Diocesan staff brings carols and joy to the Ursuline Sisters

The Diocese of Owensboro staff spent Dec.6, 2023 – the feast of Saint Nicholas – at Maple Mount, visiting the Ursuline Sisters in Saint Joseph Villa and singing Christmas carols in the hallway.

Charlie Hardesty, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Danny May, director of Marriage and Family Life, have been coming to the Mount monthly since the spring to visit with Sister Margaret Ann Aull and Sister Elaine Burke. Hardesty worked with Sister Margaret Ann at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Henderson, Ky., and May has known Sister Elaine since he began coming to the Mount for retreats 20 years ago.

“We could listen to their stories all day,” Hardesty said. “It dawned on me, we need to get everyone out here to learn these stories.”

About 25 staff members from the McRaith Pastoral Center visited all three hallways in Saint Joseph Villa, singing a handful of carols and then visiting with the Sisters. Afterward, they joined the Sisters for the rosary, and then for Mass in the Motherhouse Chapel. Bishop William Medley joined Father Ray Goetz, the chaplain, to celebrate the Mass.

Here are some photos from the day, and a video of the caroling.

Ashley Wilkerson, in the yellow top, coordinator of Activities and Pastoral Care for the Sisters in Saint Joseph Villa, and Mario Palmer, receptionist, welcome the diocesan staff on Dec. 6. With increases in flu and Covid in Daviess County, visitors are asked to wear masks in the Villa.
Deacon Chris Gutierrez, left, director of Hispanic/Latino Ministry, and Charlie Hardesty, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, practice “Feliz Navidad” before the caroling began.
The diocesan staff line one of the hallways for a rousing rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Sister Susan Mary Mudd, center, laughs with Tom Lilly, left, chancellor and chief administrative officer, and Jeff Andrini, director of Evangelization and Discipleship. Sister Michael Ann Monaghan is at left.
Bill Blincoe, director of Project and Risk Management, holds the song lyrics for Sister Margaret Ann Aull to sing along with a carol.
Deacon Jan VanHoosier, director of Faith Formation, visits with Sister Catherine Barber during a break in the singing.
Michelle Roberts, manager of Internal Audit and Accounting Systems, talks with Sister Kathleen Dueber in her room.
Louanne Seibert, center, and Patti Bartley, right, who both serve with the Marriage Tribunal, talk with Sister Joyce Marie Cecil, as Mary Hall, Human Resources director, looks on.
Danny May and Sister Elaine Burke mug for the camera. The two have known each other since May began coming to retreats at the Mount 20 years ago.
Jeff Andrini, director of Evangelization and Discipleship, talks with Sister Catherine Kaufman about her journey to become an Ursuline of Mount Saint Joseph.
Sister Pat Rhoten, right, claps along with “Jingle Bells” as diocesan staff members, from right, Janice Hendricks, Mary Colburn, Riley Greif and Emily Danchisin sing the tune. Sister Pat later produced a couple of tambourines for the singers to play.
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan, left, talks with Rachel Hall, director of Communications.
Sister Suzanne Sims, left, director of Local Community Life for the Sisters, and Michelle Roberts, manager of Internal Audit and Accounting Systems for the diocese, reconnect in the hallway. The two knew each other during Sister Suzanne’s time ministering at St. Pius Parish.
Patti Bartley, left, documentary case instructor for the Marriage Tribunal, talks with Sister Claudia Hayden.
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, director of Catholic Charities, displays her fingernails painted for the Advent candles.
Jeff Andrini talks with Sister Lois Lindle.
Sister Elaine Burke, right, talks with Martha Hagan, vice chancellor and administrative assistant to the bishop.
Sister Karla Kaelin talks with Danny May, director of Marriage and Family Life.
Sister Mary Gerald Payne peeks around the corner of her room to listen to the singing, as Rachel Hall looks on.
Sister Rebecca White, left, talks with Louanne Seibert, director and formal case instructor for the Marriage Tribunal.
Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney, left, tells Riley Greif, digital media specialist, how much she is enjoying the music.
Sister Sheila Anne Smith asks Danny May to play a few chords on his guitar.
After praying the rosary with the Sisters, the diocesan staff gathered in the Motherhouse Chapel for Mass.
Bishop William Medley celebrated the Mass with Father Ray Goetz, chaplain at the Mount.

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