Fall 2002 - Sisters Of St. Benedict

The D me 

Fall/Winter 2002 

Volume 2, Number 3 

Departments 

From the News Desk 9 

Milestones 11 

Partners of St. Benedict 16 

Contributors 17 

Dedication Gifts 18 

Memorial Gifts 19 

St. Hildegard Society 24 

Calendar of Events 26 

Message from the prioress 

Dear friends, 

“What are the sisters doing?” In this 

double issue of The Dome, we answer that 

often-heard question with our annual list of 

all the sisters and the ways they serve. I am 

happy to report that three of our newer 

members—having finished their postulancy, 

novitiate, and first year of temporary profession—have 

moved into full-time ministry positions. Sister Bonnie 

Bierwagen is a high school religion teacher, Sister Rebecca 

Ann Mathauer is a parish pastoral associate and director of 

religious education, and Sister Vivian Ramos is a veterinarian 

at an animal hospital. 

In other good news, two new postulants are part of our 

community. Postulant Stephanie Youstra and Postulant 

Amy Ann Morgan joined us in August. We feel blessed by 

God with members who are continuing their integration 

into monastic life and new members who are entering the 

community. 

We also feel blessed by you! This issue includes our 

Stewardship Report for the 2001–2002 fiscal year (page 

25). It shows that your generosity contributed $837,381 to 

our annual fund and $1,069,381 in planned giving 

donations. (This is the first time in our history that 

planned gifts surpassed $1 million.) 

In addition, our Summer Social raised $132,805 in net 

profits, an amount that we designated for The Center of 

Our Lives campaign to restore the monastery church. 

You’ll find a report on the capital campaign on page 3 and 

some views of the Summer Social on page 21. 

Because this has been a time of economic uncertainty 

for all of us, we feel all the more gratitude for your 

generous giving. Thank you for helping us care for our 

elderly members, educate our new members for ministry, 

and support our various mission efforts. You are a vital part 

of our lives, and we thank God for you each day! 

Sister Joella Kidwell, OSB 

Prioress, Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana 

The Center of Our Lives 3 

The campaign for restoration of the church is at 

a pivotal place. 

Buildings update 3 

The community is seeking tenants for empty 

buildings, as it closes some to save costs. 

Continuing to serve a world in need 4 

A complete list of the Sisters of St. Benedict of 

Ferdinand and where they are serving. 

In memoriam 21 

Sister Kathleen Finis 

Stewardship report 25 

A report on Mission Advancement revenue and 

disbursements for the 2001–2002 fiscal year. 

Front cover 

(Top, from left) Groups of sisters prepare to leave for missions 

in 1966. Sister Gemma Gettelfinger provides nursing care to 

Sister Estelle Knapp in 1975. Sister Mary Carmel Spayd is at 

her principal’s desk at Evansville’s Mater Dei High School in 

1978. (Center) Sister Mary Justin Ott teaches at St. Francis 

Xavier School, Poseyville, in 1963. (Bottom, from left) Sister 

Vivian Ramos, veterinarian, and a feline friend. Sister Ebba 

Limberger, who provides crafts creations for the gift shop, 

and Sister Shirley Ann Schultheis, activities coordinator for 

the senior sisters, assemble angel necklaces. Sister Jennifer 

Dippel provides rehabilitation therapy in Evansville. 

Back cover 

One of the holly trees on the monastery grounds. 

Published by 

Sisters of St. Benedict 

Monastery Immaculate Conception 

802 E. 10th Street • Ferdinand, Indiana 47532-9239 

812-367-1411 • http://www.thedome.org 

Prioress 

Sister Joella Kidwell, OSB 

Director of Mission Advancement 

Sister Rose Mary Rexing, OSB 

Director of Communications, Editor 

Karen Katafiasz 

Communications Associates 

Sister Paulette Seng, OSB 

Angi Seffernick 

Circulation 

Sister Sharon Hollander, OSB 

The Dome is published four times a year for the friends of the Sisters of 

St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana. 

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, are 217 religious women 

who minister in schools, parishes, church institutions, health care facilities, 

retreat centers, and social service agencies in Indiana, Kentucky, 

Illinois, Italy, Peru, and Guatemala. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

We, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, are monastic women 

who live the Benedictine tradition of seeking God through prayer and 

work. We witness Jesus Christ by our community life, our hospitality, and 

our service. We are dedicated to leadership in spirituality and in education, 

and we are committed to stewardship of God’s creation.

Church restoration campaign enters 

new critical phase: ‘3 to go!’ 

Never has the exterior of the monastery church looked more 

beautiful. The masonry, stained-glass windows, clay tile roof, 

ornamental columns, carved limestone, ceramic inlays—all glow 

with a renewed richness and radiance. Exterior restoration of the 

church has been a wonderful success. 

Ah, but the interior. The outside beauty makes the inside 

deterioration all the more heartbreaking. Huge pieces of the canvas 

ceiling are gone, having torn and fallen, exposing the brown 

horsehair and straw insulation. Plaster crumbles from walls, arches, 

and around windows, hopelessly damaged by moisture and humidity. 

The worn wooden flooring is paper thin in spots. 

Other serious problems are invisible: an inadequate, outdated 

electrical system that presents a fire hazard, ineffective air handling 

and temperature control, a poor sound system. 

What a person sees when first entering the church can be 

misleading. The view remains awe-inspiring; somehow, the building’s 

inherent beauty shines through the deterioration and the problems. 

Yet the reality is that the church is a treasure in jeopardy, and 

restoration is at a critical point. 

Sisters looking for tenants for former academy buildings 

What are the sisters doing with 

the empty buildings on the monastery 

grounds? 

Since Marian Heights Academy 

closed in the summer of 2000, that has 

been a frequent question from people 

who know the Sisters of St. Benedict 

of Ferdinand. The academy had used 

over 160,000 square feet of space, 

more than a third of the total square 

footage in all monastery buildings. 

The answer comes in two parts: 

• The sisters are actively exploring 

uses for the buildings, including 

seeking tenants to lease them. 

• In the meantime, the sisters have 

decided to close three buildings 

that were used by the school and 

to shut down sections of a fourth 

building that housed classrooms. 

The buildings being closed are 

Madonna Hall (the residential hall), 

the East Annex (also known as the 

Academic Wing), and the Art Studio. 

Portions of St. Joseph Hall, other than 

the library area, are also being closed. 

(The academy’s science department 

had been located on the second floor 

of that building.) Monastery functions 

based in St. Joseph Hall—laundry, 

bulk mail processing, sewing—are 

being relocated to other sites. 

The closings will save costs for 

utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, 

and insurance. According to 

3 

business manager Alan Hoffman, the 

goal is to achieve a net savings of 

$100,000 for the fiscal year. 

The community decided to close 

Madonna Hall and the East Annex 

during July meetings, and voted to 

close the Art Studio and St. Joseph 

Hall at meetings held October 26–27. 

The sisters have been conducting 

space usage studies of all their 

Ferdinand buildings as part of their 

overall planning. “With the academy 

closed and our membership smaller 

than it was when these buildings were 

constructed, we have more total 

building space than we need today,” 

explained Sister Joella Kidwell, prioress. 

“Maintaining these unused and 

underutilized areas is costly, and we 

need to cut unnecessary expenses to 

balance our operational budget. We 

must be financially responsible, so 

that we can continue to minister 

effectively and be faithful to our 

mission as we understand it today.” 

The sisters have no plans to raze 

any buildings. Instead, “we have been 

aggressively seeking other uses for our 

vacant buildings, including leasing to 

outside groups,” Sister Joella said. 

With Hoffman, the sisters: 

• have met with a number of 

consulting firms and organized 

study groups; 

• conducted a survey of 600 

The Center 

of Our Lives 

campaign has 

raised $5.4 

million—in 

cash donations, pledges to be paid over three-to-five years, and inkind 

gifts, both received and anticipated. “That’s certainly an 

accomplishment in this unstable economy and evidence of the 

generosity of our supporters,” says Sister Joella Kidwell, prioress. 

But restoration requires $3 million more. 

Citing the need to be fiscally responsible, the Ferdinand 

Benedictines decided to put interior restoration on hold until they 

can raise the remaining $3 million. The decision was part of the 

sisters’ financial deliberations during July community meetings. 

“We’ve already achieved so much. We’re looking at this as just 3 

more to go!” Sister Rose Mary Rexing, director of Mission Advancement, 

says with enthusiasm. “We expect the church to be even more 

breathtaking after restoration,” she adds. “What a sign of praise to 

God it will be!” 

If you would like information on how your gift can help bring about restoration of the interior of the monastery church, 

please contact Sister Rose Mary Rexing at 812-367-1411, ext. 2630, or rmrosb@thedome.org. 

religious organizations (the 

results indicated little interest in 

using the buildings as they are); 

• have been consulting with their 

recently formed Executive 

Advisory Council, composed of 

civic and church leaders and 

supporters of the religious 

community; 

• have been informing businesses, 

non-profit organizations, and 

government agencies about the 

availability of the buildings. 

Possible uses for Madonna Hall that 

have already been explored include an 

independent or assisted living facility, a 

conference center, and a retreat 

center. Hoffman noted that each of 

these uses showed major drawbacks; 

some uses were not financially feasible, 

and some appeared to be possible only 

if the religious community partnered 

with another entity. 

One contact made—with personnel 

from Americorps, the government-funded 

national service 

program—has shown some promise, 

Hoffman said. But Madonna Hall 

would be one of a number of facilities 

under consideration, and a selection 

won’t be made until next year or later. 

The sisters are continuing their 

space study to determine where they 

can further consolidate space and 

whether other areas can be closed.

Continuing to serve 

a world in need 

For many people who grew up Catholic around the middle 

of the 20th century, the women they called “Sister” hold a 

special place in their hearts. These women were a dependable 

presence in their childhood—typically bringing caring and 

orderliness to crowded classrooms, offering glimpses into new 

worlds of learning, and sharing the foundations of faith. 

Those experiences carved deep impressions—so deep that 

today, when Catholic adults hear about sisters, many still 

think of women in traditional habits standing among a cluster 

of schoolchildren. 

Of course, these days, most women religious have a 

different look—and the ways they serve are more varied and 

less predictable. They also tend to minister individually rather 

than in groups, as once was the norm. 

It used to be, Sister Joella Kidwell, prioress, recalls, that 

when sisters left for their “mission” assignments away from the 

monastery, there would be groups of five or six, or more, and 

each group would be headed for one destination—a school. 

“Because of our sheer numbers, we made a powerful impact,” 

she says. 

Today, when a group of sisters live together outside 

Ferdinand, it’s likely that each has a different place of 

ministry. Among the sisters on East Walnut Street 

in Evansville, for instance, are a university 

student, a high school bookkeeper, a 

grade school teacher, a veterinarian, 

and a clinical 

psychologist. 

Sisters may be harder to identify than they were in the past, 

especially for those people still looking for habit-wearing 

women in classrooms. And their numbers are smaller. But they 

continue to serve—in many, many ways. And not only do they 

still have the opportunity to make an impact, but perhaps their 

influence can be even deeper and more far-reaching than ever 

before, touching a wide variety of God’s people. 

Speaking to the sisters gathered for the community’s 

missioning ceremony this past July, Sister Joella reflected on 

what they can bring to a world that is so much in need. 

“What is needed, what is lacking in our world today,” she 

said, “is a sense of the spiritual. What is lacking is meaning. 

What is needed in the workplace, in family life, in the 

government, in the schools and hospitals is a sense of soul.” 

What this world needs, she continued, “are women and 

men of character and integrity who understand the call of the 

Gospel and are willing to witness it by their lives. …Today’s 

world does not need women religious so much to do; today’s 

world needs women religious to be.” 

“Be women of prayer, of discipline, of integrity. The world 

needs women who continue to strive to live what they 

profess—authentic women. Society needs women with 

compassionate listening hearts. Sprinkle a few of these 

women around a city in various works and institutions and 

each can be the leaven of grace that will make 

these…institutions places of compassion, love, care, and 

excellence.” 

Much has changed since the time sisters taught in 

every Catholic classroom, but one fact is firm. 

They continue to make a difference wherever 

they serve; their 

presence makes 

the world a 

better place. 

4

St. Benedict Hall 

Sister Mary Matthew Baehl 

Religious Education, Ferdinand; PM* 

Sister Mary Elise Bassler 

Administrative Secretary; MS* 

Sister Catherine Beach 

Courtyard Flowers/Plants; PM 

Sister Benita Biever 

Reader for sight impaired; Needlework; 

Midday Prayer Leader; PM 

Sister Josepha Book 

PM 

Sister Mary Sarah Briggeman 

Music Ministry; Pray with Sisters in 

Infirmary; Infirmary Organist; 

Outreach–Nursing Home; MS 

Sister Francesca Brogan 

Artist; MS 

Sister Anna Marie Brosmer 

Infirmary Night Nurse; MS 

Sister Mary Ethel Busam 

DRE, St. Mark and Leopold; Tours; MS 

Sister Benedicta Clauss 

ESL Tutor and Teacher; Laundry 

Sister Mary Roman Dall 

Assistant to Monastery Coordinator; 

Guest Department; MS 

Sister Lorraine DeVault 

Chauffeur; Work as Assigned; 

Purchasing; MS 

Sister Mary Lou Dick 

Registered Nurse, Pending 

Sister Brenda Englert 

Midday Prayer Leader; Infirmary 

Service; PM; MS 

Sister Mary Hilary Fehribach 

CCD, Ferdinand; KRC* Duty; 

Sewing for the Poor; PM; MS 

Sister Johnette Finis 

MS 

Sister Dolores Folz 

Supervisor of Housekeeping 

Sister Mary Noel Franchville 

Personal Effects of Infirmary Sisters; 

Care of Camp; KRC Duty; MS 

Sister Mary Dominic Frederick 

Archivist; MS 

Sister Sylvia Gehlhausen 

Minister of Hospitality and Guest 

Priests; Oblate Team Member; MS 

Sister Gemma Gettelfinger 

Infirmary Organist and Sacristan; PM 

5 

Sister Mary Mark Graf 

Special Projects, Mission Advancement 

Office; Oblate Team Member; MS 

Sister Anna Gramelspacher 

Assist in Archives; PM 

Sister Dolorosa Hasenour 

Midday Prayer Leader; Substitute 

Sacristan in Infirmary; PM; MS 

Sister Madonna Helmer 

Gift Shop Staff; Music Ministry; 

Companion for Infirmary Sister 

Sister Assunta Highbaugh 

Writing History of Holy Spirit 

Monastery (California) 

Sister Mary Karen Hill 

Associate Liturgist; Music Ministry; 

Sisters’ Music Lessons; MS 

Sister Irene Hoehn 

KRC Duty, MS 

Sister Mary Sharon Hoehn 

Rosary Making; PM; Laundry; MS 

Sister Corita Hoffman 

Needlework for Gift Shop; Swap 

Shop; MS 

Sister Mary Edith Hohl 

ESL Tutor; Outreach–Nursing 

Home; Laundry; MS 

Sister Bernice Kavanaugh 

Assist with Personal Effects of 

Infirmary Sisters; PM 

Sister Mary Charlotte Kavanaugh 

CCD, Ferdinand; PM; MS 

Sister Christine Kempf 

Monastery Coordinator, Director of 

Tourism; MS 

Sister Mary Victor Kercher 

ESL Ministry; Archives Translation; 

KRC Duty; Assist Infirmary Sisters; 

Chauffeuring; Tours; MS 

Sister Joella Kidwell 

Prioress 

Sister Vera Kloeck 

Supervisor of Dining Areas; KRC 

Duty; Communion to the Sick; MS 

Sister Rosa Lee Koch 

Database Entry, Mission Advancement 

Office; Switchboard; MS 

Sister Mary Regis Krampe 

Archivist Secretary; MS 

Sister Dolorita Libs 

Communion to the Sick; Chauffeur; 

Care of Camp; Hair Care; MS 

Assignments of Service 

Sisters are listed according to their place of residence, 

beginning with those at the monastery. 

In addition to the assignments of service, sisters may 

serve in the following areas: adoration, dishwashing, 

helping with sick, switchboard, bell ringing, flower beds, 

Sister Mary Longtine 

Tour Guide; MS 

Sister Marilyn Market 

ESL, Dale; Swap Shop; Tours; MS 

Sister Mary Celestin Maurer 

Subprioress; MS 

Sister Helen Maurer 

Music Ministry; Music Lessons; MS 

Sister Carla Mitchell 

Laundry; PM; MS 

Sister Michelle Mohr 

Liturgist; Choir Director; Music 

Ministry; MS 

Sister Mary William Moore 

Laundry; PM 

Sister Eileen Reckelhoff 

Infirmary Administrator/Pastoral 

Care; MS 

Sister Mary Oliver Reising 

Eucharistic Bread Baker; Midday 

Prayer and Infirmary Organist; 

Communion to the Sick; Reflexology 

Sister Angela Sasse 

Outreach Ministry; Laundry; MS 

Sister Marge Sasse 

Clothing Department; CCD; 

Communion to the Sick; Oblate 

Team Member; MS 

Sister Mary Clare Scheessele 

Business Office; Spiritual Director; 

Secretary for Federation President 

Sister Mary Kenneth Scheessele 

Special Projects for Archives; PM; 

MS 

Sister LaVerne Scheller 

Mail Clerk; Switchboard Operator; 

MS 

Sister Theresita Schenk 

Composer; Music Ministry; Music 

Lessons; MS 

Sister Anna Mae Schepers 

Local Chauffeur; Needlework; MS 

Sister Shirley Ann Schultheis 

Activities Coordinator; MS 

Sister Elnora Shidler 

Chauffeur; Work as Assigned; 

Communion to the Sick; MS 

Sister Mary Carmel Spayd 

Sacristan; Flower Gardens; MS 

Sister Mary Carmen Spayd 

Secretary, Vocation Office; Laundry; 

Flower Gardens; MS 

liturgical ministry, table reading, dining room service, 

general cleaning, supper service, and volunteer service. 

