1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Annual Report
2009-2010
Why we came & Why we stay
Message from the President
Sister Angelita Zawada, OSU, President
Dear Friends,
We proudly present to you our 2009 – 2010 Annual Report. We always love working
on this communication because it gives us an opportunity to share with our friends
the many facets of our Ursuline way of life. In this annual report some of our sisters
humbly share with us the inner workings of God’s grace in their lives. Their stories
take us down a path of grace, fidelity, challenges, service and gratitude.
These same stories have been embodied in countless Ursuline lives through the
centuries. To be exact it was 475 years ago this year that our Foundress, St. Angela
Merici, gathered her first daughters around her and gave shape to our Ursuline
way of life.
Angela taught her daughters to “let our first refuge be at the feet of Jesus Christ”
so through lives of prayer, Christ would always be the ultimate center of our lives.
As you will read, in the lives of our sisters this inward journey leads us to freely
immerse ourselves in the service of others and thus participate in the external mission
of Jesus Christ. St. Angela encourages us to remember, “You have a greater need to
serve than they have to be served.”
As Ursuline women, we journey together in response to God’s call. No matter whether
we look at ourselves before the changes called for by the Vatican Council or after, we
as religious women in the Church are identified by our centeredness in Christ, our care
and concern for others and our love and commitment to each other in community.
Our vows give expression and direction to our lives: poverty—how we live; chastity—
how we love; obedience—how we listen; and our fourth vow of service in Christian
Education for the Church—how we serve God’s people.
Each of us treasures our call to live and serve as religious women in the Church.
We thank you, our families and our friends, for the encouragement and support you
give us to remain faithful to that call.
Today’s challenges may be great but so are God’s graces and blessings. As our family
and friends you helped us become who we were in the past, you walk with us in the
present, and I know through your kindness and generosity you will help us give shape
to who we will be in the future. God bless you.
With gratitude,
Sister Angelita Zawada, OSU, President
Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
2
Ursuline Sisters:
Why we came & Why we stay
The Ursuline Sisters have been a presence in the Diocese of Cleveland since
1850. The founding five members of the group, the first religious women
in the diocese, came from France. Since that time close to 1,000 women
have followed, hailing mainly from Northeast Ohio.
Why did they enter? What prompted their choice of religious life and
Ursuline religious life, in particular? And perhaps, even more a question
for these times, why do they stay?
What compels them to uphold a counter-cultural lifestyle in a society that
equates success with financial comfort, and in a Church that some would
suggest has happily used them as its work force while treating them as
second-class citizens?
While times – and religious rules – have changed, reasons for entering
and for staying have remained fairly consistent. Women have come
because of a call; they have stayed in fidelity to it.
In the pages of this Annual Report, you will read about 10 women,
ranging in age from 27 to 92, who heeded the call to religious life and
continue to find meaning and value in the life despite the challenges.
You will learn the story of Sister Francis Regis, a lifelong educator, who at
the age of 92, still opts for a more traditional religious “habit” for outings
and community prayer. At the other end of the spectrum, you will read
about Sister Erin Zubal who in her youthful appearance and dress bears
great resemblance to the very students she teaches at Beaumont School.
The sisters presented here represent diverse ages and ministries. Sisters
Diana Stano, Gretchen Rodenfels and Maureen Doyle lead educational
institutions, as presidents of Ursuline College and Beaumont School
and as Director of Urban Community School, respectively. The group is
rounded out by recent diamond jubilarian Sister Ruth Marie Behrend; two
“delayed” vocations, Sisters Mary Kay Conkey and Barbara Jean Sever;
Sister Madonna Marie Dickus, administrative assistant to the Leadership
Team, and Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride, Assistant to the President of
Ursuline College.
All are stories of call and response, of faith and commitment. All reflect
the Ursuline spirit, for all live and serve Soli Deo Gloria, for the glory of
God alone.
Table of Contents
Message from the President..................2
Ursuline Sisters:
Why we came & Why we stay..............3
Financial Overview...............................4
Year in Review......................................5
Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride...............8
Sister Barbara Jean Sever......................9
Sister Diana Stano..............................11
Sister Erin Zubal..................................13
Sister M. Francis Regis Mueller............14
Sister Gretchen Rodenfels....................16
Sister Madonna Dickus.......................17
Sister Mary Kay Conkey......................19
Sister Maureen Doyle..........................21
Sister Ruth Marie Behrend...................22
Enjoy!
3
Financial Overview
Development Income*2008-2009
2009-2010
Benefit
$
45,476
141,905
Memorials & Bequests
$ 581,028
406,261
Programs
$
91,118
35,075
Grants
$
98,003
87,250
Donations
$
501,097
529,789
Total
$ 1,316,722
1,200,280
Development Disbursements2008-2009
2009-2010
Saint Angela Center
$
44,885
20,935
Ministries
$
134,035
61,416
Temporarily Restricted
$
457,891
398,016
Unrestricted
$
679,911
719,913
Total
$ 1,316,722
1,200,280
* Development Office income exceeds the Treasurer’s Office record of donated funds by $9,700 due to ministry grants that were secured by the Development
Office for entities that are managed by Ursuline sisters, separately incorporated and therefore not included in the congregation’s financial statements.
Congregational Operating Revenues2008-2009
Salaries & Social Security
2009-2010
$ 4,720,529
4,445,270
Development
$ 1,305,687
1,194,205
Other
$
Donations
4
165,211
280,418
Skilled Nursing
$ 1,640,776
1,885,122
Other Income
$
319,679
167,041
Total
$ 8,151,882
7,972,056
Congregational Operating Expenses2008-2009
2009-2010
Community Operations
$ 1,108,380
1,024,350
Plant Operations
$ 1,520,922
1,511,349
Sisters’ Expenses
$ 2,467,526
2,428,887
Skilled Nursing Facility
$ 2,550,665
2,654,388
Other Expenses
$
173,298
223,364
Total Operating Expenses $ 7,820,791
7,842,338
Contribution to Retirement Fund
$
331,091
129,718
Year in Review
Finance Review
What a difference a year makes!
As we began our fiscal year July 1, 2009, the state of the U.S. economy remained
in question. We braced ourselves for a difficult 12 months with the anticipation of job
eliminations among our sisters due to parish closings/clustering. Investments upon
which we rely for retirement needs were worth considerably less than previous years.
Also unknown was how our benefactors would respond in the economic downturn.
Along with most families, we tightened our belts by cutting budgets and focusing
only on essential projects.
