The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are a vibrant group of women who continue the call to serve God wherever they see a need. Take a moment to learn more about their lives and how they serve.
(From 2012-2018, Sister Dianna Ortiz served as assistant director of the Education for Justice Program at the Center for Concern, Washington, D.C. In 2020, she began serving as deputy director for Pax Christi USA in Washington, D.C. Her life was cut tragically short by cancer on Feb. 19, 2021.) “When I speak of torture, including…
more: Sister Dianna Ortiz, OSU: The mission of TASSC is to abolish torture wherever it occurs
(Sister Marie Joseph Coomes completed her ministry with Audubon Area Community Services in 2013. She is now active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.) A gentle giant. A blessing. A good friend. Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, a tiny, soft-spoken Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, is being called all of the above as she settles into…
more: Sister Marie Joseph Coomes, OSU: “We thank God for her every day.”
“More than the work, I really do love the Chilean people. They’re wonderful, very outgoing and very friendly. They take you in and they accept you very well. I do love the work very much, too. I guess this is just the kind of work that’s right for me because I love all the crafty…
more: Sister Mary Elizabeth (Mimi) Ballard, OSU: “….has always had the heart of a missionary.”
Sisters in Ministry Update: Since 2012, Sister Vivian Bowles has been director of faith formation at St. Alphonsus Parish in St. Joseph, Ky. “My father had the greatest influence on my life. He was physically challenged from the age of 18 months. He walked on crutches and was in a wheelchair, yet he always…
more: Sister Vivian Bowles, OSU: “I don’t think anyone cares more about the university…”
Update: Sister Grace Simpson completed her ministry at the Sister Visitor Center in 2014, and now volunteers twice a week with the St. John Center for Homeless Men in Louisville. The Sister Visitor Center on Louisville’s west side is an emergency assistance program that provides help with the most basic of human needs: food, clothing,…
more: Sister Grace Simpson: ” I have learned more from the poor than from any other people.”
Update: Sister Ann Patrice Cecil completed her ministry as assistant to the congregational secretary in 2016, and served as postmaster until 2022. She is now the director of transportation for the Sisters. Visitors to the office of congregational leader (superior) Sister Michele Morek are greeted by Sister Ann Patrice Cecil, a polite, soft-spoken woman…
Sisters in Ministry Update: As of July 2011, Sister Luisa Bickett retired and currently ministers in the Powerhouse of Prayer at the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse. “Just before the Hispanics came (to Ohio County), I was trying to make plans to return to South America when those plans suddenly changed and I…
more: Sister Luisa Bickett, OSU: “I’ve always felt drawn to the poor.”
Update: Sister Rita Scott served as an elected member of the Leadership Council from 2010-16. She continues as plant administrator. “I love the Mount. I love the Ursuline community. I believe we need to provide a safe, pleasing environment for those who are residents here, for our guests, and for our employees. It should be…
more: Sister Rita Scott: “…she’s extremely knowledgeable of the operation of the entire plant.”
Update: Sister Marietta Wethington retired in 2014. She went to heaven on May 26, 2022. “One of the things that has impressed me the most about Sister Marietta is her personal spirituality. The delight in her eyes and the beauty in her face reflect the brilliance of God’s Spirit, which resides within her. When I…
more: Sister Marietta Wethington: “I loved helping children develop a prayer life of their own.”
Update: Sister Rose Theresa Johnson died Aug. 10, 2012. Sister Rose Karen Johnson completed her ministry in Central City in 2015. She went to heaven on Jan. 15, 2024. For the last six years sisters Rose Theresa and Rose Karen Johnson have served together as Catholic witnesses and pastoral associates at Saint Joseph parish in…
more: Sisters Rose Theresa and Rose Karen Johnson: “…people hold them in great esteem.”