Benedictine Si s t e r s o f E r i e
“... so that in all things God may be glorified.” -Chapter 57, Rule of St. Benedict
Spring 2006 n the cover is a close-up crop of the newest O addition to our collection of Brother Thomas Bezanson’s fine art pottery. This community is proud to have the beauty of art in our monastery. We delight in the relationship over the years with Spring 2006 our brother, Thomas, who has gifted us with his The Mount Magazine creations in ceramic. Each piece, unique in shape Benedictine Sisters of Erie and color, makes available to us, through all the 6101 East Lake Road senses, communion with God, the archetypal Erie, Pennsylvania 16511 first and last Artist. (814) 899-0614 Whether the piece is in the sanctuary of our chapel ErieBenedictines.org The Gift of Art for our prayer, or in our dining room as we gather as family, or in our hallways to greet our guests, one of Thomas’ pots has the capacity to move our spirit beyond ourselves to a realm where all life is seen as gift.
The philanthropy and generosity Please see Page 19 for “The Gift of Art,” a special of Erie photographer Ed Bernik, Jubilee Year Event. of Jim Lynch, Mike Herman, Jamie Potosnak and the design -Sr. Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, prioress team at fishtank creative, and of Printing Concepts, Inc., in Erie, have made this issue of The Mount affordable for the Benedictine 3...... From the Prioress “Jubilee draws us toward the future.” Sisters of Erie. This issue ofThe Mount is produced by Kathy Linse. 4...... From the Development Director The executive editor is Sister Mary “Your support is a great blessing to us.” Jane Vergotz, OSB. 5...... 2005 Community Donors
7...... St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Donors
10...... A Wonderful Year! SBA Alumnae enjoyed special events and success.
12 ...... Jubilarians celebrate “Uphold me O God according to your word. ...”
Please help us to maintain an accurate 18...... In Loving Memory mailing list and keep our costs down We remember Sr. Mary Regina and Sr. Bernardine by contacting us with any change in mail or e-mail information. If you prefer not to receive The Mount please 19...... The Gift of Art let us know. Send correspondence to: Brother Thomas Bezanson Exhibit
Ann Comstock Benedictine Sisters Development Office Mount St. Benedict Monastery 6101 East Lake Road Erie, PA 16511 BENEDICTINE CHARISM STATEMENT (814) 899-0614, Ext. 2573 The Benedictine way is to seek God in the cenobitic life and to respond [email protected] in prayer and ministry. From the Prioress
“We are a legacy of hope”
enedictine monasteries have been oases of hope across the centuries. They have provided centers where those who seek God can constantly confront their lives with the Gospel. Monasteries are to be starting places for setting out on the road toward hope. Jubilee has given us a time to reread our history and touch once again the audacity of the women who stepped out in faith in their time. Our time is now, no less is asked of us. Benedict’s Rule begins with the invitation “Listen carefully.” For Benedict, careful listening is the prelude to wise discernment. Engaged with the world we live in and steeped in the biblical Word, we contemplate the mystery of the reign of God and its challenge to many aspects of our contemporary culture. We see not only the breakdown of old structures but the envisioning of better ways of living and working together as a human family. Out of our experience of God in Bprayer and community, we discern God’s presence in the sighs and hopes of our world. Jubilee draws us toward the future. It brings renewed energy and deepens the commitment of this community to be the legacy of hope for a new time. As a community, we live out this hope in the service of the dawning reign of God countering the despair of our contemporary era. The fear and alienation, domination, exclusion, and violence that mark the new century are consequences of human actions and decisions. We hold the belief that life does not have to be arranged so that a few thrive while many suffer. Social theorists speak of globalization’s possibilities and offer a vision of a planetary family. Sadly these theories are often at odds with our actual experience. The differences across borders and continents deepen fear and foment hostility, source of conflict and war. As Benedictine women, we search our souls and probe the wisdom of the monastic tradition to address whatever obscures the face of God on our planet. The experience of solidarity within human community must be recovered only then will we act out of the ethic of the common good. When we do that we will see our deepest longings realized. It is a call for a spiritual transformation so that “all may have life in abundance.” Benedictine life is lived in community as a sign of our solidarity and witness that peace is possible among strangers. It takes uncommon courage and generosity to make room in our lives for the “other” but that is what Benedictine hospitality is all about. This hospitality is made manifest in the ministries that we extend to a hurting world. They are the overflowing of our faithfulness to prayer and attentiveness to the presence of God in all creation. Jubilee is the liberation of gratitude and the humble recognition that we have been blessed. Simone Weil writes: “God is present at the point where the eyes of those who give and those who receive meet.” We stand in that spot today. You have been very much a part of this jubilee year. You have shared the journey of life with us and we invite you to be a vital part of our future. Together we can move into the future with heroic hope fostering in each other the capacity to live with passion and compassion in a world that longs for biblical jubilee.
Prioress, Benedictine Sisters of Erie
3 for Our Benefactors Who Have Sustained Our Community In Thanksgiving 10% for 150 Years 30%
40% 20% s we celebrate our 150th Jubilee Year, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie have gathered together to honor the people whose relationships have sustained us over the years. When we reminisce about our early history we Development Income remember the kindness and charity of the families who in 1856 provided our Annual Programs 130,521.58 30% first four sisters with food, shelter and transportation. Beginning with our SBA Alumnae 84,396.69 20% settlement in Erie, Pa., and continuing through today, our benefactors have Unrestricted Gifts 171,892.07 40% Ahelped us to sustain our monastery and our ministries through their financial Chapel Project/Restricted Gifts 40,701.89 10% support and volunteer activities. Our 2005 Annual Report captures the influence of the generosity of our supporters on the lives of the community. Total 427,512.23
During 2005 the Benedictine Sisters have continued to sustain our income through the stipends earned by the Sisters through our ministry activity, and 30% some Social Security income that together represents 58% of our operating income. Our 2005 development efforts accounted for 12% of the community’s 58% operating income. Our annual giving program continues to grow as the number 12% of bequests increases each year. We received special gifts in honor of our Jubilee celebration from the St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Association and the Oblates of Mount St. Benedict Monastery. The alumnae honored us with a gift of $27,376, the proceeds from the Christmas Peace Concert during their Benedictine Sisters of Erie November Homecoming Weekend. Our Oblates presented a gift of $ 4,266 Operating Income to Sister Christine Vladimiroff, prioress, during a special reception as part of Sisters’ Stipends/Salaries 2,020,185.41 58% their October Homecoming Weekend. Both gifts have been designated for our Development/Gifts 427,512.23 12% Heritage of Hope Capital Campaign. Other income accounted for 30% of Other 1,076,040.79 30% operating income. Total 3,523,738.43
Our operating expenses increased in 2005 as gasoline, natural gas and health care costs continued to rise. Property/buildings and transportation accounted 7% 8% for 34% of our expense budget followed by members’ personal expenses, which include health care at 32%, employee payroll at 19% and other expenses at 7%. Through careful monitoring and management of our expenses along with an 34% 32% increase in income we succeeded in ending another year in the “black.” 19% As we honor our benefactors during this 150th Jubilee Year we thank God for your presence in our lives. We are blessed to have supporters who share our vision of a world where all people live in peace, where charity, mercy and justice prevail and where hope reigns eternal. May God bless you. Operating Expenses Administration 219,471.86 8% Members’ Personal Expenses 1,065,128.19 32% Payroll Expenses 601,731.75 19% diane Cook, OSB Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB Property/Buildings/Transportation 1,105,597.89 34% Treasurer Development Director Other 214,198.44 7% Total 3,206,128.13
