Sisters of Providence celebrate jubilees of religious life

Criterion staff report

In 2020, 24 members of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods celebrated significant milestones in the congregation.

80-year jubilarians

Sister Mary Roger Madden, a native of Decatur, Ill., entered the congregation on Sept. 16, 1940, and professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1949.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in English from Indiana University in Bloomington.

In the archdiocese, she served at Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis (1949), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Richmond (1952-54), Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville (1964-65), and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1968-69). She also served in Catholic schools in California, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and in Indiana in the dioceses of Gary, Lafayette and Fort Wayne-South Bend.

She has served at the motherhouse as the community’s historian, archivist, Blessed Sacrament Chapel assistant and pilgrimage coordinator for the Shrine of Our Lady of Providence and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

She currently ministers in prayer at the motherhouse.

Sister Annette Schipp, a native of Ferdinand, Ind., entered the congregation on Jan. 6, 1940, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1948.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education at Indiana University.

In the archdiocese, she served in Indianapolis at St. Luke the Evangelist School (1965-67) and St. Joan of Arc School (1967-76), and as a receptionist at Providence Retirement Home in New Albany (1991-93).

Sister Annette also taught in Catholic schools in the Evansville Diocese and in Illinois.

She currently ministers in prayer at the motherhouse.

75-year jubilarians

Sister Laurine Haley, a native of Malden, Mass., entered the congregation on July 22, 1945, and professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1953.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in elementary school counseling at the University of New Hampshire.

Sister Laurine taught and served as a guidance counselor in Catholic schools in the Evansville Diocese and in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

At the motherhouse, she has served in health care services, residential services, in the ministry of care and at the former Woods Day Care Pre-School.

Sister Laurine currently ministers in prayer at the motherhouse.

Sister Winifred Mary Sullivan grew up as a member of the former St. Ann Parish in Terre Haute. She entered the congregation on July 22, 1945, and professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1953.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education at St. Louis University in St. Louis.

In the archdiocese, she served at Holy Family School in New Albany (1958-60), St. Joan of Arc School in Indianapolis (1966-67) and at the former St. Margaret Mary School in Terre Haute (1967-69).

Sister Winifred Mary also served in schools in Indiana in the dioceses of Evansville and Fort Wayne-South Bend, and in Illinois, Maryland and Missouri.

At the motherhouse, she served in residential services and as a general administration volunteer.

Sister Winifred Mary currently serves as a seamstress for Linden Leaf Gifts at the motherhouse.

70-year jubilarians

Sister Eileen Rose Bonner, a native of Whiting, Ind., entered the congregation on Jan. 8, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

In the archdiocese, Sister Eileen Rose served in Indianapolis at Immaculate Heart of Mary School (1963-69), St. Luke the Evangelist School (1973-75), and Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ School (1975-77).

She also served in Catholic schools and as a health care chaplain in Indiana in the Evansville and Fort Wayne-South Bend dioceses, and in Illinois and Kentucky.

At the motherhouse, Sister Eileen Rose has been a volunteer knitter for the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. She currently serves on the Parish Bereavement Committee at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Louisville, Ky.

Sister Rosemary Borntrager (formerly Sister Rose Cecile), a native of Chicago, entered the congregation on July 22, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1958.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in art at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in art at The Catholic University of America in Washington, and a master’s in education administration at Northern Illinois University.

In the archdiocese, Sister Rosemary served at the former St. Patrick School in Indianapolis (1956) and at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in Greenwood (1956-57).

She also ministered in Catholic schools in Indiana in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese, and in California, Illinois, Missouri and Washington, D.C.

At the motherhouse, Sister Rosemary has served as an archivist assistant and as general secretary. She currently volunteers there at Linden Leaf Gifts.

Sister Theresa Clare Carr, who grew up in St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Jan. 8, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in elementary education at Indiana University.

In the archdiocese, Sister Theresa Clare served at St. Michael School in Greenfield (1966-67) and in Indianapolis at Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ School (1977-2002), St. Matthew the Apostle School (1967-77) and as a substitute teacher and catechist in the Indianapolis South Deanery (2002-17).

She has also served in Catholic schools in Indiana in the Fort Wayne-South Bend and Lafayette dioceses, and in California and Illinois.

Sister Theresa Clare currently volunteers for The Helping Hands and Providence Food Pantry, both in West Terre Haute.

Sister Jacquelyn Hoffman (formerly Sister Theodata), a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in music education at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.

