National Catholic Sisters Week ~ A Diamond Shining Bright!

Greetings from our sister celebrating 75 years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we have shared the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Wilma Lyle begins her autobiography by stating “My life has been an interesting and exciting one.”

Like many of her generation, S. Wilma grew up on a homesteaded farm where her parents raised their seven children. During her years at Mount Marty High School, S. Wilma felt called to be a Benedictine Sister and began convent life on August 24, 1937.

After first profession in 1939, her teaching career started with elementary and junior high schools in Glen Ulin, Richardton, and Selfridge, ND, and Hoven, Aberdeen and Yankton, SD, with many summers spent teaching in vacation schools. Sr. Wilma loved teaching and served Mount Marty College as professor in the religion department and as academic dean.

In 1964, she along with five other Sisters, spent seven years setting up and teaching in their mission school in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. She found this to be the most enriching experience of her life. In 1973 S. Wilma was elected prioress and served two terms which she found both challenging and exhilarating. After her terms in office she resumed teaching and taking on various ministries.

Looking back on her years as a Benedictine, S. Wilma states: “I’ve been blessed and enriched in so many ways and am so grateful for the gifts of life, health, intelligence, education and experiences, especially experiences undreamed of in 1939 when I was professed.”

Blessings,

 

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information! 

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ 70 Year Diamonds!

Greetings from our sisters celebrating 70 years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Evangeline grew up on a farm near Harrold, SD with her parents and six siblings. After graduation she worked a year hoping to save for college. Little did she know then what role college was to play in her future life.

She entered Sacred Heart Convent in 1942 and found out college was included in the formation program. After a few years teaching on the elementary and high school level she earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She states her superior’s request for philosophy “had never occurred to her, but in retrospect, philosophy brought me into contact with a world of study that has made so much difference to my life.”

She then served at Mount Marty College, teaching philosophy and serving as dean of women, director of development and of financial aid, vice president of financial affairs, and a 17-year term as president. In 1989, she was appointed sub-prioress. It was a an exciting time as she became involved in future planning and development in the monastic way of life.

The February 1997 fire remains a memorable mark on her term as sub-prioress. S. Evangeline writes: “My Benedictine life has been 70 years of fulfillment in ways I never could have imagined or hoped for. To be a part of a loving community that has supported me, challenged me and given me countless opportunities for growth has been pure gift, for which I am extremely grateful.”

 Sister Marie Helene Werdel was the second of seven children having an older brother and five sisters. Her parents built their home on prairie lands east of Stephan, SD. It was there the family experienced the hardships of life during the depression, especially after the death of her father.

S. Marie Helene left the wide ranch lands of western South Dakota in response to what she felt was a call to be a Sister in 1942. After first profession as a Benedictine Sister on June 24, 1944, S. Marie Helene began what she expected to be a long teaching career. She taught in schools at Dimock, SD, Yankton, SD, Pueblo, CO, Albion, NE and Richardton, ND.

Her appointment as community procurator and business manager at Mount Marty College in 1957 led to 37 years of work, including director of maintenance at the college, director of plant operations, manager of the MMC Bookstore, and Buildings and Grounds supervisor. At the Monastery she served as sacristan for eight years. She currently helps in the Gift Shop and mail room, tutors, and enjoys keeping the birds, turkeys and squirrels from going hungry.

Of her Jubilee, S. Marie Helene says, “My years as a Benedictine have been wonderful. I am forever grateful for God’s blessing and generosity and for my community these many years. It has been more rewarding than I ever dreamed. I pray my life has been of help to others.”

We will conclude our National Catholic Sisters Week with one final Diamond...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Polished Diamonds

Greetings from our sisters celebrating 70 years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

 Sister Jane Frances was born in Farisita, CO, into a very religious family—three older half-sisters were vowed religious. Her faith was nurtured by her home parish in Gardner, CO. It was the influence of the Sisters who taught vacation school in Gardner that brought S. Jane Frances to Yankton in 1941.

After first profession in 1944 she was sent to work at Sacred Heart Hospital which paved the way for her mission in nursing, a profession she learned “on the job.” She was a founding member of the Watertown community in 1959. Her heart’s desire was to serve the poor and underprivileged Spanish and Mexican people, so S. Jane Frances volunteered as a missionary to Guatemala for two years. On her return, she continued her education and graduated with degrees leading to nursing registration. In June 1977 she transferred her stability back to Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton and resumed serving the Hispanic people in Colorado, including religious education and pastoral care in parishes, nursing homes, and jails.

