Jubilee 2020 — A Unique Celebration
If you had asked Sisters Carol Ann Papp and Anita Kuchera a year ago if they’d be celebrating their 50th and 70th jubilees respectively while wearing face masks during a pandemic, they would have thought it a crazy question. But these are crazy times. And so with health and safety protocols in place, Sisters Carol Ann and Anita marked milestones in religious life in a small, socially-distanced gathering at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., on August 1.
Sisters and guests were spaced throughout the cozy Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel and adjacent rooms as Rev. Msgr. John Martin — who also celebrated as Sister Carol Ann made her final vows back in 1977 — presided over the liturgy and renewal of vows. Sister Carol Ann’s family members, Michael, Molly and Ceili Bedics, played and sang traditional and original songs as a musical backdrop. Afterwards, the Sisters shared a luncheon and, of course, cake.
Sisters Jo Goolish, Jeanne Marie Ulica, Gracy Kundukulam and Margaret Elaine Rovnak — who were unable to travel from Texas, Rome and Pittsburgh during the pandemic — have elected to postpone their milestone celebrations until 2021.
Sister Frances Marie Duncan, provincial minister, pins a corsage on Sister Anita Kuchera, who was once her own teacher at St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa.
Sister Frances Marie Duncan, provincial minister, pins a corsage on Sister Carol Ann Papp. The former classmates graduated together from St. Francis Academy.
In this Jubilee photo like no other in our congregation’s history, Sisters Carol Ann Papp (left) and Anita Kuchera pose while wearing protective face masks.
Sisters Anita and Carol Ann welcome Rev. Msgr. John Martin as celebrant.
A masked Sister Carol Ann makes her way into the chapel filled with masked Sisters and guests.
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger reads scripture.
Ceili Bedics, niece of Sister Carol Ann, sang during the service.
Sister Barbara DeStefano carried the cross and led the procession into the chapel.
Sisters Frances Marie Duncan and Roseann Velas, classmates of Sister Carol Ann, served as candlebearers.
Photos courtesy of the Bedics Family,
Sister Frances Marie Duncan and
Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster
As Rev. Msgr John Martin listens, Sisters Anita and Carol Ann renew their religious vows, as is tradition when celebrating a jubilee.
Rev. Msgr. John Martin prepares the gifts during the liturgy.
Molly Bedics sings during the service.
Those in attendance were spaced throughout the intimate chapel at Monocacy Manor.
Sister Carol Ann (in black) and her sister, Patricia Bedics, listen as Stephanie Kawczynski reads the intercessions.
Sisters Anne Kutch, Irene Novak and Amata Shina follow along from a room adjacent to the chapel.
Sister Carol Ann’s great nephews review the event program.
Michael Bedics, Sister Carol Ann’s nephew, sings one of the songs specially selected for the celebration.
Sisters Teresa Misyak and Mary Martha Zammatore enjoy a socially-distanced luncheon.
Sister Carol Ann (center) shares memories with her sister, Patricia Bedics, and Sister Mary Martha Zammatore.
Sisters Irene Novak and Anne Kutch.
Sisters Rosaria Shina, Marguerite Stewart and Amata Shina.
Sisters Marietta Bankos, Barbara Brown and Dorothy Bucko.
Sisters Ann Marie Yenca, Francine Garganta and Marie Bernadette Kelleher.
Sisters Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster, Donna Pusch and Loretta Motko.
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger helps to serve Sisters Dorothy Bucko and Marietta Bankos.
Sisters Regina Ann Rokosny and Roseann Velas.
Sister Anita (right) dines with Sister Barbara DeStefano, her long-time ministry partner.
Left: Sister Carol Ann and her family celebrated afterwards with a socially-distanced outdoor luncheon at her sister’s house. Above: Sister Carol Ann and her sister and brother-in-law, Stephen and Patricia Bedics, with flowers donated in memory of their parents.
Sister Anita was all smiles while cutting the celebratory cake.
A beautifully-decorated cake topped off the celebration.