Ursulines Alive

Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children

Summer 2012 Vol. 11, No. 1

www.ursulinesmsj.org

Volunteers 2012 Jubilarians New Ministries

Prayer Always a Priority

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From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, As I compose this letter, I am coming off quite a “high” (if you’ll pardon the expression). We – the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph – have just spent almost four days here at the Motherhouse, gathered together from our far flung corners – New Mexico and Washington, D.C.; New York and Louisiana; Tennessee and Illinois; Kansas and Missouri; Chile and Minnesota, and throughout Kentucky. We came for what we call “Community Days” and for Jubilee – but we really Sister Sharon came together to weave again the fabric that binds us together.

This fabric of prayer, Eucharist and conversation; this cloth of communion, celebration, laughter and tears – creates the garment of our life in community.

What an incredible and most vital and necessary four days.

And now – my goodness, how I wish you could walk with me among and within the atmosphere at the Motherhouse – many of us here have traveled even more deeply into our prayer together through retreat. We used to claim during retreats that we could feel the holiness – I believe that is still true. In Mark’s Gospel we read: “[Jesus] summoned the Twelve [together] and began to send them out two by two. . . The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place (Mark 6:7, 30-32).” Here Jesus establishes that sustaining cycle that so many follow, the cycle of ministry refreshed by prayer and time away – both together and alone – the cycle that makes further ministry possible.

Such is truly the cycle of our lives today in so many ways, whether we say vocation, commissioning, job search, ministry or profession. We each serve the mission of God. And we know that we can only serve that mission sustained and supported by prayer – ours and those with whom we live and work and worship, whether near or far away.

Reflect and retreat with us as you explore the ways the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph pray with and depend upon each other’s prayers; see how your prayers join with ours to enrich each of our ministries; examine the call of the volunteer. As you read “Not Really Retired” in this issue, ask yourself how anyone could actually believe that Sister Alfreda Malone is really retired.

Then as time allows, may you, too, have the chance and take the opportunity to walk with Jesus as you “come away by yourselves” together with your God and rest in prayer. You remain in our prayers “always and all ways” (as my Dad used to say to my Mom). Blessings for this summer weather – and perhaps we’ll greet each other at our picnic in September.

Blessings of peace, Sister Sharon Sullivan, OSU Cover: The sisters nearly fill the chapel on July 13 for Morning Prayer during Community Days, when most of the sisters come to Maple Mount. Below left: Left to right, Sisters Jean Richard Stukenholtz, Celine Leeker, Frances Miriam Spalding and George Mary Hagan pray the Rosary, which is prayed weekday afternoons in the chapel as well as in Saint Joseph Villa.

Below right: Sister Annalita Lancaster 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, OSUA MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF:

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

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

Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships................................Marian Bennett, OSUA 2

Mission Advancement Assistant.........................................Sister Catherine Barber

In this issue Prayer is Vital in the Lives of the Ursuline Sisters .....................................3 The Importance of our Volunteers.......6 LCWR Statement...................................7 2012 Jubilarian Biographies.................8 Not Really Retired...............................10 Development.......................................11 Conference and Retreat Center ........12 Obituaries............................................15 New Ministries.....................................16 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 ...and Twitter: ursulinesmsj

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By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff

“And let your principal recourse be to gather at the feet of Jesus Christ, and there, all of you, with all your daughters, to offer most fervent prayers. For in this way, without doubt, Jesus Christ will be in your midst, and as a true and good master, he will enlighten and teach you what you have to do.”

– Saint Angela Merici, Last Legacy Ursuline Sister Julia Head calls on those words of Saint Angela when she thinks of the importance of prayer with her Ursuline community, but she also recalls an Easter sermon from Saint Augustine, in which he compared Christians to a colony of bees.

“Without being a honey bee, I can guess that the bee must return to the hive with a collection of nectar,” she said. “There would be no life without sharing with the colony of bees. So it is with a community of consecrated religious. One can fly away to minister, but one must return to the community to gain sustenance for the next movement outward.”

The mission statement of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph begins, “Sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, we proclaim Jesus…” Prayer is an integral part of the Ursuline life. The public may have a more clear sense of community prayer among purely contemplative orders – those sisters who live a monastic life of prayer – as compared to apostolic communities such as the Ursulines, who minister to the world as teachers, nurses, in parishes or the many other ways Ursulines serve.

“If we take seriously that we are called to be contemplative apostolic sisters, the only way we’re going to live that is to pursue prayer,” said Sister Mary Matthias Ward, the director of community life for the Ursuline Sisters in Maple Mount.

In a recent online survey completed by Vision, the Catholic Religious Vocation Network magazine, nearly three-fourths of those discerning a religious call said that praying with members of a community was essential or very important in determining which community they would choose to enter. The only aspect that ranked higher than prayer was living a life of faithfulness to the Church and its teaching.

“Prayer is important to keep my balance,” said Sister Mary Eileen Howard. “I couldn’t live without prayer.” Sister Mary Eileen is one of the worship leaders at the Mount, and loves liturgical prayer, but there is a power in praying with the community. “I feel praying with the sisters strengthens my own prayer. I feel all the other prayers and their faith,” she said. “I couldn’t do without either one.”

The Ursuline Sisters at Maple Mount gather in the Motherhouse Chapel for Morning Prayer weekdays at 6:55 a.m., followed by Mass at 7:15. On Sundays, prayer is at 7:35 a.m. Evening prayer is at 4:45 p.m. Some sisters say a rosary before lunch in the chapel, and there’s also a rosary before dinner in Saint Joseph Villa, the extended care facility which has its own chapel. There’s a centering

Sister Grace Simpson is joined by many Ursuline Sisters as she sings the opening song during Morning Prayer in the Mount Saint Joseph Chapel on July 13.

Morning Prayer begins at 6:55 a.m. during the week, followed by Mass at 7:15.

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Backes, pastoral assistant at St. Joseph Parish in prayer group that meets on Wednesday nights, and Springfield, Ill. during Lent there are Stations of the Cross. There is “In my earlier years exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from of religious life (as a 1-5 p.m., Sister Mary Matthias said. During this year of Belleville, Ill.) Ursuline, celebrating the community’s 100th anniversary, special I often lived with other Centennial prayer services are developed for each month. sisters in community and “It’s a communal gathering,” Sister Mary Matthias most definitely, daily said. “Christ said whenever two or three are gathered in community prayer with my name, I am in your midst. It’s a support you don’t other sisters was a vital part have living alone.” of my spiritual life,” she Sister Mary Jude Cecil said. “To this day, when the prays with the sisters opportunity arises to gather in the Motherhouse with other sisters for prayer, Chapel.