Of special memory was the summer of 1995 when she was privileged to spend a month in Rome for a Benedictine Monastic experience. She writes, “Life as a Yankton Benedictine has been a tremendous fulfillment in my ministries as a health provider, serving the poor, the incarcerated, and preparing young people for confirmation and Holy Eucharist. How can I begin to thank God for the graces afforded me to carry out His Holy will.”

 Sister Yvonne came to Yankton from Lefor, ND, where her parents made their home after moving to this country from Hungary. She says that she was surrounded by Benedictine Sisters and monks all her life. The second oldest of eleven children, S. Yvonne was engaged in domestic work thinking at 18 years of age she was past the age for acceptance to a convent. She was set right when she became more informed and so became a postulant on December 8, 1942.

During her years as a Benedictine Sister S. Yvonne was engaged primarily in the Ecclesiastical Vestment Department and domestic work at the Bishop’s House in Sioux Falls and at the chaplain’s residence at the Monastery. S. Yvonne’s work with the aged began when assigned to St. Thomas More in Canon City, CO. in 1972. She received her degree in Social Work from Mount Marty College and her ministry with the aged continued on several mission assignments. She especially enjoyed her five years at Albion, NE where she was engaged in parish visiting and assisted with religious education.

Of her 70 years in Benedictine living, Sr. Yvonne says, “What I treasure most is the Sisters learning to live together, seeing how they do so much for one another. Monastic life just grows on a person when you see what is being done.”

Tomorrow we will introduce their shining classmates...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Another String of Diamonds

Greetings from our sisters celebrating 60 years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

 Sister Anna was raised with her siblings on a farm near Freeman, SD. Anna entered Sacred Heart Monastery after high school and looking back she says: “It was a calling from a stable and strong Catholic family farm life with a variety of prayer and work, and Christian education at Mount Marty High School. The Sisters were a huge influence, especially Sr. Jane Klimisch. I loved the Liturgy and angel voices in harmony.” 

During her years as a Benedictine Sister, S. Anna taught elementary education in parochial schools in Yankton, Sioux Falls, and Salem, SD; York and Omaha, NE; and Pueblo, CO. She states the nineteen years of teaching experience with all eight elementary grades, as well as duties of principal were rewarding times in her life, as supported by the love and care of the Sisters she lived with on mission.

In 1969 Sr. Anna was invited to assist in the training of religious education teachers. She received her MA in theology at the Theological Union in Berkeley, CA in 1973 and then implemented the parish family religious education programs in the Sioux Falls diocese. S. Anna writes: “My Benedictine community life could be summarized in Sirach 39:33: ‘All the works of God are good. Every need is fulfilled in due time.’ For I have been privileged to seek God in teaching elementary and junior high and serve as Director of Religious Education and Parish Ministry.

I can now assist in retreat work and the sharing our home and history through tours of our monastery. I am grateful for my parents, family and teachers who have been my mentors in blessing the ‘work of my hands.’” (Ps 90:17)

 Sister Cynthia Binder, with two sisters and two brothers, grew up in Yankton where their parents, made their home. Since she lived a mere six blocks from Sacred Heart Convent and attended Mount Marty High School and College, S. Cynthia’s faith and education were nurtured by the Benedictine Sisters she came to know and love. 

She entered the convent after graduation in 1952. S. Cynthia began teaching at the elementary level at the newly built Christ the King school in Sioux Falls. This proved to be short term for she was next assigned to the pursuit of higher education majoring in English, French and Spanish. She holds an MA in French from the University of South Dakota, and an MA in English from Georgetown University. Her studies in New York University’s French program included a year spent in Paris. While at Georgetown she taught reading one year in the Washington, D.C. public school system and volunteered to help illiterate prisoners at the prison in Lorton, Virginia.

Returning to Mount Marty College teaching, she joined the education program at the Yankton Federal Prison Camp. S. Cynthia’s foreign language classes prompted her to organize and lead college student tours to Europe annually since 1969. The European tours engendered her interest in foreign films and the teaching and interpretation of foreign movies and the History of Film. Since 2012, S. Cynthia has been Program Director for the Center for Active Learners that offers senior citizens in the area a short-term seminar on various subjects.

About her Jubilee, S. Cynthia writes: “After 60 years, I realize I have been blessed with the Benedictine vision of life. So many good and rich experiences have come to me because of my community and our Benedictine values. Deo Gratias .”

