Pope Francis calls us all to celebrate 2015 as the “Year of Consecrated Life,” and for

Ursuline Associates, it’s a good time to think about the sister or sisters who inspired the desire to become an associate. Some Ursuline Associates need look no further for inspiration than their own families. “All the sisters who taught at St. Teresa in Glennonville (Mo.) and Brescia University (in Owensboro, Ky.) had a part in my becoming an associate,” Janet Kuper said. “They have helped to influence the wife, mother and teacher that I am. I wanted to give back to them what they had given to me.” Janet is the niece of Ursuline Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner, whose spirituality impressed Janet even as a child. “She and her sister Susan had a back bedroom in my grandparents’ house,” Janet said. “Even when they were no longer living in the house it held many of their things. It was off limits to the grandchildren, but as often happens we would get back there on the sly. Sister Mary Celine had a scrapbook that was decorated with a picture of Saint Therese of Lisieux, her baptismal saint. I was fascinated by this picture. I later learned more about her and took her as my Confirmation patron. As I learned about Saint Therese, I began to notice how Sister Celine had many of her traits, especially the littleness that Saint

Therese talks about. This was to become one of my goals in my spiritual life.” The small community of Glennonville has produced many Ursuline Sisters, with six current sisters hailing from the

VOL. XX, NO. 3FEBRUARY 2015

Ursulines in the family inspire some Associates

Associate Pauline “Po” Goebel, left, with her sister, Sister Marietta Wethington,on a previous Associates Day.

“Consecrated Life: Saints Among Us” is the theme for Saturday, June 13, 2015 Associates & Sisters Day

More details in our May issue

June 13

Continued on page 5

southeastern Missouri community – Sisters Cecelia Joseph Olinger, Amelia Stenger, Rebecca White, Diane Marie Payne, Michael Marie Friedman and Mary Celine. “We were blessed to have many of the Ursuline Sisters from our family and community,” Janet said. “I truly consider all the sisters from

Glennonville part of my family. The community is very proud of all of them. We dedicated a pieta in our cemetery to give honor to their service to the

community.” Associate Suzanne Gochenouer has long drawn inspiration from her cousin, Sister Julia Head. “I’m so lucky to have her in my life,” Suzanne said. “She’s such a blessing. She’s an example of what the Ursuline Sisters are all about. All the sisters you meet are filled with peace and calm. As soon as you are around them, you start absorbing that. You see the way they serve. They are in constant service to everyone they come in contact with.” Suzanne moved back to Owensboro in 1999 and Sister Julia began introducing her to some of the sisters. Suzanne began taking classes in the Contemporary Woman Program at Brescia University, led by the late Sister Marita Greenwell. “It was actually Sister Marita who invited me to become an associate,” Suzanne said. “But I would not have known her without Julia.” Aside from being an inspiration in her life, Suzanne said Sister Julia is fun. “All the sisters I meet are fun. If I walk across the campus, it’s like we’ve known each other for years,” Suzanne said. “They welcome you home no matter where you are. As long as you’re with them, they’re sharing what they have with you.” Associate Pauline Goebel is the sister of Sister Marietta Wethington, who

By Dan Heckel, OSUA

Associate Janet Kuper is Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner’s niece.

Associate Suzanne Gochenouer is Sister Julia Head’s cousin.

Page 2 Associate Update February 2015

Dear Friends, As you may know, 2015 has been named the “Year of Consecrated Life” throughout the world. Initially, this celebration focuses specifically on all those women and men whose vocational call has led them to follow the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. In addition to this primary focus, Pope Francis has encouraged us all to recognize that each baptized Christian also has a call to live a consecrated life. We are all called to service, to love, to living a life committed to a deepening relationship with God – a consecrated life – whether through vows, and there are various kinds of vows, or through a prayerful response to God’s call for loving service. So it seems right at this time to invite our Ursuline family of Sisters and Associates to reflect on the aims for this Year of Consecrated Life that Pope Francis shared with us. He called us to embrace these three aims for this year:

1. “The first of these aims is to look to the past with gratitude ... Like the seed which becomes a tree, each Institute grew and stretched out its branches ... To tell our story is to praise God.”

