Religious Life - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Convent of the Good Shepherd

Nancymarie_Phillips — 2012-07-04 12:29:54Z

I finished and defended my dissertation in November 2008. I published my findings in 2009. There are far too many reasons why I began studying the girls and the sisters to write in a post. I was not a GS girl.
I began my research in 2002 and spoke or emailed with many girls who lived in the homes between 1940-1980. I did not know any girls, but they found me and spread the word.
I also stayed in the St Louis Good Shepherd convent twice over two summers to study in the archives. The sisters were very gracious to me, a stranger-researcher. They did not restrict me or prevent me from seeing all that they had in the archives. The student records are not kept in the archives. They are kept elsewhere, so I did not find particular girls in the files. I learned good and sad things from both the girls and the sisters. Some girls really loved and still love the sisters, while others said it was the worst time of their lives. I collected both sides. I was welcomed into many private groups and they trusted me to use their stories. I am considering a follow-up book or something to let their voices be heard. I did not reveal any of my sources unless they specifically requested to be known. All privacy issues were upheld.
I am still in touch with many of my participants and I continue to study the homes. Several more girls came forward after my work was published and told me their stories. I wish I could have included them in the original research. This was not a dirt digging project, but a look at a lifestyle that formed the identities of many young women.
The Good Shepherd homes were a well-kept secret. I was amazed at what my study showed. In some respects, I think there should still be some places like the GSH. The concept worked in many ways. The girls mostly said that if it were not for the sisters they would be dead. Many were good girls from bad homes.
I would be happy to speak on the phone if you'd like. Let me know. My email is nancymphillips@aol.com
take care
Nancymarie

Re: Convent of the Good Shepherd

sharpardith — 2012-07-04 09:09:22Z

While I'm sure you have finished your dissertation, I would love to know your conclussions about the homes. I lived at St. Mary's of the Mount in Helena, MT from 1954 - 1956. I am in touch with several girls from different years from Omaha, Helena, Seattle, and Spokane. The Omaha alumnus have a facebook page with class pictures, pictures of the nuns, etc. I hope you'll share what you learned. I'm curious as to your knowlege of the GSH. Were you a Good Shepherd girl? So few people seem to have any awareness of the order.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Respectfully, Ann Sharp

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

sharpardith — 2012-07-04 08:43:08Z

I lived in a Good Shepherd Home in Helena, MT from 1954 - 1956. I have corresponded with alumnus from Omaha, NB, Seattle, WA and Spokane, WA. I'm wondering if this is the same order of nuns and if the convent in SF is still standing. I would love to visit and to hear from anyone who lived in a GSH.

Ardith Ann

Re: St. John's and St. Joseph Orphanage-Phila, Pa

1_budbailey — 2012-03-21 19:37:33Z

I am trying to trace my two uncles, James Joseph Flynn Jr. and Edward Flynn. They are both deceased. James Jr. died in WW II and Edward died at St Joseph's Orphanage in 1939 of kidney failure (we believe) Edward was a triplet (my Mother being one of them) and James was their older brother by 3 years. Their Mother died soon after giving birth to the triplets and they were put into separate orphanages. James in St John, Edward in St Joseph, my Mother in St Vincent's. The triplet sister (Katherine) died shortly after birth
I can't find any birth records for any of them or death records for my Grandmother (Mary Finnegan Flynn), Katherine Flynn (who I believe died in a hospital, but don't know which one) and Edward Flynn. We have notification from the US Government that James Jr was lost at sea, but can not find a birth record for him.
I just don't know where to turn to try and find information about them.
I was told that most of the Orphanages destroyed records if the child was not adopted. No one was.
Can you tell me where to search? We don't even know where any of them are buried.
We lost our Mother recently and have been trying to put together the pieces of stories she told us growing up.
Thank you so much for any assistance you can give me
Best regards,
Bud Bailey

