skip to: page content | links on this page | site navigation | footer (site information)

Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Sisters | Associates
subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link | subglobal1 link
subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link | subglobal2 link
subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link | subglobal3 link
subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link | subglobal4 link
subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link | subglobal5 link
subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link
subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link
subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link
2011 Golden Jubilarians2011 Golden Jubilarian Celebration

Charity Family News

Calendar of Events

Retreats & Programs

Press Releases

Featured Articles

2011 Jubilee

Photo Gallery

 

2012 Golden Jubilarians

S. Brenda Busch

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Brenda Busch is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where she attended Our Lady of Grace grade school in Price Hill ( Cincinnati) and later graduated from Seton High School in 1961. Sister Brenda celebrates 50 years with the Sisters of Charity Community this year.

Sister Brenda reflects, “I felt God’s call, and after graduating from Seton High School, I took a big step and entered the Sisters of Charity. Throughout my life, I have never regretted making that choice.”

In 1969, Sister Brenda received her bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned her master’s degree in education from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., in 1974.

Sister Brenda began her education ministry teaching at St. Raphael, Springfield, Ohio, (1965-’68); St. John the Baptist, Chillum, Md., (1968-’70, 1971-’75); and St. Brigid, Xenia, Ohio, (1970-’71). In 1975, Sister transitioned to administration and became the elementary school principal at St. Albert in Kettering, Ohio, until 1982. She returned to Cincinnati and her alma mater, Seton High School, that year to minister as the school’s assistant principal. One year later, in 1983, she was promoted to Seton’s principal, remaining in the position until 1997.

Following her time at Seton High School, Sister spent four months at St. Stephen Priory in Dover, Mass. “It was a time of spiritual retooling and learning how to be present to and with my God in new and meaningful ways,” Sister Brenda said of her greatest satisfaction.

In 1998, she accepted the position of principal at Holy Family School in Price Hill ( Cincinnati) where she served until 2010.

After 44 years in education, Sister Brenda decided it was time to serve God in a new way. She is currently the intake coordinator for housing counseling/foreclosure prevention programs as part of Working in Neighborhood’s Home Preservation Department. WIN, an organization that empowers individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their neighborhoods through the building of community, home ownership and economic learning, was cofounded by Sister Barbara Busch, who happens to be her sister.

Sister Brenda says she most enjoys helping others, and being part of WIN’s friendly, competent and compassionate staff. In her leisure time Sister enjoys camping and kayaking. “I have always enjoyed being with my God in nature” Sister Brenda said.

S. Mary Dugan

Sister Mary Dugan celebrates 50 years with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Community in 2011. Born in Chicago, Ill., Sister’s family moved to Dayton, Ohio, when she was 5 years old. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and then St. Joseph Commercial High School where she graduated in 1960.

At an early age Sister Mary became familiar with the Sisters of Charity. Her great-aunt, Sister Eugenia Fealy, was a Daughter of Charity. Her father’s sister was a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Sister Agnes Regina Dugan.

Sister Mary attended the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1968. In 1973, she received a master’s degree in special education from the University of Cincinnati, and in 1984, Sister earned her master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Detroit in Michigan.

During her 50 years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mary has served in the Dioceses of Cincinnati, Ohio, Santa Fe, N.M., Denver, Colo., Owensboro, Ky., Rockford, Ill., Covington, Ky., Indianapolis, Ind., and Lexington, Ky.; 40 of those years were spent as a teacher and religious education coordinator.

“My work in education was blessed by God in many ways,” Sister Mary said. “I was able to teach in areas where there were many impoverished people.”

Among her fondest memories were those spent as the director of the diocesan office for the hearing impaired in the Diocese of Rockford, Ill. There she trained several catechists to visit residents of Dixon II, a home for the multi-handicapped and the hearing impaired.

“The catechists were beautiful people of faith,” Sister Mary said. “They treated the disabled people with respect and care.”

