Members and Mission in the News

OctOber 2008

LorettoReprin­ts

continued on page 2

By MARNIE MCALLISTERRecord Staff Writer

In early spring of 1938, 18 young women from Loretto High School in Louisville gathered at the Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky., to attend a special Mass honoring their approaching graduation. During the visit, someone snapped a photo of the girls chatting in the Motherhouse grotto — in their tailored coats and perfectly arranged hats.

The photo stirs a host of memories for a handful of these alumnae 70 years later. Eight of the 18 are living. And four who are still able to travel plan to return to the Loretto Motherhouse Sept. 7. They will attend a special Mass and hope once again to have their picture taken in the grotto.

Ruth Hurst Alexander, the organizer of next month’s reunion, hosted a pre-reunion luncheon at her condo in the Highlands last week. In attendance were her former classmates Evelyn Ruley James, Helen Ritter and Emilita “Bunny” Wagner Barker.

“How was I so lucky to get the four of us together?” Alexander wondered aloud to her classmates over a bowl of chilled cucumber soup. “This is such a treat. I think about how beautiful we were as kids. And we still look pretty good.”

They spent their time reminiscing — and sometimes disagreeing — about who did what back in their school days.

Loretto High School alums meet for 70th reunion

Alexander remembers that “Bunny” Barker “was the girl who was best dressed and dolled up.”

Evelyn James had a different impression. “I thought she was the nicest in our class.”

The most popular, though, was Helen Ritter, Alexander said. Ritter was president of the class for three years.

The women laughed at the memory of their yellow gym suits. And there was no discrepancy in their memories of the flood of 1937.

The academy was housed in the old Doerhoefer Mansion in West Louisville not far from the Ohio River.

“The floors (threaded with inlaid wood) were exquisite, and there was this wonderful staircase,” Barker said she recalled.

As the river rose, the sisters who operated the school asked the girls to pray a novena.

The substance of their prayer asked “that the high water wouldn’t come above the wainscoting, because the top (part of the wall) was beautiful French wallpaper,” said Barker. “The water came within an inch.”

Alexander recalled that when school reconvened — after a semester-long hiatus — “the nuns made us go down to the river and throw holy water into it and sing

Members of Loretto Academy’s class of 1938 gathered for a luncheon last week to prepare for a 70th reunion visit to the Loretto Motherhouse Sept. 7. The alumnae, from left, are Ruth Hurst Alexander, the hostess, Emilita “Bunny” Wagner Barker, Helen Ritter and Evelyn Ruley James. Loretto Academy, which was located in West Louisville, closed in 1973 after 131 years.

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continued from page 1“Beautiful Ohio.”

The Loretto Sisters — who operated the school from 1842 to 1973 — were the source of comfort, wisdom, manners and a few good laughs for their students.

“Having so few of us in the class, we had a beautiful relationship with the nuns,” said Barker.

“We loved them,” added Alexander. “But we made fun of them.”

In addition to lessons in traditional subjects, Barker said, “I think one thing they taught us was how to be a lady.”

Alexander remembers instruction in setting a table and matters of etiquette. And, she noted, she still uses those lessons today.

Helen Ritter, whose father was physician to the sisters at the academy, said, “I always felt they taught us gratitude — to be always grateful to God and our parents, to be grateful for our friendships and a Catholic education.”

Evelyn James, who became a reading teacher and charter member of St. Raphael Church, said it was a sacrifice for their families to send them to a Catholic school at the time.

“Everyone was very poor,” she said.

Her own father had died at age 30, leaving her mother to raise four children (the couple had a five children, but one died as an infant). She took in ironing and other odd jobs to support the children.

Alexander, who later taught at Male High School, said her father drove a taxi.

Ritter went on to attend Webster College — a Loretto school at the time — and then to teach English and Latin at Atherton High School. Barker, who spent much of her time traveling, was involved in the establishment of Bellarmine University and during World War II helped in the drafting department at Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Corporation.

While the women left Loretto instruction years ago, they continue

to feel its effects, they said. In recent years, Alexander

has reconnected, attending Mass monthly at the Loretto Motherhouse.

Loretto Sister Mary Swain said the sisters are looking forward to greeting the alumnae when they visit next month. They will be honored during a special Mass, which will be followed by a reception.

She noted that Loretto Academy was established in 1842 and was located in Portland, near Our Lady Church. In 1923 it moved to the Doerhoefer Mansion at 45th Street and West Broadway. The sisters had a convent on the third floor, and classes were held in the main house, a carriage house and, later, another building.

Sister Swain, who taught at the school from 1966 until it closed in 1973, said that, during the civil rights movement and desegregation, Loretto Academy actively recruited and established scholarships for black students.

In 1966, she noted, the school had one senior who was black, and 20 percent of the freshman class was black.

“It was a good and exciting place to be in the ’60s,” she said.

Eventually, though, enrollment dropped too low to continue operating the academy, she said. “It served a good purpose for a lot of

years.” In addition to the four alumnae who will visit Nerinx in September, surviving members of the class of 1938 include Doris Meiman Gettelfinger, Dorothy Gaupin Butler, Mary Rita Craven Coy and Martine Connors.

The RecordLouisville KYAugust 7, 2008

Loretto Reprin­tsLoretto Reprin­ts is a compilation of news about the Loretto community’s members and mission. the sisters and co-members of the Loretto com-munity work for justice and act for peace in a variety of settings. We live in 33 states in the U.S. and 8 countries outside the U.S.

If you would be interested in further information about the Loretto com-munity, please contact:

Loretto community300 e. Hampden Ave. Suite 400englewood, cO 80113

after December 15, 20084000 S. Wadsworth blvd.Littleton, cO 80123susan@lorettocommunity.org

Please send reprints to the above address.

