Twelve Ursulines Celebrating Jubilees PAGE 5 CONTEMPLATION JUSTICE NEWSCOMPASSIONSUMMER2022
SUMMER
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Dear Friends, Every year when the Gospel of Martha and Mary rolls around, we imagine which of the two women we resemble: Martha—the busy, speak-up-for-yourself person or Mary—the quiet, just-listen-to-Jesus one. Actually, the Gospel call is to imitate both women: a Martha who notices in justice and charity what people need and who exerts effort on their behalf and a Mary who focuses in prayer on the words of Jesus.Those qualities of both Martha and Mary lived in our founder, Angela Merici. Testimony about her life witnesses to her abundant good works, as well as to her devotion to prayer. Angela has left her spirit, the Ursuline spirit, to us Ursuline Sisters (and to you, our families and friends) to carry out in our time. In this issue of Ursuline Sisters 2022 Newsletter we read the stories of the Ursulines who celebrate their diamond and golden anniversaries this year. We read about their lives in which each in her own way exhibit decades of giving to others and of lifelong dedication to prayer. We read about Sister Rose Elizabeth, former missionary to El Salvador, who returned briefly to that country. There she joined Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic at the gravesite of the churchwomen who were murdered in 1980 and told him their story, especially that of Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, who embodied the Ursuline spirit in life and in death. Angela Merici knew how to be both Martha and Mary. We Ursuline Sisters, now in our time, commit ourselves to the same Gospel call. We take up the challenge to lead lives of justice and charity on behalf of persons yet-to-be-born, persons aboutto-die, and everyone else in between: those in countries without adequate food or water; those migrating to find a country; those caught in war; those in grief. We invite you to join us in this effort. Go out with compassion to your world of family, work, and friendships. Notice where there is injustice or lack of love. Spend time in prayer with the all-embracing love of Jesus. You also embody the Ursuline spirit! Stay connected to us as we journey together. In St. Angela, Sister Maureen Grady, OSU FROM LEADERSHIP Sister Maureen Grady We take up the challenge to lead lives of justice and charity on behalf of persons yet-to-be-born, persons about-to-die, and everyone else in between. Ursuline the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.
Sister Elaine M. Berkopec Editor (440)eberkopec@ursulinesisters.org229-5624
Cindy Johnson Director of Development
After her first visit to El Salvador in 1978, Sister Rose fell in love with the country and its people. Over the years she visited the sisters who were serving there as missionaries and built relationship with the locals. But it wasn’t until she was 65 that she asked permission to leave Cleveland and travel to the mountain town of Chiltupan as a missionary.
“Most of the time, when women missionaries leave El Salvador, the work stops,” says Sister Rose.
“But many of my projects still continue. I think that is because I encouraged people to visit me in El Salvador when I was there, and they fell in love with the country and its people, too.”
“The people of El Salvador have a faith that is very strong,” she says. “I always say they will be higher in heaven than me because of it.”
Observing that many children lacked shoes, Sister Rose started a project to make sure each child in town had at least one pair for school. And seeing how smoky the interior of each home was, Sister Rose raised money for stoves that produced much less smoke and improved the health of the residents. She also organized the construction of two chapels, helped start a scholarship fund for villagers to attend university at the capital, and even started a ladies’ crochet group. That group, which is known as Santa Rosa’s Stitches, still meets today and sends their handiwork to the United States to sell.
By Sue Angell, Associate Director of Development
Summer 2022 • 3
Sister Rose’s in-depth knowledge of the country and its people has proven invaluable to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. During her tenure as Director of Development for the congregation, she authored a number of grants that offset the costs of the sisters’ ministries.
SISTER SPOTLIGHT Continued >
After her leave was approved, Sister Rose packed her bags and boarded a plane for the rural mountain town that would become her home for the next 11 years. Having only a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish, Sister Rose was not assigned to a teaching position in Chiltiupan. Instead, she observed the people and took note of their needs, then created projects and programs that would improve their living conditions.
STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: Rev. John Ostrowski, currently serving in El Salvador; Rev. Steve Vellenga, Director of the Cleveland Latin Mission Team
From 2004-2015, Sister Rose Elizabeth Terrell served as a missionary in Chiltiupan, El Salvador. She followed in the footsteps of 13 other Ursuline Sisters, but Sister Rose was unique – she was 65 years old and had not formally studied the Spanish language. She had, however, visited other missionary sisters in El Salvador throughout the years and had fallen in love with the country’s people and their deep faith.
“I had been working in the Development Office for many years and wanted a change,” Sister Rose remembers. “I had first visited El Salvador in 1978 and fell in love with the people.”
Sister Rose Elizabeth visits El Salvador with Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic
SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT: Rev. Rob Reidy, former missionary; Bishop Malesic; Sister Rose Elizabeth; Mary Stevenson, Executive Director of COAR.
SISTER SPOTLIGHT “I liked the people and I think they liked me, too.”
– Sister Rose Elizabeth
But her experience also came in handy this past February, when she accompanied Bishop Edward Malesic to El Salvador. The new bishop traveled overseas with Father Steve Vellenga, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Painesville, to learn more about the diocesan mission in El Salvador as well as the four women martyrs who gave their lives in service to the country’s people on December 2, 1980. As someone who had been involved with the diocesan mission from the beginning, Sister Rose brought a unique perspective to the Bishop’s visit. From her first trip to El Salvador in 1978 to her 11 years of service in Chiltiupan, Sister Rose’s relationship with the country and its people helped to paint a deeper picture of the connection between the Cleveland mission team and El Salvador. And, as an Ursuline Sister and former missionary, she was able to explain the significance of Sister Dorothy Kazel’s ministry in the war-torn country as well as the work of all the women religious who followed in subsequent years. Upon arriving in La Libertad the Bishop was greeted by Fathers Paul Schindler and John Ostrowski, members of the Cleveland Latin American Mission Team. Father Paul has served in El Salvador since 2008 and Father John has been a member of the mission team for 11 years. The two priests took the Bishop to a memorial site dedicated to the women martyrs and then to Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception Parish), where he celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for the parishioners. The next day, Sister Rose – along with Mary Stevenson and Susan Barnish of the Community of St. Oscar Romero (COAR), a local children’s village and school – met the Bishop at the small chapel near the women’s gravesite. Sister gave a brief, historical overview of the conflict in El Salvador as well as a sketch of the Mission Team’s work throughout the years. When talking about the efforts of Sister Dorothy and Jean Donovan in the months before their murders, Sister Rose explained how the two women made weekly trips to Chalatenango with food, clothes, and medicine for the children Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford served. “They were all valiant women,” says Sister Rose. “Their ministry to the poor, orphaned, and suffering people [of El Salvador] was born out of a strong faith in the message of Jesus, a vision for a better future for people, and a love for them.”
“I see the Ursuline’s work in El Salvador as part of our legacy,” she concluded. “I think it’s important for us to keep a connection – to keep our interest there strong.”
Sister Rose and Salvadoran womanSister Rose and Bishop Malesic
4 • Ursuline Sisters
Sister Rose felt that the opportunity to relate this sobering story to the Bishop was an important step toward preserving the history of the mission team in El Salvador and the Ursuline Sisters’ role within that team.
Sister Rose and Salvadoran children of Cleveland
Twelve Ursuline Sisters celebrate lives of joyful service.
Sister Ursula Marie George Sister Ursula Marie George is our oldest Cleveland Ursuline (and very young at heart!) and one who is still very active and living at Merici Crossings. She entered the convent from Holy Cross Parish, now Our Lady of the Lake in Euclid. In 1948, Sister’ career as a teacher for over 44 years began with teaching children in the primary grades at St. Philomena School in East Cleveland. She then taught at St. Catherine, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Patrick on Bridge, Urban Community, St. Therese, Immaculate Conception in Willoughby, St. Paul, St. Charles, St. Jerome, and St. Francis de Sales Schools. Sister worked for a time during 1992-93 in the congregational Treasurer’s Office and at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. In 1994, she assisted Sister M. Bernadette in establishing SciTT Kits, “Science for Today and SisterTomorrow.”UrsulaMarie’s present ministry is to pray for all her former students and those who ask for prayers on the Ursuline Prayer Board in order to help them stay close to God. She says the highlight of her years as an Ursuline is “when I was preparing the ‘Little Ones’ to receive Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion.”
