St. Angela's Academy Alumnae Association
For all Alumnae or other messages CONTACT: rosetta@sasktel.net
Feast of St. Angela Merici - January 27
Angela was born in 1474 in Desenzano, Italy.
As a youth, she experienced a call, often referred to as "The
vision of Brudazzo." (Students, do you remember the large
painting in the dining room showing this scene?)
On November 25th, 1535, she and her first companions consecrated
themselves to God and to do the work of education, especially
of girls.
Angela died on January 27th, 1540
This is a special feastday for Ursuline Sisters the world over.
It also was a special feastday at St. Angela's Academy
and we ask that all "our girls" (students) will remember
this day in some way.
In
the writings of the foundress of our Ursuline Order, St. Angela
Merici, one section was addressed particularly to the leaders
of the Company of Saint Ursula, in these words:
"Sister Angela, unworthy servant
of Jesus Christ, to her beloved daughters and sisters, the leaders
of the Company of Saint Ursula."
Her sixth counsel seems to be easily applied to everyone who has family or deals with people in any situation. This counsel is adapted as follows:
Sixth Counsel
"As for you, live and behave in
such a way that [all people] may see in you a model. And what
you want [others] to do, do it yourselves first.
How will you reprove or admonish [others] for some defect if it
is still in you? Or counsel them, and urge them to any virtue
which you do not first possess, or at least, do not then begin
to practise yourselves, together with them? Act therefore in such
a way that, also following your example, they may stir and spur
themselves to virtuous living.
And willingly do, as they do, every act of
integrity and virtue appropriate and possible for you, especially
with regard to behavior and other similar good works.
For it is right and fitting that [you] be an example and a mirror
for [others]."
The official takeover date was August 15, 2011, but the personnel did not come to stay until the end of August. On September 4 they held the official opening and open house for the general public. There were members from the Islamic community from every province from Ontario to British Columbia as well as people from Prelate and the surrounding areas. Ten Ursuline Sisters also attended. There were opening prayers, readings from their holy book, the Koran, and speeches. Words of welcome were given: mayor of Prelate, reeve of the municpality of Happyland, a local member of the RCMP, and others. In addition, Sister Anne Lewans, General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters, and Sister Rosetta Reiniger expressed their welcome and good wishes. The program was followed by lunch served in both dining rooms. Students arrived shortly after September 4 and instructions began. There are students from Grade 5 to 11 and as of mid November they have 28 boys enrolled. A certified teacher from Ontario is teaching the elmentary and one of our graduates, Chantelle (Schneidmiller) Brautigam is teaching grades 8, 9, 11 on a part time basis. The chapel continues to be a prayer room, but now has been converted to a mosque.
From the Saskatoon Diocesan newsletter we quote: "Saskatoon Bishop Don Bolen expressed relief that the Ursuline Sisters had finally been able to find a buyer for their building, and wouldn't be saddled with the expense and emotional challenge of tearing the building down. He wished the new owners well."Through the Holy See, the Catholic Church has long fostered friendly relations with Muslims, encouraging working together to strengthen the common good wherever possible," he said. "I hope that both the new school and the members of the community of Prelate will be blessed by the new arrangement, and find ways to cooperate together."
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Joanne (Rajchyba) Spence PO Box 3064 Humboldt, SK S0K 2AO PHONE: 306-682-3879
The following
is the article printed in the Leader News
An Historic Evening
by Sister Adelaide Fortowsky
On October 16th, 2010, St.
Francis Xavier Parish and the Prelate community gathered to say
farewell to the Ursuline Sisters. The celebration began with the
Eucharist at St. Francis Xavier Church with Bishop Donald Bolan
presiding, assisted by Father Emmanuel Azite, parish priest. Sheryl
Dietz served as commentator; Bob Heck as reader; Darlene Wagner
and Jeanine Schmaltz, the acolytes; Sister Anne Marie Rehman and
Sister Rosetta Reiniger presented the offertory gifts; Darrah
Duchscherer, organist; Sharon Hoffart and Brenda Hellman led the
singing; Edwin and Dolores Meuchel served as communion ministers.
Bishop Bolan, homilist, drew attention to the fitting thought
at this time,"...letting go can lead to new life."
Following the Eucharist, all were invited to the Prelate Centennial
Hall for a potluck supper. Bob Heck, chairperson of the parish
council, presided as MC for the evening. He called on Bishop Bolan
to lead Grace. Guests enjoyed the wide variety of delicious foods
brought by the people and served by the ladies.
After the meal, Mr. Heck addressed Sister Anne Lewans of Saskatoon,
general superior of the Ursulines, to introduce all the Sisters.