 Sister Dorothy Olinger was the seventh child in a family of nine children near Emery, SD. During her 60 years as a Yankton Benedictine Sister, S. Dorothy taught at the elementary level for 35 years in parish schools located in Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, and Webster, SD; and in Albion and Lincoln, NE; and Pueblo, CO. She also ministered at Goodwill Home for Children in Memphis, TN. for three summers, and was parish visitor at Christ the King, Sioux Falls before she moved back to the monastery in 2005. 


Sr. Dorothy writes: “At one time I did become aware of a yearning for a contemplative life. However, after 60 years of living, I can still say I feel the Lord was calling me to this place because I now realize we lead lives that are both apostolic and contemplative. I entered Sacred Heart Monastery after making two retreats at Mount Marty which lead me to talk with my pastor, the late Monsignor Meyer. He encouraged me to contact his sister at Yankton. So I wrote to Sr. Beata, who directed me to contact Mother Jerome and the rest is history.”

S. Dorothy is a traveler, having visited Europe and many places of historical interest before entrance to the monastery. Travel did not end with her entrance to religious life in 1952. She cherishes the fun trips with her group as they went on a Jubilee trip to Europe in 1979 and later took more adventurous trips to Benedictine Motherhouses in the United States and visited places of interest throughout the country including Canada. S. Dorothy states: “Being a Benedictine is being at home to me as together we seek God in our everyday lives. This is a reason to celebrate God’s love among us.”

 Sister Victorine Stoltz is the youngest of eight children. She grew up on a farm, attended St. Martin’s School and the local public high school. Seeing a notice about the shortage of teachers, she attended Notre Dame Junior College, in Mitchell, SD, for a first grade teaching certificate. This she did in a small rural school and thus began her long teaching career. 

She entered Sacred Heart Convent in August, 1952 and after profession as a Benedictine Sister, she taught in the parish schools of Yankton, Sioux Falls, Salem, SD; Lincoln, St. James, and St. Paul, NE; and Pueblo, CO. For sixteen of those years she also served as Principal.S. Victorine’s love of history and social studies was nurtured by many of the ancient churches and monasteries she visited in her European travels.

Her hunger for knowledge of past events and cultures served S. Victorine well in her position as monastery archivist when she retired from teaching in 1991. A favorite pastime she enjoyed was to study her family’s genealogy and Luxembourgh heritage. S. Victorine was also known for her love of walking and during her time in Lincoln, NE, several friends invited her to join them at a Volkswalks Convention in DC. She next participated in walks in DC, Maryland, Pennyslvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Several walks were in areas that had been the battlefields of the Civil War.

S. Victorine currently resides in the Monastery Care Center. She enjoys music and singing along to familiar tunes. She says her life as a Benedictine has been both fulfilling and challenging. God be praised!

Tomorrow our 70 year Diamonds will take the stage...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ A String of Diamonds

Greetings from a string of Diamonds,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

 Sister Patricia was the seventh of nine children born on the family farm near Freeman, SD. She began her education in a rural one-room school house and after graduating from Mount Marty High School in 1952 she entered Sacred Heart Convent. 

As a professed Sister, S. Patricia began teaching in parish schools in South Dakota and Nebraska. After twenty years of teaching and pursing higher education, she received her MA in Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX in the summer of 1976 and her MA in Elementary Administration from the University of Omaha in 1984. S. Patricia served as Pastoral Associate at St. Richard’s parish in Omaha for ten years and then became principal at St. Richard’s school. 


In 1992 she moved to Lincoln, NE where she taught at St. Patrick’s school, was principal at St. Mary’s and founding principal at North American Martyrs School which she helped to open in 1996. In her 59 years of teaching, she was principal for 39 years. In 1990 S. Patricia was named the outstanding Religious Educator in the Archdiocese of Omaha, and in 2012 she received the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” award.

She retired from being principal in 2014 and moved back to the monastery. S. Patricia writes: “I love being a Benedictine Sister! The greatest gift God has given me in this life is my community. I love to share, I love to pray and I love to play and I love to laugh together! My Sisters bring me great joy! My 60 years have been a joy most of all because of what my Sisters have done for me.”

 Sister Rosemary grew up on a farm near Salem, SD. She feels it was her parents, their family life and St. Mary’s parish in Salem that influenced her vocation. She chose Sacred Heart Monastery because the Sisters ministered in a rural area which to her is familiar territory. She adds: “I suspect my great aunt, Sister Modesta, of beloved memory, had something to do with it because she prayed that some relative would take her place.”

