Ursulines Alive Spring 2009

Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

Spring 2009

Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children

Volume 8, No. 1

www.ursulinesmsj.org

Motherhouse Chapel Sister Honored with Endowed Chair in Symphony Academy Crib Found

Ursulines Continue 90 Years of History in New Mexico

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From our Congregational Leader The Ursuline Call to Pilgrimage Dear Friends, This issue of Ursulines Alive reflects the Ursuline call to pilgrimage. Our founder Saint Angela Merici went on many pilgrimages, and—maybe because after her parents’ death she never really had a home of her own—she thought of herself as a pilgrim. In fact, she still lies in state with her pilgrim staff in hand.

It’s not easy to be a pilgrim. Between moments of euphoria there must be days and weeks and months of culture shock, homesickness, loneliness, and Sister Michele Morek fear. It’s tiring, inconvenient, dirty, and sometimes dangerous. When we Ursulines put on our pilgrim shoes to go to Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and South America (all “faraway places” when we went) we met with privation and hardships: hunger, cold/ heat, lack of materials for ministry, fleas! Come to think of it, it probably wasn’t a “good” time to send sisters to those faraway places; I’m sure there was plenty of demand for their services back home, and there probably wasn’t a lot of money for travel. But we always received the rewards of the pilgrim—an expanded perspective, broader vision, Divine guidance, and the satisfaction of knowing we were where God wanted us to be.

As we look at possible new ministries in Jamaica, as we begin living out the practical implications of community mergers, and as we face economic hardships with our brothers and sisters all over the world, we once again put on our pilgrim shoes and step out into the new realities.

We do so in faith, knowing that the Spirit continues to lead us down a path chosen for us, a path chosen for our times.

Wishing you a life journey full of blessings,

Michele Morek, OSU Congregational Leader Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

In this issue New Mexico........................................ 3 Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph still serve New Mexico after 90 years Ursulines Alive in Pictures...............6-7 New Ursuline Prayer Book................. 8 New Development Director............... 8 Mount Saint Joseph Chapel............... 9 Motherhouse Chapel at the heart of Ursuline life New Divine Light Booklet................ 11 Sister Annalita Lancaster publishes history of Motherhouse Chapel windows Soli Deo Gloria.................................. 12 We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God

Our Mission We, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, proclaim Jesus through education and Christian formation in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.

Our PURPOSE

Cover: Background photo of Abiquia Lake was taken near Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger’s home in Espanola, N.M. Pictured, left to right, are Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph who currently minister in New Mexico: Sister Sara Marie Gomez (Diocese of Gallup); Sister Sheila Anne Smith (Archdiocese of Santa Fe); Sister Clara Reid (Archdiocese of Santa Fe); Sister Mary Matthias Ward (Diocese of Gallup), and Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger (Archdiocese of Santa Fe).

Ursulines Alive is published by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. Three issues are published each calendar year.

EDITORS: Director of Mission Advancement/Communications.........Dan Heckel

Communications Specialist/Graphic Design.......................Jennifer Kaminski

Communications Specialist/Web Design............................Tiffany Orth MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF:

Director of Development....................................................Debra Noble

Director of Ministry Development.....................................Sister Suzanne Sims

Director of Mission Effectiveness.......................................Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan

Director of Spiritual Formation..........................................Sister Marietta Wethington

Director of Ursuline Partnerships.......................................Marian Bennett, OSUA

Administrative Assistants....................................................Melanie Sears Christi Bowman 2

Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children

OUR CORE VALUES • • • • •

Prayer Service Empowerment Justice Contemplative Presence ...in the spirit of Saint Angela

Contact Us Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org

Ursuline Sisters still “lighting the way” in

S p r i n g 2009

By Dan Heckel Mount Saint Joseph Staff

“Outside on the desert, the Yucca has blossomed, then withered and died. But, in its brief lifetime, it brightened the arid desert, and scattered seeds that will give life to waxen blossoms of another season.

“Like to the tapers on altar, and like to the ‘candles of the Lord’ on the desert, these consecrated spouses of Christ are giving their all – small though it may be – to light the way and to scatter seeds for the future.”

“Candles of the Lord” by Sister Mary Michael Barrow, 1945

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n 1969, Fr. Henry Dery, the new pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Albuquerque, N.M., asked Charlie Villa to serve on the parish council.

When Villa told the priest he had concerns about how the school was run, Fr. Dery assured him, “Don’t worry, we’re bringing the Ursulines in.”