This issue: scanning and layout Susan Swain SL

page 3 Supplement to the St. Louis Review/June 27, 2008 Page 31

including as a religious instructor for youthand an extraordinary minister of HolyCommunion serving the homebound.

SISTER ALICE EUGENE TIGHEBiographical:

Sister Alice Eu-gene, born inChicago, enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1933and was receivedinto the novitiatethat same year.She made her re-ligious professionin 1935. SisterAlice Eugene re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in music theoryfrom Webster University in 1949, a mas-ter’s degree in music theory from the Uni-versity of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.,and a doctorate in musicology from theUniversity of Michigan in Ann Arbor in1964. She also studied at the ConservatoireAmerican, Fontainebleau and Abbey St.Pierre in Solesmes, France.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterAlice Eugene served as an associate pro-fessor of music and an instructor at Web-ster University from 1952-68. She taughtpiano and music theory at the St. LouisSymphony Music School from 1973-76and the Musical Arts Academy of WebsterGroves from 1976-99.

Service outside the Archdiocese:From 1936-52, Sister Alice Eugene taughtin California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky,Nebraska and at Loretto Heights Collegein Denver. She also served on the facultiesof Xavier University of Louisiana in NewOrleans and Rust College in Holly Springs,Miss.

About Sister Alice Eugene: Since2000, she has resided at Loretto Center inWebster Groves where she continues hermusic ministry by teaching piano andmusic theory to private students. She de-lights in her students’ accomplishments,which include receiving music scholar-ships and advancing to finals in interna-tional piano competitions. Every yearSister Alice Eugene travels to Fort Worth,Texas, for the Van Cliburn Piano Competi-tion and attends summer-season perform-ances of the Santa Fe Opera in NewMexico.

60th, ReceptionSISTER M. CABRINI BARTOLO

Biographical:Sister M.Cabrini, born inShinnston, W.Va., entered theSisters of Lorettoin 1947. She wasreceived into thenovitiate in 1948and made her re-ligious profes-sion in 1950. Shereceived a bache-lor’s degree in education from WebsterUniversity in 1958 and received certifica-

tion from the National Association ofCatholic Chaplains. She completed 30hours of graduate work in liturgical stud-ies at the University of Notre Dame inSouth Bend, Ind.

Service in the Archdiocese: Much ofSister M. Cabrini’s teaching ministry wasdevoted to the nongraded system of edu-cation which enables students to advancein subjects at their own pace rather than ata class grade level. In the 1970s, she taughtat Visitation/Holy Ghost School in NorthSt. Louis and St. Ann School in NorthCounty where she also served in the 1950s.Through the 1950s and 1960s, she taught atImmaculate Conception School in Maple-wood, St. Pius V School in South St. Louis,St. Ferdinand School in Florissant and St.Cronan School in South St. Louis. Uponreturning to St. Louis in 1981, she estab-lished the first aftercare program for chem-ical dependency patients at LutheranMedical Center and a support program forthe bereaved at the former Incarnate WordHospital, both in South St. Louis.

Service outside the Archdiocese:Through much of the 1980s until her re-tirement in 2003, Sister M. Cabrini minis-tered in Illinois, Iowa, Virginia and WestVirginia providing pastoral care in manyhealth care, social service, parish and ecu-menical settings. Two of her many notableachievements occurred in Fairmont, W.Va., where she founded a counseling cen-ter, now part of John Manchin Health CareCenter, and advanced an interfaith ministrythat served the sick, homebound and be-reaved.

About Sister M. Cabrini: Many havebeen impressed by her uncommon talentfor locating financial support for her manyministries in a timely manner. Sister M.Cabrini credits this gift to her trust in Di-vine Providence. She currently resides atLoretto Center in Webster Groves.

SISTER THERESA (JOHN BOSCO)COYLE

Biographical:Sister Theresa(formerly knownas Sister JohnBosco) was bornin New Haven,Ky., and enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1947.She was receivedinto the novitiatein 1948 and madeher religious profession in 1950. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in educationfrom Webster University in 1957 and amaster’s degree in reading education fromCardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee in1971.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterTheresa taught at Visitation/Holy GhostSchool in North St. Louis from 1970-73;Mary Queen of Peace in Webster Groves,1958-66; St. Ann in North County, 1957-58; Immaculate Conception in Maple-wood, 1954-57; and St. Michael inShrewsbury, 1950-54. She also ministeredat the archdiocesan reading clinic from

1966-70.Service outside the Archdiocese: In

the 1970s and early 1980s, Sister Theresataught in California and at a school for ex-ceptional children in Colorado. The focusof her ministry changed in 1984 when shebegan providing assistance at the office ofthe Colorado Catholic Conference in Den-ver. In the late 1980s and 1990s, she con-tinued to share her secretarial andadministrative talents by serving at an or-phanage and several centers for mediationand conflict resolution in Kentucky.

About Sister Theresa: Retired in 2002,she resides in Louisville, Ky., and is a care-giver for her sister and a volunteer whoministers to the sick and elderly. SisterTheresa enjoys good conversation and al-ways has amusing stories to tell. Friendsspeak of her compassion and her ability toknow the right words to say to bring peaceto others.

SISTER ANN (M. FIDALIA) GOHLBiographical:

A native of Web-ster Groves, Sis-ter Ann (formerlyknown as SisterM. Fidalia) en-tered the Sistersof Loretto in1947. She was re-ceived into thenovitiate in 1948and made her re-ligious professionin 1950. She holds a bachelor’s degree inhistory from Loretto Heights College inDenver in 1959, a master’s degree in Amer-ican history from Loyola University inChicago in 1967 and a doctorate in Britishhistory from the University of Missouri inColumbia in 1976.