*In this list, monastery service is designated as MS, 

Kordes Retreat Center is designated as KRC, and prayer 

ministry is designated as PM. 

M INISTRIES

M INISTRIES 

Sister Martha Marie Tempel 

Quilting; PM 

Sister Bernette Wildeman 

Rosary Making; Laundry; PM 

Sister Michelle Willett 

Chauffeur; Work as Assigned; Hair 

Care; MS 

Infirmary 

Sister Marie Block 

PM 

Sister Mary Adolph Egloff 

PM 

Sister Mercedes Emmert 

Laundry; PM 

Sister Julia Goebel 

PM 

Sister Mary Othmar Hasenour 

Needlework; PM 

Sister Francille Heckel 

PM 

Sister Annelle Libs 

Laundry; PM 

Sister Ebba Limberger 

Laundry; Crafts; PM 

Sister Edna Market 

PM 

Sister Celine Meyer 

PM 

Sister Ildephonse Retzer 

PM 

Sister Jovita Scheessele 

PM 

Sister Juliana Scheessele 

Infirmary Service; Laundry; PM 

Sister Rosella Spindler 

PM 

Sister Mary Aquin Verkamp 

PM 

Sister Blandina Wendholt 

Laundry; PM; MS 

Sister Adele Weyer 

Laundry; PM 

Sister Dolores Folz, supervisor of housekeeping at 

the monastery, places laundry in a washer. 

BENET HALL 

Sister Jeanette Adler 

Librarian, Forest Park Jr./Sr. High School 

Sister Jane Becker 

Initial Formation Director; Coordinator 

of Planning; MS 

Sister Celeste Boda 

Gift Shop Staff; MS 

Sister Mary Claude Croteau 

Assistant Director of Initial Formation; MS 

Sister Rosemary Dauby 

Physician Assistant, Corydon and 

Leavenworth, Indiana; MS 

Sister Tess Dueñas 

Assistant Director of Initial Formation; 

Buildings Transition Assistant; MS 

Sister Catherine Marie Duenne 

Novice; Tours; MS 

Sister Mary Judith Fleig 

Business Office; English/Spanish 

Translator in Dubois County Court 

System; Guadalupe Center; MS 

Sister Mary Benet Goodrum 

Monastery Kitchen Staff; MS 

Sister Mary Lee Hillenbrand 

Infirmary Aide; Weekend/Substitute 

Tour Guide; MS 

Sister Sharon Hollander 

Printing; Bulk Mailings; Pool; MS 

Sister Isidora Jiménez 

English/Music Student; MS 

Sister Jeannine Kavanaugh 

Technology Services Assistant; 

Computer Graphic Design; MS 

Sister Louise Laroche 

Teacher, Holy Family School, Jasper; 

Oblate Team Member 

Sister Jayn Elizabeth Lein 

Pastoral Associate/DRE, St. 

Clement Parish, Boonville; MS 

Postulant Amy Anne Morgan 

Postulant; MS 

Sister Susan Ann Necas 

Music Teacher, Washington Catholic 

Schools; MS 

Sister Mary Celeste Oberst 

Mail Clerk; PM; MS 

Sister Barbara Ann Offerman 

Gift Shop Staff 

Sister Rose Mary Rexing 

Director of Mission Advancement 

Sister Cathy Ann Robinson 

Pastoral Associate, St. Meinrad, 

Fulda, Siberia 

Sister Debra Ann Schafer 


Sister Marilyn Schroering 

Monastery Kitchen Staff; Chauffeur; MS 

Sister Paulette Seng 

Communications Associate, Mission 

Advancement Office; MS 

Sister Jacqueline Shively 

Business Office; MS 

Sister Tammy Lynn Shoemaker 


Sister Geneva Stumler 

Clothing Department Supervisor; 

Hair Care; Rose Garden; MS 

Sister Teresa Elizabeth Stutz 

Capital Campaign Secretary, Mission 

Advancement Office; MS (2002); 

Student (2003) 

Sister Corda Trouy 

Assist in Activities; CCD, 

Ferdinand; Monastery Service 

Sister Mary Louise Uebelhor 

Music Minister, St. Henry and St. 

Mary, Ireland; Music Ministry 

Sister Mary Ann Verkamp 

Monastery Librarian; Noon bell; MS 

Sister Charlene Ann Wheeless 

Gift Shop Manager 

Sister Kate Willegal 

Assistant Infirmary Administrator/ 

Pastoral Care; MS 

Sister Jan Youart 

Chauffeur; Work as Assigned; KRC 

Duty; MS 

Postulant Stephanie Youstra 

Postulant; MS 

KORDES RETREAT CENTER 

Sister Mary André Gettelfinger 

Facility and Hospitality Coordinator, 

KRC; Hair Care 

Sister Kathryn Huber 

President, Federation of St. 

Gertrude; Spiritual Direction; 

Oblate Team Member 

Sister Leona Schlachter 

Director of Food Services, KRC 

Sister Barbara Catherine Schmitz 

Director, KRC 

ALABAMA STREET 

Sister Linda Bittner 

ESL and English Teacher, Alternative 

Education Center, Dale 

Sister Patty Lasher 

Counselor, Saint Meinrad School of 

Theology 

Sister Maria Tasto 

Web Site Spirituality Coordinator; 

Retreats/Spiritual Direction; 

Teaching in Initial Formation 

FARM HOUSE 

Sister Jean Marie Ballard 

Monastery Treasurer 

Sister Karen Sue Durliat 

Associate Director, Ministry to the 

Spanish-speaking, Evansville Diocese 

Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau 

6

Director of Ongoing Formation; 

Spiritual Direction/Counseling 

Sister Anita Louise Lowe 

Co-Director of Vocation Ministries 

Sister Jenny Schmitt 

Co-Director of Vocation Ministries 

BEECH GROVE 

Sister Betty Drewes 

Director of Spirituality, Benedict Inn 

Retreat and Conference Center 

Sister Jennifer Dippel 

Director of Physical, Occupational, 

and Speech Therapy, St. Paul’s 

Hermitage Retirement Home 

CELESTINE 

Sister Brenda Englemen 

Pastoral Associate, St. Peter, 

Celestine, and St. Raphael, Dubois 

CORYDON 

Sister Joyce Marie Newton 

Teacher, St. Joseph School 

EVANSVILLE 

Sister Bonnie Bierwagen 

Assistant Chaplain and Teacher, 

Mater Dei High School 

Sister Katherine Brantley 

Student, University of Evansville 

Sister Briana Elisabeth Craddock 

Teacher, Resurrection School 

Sister Agnes Marie Dauby 

Bookkeeper, Mater Dei High School 

Sister Judy Dewig 

Teacher, St. Benedict School 

Sister Teresa Gunter 

Youth Director and Physical 

Education Teacher, Haubstadt and 

Fort Branch 

Sister Geraldine Hedinger 

A member of the monastery kitchen staff, Sister 

Mary Benet Goodrum slices peaches for an 

upcoming meal. 

7 

Diocesan Director of Adult Formation 

Sister Donna Marie Herr 

Teacher, Mater Dei High School 

Sister Margaret Carolyn Kissel 

Assistant Director/Teacher, The 

Reading Carrel, Inc 

Sister Mary George Kissel 

Director and Teacher, The Reading 

Carrel, Inc 

Sister Jackie Kissel 

Pastoral Associate, St. Anthony Parish 

Sister Doris Marie Knebel 

Teacher, Resurrection School 

Sister Mary Ruth Krack 

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, 

Holy Spirit and Nativity parishes 

Sister Jane Michele McClure 

Director of Development for Evansville 

Catholic Interparochial High Schools 

Sister Patricia Ann McGuire 

Planned Giving Director, Mission 

Advancement Office, Ferdinand 

Sister Jennifer Miller 

Pastoral Associate, St. Joseph Parish 

Sister Jolinda Naas 

Pastoral Associate/DRE, Resurrection 

Parish 

Sister Victoria Pohl 

Coordinator, St. Vincent de Paul 

Food Pantry and Emergency Services 

Sister Vivian Ramos 

Veterinarian, East Side Animal Hospital 

Sister Joan Scheller 

Pastoral Associate, Holy Spirit Parish 

Sister Laura Marie Schmitt 

Teacher, Holy Cross School, Fort Branch 

Sister Karlene Sensmeier 

Principal, St. Benedict School 

Sister Mary Agnes Sermersheim 

Pastoral Associate, St. Benedict 

Cathedral 

Sister Joanna Trainer 

Director of Emergency Shelter for 

Women 

Sister Rose Wildeman 

Music Teacher/Liturgist, St. Joseph 

Parish 

Sister Jane Will 

Clinical Psychologist, St. Mary’s 

Medical Center 

Sister Mary Francis Williams 

Teacher, Mater Dei High School 

JASPER 

Sister Maura Beckman 

Director of Pastoral Care, Memorial 

Hospital 

Sister Dorothy Graf 

Principal, Celestine Elementary; 

Assistant Superintendent, N.E. Dubois 

Sister Mary Jane Kiesel 

Minister to Sick and Coordinator of 

Stephen Ministry Program at St. 

Joseph 

Sister Mary Leon Kiesel 

Monastery Kitchen Staff and 

Chauffeur, Ferdinand; Stephen 

Ministry, Holy Family Parish 

MADISON 

Sister Jane Ann Breen 

Principal, Shawe Memorial Junior- 

Senior High School 

MITCHELL 

Sister Carlita Koch 

Pastoral Associate/CRE, St. Mary Parish 

MOUNT VERNON 

Sister Ann Francis Hillenbrand 

Teacher, St. Matthew School 

Sister Rebecca Ann Mathauer 

Pastoral Associate/DRE, St. Philip 

Parish 

POSEYVILLE 

Sister Leta Zeller 

Pastoral Associate/DRE, St. Francis 

Xavier Church 

ROCKPORT 

Sister Mary Jo Ressel 

Pastoral Associate/Director of Faith 

Formation, St. Bernard, Rockport, 

and St. Martin, Chrisney 

Sister Michelle Catherine Sinkhorn 

Director, St. Bernard Early Childhood 

Learning Center, Rockport 

Sister Agnes Weinzapfel 

Teacher, St. Bernard School, Rockport 

SANTA CLAUS 

Sister Elaine Knapp 

Supportive Services, St. Nicholas 

Community 

Sister Mary Terence Knapp 

Pastoral Life Coordinator, St. 

Nicholas Parish 

SIBERIA 

Sister Mary Rose Hasenour 

Housekeeping, Saint Meinrad 

Archabbey 

Sister Beata Mehling 

Supervisor, Lark Community House 

TELL CITY 

Sister Mary Emma Jochum 

DRE, St. Paul Parish; Oblate Team 

Member 

M INISTRIES

M INISTRIES 

OUT OF STATE 

ILLINOIS 

Sister Helen Jean Kormelink 

Superintendent of Schools, Diocese 

of Joliet 

KENTUCKY 

Lexington 

Sister Kathy Bilskie 

Pastoral Associate, Cathedral of 

Christ the King 

Louisville 

Sister Diane Fischer 

Teacher Aide and Office Worker, 

Sacred Heart Model School; 

OblateTeam Member 

Sister Ann Marie Howard 

Pastoral Associate/ DRE, St. 

Lawrence Parish 

Sister Barbara Jean Luebbehusen 

Teacher, Sacred Heart Model School 

Sister Jeanne Ellen Niehaus 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, 

St. John Center 

Sister Anna Corrine O’Connor 

Theology Teacher, Presentation 

Academy 

Sister Francis Marie Pifer 

Theology Teacher, St. Xavier High 

School 

Sister Mary Frances Schafer 

Program Manager, Transitional 

Services for Homeless Families at 

New Directions Housing Corporation 

Sister Mary Joyce Trimble 

Teacher Assistant, Sacred Heart 

Model School 

Sister Paula Wolff 

Executive Assistant, Office of 

Lifelong Formation and Education, 

Archdiocese of Louisville 

Sister Sarah Cathleen Yungwirth 

Teacher, St. Raphael School 

Owensboro 

Sister Mary Philip Berger 

Director of ESL, Brescia University 

Sister Mary Austin Blank 

Director of Admissions, Brescia 

University 

Sister Macy Jo Marshall 

Student, Brescia University 

Sister Ida Otto 

Teacher, St. Bernard Early Childhood 

Learning Center, Rockport 

Sister Mary Cheryl Uebelhor 

Instructor, Brescia University 

NEW JERSEY 

Sister Mary Beth Maier 

Personal Growth Program 

Sister Sharon Bittner 

Personal Growth Program 

NEW MEXICO 

Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz 

Personal Growth Program (September– 

December); Oblate Team Member 

OUT OF COUNTRY 

EUROPE 

Rome 

Sister Rebecca Abel 

Librarian, North American College 

Sister Norma Fultz 

Archivist, North American College 

Sister Susan Mary Hooks 

Comptroller and Assistant to 

Economo, North American College 

Sister Mary Carol Kinghorn 

Assistant to Librarian of North 

American College 

GUATEMALA, 

CENTRAL AMERICA 

Monasterio Reina de la 

Paz, Cobán 

Sister Carmela Chen Pacay 

Student in Mexico 

Sister Herlinda Patzán 

Health Clinic Administrator 

Sister Mary Alice Schnur 

Teacher, Arts Center Coordinator 

PERU, SOUTH AMERICA 

Monasterio Paz de la 

Cruz, Morropón 

Sister Mary Leah Baehl 

Homeless Shelter for Elderly, Peace 

and Justice Work 

Sister Magna Lucía Castillo 

Vocation Director, Pastoral Minister, 

Teacher 

Sister Romaine Kuntz 

Superior 

Sister María Montalbán 

Director of Initial Formation, Teacher 

Sister Marilú Córdova 

Pastoral Minister 

Sister Felícita Rentería 

Principal, Colegio Santa Rita, Assistant 

Treasurer 

Sister María Teresita Távara 

Novice 

Sister Elizabeth López 

Novice 

Sister Arcelia Chumacero 

Novice 

Sister Yolanda Peña 

Novice 

Aspirant Sandra Senos 

Student; Teacher Aide 

Convento Santo 

Domingo, Morropón, 

Piura 

Sister Nolberta Ramírez 


Sister Irma Peña 


Angie Arnold and Belinda Rennie, members of the Liturgy Commission at Holy Spirit Parish, 

Evansville, and Sister Joan Scheller, pastoral associate, prepare palms for Palm Sunday. 

8

Monastery receives Benedictine Oblates 

and candidates in October ceremony 

In a ceremony on October 20, the 

Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand 

enrolled five candidates as Oblates of 

St. Benedict and received the final 

oblation of 11 newly professed 

Oblates. Sister Joella Kidwell, 

prioress, officiated at the ceremony. 

Enrolled as candidates, the first 

step in becoming an Oblate, were 

Brenda DeMotte, Jasper; Sheila 

Hendrix, Eckerty; Ruth Keethers, 

Tennyson; David and Jackie 

Richards, Mount Vernon, all in 

Indiana. 

Making their commitment as 

professed Oblates after completing a 

year of candidacy were Cindy Geisen, 

Santa Claus; Richard Huggins, Patoka; 

Donna Kavanaugh, Evansville; Marcia 

Brown, Schnellville, Indiana; Teresa 

Lynn and Brenda Purser, Louisville; 

Lucile Vinson, Lexington; William 

Frank Keller, Nicholasville, all in 

Kentucky; Mary Agnes, Mary 

Catherine, and Lawrence Willegal, 

Glendale, Wisconsin. 

Oblates of St. Benedict are 

9 

Christian individuals who associate 

themselves with a Benedictine 

community in order to enrich their 

own Christian way of life while 

sharing in the spiritual life, prayers, 

and good works of the community. 

Oblates strive to deepen their faith 

life by using the Rule of Benedict as 

a guide for daily living. 

Sisters Sylvia Gehlhausen, 

member of the Oblate team of 

directors at the Ferdinand monas- 

tery, explained that candidates 

usually spend a year preparing to 

become professed Oblates. That year 

involves the study of Scripture and 

the Rule of Benedict, common 

prayer and retreats, workshops, 

lectures, and guidance from the 

Oblate team. 

Though associated with a 

Benedictine community, Oblates do 

not live in the monastery but 

continue to carry out the duties of 

their particular occupation and state 

in life, wherever they may be. 

Individuals need not be Catholic to 

become an Oblate. 

Persons interested 

in learning 

more about the 

Oblate program are 

invited to visit the 

Sisters of St. 

Benedict web site: 

www.thedome.org. 

Received as candidates or professed 

members of the Oblates of St. Benedict 

of Ferdinand on October 20 are Ruth 

Keethers, Jackie Richards, David 

Richards, Donna Kavanaugh, Marcia 

Brown, Richard Huggins,Brenda 

DeMotte, Cindy Geisen, and Sheila 

Hendrix, all from Indiana. (Right) 

Oblates from Kentucky: William Frank Keller, Eileen Hardesty, Brenda Purser, Lucile Vinson, and Teresa 

Lynn. Hardesty became a Benedictine Oblate in Lexington in April and the rest made their Oblate 

profession during the October ceremony at Ferdinand. 

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From the News Desk 

Leadership participates in international 

symposium in Rome 

Sister Joella Kidwell, prioress 

of the Ferdinand monastery, and 

Sister Kathryn Huber, president 

of the Federation of St. 

Gertrude, participated in the 

first International Symposium of 

the Communio Internationalis 

Sister Joella 

Benedictinarum held in Rome in 

September. The CIB is an 

organization of all Benedictine 

women throughout the world, 

bringing together representatives 

from each of 19 global 

regions. The CIB encourages 

discussion of common needs Sister Kathryn 

and concerns and provides 

mutual support and sharing of resources 

among its members. The focus of this first 

symposium was chapter 72 of the Rule of 

Benedict, “The good zeal monks/nuns ought 

to have.” 

