Update August 2015

August 2015

VOL. XXI, NO. 1

Associates and Sisters Day a chance for fellowship

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By Associates Judy Sims and Betty Girten

e were blessed with a beautiful summer day for our annual Associates and Sisters Day on June 13. Many arrived early for Judy registration and general fellowship with people we had not seen since the last conference. Several had come from as far away as Kansas and Illinois the night before.

Coming together is such a joy -- the fellowship, the love for God that we Betty share and the true meaning of love and caring for one another.

Marian Bennett, coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships, welcomed everyone. The topic this year was “Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us.” We were led in the opening prayer and sang a beautiful new song, “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” Sister Cheryl Clemons gave a very in-depth presentation on the saints, many of whom were not very well known. Her talk focused on “Embracing the Contradictions of Life,” and pointed out that saints were by no means perfect. Many of the saints Sister Clarita Browning, left, talks with led lives not so Associate Leon Donahue and his wife Betty. different from you and me. There is hope for us all. Of course we have an excellent example of Saint Angela to follow.

Each of the associates was asked, “Who invited you to be an Ursuline Associate?” and “Why did you say yes?” We all filled out a questionnaire and the responses were read, although some people had the courage to read their own. Many of the answers were quite entertaining.

After lunch there was a panel discussion. The topic

The morning session was a fascinating look at how the saints were imperfect, but act as role models for us because they followed God’s will. From left are Sisters Nancy Murphy and Marcella Schrant, and Associates Melissa Tuley, Martha Little, John Little, Debbie Lanham and Charlotte Paez.

was “Surprised by the Spirit.” Our panel members were Debbie Lanham from Owensboro, Paul Parker from Muhlenberg County, Linda Monaco from Kansas City, Mo., and Therese Allen from Louisville. They each told us their personal experience of how the Spirit affected them.

After the panel discussion we divided into teams and proceeded to test our Ursuline knowledge. There were 20 questions and many of us found out we didn’t really know as much as we thought we did. However, there were two teams who got a perfect score. Kudos to them! It was a fun activity for all.

Before closing the meeting we paid special tribute to all who had died since our last meeting. It is always sad to see the photos of the ones no longer with us. We miss them all very much. We follow up with photos of “Happy Faces,” and there are many of those around the Mount.

Our stars of the day are the associate class ready to renew their commitments and receive their associate pins. It was decided in 2014 to no longer have an initial commitment and a lifetime commitment, so now all associates make their commitment for a lifetime. The ceremony took place in our beautiful chapel at 4 p.m.

Mass. Father Jerry Riney, who is also an associate, presided.

Continued on page 3

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Associate Update

Thoughts from Marian...

Dear Sister and Brother Associates, What’s all the fuss about consecrated life? All year we’ve been hearing about and thinking about Pope Francis’ declaration of a Year of Consecrated Life.

It’s been a good opportunity for all of us to reflect on the influence the Ursuline Sisters have had on our lives. Because of their consecrated lives, our lives have been blessed beyond measure. Their dedication to us and our families has inspired us to carry on Angela’s ministry of caring, healing and teaching.

Now is a good time to contact a sister – think about sending her a note of gratitude or cheer. I will be happy to deliver your messages for you – email or postal mail.

In this issue of Update…

• When a power couple like Elaine and John Wood combine their talents and energy, great things happen for Mount Saint Joseph, their church and their Barlow community in Ballard County, Ky. PAGE 3 • See the happy faces of eight associates from Owensboro, Ky., and Kansas City, Mo., who were pinned on Associates and Sisters Day. PAGE 4 • See scenes of this year’s Y-DOSA Summit as the Young Daughters of Saint Angela gather for study and friendship. PAGE 8

Several of you have inquired about the daily prayer request network. Are we still sending and receiving your prayer requests? Yes, most definitely! We are using a different process, so if yours have “disappeared,” please let me know. Contact me any time at 270-229-2006 or marian.bennett@maplemount.org.

I wish you a happy summer. See you at the Picnic.

Marian Bennett, OSUA, Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships

ASSOCIATE Update is published four times a year for the Associates of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 Phone: 270-229-2006 • Fax: 270-229-4953 www.ursulinesmsj.org • Email: associates.msj@maplemount.org Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships: Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness: Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, OSU Communications and Development Specialist: Kris Mango Director of Development: Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Marcella Schrant, OSU

ASSOCIATE MISSION STATEMENT We, the associates of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus through the actions of our everyday lives. We commit ourselves to living the charism of Saint Angela Merici in union with and in support of the Ursuline community of Mount Saint Joseph.

