Ursulines Alive Summer 2011

Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

Summer 2011

Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children

Vol. 10, No. 1

www.ursulinesmsj.org

Hospitality

Faith Outreach

Religious Education

Villa Activities 2011 Jubilarians New Ministries

Many Sisters Serve in Parishes

U r s u l i n e s

A L I V E

From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, In July, we Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph gather at “the Mount” for some shared time in what we now call Community Days. We gather from the varied dioceses where we serve, to support and embrace one another in prayer and sharing. Saint Angela reminds us: “You must take care to bring your daughters together from time to time wherever it seems best and most convenient to you ... In this way, they will meet together as loving sisters, talking over spiritual things ... thus giving joy and Sister Sharon encouragement to each other, and this will benefit them greatly.”

And, as I’m sure Saint Angela anticipated, the very air hummed with the energy and power of these almost 160 women of prayer and faith gathered in community. I know that Friday of that week saw fireworks in nearby Owensboro, Ky. I’m surprised the crowds didn’t show up at Mount Saint Joseph by mistake; the energy and joyful excitement rivaled any Fourth of July display.

Then on Saturday we celebrated our Jubilarians, recognizing 11 sisters for 40, 50, 60, and 70 years of faithful service. That’s 600 years of dedicated ministry! Think of it – 600 years of teaching, spiritual guidance, prayerful support, working with God’s people. Imagine the thousands of souls these 11 sisters have touched in at least seven states plus Jamaica. It does boggle the mind. You can read about them in this issue of Ursulines Alive. My, aren’t we so very much alive!

In this issue you will also share the energy of sisters active in parish ministries, working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of their faith journeys. What challenging and invigorating work, and what incredible opportunities to share prayer in support, and be supported by that same prayer. Reflect, too, as you share in the lives of our sisters who have reached the pinnacle of their prayer ministries, with their special wisdoms and insights earned through the service of suffering and aging. Within this issue, we explore the different activities we share with our sisters who live in Saint Joseph Villa.

Our prayer is that, as you turn the corner of the season of summer and begin your walk to autumn, that you will carry with you the harvest of the joys and celebrations you experienced this summer. If you receive just a tenth of what we shared this summer, you will be rich indeed.

Sr. Sharon Sullivan, OSU Cover: Background: Immaculate Parish, Owensboro, Ky. The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have been ministering at Immaculate as teachers in its parish school (1954-1988) 1 or in parish, pastoral, or religious education roles (1985-88, 1990-present) for over 56 years. (1) Breakfast is often served after Mass on Wednesday mornings at the Johnson sisters’ house in Greenville, Ky. From left: Laura Smith, Sister Rose Theresa Johnson, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, Linda Wells and Queenie Smith. (2) Sister Karla Kaelin helps children in the craft room at 2 Vacation Bible School at St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville, Ky., in June. (3) Sister Margaret Ann Aull brings Communion to Wanda Powers at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Owensboro, Ky. Powers is a member of Immaculate in 3 Owensboro, where Sister Margaret Ann ministers in pastoral care.

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, OSUA

Communications Specialist/Graphic Design.......................Jennifer Kaminski MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF:

Director of Development....................................................Sister Amelia Stenger

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

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

Coordinator of Spiritual Formation for Partnerships........Sister Mary Sheila Higdon

Administrative Specialist/Web Development....................Tiffany Orth

In this issue More Ursuline Sisters Serve in Parishes than any Other Ministry ......................3 Saint Joseph Villa Activities..................6 Retired Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are inspired to stay active, involved 2011 Jubilarian Biographies.................8 Not Really Retired.................................9 New Ministries and Retirements........10 Conference and Retreat Center ........12 Obituaries............................................15 Soli Deo Gloria ...................................16 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 Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children

OUR CORE VALUES • Prayer • Service • Empowerment • Justice • Contemplative Presence ...in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici

Contact Us Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ursulinesmsj

Sisters Serve Multiple Roles in Parish Ministry Sister Marie Michael Hayden, left, shares a laugh with Wanda Sprankle, center, and Mary Young, as they prepare to serve the senior citizens lunch at the Jack and Joan Edge Community Center in Fordsville, Ky.

R

obin Beatty has been a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville, Ky., and for the past three years has worked with Ursuline Sister Karla Kaelin on the parish’s Vacation Bible School.

“She gives it her all. I love having a sister here,” Beatty said. “I had (sisters) when I was in school teaching me. This is a good example. We don’t see sisters as often as we should, like when we were kids.”

Those sentiments are echoed wherever Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph serve in parish ministry.

There are more sisters serving in parish ministry (20) than there are sisters in the classroom or leading schools.

While many people were influenced by having Ursuline Sisters as teachers, parish ministry is another way to have contact with people across the age spectrum.

“You reach a lot of people in parish ministry,” said Sister Margaret Ann Aull, who has spent more than 20 years in parish ministry and is now coordinator of pastoral care at Parish of the Immaculate in Owensboro, Ky. “With RCIA and religious education, you’re around kids all the time.”

“I reach lots of people,” said Sister Marie Michael Hayden, pastoral associate and director of religious education at St. John the Baptist Parish in Fordsville, Ky. “They all know I’m a sister.” Fordsville is not a very Catholic area, and ecumenism is another facet of what Sister Marie Michael brings.

“Anytime you want anything, you ask Sister Marie,” said Wilda Hardesty, the mayor of Fordsville. “She went through CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training with us all. She wants to be part of the community.”

“I really enjoy parish ministry,” Sister Marie Michael said. “For 15 years in Nebraska I did adult education, training mothers to teach religion. I traveled all the time,” she said. “You don’t know people like you do in a parish.”

By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff

Spreading the Catholic faith in a mostly Protestant area is also a role Sisters Rose Karen Johnson and Rose Theresa Johnson embrace through their ministries as pastoral associates at St. Joseph Catholic Center in Greenville, Ky. “We are the only Catholic church in the county,” said Jean Simpson, an Ursuline Associate. “Everyone loves the sisters in the community. People stop and talk to them, it’s very ecumenical. The most amazing thing is the attitudes that they are changing,” Simpson said.

“We can’t step out of the house without witnessing,” Sister Rose Karen said. “It’s not us, it’s God working through us. We can’t take the credit.”

Sisters in parish ministry fill many roles -- teaching children the sacraments, leading others in music, visiting the sick and homebound, instructing members about their faith, helping bring new Catholics into the church, and serving senior citizens and the poor. They witness their faith wherever they go.