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

roadrunner_wren — 2012-02-10 15:57:04Z

I remember faces forever but have trouble learning and remembering names. I'm sure we knew each other, anyway. I remember one name, Jean May, because it was the shortest whole name I'd ever heard of, we were friends, and I can picture her face even now. I think a girl named Katherine ("Katie"?) was dressed in wedding-type dress for an occasion and I was envious she got chosen. Do you know what that event was about? I was extremely quiet and was target of a bully in another cottage who taunted and tripped me all the time and finally I turned around one day and slapped her in the face and then walked away... what was I thinking? She jumped me from behind and pounded my head on the concrete. She ripped her tight skirt at the seams in doing so and was mad at me that her best skirt got ruined. She was nice to me after that, tho. Do you remember anything like that?

Re: St. John's and St. Joseph Orphanage-Phila, Pa

rjknight71 — 2012-01-25 06:49:30Z

My brother and I were in St. John's Orphanage Asylum from 1954 to 1959, located at 49th and Wyalusing Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. What information are you looking for?

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

niners49r — 2011-12-24 02:11:43Z

well I was there in 1951 to 1953,we just had moved over when I left.I was in the main house,Mother Chrisopher and Mother Agnes, the head nun was Mother Bertrand,there were also 3 little old ladies that were great they also were there for years,if we got in trouble we were sent to stay with them.lol they were so sweet,if anyone was there then I was know as wackylol

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

rbnsommers — 2011-11-11 15:49:58Z

Hi, I graduated in 1960 also and I was in Mother Christophers's cottage. I'm not sure that I remember you. My friends were Katie Speers and Suzie D and Carol and Connie Morris. Do you remember any of us?

Taking an Native American Mythology Course in College need help

lisaajury — 2011-10-02 12:50:11Z

Can anyone please explain to me the concept of Native American Divine as it relates to creation myths? I'm doing poorly and the professor is no help so i thought i would come straight to the source.

Re: Lost Nephew David Keith Henning

DebbieBrownC5831BAF-50F5-427A-BA16-938D81611718 — 2011-08-03 12:09:44Z

We are also looking for David Keith Henning. He graduated with Greenwood High School Class of 1971. I have contacted been searching for him all week to no avail. Someone told us he was in Sellersberg, Indiana - yet still no luck. Have you found him? I tried to located his mother, Ruth Sheek, and cannot find her as well. Please advise. We would really like to find him. This is our 40th reunion and it certainly is a milestone. We have celebrated a 10th, 20th, 25th and 30th reunions in the past and were never able to make contact with him. I believe he has a sister, but I cannot remember her name. Can you help?

Re: St. John's and St. Joseph Orphanage-Phila, Pa

lauradmosgmail — 2011-04-05 04:57:46Z

my dad was in both homes for his entire life any info pls contact lauradmos@gmail.com

Re: 1900-where was Nativity Convent School-lincoln, ne.

rhvh7 — 2010-12-20 03:59:37Z

What I was searching for was a location so that I could find
the proper census district. The one I need was in Lincoln, NNebraska.

1900-where was Nativity Convent School

rhvh7 — 2010-12-20 02:26:23Z

Where was the Nativity Convent School in 1900 - attempting to find census info, but do not know location. Thanks.

which convent in England

ypartridge — 2010-09-07 11:26:11Z

MY Great Aunt Lillian Mabel Adams b 1908 lived in Fulham, the address was Wandsworth Bridge road.
She became a nun and I remember seeing a photo of her wearing all white. I have tried various sites but have so far come to a dead end.

Anyone out there may know where I could next try?

Gratefull.

Re: Magdalen Sisters Magdalene Sisters

janosb162 — 2009-07-07 01:56:54Z

In 1954 I was in the school of the Sisters, and graduated.
I then entered the Convent of the Sister Magdalens.
I would be more than happy to connect with someone is is
validly interest in a little history. Truthful answers to
truthful question. My e-mail is janos.b@dslextreme.com.