Villa has been a member of St. Charles for 42 years now, and still sings the praises of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph serving in New Mexico. “They really turned this school around,” he said in 2008.

One of Villa’s dear friends is Ursuline Sister Clara Reid, who still teaches at St. Charles Borromeo. She is one of five Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph who minister in the “Land of Enchantment,” a legacy begun 90 years ago when Ursulines braved the unknown and started teaching in the Southwest.

“The praise and adulation in Farmington, the praise and adulation of the Catholic Church in that area is due to the Ursuline influence,” said Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, who does parish ministry from her home in Espanola, N.M. “In Grants, San Fidel, St. Charles Borromeo, there’s still some influence.”

The Ursuline influence began in the classroom, but it has spread since 1919.

Sister Mary Matthias Ward runs the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Gallup, and serves as Delegate to the Bishop for Women Religious, working with 134 sisters in the Gallup Diocese who represent 38 religious communities.

Sister Sara Marie Gomez is director of religious education for two churches in or near Aztec. She still teaches part time at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Farmington, the school the Ursulines founded in 1919.

Sister Sheila Anne Smith is a tutor and writer in Albuquerque. She and Sister Sara Marie are both natives of New Mexico.

Sister Clara still does what she does best – teach. She

Sister Clara Reid has lunch out with Charlie Bickel, grandson of Charlie Villa, and his family. Sister Clara has taught at Saint Charles Borromeo in Albuquerque, N.M., for the past 20 years.

and Sister Cecelia Joseph will celebrate 50 years as sisters this year (golden Jubilees), and Sister Clara has spent 49 of those as a teacher or principal, mostly in New Mexico.

Why New Mexico?

Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Sisters, was a pilgrim at heart. Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph first displayed their pilgrim spirit in 1918, when 12 sisters began teaching in five schools in Nebraska.

Nine years earlier, three young men from Daviess County, Ky., sought adventure in northwest New Mexico that they called “Kentucky Mesa.” They invited family and friends, couples married, and children were born. The families desired their children to have a Catholic education, so they sought the best teachers they knew – the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph.

On Sept. 8, 1919, nine Ursuline Sisters left Maple Mount for New Mexico, arriving in Farmington four days later, where three sisters wasted little time in starting Sacred Heart School. Three others traveled 45 miles to teach in a public school in Blanco, while the other three stayed in Kentucky Mesa – renamed Waterflow – to open Sacred Heart Academy.

Continued on page 4

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Far left: Sister Mary Matthias Ward, director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Gallup, N.M., walks along a labyrinth at the Center.

Left: Sister Dorothy’s Garden at Sacred Heart Church and former Ursuline convent in Farmington, N.M., includes a plaque honoring the Ursulines (inset). Sister Dorothy Payne spent 58 years in the Southwest.

NEW MEXICO

From page 3

One of those pioneer sisters, Sister Dorothy Payne, spent 58 years in the Southwest, and is immortalized near the school and former convent in Farmington with “Sister Dorothy’s Garden.”

Being part of the legacy of New Mexico sisters is not lost on those who ministered there.

“We would talk about what we were doing there, how amazing it was we could be there. It was like a foreign mission,” said Sister Joan Riedley, who taught in Grants and San Fidel from 1968-77. “The children and the parents would say they learned a lot in the school, and we tried to teach them religion by being a good example.”

In “Sacred Heart Parish: The History: 1908-2008,” the author wrote, “The Ursulines had a spirit still spoken of fondly today by parishioners who remember the many sisters who passed through their lives over the years.”

When the church was renovated in 2001, a window was added honoring Saint Angela.

“The Ursulines had a great, great impact,” said Sister Marie Montgomery, who spent 41 years in New Mexico.

“When we left Farmington, many people said, ‘You can’t leave, you’ve been here so long.’ They said what a great job we did in the Southwest.”

Sister Marie Brenda Vowels spent 30 years in New Mexico or nearby Houck, Ariz. “People who were not Catholic would send their kids to our schools to get the education,” she said. “They really appreciated the teaching.

Sister Sheila Anne Smith helps Baylee Roybal, 10, a fifth-grader at St. Mary’s School in Albuquerque, during their afternoon tutoring session.

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They’ve gotten good jobs.”

Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader, was living in Gallup as a girl, but her mother thought she needed a Catholic education. “She said, ‘There is a Catholic school in Farmington, run by the Ursuline Sisters, and I’ve heard they are supposed to be excellent teachers. We are moving to Farmington,’” Sister Michele said.