As the fiscal year came to an end, we fared better
financially than we anticipated because:
•Most of our sisters displaced by parish clustering were
able to obtain paid ministry positions.
•The solid guidance provided by our Investment Advisory
Committee helped us recoup most of the 20% investment
loss realized during the 2008/2009 fiscal year.
•Our benefactors remained faithful in their support.
As a result, we were able to end the year by making a small contribution to our
retirement fund while remaining true to the Ursuline mission. The future still presents
challenges as the economy struggles to recover but we’re confident that with the
continuing help of benefactors and the guidance of our advisors we will continue
to advance our mission.
5
Thanks to our donors…
As expected, our monthly phone expenses were nearly cut in half during
2009/2010 with the installation of a modernized phone system graciously
funded by donors through our 2008/2009 21st Century Club appeal.
While keeping capital expenses at a minimum, the congregation began
laying the groundwork to establish sustainable energy sources for the
future. Additionally, our 2009/2010 Century Club appeal raised funds to
help pay for energy and cost-saving projects that will result in an annual
savings of $25,000 to $30,000 by replacing light fixtures and modifying
boilers and exhaust fans we’ve been using since 1958.
Our 21st Century Club appeal provided funds
to modify boilers for more efficient operation.
Our Development Office introduced new (and fun) ways to raise funds
during a year when U.S. donations overall were down; and the Chronicle
of Philanthropy predicted “daunting challenges” facing the nonprofit world.
We’re grateful our donors responded well to our first Retirement Rally
appeal, which raised $114,676 and has become an annual appeal. Likewise,
our Ursuline friends and family showed wonderful support at our inaugural
Ursuline Derby Day benefit, which raised $141,905 to help advance the
Ursuline mission. This, too, has become an annual event with the next
Derby Day slated for May 7, 2011.
At the inaugural Derby Day benefit,
Rita and Peter Carfagna received the
2010 Merici Award in recognition
of their continuing support of the
Ursuline Sisters.
Generous donors also gave us the gift of safe and efficient transportation
in the form of a new 12-passenger bus that can accommodate two
wheelchairs. This is especially helpful to the Saint Angela Center when
offsite activities are planned for our sisters who do not drive. Additionally,
many of our sisters will be relieved of traveling in multiple vehicles to the
same location for events, wakes, funerals and other outings.
6
Our new 12-passenger bus allows us
to transport groups of sisters to events,
outings and appointments.
Year in Review
Outreach
hIm. – 1 co
rInthIan
s 2:9
shouLd i be afraid? – PsaLm 27:1 – onLy in god
– eye has no
t seen, ear
has not he
ard what
your
and keep
conSoled
I
gela merIc
” - SaInt an
hope alIve.
faIth and
forever. –
John
We also revitalized our Friends of St. Angela prayer program
by giving it an updated look and streamlining our card offerings
(visit www.UrsulineSisters.org for more information).
May the lord ble
and heal your hess you
art
Fr ien ds oF
sa int an ge
la
Embra
ced in pra
Ursuline Sisters yer by the
of Cleveland
is enrolled
in the Urs
uline Sisters
’
Friends of
Saint Angel
a
Prayer pro
gram and
will be
prayed for
during six
Eucharistic
celebration
s in their
Chapel of
the Most Ho
ly Trinity.
Enrolled by
Preparing for the years ahead
During most of the 2009/2010 fiscal year, members of the congregation engaged in an integrative planning
process with Janus Small of Janus Small & Associates. The plan focuses issues of property, housing, ministry,
finances, aging, vocations and more as the congregation continues to address the dynamic changes, challenges
and opportunities before us. Check our Web site, www.UrsulineSisters.org, and the Ursuline Sisters News
for information on how the Ursuline Sisters are preparing for a bold future.
7
11:25-26
god has pr
epared fo
r those wh
o love
L
they dIe, wI
ll lIve
Additionally, the Ursuline Sisters jumped on the Facebook bandwagon
by launching a page to stay in touch with our friends and family who
frequent this social medium for the latest news about their friends,
family members and other interests.
ur
ayS be In yo
“I Shall alw
yerS … be
to your pra
dIng aId
mIdSt, len
The congregation also was among a number of area organizations
that sponsored Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America at the Maltz
Museum of Jewish Heritage. The exhibit provided an educational and
historic perspective of the innovations, institutions and influence women
religious have contributed to America and parts beyond. This traveling
exhibit also appeared at the Smithsonian Institution and Ellis Island
Immigration Museum.
thinking of You
Tre e of
belIeve In
me, though
The Ursuline Sis
ters of Cleveland
pray on behalf
who are enrolle
of those
d in the Friend
s of Saint Angela
program. Donat
prayer
ions help cover
costs of cards and
expenses associa
other
ted with adminis
tering the progra
m.
To order cards,
call 440.449.1
200, Ext. 199;
or visit www.u
rsulinesisters.org
for more inform
ation.
e
e
The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland continued to participate in the
Community Women’s Shelter Adopt-a-Shelter program, providing
meals; donating toiletries, clothing and other necessities, and
providing services and programming.
h
lIfe. all wh
o
if
t an ge la
Embraced in pra
yer by the Ursulin
e Sisters of Clevela
To order cards, call 440.449.1200, Ext. 199;
nd
or visit www.ursulinesisters.org for more information.
I am the re
surrectIo
n and the
T
ee of
Tr
Li
T
e
whom shouLd i fear? The Lord is my Life’s refuge; of whom
h
e
The Ursuline Institute of Learning established additional
tutoring
F r iends
o F s aint angela
Embraced in prayer by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
sites at Beaumont School and Villa Angela – St. Joseph High School
while maintaining its Ursuline Educational Center/Motherhouse and
The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland pray on behalf of those
St. Philip Neri locations. Any student from any school
may receive
who are enrolled in the Friends of Saint Angela prayer
program. Donations help cover costs of cards and other
tutoring at these sites.
Fr ie nd s oF
expenses associated with administering the program.
sa in
f
be aT resT, my souL, for from god comes my hoPe. – PsaLm 62:6
The Lord is my LighT and my saLvaTion;
Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride
Pursuit of meaningful life amplifies Sister Anna
Margaret’s call to serve
Growing up, Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride says she thought
all mothers went to Mass daily, because her mother did. Her
grandmother, who lived with the family, was a very prayerful
woman as well. Noting religion was a big part of her “life
culture,” she also witnessed a brother become a priest and a
sister, Catharine, become a Cleveland Ursuline. Another sister
and two brothers were in the military during WWII. So one
might say faith and service ran in the Gilbride family.