4 5 2005 Community Donors
• Dolores Adams • • Adams Kelly Dolores $100+ • American Railing Systems, Inc. • Geraldine L. L. • Geraldine Inc. Systems, Railing • American $1000+
COMMUNITY OF LIFE who held her partner’s loved ones in daily ones loved prayer. who held her partner’s • Mary Catherine Bunting • Janet Sickinger • • Sickinger Janet Bunting • Mary Catherine Community of Life program. Each participant was matched with an individual Benedictine Sister Community of Life program. During November 2005, the Benedictine Sisters were blessed to join in prayer with 916 individuals for with 916 individuals our blessed to join in prayer the Benedictine Sisters were During 2005, November Kopkowski • Ann Kosin • Mary Virginia Kraus • Jane and Felix Kryzanowski • Justine Kulka • Kathy Laird • Mary Mary • Laird Kathy • Kulka Justine • Kryzanowski Felix and Jane • Kraus • Virginia Lees Mary • Susan • Kosin Ann • Lassandrello Robert Kopkowski and Noreen • LaPorte Dale and Kathy • Laport* Ray • Lambert John • and Levin Rose George • Judge Lesser • Janine Leslie • Jean Legin-Buccell Cynthia and • Michael Lefort Paul and Eileen Betty Kennedy • Thomas Kennedy • John and Magdalene Kenny • Carol and Dan Kensill and Family • James Kerr • Kerr James • Family and Kensill Dan and Carol • Kenny Magdalene and John • Kennedy Thomas • Kennedy Betty Joseph • Reverend Klempay • Janet Kincaid Jane Mary and • Daniel Kiehlmeier • Evelyn Kestner Kyle and Anita Kleinstuber • Barbara Kluka • Janet Knaff •Patricia Koch • Richard and Joan Koebert •Paul and Therese Howley-Cusack • Richard Huether • Jude and Ray Huetteman • James Hunt • John Hynes • Lawrence and Carol Carol and Lawrence • Hynes John • Hunt James • and Huetteman Ray and Charles • Jude • Joslin Huether Sally • Richard • Jones Helen • Howley-Cusack Johnson Jean • Jetter Ann Margaret Dr. • James Mike and Laura • Hynes • Kaza Keltner • Charles Elaine • Monsignor Kasperick-Postellon and Stephen • • Joy Teresa Joe Esther George Joseph Harvey • Joanne Hecht • Alice Mary Hedges • Florence Heibel • Helen and David Heinzer • Joanne Helides Helides Joanne • Heinzer David and Helen • Heibel Florence • Hedges Mary Alice • Hecht Joanne • Harvey Joseph •John Hoffman Deni • • Margaret Hoehn Houk William Janet • • Dr. Hlavin Mike and Hosterman • Phyllis Doug Hilliard • Anne Mary and Hill • Kay Bertha • Hopfensperger Donald and Sandra • Beaudoin Mary and Holden Mark Gorman • Maureen and Owen Gormley • Thomas and Margaret Goss • Kim Granche • James Green and Bill Bill and Green James • Griffith Granche Rick • Kim • Goss Griffin Margaret Elizabeth and • Thomas • Grettenberger Gormley Owen Roger and and Maureen Mary • • Gorman Mark Gregerson Ann • • Guth Green Eugenia • Ron Gulley and Jean Peg and • Robert • Grundy Diederich Sharon • Grow • Lucille Harris • Edna Groner Kathleen Ann • Mary • Hammond Grimaldi Joan Eileen • Reverend • Hall Judy • Habas Wanda and Joe • Guth Amy and Timothy and Mrs. Philip Gallagher • Reverend Leo Gallina • William Garvey, Ph.D. • Edwina Gateley • Katherine & Mike Mike & Katherine • Gateley Edwina • Ph.D. Garvey, William • Gallina Leo Reverend • Gallagher Philip Mrs. and • Gorman Kathleen • Goodill* • • Robert Gecewich Giordano Phyllis • Debra Givens • Monsignor • Givens Rachel and Gerard Mary Goetz • Goebel Rita William and Edward and Pam • Goetz Brian and Carla • Jr. Goebel, Eustace • George Evans, Jr. and Michael Devine • Rita Evans • Marie Farrell • Vincente and Angelica Fernandez • Fernandez Angelica and and Vincente • Sally • Farrell Marie • Fountain Evans Rita • Roy Devine and Michael Maxine and • Jr. Foster Evans, Simon • George • Fletcher Eustace Lee • Fletcher Eileen • Fessler Dr. • Mary • Gabreski Paul • Ferrari Fuss Sue • Nancy Fuller Nancy and Richard • Fuhrman Carl Dr. • Friesen Donna • French Michael Dougherty • Reverend Elizabeth Morris Downie • Joan Dramble • Mr. and Mrs. William Driscoll, Jr. • Dr. and Mrs. Mrs. and Dr. • Jr. Driscoll, William Mrs. and Mr. • Ditz • and Dramble Doboze Kenneth • Susan • Dixson Terrie Doerr Charles Joan • • • Donnaruma Barbara and Joseph Edna Downie Morris Elizabeth Reverend • Dougherty Family Michael • MM •The Eustace •Pat Erber • Egan, Dulabon Mary • Duval David • Thomas Mary Eckert Gerald Cross • Dr. and Mrs. Michael Cunningham • Mary Ellen Dahlkemper and Ed Lesser • Drs. Ellen Dailey and and Dailey Ellen Drs. • Lesser Ed and Dahlkemper Ellen Mary • Cunningham Michael Mrs. and Dr. • Cross Gerald Julia • Ditchkofsky Michael • •• DeSante MaryDecker Hope andDavid Ditch • •John Maureen Danner Mona and Danner • Dunn Frances Geoffrey Mary Vera • DiStefano Bernardino Mrs. and Dr. • Detisch Scott Reverend Ted Carter Ted • James and Phyllis • Cattron Childs Susan • •Varma Cedrone • Charles Christopher and Pauline • • Cipolla Sherry Cipolla Virginia and • Francis Cipolla • Anthony • Ann Geri Cicchetti John • Ciamaichela Anthony and Comstock Ann • Esther Cole • Deborah • Coxe Colbath Mary • Amenta Cohen Carl • Eloise • Coady James and Costello Miriam • Catherine Clinton • Diane Cooper Marjorie • Convey Josephine and John • Constable Bracken • Barbara Brairton • • • • • Brairton Ruth Bracken Brenot Breon Brenner Robert Barbara Susan and • Joan Briody Douglas Sheila Monsignor • Carr Dee • Carlson Donald and • Brugger • and • and Chong Bulishak Aimee Brunelle Richard • Evelyn Mildred Burton Walter • • Cahill Joanne Mary Carlson Helen • Foundation Family Carfagna • Callahan Bender • Bianchi Motors, Inc. • Richard Blanchfield • Charles Bleil • Mark Bliley • Carol and Bill Bloomstine • ••andBloomstine Bill •Bleil Bliley Carol Mark Charles Blanchfield • Richard Inc. Carol and Motors, William • • Bender Bianchi Bodine • Lisa Bobish • Nell Matczak Patricia and Bobango • John Blumish Tom and Shirley and Amy William • Boyle O. • and Patrick and Dee Carol Boyer Walter • Dr. Bontempo • Angela C. Bombeck Adamson • Phillip Aiello • Regina Anthony • Cecile and David Armor • Barbara Baglier • Christine Bahry • Elizabeth Elizabeth • Bahry Christine • Baglier Barbara • Armor David and Cecile • Anthony Regina • Aiello Phillip Frank • and Lisa Adamson • • Reverend Beichner Bartlett • Bill Barker Janet • and Jacqueline Baltz Davis Raymond Mrs. and • • Dr. Baloga Beichner Catherine and • Linda James Bailey and M. Gerald • Bedwell Scott Dr. • Baumann Stephen Pastore • Francis J. Pilewski • Marilyn Reiser • Jeri Rhodes • Molly Rogowski • Dr. and Mrs. Rustum Roy • Nancy Nancy • Roy Rustum Mrs. and and Dr. • Susan • Rogowski Smith Molly • Rhodes Jeri • Jacqueline Reiser and Marilyn • Joel • Pilewski Smith J. Frank Francis • and Marlene • Pastore Rose April • Tanner* Sanner M. James Charlene • Reverend • McLaughlin Clarke Jo Sheila and and Sabol Sutton Sandra • Strosser Walter and Kate • Stanton John • • Wilson Donors Robert and Six • Mrs. Anonymous Mr. and Trambley Jerry Society Alliance • Kathleen Esser • David and Deb Ferguson • Harry and May Ann Finkbone • Kathleen and Robert Robert and Kathleen • Finkbone Ann May and Dennis Harry and • Joanna • Ferguson Irish Deb and George • David • Jr. Esser Kathleen Hoffman, • Jack and Alliance Mary • Society Guth Amy and Timothy • Goetz Patricia • Frenzel Anthony and • Martha O’Mara • Catherine Metrik Rose and • Albert Mashank • Gregory Korn • Betty Jacobson $5000+ Baron • Michael and Cheryl Bough • Leslianne Braunstein • Services • Investment Brothers Christian Doris Medical • County Love Erie Marie and • Ellison Lola Liotta Cindy and • Daugherty • Ann Mary Cook Cipolla Community Donors Cont. Maria Ling • Barbara Logan • Marjorie Londregan • Robbie Lonewolf • Marty Loquvam and Julie Loquvam-Granger • Mary Louise and Charles Luddy • Jeffrey and Lori Ann Ludrof • Christine Lundt • Leon and Margaret Machulski • Joseph Mackrell • Pauline Madigan • Maryann Malingowski • Ann Marie Manning • Lois Manookian • Michael Martin •Joan Martter • Matthew and Yelena Masotti • Harriett Mathews • Patricia and Joseph Mattis • Elsie Mayer • Cheryle McCann • Connie McCarroll • Emma Lee McCloskey, George Spiegel & Bradley Tuttle • Roger McDaniels, Sr. • Monsignor Richard McGuire •Rita McLaughlin • Edward Mead • Pamela Mead • Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy • Peggy Meiklejohn • Margaret Menc • Mimi Meriwether • Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mester • Ed Metzler • Arlene Mary Meyerhofer • Paula Michalegko • Kathleen Minton • Dr. and Mrs. Forrest Mischler • William and Linda Morrison • Lynne and Robert Morrow, Jr. • Mt. Saviour Monastery • Carolyn and Don Mullally • Linda Mulrean • Reverend John Murphy • Kathy Murray • Beverly and Tim Musser • Carol and Robert Nantkes • Helen Newell • Mary Ann Novascone • Mary Ellen Zeltzer O’Connor and John O’Connor • Sarah and David O’Connor • Dr. and Mrs. Joseph O’Leary • Dr. and Mrs. Robert O’Leary • Ony Oas • Paula and Quentin Ogren • Ohio Wesleyan University • Carol and Joseph Olson • Mary Olson • Mildred Orr • Barbara Ostrowski • Kathleen Pae • Mary Palmer • Jane and Gene Parks • Francisco and Sarah Pedraza • Judith Peebles • Alice Peightal • Jean Craige Pepper Victor • Donna Perino • Gertrude and John Petersen • Clara Petrini • Lynette Petruska • Kathryn Phillipp • Joe and Janet Pilewski Family • Pio’s Italian Restaurant • Ann Plogsterth • Marjorie and Joseph Podolsky • Jeffery Pogozelski • Dolores and Robert Polak • Jack Polancy • Carol and Norman Poniatowski • Kathy Poulton • Lucille Powers • Mary Anne Pressler • Carl Puleo • Norma Jean Puplampu • Betty and Barney Radov • Cheryl Raney • Mary Lou and Michael Rathers • Marilyn Redenius • Margaret Regruth • The Reid Group • Dorothea Reilly • Reme Renfro and Mary Kay Hewitt • Patricia Rettger • Elaine and Klaus Retzlaff • Janet and Eric Rice • Peggy and Al Richardson • Nathan and Mary Ann Ritchey • Helen Robinson • Kenneth and Rebecca Rocco • Audrey and John Rogers • Shawn and Sharon Rooney • Barbara Roseborough • Maureen and Jim Rovengo • John and Linda Rowe • Anne Ruhling • Catherine Runski • Lee Russell • Barbara Rutigliano • Nancy and Victor Rutkoski • Joan Rutkowski • Joseph Rys • Paul Sabol • Barbara Samuels • Maurice and Jacqueline Sardi • Marcia Savory • Martha Ann Schaaf • Mary and Peter Schaaf • Harry and Lourdes Schad • Brian Schatz • Dr. Kathleen Schatzberg • Alvena and Earl Schauble • Vicki and Sylvester Schieber • Paul Schill • James Schleicher • Maureen Schmidt • Rita Schmitt • Margaret Schneider • Jean Schoonmaker • Paul and Mary Schubert • Monica Schwegman • Saima Scott • Marie Scrimenti • Phillip Scrimenti • Rita Scrimenti • Kathleen Seaton • Reverend Lyta and Robert Seddig • Marcia Seide • Marilyn Seiker • Mary Senard • James Shaw • Denise Sheppard • Mary Shindledecker • Pauline Silvia • Reverend Jerome Simmons • Rosemary Simon • Raymond and Virginia Simpson • Cynder Sinclair • Sisters of St. Joseph of Erie • Scarlett Skarupski • Evelyn Skovron • Genevieve and Melinda Skovron • Michael and Anne Skovron • Robert Skwaryk • Eileen and Ed Slagis • Annette Slater • Beverly and Charles Slomski • Carl Slomski • Slovak National Club • Nancy Small and Carl Baniszewski • Joel and Jacqueline Smith • Emily Snow • Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder • Valentine and Joan Socha • Virginia Spaeder • Jan Spence • Jennifer Spiegel • Beth Spiker • Mary Anne and William Springer • Donald St. George • Richard and Ann St. John • Kathleen Steele • Kathleen Stephens • Margaret and James Stolley • Robert Storey • Nita and Ralph Storm • Marcia Straub • Louise Strub • William Stubenhofer • Arthur J. Sullivan, Jr. • John Sullivan • Mary Rae Sweeney • Theresa Taft • Josephine Tanner • Christine and Anthony Tatalone • Melanie Titzel • James and Mary Ann Toohey • John and June Totin • Judy and Donald Toyer • Cleta Trambley • Caillean McMahon Tronetti • William and Elizabeth Tucker • Mary Ulrey • Arthur and Carol Underwood • Dorothy and Bob Valerian • Virginia and Edward Vereb • Richard and Alzinette Vergotz • Theresa Marie Vitolo • Vicary Insurance • Dr. and Mrs. Leo Wacker • Autumn Wagner • Mrs. Francis Waickman • Clarence and Nancy Walbert • Edward Walsh & Kristen Peterson • Marcia and Timothy Walsh • Therese Walter • Diane Ward • Ruth and Robert Wehrer • Lynn Weissert and Jill Rouke • Mary Ann Williams • Robert Wingerter • Theresa Wirtner • Herbert and Georganne Witter • Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Wittmann • Casimir Wojciki • Martha Woodworth • Jim Yard • Soon-Young Yoon • Mr. and Mrs. Albert Zell • John and Deirdre Ziegler • Twenty-seven Anonymous Donors • BEQUESTS • Helen Casey • Mary R. Conti • Winifred Detzel • Ed McGrath • Lucille Seigel • Olivia Staub • Dorothy Stoner • T.C. Whitehouse • MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF • Brother Sal Allessie • Sister Mary David Callahan, OSB • Jerome A. Comstock • Lois Dahlkemper • Elinor Dailey Wagner • John DiGeorge, Jr. • Sister Mary Regina Flanagan, OSB • Sister Bernardine Goebel, OSB • Lottie Gorski • Helen Amendola Grassi • Marc Kaliszewski • Arlene M. Karle • Sister Elaine Kecer, OSB • Charles Kennedy • Edward Kloecker • Edward Kownacki • Stella Lepkowski • Charles Liotta • Walter Lipski • Marie Maimone • Sister Mary Hugh McCaffrey, OSB • Virginia Polanski • Virgil Roseborough • Mary Schmidt • Barb Seidler • Lucille Seigel • Jack Spacht • Charlene M. Tanner • Edward Wagner • Paul Weaver • Dorothy Winkelman • GARDEN OF MEMORIES • Tree • In Memory of Alois and Margaret Kendziora • Gazebo Pavers • In Memory of Sister Alberta Steineck, OSB • In Memory of Amanda Turner • Brick Pavers • In Honor of Sister Marie Celine Bucholz, OSB • In Memory of the Miller Family • In Memory of the Moske Family •In Memory of Sister Mary Margaret Raub, OSB • MEMBERS OF BENEDICTINE VISION • Donna P. Bessken • Mary F. Cook • Nancy and Joseph Dahlkemper • Vena Eastwood • Kathleen Esser • George Evans, Jr. & Michael Devine • J. Robert Ferrick • Robert Fessler • William P. Garvey • Rita and Jim Gay • Mary and Jack Hoffman, Jr. • Margaret Kloecker • Kathleen and James Kunsman • Dawn M. Laughlin Levin • Agnes Lindsey • Marjorie Londregan • Lisa M. Manendo • Betsy and Marco Monsalve • Barbara Musarra • Mary Ann Novascone • Francis J. Pilewski • Margaret S. Pomeroy • Kathy A. Poulton • Daniel Sabol • Dolores J. Sarafinski, PhD • Kathleen P. Steele • Nita and Ralph Storm • William Stubenhofer • Pamela and Marty Weber • Joan K. Willin • Seven Anonymous Donors
ANNUAL DRAW Thank you to the 1,516 benefactors who contributed more than $49,000 to the 2005 Benedictine Sisters’ Annual Draw completed on July 25, 2005.
We take great care and effort in maintaining accurate lists of our benefactors. We apologize for any oversights. The Benedictine Sisters of Erie are grateful to the 3,278 benefactors who made gifts to our community during the year 2005. We keep you in our prayers. (* indicates deceased) 6 2005 St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Donors
Class of 1927 Lavina Haibach Graf+ Class of 1931 Amelia Heck Berchtold Class of 1933 Winifred Carey Eisert Class of 1934 Ann Pfadt+ Class of 1935 Ethel Rice Hauser • Mary Philip Kiehlmeier OSB • Dolores Messmer Robinson+ • Adelaide Henry Roland Class of 1936 Grace Brugger Hoke • Betty Baumann Ingram Class of 1937 Kathleen Esser+ • Louise Lechner Kooser • Virginia Grugin Kraus Class of 1939 Jean Nash Buchanan • Ann Marie Seus Cage • Jeanne Menz Gensheimer • Rosemary Pitzer Heintz • Mary Margaret Kraus OSB Class of 1940 Ruthe Schmitzer Galbraith • Virginia Paulson Smith • Mary Ernst Walczak • Hedwig Terry Weyand • Helen Schmitt Wright • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1941 Veronica Weiner Chuzie • Gertrude Respecki Crynock • Natalie Krainski Crynock+ • Pat Zirkelbach Goetz+ • Mary Ann Keating OSB • Charlotte Toczylowski Mankowski • Lucille Gorny Murawski • Eileen Bundy Schaaf • Constance Matysiewicz Wieczorek Class of 1942 Helen Scheffner Kennerknecht • Patricia Grugin Smith Class of 1943 Virginia Kaminski Conover • Joan Gibbons Goodill • Therese Ann Jordan Larson • Mary Kay Schneider Pitzer • Rita Pruchniewski OSB • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1944 Henrietta Felker Lucore • Carolyn Buckel Steiner • Genevieve Taccone • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1945 Therese Olszewski Dymski • Mary Grace Hanes OSB • Dorothy Anderson Kraus • Marjorie Will Patrick+ • Genevieve Sienkiewicz Skrzypczak • Mary Ann Kraus Wickham • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1946 Chris Hyziewicz Ekimoff • Mary Fessler+ • Eugenia Perry Guth+ • Wanda Drzewiecki Jurkiewicz • Helen Heil Kiehlmeier • Delphine Respecki Trambley • Teresa Jakubowski Wawrzyniak • Dorothy Wisniewski Whipple Class of 1947 Sally Melaven Buseck • Edith Chimenti Cicchetti • Doris Inter • Shirley Becker Kiehlmeier • Betty Jo Pruchniewski Marz • Joan Gorny Ragen • Frances Grygo Somolani • Peggy Zuzula Steers • Claire Kraus Weber • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1948 Mary Lou Stein Cooney+ • Mary Louis Eichenlaub OSB • Jeanne Moske Hiegel • Joan Sosnowski Menosky • Rita Orzel+ • Rita Benson Simmons • Betty Pol Way+ • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1949 Sophie Wodarski Bruno • Julianna Custer Cicero • Claire Hanlin Gredler+ • Dorothy Fischer Heidt • Carol Smith Kaiser* • Patricia Hughes Kelleher • Allene Schroeck Kraus • Doris Dahlkemper Kraus • Dawn Mitchell Laughlin Levin+ • Eileen May Mele • Joan Naguszewski Payer • Marilyn Sanner Schwab • Audrey Jerge Wilson Class of 1950 Donna Enders Bardroff • Norma Jean Hanlin Dahlkemper • Mary Allgeier Dombek • Theresa Santor Feyas • Catherine Marz Gdaniec • Lucille Brzezinski Gorka • Carol Dippo Leary • Theresa Bryce Millard • Louann Miller Nowosielski • Betty Orzel+ • Barbara Kosiorek Steigerwald+ • Dolores Kruszewski Sznajder* • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1951 Christine Dymski Brzozowski+ • Joan Carney McCallion • Joan Behrendt Peters • Dorothy Plonski+ • Cecilia Czulewicz Rutkowski • Barbara Willow Seidler+ • Louise Raub Strub Class of 1952 Mary Jane Seelinger Dahlkemper • Joan Kinsinger Fromknecht • Patricia Przepierski Gray • Patricia Doran Harabedian • Jane Dippo Heidt • Joan Alamenciak Jersey • Patricia Carrigan Kiefer • Barbara Rys Lorei • Johanna Adamus Randazzo • Letitia Chimenti Skrzypczak • Rosemary Rastatter Southard • Dolores Sutula-Dray Class of 1953 Luella Bartos • Mary Lou Koenig Burkhart • Margaret Martin Curtis • Carolyn Gutowski DiMattio • Theresa Michalski Dzikowski • Ruth Neeve Earll • Nona Pikiewicz Horton • Marie Dudenhoefer Inter • Nancy Jakubowski Kala • Carol Sohl Mallozzi • Catherine Danowski Mansfield • Joan Hodges More+ • Carmelita Hogan Munsch • Dona Obenrader OSB • Mary Jo Kraut Polatas • Evelyn Wilczynski Selleny • Barbara Krauchen Thompson Class of 1954 Elizabeth Brumboy Burgoyne • Carol Becker Buseck • Phyllis Traphagen Coe • Esther Szczypinski Cross • Margaret Roach Cross • Elizabeth Laskovich Donato • Barbara Sislowski Ester+ • Teresa Wasielewski Harbrecht • Mary Rose Keegan Lambert+ • Barbara Schmitz Laprice • Virginia Lucas Leone • Eileen Condon Lepich • Joanne Anysz Lessor • Evelyn Zattosky Ludwig • Geraldine Krasinski Martin • Theresa Kaminski Miller • Tillie Woznicki Miller • Anna Marie Gorka Neimeic • Halina Radziszewski • Joan Heberlein Rycheck • Evelyn Komorek Schneidmiller • Joan Dombrowski Strasser • Rita Santor Sulecki • Theresa Siewicz Welte • Mary Alice Gorny Wilczynski • Audrey Yourkovik Yurkovic • Helen Zimmerman+ • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1955 Betty Gutowski Bialomizy • Lorraine Benczkowski Boncella • Evelyn Ratkowski Buczynski • Mary Ann Phillips Dabrowski • Pauline Benes Ellis • Rita Rinderle Gay • Evelyn Zmijewski Gostomski • Patricia Wehan Hawley • Mary Ann Rogers Hedderick • Judy Krauchen Holland • Rose Marie Binna Jarmolowicz+ • Kay Yourkovik Kujan • Dolores Jankowski Madura • Kathleen Kennedy McNamara+ • Mary Wittman Pope • Helen Ropelewski • Helen Zmijewski Schneider+ • Betty Balkovic Schodt • Phyllis Robie Smith • Ann Kaveney Spelling • Rita Sybyl-Didier+ • Jacqueline Schemek Tarr • Marjorie Davitt Tesore • Geraldine Kedzierski Thomas+ • Geraldine Kinecki Tomczak • Rose Kupniewski Wingrove • Angeline Smith Wisinski • Therese Slivkanich Wojciechowski • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1956 Olivia Borgia Balczon • Rosemary Wienczkowski Benkoski • Anne Bolash+ • Patricia Mazanowski Bujalski • Charlotte Grzebielski Daniels • Janet Bulishak Frazer • Carol Fischer Kuna • Mary Ann Sawtelle Lican • Dorothy Luniewski • Carole Sienkiewicz McFadden • Patricia Pawlak Mielnik • Veronica Cummings Olszewski • Dorothy Shall Palmieri • Betty Jane Bules SReynaud • Beverly Ann Smith Slomski+ • Dorothy Zielinski Snider • Marcia Toporowski Turowski • Nancy Martin Wells • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1957 Helen Styles Behringer • Janet Respecki Benovic • Nancy Komorek Biebel • Judith Ruland Burke • Barbara Kolakowski Calamita • Dolores Adamus Cowan • Barbara Mikolajczyk
7 Alumnae Donors Cont.
Cyterski • Patricia Moske Gennaro • Joanne Motty Gregan • Charlotte Bula Grippi • Joan Golembieski Hands+ • Madeline Wozniak Hartleb • Patricia Lazorchak Kirk • Carol Kitsa+ • Lena Carullo Langer • Adrienne Cunningham Manning+ • Mary Ann Bules McClinnton • Nancy Henderson Ranus • Judith Gutowski Rosenberg • Barbara Bacher Sayers • Joanne Wagner Staszewski • Patricia Ambrose Tecza • Judy Pierce Winschel Class of 1958 Margaret Kuklinski Alloway • Susan Senger Bayliss+ • Emelie Marchini Bice • Judy Schell Bodnar • Margaret Lynch Cammarata • Audrey Nagle Casey • Dolores Kowalski Corsi • Theresa Jankowski Hiney • Millie Pawlak Krainski+ • Barbara Benes Maleski • Christine Rys Martin+ • Jane Harris McDonald • Carolyn Allgeier Melby • Pauline Pohl Miller • Carol Seelinger Renner • Mary Ann Almeda Santi • Ann Marie Pasky Skolnik • Jan Sulkowski Spence+ • Eugenia Jaworski Venegas+ • Phyllis Breece Volk • Carol Angelotti Vona • Pearl Wisniewski • Caroline Kujawinski Wolff+ • Kathleen Barber Young • Antoinette Laskowski Zamorski • Catherine Urbanik Zatkiewicz • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1959 Dorothy Tucholski Abate • Chris Plonski Adams • Marcia Windsor Allshouse+ • Barbara Szczesny Chiaramonte • Carol Granahan Dempsey • Audrey Rzodkiewicz Draszkiewicz • Grace Piorkowski Earl+ • Irene Fabin+ • Nancy Sitter Freeman+ • Audrey Kuklinski Gallagher • Carol Grygier • Anna Mae Reszkowski Harvey • Carol Madras Hilbrich • Bonnie Kinsinger • Caroline Kosiorek Kunz • M Elaine Glembocki Mango • Barbara Dobrowolski Miller+ • Joan Kedzierski Murphy • Carol Neyman Olson+ • Camille Malinowski Pakela • Delphine Ropiecki Palkovic • Judith Jaworowicz Palucki • Pat Cieslak Parmarter • Elaine Vladimiroff Retzlaff+ • Charlene Coleman Riblet • Joan Kocon Ritenour • Mary Kraus Rywalski • Karen Richards Shrum • Anita Massing Squeglia+ • Patricia Benecki Straub+ • Joan Tirak • Sally Gehringer Vallimont • Darcie Wetherbee Vargo • Christine Hodas Visosky • Kathleen Kuhn Zeitler • Three Anonymous Donors Class of 1960 Mary Lou Dreischak Abrams • Mary Jane Waldo Adamaszek+ • Patricia Baginski • Karen Buchanan Borowski • Lois Mattis Castaldi • Class of 1960+ • Shirley Schell Colonna • Theresa Hollowienko Cox • Judy Young Crews • Kathleen Roach Duda • Mary Ann Merski Ekelund • Jackie Mikrut Ennis • Kathy Przychodzien Fabian+ • Ruth Falconer Fox+ • Marilyn Smith Grasso • Donna Kwiatowski Harrington • Charlotte Kowalski Kujawinski • Kathleen Sullivan Kunsman+ • Patricia Kowalczyk May • Carolyn Peters McLean+ • Anne Froehlich Metzger • Elaine Berchtold Migchelbrink+ • Barbara Madras Minor • Alice Maciejewski Modzelewski • Rita Kantor Raia • Marilyn Randolph+ • Jeanette Wisinski Regan • Sally Constantine Rettew • Marilyn Sontag Rettger • Alice Ryan • Rita Kraus Schmitt+ • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1961 Judy Lynch Allison+ • Bernadine Mackowski Amendola • Patricia Koehler Baganski • Charlene Shreve Brown • Dianne Rzodkiewicz Brzozowski • Patricia Sheehan Bules • Alice Zukowski Comyns • Carol Spinelli Conrad • Mary Davis • Marilyn Schmitt Fecht • Patricia Maloney Fiorelli • Dolores Gorniak • Antoinette Polaski Griffith • Julie Burick Hewitt • Patricia Cackowski Kirk • Nancy Wilczynski Kujawinski • Christine Gorczycki Lunger • Rita Lilly Lyle • Gayle McGrath Macfarlane •Frances Walczak Matusiak • Jane Kern McMahon • Judith Stevens Paternosh • Pat Adams Rizzo • Patricia Barth Roach • Lorraine Kalivoda Rose • Rosalie Lastowski Schenker • April Rose Kendziora Smith+ • Joan Measel Sonnenberg • Judith Kaczmarek Stanek • Ann Wozniak • Sandra Kowalski Yonko • Three Anonymous Donors Class of 1962 Joanne Schneider David • Darlene Bernard Doehrel • Mary Ida Murphy Eastman • Kristine Knochel Hart • Lois Tomczak Kahle • Martha Flasher Kaveney • Ann Marie Woznicki Kirker+ • Jean Grolemund Konopka+ • Barbara Trohoske Magraw • Audrey Korn Riazzi • Anna Nicolia Scarpino • Charlene Cackowski Schroeck • M. Suzanne Sontag • Geraldine Wojciechowski Waiter • Beverly Barber Wierbinski • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1963 Dianne T. Bernard + • Bernadine Hodas Caldwell • Betty Stanopewicz Chwatek • Joyce Majewski DeFazio+ • Mary Ellen Geiger Demmick • Mary Martha Bailey Drake • Jo Ann Woinelowicz Herman+ • Dorothy Heintzel Hodapp • Jean Measel Jensen • Lucrecia Rogers Johnson • Mary Ann Kiehlmeier • Nancy Falk Lacey • Patricia Rzepka Marnen • Rosemary Pinczewski Percy • Kathleen Cermak Polito • Cecilia Popp • Joan Vladimiroff Psillas+ • Margaret Raid • Diane Hoderny Rutkowski • Mary Ann Saber Straneva • Kathleen Wisniewski • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1964 Rosemary Kearney Altadonna • Sandra Andrews • Janet Baracka Bischoff • Mary Carol Brown+ • Cheryl Kremp Carver • Penney Jares Collins • Ann Comstock+• Nancy Bronakowski Cross • Joyce Rastatter Dahlkemper • Linda Lackovic Falconer • Mercedes Mszanowski Hall+ • Patricia Kennedy Hanes • Mary Jean Wozniak Hitz • Constance Clark Johnson • Rosemary Radziszewski Jorgenson • Patricia Ropelewski Mattis • Margaret Herrmann McCurdy • Carole Kaminski Pertungar • Jacqueline Haas Pfadt • Patricia Dobrowolski Popovich • Susan Mehalko Roehrl • Susan Swienski Shea • Susan Weber Sperrazzo • Ann Carlson St John • Cathy Considine Stemmler • Carolyn Mihalovic Strong • Bernadette Wisniewski Wilcox • Donna Wolfram • Three Anonymous Donors Class of 1965 Sandra Adams+ • Rita Janicki Bahm • Judith Cage Bandecca • Barbara Totleben Bond • Maureen Bradley+ • Mary Eileen Malinoski Bukowski • Theresa Kowalski Casane • Ann Gieza Cornell • Carol Weiner Daub • Rosanna Pilarski DeNiro • Kathryn Dailey DiGello • Bonnie DeLuca Faulkner • Patricia Zimmerman Flagella • Linda Shreve Freytag • Shirley Jankowski+ • Martha Duska Kurtzhals • Linda Yaple Lytle • Linda Kerner Milton+ • Bonita Marie Ruef Mullaugh • Louise Tomczak Oblinski • Dorothy Bagniszewski Pedersen • Sandra Polaski+ • Eileen Chalupczynski Richter • Carol Rzodkiewicz • Karen Koster Tellers • Rosalie Hodas Tellers • Nancy Sipple Zimmerman • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1966 Charlotte Schwartz Andersen • Catherine Anderson+ • Georgeann Kuklinski Antalek • Kathleen Gorczycki Arkwright • Diane Dudenhofer Boeh • Darlene Amendola Cappello • Joanne Kraut Cargioli • Eileen Bowden Cullen • Lynn Nietupski DiPlacido • Maureen Moore Dodd • Joan Dramble+ • Virginia Glenn Flowers+ • Carol Baran Fron • Linda Edgington Gladitz • Susan Turner Gonzalez • Cynthia Orelski Hartman+ • Helen Crawford Jones • Lee Ann Grolemund Jones • Eileen Kraus-Dobratz+ • Mary Sue Brandt Longnecker+ • Judy Stankavich Macko • Veronica Vitelli Martin+ • Evelyn Schultz Mihok • Carol Zausen Muchard • Barbara Ewiak Musarra+ • Charlene Nies • Rita Michaels Nystrom • Paulanne Kulic Reske • Patty Makusi Rudolph • Patricia Kuerner Soderberg • Nancy Farrell Stoeger • Christine Froehlich Tatalone • RebeccaB Wagner VanAmburg • Sister Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1967 Paula Ignasiak Barrett • Marcy Sargent Bencivenga • Barbara Hammill Brown • Denise Bufalari Burrows • Kathleen Nitkiewicz Cairns • Dorothy Stano Carlson, Ed.D. • Ronalee Slomski Curtis • Karen Krivonak Davis • Eloise Downing • Kathleen Schodt Drewes • Margaret Gidos Fries • Linda Jares Fullerton • Jane 8 Angelotti Ganska • Linda Cioccio Gidos • Marcianne Kaminski Gubish • Janet Romanowicz Hammond • Arlene Krol Hanlin • Beverly Szczechowski Johnson • Linda Swartz Kaleta • Sandra Homicz Kempisty • Valentina Moczulski Koos • Janice Sokol Kosin • Virginia Kraus • Kathleen Zuber Lane • Nancy Wojnarowski Masi • Kathleen Kowalski McCabe • Patricia Pratt McConnell • Christine Heberle McGarvey • Linda Zack Mish • Mary Pearson Pasquale+ • Kathleen Koper Soboleski • Kathryn Sulewski • Janice White Waldemarson • Mary Sharrer Yocius+ • Corinne Wagner Young • Kathleen Seelinger Zimmer • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1968 Rosemarie Brugger Attewell+ • Mary Agnes Heasley Bunn • Jackie Carll+ •Jean Albrecht Fabian+ • Gwenn Bool Freeman+ • Carol Yates Grolemund+ • Patty Nowakowski Hall • Joyce Izbicki • Janice DeLuca Kramer • Margaret Kearney Krumpe • Alice Moomy • Sandra Phillips • Patricia Betcher Regan • Carol Rewers+ •Patricia Clancey Schupp • Katherine Herrmann Straneva • Dianne Nowosielski Tharp • Eleanor Smith Walker • Kathy Trambley Weislogel+ • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1969 Jill Figurski Bengel • Camille Carideo • Patricia Krivonak Carr • Marie Donahue Catrabone • Katherine Dzuricky Ditrich • Connie Dopierala • Barbara Johnston Hanes • Mary Ann Mehler Hauser • Peggy Henretty Hewitt • Judith Hogenmiller Hopkins • Theresa Sybyl Ignaczak • Mary Pat Freeman Klupp • Susan Lackovic Koprowski • Brenda Suroviec Krawiec • Jean Luschini Markiewicz • Patricia Mieczkowski Matteson+ • Mary Lackovic Myles • Ann Lieb Nellis+ • Christine Patalita Pardini • Roseann Michaels Rash • Donna Sekula Ruban • Karen Bertone Streett • Kathryn Ross Trohoske • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1970 Christine Jagodzinski Anderson • Eleanore Grelewicz Anderson • Mary Lou Sertz Betcher • Liane Korn Blair Class of 1970 Deborah Ditrich • Mary Hoffman+ • Christine Laniewicz Jaskiewicz • Kathleen Kinem Koscielniak • Virginia Erdman Kuefner • Carolyn Raid Lauer • Patricia Van Volkenburg Mangold • Alice Wernicki Morrill • Mary Bojarski Reddecliff • Deborah Heasley Rensel • Cynthia Jaworowicz Reszkowski • Kathleen Rzodkiewicz • Patricia Jo Kowalski Schofield • Mary Beth Schrenk • Assunta Mannarino Sellers • Christine Somolani Zalas • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1971 Susan Shellito Bowser • Carol Birch Cannarozzi+ • Patricia Kowalski Colvin • Terre Puskus Desantis • Margaret Ditz Hagerty • Ruth Marshall Jurkiewicz • Cynthia Repko Kuhn • Josephine Subotnik Lubiejewski • Meg Maly • Kathy Wzientik Mauro • Sheila Murray • Cynthia Nantes • Debra Bardroff Palotas • Karen Prizinsky+ • Joan Sienicki Strowe • Nancy Nies Washek • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1972 Maureen Deegan Amon • Janet Nicolia Bokoch • Kathleen Fetscher Chalupczynski • Mary Anne Connell+ • Sharon Hiegel Cross • Laura Frombach • Catherine Cicero Gallagher • Gail Lisiecki Giacomelli • Karen Norton Groucutt • Colleen Fitzpatrick Hanson • Rosanne Jagodzinski Jaworski • Cathy Plumb Johnson+ • Mary Kay Ditz Kalivoda • Karen Smogorzewski Knoch • Rosemary Marz Niebauer • Mary Langer Orloff • Karen Pellegrinelli • Pamela Vaughn Snyder • Janet Czulewicz York • Three Anonymous Donors Class of 1973 Cynthia Belczyk • Janice Zukowski Bixby+ • Deborah Wodecki Buettner • Cynthia Conover+ • Kathy Glass Danch+ • Tina Krasinski Delio • Sheryl Grappy Galbreath • Allis Sullivan Guay+ • Shirley Huegel Hendrick+ • Mary Rita Horvath • Maureen Nies Hubert • Kathy Kaiser Klapthor • Stephanie A. Kotoski • Margaret Fromknecht Lefaiver • Susan West Oler • Michelle Marschak Petri • Mary Hodas Przepyszny • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1974 Jean Bloesser Barry • Mary Lou Marshall Chimenti • Pamela Abram Drylewicz • Mary Alice Pilewski Kaliszewski • Norma Causgrove Lynch • Rita Bartnik Maimbourg+ • Lisa Manendo • Jean Merryman • Carolyn Dahlkemper Monocello • Pamela Mananino Pucetas • Linda Lucchetti Shilling • Mary Jean Catrabone Tabatcher • Nancy Snidarich Widomski+ • Three Anonymous Donors Class of 1975 Elizabeth Heher Myers • Mary Kay Nuber Spencer • Two Anonymous Donors Class of 1976 Mary Beth Cermak+ • Pamela Conover+ • Nancy D’Annibale Dahlkemper+ • Elizabeth Bruno Gawronski • Stephanie Heher • Carol Holdnack • Patricia Rettger+ • Karen Kuchinski Sonney+ • Julie Patalita Srnka • Jane Hogenmiller Steineck • Cindy Anderson Tabolt • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1977 Kathleen Belczyk Burik • Judith Carey • Ann Marie Larson DeDionisio+ • Becky Hiegel Grab • Clare Luddy+ • Linda Lubiejewski Turner • Cindy Zelenak Class of 1978 Karen Spinks Bender • Cindy Szumigala Class of 1979 Michele Gowdy • Mary Bloeser Kubacki • Sharon Mielnik Martin • Anne Marie Kuna Shiel • One Anonymous Donor Class of 1980 Judi Carr • Cynthia Grygier • Maureen Wilwohl Mosakowski • Wendy Hedderick Ryan+ • Mary Anne Delehunt Seybert • Helen Marz Titus • Marg Wehrer Class of 1981 Gerrie Lynn Piecuch • Christina Selleny TheissClass of 1982 Marjorie Bolash Adamus • Susan Skrzypczak Chase • Jan Eisert • Sarah Bailey Hudy+ • Kecia Conley Little • Lisa Tullio Pianta • Lisa Fuhrman Smith Class of 1983 Colleen Conway Brennan • Cassandra Ward Brown • Michele Machinski Brunk • Jane Winarski London+ • Deborah Simonelli Montefiori • Billie Jo Guthrie Morell • Christine Kaufman Scoggins • Deborah Sinnott-Steves • Rebecca Wojyasik Swigonski Class of 1984 Deborah Kujawinski Keefe • Class of 1985 Nathalie Michel Morgen Class of 1986 Debra Augustyniak • Jennifer Visosky Swarm • Barbara Weber Class of 1987 Paula Wenerowicz Reese • Ann Marie Kerner Wasielewski Class of 1988 Kristen Baginski Class of 1989 Michele Breter • Rosemarie Mankosky Rajasenan+ Class of 1991 Marlo Machalinski