I value the experience and am nourished and enriched The sisters by it. In union with pray for their Ursulines (and all vowed religious) everywhere, I lift own intentions, my heart in prayer each and every day with the larger and also for community, the Church, through daily Mass and the the numerous liturgy of the hours. intentions sent “Perhaps more importantly, as a daughter of Angela, to the Ursulines.

I am called to be a contemplative in action,” Sister Mary Those prayers are Ellen said. “As I serve our world through the ministry shared in a variety God has chosen for me, I prayerfully offer each and of ways not only every activity for God’s great glory and the sanctification at the Motherhouse but throughout all the missions. of the world. Through the fabric of my life, I am one Sister Marie Julie Fecher is one of the dozen sisters at in prayer with our sisters, the larger Church, and God’s the Mount who meet weekly for centering prayer. “Each people everywhere.” of us consider the centering prayer practice as a date Sister Martha Keller, director of vocation ministry with the maker and lover of us all,” she said. “Whether for the Ursuline Sisters, lives in Owensboro with Sister alone or with others, it is a powerful prayer and requires Mary Timothy Bland, a school teacher. She concedes fidelity and faith. The rewards are inner peace and when sisters living together are in different ministries, gentleness.” it’s more of a challenge to pray communally.

While slightly more than half of the Ursuline Sisters “It’s a matter of making it a priority,” she said. live at Maple Mount, the rest are serving in other “Sister Mary Timothy and I pray at 5:45 a.m., then in the parts of Kentucky or in eight other states, Washington, evening. When you are praying together communally, D.C., or Chile, South America. Some of those sisters you are all one, it changes you. You are praying as one, are serving by themselves, such as Sister Mary Ellen for the needs of the Church.

“Most people looking at religious life today Sister Martha want to pray together,” Sister Martha said. “A lot of Keller leads them come from a background of lectio divina or sixth-grade faith sharing. On Tuesdays at the Mount, the sisters’ students from the Owensboro bonded groups meet in the evening to pray and do Catholic 4-6 faith sharing.

Campus on “No matter how long it’s been,” Sister Martha the Rosary Walk at Mount said, “when you come together to pray, it connects Saint Joseph you immediately.” during their Sister Marietta Wethington lives with four other May 8 “Day of sisters in Owensboro, all of whom have varied Prayer” visit.

The group was ministries and schedules. Because praying together praying the is important to them, they make sure to schedule Rosary as they their prayer time. walked along the path.

“We are unable to pray together in the morning

Prayer

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This 2003 photo shows many of the Ursuline Sisters praying in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Motherhouse Chapel.

because some members are leaving for their ministry by the time some of the others of us are just getting up,” she said. “We set aside two evenings each week as community nights. We try to hold those sacred and to be there unless a ministry commitment takes priority. On those two evenings one of us prepares a meal – we take turns doing this – and we share the meal and then we pray together after eating.

Most of the time, we pray the prayer of the Church known as the Liturgy of the Hours, namely Vespers.

“Sometimes we vary the way we pray to include faith sharing,” Sister Marietta said. “On those evenings we pray only one psalm instead of the usual three. We then share our reflections on the psalm or the reading. I find this a very enriching way of praying. My faith is made stronger by the faith of my sisters. I am stretched when I share my faith. My faith is also strengthened when I articulate my belief and my experience of God. “I enjoy praying with the community as a whole,” she said. “What a lovely chorus when we all lift our voices together in prayer and song. Sometimes it is not easy for me to pray. At these times, I know my weakness is made

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strong by the prayer of my sisters around me. Sometimes I am strong when others are weak and I help strengthen their faith. This is the way community works and I love it.”

Sister Rita Klarer has been an Ursuline Sister since 1946, but from 1974 until she returned to Maple Mount in 2011, she ministered without other Ursuline Sisters in Kansas City, Mo. “When you’re on your own, you envision what the sisters are doing, whether it’s two or 100,” Sister Rita said. “You mentally keep yourself with the sisters who are praying. We’re praying the same prayer at approximately the same time of the day. We have morning and evening prayer. I know no one who fails to do that,” she said. “That’s our strength to keep going.

Anytime you visit someone, you’re not going alone.”

Ministering on her own also brings awareness that the sister is one with all of those who are living alone, Sister Rita said. “There are quite a few who live alone, and others who live in very small groups. Necessity demands this -- and surely, feeling one with all of them makes a very strong bond among so many of them in scattered places,” she said.

“It isn’t always praying together in the next chair -- but with sisters miles and miles apart,” Sister Rita said. “The bond of prayer is much like the symbol on our Centennial cards -- we are ‘woven together with threads’ of phone calls, highways, country roads -- our threads of togetherness is our prayer,” she said. “When we get together in groups, it is another phase of our praying together.”n

WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE? Every authentic spiritual path leads to God. Why do some women choose to follow the path to be a daughter of Saint Angela? Why be an Ursuline Sister?

A daughter of Angela might say: “In gratitude for God’s invitation! It is consistent with who I am! It keeps me open to hear or at least it keeps me trying!”

“So now, all of you kindly be attentive, with great and longing heart.”

Rule of Angela Merici: Prologue 32

This prayer quote from Saint Angela is carved in stone on the piazza outside the Motherhouse dining hall.

“Vocation does not come from willfulness.

It comes from listening. I must listen to my life and try to understand what it is truly about—quite apart from what I would like it to be about—or my life will never represent anything real in the world, no matter how earnest my intention.”

-Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak

ARE YOU LISTENING? 5

Volunteers say rewards far outweig

Violet Hamilton, left, and Catharine Gawarecki, both Ursuline Associates, work on items for the yard sale at the picnic.

By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff

LEFT: Suzanne Reiss, left, and Carol Hill, both Ursuline Associates, look over some items destined for the Silent Auction booth June 28th, in preparation for the Mount Saint Joseph Picnic to benefit the retired Ursuline Sisters on Sept. 9.

ABOVE: Ursuline Associate Brenda Semar discovers some wooden beads among the yard sale items while volunteering at the Mount on June 28.