Service in the Archdiocese: Sister Anntaught at St. Paul the Apostle School inPine Lawn from 1951-53. Retired since2002, she resides at Naomi House, TheSarah Community, in Bridgeton where shecontinues her ministry of prayer and com-munity service. An ardent conservationistand organizer, she has coordinated a wastepaper recycling program and encourageschange for the better.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a teacher in Colorado, Illi-nois, Kentucky and Texas. In the late 1970sand early 1980s, Sister Ann served on thefaculties of Regis College and LorettoHeights College in Denver, Donnelly Col-lege in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas CityCommunity College in Kansas. She was atravel consultant and museum docent inCalifornia and Colorado.

About Sister Ann: She has alwaysbeen curious about the world and eager toread, travel and learn. It is not surprisingthat she found many innovative ways to ed-ucate her students and museum visitors. Asa docent, Sister Ann created a learning ex-perience by dressing up as a “schoolmarm” with authentic props, including alighted pot-bellied stove, to teach studentvisitors as they would have been taught inan 1868 school house.

SISTER MARIE NOEL HERBERTBiographical:

Sister MarieNoel, born inDenver, enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1947.She was receivedinto the novitiatein 1948 and madeher religious pro-fession in 1950.She earned abachelor’s degreein education from Webster University in1956 and a master’s degree in educationfrom St. Louis University in 1964.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMarie Noel taught at Our Lady of MountCarmel School in Baden from 1953-55;Immaculate Conception in Maplewood,1951-53; and Visitation in North St. Louis,1950-51.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a principal and teacher in Al-abama, Colorado, Illinois and New Mex-ico. Sister Marie Noel also served hercongregation as a convent superior and, for27 years, as an executive secretary and as-sistant for the Sisters of Loretto in Denver.

About Sister Marie Noel: Always oneto meet the needs of others, she has facili-tated parish RENEW groups, typed papersfor university students, welcomed and as-sisted foreign students by “grandmother-ing them” and served as an extraordinaryminister of Holy Communion to peoplewho are sick and homebound. Sister MarieNoel also has provided care to God’ssmaller creatures, especially cats and dogsof which she is quite fond. Now retired, sheresides in the Loretto motherhouse infir-mary in Nerinx, Ky., where she maintainsa ministry of prayer and presence.

50th, ReceptionSISTER MARY ELLEN McELROY

Biographical:Sister Mary Ellenwas born inK r e m m l i n g ,Colo., and en-tered the Sistersof Loretto in1957. She was re-ceived into thenovitiate in 1958and made her re-ligious professionin 1960. She re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation from Webster University in 1961and a master’s degree in education from St.Louis University in 1977.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Ellen served as a teacher at St. Roseof Lima School in DeSoto from1965-72and principal there from 1972-75. Shetaught at Mary Queen of Peace School inWebster Groves from 1961-65. She di-rected religious education and served inpastoral ministry at St. Justin Martyr Parishin Sunset Hills from 1976-86 and servedthe elderly at St. Engelbert Parish in NorthSt. Louis in the late 1980s. While at St.

Page 30 Supplement to the St. Louis Review/June 27, 2008

Sisters of DivineProvidence (CDP)

70th, EntranceSISTER LUCY SCHMIDT

Biographical:Sister Lucy, bornin Brussels, Ill.,entered the Sis-ters of DivineProvidence in1938. She wasinvested into thenovitiate andmade her reli-gious professionin 1945. Sheearned a master’sdegree in theology from the University ofNotre Dame in South Bend, Ind., in 1962.

Service in the Archdiocese: From1950-77, she taught at Mary Queen of theUniverse School in South County, MountProvidence School in Normandy, CorpusChristi High School in Jennings, St. JohnSchool in Imperial and Ascension Schoolin Normandy and in schools in BonnotsMill, Tipton and Wardsville, Mo. She alsoserved as director of religious education atSt. Christopher Parish in Florissant from1978-80. Sister Lucy served her congrega-tion as an archivist from 1996-2006 and asa provincial superior from 1981-85. Shealso ministered to the elderly as a seniorservices coordinator at Cardinal Ritter In-stitute from 1988-1995.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a teacher in Illinois in the1940s.

About Sister Lucy: She was namedafter Mother Lucy, the youngest of the sixSisters of Divine Providence to emigrate tothe United States in 1892. At the time ofher entrance into the community in 1938,Mother Lucy was 90 years of age and Sis-ter Lucy was 19. She considers herself thefinal link to the founding sisters in theUnited States. Now retired and living at St.Clare’s Village in Alton, Ill., she continuesto voice her opposition to the death penaltyand frequently contacts governors through-out the country. She collects papers for re-cycling and enjoys reading and dancing.

60th, EntranceSISTER GERALDINE THIEL

Biographical:Born in Tipton,Mo., SisterGeraldine en-tered the Sistersof Divine Provi-dence in 1948,was invested intothe novitiate in1949 and madeher religious pro-fession in 1955.She earned abachelor’s degree in religion from St. LouisUniversity in 1964.

Service in the Archdiocese: She servedas a principal and teacher at Mount Provi-dence School in Normandy from 1992-94and in 1958 and at Mary Queen of the Uni-verse School in South County from 1969-71. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, shetaught at Annunciation School in Califor-nia, Mo., and St. Stanislaus School inWardsville, Mo.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-ter Geraldine provided pastoral care at theformer St. Elizabeth Medical Center inGranite City, Ill., from 1974-88. She alsoserved in pastoral ministry, education andlaboratory transportation in several Illinoiscities.

About Sister Geraldine: Her greatestjoy was ministering to those she encoun-tered at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Nowretired and residing at Ursuline Infirmaryin Alton, Ill., she maintains her ministry ofprayer and her ardent trust in God.