At a reunion Mass for Ursuline school graduates last summer, the priest who gave the homily said, “The people who are the ‘backbone’ of parishes in much of northern New Mexico are graduates of Ursuline schools,” Sister Michele said.

Many of the sisters who ministered in New Mexico call it their favorite place.

“It’s so peaceful there, I love the sunsets,” said Sister Margaret Joseph Aull, who taught in Farmington, Grants, and San Fidel from 1956-75. “The people are so friendly, if you have a friend, it’s forever. I think all the sisters who stayed were very dedicated; they did everything they could for the people.”

“There are a number of kids being more successful than they would have been if not for the Ursulines,” Sister Sheila Anne said. “Look how many students Sister Clara has taught.”

Staying West

Sister Clara came to Albuquerque and St. Charles Borromeo in 1971, teaching early grades until moving back to Kentucky in 1980. She returned in 1985 as principal at St. Teresa School in Grants, but returned to St. Charles in 1989, where she’s remained.

She has been nominated for teacher of the year in the Santa Fe Archdiocese in the past, and her principal. B.J. Rossow, calls her a “powerful force” in the classroom.

“She has a 21st century mind and is willing to take on any challenge,” Rossow said. “There are those people who’ve been teaching so long, they do the same thing every day. She just jumps in and gets so excited about new things.”

Sister Clara said she enjoys the New Mexico culture, spirituality, and friendliness of the people.

“If you have a rosary rally here, it’s in English,

Sister Sara Marie Gomez stands outside Sacred Heart Catholic School in Farmington, N.M. Ursuline Sisters first began teaching at Sacred Heart in 1919, and Sister Sara Marie still teaches there.

Sister Marie Brenda Vowels visits Jessica, Pam, and Anadine Leon at their home in Acoma, N.M., around 1985.

Spanish, Vietnamese, every culture we have,” she said.

Sister Sheila their own church.

Anne grew up in Farmington, but has been in Albuquerque Sister Cecelia Joseph does just about everything at the since 1993, where she enjoys individual after-school three churches other than religious education. She plays tutoring with 20 children. Her passion for tutoring began music at Masses, schedules priests, delivers Communion to when she started working with impoverished Native shut-ins, puts the bulletin together, counts the collections, Americans in 1979. and handles whatever else is needed.

“I went to people’s houses and taught religion to the Her first stint in New Mexico was from 1986-95, whole family,” Sister Sheila Anne said. “It was Third teaching in San Fidel and Zuni, before becoming the first World USA, on a Navajo reservation in Greasewood, Ariz.”

Ursuline to minister in Espanola in 2003.

In 1993, she wanted to move to Albuquerque, but Sister Mary Matthias Ward is the newest of the New continue working with Native Americans. She prayed Mexico sisters, but one who makes sure they all gather to Saint Katherine Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the at Thanksgiving. She came to Gallup, heart of the Blessed Sacrament who began the Indian Aztec poorest diocese in America, in 2003 to become the School in St. Michael, Ariz., right across the Farmington New Mexico border. first Ursuline to run the diocesan retreat center.

“I wanted to tutor Native Americans who “When I arrived, it was like I’d never had Espanola Gallup couldn’t afford it,” Sister Sheila Anne said. another experience in my life,” she said.

Albuquerque She began with a few students, then started Deacon Timoteo Lujan, chancellor and picking up private school students who are administrative assistant to the bishop of the not Native Americans, but help support her Gallup Diocese, said, “Our retreat center now ministry. “I feel a part of the legacy and is symbolically a center for spirituality in our history of ministering in New Mexico,” she diocese. I think that every level of ministry in the said. diocese has found support by the programs offered Sister Sara Marie lives in her family home at the retreat center, many by Sister herself.” in Aztec. A teacher since 1966, she’s been back in New Deacon Lujan knew little about the Ursuline Sisters Mexico since 1990, with her main ministry since 2002 when he arrived in Gallup, but their reputation in the as director of religious education at St. Joseph Parish in diocese quickly spread.

Aztec, and Holy Trinity Parish in nearby Flora Vista. She is “I learned how instrumental the Ursulines were in also the environmentalist for the church, the coordinator of establishing several of our schools and really being part music and teaches a couple of high school seniors religion. of the effort in many parishes that got this diocese ‘off the In addition, she’s still teaching religion four days a ground,’” he said. week at Sacred Heart, and substitutes when needed. “I like How long an Ursuline presence will remain in New to keep my hand in teaching,” she said.