Sister Rosemary’s 60 years of ministry has been in education; teaching in parish schools at Aberdeen, Dimock, Salem, SD and York, NE. She was principal at St. Lambert School in Sioux Falls, SD. Desiring to work more with adults, S. Rosemary moved into parish ministry, doing adult religious education, the RCIA, Bible studies as well as outreach to the home bound in Holy Name parish, Watertown, SD and St. Benedict parish, Yankton, SD. Always a bit inclined to the missionary field, she worked as pastoral minister at Standing Rock Reservation for 14 years.

A special memory S. Rosemary cherishes was in 1998 when she was privileged to visit Kajiato, Kenya at a mission that had been supported by her family. Four years later she returned to Africa to teach English to African Sisters in Mtwara, Tanzania.

Looking back, S. Rosemary comments: “Living the Benedictine Life has been most fulfilling. Upon entering Sacred Heart Monastery, I felt right at home. Living the community life and sharing the prayer of the Divine Office gives great peace. It is with a very grateful heart that I look back on my years as a Benedictine Sister of Sacred Heart Monastery.”

 Sister Valerie is the youngest of four in her family and was born and raised in Watertown, SD. After graduating from Mount Marty High School, S. Valerie decided to enter Sacred Heart Convent because of the liturgy and the witness of the Sisters.

Her religious and professional life involved teaching in the parish schools in Yankton, Tabor, Sioux Falls, Chamberlain and Watertown, SD; Glen Ullen, ND, and in Lincoln and Hartington, NE. In 1966, after preparations at a Spanish language school in Mexico City, S. Valerie was one of five Sisters sent on mission to San Pedro Carcha, Guatemala, where she taught for five years. Returning to the states, she studied for her MAT in teaching Spanish at Purdue University in Lafayette, La.; MA in Administration/Education at the University of Nebraska and an MA in Religious Education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.

In 1999 S. Valerie moved to Watertown for six years. She did substitute teaching the first year and then taught in the Catholic school full time and for two years taught classes at the Mount Marty College satellite campus. In 2005, S. Valerie moved to Parkston where she did pastoral care at St. Benedict’s Hospital before retiring to the monastery in 2013. She now assists with chaplaincy duties in the Care Center and is involved in ministry with the Mexican/Spanish speaking people in the Yankton area.

About her Jubilee S. Valerie says: “By the grace of God I was blessed to teach every grade from three year olds to college students. They were all my favorites! The life of living in a Benedictine community is rich and rewarding.”


Tomorrow classmates to these diamonds will share their stories...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Golden Jubilarians

Greetings,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our new members or Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Jeanne  grew up on a farm near Tyndall, SD, second in a family of  four children.  After graduating from Tyndall High School,  S. Jeanne attended Mount Marty College. graduating in 1962 with a BA in Social Science.  She says attending Mount Marty opened for her worlds academically and spiritually. That fall she entered Sacred Heart Convent.  

After first profession, S. Jeanne taught at Mount Marty High School until its closure in 1969.   This was followed by graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame where she earned a Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.  S. Jeanne’s ministries have included teaching at the college and graduate levels, counseling, serving as consultant and facilitator for numerous religious communities and leadership roles in the American Benedictine Academy, Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers and Monastic Interreligious Dialogue.  

Since 1990, S. Jeanne has been engaged in full-time retreat ministry and continues to serve as Director of the ecumenical Spiritual Direction Ministry Formation Program.  In 2000, S. Jeanne earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction through the Graduate Theological Foundation including a summer attending Oxford University in England.  S. Jeanne continues as Director of the Benedictine Peace Center established in 2001 with the completion of a new wing of the monastery.  

S. Jeanne writes:  “Fifty years have passed quickly, filled with experiences and opportunities I hadn’t dreamed would be mine.  Whatever the years before me hold, my hope is that I will be ever more attentive and responsive to the profound and amazing gift of God’s loving Presence among us.  I am deeply grateful to my family, my sisters and all those whom I have been privileged to serve in a variety of ministries.  With a long way to go yet, my hope is to attain what St. Benedict promises to a disciple after  long years of fidelity in our monastic way of life, that is:  “to run with heart enlarged on the way of God’s commandments.”

Sister Mildred Busch was born in Luverne, MN.  She joined three brothers and three sisters growing up on a farm northwest of Luverne.  St. Rose of Lima parish in Garretson, SD was an anchor in her family’s faith life as her father became the first layman to lector and serve as communion minister in their church following the reforms of Vatican II.  

