Sister Josephine Boyles | Obituary

Dolores Elaine was born April 23, 1932, to Josephine Schmedding Boyles and William Owens Boyles in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up on a farm in Germantown, Missouri, with her grandparents Joseph Henry and Minnie Schmedding. Family life in the Schmedding household revolved around the parish of St. Ludger, Dolores, and the farm, in that order. Grandpa Joe was the one who taught her to love God above all things, to live a good moral life, and what it meant to be gentle and loving. Grandma Minnie taught her what happened when you didn’t live right and how to get back on the right path.

She attended St. Ludger’s School and St. Francis Academy in Nevada, Missouri. At St. Francis she continued her growth into womanhood and found her vocation as a Sister of St. Francis. She entered the convent in 1950 and professed first vows March 19, 1952, the feast of St. Joseph. She took the name Josephine after St. Joseph, her mother, Josephine, and most importantly after Grandpa Joe, the man she loved the most in her earthly life.

Sister Josephine became a teacher and principal at St. Mary’s in Higginsville, Nativity in Independence, Immaculate Conception in Lexington, Our Lady of the Snows in Mary’s Home, Holy Rosary in Clinton, St. John LaLande in Blue Springs, Coronation in Grandview, and St. Mary’s in Montrose, Missouri. She was a great organizer in the office, the classroom, and the life of her students. Those skills led her to be elected Sister Servant (Superior General) of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist in 1976. She remained in an administrative role in the community until 1992. During that time, she helped establish the Mission of St. Joseph in Rodrigues Alves, Brazil. She coordinated the purchase of the Police Academy in Independence for the new Motherhouse, the sale of the Nevada property, the move to Independence, and the first renovations of the new property, including the construction of Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. She was a visionary and never let any opportunity pass her by. Sister had energy and ideas enough to keep everyone “hopping”. In her spare time, she established the Franciscan Prayer Center and the Good News Bookshop.  After her “retirement,” she was an early promoter of the Divine Mercy devotion in the area, True Life in God, the Charismatic Renewal, Marian Conferences, and the Secular Franciscan Order. A teacher from the heart, she was a sought-after speaker in parishes, prayer groups, and religious organizations.

She herself could not physically hop because of a childhood hip handicap, but it did not keep her from staying on the move. When she couldn’t walk unassisted, she used crutches or a cane or a walker or a scooter or a wheelchair. Nothing was going to stop Sister Josephine from her rounds. As age took her hearing, her sight, and her short-term memory, nothing limited her quick wit, her love for her friends and family, and her memories of Grandpa Joe, Snippy (her puppy), and the days on the farm. So many stories, so many memories of cherished experiences and the people who touched her life these 92 years filled her heart and her soul. On Monday, March 3, she called for Jesus and Grandpa and Grandma just one last time and she was with them. She is with them for all eternity.

Sister Josephine is survived by her religious community, her cousins, Gary Schmedding and wife Rose Marie, Judy Wagner and husband Dennis, and their children and grandchildren especially Joseph and Henry. She will be remembered by all whose lives she touched particularly the members of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Special thanks to the Little Sisters of the Poor and the staff of St. Joseph Medical Center who cared for her in her last days and moments.

All we want for Christmas...

One lament that has been near constant here at the convent has been how much we miss having people around. We’ve been essentially shut down since mid-March, and we miss having people join us for Mass, we miss having people here on retreat, we just miss people!

We hope that you are doing well, that you are coping with things, and that your spiritual life has been okay through this time of trial and crisis. One thing that each of us knows – from long experience (or in my own case, short experience) – is the value of good books in bolstering us in the spiritual life. The Good News Book Shop has essentially been closed since Mid-March, but we still have all of the books... If you are interested in acquiring some new spiritual reading, you can shop our book store over the phone (816-252-1673) or by email (goodnewsbookshop2100@gmail.com). As we still are not able to let you into the convent building, we will arrange curbside pickup at a time convenient for you.

If you want a new book (or just want to support our book store ministry) but aren’t sure what to get, consider some seasonal reading for Advent and Christmas. We have books of daily devotions for Advent and Christmas as well as a few titles that are not daily devotions but can still help you prepare for Christmas or enjoy some seasonal cheer! If you're looking for something different or would like advice on picking out books for yourself or for others, feel free to give me a call!

- Sr. Colette Marie

Daily Devotionals for Advent and Christmas (With their Publishers' marketing blurbs):

Advent and Christmas with Mary - Dr. Mary Amore

$3.95

“Prepare for and celebrate Christ’s coming with brief daily meditations for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Scripture, personal reflection, a question to think about or act to consider, and a short prayer to Mary are sure to touch your heart and lead you to a deeper relationship with Jesus and his mother, Mary.”