2. “This year also calls us to live the present with passion ... Grateful remembrance of the past leads us (to) listen attentively to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church today ... to examine our fidelity to the mission entrusted to us ... So, be men and women of communion.”

3. “To embrace the future with hope should be the third aim of this year ... It is precisely amid uncertainties ... that we are called to practice the virtue of hope ... based on the One in whom we have put our trust. ... This is the hope which does not disappoint.”

Letter from Pope Francis to “Brothers and Sisters in Consecrated Life,” Nov. 21, 2014

As we enjoy this edition of Update and journey through this Year of Consecrated Life, let us remember that we have each been invited to respond to the call to step forward in gratitude, with passion and filled with hope.Blessings in Angela,Sister Sharon Sullivan, OSUCongregational Leader

Dear Associate Sisters and Brothers, Happy New Year! Although the Christmas holidays seem to be in the long distant past, I’m here to give you a new year’s gift. Beginning this spring, we will send the year’s ongoing formation sessions to all associates who have shared their email addresses with us. The Associate Advisory Board designs these sessions for regional group meetings. Many of you, however, do not have an opportunity to meet regularly with a group. Email can solve that problem. I invite you to share the sessions with your family or church group, or enjoy them during your private prayer time. They will also be posted on our website, ursulinesmsj.org under the Associates tab. Each session is based on the theme for the year. This year we are concentrating on “Jesus, Lover of Us All” which was introduced at Associates and Sisters Day in June. The individual sessions are:• Another Way – Solving life’s dilemmas with

Angela• Wisdom – Finding persons of wisdom in our lives• Prophecy – Seeing through God’s eyes• Discernment of Spirits – How does the Holy Spirit

lead us? Let us know how you like the session plans. Have they enriched your associate experience? I wish you a happy, healthy new year, blessed with the guidance of Angela Merici.Marian Bennett, OSUA Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships

A Word from Marian...

’Remain in prayer...asking for that great promise made by Jesus Christ. - Rule: Chapter IV

aintngelaMerici

ASSOCIATE UpdATE is published four times a year for the Associates

of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999

Phone: 270-229-2006 • Fax: 270-229-4953Website: www.ursulinesmsj.org

Email: associates.msj@maplemount.orgCoordinator of UrsUline PartnershiPs: Marian Bennett, OSUA

Coordinator of Mission effeCtiveness: Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, OSUdireCtor of develoPMent: Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU

direCtor of Mission advanCeMent/CoMMUniCations: Dan Heckel, OSUA CoMMUniCations sPeCialist/GraPhiC desiGn: Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA

CoMMUniCations and develoPMent sPeCialist: Maggie Riney

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.

February 2015 Associate Update Page 3

Welcome new Associate Father Larry A native of West Germany, Father Larry Hostetter grew up in Hopkinsville after his father’s retirement from military service. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Owensboro in 1987 and was selected to serve as president of Brescia University in 2007. Prior to this position, he pastored several parishes in the diocese, including St. Augustine (Reed) and St. Sebastian (Calhoun), and taught at Owensboro Catholic High School and Brescia University. Father Larry holds a doctorate in Christian ethics and moral theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He is a published writer and member of several local and national boards. He is recognized for his calm disposition and strength of character, as well as his promotion of servant leadership. He is devoted to Brescia University and to the Ursuline mission and states, “I find the vision of Saint Angela

Merici very compelling, especially her view of formation and education.” Sister Sharon Sullivan, his contact companion, told us, “As Brescia president, he has reanimated an understanding of and a passion for the mission of Saint Angela and the Ursulines among the Brescia faculty, staff and students.” Father Larry made his associate commitment on Dec. 2, 2014 during the Advent Evening Prayer hosted by the Owensboro associates in the Brescia University Chapel.

Associates Betty Boren, standing, and Risë Karr visit with Sister Marie Julie Fecher, right. In the background is Mike Sullivan, chatting with Sister Celine Leeker. Five associates and Sister Teresa Riley who live in western Kentucky gave a Christmas party on Dec. 6, 2014 for the sisters in Saint Joseph Villa.