Vocation directors address diversity 

In September, Sisters Anita 

Louise Lowe and Jenny Schmitt, 

co-directors of vocation ministries 

for the Ferdinand monastery, 

joined over 500 vocation 

ministers and accompanying 

community members for the 

Sister 

National Religious Vocation 

Anita Louise 

Conference’s biennial convocation 

in San Antonio, Texas. The 

theme of the convocation was 

“Dimensions of Diversity: Our 

Response.” 

As a board member of the 

National Religious Vocation 

Conference (NRVC), Sister Sister Jenny 

Anita Louise helped organize and 

prepare for the conference. She also gave a 

presentation at one of the breakout sessions 

entitled “Wondering What Works: Continuing 

To Build Bridges to Young Adults.” 

The convocation was aimed at helping 

vocation ministers examine the various aspects 

of diversity present in society at this time, 

especially in terms of how best to respond to 

persons of diverse backgrounds who inquire 

about membership in religious communities. 

Sister Jenny said the speakers 

emphasized the importance of creating safe 

environments “so that we can be honest and 

truly attentive to the challenges of diversity. We 

must not only accommodate the diversity but 

also sincerely understand it,” she said. 

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From the News Desk 

Benedictine women celebrate 150 years in the United States 

This year Benedictine sisters 

from across the United States are 

commemorating the 150th anniversary 

of the first monastery of 

Benedictine women in the United 

States. They are also celebrating 

the courageous, creative, and 

determined spirit of one of the 

founding members of that monastery, 

Sister Benedicta Riepp. A 

native of Waal, Germany, and a 

member of St. Walburg monastery 

in Eichstätt, Bavaria, Sister 

Benedicta was only 27 when she 

was appointed superior of the 

group of three who left their native 

Germany to establish a mission in 

the wilderness of St. Marys, 

Pennsylvania. From that humble 

beginning, over 40 monasteries, 

including the monastery at 

Ferdinand, trace their roots. 

In the early 1850s, Rev. Boniface 

Wimmer, a Benedictine at Latrobe, 

Pennsylvania, appealed to St. 

Walburg Abbey for Benedictine 

sisters to come to St. Marys to 

teach. After receiving additional 

appeals from Church authorities 

and after completing a nine-day 

novena, the sisters at St. Walburg 

named Sisters Benedicta Riepp, 

Walburga Dietrich, and Maura 

Flieger for the mission to St. Marys. 

Their two-fold mission was to 

Ferdinand sisters who attended the 150th anniversary 

celebration at St. Joseph’s Monastery in St. Marys, 

Pennsylvania, pose with Mother Franziska Kloos, abbess at St. 

Walburg Abbey in Eichstätt, Germany. From left are Sisters 

Mary Dominic Frederick, Paulette Seng, Mary Philip Berger, 

Mother Franziska, Dolores Folz, Donna Marie Herr, Kathryn 

Huber, and Corda Trouy. 

instruct young girls and to spread 

the Benedictine order in America. 

Little did Sister Benedicta dream 

how that mission was to unfold. 

Arriving in St. Marys on July 22, 

1852, the pioneer sisters found a 

crude frame building as their living 

quarters, surrounded by wilderness, 

an area that had already been 

deserted by two other religious 

orders because of its harshness. 

These founding sisters were 

without resources and with barely 

enough to eat. They struggled with 

sickness, the climate, poverty, and 

the system. There were tensions 

and misunderstandings with Abbot 

Boniface Wimmer, superior of the 

men’s monastery near St. Marys. 

Separated from their founding 

abbey in Eichstätt, they endured 

isolation, exile, rejection, and 

revilement. 

The small community of sisters 

began teaching students from the 

area and took in boarders from 

greater distances, including 

orphans. In spite of great obstacles, 

the monastery grew. The community 

began accepting new members 

and also received additional sisters 

from St. Walburg in Eichstätt. 

Eventually the extreme poverty, 

combined with overcrowding and 

disease, made it necessary to 

establish new foundations. Realizing 

the great need for schools and 

institutes for girls and responding 

to an invitation by the bishop in 

Erie, Pennsylvania, to teach in that 

area, Sister Benedicta established 

the first foundation there in 1856. 

Within three years, the community 

in Erie sent founding members 

to begin a monastery in Covington, 

Kentucky. It was from the 

Covington monastery that four 

sisters were sent to Ferdinand in 

1867 to teach German immigrant 

settlers. Thus began Monastery 

Immaculate Conception in 

Ferdinand. The Ferdinand monastery 

eventually branched out and 

founded eight other monasteries— 

in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Beech 

Grove, Indiana; Belcourt, North 

Dakota; Grand Terrace, California; 

Guatemala; Peru; Tickfaw, Louisiana; 

and Martin, Kentucky. 

Sister Benedicta Reipp eventually 

went to St. Benedict’s Monastery 

in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where 

she died of tuberculosis in 1862 at 

the age of 36. A simple cross there 

marks her final resting place. 

A story about Sister Benedicta 

has been passed down through the 

years at St. Walburg in Eichstätt. 

During her early years of struggling 

in Pennsylvania, she had returned 

to Germany to seek help from 

Church authorities and to clarify 

misunderstandings between herself 

and Abbot Boniface Wimmer. 

While in Eichstätt, Benedicta had 

a very consoling dream. She saw a 

tree covered with beautiful white 

blossoms, symbol to her of the 

flowering of Benedictine life in the 

United States. “When Benedicta 

did not know where she stood, and 

when deep darkness had set in all 

around her, she believed in that 

dream,” write Benedictine Sisters 

Shaun O’Meara and Denese Rigby 

in a publication marking the 150th 

anniversary. The over 40 monasteries 

which eventually derived 

directly from that original foundation 

in St. Marys more than 

fulfilled her dream. 

Members of those monasteries 

from throughout the United States, 

Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Bahamas, 

and Puerto Rico gathered in St. 

Marys on June 22 to celebrate 

Mother Benedicta and to reflect on 

her legacy. Mother Franziska Kloos, 

OSB, current abbess of St. Walburg 

Abbey in Eichstätt, attended the 

celebration and led the gathering of 

over 400 sisters in a pledge “to go 

forth to carry our Benedictine 

legacy on new paths in future days, 

following the Rule that has bound 

us as a family of seekers through 

generations, that in all things God 

may be glorified.” 

10

Three sisters profess perpetual vows 

Sisters 

Kathleen 

Willegal, Jayn 

Elizabeth Lein, 

and Paula 

Wolff made 

their profession 

of perpetual 

vows as 

members of the 

Sisters of St. 

Benedict of 

Ferdinand on 

June 1. The 

Most Rev. Gerald 

Gettelfinger, bishop of the 

Diocese of Evansville, 

officiated at the Mass, and 

Sister Kathryn Huber gave the 

address. 

Sister Kathleen (Kate) is a 

native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 

where she was a member 

of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. 

Her parents, Lawrence and 

Mary C. Willegal, reside in 

Glendale, Wisconsin. She 

entered the religious community 

in 1993 and made her 

first profession of vows in 

1996. 

Before entering the 

monastery, Sister Kate was a 

licensed funeral director and 

grief recovery coordinator in 

Shorewood, Wisconsin. She 

also ministered as a bereavement 

counselor in her home 

parish. After entering the 

monastery, Sister Kate studied 

nursing at the University of 

Southern Indiana in Evansville 

and worked in the monastery 

infirmary as a nursing assistant 

and coordinator of activities 

for senior sisters. Since her 

graduation from nursing school 

in 2000, she has been assistant 

administrator in the monastery 

infirmary. 

Sister Jayn Elizabeth is a 

native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Previously married, Sister 

Jayn is the mother of four 

11 

Sisters Jayn Elizabeth Lein, Paula Wolff, and Kate Willegal 

children—Christopher, 

Elizabeth, Debra, and Margie 

(deceased). Before entering 

the monastery in 1995, she 

worked as a nurse in Jackson, 

Tennessee. 

Sister Jayn made her first 

profession of vows in 1997. 

She was director of the St. 

Mary’s Senior Day Therapy 

Program at St. Mary’s Warrick 

Hospital in Boonville, 

Indiana, from 1997 to 2000. 

Since that time, she has been 

serving as pastoral associate 

and director of religious 

education at St. Clement 

Parish in Boonville. 

Sister Paula Wolff grew up 

in Chanhassen, Minnesota, 

and is the daughter of 

Jeannene and the late Gayle 

Wolff. She entered the 

religious community in 1995 

and made her first profession 

of vows in 1997. 

Prior to entering the 

monastery, Sister Paula taught 

in Catholic elementary 

schools in Owatonna and 

Vermillion, Minnesota, for 

seven years. After entering 

the monastery, she taught a 

year at St. Pius X School in 

Louisville, Kentucky. She is 

currently working as executive 

assistant in the Office of 

Lifelong Formation and 

Education in the Archdiocese 

of Louisville. 

Milestones 

Three sisters prepare for perpetual vows 

Sisters Macy Jo Marshall, Briana Elisabeth 

Craddock, and Cathy Ann Robinson were 

among 11 temporary professed sisters from 

nine different monasteries who attended the 

Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat 

(BSWR) in Richardton, North Dakota, July 

7–29. BSWR, sponsored by the Benedictine Sister Macy Jo 

Formation Conference, is for Benedictine 

women in the United States who have made 

temporary vows and are considering making 

their perpetual monastic profession. The 

program includes sessions on profession, lectio, 

prayer, discernment, community, personal 

wholeness, gospel ministry, peace and justice, 

and humility. A six-day directed retreat to Sister Briana 

discern and prepare for monastic profession is Elisabeth 

also part of the program. 

The three Ferdinand sisters shared some 

reflections about their experience and their 

gratitude to the community for the opportunity 

to attend the program. Sister Macy Jo, a 

student at Brescia University in Owensboro, 

Kentucky, said: “I am so grateful to be a part of 

our community…. We really are blessed with Sister Cathy Ann 

many things. We may be having money/ 

building problems that are serious, but we love each 

other…. I was very homesick for everyone. I have a rock 

from the monastery I keep in my pocket so I have a piece 

of home with me…. Thank you for letting me come here. I 

have really grown.” 

Sister Briana, who teaches art at Resurrection School in 

Evansville, Indiana, shared: “These last three weeks in 

Richardton have been a time of great blessing for me, and I 

want you to know how grateful I am for having had the 

awesome opportunity to attend BSWR…. Through all of 

these experiences I have realized how very blessed we are as 

a community. We have so many talented women with so 

many wonderful gifts to offer. We have excellent liturgies 

and prayer experiences. We are women of faith who believe 

in the power of prayer and the strength of the Spirit. Above 

all, though, we love and care for one another.” 

Sister Cathy Ann serves as pastoral associate in parishes 

in St. Meinrad, Fulda, and Siberia, Indiana. She commented: 

“This experience has been helpful in my becoming 

even more deeply rooted in monastic living. The 

separation from all the busyness and distractions of 

everyday living has given me the solitude and time to 

discern my desire to continue seeking God with renewed 

vigor. My prayers and spirit have been with you these three 

weeks.… I will return to you with renewed and greater 

commitment to our Benedictine values and spirit…. 

Another gift I received through this experience is walking 

with other Benedictine women discerning their future as a 

perpetually professed sister. Though we come from 

different Benedictine monasteries and a variety of 

charisms, the underlying Benedictine community spirit is 

the same.”

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Woman enters novitiate at 

Ferdinand 

Postulant Tammy Shoemaker 

entered the novitiate of the Sisters 

of St. Benedict of Ferdinand 

during a ceremony after Evening 

Prayer on July 11. At that time, 

she received her name in religious 

Sister life—Sister Tammy Lynn. The 

Tammy Lynn 

novitiate, the second stage of 

membership in a religious community, is a time 

of intense study and spiritual preparation for 

vowed membership. 

Sister Tammy, 33, from Louisville, is the 

daughter of Rosemary Shoemaker and the late 

John Shoemaker. She has two brothers. She 

received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from 

the University of Louisville and worked in 

retail/management in the banking industry 

before entering the Ferdinand monastery in 

August 2001. Prior to entering, Sister Tammy 

was involved at St. Gabriel Parish in Louisville 

as an RCIA team leader and sponsor, a religious 

education teacher, and a volleyball coach. 

As a postulant this past year, Sister Tammy 

participated in formation and theology classes, 

community prayer and work, and part-time 

ministry at Holy Family School in Jasper, 

Indiana. In the coming year, she will continue 

to live and work at the monastery and study 

theology, religious formation, and Benedictine 

history and spirituality. 

Two other women, Sister Debra Ann 

Schafer of Milford, Indiana, and Sister 

Catherine Marie Duenne of Charleston, 

Missouri, entered the novitiate on April 27. 

Sisters produce recording of ‘The Rosary’ 

The Sisters of St. Benedict 

of Ferdinand have recently 

produced a 60-minute recording 

of “The Rosary,” including 

the 15 decades of the Joyful, 

Sorrowful, and Glorious 

Mysteries. The reading also 

includes excerpts of Gregorian chant by the 

sisters, the “Magnificat” sung by Stillpoint, and 

other prayers. The rosary is led by Sister 

Kathryn Huber and answered by a group of 

sisters from the Ferdinand monastery. The new 

recording, on CD and cassette tape, is 

available in the monastery gift shop, For 

Heaven’s Sake. 

Gift shop manager Sister Charlene Ann 

Wheeless said that another recording of “The 

Rosary,” including the five new mysteries 

recently added by Pope John Paul II, is in 

production and will be available soon. She also 

said that a Spanish version is being planned. 

Monastery accepts two new members 

The Ferdinand 

Benedictines 

officially received 

two new members 

into the community 

on Sunday, 

August 18. During 

a ceremony 

preceding 

Postulant Stephanie Morning Prayer, 

Stephanie Youstra 

and Amy Anne 

Morgan were 

accepted into the 

postulancy, the 

first stage of 

incorporation into 

the community. 

Stephanie, 28, 

Postulant Amy Anne a native of 

suburban Washington, 

D.C., is the daughter of 

Raymond and Josephine Youstra. The 

youngest of six children, she has three 

brothers and two sisters. Stephanie 

has a bachelor’s degree in music and 

music therapy from the University of 

Dayton, Ohio, and a professional 

certification in youth ministry from 

the Archdiocese of Baltimore. For the 

past three years, she taught at 

Elizabeth Seton High School in 

Bladensburg, Maryland. Prior to that, 

she was head of the boarding program 

at Academy of the Sacred Heart in 

Grand Coteau, Louisiana. As a 

member of St. John the Evangelist 

Church in Columbia, Maryland, she 

was in the choir and was involved in 

youth and young adult ministries and 

religious education. 

In her personal vocation story, 

Stephanie says of herself, “I can’t say 

why I’m in religious life. …I’m not 

‘that kind of person’—religious and 

pious and holy—and yet, here I am.” 

She says, “I’ve come to appreciate 

the real sense of community here 

and the ideas of hospitality, which go 

far beyond a simple welcome. ... 

From my first visit to the Dome, the 

freaking-out has eased enough to let 

me stop stagnating, to take those first 

few steps, and, as a good friend put 

it, ‘Get real with my life.’ I don’t 

know why I’m here; I just know here 

is where I’m meant to be.” 

Amy Anne, 32, a native of South 

Bend, Indiana, is the daughter of 

George and the late Janis Morgan. 

She has five brothers, two of whom 

are deceased. Amy grew up in 

Evansville, where she attended Reitz 

Memorial High School. She has a 

bachelor’s degree in communications 

from Purdue University, a master of 

law degree, specializing in tax law, 

from Washington University in St. 

Louis, and a doctor of law degree 

from Valparaiso University in 

Valparaiso, Indiana. For the past few 

years, Amy has been working in St. 

Louis as an attorney, specializing in 

corporate law and estate planning. 

She has recently served as a board 

member for Rockhaven, a retreat 

center in House Springs, Missouri, 

and for Grand Rock, a community 

development organization in St. 

Louis, and as a volunteer at St. 

Vincent de Paul Church, the 

YWCA, and in the criminal justice 

ministry in St. Louis. 

In sharing her vocation story, 

Amy says, “One day, for a brief 

moment, I stopped trying to shape 

my future into the vision I had, and 

God leapt at that small pause in the 

noise in my head to suggest a new 

direction. The highest obstacles I’ve 

had to face were the ones I built 

myself, but, fortunately, God could 

see a way through them while I 

scratched my head in puzzlement. I 

sometimes stand back and just look 

at my path so far and marvel that 

everything is unfolding as it should.” 

As a sign of their acceptance into 

the Ferdinand monastery, the new 

postulants were given a Benedictine 

medal during the entrance rite. They 

also received a Liturgy of the Hours 

book and an apron to signify the life 

of prayer and work they are entering. 

As the postulants begin their 

incorporation into the religious 

community this year, they will live at 

the monastery and participate in 

formation and theology classes, 

community activities, prayer, work, 

and part-time ministry outside the 

monastery. 

12

Six sisters celebrate golden jubilees 

Six sisters celebrated the 50th 

anniversary of their religious profession 

on Sunday, June 16, at Monastery 

Immaculate Conception. 

Archabbot Lambert Reilly, OSB, from 

Saint Meinrad Archabbey, officiated 

at the jubilee Mass, and Sister Joella 

Kidwell, prioress of the Ferdinand 

monastery, gave the address. 

The golden jubilarians are Sisters 

Maura Beckman, Vera Kloeck, Mary 

Benet Goodrum, Mary Roman Dall, 

Mary Aquin Verkamp, and Mary 

Claude Croteau. 

They entered the monastery in 

1950, made their first profession of 

vows in 1952 and their final profession 

in 1955. These sisters have 

given 295 years of service to the 

Church and society. 

Sister Maura, a native of Jasper, 

Indiana, entered the monastery from 

St. Joseph Parish. She received a 

nursing certificate from Sacred Heart 

Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, 

and began her nursing ministry in 

1953 at the monastery infirmary. She 

served at St. Paul Hermitage in 

Beech Grove, Indiana, and Stork 

Memorial Hospital (later Deaconess 

St. Joseph’s), Huntingburg, Indiana. 

