Our Call Ursuline Associate Community Quarterly
October 2021
Sisters’ Community Days Gathering
Bay Baltes
The Ursuline Sisters were able to hold their annual Community Days gathering this year from Thursday, August 26, through Sunday, August 29, in the Motherhouse on the Ursuline campus. The gathering began with a three-hour meeting where attendees reviewed the 2020-2021 Annual Report, and discussed the financial situation of the Community and several other governance issues. On Friday, the trustees of Sacred Heart Schools hosted a lunch for the Sisters. Dr. Karen McNay, the president of Sacred Heart Schools, addressed trustees and Sisters, updating them on the schools’ activities. This session also included an update from the Ursuline Sisters’ archivist, Laurel Wilson. The session on Saturday morning concentrated on a discussion of spiritual ecology based on the American Bishops
Above: Sister Sue Scharfenberger reviews a copy of the 2020-2021 Annual Report discussed during the Community Days meetings. At left: Sister Helen O’Brien, Sister Cabrini Hatley and Sister Carol Curtis participate in a reflective exercise during Community Days.
Above: Trustee, Beth Peabody shares stories with Sister Mary Jo Gramig and Sister Judy Rice. Left: Sister Jean Anne Zappa is presented with roses by Dr. Karen McNay, president of Sacred Heart Schools, at the lunch hosted by trustees of SHS.
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Our Call
The Ursuline Associates are Christian women and men who, within their own state in life, join the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in prayer, mutual support, and service. Together they seek to deepen their lives of prayer and service as followers of Jesus in the spirit and tradition of Saint Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters.
Staff: Bay Baltes 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 896-3956, ext. 3127 bbaltes@ursulineslou.org or associates@ursulineslou.org 1
It is not an accumulation of acts of love, but a way of BEING. It reflects a way of understanding who God is and who we are…LOVE. It is that simple. –Sister Sue Scharfenberger
Circle: Missioning service display. Clockwise (from top left): Members of Leadership bestow blessings on the community during missioning ceremony; Sister Mary Martha Staarman brings forth a symbol of the world during preparation of gifts at the Jubilee celebration; Sister Martha Buser and Sister Mary Denis West were among the Jubilarians celebrated; gifts of the community presented during preparation of gifts, and Sister Sue Scharfenberger provides the reflection to the community.
2020 Jubilarians (L - R): Sister Martha Buser and Sister Mary Denis West (70 years); Sister Sara Delaney, Sister Rita Dressman, Sister Kathleen Neely and Sister Sue Scharfenberger (60 years) 2
Sisters’ Community Days Gathering continued from page 1 Right: Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Cry of Earth, Cry of Humanity logo. Below (top): Leadership Team conducts missioning service with Sisters at Nazareth Home–Clifton. Bottom: Sister Marilyn Mueller (L) and Sister Loretta Krajewski reviewed materials during a Community Days meeting.
Social Justice Statement 2021-22, “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor,” which affirms that “We human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behavior.” It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic social teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations. After lunch, the Sisters received an update on the mission in Peru, followed by a Q&A session. The day closed with a ceremony honoring the 2014-2020 Leadership Team. That team was composed of Sr. Janet Marie Peterworth, Sr. Jo Ann Jansing, Sr. Agnes Coveney, Sr. Paula Kleine-Kracht, and Sr. Margaret Ann Hagan. The current leadership team is composed of Sr. Jean Anne Zappa, Sr. Rita Ann Wigginton, Sr. Anne Mary Lochner, Sr. Yuli Oncihuay, and Sr. Agnes Coveney. Their term will end in 2026. The community celebrated 11 Jubilarians on Sunday with a Jubilee Mass. Jubilarians from 2020 and 2021 were honored. The 2020 honorees included Sr. Martha Buser and Sr. Mary Denis West (70 years) and Sr. Sara Delaney, Sr. Rita Dressman, Sr. Kathy Neely, and Sr. Sue Scharfenberger (60 years). The honorees for 2021 included Sr. Theresa Kruml and Sr. Maria Goretti Lovett (70 years), Sr. Mary Cabrini Hatley and Sr. Ann Mary Lochner (60 years), and Sr. Yuli Oncihuay (25 years). The Jubilee ceremony was followed by a catered lunch for Sisters and Associates in the Motherhouse dining room. After lunch, the Community Days concluded with the missioning ceremony for the Sisters in the Chapel. Everyone was very pleased that they were able to gather together after many months of COVID restrictions.