S. Mildred graduated from Garretson High School in 1961.  She attended Mount Marty College for one year before she entered Sacred Heart Convent in 1962.  In 1967 she received her BA in history from Mount Marty and MA in education from the University of Nebraska in 1981.  For 33 years S. Mildred taught in elementary and high school levels in parish schools of Tabor and Yankton, SD; and Cedar Catholic High, Hartington and Cathedral of Risen Christ, Lincoln, NE.   She was principal for 20 of those years and she states her years in education have brought great joy and satisfaction for the privilege of being involved in the lives of hundreds of children and young people.    

Throughout her years in religious life, S. Mildred was involved in community administrative areas, serving terms on the Council and numerous committee and task forces.   In 1999 she entered a new phase of ministry by serving on the task force for co-sponsorship of our Benedictine health system with the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters health system now known as Avera.   She continued to serve the health system as a member of several Avera  Hospitals Board of Directors and has been a System Member Chair for Avera Health.   In 2005 S. Mildred was appointed Community Procurator.  She loved these years of serving the community very directly, adding that “the learning curve was huge, but the challenge was enjoyable.”   

Currently S. Mildred is Pastoral Administrative Assistant at St. Michael’s Parish in Lincoln, NE.  Her newest venture has been writing and sharing Guided Visualizations on Gospel passages, stories and events.   In closing S. Mildred  says,  “On my Jubilee, I celebrate with everlasting gratitude my call to the Monastery and thank God for His faithfulness.”

Blessings and return tomorrow for a string of Diamonds...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information! 

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ New Beginnings

Greetings,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our new members or Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Postulant Theresa was received into Sacred Heart Monastery as a Postulant in a simple ritual on August 2nd, 2014.  After Theresa symbolically knocked on the front door of the Monastery, the Prioress, S. Penny, asked, “What do you seek?” to which Theresa responded, “I want to live in love and service of God with the help of this community.”  The monastic community affirmed her request and S. Penny presented her with a medal of St. Benedict.  The celebration continued at Vespers and supper.

Postulant Theresa was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, the third of eight children of the late Francis and Patricia. She attended twelve years of Catholic schools before enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania for a BA in American Civilization and an MS in Secondary Education. After four years of teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, she went to work as a computer operator in an insurance company before returning to the University of Pennsylvania as an employee. 

While working at University of Pennsylvania, Theresa began an MA course of study in Sacred Scripture at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA.   After graduating in 1997 she began teaching Bible Study in the Diocese of Camden (NJ).  In 2001 she began studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, pursuing a doctorate in Biblical Studies, with a concentration on the Old Testament prophets. 

Little did Theresa know when she came to Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD in 2012 for a job interview that this might be more than a faculty position. While serving as Assistant Professor of Theology at Mount Marty, she began studying the life of the Benedictine Sisters next door to the college campus, leading to her decision to join the Monastery.   She has taken a unique path to the monastery from MMC, as she is the first to enter the community as a professor from the college, rather than as a graduate.  As a postulant, Theresa will the live the life of the community,  meet regularly for guidance in the monastic way of life, take classes on transitions, Liturgy, and music lessons in addition to her professional work at the college.

At Sunday Vespers on August 3rd in the presence of S. Penny, prioress, and the  Benedictine Sisters,  S. Peggy made her first profession  to live a life of obedience, stability and conversion of life according to the Rule of St. Benedict.  Commenting on her profession  S. Peggy reflected:  “Making first profession means saying ‘Yes’  to God’s call, living out Jesus’ Gospel message,  and letting the Spirit guide me.   Life is a journey, a daily call to grow closer to God.    I feel being called to live the Benedictine monastic way of life is to trust and follow God’s plan for my  life.  I am very blessed to have the love and support of my community Sisters, family and friends”.

S. Peggy  is from Norfolk, NE,  the oldest of nine children born to Lyle and Denise and was raised on the family farm southwest of Pierce, NE.     She graduated from Mount Marty College in 2005 with a degree in nursing.  Sr. Peggy worked at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk for seven years and in August, 2012 followed her desire to be a Benedictine Sister by entering Sacred Heart Monastery .    Her family joined the Sisters in the joyful celebration of her profession.   A reception was held in the monastery Chapter room after the ceremony.

Blessings and come back tomorrow for Golden Stories...

Sharing our Sacred Story

Greetings,

NCSW participants from Benedictine communities
and their student participants!

Sr. Bonita, OSB and Mount Marty College student, Rachel Shippy attended the launch event (March 7-9) for National Catholic Sisters Week (NCSW) at the University of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN.  NCSW was introduced the second week of March as a part of National Women's History Month to shine a national spotlight on the good works and good will of Catholic sisters.  NCSW recognizes past and present sisters, from the movers and shakers pressing the front lines of social change to the faithful praying in cloistered chapels.  More than 100 sisters and students from throughout the United States attended the weekend event.