Mexico depends on the sisters’ desire to remain. “I think “If you could send a couple more like her, we’d love the reason there are still sisters there is because New it,” said Orla Lybrook, the principal at Sacred Heart, which Mexico ‘enchants’ you -- grabs you and won’t let go,” has 120 students, pre-K to fifth grade. “She does religion Sister Michele said. “There is something in the air, and class, but she’s in all the classes so we can have more of a the light, and the vistas, and the wonderful diversity of its religious presence,” Lybrook said. “All the kids know who people that have made individual sisters want to stay and she is.” stay.”

Sister Cecelia Joseph, better known as “C.J.” to Like those earliest pioneer sisters, Ursulines today her friends, is the parish life coordinator with the Tewa continue to “light the way and to scatter seeds for the Missions (pronounced “Tay-wuh,” an Indian language) future.” near Espanola. Three pueblos – small towns of Native Read more at www.ursulinesmsj.org/ministries Americans -- comprise one parish, although they each have

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EARTH FORUM BISHOP MCRAITH RETIRES Bishop John J. McRaith of the Diocese of Owensboro, who retired Jan. 5, poses with Sister Alicia Coomes, left, and Faustine Wabwire, a Brescia University student.

Sister Amelia Stenger speaks with Nobel Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore in October 2008 at The Climate Faith Project Community training in Nashville, Tenn.

HONORED IN G

PICKING APPLES Sister Marita Greenwell and Sister Marie Bosco Wathen pick up apples at Maple Mount after the strong winds of Hurricane Ike blew them down in September 2008.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS Sister Mary Ellen Backes and Sister Dorothy Helbling discuss their ministries during the Sept.

18-21, 2008 “Building Contemplative Community� weekend retreat for spiritual directors at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.

Ursuline Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader, poses Sept. 10, 2008 during the dedication of the feature sculpture of the Pieta in Glennonville, Mo., which honors the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. The plaque says: Saint Teresa Cemetery Addition - 2008 in Thanksgiving for the Ursuline Sisters of Maple Mount, Kentucky who served in the Glennonville Schools from 1930 to 2001.

UGANDA VISITOR

FIRST PAOLA SISTER

SOA MARCH Sister Suzanne Sims was in Uganda on behalf of the Owensboro Rotary Club in August 2008. She learned about the hardships the residents face due to the lack of clean water, malaria, and poverty.

She was given a millet basket as a gift.

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Sister Fran Wilhelm marches to protest the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, (the former School of the Americas), in Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 22, 2008. This was her first SOA vigil.

Sister Helen Hermreck became the first sister to arrive from Paola, Kan., since the Paola Ursulines merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. She came to Owensboro Jan. 7, via private jet which was courtesy of a friend. She was greeted at Saint Joseph Villa by several sisters welcoming her in song. Before she retired, Sister Helen ministered in California.

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CHRISTMAS AT THE SHOP

GLENNONVILLE

Sister Mary McDermott, right, receptionist for Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, and Diane Dodson, Center accountant, welcome sisters and staff to the Book and Gift Shop for a special Christmas sale on Dec. 4, 2008.

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ASSOCIATE RETREATS Sister Ruth Gehres attends a Jan. 17 Ursuline Associate retreat focusing on Saint Angela during her visit to Maple Mount. She flew back to Casa Ursulina in Chile in early February.

Santa and Mrs. Claus and his elf, Jenna Byrd, 3, visited the sisters on Dec. 6, 2007.

ICE STORM 2009 Branches on the “gossip tree” near the Guest House can be seen encased in ice after an ice storm went through the entire state of Kentucky Jan. 27. The Motherhouse campus was without power until Feb. 1, except for a generator at the Villa. Many trees were damaged. (Photo by Sister Pat Rhoten)

SANTA’S ELVES

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL WALK Sisters Barbara Jean Head, Suzanne Sims and Michele Morek model Tshirts during the “Friends of the Poor” walk to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Sept. 27, 2008 at Daviess County High School, Owensboro.

Find more photos online at ursulinesmsj.org LEFT: Sister Lois Lindle and Catherine Marie Lauterwasser wrap gifts that were given to a Sebree, Ky., family of seven for Christmas.

Several sisters donated their own Christmas money.

Transfer part of an IRA TAX FREE and support the Sisters’ missions!