After completing a clinical pastoral 

education program in 1990 at 

Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, 

Ohio, she became director of 

pastoral care at Memorial Hospital 

and Health Care Center, Jasper, 

where she continues to serve. Sister 

Maura is certified as a chaplain by 

the National Association of Catholic 

Chaplains. She also has a certification 

in gerontology from Saint Maryof-the-Woods 

College, Indiana. 

Sister Vera, a native of St. 

Meinrad, Indiana, entered the 

monastery from St. Meinrad Parish. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in 

education from St. Benedict College, 

Ferdinand, and a master’s degree in 

education from Catherine Spalding 

College, Louisville. Beginning in 

1953, she taught in Evansville at St. 

Joseph, St. Benedict, and Nativity, 

where she was also principal; at St. 

Clement, Boonville; St. Mary, 

Ireland; St. Philip and St. Matthew, 

13 

Posey County; and Ferdinand Grade 

School. In 1997, she became supervisor 

of the monastery dining room and 

guest department. She currently 

supervises the monastic dining areas. 

Sister Mary Benet, an Evansville 

native, entered the monastery from St. 

Joseph Parish, Evansville. She has a 

bachelor’s degree in elementary 

education from Catherine Spalding 

College, and a master’s degree in 

library science from Ball State 

University, Muncie. She began her 

teaching ministry in 1952 at St. Mary, 

Washington, Indiana. She taught at St. 

Philip, Posey County; Sacred Heart, 

Vincennes; Holy Rosary, Evansville; 

St. Meinrad; and Barr-Reeve Community 

Schools in Montgomery, Indiana, 

where she was also librarian. For the 

past two years, she has worked in the 

monastery kitchen. 

Sister Mary Roman, native of 

Ferdinand, entered the monastery 

from St. Ferdinand Parish. She has a 

bachelor’s degree in education from 

St. Benedict College; a master’s 

degree in education from St. Francis 

University, Fort Wayne; and a reading 

specialist degree from the University 

of Evansville. Beginning in 1953, she 

taught at Christ the King and St. Pius 

X, Indianapolis; in Evansville at Holy 

Redeemer and Holy Rosary, where 

she served as principal; at St. Clement, 

Boonville; St. Anthony; St. 

Thomas, Vincennes; St. Bernard, 

Rockport; Ferdinand Consolidated; 

and as reading consultant for 

Southeast Dubois School Corporation. 

Since 1996, she has been serving 

at the monastery as administrative 

clerical assistant. 

Sister Mary Aquin, a 

Huntingburg, Indiana, native, 

entered the monastery from St. Mary 

Parish. She has a bachelor’s degree in 

business education and a master’s 

degree in business administration, 

both from the University of Dayton 

in Ohio. She began teaching in 1952 

at St. Benedict, Evansville, and later 

at Mater Dei, Evansville, and St. 

Ferdinand High School, Ferdinand. 

She did missionary work in Cobán, 

Guatemala, and served as secretary 

Milestones 

Jubilarians: (front) Sisters Vera Kloeck, Mary Aquin Verkamp, 

and Mary Benet Goodrum; (back) Sisters Mary Roman Dall, 

Mary Claude Croteau, and Maura Beckman 

for Evansville Bishop Francis R. Shea 

from 1975 to 1987. She worked as 

secretary/bookkeeper at Kordes 

Retreat Center and in medical 

records at the monastery. She 

currently resides in the monastery 

infirmary and serves in the ministry 

of prayer. 

Sister Mary Claude, a native of 

Belcourt, North Dakota, entered the 

monastery from St. Ann Mission in 

Belcourt. She has a bachelor’s degree 

in secondary education from St. 

Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana; 

a master’s degree in history from 

Indiana University, Bloomington; and 

a master’s degree in counseling from 

Southern Illinois University, 

Carbondale. She began teaching in 

1954 at St. Benedict, Evansville, and 

later at Christ the King, where she 

also served as principal. She taught at 

St. Benedict College, Academy 

Immaculate Conception, and St. 

Ferdinand High School, all in 

Ferdinand; and Holy Family, Jasper. 

She was development director at the 

Academy and supervisor of maintenance 

and personnel at the monastery. 

She ministered as an alcoholism 

counselor at Community Methodist 

Hospital, Henderson, and Regional 

Medical Center, Madisonville, 

Kentucky. Since 1999, she has served 

at the monastery on the housekeeping 

staff and as assistant director of 

formation.

Milestones 

Nine sisters celebrate 60th, 70th, and 80th jubilees 

Nine sisters of Monastery Immaculate 

Conception celebrated the 

anniversaries of their religious 

profession with their Benedictine 

community on Sunday, October 27. 

Sister Carla Mitchell celebrated her 

80th jubilee; Sisters Mary Othmar 

Hasenour, Mercedes Emmert, and 

Bernette Wildeman, their 70th; 

Sisters Angela Sasse, Mary Alice 

Schnur, Mary Kenneth Scheessele, 

Johnette Finis, and Sylvia 

Gehlhausen, their 60th. These sisters 

represent a total of 590 years of 

fidelity to the monastic way of life. 

Sister Carla, formerly Sister Mary 

Charles, a native of Evansville, 

Indiana, entered the monastery from 

St. Joseph Parish in 1921. She made 

her first vows in 1922 and final vows 

in 1925. Sister Carla taught or tutored 

for 79 years, from 1922 to 2001, at 

Floyds Knobs; Academy Immaculate 

Conception/Marian Heights Academy 

and St. Benedict College, 

Ferdinand; St. Paul, Tell City; St. 

Henry; St. Joseph, Trinity School, and 

Mater Dei, Evansville; St. John, 

Elberfeld; St. Ferdinand; St. Peter, 

Montgomery; Holy Cross, Fort 

Branch; North Dakota; California; 

Louisiana; and Arizona. Beginning in 

1995, besides tutoring, she provided 

supportive services at the monastery. 

She currently serves in the ministry of 

prayer. Sister Carla, who will be 99 in 

December, shared: “I am amazed and 

thankful that I have lived to celebrate 

my 80th jubilee. I see life in a 

different light. You can take your time 

and live leisurely. The longer I live, 

the more I see the things that are 

really worthwhile. To live a long time 

is a great gift. I am able to pray more, 

to do little things like fold towels from 

the laundry, and I visit the sisters in 

our infirmary every day. People who 

don’t live long enough to enjoy their 

old age have missed something 

important. I am happy to be able to 

be with the sisters in the daily 

schedule of prayer, meals, recreation, 

and rest.” 

Sister Mary Othmar, a native of 

St. Anthony, Indiana, entered the 

monastery from St. James Parish, 

Haubstadt, in 1930. She made her 

first vows in 1932 and her final vows 

in 1935. She taught in Seymour; St. 

Mary, Huntingburg; St. Joseph and 

Holy Redeemer, Evansville; St. 

Matthew, Mount Vernon; St. 

Anthony; St. Meinrad; and Sts. Peter 

and Paul, Haubstadt. She worked at 

the bishop’s residence and Sarto 

Retreat House in Evansville from 

1971 to 1973. Beginning in 1973, she 

served at the monastery, Kordes 

Retreat Center, and Marian Heights 

Academy in clerical and support 

services. Currently, she resides in the 

monastery infirmary and serves in the 

ministry of prayer. Sister Mary 

Othmar shared about her life: “I am 

grateful to God for all the blessings 

that I have received these many years. 

I am most grateful for all the help we 

get here in the infirmary and I would 

like to do as much as I can to help 

out. I would say to others, ‘Do 

everything that comes along for the 

love of God, even if it is hard.’” 

Sister Mercedes, a native of 

Haubstadt, Indiana, entered the 

monastery from Sts. Peter and Paul 

Parish in 1930. She made her first 

vows in 1932 and final vows in 1936. 

She began teaching in 1934 and 

taught at Mariah Hill; St. Paul, Tell 

City; St. Joseph, Holy Spirit, and St. 

Benedict, Evansville; Holy Cross, 

Fort Branch; St. Mary, Huntingburg; 

St. Raphael, Dubois; and St. Mary, 

Ireland. She ministered to the elderly 

at St. Joseph Parish, Evansville, from 

1981 to 1989. Beginning in 1989, she 

provided supportive services at the 

monastery. She currently resides in 

the monastery infirmary and serves 

in the ministry of prayer. Sister 

Mercedes said of her Benedictine 

life: “I love this place. I love it very 

much. Why shouldn’t I be grateful? I 

feel close to so many of our sisters. I 

am happy. Prayer is definitely most 

important and I am grateful that I 

have the opportunity to pray. Just to 

look out that window makes me 

thankful for what I see. I am 

thankful for the good care I am 

getting in the infirmary. So many 

nice people to be around.” 

Sister Bernette, a native of St. 

Philip, Posey County, entered the 

monastery from St. Philip Parish in 

1930. She made her first vows in 

1932 and final vows in 1936. 

Beginning in 1933, she taught at St. 

Bernard, Rockport; St. John, 

Elberfeld; St. Thomas, Vincennes; 

St. Joseph, St. Benedict, Holy 

Rosary, and Christ the King, Evansville; 

St. Anthony; St. Paul, Tell 

City; St. Meinrad; St. Mary, Washington; 

Sts. Peter and Paul, 

Haubstadt; St. Matthew, Mount 

Vernon; St. Clement, Boonville; 

Assumption, Indianapolis; and in 

California. Between 1975 and 1992, 

she worked in religious education at 

St. Ferdinand and St. Raphael, 

Dubois. Since 1992, she has provided 

supportive services at the 

monastery and currently serves in 

the ministry of prayer. Sister Bernette 

shared her thoughts about her 70th 

jubilee: “I am most grateful that I 

had a Benedictine vocation. I thank 

God that he gave me all these years. 

I get up every morning and pray that 

Jesus will see me through the day 

and all will be well. I am looking 

forward to whatever God wants. I 

can see enough to get around [her 

eyesight is failing] but I am resigned. 

Whatever God wants, I want. I 

thank God for all the graces and 

blessings for these 72 years since I 

entered.” 

Sister Angela, a native of 

Henderson, Kentucky, entered the 

monastery from St. Benedict Parish, 

Evansville, Indiana, in 1940. She 

made her first profession of vows in 

1942 and her final profession in 1945. 

She began teaching at Starlight in 

1943. She was librarian and teacher 

at Academy Immaculate Conception, 

St. Benedict College, and the 

monastery in Ferdinand; Mater Dei, 

Evansville; and Vincennes University 

Jasper Center. She currently teaches 

religious education at St. Henry 

Parish in St. Henry and does outreach 

ministry and supportive services at 

the monastery. About her jubilee, 

Sister Angela said: “It’s like no other 

day of life, yet, just like every other 

day. I’m grateful for living with God 

ever in mind and giving any service I 

can for the glory of God in a 

Benedictine community. My advice to 

others is to try to do something for 

someone in need.” 

14

Sister Mary Alice, a native of 

Evansville, entered from St. Joseph 

Parish in 1940. She made her first 

profession of vows in 1942 and her 

final profession in 1945. Beginning in 

1945, she taught at Columbus; 

Jeffersonville; St. Meinrad; St. 

Ferdinand grade and high school; 

Academy Immaculate Conception, 

St. Benedict College, and Forest Park 

High School, Ferdinand. She served 

as director of the temporary professed 

sisters from 1958 to 1963. 

Since 1975, she has been serving at 

the Ferdinand Benedictine monastery 

in Cobán, Guatemala. Sister 

Mary Alice reflected on her jubilee: 

“Sixty years of grace. How can that 

be? It seems like yesterday when we 

made profession and said, ‘Here I 

am, Lord. Send me.’ There were days 

of calm and peace; there were at 

times, storms at sea. But always 

Christ was with me, prompting, ‘Do 

not be afraid.’ Perseverance is indeed 

a gift, a grace, borne on the waves of 

encouragement, expressed by the 

members of my family and 

community…Today and everyday, I 

can only say to God, thank you, 

gracias, for your compassionate, 

unconditional love.” 

Sister Mary Kenneth, a native of 

Luce Township, Spencer County, 

entered from St. Rupert Parish, 

Redbrush, Indiana, in 1940. She 

made her first profession of vows in 

1942 and her final profession in 

1945. She began teaching at St. Paul, 

Tell City, in 1945. She taught at St. 

Ferdinand; St. Anthony; Mater Dei 

and Christ the King, Evansville. She 

served as librarian at the monastery, 

St. Benedict College, Academy 

Immaculate Conception, St. 

Ferdinand High School, and Holland 

Public Schools. She was archivist at 

the monastery for over 20 years. 

Since 1995, she has served in 

supportive services at the monastery 

and on special projects for the 

archives. Reflecting on her jubilee, 

she said: “For me, my jubilee year is a 

time of love and gratitude to God, to 

my Benedictine community, and to 

my family and friends and all who 

have made my 60 years of vowed life 

possible. It is a time to renew my 

15 

love and fidelity to 

God and others in 

all the years the 

future holds.” 

Sister Johnette, 

a native of 

Vincennes, 

Indiana, entered 

from Little Flower 

Parish, Indianapolis, 

in 1940. She 

made her first 

profession of vows 

in 1942 and her 

final profession in 

1945. Beginning 

in 1943, she 

taught at St. 

Benedict and St. 

Joseph, Evansville; 

Assumption and 

Christ the King, 

Indianapolis; Sts. 

Peter and Paul, 

Haubstadt; St. Ferdinand High 

School; St. Meinrad; and Fort 

Wayne. She was religious education 

director at St. Peter, Celestin; parish 

minister at St. Clement, Boonville; 

minister of music at St. Albert the 

Great and St. Helen, Louisville; St. 

Mary, Lanesville; St. Peter, Montgomery; 

and St. Benedict, Evansville. 

She was a volunteer at Holy Family 

School and Memorial Hospital, 

Jasper, from 1993 to 1997 and has 

provided supportive services at the 

monastery and Kordes Retreat 

Center since 1990. Sister Johnette 

said of her years as a Benedictine 

sister: “I am grateful for my calling to 

live the religious life and for the 

many opportunities that I have had. 

I enjoyed my teaching years and am 

glad that I could do choir work in 

parishes, instilling a love for church 

services in children. It is so wonderful 

to live in community these 60 

years. What more can I ask for, 

except a place in heaven.” 

Sister Sylvia, a native of 

Ferdinand, Indiana, entered from St. 

Ferdinand Parish in 1940. She made 

her first profession of vows in 1942 

and her final profession in 1945. She 

began teaching at Sts. Peter and 

Paul, Haubstadt, in 1945. She also 

taught at Sacred Heart, Schnellville; 

Milestones 

Jubilarians: (front) Sister Carla Mitchell, 80 years of monastic profession; Sisters Mary 

Othmar Hasenour, Mercedes Emmert, and Bernette Wildeman, 70 years; (back) Sisters 

Sylvia Gehlhausen, Mary Kenneth Scheessele, Angela Sasse, Johnette Finis, and Mary 

Alice Schnur, 60 years 

St. Joseph, Evansville; St. Philip, 

Posey County; St. Mary, Floyds 

Knobs; St. Bernard, Rockport; St. 

Joseph, Dale; St. Raphael, Dubois; 

St. Anthony; St. Mary, Ireland; and 

St. Meinrad. She has been minister 

of hospitality at the monastery since 

1987 and also serves on the 

Benedictine Oblate team of directors. 

Reflecting on her 60th jubilee, 

Sister Sylvia said: “ I have a great 

feeling of gratitude to God and my 

community for all the blessings I 

have received over these years. I 

have always felt supported in my 

work of teaching and in the other 

works I have been assigned. I did not 

always want or feel capable of doing 

the work assigned, but went into it in 

faith and then learned to like it. 

Things were not always easy, but 

through prayer and fidelity to my 

community, I have been blessed to 

persevere in my work and this life as 

a Benedictine sister. I will keep on 

going as long as God gives me the 

energy to minister. I would say to 

other sisters, always be faithful to 

your spiritual life and to community 

life. Read, study, and pray the Rule 

and Scripture everyday! That is 

where you will find wisdom, peace, 

happiness, and the strength and joy 

to keep going.”

Honor Roll of Donors: Partners 

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, 

gratefully acknowledge all gifts received from April 1, 2002, 

to June 30, 2002. 

The sisters benefit greatly from the generosity of our 

benefactors—those who support our mission and ministries 

through their prayer, good will, and financial assistance. 

A message to our Partners 

We are very blessed to have more than 900 benefactors who 

belong to the Partners of St. Benedict Program. As Partners, you 

support the mission and ministries of the Sisters of St. Benedict of 

Ferdinand on an annual basis. 

You became a Partner of St. Benedict by making a gift to the 

sisters’ annual fund at one of the following levels: 

• Anniversary Partners — An annual gift of one dollar for 

every year of service provided by the Sisters of St. Benedict. 

(We are now in our 136th anniversary year.) 

• Founders — An annual gift of $500 to $999. 

• Benedictine Society — An annual gift of $1,000 or more. 

We are happy to announce a new level of recognition for our 

benefactors who donate an annual gift of $5,000 or more to the 

annual fund. This level is named the St. Scholastica Circle, after 

St. Benedict’s twin sister. Members of the St. Scholastica Circle 

will have a special relationship with the sisters and will have a 

sister as a special prayer partner. 

Last year, we surveyed our Partners to learn how we can 

improve the relationship and support that is part of belonging to 

the Partners Program. We were pleased with the number of people 

who responded and with their frankness and helpful suggestions. 

We have listened to their comments and are making some changes 

based on what they told us. 

One question on the survey concerned the calendar that we 

sent to our Partners every fall. Some respondents said they liked 

the calendar, but many more told us they didn’t use it. A majority 

of respondents expressed concern about the cost that the sisters 

incurred for the calendar. We have listened to your recommendations 

to save costs and, therefore, will no longer be sending the 

calendar. We hope that those of you who used the calendar will 

understand. 

Another question asked survey-takers if they preferred that we 

use the fiscal year (July 1 through 

June 30) or the calendar year when 

we determine the renewal schedule 

for Partners membership. Most 

respondents stated a preference for 

the calendar year. Therefore, our 

Partners renewals will now be based 

on the calendar year. 