“I enjoy seeing how people grow in their faith,” said Sister Rosanne Spalding, pastoral associate and director of religious education at Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro, Ky. After 21 years as a teacher and principal, she has spent the past 25 years in parish ministry. Her favorite ministries are taking Communion to the sick once a week, helping adults learn about their faith in RCIA, and helping children in the second and eighth grades in sacramental preparation.

“The second-graders are excited because they can become servers. The eighth-graders are excited because they can become lectors and Eucharistic ministers,” Sister Rosanne said. “In RCIA, you can see how excited they get.” One person who joined the church this year

Sister Rosanne Spalding shows a “Wheel of Fortune” activity she was considering using to members of the Vacation Bible School planning committee at Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro, Ky. Continued on page 4

U r s u l i n e s

A L I V E

Father Ben Luther, an Ursuline Associate, says Mass in the small room of the Greenville, Ky., house where Sisters Rose Karen and Rose Theresa Johnson live.

Each Wednesday, a room in the house is converted to a chapel for morning Mass.

RIGHT: Pictured from left are Sister Rose Theresa Johnson, Queenie Smith, Rick Smith, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, and Laura Smith.

does great at everything.”

Sister Rosanne also volunteers at the parish day care center when she can, “so those little tots get exposed to a sister,” she said.

Sister Beth Akins is the director of faith formation at St. Alphonsus Parish, a parish of 180 families across the road from Mount Saint Joseph.

“I like working with kids of all different ages, getting to know the people, helping them through troubled times and celebrating the good times,” she said.

Susan O’Bryan, secretary/bookkeeper for the parish, said Sister Beth has taken on many roles, including RCIA, taking Communion to the sick, and filling in the gaps for the pastor, Father Ray Goetz, who splits his time being chaplain at the Mount and teaching at Brescia University.

“She was instrumental in getting men to be catechists, so they could be role models for the boys,” O’Bryan said.

“She’s very much a go-getter.”

helping to heal

Sister Margaret Ann visits five nursing homes a week, said he was finally at peace. “That makes you feel good about what you’re doing, even though it’s not me, it’s the bringing Communion to Immaculate parishioners. Either she or the pastor visits the hospital every day, and during Spirit working through me.”

the third week of the month, she visits 16 people in their It’s about kids homes.

One facet of parish ministry that many former In June, she visited Marjorie Slack, a 1953 graduate teachers first moved into was as a director of religious of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, at Hillcrest Health education for the children.

Care Center in Owensboro. “It’s kind of the highlight of Sister Karla works with religious education for my week when someone brings me Communion,” Slack 155 students in the St. Mary parish who attend public said. (She got to return home in July.) school, and works with second- and eighth-graders at “I enjoy (taking Communion) and bereavement the St. Mary School to prepare them for first Communion, most,” Sister Margaret Ann said. Her bereavement reconciliation, and confirmation. “It takes me back to my ministry includes visiting a parishioner about two weeks days as a teacher,” Sister Karla said. “So much of what after the death of a spouse, and twice I did as a teacher works here. My skills in the classroom a year she has a memorial service. prepared me for this.”

Sister Rose Karen said she and This summer she was in charge of Vacation Bible Sister Rose Theresa visit the sick, School, where the theme was “SonSurf Beach Bash. The the dying, and those who are out Sea, the Land, the Son.” There were 64 children involved of the church. Muhlenberg County – ages preschool to sixth grade – but she also had 51 has 479 square miles, so the two are volunteers, some of whom are seventh to 12th-graders. “always driving.”

Beatty, the parishioner who did much of the artwork Jean Simpson said their ministry for Vacation Bible School, said Sister Karla’s presence is to the sick is what is so special. “It’s very positive. “She works with adults with PREP (parish really comforting to know if you religious education program), and they go home to their call on them, they’ll come.” Fellow children. It ripples on,” Beatty said. parishioner Linda Wells said, “They Sister Rosanne was also responsible for Vacation never missed coming to see me Bible School this summer at Precious Blood, where the when I broke my ankle and couldn’t theme was “10 Do’s and 10 Don’ts.” go to church. And I live out in the “She does a great job, she developed our own boonies.”

Vacation Bible School,” said Ima Axley, a Precious Sister Marie Michael also Blood parishioner who is on the planning team. “She delivers Communion at the

Su m m e r

2 0 1 1

Ursuline Sisters Now Serving in Parish Ministry • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • •

Sister Beth Akins, director of faith formation, St. Alphonsus Parish, St. Joseph, Ky. Sister Margaret Ann Aull, coordinator of pastoral care, Parish of the Immaculate, Owensboro, Ky. Sister Mary Ellen Backes, pastoral assistant, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, Ill. Sister Elaine Byrne, pastoral associate, St. Jerome Parish, Fancy Farm, Ky. Sister Kathleen Condry, pastoral minister, Church of the Nativity, Leawood, Kan. Sister Joan Riedley Sister Alicia Coomes, pastoral associate at three Kentucky parishes, St. Francis Borgia in Sturgis, St. Ambrose in Henshaw, and St. William in Marion Sister Sara Marie Gomez, director of religious education, Holy Trinity and St. Joseph parishes, Aztec, N.M. Sister Maureen Griner, director of music for Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Memphis, Tenn.

Sister Marie Michael Hayden, pastoral associate/director of religious education, St. John the Baptist Parish, Fordsville, Ky. Sister Rose Karen and Sister Rose Theresa Johnson, pastoral associates, St. Joseph Catholic Center, Greenville, Ky. Sister Karla Marie Kaelin, parish religious education program/DRE, St. Mary of the Woods Parish, Whitesville, Ky. Sister Mildred Katzer, parish volunteer, St. Therese Parish, Richmond, Kan. Sister Larraine Lauter, social responsibility minister, Church of the Epiphany, Louisville, Ky. Sister Nancy Liddy, pastoral associate, Church of St. Francis Xavier, Carbondale, Ill. Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, pastoral associate for St. George Parish, Van Buren, Mo.; St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Piedmont, Mo., and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Williamsville, Mo. Sister Joan Riedley, parish minister, Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Louisville, Ky. Sister Marcella Schrant, office assistant, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, Kan. Sister Helen Smith, coordinator of sacramental preparation, Church of the Nativity, Leawood, Kan. Sister Sara Marie Sister Rosanne Spalding, pastoral associate and director of religious education, Precious Blood Parish, Gomez Owensboro, Ky.

Fordsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and visits the poor in the small community. On a Wednesday in June, she took Communion to Opal Boarman, then went to the Jack and Joan Edge Community Center to help serve that day’s senior citizen lunch.

