1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Summer 2013
Message from
the President
13
SUMMER
The Ursuline Sisters News is
published three times a year for
friends and supporters of the
Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.
Sister Susan Bremer
Editor
sbremer@ursulinesisters.org
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 115
Cindy Johnson
Director of Development
cjohnson@ursulinesisters.org
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 105
Comments/Corrections:
Mary Moran
Director of Marketing
and Communications
mmoran@ursulinesisters.org
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 198
Sister Ritamary Welsh
Major Gifts Officer
rwelsh@ursulinesisters.org
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 166
Change of Address:
Sister Alice Brickman
Special Projects Coordinator
abrickman@ursulinesisters.org
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 199
Dear Friends,
Spring serves as a visible reminder of
the power of God in our lives. We see the
birth of new life around us, the greening
of what was faded and dormant, and
experience the warmth of God through
the sun on our face and in our hearts.
Winter sometimes brings the thought
of completion or a dying, but spring
reminds us there is always new life to
be found in the depth of our being.
We witness the power of God in
the changes that seem to happen
instantaneously in this season. The
gentle rain that grows into a powerful
storm, or the rain that turns suddenly to
become the season’s last snowfall and
covers the beauty of the daffodil –
all remind us that God offers us the
challenge of constant change in our
lives. Nothing is guaranteed except
God’s unconditional love for each of us.
Like the daffodils that weather erratic
spring weather, the Ursuline Sisters
have stood together in love, unity and
support to answer God’s invitation
to change and new life. In order to
support our mission into the future
and financially provide for the health
care needs of our total congregation,
we unanimously agreed to enter into
a partnership with Regina Health
Center for the long-term and assisted
living needs of our Sisters. While this
emotionally-wrenching decision has
challenged us to our very core, we have
chosen to view it, not as the cold death
of winter, but as the call to re-birth and
God’s call to each of us.
God has called us to this new
partnership. The blessings we
have received individually and as a
congregation throughout this process
far outweigh the sacrifice and the
difficulties. A new spirit of Ursuline
has been awakened in each of us and
our sisterly connectedness has been
strengthened and renewed. Our Regina
“pioneers” have chosen to see this as a
renewed call to ministry; thus, even in
their golden years of “retirement” they
know they have much to give. The fact
that God has called us to be together
with other women religious, priests,
and lay friends enriches this decision in
countless ways.
We are not alone in this daunting
endeavor. We are so grateful to
and for the Sisters of Charity of St.
Augustine. Their guidance, openness
and generosity throughout this process
have been selfless. It truly has been
a homecoming for us. During these
challenging times, we have also felt the
loving support of so many of our family,
friends, volunteers and benefactors.
You, too, have felt the sadness of this
decision, but understand that it was a
choice for life and for the future of our
congregation. Your many letters and
phone calls of support, and your visits
have buoyed our hearts and spirits.
Knowing that you understand and
willingly walk this road with us has made
all the difference and honors the sisters
who are our pioneers in this endeavor.
We ask your prayers during this time.
We have much to celebrate as you will
note in this issue of Ursuline News. At
the same time, we realize many more
challenging decisions await us as we
navigate our path to the future. We
know God is directing our efforts. Like
the spring, our faith reminds us that in
change and in death there is always
new life.
Be assured of our continued prayers for
you and those you love. On behalf of
the Ursuline Sisters, I thank you again
for your continued partnership and for
your ongoing guidance and support in
the future. God bless you.
Sister Susan Durkin
Sister Rita lends skills to
Laurel Tree ministry
What does a craft enthusiast with a business degree
do for fun and profit? If she’s like Sister Rita Kuhn, the
answer is simple. She runs a gift shop. In Sister Rita’s
case, it’s the Ursulines’ Laurel Tree Gift Shop, housed
in the Ursuline Educational Center.
Sister Rita Kuhn holds a B.A. in business administration
and secondary education certification from Ursuline
College and a master’s in Education from the University
of Dayton. She began her ministry teaching business
at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School before going
on to Beaumont where she worked in the guidance
office and taught nearly 14 years. When her position
at Beaumont was reduced to part-time in 2007, she
explored options for a supplemental ministry. She knew
that anything she would take on would have to be very
flexible to accommodate her work at Beaumont.
