LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 9, 2004) - The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville have received a $15,000 grant from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, in support of the sisters' Motherhouse renovation campaign. The funds were given in recognition for the numerous sisters who have served the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

"The Ursuline Sisters began ministering in the Cumberland area in 1870," said Sister Jean Anne Zappa, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. "In recent years, many of these sisters returned to Louisville upon retirement from formal ministry.

"We're thankful to the Archdiocese of Baltimore for recognizing the contributions of our sisters and helping us provide a safe and accessible home for them as they retire."

"Although your sisters are a good distance from the city of Baltimore, we are very aware of the contribution they have made over the years to the parishes and schools of Western Maryland," said Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore. "Hopefully, some of the very sisters who ministered in those parishes in the past will benefit from the renovations you are able to undertake and know that their service has not been forgotten by us."

The grant from the Archdiocese of Baltimore brings the amount raised in the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign to $278,000. The goal is $500,000. In addition to support from Ursuline alumnae, friends and local businesses, the campaign has received grants from Support Our Aging Religious and the Koch Foundation.

Funds raised through the campaign will allow the sisters to make needed renovations to the 86-year-old Ursuline Motherhouse, helping to keep the sisters active and make the Motherhouse as accessible to them as possible. Needed improvements to the center and west wings include adding handrails in hallways, improving restroom and shower facilities, replacing an elevator, improving lighting, upgrading plumbing and painting. The renovation will be completed in phases, with phase I currently underway.

The Motherhouse is home to more than 40 Ursuline Sisters. Many of the sisters are retired, but still continue their volunteer ministry in the local church by serving in parishes, nursing homes, hospitals and schools.

For more information about providing financial support to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign, please click here or call (502) 896-3938.