In a parish of only 72 members, Sister Marie Michael wears many hats, including preparing for Mass, singing in the choir, helping at a food pantry, and serving as head of religious education for children and RCIA. She only has five children in religious education, but had four people enter the church this year through RCIA. “It’s wonderful having Sister Marie, she’s a hard worker,” said Sister Karla talked with the 64 children, ages preschool to sixth grade, who took part in Vacation Bible School during June 2011.

Martha Payne, the bookkeeper at St. John the Baptist and a parishioner since the 1970s. “She’s been good for us. She doesn’t hand us anything to do that she wouldn’t do.”

Sister Marie Michael’s favorite part of her ministry is the Sunday liturgy, because “everyone participates.”

Sisters Rose Karen and Rose Theresa, who are siblings, also have a special relationship with the liturgy – every Wednesday morning, it happens in their home.

Because St. Joseph Parish is 10 miles away from Greenville, Father Ben Luther, an Ursuline Associate, comes to the Johnson home – which is owned by the church – and says Mass at 8:30 a.m. in a room converted to a chapel. Afterward, the sisters scurry to the kitchen to make hot biscuits and coffee for all those who attend.

Jean Simpson said Sister Rose Theresa is known as “Our Lady of the Gravy” by Father Luther.

“We love ministering here, the people are so good to us,” Sister Rose Theresa said.

social justice

Sister Mary Ellen Backes serves as pastoral assistant at St. Joseph Parish in Springfield, Ill., working closely with adult parishioners to increase their faith.

Over the years, she has been involved in efforts such as “Generations of Faith;” creating small church Continued on page 7

Saint Joseph Villa is home for . . .

Sister Raymond Dieckman pets Daisy inside the small chapel in Saint Joseph Villa.

S

Sister Frances McDonagh speaks with a student from Mary Carrico School in Knottsville, Ky., ister Raymond Nov. 9, 2010. Several students were square dancing for the sisters. RIGHT: Sister Frances Miriam Dieckman has Spalding, left, helps Debbie Dugger crown Sister Mary Mercedes Knott “queen” on Mardi Gras. always been active, social – there is another plan at work, Dugger said. so when her health suffered “We’re there to plan out programs that cover shortly after she moved to Saint Joseph Villa in June cognitive thought practices and motor skills. We’re not 2009 and hindered her mobility, she was hoping there just having fun,” Dugger said. would be activities to keep her occupied.

One of the popular regular activities is kickball, Turns out, she came to the right place. where the sisters form a circle in the Rainbow Room “Every day there is something planned for us,” and kick a ball back and forth. “Kickball gets the sisters Sister Raymond said. “I just appreciate so much the excited,” said Sister Alfreda Malone, who moved to variety of things that keep our minds alert.” the Villa this spring. “It has motion, you’re using your Saint Joseph Villa was completed in 2002, replacing reflexes, and using a lot of muscles.” the infirmary in Lourdes Hall. The goal was to care for Sister Raymond credits the exercise with helping her the physical and spiritual needs of the sisters in need of get back on her feet. She has been in a wheelchair for long-term care. That includes helping them stay active, two years, but with the help of a walker, can now walk said Debbie Dugger, activities coordinator the past four the length of the main hallway in the Villa. “Our group years. for kickball is growing,” she said. “It’s amazing to see “It’s important to let the Villa sisters know they these older sisters get right in there.” aren’t leaving the community,” Dugger said. “They While the physical needs of the sisters are important, need to stay involved, they are just as viable.” so are the spiritual. Randy Shelby is coordinator of Regular programs include exercise three to four pastoral care, and said one of the most important times a week, such as walks and kickball, and Wii elements is compassionate listening. games were introduced this year, Dugger said. The “Pastoral care staff visits each sister in Saint Joseph sisters play bingo once a week, watch a movie every Villa on a regular basis to offer a listening ear and Thursday, and receive pet visits from Dugger’s golden prayer,” Shelby said. “More often than not, just being retriever Daisy every Tuesday and Thursday. able to express a concern helps a sister find resolution “There’s always a positive response with Daisy,” to a problem.” Sisters Diane Marie Payne and Marietta Dugger said. Out of the 35 sisters currently in the Villa, Wethington serve on the pastoral care staff.

27 have bonded with Daisy, she said.

“We provide spiritual support on a routine basis Dugger helps keep the sisters up on current events. as well as during times of critical illness and at the “Anything educational, any seasonal event, we’ll do end of life,” Shelby said. “Spiritual support includes trivia and facts, and reminiscing activities,” she said. praying with sisters, offering spiritual counseling, and “For Father’s Day, we had a whole session on spiritual direction. We also provide written inspirational remembering our fathers,” Sister Raymond said. materials.” Shelby is a graduate of the Spiritual While many of the activities for the sisters are Direction Training Program at Mount Saint Joseph, intended for enjoyment –celebrating special events and Sister Marietta is one of the coordinators of that like Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo, a fruit and melon

S u m m e r

‘Sisters in action!’

Sister Rosanne talks to the children during Vacation Bible School at Precious Blood Catholic Church.

Parish Ministry Sister Pauletta McCarty, left, Sister Miriam Medley, center, and Sister Mary Durr share a laugh during a lively game of kickball in the Villa on June 29. The sisters sit in a circle and tap or kick the beach ball from one person to another.

program.

The Villa has a small chapel, and every Friday at 3 p.m. the sisters meet there for a holy hour of Eucharistic adoration. Sister Ruth Mattingly prays the rosary with the sisters daily in the Rainbow Room just prior to suppertime, and many of the sisters participate in the Powerhouse of Prayer, praying for all those in need.

“The time for prayer is just wonderful,” Sister Raymond said The Rainbow Room is the large, cheerful gathering space in the Villa, with abundant natural light through 20 windows that were built low to the ground so sisters in wheelchairs could still see out. The views from the windows are of rolling hills and trees.

Many sisters have an adjustment period when they move into the Villa, Dugger said. They must get used to the nursing schedule, the bath schedule, and getting to know the staff. “I try to work with the community sisters also,” Dugger said. “They’re invited to everything we do in the Villa, so many of them come to help.”

Dugger does an activity assessment when a sister moves to the Villa, to find out what she enjoys. “I have to know their diagnosis and their diet. I’m also looking for changes,” she said. She does an annual assessment, and lots of times she sees improvement.

The sisters in the Villa enjoy going outside during nice weather, and seeing visitors year round. At the upcoming Mount Saint Joseph Picnic, the proceeds of which benefit the retired sisters, as many sisters from the Villa who want to come will be brought to the hospitality tent so they can mingle with visitors.