Sister Francis Borgia Allwine Sister Francis Borgia Allwine currently lives at Regina Health Care Center in Richfield, Ohio and is the self-designated “welcomer” for the second floor. In addition, she prays for everyone with whom and for whom she ministered.
MILESTONE JUBILEES Continued >
This summer, twelve Ursuline Sisters celebrate their Jubilees: Diamond – 75 years: Sisters Ursula Marie and M. Francis Borgia Diamond – 70 years: Sisters Alice Brickman, Joan Petersen, and M. Brigetta Waldron Diamond – 60 years: Sisters Anne Marie Diederich, Kathleen Ogrin, M. Julianne, Kathleen Foster, and Dorothy Bondi Golden – 50 years: Sisters Ruth Urbanski and Margaret Link
DIAMOND JUBILARIANS - 75 YEARS
Sister entered the community from St. Malachi Parish. Her thirty-six year teaching career began in 1949 at St. Paul School in Euclid. Then she taught at St. Catherine, St. Charles, Our Lady of Peace, and St. Timothy Schools. She also served at St. Joseph Avon Lake, St. Patrick, St. Mary
Summer 2022 • 5
JUBILEE 2022!
MILESTONE JUBILEES
Sister Joan Petersen Sister Joan Petersen (formerly in religion, Sister Mary Harold) states that her current “official status” is retired. However, that in no way means inactive! Sister is active in prison ministry, running the Spiritual Reading Book Club, and helping with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) at Saint Anselm parish. Her dedication to the ministry of education has led her to teach first grade, beginning in 1952, at St. Jerome, St. Mary Mentor, and St. Clare Schools. She moved into grades 3 and 4 in 1964 at St. Malachi school, then to junior high (grades 7 and 8) in 1967 at St. William, St. Joseph Collinwood, and Holy Cross schools. In 1977, Sister Joan’s ministry redirected toward adults as a pastoral minister; this direction lasted until 1985 when she took on a position with the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland as Religious Education Consultant until 1991 when she became Religious Education Film Consultant for the Diocese until 1993. Her desire to serve took her to Native Americans at Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana from 1995-1996. She returned to Cleveland and became Director of Mission and Heritage for the Ursuline Sisters until 2017. When Sister Joan looks back at the grace of her vocation that flows through her life, she reflects, “I am most grateful for God’s faithfulness in gifting me and enabling me the privilege of [touching] the lives of numerous people, who in return have enriched my life beyond measure.” Magdalene, Immaculate Conception, and St. Francis De Sales Parishes. While teaching, Sister spent three years as a Diocesan Religious Education Supervisor. From 1987 until 2009, she was a pastoral minister at St. Malachi’s Parish. In this ministry, Sister visited those in the parish who were hospitalized, homebound or in residential care, gave them Holy Communion monthly, assisted with Sunday Mass at MetroHealth Hospital and even took parishioners to doctors and hospitals when needed. In addition, Sister was the weekend backdoor coordinator, assisting with scheduling the Backdoor Ministry volunteers and being the backdoor soup-maker extraordinaire. Sister Francis Borgia began her welcoming ministry as she says, “teaching small children to read, sing and do art and to prepare for First Communion.” She continues her ministry by helping those in need now at the Regina Health Care Center where twenty of our Ursuline Sisters reside. “Community has always been there for me,” says Sister Francis, “I love the Ursulines.”
