Nightfall, there’s Sr. Betsy next to a snow drift. Snug apartment, turtles decorate walls & flat surfaces. Conversation, prayer, sharing, potato soup. Family talk – sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. And is Buddy-Prancer really a music critic?!
Sister Betsy Moyer, right, and her co-workers Ellen Fuller, left, and Carol Manning at St. Francis Hospital and Health Care Services, Maryville, Mo. Past the Maryville Treatment Center, An old Franciscan convent converted to a detention center. Imagine a “con” being sent to a “convent jail!” Visit Benedictine Motherhouse on Convent Road at Clyde, Mo. On to Conception Abbey in Conception, Mo. Whew! All those places of prayer so close. Explore St. Francis Clinic. Betsy’s domain – treatment pods, doctors, nurses; Old East Clinic – community service, personal touch, appreciated.
Sister Martina Rockers leads a lesson on the history of Saint Angela Merici on her feast day for the Young Daughters of Saint Ursula gathered at Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Scoot over to KC & Shawnee Mission, looking for Bishop Miege HS. Found a school, took the special ed parking spot, But I was at Horizon Academy?? Found a Bishop Miege High School “North Campus” sign. “North Campus?” Argh! Where am I? And where are my MSJ Ursulines & the Y-DOSA girls? Good ol’ cell phone – but no answer – no answer – Sr. Dee steers me in the right direction while Sr. Angela checks her voice mail & rescues me. 
Five members of the Young Daughters of Saint Angela pose with Sisters Martina Rockers, left, Sister Sharon, center, and Sister Angela Fitzpatrick. The girls in the front row are Kallie O'Keefe and Kara O'Keefe. In the back, from left, are Cindy Reilly, Kate Selenke, and McKensie Weber. Quick tour of Sr. Angela’s and Sr. Martina’s peaceful house, But time is short. On to the real Bishop Miege where Sr. Martina greets us.They make us honorary Y-DOSA for the afternoon, We meet five Young Daughters of St. Angela. Wait, there are more! But busy schedules intervene. Begin with prayer, faith updates, and news, Belated St. Angela feast day celebration. What does “feast day” mean? How do they choose the date? Practice songs for invited return visit to nursing home. The oldsters – sisters and associates – join in singing. Gentle hilarity ensues! 
From left, Sister Martina Rockers, Sister Jane Falke, Sister Dee Long, and Sister Angela Fitzpatrick. Adjourn to special Y-DOSA prayer service. In Bishop Miege High School chapel. Dedicated already to Saint Angela. Sr. Martina shares history, Lisa leads reflection.
All move on to St. Agnes parish for Mass With another thanks for all the Ursulines gathered.Shawnee Mission Ursulines now all connect. Sisters Angela, Dee, Jane, Martina With another chance to celebrate Saint Angela together. Stories, ideas, greeting friends and associates. Shared hopes, thoughts, wishes for more time together. Night enfolds us and I’m Paola bound.
Sister Pat Lynch, right, goes over a financial matter with Vickie Hayes-Walworth, who she works with at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.
Beautiful liturgy, students help, adding their spirit. Followed by a smoked “pulled pork” fund-raiser. “Shall we make that three pounds?” Yum! All morning, young and old flow in and through the center. Gather in the library, looking for a chance to chat with Sister Pat. A visit to Sr. Pat’s apartment. Peaceful, quiet, filled with a Kansas Jayhawk or two, And St. Angela’s spirit visible throughout. 
Sister Pat Lynch, right, talks with Amy Fisher, a student at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.. Sister Pat is a campus minister at the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State. A lunch and conversation to linger over, then on to Richmond, Kan. Oh, no! Is my GPS even working? Doesn’t know where I am, just where I’m going!
Filled with mementos of family & faithful service. Sr. Mildred & her companion Sr. Loretta. Relish in tales of witness & presence in community. Faith shared & questions answered, Depart with cookies, coloring book, & St. Angela blessings. Back to Paola through late afternoon prairie sun. |
Sun, Jan 30, breakfast at Paola with Sr. Kathleen and Sr. Helen. Dire weather predictions already for Monday. I’m going to see as much as I can.
First to Emporia and Emporia State University. Mass at the campus Catholic Student Center. And greetings to Sr. Pat
Into rural Kansas, looking for Sister Mildred. Ah, there – a snug frame farm house – think “Wizard of Oz.” But, St. Angela is present, too.