As a young woman fresh out of high school, Sister Anna
Margaret would attend Mass every day on her way to work
at the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. Chief among her
intentions was praying for the safe return of her siblings from
the war’s European Theater. Sister Anna Margaret took notice
that she was becoming “closer to God” in the process.
Visits with her mother to the convent to see her sister,
Catharine, prompted a “turning point” in her life. “I was struck
by (the Ursulines’) sense of community,” Sister Anna Margaret
says. “They had so much fun.” Then one day she heard a
woman at work say she had worked for the Illuminating Co.
for 35 years. “I went home and told my mother I wanted to
do something more meaningful,” perhaps train to become a
teacher as most Ursulines had. And her allure to religious life
continued to grow.
She says this was the grace of God calling, and explains,
“A call is like a desire that doesn’t go away.” Sister Anna
Margaret told her mother of her hope to become an Ursuline
sister and enjoyed her mother’s support. Others tried to talk
her out of it. Still incredulous that “people try to talk people
out of” religious life, she says, “It’s amazing they would do
that but it strengthens your resolve.”
An Ursuline for 65 years, Sister Anna Margaret says the most
notable changes she’s experienced in religious life center
around the relaxation of rules. When she first entered the
congregation, “there was a big emphasis on silence—a rule of
silence in the dorms, in the halls, at meals,” she says.
Sister Anna Margaret (left) followed her older sister,
Catharine, to the Ursulines. Sister Catharine died in June.
“We couldn’t go home, like now,” she says of her early days
with the Ursulines, noting families went to the convent to visit
the sisters. There was also an era when sisters were bussed
to the schools they served. “One bus would take sisters to
the East Side schools and another, to the West Side schools.”
Later, certain sisters, including Sister Anna Margaret, obtained
licenses at the direction of Mother Marie, and became “drivers,”
who would transport other sisters to their respective schools.
As ministries diversified with the needs of the times and
expanded throughout the city, carpooling would no longer
suffice and sisters were provided their own “ministry cars.”
One thing that hasn’t changed: Ursuline sisters continue
to serve as positive role models to the people they serve
and the world at large. There was a time when Sister Anna
Margaret wondered why so many Ursuline-taught students
chose careers in education. But after years of witnessing this
trend, it became evident the sisters’ presence made clear the
value and profound impact of education. In fact, over the
years, many former students would become colleagues to
the Ursulines who taught them.
Continued on page 9 ➤
8
Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride
“I was struck by (the Ursulines’)
sense of community.”
“Today we do more social work,” says Sister Anna Margaret,
noting Ursulines have ventured beyond teaching in their
service. Sisters serve people of all ages—from babies to the
elderly—in settings and capacities that address the challenges
and opportunities of the 21st Century. Retired sisters, too,
reach out to minister to people in the inner city, hospitals and
schools, along with participating in mission service.
And still today, a sister’s presence provides comfort and
compassion. The sisters’ care and concern for others go beyond
ministry sites into their communal and personal prayer lives.
“I always check the prayer boards [at Ursuline College] and the
Motherhouse” to pray for the intentions and people listed.
Sister Anna Margaret’s Ursuline vocation has proven to be
joyful and meaningful—just as she had expected—and she
has never questioned her call to religious life.
She acknowledges uncertainties exist where the future of
religious life is concerned, especially with regard to finances
Sister Anna Margaret has served at Ursuline College since 1971,
as theology instructor, as Vice President for Student Services,
and currently as Assistant to the President. She is pictured here
with colleagues Kevin Gladstone and Patrick Riley.
and fewer sisters receiving salaries as they enter into
retirement. She also notes, “It’s a lot about ministry,” and the
needs that will continue to reveal themselves as time goes on.
Sister Barbara Jean Sever
Sister Barbara Jean embraces religious life with zeal
Sister Barbara Jean Sever “shook off” her call to religious life for
more than 25 years, not because she didn’t want to pursue it,
but because she didn’t feel “good enough or smart enough.”
From a young age, Sister Barbara Jean became very familiar
with women religious. The Sisters of St. Joseph taught her in
elementary school and high school. She worked with Sisters
of Charity at Parmadale.
Sister Barbara Jean met the Ursulines at Sacred Heart
Academy, where she taught physical education and remained
hopeful after the school building closed and notes, “Nothing
ever closed, we just moved on.” Moving on to Villa Angela
Academy at the invitation of the school’s administrators, she
remained close to the Ursulines. And if the call hadn’t been
obvious to her by that time, she would later find herself
serving alongside the sisters at Ursuline College.
Sister Barbara Jean
tries out equipment in the
Ursuline Wellness Center
which she oversees.
Continued on page 10 ➤
9
Sister Barbara Jean Sever
As a young woman with education, experience and a satisfying
career, Sister Barbara Jean “was a mover and a shaker” but still
felt something was missing. “I had a good income. But I felt
lonely inside and God kept calling me. It’s truly a calling.
“I knew the whole (Ursuline) community as an outside
companion,” says Sister Barbara Jean. “I wanted to share
the day-to-day struggles and joys (with them).” Finally, at
the age of 38, she gained the courage to approach Sister
Rose Angela with her desire to explore a religious vocation
with the Ursulines.
As Sister Barbara Jean celebrates 25 years with the community,
she says she’s the happiest she’s ever been and continues
to strive “to become what my predecessors were,” and says,
“I have a lot of work to do. I’m proud to represent the Ursulines
who made so many sacrifices so I can do what I do.”
Of community life, Sister Barbara Jean says being connected
helps members see “the bigger picture” and notes, “Our voice
as a group helps people think a little deeper.” Sharing the
Ursuline charism, too, begs Sister Barbara Jean to ask, “What
face of Angela will I show the world today?” She notes, “If we
don’t connect with Angela, we haven’t connected.”
Sister Barbara Jean says throughout her years as an Ursuline
she hasn’t experienced “change” in religious life, but rather
evolution. Where ministries are concerned, she says women
religious provide strength in any given circumstance. “We’re
connected to women, and not just women religious,” she
notes. “We give a voice to women of the church. There’s not
much we can’t do. And we don’t have to be alone in what
we’re doing.”
“I have a lot of work to do.
I’m proud to represent the Ursulines
who made so many sacrifices so
I can do what I do.”
10
Sister Barbara Jean (right) enjoys Derby Day
with Sister Charlotte Trenkamp.
Sister Barbara Jean remains “amazed” at the opportunities
women religious have to make a difference. “We do have a
voice to empower others and represent a sign of hope in
one another.”
