Update November 2019 by Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

NOVEMBER 2019

VOL. XXV, NO. 2

Convocation experience stirs Associates to action By Dan Heckel, OSUA

he Ursuline Convocation gives Ursuline Sisters across North America the chance to reconnect every three years and refresh their call to follow the path that Saint Angela created. This year’s convocation July 25-28 in St. Louis also included six Ursuline Associates of Mount Saint Joseph. “I had never attended a convocation and wanted to find out what it was all about and what it meant,” said Janice Arth, a Kansas associate. “I found ‘charism’ is the same not only with the Ursuline Sisters I have known but with all the Ursuline Sisters from Mexico, Canada and the United States. The words that resonate with me are ‘joy,’ ‘love’ and ‘reaching out to others.’” Janice joined fellow Kansas Associates Joanne Thompson and Renee Schultz, along with Springfield, Ill., Associate Karen Siciliano and Owensboro, Ky., Associates Doreen Abbott and Dan Heckel at the convocation. Associate Rosann Whiting, from Paducah, Ky., attended the opening reception representing the event sponsor, the Ursuline Education Network, where she serves as executive director. The theme of the convocation was “Celebrating, Converging, Expanding Angela’s Family.” The keynote speaker was Sister Teresa Maya, a Saint Angela member of the Congregation Merici statue of the Sisters of Charity of in St. Louis the Incarnate Word of San Antonio. Her words explaining

Ursuline Associate of Mount Saint Joseph Karen Siciliano, left, and Ursuline Sister Mary Ellen Backes, both of Springfield, Ill., share a laugh after visiting the displays.

Ursuline Associates of Mount Saint Joseph Joanne Thompson, left, and Renee Schultz, center, both of Kansas, meet Rosann Whiting, an Ursuline Associate from Paducah, Ky., prior to the opening ritual. Whiting is executive director of the Ursuline Education Network, which was sponsoring the opening evening.

charism continue to resonate with Joanne Thompson. “Every encounter we have with another person is the creation of connectivity with the charism of Saint Angela and Jesus Christ – and this is how the charism continues to connect us all with each other,” Joanne said. “It grows extending the charism of Saint Angela and Jesus Christ beyond ourselves such that the encounter may so affect that person that it extends into the future and into every encounter and relationship that person may have. Since learning this, I am witness to it and can see it in action. It is so powerful that it has encouraged me to be more hospitable, understanding, merciful and loving. This knowledge has made me act, move and believe.” Joanne was also inspired by Sister Larraine Lauter’s breakout session “Of Beds and Boats: A Conversation of Possibilities.” “Looking at Saint Angela as in a crystal multifaceted face, with many angles and reflections, holding

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I read an article in the Global Sisters Report written by Dan Stockman that opened my eyes to the real meaning of our Ursuline Associate program. Amityville Dominican Sister Mary Hughes said, “Associates are not there to be baby nuns or to tag along with us. They’re there to strengthen a spirituality that’s already in them to learn how to bring it forward.” She also brings up the point that there are more associates than vowed members and that we need to develop leadership and do strategic planning in order to attract new associates. We became associates to keep the sisters' mission and our spiritual calling alive. The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph look upon us as a blessing, and they look forward to the times we come to visit. Just spending a few hours with them and listening to their stories is an exciting time for me, and I’m sure many of you feel the same. I have been discussing a plan with the associate group leaders to encourage each group to spend more time with our sisters here at Mount Saint Joseph. It is a benefit for each associate to get to know the sisters so that we can move forward and keep alive and growing the wonderful company that Angela Merici started. Even though we associates are not a vowed community, but rather a lay community, we need to “get back to our roots” of what an Ursuline Associate is to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Thank you and God Bless,

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 • Fax: 270-229-4953 www.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 Communications and Development Specialist: Maggie Hatfield Director of Development: Carol Braden-Clarke Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Mary McDermott, OSU Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Marcella Schrant, OSU

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.