Sister Mary served from 1985 to 1986 working with the deaf and hard of hearing in Eastern Kentucky, where she learned that many men had lost their hearing in the coal mines.

“We now have laws to regulate the sound pressure levels in the mines. Some of the children in Kentucky have hearing losses to this date,” Sister Mary said.

Sister Mary is currently ministering as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in Southern Ohio. She is at work writing a book about some of the methods used in teaching religion to the deaf and hearing impaired.

“I find this to be a challenge and a blessing. I think we have helpful information to hand on to the Church,” Sister Mary stated.

In her leisure time Sister Mary enjoys walking, gardening and boat rides. She is currently a member of NETWORK, a Catholic organization that educates, lobbies and organizes for economic and social transformation, as well as the National Catholic Office for the Deaf.
S. Sheila Gallagher

Sister Sheila Gallagher celebrates 50 years as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati in 2011.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Sister Sheila attended St. Therese and St. Monica grade schools. She graduated from Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, Ohio, in 1961. Later that year, in August, Sister Sheila entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

“Elizabeth Seton’s devotion to the Eucharist and her prayers and concern for others inspired me,” Sister Sheila said.

Sister received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1967. She earned her master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., in 1974.

After graduating from the College of Mount St. Joseph, Sister Sheila was first missioned as a secondary teacher at Bishop Flaget Catholic School in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1965. She continued in secondary education teaching math at the following schools: St Vincent Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., (1968-’69); Port Huron Catholic School in Port Huron, Mich., (1969-’70); and Seton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, (1970-’74).

In 2011, Sister Sheila completed her 35 th year at her alma mater, Holy Name High School in Parma Heights. Currently, she also chairs the Math Department.

When asked what she enjoys most about her many years of teaching, Sister replied, “Working with today’s young people, preparing them for their future while instilling in them Elizabeth Seton’s charism. They know about her by the time they leave my classroom.”
S. Karen Hawver

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Karen Hawver celebrates 50 years with her Community this year. Sister Karen grew up in Springfield, Ohio, in a happy, Catholic family. She attended St. Raphael Elementary School and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1960.

Sister Karen received the Bachelor of Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1969, and a master’s degree in guidance counseling from De Paul University in Chicago, Ill., in 1976.

Sister has spent 46 of her 50 years as a Sister of Charity in the field of education. She began her teaching ministry in 1965 as a primary teacher at St. Luke in Detroit, Mich. One year later she moved to Chicago, Ill., where she served as a primary teacher at St. Sebastian.

“My happiest Sister of Charity memories are those of living in Chicago at St. Sebastian with a wonderful group of Sisters,” Sister Karen said. “We taught in the school and lived happily in the convent. We took many trips and enjoyed the theater together.”

In 1970, she began her ministry at Guardian Angels School in Detroit, Mich., where she served as an elementary teacher, guidance counselor and assistant principal until 1979. In August 1979, Sister Karen took on her first elementary school principal assignment at St. Dennis in Royal Oak, Mich.

“My greatest satisfaction has been in being an elementary school principal for 32 years,” reflects Sister Karen.

Following 11 years at St. Dennis, Sister Karen served as principal at Holy Family Regional School in Rochester and Rochester Hills, Mich., for the next 20 years. During her years of service the school opened a second campus for grades four through eight and more than doubled student enrollment. She retired in June 2011.

In her free time, Sister Karen enjoys singing for her family and the families of others at weddings, funerals and other occasions of importance. “Singing and teaching music at my school have definitely been highlights in my life,” Sister Karen said. “Music brings such a joy to all, and I humbly thank God for allowing me to share my gift with others.”

S. Teresa Marie Laengle

Sister Teresa Marie Laengle celebrates 50 years with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Community this year. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Sister Teresa Marie attended St. Teresa School and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1961.

Sister Teresa Marie received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1966. In 1971, she earned her master’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D.