50th, EntranceSISTER PATRICIA ANN RODEMANN

Biographical:Sister PatriciaAnn was born inWardsville, Mo.,and entered theSociety of DivineProvidence in1958. She was in-vested into thenovitiate in 1959and made her re-ligious professionin 1966. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation from the University of Missouriin St. Louis in 1979.

Service in the Archdiocese: She was ateacher at St. John School in Imperial from1980-84 and Mount Providence School inNormandy from 1976-79. She has shared herskills in financial management with her con-gregation as a business manager at Provi-dence Center in Bridgeton from 1986-2007and with the people of Ascension/St. PaulParish in North County where she has servedas a bookkeeper and in parish ministry.

Service outside the Archdiocese:From 1961-76, Sister Patricia Ann minis-tered as a teacher in several Illinois schoolsand as a physical therapy aide at St. Eliza-beth’s Hospital in Granite City, Ill. Shelater taught at a school in California, Mo.

About Sister Patricia Ann: She foundthat her ministry at Ascension/St. PaulParish has made her more aware of God’spresence in each person she meets. She en-joys the wonders of nature on her frequentwalks and is an accomplished seamstressand embroiderer.

Sisters of Loretto (SL)

85th, ReceptionSISTER CLARA MARIE THOMPSON

Biographical:Born in Eliza-bethtown, Ky.,Sister ClaraMarie entered theSisters of Lorettoin 1923 and wasreceived into thenovitiate thatsame year. Shemade her reli-gious professionin 1925. She re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation from Webster University in1963.

Service in the Archdiocese: She taughtat Visitation/Holy Ghost School in NorthSt. Louis from 1965-74; Sacred Heart inFlorissant, 1956-65; Our Lady of MountCarmel in Baden, 1955-56; St. Paul theApostle in Pine Lawn, 1944-55; and St.Ferdinand in Florissant, 1943-44.

Service outside the Archdiocese:From 1925-43, Sister Clara Marie was ateacher and librarian in Alabama and Ken-tucky. In 1975, she returned the mother-house in Nerinx, Ky., to serve as aseamstress for the infirmary. Now residingin the infirmary, she continues her ministryof service to the community by sewing andmending as she is able.

About Sister Clara Marie: Devotionto the Sacred Heart and Blessed Motherhas been a great part of her life since hernovitiate days. In her youth her familyprayed the Rosary daily, and she hasprayed all 15 decades daily since her sec-ond year of religious life. Last August, Sis-ter Clara Marie celebrated her 100thbirthday.

80th, Reception SISTER MARY (M. CORNELIA)McNELLIS

Biographical:Sister Mary (for-merly known asSister M. Cor-nelia) was bornin Kansas City,Mo., entered theSisters of Lorettoin 1928 and wasreceived into thenovitiate thatsame year. Shemade her religious profession in 1929. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in history fromWebster University in 1944 and a master’sdegree in education from Catholic Univer-sity of America in 1950.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary taught at Visitation/Holy GhostSchool in North St. Louis from 1967-72;Immaculate Conception in Maplewood,1964-65; De Andreis High School in North

St. Louis, 1955-62; Sacred Heart in Floris-sant, 1933-42; and St. Rose of Lima inDeSoto, 1930-33. She served as principalat St. Cronan School in South St. Louisfrom 1942-46 and as superior of her com-munity in the late 1940s.

Service outside the Archdiocese: InColorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri,New Mexico and Texas, Sister Maryserved in many ministries, includingteacher, crisis center coordinator, volunteerdirector, alumni relations coordinator, sec-retary and local superior for her commu-nity.

About Sister Mary: Retired and resid-ing in Kansas City, Mo., she finds that hercreativity and flexibility have been honedwith the years. She retains her interest in so-cial justice issues and is a volunteer at Ecu-media, an interfaith organization servingchurches in eastern Kansas and westernMissouri. Her faith and forward-lookingview of life continue to enrich her ministryand all whom she serves.

75th, ReceptionSISTER ELLEN THOMASREYNOLDS

Biographical:Sister EllenThomas, born inRockford, Ill.,entered the Sis-ters of Loretto in1932. She was re-ceived into thenovitiate in 1933and made her re-ligious professionin 1934. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in mathematicsfrom Webster University in 1949 and amaster’s degree in religious education andtheology from Nazareth College inLouisville, Ky., in 1959.

Service in the Archdiocese: She min-istered as a principal and teacher at De An-dreis High School in North St. Louis from1958-63; St. Catherine of Sienna inPagedale, 1939-41; Immaculate Concep-tion in Maplewood, 1941-45; and St. Cro-nan in South St. Louis, 1965-71. SisterEllen Thomas also assisted Msgr. JohnShocklee in administering the government-funded Volunteer Improvement Programfor adult education at St. Bridget of ErinParish in North St. Louis. She found thisministry, which assisted hundreds of peo-ple in obtaining their general equivalencydiplomas, to be one of her most rewarding.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Formore than 50 years, Sister Ellen Thomasshared her skills as a principal and teacherin Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouriand New Mexico. She vividly remembersthe evacuation of the sisters by rowboat inLouisville, Ky., during The Great Flood of1937 and the integration of Catholicschools in Lebanon, Ky., under the leader-ship of Msgr. Joseph Gettelfinger duringthe 1950s.

About Sister Ellen Thomas: Currentlyretired and residing in Rockford, Ill., she isa caregiver for members of her family andserves her parish in a variety of capacities,

Loretto Jubilees

2008

Died September 4, 2008

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Supplement to the St. Louis Review/June 27, 2008 Page 31

including as a religious instructor for youthand an extraordinary minister of HolyCommunion serving the homebound.

