Oral History Project

The Oral History Project for the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph was started in January 2013 as a way to capture the memories of the members of the community. Having given their lives to Christ and the people of the world, the sisters have served in education, pastoral ministry, nursing, social justice and a variety of other arenas where they have been called by God.

These interviews will allow you to hear their stories in the first person, providing a very real link to the past and present. These interviews were audio recorded and then edited into sections of topic, such as her early life, vocation discernment, ministries she served, etc. 

Oral History videos playlist

Sister Mary Irene Cecil

Cecil, S Mary IreneSister Mary Irene Cecil entered the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1946. Born in West Louisville, Kentucky, Sister Mary Irene taught in many schools in Kentucky, Missouri, and served in various ministerial positions. She was Major Superior for the Ursuline Sisters from 1980-1988. She died Dec. 22, 2018.

Sister Raymond Dieckman

Dieckman, S Raymond

Sister Raymond Dieckman entered the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kansas in 1950. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Sister Raymond ministered in many capacities, including as a teacher, receptionist and Superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola. She became an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph when the Paola community merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2009. She died Oct. 27, 2016.

Sister George Mary Hagan

Hagan, S George Mary

Sister George Mary Hagan entered the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1956. Born in New Haven, Kentucky, Sister George Mary ministered in many capacities, including as a teacher, director of religious education and in transportation.

Sister Barbara Jean Head

Sister Barbara Jean HeadSister Barbara Jean Head entered the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1965. Born in New Haven, Kentucky, Sister Barbara Jean has ministered in many capacities, including as teacher in different Kentucky schools, as treasurer and councilor for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, and accountant at Brescia University.

Sister Dorothy Helbling

Helbling, S DorothySister Dorothy Helbling entered the Ursuline Sisters of Belleville, Illinois in 1947. Born in St. Anthony, North Dakota, Sister Dorothy ministered in many capacities, including as a teacher, retreat director, hospitality and General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Belleville. She became an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph when the Belleville community merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2005. Sister Dorothy died Nov. 1, 2020.

Sister Mary Angela Matthews

Matthews, S Mary AngelaSister Mary Angela Matthews OSU was born in Hardinsburg, Kentucky and attended the Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Soon after graduation she entered the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph and in 1955 made her final profession with the community. She has taught in Kentucky and Nebraska and served as the Director of Religious Education in Kentucky and New Mexico, among other ministries. Sister Mary Angela died April 5, 2020.

Sister Pauletta McCarty

McCarty, S PaulettaSister Pauletta McCarty entered the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1941. Born in Curdsville, Kentucky, Sister Pauletta spent most of her active ministry in education. She also served in parish ministry and nursing home care. She died April 7, 2018.