DIAMOND JUBILARIANS - 70 YEARS
6 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Alice Brickman Sister Alice Brickman (formerly in religion Sister John Leonard) entered from St. Timothy Parish (now Holy Spirit Parish). Sister spent 11 years as a teacher in elementary schools including St. Jerome, St. Francis de Sales, St. William, and St. Mary Magdalene. Sister also served as a principal at St. Mary Mentor. Her time in secondary education involved tutoring at Villa Angela Academy. Her missionary service to the Church of Cleveland began in 1968 when she answered the call to become part of the Cleveland Mission Team in El Salvador until 1974. She became the pastoral minister at St. Francis Parish in Cleveland when she came back. She returned to education as a tutor at Villa Angela Academy and teacher at Immaculate Conception School, Willoughby. Sister then served for a time on the Development office staff for Lake Catholic High School and the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. She is currently assisting in Volunteer Services at Merici Crossings and in the Development Office. Sister is “most grateful for the love of God, my family, and the Ursuline Community which has supported and sustained me for 70 years.”
DIAMOND JUBILARIANS - 60 YEARS
Sister M. Brigetta Waldron Sister M. Brigetta Waldron came to the Ursuline Sisters from St. Aloysius Parish, following her sister Mary (Sister Angela Marie) and preceding her younger sister, Sister Catherine (formerly Sister St. Ann). Her life has been devoted to education. She taught at Holy Cross and St. William Schools in Euclid, St. Joseph Collinwood and Immaculate Conception School in Willoughby. She also served as teacher and principle at Immaculate Conception in Cleveland. Before it merged with St. Henry School, she ministered as teacher and principal at St. Timothy School. She continued through and after the merger of these schools into Archbishop Lyke School and served there as co-principal and later as Director for many years. She currently resides at Light of Hearts Villa. Some highlights of her years as an Ursuline are:
• The honor that she was given back in 2015 as the Honorary Beacon in the Neighborhood Sister Brigetta is grateful for her memories of a wonderful family life she shared over the years with her parents and siblings. Her gratitude also encompasses what the Ursuline Community gave her and continues to give to her in her life as an Ursuline Sister. She treasures all her experiences in the world of education and the Community’s support of her endeavors, learning new ways to grow and to help others grow.
Summer 2022 • 7
• Being given the opportunity in her numerous and varied ministries to really get involved with those persons, families, & students she came to know and love; also growing in those skills & talents that were needed in working with the Cleveland Diocese and with all whose lives she touched as a teacher, as an administrator.
Sister Anne Marie Diederich (formerly in religion Sister M. John of the Cross) entered the Ursulines from the Church of the Gesu. In 1966, she began teaching at Villa Angela Academy until 1971. In 1976 she became Assistant Principal followed by principal until 1982 when she moved to Beaumont School. After two years of teaching at Beaumont, Sister earned her PhD in Program, Education, Policy and Leadership and became President of Ursuline College from 1986 to 1996. After serving at Ursuline College, her ministry took a new direction. Sister Anne Marie studied at the Institute of Spiritual Leadership where she earned a Spiritual Direction Certification. For a year, she interned in Spiritual Formation at Berakah Center for Renewal for Religious Women and was Co-Director of the Center for Spiritual Development in Minnesota from 2000-2002. Then Sister became part-time Assistant in Spiritual Care at Regina Health Care Center from 2002-2007. From the end of her tenure at Regina until 2018, she was Director of Mission Integration at Laurel Lake Retirement Community. Currently, Sister resides at Merici Crossings and is involved with various spiritual activities, as well as being a member of the Beaumont School Board of Trustees. Sister Anne Marie has been inspired by the example of St. Angela Merici. “As a daughter of Angela Merici, I want to radiate God’s love as long as I live so that I can be a blessing to others in gratitude to God.”
Sister Anne Marie Diederich
Continued >
Sister says she is “grateful for all the opportunities the congregation has provided me to grow spiritually and professionally in preparation for the challenges of varied ministries in which I served….I carry in my heart the men, women, and children whose lives and stories have touched mine. Like our foundress, St. Angela, my humble desire has always been to develop relationships with others that will lead them to Christ and deepen their relationship with him…. Every encounter with family, friends, co-workers, sisters in community, people I served or just met along the way has allowed me to touch the face of God. They will always have a home in my heart.”