Congress extended this tax break until 12/31/09 Provisions of this law* • Donor must be age 70.5+

• Donation made by IRA trustee to the Ursuline Sisters • Direct the IRA funds during your lifetime • Donor may not receive any benefit from the charity for contribution

Contact Debra Noble, Director of Development 270-229-2008 • dnoble@maplemount.org *Pension Protection Act of 2006 PF 109-280

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Ursuline Book of Prayer published Sister Cheryl Clemons has compiled and published a book called, Volume I: Advent-Christmas Ursuline Book of Prayer. It contains Morning and Evening Prayer for each day of the Advent and Christmas Sister Cheryl seasons, as well as liturgies for major feasts Clemons and celebrations, along with brief biographies and prayers of saints whose feast days occur during this time.

The format is that of the official Liturgy of the Hours: psalms with antiphons, Scripture readings, intercessions, and prayers.

This cycle of prayer opens a veritable treasury of Scripture passages and prayer antiphons from the writings of saints, including Angela Merici. The Ursuline Book of Prayer is typeset in an easily readable 14-point font and printed on “bible paper” that makes the book light and easy to hold and carry.

It has two ribbon-markers inside. Each volume also includes a one-week cycle of Night Prayer, and a collection of 73 hymns.

Vols. II: Lent-Easter and III: Ordinary Time will be published soon. To order Volume I, contact Sister Cheryl Clemons by phone: 270-229-2004 or e-mail cclemons@maplemount.org.

New Development Director Debra Noble is the new director of development for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Her responsibilities include leading and managing all programs and services regarding philanthropic activity to further the mission of the Ursuline Sisters. An Owensboro native, Noble worked with AT&T Wireless in Florida Debra Noble for 14 years, rising to regional director of sales operations. She worked in the wireless communications industry in Georgia before returning to Owensboro in 2006 as campus director for Daymar Colleges Group. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Her volunteer work includes serving as a Stephen minister, treasurer of The Learning Community, and as a trainer of Centering Prayer for Contemplative Outreach of America.

Statement of Accountability

Revenue_______________________________

Unrestricted Restricted: Ministry Other Chile missions Residence Hall Bequests Unrestricted Bequests Restricted Retirement Retirement Quilt Club Picnic

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131,773.62

2,835.00 510.00 12,715.57 7,924.78 482,423.40 5,000.00 26,198.44 31,576.57 103,739.62 804,697.00

16.38%

0.35% 0.06% 1.58% 0.98% 59.95% 0.62% 3.26% 3.92% 12.89% 100.00%

Sister Monica Seaton, left, Sister Philomena Cox, center, and Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan enjoyed the reception prior to the Jan. 24 Owensboro Symphony Orchestra concert at the RiverPark Center in Owensboro, Ky.

Sister Mary Cecilia honored

by Owensboro Symphony The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Foundation announced at its Jan. 24, 2009 concert that the principal chair of the second violin section is endowed in honor of Ursuline Sister Mary Cecilia Payne, whose efforts in music instruction at Brescia College beginning in 1952 led to the creation of the present Owensboro Symphony. The endowment honors all Ursuline Sisters for Sister Mary Cecilia Payne their role in music education. Sister Mary Cecilia died in 1987. Anne Damron, former development director at Brescia and a product of Ursuline education, said during the concert presentation that Sister Mary Cecilia “pushed for excellence,” and made her dream of Owensboro having a symphony happen. The 31 Ursuline Sisters who attended the concert were asked to stand and received an ovation from the audience. Prior to the concert, the Symphony Foundation sponsored a reception for all the sisters. Anyone wishing to donate to the establishment of the Sister Mary Cecilia Payne endowed chair may send donations to Debra Noble, director of development, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

As a member of the National Catholic Development Conference, the Ursuline Sisters submit an accountability report after the annual financial audit. This information is a summary of donations and expenses for fiscal year July 2007- June 2008. If you have questions, contact Debra Noble, director of development, at 270-229-2008.

Expenses______________________________

Retirement fund 166,514.63 Residence Hall 7,924.78 Chile ministry 12,715.57 Other Restricted 510.00 U.S. ministry/ Program Service 555,612.32 Admin/Management/General 30,709.85 Fund Raising 30,709.85

804,697.00

30.17% 0.40% 2.86% 0.22% 59.07% 3.97% 3.31% 100.00%

Chapel celebrates 80 years at center of Ursuline life

Early chapels Following the completion of the south wing of the

Academy in 1882, a room on the second floor served as the first chapel. As both enrollment and Ursuline vocations increased, it was determined a larger chapel was necessary. To accommodate the first profession of vows by five novices in 1899, the chapel was relocated to the auditorium/recreation room of the 1882 addition, where it remained for the next 30 years. That room is now the museum.

