history interview—an extended, sit-down
session in which the sister is asked questions that reflect on her life.
This preparation time exceeded Rachel
Ehler’s expectations. “I think going into
this I figured it would be a pretty stagnant
‘question-answer’ type project where I just
had to read some questions and get some
answers. I expected to be interested in the
project, but I don’t think I ever expected
to form such a trusting and strong relationship with my sister.”
Once the sister/student bond was
formed, the questions established, and
the date set, it was time for the interview.
Each sister sat down with her student and,
while being video recorded, recounted her
discernment to religious life, her mission,
and ministries.
“What struck me most was Sister
Janita’s modesty about the great works she
did during her career in education and her
overall outlook on life,” Rosalyn Gravok
shared. “Whenever I had asked a question
about any troubles that she might have
faced during her life, Sister Janita truly
could not come up with a single one. She
just kept saying that she felt as if she had
led a charmed and wonderful life.”
BVM Carolyn Farrell continues to have
a positive relationship with her student,
Kaitlyn Timm. “Kaitlyn was the treat of
the project: the heart of the matter. She
didn’t know sisters, although a Catholic.
Our personalities and organizational skills
were a great match for a comfortable working situation. She knew more about sisters
at the end of our project.”
Kaitlyn agrees. “Being in college right
now, while I am trying to figure out what
my calling is, it’s calming to know that the
path for even a Sister was a difficult one to
figure out, and yet she lived and is living
such a meaningful life.”
Relationships Continue as
Mission, Legacy Preserved
Once the video recording was finished
and the transcripts written, the relationship between student and sister didn’t
end, especially between Rachel Ehlers and
LaDonna Manternach, BVM. “I loved
getting to spend time with my sister. I
loved learning not only the roots of the
BVMs, but also the life of my sister. Her
stories and thoughts were very interesting
to me. Every chance we got to spend time
together was such a blessing.”
The completed interviews and transcripts were sent to St. Kate, to be preserved
in digital archives, enabling the mission and
legacy of the Sisters of Charity, BVM to be
shared with younger generations.
Paulette Skiba, BVM notes: “Religious
congregations have some of the oldest and
richest archives in the world—this project
continues that tradition and I hope we
can have other BVMs included in this
archive since BVMs have left a mark on
the church and on religious life in the
United States.”
Because this was such a positive experience, students and sisters will partner
once again in the spring semester of 2016
for another round of oral histories.
About the author: Ellen Reiss is communications specialist for the Sisters of Charity, BVM
at Mount Carmel, Dubuque, Iowa.
Lasting friendships were kindled between Carolyn Farrell, BVM and Kaitlynn Timm (opposite, top), and
LaDonna Manternach, BVM and Bree Moore (above).
Meet Our Sister and Student Pairs:
Carolyn Farrell, BVM: Recently retired as
director of Roberta Kuhn Center
Kaitlyn Timm: First year doctor of physical
therapy student (Monticello, Iowa)
LaDonna Manternach, BVM: Associate
professor, music, Clarke
Bree Moore: Fifth year senior, athletic
training major (Zwingle, Iowa)
Paulette Skiba, BVM: Chair/professor,
religious studies, Clarke
Rachel Ehlers: First year doctor of physical
therapy student (Appleton, Wis.)
Janita Curoe, BVM: Retired, volunteer,
Mount Carmel
Rosalyn Gravrok: Sophomore studying
biology and psychology (Eau Claire, Wis.)
View student’s blogs and videos at: www.sisterstory.org
FALL TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN
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