When Brenda Semar first began volunteering to help the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph six years ago, she recalls returning to her home in Leitchfield, Ky., and telling her parish priest, Father Brian Johnson, that she felt guilty.

“I told him ‘It’s supposed to be work, but I think it’s working on the fun,’” Semar said. “No place have I worked so hard and Silent Auction, Reiss decorates the Christmas tree had so much fun.” in the chapel, and serves on the advisory boards for That is a recurring theme among those who regularly Development, Associates and Vocations. volunteer to help the sisters, which is especially needed “The word volunteer means ‘one who offers himself for the annual picnic to benefit the retired Ursuline or herself for the service of others,” said Sister Amelia Sisters.

Stenger, director of Development “It fills my heart with joy to for the Ursuline Sisters. “Giving of help others, especially the Ursuline oneself is the greatest gift of all and Sisters,” said Carol Hill, who like the Ursuline Sisters have been blessed Semar is an Ursuline Associate from with many who give of themselves in Leitchfield, Ky. “I like being with so many ways. Each year thousands my friends, we laugh and joke. The of hours are donated by our volunteers rewards we get more than outweigh and sisters. Without our volunteers we the amount of sweat,” she said. “We would not be able to support the many feel so welcome here. If you volunteer needs of our ministries and retired one time, you’ll come back.” sisters,” Sister Amelia said. “We are Hill, Semar and Suzanne Reiss, an Lisa Reilly, left, and Carol O’Keefe humbled by the great gift of time that sporting their Derby hats for the Ursuline Associate from Lanesville, so many share with us when we need Ursuline Sisters’ Kentucky Derby Ind., began working on the Silent help with the picnic, mailings, gardens fundraising dinner in Kansas May 5th.

Auction booth for the Sept. 9 picnic and other areas. Each volunteer is our in June. “We know it’s a lot of work, gift and our treasure.” but there’s no way to make up the money it makes. It Ursuline Associate Lisa Reilly, of Stilwell, Kan., provides so much good for the retired sisters,” Reiss began volunteering with the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, said. Volunteering helped her make new friends in Hill Kan., and has continued since the sisters merged with and Semar, but the appreciation of the sisters is the the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. most rewarding factor, she said.

“I started volunteering because of my love for “There is such unconditional love from the sisters,” the sisters, which is why I became an associate,” Reiss said. “I have been extremely blessed in my she said. “The sisters from Paola prayed our way life, this is my way of paying it forward.” Aside from through the adoption of all four of our children. When 6

Sister Mary Lois Speaks talks to the crowd in Lebanon, Ky., on April 29 after the unveiling of a memorial monument to the Ursulines, who began teaching there in 1911.

Sister Mary Lois used to teach there and now provides outreach.

gh the effort our children became officially ours the Paola convent became for our kids the place for happy visits, running around the grounds and halls. The sisters became our family,” Reilly said.

“As with any family, my love for the Ursulines has grown through the years so it just became second nature to volunteer, much as you would do for your family,” she said. “When my kids were younger I didn’t do much because I ‘didn’t have time.’ However, now that my kids are older, we are busier than ever and I volunteer more than I ever did before. If I would have known years ago how God blesses you at every turn and the fulfillment that I have with all of the volunteering in a ministry that I love, I would have never used the old ‘I don’t have time.’ I love it. It’s as rewarding as helping family.”

Reilly and Ursuline Associate Carol O’Keefe founded the Young Daughters of Saint Angela chapter in Kansas, and were instrumental in planning and carrying out the Kentucky Derby fundraising dinner this May in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kan. Violet Hamilton and Catherine Gawarecki, both of Leitchfield, Ky., came to the Mount in June to work on the Yard Sale booth for the Sept. 9 picnic. “I come because of my love for the sisters,” Hamilton said. “I call and ask if they have something I can do, I just really enjoy it.”

Gawarecki said she doesn’t get to come to the Mount as often as she’d like. “It’s a holy place, I love it. It’s not work when I’m here,” she said. “When I go in the chapel and hear the sisters singing, I think it’s what heaven will be like.”

If you would like to volunteer to help with the 42nd annual Mount Saint Joseph Picnic to benefit the retired Ursuline Sisters, either before or on Sept. 9, contact either Marian Bennett, coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships, at (270) 229-2006, or marian.bennett@maplemount.org; or Sister Amelia, (270) 229-2008, or amelia. stenger@maplemount.org. n

CENTENNIAL

See more on our website: ursulinesmsj.org

Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner, second from right, and students from Mary Carrico Catholic School, Knottsville, Ky., donate 100 school supplies to St. Joseph Peace Mission, Owensboro, to help children in crisis.

Students celebrated the 100th day of school by bringing school supplies.

Left to right, Sister Clarence Marie Luckett, Sister Anne Michelle Mudd, and Sister Marian Powers help with a collection of 100 pajamas and 100 books that will be donated to children in foster care. The collection was taken up at St. Paul Catholic School, Leitchfield, Ky., where Sister Anne Michelle is principal, as an Ursuline Centennial project.

Leadership Conference of Women Religious – A Statement of Support The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and have been since its inception. We embrace the threefold purpose of the LCWR: “The purpose of the Conference shall be to promote a developing understanding and living of religious life by: a. Assisting its members personally and communally to carry out more collaboratively their service of leadership in their congregations in order to accomplish further the mission of Christ in today’s world; b. Fostering dialogue and collaboration among religious congregations within the Church and in the larger society; c. Developing models for initiating and strengthening relationships with groups concerned with the needs of society, thereby maximizing the potential of the Conference for effecting change.”

We concur that these purposes of the LCWR, approved 23 years ago by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, do strengthen both women religious and all the family of God in furthering “the mission of Christ in today’s world.” We have appreciated and benefitted from the witness and leadership of the LCWR and stand with them in prayer.

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21 Sisters Celebrating Jubilees of Religious Life

Jubilarians, left to right, front: Sisters Marie Julie Fecher, Rose Marie Craycroft, Mary Patrick McDonagh, Jane Miriam Hancock, Mildred Katzer, Mary Durr, Kathy Stein, Jean Richard Stukenholtz. Back: Sisters Ruth Gehres, Michele Morek, Emerentia Wiesner, Martina Rockers, Marian Powers, Michael Ann Monaghan, Mary Diane Taylor, Eva Marie Boone, Helen Leo Ebelhar, Rose Jean Powers, Sara Marie Gomez, Sheila Anne Smith and Francis Joseph Porter.

