Effective December 31, 2022, the Angela Merici Center for Spirituality, a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, started by Sister Martha Buser in 1997, will close. Ginny Schaeffer, who has served as director for 21 years, is retiring, and with her retirement, the Ursuline Sisters have made the decision to close the center.

The Ursuline leadership team and Ginny have been in conversation with Bellarmine University to determine how the spirit of St. Angela Merici could be further advanced on the campus, as Bellarmine University has Ursuline roots. Bellarmine College and Ursuline College merged in 1968 to form what is now Bellarmine University. As a result of those discussions, Bellarmine has engaged Ginny to bring the Angeline spirit to their campus by way of leading retreats and other ministry experiences beginning July 1, 2023.

Sister Rita Ann Wigginton, OSU, stated, “It is with sadness as well as joy that we make this announcement. We will miss Ginny’s presence among us. Yet we are grateful for Ginny’s giftedness, generosity of heart, commitment and a spirit imbued with St. Angela herself. We are so pleased she is choosing to spread St. Angela’s words and wisdom and spirit to the Bellarmine community.”

Ginny Schaeffer reflected, “I owe a debt of gratitude to the Ursuline Sisters for allowing me the privilege of serving as the director of the Angela Merici Center for 21 years. Their trust in me to care for and nurture this ministry has been profoundly humbling. They have encouraged and challenged me. They gave me a place to use my gifts and talents. Most of all, they shared themselves with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Monthly, in-person Taizé Prayer services at the Ursuline Motherhouse will continue under the leadership of Lisa Feldkamp, liturgist for the Ursuline Sisters, and will be available each month in video format on the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville website and Facebook page.