Sharing & Caring Fall 2014

Sharing & Caring Volume 25 Number 2 • Fall 2014 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Bringing

Precious Blood spirituality to Chile for nearly 60 years

From the President’s Desk

Missionary Spirits

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n the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, Jesus commissions his disciples to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations …” This call to evangelize has reverberated among Christians since that time. Each of us recognizes that there are places and people who have not yet had the opportunity of that personal encounter with Jesus Christ that changes our lives.

Most of us fulfill this commissioning within the sphere of family, neighborhood community, workplace and civic responsibilities. Today, our country, founded on Christian principles, is struggling to allow the Good News of Jesus to influence the moral fabric of our society. No doubt most of us have unique opportunities in our daily lives to be missionaries.

Some among us, however, hear the Spirit nudging them to literally go to another country. There they preach the Good News, first by action and then by words when necessary, as cautioned by St. Francis of Assisi.

It takes knowing that one is irrevocably loved by Jesus and others to be able to love in such a way as to leave home and family and all that is familiar and enter into another culture, another way of life, another view of the world. And missionaries do this knowing that they are not bringing God to a Godless people, but rather recognizing that God has already been at work well before their arrival.

Missionaries are on the alert 2

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to where God has been at work and, using the goodness already there, proclaim Christ Jesus and the redeeming and liberating message of His Good News.

Those among our Sisters who have been called to be missionaries to another country return to our community and to their families with their relationship with Jesus deepened and enriched by the people they are serving. By opening their hearts to God already present in the people, they see in new and different ways the wonders that God can work among ordinary human beings, themselves included. And those of our Sisters who themselves come from those other cultures and lands give us the richness of their traditions, their history, their unique depth of faith in Jesus Christ.

They also challenge us to be alert to how others who come to visit or who immigrate to the United States to live among us, bring the Word of God fresh and new to us who may have grown comfortable or complacent in our practice of the faith.

Jesus who welcomed those who were at the margins of society in his time: the poor, the widowed, the lepers, the publicans, tax collectors and sinners, now calls us to be his welcoming arms, open to those who seek freedom from oppression, from poverty, from violence and war, from persecution for their faith, or freedom to seek a better life for their families.

They are missionaries to us, compelling us to hear the Good News in new and different ways, urging us to deepen our relationship with the One, who with the shedding of His Blood, redeemed and freed us all.

We are grateful for our Sisters who have answered God’s call to evangelize, and to be evangelized, as missionaries in Chile and Guatemala. We recognize that through them Precious Blood spirituality has been further spread and further enriched by their ministry and commitment to God’s people.

We all need to cultivate and nurture our missionary spirits with prayer and good acts; we all need to proclaim boldly through witness and word the Good News that Jesus lived and died to reveal to us. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

D

uring senior year at Xavier University in Cincinnati I was part of an immersion experience in Bogotá, Colombia. There were nine of us, all college students, mostly from Xavier, but a few from other schools.

It was exciting, but terrifying.

There were so many questions.

How would we communicate?

How could we possibly learn at a Spanish-speaking university? How would we ever make our way in a strange city when we didn’t even speak the language? We didn’t even know anything about the currency – one classmate exchanged U.S. dollars for Mexican pesos, only to find that Colombia has its own pesos.

Gradually, though, we began to develop a routine and became quite comfortable.

The fear gave way to joy as we learned to appreciate the beauty and culture of Bogotá.

It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Those memories were vivid as I listened to the Sisters serving in Chile talk about their feelings when they first went

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the congregation, Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the sisters’ mission.

All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the editor.

to Latin America. They had the same issues: a language barrier, lack of familiarity with the culture and some homesickness.

They, too, were excited but also felt apprehensive.

However, as they overcame the challenges, their ministry began to thrive. The Sisters originally were missioned to teach at St. Gaspar School, operated by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Eventually, they expanded, bringing their Precious Blood Spirituality to parishioners in Santiago and working with the Conference of Religious. Today, five Sisters continue to minister in Chile.

In this issue of Sharing & Caring we introduce you to those Sisters and share the impact they’ve had in Chile since the first Sisters journeyed there in 1957.

