Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Eight Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph with direct ties to the Archdiocese of Louisville are marking jubilees in 2024, coinciding with the congregation's 150 years of service in Maple Mount, Ky. The Ursuline Sisters began their ministry in 1874, establishing Mount Saint Joseph Academy, which operated until 1983.

The Ursuline Sisters have invited the public to join them in acts of kindness to commemorate their anniversary throughout 2024. According to the anniversary page of their website, they will continue to 'Cultivate the Vine that Saint Angela Entrusted to Us.'

Among this year's jubilarians are Sister Susan Mary Mudd, who has served as an educator in various locations including Kentucky, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Virginia, Venezuela, and Chile. Sister Mary Matthias Ward, a native of Clementsville, Ky., has served in roles such as principal of St. Denis School and major superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Sister Mary Timothy Bland from Greenbrier, Ky., has been a teacher in Kentucky and Missouri and currently serves as assistant to the archivist at the Motherhouse.

Sister Joyce Marie Cecil, Sister Karla Marie Kaelin, Sister Joan Riedley, Sister Laurita Spalding, and Sister Melissa Tipmore are also celebrating jubilees this year for their years of service in education and pastoral ministry in various locations.

Messages of congratulations to the jubilarians and the congregation can be sent to 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, Ky., 42356. More information about the anniversary can be found on their website at www.ursulinesmsj.org/150-years.