Looking at the future of religious life, she says, “We can become
that example of stability in an unstable time. We now pray more
with people than for people. We need to pray with them. We
need their prayers just as much. Together we become stronger.”
Noting the Cleveland Ursuline congregation was established
in 1850, Sister Barbara Jean acknowledges, “We still have a
following. With hope everything will fall into place. The gift of
hope represents a voice that change is possible.”
Viewing the future of ministry, Sister Barbara Jean sees
progression. “We value the opportunities before us. Seeking
Christ in education leads us to different facets of ministry.”
Sister Barbara Jean, who serves as the Director of Hospitality
Services for the Ursuline Educational Center/Motherhouse, takes
her Ursuline journey one day at a time and says, “The next day
is always better than this day. I’m in awe that I can connect
with so many people.” Something many people don’t know
about Sister Barbara Jean is that she makes it a goal to meet
someone new before she ends each day and says of ministry
service, “It’s not about success. It’s about having your work
touch people.”
Sister Diana taught seven years at
Villa Angela Academy before beginning
advanced study in preparation for her
service at Ursuline College.
Family and the Ursulines
“influenced who I wanted to be,
even more than what I
wanted to do.”
Sister Diana Stano
Sister Diana Stano says religious witness vital in
challenging times
Before deciding to join the Ursulines, Diana Stano entertained
thoughts of going into medicine. But other influences like her
strong Catholic upbringing and exposure to Ursuline Sisters
at St. Joseph School (Collinwood) and Sacred Heart Academy,
opened her to a different call. Her family and the Ursulines,
Sister Diana says, “influenced who I wanted to be, even more
than what I wanted to do.”
A normal teen in every way – she dated, had a car and a
job – she felt something was missing in her life. Finally she
allowed God to have a say. God called, Diana listened, and
during a Sodality retreat, she decided to join the Ursulines
whom she knew to be “good, solid women who cared about
others, and were willing to do whatever they could to help
others.” She entered Sept. 12, 1963 at the age of 18 with
no clear expectation of what religious life would be like, but
determined to do what needed to be done to become what
she was called to be.
Sister Diana earned a degree in chemistry from Ursuline College
and taught seven years at Villa Angela Academy. She earned
master’s and doctoral degrees in science education from
The Ohio State University and joined the Ursuline College
faculty in 1978. She has served as chair of Ursuline’s education
department, founder and director of its first graduate program,
non-public school administration, and dean of graduate
studies. In 1997 she assumed the post she holds today as
the 16th president of Ursuline College.
In all areas of her life, personal and professional, Sister Diana
subscribes to the principles of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of
Highly Effective People based on moving from dependence, to
independence, to interdependence. She finds great application
for religious life. “Our life is all about who we are together,”
she says, “called in St. Angela, in Jesus, etc.”
Like her sisters in community Sister Diana’s experience of
religious life has changed a lot through the years. The “lock
step” mentality has long faded, giving way to a community
climate that is more individualistic. Even spiritually there have
been changes, she notes. “Individually and corporately we
seem to be more rooted in the Gospel and in Saint Angela.
They are the bedrock of our lives.”
Continued on page 12 ➤
11
Sister Diana Stano
And, of course, most of the externals have changed, most
notably the habit. “In the earlier days, our habits generated a
response, mostly positive, some negative. We were accorded
a level of respect that was not always deserved. We are the
people of God; we are not part of the hierarchy.”
Then, of course, there were later years, where the habit
reactions were often stronger and stranger. Sister Diana recalled
stories from the 1970s when she was the only religious in habit
on the 50,000-student Ohio State campus. She often felt as
though she was seen and treated as neither male nor female.
She was a magnet for all kinds of people, conversations and
behaviors. It was not always pleasant.
Sister Diana’s views of religious life have no doubt developed
and expanded in her 46 years in the congregation. She holds
to an unchanging sense of being called to serve the people
of God. “People may be different and our service may be
different,” she suggests, “but the call is still the same.” She tries
to live by a quote she read, which cautions, “Be careful how you
live your life; you may be the only Gospel somebody reads.”
She believes today’s religious women “provide role models
and mentors to the church and to society and in all circles
in which they interact. They supply witness that is valuable
and necessary, especially in these challenging times.” This
does not happen automatically, she notes. “It requires selfless
dedication and commitment to the needs of others, the kind of
commitment that Ursulines have shown throughout history.”
Sister Diana suggests religious life will likely continue to evolve.
Perhaps there will be people looking to make only temporary
commitments. “Today’s young people are undoubtedly drawn
to service,” she says. “They are affiliated with causes, but not
necessarily for life. I’m not sure if it’s more a movement of
God or of human nature. But it certainly has implication for
permanent commitment.”
Permanence is definitely part of Sister Diana’s makeup, in her
college leadership and in her vocation. “I still believe this is
what I am called to do. It requires an every day response;
there’s been no contradictory call strong enough to pull me
away. I am a daughter of Angela, seeking to empower women
to reach their potential; that is why I am an educator. This is
where and how I can make the greatest impact.”
Sister Diana enjoys spending time with Ursuline
College students. She spent an entire semester living
with juniors and seniors in Smith Hall, the newest
residence on campus. (Ursuline College photo)
12
“I am a daughter of Angela,
seeking to empower women
to reach their potential;
that is why I am an educator.
This is where and how I can
make the greatest impact.”
Sister Erin Zubal
Youngest Ursuline serves as role
model to students
“The spirit I witnessed
and experienced among the
sisters and their positive
energy drew me.”
At 22, Erin Zubal experienced what she calls “a persistent
feeling of wanting to do something more” with her life.
Having friends in both the Youngstown and Cleveland Ursuline
communities, she sensed she was being drawn to religious life.
“The spirit I witnessed and experienced among the sisters and
their positive energy drew me,” she recalls.
In other communities like the Sisters of Notre Dame and Sisters
of the Living Word, she met wonderful women, but when
decision time came, she was set on the Cleveland Ursulines
who “were just a better fit.” On January 15, 2006, Erin joined
the community. As a candidate she completed her master’s
degree in social science administration at Case-Western
Reserve. She professed temporary vows January 18, 2009.
Her social work education and a personal commitment to peace
and justice issues have led her to two very different ministries.
She served one year as a social worker at the Cuyahoga County
Correctional Center, providing social services for women
incarcerated in the county jail.
Then she was invited to join the theology faculty at Beaumont
School to teach peace and justice. This year, her second at
Beaumont, she also serves part-time as campus minister.
