vol. 39 issue 1 spring 2021 - st. walburg monastery

Vol. 39 Issue 1 Spring 2021

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LEAVEN

Vol. 39, Issue 1

Spring, 2021

Srs. Deborah Harmeling

and Christa Kreinbrink,

editors.

Pictures:

Holly Springer, Srs. Mary

Tewes, Deborah Harmel-

ing and Cathy Bauer.

From Our Prioress . . .

Dear Friends and Family,

On behalf of the community I wish to express our gratitude, appreci-

ation and love to you for the many prayers, kindnesses, food, and more food,

wine, candy, emails, gift cards, flowers and beautiful cards. We are thankful

for your continued words of support and encouragement that you shower on

us. We certainly have felt the warmth and concern from all of you.

We continue to grieve the losses of

Srs. Charles Wolking, Rita Bilz and Mar-

garet Mary Gough as a result of COVID.

“If we live, we live to the Lord and if we die,

we die to the Lord. Whether we live or

whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Rom

14:8 These words portray the manner in

which they lived. All three were prayerful,

faithful, loving women who devoted their

lives to God and God’s people. They are

missed.

The rest of us who tested positive for the virus are doing well. We

are so grateful to St. Elizabeth Senior Services for responding to our situa-

tion so promptly which allowed us to receive the monoclonal antibodies

shortly after testing positive. This proved to be very helpful. We also have

seven “iron women” who have continued to test negative. Needless to say,

this traumatic experience goes down as one of the most challenging times

we have had to face as a community.

This past year we learned about hope. Hope, when one has assurance

is not hope. Trusting God without assurance of a positive or specific out-

come is hope. How COVID made its ugly appearance in the community we

will probably not know. Our commitment to God and the people of God in

this Benedictine house, though tested, is strong as ever. Your continued sup-

port is one of the blessed assurances that our hope is not in vain.

May the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection fill all our hearts with en-

during love.

Sr. Aileen Bankemper, Prioress

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Chronicles

By Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB

Oct. 28— Starting today, the kitchen staff was in quarantine for two weeks, due to one of them having tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. So, the Sisters have been taking turns preparing our meals. We really appreciated all their hard work and good meals.

Nov. 1— Feast of All Saints: Happy Feast Day to all.

Nov. 2—Feast of all Souls: At Evening Prayer we celebrated the annual remembrance of all the de-ceased. The book of remembrance contained some 700 names, in-cluding friends, family and Villa Madonna Academy alumni.

Nov. 6-8—Sr. Kimberly Porter went to Our Lady of Grace Mon-astery in Beech Grove, IN, to as-sist the community in developing their direction statements, in prep-aration for their election of prior-ess in the spring.

Nov. 26—Thanksgiving Day: Af-ter Liturgy of the Hours and our usual brunch, we enjoyed a social time in the afternoon. Rather than our usual Thanksgiving dinner on the night before, we celebrated on Thanksgiving itself with a meal prepared by our chef, Maureen Smain.

The Walker children delivered handmade cards and posters to our door periodically through this sea-son, as well as a crib scene. Chris-ta Walker has a new job with an NGO, continuing to work with AIDS/HIV education remotely, so they don’t have to move back to Ukraine. We are very happy that they are able to remain at St. Jo-seph House until they can pur-chase a home in the United States.

Nov. 28 through Jan. 9— During the Advent-Christmas Season, the sisters gave the reflections on the

Strategizing for COVID-19

The intrusion of COVID-19 into the daily life of the monas-tery has changed many realities. It did not, however, change the reali-ty of instituting a committee. The COVID Committee for St. Wal-burg Monastery has been meeting since March 23, 2020.

Early on the committee met daily to gain a handle on the real-ity facing our daily lives. Much strategizing resulted in preparing for the possibility of COVID-19 invading the monastery. Discussions ranged from a best-case scenario to the worst-case scenario. Plans for a meeting with the sisters to discuss the present reality and to share hygienic tips for protection was scheduled. Posters were displayed in strategic places as constant reminders. Safety measures included, no longer visiting family and friends as well as no visitors coming to the monastery.

To offset the lack of interaction with visitors the committee planned activities for the sisters, increasing opportunities for interac-tion with each other. At the time the 2020 baseball season was sus-pended until further notice, so one of the first planned activities was an opening day celebration complete with the evening meal featuring “hot dogs and apple pie.” The viewing of the 2019 opening day games helped to fill the void of our baseball enthusiast! Other activi-ties still being scheduled today include the opportunity for balance exercise, card tournaments, movies, spiritual offerings, a periodic bingo game and a host of other options. One high light is the institu-tion of St. Walburg Monastery Garden Restaurant featuring guest chefs who were our own sisters, each planning a special menu and offering five or six reservations. Each sister had the opportunity to confirm a reservation with their choice of menu. The Garden restau-rant is located in the lower level meeting room, and is fully decorat-ed, creating an environment for an evening dinner out. On its third round of scheduling the restaurant has had to close due to our recent COVID experience.

Sr. Rita Brink

MEET THE COVID COMMITTEE

From bottom left clockwise: Srs. Aileen Bank-

mper, Mary Catherine Wenstrup, Rita Brink,

Mary Rabe and Barbara Woeste.

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Sunday Gospel, at each Saturday Evening Prayer. These were live-streamed so others can participate virtually. Speakers were: Srs. Dorothy, Kathleen, Emmanuel, Aileen, Colleen, Rosemary, Mary Carol, Rita Brink and Ei-leen.

Nov. 30— Villa Madonna Acad-emy students and faculty were back to virtual learning and in-struction as the Covid-19 levels have risen again. The governor had called for vigilance on the part of all, as have many state of-ficials across the country and world.

Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22—Advent lectio sessions were held via Zoom on the Tuesdays of Advent, reflecting on the Sunday Gospels with Sr. Mary Tewes leading.

Dec. 1— Baking time in the kitchen: Srs. Mary Catherine, Nancy and Cathy produced a number of fruitcakes for the com-ing season. Srs. Eileen and Kim-berly were also frequent bakers. We had fruitcakes, date/nut bars, candy, and much more.