Plans for a new chapel began in 1924. In May 1927, the ground for the chapel and convent building was blessed, and on Nov. 21, 1928, the cornerstone was laid. On Dec. 18, 1929, on the feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Right Rev. Bishop John A. Floersh, of Louisville, dedicated the present Tudor-Gothic chapel under the patronage of Saint Joseph.

Renovations The first renovation began in January 1964, when three altars of black and white marble were installed. The main altar was set away from the wall, enabling people to observe the actions of the priest from either side, according to an article in the student newspaper, The Mount. The Most Rev. Henry Soenneker, bishop of the Owensboro Diocese, consecrated the altars on March 19, 1964.

The most recent renovation got its start with a 1988 Chapter of Affairs decision. Following Vatican II, there was much emphasis to incorporate the spirit of liturgical renewal into places of worship.

The chapel had a long center aisle and wooden pews which went all the way to the front door. They were replaced with chairs arranged in a semicircle. The choir gallery extended over what is now gathering space, but it

The Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel as it appeared from 1929 until it was renovated in 1964. The hanging ceiling lights and large crucifix are still a part of the present-day chapel.

Ursuline Sisters pray in the Motherhouse Chapel in July 2008 during community days. The chapel’s most recent renovation was dedicated in 1992.

Continued on page 11

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By Dan Heckel

hen Sister Clarita Browning was a student at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in the 1940s, one of her favorite moments of the day was after supper, when she could stop by the Motherhouse Chapel to pray.

While in the novitiate with the Ursuline Sisters, there was scheduled time to pray, but having the chapel nearby was a blessing, she said, because “there were times when I had the need.”

Now in her 61st year as an Ursuline, Sister Clarita appreciates even more being able to stop by the chapel.

“You can sit and know God is there, and not be worried about a schedule,” she said. “It’s always been special to me.”

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the chapel, and Sister Clarita has prayed in three versions of it. Built in 1929, it was renovated in 1964, and again in 1992, each reflecting the changing times. Regardless of the changes, the one constant is that the chapel remains the center of the sisters’ lives, said Sister Annalita Lancaster.

“All the important events of your incorporation into community take place in the chapel – taking the veil, making your vows, celebrating feast days,” she said.

“It was deliberately designed in the center of the entire community.

“The powerful thing about living in community is everyone congregating to say prayers,” Sister Annalita said. “It’s a feeling that we’re all in this together.”

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In the joy of eternal life Sister Elizabeth Ann Ray, 98, died Nov. 16, 2008, in her 79th year of religious life. She was a native of Rhodelia, Ky. An educator for 54 years, Sister Elizabeth Ann was much loved by all the sisters. She worked quietly in service to the Lord, and always had the best interests in mind for all the sisters. She taught or was a principal in the Diocese of Owensboro, the Archdiocese of Louisville, and in Missouri. For 32 years she was a teacher and principal in New Mexico. She served on the Motherhouse Archives staff from 1985 until her retirement in 1997. Survivors include a sister, Irene Whelan of Ekron, nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.

Sister Walter Louise Lush, 94, died Dec. 23, 2008, in her 72nd year of religious life. A native of Wax, Ky., she was an educator for 32 years. Her ministry included St. Anthony School, Browns Valley (1950-51), St. Lawrence School, St. Lawrence (1951-56), St. Rose of Lima School, Cloverport (1955-61), St. Joseph School, Central City (1961-65), St. Mary Magdalene School, Sorgho (teacher and principal, 1973-79), and St. Romuald School, Hardinsburg (1979-82). She also ministered in the Archdiocese of Louisville and in Nebraska. She was parish minister at St. Romuald (1986-91) and did outreach ministry in Caneyville before retiring in 1995. She enjoyed listening to music, talking, and attending retreats.

Survivors include two sisters, Audrey Wortham, Leitchfield, and Mildred Toon, Little Rock, Ark.; and a brother, Joseph Arnold Lush, Georgetown, Ky., as well as nieces and nephews.

Sister Rose Emma Monaghan, 93, died Dec. 27, 2008, in her 75th year of religious life. She was a native of Percival, Iowa. She especially enjoyed being a high school teacher, teaching at St. William High School, Knottsville (1939-42), St. Alphonsus High School, St. Joseph (1942-47), St. Peter School, Stanley (1951-58), and in many other schools in Kentucky and Nebraska. From 1959-86, she served as Postmaster of the U.S. Post Office in Maple Mount, where she “worked for God and Uncle Sam.” She was very devoted to that role, and enjoyed meeting other postmasters. She retired in 1986, and remained a steadfast presence with her family. Survivors include nieces and nephews.