Part of the Kansas contingent prepares for the opening ritual. From left are Ursuline Sister Angela Fitzpatrick, and Ursuline Associates Joanne Thompson, Renee Schultz and Janice Arth.

CONVOCATION

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on to only one image is impossible,” Joanne said. “Her life and vision for Ursulines and women religious was so unconventional and futuristic, how can we be the same? What do we see in the future for the family of Saint Angela? Is it a deathbed where we honor the past or is it a birth bed of unknown possibilities that is exciting with promise? I ask myself on a daily basis, ‘how can I imitate Saint Angela’s desire for a better world for young women to live in?’” Renee Schultz continues to find something new to meditate on each time she looks through her notes from the convocation. “I was blessed with an incredible small group of women I admire,” Renee said. “Sister Cheryl Clemons, Sister Martha Buser (of Louisville) and Mary-Cabrini Durkin (of the Company of Saint Ursula) were all in my group. I hadn’t met any of them before, however I felt immediately connected to them. Sitting in front of me – these are the voices in my spiritual reading and prayers. Their voices are with me nearly every day. These voices saw me through my training as an associate, and every morning and every evening.” For Karen Siciliano, the convocation was a “Pentecost” experience. “As always, God knew exactly what I needed and provided a deep infusion of the Holy Spirit through the people, sights, sounds and events of the convocation,” she said. “And for once, I was paying attention!” “I was touched at a deep level when Sister Teresa spoke the word ‘Remember,’ and explained that it comes from the Latin word ‘re-cordis,’ which means ‘to pass through the heart once again.’ Sister Teresa’s words stirred me to ‘remember’ my rootedness in Jesus and Angela, and to reclaim my vocation as Angela’s daughter,” Karen said. “Somehow along the way, amidst the struggles of everyday life, I’d begun to forget who I am and whose I am. Sister Teresa, along with the entire convocation experience, encouraged me to remember.’” Karen arrived at the convocation with a heavy heart concerned with all the discord in our country. Continued on page 3

“Since the convocation, I’ve reflected a great deal on Angela’s ministry as ‘reconciler.’ As I consider the polarization and opposition permeating contemporary life, I realize there’s so much I can continue to learn from Angela,” Karen said. “I find myself wondering what Angela would do if confronted with some of today’s problems. I’ve asked Angela to help me, and to teach me how to become more like her in this day and age. Through the experience of the convocation and the grace of the Holy Spirit, I’ve been blessed with a renewed sense of purpose, of mission, to help de-escalate the violence overwhelming humanity today. “I realize this is a daunting task, not something I can do single handedly,” Karen said. “But if I follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus and Angela, perhaps I can bring healing to our fractured world in small but meaningful ways. I recall the words of the prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, Angela’s spiritual mentor and guide – “Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy…” Janice said since the convocation she has learned to listen and communicate more with others. “There is always a desire to learn more about Saint Angela,” Janice said. “Our Lady of Brescia Bonded Group will start our study of the book ‘Journey of the Heart’ written by Mary-Cabrini Durkin, whom I had the privilege to meet.” Joanne gained confidence from the people she met at the convocation to move forward in her ministry. “I feel more committed to share the good news of the gospel message rather than worry so much about what is not getting done,” Joanne said. “The convocation shared so many ideas of how change can be made through individual, group and regional action. I was reminded how much work there was to be done. Planting the seeds is important work.” Joanne concedes she was initially a bit awestruck being around “so many wise, loving, intellectual women leaders.” “I just wanted to take it all in and learn from them,” she said. “These women leaders were educators, language translators, world travelers, authors, artists, scientists, administrators, and scripture scholars, all being bound together with each other and me through the charism of Saint Angela, gathered together from Canada to Mexico and from California to Georgia. I became part of a network of Ursuline Sisters and Associates through our mutual breakout session interests. I met Ursulines from my hometown of New Orleans and got to bond even more with our Ursuline Sisters and Associates of Mount Saint Joseph. I learned that in meeting other associates from all over the nation that the associate program at Mount Saint Joseph is