Sr. Emmanuel prepared posters for the front gates: a Christmas greeting for all who pass by.

Dec. 24—Christmas Eve was filled with preparations for gift giving at the annual Christmas party af-ter dinner.

Dec. 25—Eucharist was live- streamed with Fr. Ken Over-berg, SJ, followed by brunch.

Jan. 4—VMA students returned to classes, some in person, some virtual.

Jan. 9—Oblate Renewal Day for our oblates who had been waiting for an opportunity to celebrate their renewal since the fall. We chose the feast of the Baptism of the Lord as a fitting day to cele-brate with them: the end of the

Living with COVID-19

Happy to see 2020 come to an end the sisters rejoiced on De-

cember 31, 2020 at midnight recognizing we had come to this moment

in time COVID free and looking forward to new energy and a safer

environment with a vaccine soon to be available. After securing a date

for receiving the first vaccine, January 26, an added sense of relief

was on the way.

Wednesday, January 27 the community experienced a jolt.

One sister tested positive for COVID. One day later along with our

employees, everyone was tested for COVID. Results showed that

twenty-five sisters and two employees tested positive.

“What if plans” ready from time to time now needed to be

front and center. Community prayer times were put on hold, casual

interactions with one another halted, mealtimes rearranged with each

sister eating in her room, all simultaneously swinging into place as

quarantine measures became the new normal. Work schedules already

strained called for further adjustments.

Sunday, January 31, 2021 saw twenty sisters traveling to St.

Elizabeth’s in Florence to receive the monoclonal antibody to bolster

each one’s immune system. The next two weeks resulted in numerous

adjustments to the monastic schedule. Two of our elderly sisters, Srs.

Charles Wolking and Rita Bilz, both in their 90’s were welcomed

into their eternal home by God on February 3, 2021. Sr. Margaret

Mary Gough, unable to ward off the effects of COVID, entered eter-

nal life on February 10, 2021.

As this issue of LEAVEN goes to press the community is be-

yond its firsthand encounter with COVID. The resourcefulness and

resilience of each as well as your support and the strength of your

prayers, your caring, and your active partnering in this time of up-

heaval shows the hand of God at work, as well as the strength of car-

ing friendships and the power of loving relationships.

As the global world continues to face the reality of COVID in

its day to day living, know our prayer for you is ceaseless. May God

in our lives continue to be our source of strength, hope, joy, and con-

tinued peace.

Sr. Rita Brink

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Christmas Season, and the begin-ning of the new year of grace. They renewed their oblation at Evening Prayer. The event was live streamed by Sr. Eileen O’Connell, who also gave the re-flections on the Gospel.

Jan. 20—Inauguration day of the new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Feb. 1—The VMA community created a sign in the yard outside our front door, across the road. LOVE & PRAYERS, VILLA FAMI-LY.

Feb. 3—Sister Charles Wolking (96) died around 11 a.m. That evening around 9 p.m. Sr. Rita Bilz (94) died. Both had been in the care of hospice. They were not able to combat Covid-19 which hastened their deaths.

Feb. 4—Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock posted a message on Facebook from the Prioress about Covid’s impact on the community. Follow-ing this many people reached out with donations for food, paper products, monetary donations, many prayers and help if needed. The kindness and generosity of these many benefactors was over-whelming.

Feb. 8:—Monday, a 9-inch snow fall. Two more inches fell on Wednesday, and more by the end of the week. Snow lay on the fields through the whole month of Febru-ary.

Feb. 10—Most of the sisters were out of quarantine by the Feast Day of St. Scholastica, Feb. 10. We gathered in Chapel on Feb. 11 for Liturgy of the Hours for the first time in two weeks. The Serra Club sent bouquets of flowers for our tables, and Mr. Clay Beekley sent a lovely spring flower arrangement for the altar, which he does every year for this feast. It was such a joy to be able to celebrate together again.

We have all experienced Covid-19 this past year in many

ways, most recently in the deaths of three of our sisters in one week.

In the past month almost 80% of the community tested positive for

the virus. Fortunately, most suffered only minor ill effects. Our best

efforts to protect ourselves and our employees had not worked.

When asked what we have learned as individuals and as a

community the first response from both Srs. Cathy and Kimberly

was how deeply we care for each other.

Sr. Kimberly (see picture right) adds we have also learned to

appreciate a simpler rhythm of

life and so many ordinary parts of

life that we’ve taken for granted.

To Sr. Denise our appreciation for

praying together and just being

together was obvious when that

was taken away during our time of

quarantine.

For some of us the year has

actually flown by. Sr. Mariana questions Was it because we were

all together here at home or because we were concerned for each

other’s health and the health of family, friends and co-workers?

We certainly prayed daily for all those who suffered from Covid-19

and for the many health care work-

ers who gave selflessly to their pa-

tients.

As we go on, we can hope to

carry forward our gratitude for good

health, for scientists working on the

vaccine and treatment, for the ordi-

nary parts of life that we missed and

for each other especially. We know

that we can endure illness, uncer-

tainty, isolation and even death of

our loved ones. We pray that we

can continue to have a sense of

compassion and interconnectedness

with the broader world, having seen both the positives of our society

and the gaps that still exist and can be addressed.

Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock

Reflecting on COVID-19 in Our Midst

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Feb. 10—Sr. Margaret Mary Gough (90) who went to the hos-pital on Jan. 29, died of complica-tions from Covid-19. Srs. Denise and Stella Marie are her siblings.

Feb. 13—The Oblates gathered for a Zoom meeting. The sixteen who participated shared family happenings, did lectio on the Sun-day Gospel, then prepared for our book discussion for the next months. We will be discussing Sr. Joan Chittister’s book on Bene-dict’s 12 Steps of Humility: Rad-ical Spirit

Feb. 17—Ash Wednesday began the Lenten Season. An important part of the monastic life is the pri-oress’ calling the community to enter into this season according to Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule, “On the Keeping of Lent.” Sr. Aileen reflected on this Chapter.