In the archdiocese, Sister Jacquelyn served at the former Sacred Heart School in Terre Haute (2006-07).

She served in Catholic schools in Indiana in the Evansville and Fort Wayne-South Bend dioceses, and in Illinois and Missouri.

At the motherhouse, she served in music ministry and as a receptionist at the former Woods Day Care/Pre-School, and in music ministry for the congregation.

Sister Jacquelyn currently serves in music ministry at Providence Health Care at the motherhouse.

Sister Ruth Johnson, a native of Cambridge, Mass., entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education at Duke University in Durham, N.C.

Sister Ruth served in schools in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and North Carolina.

At the motherhouse, she has served as a driver and in church environment. Sister Ruth currently ministers as a fiber artist and volunteer at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at the motherhouse.

Sister Elizabeth Meyer (formerly Sister Joseph Aloyse), who grew up in St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education at Indiana University.

In the archdiocese, Sister Elizabeth served in Indianapolis at Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ School (1957-58), the former St. James School (1964-67, 1971-77), the former South Central Catholic (1977-81), Central Catholic School (1981-88), St. Joan of Arc School (1988-93), the former St. Rita School (1993-94, 1995-2002), St. Matthew the Apostle School (1994-95) and the former St. Andrew and St. Rita Catholic Academy (2002-06).

She also served in Catholic schools in Indiana in the Evansville and Fort Wayne-South Bend dioceses and in Illinois.

Sister Elizabeth currently volunteers as a care assistant at the motherhouse.

Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer, who grew up as a member of St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in elementary education at Indiana University and a master’s degree in theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill.

In the archdiocese, Sister Dorothy Ellen served at the former Annunciation School in Brazil (1956-59) and in Indianapolis at St. Thomas Aquinas School (1959), the former St. James School (1962-65, 1972-76), St. Luke the Evangelist School (1968-72), the former South Central Catholic School (1976-77), St. Philip Neri School (1977-79) and at the former Simeon House (1980-81).

She also ministered in parishes, nursing homes and Catholic schools in Indiana in the Gary Diocese and in Illinois, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sister Dorothy currently serves as a driver and greeter at the motherhouse.

Sister Joan Zlogar (formerly Sister Joseph Bernard), a native of Joliet, Ill., entered the congregation on July 22, 1950, and professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1958.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in business education at Indiana University.

In the archdiocese, Sister Joan ministered in Indianapolis as the St. Gabriel Province treasurer (1978-85) and as a student and administrative assistant at Cathedral High School (1985-86), and in Terre Haute as a volunteer at the former St. Ann Clinic (2012-13), Union Hospital (2012-19) and Wabash Valley Health Center (2013-19).

At the motherhouse, she served as planned giving manager in the Office of Congregational Advancement and as coordinator of St. Columbkille alumnae.

Sister Joan currently ministers at the motherhouse in prayer.

60-year jubilarians

Sister Kathleen Desautels (formerly Sister Mary Colleen), who grew up in St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in religious education administration at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

In the archdiocese, Sister Kathleen has served at the former St. Mary-of-the-Woods School in St. Mary-of-the-Woods (1964), St. John the Apostle Parish in Bloomington (1970-73), at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1975-85) and as a prison chaplain and clinical pastoral education student while living at St. Joan of Arc Parish (1985-86).

She has also ministered in schools and organizations in Indiana in the Evansville Diocese and in Illinois.

Sister Kathleen currently volunteers for a human rights organization in Chicago.

Sister Thomas Jeanne Doriot, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1967.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in English at Indiana University.

In the archdiocese, Sister Thomas Jeanne served at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1962-64, 1972-75) and at the former Bishop Chartrand High School in Indianapolis (1966-69).

She also ministered as a teacher, journalist and in parishes, diocesan offices and health care centers in Indiana in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese and in California, Illinois and Nevada.

Sister Thomas Jeanne currently ministers in prayer at the motherhouse.

Sister Rose Ann Eaton (formerly Sister Francile), a native of Vincennes, Ind., entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education psychology at Marian University, a master’s degree in elementary education administration at Indiana University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies at Loyola University in Chicago.

In the archdiocese, Sister Rose Ann served at the former St. Leonard of Port Maurice School in West Terre Haute (1964-65) and as director of postulants for the congregation at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis (1982-83).

She also ministered in schools, parishes and for the congregation in Indiana in the Evansville Diocese and in Illinois.

At the motherhouse, Sister Rose Ann served on the general council, as associate director of facilities management and as an administrative assistant in facilities management.