8 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister M. Julianne McCauley
Sister Kathleen Ogrin Sister Kathleen Ogrin (formerly in religion Sister M. St. Maxim) entered the Ursulines from St. Paul Parish in Euclid. Her many ministries have served people from pre-school to golden age. Her work began in 1966 as a teacher of primary grade students at St. Francis de Sales in Parma and took her to other schools, mostly on Cleveland’s east side: St. William School, St. Mary of the Assumption, and Urban Community. Her talents, experience, and skills as an administrator enabled her to serve as principal at St. Mary of the Assumption and as director of Holy Family Learning Center. Since 2018 she has been a member of the sisters’ Wellness Team, extending care and service to the retired sisters at Regina Health Center and Light of Hearts Villa. When looking at her life in ministry, Sister Kathleen reflects, “The highlights of my years as an Ursuline Sister center within the context of ministry. In my years in elementary education, I assisted with the development and publishing of the New Ways and Numbers kindergarten math program, and I was a presenter at both the Ohio Catholic Education Association and National Catholic Educational Association on the topics of Assertive Discipline in the Early Years and Basic Math Readiness Skills In my tenure at Holy Family Learning Center, I had the great privilege of working with dedicated teachers, staff and parents to provide quality care and education of children—infants through prekindergarten age—to prepare them for entry into elementary school. In my current ministry as a member of the congregational Wellness Team, I am pleased and humbled to assist our elderly and infirm sisters at Regina Health Center and Light of Hearts Villa.”
As assistant to the Director of the Ursuline Office of Mission Integration, chairperson of the Merici Crossings Spirituality Committee, a writer of spiritual reflections for the Ursuline website, a member of the Ursuline Mission and Heritage Program and Angela Circles since July, 2020, Sister M. Julianne McCauley continues to minister.
MILESTONE JUBILEES
Mary Jo McCauley entered the Ursuline Congregation from Holy Cross Parish, and as Sister Julianne began her teaching ministry in 1966 at St. Ann’s School, then at St. Therese, followed by Immaculate Conception in Willoughby where she became principal for seven years. In 1984, she was elected to the Ursuline Leadership team for eight years, during which she began planning for our St. Angela Center to serve our infirmed sisters. At the same time, Sister Julianne served on the Sisters of Charity Board for Regina Health Care Center. From January 1996 until June 1997, she worked at a childcare center, directed an elementary school evaluation study and helped at the Ursuline Finance Office. From 1997 until 2018, she was Director of Religious Education and Adult Faith Formation at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, while serving on the Boards of the Villa Montessori School in Slovak Village and the Cleveland Organization of Religious Education Directors, as well as a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council.
Sister Dorothy Bondi (formerly in religion Sister Anthony Claret) entered the Ursulines from St. Patrick Parish on Bridge Avenue. Her professional life took her originally into elementary classrooms in three different parishes: Christ the King, St Francis DeSales, and St. Mary Magdalene. Although she loved teaching the little children, her calling was not limited just to the classroom and her next five parish assignments included positions of Director of Religious Education (DRE) and Youth Minister and other forms of ministry. All the while her heart was drawing her to El Salvador but she had to postpone her dream because the congregation elected her to a position on the leadership team. After that period Dorothy accepted an invitation from another sister to visit her in Kentucky. She responded to a clear need she saw there, and she spent eighteen years ministering to migrant workers in Kentucky in four different counties. When she returned to Cleveland she served as pastoral minister and DRE at Our Lady of Lourdes parish with its dominantly Latino population. Even today, closer to home where Sister Dorothy is House Coordinator for the sisters at Merici Crossing, she also tutors English to Latino families when needed. Her natural leadership ability and outgoing personality make her an asset in any group both within the Ursuline Community and well beyond it. When asked about the highlight of her sixty years, she responded, “The highlight for me is certainly the various ministries, but more -- it was the people I was privileged to minister with and to during these years. Life-long friends, supportive community and family all seemed to meld together for me over the years. What a blessing! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to “BE” Church and “BE” for others as an Ursuline.”