Magdalen Sisters Magdalene Sisters

Nancymarie_Phillips — 2009-01-31 17:29:34Z

I recently completed my dissertation about the education in the House of the Good Shepherd 1940-1980. I researched the Good Shepherd Sisters in great detail since their formation in the early 19th century. I would be interested in talking with anyone who has an interest in the Good Shepherd facilities in the USA or elsewhere. There are many misunderstandings about the community and what the Sisters Magdalen (Magdalene / Magdeleine)were all about. I would like to set much of it straight. Feel free to contact me at
nancymphillips@aol.com

House of the Good Shepherd USA Good Shepherd Sisters

Nancymarie_Phillips — 2009-01-31 17:28:50Z

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

Jackieboyle127 — 2008-12-23 19:47:02Z

I was in the covent is the 70's. Yes it closed down many years ago. I don't even know if the building is still there I believe it was. I stayed in touch with one of the sisters who is now in St Louis. I hope you had as good memories of the convent as I have had. It saved my life. Have a wonderful holiday

Bible Genealogy

dedmod1 — 2007-10-18 17:07:01Z

A while back I started to create a database on the genealogys in the Bible, but I've not gotten too far with it. I'm wondering if there exists a .ged which contains all the genealogys listed in the Bible?

Re: Monsignor John J. Brennan - Brooklyn NY

lmpetit — 2007-10-01 01:27:33Z

I continue to research Msgr Brennan's life. My current email address is lmpetit@cox.net

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-11-20 04:05:11Z

Wow! you met Rose Kennedy????? Now that's something! You know, since I posted a couple things on this board, I have heard the greatest stories! I have been contacted by a lady who's son played a soccor game at The Cornerstone Academy (the new tenants) and found out of a group called villa st rose in oregon who actually hold reunions for all! Im not the best computer whiz and im having a hard time joining the group, but ill figure it out! So nice to hear from you! And I hope you attend the event!

Re: Convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-11-19 21:13:23Z

I hope you have finished your doctorate by this time, but if you still want to talk about University Mound/Convent of the Good Shepherd, I would love to talk to you. I lived there for 2 years, 1967-69. I loved it. You can e-mail me at rhondais@comcast.net. I currently live in Napa, CA.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-11-19 20:37:11Z

Came across this by divine guidance I suppose! I am a graduate of University Mound. Graduated January 1969 (3 in my class). I lived at the school for 2 years and absolutely loved living there, well most of the time! I will definately call regarding the event in April 2007. The last time I visited the school while it was still open was probably 1971. I have many fond memories. My experience there was life changing and for that I will always be grateful. I was fortunate to have met Rose Kennedy when she visited in 1968, just before Bobby Kennedy was assassinated. Wow, that's a long time ago.

Were Will You Spend Eternity ??

2006-10-31 12:38:52Z

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-10-30 18:13:17Z

I will send my graduation photo. I have no other pictures. I don't think cameras were permitted then.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-10-29 00:00:04Z

Hello! Sister Liz called me yesterday, and said they were having an event on April 21st, 2007 sat. to celebrate 75 years of the good shepherd sisters in SF a thanksgiving type event. If you would like an invitation please call Sister Liz at 415-586-2822. and she can give you more details. If you know of anyone else could you put them in contact with sister Liz/
thanks alot! she said something about having a mass at one of the churches. I will definitely be attending as i live in northern california and it will be easy for me to travel .She is also interested in any old photos you may have or know of.
thanks very much! Renee Compton

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-07-28 07:39:36Z

Joanne - I am disappointed that I never did hear from you. If you come back to this site, please e-mail me at <4goodshepherd@gmail.com.