SISTER ALICE EUGENE TIGHEBiographical:

Sister Alice Eu-gene, born inChicago, enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1933and was receivedinto the novitiatethat same year.She made her re-ligious professionin 1935. SisterAlice Eugene re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in music theoryfrom Webster University in 1949, a mas-ter’s degree in music theory from the Uni-versity of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.,and a doctorate in musicology from theUniversity of Michigan in Ann Arbor in1964. She also studied at the ConservatoireAmerican, Fontainebleau and Abbey St.Pierre in Solesmes, France.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterAlice Eugene served as an associate pro-fessor of music and an instructor at Web-ster University from 1952-68. She taughtpiano and music theory at the St. LouisSymphony Music School from 1973-76and the Musical Arts Academy of WebsterGroves from 1976-99.

Service outside the Archdiocese:From 1936-52, Sister Alice Eugene taughtin California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky,Nebraska and at Loretto Heights Collegein Denver. She also served on the facultiesof Xavier University of Louisiana in NewOrleans and Rust College in Holly Springs,Miss.

About Sister Alice Eugene: Since2000, she has resided at Loretto Center inWebster Groves where she continues hermusic ministry by teaching piano andmusic theory to private students. She de-lights in her students’ accomplishments,which include receiving music scholar-ships and advancing to finals in interna-tional piano competitions. Every yearSister Alice Eugene travels to Fort Worth,Texas, for the Van Cliburn Piano Competi-tion and attends summer-season perform-ances of the Santa Fe Opera in NewMexico.

60th, ReceptionSISTER M. CABRINI BARTOLO

Biographical:Sister M.Cabrini, born inShinnston, W.Va., entered theSisters of Lorettoin 1947. She wasreceived into thenovitiate in 1948and made her re-ligious profes-sion in 1950. Shereceived a bache-lor’s degree in education from WebsterUniversity in 1958 and received certifica-

tion from the National Association ofCatholic Chaplains. She completed 30hours of graduate work in liturgical stud-ies at the University of Notre Dame inSouth Bend, Ind.

Service in the Archdiocese: Much ofSister M. Cabrini’s teaching ministry wasdevoted to the nongraded system of edu-cation which enables students to advancein subjects at their own pace rather than ata class grade level. In the 1970s, she taughtat Visitation/Holy Ghost School in NorthSt. Louis and St. Ann School in NorthCounty where she also served in the 1950s.Through the 1950s and 1960s, she taught atImmaculate Conception School in Maple-wood, St. Pius V School in South St. Louis,St. Ferdinand School in Florissant and St.Cronan School in South St. Louis. Uponreturning to St. Louis in 1981, she estab-lished the first aftercare program for chem-ical dependency patients at LutheranMedical Center and a support program forthe bereaved at the former Incarnate WordHospital, both in South St. Louis.

Service outside the Archdiocese:Through much of the 1980s until her re-tirement in 2003, Sister M. Cabrini minis-tered in Illinois, Iowa, Virginia and WestVirginia providing pastoral care in manyhealth care, social service, parish and ecu-menical settings. Two of her many notableachievements occurred in Fairmont, W.Va., where she founded a counseling cen-ter, now part of John Manchin Health CareCenter, and advanced an interfaith ministrythat served the sick, homebound and be-reaved.

About Sister M. Cabrini: Many havebeen impressed by her uncommon talentfor locating financial support for her manyministries in a timely manner. Sister M.Cabrini credits this gift to her trust in Di-vine Providence. She currently resides atLoretto Center in Webster Groves.

SISTER THERESA (JOHN BOSCO)COYLE

Biographical:Sister Theresa(formerly knownas Sister JohnBosco) was bornin New Haven,Ky., and enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1947.She was receivedinto the novitiatein 1948 and madeher religious profession in 1950. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in educationfrom Webster University in 1957 and amaster’s degree in reading education fromCardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee in1971.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterTheresa taught at Visitation/Holy GhostSchool in North St. Louis from 1970-73;Mary Queen of Peace in Webster Groves,1958-66; St. Ann in North County, 1957-58; Immaculate Conception in Maple-wood, 1954-57; and St. Michael inShrewsbury, 1950-54. She also ministeredat the archdiocesan reading clinic from

1966-70.Service outside the Archdiocese: In

the 1970s and early 1980s, Sister Theresataught in California and at a school for ex-ceptional children in Colorado. The focusof her ministry changed in 1984 when shebegan providing assistance at the office ofthe Colorado Catholic Conference in Den-ver. In the late 1980s and 1990s, she con-tinued to share her secretarial andadministrative talents by serving at an or-phanage and several centers for mediationand conflict resolution in Kentucky.

About Sister Theresa: Retired in 2002,she resides in Louisville, Ky., and is a care-giver for her sister and a volunteer whoministers to the sick and elderly. SisterTheresa enjoys good conversation and al-ways has amusing stories to tell. Friendsspeak of her compassion and her ability toknow the right words to say to bring peaceto others.

SISTER ANN (M. FIDALIA) GOHLBiographical:

A native of Web-ster Groves, Sis-ter Ann (formerlyknown as SisterM. Fidalia) en-tered the Sistersof Loretto in1947. She was re-ceived into thenovitiate in 1948and made her re-ligious professionin 1950. She holds a bachelor’s degree inhistory from Loretto Heights College inDenver in 1959, a master’s degree in Amer-ican history from Loyola University inChicago in 1967 and a doctorate in Britishhistory from the University of Missouri inColumbia in 1976.