Reflecting on this experience, Ms. Shippy said that she was blessed to have spent her weekend with so many amazing women.  "This experience gave me a lot of perspective and even more respect for women religious.  I was able to learn so much about the history of the impact these women have had on our current society.  I loved hearing the sisters' stories and how society's view and opinion of them and their life is definitely not as accurate as it should be."

Rachel and Sr. Bonita at the NCSW conference.

Sr. Bonita shared that "this conference is a watershed event for the Catholic sisters of the United States.  Each of the activities was rich with accurate and stimulating information.  Having so many young women present was exciting and encouraging.  St. Catherine's University is to be commended for their vision.  It was exciting to be a part of the launch activity initiating an annual event recognizing sisters and their stories."

All the conference sister and student participants.

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ our Star-Bright Diamond!

Greetings from a 80-year Jubilarian,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

 Sister Virginia is the 3rd of 13 children of her parents, who supported her call to religious life. She attended St. Mary’s grade school where she was influenced by the Benedictine Sisters and monks. She entered Sacred Heart Monastery September 2, 1929 at the age of 15. After graduating from Mount Marty High School in 1932 she was invested as a novice. She made first profession on August 16, 1933 and final profession on June 26, 1939.

After a year of teaching and loving 53 first graders, S. Virginia was called into the field of nursing. She graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1937. She was a nurse from 1937-1978, she then worked in hospital administration in South Dakota, receiving a Credential in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1972.  She received a degree from Mount Marty College and became certified in Pastoral Care in 1979. She served in Pastoral Care ministry from 1979 Colorado until her retirement to the monastery in 2001.

 Reflecting on her jubilee, S. Virginia says, “God’s blessings have truly overwhelmed me these 80 years for which I am deeply grateful. Time has passed quickly amidst joys, sorrows, complexities but always accompanied by an awareness of God’s abiding peace, grace and assuring love. I am most appreciative that God called me to Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton to be a member of this Benedictine community.”

Blessings...and thank you for joining us for this week of jubilee stories,

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ A Sparkling Diamond

Greetings from a 70-year Jubilarian,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Corinne was born October 1, 1924, the oldest of twelve children in South Dakota. She
attended Saints Peter and Paul parochial school, and was greatly influenced by sisters who taught her. She spent two years at home helping her parents on the farm after graduating from the eighth grade. She entered Sacred Heart Monastery in 1940 and went to Mount Marty High School for two years before becoming a novice and received the name Corinne. She made first profession on June 24, 1943 and final profession on June 24, 1946. She completed her GED in 1969.

Sr. Corinne ministered for twenty-six years to the Native American people in South Dakota. Her years at the mission were special to her because of the home-like atmosphere there. She always had a heart for the Native American people. She also worked with the boarders at St. Mary’s School and later, she taught religion and worked in the school library in Nebraska. She also worked throughout South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. After receiving pastoral care training in Mitchell, South Dakota, she did hospital and nursing home visitation until her retirement. This work was a great joy to her as she is a “people person” and was able to serve and connect to people in her “home territory”. Now retired in St. Joseph Care Center at Sacred Heart Monastery, Sr. Corinne still enjoys friendly banter and visits from family and friends

 Blessings...and join us tomorrow for our star-bright diamond~

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Another Shining Diamond

Greetings from a 70-year Jubilarian,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Grace grew up on a farm in northeast Nebraska, the sixteenth of seventeen children. She attended public, but looked forward to the Sisters coming for 2 weeks of religious education in the summer. Their kindness and happiness planted the seeds of a vocation in Grace. At the age of 14, she packed her bags to go to Milwaukee with her two Franciscan cousins, but after visiting with Sr. Seraphine and her pastor, she decided to try Yankton. She attended high school at Mount Marty Academy as an Aspirant and Postulant, and, after her novitiate, made First Monastic Profession in 1943. Among her memories is the day that she was happy to be assigned to work in the “candy” kitchen, only to find out it was the “canning” kitchen.

 S. Grace taught primary grades for 33 years. She ministered in the Catholic schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Her Bachelor of Arts degree was finally earned in 1963 after going to summer school for many years in between teaching assignments. After leaving teaching due to health issues, Sr. Grace embarked on another 30 plus year ministry at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

Now retired at the monastery, she is busy keeping track of her large family with over hundreds of grand nieces and nephews, and even more ”greats” and “great-grands”. She looks back with gratitude that God called her to this Benedictine way of life and for persevering in it. “I am especially grateful for the many opportunities I have for attending the Eucharist, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and recreating with my sisters.”