Feb. 20 through May 22—Lent - Easter Season: The sisters are giv-ing reflections on the Sunday Gospels at the Saturday Evening Prayer. These will be live-streamed so that others can partic-ipate virtually.

Feb. 20— Sat. Evening: Villa Rama was a virtual celebration – fund-raiser for Villa Madonna Academy this year—a great suc-cess.

Feb. 21—Vigil for Ss. Charles Wolking and Rita Bilz was cele-brated on Sunday evening, with lots of stories shared by many.

Feb. 22— Mass of Christian Bur-ial with Fr. Bill Cleves celebrat-ing. Both the vigil and funeral were live-streamed.

Feb. 23— Tuesdays of Lent: Lectio ofthe Sunday Gospels, Zoom meetings at7:30 p.m. led by Sr. Mary Tewes. All are wel-come.

Feb. 24—The 2nd vaccine was available here for all who are eli-gible at this time. Those who had

Kitchen and Infirmary respond to COVID

Maureen Smain, our Food Service Manager, tells us that when Sr.

Aileen announced the alert about the Covid-19 last spring, she told

Maureen that we’d be observing various restrictions in all areas of commu-

nity living, including meals, Maureen just asked, “What do I need to do for

you all?” She said that she’s never had a doubt that everything that needed

to be done would be. “It’s not about me; the

sisters and staff always just pull together; we’re

all part of the community. It is my job to pro-

vide the meals and I will get it done, even if I

have to do it all myself. But so far it hasn’t gone

that far. Someone always shows up to help.”

The biggest concern for Maureen was

about the virus coming into the house. Then it

did. When a large percentage of sisters tested

positive for Covid around January 29, Maureen

stepped it up with more precautions regarding

food service by providing tray service for all

sisters in the Infirmary and individually packaged food items for the sisters

in the main monastery bedroom areas. This required more severe re-

strictions on who could work in the kitchen as well as adjustment of serving

practices.

Many friends of the community, hearing what we were experienc-

ing, came to our aid with donations of casseroles,

salads, sandwiches, desserts and whole meals pre-

pared and brought in. At this point, Maureen called on

her 37 years of food service experience in health care,

catering and restaurants and put together an entirely

new system to meet the current need. She said, “I do

like new things thrown at me.” How’s that for a good

match?

Mary Lou Aldridge, RN is our morning

Charge Nurse in the Infirmary. When Covid hit she

says, “It was a very challenging time for staff and sis-

ters. We were lucky to have Sr. Aileen and her com-

mittee on top of the situation.” Sr. Aileen was tireless in finding all the re-

sources we needed to contain the virus and begin vaccinations and testing

as soon as we could. Mary Lou credits the fast action of Sr. Aileen and

Amy Thompson of St. Elizabeth Senior Services with getting the monoclo-

nal antibodies infusion to the sisters as fast as they could to alleviate the

symptoms.

At the peak of our quarantine, 20 sisters in all were living in the

Infirmary and receiving food trays at their rooms. The requirements of iso-

lation, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing disrupted familiar

routines and comfortable practices. Mary Lou said that it was obvious to

see how much the community was affected by these changes especially not

Continued om p. 10

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Sr. Charles Wolking (1924-2021)

Sr. Charles Wolking was born on

December 10, 1924 to Charles and Antoinette Mueller Wolking and named Jeanne Therese. She was the fourth of six girls, all of whom became Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery.

Jeanne Wolking entered the mon-astery in 1942. She became a novice in 1943 and received the name Sr. Charles. First profession followed in 1944 and perpetual profession in 1947. Sr. Charles celebrated her silver jubilee in 1969, her golden in 1994, and her diamond in 2004.

Sr. Charles taught elementary grades in schools of the Covington diocese for about ten years. In 1955 she graduated with a B.A. in Occu-pational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. She worked at the United Cerebral Palsy Center (now Redwood) with pre-school and elementary students. She received an M.Ed. from Xavi-er University in 1965.

Sr. Mary Rabe’s recent Leaven article on Sr. Charles gives a lov-ing tribute to her skills at Redwood: “Sr. Charles’ gentle and effective approach to handling difficult situations…made her a most respected member of the team.”

Sr. Mary continues: “Her loving and caring, gentle but firm, warm and sympathetic personality led her to her next ministry as admin-istrator of Madonna Manor. Her successful career lasted 33 years during which time she endeared herself to the residents with their many wishes and needs.” During these years Sr. Charles kept her Nursing Home Ad-ministrator’s License renewed by attending numerous workshops.

Sr. Charles retired to the monastery in 1999 and assisted where needed. She volunteered at the Manor as sacristan and continued to visit the residents. Until very recently Sr. Charles made the rounds with her rollator every day, getting her exercise, sharing her wit, and sometimes

trying to go out the front door to go “home” to the Manor.

Sr. Charles was preceded in death by her five sisters, Srs. Mary Anne, Teresa, Amelia, Mercedes and Consolata. What a reunion they are having!

Sr. Charles died peacefully on the morning of February 3, 2021. She is survived by her cousins, friends, and her Benedictine community. Vigil service was held on Sunday, February 21 and Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 22. Interment will follow in St. Walburg Cemetery.

the monoclonal antibody infu-sions will wait till May for the 2nd vaccine.

Feb. 25— Feast of St. Walburg, our patron. Our tables and altar were graced with roses from Swan Florist in celebration of their 100th Anniversary

Feb. 28—Vigil for Sr. Margaret Mary Gough was be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. Sunday evening, where we shared stories of her life.

March 1—Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Both vigil and funeral were live-streamed.

March 6—The Center of Spiritu-ality offered a morning Zoom presentation by Rev. Del Staigers, pastor of St. Veronica and St. John Fisher parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The title was Indifference: a Virtue in the Spiritual Life.

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Sr. Rita Bilz (1926-2021)

Sr.Rita Bilz was born on July 6, 1926 to John Lawrence and Margaret Foltz Bilz. Rita Philomena was

the fifth of six children, the youngest of whom died as an infant. The family were members of Holy Guardian Angels Church in Sandfordtown, KY where Rita attended the parish school.