“They love visiting the hospitality tent,” Dugger said. “We need more volunteers to help with their wheelchairs.” n

By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff

2 0 1 1

From page 5

communities to share faith; “Just Faith,” which teaches the social teachings of the church and urges more activity in social justice; and “Why Catholic?” a study of the catechism done during Advent and Lent.

She and some parishioners serve meals at two homeless shelters each month, part of the parish’s recognition of the diversity of people it serves. Sister Mary Ellen said she enjoys parish ministry even more than teaching. “There’s more interacting with the people,” she said. “I’d like to work with families more.”

“Everyone loves Sister,” said Karen Siciliano, an Ursuline Associate and active member of St. Joseph’s. “The people in this parish will do anything for Sister Mary Ellen.”

Sister Maureen Griner is the director of music at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis, Tenn., and also is director of the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, a homeless Sister Maureen smiles as shelter for families who she leads the Cathedral of would be divided otherwise. the Immaculate Conception She has enlisted many of the choir in Memphis, Tenn. parishioners at the Cathedral to be involved in the Dorothy Day House.

The 43-member Cathedral choir practices on Wednesday nights, and members say Sister Maureen spends as much time on liturgy as she does music.

“She’s always asking us, ‘Have you thought about what this really means?’” said Sally Greene, an Ursuline Associate.

Ursuline Associate Mike Synk, a Cathedral parishioner, said Sister Maureen is very “street wise,” like other Ursuline Sisters he’s met. “They seem to understand how to live with real people with real problems,” he said. “She always seems to preach on something that someone here is worrying about. I think most people come for something other than singing.”n

Eleven Sisters are celebrating jubilees of religious life 70 years...

Sister Pauletta McCarty, a native of Curdsville, Ky., was an educator for more than 36 years, teaching in Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska.

She also ministered to nursing homes and in a parish. She was assistant local superior, director of transportation, and sacristan at Mount Saint Joseph. She retired to the Motherhouse in 1998, where she remains active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Sister Jean Gertrude Mudd is a native of Fredericktown, Ky., and was a teacher for 49 years in various schools in Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska. She served in health care at Mount Saint Joseph. For 10 years until her retirement to the Motherhouse in 2006, she was a quilter at the community’s Saint Angela Convent in Louisville.

60 years...

Sister Susanne Bauer, a native of Louisburg, Kan., was an educator for 42 years and was assistant superior and treasurer of her religious community, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, prior to their merger with the Maple Mount community. Sister Susanne taught and served as principal in various schools in Kansas and in Bartlesville, Okla. She retired to the Motherhouse in 2009, and serves as the chapel sacristan.

Sister Clarence Marie Luckett is a Greenbrier, Ky., native and was a teacher for 29 years at several cities in Kentucky. She worked in the craft room and helped with transportation at the Motherhouse.

She has also served in parish ministry and Hispanic ministry. For

Jubilarians, left to right, front: Sisters Pauletta McCarty, Jean Gertrude Mudd, Susanne Bauer, and Clarence Marie Luckett. Back: Sisters Betsy Moyer, Julia Head, Nancy Murphy, Kathleen Kaelin, Rosanne Spalding, Helena Fischer, and Rose Marita O’Bryan.

the past 12 years, Sister Clarence Marie has been involved in outreach ministry, mainly in Caneyville, Ky. 50 years...

Sister Helena Fischer is a native of Rome, Ky. Since 1987 she has ministered at Brescia College/ University, Owensboro, as director of institutional research (1987-97), assistant registrar (1987-90), and registrar (1990-present). She was a principal or teacher for 22 years in Kentucky, Missouri, and New Mexico.

Sister Julia Head is a native of Stanley, Ky. She ministered in Daviess County, Ky., as a teacher, in parish ministry, as director of the apostolate at the Motherhouse, in the Office of Adult Education for the Diocese of Owensboro, and coordinator of off-campus courses at Brescia College/University. She has served elsewhere in Kentucky and in Nebraska. She is currently serving as assistant congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph.

Sister Nancy Murphy is a native of Curdsville, Ky. She ministered at Brescia College/University, as well as for her community as director of the juniorate program, as local superior, director of novices, and as assistant local community life coordinator. She served as a teacher and principal elsewhere in Kentucky

and Missouri, and also ministered in Illinois. She is now serving as congregational secretary and as a councilor on the Ursuline leadership Council.

Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, a native of Owensboro, has twice served in Ursuline leadership, as a councilor and as major superior/ congregational leader. She was vocation director, contact program coordinator, and director of postulants. She served in parish ministry in Hickman, Ky., and as an educator in Missouri. Since 2005 she has been director of Mission Effectiveness for the Ursuline Sisters, and director of the Contemporary Woman Program at Brescia University.

Sister Rosanne Spalding, a native of Springfield, Ky., was a teacher and principal for 21 years at several locations in Kentucky, and in Nebraska. She was director of religious education at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Owensboro for 12 years, and since 1998, she has been pastoral associate and director of religious education at Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro.

Sister Kathleen Kaelin is a native of Louisville, Ky. She ministered in Maple Mount as a teacher at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, as director of the temporary professed, and as associate director of the Continued on page 9

S u m m e r

2 0 1 1

Not Really Retired...

Sister Emerentia helps keep the sisters in stitches

W

hen she was 10 years old, Irma In 1973, the Ursuline community Clara Wiesner made her own needed someone to handle nursing, dress and entered it in the county fair and Sister Emerentia volunteered. in Richmond, Kan., where she won After a year of training, she became first place. She won first place every director of Monica Hall, the infirmary year after that, until her last fair before at Paola, from 1974-87. entering the Ursuline convent at 15.

“I enjoyed it, it was a challenge,” “I got second prize. I used a double she said. “It taught me patience and thread to make the buttonholes instead charity. I had to learn to adapt.” of a single thread,” she said.

After two years of tutoring middle That setback didn’t deter her from school age students, Sister Emerentia her love of sewing. Now the seamstress began sewing for the sisters and the extraordinaire, known as Sister Boutique full time in 1989. It was Emerentia Wiesner during her 69 years a skill she learned from her mother as an Ursuline Sister, makes beautiful when she was a little girl.

Sister Emerentia Wiesner is busy at her items for the craft booth at the Mount “I was the oldest daughter, so I sewing machine, making items for the Saint Joseph Picnic to benefit the wanted to help Mother,” she said. sisters to sell. retired Ursuline Sisters. She also sews “My mother made all of our clothes, for some of the sisters at the Motherhouse. so I watched her and did some basting for her. She “I’ve always enjoyed sewing,” she said. “It’s fun to make probably didn’t need to have it basted, but it made me feel different articles, and sometimes very challenging.” needed.”