75 years...

Sister Mary Durr, a native of Paul, Neb., ministered in education for 34 years, chiefly as a music teacher.

She taught music at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Maple Mount (1968-73). She taught elsewhere in Kentucky and in New Mexico and Nebraska. From 1973-99, she was a liturgy consultant/AV librarian at the Chancery Office of the Lincoln, Neb., Diocese. She is now retired.

Sister Mildred Katzer, a native of Garnett, Kan., taught at schools in Kansas and in Oklahoma when she was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., prior to their 2008 merger with Mount Saint Joseph. She continues to serve at St. Therese Parish in Richmond, Kan., where she has visited the sick and volunteered since 1999.

70 years...

Sister Rose Marie Craycroft, a native of New Haven, Ky., was an educator for 39 years in Kentucky and in Missouri. After helping take care of her father until his death, she retired to the Motherhouse in 2001, where she is dedicated to the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Sister Marie Julie Fecher of Dayton, Ohio, ministered as a music instructor for almost 50 years in Kentucky schools. From 1976-94, she taught music at Brescia College (now University) in Owensboro, Ky. 8

She now helps with liturgical and prayer ministry and plays the organ at the Motherhouse.

Sister Jane Miriam Hancock taught for 50 years in schools throughout Kentucky. She was a substitute teacher for Owensboro Catholic Schools for nine years after retiring in 1994. A native of Waverly, Ky., she was assistant sacristan for the Motherhouse Chapel (1994-2009).

She is a top seller of raffle tickets for the Ursulines’ annual picnic.

Sister Jean Richard Stukenholtz was a teacher in Kentucky, Nebraska and New Mexico for 60 years. A native of Nebraska City, Neb., her last assignment was teaching for 27 years at Lourdes Elementary School in Nebraska City, where she taught computers from 1987-2004.

She volunteered as an ESL tutor in Owensboro from 2004-06 and is now active in prayer.

Sister Martina Rockers, a native of Garnett, Kan., has been a teacher for 66 years. A former Ursuline Sister of Paola, she taught in several schools in the Kansas City, Kan., area, and continues to teach AP biology at Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Sister Emerentia Wiesner, a native of Richmond, Kan., taught at numerous schools in Kansas and Oklahoma as an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., and was a nurse and director of the health care facility

in Paola from 1974-87. She was involved in community service at the Paola motherhouse from 19892009. She is currently a seamstress and craft maker at Maple Mount.

60 years...

Sister Eva Marie Boone has served as teacher, principal and pastoral minister in the Archdiocese of Louisville, and in Nebraska, Missouri and Indiana. She also taught in Owensboro and Curdsville, Ky., and was a pastoral associate in Fordsville, Ky. A native of Howardstown, Ky., she quilts for the Quilt Club and is Peace and Justice coordinator at the Motherhouse.

Sister Helen Leo Ebelhar, a native of Sorgho, Ky., taught in Kentucky in Browns Valley, Owensboro, Stanley, Knottsville, and was a teacher/principal in Calhoun and Earlington. She was sacristan at the Motherhouse (1982-91), and served in family ministry from 1991-2011.

She also served in the Archdiocese of Louisville. She is retired and is active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Sister Ruth Gehres, a native of Evansville, Ind., taught and led the choir at St. Joseph and Paul School, Owensboro. At Brescia College/University, she was an English professor intermittently from 1967-86; alumni director from 1979-81, and president from 1986-95. She taught English in

Straubing, Germany, 1984-85.

She was director, then associate director, of communications for the Ursulines, 2000-07. She also taught in Nebraska and served in Indiana.

Since 2007 she has been an assistant at Casa Ursulina, the Ursuline ministry in Chillan, Chile.

Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, a native of Central City, Ky., was a teacher in Owensboro and Hardinsburg, Ky. She was a receptionist at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (2003-05). She was also a teacher and principal in Missouri and New Mexico. Since 2009 she has been in family ministry in Central City.

Sister Mary Patrick McDonagh was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Ill., before the merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph in 2005. A native of Trienbawn, County Galway, Ireland, she was a teacher, a trained nurse, and offered community service in Belleville, Mascoutah and Smithton, Ill., for 47 years. She moved to Maple Mount in 2007, where she is active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Sister Marian Powers, a native of Cloverport, Ky., taught in Kentucky in Rome, West Louisville, Leitchfield, Sorgho and Mayfield, and served in pastoral ministry there for parishes in McQuady, Axtel, Lima, Cloverport and Irvington.

She was local coordinator at the Motherhouse, 1994-99. She also taught in the Archdiocese of Louisville. She now serves as parttime postmaster at the Motherhouse.

Sister Mary Diane Taylor, a native of Fredericktown, Ky., taught in

Owensboro, including Owensboro Catholic High School, 1964-67, and Mount Saint Joseph Academy, 1967-71, and in Paducah. Since 1967, she has been an art professor at Brescia College/University and is chair of the Fine Arts Division.

50 years...

Sister Sara Marie Gomez taught school for 30 years in Kentucky and New Mexico. A native of rural Gobernador, N.M., she has served in parish and teaching ministry in New Mexico for 22 years. She has been a director of religious education in Aztec and Flora Vista, N.M., since 1990. She also helps teach religion at Sacred Heart Catholic School, Farmington, N.M. Sister Michele Morek, a native of New Mexico, has been an educator for 33 years and has spent 14 years in a leadership role for her religious community. At Brescia College/ University, she was a biology professor, academic dean and vice president of academic affairs and director of career services/grants coordinator. She was congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters from 2004-2010. Since December 2011 she has been director of UNANIMA International in New York City, a nongovernmental organization associated with the United Nations.

Sister Francis Joseph Porter, a native of Owensboro, Ky., taught for 14 years in Kentucky before beginning what became her primary ministry: postmaster of the Maple Mount Post Office. She taught at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, 1967-68, and in Waverly, Ky., and Whitesville, Ky. She was director of

food services at the Motherhouse, 1980-84, before becoming a postal clerk, where she has served for almost 24 years. She also does flower gardening and helps at the switchboard.