Ursuline Associate Renee Schultz, right, asks a question of Doreen Abbott about how the Young Daughters of Saint Angela program works through Mount Saint Joseph. Doreen, coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships at Mount Saint Joseph, led her breakout session on “Young Adults Walking with Angela.”

outstanding and a leader in all areas of communication, connectivity, topical retreat offerings and social media. I was very proud of our associate leaders and board members achieving what they have so far and their willingness to share our successes.” Renee said the poem “There Was No Path, So I Trod One” by Edwina Gately, read during the closing ritual, summed up her thoughts. “But each alone was beautiful, unique and standing proud, sharing equally with all the others, the loving breeze and the warm sun. In the wilderness, in the freedom was splendid harmony, and, from it all, a glorious perfume rose, as God breathed and danced amongst the flowers, ‘This,’ whispered the Perfume, ‘Is my wisdom.’” “I can’t think of a time where I’ve been in a room with so many brilliant and holy women,” Renee said. “I felt beyond blessed to dance amongst these beautiful flowers and hope that I walked away with some of the perfume still surrounding me.”n SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS

Associates Violet Hamilton, left, Jody Ziegler, center, both of Leitchfield, and Kathi Skidd of Owensboro work on mailing the Kindness Campaign cards on Sept. 19 in Lourdes Hall. The Kindness campaign provides 12 inspirational cards to be sent to the person of the donor’s choice for a contribution of $50 to the Ursuline Sisters to help with their ministries. To request an order form, contact Carol Braden-Clarke: 270-229-2008, carol.braden-clarke@maplemount.org or visit our webpage: ursulinesmsj.org/kindness-campaign

Associate Sister Agnes Ijoko visits from Nigeria

Associate Sister Agnes Ijoko, HHCJ, left, visits with Sister Marietta Wethington, one of her former roommates, at Maple Mount in August.

A map showing where Ursuline Associates live has one star in Africa. That star came to visit the Ursuline Sisters on Aug. 17-19. Sister Agnes Ijoko, a Sister of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, made her Associate commitment in 2004 after completing three years of study at Brescia University in Owensboro, where she had lived with several Ursulines. She chose to become an Associate to continue her relationship with the sisters, calling them a "happy family." She returned to her native Nigeria in 2004 to open a school for girls ages 10-16. “We now have 400 students. It’s going very well," she said. This was her first time back to visit. “I’m very happy seeing the sisters,” she said. Her contact sister, Sister Mary Irene Cecil, died last year. “I’m sad that my very good friend is not here,” Sister Agnes said. She sees similarities between her community and the Ursulines. “We have the same spirit and inspiration to serve God. Ursulines share their commitment, simplicity, their love for God and humanity. They share selflessness and generosity.”

Betty Girten returned to her Ursuline roots By Dan Heckel, OSUA

Betty Girten was raised in Central City, Ky., but at a young age moved to Chicago with her mother. After many adventures – which included a stint in the military – Betty decided what she really wanted to do was return to her roots. An important part of those roots is the role the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph played in her life. In 2010, impressed by the strong role model of Sister Rose Karen Johnson, Betty made her commitment as an Ursuline Associate with the Muhlenberg County group. “I wanted to give back what the sisters gave me,” she said. “Every young Catholic girl wanted to be a nun. Down the road, you realize what the sisters sacrificed for us.” Betty attended St. Joseph School in Central City in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Some of the Ursuline Sisters who served then were Sister Dolorita Robinson, Sister Pauletta McCarty and Sister Rose Theresa Johnson, who was Sister Rose Karen’s older sister. “We didn’t know what a lay teacher was,” Betty said. Betty’s father was Catholic, and her mother was a Baptist, but she promised to raise Betty as Catholic. When her parents divorced, Betty moved to Chicago with her mother. “Back then, Chicago was the only place a single woman could get a good job,” Betty said. Her mother was trained as a nurse, but she got a job in Chicago at the Motorola factory, then moved into management. Later in life she moved to Florida and began using her nursing training again. Betty attended an all-girl’s school in Chicago, then went to Northwestern University. After two years she began working in the hotel/motel industry, while continuing to work on her degree. “I had an opportunity to get my college paid for 4

