March 5, 2010
Sisters of Providence, with ties to diocese, celebrate anniversaries
The Sisters of Providence, nearly 400 women religious today, were founded by St. Mother Theodore Guerin in 1840. They minister in 19 states, the District of Columbia, Taiwan and China.
Learn more at the website, www.SistersofProvidence.org.
25 Years
Three Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 25th anniversary this year. They are Sisters Barbara Battista, Jane Iannaccone and Rosa (Shu-Hsia) Pan.
One formerly ministered in the Diocese of Evansville.
Sister Jane Iannaccone is a native of Plymouth, N.H. She currently ministers as a pastoral associate for St. John the Evangelist Parish in Winthrop, Mass.
Sister Jane entered the congregation Aug. 17, 1985, from St. Patrick Parish in Stoneham, Mass. She professed perpetual vows July 21, 1993
She graduated from Boston State University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She received a master’s degree in clinical pastoral counseling from Emmanuel College.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, Ascension School (1987-1988); Holy Re-deemer School (1988-1990).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Joan of Arc and St. Matthew Schools (1985-1986).
50 years
Fifteen Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. They are Sisters Mary Concetta Banez, Pauline Brockelsby, Kathleen Desau-tels, Thomas Jeanne Doriot, Rose Ann Eaton, Teresina Gra-so, Marie McCarthy, Shawn Marie McDermott, Mary Molo-ney, Andrea Panepinto, Mary Grace Pesavento, Nancy Rey-nolds, Maureen Sheahan, Barb-ara Sheehan and Ann Stephan Stouffer.
One is a native of the Diocese of Evansville who also ministered there, and five others also ministered there. They are:
Sister Rose Ann Eaton is a native of Vincennes. She currently ministers as associate director of Facilities Manage-ment at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Rose Ann, formerly known as Sister Francile, en-tered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1960, from St. John the Baptist Parish in Vincennes. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968.
She graduated from Marian College with a bachelor’s de-gree in education psychology. She received a master’s degree in elementary education ad-ministration from Indiana Uni-versity and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University.
Indiana ministries:
- Newburgh: teacher, St. John School (1965-1967) and teacher and principal (1968-1974).
- Evansville: teacher, Sacred Heart School (1967-1968).
- Boonville: pastoral associate, director of religious education, St. Clement Parish (1987-1991).
- West Terre Haute: teacher, St. Leonard School (1964-1965).
- Indianapolis: director of postulants (1982-1983).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: general officer, Sisters of Provi-dence leadership team (1991-2001).
- Sister Rose Ann also ministered in Illinois.
Sister Pauline Brockelsby is a native of Omaha, Neb. She currently ministers in prayer at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Pauline entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1960, from St. Thomas Moore Parish in Arlington, Va. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She received a master’s degree in Bible studies from Catholic University of America.
Indiana ministries:
- Linton: special assignment (1970-1971).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, Central Catholic High School (1965-1967).
- Clarksville: teacher, Our Lady of Providence High School (1967-1970).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: driver, convent aide (1977-1978); archives assistant (1984-1985); physical therapy, part-time staff member for Health Care Services (1985-1986); community services (1986-1987); Pro-vidence Hall dining room staff (1987); Health Care Services and Owens Hall phone room (1990-1996); printery mail volunteer (1994-1995 and 1996-2002).
Sister Pauline also ministered in Virginia, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Connecticut, California and Illinois.
Sister Kathleen Desautels is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as a staff member for Eighth Day Center for Peace and Justice in Chicago.
Sister Kathleen, formerly known as Sister Mary Colleen, entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1960, from St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in religious education administration from LaSalle University.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, St. Joseph School (1965-1968); director of religious education, St. Joseph Parish (1973-1975).
- Linton: teacher, St. Peter School (1968-1969) and coordinator of religious education, St. Peter Parish (1969-1970).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: teach-er, Village School (1964).
- Bloomington: director of religious education and pastoral associate, St. John the Apostle Parish (1970-1973).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods Coll-ege: religious education consultant (1975-1976); theology instructor (1975-1981); campus ministry (1976-1981); acting vice president for student affairs (1981-1982); director of alumnae affairs (1983-1985).
- Indianapolis: prison chaplain (1985-1986).