The women in jail knew Erin was a sister but didn’t really
understand what that meant; the concept of “nun” was foreign
to most. But they trusted that Erin worked efficiently and in a
timely manner attending to their needs. Sister Erin knows she
was put through a “proving period.” She says she was able to
“demonstrate that ‘young’ doesn’t have to mean incapable or
inept.” The same held true at Beaumont; the girls took one look
at Sister Erin’s youthful appearance and dress and thought she
would become their ‘friend.’ “I can be friendly,” she says,
“but I am a teacher and I have to establish myself as such.”
She is grateful for her jail experience. “It made me a better
person. I learned a lot about poverty and about the criminal
justice system.” The work made her more passionate for
justice issues and the need to work for systemic change.
Sister Erin (left) was assisted in her formation by friend
and mentor Sister Anita Whitely who died last year.
It also has given her experience to expand her students’
views of society and its ills.
Her experience of religious life thus far has surpassed her
expectations, particularly in the area of community. “The support
and encouragement I receive in community — and strive to
give in return — is so valuable; it strengthens my commitment
to mission. And having the legacy of so many amazing
Ursuline women living and deceased holds me accountable for
withstanding today’s challenges and advancing the mission.”
She has found she underestimated the challenge of being the
youngest congregational member (next youngest is 17 years
older) and the only one in formation. “I sometimes feel,” she
says rather uncomfortably, “that some see me as the future of
the congregation, as our only hope. That is burdensome. I’m
only one person. That’s when I tell myself it’s about all of us
and that whatever happens happens. The Spirit works through
all of us; all of us need to do what we can.”
Sister Erin believes there is still great value in having religious
in the world, but there is a need for better collaboration
with communities and with the laity. That would form an
even stronger presence in the world and secure a better and
brighter future.
Continued on page 14 ➤
13
Sister Erin Zubal
Today’s religious women offer to the church and the world
a full commitment of gifts and talents to serve the poor and
marginalized, to go and serve where others cannot. Sister Erin
believes that seasoned members like Sister M. Eugene Gear
demonstrate commitment that has weathered change. They
have been persistent and passionate, and have not allowed
themselves to be beaten down by struggles.
Sister Erin offers encouragement to students
in her summer Peace and Justice class.
She looks to middle aged members to be models of fidelity
to the call, to be willing to take new risks for those who follow,
to pave the way for them. And she challenges herself and other
younger members to listen, to keep sacred the story of the
congregation, to let go of what’s not essential.
She sees that occasional restlessness as a normal part of
formation and as part of her generation.
Erin admits she has had a few periods of questioning her
decision to be a sister; she has wondered about staying,
particularly with decreasing numbers and aging members.
“But it is worth it,” she reasons. “I’m proud to be carrying on
the legacy of good women committed to the world and to the
church. I can do this. I want to do this.”
Sister M. Francis Regis Mueller
71 years later, Sister Francis Regis is still excited
to be a sister
On her First Communion Day, Marie Cecelia Mueller, today
known as Sister Francis Regis, knew she wanted to be a sister
and a teacher. A strong Catholic family background and the
influence of teachers nurtured the seed of religious life. Her
fifth grade teacher at St. Colman School was an inspiration,
but it was the “grace of God” and Ursuline Sister Marie
Joseph, her instructor in a commercial high school course,
that stirred her to action.
After completing high school at Villa Angela, Sister Francis
Regis worked two years at the Higbee Co. It provided her with
valuable experience. She suggests it gave her a “taste of living
in the world” and taught her independence and self-sufficiency.”
But still the call persisted.
When she finally decided to make the move and join the
Ursulines, her parents’ response was, “Whatever you want.”
An older brother, John, paved the way when he joined the
Marianists. Accordingly young Marie entered the community
Feb. 2, 1939, at the age of 20.
She has loved being an Ursuline sister. “I have no regrets,” she
insists. “I never considered leaving for another kind of life.” And
for 62 of her 70 years as an Ursuline, she has taught or tutored
in elementary schools throughout the diocese. “I love teaching;
if I had my way I’d still be in the classroom.” Sister Francis Regis
is still available to tutor in the Ursuline Institute of Learning at
the Ursuline Educational Center/Motherhouse.
As rules governing dress relaxed in the 1960s through the
1980s, most sisters started opting out of the habit. Sister
Francis Regis stayed with it because she attaches “witness
value” to wearing distinctive dress. People sometimes see her
in the long habit and assume she is conservative and doesn’t
like change; others have hailed her a “real nun.” “I do what I
think is best for me; others do what they think. It’s not a matter
Continued on page 15 ➤
14
Sister M. Francis Regis Mueller
of right or wrong, good or bad, liberal or conservative. It’s just
a choice, and wearing a habit is my choice.”
Habit choice aside, Sister Francis Regis is a woman of the times.
She has a cell phone and a laptop computer that link her with
family and friends throughout the country. She tools around in
her motorized cart, staying on top of news within the community
and beyond. In the Saint Angela Center where she lives, she
is engaged in a therapy program that employs the Wii Sports
system. She loves Wii bowling. Just recently she bowled a 211,
a new personal high. Not bad for a 92 year-old in a habit!
In considering religious life through the years, Sister Francis
Regis notes contemporary religious life offers more freedom
than she knew as a young sister. She sees that as a good
thing. “We are still accountable to the community, but freer.”
And that freedom extends to ministry choices. Where once
the Ursulines were predominantly a teaching community, by
the late 1970s and early 1980s sisters were given a say in
identifying their choice of work. Sister Francis Regis sees that
as a healthy change because while she never wanted to do
anything but teach, there were some who found classroom
education difficult. Now sisters can minister in a variety of
ways that are more meaningful and fulfilling to them and
still contribute to the overall Mission.
Sister Francis Regis (left) and Sister Marie de Lourdes
sport the old habit before modifications began
in the late 1960s.
“I love teaching; if I had my way
I’d still be in the classroom.
What do today’s religious women offer the church? This 71year member believes they offer themselves, their gifts and
talents, their presence. “In these chaotic times in the world and
in the church,” she suggests, “religious can help stabilize; they
can bring compassion to sensitive and volatile situations. In
schools religious bring order, good education. We need to be
available. That’s the key, availability and presence.”
When asked to anticipate how religious life might change
in the future, she speculates that perhaps women will make
temporary commitments or return to living as early members
did – in homes, not convents, and coming together for prayer
and discussion. Maybe we’ll have fewer members with a looser
structure. “Who knows,” she says, “it’s in God’s hands.”