We also meet Sister Lou Ann Roof, who spent years as a counselor, both in a prison and at a counseling center.

She shares the stories of the reaching out to prison inmates, offering comfort and healing.

She talks of journeying with a young man she knew well CPPS Mission Statement Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus the Christ and rooted in Eucharistic prayer, we Sisters of the Precious Blood proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

Editor Dave Eck, Director of Communications Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Media Specialist

Editor’s Notes

Overcoming apprehension of new culture, country

who ended up in prison. In another story, she helps a suicidal client – who comes back to thank her.

This issue also includes a story on the A Nun’s Life visit to Salem Heights. This exciting ministry of Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters Julie Vieira and Maxine Kollasch uses social media for prayer and to raise awareness of women religious around the world.

Finally, we give a fond farewell to Sisters Virginia Hebbeler, Mary Kathryn Gurren and Dianne Skubby. May they watch over and guide us on our earthly journey! 

Dave Eck Director of Communications Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 Phone: (937) 274-2707 E-mail: communications@ cppsadmin.org Printing Progressive Printers, Inc., Dayton, Ohio PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

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Counselling and parish work highlight Sister Lou Ann’s 64 years of ministry

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he woman was anxious, depressed. She spoke of suicide. She explained where she had hidden the gun and mentioned where the bullets were. She saw no purpose in living any longer.

As the woman talked, Sister Lou Ann (M. Charmaine) Roof knew it was time to act. So Sister — who was counseling the woman — refused to let her go home and called her son.

She made the woman sign a suicide contract promising that she wouldn’t hurt herself or anyone else without talking to someone first. Eventually, the woman was admitted to a psychiatric ward. Sister Lou Ann figured the woman would hate her for interfering, but one day the woman came by for a visit.

“She put her arms around me and started to cry,” Sister Lou Ann said. “She said ‘because of you I’m here today, I’m alive.’”

It was a powerful moment, but Sister Lou Ann knew it wasn’t her own efforts that brought the good outcome.

It was simply God working through her and her ministry.

It’s a sentiment Sister Lou Ann experienced over and over during 21 years of counseling people in desperate situations. She spent 11 years counseling inmates at an Ohio prison, and 10 more years as a counselor at Pathways Counseling Center in Ottawa, Ohio.

“I would sit with an inmate and always put myself in God’s presence,” Sister explained.

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She would ask God to give her the expression the inmate needed to see and the words the inmate needed to hear.

She would let herself be God’s instrument to reach those troubled souls. They were going through terrible times, but she let them share and gave them hope. The stories were gut-wrenching.

She recalled one young man who had gotten drunk and tried to grab a police officer’s gun. The man was engaged and wedding invitations had been mailed when he was sent to prison. Sister Lou Ann knew the man’s family as well as the man’s fiancée and her family.

She also knew he had made a mistake and that if given a second chance, he would stay out of trouble.

Sister Lou Ann urged the man to stay strong and adjust to prison life as best he could.

She would help him, but wouldn’t coddle him. She kept in contact with his mother and worked with the parole board for his release. The fiancée’s mother wanted her daughter to cut off contact with the man, but Sister Lou Ann discouraged that. When the man was released, Sister Lou Ann warned his mother to be strict and stern with him or he would end up back in prison.

The man ended up marrying his fiancée and having children. He’s never again been in trouble. Whenever Sister Lou Ann sees the family, she always

Above, Sister Lou Ann Roof at the reception for her retirement from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Columbus Grove last June.

Photo by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal.

gets a tight hug and a kiss.

“I think he is the person he is today because of the road he walked,” Sister Lou Ann said.

“I felt God called me there for a purpose. I truly believe it’s God’s work, not ours.”

Growing up in rural Glandorf, Ohio, Sister Lou Ann wanted to be a teacher. She came to the Sisters of the Precious Blood for high school to get an education, but not sure she wanted to become a nun.

During her junior year, however, she was given an opportunity to join the community and felt God’s call. She didn’t know it at the time that her mom was terribly upset with Lou Ann’s decision to enter, and often cried. One of Sister Lou Ann’s younger siblings told their mother that if she was so upset to just go to the convent and get Lou Ann, but their mother

University in Cincinnati with a master’s degree. Archbishop Liebold handed out 1,000 degrees that night, shaking every hand. He looked tired and had a severe headache. By morning he was dead, having suffered several massive strokes hours after the commencement.