While living at home, Rita kept a garden which reflected her love for or-der. She liked to keep things “neat as a pin”. Always a spiritual person, she had a grotto at home which is now at the home of her nephew, Jim Bilz.

Rita Bilz entered St. Walburg Monastery in 1959. She became a novice in 1960 and received the name Sr. Pius Marie. First profession followed in 1961 and perpetual profession in 1966. Sister Rita celebrated her silver jubilee in 1986 and her golden in 2011.

In 1962 Sr. Rita began a lifelong ministry of culinary artistry in the mon-astery kitchen. She trained novices as they took 6-week tours of duty in the kitchen. Her “honey-dear…” was preparatory to a correction. Sr. Rita welcomed Sr. Veronica Weibel to the kitchen in 1968. They en-joyed many years working together.

In the early kitchen years, Sr. Rita traveled to several cooking workshops at Stonehill College and the University of Notre Dame. She was an avid reader of Southern Living and relied on a variety of cook-books.

Sr. Rita liked to try new things. She was more a classic cook than a trendy one, not going in for food fads. When the days of table waiting gave way to buffet style, Sr. Ri-ta was quite particular about the appearance of the table. A delicious meal relies on color and texture as well as taste. Monastery photo al-bums attest to that.

Wednesday was pie night. Rita served at least three kinds, all in her own pie crust. Wednesday was the evening the sisters invited guests.

Sr. Rita retired at year’s end, 2005, after 43 years of service to St. Walburg Monastery. She was now freer to indulge in special inter-ests, particularly listening to “real” bluegrass music. Rita had her standards. She was well known to local radio station personnel, call-ing in her opinions, her appreciation, and making requests. When co-workers and sisters took her to blue-grass concerts, she insisted on the front row. She bought their CDs, too. On her 90th birthday, who should

come to the party but a bluegrass band in which Rita’s own great-niece performed. She was totally sur-prised and delighted.

At age 94 Sr. Rita’s life began winding down. She died peacefully in the evening of February 3, 2021. Nieces Charlotte Decker and Barbara Blackwell preceded her in death. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock OSB, Bob Kordenbrock. Ben Kordenbrock, John Bilz, Jill Heink, Jim Bilz, many great-nieces and nephews, six great-great nieces and nephew and her Benedictine commu-nity.

Vigil service was held on Sunday, February 21 and Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 22. Interment will follow in St. Walburg Cemetery.

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Sr. Margaret Mary Gough (1930-2021)

Sr. Margaret Mary Gough was born on November 28, 1930 to Francis M. Gough, Sr. and Cathe-rine Volkering Gough. She was the seventh of thirteen children, seven brothers and five sisters. Her youngest brother died shortly after birth. Her sisters, Sr. Denise and Sr. Stella Marie, ,are members of the Benedictine community.

Margaret Mary entered St. Walburg Monastery in 1950. She became a novice in 1951 and received the name Sr. Mary Bartholomew. First profession followed in 1952 and perpetual profession in 1955. Sr. Margaret Mary celebrated her silver jubilee in 1977, her golden in 2002 and her diamond in 2012.

Sr. Margaret Mary taught in elementary schools of the Covington diocese from 1952 to 1963. She served as dorm mother in the boarding school at Villa Madonna Academy for four years. Sr. Margaret Mary completed her B.A. from Villa Madonna College in 1964 and received her teaching certificate. Three years later she completed work for a Master’s in Education from Xavier University, and returned for a sec-ond Master’s in Theology in 1986.

Sr. Margaret Mary served as Assistant Registrar at Villa Madonna Col-lege 1964-67. When the college moved to Crestview Hills and changed its name to Thomas More College (now University), Sr. Margaret Mary was its Registrar from 1968-1976. She served in the same capacity at Edgecliff Col-lege from 1976-1981. From 1981-1996 she worked in the Covington dioce-san office of Pastoral Planning and Research, serving as its Director for the final 11 years. In 1997 she became Assoc. Dir. of Development for Madon-na Manor, the position from which she retired in 2005.

Sr. Margaret Mary made lasting friends at each workplace, and kept her connections active. She valued her friendship with Bishop Hughes, inviting him to the monastery for cards in his later years.

On Saturday nights Sr. Margaret Mary hosted a regular card game, with pizza and a drink, for a small group of sisters. They will sorely miss her.

Srs. Mary Anne Wolking and Pauline Rice lived with Margaret Mary for close to 40 years. They were famous for Christmastime bourbon balls, and Derby Day Kentucky specials. Maggie continued the Derby Day tradition after moving to the monastery, and ran the betting table. No one gets rich on the size of sisters’ bets.

In 2009 St. Walburg Monastery celebrated the sesquicentennial of the community’s founding. Sr. Mar-garet Mary chaired the committee, which provided a succession of varied events throughout the year. Her creativity, drive and hard work sparked equal efforts in committee members.

Margaret Mary worked regularly in the community archives. From this work she provided an entertain-ing, informative report to begin community meetings.

Notre Dame and UK football were favorites. She kept up with the news, particularly politics in recent years. Maggie was forthright in her opinions and honest. Her sisters Denise and Stella summed it up: “Maggie was a strong woman, and she was fun!”

Sr. Margaret Mary died peacefully at the age of 90 on February 10, 2021 from complications of the Covid virus. She is survived by her sisters: Sr. Denise Gough, OSB, Sr. Stella Gough, OSB, and Mary Eileen Gough, nieces and nephews, friends and her Benedictine community. Vigil service was held on Sunday, February 28 and Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 1, 2021. Interment will follow in St. Walburg Cemetery.

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Kitchen and Infirmary respond to COVID (continued from p. 6.)

having common prayer. And it was sad that during this time Srs. Charles Wolking and Rita Bilz died in the Infir-

mary and Margaret Mary Gough at St. Elizabeth Hospital a week after them. Mary Lou felt sorry as she watched

the sisters going down with the symptoms and was glad when she could see them bouncing back up.

“One amazing thing”, says Mary Lou, “is that every department worked as one. We are all one family and

we showed it.”