in the military,” she said. She spent three years on active duty beginning in 1967 and eventually completed her degree in accounting. She was a stay-at-home mother for a while, but following her divorce, she returned to Central City in 1986 and has been there ever since. Her involvement at St. Joseph Church increased after Sister Rose Karen arrived in 1995. Betty was part of the group who helped to rejuvenate the Altar Society and she remains active in doing whatever is needed there. She also remains active in the Pro-Life efforts in Muhlenberg County. She has loved being an Ursuline Associate, joining with other associates in community activities, selling raffle tickets and whatever she can do to help the sisters. “Sometimes Sister Rose Karen would ask us to go with her to visit the sick,” Betty said. Sister Rose Karen is now retired at the Mount but recalls fondly working closely with Betty in Muhlenberg County. “Betty is one of those people who will do anything for anybody,” Sister Rose Karen said. “She’s such a giver. She goes out of her way to help other people who are sick and suffering. She’s fun, you can’t be around her without laughing and carrying on.” Betty runs a bookkeeping service but is now slowing down a bit to just work on taxes. She joined the Associate Advisory Board this year as a way to increase her involvement with the Ursuline Sisters. Since Sister Rose Karen retired, the Muhlenberg group has suffered the growing pains that happen when there is no longer an Ursuline Sister close by. But Betty said the associates in Muhlenberg County are still committed to the Ursuline Sisters. “I want to give back to the sisters. They’re good communicators about the need for the Lord,” Betty said. “We’re out here trying to keep God in our lives today.”

Reflective ReflectiveMoments Moments

By Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU

Angela, be our companion in grief

Do you like the changing seasons? I do. I am so grateful that I live in a place where things change. Many people do not like the fall season because it reminds them of death. Death is a reality in the life of each of us. Are we ready to face it? Recently, I lost my youngest sister. Was I ready for that? No way. None of us expected to outlive her. My siblings and I grieve her loss. She really didn’t want to die. She has three children and three grandchildren. She was not ready to leave any of them. They needed her. Her husband needed her. We, her siblings, needed her. For help with this, I turn to Saint Angela Merici who suffered a lot of loss at a young age. First, she lost her sister, her mother and then her father. She felt her world had turned cold and black. I know Angela understands my pain 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. 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 to the next. May our death be gift, just as our life was gift. Amen.

Escape to the Mount Weekend!

1) Associate Joy Keller, far left, played trivia during the first-ever Mount trivia game on Sept. 7 in the gym. 2.) Associate Marian Bennett, left, was on the trivia team that won first place! She is pictured helping with bingo cards during Quilt Bingo (and talking to Sister Ruth Gehres) on Sept. 8. 3.) Associate Jennifer Kaminski, left, was one of the trivia judges, along with Sister Pam Mueller (pictured), Sister Suzanne Sims and Sister Sharon Sullivan.

Three Associates honored with Sophia Awards

Congratulations to our Ursuline Associates who received this year’s Sophia Award from the Diocese of Owensboro on Sept. 8 at St. Stephen Cathedral! They live the spirit of Saint Angela in their commitment to their parishes and communities. Those eligible for awards are 65 or older (sophia means wisdom in Greek) who lead lives of stewardship in their parishes, giving of their time, talent and treasure.

1) Associate Lois Bell, left, wears a money apron as she sells extra bingo cards during the inaugural Quilt Bingo at the Mount. 2.) Associate Carol Hill, standing, smiles as a lady wins a bingo game. Carol was selling bingo cards. 3.) Associate Martha Alle worked at a table to collect money for crafts, jams and jellies, along with her husband, Detlef.

