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Twenty-eight Sisters celebrate Jubilees

Twenty-eight Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods recently celebrated Jubilees as members of the Congregation.

60-year Jubilarians

The 60-year Jubilarians include Sisters Ruth Ellen Doane, Joseph Fillenwarth, Maria Smith, Marilyn Trobaugh, Suzanne Smith, Kathleen Dede, Dorothy Larson, Betty Donoghue, Mary Rita Griffin and Carolyn Kessler.

Sister Ruth Ellen is a native of Jasper. She currently ministers in Outreach ministry at the Crisis Connection in Indianapolis.

Sister Ruth Ellen entered the Congregation Jan. 4, 1954, from St. Joseph, Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She received her master’s degree in mathematics from Cornell University, and her master’s degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.

Sister Ruth Ellen has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Germany and Louisiana.

Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, from left) Sisters Helen Dolores Losleben, Mary Loyola Bender, Agnes Arvin, Rosalie Marie Weller, Catherine Arkenberg, (back) General Council members Sisters Dawn Tomaszewski, Jenny Howard and General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, Sister Rose Marita Riordan, Sister Bernadette Mary Carroll, General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel, Sister Mary Imelda Coulup and General Council member Sister Lisa Stallings.
Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, from left) Sisters Helen Dolores Losleben, Mary Loyola Bender, Agnes Arvin, Rosalie Marie Weller, Catherine Arkenberg, (back) General Council members Sisters Dawn Tomaszewski, Jenny Howard and General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, Sister Rose Marita Riordan, Sister Bernadette Mary Carroll, General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel, Sister Mary Imelda Coulup and General Council member Sister Lisa Stallings.

Sister Joseph is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers as the director of Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute.

Sister Joseph entered the Congregation Jan. 4, 1954, from Holy Cross, Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Ball State University.

Sister Joseph has ministered in Indiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

Sister Maria is a native of Lafayette. She currently minister as activity director of the Villas of Guerin Woods, Georgetown, Ind.

Sister Maria, the former Sister Maria Goretti, entered the Congregation Jan. 4, 1954, from St. Mary Cathedral, Lafayette. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana University.

Sister Maria has ministered in Oklahoma, Illinois and Indiana.

Sister Marilyn is a native of Lafayette. She currently ministers as the local residence accounts manager of Central Business Office, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Marilyn, the former Sister Robert Louise, entered the Congregation Jan. 4, 1954, from St. Mary Cathedral, Lafayette. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University.

Sister Marilyn has ministered in Indiana.

Sister Suzanne is a native of Washington, D.C. She currently ministers as a volunteer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Suzanne, the former Sister Louis, entered the Congregation Jan. 30, 1954, from Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Washington D.C. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She received her master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. She also earned a MBA in Business from Indiana State University.

Sister Suzanne has ministered in Indiana, Massachusetts, Florida, New Hampshire, Maryland, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

Sister Kathleen is a native of Terre Haute. She currently ministers as a nursing home visitor in Indianapolis.

Sister Kathleen, the former Sister Marie Arthur, entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1954, from St. Ann, Terre Haute. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University, and her master’s degree in theology studies from the Franciscan School of Theology.

Sister Kathleen has ministered in Indiana, Florida, Mississippi, California, Illinois and Missouri.

Sister Betty is a native of Melrose, Mass. She currently ministers in care at Health Care Services, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Betty, the former Sister Clare Patrice, entered the Congregation July 22, 1954, from St. Joseph, Malden, Mass. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1962.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Sister Betty has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Sister Mary Rita is a native of Washington, D.C. She currently ministers as the coordinator for the Shrine of Our Lady of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Mary Rita, the former Sister Mary Paula, entered the Congregation July 22, 1954, from St. Ann, Washington, D.C. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1962.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in general science from Virginia State University.

Sister Mary Rita has ministered in Indiana, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Illinois and Taiwan.

Sister Carolyn is a native of Evansville. She currently ministers in outreach ministry in San Antonio, Texas.

Sister Carolyn, the former Sister Ann Carolyn, entered the Congregation July 22, 1954, from St. Andrew, Erie, Pa. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1962.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in French. She earned her master’s degree in linguistics from Georgetown University and a Ph.D in linguistics from Georgetown.

