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Soli Deo Gloria We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
Sister Helen Leo Ebelhar, together with her sister, Beverly Ebelhar, was a recipient of the Sophia Award during a Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral on September 25. Sister Helen Leo and Beverly were nominated by members of their parish, St. Mary Magdalene, Sorgho, Kentucky. The Sophia Award recognizes senior citizens who are outstanding in their parishes and communities. An Ursuline Sister for 53 years, Sister Helen Leo ministers as a companion to her sister and assists with the transportation needs of the motherhouse. The parishioners who nominated her described her as “a very giving person who is always there when someone is in need...a person who reflects the compassion of Christ.” Sister Sharon Sullivan spoke on “ADHD and the Realities of the Catechetical Setting” at the April 2005 meeting of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in Louisville. Sister Sharon, who is chair of the Brescia University School of Education, has 30 years’ experience in special education. She is often called upon for presentations on educational issues as well as on topics related to evangelization and environmental stewardship. After 11 years as community librarian, Sister Carolita Young retired July 31, at the age of 92. An Ursuline Sister for 73 years, Sister Carolita enjoyed a 60-year ministry as a teacher and school librarian before assuming the parttime position in the motherhouse library. “In all the places she ministered, Sister Carolita has been known for her wonderful smile and gentle spirit,” said Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Sister Marie Michael Hayden, pastoral associate/DRE for St. John the Baptist Parish, Fordsville, Kentucky, received the 2005 Bishop John J. McRaith Award on June 6. The award recognizes outstanding catechetical ministry. In her 50 years of religious life, Sister Marie Michael has served in education and pastoral ministry. She was diocesan director of religious education in the dioceses of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Owensboro, Kentucky. On September 25, she was also a recipient of the Sophia Award given by the Owensboro Diocese to honor outstanding senior citizens.
The parish community of Holy Redeemer, Beaver Dam, dedicated a prayer garden in gratitude for Sister Luisa Bickett’s ministry in Beaver Dam and Horse Branch in Ohio County, Kentucky. The surprise ceremony took place at the closing Mass of Vacation Bible School on July 29, with students, parishioners, and members of Sister Luisa’s family present. A statue of St. Francis adorns the garden. A plaque reads: “This garden is dedicated to the honor and glory of God in recognition of the faithful service of Sister Luisa Bickett, OSU. May all who pray here know the love, peace and joy of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Many parishioners made donations to the fund for the poor, which Sister Luisa administers. She has served in outreach ministry in Ohio County for more than 20 years. Sister Lois Lindle, newly appointed local community life coordinator at Mount Saint Joseph, began this ministry on August 1. In her new position, Sister Lois will coordinate the spiritual and communal needs of the sisters living at the motherhouse. She has ministered as a teacher and pastoral minister for 46 years, most recently as a member of the Catholic Pastoral Care Team at Baptist East Hospital, Louisville. Sister George Mary Hagan has been appointed associate local community life coordinator. She will assist Sister Lois in leadership of the motherhouse community. She is also part-time DRE for St. Alphonsus Parish. Sister George Mary served as director of religious education at Fort Knox for 19 years. Sister Jacinta Powers has been named to the Steering Committee of the Ursuline Society, representing the Western Triad that includes Ursuline communities in Belleville, Illinois, Paola, Kansas, and Maple Mount, Kentucky. The appointment was made by the congregational leaders of these communities. The Ursuline Society is a united effort of the nine independent congregations in the United States to “create a new model of Ursuline community together,” and to “establish new patterns of relationshiop among us that will take us beyond collaboration and toward integration.” A registered nurse, Sister Jacinta has served in community leadership and health care administration. She is now providing education and assistance for the people of the Diocese of Owensboro in the area of Medicare and Medicaid. 7