Blessings...and come back tomorrow for another sparkling diamond!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ One Diamond of a Story!

Greetings from a 60-year Jubilarian,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

One of eleven children, S. Delores was born and raised in rural Nebraska, where she attended “country school” for 8 years. Her mother wanted to give her the opportunity for Catholic education, so she and a sister boarded at Holy Trinity High School. There she met the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. When her sister graduated from high school, her principal, S. Beata, invited Delores to join the monastery and finish high school at Mount Marty Academy. With her parents’ approval, Delores finished high school as a postulant, did her novitiate and made first profession in 1953 and final profession on June 29th, 1958.

After a year of college, she began her teaching career in North Dakota, with 50 first graders. One of her humorous memories was when a little guy climbed up the slide, and then was too scared to come down. So S. Delores, in full habit, had to go up the ladder and slide down with the little guy on her lap. She went on to teach for a total of 32 years in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Following these years of teaching, she worked in food service and housekeeping in nursing facilities in Lincoln.

Since 2004 S. Delores has been a sacristan back at Sacred Heart Monastery. Between those duties she enjoys keeping in touch with family and friends on Facebook and e-mail. Looking back with satisfaction on these years, S. Delores says that she has learned much from living with my Benedictine Community. “Someone is always there for me.”

Blessings...and come back tomorrow for another shining Diamond!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Another Golden Story

Greetings from another Golden celebrant,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Born in Nebraska Sister Marlene was the fifth of six children and grew up on a farm where the faith of her parents planted the seeds of a vocation to religious life in both her and her brother Eugene, now Fr. Allan of Conception Abbey in Missouri.
She graduated from Genoa High School in 1960.

During her freshmen year at Mount Marty College, she was attracted by the prayer of the Sisters, especially the daily Mass, and made the decision to enter Sacred Heart Monastery. She made first profession in 1963. Continuing her education at Mount Marty, she received her B. A. in Elementary Education in 1965, and made perpetual monastic profession in 1968. She taught in elementary and junior high classrooms in NE and SD.

 After teaching 18 years she began working in computer technology, serving Mount Marty College, Madonna Rehabilitation Center, and the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD. More recently from year 2002 to 2011 S. Marlene worked as a Nurse Aide and in Pastoral Care. Presently she is working as a companion to the elderly for the agency Joy in the Journey in Omaha.

As S. Marlene reflects on her experience of Jubilee, she recalls that “St. Benedict described his Rule as ‘a rule for beginners’. Even religious who have been following the Rule for decades find new life and challenge in it. People have been living this little rule for centuries. I am grateful to be part of this 1500 year tradition of ‘the Rule for beginners’ and that I am celebrating these 50 years with my sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota.”

Blessings...join us tomorrow for one Diamond of a Story!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ A Golden Story

Greetings from one of our Golden celebrants,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Michaeleen in Colorado. “My parents were hard-working people who loved me greatly,” she says.“Though not well-educated in a formal way, they loved learning and encouraged me to explore my many and varied interests. When I told my parents that I wanted to be a nun, they gave me their full blessing, even though that meant that they would never be grandparents.”

Feeling called to the Benedictine way of life, hospital ministry drew her to Sacred Heart in Yankton, where Sr. Michaeleen made First Profession in 1963 and Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1969. She received her B.S. in
Med Tech in 1966 from Mount Marty College and a Master’s in 1973. She enjoyed work as a Med Tech in hospitals in Parkston, Yankton and Canon City, CO and teaching at Mount Marty College. In 1981, she began study in psychology culminating in a  in 1990, and was licensed as a psychologist in 1991. She took a position at Benedictine Family Services from 1989 – 1991 and then spent 14 years in various psychological services. A hearing loss forced her to leave the field of psychology. In subsequent years, Sr. Michaeleen has have been working in Information Technology at the monastery.

Her hobbies include “birding” and photography as she finds the presence of  God in nature. Reflecting on her Golden Jubilee, she say, “As I approach my 50th  year of vowed life, I am filled with profound gratitude that, first of all, God led me to Sacred Heart Monastery, filled with living legends of holiness, humor, and happiness; and then graced my life with so many other good people who have contributed to the rich tapestry of my life.”

Blessings...and come back tomorrow for another Golden Story!