Sister Carolyn has ministered in Indiana, Italy, Washington, D.C., California, Texas and Taiwan.

Sister Dorothy is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers as the Director of Extended Day Programs at St. Zachary School, Des Plaines, Ill.

Sister Dorothy, the former Sister Margaret Marian, entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1954, from St. Angela, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1961.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received her master’s degree in education from Ball State University.

Sister Dorothy has ministered in Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois and Oklahoma.

70-year Jubilarians

The 70-year Jubilarians include Sisters Mildred Giesler, Ann Jeanette Gootee, Florence Norton, Kathryn Koressel, Rita Clare Gerardot, Kathleen Mary Gay, Dorothy Hucksoll, Anne Krause, Marie Victoria Podesta and Miriam Clare Stoll.

Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, seated) Sister Ann Jeanette Gootee, (second row) General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel, Sisters Mildred Giesler and Kathryn Koressel, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, and Sisters Dorothy Hucksoll, Miriam Clare Stoll, Marie Victoria Podesta, Florence Norton and Kathleen Mary Gay, (back) General Council member Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, Sister Anne Krause, and General Council members Sister Lisa Stallings and Sister Jenny Howard.
Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, seated) Sister Ann Jeanette Gootee, (second row) General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel, Sisters Mildred Giesler and Kathryn Koressel, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, and Sisters Dorothy Hucksoll, Miriam Clare Stoll, Marie Victoria Podesta, Florence Norton and Kathleen Mary Gay, (back) General Council member Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, Sister Anne Krause, and General Council members Sister Lisa Stallings and Sister Jenny Howard.

Sister Kathleen Mary is a native of Woburn, Mass. She currently ministers at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Kathleen Mary entered the Congregation July 22, 1944, from St. Patrick, Stoneham, Mass. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received her master’s degree in education from Rivier University, Nashua, N.H.

Sister Kathleen Mary has ministered in Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland and Washington.

Sister Mildred is a native of Jasper. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Mildred, the former Sister Alma Joseph, entered the Congregation Jan. 10, 1944, from St. Joseph, Jasper. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1951.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University, and her master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Seattle.

Sister Mildred has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

Sister Rita Clare Gerardot 2011

Sister Rita Clare is a native of New Haven. She currently ministers in outreach ministry at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Rita Clare entered the Congregation July 21, 1944, from St. Louis, New Haven, Ind. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Rita Clare has ministered in Indiana and Illinois.

Sister Ann Jeanette is a native of Indianapolis. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Ann Jeanette entered the Congregation Jan. 10, 1944, from St. Philip Neri, Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1951.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in music. She earned her master’s degree in music history literature from Butler University and a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University.

Sister Ann Jeanette has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, Texas, California, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Washington, D.C.

Sister Dorothy is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Dorothy, the former Sister Francis Ellen, entered the Congregation July 22, 1944, from St. Angela, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in reading from Indiana University, and her educational specialist certification from Indiana University.

Sister Dorothy has ministered in Indiana, Illinois and North Carolina.

Sister Kathryn is a native of Evansville. She currently ministers as the Coordinator of the Wellness Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Kathryn, the former Sister Alfreda Marie, entered the Congregation July 20, 1944. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Kathryn has ministered in Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois and Oklahoma.

Sister Anne is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Anne, the former Sister Marie Robert, entered the Congregation July 22, 1944, from St. Matthew, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. She earned her master’s degree in business from the University of Notre Dame.

Sister Anne has ministered in Indiana, Massachusetts and Illinois.

Sister Florence is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in residential services/outreach/congregational department at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Florence, the former Sister Thomas Ann, entered the Congregation Jan. 10, 1944, from St. Sylvester, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1951.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from St. Louis University.

Sister Florence has ministered in Indiana, New Hampshire, Missouri, Peru and Illinois.

Sister Marie Victoria is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in health care and prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Marie Victoria entered the Congregation July 22, 1944, from St. Mel, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She received her master’s degree in education from St. Louis University.

Sister Marie Victoria has ministered in Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois and Texas.