Sr. Dorothy Schuette

Oblate Mike Page (1941-2020)

Mike Page was introduced to God and Church earlier than most of us. He liked to tell the story that

he was baptized by a Jewish doctor when he was born at Christ Hospital in March. 1941. The doctor didn’t

know if Mike would survive since his mother previously had lost a child at birth. When both were well,

Mike and his mom returned home to Indiana.

After finishing elementary school at St. Mary’s in Aurora, he went to St. Meinrad secondary school

for two years. This was his first introduction to Benedictines, and the beginning of what would become a

deep love of the monastic approach to life and spirituality After 2 years the family

moved to Connersville, Indiana and he graduated from Connersville High in June,

1959. Right after high school he joined the Navy, then after boot camp he was sent

to Groton, Connecticut to begin training in Nuclear Powered Submarines. In Groton

he met Sue Ledogar at a dance; they were married a year later March 3, 1962. Mike

served the Navy for 11 years and was on three different submarines during his career,

the USS Skate, USS Pollack, and FBM Abraham Lincoln. (He was on the Skate

when it became the first sub to surface at the North Pole.)

When Mike re-entered civilian life, he focused on family life, his work as a

plant engineer at Anchor Glass, public service as Red Cross EMT, and in service to

his parish. After retiring from Anchor, he was an adjunct instructor at a regional col-

lege, Ivy Tech.

Mike’s involvement in church deepened his interest in lay ministry. His Indianapolis diocese didn’t

have a program for this, but the nearby diocese of Covington, KY did, so he applied and in 1996 was ac-

cepted. Each student was given a mentor for the 2-year program, and Mike was pleasantly astonished that

his would be a Benedictine. He had no idea there was a monastery so close to where he lived, and his men-

torship with Sr. Colleen Winston grew into a decades-long friendship and close relationship with St. Wal-

burg Monastery.

Soon Mike and Sue became regulars at monastery Sunday liturgies, the Easter mysteries and other

community gatherings. Eventually they decided to become oblates of St.Walburg and made their oblation in

2003. This was the beginning of a long connection that deepened through the years. Recently there were sig-

nificant absences for Mike and Sue caused by Mike’s increasing breathing problems. Then came a year of

no visits due to pandemic lockdowns. They never got back before Mike’s death Nov. 24, 2020.

Sr. Colleen Winston

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Oblate JoAnn Moeller (1939-2021)

JoAnn grew up in Latonia, Kentucky and attended Holy Cross elementary and high schools. At the age of 15 she entered the monastery at St. Walburg where she finished high school and began her degree at

Thomas More (Villa Madonna). he taught primary and kindergarten clas-ses. She never forgot those 50 kindergarten children in the morning and an-other 50 in the afternoon. She was ever grateful for the assistance of Sr. Mercedes Wolking who mentored her for this adventure. After 5 years Jo-Ann left the monastery and continued her education and teaching primary students usually in small Catholic elementary schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Some 32 years later she became a sacristan at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati and Mother of God in Covington.

JoAnn had left part of her heart at the monastery so when the oppor-tunity to become an Associate arose in 1987 she immediately wanted to be included. At this time, she was an oblate at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indi-ana which had a chapter that met in Cincinnati. She was very excited when our associates group evolved into an oblate group.

A decline in health led to leaving the work force and retiring to her mobile home and taking care of stray cats inside her home and from the neighborhood. In fall of 2019 an illness and doctor visit led to a diagnosis of cancer. JoAnn was unable to return to her home and was graciously accept-ed by the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker into Taylor Manor in Versailles,

Kentucky. A neighbor parishioner was also an oblate. JoAnn died peacefully at Taylor Manor on January 10, 2021 at the age of 82. Sr. Mary Rabe

D e a t h i s , f o r t h e g o o d ,

a t r a n s l a t i o n i n t o l i g h t ,

i n t o p o w e r , i n t o l o v e .

T h o s e w h o o n e a r t h

w e r e o n l y o r d i n a r y C h r i s t i a n s

b e c o m e p e r f e c t…

T h o s e w h o w e r e g o o d

b e c o m e s u b l i m e . K a r l R a h n e r

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This list represents those who made donations to the community

from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2020

Emily & Ian Addington

Annette Ahlers

Rose Marie Allen

Sarah & Roger Andrews

Dr. & Mrs. Howard Anneken,

Jr.

Anonymous

Leo Arlinghaus

Jean Auberger

John Avalos

Gerald & Beverly Bailey

Elisabeth A. Balonis

John & Charlene Bankemper

James & Martha Baranec

Mr. & Mrs. Allen Barker

Bruce Barton

Mary E. Bauer

Ms. Phyllis J. Beck

Tom Beck

Benevity

Elaine Berberich

Marilyn & Teresa Bertke

Judy Beyerlein

Dorothy T. Bhola

Charles Biery

Ann Bishop

Raymond Bishop

Barbara T. Blank

Mr. & Mrs. John Blau

Debbie Bogenschutz

Mr. & Mrs. Kerry Booker

Ms. Phyllis C. Boyce

James & Nancy Bradley

Rita & Bill Brake

Michelle Kaiser Bray

Marney Bresser

John Brinkley

Mr. Thomas Brinkman, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Brockmeier