2021 Jubilarians (L - R): Sister Theresa Kruml and Sister Maria Goretti Lovett (70 years); Sister Mary Cabrini Hatley and Sister Anne Mary Lochner (60 years), and Sister Yuli Oncihuay (25 years). 3
Cancellation of Associate Day Bay Baltes
I was very saddened at having to cancel our Associate Day gathering on Saturday, August 14. Unfortunately, the constant danger from the COVID-19 pandemic has dictated that many gatherings be postponed or cancelled altogether. The Advisory Board and I will plan to reschedule Associate Day just as soon as the infection rate in Jefferson County will allow. At that time, I will send around the rescheduling notice and ask that all who plan to attend be fully vaccinated against the virus, as our Associate Community contains many people who are over the age of 65 and at risk for COVID-19. Both Kentucky’s governor and the president have pointed out on numerous occasions, “getting the jab” is how we can do our part to battle the pandemic. The Sisters were able to have their Community Days because all of those who attended were fully vaccinated. It is only right that the Associate Community follow the example the Sisters have set.
Associates Liturgy and Lunch Bay Baltes
Approximately 25 Sisters and Associates gathered on September 16 at 11 a.m. for Mass in the chapel. Father Joe Mertz presided, I was the lector, and Donna Ising was the eucharistic minister. Everyone present wore masks during the liturgy and observed social distancing in the chapel. The liturgy was followed by lunch in the Motherhouse social room.
L to R: Associate Donna Ising serves as eucharistic minister to Sisters and Associates attending Mass. Associate Rory Polio and Sister Yuli Oncihuay enjoy lunch following the liturgy.
COVID-19 Situation at Twinbrook and Nazareth Home–Clifton Sr. Agnes Coveney
The two facilities providing assistance and care for our Ursuline Sisters in Louisville are Nazareth Home-Clifton (NH-C) and Twinbrook Assisted Living. Some of the Associates have asked about the regulations for visits to the Sisters living there, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter the autumn months, we wish we had a way to know what will change or stay the same about visits. The pandemic makes things somewhat unpredictable, but here is helpful information for you, whether you wish to see or call or write to the Sisters. They always appreciate your good wishes and your prayers. To get a particular Sister’s room phone number, simply call the main phone number of the facility where she lives and ask for it. When you write to a specific Sister, simply put her name at the top of Nazareth Home–Clifton 2120 Payne Street Louisville KY 40206 Main phone number: (502) 895-9425
Twinbrook Assisted Living 3525 Ephraim McDowell Dr. Louisville KY 40205 Main phone number: (502) 452-6330
your address line followed by the facility’s address. If you know the Sister’s room number, you can add that to the address, but a room number isn’t required. The Sisters love to get calls and letters from you. They would also be thrilled with a visit from you when COVID-19 restrictions will allow it.
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In Memoriam Sister Dolorita Lutsie of Louisville passed away on July 13, 2021, at Twinbrook Assisted Living in Louisville. She was 89. Sr. Dolorita was a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and entered the Ursuline Sisters in 1953. She was a teacher at a number of schools in Louisville, Morgantown, West Virginia, Columbia, South Carolina, Camden, Mississippi Cumberland, Maryland, and North Platte, Sidney and Omaha Nebraska. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ursuline College and a master’s degree from Creighton University. Beginning in 1983, she served as librarian at Our Lady of Providence High School and St. Anthony of Padua School, both in Clarksville, Indiana. After retirement she served the Sisters as bookkeeper at Marian Home and treasurer for the Ursuline convents. She is survived by a sister, three brothers, many nieces and nephews, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates.
communication from 1969 to 1971. In retirement, she volunteered at St. John Center for Homeless Men, Doors to Hope, and with ESL Catholic Charities at the women’s prisons, all located in the Louisville area. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates. Dorothy Downey of Amarillo, Texas passed away on July 30, 2021 at the age of 88. The Riverton, Wyoming, native graduated from Saint Patrick’s Academy in Sidney, Nebraska, in 1951 and began a 40-year teaching career. Dorothy was a former member of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. She moved to Amarillo after leaving the order in 1983. Dorothy is survived by three sisters, nieces and nephews, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates. Karen Joan Bundy of Ridgeley, West Virginia, passed away at her home on July 7, 2021, at the age of 74. A native of Cumberland, Maryland, she was a graduate of Ursuline Academy, class of 1965. Joan was an educator and county-level school administrator for more than 40 years, and a lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, where she volunteered for Martha’s Group, the box lunch program and the food pantry. Joan’s three surviving sisters, Karol Jean Bradshaw, Mary Ellen Grabenstein and Lois Miltenberger are all Ursuline Associates. Joan is predeceased by cousins Sr. Mary Hermina (Edith) Miltenberger and Sr. Mary Rosaire (Isabelle) Miltenberger, both Louisville Ursulines. Besides her three sisters, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, a granddaughter, two brothers, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates.
