Special to The Message
On Oct. 26, eight Sisters of St. Benedict celebrated their Diamond Jubilee of Monastic Profession at Monastery Immaculate Conception. Sisters Jane Becker, Agnes Weinzapfel and Donna Marie Herr celebrated 60 years of monastic profession. Sisters Mary André Gettelfinger, Barbara C. Schmitz, Jacqueline Kissel, Mary Beth Maier and Michelle Mohr celebrated 70 years of monastic profession.
Sister Jane Becker holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. Louis University. She was the subprioress of the monastery from 2013 to 2019, served as a counselor for St. Meinrad School of Theology, at the North American College in Rome and is currently serving at St. Luke Center in Louisville. Sister Jane loves to create watercolor paintings of God’s beautiful creations, and she’s painted many stunning watercolors of the monastery here at Ferdinand.
From St. Philip, Indiana, Sister Agnes Weinzapfel earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Benedict College and a master’s degree from St. Francis College. It was her teachers at Mater Dei High School in Evansville who first drew her to their community, and she became a teacher herself — with a career that included working at Holy Redeemer School and St. Joseph School in Evansville, Schnellville Elementary in Schnellville, Pine Ridge Elementary in Birdseye, St. Matthew School in Mt. Vernon and St. Bernard School in Rockport. Today, she serves in the garden, grotto and Community Health Services at Monastery Immaculate Conception.
Sister Donna Marie Herr is from Chandler, Indiana, and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Mundelein College, a master’s degree in history from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in theological studies from St. Meinrad. She taught at Mater Dei High School for 38 years, and she currently serves as the coordinator of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Office in Evansville.
Sister Mary André Gettelfinger holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, a certification as master catechist and a certification in massage therapy. She spent over 40 years teaching elementary students across Indiana. Today, she serves in their ministry to the sick and elderly.
Sister Barbara Catherine Schmitz hails from Patoka. She holds a master’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in theological studies from Loyola University in Chicago, where she also attended the Institute of Spiritual Leadership. Sister Barbara has served in special religious education with the Diocese of Evansville, as academic dean and director of Catholic education with St. Meinrad School of Theology, as well as director of Kordes Retreat Center and with the Family Scholar House. She currently serves in the monastery’s mission advancement office, with Women of the Rule, and in liturgical environment.
From Evansville, Sister Jacqueline Kissel holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. She taught primary students in St. Joe, Evansville, Fort Branch and special education at Marian Day School before holding positions with the Catholic Office of Education, Catholic Charities and Christian Social Services in Rockport. She has also served as Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph in Jasper and St. Anthony in Evansville, and in justice ministries, as formation director for postulants and novices, and as director of the Benedictine Hospitality Center, all at the monastery. She currently serves in monastery service.
Sister Mary Beth Maier came to our community from Haubstadt. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in English from Indiana State University in Terre Haute. She spent many years teaching in schools across Indiana, and currently serves in their prayer ministry and by making boxes for the gift shop.
Sister Michelle Mohr has worked as a music teacher and music tutor, done formation work and retreat ministry. She currently works on special liturgy projects, in their music ministry and takes care of the many beautiful plants in and around the monastery.
Those wishing to celebrate any or all of these Sisters by making a gift to the Sisters of St. Benedict in their honor can do so at thedome.org/donate. As the form is completed, the option to note that it is a gift in honor of a sister will become available.