A.


FROM: Sister Yvette Dargy, SSA, and Sister Pauline Laurence, SSA (Religious Community: Sisters of Saint Anne)

What events stand out in your memory?

St. Louis Mission, Lewisburg, WV

The positive response of the parishioners to having some pastoral leadership that led them to life-giving participation in the parish, especially in the areas of religious education, liturgy and one-on-one ministry.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Franklin, WV

Development of the liturgical life of the parish to full, active participation, with an
accent on a deepening awareness of Holy Week and the Easter Season as pivotal to our Catholic Christian lives,

Overseeing the construction of the actual church building.

Parish self-study which showed a growth in understanding of the laity’s role in the future of the parish and the Church

The flood of 1985 and the response of the community

Why did we stay/move on?

Bishop Hodges asked us to serve as Parochial Coordinators in Franklin and we
accepted. We stayed for 15 years because we loved the people and the ministry and we
felt that we could contribute to the continued growth of the church in Pendleton County.

We moved on after 20 years in the Diocese in order to be closer to family and the center
of our religious community.


B.


FROM: Sister Marie Cooper, SJC (Religious Community: Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny)

Regarding time at St. Mary Parish, Madison, 1985 – 1995 . . .

Innovation:

The Madison community asked me to start a bible study group. Unlike most groups, this group was challenged to tell me what it was they needed, and they did. Each year they would discuss their needs and choose a topic. The first was “deepening our faith” which was followed by an overview of the bible, different gospels, the sacraments and other topics. This group grew into a small Christian community where folks prayed, learned, shared faith, supported one another and reached out in service. The experience helped members to recognize their own and others’ gifts for service in the parish. One year they created a service to use in the absence of a priest, based on what they had learned about Eucharist. Those who participated in this group are still actively engaged in their parishes – some have moved.


C.


FROM: Sister Edith Strong, SC (Religious Community: Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill)

The Plan
In the early 1990’s, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill sought to serve in rural underserved West Virginia. Our intention was that I would find employed ministry so that I could serve the church and local community without the need for financial remuneration. Our search for a ministry site led us to Webster County where state-generated demographics indicated need for such service and where Father Xavier Cooney, SVD, pastor of St. Anne Church, invited our presence. Our work continued to be welcomed by Father David Cornett SVD, who followed Father Cooney as pastor at St. Anne Church in 1998 or 1999.

Beginnings
June 1, 1995 I arrived in Webster Springs to begin seven years of happy memory. I was hired by Seneca Health Services, Inc. as a mental health therapist. I was also able to rent a large house on Main Street in Webster Springs, just two blocks from the church. Many parishioners and neighbors donated needed furniture and household items. Many helped move furniture in the rain as we transformed the Main Street house into a home.


D.


FROM: Sister Susan Weber, (SNDdeN) OCD (Religious Community: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur {California Province} at time she ministered in WV. Transferred to Carmelite Community in Reno, Nevada.)

Regarding time at St. Barbara Catholic Community, Chapmanville, 1980-1994 . . .

The community of St. Barbara came together and put in place guidelines that served us during my time there. We first of all saw ourselves as a community rather than a church gathered only on Sundays. This community had a central place in the lives of the people and the broader community. We agreed that all in this community were the decision makers, all took responsibility for the life of the Catholic community and the broader community especially those in need. I think because of this collaboration we continued to grow and within a few years we needed a larger space. We moved to Crawley Creek where the Church is still active today.

E.


FROM: Sister Kathleen Britt, CSJ and Sister Nancy Fackner, CSJ (Religious Community: Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood {NY})

One of the greatest challenges of our time in the mountains was the call to speak the truth to power. Faced with many justice issues of poverty, strip mining, environmental issues, war and money being used for violence and destruction rather than human needs, we always struggled to be a voice for the voiceless. Our parish and community life in the Diocese of Wheeling – Charleston was truly a blessing and gift. It was a tough decision to move on but family illnesses in New York was a strong motivation. However, we continue to visit yearly, e-mail and keep in touch with many of the parishioners and people in the County as we give thanks to God for our 28 years of ministry in Clay County…”we thank God for you, the people of the Mountains and when we pray for you our prayers are filled with Joy.” St. Paul

F.


FROM: Sister Ruth Nadicksbernd, CDP (Religious Community: Congregation of Divine Providence – Melbourne, KY)

Regarding time at Risen Lord Parish in Maysel (Clay), WV, July 2003 – June 2009

. . . I have many fond memories but I think what I appreciated most was the look of gratitude that I received when I was able to help someone pay a utility bill or gave them food from our pantry.

I worked for five years with Father Elmer Nadicksbernd, SVD (my brother) and one year with Father Matheus Ro, SVD. I worked with the local community on projects such as Thanksgiving County Community Dinner, worked with community leaders on trying to combat the drug problem with the young people of the area. My greatest help was from a local woman (Miss Cynthia Carr) who is well known in the community and a member of Risen Lord. She was invaluable to me.