FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 3, 1999
CONTACT: Judy Sandquist (513) 761-4143

Part-time Captain/Full-Time Sister Brings Steamboat up Ohio

When The Colonel steams its way up the Ohio, it won't have the typical captain on board. Sister Joy Manthey, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille Congregation (CSJ), will pilot the riverboat from Galveston, Texas. Its first stop will be "Rollin' on the River," a fund raiser benefiting the Sisters of St. Joseph, and then the Tall Stacks Festival a week later.

Raised in New Orleans, Sister Joy was first drawn to riverboats at the age of ten. She earned her pilot's license in 1978, and later became the first female this century to earn a Master's Unlimited License, which permits her to command any vessel in the U.S. inland waterways. Most recently, she spent almost two years working on towboats.

For Sister Joy, religion harmonizes well with life on the water. For ten years, she worked with the Missionaries of Charity and served as an escort for Mother Theresa during her visit to the United States. In 1995, Sister Joy joined the Sisters of St. Joseph as an affiliate, and is currently receiving clinical pastoral training. She intends to return to inland waterways and minister to " ...the guys on the boats. They're on duty for up to 30 days and miss important family events." Sister Joy thinks her unusual position will be helpful. "Guys may not want to speak to a chaplain, but they may speak to a sister who is a captain."

"Rollin' on the River" is set for Sunday, October 10, 1999 and will benefit CSJ ministries throughout the Greater Cincinnati Area. It is sponsored by Bartlett & Co. and Seiver Enterprises. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille have worked in the Greater Cincinnati area since 1893, and are active in many ministries including education, parish work, deaf education, and health care. For more information about Sister Joy Manthey, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, or "Rollin' on the River," contact Judy Sandquist at 513-761-4143.