Welcome Baby Jesus - Sarah A. Reinhard

$1.99

“Advent is a season almost forgotten by the secular world. With new toys and electronics available, why should we focus on this time of anticipation? Most everyone cannot wait for Christmas morning to arrive, but is it for the right reason? Sarah A. Reinhard designed Welcome Baby Jesus for you and your family to capture some of what's intended by the liturgical season of Advent. Each day has a Scripture quote from the Sunday gospel readings, a brief reflection, and an action to complete. With each passing Sunday, your Advent Wreath will grow brighter, your family's faith will grow stronger, and the true meaning of this season will be discovered.”

Advent with the Saints - Greg Friedman OFM

$3.99

“Christians know that St. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord. Which other saints can accompany us during the four weeks of waiting for the birth of Jesus? Through insightful reflections, Greg Friedman, a pastor and radio personality, connects you to the lives of the saints and holy ones suggested by the Scriptural readings of Advent. Fr. Greg draws on his love for the saints to offer daily inspiration during this season of preparation. Each day of Advent until Christmas Day, find: brief reflections on each Advent lectionary reading saintly connections to each reading suggested actions for each day prayers to help you slow down and savor the season of waiting and hope”

Advent with St Francis - Diane M. Houdek

$3.99

“By pairing the words and deeds of St. Francis with the Scripture readings for Advent, Advent with St. Francis: Daily Reflections helps readers explore how they, too, can live the Gospel in the circumstances of their daily lives. It is written in a simple and engaging style that will draw readers in to the life of Francis as they grow in their faith and spiritual practice through the inspiration of this beloved saint.”

Let Us Adore Him - Richard N. Fragomeni

$3.99

“Let Us Adore Him will enhance your preparation for and celebration of Christmas. From the First Sunday of Advent through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, you will find inspiration for your Advent and Christmas prayer time. Noted liturgist Fr. Richard Fragomeni weaves the Communion Antiphons from each day's liturgy into the daily seasonal liturgies and weaves them into a thoughtful, prayerful meditation.”

Prepare Your Heart - Pope Francis

$7.95

Prepare your heart for the birth of Jesus with the inspiring words of Pope Francis. This daily devotional includes scripture citations for each day of the season, a selection of the Holy Father's writings, reflection questions, and a prayer. It will be the perfect volume to remind you to slow down and breathe in God's spirit, no matter how busy you are!

Ideal for individuals or groups desiring greater spiritual awareness during this short but powerful season, Prepare Your Heart can also renew faith at the start of the liturgical year. For anyone seriously desiring to welcome Christ anew, this book can be wise, humble companion to help us put Jesus first during this special season to rediscover the joy that makes our lives complete.

Waiting for Christ - St. John Henry Newman*

$14.95

Saint John Henry Newman was one of the most beloved and well-known preachers of his time. Originally an Anglican priest, Newman converted to Catholicism and became a Catholic priest and cardinal. Known for his beautiful prose and exultant preaching, Newman has long been a source of inspiration for those in the Church. In this new and compact compilation of his sermons, you’re invited to journey with St. John Henry Newman through Advent into Christmas and Epiphany, meditating on the coming of Christ and the Christian life. Newman’s masterful knowledge of the lives of the saints, Catholic doctrine, and, above all, Sacred Scripture, will help you immerse yourself in these liturgical seasons of waiting, wondering, and joy.

These beautiful meditations guide you through reflections on:

Preparing for the Lord’s coming at Christmas and the end of time / Our dependence upon the Lord’s goodness / What happens when we do not seek truth / Mary’s role in salvation history / God’s call for each and every one of us to holiness / Glorifying God in the world / True joy / Martyrdom, affliction, and consolation / Love as the one thing needful

Waiting for Christ, provides an opportunity to spend a few minutes with St. John Henry Newman and Christ every day of the Advent and Christmas seasons, preparing for the coming of the Lord.

*I read this book last Advent and thought it was wonderful!

Advent Journal : Mother of Life

$11.95

"The one who has hope lives differently; the one who has hope has been granted the gift of a new life."(Pope Benedict XVI Spe Salvi, 2)

The season of Advent is a time of hope-filled anticipation for the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mary, Mother of Life, is the first one to behold the Word, listen to the Word, ponder the Word in her heart and lived differently.

The Mother of Life Advent Journal is written to guide you through a prayerful reading of Scripture –lectio divina. By personally encountering the Word, you, too, will experience hope-filled anticipation and live differently as a joyful disciple of Christ.

This journal Includes the Sunday gospel readings for Liturgical Year A, B and C.

(Written and Compiled by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist)

Books for the season & for spreading cheer (Also with the Publishers' marketing blurbs):

Prayers around the Crib - Juliette Levivier

$9.99

A joyful book for young children preparing for Christmas, which explains the meaning of the Advent season with its special calendar and wreath, the Christmas tree, the various figures of the Nativity scene including the angels, shepherds, the three Kings, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and more.