Sister Mary Grace Pesavento is a native of Asiago, Italy. She currently ministers on the Residential Services staff at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Mary Grace, formerly known as Sister Ann Grace, entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1960, from St. Dennis Parish in Lockport, Ill. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. She received a master’s degree in Spanish from Ball State Uni-versity.
Indiana ministries:
- Washington: teacher, Wash-ington Catholic High School (1973-1974).
- Vincennes: gift maker and ministry to the sick (1981-1987).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: House of Prayer (1969-1970).
- Indianapolis: interpreter (1976-1977); service, Fatima Retreat House (1977-1978); gift maker, ministry to the sick (1987-1990).
- Greenwood: gift maker (1991-1992).
- Terre Haute: gift maker, volunteer services (1992-1999).
Sister Mary Grace also ministered in Illinois, Missouri, Wash-ington D.C. and Massachusetts.
Sister Nancy Reynolds is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as a general office on the Sisters of Provi-dence leadership team.
Sister Nancy, formerly known as Sister Ann Carita, entered the Congregation Sept. 12, from Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968).
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: auditor, advocate, notary and secretary, Diocese of Evansville (1978-1981); assistant to the judicial vicar, judge and defender of the bond, Tribunal, Diocese of Evansville (1984-1987).
- Clarksville: teacher, Our Lady of Providence High School (1965-1966 and 1971-1978).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, Central Catholic High School (1966-1969).
- Indianapolis: teacher, Roncalli High School (1969-1970).
Sister Nancy also ministered in Nebraska, Washington D.C. and California.
Sister Barbara Sheehan is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as executive director of the Urban CPE Consortium, Inc., in Chicago.
Sister Barbara, formerly known as Sister Marie Barbara, entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1960, from St. Andrew Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She received a master’s degree in theology from Xavier Uni-versity and a master’s of divinity degree from Presbyterian Theological Seminary, majoring in theology.
Indiana ministries:
- Vincennes: teacher, St. Rose High School (1965-1966).
- Terre Haute: teacher (1966-1970) and dean (1968-1970), Schulte High School.
Sister Barbara also ministered in Illinois and Kentucky.
60 years
Thirteen Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 60th anniversary this year. Sisters Eileen Rose Bonner, Rosemary Borntrager, Theresa Clare Carr, Amata Du-gan, Norene Golly, Mary Cecile Grojean, Jacquelyn Hoffman, Ruth Johnson, Elizabeth Meyer, Christine Patrick, Edna Scheller, Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer and Joan Zlogar.
One sister is a native of the Diocese of Evansville who also ministered there, and five others also ministered there. They are:
Sister Edna Scheller is a native of Evansville. She currently ministers as coordinator of transportation at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Edna entered the congregation Jan. 8, 1950, from Assumption Cathedral in Evansville. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1957.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in education from Indiana University.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: principal and tea-cher, Good Shepherd School (1970-1977).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Catherine School (1956-1957); St. Bridget School (1957-1965); St. Luke School (1965-1968); St. Thomas Aquinas School (1968-1970).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: health care administrator (1988-1992); driver (2001).
- Clinton: principal, Sacred Heart School (1993-2000).
Sister Edna also ministered in Illinois, North Carolina and California.
Sister Eileen Rose Bonner is a native of Whiting, Ind. She currently ministers as a volunteer at Kentuckiana Cancer Institute at Louisville, Ky., and as a knitter for White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Eileen Rose entered the Congregation Jan. 8, 1950, from Sacred Heart Parish in Whit-ing. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1957.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, Holy Family School (1956-1957).
- Vincennes: teacher, St. Francis Xavier School (1957-1963).
- Indianapolis: principal and teacher, Immaculate Heart School (1963-1969); principal, St. Luke School (1973-1975); teacher, Nativity School (1975-1977).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. Jude School (1969-1970).
Sister Eileen Rose also ministered in Illinois.
Sister Theresa Clare Carr is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as a substitute teacher in Indianapolis.
Sister Theresa Clare entered the Congregation Jan. 8, 1950, from St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1957.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, Holy Family School (1962-1963).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. John the Baptist School (1952-1953).
- Lafayette: teacher, St. Mary School (1953-1957).
- Greenfield: teacher, St. Mich-ael School (1966-1967).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Matthew School (1967-1977); Nativity School (1977-2002).