Sister started her education ministry at St. Leo in Detroit, Mich., in 1966. From 1971-’76, Sister taught chemistry at Elizabeth Seton High School in South Holland, Ill. Five years later, she was named assistant principal of Elizabeth Seton, and from 1982 until 1987, she served as the school’s principal.

In 1988, Sister Teresa Marie’s ministry took her in a different direction; she accepted a position as an instrument technician at Wastewater Treatment Plant in Springfield, Ohio. Soon after, in 1991, Sister served as a science teacher at Catholic Central High School in Springfield, Ohio, until 1992 when she became the assistant principal and later in 1996 as principal until 2004.

Sister Teresa Marie says her greatest pleasure and her greatest challenge in ministry came from being a high school principal. “My greatest satisfaction occurred watching young people enter high school and seeing their intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and leadership growth over their four years of high school,” Sister recalled.

Currently, Sister Teresa Marie is the Dayton, Ohio, coordinator of the Ignatian Project, which involves providing retreats for the homeless. She also offers retreats and provides spiritual direction to those in need.

Reflecting on her 50 years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Teresa Marie says, “My happiest memories involve witnessing the accomplishments of the Sisters and the Community spirit as we join together as a Congregation for a variety of events.”

In her spare time Sister Teresa Marie enjoys photography, card making, art work (especially watercolors), reading, writing, singing, scrapbooking and spending time in nature.

S. Jacqueline Leech

“I love belonging to the Sisters of Charity Community and if I had to do it all over again, I would do exactly the same thing,” said Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Jacqueline Leech, who celebrates 50 years as a religious woman in 2011.

Sister Jackie was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., and moved to Denver, Colo., when her father was transferred there in 1950. She attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961. That same year she entered the Sisters of Charity.

In 1965, Sister Jackie received a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. She received her master’s degree in theology in 1977 from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo.

In 1966, Sister Jackie began her ministry as a secondary teacher in Pueblo, Colo. She also taught in the dioceses of Santa Fe, N.M., and Denver, Colo. From 1976-’83, Sister was the associate vocation director and later the director of vocation for the Archdiocese of Denver, Colo.

“I enjoyed working with the seminarians and priests and developed good relationships with them,” Sister Jackie said.

For the past 15 years, Sister Jackie has served as chaplain for the Gardens of St. Elizabeth, a retirement community in Denver, Colo., that is home to 230 residents in independent living, assisted living and memory care. She says the ministry has been “very enriching as I walk the spiritual journey with the men and women here.” In addition, Sister Jackie serves as chaplain for the Denver, Colo., Police Department.

As she reflects on her 50 years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Jackie says that the best thing about Community life is, “In belonging to a Community and pooling our resources (‘woman power’ and finances) we are able to help others much more than independently. The support and concern I have received when I have been sick and have experienced deaths in my family have meant so much to me. The fact that I belong to a larger group gives me the desire to contribute to the building of our community, and to be a responsible, loving member.”

Sister Jackie participates in a variety of sports including biking, skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. She also enjoys art, classical music and playing the piano. “I’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, so I am teaching myself,” she said.
S. Judith Metz

“I entered religious life because, after prayer and reflection, I felt that is what God was asking of me,” Sister Judith Metz said on the occasion of her 50th anniversary as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sister Judith attended St. Teresa of Avila Grade School and later Seton High School, where she graduated in 1961. “I was taught by the Sisters of Charity at Seton High School and was attracted by their spirit of friendliness and dedication,” she reflected.

Sister Judith received her bachelor’s degree in social studies from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati in 1966, and her master’s degree in history from Xavier University, also in Cincinnati, in 1972. Sister obtained her MBA from Xavier University in 1990 and later received her Ph.D. from Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, in 2000.