Sister Rita’s interest in crafts dates back to her teen
years. Since then she has enjoyed sewing, crocheting,
crafts and ceramics. Her passion for and skill in
crafting and her business background inspired Sister
Rita to offer her assistance to the Laurel Tree.
As fate would have it, the shop was in need of a
director at that very time. So Sister Rita was not
only taken up on her offer of assistance, she was
immediately offered the director’s position! Realizing
the commitment such an undertaking required she
took some time to think about it.
During her discernment Sister Rita turned to her dear
friend Sister Joyce Marie, a former director of the shop
Sister Rita
admires the
handiwork of
volunteer Mary
Alice Maruna.
The Laurel Tree is staffed and supported by many helpers,
including (from left) Cindy Vencl, Sister Rita, Kathy McGinness,
Sister Patricia Mulhern, Sister Mary Sterle and Mary Alice Maruna.
and the one who had suggested the shop’s name.
She encouraged Sister Rita to take the position. One
year into Sister Rita’s new ministry, Sister Joyce Marie
became ill and died. “She was a tremendous support
to me as I started my new ministry,” Sister Rita notes,
“and I feel I am honoring her now in the work that I do.”
Service in the gift shop has been a fulfilling, yet
demanding ministry for Sister Rita. At first she
wondered what she had gotten herself into, but the
support she’s received from family, friends and sisters
has made it possible. “I have a handful of creative
and generous volunteers who help me,” she notes. In
addition, a number of sisters give their time. “I know
they are very busy in other ministries so I’m always
grateful, even if it’s just an hour here and there to
help out.”
A number of sisters contribute their beautiful pieces
to sell in the gift shop. Their skills in drawing, painting,
photography, sewing, crocheting, ceramics and even
baking are showcased in the gift shop. “It gives those
sisters a creative outlet and fills the gift shop with
beautiful and unique items,” she says.
Sister Rita believes that in addition to the revenue it
produces, the shop also provides a special service
to the sisters. For those sisters unable to get out and
go shopping, the gift shop is a real benefit because it
provides them with quality handmade gifts they can
be proud to give. The shop also gives the less mobile
sisters a reason to get up and move around. They
sometimes come down and simply “window shop.”
The next time you visit the Ursuline Educational
Center be sure to stop in the Laurel Tree. You’ll be
happy you did!
Summer 2013 • 3
BASKETS WANTED
for 2014 Derby Day
Even as we close out the
2013 Derby Day event,
we are looking ahead
to next year. We are
already collecting empty
baskets for the basket
raffle portion of Derby Day
2014. We are in particular
need of large baskets,
which can be dropped off
at Ursuline Educational
Center/Motherhouse, 2600
Lander Road, Pepper Pike.
Thanks for your assistance
and generosity.
If anyone would like
to volunteer for next
year’s Derby, please call
Barbara Badalamenti
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 197
4 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Derby Day 2013
a rousing success
Sisters and guests filled Lakeview
Club Lounge at Cleveland Browns
Stadium for Ursuline Derby Day 2013.
Once again it was a grand evening for
enjoying the celebrated “run for the
roses” – complete with Derby hats
and delicious fare – while renewing
friendships and generating financial
support for the Ursuline Sisters.
The evening also featured the
presentation of the Merici Award
to Mike and Suzanne Cleary by
Sister Susan Durkin, congregational
president. “Mike and Suzanne honor
God with their faith and their service,”
Sister Susan noted, “and that is a
hallmark of St. Angela’s spirit. We are
proud to claim them as friends and as
products of Ursuline education.”
Highlights of Derby Day 2013 included
the horse race raffle, the Rose
Necklace Heads and Tails contest,
50/50 drawing and the basket raffle.
This year’s “bridging the gap” effort
generated funds to supplement those
already raised to ensure ongoing
linkage with the Ursuline sisters at
Regina Health Center.