Service in the Archdiocese: Sister Anntaught at St. Paul the Apostle School inPine Lawn from 1951-53. Retired since2002, she resides at Naomi House, TheSarah Community, in Bridgeton where shecontinues her ministry of prayer and com-munity service. An ardent conservationistand organizer, she has coordinated a wastepaper recycling program and encourageschange for the better.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a teacher in Colorado, Illi-nois, Kentucky and Texas. In the late 1970sand early 1980s, Sister Ann served on thefaculties of Regis College and LorettoHeights College in Denver, Donnelly Col-lege in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas CityCommunity College in Kansas. She was atravel consultant and museum docent inCalifornia and Colorado.

About Sister Ann: She has alwaysbeen curious about the world and eager toread, travel and learn. It is not surprisingthat she found many innovative ways to ed-ucate her students and museum visitors. Asa docent, Sister Ann created a learning ex-perience by dressing up as a “schoolmarm” with authentic props, including alighted pot-bellied stove, to teach studentvisitors as they would have been taught inan 1868 school house.

SISTER MARIE NOEL HERBERTBiographical:

Sister MarieNoel, born inDenver, enteredthe Sisters ofLoretto in 1947.She was receivedinto the novitiatein 1948 and madeher religious pro-fession in 1950.She earned abachelor’s degreein education from Webster University in1956 and a master’s degree in educationfrom St. Louis University in 1964.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMarie Noel taught at Our Lady of MountCarmel School in Baden from 1953-55;Immaculate Conception in Maplewood,1951-53; and Visitation in North St. Louis,1950-51.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a principal and teacher in Al-abama, Colorado, Illinois and New Mex-ico. Sister Marie Noel also served hercongregation as a convent superior and, for27 years, as an executive secretary and as-sistant for the Sisters of Loretto in Denver.

About Sister Marie Noel: Always oneto meet the needs of others, she has facili-tated parish RENEW groups, typed papersfor university students, welcomed and as-sisted foreign students by “grandmother-ing them” and served as an extraordinaryminister of Holy Communion to peoplewho are sick and homebound. Sister MarieNoel also has provided care to God’ssmaller creatures, especially cats and dogsof which she is quite fond. Now retired, sheresides in the Loretto motherhouse infir-mary in Nerinx, Ky., where she maintainsa ministry of prayer and presence.

50th, ReceptionSISTER MARY ELLEN McELROY

Biographical:Sister Mary Ellenwas born inK r e m m l i n g ,Colo., and en-tered the Sistersof Loretto in1957. She was re-ceived into thenovitiate in 1958and made her re-ligious professionin 1960. She re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation from Webster University in 1961and a master’s degree in education from St.Louis University in 1977.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Ellen served as a teacher at St. Roseof Lima School in DeSoto from1965-72and principal there from 1972-75. Shetaught at Mary Queen of Peace School inWebster Groves from 1961-65. She di-rected religious education and served inpastoral ministry at St. Justin Martyr Parishin Sunset Hills from 1976-86 and servedthe elderly at St. Engelbert Parish in NorthSt. Louis in the late 1980s. While at St.

Page 32 Supplement to the St. Louis Review/June 27, 2008

Justin Martyr Parish, she founded a groupfor divorced and widowed persons, en-abling them to provide support and assis-tance to one another. Related to that role,she was a member of the Beginning Expe-rience Team.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Afterrelocating to Colorado in 1988, SisterMary Ellen earned her certification in clin-ical pastoral education. She ministered inhospice and hospital settings, including St.Anthony North Hospital in Westminster,Colo., where she served as the director ofpastoral care. In 2002, she began providingspiritual direction at the Loretto SpiritualRenewal Center in Kremmling, Colo., andcurrently ministers as coordinator at theLoretto Center in Denver. She directs re-treats and does grief counseling and also isa volunteer mentor for incarceratedwomen.

About Sister Mary Ellen: When shehas time to enjoy the outdoors, Sister MaryEllen takes pleasure in bicycling, cross-country skiing and playing golf.

SISTER DOROTHY (MARYSTEPHANIE) SCHEOPNER

Biographi-cal: SisterDorothy (for-merly known asSister MaryStephanie) wasborn in Good-land, Kan., andentered the Sis-ters of Loretto in1957. She wasreceived into thenovitiate in 1958and made her religious profession in 1960.She earned a bachelor’s degree in elemen-tary education from Webster University in1961.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterDorothy taught at Visitation/Holy GhostSchool in North St. Louis, 1970-72; St.Rose of Lima in DeSoto, 1969-70; and Im-maculate Conception in Maplewood,1967-69. She was co-director of theLoretto Center for Learning in WebsterGroves from 1986-88 after serving as aninstructor from 1972-88.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sheministered as a teacher and tutor in Col-orado schools, including an institution forexceptional students.

About Sister Dorothy: Her love ofteaching students, especially those withlearning disabilities, has been only one as-pect of Sister Dorothy’s ministry. She hasbeen, quietly and simply, a good neighborto everyone among whom she has lived.Currently residing in Denver, she ministersto her sisters at the Loretto Center and toolder adults at a nearby resource center.

Sisters of Mercyof the Americas (RSM)

80th, ProfessionSISTER VERONICA MARIEFREYUS

Biographical:Sister VeronicaMarie, born inWatervliet, N.Y.,entered the Sis-ters of Mercy in1926, and pro-fessed temporaryvows in 1928 andperpetual vows in1931. She earneda bachelor’s de-gree in Spanish education in 1953 and amaster’s degree in secondary education in1968, both from Incarnate Word College inSan Antonio.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterVeronica Marie taught at Mercy HighSchool in University City from 1964-65.She retired to St. Joseph Convent of Mercyin St. Louis in 1999. In 2006, she movedto Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-ter Veronica Marie taught in schoolsthroughout Texas and Arkansas and servedas a principal and assistant principal. Shealso served at Mercy Hospital in Laredo,Texas.