Sister Rose Jean Powers, a native of Cloverport, has ministered for almost 40 years at Brescia College/ University. She was an instructor of history, 1968-84 and 1989-92; helped with residence halls, 197184; director of residential life, 19932008; campus minister, 1989-97; sacristan, 1992, and since 2008, has been the Brescia Bookstore assistant.

Sister Sheila Anne Smith, a native of New Mexico, served in health care at the Motherhouse, 1976-79.

She has been engaged in teaching, parish and Native American ministry, religious education and retreat work in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico and Arizona. She was a writer for various children’s magazines for 16 years. From 1994-2010, she was a consultant for Loyola Press. She has been tutoring in Albuquerque, N.M., since 1994.

Sister Katherine Gertrude Stein, a native of St. Louis, taught in the Diocese of Owensboro and in other Kentucky schools as well as Missouri and Nebraska. Another ministry was providing transportation at the Motherhouse intermittently for nearly 20 years. She was an ESL tutor for Migrant/Immigrant Shelter and Support in Owensboro from 2004-2006. She now participates in the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Jubilarian congratulations may be sent to Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

Pictured are Ursuline Sister Martina Rockers, Keith Hannaman, the award winner from Blue Spring South High School, and Alyse Howell, Ken-A-Vision Manufacturing Co. representative.

Each year since 2003, a high school science, math or technology teacher in the greater Kansas City area has been honored with the Sister Martina Rockers Excellence in Teaching Award, named for Sister Martina Rockers, who will begin her 66th year of teaching this fall, with the last 54 years at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kan. She is also celebrating her 70th year as a sister. The 2012 winner is Keith Hannaman, a science teacher at Blue Springs (Mo.) South High School, who received the award at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair on March 24. Hannaman’s most recent honor in his 38-year career in science education is receiving the 2011 award for the Japan Fulbright Teacher Exchange for Educational Sustainable Development. The Sister Martina Award is sponsored by Ken-AVision, a manufacturer of digital presentation solutions, document cameras, microscopes and applications software. The Science Pioneers in Kansas City choose a winner who has maintained excellence both inside and outside the classroom for 15+ years.

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Not Really Retired...

Sister Alfreda Malone not planning to “rust!”

Sister Alfreda Malone’s father was a hard-working farmer and told her something she never forgot: “I’d rather wear out than rust.”

Even at 88 years old and after 62 years as an Ursuline Sister, Sister Alfreda is still working, these days in the community archives. Some days she’s working all day organizing records that have backed up in the past few years.

“I like my work. I’ve liked everything I’ve done,” Sister Alfreda said. “As long as they need me and I’m able, I’ll be there.”

Sister Alfreda has been a teacher and principal, served two stints as registrar of Brescia College (now University) in Owensboro, Ky., spent eight years as the secretary for the Ursuline leadership Council, and nearly 20 years working in her brother’s business, while also caring for her sister.

She began serving in the archives in 2010 clipping articles pertaining to the sisters, but in the past eight months, she has been doing a variety of processing work, said Sarah Patterson, community archivist.

“Records often come to the archives in little or no order and need to be organized. Sister Alfreda has been a workhorse organizing these records and has cut down our backlog significantly,” Patterson said. “She has worked on everything from yearbooks to community records to mission files to newspapers and magazines to sister theses and awards. She has lately been working with the Belleville (Ill.) records, removing metal hardware that can rust on the paper and has been putting the records in acid free folders.

“Sister Alfreda is a wonderful part of the archives,” Patterson said. “She is a delightful lady and a dedicated worker, usually working all day, happily accepting any project given to her. Unfortunately, she completes projects so quickly that I often have to think of projects in advance for her.”

Sister Alfreda grew up in the small town of St. Joseph in Marion County, Ky., known around Maple Mount as “Little St. Joe.” Although there were no Catholic schools in Marion County, all her teachers were Ursuline Sisters. She was especially impressed with her high school teacher and principal, Sister Gonzaga Cotter.

“Her humility inspired me more than anything,” Sister Alfreda said. “She’d see something that needed to be done Diocesan Archives Photo

Sister Suzanne Sims, left, leads Catholic school students at the Owensboro Sportscenter at the April 19 Diocesan Rainbow Mass.

special mass 10

BASH OUT HUNGER

Sister Alfreda Malone is a big help to the archives office at Mount Saint Joseph.

She has worked on numerous files and records.

and she’d go do it.”

Sister Alfreda knew she wanted to be a sister in the fifth grade, but she didn’t enter the Ursulines until seven years after she graduated from high school.

She was working for the school superintendent in Marion County and wanted to stay close to home to help with her younger siblings.

“I was in a movie theater and I suddenly heard the Holy Spirit say ‘It’s time,’” Sister Alfreda said. “The next morning I told my pastor I was entering the convent and he said, ‘I knew all along you were,’” she said.

Sister Alfreda was a teacher and/or principal for 13 years in the Kentucky cities of Louisville, Peonia, Paducah and Owensboro. She’s proud that two of her students went on to become priests, Fathers Ed Bradley and John Vaughan.

During two stints as registrar at Brescia, she especially enjoyed meeting the students. She thought she would enter parish ministry after leaving Brescia in 1990, but instead her brother, who owns J.C. Malone Associates in Louisville, an employment agency, asked her to come help him. She spent from 1990-2009 working as an assistant in the office, while also spending a few years taking care of her sister in Hodgenville until her death.

“I just throw myself into whatever I’m doing,” she said.

Sister Alfreda spends her free times playing cards with the sisters and reading. Friends can write to Sister Alfreda at 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

BELOW LEFT: Sister Marcella Schrant swings a sledgehammer into an old car at a “Bash Out Hunger” event at St. John Catholic School, Lawrence, Kan., on April 20. She ministers in the St. John parish office. Canned goods were collected for the local food pantry.

RIGHT: Most of the sisters on missions returned to Maple Mount for Community Days July 11-13. From left, Sister Jane Falke, (Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Kan.); Sister Margaret Marie Greenwell (Sister Visitor Center in Louisville, Ky.); Sister Mimi Ballard, (Casa Ursulina in Chillan, Chile); Sister Grace Simpson (Sister Visitor Center), and Sister Clara Johnson, who retired from SVC.

Community Days

See more on our website: ursulinesmsj.org

Live Longer ... Volunteer!

