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
Villa Madonna Academy
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
Mr. & Mrs. John Blau
Donald & Ruth McGoron
Caroline Embry
Raymond Bishop
Eileen Gough
Gwendolyn & Al Krebs
Sr. Margaret Mary Gough,
OSB
Jean Hengelbrok
Nancy & Richard Klus
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
Gene & Sue Woolridge
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
Marilyn & Teresa Bertke
Nicholas & Elizabeth Blau
James & Martha Baranec
Helen Hohnhorst Brannen
Angela Kiger
Dorothy Brinker
Villa Madonna Academy
Alumni Association
Carol Brinkley
John Brinkley
Rev. John W. Cahill
Gene & Sue Woolridge
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
Christine Renee Yarmuth
Sr. Juanita Federico, OSB
Susan & James Carter
Jim Fohl
Marilyn & Teresa Bertke
Carolyn Franxman
Monica Egger
John H. Franxman
Mr. & Mrs. Kerry Booker
Ms. Emily A. Franxman
Marilyn Franxman
Mr. Paul Franxman
Dan & Rachel Martis
& Family
Mr. & Mrs. Jace Schneider
Sr. Justina Franxman, OSB
Monica Egger
Ms. Emily A. Franxman
Marilyn Franxman
Mr. Paul Franxman
Mr. Walter Franxman
Mrs. Mary Patricia Hemmer
Dan & Rachel Martis
& Family
Mr. & Mrs. Jace Schneider
Sr. Geraldine Gajniak, OSB
Ronald Sagan
Gough & Krebs Family
Gwendolyn & Al Krebs
Kathleen Gough
Gwendolyn & Al Krebs
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
Christine Renee Yarmuth
Joan Harmeling
Marilyn & Teresa Bertke
Victoria Heeb
Judy & John Garlich
Sr. Andrew Hellmann, OSB
Michelle Kaiser Bray
Kathy Redden
Sr. Helen Hergott, OSB
Mr. & Mrs. John Blau
Donald & Ruth McGoron
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
Richard & Regina Siegrist
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
Richard & Regina Siegrist
Charles Pieper
Dee & Mark McDonald
Thomas Prieshoff
James & Nancy Bradley
Ramler-Enzweiler Families
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Stauber
Mary Patricia Redden
Marla & John Layne
Sr. Pauline Rice, OSB
Nancy & Richard Klus
Tom Robinson
Sara Robinson
Clara & Ralph Robke
Elinor A. Robke-Comer
& John Comer
Ralph G. Robke
Barbara Robke Callahan
Deceased Robkes
Barbara Robke Callahan
Larry Roy
Marilyn & Teresa Bertke
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
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Stauber
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
Nancy & Richard Klus
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