Thanks to all who participated:
sponsors, underwriters, horse owners,
in-kind service providers, basket
donors, volunteers and guests. Special
thanks to Wells Fargo Advisors, our
Winner’s Circle sponsor. We couldn’t
have done it without you.
Mark your calendar for next
year’s Ursuline Derby Day,
Saturday, May 3, 2014.
We hope to see you there.
Ursulines experience heart-felt
welcome at Regina
Sister Miriam Erb, CSA, welcomes
Sisters Ann Gertrude, Jeanne Campbell
and Therese Martin to a Regina open
house in February.
Sisters Bernadette and Kathleen Burke (standing) extend good wishes
to Sisters Claudia, Ruth Marie and Mary George at a blessing service
prior to their move.
R
esidents and staff of
Regina Health Center
(RHC) might call it an
invasion. But for the 30
sisters who made the move from
the Ursuline Saint Angela Center
(SAC) to the Richfield facility it has
been a journey to a new home, a
new chapter in Ursuline history.
And thus far, all are faring well!
The actual move began in
February and was completed at
the end of April, a much faster
process than anyone envisioned.
It was precipitated by escalating
health care costs and a concern
for future needs of the entire
congregation. After researching
available options, we decided
unanimously in December to enter
into an arrangement with Regina
for the long-term and skilled care
needs of our sisters.
Sisters transitioned in small
groups from Saint Angela Center
as nursing and assisted living
rooms became available at
Regina. Each move was preceded
by a prayer gathering in the Saint
Angela Center chapel, missioning
and blessing each sister for life
and ministry at Regina.
The Sisters of Charity and the
Regina staff have been most
accommodating in making our
sisters feel at home. Sister Miriam
Erb, congregational leader of the
Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
who sponsor RHC, recalled that in
1851, the Ursulines welcomed four
Sisters of Charity into their home.
Today, some 162 years later, the
Sisters of Charity are “pleased
to return that hospitality and
graciousness” by welcoming the
Ursulines into their Richfield home.
Like Sister Miriam, Janet Cinadr,
Regina’s director of nursing, is
Continued on page 6
We decided unanimously in December to enter
into an arrangement with Regina for the
long-term and skilled care needs of our sisters.
Summer 2013 • 5
Sister Annunciata
bundles up for bus
ride to Regina.
Sister Angela Nihill and Sister Miriam Erb, CSA,
pose for the camera.
Continued from page 5
happy to have the new residents.
“The Ursulines have enriched the
lives of our other residents and
nursing staff,” she notes. “And
the kind words offered by Ursuline
residents and visitors serve to
validate the good work of
our staff.”
The transition has been surprisingly
smooth, owing to the remarkable
cooperation of the sisters making
the move. Ursuline president Sister
Susan Durkin readily acknowledges
“we stand in awe of these sisters
who, for the good of the whole
congregation, have willingly made
this sacrifice with open hearts.
They are the real heroines in this
endeavor.”
Following a close second are
the countless helpers – sisters
and others – who facilitated the
moving process, assisting with
packing, unpacking, transporting,
encouraging, calming, praying,
visiting. Chief among them
6 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Rose Tadsen reviews activity options
with Regina staff member.
“The Ursulines have enriched the lives of our
other residents and nursing staff.”
and leading the way are Sister
Therese Martin Turocy, in her
11th year as local coordinator of
the Saint Angela Center sisters,
and Lola Tarasco, SAC director
of nursing. “We couldn’t have
done this without them,” Sister
Susan suggests. “They have
worked tirelessly to make the
move as smooth and stress-free
as possible.” The two continue to
assist the sisters in their twiceweekly visits to Regina.
Regina’s Ursuline contingent
has been finding its way in the
adjustment process. Some,
like Sister Joachim Mullen, are
already contributing to the Regina
community. She is the lector for
Mass each Monday and also
participates in a weekly book
discussion. Others, like Sisters
Liz Troha and Angela Nihill, are
enjoying the array of activities.
Sister Liz has found a nightly
pinochle game; Sister Angela
enjoys the many social gatherings
and happily proclaims her new
home a “5-star hotel.” Other sisters
are opting for a more deliberate
settling-in period. All are enjoying
the multiple chapels and the variety
of venue options for participating in
daily Mass.
