivors include two sisters, Geneva Mudd, Springfield, and Gertrude Nally, Bardstown; three brothers, Thomas Mudd and Joseph A. Mudd, Springfield, and Bernard Mudd, Bardstown, and nieces and nephews.

NOTE: Gifts in memory of a sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

CAROLYN (BASEHEART) PANCHYSHYN, 76, died Aug. 7 in Bowling Green, Ky. Carolyn married Dr. Robert Panchyshyn on Sept. 29, 2007, after many years of widowhood.

Associate Winnie Cohron wrote, “The entire parish celebrated with both of them, grateful that two

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We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • Carol Jo “CJ” Hogan, whose sister-in-law, Karen Walsh, died July 27 and whose uncle, Mark Lies, died Aug. 7.

• Sister Rose Marie Craycroft, whose brother, James F. Craycroft, died July 30.

• Sister Marie Bosco Wathen, whose nephew, Gerald Abell, died Aug. 8.

• Sister Eileen Howard, whose sister, Mary Jo Howard- Shory, died Aug. 10.

• Sister Marietta Wethington, whose sister, Geraldine (Gerri) Pennington, died Aug. 13.

• Philomena Bollinger, whose mother-in-law, Frances Bollinger, died Aug. 13.

• Therese Allen, whose brother-in-law, Charles Allen, died Aug. 23.

• Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, whose sister, Sister Renee Monaghan, died Aug. 30.

• Sister Mary Cabrini Foushee, whose sister Dorothy Jean “Dotty” Foushee, died Sept. 18.

• Sister Cheryl Clemons, whose aunt, Bernita Sims, died Aug. 4.

• Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, whose nephew, Isaac Roby, died Sept. 22.

• Sister Claudia Hayden, whose uncle, George H. (Bob) Ballard, Sr., died Sept. 14.

• Isabel Crenshaw, whose nephew, Father Robert Carroll Wheatley, died Oct. 7.

• Sister Barbara Jean Head, whose mother, Mary Cora Head, died Oct. 8.

• Debbie Lanham, whose mother, Dorothy Crisp, died Oct. 11.

• Mel Howard, whose mother, Mary Annie Carrico Howard, died Nov. 1. wonderful, wise people had found a companion in love and faith. (Carolyn and Bob were) recognized as leaders in the faith community because of their faith and example of service.” They were active members of Holy Spirit Church, praying the Divine Office faithfully and attending daily Mass, Bob serving and Carolyn lectoring. They made associate commitments on July 10, 2010: she made her lifetime commitment and Bob made his initial commitment with their contact companions Sister Mary Sheila Higdon and Sister Suzanne Sims. Carolyn’s survivors include her children, Diane, Sara, Mark and Chris. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William F. Baseheart, Jr. and their son, William F. Baseheart III. Bob died June 23.

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Associate Meeting Dates: Dec. 4...... Grayson County Associates Dec. 6...... Western Kentucky Associates Dec. 7...... Kansas Advent Day of Reflection Dec. 16..... Owensboro Associates Jan. 8....... Muhlenberg County Associates Jan. 15...... Kansas – North Group Jan. 18...... Western Kentucky Associates Jan. 19...... Memphis Associates Jan. 20..... Owensboro Associates Eucharistic Adoration at the Jan. 22...... Grayson County Associates Motherhouse Chapel will continue on the second Sunday of each Feb. 15...... Memphis Associates month in 2014. The time will be Feb. 15...... Louisville Associates 4 p.m.-5 p.m. All are welcome.

Feb. 26..... Grayson County Associates

Don’t miss these other events...

Kansas Associates ADVENT DAY OF REFLECTION Saturday, Dec. 7 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park Speaker: Nancy Gibson, Serra Club District Governor All are welcome to join in this day of prayer and friendship!

• First Sunday of Advent - Dec. 1 • Study of Catholic Catechism at Retreat Center - Dec. 5 • Advent Day of Prayer with Msgr. Bernard Powers - Dec. 12 • Yarn Spinning Day - Jan. 4, 2014 • Study of Catholic Catechism at Retreat Center - Jan. 9, 2014 • Feast Day of Saint Angela Merici - Jan. 27, 2014 • Associate Group Coordinators Meeting - March 6, 2014 • Women’s Retreat with Sister Cheryl Clemons - March 21-23, 2014 • First Annual Mount Saint Joseph 5K Run/Walk - May 31, 2014