(Sister Mary Sheila went to heaven on Feb. 17, 2018.) Ursuline Sister Mary Sheila Higdon’s only trepidation about entering religious life was whether her mother needed her more. When her mother told her she was happy for her, Sister Mary Sheila began what has become 67 years as an Ursuline Sister. Sister Mary Sheila was…
Vocation Stories
Every Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph was called by God to consecrated life. But how each of them heard that call is unique. You can learn their vocation stories below.
My Vocation Story – Sister Teresa Riley
(Sister Teresa went to heaven on Nov. 24, 2020.) Ursuline Sister Teresa Riley may have been content to work at the Woolworth Ten Cent Store if her parish priest hadn’t suggested she become a woman religious. Sister Teresa grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Mayfield, Ky. She was the seventh of 10…
My Vocation Story – Sister Rosemary Keough
(Sister Rosemary went to heaven on Nov. 21, 2020.) Sister Rosemary Keough wanted to be a missionary, like the sisters she read about in a Maryknoll magazine. While her ministry as an Ursuline Sister has taken her across the United States and South America, her calling these days is serving those who left their country…
My Vocation Story – Sister Joan Walz
(Sister Joan went to heaven on July 5, 2017.) Sister Joan Walz’ address as a child was Hawesville, Ky., but Cloverport was closer, so she went to school there at St. Rose. Her mother, Ida May, was a housekeeper and helped run the family store. Her father, Otto, was a farmer, and “I was his…
My Vocation Story: Sister Dee Long
(Sister Dee went to heaven on June 7, 2020.) During her 20s, Ursuline Sister Delores “Dee” Long was busy playing semi-pro tennis on a six-state circuit and working for the phone company in Kansas City, Mo. Despite her busy life, she felt something was lacking. “I always had a calling of some sort to serve…