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Western Kentucky Associates spread joy to Villa Sisters

For the 12th year, Ursuline Associates from Western Kentucky came to Saint Joseph Villa to spread Christmas cheer for the feast of Saint Nicholas.

On Dec. 6, 2025, Associates John and Elaine Wood of Barlow, Risë Karr and Betty Boren of Hopkinsville, Sid Mason of Mayfield, and Paducah residents Lois Bell, Mike Sullivan and Rosann Whiting, along with her husband David Leis, drove two hours from their homes to visit the Ursuline Sisters in their rooms. Ursuline Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner, who served 15 years in Paducah until 2006, also joined the group, leading Christmas carols in the hallway.

The Associates brought gifts of cookies and candy, personal items like hand lotion, socks 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.

From left are Lois Bell, Betty Boren, Risë Karr, Sid Mason, Mike Sullivan, Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner, Rosann Whiting, David Leis, Elaine Wood and Santa Claus.
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen is overjoyed to receive a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sister Marie Bosco is the oldest Ursuline Sister at 101 years old.
Sister Margaret Ann Aull hugs Santa and Mrs. Claus like they are old friends.
Sister Pat Rhoten looks at Santa like she has all of her life, as Associate Sid Mason looks on.
Sister Claudia Hayden shares a laugh with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Karla Kaelin is happy to visit with all of the Western Kentucky Associates, who she gathered with regularly when she served in Benton and Mayfield from 2003-08.
Sister Rebecca White missed last year’s visit from Santa, so this year she made sure to meet him in the hallway.
Sister Susan Mary Mudd, right, gives Associate Betty Boren a hug after receiving her gifts.
Sister Elaine Burke, right, shakes Santa’s gloved hand after receiving her poinsettia.
Sister Francis Louise Johnson is thrilled to see the Jolly Ol’ Elf and Mrs. Claus as they present her with gifts.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Sister Clarita Browning to wish her a Merry Christmas.
Elaine Wood hands a poinsettia to Sister Catherine Barber.
Sister Luisa Bickett is surprised as Santa and Mrs. Claus shower her with gifts.
Associate Rosann Whiting and her husband David Leis provided the poinsettias for the day. Sister Ruth Gehres joins them here.
Sister Joyce Marie Cecil is speechless as she accepts this poinsettia from Elaine Wood.
Sister Lois Lindle had her antlers on to celebrate, as she looks for room to place her gifts from Rosann Whiting and Santa Claus.
Sister Kathy Stein is all smiles as Elaine Wood hands her a poinsettia.
Sister Grace Swift is grateful to receive a poinsettia and other gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Mary Gerald Payne looks for a place where she can enjoy her new poinsettia.
Santa leads his many elves down the corridor in Saint Joseph Villa to the next lucky Sister’s room.
Sister Grace Simpson enjoyed her visit from Santa, and from her prayer companion, Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner.
Sister Melissa Tipmore laughs at one of Santa’s jokes as the Claus couple visit her.
Sister Ruth Gehres greets Elaine Wood and Santa at her door, thankful for the kind presents they brought her.
Sister George Mary Hagan has some advice for Santa as he bestows presents on her.
Sister Joan Riedley, center, chats with two of Santa’s elves, Associate Mike Sullivan and Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger.
Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser holds her poinsettia as she talks with Elaine Wood and Sid Mason.
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan gratefully accepts her poinsettia and is eyeing the box of Puffs coming her way as well.
Sister Mary Matthias Ward listens to Elaine Wood as she receives her bag of treats.
Sister Kathleen Dueber sings some Christmas carols with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Associate Risë Karr shows Sister Emma Anne Munsterman a magnet she was placing on her door that says, “God still works miracles.”
Sister Marie Joseph Coomes gets Mrs. Claus laughing over something she said.
Santa’s extra curly beard was the topic of conversation for many of the Sisters.
Associate Rosann Whiting and her husband David Leis visit with Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner prior to departing. Rosann met the Ursuline Sisters while serving as principal at St. Mary Middle and High Schools in Paducah for 16 years, where Sister Mary Celine taught social studies in the middle school. Sister Mary Celine was Rosann’s contact Sister when she made her commitment in 1994.

 

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