Sister Jacquelyn Hoffman is a native of Fort Wayne, Ind. She currently ministers in mu-sic and health care services, as a receptionist at Woods Day Care/Pre-School and as coordinator of Ladywood Alumnae at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Jacquelyn, formerly known as Sister Theodata, en-tered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1950. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1957.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in music. She received a master’s degree in music from the University of Illinois.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, Holy Family School (1952-1957).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. John the Baptist (1982-2002).
Sister Jacquelyn also ministered in Missouri and Illinois.
Sister Elizabeth Meyer is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as a member of the Health Care Services staff at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Elizabeth, formerly known as Sister Joseph Aloyse, entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1950, from St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1957.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in education from Indiana University.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, St. Joseph School (1967-1971).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. Jude School (1952-1957).
- Indianapolis: teacher, Nativity School (1957-1958); St. James School (1964-1967 and 1971-1977); South Central Catholic (1977-1981); Central Catholic School (1981-1988); St. Joan of Arc School (1988-1993); librarian, St. Rita School (1993-1994 and 1995-2002); librarian, St. Matthew School (1994-1995); librarian, St. Andrew School and St. Rita Catholic Academy (2002-2004); volunteer, St. Andrew School and St. Rita Catholic Academy 2002-2004).
Sister Elizabeth also ministered in Illinois.
Sister Joan Zlogar is a native of Joliet, Ill. She currently ministers as planned giving manager in the Office of Congre-gational Advancement at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Joan, also known as Sister Joseph Bernard, entered the Congregation July 22, 1950, from St. Raymond Parish in Joliet. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23 1958.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She received a master’s degree in business education from Indiana Uni-versity.
Indiana ministries:
- Loogootee: teacher, St. John High School (1966-1969).
- Washington: teacher, Wash-ington Catholic High School (1973-1974).
- Indianapolis: provincial treasurer, St. Gabriel Province (1978-1985); administrative assistant Cathedral School (1985-1986).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: assistant planned giving manager (1997-1999).
Sister Joan also ministered in Illinois and Washington D.C.
70 Years
Seven Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 70th anniversary this year. They are Sisters Richard Bussing, Lourdes Kline, Bernice Kuper, Mary Roger Madden, Cecilia Ann Miller, Annette Schipp and Marie Agatha Von-derheide.
Three are natives of the Diocese of Evansville who also ministered there, and one other also ministered there. They are:
Sister Bernice Kuper is a native of St. Henry, Ind. She currently ministers as a member of the vocation team at St. Mary-of-the-Woods and also as a spiritual director.
Sister Bernice, formerly known as Sister Ann Bernice, entered the Congregation Jan. 6, 1940, from St. Joseph Parish in Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1948.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in Latin. She received a master’s degree in education from the University of Notre Dame.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, Reitz Memorial High School (1960-1961).
- Newburgh: pastoral associate and bishop’s representative to women religious (1980-1993).
- Terre Haute: teacher, St. Pat-rick School (1953-1959).
- Indianapolis: teacher, Nativity School (1959-1960); guidance counselor, Ladywood-St. Agnes (1970-1971); first provincial counselor, St. Gabriel Provincial House (1971-1978)
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: mistress of novices (1964-1968); director, canonical novices (1968-1969); director of formation (1993-1994).
Sister Bernice also ministered in Illinois, Oregon and Kansas.
Sister Cecilia Ann Miller is a native of Jasper. She currently ministers as a member of the Health Care Services staff at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Cecilia Ann entered the Congregation Jan. 6, 1940, from St. Joseph Parish in Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug 15, 1948.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in music. She received a master’s degree in piano from Rosary College.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, special education students, Precious Blood School and 10th and 5th Street Schools (1977-1988).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods Coll-ege: teacher (1957-1968 and 1971-1977); coordinator of music (1968-1972).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: volunteer, Woods Day Care/Pre-School (2000-2003); Health Care Services (2003).
Sister Cecilia Ann also ministered in Illinois, Oklahoma, Kentucky, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Sister Annette Schipp is a native of Ferdinand, Ind. She currently ministers as a member of the Health Care Services staff at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Annette entered the congregation Jan. 6, 1940, from St. Joseph Parish in Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1948.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in education from Indiana University.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, Assump-tion School (1953-1959); principal and teacher, Good Shepherd School (1959-1965).