Admittedly the transition has not
been without some sadness and
a few rough patches. Five of the
sisters – Sisters Angela Marie,
Bernard Francis, Carolyn Clines,
Ruth Donnelly and Winifred Weir –
have died since the move. These
were the oldest and/or most
physically fragile of the group. Still,
in a very short time, they too left a
mark on the Regina family. Stacy,
one of the nurses who cared for
“The kind words offered by Ursuline residents
and visitors serve to validate the good work of
our staff.”
them, says that the sisters had
endeared themselves to all.
While the Regina staff has
been most attentive and
accommodating, the sisters do
miss their SAC nurses, assistants,
dietary aides and others. “They
were family to us,” Sister Anne
Clare notes. “I miss them and the
other sisters.”
Another challenge has been the
size of the facility. In SAC the
sisters resided on one floor in
a 44-bed facility. At Regina, the
sisters are spread over three floors
in a 100+ bed operation. Sister
Joachim, who has a first floor
room and is separated from most
of the Ursulines, visits the sisters
at mealtime in their second and
ground floor dining rooms. “It’s a
great way to interact with a number
of them at one time,” she says.
the vigils they keep with sisters
in the dying process. “It’s always
been our practice,” Sister Sheila
acknowledges. “It’s an important
one to continue.”
Also important to continue is the
support of our Regina pioneers. As
a congregation we are committed
to maintaining the closest of
connections with the sisters in
Richfield. The steady stream of
Ursuline visitors will continue
to strengthen sisterly bonds. A
monthly birthday and feast day
party brings together the Regina
Ursulines, the leadership team and
any other Ursulines able to attend.
The leadership team gathered with
the Regina community for a Holy
Like Sister Joachim, many of the
sisters are attentive to each other,
most notably and touchingly in
Sister Ann Letitia offers good
wishes to Sister Anne Clare
prior to her move.
Sister Mary George enjoys some productive solitude
in organizing a collection of buttons.
Sister Eileen Mary (left) enjoys a
visit with Sister Rose Angela as a staff
member looks on.
Thursday prayer service and looks
forward to additional gatherings for
prayer and/or conversation.
On a broader level, a “connections
committee” is working to keep
sisters connected to the life of the
larger Ursuline family. Currently
under study are technology options
for broadcasting congregational
meetings, funerals and celebrations
to Richfield to allow our sisters to
participate more fully in the life of
the congregation. The current 21st
Century Club appeal will provide
resources for this and other
projects.
Sister Miriam and others are quick
to note the “new life” the Ursulines
have generated at Regina. “The
sisters always have beautiful smiles
and gracious words,” she says.
“We are happy to welcome them
with open hearts. And walk with
them and all the Ursulines into the
future, knowing that the grace of
God that brought us together, will
sustain us in joy and peace.”
Sister Caroline Kocur relaxes after
a physical therapy workout.
Summer 2013 • 7
O B IT U ARIES
Pioneering Ursulines enjoy fullness of life
When the decision was made to move our sisters to Regina Health Center, we
were advised to move our most fragile sisters first to ensure continuity of care
and attention. These “pioneering” women endeared themselves to the staff and
received wonderful care. Unfortunately, as often happens, the change hastened
their decline. We pray in gratitude for these sisters, for the gift and grace they
were to us and to those they served throughout their lives.
Sister Angela Marie Waldron
Sister Angela Marie Waldron
was tireless in her ministry
career and devoted to her
large family, including her two
Ursuline Sister-sisters, Brigetta
and Catherine (formerly Sister
St. Ann). The veteran educator
and superintendent died
February 15 at Regina Health
Center in Richfield. She was
87. A memorial Mass was
celebrated February 23 at the
Ursuline motherhouse.
Mary Therese Waldron was born August 23, 1925, one
of eleven children of Patrick and Beatrice Waldron.
The Villa Angela Academy graduate joined the Ursuline
Sisters from Assumption Parish, Geneva, in February
1944. She professed final vows August 24, 1949,
and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in
education from the old St. John College, Cleveland.