August 2015

Dear Friends, We’ve probably each heard someone exclaim: “Saints preserve us!!” (with an Irish brogue) “Saints among us!” (with an Ursuline Associate accent).

Certainly this summer we responded to the opportunity to recognize the saints among us in June during our 2015 Associates and Sisters Day. We heard a wonderful scholarly treatment of this theme from Sister Cheryl and resonated with the personal reflections of our four Associate panelists as we shared thoughts and prayers throughout the day.

Here I offer two further reflections on the “saints among us” – especially on the notion of the communion of saints. As I was growing up Presbyterian, in Sunday school we would often ponder that phrase in the Apostles’ Creed – “the communion of saints.” I know the definition states, “the communion of saints, when referred to persons, is the spiritual union of the members of the Christian Church, living and the dead. ...”

Imagine that Sunday school class full of teenagers trying to come to grips with the notion of a “spiritual union” of ALL the members of the Church. For that matter, imagine this current-day association of adults trying to really appreciate “spiritual union” and “ALL.” Yet even for those 1960s era teens, pondering the reality of the communion of saints was both comforting and challenging.

And so my second reflection request is to recommend to your exploration the rather new Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels (left), in Los Angeles, and the “Communion of the Saints” tapestries by artist John Nava.

These 137 immense tapestries grace the interior of the Cathedral; someday I hope to see them “in person;” as it is, I’ve only seen them through Google or in books. Consider these floor-to-ceiling tapestries, glowing in the Southern California sunlight, reflecting the images of the Communion of Saints.

All ages, all races, all sexes. Persons in robes, habits, sandals, togas, blue jeans and tennis shoes. Saints from our days and saints from antiquity. Bearded and clean-shaven, long-haired and short. The Communion tapestries reveal saints officially named and relationally recognized. I believe you are most likely there.

As you enjoy this Update, pray for each of these saints among us and recognize yourselves and each other in that eternal communion. Blessings for you as summer greets autumn, and you celebrate saints’ days to come. In Angela, Sister Sharon Sullivan, Congregational Leader

John and Elaine Wood of Barlow, Ky.

By Suzanne Gochenouer, OSUA, Owensboro, Ky.

John and Elaine Wood grew into their faith attending St. Joseph Catholic Church and grade school in Bonne Terre, Mo. As a high school freshman, John went to seminary for two years. Deciding religious life was not for him, he completed his education and returned to his hometown. The two friends soon rediscovered how much they enjoyed each other’s company. They married one year after reconnecting.

For Elaine, “staying home to raise five children (three girls and two boys),” meant getting involved in numerous volunteer projects. John’s forestry career meant they moved often.

Early on, they made the decision to get involved in their children’s activities. That led to participation in parish ministries for children, band boosters, Little League softball and charitable fund-raising. John has served as scoutmaster of 63 Eagle Scouts while Elaine focused on 4-H. At a parish level, both contribute to Confirmation preparation, act as lectors, servers, Eucharistic Ministers and sing in the choir. Elaine is a liturgical coordinator; John chairs the finance committee. They are a team couple for Marriage Encounter weekends. John chaired the Cross at the Confluence project in Wickliffe, Ky. In their community, John served as mayor for eight years. Both work with three new local groups in Ballard County, and a new senior center building committee.

In 1968, they moved to La Center, Ky., and met Sisters Alicia Coomes and Suzanne Sims at St. Mary Parish. Though Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union taught them in grade school, John says they never heard Saint Angela Merici’s story or the Ursuline history. On a trip to Rome and Brescia, Italy, with Sisters Alicia and Suzanne, the couple received a “heavy dose” of background on Saint Angela and her teachings.

Everything Saint Angela espoused for her order was in line with the couple’s personal passions.

In 2003, they accepted invitations to join the Ursuline Associates with Sister Suzanne and Sister Alicia as their contact sisters.

The couple arrives the Tuesday prior to the annual Mount Saint Joseph Picnic to help prepare food, set up the picnic area and deliver goods to the booths. On picnic Sunday, John directs traffic and parking while Elaine works a booth. As John says, “When an Ursuline asks, you don’t turn them down.”

Elaine believes hospitality is for everyone. She

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and John demonstrate that daily. The couple filled one need by creating a “religious suite” in their home. They welcome priests and sisters traveling or working near there to make it their base. The suite once became a temporary home for a tornado survivor and her son.