God Bless - Johanna

Re: Religious Studies

2006-06-27 03:39:05Z

Hello - I realize I have read this a couple years down the line, but I was wondering if you ever found what you were looking for. I might have some input for you if you are still interested. You can contact me at me e-mail address <4goodshepherd@gmail.com>

Warm Regrds,

Johanna

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-24 04:18:35Z

Does anyone else remember the baby grand piano in the front building? i used to play it for hours all alone. I loved the sound of it in the room, so peaceful, with a bit of solitude for me.
its so nice to read the posts. I bet there are a whold bunch of us! I wonder how this experience shaped the lives of so many women. Some good and bad experiences.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-12 06:35:58Z

Jo Anne - Please e-mail me at <pianolover4@netzero.com> It will be easier to communicate. Look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Johanna

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-11 07:14:55Z

Hi JoAn, My e-mail address is pianolover4@netzero.com. Send me an e-mail. I was at the Convent from November 1959 through to June 1961.

Yes, I remember Mother Agnes. She used to make peddle pushers for a lot of the girls. The mother superior was Mother Consolata. Do you remember Mother Claude? She was not among my favorites. So let me hear from you. It is easier to converse through specific e-mails. Regards, Johanna (Joan)

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-04 16:06:08Z

Johanna, Would love to contact you. I was there Nov. 1958-Jan. 1960, little Canadian Mother Agnes's cottage. Mother Agnes gave me a permanent and forgot the neutralizer; I couldn't comb my hair for months. I so miss hot gingerbread with lemon sauce on it after Midnight Mass Christmas Eve. Mother Christopher gave me best advice of my life re: Creation vs Evolution. She said don't be afraid of studying science, both views come together. What time was the Angelus rung? The retired nuns reused all their basting threads when sewing, never tied knots. First horror movie of my life was there, The Vikings; can still remember cutting off a hand. Couldn't watch Jurassic Park til the fifth try, because of that. Also we saw the story of Luis Prima and Keely Smith, as role models of a good Catholic marriage. Mother Superior's heart throb was Andy Williams. Real gold jewelry in our Christmas stockings. Terrible greasy meat at meals. The new owners have stripped everything Catholic from the convent, how terrible. Still remember the acoustics of nuns' voices singing in their section of the cross-shaped chapel, like from ancient times; left me with lifelong love of Latin music.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-04 07:53:47Z

The Convent building is still there, but it has been taken over by a Chinese Cornerstone Private School. The website here: http://www.cornerstone-academy.net/501virtualtour.html gives a lot of information and a lot of pictures of the place - the cafeteria, the chapel, the gym, etc. fascinating for anyone who has fond and also heartbreaking memories of the convent. I was there in 1959 - 1960 for 18 months. Anyone who would like to write to me please do so. Johanna

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-06-04 07:44:25Z

Hello - I was at the San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd in1960. I was in Mother Christopher's Cottage. Please contact me if you get this message. Regards - Johanna

Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross in Texas

markjanarooke — 2006-05-14 03:55:01Z

I was taught by these religious in Freeport, Texas in the 50s and 60s. They had the chapel in Santa Fe, NM that had the fabled staircase built with no nails. They taught at St. Mary's Star of the Sea in Freeport, TX and St. Michael's in Houston, TX.

Would anyone know anything about any of these wonderful ladies and how I might get in contact with them?
Jana Rooke

Convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-16 18:45:53Z

please feel free to add your story at my blog
http://www.goodshepherdsf.blogspot.com/
I woud love to hear other stories and possibly get together.
Linda Marie

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-16 05:19:04Z

Hello do you think there are enough of us to take a tour on the new school grounds, which is where we used to live, and have tea with the nuns? Sister Elizabeth, likes to be called Sister Liz, said she would love to arrange this for us. I actually spoke with her today, she was so nice! I was wondering how many of us there are, "alumni" and if anyone elso would like to do this.
Thanks! Renee Compton you may email me at comptont7@aol.com