Sister Emerentia was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., When several of the sisters from Paola moved to Maple prior to the merger of that community with Mount Saint Mount in 2009, Sister Emerentia said she wanted to Joseph in 2008. From 1989 until she moved to Kentucky continue sewing for the community. Many of her creations in 2009, she was sewing for the sisters in Paola, and making will be available for sale at the picnic on Sept. 11, including craft items for the Christmas Boutique fundraiser each year. baked potato bags, fancy aprons, table runners, children’s “I began sewing for the sisters when I first entered the books, and children’s dresses. convent,” Sister Emerentia said. “We made our own habits She can also crochet and embroider. She does mending and other articles of clothing. Some of the postulants and for the sisters who live in Paul Volk Hall or St. Ursula Hall, novices hadn’t learned to sew, so it was my duty to help while Sister Mary Irene Cecil does sewing for the sisters in them.”

Saint Joseph Villa. The two sew together in a room in St. Sister Emerentia went to public school in Richmond, Ursula Hall. a small town about 35 miles southwest of Paola, and met “She’s taught me quite a lot,” Sister Mary Irene said, the Ursuline Sisters when they came on the weekends to although Sister Emerentia quickly dismissed such a notion. teach catechism, and during the summer for Vacation “We ask each other for advice and she helps me a lot,” Bible School. When she was 12 or 13, she started seriously Sister Mary Irene said. thinking about becoming an Ursuline. “It was just the Sister Emerentia said she will keep sewing for the sisters presence of the sisters,” she said. as long as she is able. “I thank God for my gift of sewing,” Her first ministry, from 1945-73, was as a she said. She’s also thankful that her sewing machine has an teacher or principal in seven schools in Kansas attachment to make buttonholes. and one in Oklahoma. “I enjoyed teaching the Friends can write to Sister Emerentia at 8001 little ones,” she said.

Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. She ministered for the Diocese of Owensboro, served in the ministry formation program at Brescia College, and was a teacher in Missouri. Today, she ministers as a therapist and retreat/spiritual guide at the Center for Sacred Psychology in Louisville.

40 years...

Sister Betsy (Elizabeth Mary) Moyer is a native of Nebraska City, Neb. Her 20 years as a teacher and principal included schools in Kentucky, Missouri, and New Mexico. Sister Betsy has ministered in health care in the Motherhouse

infirmary, and as administrator of Saint Joseph Villa. She taught religion and helped in a health clinic in Jamaica. She was a nurse in Kansas, and since April 2010, has served as an LPN for St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, Maryville, Mo., while also teaching third-grade religion at a parish.

U r s u l i n e s

A L I V E

New Ministries and Retirements The following sisters are embarking on new ministries this year:  Sister Joseph Angela Boone, consultant for Finance and Administrative Team of the Diocese of Owensboro. She retired after 22 years as chancellor Sister Joseph Angela Boone for the diocese. visits with Father Mike Clark  Sister Alicia Coomes, at her June 8 retirement pastoral associate at three reception. They worked together when he was the Kentucky parishes: St. administrator for the diocese Francis Borgia in Sturgis, in 2009-10 while awaiting the St. Ambrose in Henshaw, appointment of a new bishop. and St. William in Marion; and director of temporary professed. Previously served in health care at the Motherhouse. Sister Mary Sheila Higdon, part-time coordinator of formation for Ursuline Partnerships. She previously s erved fulltime in pastoral ministry in southeast Missouri.  Sister Martha Keller, full-time director of vocation ministry. Previously split her time with vocation ministry and Sister Mary Sheila parish ministry in Paducah, Ky.  Sister Nancy Liddy, pastoral associate at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Carbondale, Ill. She previously served in pastoral ministry in Belleville, Ill.  Sister Michele Morek, director of Career Services and grants coordinator at Brescia University. Previously served as congregational leader and UNANIMA intern.  Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, pastoral associate at St. George Parish, Van Buren, Mo.; St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Piedmont, Mo.; and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Williamsville, Mo. Previously offered outreach in Benton, Ky.  Sister Teresa Riley, outreach in the Benton, Ky., area.

Previously served in hospitality at the Motherhouse. Sister Mary Lois Speaks, partnership and Ursuline outreach in Marion County, Ky., and spiritual f ormation/ faith development in Raywick, Ky. She retired as an in-school detention aide at Marion County High School in Lebanon, Ky., after 13 years. Sister Marietta Wethington, adjunct Sister Mary Lois to Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center and pastoral care in Saint Joseph Villa, relinquishing her ministry in formation for Ursuline Partnerships.

10

The following sisters retired from active ministry: Sister Luisa Bickett retired from pastoral outreach in Ohio County, Ky., after serving there for 27 years, mostly in service to the Hispanic community. She is living at the Sister Clara Reid displays her scrapbooks at her May 6 retirement celebration from St. Motherhouse.

Borromeo School in Albuquerque, Sister Darlene Charles N.M., where she has been since 1989. She Denton retired has a scrapbook from every class she has as pastoral taught during her 50 years in education. associate from Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Louisville, which merged St. Helen Parish with two others in 2009. She served at the parish for 13 years. She is living at the Motherhouse. Sister Clara Johnson retired as secretary/bookkeeper at the Sister Visitor Center in Louisville, Ky., after 17 years in the position. She is living at the Motherhouse. Sister Rita Klarer retired as pastoral minister at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Mo., after 12 years. She spent 37 years in ministry in the Kansas City area.

She is living at the Motherhouse. Sister Clara Reid retired as a teacher at St. Charles Borromeo School in Albuquerque, N.M., where she has Sister Rita served since 1989, as well as from 1971-80. She was a full-time teacher for 50 years. She will remain in Albuquerque as a substitute teacher for the coming year.

Sister Marie Goretti Browning prays in the Motherhouse chapel during the week of June 27-July 1. The Ursuline Sisters offered 60 hours of Eucharistic Adoration for vocations in observance of Pope Benedict XVI’s 60th Anniversary of Ordination.

S u m m e r

Thanks for Making a Difference Dear Ursuline Friends, During the first week of July, our sisters were home for our annual Community Days. They came from the four corners of the United States to share prayer, information, and fun. It is always so good to have them home. The sisters share stories about their work and are Sister Amelia encouraged to return with the love and support of those at the Motherhouse. It gives one the sense that we are all in the work together. One sister may be working at a distant location but because we are community, we are all there in spirit working beside her.

None of us is ever alone. Jesus and the community are right there.