Sister Kathleen Foster Sister Kathleen Foster (formerly in religion Sister M. Monica) entered the congregation from her home parish of Holy Cross. She spent much of her professional life in the classroom of parish schools, including, St. Charles, St. Patrick/Urban Community School, Holy Cross, St. Robert, St. Clare, St. Gregory the Great-Sacred Heart of Jesus Academy. She also demonstrated her expertise in the care of younger preschool children and most recently, since 2018, the concerns of the senior sisters at Regina Health Center and Light of Hearts Villa. Across all ages she found reason for gratitude and formed lasting friendships. When asked what she was most grateful for and why, sister responded with the following statement: “All is Grace, All is Gift was the theme for our 25th and 50th jubilee celebrations. It still rings true today. With gratitude in my heart I thank God, St. Angela, the Ursuline congregation, my parents, family and friends for their support of me during my 60 grace-filled years as an Ursuline sister, and the joy and contentment I have found in following this call. Throughout my 47 years in the ministry of education, I was privileged to partner with parents in teaching their children, helping them to grow in their love of God and others, and guiding them to live according to Gospel values. follows,Gratitudeaswell,for my ministry as a caregiver in a daycare facility which allowed parents the opportunity to work, secure in knowing that their little ones were in good hands. Finally, my gratitude extends to my current ministry serving as part of the congregational Wellness Team, in support of our sisters at Regina Health Center and Light of Hearts Villa. All of these experiences have been a continuing source of blessing for me. Filled with appreciation, I offer prayers for all who have companioned me on my 60-year journey as an Ursuline. You will always be a gift and grace in my life.”
Sister Dorothy Bondi
Continued > Summer 2022 • 9
10 • Ursuline Sisters of
After Sister Margaret completed her training at Mount St. Joseph in Owensboro, Kentucky, she became a Spiritual Director. Sister states that she has been blessed by both religious congregations “to realize her religious vocation” and her “heart’s desire to become a classroom teacher.” Of her new ministry she says: “I am even many.”companionbebeblessedmoretoabletoaspiritualto
MILESTONE JUBILEES
Sister Margaret Link Sister Margaret Link is currently the Director of Spiritual Care Services for Altercare Integrated Health Services. However, during her fifty plus years in religious congregations—the Daughters of St. Paul and the Ursulines of Cleveland—she has ministered in a variety of areas.
–St. Angela Merici, 9th Counsel Cleveland
Sister Ruth Urbanski Sister Ruth Urbanski, previously known as Sister Ann Ruth, entered the congregation from St. Timothy parish. From the beginning of her novitiate it became clear that she would not be following the typical route of a young sister who begins her professional life as an elementary school teacher. God seemed to have had other plans for Ruth and she willingly followed them as they led her mainly to service in the nursing profession in a variety of venues, first in the Ursuline infirmary, then in El Salvador offering humane and pastoral care. Back in this country she responded to a need and served as head nurse and administrator of the St. Angela Center. In her next ministry she gave herself to a Neighborhood Family Practice as a clinic manager; and finally she began her eighteen years of gifted and compassionate service to those facing their ultimate journey by dedicating her ministry as a home care nurse for Hospice of the Western Reserve in the city of Cleveland. Most recently she has turned her loving attention and creative initiative to children who are fortunate enough to call the House of Champions their refuge. She is the house coordinator where all her many skills can be utilized. She reflects on her life with the following statement: “As I look back on fifty years as an Ursuline, I see how much God has been a part of my life, loving, guiding and forming me. This love has kept my eyes open to the needs of others and to reach out and try to help and love more. God has filled my heart with compassion for others and has led me on journeys I never would have dreamed of nor undertaken on my own. I strive daily to grow closer to God and respond to all with His love and compassion.”
In 1969, Sister Margaret entered the Daughters of St. Paul in Boston and transferred to the Ursulines in 1990 because of her desire to be a teacher. For twenty-two years, Sister taught at the following schools in the Cleveland area: St. Ann, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Beaumont, Holy Cross/Our Lady of the Lake, Urban Community School, and St. Anthony of Padua.
