Sister Mary Walter Goebel

Prioress from 1981-1989

Sister Mary Walter’s first degree was a Bachelor’s in Science and Education received from St. Benedict in Ferdinand. She earned her Master’s in Biology from Notre Dame University in 1964 while teaching Elementary School.  She went on to receive a Master’s of Science in Geology in 1973 from Notre Dame University.  Sister Mary Walter was an excellent science teacher in high school and college.  She was noted as a Scientist in the field of Geology. 

As prioress of the Monastery, she was an example of wonderful hospitality to the stranger.  In the spirit of hospitality and peace, Sister Mary Walter and community invited former community members to the motherhouse for a day of renewed friendship and prayer.  Because of its commitment to self-growth and the growth of the church, the community has labored to complete the long-range plan.  Enabled by that plan to envision the future, the need to prepare for that future, to continue to educate the community and to care for the elderly arose as a concern for all.  From this concern evolved the foundation for the development program, now Mission Advancement. During her time as prioress, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Huntingburg was purchased by a group of doctors.  Sisters continued working on the hospital staff but were not the Administrators.  When her term as Prioress was complete, Sister Mary Walter returned to teaching at Vincennes University in Jasper.  On a snowy evening in February 1990, Sister Mary Walter died in an automobile accident on her way back from teaching.