Sister Angela Marie taught on the elementary level at
St. Ann School (Cleveland Heights) and Immaculate
Conception (Cleveland) before accepting principal
positions at St. Jerome (Cleveland) and St. Mary School
(Mentor). She served as an educational consultant
for the diocese, and then was appointed Regional
Superintendent for the Cleveland Diocesan Schools.
In 1989 she embarked on a career as pastoral minister
and director of religious education, serving at St. Patrick
Parish (Wellington), Holy Trinity Parish (Bedford Heights)
and St. Clare Parish (Lyndhurst). She also worked as
development director at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High
School where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in
2004. Her final assignment was assisting Sister Brigetta
at Archbishop Lyke School, Cleveland.
8 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
A teacher and educational advocate to the end, Sister
Angela Marie directed that her body be donated for
medical research.
In addition to Sisters Brigetta and Catherine,
Sister Angela Marie is survived by brothers Patrick
(Mary Kay), John (Irene), T. Gerald (Claire), and Harold
(Kathy) and sister Roseanne Weibel.
Sister M. Bernard Francis Flynn
Sister M. Bernard Francis ministered 59 years in
elementary education, shaping minds, spirits, and
characters. She spent the
next 12 years inspiring joy
with her own radiant smile.
The beloved educator and
community member died
February 18. She was 94.
Her funeral was celebrated
February 20.
The former Kathleen Flynn was
born October 11, 1918, in Fall
River, Massachusetts, one of
seven children of Michael and
Bridget (O’Malley) Flynn. A graduate of the old Ursuline
Academy (55th Street), she followed her sisters Anne
(Sister Anne Cecile) and Eileen (Sister M. Dominic)
to the Ursulines, entering the community in February
1938, from St. Patrick Parish (Bridge Ave.). She
professed final vows in 1943. She earned a bachelor’s
degree from St. John College.
Sister Bernard Francis served her entire career in
primary grades in schools throughout the diocese,
including St. Ann (Cleveland Heights), St. Patrick
(Bridge Ave.), St. Joseph (Collinwood), St. Francis
de Sales (Parma), St. Timothy (Garfield Heights), St.
Catharine (Cleveland), St. Charles (Parma), St. Clare
(Lyndhurst) and St. Therese (Garfield Heights) where
she also served as tutor. Her final assignments were as
tutor at St. Paul School (Euclid) and as office assistant
at Our Lady of Good Counsel School (Cleveland). She
retired in 2001.
Sister Bernard Francis moved to the Saint Angela
Center in April 2002. With her friendly personality and
infectious smile she quickly endeared herself to sisters
and staff alike. Even in her last year, as the once chatty
“Little Flynn” grew increasingly quiet, the twinkling
smile endured.
The last of her siblings, Sister Bernard Francis is
survived by nieces and nephews.
Sister Carolyn Clines
Sister Carolyn Clines
(formerly known as Sister M.
John Paul) served 37 years
in the ministry of education
as a teacher and principal
in schools throughout the
diocese. The veteran educator
died March 22. Sister Carolyn
was 80. Her funeral Mass was
celebrated March 25.
Carolyn Clines was born
April 17, 1932 in Cleveland to Harry and Loretta
(Champion) Clines. She joined the Ursulines from
Christ the King Parish (East Cleveland) in September
1950 and professed final vows in 1956. A graduate
of Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart, she earned
undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from
the old St. John College.
Sister Carolyn’s teaching career included tenures at
Immaculate Conception (Willoughby), Holy Cross
(Euclid), St. Timothy (Garfield Heights), St. Joseph
(Collinwood), and St. Charles (Parma) schools. She
directed three schools as principal: Christ the King
(East Cleveland), St. Charles (Parma) and St. Mary
(Mentor).
Her tenure in education was interrupted by her election
to congregational leadership where she served eight
years. Sister Carolyn concluded her active ministry
years in administration of the Ursuline Sophia Center, a
wellness ministry.
Sister Carolyn is survived by her sister, Bernice Clines,
and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death
by her parents, a sister Margaret Zusy, and brothers,
Rev. Paul Clines, Robert Clines, and Rev. John Clines.