It’s not hard to find opportunities to serve. Elaine jokes, “We get up in the morning and wait for the phone to ring.” John asks each caller, “What do you need?”

When asked about their personal strengths, both instead reflect on their partner’s. John says Elaine’s gift is her deep commitment to truly listening. Elaine believes John’s compassion leads him to forget about himself, getting on with what needs doing.

They answer for each other again, about their greatest passions. Elaine notes John’s passion for truth and justice while he’s amazed at hers for making people feel the presence of God. Reflecting on where their faith journey might lead in five or ten years, John says, “I don’t feel comfortable saying ‘I’m 74 years old, I should be backing away.’

Saint Angela started late in life and didn’t stop as she got older, or because it (her community and ministry) didn’t show up fast enough. We can do much more because we accept what God sends us. We are instruments.”

Elaine adds that the Ursulines taught them not to judge opportunities to serve. “If something needs doing, just go do it. We’re blessed to enjoy what we’re doing. It’s a labor of love.”

Elaine nods when John states about marriage and partnership, “Sometimes it’s 90/10. You have to make sacrifices. You don’t choose yourself; you choose the other person.”

They agree their biggest struggle as a couple is that they both try to lead. However, their ability to recognize each other’s skills and accomplish goals helps John and Elaine turn their faith into action.

Noting that their story sounds like a journey of sugary happiness, John says they sometimes disagree.

“It’s about never losing respect for each other. Elaine is usually right,” he admits. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 19. This couple’s partnership in every aspect of life multiplies their service far beyond what one associate could do. n

FELLOWSHIP

from front

We had no new people making commitments, but eight current associates who had made their initial commitments received their associate pins.

Congratulations to Catherine Cox, Karen De Sosa, Debbie Lanham, Tammy Milbourn, Linda Monaco, Carol Morris, Carrie Wieder and Florence Wieder.

It was a beautiful and memorable day for all and we look forward to next year’s Associates and Sisters Day on June 11, 2016! n

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Associate Update

August 2015

Associates Receive Pins The associates who made commitments on Associates and Sisters Day on June 13 gathered in front of the chapel along with their contact companions behind them. First row, left to right are Florence Wieder, Carrie Wieder, Karen De Sosa, Carol Morris, Tammy Milbourn, Catherine Cox, Linda Monaco and Debbie Lanham: second row are contacts Sister Rose Jean Powers, Sister Marietta Wethington, Joan Perry, Carol O’Keefe, Sister Rose Karen Johnson and Martha Little.

RIGHT: Grayson County Associates Violet Hamilton, Carol Hill and Brenda Semar enjoy Congregational Leader Sister Sharon Sullivan’s story at their meeting on May 27.

Sixth-graders from the Owensboro Catholic 4-6 Campus celebrated a Day of Prayer on May 26 at the Motherhouse Chapel. Ursuline Associate and teacher Bonnie Marks stands to lead the responsorial psalm: “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.”

Muhlenberg County Associates show their MSJ Picnic spirit at their May meeting. Dr. Valentino Simpao holds the group’s Silent Auction T-shirt while others hold their raffle ticket sales banner. From left: Marian Bennett, Betty Girten, Marlene Monaghan, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, Michelle Hayes, Jackie Sommers, Paul Parker (back), Jean Simpson, Brenda Busick and Judy Sims.

LEFT: Associate Martha House, center, carries the Daviess County flag as April Ray, right, carries the American flag to begin the second Get Moving at the Mount 5K Run/Walk on May 30 at Mount Saint Joseph. The race was the official 5K of the Daviess County Bicentennial.

Associate formation to focus on sister’s new book Sister Cheryl Clemons utilized her vast knowledge of the saints for her talk on Associates and Sisters Day, but she also melded what she’d learned from a new book from Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister. That book will be the basis for the four formation sessions our Ursuline Associates will enjoy in the coming year. “Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life” was published this year by the acclaimed author of 17 other major books. Sister Cheryl suggested utilizing some chapters of the book as a good source for formation. The book isn’t about saints, but it does talk at length about how to deal with the contradictions of life that make it difficult for us to pursue a life of personal holiness and become “saints today.”

The Associate panel on Associates and Sisters Day on June 13 was asked to talk about “Surprised by the Spirit.”

Seated in front: Paul Parker and Therese Allen. Standing in back: Linda Monaco and Debbie Lanham.