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-16 05:00:23Z

Jo Ann, hello! today i was in touch with Sister Elizabeth,
from the convent. The entrance is now on Bacon St. which would have been the little path behind where we lived. She gave me the scoop, and welcomes us to visit and the private school where we were , would perhaps,on her request, allow a tour. She said we could have tea also. Wasnt that nice! Im not great with computers, but i would like to start a message board with "alumni" if we could get a few women who have our interest i would really love this how bout you?
email me at comptont7@aol.com thanks

what do you believe

2006-02-15 15:29:43Z

I am doing apersonal study on what people believe and would like people to respond to a survey I put together at allforhim-survey@prodigy.net" target="_blank">www.geocities.com/allforhim-survey@prodigy.net thank yo for your help and Gd Bless all

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-15 05:12:22Z

please feel free to email me at home comptont7@aol.com

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-14 02:22:00Z

Hello! Please email me at home comptont7@aol.com.Your description of convent life is all to real! I was but 14, and my first day, someone stole my clothes and toiletries. One of the older girls took pity on me and arranged for some to be returned, i was so grateful, as if anyone would have been wearing stuff, i would have to do something.... and was scared stiff! after settling in though, most of us got on pretty well. Do you remember the grand piano they had near the front? Do you remember parlor visits? It is really nice talking to you please email me at home, i

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-14 00:44:11Z

I was resident. Someone rich, must've been the Fairmont Hotel guy you mentioned, gave us each expensive jewelry. I was there only one Christmas. I received a gold pin, I think. The place was a shock to me, 7 classes or periods a day in summer and 10 during school year. I fondly remember the angelus ringing, and want to know, was that at 2:00 or 3:00? Do you remember? I was very quiet, shy, nonviolent woos. A bully kept picking on me, tripping me. One day I slapped her across her face and walked away. She was so shocked she let me get 10 or 15 feet away before she jumped me (to save face). She beat the crap out of me, but she was so angry, she tore the sideseam out of her straight skirt and never forgave me for that. I knew nothing about fighting. Amazing I didn't get a concussion, she banged my head on the cement. But she left me alone after that. Because of her skirt. I wasn't worth further effort, I guess. I thought I graduated but just last year looked at my diploma and saw it was simply a certificate of completion. All these years I lied and said I graduated. Doesn't matter now. I graduated from college. Wish I had your home email. Jo Anne

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-13 04:58:06Z

Hello! I tried to get phone number from 411 and found no listing. When i typed up google search it led me go a sf realtor, with whom I've asked if hes in the know of the building on Cambridge St. He says hes been in sf 15 years and never heard of it. He wil ltry to get more info for me as well. That was nice! Were you a resident or was it a different type of school in the 60"s? At the time, i hated it, looking back, i have many many fond memories and learned about Christ there. I remember the christmas party sponsored by Ben Swig of the Fairmont Hotel, did they do the same for you or were you in more of a privat school setting? As you know i was a Resident.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-12 17:32:24Z

Every Christmas Eve I want to be there. If you find they permit returning "residents," please let me know.

Convent of the Good Shepherd

Nancymarie_Phillips — 2006-02-12 14:10:54Z

I am interested in speaking to anyone who lived or attended school at any convent of the Good Shepherd. I doing my doctoral work.

Re: San Fran. convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-12 01:51:05Z

I lived there in mid 70's, always wanted to go back to look around, many memories, i will call to see if they allow any tour type visitors, wouldn't that be grand?
havent seen the place in years, though

Re: Convent of the Good Shepherd

2006-02-12 01:47:12Z

I lived in the Convent during the mid 70's. You may contact me. talso.

Re: 1923 Harrisburg, PA Minister

honeymccarthy — 2006-01-14 23:35:07Z

Sorry, I was born in 1943. My Mother was a Fisher.

Re: 1923 Harrisburg, PA Minister

2005-12-24 13:35:50Z

Am looking for a Honey McCarthy born in the 30's. daughter of Joe McCarthy, whose mother was Nelly Smith from Ireland.

Re: Convent of the Good Shepherd

2005-12-24 00:23:26Z

Linda,
I sent an email to you. I hope you get it. Please email me at nancymphillips@aol.com