Sister Ruth Donnelly
In 79 years as an Ursuline, Sister Ruth Donnelly
(formerly Sister Marie Daniel) enjoyed careers in
elementary education and in parish ministry. The much
beloved and oldest community
member died March 28 at the
Regina Health Center, where
last month nearly 60 sisters
and Saint Angela Center staff
members gathered to mark
her 98th birthday. Her funeral
Mass was celebrated April 1.
Ruth Donnelly was born
February 26, 1915, one of 11
children born to Joseph and
Mary Donnelly. The Villa Angela Academy graduate
entered the Ursuline congregation from Saint Angela
Merici Parish, Fairview Park, in February 1933, and
professed final vows in August 1938. She earned a
degree in education from the old St. John College.
A 41-year veteran of elementary education (mainly
primary grades), Sister Ruth served at St. Francis de
Sales (Parma), St. Paul (Euclid), St. Joseph (Avon Lake),
St. Jerome (Cleveland), St. Timothy (Garfield Heights),
St. Catharine (Cleveland), and St. Joseph (Collinwood).
In 1977 Sister Ruth began what was to be a 25-year
career in parish ministry. At St. Basil Parish (Brecksville)
she directed the elementary Parish School of Religion
program and ministered to the elderly. She initiated the
Fresh Hope bereavement program for those grieving the
loss of loved ones and regularly visited the homebound.
In her last ministry, Cleveland’s St. Rose Parish, Sister
Ruth served 19 years in ministry to the elderly. She
directed the St. Rose Samaritans who provided special
services to the shut-ins and homebound of the parish.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Continued on page 10
Summer 2013 • 9
O B IT U ARIES
Continued from page 9
Sister Winifred Weir
St. John College and a master’s from John Carroll
University.
Sister Winifred Weir was
a wonderful teacher and
capable principal for 31
years. Then multiple sclerosis
struck, cutting short her
work in the classroom, but
opening a door to a whole
new educational arena. From
her electric cart and her bed
Sister Winnie was an amazing
teacher … of patience,
acceptance, good humor, joy
and humility. The gentle woman with the indomitable
spirit died April 4. She was 81. Rev. Larry Martello, a
former student, celebrated Sister Winnie’s funeral Mass
April 9.
Winifred Weir was born December 21, 1931 to Thomas
and Marie Weir. She joined the Ursulines from Christ
the King Parish (East Cleveland) in September 1950
and professed final vows in 1956. A graduate of
Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart, she earned
an undergraduate degree in education from the old
Sister Winifred’s teaching career included tenures
at Immaculate Conception (Willoughby), Holy Cross
(Euclid), St. Malachi (Cleveland) and Immaculate
Conception (Cleveland) where she also served as
principal. Her final school assignment was Urban
Community School (Cleveland) where she assisted the
principal.
“Sister Winnie,” the last of the original residents of
the Ursuline Saint Angela Center, inspired sisters and
staff members with her infectious smile and her joyful
and peaceful presence. Sister Eileen Mary, whose
friendship with Sister Winnie dates to high school
days and their shared entrance into the community,
once noted that while the MS “took away pretty much
everything that Sister Winnie loved … it never took
away her sweetness, her sense of humor, or her ability
to be a great friend.”
Sister Winifred is survived by a brother Thomas
(wife Pauline). She was preceded in death by her
parents and a sister, Marie Derus.
Ursulines,
friends gather
in sunny Florida
The Ursulines welcomed some 140
friends and supporters to the annual
Ursuline gathering at the Royal Poinciana
Club in Naples, Florida, in March.
Attendees celebrated liturgy with Father
Gary Chmura, pastor of Cleveland’s Our
Lady of Peace Parish. After a delicious
brunch the group enjoyed hearing from
Sisters Susan Durkin, Diana Stano and
Gretchen about current happenings in
the congregation and at the college and
Beaumont. Sisters Susan and Sister
Ritamary Welsh utilized the trip to visit
friends and supporters in other parts of
Florida, as well.
10 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Susan (center) poses with (from left) Mary Lou Durkin,
Barbara Durkin, Sister Ritamary, and Mary Lou McCarthy.
