Mary Carrico School honors Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner for 60 years as an Ursuline Sister

When the faculty and staff at Mary Carrico Catholic School in Knottsville, Ky., learned in August that their religion teacher – Ursuline Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner – was celebrating 60 years of religious life this year, they wanted to celebrate.

“She’s just a special lady,” said Laura Cecil, in her second year as principal of the small school in east Daviess County. “She wears a sweatshirt that says ‘Joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself.’ She just radiates joy.”

On Sept. 27, 2023, Sister Mary Celine was surprised to learn that she was the guest of honor at the school Mass across the road at St. William Church. The pastor, Father Shijo Vadakumkara, said after his homily, “Sister Mary Celine has been a great messenger for our parish and school for so many years.” He presented her with a crystal cross, thanking her for her 60 years of service.

Nine other Ursuline Sisters joined her for Mass and a reception afterward in the school gym. Two of the teachers at Mary Carrico had Sister Mary Celine as their teacher, and spoke of the joy they have of serving with her.

Marianna Romero grew up attending St. Alphonsus school in west Daviess County.

“I lived in Paducah for 34 years, then one year ago I moved back to Daviess County,” Romero said. “I was asked if I would substitute teach at Mary Carrico and I said, ‘Yes, my favorite elementary school teacher is there.’ She was also the principal for my siblings. She taught me social studies, religion and square dancing. Last year I was walking down the hallway and I heard square dancing music. Sister Mary Celine was still teaching square dancing. I believe with the same albums.”

Romero is now teaching music and library at the school, and led all the students in an original song to honor Sister Mary Celine.

“I asked my students what words they would use to describe Sister Mary Celine,” Romero said. “They said ‘faithful, loving, sweet, thoughtful, prayerful, kind, joy and strict’ – but the good kind of strict.”

Katie Ford teaches middle school students at Mary Carrico, where Sister Mary Celine was her teacher in the eighth grade.

“She made sure we were saying the rosary on first Fridays,” Ford said. “Her impact on me as a co-worker has been great. She is such an example of Christ’s love for the world. She’s a bright light for all of us. She keeps the spirit alive in our school.”

Vicki Conder met Sister Mary Celine seven years ago when she came to the school as the secretary, and now bookkeeper.

“She cares so much. She doesn’t just love us, she wants our best, because that’s what we do for God,” Conder said.

Daviess County Commissioner Larry Conder read a proclamation declaring Sept. 27, 2023, as “Sister Mary Celine Day” in Daviess County.

“Sister Mary Celine has made a difference in people’s lives,” Larry Conder said. “She’s taught us how to love and to be good Christians.”

Sister Mary Celine’s 16 years at Mary Carrico surpass her previous longest mission, St. Mary Middle School in Paducah, where she spent 15 years. While she hesitates to say any mission was her favorite, she clearly enjoys the close community in Knottsville.

“When one person hurts, we all hurt,” she said. “There is a lot of faith sharing and celebrating. It’s such a beautiful place to work.”

Here are some photos and a video from the day.

Watch the performance of an original song in honor of Sister Mary Celine

Father Shijo Vadakumkara calls Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner to the front of St. William Church in Knottsville and prepares to give her a gift on behalf of the parish and Mary Carrico School.
Several Ursuline Sisters joined Sister Mary Celine for morning Mass at St. William Church and then a reception in the school gym. In the first row, from left, are Sisters Catherine Kaufman, Marie Joseph Coomes, Karla Kaelin, Pat Rhoten and Mary Celine; in the second row from left are Sisters Cecelia Joseph Olinger, George Mary Hagan, Nancy Murphy, Ann Patrice Cecil and Margaret Ann Aull.
Sister Mary Celine holds her gift from the parish and school as Sister Pat Rhoten, left, admires it. The plaque reads, “Sr. Mary Celine Weidenbenner, thank you for serving the Catholic school and parish community of Knottsville, Kentucky. Congratulations on your 60th jubilee of religious life.”
Ursuline Associate Debbie Lanham, left, a member of St. William Church, congratulates Sister Mary Celine after Mass.
Sister Mary Celine shows her gift to the Mary Carrico students who were awaiting her in the school gym, as Principal Laura Cecil applauds in the background. Shortly afterward, the students sang Sister Mary Celine an original song to thank her.
Marianna Romero tells the audience that when she was asked to substitute teach at Mary Carrico in 2022, she jumped at the chance because “my favorite elementary school teacher is there.” Sister Mary Celine taught her at St. Alphonsus School.
Vicki Conder, the secretary and bookkeeper at Mary Carrico, tells the crowd, “Sister Mary Celine doesn’t just love us, she wants our best.”
Daviess County Commissioner Larry Conder reads a proclamation declaring Sept. 27, 2023, as “Sister Mary Celine Day” in Daviess County. Conder was substituting for County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen, who was taught by Sister Mary Celine.
Sister Mary Celine gets a hug from a student. Sister Mary Celine is in her 16th year at Mary Carrico, teaching three classes of religion.
Sister Mary Celine wanted the crowd to recognize her classmate, Sister Pat Rhoten, right, who is also celebrating 60 years this year. Here, Sister Pat tells the students, “She is so proud of you at Mary Carrico Catholic School.”
This banner hung behind the refreshment table, where cupcakes and punch were served to the guests.
Sister Mary Celine shares a laugh with the pastor, Father Shijo Vadakumkara, and Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, who is from Sister Mary Celine’s hometown of Glennonville, Mo.
Mary Carrico students gather around Sister Mary Celine to present her with a poster congratulating her.
Sister Pat Rhoten, left, and Sister Karla Kaelin hold up the poster given to Sister Mary Celine, which reads “Thank you Sister for all you do. We are so thankful for you!” The students signed the back.
Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger takes a photo with Marianna Romero and her father, Gene Schadler, on each side of Sister Mary Celine. Schadler was on the school board at St. Alphonsus Church when Sister Mary Celine was principal there.

Comments

  2. Elaine Glenn

    When Sister Mary Celine was at St.Alphonsus she was an “ Awesome Teacher & Person”. She left her footprints here in our hearts!

  3. DIANE Hicks MCINTYRE

    I love this woman. Precious memories at St. Joseph School in Mayfield learning science and square dancing. Congratulations Sr. Mary Celine. You are a special gift to us all.

  4. Sister Rebecca White

    Thank you, Sr. Mary Celine, for being such a great example for all of us. You give very generously of your time and talent. Congratulations!🎈 🎈❤️❣️🩷💕😘

  5. Pat Donahue Wathen

    Congratulations, Sister Mary Celine aka Teresa. You are clearly loved and appreciated for all the qualities I remember as your MSJ classmate. That friendly face & smile was always present for all of us.

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