Reflective Moments Moments Reflective

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By Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU

Help Care for our Common Home

Pope Francis’ recent encyclical On Care of Our Common Home opens with the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: Praise be to You, my Lord and reminds us that our common home – the earth – is like a caring sister and a beautiful mother. He reminds us that our sister cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her. Pope Francis challenges the system where the rich exploit the poor and our earth is turned into an “immense pile of filth.”

This encyclical seems to be an indictment of big business and climate nay-sayers. Pope Francis blames fossil fuel-based industry for causing the most harm and urges peoples of all faiths to wake up to the urgency of this moment and the need to save God’s creation for future generations. I encourage you to read Pope Francis’ encyclical. It is long but very readable – and so like Pope Francis who models his life on his namesake, the poor man of Assisi, Francis. “Praise be to you my Lord – Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother River and Mother Earth.”

I believe in the power of one and that each of us can make a difference. What is the challenge to each of us?

One of the effects of climate change is the shortage of water in many places. What are the challenges to me regarding water usage? Some things you might consider:  Take in your glass only the water you intend to drink. If you do have some left use it to water a plant.  If you have a dehumidifier use the water from it to water plants and grass.  When washing clothes use cold water only and wash a full load if possible.  Use drying racks or clotheslines to dry them.  Never buy bottled water. I won’t say a lot here about that but I invite you to go online and read about the damage the bottles do to our environment.

Fossil fuels are a great threat to our environment.

What are the challenges to me regarding fuel usage?

Some things you might consider:  Combine trips as often as possible – for example the grocery, the pharmacy and the post office.  Walk or bicycle  Use public transportation if available Fossil fuels are used to make many forms of plastic. As we move away from fossil fuels what are the challenges to me regarding plastic? You might consider:  When shopping take along reusable bags to reduce the use of plastic.  When you do use plastic recycle in some way – for example use the plastic bags as trash can liners or return them to a store that recycles them.

Climate change will affect many other resources such as paper. What are the challenges to me regarding paper? Some things you might consider:  Use both sides and use scrap paper when possible.  Always be sure to recycle.  Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

These are all simple things, many of which you do every day. Sometimes I need a reminder. I am grateful to Pope Francis for the reminder and the challenge he has issued to all of us.

Reflection: How will reading Pope Francis’ words make a difference to you and to others?

Prayer: Go for a walk outside and give thanks to God for the beauty of creation. Perhaps you would like to write a poem, song or create a ritual to celebrate God’s good earth.

“The high, the low, all of creation, God gives to humankind to use. If this privilege is misused, God’s justice permits creation to punish humanity.”– Hildegard of Bingen

We can do 100 little things to help save the planet

Dear Associates,

Over the past weeks we have heard much about the new encyclical by Pope Francis. It is a wonderful summary about care of our home, Earth. We are so pleased that he has spoken so much about this topic. We have been trying for many years to educate young people and others about care for planet Earth.

Another statement from the Pope as he spoke to the new archbishops is one that all of us can aspire to. It is a simple repetition of the concepts he talked about in the encyclical. He says, “Teach prayer by praying, announce the faith by believing, offer witness by living.” These few words give us much to think about as we try to grow in faith each day. The last one fits so well with the challenges mentioned in Laudato Si – Praise Be to You. We have to witness that we really believe that our world is a sacred place by doing our part to take care of it.

Each day we can do 100 little things that will help save the planet. Simple things like recycling plastics, paper, electronics and numerous other things will make a difference. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely if we take the time to recycle cans. Here at the Mount, we have a special trailer for recycling. We try to recycle as much as we can. There are many ways we can witness by living if we just stop to think about it, then do it.

Let’s make an effort to read the encyclical and put some of its wonderful words into practice.

God bless you and all you love, Sincerely, Sister Amelia Stenger, Director of Development, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

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Associate Update

August 2015

Happy Birthday to our Ursuline Associates!

September 2 6 8 9

10 11

Judy Embry Fr. Joe Mills Betty Christian Gene Tritsch Melissa Tuley Anna Mae Kaiser Peggy Clark Brenda Semar 13 Mary Ann Childs 14 Di Ann Jenkins Joanne Mason Donna Szurgot 15 Judy Gray Laurie Hicks 16 Jackie Sommers 18 Jennie Barthol Meg Synk Jody Ziegler 19 Nellie Coffman Mike Haughton 20 Serafina Mesnier 21 Priscilla Archunde Francis Steffen 23 Barbara Hasenstab Nancy Richards Cathey Seaton 24 Beatriz Dansdill Rosann Whiting 25 Gerry Hasenstab Eileen Locke Kelly Roe 27 Sheila Blandford Sharon Speaks 28 Fr. Freddie Byrd Charlotte Paez Janet Rockers 30 Eddie Prunty Congratulations to Associate Dan Heckel of Owensboro who graduated from the Spiritual Direction Training Program at Mount Saint Joseph in July.