- Jasper: teacher, Precious Blood School (1976-1991).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Luke School (1965-1967); St. Joan of Arc School (1967-1976); volunteer service (1993-2004).
- New Albany: receptionist, Providence Retirement Home (1991-1993).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: volunteer, Ministry of Care (2005).
Sister Annette also ministered in Illinois.
Sister Marie Agatha Vonderheide is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers in prayer at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Marie Agatha entered the congregation July 21, 1940, from Holy Angels Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1949.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received a master’s degree in English and a doctorate in higher education from Catholic University of America.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, Reitz Memorial High School (1954-1956).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, teacher, dean of women (1956-1965); college secretary/alumnae (1971-1973).
- Indianapolis: pastoral care internship, Methodist Hospital (1979-1980); hospital chaplain, Methodist Hospital (1980-1981); stewardship and development staff, Catholic Center, Archdio-cese of Indianapolis (2000-2001).
- St. Mary-of-the-Woods: volunteer, Health Care Services (2006-2007).
Sister Marie Agatha also ministered in Illinois, Washington D.C., Costa Rica, Louisiana, Missouri and Georgia.
75 Years
Two Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 75th anniversary this year. They are Sisters Mildred Anne Dudine and Mary Terence Haag.
Both are natives of the Diocese of Evansville.
Sister Mildred Anne Dudine is a native of Jasper. She currently ministers in prayer at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Mildred Ann entered the Congregation Jan. 12, 1935, from St. Joseph Parish in Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1943.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in music education.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, St. Joseph School (1965-1966 and 1967-1973); Precious Blood School (1967-1973 and 1992-2003).
- Evansville: teacher, Sacred Heart and Corpus Christi Schools (1966-1967).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. John the Baptist School (1938-1940 and 1944-1947).
- Terre Haute: teacher, Sacred Heart School (1942-1943).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Philip Neri School (1948-1953).
- Peru: teacher, St. Charles School (1955-1965).
Sister Mildred Ann also ministered in Illinois, California and Washington, D.C.
Sister Mary Terence Haag is a native of Montgomery, Ind. She currently ministers as a parish visitor for St. Bridget Parish in Indianapolis.
Sister Mary Terence entered the Congregation July 14, 1935, from St. Michael Parish in Mont-gomery. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1944.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, St. John School (1955-1967).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Pat-rick School (1938-1939); St. Catherine School (1939-1943); St. Rita School (1944-1946); St. Bridget School (1946-1954 and 1970-1971); St. Anthony School (1967-1970); St. Francis Day Nursery (1971-1973); St. Ann School (1979-1985); parish visitor St. Ann Parish (1980-1989); parish visitor, Eucharistic Minister and care for needy, St. Bridget and St. Monica Parishes (1985-1996); parish visitor, St. Bridge and St. Monica Parishes 1996-2009.
Sister Mary Terence also ministered in Illinois.
80 years
Two Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods will celebrate their 80th anniversary this year. They are Sisters Ellen Catherine Conroy and Mary Charles Spalding, both of whom previously ministered in the Diocese of Evansville.
Sister Ellen Catherine Conroy is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in prayer at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Ellen Catherine entered the Congregation Feb. 11, 1930, from St. Mel Parish in Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1937.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Indiana ministries:
- Evansville: teacher, Sacred Heart School (1949-1952).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Philip Neri School (1948-1949); St. Joan of Arc School (1956-1958).
- Fort Wayne: teacher, St. John the Baptist School (1953-1956); St. Patrick School (1958-1960).
Sister Ellen Catherine also ministered in Illinois and North Carolina.
Sister Mary Charles Spalding is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers in prayer at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Mary Charles entered the Congregation Dec. 24, 1930, from Holy Cross Parish in Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1938.
She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received a master’s degree in English from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and master’s degree in education from Ball State University.
Indiana ministries:
- Jasper: teacher, St. Joseph School (1963-1967).
- Hammond: teacher, All Saints School (1933-1935).
- Indianapolis: teacher, St. Philip Neri School (l950-1953).
- Whiting: teacher, Sacred Heart School (1953-1957).
Sister Mary Charles also ministered in Illinois, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and Oklahoma.