“You just could not believe it,” Sister Lou Ann said. “Because I spent those years in St. Rita’s and he would come visit us all the time, I knew him as a person, not just as an archbishop.”

Sister Lou Ann continued working in parish ministry full-time in the Cincinnati and Toledo dioceses until taking the job at the prison in 1985.

That year, she also began volunteering part-time at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Columbus Grove because she wanted to continue parish ministry. She started the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program, forming a team of parishioners from various walks of life. She continued volunteering at St. Anthony’s until retiring last June.

'I felt God called me there for a purpose.

I truly believe it’s God’s work, not ours.'

– Sister Lou Ann Roof The parish sent her out in style with a Mass and a reception, attended by several Sisters of the Precious Blood.

They also unveiled a large stone commemorating the community’s 100 years of service to the parish.

“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “I was pleased with the recognition of the congregation, not just me as an individual.”

Sister Lou Ann is settling in to Salem Heights by joining the choir and volunteering.

“God does interesting things,” she said. “I’ve never been at a place that I did not like.”  Story by Dave Eck

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating Fall and Winter birthdays.

4 5 9 12 12 14 22 23

NOVEMBER Carolyn Henkenius Rae Marie Ratermann Rita Yahl Angeline Hoffman Maria Luisa Miller Charmaine Grilliot Ann Catherine Merkle Anna Marie Sanders

DECEMBER 1 Barbara Brown

2 Margaret Mary Rigdon 2 Berenice Janszen 2 Eleanor McNally 8 Mary Garke 8 Patricia Will 25 Dolorosa Oen 27 Gerri McGeorge 31 Ritamary Bulach 31 Donna Liette JANUARY 2 Anne Schulz

3 6 8 10 12 15 17 17 18 19 20 29

Brendan Jordan Nancy Raley Joanella Whaley Pat Gist Madonna Ratermann Margaret Daniels Catherine Lett Cecilia Taphorn Mary Anne Schiller Carolyn Hoying Margaret Morris Rosemary Lindemann Fall 2014

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explained that we are not to interfere with God’s plan.

Sister Lou Ann began her ministry teaching in Arizona and taught in six schools over the next 12 years. She was then named principal in Versailles, Ohio, for two years and then spent 10 years as principal at St. Christopher School in Vandalia, Ohio.

She transitioned into parish ministry in 1971 when she was asked to help start St. Paul’s Parish, near Dayton, Ohio. The parish's name was chosen to honor then-Cincinnati Archbishop Paul F. Liebold, who was instrumental in establishing the parish. Sister Lou Ann knew the archbishop from her days teaching at St. Rita School in Dayton, where two of the archbishop’s nieces were students. Archbishop Liebold would socialize with the Sisters after celebrating Mass at the convent, reminding them not to treat his nieces any differently because of their uncle.

On May 30, 1972, Sister Lou Ann graduated from Xavier

Ministry

In her own words: Sister Anna Maria Sanders

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od calls us individually using the persons and circumstances surrounding us. In my case, that was in rural Putnam and Van Wert Counties in Ohio.

When I think back, I feel that my religious vocation had its beginnings in my family surroundings, including my parents, grandparents, my aunts and uncles. In each of their homes I heard prayers, saw rosaries, pictures, crucifixes, and statues. My family spoke respectfully of clergy, religious, and church. Religion was such a part of our everyday experience.

I remember so vividly processions from the town of Ottoville, Ohio, into the country to bless the farm fields.

Growing up in a rural area, we prayed for rain for gardens and fields at Mass. That was certainly an important part of a farmer’s life. Farmers did not work on Sundays. At the end of the harvest season, we were grateful for blessings of good crops and life.

There was such goodness in the farm life and that kind of atmosphere. My parents and grandparents taught me so much about nature. There are so many ways in which one can see life and the care and caring for all forms of life. I am proud to claim being a farmer’s daughter.