Dr. Dick & Mary Broeg

Mrs. Joan Burke

Mary & Margaret Byron

Ann Cahill

Barbara Robke Callahan

Butch Callery

Helen Carroll

Michael & Sandra Carter

Susan & James Carter

Clara & Leonard Chimel

John & Vickie Cimprich

Mrs. Joyce A. Cissell

Mary Coleman

Carol Collins

Elinor A. Robke-Comer &

John Comer

Kathleen Conway

Rev. Msgr. Roger P. Cooney

Heather Crandlemire

Julie & Michael Crossen

Marion & David Crowe

John & Mary Dalton

Ronald & Rosemary Davis

Susan & Gregory Davis

Cindy Stone DeAngelis

Ms. Virginia Delaney

Nicholas Robert Dietrich

Jerry & Diane Dietz

Tom & Patti Dietz

Sr. Kathy Donohue, OP

Mary Ellen Ginney

Dorough

Mr. & Mrs. David Due

Victoria Eaton

Judith & Edward Egan

Ann Egbers

Monica Egger

Mr. Fred Elgrim

Anne T. Elmore

George Eten

Joe & Dorothy Willett

William & Carol Fausz

Donna Feder

Frances Johnson Feldmann

Elaine M. Fite

Sue Flach

Donna M. Flick

Paula D. Fogt

Mr. & Mrs. Denny Foster

Bill & Joy Fotsch Family

Fund

13

Monica France

Ms. Emily A. Franxman

Marilyn Franxman

Mr. Paul Franxman

Mr. Walter Franxman

Brian Fuller

Mr. & Mrs. Al Gajda

Mary Elizabeth Garcia

Judy & John Garlich

Russell & Anne Gastright

Frances Gauck

Anne Gaunder

Lousie & Darrel Gay

Ms. Maureen Gilmore

Jim & Elaine Goldschmidt

Brenda & John Goode

Maureen Grady-Gerrein

Pat & Kathryn Greco

Chris Gregory

Mr. & Mrs. Carl Gripshover

Mr. Ronald J. Gripshover

Paul & Vicki Gruszniewski

Mary & Martin Haas

Mary & Wayne Hannick

Paul A.S Harvey

Miriam Miller Hays

Dennis J. Heeb

Martha Heidkamp

Rev. Clarence J. Heitzman

Mrs. Mary Patricia Hemmer

Rev. Robert J. Henderson

Jean G. Hengelbrok

Juanita Hergott

Mary Heyl

Ms. M. Gabrielle Hils

Nancy Hiltibrand

Carol Hodge

Susan Hodge

Matthew Hogan

Ellen Holtz

Lynne & Joe Horning

Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Houck,

Jr.

Philip Howe

Mrs. Mary Huhn

Susan A. Hull

Mr. Harry Humpert

John Humpert

Dan & Janet Jansen

Justina Jarman

Louise & Bruce Jewett

Gayle Ingolia Jimenez

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Kalker

Mary & Frank Kammer

Kenneth & Paulette Keener

Mrs. Helen F. Keesee

Janice Kennedy

Carol & John Kerr

Mary Claire Ketteler

Angela Kiger

Kenneth & Maurita

Klingenberg

Donna Klus

Nancy & Richard Klus

Anna M. Knipper

Ed & Lois Knochelmann

Tracy Koenig

Jim & Stella Konerman

Mark & Nancy Koors

Rev. William B. Kraynak

Gwendolyn & Al Krebs

Mr. Harold Kremer

David & Mary Kriege

Jack Kroeger

Jim & Cecilia Kumpf

Jessie & Stephen Lamantia

Mary Lynn Smain Lampke

Mary Patrick Latham

Marla & John Layne

Sue Ann Lazar

Patricia Lee

David & Ann Lewin

LifeGate Church

Patricia Lind

R. M. & M.E. Livingston

William Lloyd

Lonneman Plumbing, Inc

Beverly K. Lonneman

Delma Lucas-Santos

Jeannine Ludwig

Mary Lueke

Joe & Terry Lunn

Tom & Pamela Lux

14

Jeannine Macke

Mary Alice Mairose

John Patrick Malone

Amy & John P. Malone

Jim & Karen Mardis

Dan & Rachel Martis & Family

Mr. & Mrs. John Marx

Anita and Bill Mattingly

Dee & Mark McDonald

Mary Ann McDowell

James & Jerri McCue

Donald & Ruth McGoron

Mrs. Sharon McGovern

Rev. James Meade

Steve & Jane Meier

Mrs. Allesanne Meihaus

Dr. & Mrs. Richard Menke

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Michalack

Mustard Seed Community

Sandra M. Nare

Margaret Neagle

Mary Ann Nestheide

Mrs. Kathleen Niehaus

Bernice Nienaber

Randolph & Margaret Norris

Heather Sheehan O'Brien

Eileen O'Connell

James O'Connell

Paul O'Daniel

Maureen O'Malley

David Oldendick

Margaret N. Owens

Mike & Sue Page

Maryann Pietromonaco &

Matthew Granne

Phyllis J. Popham

Laura Poppendeck

Jeffrey Porter

David & Patricia Quast

Martha & Mike Queenan

Evelyn Quick

Pilar Quiroz

Ann Rabe

Hank Rabe

Eduardo A. & Sheila A. Rabel

Joseph & Gertrude Ralenkotter

Rev. Ronald & Mary Anne Rall

Mary Leonhard Ran

Tom & Carol Rasp

F. Kelly Read

Dave & Linda Rechtin

Kathy Redden

Peyton & Mary Louise Reed

June C. Reilley

Sherrill Remke

Mr. William Remke

Connie Renker

Julie Resing

Ms. Kay Reynolds

Nick & Mary Beth Reynolds

Mr. William B. Rice

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Richardson

Lois Ricketts

Carol & Brian Rieger

Sara Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P.