We hope to continue to improve 

the Partners Program so that you, 

our benefactors, will know the 

importance of your support and will 

feel our gratitude. Our desire is to 

truly partner with you in making the 

world a better place. 

This painting depicting St. Scholastica is in 

the Marian Parlor. 

Benedictine Society 

$1000 and above 

Anonymous (2) 

Mr. & Mrs. Doyle J. Baehl 

Mr. Anthony T. Baginski 

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Beckman 

Dr. Marc & Jeanne Campbell 

John & Gail Dunn 

Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Durliat 

Dr. Daniel Eby & Dr. Linda 

Hanekamp-Eby 

Mrs. Anna Lee Gesenhues 

Dr. & Mrs. Ralph A. Gettelfinger 

Tim & Peggy Gleason 

Andrew & Pauline Kern 

Dr. Judith G. Palmer 

Dr. & Mrs. Edward J. Ploetner 

Ruxer Foundation 

St. Mary Parish, Evansville, IN 

Ambrose & Sally Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. Ben J. Stallings 

Dr. & Mrs. Eugene R. Tempel 

Mr. & Mrs. William Thornhill 

Mr. & Mrs. Gayle F. Uebelhor 

Mrs. Mary Louise Uebelhor 

Mr. Michael H. Uebelhor 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen W. Uebelhor 

David & Aileen Wells 

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Williams 

John A. & Marian R. Witting 

Mr. Louis Michael Zeller Jr. 

Founders 

$500 to $999 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Book 

Mr. & Mrs. Keith W. Carter 

Mr. & Mrs. John E. Durchholz 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Elliott 

Harold & Jane Englert 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Erny 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Gasick 

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert B. Gettelfinger 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Haas 

Elaine & Dan Huff 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Knies 

Rev. Msgr. Charles J. Koch 

Mr. Jeffrey A. Koester 

Mr. Mike Kreilein & Dr. Norma 

Kreilein 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Libs 

Mrs. Virginia Mackin 

Mr. & Mrs. Demetrio M. Maglalang 

Mr. Francis J. Moers 

Charles & Cara Olds 

Mr. & Mrs. Earl Peters 

Mr. & Mrs. Norbert J. Schroeder 

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence E. Seng 

Ms. Rita S. Uebelhor 

Mr. & Mrs. James A. Weinzapfel Jr. 

Jim & Linda Wenning 

Mr. & Mrs. Frank U. Zoeller Jr. 

Anniversary Partners 

$135 to $499 

Anonymous (3) 

Margaret & Eugene Adler 

Mr. & Mrs. Norbert E. Adler 

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent C. Adler 

Ms. Mary Jane Alles 

Dr. & Mrs. Frank J. Amodio 

Drs. Alex & Nerissa Avestruz 

Dr. John B. Beaven 

Janis & Gordon Becker 

Ms. Peggy D. Becker 

Mr. Richard S. Becker 

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Bell 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen H. Bender 

Ms. Constance A. Bergen 

Bierhaus Foundation, Inc. 

Mrs. Charlotte A. Born 

Dr. Amada M. Sarnate Bouffard 

Mrs. Anita L. Brennan 

Mr. James J. Breslin 

Ms. Rosanne L. Byrne 

Ms. Mae Chinn-Songer 

Marie & David Daunhauer 

Mr. & Mrs. James E. Denning 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. Effinger 

Mr. & Mrs. Ray Elpers 

Velcia & Roger Emmert 

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin G. Fehrenbacher 

Mr. Thomas E. Finan 

Mrs. Mildred M. Fischer 

Mr. Albert H. Fleck Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Foos 

Catherine & Chris Franck 

Mrs. Esther A. Fraser 

Mrs. Doris A. Friedman 

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Futrell 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Geiss 

Mrs. Mary Gerteisen 

Drs. Gregory & Elizabeth Gibbons 

Mrs. Mary Kathryn Gilles 

Danny Goins & Nancy Sasse 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Elmer Graf 

Mrs. Jeanne H. Graham 

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Graham 

Mrs. Frances M. Greubel 

Ms. Annette G. Gries 

Linda Goller & Lee Gugerty 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Hall 

Mr. Joseph L. Hanley 

Richard & Sandra Happe 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Hargrave 

Mrs. Sylvia J. Hess 

Mr. & Mrs. Chester F. Higdon 

Mrs. Ruth F. Hillenbrand 

Mrs. Mary Jo Holmes 

Mrs. Rosemary K. Hooks 

Mr. & Mrs. Harold L. Huber 

Mark & Lisa Huber 

16

Mrs. Emma M. Jochum 

Marilyn & Leroy Jochum 

Mr. James P. Kelly 

Mr. & Mrs. Duane J. Knies 

Mr. Bernard J. Krampe 

Mrs. Janet M. Lemaire 

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Liffick 

Joe & Irene Limberger 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Luebbehusen 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Luebbehusen 

Ms. Rosalee K. Mac Farlane 

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Macke 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Mantel 

Mr. John A. Mason 

Mr. & Mrs. Chatchalit Matayanant 

Mr. & Mrs. John G. Maurer III 

Mr. Daniel R. Miller 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Mischler 

Dennis & Mary Moeller 

Mr. William P. Nalin 

Anonymous (13) 

Teri Hollander Albin & David Albin 

Mr. & Mrs. Oliver C. Alspaugh 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Bacon 

Mr. David W. Baehl 

Mr. & Mrs. William L. Balbach 

Ms. Elaine Baumgart 

Mr. Justin A. Baysinger 

Mr. & Mrs. Louis A. Beach 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Beck 

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Becker 

Mrs. Mildred Beckman 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Bennett 

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice J. Berendes 

Mr. & Mrs. James D. Berendsen 

Drs. Ernest & Vanice Billups 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Bonny 

Mr. Raymond Book 

Mrs. Renate C. Brand 

Ms. Charles H. Brown 

Mr. & Mrs. Matt Bueltel 

Mr. & Mrs. George V. Burch 

Mrs. Alma R. Burger 

Mrs. Marie F. Burger 

Ray & Estella Burger 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael G. Burris 

Allen W. Butler, DDS 

Ms. Marianne Butler 

Mr. Bob Cadwallader 

Mr. & Mrs. Burton H. Calkins 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Carlisle 

Ms. Mary J. Carrico 

Mr. John R. Chavez 

Ms. Dorothy T. Clark 

Justin & Shirley Clements 

Ms. Bernice A. Cloutier 

17 

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Nelson 

Mrs. Rose J. Neuman 

Mr. & Mrs. M. Herman O’Connor 

Andy & Nancy Olinger 

Mr. & Mrs. John H. Payne 

Ms. Kathleen R. Payne 

Ms. Kimberly L. Pearson 

Mrs. Patricia Radefeld 

Ms. Rose A. Rasche 

Dr. Karen A. Rexing 

Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Riedford 

Mrs. Othilia Rupprecht 

St. Agnes Guild, Nashville, IN 

St. Mary’s School, Madelia, MN 

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory M. Scheessele 

Ms. Esther F. Schepers 

Rev. Ralph H. Schipp 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Schitter 

Rev. Francis A. Schroering 

Mr. August P. Schulte Jr. 

Ms. Ann L. Collins 

Ms. Maria R. Coniglio 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Conway 

Marlene & Norman Cook 

Ms. Lizbeth Creech 

Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Crocetti 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Cruz Jr. 

Mark & Beverly Dean 

Mr. & Mrs. John M. Doherty 

Mr. John L. Dougherty 

Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Douglass 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Doyle 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles F. Dudine 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel D. Dunn 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald S. Dvorachek 

Mr. Gilbert J. Effinger 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Eickhoff 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Eisterhold 

Greg & Kim Eldred 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Etienne 

Don & Noreen Faulkenberg 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Fink 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Fislar 

Mr. Jack E. Fleeger 

Ms. Phyllis Fowler 

Bud & Linda Franchville 

Mr. & Mrs. Curtis L. Frank Jr. 

Darlene & Leroy Frick 

Mrs. Marilyn R. Gallagher 

Mr. & Mrs. Herman R. Gehlhausen 

Gerard Chimney Company 

Mr. Stanley R. Goldys 

Ms. Teri Hasenour Gordon 

Grant Line Nursery & Garden Center 

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin J. Gries Sr. 

Mr. Frederick P. Griffin 

Honor Roll of Donors: Partners 

Schum Monuments Inc. 

Mrs. Ruth E. Schumacher 

Mrs. Genevieve Seger 

Mr. & Mrs. James A. Seger 

Mr. Alan J. Seng 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Seng 

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Shively 

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest N. Simons 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Sonderman 

Mrs. Dolores M. Spellman 

Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company 

Ms. Brenda Stallings 

Maj. Robert J. Straub, Ret. 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Streicher 

Rev. Henry C. Stuecker 

Ms. Laura M. Tavormina 

Miss Jo Ann Toy 

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Troth 

Miss Kathleen M. Trouy 

Mr. Gregg G. Uebelhor 

Honor Roll of Donors: Contributors 

Mr. & Mrs. Keith J. Grossman 

Mr. Robert J. Gunter 

Mr. & Mrs. Cyrine B. Haas 

Dr. Paul W. Hagan 

Dan & Sally Halbig 

Hanover College 

Mr. Greg Harlan 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert V. Harrell 

Mrs. Marcia Hasenour Larkin 

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Heuring 

Mr. Gary F. Hillenbrand 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. Hirsch 

Ms. Marcella Hoffman 

Mrs. Margaret A. Hudson 

Mark & Lisa Hupfer 

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Jenkins 

Mr. Michael E. Jochim 

Mr. John Jose 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Juhl 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel L. Kane 

Bill & Sylvia Kane 

Mr. & Mrs. Linus Keusch 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Kluesner 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kohnert 

Dr. & Mrs. Max Kremzar 

Joe & Charlene Lamey 

Mr. & Mrs. Allan T. Langen 

Mr. Michael B. Lannan 

Gary & Judy Lautzenhiser 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Leisman 

Ms. Marilyn R. Leonard 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Lindauer 

Ms. Catherine P. Loehle 

Mrs. Martina C. Luebbehusen 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lueken 

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence R. Mand 

Jim & LaVerne Uebelhor 

Ms. Christine L. Verkamp 

Ms. Jeanette A. Wahl 

Mrs. Monica M. Walker Foye 

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur L. Wanninger 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Weinzapfel 

Jerry & Helen Weinzapfel 

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph E. Weiss 

Ms. Janet A. Werne 

Mr. James E. Westbay 

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence L. Weyer 

Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Weyer 

Mr. & Mrs. John Winkler Jr. 

Dr. & Mrs. John B. Wittgen 

Linda & Greg Wolf 

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick E. Wright 

Col. & Mrs. Joseph B. Wuertz 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Yabroudy 

Ms. Elizabeth R. Yohe 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Yungwirth 

The Sisters of St. Benedict 

of Ferdinand deeply appreciate 

all donations in support of our 

mission and ministries. We 

gratefully acknowledge these 

individuals who have contributed 

to us, and we include 

them in our daily prayers. 

Ms. Cheryl A. Martin 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mattingly 

Mr. Leland Mayer 

Mr. & Mrs. John R. McDurmon 

Mr. Richard A. McGuire 

Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert F. Merkley 

Robert & Pamela Montelongo 

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick W. Mullen 

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard J. Muller 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Muller 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven E. Mundy 

Ms. Jane A. Neese 

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Neuhoff 

North Manchester Historical 

Society Inc. 

Dr. & Mrs. Carl B. O’Connor 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel C. Perkins 

Mr. & Mrs. William N. Pickle 

Mr. Louis J. Pierini Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Pinkstaff 

Alice & Jim Polston 

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Potter 

Ms. Kathryn Poulimas

Honor Roll of Donors: Contributors 

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Powell 

Guy Neil & La Verne Ramsey 

Mr. Arnold S. Rasche 

Mr. & Mrs. Clemens J. Renner 

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence S. Rexing 

Mr. & Mrs. Louis A. Reymond 

Mr. & Mrs. Francis R. Riffel 

Dr. & Mrs. Herman F. Rusche 

St. Ann’s Altar Society, Sacred 

Heart Parish, Evansville, IN 

St. Benedict School, Evansville, IN 

St. Clement Parish, Boonville, IN 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Sammet 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael N. Scavuzzo 

Mr. Henry L. Schapker 

Ms. Janet K. Schenk 

Mr. James B. Schlomer 

Mr. & Mrs. Albert C. Schmitt 

Rev. David J. Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Schmitt 

Ray & Lucy Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Schmitt 

Ronnie & Katie Schmitz 

Rev. Eugene A. Schroeder 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Schuler 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Schultheis 

Marc & Mary Sebastian 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Seibert 

Greg & Kelly Seng 

Mrs. Mildred E. Sensmeier 

50th Anniversary of the 

Monastic Profession of Sister 

Maura Beckman 

by Mary Ann & Michael 

Lambert 

Jim & Shirley Olinger 

Sister Benita Biever 

by Mrs. Angela J. Jarboe 

Sister Louise Laroche 

Sister Jennifer Dippel 

by Ms. Betty A. Robertson 

Sister Catherine Marie Duenne 

by Knights of Columbus #3282, 

Charleston, MO 

St. Joseph the Worker Parish 

Rev. Msgr. Carl A. Shetler 

Mr. & Mrs. S. Michael Shrode 

Mr. & Mrs. Walt T. Siddall Jr. 

Mr. Virgil Smith 

Tom & Laura Sommerfield 

Mr. Harold M. Spaetti 

Mrs. Mary R. Spaetti 

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Spanbauer 

Mr. Roman L. Spiringer 

Dr. Anne Marie Springer & Mr. 

George Springer 

Mr. & Mrs. John H. Steiner 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Stenftenagel 

Mr. Benjamin L. Stevens 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Stith 

Mr. Alec G. Stone 

Mr. & Mrs. Leo S. Stratman 

Mr. Joseph G. Szemethy 

Ms. Mary Louise Taflinger 

Ms. Bridget M. Tierney 

John & Marilyn Thyen 

Mr. John A. Tretter 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. Tucker 

Mr. & Mrs. Gayle F. Uebelhor 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael B. Uebelhor 

Dr. & Mrs. Terry H. Unfried 

Family of Robert T. Vaal 

Mr. & Mrs. Blaine A. VanDerSnick 

Gib & Kate Verkamp 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Verkamp 

Honor Roll of Donors: Dedications 

The Sisters of St. Benedict of 

Ferdinand gratefully acknowledge 

dedication gifts received from April 

1, 2002, through June 30, 2002. 

A dedication gift honors an 

individual as it supports the mission 

and ministries of the sisters. 

Persons honored are remembered 

in the prayers of the Sisters of St. 

Benedict. 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Verley 

Mr. & Mrs. Norbert J. Volny 

Mr. Robert J. Wahl Sr. 

Walk to Emmaus Retreat 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald A. Wallace 

Mrs. Mary B. Wallitsch 

Ms. Sandra Ward 

Dr. William Wachs 

Ms. Cindy Wehr 

Mrs. Frances A. Wehr 

Al & Pat Welsh 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Welte 

Mr. & Mrs. Virgil G. Werner 

Mr. Irwin B. Weyer 

Mr. Gerald A. Wildeman 

Mr. & Mrs. Gene G. Wilderman 

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Will Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley G. Wille Sr. 

Larry & Mary Willegal 

Joe & Vernita Williams 

Retirement 

Anonymous (2) 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Bartley Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Gossman 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Hartmann 

Ron & Kathy Hollander 

Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Lamble 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Lindauer 

Mrs. Mary E. Ryan 

In honor of... Sister Corita Hoffman 

Council of Catholic 

Women, Ozark, MO 

St. Jude Ladies Auxiliary 

#7218, New Madrid, MO 

Sister Brenda Englert 

by Mr. & Mrs. John E. 

Passafiume 

Mrs. Jeanette F. Paterson 

Beatrice Forlano 

by Mrs. Anita L. Brennan 

Sister Sylvia Gehlhausen 

by Mrs. Sylvia M. Davis 

Sisters Who Celebrated Their 

50th Anniversary of 

Monastic Profession 

by Rev. Msgr. Jerome M. Neufelder 

Graduates of the Class of 2000 


Chester & Dora Happe 

by Richard & Sandra Happe 

Sisters Mary Othmar & 

Dolorosa Hasenour 

by Ms. Darlene Apple 

Sister Hermine Heck, SP 

by Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Chovanec 

by Mr. Vincent A. Ruhe 

Sister Ann Marie Howard 

by Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Geraghty 

Sisters Bernice & Mary 

Charlotte Kavanaugh 

by Mrs. Helen G. Tyring 

50th Wedding Anniversary of 

Nova & Martha King 

by Mr. & Mrs. Brian J. Koetter 


Jayn Elizabeth Lein 

by Mr. & Mrs. Ray G. Miller 

Sister Dolorita Libs 

by Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Libs 

Sister Martha 

by Mr. & Mrs. William T. Quilty 

Sister Jennifer Miller 

by Ms. Mary Lou Schapker 

Living & Deceased Mothers in 

Our Family 

by Herb & Marie Obermeier 

Sister Jolinda Naas 

by Mr. & Mrs. Timothy A. Bell 

Sister Mary Frances Schafer 

Dr. Bernard J. Verkamp 

Oblates 

Ms. Sara W. Manis 

Vocations 

Ms. Valeria D. Fong 


Mr. Edward A. Pease 

Kordes Retreat Center 

Rev. Cynthia L. Geisen 

Mrs. George W. Gunter 

Mrs. Nancy Havill 

Ms. Sara W. Manis 

Miss Mary E. Perdzock 

Drs. Eberhard & Ruth Reichmann 

Mrs. Patricia P. Vandiver 

Cobán, Guatemala 

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. Baker 

Oblates of Emmanual Monastery 

Morropón, Peru 

Mr. & Mrs. Clemens A. Baehl 

Bob & Martha Baehl 

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Goedde 

St. Bernadette Auxiliary #280, 

Haubstadt, IN 

by David & Mildred Lowe 

Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz 

by Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Irish 

Sister Paulette Seng 

by Jim & Kathleen Ebert 


by Mr. Paul J. Palombo 



by Dr. Paul W. Hagan 

Sisters Who Taught at 

Assumption School, 

Indianapolis 1937-1945 

by Mr. Joseph L. Hanley 

Sisters Who Taught Us 

by Class of 1953 St. Joseph 

School, Evansville, IN 

Sister Maria Tasto 

by Mrs. Frances Leander 

Sister Mary Joyce Trimble 

by Mr. & Mrs. Douglas D. Windsor 

Sister Corda Trouy 

by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. 