As for her own hope for the future, this veteran member holds
to Angela’s counsel which promises that we “will never be
abandoned in [our] need,” so she hopes to persevere to the
end. “Angela said it … and I believe her.”
Sister Francis Regis demonstrates her
Wii bowling technique.
15
Sister Gretchen Rodenfels
Religious call takes Sister Gretchen full circle
from Beaumont graduate to president
“Beaumont
always held a
special place
in my heart.
I’ve always had
a love for the
institution.”
At left Sister Gretchen poses with a student from St. John Bosco School where she served
as principal. At right, she is shown with Beaumont guidance secretary, Jill Cancelliere.
The Ursuline Sisters, who “blended a contemplative prayer
life with active ministry,” attracted Sister Gretchen Rodenfels
to religious life when she was a student at Beaumont. It was
at Beaumont where Sister Gretchen first became familiar with
the Ursulines. While she was getting a great education from
the sisters, she noted the happiness and fun she saw in them
and would “hang out” after school more and more to be
with the sisters.
She felt her call to religious life gradually seeping in when she
was a junior at the school and joined the congregation when
she was 18 years old. At that tender age, she couldn’t have
predicted she would someday become the school’s president.
“Beaumont always held a special place in my heart. I’ve always
had a love for the institution,” she says.
Upon entering religious life, Sister Gretchen says her views
of religious life were “idealistic and somewhat unreal,”
perhaps due to her “youthful enthusiasm.” As the years have
gone on, life has tempered her views to become more realistic.
“Thankfully, the heart of religious life has not changed and
I have become more grounded in that heart of religious life,”
she adds.
Throughout her time with the congregation, she would
experience significant changes to religious life itself. She says,
“It’s a mixed blessing” that today religious life is much less
structured than in the past. Relaxed rules allow for much more
contact with people other than those she serves in ministry,
“with my own family, with my own friends.” This, she says,
“puts more responsibility on me to see the elements of my
own spiritual life and to develop and maintain contact with
members of my Ursuline community.”
Sister Gretchen says she feels the people she serves are
much more comfortable with this new model of religious life.
“At the same time,” she says, “they expect each religious to
demonstrate to them her abilities. They no longer have the
mindset that, ‘what sister says, goes.’”
Today, many students’ first exposure to women religious comes
the first day they walk into Beaumont. “The sisters are very
Continued on page 17 ➤
16
Sister Gretchen Rodenfels
special to the girls,” says Sister Gretchen, noting girls of all
faiths attend the school and sincerely appreciate St. Angela
and the Ursuline charism.
And when students leave Beaumont, Sister Gretchen says
she wants them to be conscious of St. Angela's counsel to
“build community wherever you go,” adding, “especially in
situations where they may not know people.” Just as important,
Sister Gretchen says, students graduating from Beaumont leave
knowing “service and peace and justice go hand-in-hand.”
Over the years, Sister Gretchen has seen ministry in
general become much more expansive and less structured.
“My particular ministry of Catholic education has also expanded
to concerns previously outside the boundaries of a classroom
and has become much more non-structured and elective.”
In fact, on the weekends, Sister Gretchen maintains her practice
of licensed massotherapy to serve others while providing
herself a “right brain outlet.”
As they always have, Sister Gretchen says women religious
continue to offer the church and the world the power of
their prayer. Additionally, “Especially in our culture, which is
skeptical, we offer the church and the world the witness of our
lifestyle. Our culture wants witnesses to live what they say.”
She also notes today’s religious woman offers the church and
the world “a rich variety of ministries, especially in Catholic
education.”
Sister Gretchen says she remains committed to her Ursuline
vocation because she is “convinced this is the life God has
called me to live.”
As change is inevitable, Sister Gretchen says of the future of
religious life, “We have to be open to the Spirit. As Ursulines,
we have to follow the inspiration of St. Angela Merici who told
us to be open to the signs of the times.”
Sister Madonna Dickus
Faithful upbringing, Ursuline teachers paved clear
path to Sister Madonna’s vocation
“No one discerns a religious vocation alone nor does one
remain faithful to a religious vocation alone,” says Sister
Madonna Dickus. “From the time I was in second grade, I knew
I wanted to become a sister. The faith of my parents and their
example, magnified by my experience of having the Ursulines
in grade school, made it perfectly clear to me that God loves
me and is always with me.”
Sister Madonna tested her feelings by attending a public high
school and working at the Cleveland Board of Education for
two years after high school. She says the deep feeling of having
a vocation to religious life never left her and only became
stronger even though she “made many new friends in the work
world and had a jazzy convertible.” So, she quit her job and
entered the Ursulines in 1966 at the age of 19.
When Sister Madonna joined the Ursulines, “We had no home
visits, no attendance at family weddings, once-a-month visiting
Sister Madonna served at Villa Angela Academy
and Beaumont School before beginning her tenure
in community service at the Motherhouse.
Continued on page 18 ➤
17
Sister Madonna Dickus
for four hours, restricted mail, no phone calls and we were
assigned our ministry and our place of residence,” she says.
Now, 43 years later, sisters are very free to choose where
they minister and where they live.
After attending Dyke College, Sister Madonna finished her
undergraduate education at Ursuline College and completed
graduate studies at Kent State University. She taught business
11 years at Villa Angela Academy and served as treasurer at
Beaumont School. Then Madonna experienced a shift in ministry
to community service. She filled a position in the congregation’s
Development Office and later became an administrative
assistant to the congregation’s leadership team, a position
she continues to hold.
“I believe I found my niche in community life in a position
of community service,” Sister Madonna says. “I had found
teaching and administration in our schools to be rewarding,
but filling a need in service to our sisters has been rewarding
in a different and fulfilling way—giving back to the community
for all of the blessings I have enjoyed these 43 years.”
During her 20 years of ministering at the Motherhouse,
Sister Madonna’s service has expanded to include the title
of fleet manager of ministry cars, contact person and liaison
for the Motherhouse computer system, and cantor for
community celebrations. “I feel it is a real privilege to sing
the final commendation of one of our sisters as she enters
Sister Madonna has served as administrative assistant
for the congregation’s leadership team since 1991.
18
“It is necessary to renew
our commitment daily, relying
and trusting not just on self,
but on the fidelity of God and
guidance of the Spirit.”
into eternal life,” says Sister Madonna. Just this summer,
she began yet another new community ministry as driver for
the congregation’s new 12-passenger, two-wheelchair bus.