Major Donors $500+ Mary Ann Benecki Toohey ’55 • Renee Theobald Kloecker ’56 • Patricia Henry Schneider ’59 • Carol Raykowski ’62 • One Anonymous Donor ’72 • Sally Bucceri French ’79 • Ann Michalski ’81
Major Donors $1000+ AMary Anne Kern Springer ’59 • Two Anonymous Donors ’66 • Mary Dreisbach Olowin ’66 Great care and effort are taken in maintaining accurate lists of our alumnae donors. We apologize for any oversights. (+ represents a donation, pledge or joint gift of $100 or more, * indicates deceased)
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e-mail address to Alumnae Director Ann Comstock at [email protected] to receive electronic reminders and sign-ups. If you use e-mail, write to Ann at Mount Saint don’t 6101 E. Lake Rd., Erie, Pa., Benedict Monastery, 16511. And whenever you see or hear about SBA alumnae being honored or highlighted for their Clip an article, jot it achievements, let us know. down, or call us, so we can share the news with all our members. Visit Visit and to download sign-up forms, or send your For our sister alumnae who who alumnae sister our For eternity— into passed Kathryn Margaret Therese Barbara Barbara Patricia Dolores Joan Jane Carolyn Alexandria Frances s st s Let us pray... us Let i
SBA Memorabilia SBA purchase for available are items following The Association. Alumnae the from at: Comstock Ann contact Please or 2573 Ext. 814-899-0614, [email protected]. e-mail: bags Tote Shirt Golf 4-Button openers Letter Shirt V-Neck Sweatshirt pads Note Item Collector’s SBA – Meow Cat’s Contact
1988 (25) 1988 1987 (27) 1987 1986 (11) 1986 1985 (32) 1985 1984 (7) 1984 1983 (1) 1983
—Ann Comstock, ’64
We’d love to help! If you love We’d are planning a reunion, please contact at the me Alumnae Office, 1982 (10) 1982 1981 (1) 1981 1980 (8) 1980 1979 (1) 1979 1978 (10) 1978 1977 (10) 1977
1976 (2) 1976 1975 (3) 1975 1974 (2) 1974 1973 (3) 1973 1971 (1) 1971 1970 (1) 1970 [email protected]. mailing kit, startup a with you provide will We e-mail Please list. class current a and labels the at taken photos and information any site Web our on them post will We event. ErieBenedictines.org. at Director or e-mail me at Ext 2573 814-899-0614, From the We have copies of yearbooks that we we that yearbooks of copies have We alumnae to available make to like would call please interested, are you If members. 2573. Ext. 899-0614, at Comstock Ann charge! No available: are following The Yearbooks Yearbooks available! Alumnae 10 SBA Memorabilia At has beenwonderful a wonderful year … a year in whichyear the Alumnae IAssociation has been very, very busy. Joyfully, we celebrated Annual Appeal with the Sisters their 150th year anniversary. On Friday, Nov. his year’s tenth annual Alumnae Appeal focused on the 25 the Alumnae Association and the Benedictine Sisters TSt. Benedict Child Development Center at 345 East performed at the Warner Theater. Our concert, a musical gift Ninth Street. Funds raised benefited the toddler program, of peace to the city of Erie, was the centerpiece of our first-ever helping the center to provide equipment needed to ensure Homecoming celebration. Proceeds from the concert, totaling a safe play area for toddlers. Additional funds raised helped more than $27,000, were given to the Benedictines Sisters. the Sisters care for their older members and educate It was our way of showing our love, gratitude and support newer members. Money was also provided for alumnae for the Sisters. scholarships, directly helping our families to afford Catholic education. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our According to SBA Alumnae Association board member Sister alumnae members, more than $40,300 was raised this year. Rosanne Loneck, ’61, for the alumnae, it was a weekend of joy and celebration that “warmed our hearts and stirred our souls. A full year of planning and many details melted (despite the snow!) into a weekend of wonderful memories and reconnecting. Smiles and tears: It was a time to give thanks and offer gratitude, to reflect, remember and tell stories, and to be renewed and grounded in our Benedictine tradition with friends we never can forget.”
Sr. Diane Rabe, OSB, ‘69, director of the Sr. Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, St.Benedict Child Development Center prioress, ‘57 receives a check for receives a check from SBA Alumnae $27,367 from Barbara Hammill Association President Barbara Hammill Brown,’67, president of the SBA Brown ‘67 at the board meeting March 9. Alumnae Association. Given in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters, the gift is the proceeds from the “Christmas Gift of Peace” homecoming concert.
Director Sister Marilyn Schauble acknowledges the 145-member SBA Alumnae/Benedictine Sisters Chorus during a standing Calendar of Events ovation at the conclusion of their concert at the historic Warner Theatre in Erie. More than 1,700 people packed the theatre for the Nov. 25 event called “A Christmas Gift of Peace.” The concert Sunday, April 23 was the highlight of a special three-day St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Association celebration over Thanksgiving Day weekend Annual Communion Brunch as a way of joining with the Sisters in the joy of their 150th 9:30 a.m. — Liturgy at Mount St. Benedict anniversary year. This first-ever SBA Alumnae Homecoming included the annual Christmas party, Sunday liturgy at the 11:30 a.m. — Brunch at Lawrence Park monastery and the choral concert. Golf Course
n Saturday, Nov. 26, the Tuesday, June 27 Oannual SBA Christmas Party was held at the Avalon Hotel SBA Summer Picnic in Erie. This year’s event, part Mount St. Benedict 6 p.m. of our Homecoming Weekend, was a great success. More than 300 women attended. The Kids Friday-Sunday July 15-17 Café was awarded the proceeds Relay for Life from the party. The dinner and gift auction raised $3,000 To make donations for the Benedictine to refurbish the TV and game Barbara Brown, president of rooms this spring. Sisters Team: St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Association, helps Sr. Mary Miller, Contact Margaret Kloecker, (814) 452-0183 OSB, choose new furniture and equipment for the Kids Café.
11 Jubilarians Celebrating their Jubilee Years
“Uphold me, O God, according to your word. ...” -Psalm 119
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie will recognize and celebrate the Jubilees of nine Sisters during Evening Praise on Sat., May 13, 2006.
By Sister Mary Ann Luke, OSB Bernadette Lorei, OSB: 60 years ister Bernadette is a native of St. SBoniface Parish, Hammett, Pa., where she grew up in large and close- knit family. Her parents, Albert and “Every time you begin a good work, you Ellanora Trott Lorei, ran their farm with the help of their children. There, Sister must pray to God most earnestly to bring it Bernadette learned at an early age to be a dependable worker, diligent and careful to perfection.” in her work, and to respect both work and worker. Rule of Benedict, Prologue 4 She attended the parish school and is a graduate of St. Benedict Academy. She earned a BS in elementary education at Villa Maria College, Erie. Sister Bernadette entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1944 and made her first profession of vows in 1946. She made final profession on Aug. 22,1949. Sister Bernadette was an exceptional elementary teacher for 48 years, most of them at St. Mary’s School, Erie where she was also principal for a time. She taught in several other parish schools: Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, Sharon; St. Stephen, Oil City; St. Michael, Fryburg; and Mount Calvary, Erie. Sister Bernadette also served St. Mary’s as the school secretary. In recent years, she assisted in the monastery infirmary, cooking and serving breakfast for infirmary residents, assisting them as needed. She visits the Sisters, helps with them with errands and all the small services that make a difference in their comfort and peace in age or in illness. She encourages all the Sisters to visit the infirmary regularly and to help Sisters who are living there to keep in touch with the life of the whole community. Sister Bernadette’s priority, maintaining close contacts among all members of our community in the midst of busy lives or within the boundaries of incapacity, is clearly seen in her statement that celebration of the Eucharist, daily community prayer, lectio, community life itself and common goals are the greatest gifts of community for her. Her hope for our community’s future is that the spiritual life, guided by seeking God as the Rule teaches, “continues to be the main reason for our existence.”
