Sister Barbara Jean Head: A life of service “by the numbers”

When Ursuline Sister Barbara Jean Head was a teenager, she and her siblings took turns minding their dad’s service station while he came home for lunch. It was during her turn that she first realized the power of prayer. “I was a shy little girl, I was afraid I couldn’t put gas in correctly,” Sister…

Sister Suzanne Sims: A lifetime of meeting the needs of the day

Sister Suzanne Sims completed her ministry at St. Mary of the Woods in 2016. In January 2017, she began ministering as director of faith formation at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Owensboro, Ky. In January 2021, she returned to the Motherhouse to serve as director of Local Community Life. Before the 1975 spring semester…

Sister Cheryl Clemons: God’s researcher returns home to Brescia

(Sister Cheryl Clemons completed her ministry at Brescia University in 2020. She is serving part-time in programming at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.) When Ursuline Sister Cheryl Clemons was a young girl, she was supposed to come home from school and start on her homework before dinner. “I’d bring a library book…

Sister Helena Fischer: Embracing change as an Ursuline calling

Adapting to change is ingrained in the Ursuline Sisters, from the words of Saint Angela Merici herself in her Last Legacy: “And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.” Perhaps that’s why Sister Helena Fischer is so at…

Sister Martha Keller: Sharing the spirit with a smile

In August 2011, Sister Martha Keller left her position at St. Francis de Sales Parish. After 10 years in parish ministry at St. Jerome Church in Fancy Farm, Ky., Sister Martha began serving as the elected assistant congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters on July 17, 2022. Ask anyone who knows Sister Martha Keller, and…

Sister Kathleen Dueber: Taking the wheel on a new Ursuline pilgrimage

(Sister Kathleen Dueber completed her term as a member of the Leadership Council in 2016. She is currently active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.) Saint Angela Merici was a pilgrim, and one of the most iconic depictions of her is traveling on foot with a staff in her hand. Modern day pilgrimages enlist the aid…

Sister Elaine Burke, OSU: Mixing fun with a deep prayer life

Update: Sister Elaine Burke completed her ministries at Brescia University and with Cursillo in 2015. She continues as a volunteer at the RiverPark Center in Owensboro, Ky., and on the Liturgy Committee at the Mount. Sister Elaine Burke’s mother would often ask her, “Elaine, can’t you just sit down for five minutes?” Even after 60…

Sister Julia Head, OSU: A lifetime of openness and presence

Update: Sister Julia Head completed her ministry at Immaculate Parish in 2010, served six years as assistant congregational leader, then returned to Immaculate in September 2016 in adult formation ministry. Sister Julia Head has spent a lifetime reading every book she could find, studying scripture, and preparing herself for whatever role she was to fill…