Sister Emily Zent, 97, died Dec. 30, 2008 in her 78th year of religious life. A native of Mott, N.D., she was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Ill., before they merged with the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph in 2005. An educator for 45 years, Sister Emily taught at Holy Rosary School, Fairmont City (1948-49, 1956, 1959-60), St. Regis School, East St. Louis (1949, 1953-56, 1960-61), St. Raphael School, Mounds (1949-52, 1956-57), Queen of Peace School, Belleville (1957-59, 1961-62, 1972-76), St. James School, Millstadt (1964-67), and Holy Childhood School, Mascoutah (1967-72). She also taught in North Dakota. She enjoyed getting children ready for their first Holy Communion. After retiring in 1976, she wrote to prisoners and interceded for them with the authorities. She loved children and animals.

Survivors include a brother, Joseph Zent of Mott, N.D., as well as several nieces.

Sister Dorothy Marie Willett, 87, died Feb. 4 in her 68th year of religious life. She was a native of Waverly, Ky. An educator for 42 years, Sister Dorothy Marie had long-lasting relationships with former pupils, and inspired some to enter religious life. She loved to joke among the sisters, and tend to those who were ill. She taught in the Diocese of Owensboro, Archdiocese of Louisville and in Nebraska.

She was assistant local superior at the Motherhouse (1985-1989), then provided personal and pastoral care until her retirement in 2001. Survivors include two sisters, Kathleen Dunkel, Englewood, Ohio; and Doris Trapp, Mt. Carmel, Ill.; a brother, Vernon Willett, Evansville, Ind.; as well as nieces and nephews.

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

Sister Agnes Catherine Williams award winner

Photo by Lavida Mischel

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Tony Kraus became the first recipient of the Sr. Agnes Catherine Williams, OSU Award during the annual “Night Under the Stars” event, held Nov. 8, 2008 to acknowledge parishioners of Sts. Joseph and Paul Church in Owensboro, Ky., for service and stewardship. The award recognizes a parishioner’s service/ministry to youth and education in the Catholic schools and the parish. Kraus teaches in the Catholic School system and was instrumental in the development of ChrisTeens at Sts. Joseph and Paul. He volunteered many hours with parish faith formation. The award honors the late Sister Agnes Catherine (19052007), who dedicated her life to educating God’s children, many of whom went to Sts. Joseph and Paul School. At the parish, she supervised student teachers from Brescia and coordinated the speech clinic. Many students remained in touch with her over the years.

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was cut back to give a more open feel. Steps leading to the altars were removed.

“One of our hopes was to be an example of worship in the diocese,” said Sister Mary Matthias Ward, major superior at the time. “There was a great need for all sisters to be able to worship in our space … we had many, many wheelchairs in church.”

Outside, a bell tower was added, and the sisters followed Saint Angela Merici’s advice to “be like a piazza,” and thus open to all, and dug out a piazza adjacent to the dining room. Marble from the former altars was used for plaques hanging in the piazza.

There was also a goal to make the chapel more feminine, creating a round table, and a round water fountain, Sister Mary Matthias said. Wooden dividers allow the space to be flexible for different celebrations, she said. The Taylor and Boody organ was built in its place, and a Michigan artist created the Stations of the Cross and 6-foot statues of Mary and St. Joseph.

Two features that remain from 1929 are the hanging lights, and the crucifix behind the altar, which was also used in the 1899 chapel.

The rededication of the chapel was held June 28, 1992, with the Most Rev. John McRaith, bishop of the Owensboro Diocese, presiding. A week of celebration continued in the chapel. In the program inviting the public to the redesigned chapel, Sister Mary Matthias wrote the following: “We believe that this renovation will affirm the chapel as the religious and architectural focal point on campus. … It is our belief that our renovation is a sign to the local church of western Kentucky that the Mount Saint Joseph

ACADEMY CRIB FOUND – Sister Annalita Lancaster stands

next to the crib she found stored in an attic in Saint Angela Hall, Maple Mount. The crib, which features an original oil painting of Bethlehem by J.R. Mass, was created in 1935 for Mount Saint Joseph Academy. It’s been in storage at least since 1983 when the Academy closed. It was set up in the chapel for Christmas.

Ursulines intend to ‘go on,’ to launch into the next century with ‘courage and high hope.’”