Ursuline Associates Martha Little, left, and Mary Danhauer, center, join Sister Mary Jude Cecil at Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan’s Jan. 6 “Evening with an Ursuline Sister” presentation. This series takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 and includes dinner for $15.

Brescia University President Father Larry Hostetter is pinned by Sister Sharon Sullivan at his associate commitment ceremony on Dec. 2, 2014 in the Brescia chapel.

__________________________________________________________________

Award winners

Associate Sid Mason of Mayfield, Ky., works on packing goody bags for the sisters for the Dec. 6, 2014 Villa Christmas party.

Belleville Associates Bobbie and John Laker (left) accept their ICHTHYS Christian Service Award on Oct. 19, 2014. Each year the Southern Illinois Association of Priests acknowledges an individual or group contribution in carrying out the message of Jesus (Fidelity, Integrity, Service, Humanity). Both Bobbie and John are lifelong social workers and have ministered for many years in their parish and community. Sister Nancy Liddy represented the Ursuline Sisters and Associates at the ceremony.

Bobbie Laker with daughter Angela and the Christian Service Award.

• New SaInt Ignatian Silent Retreat March 6-8A silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola. Retreat director is Monica Armstrong, founder of Mission of the Spirit. $180 • Women's Retreat: "Holiness in Family Life: Lessons from Saint Monica and Elisabeth Leseur” March 20-22The fourth-century Saint Monica and the 19th-century Elisabeth Leseur experienced family struggles firsthand. Retreat leader is Sister Cheryl Clemons. $180 (or $130 for commuters). Contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-0206 kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org. Find out more at www.ursulinesmsj.org.

The winter solstice on Dec. 21 is the shortest day of the year – the day with the least amount of light. It was a nice day to reflect on not only the darkness in our outer world but also the darkness in our inner world. We know what creates darkness in our outer world. But what creates darkness in our inner world? We each have to answer that for ourselves. I create darkness when I am critical of my sisters or when I am selfish with my time when I see others in need. I create darkness when I speak sharply or act impatiently toward another. Outbursts of anger or impatience bring a lot of darkness to a situation. But those aren’t the only things. I can create darkness when I am doing what seems to be a good thing. I create darkness when I’m in my room reading and reflecting, all the time knowing there is a community need calling out to me for help. I create darkness when I ignore the sister in need whom I see under the pretense of serving the God whom I cannot see. Violence and war surely come from darkness. So do poverty, hunger and injustice. What can we do in each situation to bring light? Thomas Merton once wrote that we each have the seeds of war within our heart. What do I do to eliminate those bad seeds and replace them with

goodness and love? Four days after the winter solstice we celebrated the feast of Christmas – the day Jesus was born to be the light of the world. How did I welcome that special light into my life and how did I share it with those around me, especially those who dwell in darkness, for example, the homeless and the lonely? What can I do to ease their burden? Do I see Jesus in those persons I sometimes label as “undesirable?” What will bring light to my eyes and my heart? Pope Francis, in his Christmas homily, called Jesus not only the light of the world, but the tenderness of God. How do we welcome that tenderness into our lives? Can I allow myself to be tender by drawing near to God and allowing God to fill me with tenderness? Am I afraid to be that vulnerable? Do I fear the pain that will come with allowing myself to be tender? Can I allow God to draw near to me and caress me in tenderness? Another part of that question is: Can I be tender toward those around me, my family members, those in my church congregation and those in ministry with me? It takes a lot of courage but I do believe it is an invitation from God.

Reflective MomentsReflective MomentsFrom Darkness to LightBy Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU

Y-DOSA Kansas chapter members Abbey Carlson, Amelia Guenther, Roxanne Steele and Faith Seuferling decorated a Christmas tree in the Parish Hall of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea, Kan.

The two newest members of the Whitesville, Ky., Young Daughters of Saint Angela were pinned in a ceremony at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic School on Dec. 17, 2014. Harlee Keener (left) and Lexie Barnett (right) received their pins in the school media center. They are pictured with Sister Suzanne Sims, adviser of the Whitesville Y-DOSA chapter and principal of St. Mary Elementary School. The girls were givenframed icons of Saint Angela Merici.