Thanks to everyone for volunteering or participating in our first Escape to the Mount Weekend. We received very positive feedback and support for making it an annual event. Our 2020 Escape to the Mount will be Sept. 12-13. Make plans to join us for a fun-filled weekend. I had the privilege of going to various parishes with the Ursuline Sisters to sell raffle tickets. People shared stories of how the sisters had impacted their lives and fond memories of being taught by the sisters. Witnessing these moments reinforced for me why it is so important for the mission to continue. When you receive your annual appeal letter this month, I hope you will reflect on the blessings in your life and consider giving a gift so this important mission can continue. –Carol Braden-Clarke, Director of Development

• Ed and Gloria Cecil of St. Stephen Cathedral, Owensboro, Ky. • Valentino Simpao, M.D. of St. Joseph, Central City, Ky. (See his obituary on page 7)

Special moments from the Holy Land By Associates Elaine & John Wood of Barlow, Ky., who visited the Holy Land in February

“Overwhelmed!" "You are kidding me!” That’s not what I pictured at all!” You would have to come spend a lot of time with us to tell you everything we saw and experienced. One of the best experiences was the day we visited Capernaum. Talk about walking in Jesus’ footsteps! We were sitting in the center of a town where Jesus spent his adult life, where he talked to the apostles, where he preached in the temple, where he healed Peter’s mother-inlaw. I looked down expecting to see the imprint of his feet next to mine. In front of the temple just a few feet away is what is believed to be the dwelling of Peter’s mother-in-law. Keep turning to the right and there is the Sea of Galilee! We boarded a large wooden boat, and as we set out a very surprising thing happened. The American flag was raised, our National Anthem led us to sing. There was not a dry eye. Here in this place of conflict and war there is peace! The engines were cut, no noise, and our guide, Sam, asked us to close our eyes. He began to read scripture where the apostles cried out in fear because the storm was so great. Peter sees Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat. He is saved! He believes! He begins to walk toward his teacher and then starts to sink. But Jesus takes his hand, and all is well. I experienced a realization. This is life to me. I'm a Peter. Upon our return, Elaine’s sister asked her, “How do you know these places you visited are actually where these special events happened or, are they are just tourist attractions?” Yes, they are real. Constantine, a Roman Emperor, allowed his mother, Helena, to build churches where these holy sites existed. As we read the New Testament every morning, we could actually put ourselves where Jesus gave the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, where the shepherds gathered their flock by night, where Jesus was lowered into a hole to wait the night before his crucifixion. The Wailing Wall in Old City Jerusalem had a big effect on John. For centuries people wrote their prayer requests on the wall. Now, one is encouraged to write names and prayer requests on a small piece of paper and insert it in the cracks in the wall. On one of John’s scraps of paper he wrote: “For the Ursuline Sisters and Associates of Mount Saint Joseph prayer requests.” “Placing my hand on the wall while praying for Ursuline Sisters and Associates, I could feel a sense of everyone beside me,” John said. This was indeed an experience of a lifetime – one that can be brought back to life by reading the daily scriptures.n (For a more detailed account of the Wood’s trip, visit ursulinesmsj.org/ category/associate-news)

John and Elaine Wood renew their wedding vows at the Franciscan Wedding Church in Cana.

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Guadalupe Pantoja Alfred Karcher Irene Quigley Melinda Prunty David Grant Judy Lawrence Larry Lynch Mary Louise Kelly Marvin Giittinger Hita Merchant Ron Bornander Arleen Naglich Carola Pulgar Randy Lamastus Mary Teder Linda Monaco Elizabeth Curtin Winnie Cohron Joe Welzen Mary Hartz Debra Dugger Brenda Sauer Sue Menke Ruth Metschuleit Bonnie Adams Betty Boren Ann Ruth Hayden Victor Monaco Joan Perry Andy Chavez Leon Donahue José (Pepe) Pérez Brenda McGarrigle