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ Silver Stories

Greetings from our sisters celebrating 25-years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!


Sister Denette grew up in Nebraska, playing in the
woods outside her family's house, exploring the hills, and herding cattle, she dreamed and wondered about God. Her parents taught her to pray various prayers, especially the rosary.  Music was a big part of her school days, accompanying various musical groups and the annual high school musicals.

She attended Mount Marty College and graduated with a BA degree in accounting and business administration. Later she obtained an MBA from the University of South Dakota.  From 1982 - 1986, she worked as an auditor for the US Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, traveling extensively throughout the mid-west as part of her work. During this time she made annual retreats at the Monastery and felt called to enter Sacred Heart Monastery in 1986. She made her first monastic profession in 1988 and final monastic profession in 1991.

Sr. Denette continues to use her talents and training as accountant in the Monastery Business Office and as an accompanist at liturgies. She has also served as board member for various health care sponsored facilities, for the United Way and is a member of the Residents Encounter Christ (REC) Renewal Team for those who are imprisoned.  As a Benedictine, community, prayer and work are very important to Sr. Denette. “Within community I celebrate life and the sisters call me to growth and to become more. Through Liturgy of the Hours and my own lectio my relationship with God and others deepens. In my ministry, I see the face of God.”



Born in Illinois, Sister Lynn was an only child but had many cousins and friends. After graduating Catholic high school in Chicago, she studied forestry at Michigan Tech University in and then Range management at the University of Wyoming. S. Lynn worked as an agricultural researcher for the Kansas Rural Center and later served as a volunteer in Kansas City, at both the Catholic Worker House and running a Community Garden Project for a parish neighborhood center serving the poor of inner Kansas City. Serving the poor and stewarding God’s creation have always been important to her.

S. Lynn entered Mother of God Monastery and made first monastic profession in 1988 and perpetual monastic profession in 1992. She took care of the monastery grounds and assisted in the business office. After receiving a Master’s degree in library science in 1993, she worked as librarian at the Harmony Hill Library and area public libraries.

In 2010 she returned to Watertown to serve as the monastery archivist, and
in 2011 moved to Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD to discern a transfer to that community. In Yankton she volunteered in Mount Marty College library, worked at Yankton Community Library, and taught a Wisdom of Benedict class at MMC. Currently she ministers at the monastery by driving for the care center, and working in the Monastery Library. Commenting on community living at this time of jubilee, she says, “I treasure and need our times of prayer and the common life as much as I need breathing and eating. It has helped me become a whole person.”

Blessings...and come back tomorrow for a "Golden Story"!

Coming Soon...National Catholic Sisters Week

The first annual "National Catholic Sisters Week" begins this Saturday!  If you're wondering how this all began, follow this link to St. Catherine's University for the article.  However, we can tell you it all began with a graduate research paper, a size 9 shoe box filled with hundreds of cards indexing sisters who had made a contribution to academia, healthcare, and many other professions...

Consider one of the many ways you can help celebrate the Religious Sisters in your life.


Considerations for Campus Ministers:

o   Host a coffee hour meet-and-greet for Catholic sisters and students.

o   Offer a prayer service for vocations.

o   Have a trivia contest or a scavenger hunt related to Catholic sisters.

o   Hold a film screening – either a documentary or a popular film about sisters
(or with sisters in it) and hold a discussion afterwards.

o   Interview a sister on your campus’ radio show, television station or student newspaper.

o   Invite a Catholic sister to speak about her vocation at the end of Mass.

o   Hand over your Twitter account to a sister for a day – or enlist 7 sisters, one each day. 

o   Launch a photo contest inviting students to capture images of women religious. Invite members of your community to vote on their favorite online.

o   Coordinate a tour or volunteer activity at a sister’s ministry.

o   Publish a notice about National Catholic Sisters Week in your newsletter.

o   Post a picture and a paragraph about a canonized sister on Facebook each day of the week.

Considerations for Parishes:

o   Publish an announcement of the week in your bulletin or newsletter.

o   Begin an intercession for vocations to religious life and continuing praying for the lives and works of current sisters.

o   Create a display of sisters to showcase during the month of March.

o   Invite sisters to attend various parish meetings and groups.

o   Coordinate a volunteer activity at a sister’s ministry.

o   Ask sisters to share their stories with members of your group
(parishioners, students, young adults, etc.). 

o   Highlight sisters on your website.

o   Share first-person stories of admirable sisters through social media.

o   Choose a saint who was a sister to be your patron for the month of March – study her and pray for her intercession.