“It is now my joy to provide transportation for our sisters to
shopping trips, wakes and funerals, and fun outings,” she says.
During the past year Sister Madonna moved to St. Anselm
Convent—her first time living in a parish since she joined the
Ursuline community. She notes, “This new experience has held
new blessings and new relationships. Being a part of a parish
community of faith is enriching. During this time of upheaval
in the parish life in the Diocese of Cleveland, I feel it is very
important to be present and witness to the Catholic people
as a person of faith, commitment and fidelity.”
Reflecting on her vocation, Sister Madonna says, “My 25th
Jubilee was a real eye-opening time in which I realized I was
celebrating not my 25 years of fidelity, but God’s fidelity to me.”
She says God has always been there and protected her and
her vocation. She has seen more vividly the presence of God in
leading her through difficulties after the difficulties have passed.
“What seemed impossible, hurtful and sometimes ‘the end of
the world’ became very clear and definitely and clearly the right
path for change. Many times these circumstances protected my
commitment to a religious/community life.”
Sister Madonna sees challenges as well as opportunities
for trust in God’s Providence and guidance of the Holy Spirit
in today’s world. “We are building on our history of serving
the people of God looking for ways to minister with them, not
just to them,” she says. “We are looking to the heritage left by
our foundress, Angela, to guide us into living among rather
than living withdrawn from society.” As never before, she says,
“It is necessary to renew our commitment daily, relying and
trusting not just on self, but on the fidelity of God and the
guidance of the Spirit.”
Mary Kay wanted
to “do more” with her
life. She sensed within
herself a “calling to
serve others.”
Before assuming her current position as school
counselor, Sister Mary Kay taught 16 years in the
primary level at Urban Community School.
Sister Mary Kay Conkey
Sister Mary Kay serves with passion for God,
God’s people
Looking back on the day more than 27 years ago, Sister Mary
Kay Conkey is not sure which was the bigger shock: that she
had really heard her name “as clear as day,” or that she had
actually given up one of two precious weeks of vacation to
make a vocation retreat.
During the retreat at the Humility of Mary Sisters’ Center
in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania, Mary Kay recalls being outside
when she heard someone call her name. She looked around
and saw no one. She was certain, as she remains today,
that that was her “call.”
Mary Kay, working at the time as business manager at
St. Alexis Hospital, wanted to “do more” with her life.” She
sensed within herself a “calling to serve others.” The retreat
provided the call and the answers she was seeking.
Mary Kay was acquainted with many sisters. She was taught
by Felicians at St. Louis School and Sisters of Notre Dame
at St. Peter High School, and knew one Ursuline quite well.
Sister Mary Laura Bouhall is Mary Kay’s aunt.
Following the retreat, she researched a few communities before
finally talking to Sister Mary Laura, whom she affectionately
refers to as “my aunt the nun.” Mary Kay’s major hesitation
was that she didn’t want to teach and the Ursulines’ primary
ministry was education. Her aunt told her not to worry. Mary
Kay walked away from the conversation totally changed,
instantly at peace.
With mind and heart settled on the Ursulines, Mary Kay
entered the community August 15, 1982, from St. Louis Parish.
She was 31.
Sister Mary Kay’s experience of religious life has been fairly
peaceful. “Those of us who entered in the 1980s and later
missed the upheaval older members endured,” she notes.
The greatest changes occurred in the late 60s and 70s; by
the time she arrived, the community had stabilized. Still, in
her years in community Sister Mary Kay has witnessed a
relaxing of rules and the final change in dress, freeing sisters
to don more contemporary styles.
Continued on page 20 ➤
19
Sister Mary Kay Conkey
Early on, Sister Mary Kay experienced a major shift of her own.
The young woman, who was so reluctant to teach, decided to
pursue elementary education. She credits Sister M. Eugene with
encouraging her to take the plunge.
She completed her studies at Ursuline College and did her
student teaching at Urban Community School. She has been
there ever since. She found that she loved teaching; it was
a “perfect match.” She taught 16 years in the lower primary
level. When the need arose for a school counselor Mary Kay
responded. She earned a master’s of education in school
counseling from John Carroll and has been counseling full
time at Urban for the past six years.
While she worried that she might lose touch with students,
she sees now her work with students has a potentially wider
impact on all areas of their lives and their family’s life and wellbeing. Parents are integrally involved in the counseling process,
and they “see the extra care provided by Ursulines. They know
we’ll take the time to listen. This is more than a job; it’s our life.
It’s more about who we are than what we do.”
In considering the role of religious women in today’s church
and society, Sister Mary Kay applauds the touring Women
and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America exhibit for making
a significant statement about the contributions of women
religious throughout the years. She says, “Now people see
us as … confident and capable ministers … With the church
going through some rough waters – abuse scandal and local
church closings and mergers – people look to us for peace
and healing and stability.”
She believes this is the time for religious to establish more
inter-congregational partnerships, working together for the
good of the people we serve. She suggests that religious life
as we know it may die out … but “I think there will always be
vowed religious among us. Maybe we will see the formation
of new lay partnerships and/or a new associate member group
interested in joining us in ministry, as well as spirituality.
We are writing the future now.”
Sister Mary Kay still has the same burning love for God and for
God’s people, and the energy and spirit to do God’s will as an
Ursuline. “Sure, there have been rough patches,” she admits,
“but I can honestly say in my 25-plus years here I have never
thought seriously of leaving. This is what I do; this is who I am.
And that is why I stay.”
This is what I do; this is
who I am. And that is
why I stay.”
Sister Mary Kay stepped out of her counselor
role and assisted with a summer camp program
at Urban Community School in June.
20
Sister Maureen Doyle
Passion for education, service led
Sister Maureen to Ursulines
Wonderful educational opportunities and a desire to live
a life of service led Sister Maureen Doyle to the Cleveland
Ursulines in 1968. Knowing the Ursulines’ legacy as pioneering
educators, Sister Maureen felt a strong connection to the order.
“I knew the value of education and it was very important to
me. Good education recognizes the individual and motivates
people to attain knowledge. Students discover themselves in
the process and become empowered to live life to its fullest.”
Sister Maureen, today Director of Ursuline-sponsored
Urban Community School on Cleveland’s Near West Side,
entered religious life at 19. During her early years as an
Ursuline, she says she had wonderful teachers who formed her
understanding of religious life, theology and faith, among them
Father Anthony Pilla and Sisters James Francis and Kenan.