Mary Ann McGraw Mary Helen Riney Janet Matyk Sherry Newton Lupe Sabala Rita Wilkus Therese Fraize Milton Arganbright Lois Bell Coreen Moore Sheila Clark John Little Luisa Espinosa Joseph Hubbard Debbie Walker 9 Paul Gray 0 Bobbie Laker 1

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Maria Rose Galles Helen Kanter Carol Morris Mary Margis Rita A. Metzger Richard Piezuch Maribeth Clancy Paul Kordenbrock Linda Perri Jean Vanderheiden Michelle Hayes Pat Davis Elden Lyon Mary Benkeser Cathy Cox Lynn Fromm Patricia McGannon Midge Palm Barbara Weidenbenner Larry Menke Marilyn Beam Phyllis Troutman Yolanda Moraga

1 Stephanie Render 2 Sarah Payne Roby 5 Rev. Phil Hoy 6 Tammy Milbourn 9 Therese Lawson 10 Fr. Jerry Riney 12 Catherine Butel 13 Patsy Beauchamp Msgr. Bernard Powers 15 Gloria Cecil Gloria Henderson John Wood 16 Ina Jeanne Dody Betty Donahue Judy Hancock Margaret Tasaka 19 Sandra Herrera 21 Sam Abbott Brett Stallings Martha Warren 22 Marlene Monaghan 23 Cecilia Curtis Lori Haynes 24 Jeanne Lamastus 27 Lisa Reilly Laurine Scott 28 Rev. Carol Owen

In Loving Memory... SISTER HELEN SMITH, 73, died Sept. 2 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 42nd year of religious life. A native of Bartlesville, Okla., she was a creative woman, from her beautiful knitting to developing spiritual programs for children who she loved to lead into the mystery of God. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior to the merger with Mount Saint Joseph. She was an educator and parish minister in Kansas and served in elected Ursuline leadership in three decades, including as a council member at Mount Saint Joseph since 2016. This year she began serving as manager of the Mount Saint Joseph Gift Shop. She was the contact sister for Associates Janice Arth, Bob and Judy Lawrence, and Eileen Locke. Survivors include her religious community and a brother, James Smith of Jenks, Okla. Donations in memory of Sister Helen may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. FATHER ALOYSIUS FRANCIS POWERS, 98, of Owensboro died Sept. 4 at the Carmel Home. He received the holy sacrament of ordination on April 5, 1948. Father served at many parishes in the Diocese of Owensboro. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, where he also served as the State Chaplain. Father Aloysius was dearly loved by many who were blessed to know him. He became an Associate in 1990, with the late Sister Georgetta Higdon serving as his contact sister. He is survived by his siblings, Monsignor Bernard A. Powers, Rev. Richard M. Powers, Martha M. Taylor (George), Mary T. Hayden (Don), and Maddaline Leach. He was buried in the Motherhouse Cemetery. DR. VALENTINO SOMBIRO SIMPAO, 88, died Sept. 11. He was a native of the Philippines, born to a devout Catholic family of farmers and municipal leaders. With the advent of World War II, he was forced to halt his studies and hide from Japanese invaders in the mountainous jungle with his family of five. He went on to complete medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Dr. Simpao worked as a private practitioner in the barrio of Santa Barbara. He eventually moved to Niagara Falls, N.Y., and fell in love with the United States. He married Diane Felice Villone in 1959, with whom he had nine children (five living; four deceased). An internal and pulmonary medicine specialist, he worked in New York and became an American citizen. He moved his family to Paris, Ky., in 1966, acting as the medical director