Sister Miriam Clare is a native of Clyde, Mo. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Miriam Clare entered the Congregation Aug. 12, 1944, from Immaculate Conception, Conception, Mo. She professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1952.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Sister Miriam Clare has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma and Missouri.

75-year Jubilarians

The 75-year Jubilarians include Sisters Catherine Arkenberg, Agnes Arvin, Rose Marita Riordan, Mary Loyola Bender, Bernadette Mary Carroll, Mary Imelda Coulup and Helen Dolores Losleben.

Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, from left) Sister Marie Smith, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson and Sister Betty Donoghue, (middle) Sister Suzanne Smith, General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel and SIsters Marilyn Trobaugh, Mary Rita Griffin and Kathleen Dede, (back) General Council members Sisters Jenny Howard and Dawn Tomaszewski, Sister Dorothy Larson, General Council member Sister Lisa Stallings and Sisters Joseph Fillenwarth and Ruth Ellen Doane.
Several Sisters of Providence celebrated Jubilees in December. They were honored at a celebration with the Sisters of Providence General Council. The sisters celebrating Jubilees included (front, from left) Sister Marie Smith, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson and Sister Betty Donoghue, (middle) Sister Suzanne Smith, General Council member Sister Mary Beth Klingel and SIsters Marilyn Trobaugh, Mary Rita Griffin and Kathleen Dede, (back) General Council members Sisters Jenny Howard and Dawn Tomaszewski, Sister Dorothy Larson, General Council member Sister Lisa Stallings and Sisters Joseph Fillenwarth and Ruth Ellen Doane.

Sister Mary Imelda is a native of Vincennes. She currently ministers as a volunteer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Mary Imelda entered the Congregation on Feb. 11, 1939, from St. John, Vincennes. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Mary Imelda has ministered in Indiana, Maryland and Illinois.

Sister Agnes is a native of Bedford. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Agnes, the former Sister Agnes Virginia, entered the Congregation on Jan. 5, 1939, from Cathedral, Indianapolis. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

Sister Agnes graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in social studies. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana University.

Sister Agnes has ministered in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and the West Indies.

Sister Catherine is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Catherine, the former Sister Jean Loretto, entered the Congregation on Jan. 5, 1939, from Maternity BVM, Chicago. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Sister Catherine has ministered in Indiana, Massachusetts, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

Sister Bernadette Mary is a native of Alhambra, California. She currently ministers in health care at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Bernadette Mary entered the Congregation on Feb. 2, 1939, from All Souls, Alhambra, California. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Bernadette Mary has ministered in Indiana and California.

Sister Mary Loyola is a native of Owensboro, Kentucky. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Mary Loyola entered the Congregation on Feb. 2, 1939, from St. Joseph Church, Owensboro, Kentucky. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1946.

Sister Mary Loyola has ministered in Indiana, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.

Sister Rose Marita is a native of Chicago. She currently ministers as a volunteer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Rose Marita entered the Congregation on Jan. 5, 1939, from St. Mel, Chicago. She professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Rose Marita has ministered in Indiana, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.

Sister Helen Dolores is a native of Anaheim, California. She currently ministers as a volunteer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Helen Dolores entered the Congregation on July 16, 1939, from St. Boniface, Anaheim, California. She professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1948.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She earned her master’s degree in education from DePaul University.

Sister Helen Dolores has ministered in California, Illinois and Texas.

80-year Jubilarian

The 80-year Jubilarian is Sister Rosalie Marie Weller.

Sister Rosalie is a native of Earl Park, Indiana. She currently ministers in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Sister Rosalie entered the Congregation July 7, 1934, from St. Peter, Fort Wayne. She professed perpetual vows on Jan. 23, 1942.

Sister Rosalie has ministered in Indiana, Washington, D.C., Illinois and California.

(Note: Sister Rita Clare Gerardot was not photographed)

About the Sisters of Providence

The Sisters of Providence, a congregation of 214 women religious, with 300 Providence Associates, collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind., which is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 13 states, the District of Columbia and Asia, through works of love, mercy and justice. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries can be found at SistersofProvidence.org.

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Jason Moon

Jason Moon

Jason Moon serves as media relations manager for the Sisters of Providence. Previously, he spent more than 16 years in the newspaper industry.