Mass is celebrated each morning in the chapel, except on Wednesdays, when it’s at 4:30 p.m.

Now 17 years later, Sister Mary Matthias is happy with how the chapel has evolved. “I find it a very devotional space,” she said. “When I approach the fountain, I like to lay my hand, palm down in the water and think of ‘my dying and rising’ to new life...and all the other hands that have touched the water.”

HistoryoftheChapelWindowsNowAvailable

D

ivine Light: The Story of the Windows and Appointments of the Motherhouse Chapel of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph was published in December 2008 and is available for purchase at Mount Saint Joseph. The 48-page full-color booklet details the story behind each of the beautiful windows in the Motherhouse Chapel, including background on the saints pictured, the significance of their actions that are depicted, the meaning of religious symbols used, and information on the people who made the windows possible. The booklet also includes information on the appointments in the chapel, such as the altar, organ, baptismal font, and Stations of the Cross.

“Divine Light” was researched and written by Sister Annalita Lancaster, a former superior of the congregation and an Ursuline Sister for 66 years. She continues to volunteer her time in the community Archives office, where much of the research was done. Photographs of the stained glass windows were taken by John Dunham.

“Divine Light” is available for $10 (tax included), and can be purchased through the Archives office. There is a $2 fee for shipping if needed.

Contact Sister Vickie Cravens, archives director, at 270-229-4103, ext. 302; e-mail archives@maplemount.org; or stop by Saint Michael Hall on the Motherhouse campus, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY just off Kentucky Hwy. 56.

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO KY PERMIT NO. 120 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info@ursulinesmsj.org

Soli Deo Gloria

We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God Sister Clara Johnson was the WVEZ Lite 106.9 Louisville, Ky., radio station’s “Working Woman of the Week” on Nov. 21, 2008. Sister Clara was interviewed on the radio and was awarded a dozen roses, a $75 gift certificate from Physician’s Center, a $50 gift certificate from Dees Crafts, and an engraved trophy. She was nominated by Sister Maureen O’Neill, who also works at the Sister Visitor Center in Louisville. “We all agree that Clara deserves the recognition,” said Sister Maureen, who was quoted on the Catholic Charities of Louisville Web site. “While dealing with her cancer and adverse reactions to her chemo treatments, she comes to work faithfully. Even when she isn’t feeling the best, she keeps the bills paid and the communication running smoothly.” Sister Clara was recognized for 15 years of service in August 2008 at the Catholic Charities luncheon.

Sister Joseph Angela Boone, board member and renovation committee member for Boulware Mission, Inc., attended the dedication of the new Boulware Wing Avenue Campus and grounds in Owensboro, Ky., on Nov. 1, 2008. Sister Joseph Angela was instrumental in the completion of Phase I of the Wing Avenue Campus, which provides a kitchen and living space for 38 guests along with classrooms for residents and nonresidents.“Boulware’s philosophy is to work toward systemic changes for the homeless,” Sister Joseph Angela said. “For me, it has been a real education to witness the results of those who are willing to make the necessary changes in their life to become honorable tax-paying citizens.” Sister Joseph Angela has been involved with Boulware since 2005 and continues to hold the office of Chancellor and Director of Administration for the Diocese of Owensboro – a position she has held since 1989.

Sister Sharon Sullivan was named Academic Dean at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., in January. Sister Sharon held the office of Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean since 2007. “I said I would be willing to help if the position couldn’t be filled,” she said. Sister Sharon said she is ready to continue improving Brescia and sees the university becoming a greater part of the surrounding community. “I want everyone who lives five blocks from campus to know they live five blocks from a great place.” Since 1984, Sister Sharon has been a driving force in the School of Education and special education department.

Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., received a Certificate of Appreciation for their 113 years of selfless service to the Paola community on Jan. 19 from the Shamrock Study Club of Paola. Twenty club members attended the presentation with the sisters. “Photos certainly can’t capture the warmth and affection the Shamrock members feel for the dear sisters of Ursuline,” commented Judy Jeck, club secretary. Last October, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola received the Woman of the Year Award from the Miami County (Kan.) Business and Professional Women’s Club. These awards reveal the true impact the sisters continue to have in the Paola area.

The Paola Ursulines merged with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 2008.

If you have a favorite memory to share of an Ursuline Sister, visit www.ursulinesmsj.org and click on

Memories with Faithful Friends (A box on the right side)

Online memories already posted feature Sister Emma Cecilia Busam and the late Sister Mary Cecilia Payne.