April 3, 2009
People of Faith
By Wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge it is filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
— Proverbs 24:3
A regular profile of people of wisdom, who have reached an age of maturity that allows them to share their history, hopes and stories to benefit all who follow. They are the guardians of our faith, a witness to our past. Their stories are vital today.
Name: Dorothy Helming
Parish: St. Ferdinand
Number of children, grandchildren: Five children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild
Have you lived in Southern Indiana all your life? Yes, 26 years in Jasper and after my marriage in 1950, 57 years in Ferdinand.
Tell us a few things about yourself: I was born Sept. 6, 1924 to Paul and Eleanora Kunz and am 84 years old. I married Norbert Helming on Oct. 21, 1950 in St. Joseph’s Church, Jasper. Norbert and I had four daughters and a son. I am a member of several organizations: D of I (50 years), St. Anne’s Choir (40 years), St. Anne’s Sodality, St. Vincent DePaul Society and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). My husband and I have been the recipients of the Simon Bruté Award and the Mother Teresa Award.
What are some of your earliest childhood memories? When I was three years old (1927), I remember waking up one morning and not being able to stand on my legs. I was put in my highchair and waited for my dad to return home from working in the coal mine to be taken to the doctor. I was diagnosed with infantile paralysis. I remember my brothers had to stay with grandparents because it was highly contagious. They would tap on the window of our house on their way to school in the morning so I could see them.
What are your memories of World War II? I had two older brothers in the army. I really missed them and we kept in touch with letters back and forth. We were also rationed with limited provisions such as flour, sugar, coffee, canned goods, etc.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I thought of being a nun, but started working in a greenhouse and babysat until I met my husband, got married, started a family and became a housewife.
Who influenced you growing up? My mother and father were great role models and loving parents.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? My husband, Norbert. He has made me the person I am with his wonderful qualities, hard work, and never thinking of himself — always others.
Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life: I realized what faith truly means when suffering through cancer and being a 32-year survivor. Also, my faith gave me the strength to care for my husband during his illness and death from cancer in October 1996.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? Quilting, crocheting, reading. I love spending time with my family and volunteering at the nursing home, Red Cross blood drives, American Cancer Society Reach for Recovery, St. Anne’s choir member and Rosary leader. I also enjoy visiting friends and provide transportation assistance when possible.
What is your first memory of church? Attending Mass daily at St. Joseph’s Church in Jasper each morning before the school day during my eight years of grade school. I also remember walking to church with my mother to attend Vespers on Sunday afternoon.
What do you like most about being Catholic? Having been raised as a Catholic, I can’t imagine my life without my faith and religious worship.
I miss the community participation for events like Rogation Days (for a good planting and harvesting season), the Corpus Christi procession, and the queen crowning of the Blessed Mother in May.
Do you have a favorite saint? St. Theresa, the little flower
A favorite religious item? Rosary
Any regrets in life? No, God blessed me with a loving husband and wonderful family.
What is your best wisdom on life? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (The Golden Rule) and love your neighbor as yourself.