Sister began her years of ministry teaching social studies at her alma mater, Seton High School, from 1966-’79. There she also served as director of student activities from 1973-’79. In 1980, Sister served as archivist for the Research and Records Project for the Sisters of Charity Treasurer’s Office, and from 1981-’91, Sister Judith also ministered as the Congregational Resource person. This position included work with the Office of Faith and Justice, Treasurer’s Office, Archives, Life Development, Communications and other special projects.

“I also love to do historical research and writing,” Sister said. “I have been challenged and greatly satisfied by my work in this area.”

From 1993-’96 Sister Judith was a self-employed historical researcher/writer, a passion that continues today. Among the countless books and articles she has published are: “Elizabeth Bayley Seton, Collected Writings,” Volumes I, II and III, which she co-wrote with Sister Regina Bechtle, SC; “A retreat with Elizabeth Seton: Meeting our Grace”; “Women of Faith and Service: The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati”; and “Sister Margaret Cecelia George: A Biography,” which she co-wrote with Virginia Wiltse.

Sister currently is the historian and archivist for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She also serves as an adjunct instructor of history and religious studies at the College of Mount St. Joseph, and on several boards, including the College of Mount St. Joseph, St. Joseph Orphanage and The Women’s Connection, to name a few. In her leisure time she enjoys traveling, hiking and reading.

Throughout her 50 years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Judith has been awarded many honors, including: the 1997 Elizabeth Seton Award from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, her Community’s highest honor; the 2002 Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of Mount St. Joseph; the Seton Legacy of Charity Bicentennial Medal from the Daughters of Charity in 2009; and the 2010 Sister Mary Lea Human Service Award from the College of Mount St. Joseph.

As she looks to the future, Sister Judith says, “I hope to be able to continue in the professional and personal activities that energize me and make a contribution to others. I hope the Congregation is able to carry out the mission of the Gospel through the charism of charity for many years to come.”

S. Annette Muckerheide

“I love being a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, and am grateful for many wonderful relationships, for the incredible support and challenge that being a Sister of Charity has brought,” Sister of Charity Annette Muckerheide said upon the celebration of 50 years with the Community. “Membership has pushed me to grow and I know I would never have become who I am without the love and support of my Sisters.”

Sister Annette is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended Cardinal Pacelli School for grades one through four, and later St. Ursula Academy for grades five through eight. It was there that Sister first realized her calling.

“I knew I belonged in a religious community in the fifth grade, thanks to the influence of a wonderful Ursuline, Sister Mary Oliver, who was funny, kind, warm and a great teacher,” Sister Annette reflected. “She taught about God in a very loving way.”

According to the May 2011 issue of Mount News, a publication of the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Sister Annette has always been intrigued by science; at the age of 3 her chemical-engineer father would take her on trips to his lab.

Sister Annette received her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry in 1963 from the College of Mount St. Joseph where she became acquainted with the Sisters of Charity. After graduation she entered the Community.

“What influenced me the most about the Sisters of Charity was and is the way the Sisters loved one another, cared for one another, were real people with each other and the students,” Sister reflected.

In 1973, Sister received her master’s degree in biology from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and later her Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Cincinnati in 1978.

Sister Annette began her teaching ministry at St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1965. Later, in 1966, Sister ministered as secondary teacher at Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio, until 1972. In early 1972, she served as secondary teacher at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio.

In the fall of 1973, her ministry led her to the College of Mount St. Joseph where she completed 34 years of teaching biology in June 2011. She was chairperson of the Department of Biology for most of those years.

“I plan to volunteer, and have several opportunities ahead of me,” Sister Annette said. “I am a teacher at heart and I am sure that my ministry will somehow be one of teaching and educating.”

In her spare time Sister enjoys reading, making music (voice and flute), gardening, knitting and crocheting, needlework, quilting, riding bikes, hiking and almost anything outside.
S. Annette Marie Paveglio

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Annette Marie Paveglio celebrates 50 years of religious life in 2011.