The Young Daughters of Saint Angela is a group for girls ages 11-18 who study Saint

Angela’s life and seek her guidance. To start a Y-DOSA chapter, contact Marian Bennett: (270) 229-2006marian.bennett@maplemount.org

ABOVE: Sister Marie Michael Hayden, left, and Sister Mary Irene Cecil attended an 80th birthday party on Dec. 5, 2014

for Associate and Bishop Emeritus John McRaith. LEFT: Bishop McRaith is greeted by Associate Father Jerry Riney, left, and Father Dave Johnson at his celebration Mass. The Catholic Pastoral Center in Owensboro, Ky., was renamed the McRaith Catholic Center in Bishop McRaith’s honor.Congratulations to our priest associates

celebrating Jubilees in 2015!55 Years – Bishop John McRaith

40 Years – Fr. Ed Bradley, Fr. Jerry Riney

2015 is the Year of Consecrated Life...celebrate those who answer the call!

Page 4

introduced her to the associates and found her a contact sister. “The benefits of having her as an Ursuline in our family are immeasurable,” Pauline said. “She always takes the reins in all family affairs, whether it is a death, sickness, wedding or any kind of family celebration. She makes sure to add family to prayer lists and lends spiritual support to anyone who needs it.

She doesn’t hesitate to find resources for family; she will locate priests if needed and has even found some services for my daughter and son-in-law, who are trying to adopt a child. I would say she is priceless.” Associate Mary Teder grew up being taught by Ursuline Sisters in Glennonville, and wanted to find a way to help them. She asked her younger sibling, Sister Amelia Stenger, who taught her about the Ursuline Associates. “Amelia inspired me,” Mary said. “She gives me a lot of pointers.” Mary is a fixture at the Mount during the annual picnic and an avid quilter for the Quilt Club, both of which support the retired sisters. “I like helping the sisters and I will always help them.” n

For Leon Donahue, reaching out to others is a family tradition and a source of joy in his life. During his 63 years living in Louisville – especially after his retirement from the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant – Leon was an active member of St. Rita Parish, visiting nursing homes, assisting with RCIA classes, leading a senior spirituality group, and offering prayers at funeral homes. His wife, Sue, also an Ursuline Associate, supported and accompanied him until the illness that led to her death in December 2013. Last May, Leon moved back to Bardstown in his native Nelson County. He still maintains many connections in Louisville, including meetings with the associate group there. And now he visits nursing homes in Bardstown and the surrounding area, and serves every week as Eucharistic minister and Mass server at the Colonial Nursing Home. Leon finds his ministry rewarding. “I think I get more than I give,” he says. He also enjoys making and giving away Job’s tears rosaries. As a veteran, Leon volunteers at the Bardstown American Legion Post, helping to sell tickets for their

Leon Donahue finds joy in serving othersweekly dances. It was there that he met (or re-met) Betty Hayden Greenwell, who had been Sue’s classmate in Boston, Ky. Later the two couples were friends in Louisville. Betty had lost her husband in 2009. Leon and Betty began seeing each other and growing in love for one another. They were married in early January. Now their home is filled with photos of Leon’s five children and Betty’s six – plus so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they’ve almost lost count. “It’s good to be with this man, “ Betty says. “I’ve learned so much from him.” She often accompanies him in his ministry and plans to come to the Mount with him soon. Leon fondly remembers his three Ursuline aunts: Sisters Mary Beatrice, Rose Catherine, and Jane Frances. “They are no longer with us, but they will always be an inspiration to me,” he says. “I guess reaching out and helping others kind of runs in our family.”