About Sister Veronica Marie: At 101years of age, Sister Veronica Marie praysthe Rosary often for the needs of the worldand appreciates receiving the Eucharist atCatherine’s Residence. Her attitude is oneof gratitude, offering thanks for all that isdone for her.

70th, EntranceSISTER MARY CARMEL HEFFERN

Biographical:Sister MaryCarmel, born inPiqua, Kan., en-tered the Sistersof Mercy in 1938and professedtemporary vowsin 1941 and per-petual vows in1944. She earneda bachelor’s de-gree in biologyfrom Fontbonne College in 1949. She re-ceived a certificate in medical technologyfrom Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, Miss.,in 1950. She also holds certificates in res-piratory therapy and chaplaincy.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Carmel performed novitiate duties atSt. Joseph Convent in Webster Grovesfrom 1938-41 and studied at FontbonneCollege from 1947-49. She enjoyed a lifeof prayer and retirement at St. Joseph Con-vent of Mercy in St. Louis from 2002-05.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-

ter Mary Carmel taught at schools in Texasbefore earning her biology degree andmedical technology certificate. She thenserved in hospitals throughout Kansas andTexas as a lab and X-ray supervisor. Shelater ministered in pastoral care, hospiceand senior services in Kansas and Spring-field, Mo., and in parish ministry inCaruthersville, Mo. Since 2005, she hasvolunteered in Independence, Kan.

About Sister Mary Carmel: Being aSister of Mercy has been a wonderful tripfor Sister Mary Carmel. She enjoys beinga Mercy presence in southeast Kansas withthree other sisters. Being called to be a Sis-ter of Mercy has been the greatest gift ofher life.

SISTER MARY BORGIA HOLTENBiographical:

Sister Mary Bor-gia, born in NewOrleans, enteredthe Sisters ofMercy in 1938and professedperpetual vows in1944. She earneda bachelor’s de-gree in educationfrom LoyolaUniversity inNew Orleans in 1948 and a nursing certifi-cate from Mercy Hospital in Baltimore in1951.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Borgia taught at Mercy High Schoolin University City from 1963-66. Sheserved on the provincial information sup-port staff in St. Louis from 1972-73 and onthe management and consulting office stafffrom 1973-80. She ministered as directorof the University City Senior Center inUniversity City from 1981-82 and retiredto St. Joseph Convent of Mercy in St. Louisin 2005. In 2006 she moved to Catherine’sResidence in Frontenac.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-ter Mary Borgia was a nurse at Mercy Hos-pital in New Orleans and a supervisor atMercy Hospital in Brownsville, Texas. Shetaught at schools in Louisiana, Kansas andTexas. She ministered and volunteered inthe New Orleans area for several years.

About Sister Mary Borgia: SisterMary Borgia relishes working crosswordpuzzles, knitting, crocheting and receivingthe Eucharist regularly. She enjoys livingwith the sisters at Catherine’s Residenceand having time to read and pray.

SISTER MARY COSMAS PFABBiographical: Sister Mary Cosmas,

born in Bernard, Iowa, entered the Sistersof Mercy in 1938 and professed temporaryvows in 1941 and perpetual vows in 1944.She earned a bachelor’s degree in elemen-tary education from Webster College in1961.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Cosmas held novitiate duties at St.Joseph Convent in St. Louis from 1938-41.She served at McAuley Hall from 1943-44and 1945-46. She worked in the nurses’

cafeteria in St.John’s Hospitalfrom 1944-45.She taught at sev-eral schools in thearchdiocese, in-cluding Christ theKing in Univer-sity City from1949-50 and1964-65; St. Joanof Arc in St.Louis, 1957-58,1969-74 and 1976-1978; and Annunciationin Webster Groves, 1958-62. She volun-teered at St. Joseph Convent in St. Louisfrom 1965-66. She retired there in 1997. In2006 she moved to Catherine’s Residencein Frontenac.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-ter Mary Cosmas taught at schools in Mis-souri, Louisiana and Arkansas. She alsoministered at St. John’s Hospital in Spring-field, Mo.

About Sister Mary Cosmas: She en-joys listening to semi-classical music, dec-orating bulletin boards, living with hersisters, visiting with family and friends andreceiving the Eucharist at Catherine’s Res-idence.

60th, EntranceSISTER MARY ROLANDBIENVENU

Biographical:Sister MaryRoland, born inSt. Martinville,La., entered theSisters of Mercyin 1948 and pro-fessed perpetualvows in 1954.She earned abachelor’s degreein elementary ed-ucation in 1958 and a master’s degree inadministration and supervision in 1964,both from Loyola University in New Or-leans.

Service in the Archdiocese: SisterMary Roland held novitiate duties at St.Joseph Convent of Mercy in WebsterGroves from 1948-51. She retired to St.Joseph Convent of Mercy in St. Louis in2004. In 2006 she moved to Catherine’sResidence in Frontenac.

Service outside the Archdiocese: Sis-ter Mary Roland taught and served as prin-cipal at schools in Louisiana. She served asassistant administrator of Harbor ViewMercy Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark., andvice president of mission effectiveness forSt. Joseph’s Regional Health Center in HotSprings. She volunteered at St. Joseph’s inHot Springs from 1997-2004.

About Sister Mary Roland: She isgrateful for the opportunity to receive Com-munion daily, and she enjoys living with thesisters at Catherine’s Residence. She praysfor the healing and needs of others and doesspiritual as well as light reading.