Cunningham 

Sister Mary Cheryl Uebelhor 

18

In honor of... Wedding Anniversay of Jerry & 

by Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. 

Verkamp 

Sister Mary Ann Verkamp 

by Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. 

Verkamp 

Sister Mary Aquin Verkamp 

by Ms. Theresa L. Tretter 

Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. 

Verkamp 



Mary Aquin Verkamp 

by Mr. & Mrs. John S. Holl 

Mr. & Mrs. Max J. Verkamp 

In memory of... 

Charles & Dolly Abner 

by Janet & Mike Abner 

Fred Ackerman 

by Anonymous 

Jack & Carol Sternberg 

Sister Francine Ackerman 

by Mr. & Mrs. Gregory A. Luckett 

Delmar E. Adams 

by Mr. & Mrs. Cayetans W. 

DeLaCruz 

Ralph “Jakie” Albert 

by Frank & Cyrilla Lamkin 

Stan & Mary Ruhe 

Francis & Shirley Schipp 

Sister Edith Alvey 

by Mrs. Edith M. Polen 

Philip John Angermeier 

by Paul & Barb Angermeier 

Gertrude L. Armbruster 

by Ms. Martha Jean McGeorge 

Sister Mary Baehl 

by Vernon & Hilda Schaefer 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry J. Will 

Gladys Balbach 

by Oeding Corporation 

Emma (Auffart) Bartley 

by Daughters of Isabella & St. 

Ann’s Society, Ireland, IN 

Herbert & Emma Bartley 

by The Family 

Andrew J. Bebko 

by Mrs. Jane H. Bebko 

Henry W. Becker 

by Sara & David Hayden 

Ann Beckman 

by Mr. & Mrs. James A. 

Weinzapfel Jr. 

Annagene Beckman 

by Ms. Mary C. Beckman 

Deceased Members of the Belli 

19 

Helen Weinzapfel 

by Harold & Mary Lou Forche 

Jeanne Welte 

by Mr. James A. Welte 

50th Wedding Anniversary of 

Herman & Almeda Wilmes 

by Harold & Paulita Pund 


Paula Wolff 

by Harlan & Jeannene Faller 

Zella D. Fraze 

Sister Jan Youart 

by Mr. & Mrs. Hal M. Youart 

& Hitchcock Families 

by Tony & Em Belli 

Henrietta Berg Fleig & Hubert Berg 

by Ms. Lucille G. Hopkins 

Mary E., Alvin J., & Kenneth V. 

Berger 

by Mrs. Carolyn Grzesk 

Margaret Berson 


Kathryn Bettice 

by Mrs. Peggy C. Dell 

Helen Boettcher 

by Ms. Barbara Lynn Tavormina 

Sister Mary Jude Bouvy 

by Mr. & Mrs. C. Raymond Hufnagel 

Edward Brennan 


Sue (Wilsbacher) Breslin 

by Mr. James J. Breslin 

Ms. Mary Ann Carr 

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Gonzales 

Mrs. Caroline J. Knies 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Lomont 

Albert C. & Eloise E. Brethauer 

by Mr. Thomas E. Brethauer 

Cletus Brosmer 

by Mrs. Ardella E. Kordes 

Jim & Pat Sermersheim 

Sylvester M. Buechler 

by Mrs. Ardella Buechler 

James “Jim” Bundy 

by Mrs. Marie F. Bundy 

Melvin Burger 

by Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Goedde 

Mary J. (Wagner) Burke 

by Mr. & Mrs. Gregg R. Wagner 

Marie Butler 

by Mr. & Mrs. William A. Reising 

Julia Canahuati 

by Mrs. Marlene C. Green 

Prayer Intention of Julius & 

Mary Andreas 

by Mr. James S. Andreas 

Prayer Intention of George & 

Elvira Dason 

by Dianne Czerwinski-Bushman 

Prayer Intention of Bill Eberle 

by Ms. Lyndall Hoffman 

Prayer Intention of Eugene Fournier 

by Ms. Jeanne M. Paradis 

Prayer Intention of Florence 

Laroche 

by Sister Louise Laroche 

Prayer Intention of Linda Lueken 

John Carrigan 

by Mrs. Linda C. Moore 

Caroline Rose Crum 

by Nancy & Bob Rapp 

Susan L. Curtis 

by Ms. Barbara A. Smith 

Walter & Leonilla Daunhauer 

by Marie & David Daunhauer 

Deceased Members of the Class 

of ’50 

by Ms. Rose Mary Leist 

Deceased Relatives 

by Ms. Lorene Trenary 

William Dunfer 


Martin Durchholz 

by Mrs. Mildred C. Durchholz 

Margaret Eble 

by Mr. & Mrs. Eugene A. Madlon 

Max & Dorothy Olinger 

Armella C. Epperson 

by Ms. Diane E. Epperson 

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Hoffman & 

Family 

Rev. Msgr. Kenneth Knapp 

Our Family 

by Mr. & Mrs. Tom Nichols 

Mrs. Janet A. Rearden 

Urban Fehribach 

by Mrs. Elfrieda E. Lueken 

Mr. & Mrs. Laurence J. Fichter & 

Daughter Phyliss 

by Mr. & Mrs. Larry J. Fichter 

Sister Kathleen Finis 

by Anonymous 

Mrs. Kathleen B. Alexander 

Mr. Bob Ambs 

Ms. Nina Clark 

Ms. Margaret Greubel Adler 

Ms. Margaret Antley 

Honor Roll of Donors: Dedications 

by Mr. & Mrs. Louis Lueken 

Prayer Intention of Helena Mink 

by Ms. Margaret R. 

McClamroch 

Special Intentions 

by Dianne Czerwinski-Bushman 

Ms. Elizabeth Casanova 

Ms. Lyndall Hoffman 

Mrs. Maria E. Nelson 

Herb & Marie Obermeier 

Thanksgiving for Blessings Received 

by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Goepfrich 

Ms. Anna Mae Miller 

Bob & Charmaine Verkamp 

Honor Roll of Donors: Memorials 

The Sisters of St. Benedict of 

Ferdinand gratefully acknowledge 

memorial gifts received from April 1, 

2002, through June 30, 2002. 

A memorial donation provides a 

tribute to the memory of one who 

has died as it supports the mission 

and ministries of the sisters. 

Persons memorialized are 

remembered in the prayers of the 

Sisters of St. Benedict. 

Ms. Annabelle Barnett 

Ms. Lynn M. Belli 

Edwin & Judy Betz 

Mr. & Mrs. Hilbert Betz & Family 

Mrs. Laverne Betz 

Melvin & Cecilia Betz 

Mr. & Mrs. Myron Betz & Family 

Mr. Othmar Betz 

Mrs. Kathleen A. Boink 

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald J. Brady 

Ann & Phil Buechler 

Mr. Bernard M. Burger 

Ms. Dorothy T. Clark 

Justin & Shirley Clements 

Diocese of Evansville 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Erny 

Ms. Patricia Seger Fritch 

Ms. Philomena Jones Gogel 

Marlin & LaVerne Grossman 

Dr. Paul W. Hagan 

Ms. Cheryl M. Hall 

Leonard & Mary Heeke 

Mr. Dale W. Helmerich 

Eugene Helming Family 

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Herzog 

Ms. Diane Hohl 

Mrs. Gertrude Hulsman 

Donna & Mike Humbert & 

Family 

Vic & Loretta Humbert


In memoriam 

The Sisters of St. Benedict extend 

sympathy to Sister Jackie Kissel at 

the death of her mother, Pauline; 

Sisters Mary Othmar and Dolorosa 

Hasenour at the death of their sister, 

Eleanor; Sister Johnette Finis at the 

death of her sister, Sister Kathleen; 

Sister Mary Beth Maier at the death 

of her brother, Virgil; Sister Brenda 

Engleman at the death of her 

brother, Bob; Sister Felicita Rentería 

at the death of her father, Vincente; 

and Sisters Mary Carmel and 

Carmen Spayd at the death of their 

sister, Geneva. May they rest in 

God’s loving embrace. 

In memoriam 

The Academy Alumnae Association 

extends sympathy to the families 

of Roselyn McKeown ’50, Sister 

Kathleen (Mary Magdalen) Finis ’36, 

Sister Ernestine (Leona) Brenner ’32; 

Rose Mary (DeVault) Laugel ’36; 

Geneva (Spayd) Weyer ’40; Nancy 

(Snyder) Hagedorn ’48; Marie 

(Wagner) Hirsch ’18; Dorothy 

(Lutgring) LaGrange ’53; Bettye Ann 

(Alvey) Crane ’40; Patricia 

(Delaisse) Gordon ’52; Betty Lou 

(Miles Carr) Murrell ’39; Kathryn 

(Gordon) Bassler ’38 and Sue 

Catherine (Vowels) O’Bryan ’25. 

The name of Arnold Habig, father 

of Nancy Habig, ’54, was inadvertently 

omitted from a past listing of 

the names of alumnae’s immediate 

family members who have died. We 

regret the omission and extend our 

sympathy. (Names of departed 

relatives of alumnae are now listed in 

Jottings, the alumnae newsletter.) 

Mrs. Joan Jochem 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Knies 

Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Knies 

Lenny & Leona Knust 

Ms. Lisa M. Koester 

Ms. Mary L. Lewis 

David & Mildred Lowe 

Ms. Nancy Greubel Mahoney 

Mr. Francis Maurer 

Mrs. Patty Adler Maurer 

Mrs. Veronica M. Mehringer 

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Menner 

Mr. & Mrs. Virgil J. Messmer 

Mr. & Mrs. John W. Neukam 

Mrs. Betty Jean Nicheols 


Mrs. Jeanie Rahman 

Mr. Horace A. Rainey 

Cletus & Florence Rexing 

Sister Eugenia Reibel 

Delmar & Connie Schroering 

Mrs. Adeline Seger 

Ms. Marilyn F. Seng 

Mrs. Judy Senninger 

Ms. Rose Mary Stahl 

Mrs. Dolores Stallings 

Mr. Robert J. Steffe 

Ms. Virginia M. Stemle 

Ms. Edith Sturm 

Mrs. Jerry Summers 

Mrs. Katherine R. Tennis 

Mr. & Mrs. Alois H. Thewes 

Mr. & Mrs. Linus H. Tretter 


Mr. & Mrs. Leroy M. Weiss 

Jim & Linda Wenning 

Lee & Sharon Werner 

Mrs. Patty Weyer 

Mrs. Anna L. Williams 

Bernice M. Fischer 

by Brett & Jennifer Fischer 

Sister Antoinette Fischer 

by Margaret & Lawrence Bonnici 

James Flanagan 

by Mr. & Mrs. Eugene A. Madlon 

Gilbert H. Fleck 

by Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Hackman 

Ms. Karen Hess 

Family & Friends 

Sister Colette Folz 

by Tom & Genny Fuchs 

Mrs. Peggy A. Hertweck 

Mr. C. Scott Norrington 

Julius & Vivian Franchville 

by Bud & Linda Franchville 

Vivian Franchville 

by Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Ubelhor 

Douglas Freson 

by Mrs. Dolores A. Freson 

Bernard Fuhs 

by Francis & Shirley Schipp 

Carolyn T. Gerber 

by Mr. Charlie Gerber 

Edgar Gerber 

by Mrs. Ruth Gerber 

Sister Mary Walter Goebel 

by Dr. John J. Janc 

August & Emma Goetz Family 

by Mrs. Catherine Snyder 

Carl L. Gogel 

by Mrs. Carl L. Gogel 

Andrew & Pauline Kern 

Oeding Corporation 

Norman & Oleta Goller 

by Linda Goller & Lee Gugerty 

Margaret Graford 

by Mrs. Cecilia E. Gries 

Mrs. Ann L. Seng & Mrs. 

Winifred H. Graham 

by Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence E. Seng 

Nickolas Greminger & Family 

by Mrs. Marie A. Gebhardt 

Doris L. Gress 

by Mrs. Susan F. Fleck 

Richard & Alice Grzesk 


Brian D. Hall 

by Ms. Virginia C. Vollmer 

Thelma Happel 

by Mr. Douglas K. Happel 

Robert Hasenour 

by Anonymous 

Daniel Hayden Sr. 

by Andrew & Pauline Kern 

Brian Hedges 

by Mr. & Mrs. John A. Gonzales 

Geneva C. Heitzman 

by Ms. Mariann Baumgartner 

Herman & Marie Hessig 

by Mr. Hilary P. Hessig 

Albert & Eleanor Hisker 

by Mr. & Mrs. Raoul Avila 

Eleanor Hisker 

by Mrs. Rosemary Maier 

Pat Hoehn 

by Mr. & Mrs. Clinton G. Koester 

Anna M. Hoffman 

by Mrs. F. Mariam Bender 

Allen & Aline Brescher 

Ms. Vicki Brzezinski 

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Collins 

Art & Rita Dall 

Bill & Ellie Eckert 

Mrs. Mary Jane Fischer 

Mrs. Susan F. Fleck 

Mr. & Mrs. John J. Goeppner 

Mr. & Mrs. Lee A. Gress 

Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Gress 

Dan & Kathy Gutgsell 

Dennis & Brenda Hoffman & 

Family 

Mr. & Mrs. Leo J. Hohl 

Ms. Laverne E. Holder 

Mrs. Flora Mae Hopf 

Mr. & Mrs. Manuel M. Jochim 

Koberstein Trucking, Inc. 

Frank & Cyrilla Lamkin 

Mr. & Mrs. Norbert Lueken 

Othmar & Florentine Mathias 

Mrs. Anna Mae Mehringer 

Mrs. Mary Catherine Mehringer 

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Merkley 

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence C. Miller 

Neighbors & Friends of Lee & 

Sharon Hoffman 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Poag 

Princeton Veterinary Hospital 

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice J. Reising 

Mrs. Margaret A. Ruhe 

Mr. & Mrs. Norbert J. Schroeder 

Mr. & Mrs. Aloysius M. Schuler 

Mrs. Betty Seifert 

Mrs. Dorothy Senninger 


Mrs. Helen Theising 

Mrs. Mary Jo Uebelhor 

Ms. Virginia C. Vollmer 

Ms. Sally Wagner 

Charles & LaVerne Weisman 

Dr. & Mrs. Ralph G. Welp 

Carmen Hudson 

by Pat & Don Hudson 

Carolyn Jackey 

by Anonymous 

Jim & Judy Buechlein 

Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Buechlein 

Mrs. Agnes A. Schuler 

Anna Jochim 

by Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Graham 

Marianna E. (Judd) Joest 

by Mrs. Martha L. Miller 

Mrs. Dolores M. Spellman 

Mary Louise (Haake) Johnson 

by Mrs. Dolores Stallings 

Esther W. Justus 

by Dr. & Mrs. Charles F. Knapp 

Frank Kavanaugh 

by Mr. Shawn Adams 

Lawrence Kercher 

by Anonymous 

Mrs. Esther A. Fraser 

Ms. Lisa M. Koester 

Mrs. Rita A. Weinzapfel 

Leo Kern 

by Bud & Linda Franchville 

Lucas Kern 

by Andrew & Pauline Kern Family 

Jeanne Kessler 

by Mrs. Mary Lou Kessler 

Robert B. Kessler, M.D. 

by Mrs. Mary Lou Kessler 

Dolores P. Kiesel 

Anonymous 

George J., Leona, & Nick J. Kissel 

by Mr. & Mrs. George H. Kissel 

Mary Pauline Kissel 

by Mr. Robert L. Becker Sr. 

Mr. Daniel Dilegge 

Rev. Tony Ernst 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Evans 

Tom & Delores Folz 

Mark & Cathy Funkhouser 

Mrs. Mary Kathryn Gilles 

Mrs. M. Margaret Gregory 

Don & Loretta Kercher 

Ms. Bettye Koressel 

Lourdes Home Care/Hospice 

Staff, Mayfield, KY 

Mrs. Ruth L. Moore 

Ms. Bernice Rehrman 

Ms. Jo Ann Reitz 

Bob & Mary Lue Russler 

20

Summer Social a sizzling success 

The 

sisters’ 

Summer 

Social on 

June 29–30 

was a sizzling 

success. 

Although the 

heat index 

was over 100 

degrees, the 

two-day 

festival still 

netted a total 

of $132,805, to be used for the restoration of the 

monastery church. 

The sisters thank 

everyone who 

contributed to the 

success of this event, 

said Sister Joella 

Kidwell, prioress. 

People can look 

forward to another 

social in the summer 

of 2007 to coincide 

Sister Joella Kidwell draws for the 10 winners of 

the Grand Raffle, which totaled $15,500 in prizes. 

21 

The ever-popular Marlins entertained a large crowd on 

Saturday evening. 

with the 140th 

anniversary of the 

sisters in Ferdinand, 

she added. 

Social scenes below: (Top left) The bungee run challenged many children as 

well as adults. (Top right) Volunteer workers tend the kettles containing 450 

gallons of mock turtle soup. (Bottom left) For the first time in its history, the 

social featured tethered hot-air balloon rides—a popular attraction for the 

riders as well as for photographers and other onlookers. (Bottom right) Face 

painting appealed to many of the little ones. 

In memoriam 

Sister Kathleen Finis, 83, died June 3 at 8:55 

p.m. EST in the monastery infirmary. Her Resurrection 

Liturgy was celebrated on June 6. 

Sister Kathleen was born the second of five 

children of the late Catherine (Baier) and John J. 