By Sister Ruth Gehres, OSU

Be quiet to hear His voiceDear Associates, Spring is just around the corner, and we will be looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. The winter months are often hard on us because of the lack of sunshine and cloudy days. It seems that the longer, warmer days will never get here. Sometimes we lose hope and it is hard to keep going. It is during these quiet days of winter that we look to Jesus to be our spring and our hope. A quote that often gives us something to think about comes from Rumi. It says, “Never lose hope, my heart; miracles dwell in the invisible. The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” So, during these winter months, let’s quiet our hearts and minds and ask our God to give us peace as we prepare for the great awakening of spring. We must be patient and quiet so we can hear God’s message in the stillness. Thank you for the wonderful support you give us all during the year. Your willingness to help us in so many ways touches our hearts. Your kindness and generosity are a blessing to our Ursuline Community. God Bless you and those you love.Sincerely,Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development

February 2015 Associate Update Page 5

Betty and Leon Donahue

Sister Amelia Stenger, left, with her sister, Associate Mary Teder.

from frontFAmiLy

The 45th Mount Saint Joseph Picnic is Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 ... Volunteers needed!License #0290

Page 6 Associate Update February 2015

MARCH 2 Shearon Harris

Diane Wilson Doris Wilson 4 Jennifer Kaminski DeAnne Schmidt 5 Kay Buckman

Stella McClure Fr. Jerry Spencer 6 Cheryly Boardman Mike Inyart 7 George Horishny 10 Chris Denniston 11 Margaret Birge 12 Velma Dees 14 Mary Costello Pauline Goebel 15 Diane Hayden 16 Joan McKinnon 18 Mike Sullivan 19 Carolyn Butler Florence Wieder 20 Angelina Glomb 21 Marcy Bufalini Elaine Wood 23 Carlene Braun Laura Locke 25 Marcella Critchelow Jodie Fulkerson 28 Denise Heying 31 Pam Knudson

APRIL MAY 1 Karen Howard 2 Marie Ritz 4 Murilla Giittinger 5 Madeleine Bianco 6 John Allen Jerry Birge 7 Susan Reiss Bernice Rockers 9 Ruth Wright-Welzen 10 Dee Bechdolt 11 Clarence Kaiser 12 Sonia Pradenas 15 Fern Kelly 14 Loni Daniels 18 Karen Feehan Michael Synk 19 Carol Hardy Paul Parker 21 Cecilia McEldowney 22 Gail Davenport Loretta Oliver 23 Maxine Hobbs 24 Ola Higdon 25 Rose Mary Egli

Kevin Karl Amy Payne

Judy Sims 26 Sr. Agnes Ijoko, HHCJ 28 Marilyn Katzer Marianna Robinson30 Rev. Tom Barrett 31 Norma Jean Witten

2 Sr. Phyllis Ann Hackmann Martha House Larry Minks 3 Lily Cloughley 4 Joyce Firenza Evelina Salas 5 Marilyn Trechter 6 Marian Bennett Mary Jo Dodson

Violet Hamilton 8 Wanda Gibson 9 Fr. Brian Johnson 11 Wanda Rickard 12 John Caton Carrie Wieder 14 Lucille Weidenbenner 15 Laura Smith16 Claudette Ford 17 Terry Barnes 18 John Laker 19 Alice Piezuch 21 Kathi Skidd Dennis Reilly 24 Fr. Ed Bradley

Carolyn Head 25 Rev. Patricia Dawkins Doreen Haughton Nancy Krische

Susan Scott26 Fr. Larry Hostetter 28 Michael Lemm 29 Michael Ziegler 30 Roxanne Bollin

35 YEARS - 1980Fern Kelly30 YEARS - 1985Therese AllenClaire BuckleyJuanita A. BurkeNettie CastleAndy ChavezConnie Del MuroDavid A. GrantBarbara HasenstabGerry HasenstabTeressa HaydenMel HowardDebby LudwigSandy M. LuzBishop John J. McRaith

Rita A. MetzgerShirlene QuinnJanet RockersFrank RockersLaura Abell SmithLina M. TrujilloGertrude TyralaFr. John Vaughan25 YEARS – 1990John AllenLois BellBetty BorenJohn L. CatonPeggy ClarkJodie FulkersonPhyllis Ann Hackmann FSJune Irizarry

Chico IrizarryDonna KarcherAlfred KarcherRisë D. KarrNanette J. KrasovicJeanne LamastusJoan PerryFr. Aloysius PowersGene Tritsch20 YEARS – 1995Priscilla ArchundeBob BeamMarilyn BeamMarcella CritchelowMary T. DanhauerRev. Patricia DawkinsMaria Rose Galles

