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Western Kentucky Associates bring smiles with a visit from Santa and his elves

Ursuline Associates from Western Kentucky made their annual visit to Saint Joseph Villa on Dec. 3, 2022, celebrating the Saturday closest to Saint Nicholas day with presents and smiles for the Ursuline Sisters.

The Sisters were overjoyed with the visit, which featured plenty of elves, Mrs. Claus and the big man himself, Santa. The Associates – who live in Paducah, Mayfield, Barlow and Hopkinsville – work on the celebration year round. They once put on a party for the Sisters in the Rainbow Room, but last year began visiting the Sisters in their rooms due to Covid protocols.

The presents for the Sisters included a poinsettia, cookies and candy, a suncatcher for their windows, tissues, socks and personal items. Here are the photos from the day.

The Western Kentucky Associates gather with their wagons full of gifts on Dec. 3, 2022. From left are Risë Karr, Betty Boren, Mike Sullivan, Lois Bell, Elaine Wood (as Mrs. Claus), Santa Claus and Sid Mason. Once again, John Wood was nowhere to be found while Santa was on the premises.
Santa and his elves begin making their way down the hallway in Saint Joseph Villa.
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen, left, enjoys her bag of goodies from Elaine Wood and Sid Mason. Sister Marie Bosco will celebrate 80 years as a Sister in 2023.
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan gets a hug and a present from Elaine Wood. She is celebrating 70 years as a Sister this year.
Sister Mary Gerald Payne, second from left, was very touched to receive her presents from the Western Kentucky Associates. At left is Elaine Wood, at right are Betty Boren and Sid Mason. Sister Mary Gerald will celebrate 70 years as a Sister in 2023.
Sister Catherine Barber was all smiles when Santa came to visit. She taught in Paducah from 1970-75, and will celebrate 70 years as a Sister in 2023.
Sister Joyce Marie Cecil was excited to greet Santa, as Mrs. Claus prepares to give her a present.
Sister Catherine Kaufman took a break from doing her laundry to welcome Santa and his elves.
Sister Emma Anne Munsterman can’t hide her enthusiasm for her visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Francis Louise Johnson was happy to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus. She was raised in the western Kentucky city of Mayfield.
Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney has a few questions for Santa and Mrs. Claus about his Christmas plans.
Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser enjoyed singing some Christmas songs with the jolly elf and his wife.
Sister Sheila Anne Smith is appreciative of the time it took for the Associates to compile all the gifts. She is celebrating 60 years as a Sister this year.
Sister Karla Kaelin, left, gets a hug from Elaine Wood. Sister Karla served in Benton and Mayfield from 2003-08, and gathered with the Western Kentucky Associates during that time.
Sister Paul Marie Greenwell is always happy to see Santa Claus. She taught for a year in Fancy Farm and served a year in outreach in Benton. She will celebrate 70 years as an Ursuline in 2023.
Sister Lois Lindle couldn’t believe how many presents the Associates brought her. Here she is receiving a gift from Lois Bell and Elaine Wood.
Sister Susanne Bauer was giddy with joy at her visit from Santa.
Sister Naomi Aull was happy to talk with the Associates about her time as a teacher in Paducah from 1958-61. Sister Naomi will celebrate 80 years as an Ursuline in 2023.
Sister Luisa Bickett can’t contain her joy as she gets a hug from Santa. Sister Luisa will celebrate 75 years as a Sister in 2023.
Sister Marie Goretti Browning, who served as a pastoral assistant in Paducah from 1995-99, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Clarita Browning assures Santa and Mrs. Claus that she has been very good this year. Her second mission was as a teacher in Paducah from 1951-55. She will celebrate 75 years as an Ursuline in 2023.
Sister Rose Jean Powers, who is in the Villa temporarily recovering from surgery, is quite excited about her gifts. She is celebrating 60 years as a Sister this year.
Sister Rose Karen Johnson is all smiles during her visit with Santa.
Lois Bell brings a bag of candy and cookies to Sister Margaret Marie Greenwell, followed by some more gifts. Sister Margaret Marie served in Paducah from 1967-85.
Sister Eva Boone was all smiles during her visit with Santa. Sister Eva is celebrating 70 years as a Sister this year.
Sister Ruth Gehres grabs a quick visit with Santa on his way to the next room. Sister Ruth is celebrating 70 years as a Sister this year.
Sister Marie Carol Cecil admires her gifts from Santa.
Sister Kathy Stein gets a laugh during her conversation with Santa.
Sister Mary Agnes VonderHaar tells the Associates about her time serving in western Kentucky. Her first mission was as a teacher in Paducah, and from 1996-2004 she was a pastoral associate in Hickman.

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