Finis, on January 3, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois. She 

entered the Sisters of St. Benedict in 1936 from 

Little Flower Parish, Indianapolis, and made her first 

profession of vows in 1938 and her final profession in 1941. She 

would have celebrated the 65th anniversary of her religious 

profession in 2003. 

She is survived by one brother, Rev. John J. Finis of Taswell, 

Indiana; a sister, Sister Johnette Finis of the Ferdinand 

Benedictine community; nieces and nephews; and members of her 

religious community. She was preceded in death by her parents; 

her brother, Frank; and a sister, Mary Margaret Furry. 

Sister Kathleen taught music for 62 years. She began teaching 

in 1938 at St. Benedict in Evansville and later taught at Sts. Peter 

and Paul, Haubstadt; Nativity, Mater Dei, and Memorial High 

School in Evansville; and Academy Immaculate Conception/ 

Marian Heights Academy in Ferdinand. During her 37 years of 

ministry in the Academy, she also served as organist and choir 

director at the monastery. After retiring from full-time teaching in 

1995, she continued giving private music lessons until two years 

ago. In addition to her music ministry, she served in support 

services at the monastery and as a volunteer with the sick and 

elderly in Ferdinand and area nursing homes. For the past two 

years, she helped care for her brother, Father John Finis. 

At her wake service, Sister Kathleen was remembered for her 

fidelity to the religious life and for her dedication to her music 

ministry. Her life exemplified the Benedictine values of prayer, 

work, hospitality, and community, and these same values, along 

with her love and appreciation for music, permeated her ministry. 

In 1988, Sister Kathleen received the first Teacher of the Year 

Award given by the Evansville Diocese, recognizing her excellence 

in teaching and her dedication to her students. 

Upon hearing of her death, many Academy alumnae sent 

tributes testifying to her impact as a teacher and as a person. They 

remembered her discipline and relentless encouragement as they 

struggled to discover and develop their musical talents. One said, 

“She seemed like such a taskmaster, but she truly had a heart of 

gold.” 

Sister Kathleen was also considered a beloved friend by many 

who mourned her loss. One sister considered her the “most loved 

teacher in the Academy.” Her warm, personable nature endeared 

her to students, parents, colleagues, and sisters in community. 

“She had a way of making people feel special,” commented a 

friend. Many sisters recalled receiving kind notes, little gifts, and 

thoughtful remembrances. 

Other memories shared at the wake depicted Sister Kathleen as 

playful, mischievous, cheerful, encouraging, thoughtful, and, most 

of all, passionate about her ministry—whether it was directing the 

monastery choir, playing the organ for liturgies, preparing students 

for music contests and recitals, directing productions of Broadway 

musicals, recording the Christmas album “Echoes of Joy,” giving 

lessons, or practicing with chorus classes. 

During the funeral Mass, tears filled the eyes of many sisters 

and friends as they sang Ravenello’s “Ave Maria,” their singing 

perfected through countless practices conducted by Sister 

Kathleen years ago. As an alumna said, “Sister Kathleen will live 

on through the many voices she taught to sing praise!”


Beginning with this issue of 

The Dome, we wish to acknowledge 

those who have died whose families 

requested that memorial donations 

be made to the Sisters of St. 

Benedict of Ferdinand. The sisters 

have designated that a Mass 

celebrated in the monastery church 

be offered for the deceased loved 

ones. (This first list includes those 

who have died since January 1, 

2002.) 

We extend our sympathy to the 

families of: 

Richard Joest 

Aloysius Biever 

Marianna Joest 

Armella Epperson 

Andrea Tomczak 

Viola Weinzapfel 

John Robert Moeller 

Mildred Krampe 

Anna Hoffman 

Leona Uebelhor 

Mary Pauline Kissel 

Charles Montgomery 

Virgil Maier 

Eleanor Hasenour 

Mary Wicks 

Karl Bartley 

Verena Knust 

Geneva Weyer 

To help us keep our records 

complete, we encourage families to 

inform us when they name the Sisters 

of St. Benedict for memorial donations 

at the death of their loved ones. 

(Please contact Sister Rose Mary 

Rexing at 812-367-1411, ext. 2630, 

or rmrosb@thedome.org.) 


Gary & Carolyn Sallee 

Mason & Dottie Schnapf 


Ms. Darlene T. Steffe 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Suess 

Ms. Cecilia Wheatley 

Earl & Rosie Will 

Frank & Betty Will 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Wittgen 

Mary Kleis 

by Mrs. Mary F. Thinnes-Brazeal 

Knable Brothers 

by Ms. Rosalie Linne 

Nettie Knies 

by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest E. Prechtel Sr. 

William A. “Bill” Koch Sr. 

by Ms. Connie E. Schmidt 

Sister Generose Kohn 

by Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Edwards Sr. 

Elaine & Dan Huff 

Albert & Theresia Krampe 

by Marie & David Daunhauer 

Mildred Krampe 

by Miriam & Paul Ash 

Ferrel & Bernida Bredhold 

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Bredhold 

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Buechler 

Ms. Dorothy Buechler 

Denise & Larry Gaesser 

Shank & Dixie Greulich 

Brian & Linda Hassfurther 

Hermina & Dennis Hoppenjans 

Mr. & Mrs. Roger Hurm 

Ms. Jane Jochim 

Charlie & Judy Luebbehusen 

Mrs. Hilda Luebbehusen 

Ms. Bert Oeding 

Adrian & Anna Mae Pund 

Mr. & Mrs. Linus Rahman 

Mr. Herbert Schaeffer 

Ms. Connie Schmidt 

Mary & Greg Wehr 

Ida Mae & Herbert L. Welp 

Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Weyer 

John & Ruth Wibbels 

Sister Antonilla Kraus 

by Mr. & Mrs. Kevin L. Shepherd 

Michael John Kulinski 

by Robert & Penny Schafer 

Ben, Frances, & Linus Laake 

by Mrs. Alice M. Olinger 

Charles Lee 

by Ms. Elizabeth Casanova 

Dorothy Linette 

by Sarah Zoglman & Johnnie Heeke 

Mr. & Mrs. Meleties J. Weyer 

Paul C. Linne 

by Ms. Rosalie Linne 

Bettie Long 

by Drs. Michael & Myra Sue Momot 

Paul & Cecilia Luebbehusen 

by Mrs. Mary A. Smith 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Maier 

by Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. May 

Virgil Maier 

by Mr. & Mrs. Joe Berendes 

Mr. & Mrs. Darvin Besing 

Steve & Judy Blankenberger 

Mrs. Alice J. Chamberlain 

Mr. & Mrs. Ned B. Earley 

Velcia & Roger Emmert 

Jim & Ruth Fox 

Ms. Dolores Goebel 

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Goedde 

Mary Sue & Jim Gries 

Ray & Jan Herr 

Bob & Mary Hirsch 

Ms. Catherine Hoefling 

George & Carolyn Hoffman 

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Lamble 

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Lamble 

Mr. & Mrs. Rick Lamble 

Darvin & Virginia Lamey 

Joe & Charlene Lamey 

Don & Jeannine May 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. May 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth H. Meny 

Elvera & Harold Meyer 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene C. Miller 

Tom & Ann Minnis 

Leonard & Alta Parrish 

Mr. & Mrs. Ray J. Rexing 

Mr. & Mrs. Allen E. Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Schmitt 

Dave & Mary Schmitt 

Mr. Elmer A. Schmitt 

Jerry & Martha Schmitt 

Larry & Martha Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald L. Schneider 


Mr. & Mrs. John W. Smith 

Mrs. Wilma Rexing Speer 

Ms. Catherine E. Spindler 

Strategic Systems Department, 

Crane Naval Depot 

Mrs. Mary Jane Tenbarge 

Mrs. Mary Jo Uebelhor 


Mr. Alphonse Will 

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Will Jr. 

Bob & Diane Will 

Mrs. Goldie M. Wilm 

Dave & Joyce Wilzbacher 

Mrs. Virginia Wilzbacher 

Mrs. Margaret Wolfe 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Wright 

Sister Vivian Market 

by Mr. & Mrs. Francis H. Bruce 

Lorine M. Matheis 

by Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Knies 

Barbara Matthews 

by Jack & Carol Sternberg 

Brian Matthews 


Frank E. Matthews 

by Mr. & Mrs. Francis H. Hillenbrand 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Hillenbrand 

Angela Jane Maurer 

by Mr. & Mrs. John G. Maurer III 

Charles W. May 


Cecilia Mayer 

by Ms. Rosalie Edwards 

Leona Mehling 

by Mr. William L. Kern 

Sister Modesta Metzger 

by Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Oxley 

Ted Mizgalski 

by Ms. Patricia M. Cook 

John Robert Moeller 

by Ms. Esther B. Griffith 

Mr. Michael Joseph Lee 

Doit & Marguerite Montgomery 

Ms. Elizabeth E. Mumm 

Ms. Sally C. Smart 

Mrs. Elizabeth Stephens Camp 

Sister Tharsilla Moeller 

by Ms. Helen M. Curl 

Janice & Dale Monesmith 

by Dr. & Mrs. Matthew B. Monesmith 

Charles L. Montgomery 

by Richard Getty & Linda Sartore 

Getty 

Mrs. Bernadette Montgomery 

Ms. Shirley L. Nickens 


Ms. Susie B. Watters 

Jim & Lena Mummert 

by Jim & Justine Cameron 

Leona Mundy 

by Max & Dorothy Olinger 

Raymond & Stephen Nurrenbern 

by Mrs. Virginia Nurrenbern 

Alma Oing 


Anthony & Frieda Olinger 

by Del & Norma Steinhart 

Emil & Joseph Olinger 

by Mrs. Alice M. Olinger 

R. P. & Mary A. Olinger 

by Rosemary & Leroy Mundy 

Sister Anita Peters 

by Ms. Marilyn F. Becker 

Mr. & Mrs. Earl Peters 

Mary Ann Verkamp & Paul Brown 

Margaret E. (Kiesler) Peterson 

by Mr. John F. Peterson Sr. 

Chester Petrick 

by Ltc. Edward M. Warzecha, Ret. 

Jack Pfettscher 

by Mr. & Mrs. Leroy M. Weiss 

Elizabeth Ann Pund 

by Mrs. Margaret A. Pund Stimming 

Theodore & Marie Pund 

by Mr. & Mrs. Denis L. Uebelhor Sr. 

Lawrence Recker 

22


by Ms. Lorine Matheis 

Paul & Glayds Stratman 

Victoria Rettig 

by Joe & Barbara Rettig 

Ernest Rexing 

by Mr. & Mrs. Clement J. Horstman 

Cletus & Florence Rexing 


Katherine L. Roos 

by Mr. & Mrs. Maurice J. Reising 

Delphine, Francie, Mary, Kristin, 

Herbert, Verena, Art, & Joe Ruhe 

by Mr. Vincent A. Ruhe 

Bradford Roger Ruhlin 

by Mr. & Mrs. Roger R. Ruhlin 

Earl M. Salb 

by Mrs. Betty Jo Salb 

Sister Mary Rupert Scheessele 

by Mr. & Mrs. Gregory M. 

Scheessele 

Lawrence & Lillian Schipp 

by Ms. Bernice A. Schipp 

Leo & Catherine Schipp Family 

by Mrs. Dolores Stallings 

Rose Schipp 

by Irvin, Patricia, Jennifer, & 

Daniel Ebert 

Mr. Robert Fritz 

Mr. & Mrs. Earl J. Jerger 

Frank & Cyrilla Lamkin 

Mobel Inc. 

Linus & Phyllis Mundy & 

Family 


Bernard & Mary Pund 

Mrs. Margaret A. Ruhe 

Mr. Paul A. Ruhe 

Stan & Mary Ruhe 

Mrs. Mary Ann Schipp 

Jim & Pat Sermersheim 

Mr. Edwin C. Tretter 

Connie & Jack Yaggi 

Betty Schmidt 

by Mrs. Sophia M. Davis 

Sister Ruth Ann Schmitt 

by Joe & Theresa Berendes 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Stengel 

Sister Mary Paschal Schulte 

by Mr. August P. Schulte Jr. 

Carl Schum 

by Mrs. Mary F. Thinnes-Brazeal 

Sister Mary Benno Schum 

by Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Pullen 

Floyd Schwoeppe 

by Art & Rita Dall 

Family & Friends 


Mrs. Angeline K. Schwoeppe 

Ralph Seifert 

by Andrew & Pauline Kern 

Ben & Henrietta Seng 

by Mr. Alan J. Seng 

23 

Sister Stephanie Seng 

by Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Remke 

Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Shively 

by Bill & Brenda Shively 

John Shoemaker 

by Sister Corda Trouy 

Doris Slattery 

by David & Aileen Wells 

Clayton & Evelyn Smith 


Kenneth M. Smith 

by Mrs. Mary A. Smith 

Mary R. Smith 


Joanna Snowden 

by Mrs. Mildred P. Kordes 

Herman & Brigetta Snyder 

Family 


Bill Spellman 

by Mrs. Dolores M. Spellman 

Fintan Stallings 

by Ms. Amy Stallings 

Joseph Stalzer 

by Mr. Donald G. Juricic 

Bill Stetter 

by Jack & Carol Sternberg 

John A. Tarullo 

by Harold & Virlee Durcholz 

Ms. Mary Ann Kippenbrock 

Mr. Reynold Kippenbrock 

Robert & Henrietta Kippenbrock 

Ms. Virginia Pieper 

Peter Tavormina 

by Ms. Barbara Lynn Tavormina 

Sister Jeannette Tenbarge 

by Metropolitan Woman’s 

Club, Lexington, KY 

Wilfred Tenbarge 



Andrea Tomczak 

by Dirk & Linda Arrington 

Mike, Kevin, & Rosemary 

McGarrah 


Mary Alice Payne Turner 

by Jeff, Diane, & Amelia Norton 


Anonymous 

Ms. Lynn M. Belli 

Vic & Connie Betz 

Kevin & Vickie Brinkman 

Kurt Brinkman & Jeni Townzen 

Mark & Kathy Brinkman Family 

Mrs. Mary Jane Brinkman 

Wayne & Susan Brinkman 

Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred 

Brinkman 

Mrs. Mary Jane Fischer 

Mr. & Mrs. John J. Goeppner 

Ms. Reen Gutgsell 

Mr. & Mrs. Jerome F. Habig 

Brian & Linda Hassfurther 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. 

Hochgesang 

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Hoge & 

Family 

Mrs. Emma M. Jochum 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Knies 

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis E. Kreilein 

Jim & Shirley Olinger 

David & Nancy Prechtel 

Mrs. Jeanie Rahman 

Francis & Shirley Schipp 

Mrs. Pauline Schnell 

Ms. Marilyn F. Seng 


Mrs. Dolores Stallings 

Mr. & Mrs. Denis L. Uebelhor Sr. 

Ms. Dolores E. Uebelhor 

Jim & Alvinia Uebelhor & 

Paul Uebelhor 


Janet & Kent Uebelhor 

Paul Uebelhor Family 


Gib & Kate Verkamp 

Bob & Charmaine Verkamp 

Daniel & Virlee Wendholt 

Ed & Mary Weyer 

Linda & Paul Weyer & Family 

Connie & Jack Yaggi 

Janice I. Wanninger 

by Mr. & Mrs. Arthur L. Wanninger 

Josephine “Jo” Warzecha 

by Ltc. Edward M. Warzecha, Ret. 

Elmer A. Weinzapfel 

by Mr. & Mrs. John A. Gonzales 

Doris Wells 

by David & Aileen Wells 

Michael Werner 

by Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Salla 

Dorothy Wheeless 

by Mrs. Karen Fabiano 

Sister Valencia Wildeman 

by Mr. & Mrs. Wilburn E. Butts Jr. 

Edwin & Frances Will 

by Ted & Elaine Will 

Esther Williams 


Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Wilsbacher 

by Mr. & Mrs. John A. 

Gonzales 

Sister Evarista Wittmer 

by Mr. & Mrs. Rockne Kleeman 

Gayle Wolff 

by Harlan & Jeannene Faller 

Patricia J. Wright 

by Mr. & Mrs. David Wright 

Cathleen (St. Denis) Yungwirth 

by Mr. & Mrs. William J. Futrell 

Leo W. Ziliak 


EWS 


NEWS NEWS 

WS NEWS NEW 

NEWS NEWS 

WS NEWS NE 

NEWS NEWS 

S NEWS NEW 

WS NEWS NEW 

WS NEWS NEW 

NEWS NEWS N 

WS NEW 

NEWS NE 

Principal, teacher receives recognition 

Sister Jane Ann Breen, 

principal at Shawe Memorial 

Junior–Senior High School in 

Madison, Indiana, recently 

received a special award 

because of a former student of 

hers. In August, Elizabeth Sister Jane Ann 

Bennett, currently a sophomore 

at St. Mary’s of Notre Dame, received the 

“Realizing Your Dream” award sponsored by 

the Independent Colleges of Indiana and 

Eli Lilly Company. As part of her application, 

Beth submitted an essay about Sister 

Jane Ann as the teacher who had the 

biggest impact on her life. 

Beth wrote: “I took sociology and 

psychology from Sister Jane Ann and loved 

both classes. She was the best teacher I 

have ever had, not only because she had a 

passion for the subjects, but also because 

she wanted us to be passionate and 

interested in them, too. ... She inspired me 

to be a psychology major and carry out my 

goal of becoming a speech pathologist. ... 

She showed me how much she believed in 

me. ... Without her I would not be the 

person I am today. I hope that I can be as 

beautiful a person as she is.” 

At the award banquet in Indianapolis 

in October, Sister Jane Ann received 

$500 and a plaque for “inspiring 

students to expand their educational 

horizons.” She said of her recognition, 

“It made every day worthwhile.” 

Another honor was given to Sister 

Jane Ann when the Shawe Memorial 

PTA named a scholarship in her honor to 

be given annually to two Shawe teachers 

named by students as having the most 

positive influence on their education. 