Fanny G. HernandezCarol E. HardyLoraine Hardy15 YEARS – 2000Rose Mary EgliAngelina GlombBenjamin HeadCarolyn HeadBobbie LakerJohn LakerLisa ReillyDennis Reilly10 YEARS – 2005Bonnie J. AdamsDon R. AdamsRuth Bittel-NuñezBarbara W. BoatnerLela M. BuettmannMarcy Bufalini

Michael BufaliniPenny BurnsCarolyn M. ButlerFr. Ben LutherAmy PayneMeghan PayneSarah PayneTom PayneWill PayneWanda L. RickardJean SimpsonMary C. Teder5 YEARS – 2010Theresa M. BenkeserBetty L. GirtenMarianna RobinsonRandy ShelbyMelissa TuleyNorma Jean Witten

SiSter Mary Clarentia HutCHinS, 94, died Nov. 5, 2014, in her 75th year of religious life.

A Louisville native, she was passionate about cheering up children, especially those who were outsiders. An educator for 46 years, she taught throughout Kentucky. From 1987 until 2005, her outreach ministry in Louisville included working with the Red Cross and visiting nursing homes and hospitals. She was a contact sister for associates Marjorie Cook and trudy Peak.

SiSter annalita lanCaSter, 91, died Dec. 9, 2014, in her 71st year of religious

life. A Vine Grove, Ky., native, she was a tireless and cheerful leader in whatever she attempted. She mixed Happy Easter!

April 5, 2015

In Loving Memory...

Continued on next page

2015 Associate Commitment Anniversaries

Nebraska and Missouri. She was an instructor of English at St. Xavier High School, Louisville (1971-97). She esteemed all of her students and is remembered by many for her wit and compassion. She made her lifetime commitment in 2002 with contact sisters Sister George Mary Hagan and the late Sister Jean Gertrude Mudd.

FatHer PHil riney, 90, died Dec. 10, 2014. He was ordained at age 23 in 1948 by Bishop Francis R. Cotton, the youngest priest to be ordained in the Owensboro diocese. He was a builder who organized the construction of new churches at St. Mary of the Woods

and Blessed Mother. His welcoming manner and giving nature showed his love for people and endeared him to them in return. He retired in 1998 after 50 years of ministry and went to live at Rough River. He made his lifetime associate commitment in 1990 with his contact sister, Sister Alicia Coomes. Survivors include sisters Mary Lou Mudd, Patricia Cheshire, Virginia Dorsten, and brother David.

alMa Jean yaCkle, 89, died Nov. 6 in Paola, Kan. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Paola at age 16 and was married to her late husband, Warren for 28 years. She was an active member of Holy Trinity

Church and an excellent seamstress. She worked as a cook at Holy Trinity School and as a sales associate at several retail stores. Survivors: children Carol, Gary, Cathy, Karen and Barb, 14 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. She became an associate in 1999 with Sister Rita Lavigne as her contact companion.

knowledge and strength with kindness and service. Sister Annalita was a teacher and principal in the Archdiocese of Louisville and in Nebraska before becoming major superior of the Ursulines (1972-80). She was the director of admissions at Brescia College, Owensboro (1980-84), the first associate director of the Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center (1984-88), the community’s first director of Mission Effectiveness (1995-2005) and assistant to the community archivist (2005-14). Survivors include her sister, Emma Florence Itschner of Owensboro and her brother Patrick Joshua Lancaster of Louisville.Memorial gifts for a sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

DorotHy M. Coatney, 94, of Westwood, Kan., died Nov. 30, 2014. She married her husband, Homer, in 1941 and was widowed in 1962 at age 42. She was known for her kind, generous heart and gave

35 years of charitable service to St. Agnes Parish and Catholic Charities. She became an associate in 1986 and pledged to provide any service the sisters in Paola might need. Her contact companion was Sister Rita Redmond. She is survived by her children Jerry, Barbara, Mary Beth, Tom and Brian.

elenita MCConnell, Muhlenberg County associate, died Jan. 4 in Owensboro. A native of Manila, Philippines, Elenita and her late husband, J.D. had three sons, Jacob, Jonathan and Joseph. Her pastor, Father Ben Luther, OSUA, described Elenita as “an

outstanding parishioner,” who attended daily Mass and often led the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. She volunteered in the parish food pantry and taught religious education. Elenita brought her bright smile to everyone she met. She made her lifetime commitment in 2008 with contact companions Sister Rose Karen Johnson and the late Sister Rose Theresa Johnson.