Sister Susan enjoyed visits with a number of Ursuline friends during
the March Florida trip. At left she is shown with Joan and Ed Conrad.
At right she is flanked by Ron and Rita Reuss.
Ancient ‘path’ keeps sisters mobile, reduces pain
Stars do it. Athletes do it. Judges in the highest courts do it.
Even the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland do it.
We’re talking about yoga. A path to enlightenment that
dates back 5,000 years to its native India, yoga has
become so hot, so cool, and so popular. It’s the exercise
that doesn’t so much pump you up as quiet you down.
The practice of yoga now spans the continent — from
Hollywood, where multi-millionaire actors line up for a
session with their guru, to Washington where, in the gym
of the Supreme Court, justices have been known to take
a class, to the Ursuline Educational Center/motherhouse
where registered instructor Donna Stein shares the gift of
yoga with a class of sisters each Tuesday and Thursday.
Donna Stein
Yoga has been a part of Donna
Stein’s life since 1978, but it wasn’t
until decades later that she began to
share this practice with the Ursuline
sisters. Donna came to the Ursulines
in 1993 as a physical therapist in
their brand new Saint Angela Center.
“I immediately felt blessed to have
this job,” she says. “Each day I
would hear sisters say things like,
‘here comes our angel,’ or ‘God
bless you, Donna.’ ”
Sister Barbara Jean Sever, who oversees the wellness
center for the sisters, asked Donna if she would be
interested in teaching a yoga class for the sisters. Donna
didn’t have to think twice and was eager to get started.
By 2008 the motherhouse yoga classes really began
to take off and were moved to a larger room to
accommodate more participants and allow more room
to “stretch” out. “We begin each class with ‘centering in
the chair’ and stretching exercises,” Donna notes. “We
use all kinds of tools to quiet the body and quiet the
breath and, as a result, we quiet the mind.”
Donna explains that it’s very important that each sister
do only what her body will allow and let the postures
teach the body what it can or cannot do. Sisters of
any age and/or physical limitation can benefit from
these yoga classes. Some sisters come to class in
wheelchairs. Donna sees the benefits of yoga not only
in watching the sisters’ improvements from one class to
the next, but through a study currently being done by
Cleveland State University.
Sisters who regularly attend yoga sessions discover the physical,
spiritual and emotional benefits the ancient practice provides.
“As we age, we typically see a decline in function –
poor posture, poor balance, slowed walking, painful
movements, decreased strength, etc. With yoga we are
helping to maintain function, keep more mobile, and
have less pain. That is what the yoga study is showing.
Even if range or strength or balance isn’t getting better, it
is not getting worse as we age. That says a lot!”
Sister Donna Capuano, a regular in Donna’s class, finds
yoga to be life-giving and uplifting. “You find out that
your body can do things you never thought it could do!”
she says.
The benefits of yoga extend beyond the physical. Sister
Susan Durkin, president of the Ursuline Sisters, has seen
another advantage to yoga. “On a number of occasions
I’ve seen the sisters exiting the class and they’re all in
such good spirits!”
In this fast-paced, hectic, world of to-do lists, it’s
important to take the time to quiet ourselves. Whether
engaged in a career, raising children or committed to a
life of ministry, at times it can be beneficial to heed this
advice about yoga, “Don’t just do something ­– sit there!”
Summer 2013 • 11
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Ursuline Academy of Cleveland
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cleveland, OH
Permit #3796
Development Office
2600 Lander Road
Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124
www.ursulinesisters.org
13
SUMMER
Visit www.UrsulineSisters.org to submit prayer requests.
URSULINE FAMILY & FRIENDS NIGHT
WITH THE CAPTAINS
Enjoy Captains baseball and renew friendships
with your Ursuline Family and Friends.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Classic Park, Eastlake
Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
Game begins at 7:05 p.m.
$24 Adults
$20 Children (age 4-12)
FREE Children (under 3)
Includes a
2-hour unlimited
buffet, soft drinks
and game ticket.
To place your ticket order call
440-449-1200, Ext. 199 or email
abrickman@ursulinesisters.org
by August 23, 2013.