The St. Louis ReviewSt. Louis, MOJune 27, 2008

page 5

Priest observing 50-year ordination anniversariesFather Peter Urban

Born in Wallace, Kan., in 1929, Peter Urban attended Presentation School and St. Francis de Sales High School in Denver before entering St. Tho-mas Seminary. Ordained on May 31, 1958, his first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Anthony Church in Sterling. Father Urban also was assigned as pastor at St. John the Evangelist in Yuma and later at St. William in Fort Lupton where he was also involved in the migrant program. Later, following assignments at St.

Theresa in Frederick and St. Peter in Greeley, Father Urban worked in Hispanic ministry before becoming pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Roggen. He is fluent in Spanish. Today, Father Urban lives in El Paso, Texas, and is working with the poor of Juarez. By telephone, he told the Denver Catholic Register that he is enjoying his ministry.

“Working in the Hispanic community is wonderful,” Father Urban said. “I continue to be a part of this amazing culture.”

Father Urban has been working with the poor in Juarez for the past year, helping them to secure decent housing and plumbing, educational scholarships and daycare. Although the poverty is extreme and the challenges great, Father Urban said the work is very satisfying because one is making a difference.

ByMark Barna

Three demonstrators were detained by the Air Force on Friday for trespassing onto Peterson Air Force Base during a silent vigil to protest war.

The demonstrators were attempting to deliver a letter to an Air Force general when they were stopped by a handful of military personnel. The three - Sister Barbara Huber of Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Sister Mary Ann Cunningham of the Sisters of Loretto in Denver and Esther Kisamore of Colorado Springs - were released to the Colorado Springs Police Department, which will decide if trespass charges will be filed, said Peterson Air Force Base Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga.

The incident happened during the seventh annual Sisters Witness Against War event, at the North Gate of Peterson Air Force Base. Sisters from the Colorado Springs orders of Mount St. Francis and Benet Hill were joined by sisters from other orders and members of the community.

3 Peace Demonstrators Detained at PetersonPolice will decide on filing trespass charges

About 45 people participated, some of whom were carrying signs and banners promoting nonviolence.

The demonstration coincides with the anniversaries of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki and Hiroshima on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945. The U.S. bombings killed hundreds of thousands of people and brought about Japan’s surrender that ended World War II.

“We remember the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in hopes that they will never happen again,” said Benet Hill Sister Therese O’Grady, who participated in the event.

The vigil is not only about remembering those lost in the bombings; it is also a reminder of humankind’s propensity to engage in war to solve problems, the sisters said.

“I am hopeful that more people realize that war gets us nowhere,” said Sister Dorothy Schlaeger of Mount St. Francis. “People are

beginning to realize that we need other solutions before we destroy the whole planet.”

Huber said she had mailed letters asking for peace to a general at Peterson Air Force Base but had received no reply.

“I want to deliver the letter to him personally,” she said before the detainment.

Demonstrators hope their hourlong vigil brought attention to what they call war’s futility.

“We hoped to generate more awareness about solving conflict in humane and peaceful ways,” O’Grady said. “We stand for the peace of Jesus Christ.”

The GazetteColorado Springs, CO

August 9, 2008

Denver Catholic RegisterDenver, CO

March 26, 2008

page 6

Dear Friends:

Many, maybe most of you have heard by now that SOCM has recently launched a search for a new executive director. I will be staying on until a new director is hired and then for a short transition. What those on SOCM’s board, personnel committee and staff know is that over the last two years I’ve worked closely with SOCM’s Personnel Committee and Board to design and plan a thoughtful Executive Director transition process. This process has included assessing current Director duties, the need for creating a new position – a lead organizer/assistant director, developing a screening and hiring process using both outside resources and SOCM member decision-making, review-ing salary considerations, and most recently, involving SOCM’s strategic planning committee.

You know that I’ve been at SOCM for a long time. I’ve been privileged to work for nineteen of those years as a community organizer and for the last fifteen years as SOCM’s Director. I can’t express how grate-ful I am for experiences working with so many courageous, inspiring leaders, so many dedicated, hard-working staff, and with the many allies and funders with whom SOCM has been associated. After all these years (and, as you know, with my sporting a very full head of white hair!), a transition to a new SOCM Director is inevitable, needed, and healthy.

And it’s also true that now is a good time for this - transition! Membership in SOCM and funding for current programs is stable (of course, we’re working to increase both to move SOCM to an even greater level of effectiveness!) and we’ve recently been able to hire for the new assistant director/lead organizer position.

SOCM (Save Our Cumberland Mountains) Launches Search for New Executive Director Message from Maureen O’Connell

Beyond being stable, SOCM is at a very exciting time in its history. Besides our much needed and continuing environmental justice work around coal and larger energy developments, toxics and other mineral extraction issues, SOCM is expanding to become more effective statewide, more deliberately anti-racist, and more diverse. A new SOCM office has opened in Jackson in west Tennessee and a new multiracial chapter is forming there. A SOCM strategic planning committee, assisted by consultant Alfreda Barringer, is developing a plan for the kinds of “transformation” our 36 year old community organization will undertake to revitalize its mission to work for social, economic, and environmental justice in Tennessee, and implement strategic goals geared to current needs.

So it’s a good time to transition to a new Executive Director who will bring fresh energy and perspective and different strengths to these developments. What remains now is finding a new Director for SOCM, and I hope you will help in that process! Please pass on the SOCM Executive Director Job Notice as part of our search for good applicants. Of course, I have many mixed emotions about leaving the SOCM staff but my overwhelming feeling these days is gratitude for the tremendous experience of working for justice with this organization for so many years, and a sense of peace that it’s the right time for this transition! Thanks for all your involvement and support of SOCM! Mo (Current Director)

The SOCM SentinelLake City, TN

Second Quarter 2008

Editor’s Note:

This picture of Alicia Ramirez SL appeared in

Live the LifeClements

Community Center

Lakewood, COOct.-Dec. 2008