Each of these important Christmas symbols is explained with a little story followed by a simple, heartfelt prayer. Illustrated throughout with sweet four-color pictures.

Joy to the World - Scott Hahn

$23.00

What could be more familiar than the Christmas story -- and yet what could be more extraordinary? The cast of characters is strange and exotic: shepherds and magicians, an emperor and a despot, angels, and a baby who is Almighty God. The strangeness calls for an explanation, and this book provides it by examining the characters and the story in light of the biblical and historical context. Bestselling author Scott Hahn who has written extensively on Scripture and the early Church, brings evidence to light, dispelling some of the mystery of the story. Yet Christmas is made familiar all over again by showing it to be a family story. Christmas, as it appears in the New Testament, is the story of a father, a mother, and a child -- their relationships, their interactions, their principles, their individual lives, and their common life. To see the life of this "earthly trinity" is to gaze into heaven.

Drinking with St. Nick - Michael Foley

$19.99

Michael Foley, author of Drinking with the Saints, presents cocktail recipes and wine, beer, and cider recommendations that will keep hearths warm and parties joyful throughout the holidays. With stories about the history of St. Nicholas and other saints, as well as an advent calendar leading up to Christmas, this gift book is a must for anyone who starts stringing lights and playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Let the Christmas games begin!

Teeny-Tiny Nativity

$9.95

Bring back the magic of the holiday season with this beautifully-illustrated wooden nativity set.

In a unique package that transforms into a mini stable, this collectible kit includes an adorable wooden nativity set along with an illustrated mini book The Story of Christmas. The perfect stocking stuffer, Teeny-Tiny Nativity reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

(Not technically a book, but this would make a great gift for Christmas or St. Nicholas’ Day!)

What We're Here For...

In March, the world collapsed. Countries shut down. It seemed like the end was upon us. Here at the convent we kept up our regular schedule and moved through our days with relatively little disruption. Praying the liturgy of the hours as the coronavirus pandemic reached the Kansas City area filled me with strange feelings. I felt awe at the majesty of a God that could still call forth my praise in the middle of terror and anxiety. I felt confusion and fear and calm and joy and it was just really weird. I was initially very nervous – I had been out and about before the lockdown came, and what if I was infected and didn’t know it? I was not afraid of being sick. I am still young and dumb enough to believe in my own invincibility. I would be fine. But my sisters might not be. They are not young or dumb or invincible. This virus targets the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions. My community could be described as elderly with pre-existing health conditions. I'm not brave enough to face my sisters experiencing the kind of suffering that can come from a bout with COVID-19. I’m not ready for anyone to die. But as waves of anxiety would hit, a line from a psalm would drift through my head. “But our God is in the Heavens/ He does whatever he wills.” Inevitably, I would think, this is what we’re here for… not to feel anxious and vulnerable, but to pray.

As everyone decided on showing an abundance of caution, every spring retreat after mid-March was cancelled. Our main external apostolate (the retreat center) was stripped away, but the core of our life began to shine through. I kept thinking, this is what we’re here for, as I went to chapel to pray and took care of basic responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. Though I continued in my school work (I’ve been enduring online education for nearly three years – my heart goes out to every student who had their educational routine so abruptly changed for the worse) other things, like vocations events and meetings and my work in the book store vanished. Each morning I rise and join my sisters for Morning Prayer. I spend an hour afterwards praying in our adoration chapel. I cook meals a couple of times a week, do dishes every day, and pitch in on various chores and projects. At some point each day we have Mass. I gather with my sisters after supper for Evening Prayer. I pray the rosary each day. These things have always been present, but suddenly I can see clearly that they are the only things that actually matter in my schedule.

In many ways, this period of pandemic has been an enormous opportunity; it is the time for us to become saints. I say this even as I recognize that I haven’t taken advantage of the opportunity. But seriously, when else have we been forced back to the core of our lives? Suddenly our first role, for some of us the only role left, is our vocation. It is not so important if we are employed in a particular kind of work. We are experiencing similar things across occupational lines. But what has begun to matter a great deal is whether we are religious sisters or wives and mothers or husbands and fathers or single persons. Suddenly the most important thing for us to do is just to be what we are. Taking care of our families now ranks ahead of attending that work meeting on zoom. Praying with our religious community now ranks ahead of preparing the retreat center for guests that are not coming. Like I said before, I think I’ve wasted the opportunity so far. I haven’t leaned into prayer like I could have. I haven’t treated my core responsibilities as opportunities to serve God and my sisters. I have whined and complained and failed to trust God. But just seeing that this time is a time for returning to the core of my identity has been a tremendous gift.

Sr. Colette