Sister Mary Brendan Conlon of Louisville passed away on July 16, 2021, at Nazareth Home– Clifton at the age of 93. A native of Cumberland, Maryland, she entered the order in 1946. She was a teacher, administrator, writer and social activist. Her teaching ministry began in Louisville in 1948. During her career she taught in Nebraska, West Virginia and Maryland. After her teaching career ended, she founded Christian Help, Inc. in 1994, a not-for-profit agency designed to assist the people of Mingo County, West Virginia. She was director of that agency until she retired in 2009. She earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Creighton University, as well as a master’s degree in theology from Wheeling Jesuit University. Over her lifetime, Sister earned a number of awards for her work in assisting the poor and elderly in Appalachia. She also served her Ursuline Community in leadership from 1968 to 1970 and as director of
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2021–2022
Formation Schedule for Candidates Bay Baltes
We are all set to begin formation sessions for candidates seeking to join the Associate Community. An initial session to introduce the candidates to each other and to distribute formation materials is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12. As with previous candidate classes, formation will focus on discussions of “Also in Your Midst,” a book that reflects on the spirituality of St. Angela Merici. These discussions will also unpack Angela’s charism, which is “a contemplative love of God resulting in an openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others.” All sessions will be held on Sunday from 1:30-3 p.m. in either the library or the social room; both are located in the Motherhouse on the ground floor. The schedule is as follows: Sept. 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction Sept. 26 . . Discuss Lay Association article and Associate Handbook Oct. 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 1: Angela, Women and Hospitality Nov. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 2: The Vision at Brudazzo Nov. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 3: Angela’s Names for God Dec. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 4: Angela’s Image of Self Jan. 9 . . . . . . . Chapter 5: Angela’s Stance toward Others: Virginity Jan. 23 . . . . . . Chapter 6: Angela’s Stance toward Creation: Poverty Feb. 20 . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 7: Angela, Reconciler and Peacemaker Mar. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 8: Angela and the Gift of Discernment Apr. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 9: Angela and Ministry May 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 10: Angela, Women of Hope in Dialogue with Her Times
All Associates are invited to attend any of these sessions. It is very helpful to candidates undergoing formation to hear from people who are already members of the community. Please consider taking some time during the formation year to attend some of these sessions and to share your views and vision of the community.
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Birthday Celebrations for the Quarter
Here is the list of those who will be celebrating birthdays in the upcoming quarter (October, November and December). Use your Associates Directory to reach out to the birthday person with a phone call or a card!
October
2 5 6 10 11 12 14 17 20 22 23
Bette Ann Duggan, MD Elena Polar, PERU Bay Baltes, KY Gladys Quintilla, PERU Joy Green, MD Sandra Lefebvre, IN Kevin Wadle, KY Mary Louise “Peasie” Fischer, KY Josh Shoulta, KY Serefina Diaz, PERU Sr. Lynn Jarrell Deanna Kremer, KY Lois Miltenberger, MD Vernetta Gettelfinger, IN Josephine Mantheiy, MD
November
1 3 4 8 10 11 12 14 18 20 22 24 27 28 30
Ellen McKnight, KY Pat Turner, KY Sue Pile, KY Amy Olson, KY Susana Arevalo, PERU Rory Polio, KY Roberta “Bobbi” Henkel, SC Mel Nix, IN Freida Spriggs, MD Joan L. Martin, MD Sr. Catherine Franze Sr. Mary Jo Gramig Karen Harris, KY Pam Catlett, KY Sr. Sue Scharfenberger Mary Margaret “Peg” Wilhelm, MD Hugh Smith, KY Sr. Shannon Maguire Kim Sison, KY Janice Detherage, KY Joanne Musso, MD
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December
1 2 3 6 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 25 28 31
Terese Bennett, KY Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp, KY Maureen “Mo” Underhill, KY Diane Spicer, MD Ruby Hyde, KY Sr. Barbara Bir Sr. Marilyn Mueller Lisa Steiner, KY Sr. Judith Rice Sr. Ruth Ann Haunz Genevieve Churchill, KY Anne Reardon, KY Michael Anne Fultz, FL Anne Klapheke, KY Clara Martinez, PERU Marlene Kramer, KY Sr. Mary Denis West Maribel Lozana Lingan, PERU Brenda Rabiteau, KY Colette Dumstorf, KY Mary Jo Payne, KY Theresa Butler, KY
Advisory Board Associate Staff: Bay Baltes, Director bbaltes@ursulineslou.org
Sister Jo Ann Jansing ja.jansing@att.net
Todd Brock tbrock@evdio.org
Rory Polio aurora.polio@gmail.com
Donna Ising ajhoward17@bellsouth.net
Emily Mosby emily.mosby@twc.com
Lauren Hitron lhitron@shslou.org
Advisory Board: Michael Bratcher mbratcher@shslou.org
Ellen McKnight emcknight@ursulineslou.org
Sister Rita Dressman rdressman@ursulineslou.org
Lisa Steiner lisapsteiner@gmail.com
Follow us! Facebook: @ursulineassociates
Bay Baltes, Director Ursuline Associates 3115 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40206