“Enjoy together that holy gladness of heart which I foretold you will undoubtedly come to you.”
GOLDEN JUBILARIANS - 50 YEARS
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In the letter in which she asked to become a missionary she wrote, “Jesus has blessed me with so much love – my family, my friends, my community – I want to share that love of Jesus.” She served in El Salvador from 1993 to 1998.
Remembering Sister Roberta Goebel
OBITUARIEShttps://www.ursulinesisters.org/support-us/donate
Complete obituaries can be found here: https://www.ursulinesisters.org/news
Judith Ann Pinchot was born in Shamrock, Pennsylvania eighty years ago to Mary Jane and Joseph. She grew up in Euclid, Ohio with her siblings Diane, Delores, Kenneth, Joseph, and Mary. In 1959 she entered the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland from St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Euclid. Professed as Sister Miriam Fidelis, she was a teacher at St. Charles, Immaculate Conception (Willoughby), Holy Cross, St. Timothy, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Joseph (Avon Lake), and St. Ann. Sister Miriam Fidelis also served at the Martin de Porres Center and the West Side Catholic Center as well as Immaculate Conception and St. Augustine Parishes. For a time Sister Miriam Fidelis served in Disabilities Ministry and then moved to Brownsville, Texas where she worked with parishioners there and in Matamoros, Mexico. Once she returned to the Cleveland area, she also served in pastoral ministry at St. Angela Merici and St. Michael the Archangel Parishes. Finally, at the time of her death, Sister was still actively engaged at Our Lady of Peace Parish. Sister Miriam Fidelis was on a retreat when she suddenly fell ill and passed peacefully into the arms of God on July 11, 2022. She is survived by her siblings: Sister Diane Therese, Dolores, Joseph, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sister Miriam Fidelis Pinchot
Sister Roberta (formerly Sister M. Aquinas) was a woman of many gifts. She taught at Christ the King School, Our Lady of Peace, St. Jerome, St. Mary Magdalene, St. William and St. Francis De Sales. While at some of these sites, she also served as Assistant Principal and Religion Coordinator. From there she served as principal at St. William School, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception (Cleveland), St. Anthony of Padua, St. Lawrence (California) and St. Charles. Her many skills and talents also led to pastoral ministry work at St. Anthony of Padua as well as diocesan work as Co-Director of Vocations and in the Diocesan Mission Office. The martyrdom of Sister Dorothy Kazel in El Salvador initiated a process of reflection that inspired Sister to serve on the Cleveland Latin American Mission Team. After a visit to the country she said, “I just fell in love with the people.”
In recent years, a debilitating illness led to an eventual move to Regina Health Center. Sister Roberta passed away on July 23, 2022. She is survived by her sisters, Kathryn Goebel and Mary Alice Enright (Harold, deceased) as well as nieces and nephews. Sister Roberta Goebel
Summer 2022 • 11
Remembering Sister Miriam Fidelis
Annual Fund supports ministries and care of retired, infirm sisters NO ENVELOPE? NO PROBLEM! You can make your donation safely and securely at www.ursulinesisters.org/support-us/donate. If you need assistance or have any questions, please call Sister Elaine at 440-229-5624 or email her at eberkopec@ursulinesisters.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DEVELOPMENT OFFICE URSULINE ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND 6085 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 175 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Cleveland,PAIDPostageOHPermit#3796 Visit www.UrsulineSisters.org to submit prayer requests. Have a new address? Email? Phone number? Please help us update your personal information. Call Sister Elaine at 440.229.5624 or 440.449.1200 ext. 5624 or eberkopec@ursulinesisters.org.email Thank you! For more information, please call Cindy Johnson at 440-229-5634, or email her at cjohnson@ursulinesisters.org. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please consider making a donation to this year’s Annual Fund Appeal which launched on July 1, 2022 and ends on June 30, 2023. We are most grateful for the support we receive for our ministries and to assist our sisters who are retired or infirm. Remember: we rely on our working sisters and on our fundraising efforts for financial support.