Roenker

Ann K. Ross

Kathleen R. Rottman

Mark & Kathleen Rosing

The Ruschman Family

Ronald Sagan

Marie Blau Salazar

James L. Saner

JJ Santos

Tom Scally

Carol B. Schaefer

Rev. Timothy Schehr

Joe & Ginny Schmidt

Nicholas Schmidt

Henrietta Schneider

Mr. & Mrs. Jace Schneider

Ann Schuette

Mary Paula & Gregory Schuh

James E. Schumacher

Mr. Ty Scott

Mrs. Ruth Seligman-Doering

Jo Ann Seltman

Dr. Sudhir Sen

Serra Club for Vocations,

Northern Kentucky

Rosemary Shea

Richard & Regina Siegrist

Maureen Smain

15

Willard F. Small

Elaine Burke Smith

James & Amanda Smith

Paula & Larry Smith

Ms. Marie Annette Sonnier

Jeanne Speier

Joe & Regina Stambush

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Stauber

Nancy D. Staurovsky

Steve & Cynthia Vogelsang

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stiegler

Doris E. Strieter Declaration

of Trust

Mary Ann & James Stulz

Phil & Linda Swett

Albert & Jan Tallarigo

Stephanie Tewes

Elaine Thebus

William & Jean Theis

Stephen Theissen

Vicki Thompson

Ms. Diana Timmerding

Theresa Tran

Judith Vanderpool

Barbara A. Veasley

Villa Madonna Academy

Alumni Association

Ms. Denise Vocke

Andrew & Barbara

Von Lehman

Betty Lou Volker

Debbie & Robert Wait

Rev. Steven Walter

Charles & Ruth Walz

Paul & Kathleen Webster

Nancy Weibel

Donna Wesseler

Mike & Mary Jo Whelan

Ann Marie & Thomas

Whitlatch

Barbara Wilkinson

Vesta J. Willoughby

Bob & Loretta Witte

George W. Wood

Gene & Sue Woolridge

Mary M. Wirtz

Christine Renee Yarmuth

Mr. David Yost

Mr. John Zalla

Robert Zapp

Mr. Wilbert L. Ziegler

Bob & Linda Zimmer

Jo Ann Zoller

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Zumbiel

In Honor of …

60 years of monastic life--Srs.

Mary Catherine Wenstrup &

Joan Fraenzle, OSB

Phyllis Popham

82nd birthday of Fr. Robert Hen-

derson

Joe & Ginny Schmidt

All the Benedictine Sisters who

taught us at Mary, Queen of

Heaven, Blessed Sacrament and


Tom & Carol Rasp

All the Poor in Northern Ken-

tucky

Tom Scally

Sr. Cathy Bauer, OSB

Mary E. Bauer

Bob & Loretta Witte

Benedictine Sisters of

Covington, LA

Anonymous

Ms. Marie Antoinette Sonnier

Sr. Rita Brink, OSB

Sarah and Roger Andrews

Sara M. Nare

Ms. Phyllis J. Beck

Sr. Andrea Collopy, OSB

Ms. Phyllis C. Boyce

Ann Egbers

Kathy Redden

Carol B. Schaefer

Betty Lou Volker

Sr. Victoria Eisenman, OSB



Caroline Embry

Raymond Bishop

Eileen Gough


Sr. Margaret Mary Gough,

OSB

Jean Hengelbrok


16

Sr. Deborah Harmeling, OSB

Rev. William B. Kraynak

Deborah Harmeling, OSB

& All the Sisters

Rev. James Meade

Sr. Ann John Kotch, OSB

Patricia Lee

Sr. Rosemary McCormack,

OSB

Andrew & Barbara Von

Lehman

Sr. Ann Middendorf, OSB

Miriam Miller Hays

Ann Marie & Thomas

Whitlach

Sr. Emmanuel Pieper, OSB

Paul & Vicki Gruszniewski

Ms. Mary Huhn

Dee & Mark McDonald

Mrs. Allesanne Meihaus

Dr. & Mrs. Richard Menke

Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB

Susan A. Hull

Nicholas Schmidt

Sr. David Ruschmann, OSB

Clara & Leonard Chimel

The Ruschman Family

Sr. Kathleen Ryan, OSB

George Eten

Sue Flach

Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB

Ann Schuette

Debbie & Robert Wait

Sr. Henrietta Seiler, OSB

Chris Gregory

Ellen Holtz

Joe & Terry Lunn

Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB

Mr. & Mrs. Al Gajda

Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup,

OSB

Carol Collins

Nancy D. Strauvorsky

Sr. Barbara Woeste, OSB


Sr. Charles Wolking, OSB

Nancy Hiltibrand

Mrs. Kathleen Niehaus

Sr. Mary Peter Youtsey, OSB

Annette Ahlers

In Memory of …

The Anneken Sisters (Srs. Gem-

ma, Clarita, Xavier & Juanita)