At the time Sister Maureen entered, change was unfolding with
the influence of Vatican II. “I never experienced ‘grand silence’
or the cloister elements of religious life. The life I experienced
was open, reflective and encouraging to me.” The Council
offered opportunity for growth. She notes that the “changes
were liberating. We assumed greater responsibility for
ourselves and the choices we made.”
The opportunity to serve as a witness of Christ among us
strengthens Sister Maureen’s commitment to her vocation.
“We continue to offer ourselves as instruments of Christ to
be with and among people who need us.” And, she says,
“I feel a personal calling from God.” She admits through
college and several teaching experiences her faith life has
Before going to Urban Community, Sister Maureen
taught at St. Clare School in Lyndhurst.
been challenged, yet has continued to grow. She understands
every life has its challenges and throughout her life she knows
the importance of faith and prayer. “We recommit everyday to
that to which we are called.”
Through the years, Sister Maureen’s views of religious life
have changed; now she sees the importance of individual
sisters taking responsibility for their ministerial and prayer lives.
She says external trappings, like clothing, gave the appearance
of unity and conformity. She recognizes the decline in the
number of women seeking membership in religious life as an
opportunity for women religious to design creative models
for religious life.
Continued on page 22 ➤
“We are present to people rather than separate from them.
We are available within the community and we are one with them.”
21
Sister Maureen Doyle
At the same time, Sister Maureen says people continue to trust
and have confidence in women religious. “We are present to
people rather than separate from them,” she notes. “We are
available within the community and we are one with them.”
Considering the changes in religious life she has experienced,
she says, “As Ursulines, part of our charism is to be adaptable.
We live in a world of change. Ministry unfolds and we respond
to the needs of the people; that has been a constant since
our founding.”
In terms of what the future holds for religious life, Sister
Maureen again refers to the Ursulines’ ability to change with
the times. “As difficult as it is for most people, change is
normal. At times we resist change; at other times we gravitate
toward it. The Ursulines are a wonderful group of women who
seek to respond to the needs of people and together we pray
that our actions further the Kingdom here on earth.”
Sister Maureen takes time to visit with
Urban Community students.
With a history of 475 years, she believes there is reason
to believe the Ursuline order will endure. “We may not know
how future generations will embrace the Ursuline charism and
tradition of service to God’s people, but we can be assured
St. Angela will always inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”
Sister Ruth Marie Behrend
Women religious are gift to church, society
Sister Ruth Marie Behrend recalls being drawn to the
Ursulines because of special teachers like Sisters Mary Mark
Walsh and M. Ursula Fahey at Villa Angela Academy. “Their
life – or what appeared to be their life – appealed to me, even
as an 18-year-old,” she says. While the decision to enter was
an easy one for her, it was not for her parents; they stubbornly
opposed her choice. The memory, still painful at times, stays
with her. “I was their only daughter; they had other plans
and hopes for me. It was hard.”
After a difficult summer her parents relented, still not happy
with her choice. Ruth Marie joined the community from Holy
Cross Parish Sept. 8, 1949. Last April she marked 60 years
as an Ursuline.
She and her 17 other set members didn’t have time to worry
about adjusting to their new life. Their novitiate experience
was very fundamental and work-oriented. They were kept busy
with full-time study and assigned chores. Then their college
Continued on page 23 ➤
22
Sister Ruth Marie (left) and Sister Janet Moore
(formerly Sister Ruth Therese) taught sixth grade
at St. Ann School in Cleveland Heights.
Sister Ruth Marie Behrend
studies switched to courses on Saturdays to accommodate
their teaching schedule during the week. In those early times
together, Sister Ruth Marie recalls, “Our personalities started
coming out. We had our disagreements, but we still enjoyed
each other. And as a group we developed the ability to adjust
and think on our feet,” good skills for teachers.
“This is my vocation. I have spent
60 years saying a daily ‘yes.’
I will continue to do so.”
A highlight of her religious life occurred after the Second Vatican
Council ended in 1965. Father Paul Hritz, a professor at St. John
College, gave presentations on the council documents and all
the changes being made. This was significant, Sister Ruth Marie
notes, because it brought about “a deeper understanding and
greater appreciation of the truths of our faith. Along with the
changes in our spiritual life came changes in our way of life.
Less rigid observance of rules brought about a wider variety
of contacts and allowed us greater freedom in utilizing our
gifts and talents.”
The relaxed rules made for better, more complementary
relationships with non-religious, she says. “The fear and
standoffishness that marked our interactions gradually
disappeared and we became colleagues, friends and
neighbors. It was much healthier and more life-giving.”
Throughout her years in the community Sister Ruth Marie has
come to a deeper appreciation of her own vocation and the
wonderful work of religious women everywhere. She credits
Father Hritz for that as well. “He inspired appreciation for
what Vatican II documents contained and what they meant
for the church and religious life … Unfortunately, many of the
anticipated changes never materialized. Perhaps we could use
a Vatican Council III,” she says only half-jokingly.
She believes the recent Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in
America exhibit, chronicling contributions of religious women
in the United States, helped enlighten the general public about
sisters and their importance to the church and to society.
The exhibit, which had a record-breaking four month run at
the Maltz Museum, helped people recognize the gift religious
women have been and still are today, even though we are
fewer in number. The bottom line is, she suggests, “where there
is a need, religious women will respond however they are able.”
Sister Ruth Marie’s ministry has taken numerous turns. She
taught at the elementary level for 23 years, served as principal
for 12 years, and then served as treasurer/business manager
Sister Ruth Marie marked her 60th jubilee
in April. She is shown here with her brother, Jim,
at the jubilee reception.
at Villa Angela and Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. She
ministered in the congregation’s Finance Office and still assists
the motherhouse community treasurer. She resides in the Saint
Angela Center.
A primary ministry change she has observed in recent years
is the movement from superior-generated “obediences” to
sisters’ self-placement in finding and negotiating their own
ministry positions. This has not really affected her, however,
since her last 16 years of active ministry have been in service
to the congregation.
Still, she derives great satisfaction from her life knowing that
she has lived with a “thy will be done” spirit and from knowing
her service has allowed others to minister elsewhere. “I didn’t
serve the homeless or people with AIDS,” she acknowledges,
“but what I did in my ministry enabled others to do what they
were called to do. I’ve realized not only what service I’ve given,
but what others are doing and giving.”
So after 60 years, what keeps her here? The answer is a simple
one. “This is my vocation. I have spent 60 years saying a daily
‘yes.’ I will continue to do so.”
23
Why we came & Why we stay
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