Do you feel called to companion others on their journey with God? The next program begins Oct. 26.

Call Sheila: 270-229-0269 www.ursulinesmsj.org

October 1

3 4 5

6 8

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Janet Kuper Patty Wernel Jean Gutierrez Betty Girten Jane Denton Genon Putnam Patricia Jamett Margaret Chavez Tom Payne Lena Dees Catherine Gawarecki Kristene Pickert Therese Allen Margaret Brasuel Carol O’Keefe Pat Wilson 13 Mary Ann Schilling 14 Alice Albus Margie Hill 15 Marie Hauser Betty Stone 16 Robert Greene, Jr. 17 Catherine Bockhold 18 Anna Conn Shirley Hagman 21 Mariita Rodriguez 22 Ada Bader Margaret Gallegos 23 Lee Jerome 24 Alice Blazina Linda Lattus 25 Evelyn Kehder 26 JoAnne Horstmann 28 Keith Putnam 29 Benjamin Head 30 Lisa Guenther 31 Audrey Durbin Mary Lyne Jean Steffen

The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph invite you to our 45th annual

PICNIC Sunday, November 1 Ed Cecil Mel Howard Louise Leasor 2 Dolores Polson 3 Claire Buckley Bobby Smyth 4 Will Payne 6 Odelean Hill 7 Joan DeBauge Karen Lasher 8 Raqúel Sepúlveda 9 Lorna Horishny 10 Kathy Kiper 13 Valentino Simpao Mary Ann Stewart Marilyn Terry 15 Carol Alvey 16 Lois Clark 17 Al Coleman 18 Annette Stokes 23 Terri Hubner 24 Donald Adams 28 Randy Shelby Sr. Jeannette Touchet, SEC 30 Shirley Palmer

Get your 2015 Mount Saint Joseph Picnic grand raffle tickets - $5 each

Sept. 13, 2015 For the benefit of the retired Ursuline Sisters

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

Yard Sale!

Silent Auction!

Crafts made by the Ursuline Sisters and friends!

Cake Wheel • Bingo • Pull Tabs • Adopt-a-Pet • Hog Wild • Plants • Inflatable • Holiday Decor • Ice Cream • Quilt-of-the-Day • Burgoo • Lemon ShakeUps • More!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Call 270-229-4103 ext. 260

You can win $10,000! • 2-year lease on a Toyota Corolla • $1,000 • Handmade Queen-size Quilt • $500 • Thomas Kinkade Cross Stitch • $250 • $100

Get your grand raffle tickets from any Ursuline Sister or call 270-229-2009 or email kris.mango@maplemount.org.

Tickets also sold at the picnic.

Father Paul Joseph Volk: A Passion for God Retreat

(See prizes at left)

Saturday, Aug. 22 • 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Led by Sister Ruth Gehres & Sister Marietta Wethington $20 fee includes lunch. Call 270-229-0206 to register.

License #0290

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In Loving Memory...

Theresa Marie Benkeser, 71, died May 29. She was a native of Kansas City, Kan., and retired after a 42-year office work career to become a weekly volunteer at the University of Kansas Medical Center Pastoral Care. Soft spoken and cheerful with a beautiful singing voice, Theresa was a Eucharistic minister with her sister, Mary Benkeser and Father Jerry Spencer, (both Ursuline associates) and often served as cantor for weekend masses at the Spencer Chapel. Theresa was always available to help others and was a friend to many.

Theresa made her associate commitment in June 2010 with Carol O’Keefe, her contact companion, after faithfully attending the Our Lady of Brescia associate group meetings for many years.

Judith Ann Krese, 70, died Oct. 7, 2013, in Evansville, Ind. She was a graduate of Brescia’s pastoral ministry program and had been a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. She earned a master’s degree in theological studies at Saint Meinrad and served on its alumni board from 2007 to 2013. The love of her life was her service to the Church. Judy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Evansville where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville. Judy had been an associate since June 1992; Sister Fran Wilhelm was her contact companion.

Roberta Ann Noble, 63, of Belleville, Ill., died July 8.