Mr. & Mrs.Jim Stiegler

Sr. Clarita Anneken, OSB

Susan Hodge

Srs. Clarita & Xavier Anneken,

OSB

Elaine Thebus

Dot & Lee Arlinghaus

Leo Arlinghaus

Sr. Martina Arnold, OSB

Gerald & Beverly Bailey

Dorothy T. Bhola

Bernice Nienaber

Srs. Carmella & Samuel

Azzolina, OSB

Elinor A. Robke-Comer &

John Comer

Carol & Brian Rieger

Steve & Cynthia Vogelsang

Sherry Barton

Bruce Barton

Mary & John Beck

Tom Beck

Carl Bertke


Nicholas & Elizabeth Blau

James & Martha Baranec

Helen Hohnhorst Brannen

Angela Kiger

Dorothy Brinker


Alumni Association

Carol Brinkley

John Brinkley

Rev. John W. Cahill


Sr. Betty Cahill, OSB

Rita & Bill Brake

David & Mary Kriege

Joyce Brink Callery

Butch Callery

Ms. Phyllis J. Beck

17

Mary Ellen Ginney Dorough

Sr. Mary Lawrence Cannon,

OSB

Cleo B. Hall

Sr. Carla Cook, OSB

William Lloyd

Daniel Erb Family

Joan Breetz

Dorothy Saelinger Davis

Ronald & Rosemary Davis

Deceased members of the

Cahill Family

Rita & Bill Brake

Sr. Margaret Mary

Dressman, OSB

Helen Carroll

Vincent & Loretta Dressman

Jo Ann Zoller

Joseph, Lucille &

Mary Lou Eilers

Mr. & Mrs. Allen Barker

Sr. Martha Feder, OSB

Donna Feder

Rev. Steve Walter


Sr. Juanita Federico, OSB

Susan & James Carter

Jim Fohl


Carolyn Franxman

Monica Egger

John H. Franxman

Mr. & Mrs. Kerry Booker


Marilyn Franxman

Mr. Paul Franxman

Dan & Rachel Martis

& Family


Sr. Justina Franxman, OSB

Monica Egger


Marilyn Franxman

Mr. Paul Franxman

Mr. Walter Franxman

Mrs. Mary Patricia Hemmer

Dan & Rachel Martis

& Family


Sr. Geraldine Gajniak, OSB

Ronald Sagan

Gough & Krebs Family


Kathleen Gough


Bill & Eileen Grady

Maureen Grady-Gerrein

Sr. Joan Gripshover, OSB

Jerry & Diane Dietz

Sr. Kathy Donohue, OP

Judy & John Garlich

Louise & Darrel Gay

Mr. & Mrs. Carl Gripshover

Mr. Ronald J. Gripshover

Mary & Wayne Hannick

Sue Ann Lazar

Mr. & Mrs. Richard

Michalack

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Richardson

William & Jean Theis


Joan Harmeling


Victoria Heeb

Judy & John Garlich

Sr. Andrew Hellmann, OSB

Michelle Kaiser Bray

Kathy Redden

Sr. Helen Hergott, OSB



Robert & Anne Hiltz

Rev. Ronald & Mary Ann

Rall

Harry Humpert

Julie & Michael Crossen

Marian & David Crowe

Nicholas Robert Dietrich

Mr. & Mrs. David Due

Ann T. Elmore

Jim & Elaine Goldschmidt

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Kalker

Jim & Stella Konerman

LifeGate Church

R. M. & M.E. Livingston

18

Mustard Seed Community

Maureen O’Malley

Randolph & Margaret Norris

Maryann Pietromonaco &

Matthew Granne

F. Kelly Read

June C. Reilley

Julia Resing


Willard A. Small

Nancy Weibel

Robert Zapp

Wilbert L. Ziegler

Harry & Tess Humpert

Judy Beyerlein

Brian Fuller

Monica France

Paula & Larry Smith

Therese E. Humpert

Mr. Harry Humpert

Marcia Klingenberg

Kenneth & Maurita

Klingenberg

Sr. Joseph Marie

Klingenberg, OSB

Kenneth & Maurita

Klingenberg

Mary Lou Koors

Mark & Nancy Koors

John Kotch

Elizabeth A. Balonis

Mr. & Mrs. Ferd Kruetzkamp

Ann K. Ross

Sr. Theresa Landry, OSB

Brenda & John Goode

Dolores Landwehr

Mrs. Joyce A. Cissell

Cathy Lehmkuhl

Elaine A. Fite

Victoria (Vicki) Lindsay

Charles & Ruth Walz

Patrick Nare

Susan M. Nare

Millie Niewahner

Rosemary Shea

Elizabeth O'Daniel

Paul O’Daniel

Thomas & Elizabeth O'Daniel

Paul O’Daniel

Sr. Esther O'Hara, OSB


Charles Pieper

Dee & Mark McDonald

Thomas Prieshoff

James & Nancy Bradley

Ramler-Enzweiler Families


Mary Patricia Redden

Marla & John Layne

Sr. Pauline Rice, OSB


Tom Robinson

Sara Robinson

Clara & Ralph Robke

Elinor A. Robke-Comer

& John Comer

Ralph G. Robke


Deceased Robkes


Larry Roy


Zelma Aylor Royek

Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Houck, Jr.

Agnes Rumker

Judy Beyerlein

John & Mary Dalton

Russell & Anne Gastright

Pat & Kathryn Greco

Philip Howe

Mary & Frank Kammer

June C. Reilley

Albert & Jan Tallarigo

Agnes & Joseph Ruschmann

Kenneth & Paulette Keener

Vincent N. Salazar

Marie Blau Salazar

George & LaVerne Schewe

Jim & Cecilia Kumpf

Sr. Estelle Schulte, OSB

Ms. Diana Timmerding

Mr. & Mrs. William Schulte

Kathleen R. Rottman

Paul R. & Anna C. Seltman

Jo Ann Seltman

19

We make every effort to keep our list-

ings of donors error free. If you find

any mistakes, please accept our apolo-

gies and contact Sr. Deborah Harmel-

ing, OSB (859-331-6771 or

[email protected]) about corrections.

Mary Alice Shank

Mary Ann McDowell

Edward S. Smain, Sr

Mr. Thomas Brinkman,

Sr.

Mary Lynn Smain

Lampke

Sr. Philippine Swett, OSB

Mrs. Joan Burke

Phil & Linda Swett

The Scally Family

Tom Scally

George E. Veasley, Jr.

Barbara A. Veasley

The Weibel-Wood

Families


Richard Willoughby

Vesta J. Willoughby

Charles Wolking, OSB

and all the Benedictine

Sisters I served with at

Madonna Manor

Nancy Hiltibrand

Sr. Mary Anne

Wolking, OSB


Sr. Teresa Wolking, OSB

Michael & Sandra Carter

Margaret Aherns Wood

George W. Wood

Rafael & Jesucita Ybarra

Jessie & Stephen Lamantia

Sr. Ruth Yost, OSB

Mr. David Yost

Sr. Sylvia & Sr. Grace

Zimmer, OSB

Bob & Linda Zimmer

Raymond Zoller

Jo Ann Zoller

Projects increase comfort and

energy savings St. Walburg Monastery eagerly awaits three improvement projects for 2021: automatic doors,

infirmary windows, and a new infirmary roof. The windows and roof will result in increased comfort and definite energy savings.

Sisters have long appreciated the automatic door from chapel to the infirmary. It is not so easy to pass through other doors when carrying something or walking with a rollator. The door project focus-es on several locations on the ground floor; it will be possible to make a complete circuit of the building at ground level without fighting a door.

The current infirmary windows have single panes, leak cold air into the rooms, and do not tilt in for cleaning. No replacement parts are available. Reverse all those qualities and you will have described the new windows. Double pane, weather-tight, tilt-in sashes that reflect summer heat and UV light from entering. The sisters who live there will notice the difference for sure.

The infirmary wing was constructed in 1968. It has had a flat coal tar roof since that time, re-placed twice. The 2021 roof is a two-ply modified bitumen system. To combat roof ponding, saddles will be installed between drains to create positive drainage. Insulation for this roof will let it achieve a high R-value compared to the present roof, and as a result, save energy in both heating and cooling sea-sons. The higher floors of the monastery will supply a good vantage point for sisters who enjoy watch-ing the progress.

Sr. Christa Kreinbrink

20

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Pope Francis

vol. 39 issue 1 spring 2021 - st. walburg monastery

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