12 Erie Benedictine Sisters celebrating Jubilees this year gathered for a portrait at the monastery. The celebration during Evening Praise will include renewal of their monastic vows.
From left, back row: Sisters Anne Wambach, OSB; Mary Daniel Meahl, OSB; Bernadette Lorei, OSB; Norma Jean Kingsley, OSB; Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB; Claire Marie Surmik, OSB; Rosanne Lindal-Hynes, OSB Seated: Dorothy Szczypinski, OSB; Janet Staab, OSB
Mary Daniel Meahl, OSB: 60 years ister Mary Daniel, an Erie native and a graduate of St. SBenedict Academy, is a daughter of the late Herbert and “’If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue Therese Spacht Meahl. She entered the Benedictine Sisters on Feb. 20, 1945 and pronounced her final vows on Aug. 22, 1949 from spiteful talk, and your lips from deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest Sister Mary Daniel was awarded the degrees of Bachelor of Music and Master of Music, with distinction, by the University and aim.’…Then ‘my eyes will be upon you and my of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y. ears will listen for your prayers; and even before you An accomplished musician, she plays the piano, organ and harp. ask me, I will say to you : here I am.’…See how the Her ministry is music. She has taught school music in several parish schools: St. Michael, Fryburg; St. Joseph, Oil City; St. Lord in his love shows us the way of life.” Joseph, Sharon; Immaculate Conception, Clarion; St. Stephen, Rule of Benedict, Prologue 17, 18, 20 Oil City and Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage. She has been church organist in several parishes and served as music director for Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek. In addition, she gives private lessons in piano and organ. Sister Mary Daniel is a certified Kindermusik instructor; she has introduced dozens of toddlers to music and to the possibility that they might make music themselves. At present, she assists in liturgical music at the monastery and is active in state and national associations of musicians, several of which have recognized her accomplishments with awards. She finds “the strength and beauty of community prayer and mutual love and support” to be the greatest gift to her of the community which, she hopes, will continue to live simply and to be true examples of Christ in this world.
13 Claire Marie Surmik, OSB: 50 years ister Claire Marie was born and raised in a lively and loving SSlovak family in Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood, then a sort of friendly, small town in the midst of the city. She attended “Let peace be your quest and aim. …My eyes the parish elementary school and followed two older sisters to St. Cyril Academy, Danville, Pa. will be upon you and my ears will listen for Sister Claire Marie, again following her sisters, Sisters Therese your prayers and even before you ask me, I will Marie and Lucia Marie, entered the Sisters of St. Cyril and Methodius after graduation. She made her final vows in 1961. say to you: Here I am.” Sister Claire Marie earned a BA in English at Scranton’s Marywood College, an MA in education at Fairfield University, Prologue of the Rule of Benedict and Psalm 33 Conn., and an MS in educational administration at Scranton University, Scranton, Pa. She served as an elementary teacher and principal in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and in Charleston, S.C. For several years, Sister Claire Marie was the assistant superintendent of schools, responsible for 65 elementary schools in the Diocese of Scranton. Her wish to work for the poor and for peace and justice intensified in those years. Her search became a call to monastic life. She began the process of transfer to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie in 1988, and made her perpetual Benedictine vows on Oct. 25,1991. She has been a staff member of Emmaus Ministries since that time. As she had hoped, her work now brings her into direct contact with those she serves and allows her to work, as well, for systemic changes that will better the lives of those who are the casualties of our culture. In the same way, Sister Claire Marie finds that “journeying the way of Benedict, walking with our Sisters, is community’s greatest gift to me.” She returns that gift with the warmth and openness that speak clearly her regard for each Sister and her pleasure in singing becomes our pleasure as she sings with the Sisters’ schola. Community life and her own work enliven a hope that we will all live in “Openness to the call of the Spirit by facing our future with hope and joy as we struggle to reshape our lives to meet the needs of these times.” Janet Staab, OSB: 50 years ister Janet, a daughter of Charles and Cecilia Staab and a Snative of St. Joseph Parish, Oil City, is a graduate of St. Joseph High School, Oil City, where she was taught by our “Listen, my sister, to me with an open Sisters. heart and mind.” Sister Janet entered the community after graduation and made her first profession on New Year’s Eve in 1956 and her final Rule of Benedict, Prologue 1 [paraphrased] profession as a Benedictine Sister of Erie on August 13, 1960. Sister Janet earned a BA in elementary education at Mercyhurst College, Erie, and an MS in mathematics at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Her first ministry was teaching in elementary schools: Sacred Heart and St. Joseph in Sharon; Immaculate Conception, Clarion; St. Stephen, Oil City and St. Mary’s, Erie. When a L’Arche house was established in Erie, Sister Janet ministered there for several years. She also cared for children in the East Coast Migrant Headstart program which was begun at Mount St. Benedict and later moved into Erie. These experiences are reflected in her hope that the community will “always live a corporate commitment that responds to the needs of others.” Presently, Sister Janet is the community archivist. She is responsible for organization and proper storage of the community’s records. Consequently, she is the community historian ex officio but informally. Our history is cared for meticulously, whether it be the vows of our first prioress, Scholastica Burkhard, or photos taken last week at a community gathering. Aside from the documents and artifacts at her fingertips, our history resides in its entirety in Sister Janet’s memory. Just ask and see. Sister Janet’s gratitude for the community ranges from her appreciation of “their on-going love and support” to her enjoyment when they “maintain and show a good, healthy sense of humor.”
14 Dorothy Szczypinski, OSB: 50 years ister Dorothy, a daughter of the late Leokadya and Edward SSzczypinski, is a native of Erie and a graduate of St. Stanislaus School and St. Benedict Academy. “Listen readily to holy reading and devote A born teacher, Sister Dorothy earned a BA in mathematics at Mercyhurst College, Erie and an MA in education with yourself often to prayer. Place your hope in a concentration in mathematics at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She has taught on elementary and secondary God alone. If you notice something good in levels and has been a tenured assistant professor of mathematics. She served also as assistant principal at St. Benedict Academy. yourself, give credit to God, not to yourself. At present, Sister Dorothy teaches math at St. Benedict Never lose hope in God’s mercy.” Education Center. After class, her intellectual curiosity and broad range of knowledge are efficient tools for providing Rule of Benedict, Prologue 4:55, 41, 42, 74 her students with life skills. Those from other countries and cultures especially benefit from her advice on, for example: car maintenance, job skills, finding and furnishing a living space, language difficulties. Sister Dorothy speaks of our community’s greatest gift to her: “To be accompanied through life by others, likewise called by God, all with different personalities, gifts, and at different stages of their journey. To witness, to observe, the grace of God at work in each life and in each death, is gift to me in my journey.” She gives the same gift to her students when she participates in their lives as teacher, mentor, friend. Her community, too, receives these gifts, deepened by the gift of her presence and animated by her sense of humor. Sister Dorothy’s interests extend from geology to theology. But the political and cultural facets of our society are deep concerns. She speaks of future hopes. “That part of our current decadent, violent American culture espoused by much of the entertainment world, the media, and so many individuals is not worthy of the dignity each human being is called to by our loving God. I see the present and future role of monastic life as one similar to that in the world of Benedict’s time. “Monastic spirituality must be a leaven for an alternative way of life. It must by counter culture, offer a life that inspires love, not hate; hope, not despair; sharing, not greed; peace, not war; and justice, not oppression.” Norma Jean Kingsley, OSB: 50 years ister Norma Jean, a daughter of Friend and Cecille Kearney SKingsley, is an Erie native educated in St. John’s parish school and St. Benedict Academy. “ … that our hearts and minds may always She entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1954 and made her profession of perpetual vows on July 16, 1959. Sister Norma be in harmony with our voices.” Jean earned a BA in education at Mercyhurst College, an MA in pastoral ministry at St Francis College, Loretto, Pa., and has also Rule of Benedict, 19:7 studied spiritual direction at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn. Sister Norma Jean taught first in elementary schools: St. Joseph, Sharon; St. Joseph, Oil City; and St. Michael, Fryburg and later at Venango Catholic High School in Oil City. She served at St. Benedict Academy and as administrator at Camp Glinodo. She then joined the staff of Ecclesia Center in Girard in its early years of service to religious and priests looking for sabbath and spiritual renewal. She served clients both as spiritual director and as an administrator. At present, she is a pastoral minister to the elderly. Sister Norma Jean has served her Benedictine community as scholastic director and community secretary. She sees her vow of stability as the community’s greatest gift to her: “If I embrace stability, I find change to be challenging and my faith at times is questioned. Embracing perseverance is the final gift.” In the same vein, her hope for the future is that “We may always be willing to learn and share experiences as we pray and work to bring the presence of God into our world.” Thus, with minds and voices together in openness, and learning from one another, we can hope to persevere together, to be led, finally, by Christ to everlasting life.