Born in Illinois, Roberta was a registered nurse who had been floor nurse at a Sister Dorothy Helbling, left, with Roberta large hospital in Las Vegas. Later in life she established a healing touch practice based at the motherhouse of the Ursuline Sisters of Belleville. She devoted her life to helping others; even as her health declined, she continued her caring ministry by telephone. She was determined to remain independent as long as possible despite losing her eyesight. Sister Dorothy Helbling, her good friend and contact companion, described Roberta as very generous and intelligent. “She allowed me to help her” by taking her to church, grocery, and occasionally out to lunch. She made her associate

We Extend Deepest Sympathy To:

• Sister Francis Louise Johnson, whose sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, died April 18, and brother, John Johnson, died June 24.

• Father Joe Mills, whose sister, Sister Ann Miriam Mills, CP, died April 22.

• Mel Howard, whose son, Luke Howard, died April 27.

• Sister Rebecca White, whose father, Ben White, died April 29.

• Phyllis Troutman, whose brother, David Thomas, died May 2.

• Sister Mary Diane Taylor, whose brother, Frank Taylor, died May 12.

• Father Ray Goetz, whose uncle, Bernard “Elzie” Blandford, died May 16, and mother, Mary E. Blandford Goetz, died July 24.

• Lois Bell, whose brother, Donnie Curtsinger, died May 19.

• Debbie Walker, whose husband, Steve, died May 20.

• Pam Knudson, whose nephew, Kevin Knudson, died June 7.

• Sister Elaine Burke, whose brother, Dale, died June 25.

• Jerry Birge, whose brother, Bill, died July 3.

• Sister Angela Fitzpatrick, whose brother-inlaw, Norm Koester, died July 19.

• Sister Dee Long, whose sister, Margaret Turcham, died July 22.

commitment in May 2010. Roberta’s family will gather near Chicago in the fall to inter her ashes.

Laura Abell Smith, 83, died May 27 in Louisville. A native of Lebanon, Ky., Laura joined the Ursuline Sisters in 1950 and was given the name Sister Peter Claver. She taught elementary grades and served as principal in New Mexico, Kentucky and at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. After leaving the Ursuline community, she continued to teach and retired from the Daviess County Public School System. Laura and Bill Smith, her husband of over 20 years, enjoyed traveling and dancing. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2011. Laura helped Sisters Rose Karen and Rose Theresa Johnson to found the Muhlenberg County associate group, which continues to be a large and active group. Laura became an Ursuline Associate in July 1988 with her cousin and contact companion, Sister Clarita Browning.

’

Invite them to desire the celestial joys and treasures, to long for those joyful and new feasts of heaven.

- Fifth Counsel

Saint Angela Merici

If you have a smartphone, this QR code will take you to the ASSOCIATES page on our website.

2015-2016

Quilt Club

tickets now available!

Sister Catherine Kaufman

Now is the time to purchase your Ursuline Sisters’ Quilt Club membership for only $20. You get 12 chances to win a homemade quilt! New monthly drawings start Oct. 2.

270-229-2009

kris.mango@maplemount.org Congratulations to Associate Diane Wilson of Fancy Farm, Ky., who won our quilt in July!

License No. 0290

Y-DOSA Annual Summit Y-DOSA members attended Summit #4 at Mount Saint Joseph June 4-6. The girls and their sponsors share prayer, study and fun. Highlights include visits with the sisters, especially playing bingo. LEFT: Y-DOSA members from Kansas (Carly Pearch, Maria Whitmer, Annie Whitmer, Amelia Guenther and Amy Long) await the arrival of the Whitesville, Ky., members.

RIGHT: New this year, associates from Owensboro and Sisters visited with the girls Friday evening. Left to right: Amelia Guenther, Meredith Harley, Harlee Keener, Amy Long, Cindy Reilly, Lexie Barnett and Sister Nancy Murphy listen to group discussion.

Calendar of Upcoming Events Grayson County Associates – Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 25 Kansas, Our Lady of Brescia Associates – Oct. 19 Kansas, St. Francis of Paola Associates – Oct. 3 Louisville Associates – Oct. 17 Missouri, The Belles of St. Rita Associates – Oct. 11, Nov. 8 Muhlenberg County Associates – Oct. 14 Owensboro Informational Gathering Oct. 13, Meeting Oct. 27, Jail Ministry Oct. 31 Western Kentucky Associates – Oct. 10 Evening with an Ursuline dinner/presentations – Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, etc.

45th Annual Mount Saint Joseph Barbecue Picnic – Sunday, Sept. 13 Associate Advisory Board – Oct. 3, Associate Group Leaders – Oct. 8