Dear Friends of the Ursulines, Our volunteers are the best. Each year we have people donate their time, talent and treasure in so many ways. We are grateful for the wonderful work you help us accomplish. In this issue of Ursulines Alive, you will get to know several of our volunteers. This is just a sampling of the Sister Amelia good work donated by so many.

There are many reasons why people give. A number of studies are being done to find out why people do what they do for organizations, nonprofits and charities. According to Erin Anderssen in an article in the Globe and Mail, she says, “Doing good deeds can improve your health and make you happier.” She describes a series of studies supporting our belief that giving has many benefits for the giver.

In their book, “The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All,” by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon, one study revealed that people who exhibit higher levels of altruism get a “helper’s high,” a release of endorphins. This high can “give the immune system a boost, speed recovery from surgery and cut down on those restless nights.”

Other studies they discuss say that thanks to a new brain-scan technology, scientists have also discovered evidence that humans are “hard wired” to take care of and help each other. They also found that a Florida study of people with AIDS showed that those who volunteered to help others were likely to live longer than those who did not.

A British poll of volunteers found that half of those surveyed claimed that their health had improved while they were volunteering. Twenty percent of them claimed they lost weight, too, which is a higher success rate than most diets we know.

These are just a few of the studies that have been done.

More research will be done on volunteerism, altruism and giving in the future, but we already know that donors gain just as much as the recipients of their volunteerism. Many who volunteer at the Mount tell us this very thing.

Whatever we may share when we give, whether it is money, time or talent, it will be returned in so many good ways. The gains that are received are wonderful new relationships, greater personal integrity, a sense of satisfaction, joy and love. Piero Ferrucci says, “Being kind is the simplest way to become who we really are.”

So, as we prepare for our picnic on Sept. 9 when so many people will come to help us and others send donations, we want to thank you in advance for sharing yourselves, your talents and your treasure with us. We couldn’t do all we do without your support and help.

God bless you. Thank you.

S u m m e r

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KY Derby PARTY in Kansas Sister Amelia Stenger (left) helped organize the first “Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas” in Shawnee Mission on May 5 as a fundraiser for the Ursuline Sisters.

Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

2012-13 Quilt Club Tickets are now available!

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 “Help the Sisters,” then “Quilt Club.”

Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner

New Quilt Club drawings begin Oct. 5.

Order your tickets today!

270-229-4103 ext. 279 dan.heckel@maplemount.org

Help the Sisters celebrate their Centennial!

License No. 0290

The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky. invite you to our 42nd annual

PICNIC

Sunday, Sept. 9 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)

Located 12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56

Grand Raffle Prizes: Tickets only $2 each • A week’s stay in Pensacola, Florida! (with travel stipend) • $3,000 • $1,000 • $500 • Handmade Queen-Size Quilt • Set of Lenox China • 32” Haier LCD HDTV

Get your tickets from any Ursuline Sister or call 270-229-4103 ext. 279 • dan.heckel@maplemount.org A limited number are available at the picnic.

License #0290

– Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development

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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.

Among attendees at Sister Cheryl Clemons’ women’s retreat on “Lessons from the Book of Ruth” on March 23-25 were, l. to r.

Kim Haire, Sister Cheryl, Shirley Brown, Brenda Semar, Suzanne Reiss, Violet Hamilton, Carol Hill and Charlotte Hedges.

RIGHT: Melinda Prunty leads high school students at the June 24-29 Christian Leadership Institute.

Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Calendar of Events - Fall 2012 AUGUST

Teen Leadership Conference............................... Friday-Saturday, Aug. 24-25 September

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Women of Early Church”) ........Friday, Sept. 7 Mount Saint Joseph 42nd Annual BBQ Picnic.........................Sunday, Sept. 9 Glenmary Priests Retreat..................................................Week of Sept. 10-14 Leadership McLean County.......................... Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15 First Baptist Church Choir....................................................Saturday, Sept. 15 Runaway Quilters.................................................Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 18-21 First United Methodist Women’s Retreat..............Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28-29 Yoga Meditation Retreat..........................................Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28-30

The Centering Prayer group formed a circle to pray in the Center chapel during the June 17-23 retreat.

October

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Mary in the Gospels”) . ...............Friday, Oct. 5 Mount Hope Weekend................................................. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 5-7 Ursuline Society Directors of Associates..........Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 8-10 Catholic Engaged Encounter........................................ Weekend of Oct. 13-14 Diocesan Priests Retreat.................................................... Week of Oct. 15-19 Marian Retreat with Msgr. Bernard Powers.............Friday-Sat., Oct. 20-21 New Spiritual Direction Training Begins....................... Week of Oct. 22-26 T.O.P.S. Retreat...................................................... Friday-Sunday, Oct. 26-28 November

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Spectacular Women”) ...............Friday, Nov. 2 Academy for Young Leaders............................................Weekend of Nov. 3-4 Women’s Fall Retreat . ........................................... Weekend of Nov. 10-11 Theme: “Experiencing God Through Different Forms of Prayer” Yarn Spinners Day............................................................. Saturday, Nov. 10 Thomas Merton Retreat........................................... Weekend of Nov. 17-18

Six employees at the Mount joined Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan for a Coffee Break retreat on June 13. These retreats encourage employees to know that their work joins the ministry of the sisters.

December

Reflection Day of Prayer (“Spectacular Women Part 2”) ....Friday, Dec. 2 Advent Day of Prayer with Msgr. Bernard Powers.........Thursday, Dec. 13 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

Following Community Days, Ursuline Sisters filled a conference room on July 15-21 to listen to Sister Regina Robbins lead “Trilogy of Love: Transformation Through Living the Vows.”

S u m m e r

EDUCATING YOUTH Young girls from Girls Incorporated in Owensboro, Ky., spent June 11-14 at Maple Mount as part of the annual Music and Nature Camp. Sister Amelia Stenger asks the girls to hug the huge maple tree in front of the guest house to show how many of them it takes to circle it. The tree is more than 100 years old.

LEFT: Here they have fun doing the Virginia reel for sisters in Saint Joseph Villa.

Sixth-grade students from the Owensboro Catholic Elementary 4-6 Campus in Owensboro visited Mount Saint Joseph for a “Day of Prayer” on May 8. They grab a snack as they step outside, and then broke into groups for four activities. One was a scavenger hunt along All Saints Avenue where the students were asked to find each shrine and write down something that was etched on the shrine (photo at right).