Sisters who came from elsewhere were as follows:
S. Alice Wagner, S. Aloysia Kosolofski, S. Bernice Daratha, S.
Brigitta Haag, S. Charlotte Beler, S. Dolores Schneider, S. Germaine
Rosenberger, S. Gertrude Soprocolle, S. Hermana Blatz, S. Jane
Jochim, S. Joanne Drescher, S. Leona Delorme S. Louisa Brost,
S. Ludvina Scheck, S. Magdalen Stengler, S. Margaret Ann Feist,
S. Margaret Sautner, S. Mary Ann Uhrmann, S. Pauline Reinhardt,
S. Rosalyn Miller, and S. Anne Lewans, plus the four Sisters still
residing at St. Angela's: S. Emily Kosolofski, S. Anne Marie Rehman,
S. Adelaide Fortowsky, and S. Rosetta Reiniger.
The introductions were followed by a presentation from Brenda
Helman on behalf of the parish. She spoke of the help from the
Sisters, the catechism classes, and the many precious memories
of the Academy. Brenda related she has become an Associate
of the Ursulines and wishes to continue to spread the charism
of St. Angela Merici.
Bob, as chairperson, then spoke of the loss the Sisters' leaving
is to the parish. The Sisters could be called on to help
whenever needed. They were always only a phone call away. He has
fond memories of seeing the academy students walking to church
and then taking active part in the service. He next called on
the other members of the parish council, Jeanine Schmalz, Darlene
Wagner and Doreen Kosolofski who presented Sister Rosetta, representing
the Ursulines, with a lovely pencil sketching by Sheila Murray-Hammel
of Abbey. The engraved plate reads: "In Grateful thanks for
91 years of "contemplation in action, 1919-2010."
Darrah Duchscherer, mayor of Prelate, spoke of the Sisters' friendly
smiles, the waves, their community spirit. She spoke of the involvement
in community activities both financially and otherwise and she
expressed sorrow in that her young son will never know the Sisters
or their influence. Duchscherer concluded by saying, "You
have shown us the true meaning of love and have left your footprint
in our hearts."
Anna Mary Rajchyba, former lifelong parishioner, spoke of the
many milestones of the Ursulines, their various missions and apostolates
that reached beyond Prelate. June 30, 2007, was the end of a chapter
with the academy closing, but the legacy lives on. "The Sisters
have given of themselves and have been our teachers, mentors,
caregivers and friends. Their presence provided a scholarly atmosphere.
God's work was in our midst. Thank you for your dedication and
service. As a remembrance we have obtained from Canada Post a
cancellation stamp which has on it an artist's depiction of the
Convent and reads: 'St. Angela's Convent/Academy; 1919-2010.'"
She said that every piece of mail leaving the Prelate Post Office
will carry this stamp all over the world. She presented Sister
Anne with an enlarged copy.
Edwin Meuchel, on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, spoke of
the presence of the Sisters for 47 years when the Knights sponsored
bingos, or breakfasts, or celebrations. He expressed special thanks
that the Knights were able to hold the Marian devotions in the
Convent Chapel for the last several years. Edwin then presented
Sister Anne with a financial gift.
Mr. Heck called on Sister Anne Lewans for her message. Sister
Anne began by stating that this occasion was one of Thanksgiving.
She thanked the organizers, the people who came, the ladies for
the meal. A reference was made that the first Convent was built
through the volunteer work of the local people under the direction
of Father Riedinger. These people assisted the Sisters with food,
especially during the drought years when often they had little
to share. Sister Anne mentioned how the Sisters have appreciated
the loyalty and respect given over the 91 years and the numerous
benefactors. "You rejoiced with us in good times and grieved
with us in difficult times. You supported our bazaars, our lotteries,
our benefit suppers. Four years to this day, we announced the
closing of St. Angela's Academy. " Lewans continued: "There
is a real sadness, a pain in the letting go, but we must move
on, and sometimes the letting go frees us for something greater."
She thanked everyone again for their friendship and support.
Bishop Bolan, too, gave expressions of thanks to the Sisters on
behalf of the Diocese for "speaking the Gospel" to the
world and that the precious inheritance that is left behind will
always remain. He said that the Sisters may be leaving Prelate
and district physically, but they will always be "Ursulines
of Prelate." In a lighter vein he spoke of being a supporter
of the Saskatchewan Roughrider football team. When staying overnight
at the Convent and having breakfast with the Sisters, there were
many "assistant coaches" at the table. He then returned
to the topic of the people of St. Francis Xavier Parish and encouraged
them to remain strong in the faith and to preserve the heritage
that the Sisters are leaving.
