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Western Kentucky Associates spread good cheer for the Sisters

For the 11th year, Ursuline Associates from Western Kentucky came to Saint Joseph Villa to spread Christmas cheer for the feast of Saint Nicholas.

On Dec. 7, 2024, Associates John and Elaine Wood of Barlow, Risë Karr and Betty Boren of Hopkinsville, Sid Mason of Mayfield, and Lois Bell and Mike Sullivan from Paducah drove the more than two hours from their homes to visit the Ursuline Sisters in their rooms. They brought gifts of cookies and candy, personal items like hand lotion and tissues, and a beautiful poinsettia for each Sister. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there, although once again, John Wood was nowhere to be found when Santa was present. The Sisters were all thrilled to get their visit from Santa and his elves.

Here are pictures from the day.

Santa and Mrs. Claus (Elaine Wood) arrive in Saint Joseph Villa at 10 a.m., with elf Sid Mason, right.
The Western Kentucky Associates work year-round gathering items for their annual visit. From left are Betty Boren, Risë Karr, Lois Bell, Sid Mason, Elaine Wood, and Santa Claus, who knows John Wood personally. (Associate Mike Sullivan was tending to a flat on Santa’s sleigh when this picture was taken.)
Sister Sheila Anne Smith gets a special welcome from Mrs. Claus, Elaine Wood.
Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney is excited to greet Santa outside her room.
Sister Luisa Bickett listens to Santa, as Elaine Wood and Sid Mason await her reaction.
Sister Eva Boone smiles as she receives presents from the Jolly Ol’ Elf and his crew.
Sister Marie Carol Cecil smiles as Santa asks her how much it costs to park his sleigh. “Nothing, it’s on the house,” Santa said.
Sister Joyce Marie Cecil is happy as she receives a gift bag from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Elves Risë Karr, left, and Betty Boren, right, are joined by Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger to keep the gift wagon rolling along.
Sister Lois Lindle is happy to receive her visit from the Claus couple.
Sister Kathy Stein laughs at Santa’s joke during her visit.
Sister Pat Rhoten is overjoyed to see Sid Mason and her gift of a poinsettia. Sister Pat has kept her poinsettia from last year alive throughout 2024.
Sister Mary Gerald Payne lets Santa know she is happy to see him.
Sister Grace Swift smiles as she receives her visit from Santa.
Sister Emma Anne Munsterman, second from left, is all smiles as Elaine Wood, left, Santa and Sid Mason greet her at her door.
Sister Elaine Burke gives Santa a big smile as he greets her. Sister Elaine is in the Villa temporarily while recuperating.
Associate Mike Sullivan tells his story of the flat tire on Santa’s sleigh (who even knew a sleigh had tires?) to Sister Emma Anne Munsterman, left, Associate Betty Boren, center, and Associate Risë Karr.
Sister Marie Joseph Coomes receives her poinsettia from Santa Claus, as Mrs. Claus looks on.
Sister Francis Louise Johnson laughs with Sid Mason, left, and the Kringles.
Sister Maureen O’Neill couldn’t resist a hug from Santa as she prepared to leave for an errand.
Sister Mary Matthias Ward gets a big laugh from something Santa said.
Sister Kathleen Dueber answered “No” when she was asked if she’d been good all year, prompting these laughs.
Sister Catherine Barber is thrilled to receive her visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Susan Mary Mudd doesn’t try to hide her enthusiasm about getting a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan receives a box of tissues and other goodies from Mrs. Claus.
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen is all smiles as Mrs. Claus hands her some gifts. Sister Marie Bosco is the community’s oldest Sister. She turned 100 earlier this year.
Sister Rebecca White prepares to give Santa a hug outside her room in the Villa.
Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser is so happy to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister George Mary Hagan, right, chats with Associate Betty Boren as she awaits Santa’s arrival.
Sister Karla Kaelin, right, chats with Associate Lois Bell after receiving her poinsettia. Sister Karla used to meet with the Western Kentucky Associates from 2003-08 when she ministered in Benton, Ky.
Ever the journalist, Sister Ruth Gehres gets her camera out to capture the visit from Elaine Wood, Santa, and Sid Mason.
Sister Melissa Tipmore, left, is all smiles as she receives her gifts from the Associates.
Sister Claudia Hayden, right, says something to make Elaine Wood burst into laughter.
Sister Mimi Ballard is excited to welcome the Associates' visit. Sister Mimi is in the Villa temporarily while she’s home from her ministry in Chile.
Sister Grace Simpson was the last Sister to get a visit, and she is overjoyed with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Associate Sid Mason at right.

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