Plan your next event at the Retreat Center! Call 270-229-4103 ext. 802

2 0 1 2

Dear Friends of the Center, This letter is written while I am still very much in the space of prayer and retreat. In June, I helped to direct a Centering Prayer Retreat. In July, we had three days when we gathered as an Ursuline community to talk about how best we can be Ursuline Sisters in our world today. The week following these days, about 60 of us gathered here at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center for retreat. The theme of this retreat was: “Trilogy of Love: Transformation through living Sister Ann the Vows.” During the week we were reminded that retreat is a “God Time” a time of opportunity, a time to spend with God in a more undistracted way.

Prayer is about “relationship,” our relationship with God which affects our relationship with ourselves and others. So when we go to pray we need to engage hospitality. We need to enter into a dialogue with God. I am sure we have all been with someone who talks and does not seem to make the time to listen. That is not dialogue. When we pray we have to speak to and listen to God. What does God want to say to you today? What does God want you to do today? How does God want you to respond to any particular situation? No, God will not send you an email, text or call you on the phone. But God does speak to you if you quiet your thought and give God time and space to speak to your soul. That is prayer.

Here at the Center, there are many opportunities for that quiet time for prayer. Some specific times are on the first Saturday of each month, we offer the opportunity for Lectio Divina. In November, there is a retreat titled “Experiencing God through Different Forms of Prayer.” Many of the great saints developed their own prayer form — how they best spoke to and listened to God. Another way of saying that is how they best related with God. Because of our rich tradition with saints, we are able to learn from them and develop our own way to best relate to God. Our time for personal prayer enhances our communal times of prayer.

When we have spent some time the previous week in prayer, we find that our Sunday worship with community is enriched. We “get” more out of the Liturgy. We even find ourselves looking forward to the weekend when we pray with our Church community.

Please give some thought to “our little piece of heaven” here at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. You are invited to come to any of our offerings, come to spend personal time of quiet here, and/or bring a group of friends and pray together.

Please continue to pray for our ministry at the Center. God bless you, Sister Ann McGrew, Director ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org

“Mary and Prayer”

Annual Marian Retreat: Oct.

20-21

Retreat led by Msgr. Bernard Powers

Pope John Paul II frequently spoke of the need to pray. He called the faithful to “rediscover the art of prayer,” thus he took us to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Fee is $125 (or $80 for commuters). Deduct 10% if paid in full by Sept. 20. Contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802 or kathy.mccarty@maplemount.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

Center offers opportunities for spiritual growth this fall The retreat is titled “Experiencing God The Mount Saint Joseph Conference Through Different Forms of Prayer.” and Retreat Center seeks to serve the role The retreat directors are Sister Ann its patrons need filled, whether it’s a large McGrew, director of the Center, and retreat to deepen someone’s spirituality or Sister Marietta Wethington, a veteran of prepare young people for the sacraments, many retreats. or a small gathering that offers personal Both sisters are certified spiritual reflection. Every opportunity at the Center directors, and along with Sister Elaine provides a peaceful setting to remind all Burke, will welcome and lead the who enter that God is present.

2012-14 class of the Spiritual Direction Sometimes when we try to think of all Training Program when it meets for the the different ways the Center can serve, we Msgr. Bernard Powers speaks to on the Advent Day of first time Oct. 22-26. The application overlook some of the traditional ways that participants Prayer on Dec. 8, 2011. deadline to be part of that next class is the Center offers people who are looking closing in, so make plans now to join. to deepen their faith. This fall offers the return of several One of the most popular retreat subjects each year is popular opportunities for spiritual growth as we head studying the writings of Thomas Merton. That opportunity toward Advent and Christmas. will come Nov. 17-18. Brother Dan Phillips, a leader One of the most popular retreat directors at Maple in spirituality for more than four decades, will discuss Mount, Monsignor Bernard Powers, returns for two “Bringing Light to the Darkness” and examine what the retreats in the last quarter of 2012. He leads the Marian late Trappist monk had to say about the journey into Retreat on Oct. 20-21, which will include opportunities faith during his years of writing (1941-68). In a world for solitude as well as communal prayer, recitation of the characterized by confusion and a sense of hopelessness, rosary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic insights from Merton will provide hope and a new Liturgy. Monsignor Powers returns Dec. 13 to lead the perspective on living the Christian life in our day and time.

Advent Day of Prayer, a chance to deepen one’s faith Every first Friday of the month is a Reflection Day from during the holiest of seasons in the Catholic Church.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., led by Sister Ann. The theme this year Monsignor Powers has served as a teacher, pastor, retreat is “Women in Scripture: How Do We Relate?” The next director and spiritual director. He holds a master’s degree reflection on Sept. 7 is on “Women in the Early Church.” in spirituality from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

To learn more about these and other retreats, visit www.

The Fall Women’s Retreat weekend is Nov. 10-11 and ursulinesmsj.org and click on the Conference and Retreat provides an opportunity for all women to relax and enjoy spiritual growth in the peaceful surroundings of the Mount. Center button, or call the Center at (270) 229-4103.n

HUMAN DIGNITY

The 39 members of a mission group from Omaha, Neb., pose in front of the Sister Dianna Ortiz Parroquiale in San Miguel Acatan, Guatemala, this summer. The group was led by Paula Lenz, a teacher at Skutt Catholic High School, Omaha, which is a sister school with the Parroquiale. They brought seven suitcases of supplies and fluoride treatments for the La Directora Imelda School. RIGHT: Sister Dianna Ortiz accepts the Human Rights Hero Award on May 31 from the Program for Torture Victims at its Human Dignity Awards Dinner in Los Angeles.

Bringing Light to the Darkness A Thomas Merton Retreat

Fall Women’s Retreat Nov. 10 -11, 2012

Retreat Directors: Sister Ann McGrew, OSU Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU “Experiencing God Through Different Forms of Prayer” Fee is $125 for residents or $80 for commuters. Deduct 10% if paid in full by Oct. 10.

To register, contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802 kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org For scholarship information contact Sister Ann McGrew: 270-229-4103 ext. 801 14

Nov. 17-18, 2012

Retreat Director: Brother Dan Kenneth Phillips

In a world characterized by confusion and a sense of hopelessness, insights from Thomas Merton, whose writings cover from 1941-68, will provide us with hope and new perspective on living a Christian life.