Born Gail Paveglio to Peter H. (deceased) and Annette Toscana, Sister Annette Marie attended St. Helen Grade School and St. Andrew High School in Saginaw, Mich. It was during those elementary years that Sister became attracted to religious life, having been taught by many Sisters of Charity and remaining in contact with them throughout her high school years. Following graduation in 1961, Sister Annette Marie entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

Sister earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1969, and her master’s degree in education from Xavier University, also in Cincinnati, in 1976.

“I spent 40 years of my religious life in the ministry of Catholic education and they were my most enjoyable and rewarding years in ministry,” Sister Annette Marie reflected.

Sister began her education ministry as an intermediate teacher at Holy Redeemer School in Kensington, Md., in 1965. From 1971-’75, she taught at St. Mel School in Cleveland, Ohio. Later, in 1975, Sister Annette Marie ministered at St. William School in Cincinnati, where she was promoted to principal in 1976, remaining in the position for the next eight years.

In 1986, Sister became the principal at the Mount Campus School, formally located at Seton Hall at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse in Delhi Township. The school closed the following school year.

In 1987, Sister Annette Marie served as an instructor of teacher education at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She became the pastoral associate at Sts. Peter and Paul in Cincinnati in 1992, and two years later, in 1994, Sister returned to education as principal at St. Helen School in Dayton, Ohio, until 2003.

Looking back at her years as principal and pastoral minister, Sister Annette Marie said, “It was a pleasure working with so many dedicated teachers and pastoral staff members in the parishes. There were, needless to say, many challenges, from how to meet the varied needs of so many students to how to continue to enrich the lives of children growing up in our society/world today, and how to provide the kind of leadership for teachers and parents.”

Sister Annette Marie is currently the director of the Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center, located at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. Under her direction since 2004, the Spirituality Center has offered numerous opportunities for spiritual enrichment to the community through a wide variety of programs, such as retreats, days of reflection and spiritual direction.

“My hope is to continue as director of the Spirituality Center as long as I am able to be effective in utilizing my administrative skills while integrating my spirituality,” Sister said.
S. Mary Ellen Roach

Sister Mary Ellen Roach celebrates 50 years as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Community in 2011.

Sister Mary Ellen is a native of Denver, Colo. She attended Holy Family Grade School and later graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961. It was there that Sister Mary Ellen met many women who would influence her decision to enter religious life.

“All of them put the desire in me to become a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati,” Sister Mary Ellen reflected. “I entered out of high school and received my training after entering the Community.”

Sister Mary Ellen received her bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1968. In 1973, Sister received her master’s degree in learning disabilities from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.

Sister Mary Ellen began her education ministry at St. Jude Elementary School, Cincinnati, in 1964. She served there until 1969 when she moved to Denver, Colo., to begin more than 40 years of service at Loyola Catholic Grade School; her first assignment at the school was as an elementary teacher. In 1978, she was promoted to principal, a position she held for the next 33 years. The school closed in July 2011. “This will open a new chapter in our lives as Sisters of Charity,” Sister said.

“The highlight of my life is the 42 years I have spent at Loyola Catholic Grade School,” Sister Mary Ellen continued. “The 33 years I spent as principal were a wonderful challenge for me. I think the professional experience that meant the most was my experience with other principals in the Archdiocese of Denver over the years. Many of us have been together for many years and have developed a real ‘educational bond.’”

In her free time Sister Mary Ellen enjoys training her dogs with Sister of Charity Sue Verbiscus. “Training my dogs is the thing that has kept me going over the years,” she said. “Sister Sue and I have trained many dogs and have earned many titles over the years.”

As she reflects on her 50 years with the Community, Sister Mary Ellen says her happiest memories include Community life with Sisters Sue Verbiscus and Janet Marie Wehmhoff. “We have shared our ‘ups and downs’ together for more than 40 years and I hope we continue together for many years to come,” Sister said. “Community is the thing that gets us through the ‘trials of life,’ and I have a wonderful Community that I live with and a wonderful extended Community in the Denver area.”