Sister Mary Cecile

In Loving Memory!

 

WhatsNew

 
 

St. Lawrence Parish 2010 - 2010 RCIA program Registration

Interested in registering for the 2010 - 2011 RCIA Program? Please click on the RCIA registration form link and submit your completed registration form to the St. Lawrence Church parish office or contact Kara Tsuleff (Director of Religious Education) 812-537-0019 or e-mail:  karatsuleff@comcast.net.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults- Non-Catholic Spouses encouraged to attend) This process is “designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts”.  The first stage of this process is referred to as the Precatechumenate or “inquiry” period which means that your questions will be answered before you make your final decision to freely become Catholic.  Classes will be held on Wednesday nights, beginning September 8th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Father Kasper room in the lower level of the Church.  These classes take place weekly until the end of the Easter season.      

St. Lawrence Faith Formation News

Registration for all our Faith Formation programs begins next weekend, July 31st and August 1st.  Join us in the Sister Mary Cecile Room in the lower level for refreshments. Catechists will be available with forms and to answer questions after all of the Masses.  Forms will also be available on our parish website on our events page and on the table in the back of church.    

Confirmation preparation

Classes for new candidates will begin September 12th from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Classes will be held the second Sunday of the month.  This program is open to students entering 8th grade-high school.  Required Parents’ Meeting for new candidates: Sunday, August 29th at 2pm in the Father Kasper Room in the lower level of the church.  (Candidates from last year’s class will resume on the 12th as well.  No registration needed.) Confirmation Registration Forms can be found here.

   

 

CurrentNews

 
 

Baptism Program –

The fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in DRE’s office in the Lower Level. This program is required for parents who have not attended a Baptism class previously or those who would like a refresher course. Please register by calling the Parish Office @ 537-3992 or emailing Kara Tsuleff : karatsuleff@comcast.net or call 537-0019.

Pilgrimage to Ireland 2011 - Dates and Cost to be announced

Fr. Peter is planning a 10 day pilgrimage to Ireland in 2011. Cost or dates to be announced. 

Share Your Blessings Open Your Home and Heart to a Foster Child

Foster parents provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment for children who can no longer remain in their own home due to the risk of abuse or neglect. To make a difference in the life of a child, contact the Indiana Department of Child Services: 1-888-631- 9510, www.in.gov/dcs/foster. Or contact our local Regional Foster Care Specialist, Mary Riede: 812-537-5131, 812-438-2530

   

 

RecentNews

 
 

Don’t forget to turn in your Kroger Card Reload Receipt with your name written on top to be eligible for April’s monthly drawing. Our February was $1,036! Thanks so much!

   

 

Sister Mary Cecile

 
 

In Loving Memory of Sister Mary Cecile

"... so that in all things God may be glorified."

Rule of Saint Benedict

Sr. Mary Cecile Deken, O.S.B. entered eternity on February 1, 2009 at the age of 81 after 62 years of Monastic Profession

“We are called to holiness in every vocation, and each vocation is holy and good. But I want people to know that religious life can bring great happiness and great fulfillment, and marvelous opportunities for personal growth. It’s a way of life that can give you all of that . . IF that is what God is calling you to. We must pray for God’s guidance.”                                                                                      

Sr. Mary Cecile

Sr. Mary Cecile Deken, 81 (formerly Dorothy Ann) died Sunday, February 1, 2009, from injuries sustained in a fall.  She was born in Evansville, Indiana to Fred and Mary (Kirchoff) Deken.  She entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana, in 1945.  She transferred to Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana and became a founding member.  Sr. Mary Cecile received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from St. Benedict College, a Masters Degree in English from St. Louis University and a Masters in Religious Education from St. Meinrad School of Theology.  Most recently, she received her certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center.  Sr. Mary Cecile was active in ministry for 61 years.  She began her career as a music teacher at St. Ferdinand School, Ferdinand, Indiana.   She continued as a teacher at Christ the King, Indianapolis; Sacred Heart, Vincennes; St. Mary, Washington; St. Francis Xavier, Poseyville; St. Mary, Floyds Knobs; Chatard High School, Indianapolis; and Our Lady of Grace Academy, Beech Grove.  Sr. Mary Cecile’s career changed in 1977 when she began her work as a Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.  Those assignments included, St. Maurice, Napoleon; St. Mary, Milhausen; and St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg where she had ministered since 1981.  Sr. Mary Cecile also served her religious community as sub-prioress from 1967-1977. Sr. Mary Cecile was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Beatrice Deken and brother Herman Deken.  Her sister-in-law Pat Deken, several nieces and nephews, her community from Lawrenceburg and her religious community survive her.  Services will begin on Wednesday, February 4th with the reception of the body at 1:30 PM.  Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday with a wake service at 7:00 PM.  Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, February 5th at 4:00 PM with viewing from 1:00 PM until the funeral.  All services will take place in the monastery chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Retired Sister’s Fund, c/o Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107.  Little & Sons Funeral Home, Beech Grove, entrusted with arrangements.

Our Saint

Sr. Mary Cecile was the epitome Of all God intended us to be.   Ever humble and willing to serve She gave of her life without reserve.   RCIA, hospital visits, organist, CRHP, Faith Formation, Yet never too busy to stop and listen.   When life shattered once joyous hearts She gave comfort and helped them make a new start.   She did not shun work that had to be done, Although it was not in her job description,   But joyously performed the most menial task As if the Lord Himself had lovingly asked.   It was always inspiring to hear the pleasure She got from working our Festival’s Hidden Treasure.   When spending time with this beloved nun You had the feeling you were the only one.   We have our very own saint now, Mary Cecile, TO BE OUR MODEL And help us face life’s challenges, imagined or real.  

Hilda Buck 3/2/09

 

 Evening found little Thomas sad and jaded. His faith in what adults told him had faded. His best friend said, “You’re not very bright If you believe in a fairy tale or sprite.” What was said  about the Easter Bunny & Santa Claus Shook his tiny world and made him stop and pause. So, to his father he went to get answers clear To those childhood beliefs he held so dear.   “In church, Father talks about saints with such zeal. Tell me, Dad, do they exist?  Are saints real?”   The father saw his son was saddened, almost ready to cry So he thought long and hard before he made his reply.   “Son, saints don’t wear halos; they don’t sprout wings. They’re ordinary people doing ordinary things. But they do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. They try to be like Jesus each and every day.”   He paused and realized his explanation had not succeeded And knew a different approach was needed.   “Son, you ask do saints exist; are they real. Sit down, boy.  Let me tell you about Sister Mary Cecile.”

By Larry Weber