Fee: $125 for residents or $80 for commuters. Deduct 10% if paid in full by Oct. 17.

To register, contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802

kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org

For scholarship information contact Sister Ann McGrew: 270-229-4103 ext. 801

S u m m e r

ASSOCIATES DAY

Nine people becoming lifetime Ursuline Associates read their formal promise at the June 9 Associates and Sisters Day Mass.

RIGHT: Young Daughters of Saint Angela members from Kansas and Whitesville, Ky., gathered in St. Louis on June 2223 for the first Y-DOSA Summit.

Sister Suzanne Sims was among the group, shown at right surrounding a young Angela statue at the Ursuline Academy.

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Y-DOSA SUMMIT

In the joy of eternal life Sister ROBERT ANN WHEATLEY, 91, died Easter Sunday, April 8, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 72nd year of religious life. A native of Cloverport, Ky., Sister Robert Ann was an excellent cook and quilter, skills she learned from her mother. She loved sharing the good news of God’s love with all those she ministered to, and she was a great University of Kentucky Wildcat fan. An educator for more than 30 years, she served at two convents and 19 schools in Kentucky, New Mexico and Nebraska, before retiring to the Motherhouse in 1993. Survivors include a brother, Adrian Wheatley, Hawesville; nieces, nephews and cousins, and the members of her religious community. The funeral was April 11 at Mount Saint Joseph Chapel, with burial in the convent cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements.

Sister HELEN ANN STUART, 89, died April 15 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 63rd year of religious life. After health problems prevented Sister Helen Ann from joining the convent, she credited devotion to Our Lady of Fatima with a miracle when she was given a second chance to enter religious life in 1949. She went on to be a devoted educator for 34 years. She was a native of St. Raphael in Daviess County, Ky. Sister Helen Ann taught at schools throughout Kentucky and served in the Brescia College curriculum library in 1983. From 1985-2002, she ministered as the switchboard operator for the Ursuline Motherhouse.

Survivors include a sister, Martine Greenwell of Albuquerque, N.M., her sister-in-law Agnes Stuart of Owensboro, nieces, nephews, cousins and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was April 19, with burial in the convent cemetery.

Sister LENNORA CARRICO, 96, died May 4 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 74th year of religious life.

She was a native of Fancy Farm, Ky. Sister Lennora had a wonderful gift of compassion, and often offered a listening ear to other sisters. Sisters and staff looked forward to receiving birthday cards from her. She loved University of Kentucky basketball and reading the Cats’ Pause. An educator for 34 years in Kentucky, she also served in outreach ministry in Grayson County, Ky., at Peonia (1974-79) and Leitchfield (1985-88), and as a Hospice volunteer at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Owensboro (1979-85). She ministered at the Motherhouse in personal and pastoral care and in the Gift Shop. From 1989 to 2003, she served as annalist for the Motherhouse. Survivors include two sisters, Anna Elliott, Fancy Farm, and Dot Willett, Calvert City; one brother, Bob Carrico and his wife Barbara, Cincinnati; a sister-in-law, Helen French, Fancy Farm; nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.

Sister MARY VIRGINIA STURLICH, 96, died May 9 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 65th year of religious life. Sister Virginia was born in Kansas City, Kan., after her parents, the late Joseph and Mary Sturlich, immigrated from Austria. She was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., before their merger with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. She ministered to the Paola community for 60 years, and enjoyed writing letters and telling jokes. Sister Virginia was infirmarian and cared for the ill and the elderly at the Ursuline Academy/Motherhouse in Paola from 1953-71, where she was a second mother for the Academy girls.

From 1971-78, she ministered in child care at the Lakemary Center, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Before moving to Maple Mount in 2009, Sister Virginia served in various ways at the convent, including laundry and housekeeping. Survivors include a sister, Mary Sullivan of Overland Park, a brother-in-law, Victor Ubert, Kansas City, nephews and the members of her religious community.

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.

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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 smartphone, 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 Sharon to be inducted in her high school’s Hall of Achievement Sister Sharon Sullivan, congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters, will be inducted into the Owensboro (Ky.) High School Hall of Achievement on Oct. 19, joining five other new members who were chosen out of more than 100 nominees. This will be the sixth induction ceremony since the Hall was set up in 2001 to recognize alumni who have “distinguished themselves through service to others as well as through excellence in their fields.” Criteria includes “an accomplishment and/or attribute worthy of emulation.” Recipients receive a permanent plaque on the wall of the school.

Sister Sharon grew up in Houston, but moved to Owensboro when she was 13 after her father was offered a job as an officer with Texas Gas Transmission Corp. She graduated from OHS in 1965.

After 32 years in the classroom as a special education teacher, Sister Sharon was named academic dean and vice president for academic affairs at Brescia University (Owensboro) in 2007. She continued in that role until she was elected congregational leader and took over in the summer of 2010. She will be congregational leader until 2016. Sister Sharon became a Girl Scout when she was 7 years old and has been involved with the Scouts ever since, currently serving on the state board. She is a longtime member of the local Watershed Watch, which is concerned with clean water.

It’s not too late to sign up for the 2012-2014

Spiritual Direction Training Program

at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.

Contact Sheila Blandford: 270-229-4103 ext. 804 sheila.blandford@maplemount.org

Sisters embark on new ministries...

Sister Betsy Moyer is now assistant registrar at Brescia University, Owensboro, Ky., working closely with Sister Helena Fischer. Sister Betsy most recently served as a licensed practical nurse at St. Francis Hospital and Health Services in Maryville, Mo. Sister Clara Reid is now a full-time cashier at a St. Vincent DePaul store in Albuquerque, N.M. Sister Clara retired as a fulltime teacher last year in Albuquerque, but has been substitute teaching for the past year and will continue to do so when possible.

Sister Clara Reid, right, with her new co-worker, Lucille Gonzales

Sister Larraine Lauter has increased her role in ministering with Water with Blessings, a project to purchase water filters so that impoverished nations can have clean water. She has been working with the project part-time while serving as minister for social responsibility for Church of the Epiphany in Louisville, Ky., but now wants to take the program to the next level.

Sister Vivian Bowles is using her background in counseling to minister in faith formation at St. Alphonsus Parish, just across the highway from Mount Saint Joseph. Her last full-time ministry was heading the Catholic schools in Paducah, Ky.