Sister Jan’s poetry recognized 

This summer, Sister Jan 

Youart received recognition 

from the International Society 

of Poets for her poem “Golden 

Voyage.” Her poem was 

selected for publication in the 

Society’s national poetry book, Sister Jan 

Letters from the Soul, and was 

submitted as a contest semi-finalist, as the 

recognition letter read, “on the basis of 

your unique talent and artistic vision.” 

Sister Jan was nominated as a Poet of 

the Year and invited to read her poem at 

the International Society of Poets 

Summer Convention and Symposium in 

Washington, D.C. Although Sister Jan 

did not attend the convention, she was 

inducted as an “International Poet of 

Merit” for 2002, honoring her poetic 

dedication and achievement.

St. Hildegard Society 

SAINT 

HILDEGARD 

S O C I E T Y 

The St. Hildegard Society 

recognizes those persons who 

have included the Sisters of St. 

Benedict in their estate plans. 

The society is named in 

honor of Hildegard of Bingen, 

the celebrated 12th century 

Benedictine abbess of 

Rupertsberg on the Rhine, 

near Bingen, Germany. 

Described as a towering genius 

of Western thought, St. 

Hildegard was a musician, 

writer, mystic, healer, scientist, 

and preacher. 

Listed here are the names 

of the St. Hildegard Society 

members, living and deceased. 

Their support and generosity 

are deeply appreciated. 

Charles & Carolyn Abel 

Rev. Donald Ackerman 

Jerome & Olivia Adler 

Leo & Bettye Adler 

Russell & Mary Lee Allen 

Harlan & Alba Altman 

Mathilda Anders 

Susan Anderson 

Anonymous (17) 

Catherine Babst 

Patrick Backer 

Donald & Frances Bartley Jr. 

Theresa Bauer 

Laura Becher 

Julia A. Beck 

David & Barbara Berger 

Guerin & Margaret Bernardin 

John & Betty Berry 

Cornelius & Nellie Besselman 

Veronica Besselman 

Charles Biever 

Ernest & Vanice Billups 

Gerald J. Birk 

Earl & Juliann Bittner 

Florence M. Bizzell 

Louis & Evelyn Boehman 

Robert Boehman 

Alberta Bolte 

Richard & Evelyn Bottin 

Teckla Brazier 

Rev. Raymond A. Brenner 

Allen & Aline Brescher 

Lucile C. Brouilette 

Evelyn Buechlein 

Clarence & Margaret Buechler 

Earl & Lenora Buechler 

Julius Buettner 

Alma R. Burger 

Charles Campbell 

Dorothy Clark 

Bernice Cloutier 

George & Mary Cordier 

Rev. Larry Coulter 

Tom Crane 

Arthur & Rita Dall 

Albert & Willia Mae Dauby 

Clarence & Josephine Dauby 

J. J. Dauby 

George & Joan David 

Frances C. Davidson 

Barbara Davis 

Mary Lou Deeg 

Roberta DeKemper 

Elizabeth Denu 

Charles & Amelia Dethy 

Fred & Betty Dewig 

Norman & Katie Dewig 

Rev. William Dietsch 

Elaine D. Dion 

Irene Dippel 

Jack & Mary Jo Dippel 

Hattie Dittmer 

Catherine Doll 

John & Gail Dunn 

David E. & Lou J. Eckerle 

Eleonora Eckert 

Robert & Joann Edwards 

John Eiberg 

Raymond Ellenbrand 

Harold J. Englert 

Gilbert & Alberta 

Fehrenbacher 

Agnes C. Finnerty 

Edward & Catherine Fislar 

Edward Fleischmann 

George S. & Doris Ford 

G. Bernard & Pauline E. 

Fromme 

Joseph & Marilyn Gallagher 

Rosetta Gehlhausen 

Mark A. Graf 

Dorothy Grider 

Jerry & Pam Gries 

Anna Mae Gutgsell 

Louise C. Gutgsell 

Elnora M. Gutzweiler 

Thomas & Roberta Habig 

Helen Hagedorn 

Robert and Janice Harpenau 

Robyn A. Harper 

Maury & Patricia A. Hart 

Marcy H. Hasenour 

Robert Dale Hess 

C. Richard Hevron 

Ida K. Hillenbrand 

Ruth Hillenbrand 

Albert and Eleanor Hisker 

Wilma J. Hoerner 

Theresa M. Hoffman 


Emil & Teresa Hopf 

Rev. Msgr. Linus Hopf 

Craig and Anne Howerton 

Dan & Elaine Huff 

Helen R. Jezouit 

Bertha Jochim 

Verlee Jochum 

Florence Jones 

Maurice & Norine Keller 

Gregory & Winnie Kempf 

Edna Kiesler 

Ione Kinghorn 

Melvin & Mary Kissinger 

J. Edward and Harriette 

Klinker 

Alma M. Knable 

Jerry & Linda Koester 

Edward & Mildred Kordes 

Eleanor Koressel 

Tom & Susan Kramer 

Eloise Krampe 

Cornelius Krapf 

Mildred Smith Krapf 

Rita M. Krapf 

Kenneth & Marlene Krasavage 

Esther S. Kress 

Carolyn S. Kuhn 

Rose Marie Kuhn 

Marcus Kuper 

Maurice & Dolores Kuper 

John Lange 

Mrs. John J. Lasher 

Kenneth Levenhagen 

Ray Link 

David & Mildred Lowe 

Charles Lubbehusen 

Frances E. Lutgring 

Glennis & Agnes McClure 

Margaret McGuire 

Edwin Mehling 

Dennis Mehringer Sr. 

Louise Mehringer 

Robert & Michele Mehringer 

Kenneth H. & Elvira J. Meny 

Clarence & Marjorie Merkley 

James & Julia Meyer 

Matthew & Catherine 

Michaels 

Anna Mae Miller 

Frances Mills 

P. Michael Mitchell 

Dwight & Mary Ann Mobley 

Dennis & Mary Moeller 

Marie Montgomery 

James & Mary Kay 

Muehlbauer 

Virginia Mullins 

Rosemary Neufelder 

Violet Neveu 

Ruth W. Nicholson 

Michael & Laura Nolan 

Bernard & Mary Jane Nunning 

Carl & Betty O'Connor 

Lorene M. Oing 

Lee Ray and Martha Olinger 

Mary Agnes Peters 

Edward & Cecilia Mae 

Ploetner 

Ralph E. & Evelyn L. Probert 

Stephen & Lisa Provost 

William & Marie Quilty 

William & Stella Reckelhoff Sr. 

Carolyn Day Rector 

Eberhard & Ruth Reichmann 

Albert & Scholastica Remke 

Benno Remke 

Robert & Margaret Remke 

Shirley Remke 

Martin & Helen Renner 

Peggy Ricker 

Clara Riehl 

James G. Ritchey 

Louella Rodgers 

Linda Rohleder 

Ray & Johnny Rothlei 

Nancy Sanderson 

George & Mary Schafer 

Melvin J. Schapker 

Walden & Edna Schiffer 

Bernice A. Schipp 

Daniel & Patricia Schipp 

Rev. Ralph H. Schipp 

Allen Schmitt 

Elmer A. Schmitt 

Linda Schmitt 

Irene Schnaus 

Marcella Schnaus 

Mary Alice Schnaus 

Robert & Leona Schnaus 

Rev. Eugene Schroeder 

Norbert & Verena Schroeder 

Charles & Bonita Loechte 

Schuler 

Gervase Schwenk 

Ida Schwenk 

Doretha E. Schwoeppe 

Pauline Seibert 

Alphonse C. Sermersheim 

Most Rev. Francis Shea 

James C. & Mae V. Shively 

Mathew & Maria Slaats 

Ruby E. Smith 

Kenneth & Edna Sollman 

Lillian (Mae Chinn) Songer 

Fintan & Dolores Stallings 

Robert Steffe 

Judith A. Stetter 

Emma Strahl 

Marie Anna Stratman 

Cynthia Straub 

Irvin & Linda Stumler 

David and Marilyn Swango 

Edmond Talucci 

Paul & Mildred Taylor 

Joseph & Mary Jane Theby Sr. 

Mary F. Thinnes-Brazeal 

Franklin & Emma Thomas 

Al J. Tieken 

Bridget Tierney 

Alvin C. & M. Kathleen 

Tretter 

Patrick & Elizabeth Tretter 

Kathleen Trouy 

Helen Tyring 

Hilbert & Rose Uebelhor 


Walter & Mary Louise 

Uebelhor 

Blaine & Jovita VanDerSnick 

Gilbert & Catherine Verkamp 

John & Wilhelmina Verkamp 

Ralph & Loretta 

Vonderschmitt 

Jerome & Laurinda Walker 

Wesley Waterhouse 

Mary Denise Weber 

Marie Wehr 

George & Mary Ellen Wehrle 

Diane Weiss-Altstadt 

Linus & Evangeline Welp 

Loraine Welp 

Charles E. Welte 

James & Linda Wenning 

Irwin B. & Marie Weyer 

James Weyer 

Thomas & Ann Weyer 

Vincent & Theresia Weyer 

Dorothy Wheeless 

Dorothy Wilhelmus 

Esther M. Will 

Steven Willis 

John and Sandra Wilson 

Scarlett Winters 

John & Marian Witting 

Ida Wittmer 

Charles & Lillian Woerz 

Hubert & Mildred Youart 

Elmer & Agnes Zoeller 

24

Mission Advancement Revenue for the Last Five Years 

$2,400,000 

$2,200,000 

$2,000,000 

$1,800,000 

$1,600,000 

$1,400,000 

$1,200,000 

$1,000,000 

$800,000 

$600,000 

$400,000 

$200,000 

$0 

The 2001-2002 fiscal year marked the sixth consecutive year that donors generously 

contributed over $1 million to the Sisters of St. Benedict through the annual fund and 

planned giving. 

*This amount is gross revenue, before expenses, from the Summer Social. The net 

income from the Social totaled $132,805, which was applied to The Center of Our 

Lives campaign for restoration of the monastery church. 

Disbursement Disbursement of of Mission Mission A AAdv 

A dv dvancement dv ancement Funds Funds Funds (Pre-A (Pre-Audit (Pre-A udit Figures) 

Figures) 

Ministries and programs of the Sisters of St. Benedict received these percentages of 

Mission Advancement revenue, as illustrated by this pie chart. 

25 

1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 

Annual Fund Planned Giving Other 

Fiscal Year Annual Fund Planned Giving Other 

2001–2002 $837,381 $1,069,381 $191,588* 

2000–2001 $869,322 $424,004 $100 

1999–2000 $1,065,487 $545,796 $18,052 

1998–1999 $958,935 $424,032 0 

1997–1998 $1,228,697 $653,443 0 

Retirement 62.14% 

Monastery 36.18% 

Peru Mission 1.07% 

Guatemala Mission 0.38% 

Kordes Retreat Center 0.24% 

Stewardship Report 

SISTERS OF ST. BENEDICT 

July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002 

Mission Advancement Revenue 

for 2001–2002 

(Pre-Audit Figures) 

Annual Fund 

$837,381 39.90% 

Planned Giving 

$1,069,381 50.97% 

Other 

$191,588 9.13% 

Total Revenue $2,098,350 

Donors contributed nearly $2.1 million during the 

fiscal year 2001-2002 through the annual fund, 

planned giving, and the Summer Social. Planned 

giving contributions are gifts from members of the St. 

Hildegard Society that are in the form of bequests, 

annuities, insurance policies, and other types of 

planned gifts. 

Disbursement Disbursement of of Mission Mission A AAdv 

A dv dvancement 

dv ancement 

Funds Funds (Pre-A (Pre-A (Pre-Audit (Pre-A udit Figures) 

Figures) 

This graph depicts the monetary amounts received by 

the ministries and programs of the Sisters of St. 

Benedict from Mission Advancement revenue. 

$1,400,000 

1,200,000 

1,000,000 

800,000 

600,000 

400,000 

200,000 

0 

Retirement $1,304,012 

Monastery $759,120 

Peru Mission $22,348 

Guatemala Mission $7,939 

Kordes Retreat Center $4,931

Calendar of Events 

S M T W T F S 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 

29 30 31 

D e c e m b e r 

December 1 

Benedictine Oblate Meeting— 

Sister Mary Victor Kercher will 

lead the Oblates in an Advent 

reflection. 

December 6–8 

Christmas Card Retreat (Sponsored 

by Kordes Retreat Center) 

December 7 

Ongoing Formation—Program 

S M T W T F S 

1 2 3 4 

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 

26 27 28 29 30 31 

January 1, 2003 

Blessings for a happy, peace-filled 

New Year for everyone! 

Announcement of Jubilees— 

Sisters celebrating anniversaries 

of their monastic profession in 

2003: 75 years–Sister Celine 

Meyer; 70 years–Sisters Mary 

William Moore and Dolorosa 

Hasenour; 60 years–Sisters 

Marilyn Market and Mary Mark 

Graf; 50 years–Sisters Mary 

for the sisters, focusing on 

spirituality of monastic life, 

presented by Sister Karen Joseph, 

OSB, of Perpetual Adoration 

Monastery in Clyde, Missouri 

December 8 

Feast of the Immaculate Conception—patronal 

feast of the 

monastery. Bishop Gerald A. 

Gettelfinger of the Evansville 

Diocese will celebrate Mass and 

join the sisters for dinner. 

December 13–15 

Jesus the Messiah: Advent 

Retreat, directed by Rev. Eugene 

Hensell, OSB, of Saint Meinrad 

Archabbey (Sponsored by Kordes 

Retreat Center) 

J a n u a r y 

Karen Hill and Geneva Stumler; 

25 years–Sister Jean Marie 

Ballard 

January 3–5 

Benedictine Life Weekend— 

Stability: Commitment to a Particular 

People and Place is the theme 

of this weekend for women 

interested in learning more about 

the Ferdinand Benedictines and 

the monastic life. 

January 6–10 

That All May Be One: The 

Teachings of Catherine of 

Siena—A guided retreat directed 

by Sister Geraldine 

Hedinger, director of the Office 

for Adult Formation for the 

Diocese of Evansville (Sponsored 

December 14 

Profession of Perpetual Vows by 

Sisters Marilú Córdova and 

Nolberta Ramírez at Benedictine 

monastery in Morropón, Peru 

December 24 

The public is invited to Christmas 

Eve services at the monastery. 

Prelude music will begin at 9:30 

p.m. EST followed by Mass at 10 

p.m. Refreshments will be served 

in the monastery dining room and 

St. Gertrude Hall after Mass. 

December 25 

Merry Christmas to everyone! 

December 31 

Community Meetings/Retreat 



Monastery Executive Advisory 

Council Meeting 


Ongoing Formation—Program 

for the sisters, focusing on the 

Rule of St. Benedict and its 

relevance today, presented by 

Sister Christine Vladimiroff, 

OSB, prioress of the Benedictine 

Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania 

January 18 

Academy Alumnae Leadership 

Board Meeting 

January 26 

Benedictine Oblate Meeting 

26

February 7–8 

Gathering for sisters in initial 

formation 

February 17 

First Degree Reiki—Workshop 

presented by Sister Kristine 

Anne Harpenau (Sponsored by 

Kordes Retreat Center) 

March 1 

Praying Without Words—An 

introduction to and practice of 

Centering Prayer, presented by 

Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau 

(Sponsored by Kordes Retreat 

Center) 

March 5 

Ash Wednesday—Beginning of 

Lent 

March 7–9 

Simple Questions, Lifelong 

Answers—Workshop presented 

by Gerry Boyland, private 

therapist in Louisville (Sponsored 


March 14–16 

Sisters’ Community Meetings— 

Beginning of discernment/ 

election process: goal and 

direction setting 

March 20–22 

CD Recording—The Sisters of 

St. Benedict Chorus will record a 

Christmas CD to be released in 

November 2003. 

March 21–23 

Why Was Jesus Killed?—A 

27 

F e b r u a r y 

February 21–22 

Sunshine in the Wintertime: A 

Day Just for You—Spa day for 

women. Filled with fun, relaxation, 

healing, and prayer (Sponsored 


February 23 


M a r c h 

Lenten Retreat focusing on the 

meaning of the suffering, death, 

and resurrection of Jesus, directed 

by Rev. Eugene Hensell, 

OSB, of Saint Meinrad 

Archabbey (Sponsored by Kordes 

Retreat Center) 

March 23 


March 28–30 

Benedictine Life Weekend— 

Conversion and Fidelity to the 

Calendar of Events 

S M T W T F S 

1 

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 

23 24 25 26 27 28 

S M T W T F S 

1 

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 

30 31 

Monastic Way of Life is the 

theme for this weekend for 

women interested in learning 

more about life in a Benedictine 

monastery. 

Sisters’ Christmas CD chorus to perform 

“We would be honored if a choir from the Sisters of St. Benedict would come 

to provide a special touch to the evening by singing under the elegant dome.” 

The elegant dome referred to is the West Baden Springs National Historic 

Landmark in West Baden, Indiana, and the invitation to the sisters came from 

the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, owners of the West Baden 

facility. The Foundation is hosting an artist reception and county-wide open 

house at West Baden on Saturday, December 14, and the sisters have been 

invited to provide entertainment at 8 p.m. 

Large angels, created by Indiana sculptors and artists, are on display in the 

huge atrium of the former hotel. Catherine Turissini, marketing and tourism 

assistant of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, said, “After touring the 

monastery church earlier this summer, I know how dear angels are to your 

Benedictine community and that they are symbols seen throughout your building.” 

Because of her visit to Ferdinand, Turissini issued the invitation for a choir 

of sisters to provide entertainment at the open house. 

Sisters performing at this occasion are members of the sisters’ Christmas CD 

chorus—a group which has been practicing for the recording of a Christmas CD 

in March 2003. The performance at West Baden will include seasonal selections 

from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

SISTERS OF ST. BENEDICT 

Monastery Immaculate Conception 

802 E. 10th Street • Ferdinand, Indiana 47532-9239 

Non-Profit Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Ferdinand, Indiana 

Permit No. 15 

Zip + 4 

28

Fall 2002 - Sisters Of St. Benedict

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