It was also an opportunity to tell the sisters how wonderful our donors have been to us this year. Your support has helped our missions and ministry in countless ways. Men, women, and children have been educated, women and children have been fed, babies have been cared for, and many people have learned about God through the religious education programs taught by our sisters. With your help, we are making a difference in the lives of so many of God’s people.

You are helping us make that difference. Thank you.

We also talked about our upcoming annual picnic.

The money raised during the picnic is used to support our retired sisters. The cost for their care continues to grow so the income from the picnic is essential. Please come to join us for our big day on Sept. 11, 2011. We have great food, fun, and games. We have so many generous volunteers to help us before, during, and after the big day. We are so grateful for their help. If you can’t come but would like to support the retired sisters, you can take chances on the great prizes we have this year by asking for raffle tickets, send a donation of $20 for a quilt club ticket, or simply send a donation. Every donation is a blessing. All the information is explained in other areas of Ursulines Alive or on our website www. ursulinesmsj.org.

In his book, “The Spirituality of Fund-raising,” Henri Nouwen, writer and spiritual leader, stated, “Gratitude flows from the recognition that who we are and what we have are gifts to be received and shared.”

We have so much for which we must be thankful. Let us give God the glory and honor for all we have and share His love and gifts with others.

Thank you for your support, care, love, and concern.

We hold you in our hearts and in our prayers.

Sincerely,

2 0 1 1

Ursuline Associate Ed Cecil talks to Sister Barbara Jean Head at the April 30 annual fundraising dinner for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph.

A crowd was on hand to enjoy “A Night at the Antique Auction” where they got to bid on furniture and pick up items for sale.

Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

2011-12 Quilt Club Tickets are now available!

Sister Clarence Marie Luckett

You get 12 chances to win a handmade quilt with our Quilt Club annual memberships, available for only $20 each.

Buy one for yourself and one for a friend!

A new quilt is raffled each month. For details, visit www.ursulinesmsj.org. Click on “How You Can Help” and “Quilt Club Membership.”

New Quilt Club drawings begin Oct. 7, 2011.

Order your tickets today!

270-229-4103 ext. 278 tiffany.orth@maplemount.org

License No. 0290

The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky. invite you to our 41st annual

PICNIC Sunday, Sept. 11 For the benefit of the retired Ursuline Sisters

Serving barbecue pork, mutton, chicken, burgoo 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Crafts! Games! Yard Sale! Silent Auction! (Booths open 10:30-3:00)

We are located 12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56

Raffle tickets only $2 each

Win a Trip to a South Seas condo on Marco Island, Florida! (Flight for 2 included!) • $3,000 • $1,000 • $500 • Handmade Quilt • 32” Toshiba HD LCD TV

Get your tickets from any Ursuline Sister or call 270-229-4103 ext. 278 tiffany.orth@maplemount.org License #0290

– Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development 11

A Ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

OUR MISSION: Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center offers and hosts programs in a rural environment of tranquility for people of all ages and faiths to nurture spiritual and personal growth, advance the arts, and promote lifelong learning.

LEFT: Teens from Blessed Mother Catholic Church in Owensboro, Ky., converse on the steps at the Center on March 19. Their group was preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.

RIGHT: Students from St. Peter and Paul School in Hopkinsville, Ky., visited the Mount on May 20 for an “environmental day.”

Pictured is Sister Amelia Stenger.

Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Calendar of Events - Fall 2011 AUGUST

Saint Angela Merici Retreat..................................... Weekend of Aug. 27-28 For all Ursuline Associates, Alumnae, and Friends!

Yoga and Meditation Retreat...................................Friday-Sunday, Aug. 26-28 september

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Instruments of God”) . .............. Friday, Sept. 2 Mount Saint Joseph 41st Annual BBQ Picnic......................... Sunday, Sept. 11 Leadership McLean County...........................Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17 First Baptist Church Choir....................................................Saturday, Sept. 17 Runaway Quilters................................................. Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 20-23 Green Living Symposium................................................ Wednesday, Sept. 28 First United Methodist Women’s Retreat......... Friday-Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1

Randy Lanham, music instructor, teaches students at the June 5-9 Maple Mount music and nature camp.

october

Spiritual Direction Training - Week 5................................. Week of Oct. 3-7 Reflection Day of Prayer (“The Falling Leaves”) . .................Friday, Oct. 7 Marian Retreat with Msgr. Bernard Powers.......... Friday-Sunday, Oct. 7-9 Catholic Engaged Encounter........................................ Weekend of Oct. 15-16 Owensboro Christian Church Staff............... Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 17-18 Diocesan Priest Retreat...................................................... Week of Oct. 24-28 Owensboro Christian Elders........................... Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29 november

All Souls Day Prayer Service ....................................... Wednesday, Nov. 2 Reflection Day of Prayer (“Faithful Love”) ........................... Friday, Nov. 4 Academy for Young Leaders............................................Weekend of Nov. 5-6 Thomas Merton Retreat...................................... Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13 Yarn Spinners Day..............................................................Saturday, Nov. 12 Mount Hope Weekend.............................................Friday-Sunday, Nov. 18-20

About 20 women came to a retreat for administrative assistants titled, “Spirituality at Work: Being a Letter from God” on April 27, led by Sister Mary Matthias Ward.

DECember

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Homecoming”) ........................... Friday, Dec. 2 Advent Day of Prayer..........................................................Thursday, Dec. 8 Center-sponsored programs are in bold type. Please call to register.

To register or to schedule your event, call Kathy McCarty 270-229-4103, ext. 802 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org The Retreat Center is located 12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56 12

Members of the Christian Women’s Retreat enjoy their time at the Center on the weekend of April 15-17.

“Our Visitors Are Saying” The first Friday of each month this year has featured a Reflection Day of Prayer, presented by Sister Ann McGrew and based on Joyce Rupp’s book, “May I Have This Dance?” Here’s what some of the participants say about their experience...

“These first Friday days are an excellent example of what Ursulines do so well, follow Angela’s teaching and empower each of us to look at Jesus as we walk our way, like the disciples did at Emmaus. I walk away renewed, and I have enough material to write in my journal for a month.”

–Peggy Clark

“You cannot underestimate the peacefulness of coming to the Mount.

Just being able to get away and reflect, to have a prayerful day in the country. I’m very anxious for the next one to start.”

–Mary Helen Nash:

“Sister Ann is excellent at giving us a thought for the day and releasing us on our own. I was very familiar with the book

by Joyce Rupp, but I was surprised how it was different because of Sister Ann’s presentation. Sister Ann is very honest in sharing her life experience with us, and her willingness to let us share, and pursue where we are heading.”

–Martha Little “I like everything about it. I like the way Sister Ann talks to you, the discussions, and the very quiet that I can have. The people there have been very interesting to talk to.

