Maryvale News
Mary Notes 2023 Vol. 1
Maryvale In The News
Maryvale was featured on a news story on WDAY. Here is a link to the story: https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/solitude-valley-citys-maryvale-donated-to-fargo-diocese-by-catholic-sisters/
A New Beginning
Maryvale was the lead story in the October issue of New Earth magazine. The story also appeared in Catholic News Agency, News Dakota, and Catholic World Report. The October issue of New Earth includes a touching letter about Sisters of Mary of the Presentation from Bishop Folda.
The Future of Maryvale
Today (10/3/22) we celebrate the creation of a new non-profit, “Maryvale.” The result of years of planning and prayer, The Sisters of Mary of the Presentation have passed the Maryvale property and ministry on to the Diocese of Fargo which formed the non-profit in order to continue their ministry of hospitality and retreats. The Sisters will continue to live at the convent, while the retreat center is now owned and managed by Maryvale retreat center. The Executive Director of Maryvale retreat center is Steve Splonskowski, Office of Evangelization, Diocese of Fargo. Bishop Folda presided over the ceremony and blessed the ministry, which he called, “Already blessed.” Maryvale has plans for expanding the ministry in order to touch more lives with the sustaining grace of God. Please pray for us and our work here at Maryvale.
Leadership Selection
Sr. Jacqueline Josse, Superior General of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation is pleased to announce that Sr. Suzanne Stahl and Sr. Elaine Lange have been selected by the Sisters of the U.S. Region of Sisters of Mary of the Presentation to continue to be the Regional Superior (Sr. Suzanne) and the Regional Assistant (Sr. Elaine) for a term of 4 years beginning August 1, 2022 and ending July 31, 2026. We ask your prayers for that they may be humble self-sacrificing servants as they strive to follow the example of Jesus.
In Remembrance: Sister Mary Ann Schmitz
On Monday November 8, 2021, Sister Mary Ann Schmitz passed away at SMP Health, St. Catherine North (formerly Rosewood on Broadway) at the age of 93. Sister Mary Ann was born on May 18, 1926 on her family farm near Harvey, ND. She professed Vows of obedience, poverty and consecrated chastity in 1946 with the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation. In 1966 she completed a master’s degree in education. From 1946 to 1963 she taught at elementary and high schools in Willow City, Oakes, and Oakwood, ND. From 1963 to 2003 she served as a teacher and the principal of St. Patrick School in Washington, IL. Sister Mary Ann dedicated herself to serving others, pouring her efforts into being a light for her students. She spoke of her students as being “full of life, energy, and goodness.” In “retirement” she served as a Chaplain to the elderly, bringing comfort and steadfast prayer to all who knew her. Her repeated prayer was to be present in the moment serving God, as she said, “This is God’s show, not ours.”
Council of Congregation
This week the Sisters have been virtually participating in the Council of Congregation during which the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in six countries, on three continents, meet about issues relating to the international congregation in preparation for General Chapter. Sisters of Mary of the Presentation has convents and ministries in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Cameroon, and, as of this last year, the Democratic Republic of Congo
In Remembrance: Sister Eloise Marie Pulskamp
Sister Eloise Marie (Agnes) Pulskamp passed away at Maryvale Convent on May 18, 2021 at 100 years of age. Sister Eloise Marie was born February 28, 1921 at home near the town of Cummings, North Dakota to Jacob and Bertha (Mufler) Pulskamp. On March 25, 1941 she professed her vows as a Sister of Mary of the Presentation. While in France for Religious Life Formation, World War II broke out and she was a prisoner of war in Vittel, France from 1942 to 1944. In 1948 she earned a Bachelors of Elementary Education from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. During her 56 years of ministry she taught elementary children at six schools in North Dakota and then two schools in Illinois. Sister Eloise was very devoted in her relationship with Jesus. She loved children and was incredibly patient with her students. When she wasn’t working, Sister Eloise was often crocheting; making dolls, blankets, doilies, and baby outfits. A kind and gentle soul, she will be deeply missed.
World Vision Kits
Sisters of Mary of the Presentation have been assembling International Hygiene Kits. The kits will be distributed by World Vision to areas where they are most needed, often this is to places where people are trying to recover from a natural disaster. For more information about this ministry of World Vision visit: https://kits.worldvision.org/
Sister Eloise turns 100