We Extend Deepest Sympathy To: • Father John Vaughan, whose mother, Ann Vaughan, died July 25. • Carlene Braun, whose brother, Robert Gene Hill, died Aug. 5. • Sister Catherine Kaufman, whose half-brother Rev. Albert (Gene) Kreher, died Aug. 20. • Sister Grace Simpson, whose nephew Chris Allen died Sept. 4. • Sister Rebecca White, whose mother, Geneva Hagan White, died Sept. 20. • Sister Marietta Wethington and Associate Pauline Goebel, whose sister, Kay Wethington Edwards, died Sept. 21. • Associates Amy and Tom Payne, whose sister-in-law Patty Williams died Sept. 24. • Family of Marita Thieneman Eckhart, a former Ursuline Sister, who died Sept. 29. • Associate Becky Pedley, whose uncle, J.C. Mayfield, died Oct. 2. • Associates Florence and Carrie Wieder, whose mother, Ginny Graham Wieder, died Sept. 13. of the state tuberculosis hospital. In 1971, he opened his private practice in Central City, Ky., where he remained until retirement in 2008. He was the founder of the Coalminers’ Black Lung Clinic in Muhlenberg County. A true old-fashioned physician, he carried the quintessential black bag, made house calls, delivered babies and treated a wide array of patients from all walks of life (often foregoing payment). He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Central City from 1971 till his passing, and became an Associate in 2009, with Sister Rose Karen Johnson and the late Sister Rose Theresa Johnson serving as his contact sisters. Survivors include the mother of his children, Diane; sons Tony and Phillip (Rose); daughters Holly Strelzik (Jonathon), Terri Paige (Carl) and Frances Crawford (Darby); 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. ALICE ANN PIEZUCH, 82, of Paola, Kan., died Oct. 5. A mother first and foremost, she especially enjoyed her family, her children and her grandchildren. She was a Master Gardener for Miami County, Kan. She was a member and dedicated volunteer of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Osawatomie, Kan., and became an Associate in 2001, with Sister Marcella Schrant serving as her contact sister. Alice was also a real estate agent, retiring in 1995. Survivors include her husband Richard; three children, Theresa Hatfield of Centreville, Va., Joe Piezuch of Lenexa, Kan., and Stan Piezuch of Overland Park, Kan.; her brother Hank Brendel of Pleasant Hill, Calif., nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mark your calendars! • Nov. 12 and Jan. 28 Owensboro Associates: 5:30 p.m. –Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall • Nov. 13 Muhlenberg County Associates: 6 p.m. –St. Joseph Church • Nov. 13 "Holiday Spiritual Fruits" Twilight retreat/dinner with Deacon Richard Murphy: 6 p.m. –Retreat Center • Dec. 7 Western Kentucky Associates Saint Nicholas Celebration: 1 p.m. – Saint Joseph Villa • Dec. 7 Advent Retreat Day: 9:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. –Retreat Center • Dec. 11 "Awaiting and Welcoming Peace with Thomas Merton" Twilight retreat/dinner with Father Brian Johnson 6 p.m. –Retreat Center • Dec. 19 Advent Evening/dinner with the Bishop 5 p.m. –Retreat Center • Jan. 9, 2020 New Focus on Faith Book Study begins (Flannery O'Connor) • March 20-22, 2020 "Women in Prayer" Spring Women's Retreat with Sister Cheryl Clemons –Retreat Center Register for Center events: 270-229-0206

Dear Associates, The feast of Saint Ursula was celebrated on Oct. 21. We do not have much information about her and her companions, but we do know that Saint Angela believed in her courage, faith and trust in God even to her martyrdom. Saint Angela believed so much that she named her followers the Company of Saint Ursula. Today, we are called Ursulines. In following our founder, Saint Angela, we strive to be courageous and faith-filled followers Saint Ursula in Ursula Hall of Jesus as we carry out our mission of education and Christian formation in today’s world. There are at Mount Saint Joseph challenges as we look at our Church and our world. It would be wonderful if we could live out the gospel in everything we do, but as humans we sometimes fail. During the time between now and Christmas, let’s make it our resolution to find some ways to share our faith, be courageous in sharing the gospel and continue trusting that God will always be with us. God bless all of you. – Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU Congregational Leader

Merry Christmas from the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

’ Each one has to obey, first of all, the commandments of God. – Rule Chapter VIII

Saint Angela Merici