I’m happy to go back the rest of the year.”

–Frances Feldpausch

S u m m e r

2 0 1 1

Dear Friends of the Center, As an elementary school teacher this time of year was always “new year” because it was the time when the school year began.

For me this has always been a time of great excitement. Everyone can begin with a clean slate. Whatever has happened in the past can be forgotten.

Now as I am thinking of a “new beginning” I look at the programs we are planning for the remainder of the year. We continue with Sister Ann reflection days that have been very enriching for those who have come away for a time of quiet with God. The last weekend of August we will offer an Angela Retreat for the Ursuline Associates who would like to spend some time learning more about Saint Angela Merici.

The month of September finds us welcoming all the picnic volunteers who come to help make our second Sunday of September picnic a success. The Runaway Quilters join us for four days to teach or learn quilting, and to spend time with others who have a similar passion for quilting.

During October, Father Powers will again offer a Marian Retreat. This will be a good time away to spend time with Mary and experience her love for all of us. There are a couple of private retreats scheduled for this month. We always welcome anyone who would like to take some quiet time with God. It can be an hour, day, two or three days, or a week.

Again this year on Nov. 2nd you are invited to gather with us on All Souls Day to remember all those who have died. During the second weekend please plan to join in learning more about Thomas Merton and how he can lead us to a deeper relationship with God. With the beginning of Advent we wind down the year, remembering to use Advent as a time to prepare for the Celebration of a new Birth of Christ in our hearts. During the second week of Advent you are invited to an Advent Day of Prayer. Come, spend some time getting your heart prepared for this wonderful celebration.

God bless you, – Sister Ann McGrew, Director ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org

Give Peace, Quiet, and Prayer a Chance

“The Blessed Virgin Mary” Annual Marian Retreat: Oct.

7-9, 2011

Retreat Director Msgr. Bernard Powers

The Blessed Virgin Mary not only has a physical relationship with Jesus but also a spiritual relationship. We also share a spiritual relationship with Jesus. The fee is $175 (or $120 for commuters). Deduct 10% if paid in full by Sept. 7.

Contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802 or kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org. Find a flyer at msjcenter.org Limited scholarships available. Contact Sister Ann McGrew at 270-229-4103 ext. 801.

13

U r s u l i n e s

A L I V E

Writers workshop an example of Center’s many uses Kimberly Frost first attended a Writers Retreat Workshop in 2002. In June, the published author was back at the workshop, now in its second year at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, as one of the speakers.

“I’m back to help other writers,” Frost said. Four years after her first experience with the workshop, she got an agent in 2006 and sold her first novel a year later, which was published in 2009.

Frost is an emergency room doctor in Houston, Texas, when she’s not writing. This was her first visit to Maple Mount, and the scenery was a big hit. “We took a walk and the sunset was so fantastic, we just stopped and stared,” she said.

Much of what the Center sponsors are religious retreats and Participants in the Writers Retreat workshop in June share their critiques of each other’s work programs, but it is a “conference” and retreat center, and businesses, during a breakout session in the Mount Saint schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations find the Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. This Center the best place to get away and focus their energies. year’s workshop attracted 30 members The Writers Retreat Workshop is one such example. It began in 1987 as a way to help aspiring writers hone their craft. Its leaders have often used retreat centers as their location for the 10-day retreat, because of the peacefulness they afford.

Jason Sitzes, director of the Writers Retreat, said the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center is a great venue and the writers hope to return every year. About 30 participants from all over the country and one from Luxembourg, Cecile Somers, attended this year’s retreat, from June 17-27.

Somers was in her second year at the workshop, but first in Maple Mount. “I like that it’s caring, nurturing, and gentle, like a family,” she said.

She found Maple Mount “charming and pretty,” and said the people are so friendly. “I like talking to the nuns, there’s a sense of continuity.”

Published authors who gave talks other than Frost this year included Carolyn A visitor enjoyed writing outside Wheat, author of the Cass Jameson series of thrillers, and short story writer Matt on the grounds of the Motherhouse Brock. campus while attending the 2011 Robin Yaklin, from Dallas, was at the workshop for the second year. “The Writers Retreat. energy, the enthusiasm, the helpfulness of people, I love the collaborative brain that occurs,” Yaklin said. “I love seeing the progress. A lady who was here last year had never been published, and she will be published next year.”

The only way to grow as a writer is to be around “Prayer in Thomas Merton people who offer a challenge, Yaklin said. “It’s like playing bridge, you never get any better if you play with and the Coming Season of Advent” the same people all the time.”

Weekend Retreat Nov. 11-13, 2011 She loves the scenery at Maple Mount. “The views out Retreat Director: Father James Conner my window are just marvelous,” Yaklin said. “I exit with Father James Conner is a monk of the Abbey of a smile on my face.”

Gethsemani. He entered Gethsemani in 1949. He was To learn more about the Writers Retreat Workshop a student under Thomas Merton from 1951-55 during his years as master of students. After ordination to the and how to attend next year’s workshop, visit www. priesthood in 1957, he served as undermaster of novices writersretreatworkshop.com. A scholarship is available. under Merton from 1958-61. He attended the Gregorian To schedule a time to use the Mount Saint Joseph University in Rome and received a Licentiate of Sacred Conference and Retreat Center, contact Kathy McCarty, Theology. His past ministries include Chaplain at Osage at (270) 229-4103, ext. 802, or kathy.mccarty@ Monastery in Sand Springs, Okla., and Superior and Abbot of Assumption Abbey in Ava, Mo. Father serves at Gethsemani as chaplain to the Abbey maplemount.org.

Retreat House.

14

Our next spinning day is Saturday, Nov. 12

Retreat begins 6:30 p.m. Friday. First meal is Saturday breakfast.

Retreat ends after breakfast on Sunday.

Spinners, weavers, knitters, and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome to attend the quarterly spinning gatherings at the Center.

Sessions begin at 10 a.m. Lunch is $12.

Call Kathy at 270-229-4103 ext. 802.

To register, contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802 kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org Fee is $175 for residents or $120 for commuters.

Deduct 10% if paid in full by Oct. 11.

Limited scholarships available. Contact Sister Ann McGrew at 270-229-4103 ext. 801.

S u m m e r

Sister Martina Rockers 2011 award

2 0 1 1

Five generations...

LEFT: Mary Coogan, center, is awarded

the Sister Martina Rockers Outstanding High School Science Teaching Award on March 26, 2011. To her right is Ursuline Sister Martina Rockers, to her left, Dr. Dick Wilson, educational director for Ken-A-Vision, which sponsors the award.