Jo ann eMerSon, 85, of Overland Park, Kan., died Dec. 23, 2014. She was married to her husband, James for 63 years. Jo Ann volunteered at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center and was a member of the Legion of Mary. She visited the county jail and brought

the Eucharist to the hospital. Sister Marie William Blyth invited Jo Ann to become an associate. She made her commitment in 1995, with the goal of spiritual growth and companionship. Sister Susanne Bauer was her contact companion. Jo Ann is survived by her husband and children Tim, Mike, Laurie and Mari.

irene raPier, 93, retired educator and former Ursuline Sister, died Dec. 8, 2014. During her 32 years as an Ursuline, Irene (Sister Eleanor) taught all grade levels from elementary through college in Kentucky,

• Sister Naomi Aull, whose brother, Joseph A. Aull, died Sept. 24.• Sister Joseph Angela Boone, whose sister, Mary Jean Hagan, died Oct. 22.• Mary Teder, OSUA and Sister Amelia Stenger, whose nephew, Jack Stenger, died Nov. 16.• Sister Melissa Tipmore, whose sister, Alma Mullican, died Nov. 17.• Sister Mary Celine Leeker, whose brother, William R. Leeker, died Nov. 19.• Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney, whose brother, William Donald Mahoney, died Nov. 26.• Sister Alfreda Malone, whose sister, Judith Hamilton, died Dec. 3.• Sister Carol Shively, whose father, John T. “Jack” Shively, died Dec. 4.• Sister Grace Swift, whose brother, Father William J. Swift, died Dec. 5.• Sisters Rose Jean and Marian Powers, whose sister-in- law, LaVerne Powers, died Jan. 4.• Sisters Laurita and Rosanne Spalding, whose brother- in-law, Charles Brinley, died Jan. 14.• Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, whose brother, Marion O’Bryan, died Jan. 22.

We extend deepest sympathy to: From page 6In Loving Memory...

Page 7

If you have a smartphone, this QR code will take you to our website!

• Upcoming Associate meetings• Grayson County, Ky. – March 25, April 22, May 27• Kansas Our Lady of Brescia – April 20• Kansas St. Frances of Paola – April 4• Louisville, Ky. – April 18• Memphis, Tenn. – April 18• Missouri - The Belles of Saint Rita - March 8, April 12, May 10• Muhlenberg County, Ky. – March 11• Owensboro, Ky. – April 28• Western Kentucky – April 18Other dates to remember...• Evening with an Ursuline dinner/presentation – March 3, April 7, May 5, etc.• Lenten Prayer Day with Msgr Bernard Powers – March 4• Associate group leaders meeting – March 5• Ignatian Silent Retreat – March 6-8• Rediscover Catholicism – March 12, April 9, May 14, etc.• Sr. Cheryl Clemons’ Women’s Retreat: “Holiness in Family Life”–March 20-22• Associate Advisory Board meeting – March 28, June 12• Jail Ministry Visit at Daviess County Detention Center – April 4• Yarn Spinners Day at the Center – May 9• Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Weekend – May 16-17• 5K Run/Walk – May 30• Associates and Sisters Day – June 13• Y-DOSA Summit at the Mount – June 17-19• Associate Summer Retreat – Aug. 22

Lenten Prayer Day

Wednesday, March 4, 20159:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Led by Msgr. Bernard PowersMount Saint Joseph Retreat Center

$20 • Mass, lunch, Reconciliation To register, call Kathy 270-229-0206

kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org

Get Moving at the Mount!

As part of the Daviess County Bicentennial, the Ursuline

Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are hosting their second 5K Run/Walk

on the grounds of Maple Mount! $20 per person if you sign up by May 1st ($25 after May 1st and on race day). Register online at www.ursulinesmsj.org. Contact

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

5K Run/Walk Saturday

May 30 • 8 a.m.