15 Rosanne Lindal-Hynes, OSB: 50 years ister Rosanne, a native of St. Joseph Parish, Oil City and a Sdaughter of John Patrick and Hazel Hynes, received her early “You must relieve the lot of the poor.” education in the parish elementary and high schools. Rule of Benedict, 4:13 After graduation, she entered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, joining several other Hynes Benedictines who had preceded her: Sisters Evelyn, Mary Ellen and Pierre Hynes and Sister Mary Regina Flanagan. Rosanne made her final profession of vows in our community on July 16, 1959. She earned a BA in elementary education at Mercyhurst College and took graduate courses at several universities. She received a diploma from Montessori Internationale. Sister Rosanne’s ministries continue to reflect the concern for care of the poor ipon which Benedict insisted. She was an elementary teacher in parish schools in Sharon, North East, Clarion, Fryburg and Erie, then began to move into more direct service to those in need of her gifts. Sister Rosanne has been director of social services at St. Martin Center and a counselor at Community House for Women, head teacher at the East Coast Migrant Headstart program and a member of the Pax Christi staff, all in Erie. Her present ministry is women’s advocate at Emmaus Ministries where her work ranges from the most urgent situations to the joy – and long hours – of collecting, wrapping and distributing more than 500 gifts for the children of Emmaus at Christmas. Always, she is the peaceful presence in lives that know too much trouble. Peace in her own life is the gift of community: “The prayer life which binds me to my Sisters and the support which is life giving.” Her hope for the community is that it will “always adjust to the needs of the times.” Those needs will, without end, include sharing our plenty with those who have need of it.
Anne Wambach, OSB: 25 years ister Anne, executive director of the Inner-city Neighborhood Art House, chose a teacher’s quote as the words of the Rule that Smean most to her. Anne has been an elementary teacher and principal for much of her professional life and is also a liturgical musician who brings an abundance of gifts to the children of the Art House. Sister Anne is a native of Philadelphia, a daughter of Isabel and the late Michael Wambach. She began religious life as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Pa. Sister Anne earned a BS in education and an MA in liturgy and liturgical music at St. Joseph’s College, Renssalaer, Ind. She ministered at several schools in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey and assisted in the parish liturgies as cantor, pianist and oboist. These foundational years brought Sister Anne to her call to monastic life. She began the process of transfer in 1993 and became a full member of our community in 1997. “Listen carefully, my daughter, to my Sister Anne sees the community’s best gifts to her as “The richness instructions and attend with the ear of your of our prayer life and liturgy, our commitment to peace and justice and our love for one another – gifts that sustain me in the daily.” heart. This is advice from one who loves you; She, in turn, shares with the community her presence, her gifts welcome it and faithfully put it into practice.” as musician and director of the choir and the bell choir, and a leadership of the Art House that, daily, gives possibility and hope to children who have little of either. They receive food and fun in Rule of Benedict, Prologue 1-2 a safe place, they are introduced to a range of arts, and they learn to know and to comport themselves as members of the body of Christ. Sister Anne says of her own hope for the future: “In these challenging times, Jesus and Benedict demonstrate a radically different way of living in the world. Aware of the global issues that confront us today and well into the future, I hope that we can be a prophetic voice calling all to wholeness and holiness. In the words of Sister Joan Chittister, ‘God is calling us to more than the material level of life and God is waiting to bring us to it. All we have to do is live well with others and live totally in God. …The spiritual life demands all of us.’”
16 Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB: 25 years daughter of the late Josephine and Stanley Vergotz, she Areceived her elementary education at her home parish, “This, then, is the good zeal which monastics must Holy Trinity. She was awarded a BA in social work by foster with fervent love: They should each try to be Gannon University, Erie and an MSW by St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. the first to show respect to the other, supporting one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior, and ear- Sister Mary Jane ministered as director of professional services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie and at Saint nestly competing in obedience to one another. No Vincent Health Center, Erie, where her specialty was home one is to pursue what she judges better for herself, but health care. Presently she is sub-prioress, council member and instead, what she judges better for someone else. To development director for our community. their fellow monastics they show the pure love of sis- Sister Mary Jane identifies the community’s most important gift to her: “Living in an intergenerational community where I ters; to God loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and experience the fervent desire of newer members to emulate the humble love. Let them prefer nothing to Christ. …” lives of our faithful elders who show us how to “seek truly God” each and every day of their lives; sharing community with peers Rule of Benedict, 72:3-11 who have and intense commitment to assume responsibility for administration; and with all generations as we grow together in the good zeal of monastics.” In these words are reflected the source of her patience and her willingness to take each person as she is. In the same way, her hopes for the community in the future — “That we continue to be faithful to our Benedictine roots while we read, study and explore current theologians” — reflect openness to new ideas.
I have no love for divided hearts. My love is for your law, O God. You are my shelter, my refuge. Psalm I hope in your word.
Leave me, all who do evil. I will keep God’s command. 119 Uphold me, O God, according to your word, and I shall live, and do not fail me in my hope.
You disown all who turn away from your law; The Sisters sing the they deceive only themselves. third stanza when they The wicked count as nothing.
renew their vows. I tremble before you, standing in awe of your decrees.
17 In Loving Memory Her mind delighted in discovery These tributes were written by Sister Mary Ann Luke, OSB
ister Mary Regina Flanagan, OSB, died at her home, Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Erie, on Nov. 23, 2005. S She was born in Oil City, Pa. on Feb. 28, 1914, a daughter of the late William S. and Catherine Hynes Flanagan and received her early education at St. Joseph Elementary and High School in Oil City. She entered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie on July 2, 1935. Sister Mary Regina made her final monastic profession as a Benedictine Sister on August 19, 1939 and had celebrated her silver, golden and sixtieth anniversaries of profession. Sister Mary Regina was a graduate of Villa Maria College, Erie, and earned a Master of Arts degree in mathematics at Villanova University, Radnor, Pa. As a recipient of National Science Foundation grants, she continued her study of mathematics at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind., and of chemistry at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.
She began her ministry in education as an elementary teacher and continued as a high school teacher and administrator. Sister Mary Regina served in several schools in the diocese of Erie: Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, Sharon; St. Joseph and St. Stephen, Oil City; St. Gregory, North East; Immaculate Conception, Clarion; and Venango Catholic High School, Oil City.
She was recognized as an outstanding science teacher by Gannon University, Erie, Pa., and by the Buhl Planetarium of the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. She was a co-author of algebra and geometry texts and developed an innovative program for nongraded mathematics instruction.
In later years, Sister Mary Regina ministered in social services in the Oil City area and cared for her sister, Alice Flanagan. As well as her parents, her sister, Alice, preceded Sister Mary Regina in death. She is survived by her religious community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, her sister Catherine McMahon, Oil City, Pa., and several nieces and nephews.
Sister Mary Regina exemplified the phrase, “Love of learning and desire for God.” She found both in the travel that she enjoyed extensively, and she found joy in learning and teaching to the very end of her life. A compassionate presence in our midst ister Bernardine Goebel, OSB, died at her home, Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Erie, on Dec. 9, 2005. S She was born in Newark, Ohio on Jan. 2, 1911, a daughter of the late Otto and Ottilia Stoecklein Goebel, and was baptized Dolores Mary. She received her early education at Immaculate Conception Parish schools in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
Sister Bernardine entered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie as a novice on August 24, 1927. She made her first profession on March 27, 1928 and her final monastic profession as a Benedictine Sister on August 2, 1932. She has celebrated her silver, golden, and diamond anniversaries of profession.
Sister Bernardine was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in education by the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in psychology and counseling by the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
She began her ministry in education as an elementary teacher and continued as a high school teacher and administrator. Sister Bernardine served in several schools in the diocese of Erie: Sacred Heart and St Joseph, Sharon; St Joseph High School, Oil City; St. Gregory High School, North East; Immaculate Conception High School, Clarion; Venango Catholic High School, Oil City; Kennedy Catholic High School, Sharon; and St. Benedict Academy, Erie.
She served as a counselor and psychologist at Gannon University and at St. Benedict Education Center, Erie.
Sister Bernardine found in the Psalm 146 a rule for life: To secure justice for the oppressed, to set prisoners free, to give sight to the blind, to raise up those who are bowed down. She was a teacher and counselor in drug rehabilitation and education programs at the New York State Prison, Long Island City, New York. When she returned to Erie, she continued to serve at the Erie County Prison as a counselor and tutored high school student needing additional classes.
Her boundless regard for the value and dignity of every human being inspired and empowered her ministry. She judged nothing but need and was gifted in answering the needs she found.
As well as her parents, Sister Bernardine was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. She is survived 18 by her religious community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, and by several nieces and nephews. The Gift of Art Jubilee Event: Brother Thomas Bezanson Exhibit
native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Brother Thomas Bezanson A was a Benedictine monk at Weston Priory in Vermont before coming to Erie. He began his work in pottery in 1953 and continued through his years at the priory. He has been an artist-in-residence with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie since 1985.
Brother Thomas is an internationally acclaimed artist with works found in the permanent collections of more than 60 national and international venues, among which are the Art Institute of Chicago; Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Osaka Municipal Museum, Japan; Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C.; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.
Pucker Gallery, Boston, represents his work.
“In Benedict’s Rule, Chapter 57 is about the artisans in the monastery. ... The love of art comes from a life that is intent on the search for God. ... Ultimately, the peace of creating something beautiful will take one to God.” -Sr. Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, Prioress May 7 - 22, 2006 Mount St. Benedict Monastery “... so that in all things God may be glorified.” 6101 East Lake Road -Chapter 57, Hours to be announced. Rule of St. Benedict
“I would like to speak this word of gratitude to my Benedictine Sisters, to Bernie and Sue Pucker, to the staff of Pucker Gallery and to many friends in many places, all of whom are the bridges that have turned a possibility into a reality. This is an exhibition of the Sisters’ collection of my work, examples from the past 20 years that I have been in Erie. It is a significant collection in that it is the only continuous example of my work that covers such a long period of time. This is the first time that it has been shown in its entirety – even to me. It is significant for another reason: the awareness that no one does anything alone. I am very conscious of this life-principle for without others there would not be all of this, there would only be silence.” -Brother Thomas 19 Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Erie, PA Permit No. 247
Mount Saint Benedict Monastery 6101 East Lake Road Erie, PA 16511-1599