The Sister Martina Rockers Award is given annually to a Kansas City area high school teacher who demonstrates the qualities of excellence in science teaching and student centeredness that are exemplified by Sister Martina herself in her still continuing 58 years of teaching at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kan. Sister Martina was the first winner in 2003, and the award was later named for her. The award winner is nominated and selected by a blue ribbon panel of their peers. Ken-A-Vision is an international manufacturer of microscopes and classroom cameras.

This year’s winner, Mary Coogan, teaches at Liberty North High School in Liberty, Mo., about 15 miles northeast of Kansas City. She has been teaching biology and chemistry for 25 years, having taught at Lincoln College Prep Academy in Kansas City, Mo.; Dalton High School in Dalton, Mo., and Grandview High School in Grandview, Mo., before returning to her alma mater at Liberty High School. She most recently has been instrumental in establishing the science department at the new Liberty North High School.

Mary has had many leadership roles in her time at Liberty, including secondary science curriculum coordinator through the district’s Educational Resource Center and co-chair of the Liberty Science Department. She established one of the most skilled competition programs in the Kansas City metro area. Her teams have won at events such as the Chemathon at Missouri Western State University and the Regional Science Knowledge Bowl at Rockhurst University. Her teams went to the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., three consecutive years where her teams placed well and won the Civility Award for sportsmanship.

Myriam Abeiga, in the center of this photo, was one of the last graduates of Ursuline College of Paola, Kan., getting her degree in 1955, two years before the college closed. The Ursuline Sisters of Paola started the college in 1924. In March 2011, a special moment took place for the Abeiga family, as five generations gathered to celebrate the 96th birthday of Myriam’s mother, Olga Abeiga. Pictured from right are Myriam’s daughter Blanca Spano, her mother Olga, Myriam, Myriam’s granddaughter Candace, and her greatgrandson Denim. Myriam Abeiga lives in Ridgefield, N.J.

Sign up for our monthly e-zine, The Pilgrimage, on our website: www.ursulinesmsj.org

In the joy of eternal life Sister Mary Evelyn Duvall, 88, died April 26 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 70th year of religious life. She was a native of Sunfish, Ky. Sister Mary Evelyn loved to travel, and was an excellent cook, seamstress, and craft maker. She was a teacher for 44 years, also serving as a librarian, housekeeper, and worked in the diet kitchen for two years at Maple Mount. She ministered throughout Kentucky, in Missouri, and for 34 years in New Mexico until retiring in 2007. Survivors include four sisters, Catherine Duvall and Martha Durbin, both of Sunfish, Mary Davis, Leitchfield, Ky., and Frances Heath, Mountain Home, Idaho; two brothers, Lawrence Duvall of Louisville, and William Pius Duvall, Brownsville, Ky.; nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was April 29 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery.

Sister Marita Greenwell, 85, died June 21, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 65th year of religious life. She was a native of Rhodelia in Meade County, Ky. Sister Marita was an inspiration to many, first as an encouraging music teacher, and then as the leader of the Contemporary Woman Program at Brescia College/ University, a revolutionary self-esteem building program for women which she directed for 32 years (19732005). She was a teacher at St. Martin School, Rome (1948-52), Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Maple Mount (1960-68), Blessed Mother School (1954), Immaculate School (1970-71), and Brescia College (1971-73) in Owensboro, St. Thomas More School, Paducah (1954-55), all in Kentucky, as well as in the Archdiocese of Louisville and in Missouri. She was co-director of the Ursuline Associate program from 1996-2002. Survivors include her sister, Dorothy Hughes of Elizabethtown, nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was June 24, with burial in the convent cemetery.

• Did you know that you can read the Sisters’ Wake Reflections on our website? http://www.ursulinesmsj.org/obituaries.php • Gifts in memory of a Sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

15

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO KY PERMIT NO. 120 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org If you have a smart phone, this QR code will direct you to our website!

Soli Deo Gloria

We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God Sister Michele Morek, a 1966 graduate of Brescia College, was honored on April 9 as a Distinguished Alumna of Brescia. Sister Michele served at Brescia as a professor of biology from 1971-80, as academic dean and vice president of academic affairs from 1980-86, and then professor of biology from 1986-2004. Those last four years she was chairwoman of the Division of Math and Natural Sciences. Sister Michele left Brescia in 2004 when she began serving as the congregational leader for the Ursuline Sisters, a term she concluded in 2010. “The very best moments of my career were seeing that ‘aha’ moment on a student’s face, or seeing the spark of my love for a subject jump between us and light a fire in their eyes … every teacher knows what I mean,” Sister Michele said in her acceptance speech. “And what a thrill every year to see my former students come up and receive a Distinguished Alumnus award, or to be happy and successful as human beings and in their professions.”

The award was created to honor those graduates who exemplify the elements that encompass The Brescia Difference: Respect for the Sacred, Devotion to Learning, Commitment to Growth in Virtue, and Promotion of Servant Leadership. Other Ursuline Sisters to be honored by Brescia in recent years include Sister Joseph Angela Boone, Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, and Sister Dianna Ortiz.

Sister Cheryl Clemons delivered the third in a series of weekly talks on Henri Nouwen’s book “Can You Drink the Cup?” on March 29 at the Parish of the Immaculate in Owensboro, Ky. The first two Lenten sessions were led by Father Larry Hostetter and Bishop William Medley.

Sister Rosemary Keough (far right) was honored by the Alumnae Association of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Junior College with its Maple Leaf Award at the awards dinner on May 15. Every year since 2000, at least two graduates of the Academy or Junior College have been chosen for the award, given to those who “personify the values of their Mount Saint Joseph education in contributions to their local faith communities, civic communities, and/or Mount Saint Joseph.” Sister Rosemary received the award with her Academy classmate of 1956, Joyce Weikel Grady (pictured at left). Sister Rosemary ministers to Hispanic people in the communities surrounding Owensboro, Ky., through Centro Latino.

Sister Michele Intravia was promoted to manager of operations at the Sister Visitor Center in Louisville, Ky. Sister Michele has ministered at Sister Visitor since November 2005 as a case manager, and has served as case manager team leader most recently. “She will serve as the point of contact for Sister Visitor Center due to her background rapport with volunteers and connections with the community,” said Lucio Caruso, director of Case Management & Family Services with Catholic Charities in Louisville. The Sister Visitor Center works directly with the poor in the western part of Louisville, finding them clothing, food, and assistance with rent, medicine and utilities. Three other Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph minister at the Sister Visitor Center, Sisters Grace Simpson, Maureen O’Neill, and Margaret Marie Greenwell.