She currently serves as a volunteer in facilities management at the motherhouse.

Sister Teresina Grasso, a native of Chicago, entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1967.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

In the archdiocese, Sister Teresina served at the former St. Leonard of Port Maurice School in West Terre Haute (1964) and as dean of admissions at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1979-82).

She has also served in schools, parishes health care centers, and other organizations in Illinois, Massachusetts and Oklahoma.

Sister Teresina currently ministers in Chicago.

Sister Marie McCarthy, a native of Chicago Heights, Ill., entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in piano at Butler University in Indianapolis, a master’s degree in theology/psychology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate in religious psychological studies at the University of Chicago.

In the archdiocese, Sister Marie served at Holy Family School in New Albany (1965-67), in Indianapolis at St. Thomas Aquinas School and the former St. Bridget School (1967-82), in public schools (1972-74) and at Holy Spirit Parish (1974-75), and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1996-97).

She also served as a counselor and professor in Illinois and Georgia.

At the motherhouse, Sister Marie served as a general councilor (2001-11).

She currently serves as associate director of programs for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in Silver Spring, Md.

Sister Shawn Marie McDermott, a native of Medford, Mass., entered the congregation on Feb. 1, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1967.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in education at Indiana State University and a master’s degree in religious at Boston University in Boston.

Sister Shawn Marie has served in Catholic schools and in parish ministry in Indiana in the Gary Diocese, and in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and North Carolina.

She currently ministers as a hospice and homebound volunteer in Malden, Mass.

Sister Mary Moloney (formerly Sister Mary John), a native of Chicago, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in mathematics at Brown University in Providence, R.I., a master’s degree in religious studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill., and a master’s degree in Earth literacy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

In the archdiocese, Sister Mary served at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville (1965-68), the former Ladywood-St. Agnes School in Indianapolis (1970-73), Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1973-75), in clinical pastoral education at the I.U. Medical Center (1975-76), and St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington (1984-89).

She also served in parish ministry, education and in spiritual direction in Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and in Canada.

Sister Mary currently ministers at the motherhouse as a volunteer at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice and in spiritual direction.

Sister Andre Panepinto, a native of Joliet, Ill., entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in elementary education at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.

In the archdiocese, Sister Andre served at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1988-92). She has also served as an educator, in health care and for her congregation in Illinois and Massachusetts.

Sister Andre currently ministers as a driver and in residential services at the motherhouse.

Sister Mary Grace Pesavento (formerly Sister Ann Grace), a native of Asiago, Italy, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in Spanish at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.

In the archdiocese, Sister Mary Grace served at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House (1978), and in gift-making and ministry to the sick in Indianapolis (1987-90), Greenwood (1991-92), Clinton (1992) and Terre Haute (1992-99). She also served in prison ministry in Terre Haute (1992-96).

She has also served in schools, gift-making and ministry to the sick in Indiana in the Evansville Diocese and in Illinois, Missouri and Washington, D.C.

Sister Mary Grace currently serves as a volunteer at the motherhouse.

Sister Nancy Reynolds (formerly Sister Ann Carita), who grew up in SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Nebraska and a licentiate in canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington.

In the archdiocese, Sister Nancy served at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville (1965-66, 1971-78) and at Roncalli High School (1969-70).

She has also served as an educator and in canon law tribunals in Indiana in the Evansville and Fort Wayne-South Bend dioceses, and in California and Kentucky.

At the motherhouse, Sister Nancy served as a general councilor (2001-11) and as general treasurer (2011-13).

Sister Nancy currently serves as a canonical consultant and as the appointed prioress of a community of Carmelite nuns in Louisville, Ky.

Sister Barbara Sheehan, who grew up in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

In the archdiocese, Sister Barbara served at the former Archbishop Paul C. Schulte High School in Terre Haute (1966-70).

She also ministered in Catholic schools, in health care and as a health care chaplain in Indiana in the Evansville Diocese, and in Illinois and Kentucky.

Sister Barbara currently serves as executive director and ACPE certified educator, accreditation visitor and spiritual director for Urban CPE Consortium, Inc., in Chicago.

Sister Maureen Sheehan (formerly Sister John Maureen), a native of Chicago, entered the congregation on Sept. 12, 1960, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in secondary education administration at Ball State University.

Sister Maureen has served in Catholic schools in Illinois and Missouri. She currently ministers in convent service and childcare in Northlake, Ill.
 

(For more information about the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, visit www.spsmw.org.) †