The next item on the program was a DVD presentation from Mayor
Darrah Duchscherer on behalf of the village. She explained that
these photos are to remind the Sisters of their "home"
at Prelate. The DVD, "Remembering Home", showed pictures
from the past as well as more recent takes. It was interesting
and excellently done.
More good things took place. Sharon Hoffart and Brenda Helman
shared their gifts by coming forward to entertain through song,
They rendered: "I thank my God, each time I think of you."
and were accompanied by Jennifer Gehl. Both singers and pianist
are graduates of the Academy.
Sharon spoke of happy academy memories; how she had her sisters,
sisters-in-law, and some nieces also attend the academy; that
it was an enriching experience for them all. Next, Brenda Helman
and Jennifer Gehl sang "Bless this House O Lord we pray",
accompanied by Jennifer Gehl.
Sister Rosetta spoke on behalf of the four Sisters left at St.
Angela's, of her appreciation to everyone for the evening, for
the entertainment, the DVD, the kind words. She expressed a special
thanks to the present staff still at St. Angela's, for their support,
understanding, and encouragement. She closed with two quotes that
expressed her feelings about leaving St. Angela's. One was from
a Greek play called "Aeschylus", wherein Agamemnon,
a warrior, says after a battle, "Things are where things
are, and, as fate has willed. So shall they be fulfilled."
(Agamemnon) And from a poem" Sohrab and Rustum" she
quoted: "It was written in Heaven that this should be."
She closed by saying that although she is moving, she will be
back now and then.
Indeed, it was a memorable
evening for the Sisters and the Community at large; a meeting
of friends and a holding of memories. As one poet put it:
Some people come into our lives
and move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to understanding
with the passing whisper
of their visit...
They make our world more beautiful,
leave footprints in our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same.
Sunday, October 31, 2010, marked
another milestone in the history of the Ursuline Sisters and St.
Francis Xavier parish in Prelate. The regular Sunday Mass was
held in St. Angela's Convent chapel. Brenda Helman, liturgist,
felt it would be fitting for the parish to have the Sisters' last
mass in their chapel. And so it was.
Parishioners and friends from far and near came for the uplifting,
yet painful celebration. Brenda Helman led the singing with Darrah
Duchscherer at the piano. The crowd responded enthusiastically
to the celebrative hymns.
At the closing of Mass, Bob Heck, chairperson of the parish, read the letter he had received from Sister Anne Lewans, General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters. Part of the letter read thus: "As you know St. Angela's Academy at Prelate has been closed since June 30, 2007. We have had the convent/Academy property for sale for almost four years, but without success. With sadness we have accepted the reality that this property may not sell, and so we are proceeding with plans to dismantle and eventually to demolish." A painful hush fell over the congregation.
Following Mr. Heck's reading of the letter, Sister Rosetta Reiniger spoke of the sadness that is felt and --- perhaps miracles still can happen--- soon. She spoke of the "marvels" God has done in these 91 years, of how the academy students have been leaders in various walks of life. She continued: "So, this morning, as we have celebrated this last Eucharist in this beautiful chapel our hearts are filled with gratitude for the wonders God has done here at St. Angela's, in Prelate, SK."
Sister Rosetta then asked the other three remaining Sisters, Sister Emily Kosolofski, Sister Anne Marie Rehman, and Sister Adelaide Fortowsky to come forward. They joined Sister Rosetta in extending their hands over the congregation with a blessing prayer: "We ask God to bless you, to keep you, and hold you always in the palm of His hand. Amen." Father Emmanuel Azike, parish priest, gave the four Sisters a special blessing, asking God to be with them as they leave. Though there were tears, the Mass ended with the powerful rendition of "Holy God We Praise Thy Name."
Yet another page of St. Angela's history has unfolded and with it a movement of faith giving way to a gathering in worship which in turn lifts us to the gifts of the Spirit. Indeed, the past holds the memories, the future holds the dreams.
President: Helen (Sperling) Kalyn Vice-President: Elaine (Brilz) Barth; Past President:Sharon (Martin) Hoffart Secretary: Allison Hunter Treasurer: Joanne (Rajchyba) Spence Ursuline Liaison: Sister Rosetta Reiniger The Past Executive of the Alumnae: President: Sharon (Martin) Hoffart Vice-President: Elaine (Brilz) Barth; Past President:Betty-Ann (Hartman) Lefebvre Secretary: Brenda (Martin) Helman; Treasurer: Dolores (Hoffart) Meuchel; Ursuline Liaison: Sister Rosetta Reiniger
St. Angela's Academy Closing Celebration of Thanksgiving |
July 22, 2007 |
EVER ONWARD
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE |
St. Angela's Academy officially closed June 30, 2007.
See "What is happening page" for details of the final year and the closing celebrations.