In Ottoville, Sisters of the Precious Blood taught me in first, second, and third grade. I liked my teachers, Sisters Norma Osterloh, Ida 6

Sharing & Caring

Kramer, and Grace Rottner.

I enjoyed helping them after school.

Around the age of seven, while on a trip to Chicago, my aunt asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I replied “a Sister.” I continued to say that I wanted to be a Sister as the years went on.

When I was in fifth grade, my family moved to a farm in Van Wert County and we children attended HoaglinJackson Public School. On Saturdays we came to Ottoville for religion classes. Precious Blood Sister Eileen Monnin taught my religious education class. During eighth grade, she invited me to visit Fatima Hall, the Sister’s former aspirancy in Dayton. The words from Mass that impacted me during that time were, “How can I make a return to the Lord for all He has done for me? I will take up the chalice of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:13). Those words echoed in me for a long time. I entered Fatima Hall at age 13 for high school.

Over my 56 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood I have taught and/or ministered in seven states, including in Ohio at Columbus Grove and Vandalia. I was a teacher and administrator in elementary schools; then worked in congregational administration; and then in health care as a nurse's aide and later as a hospital chaplain. Each type of min-

Above, Sister Anna Maria Sanders. Photo by Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin.

istry had its own rewards and challenges, and called me to utilize all of my life experiences to be of service to God’s people. Today I continue to use my skills as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at Miami Valley Hospital and as a volunteer tutor at the Brunner Literacy Center, both in Dayton, Ohio.

I think women today who feel a call to religious life need to explore it. Listen to what their heart is being stirred to respond.

While the environment in which I was raised nurtured my vocation, the Sisters who taught me in my early years influenced me. They had a presence and way of life that was appealing to me. They helped me find and fulfill a response to that question, “How can I make a return to the Lord for all He has done for me?”

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he doorbell rings, the door opens and a new face appears — the little you can see, as his dreadlocks hide a lot of his story. “I’m Michael,” he says.

“Your last name?”

“Brunner.” … BRUNNER! Poor Michael did not know why Sister Carolyn and I got so excited. We began to tell him our story of Mother Brunner and I can only imagine he wondered who else works here!

Michael is one of the boys Mike Donovan referred to as “The Lost Boys of Chicago” (The New Wine Press, March 2014, pg. 7). Michael’s father died suddenly when he was three; his life changed and he lacked the things many of us take for granted: family vacations, table talk, faith, security, and hope for a future. So at an early age he began to search for meaning in his life. He took to the streets, made some bad choices, dropped out of school, saw friends shot and killed, had a brother in prison.

Seeing the darkness ahead of him, like many of our “boys” he felt alone, doomed to face years in prison or death on the streets.

Mother Brunner or Father Brunner must have been watching out for Michael, because through some probation requirements he was sent to our Precious Blood Center. As soon as he mentioned he liked cooking and had enjoyed his culinary arts class, Father Dave assigned him to Sister Carolyn, and “Mother Brunner Hoying”

took him under her wing, embraced him and immediately put him to work. Soon Michael was cutting onions and tomatoes, planning menus, and shopping for groceries. As staff we sneak into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee and are delighted to watch the transformation in young Brunner.

He feels secure, responsible; he belongs. He drops his street persona and little by little tells his story, knowing he will not be judged. He smiles and offers hugs; he feels safe and accepted.

Two days ago we knew the PBMR kitchen had turned into the little Swiss chalet of Mother Brunner. Sister Carolyn had Michael kneading dough: “Michael, you need to use the palm of your hand, like this.”

And soon Michael is doing just that with great seriousness.

As I write this, it is Palm Sunday and I reflect on the similarities between Jesus and Michael: they stand alone, accused; they fall and they get up, stripped and shamed.

Michael has had a difficult journey, broken and scared; we cannot help but weep for him. Michael lives on the edge, on the precipice of destruction. Will he be one of the many black youth locked up or one of the dead? We live in hope that he will not be either, but rather one of those with a future.

Sister Carolyn has been a life-giving presence for him, helping him carry the weight of his cross. As Michael tells of his journey while kneading

Ministry

Kneading into Possibilities

Above, Michael Brunner in the kitchen at PBMR in Chicago. Photo by Sister Carolyn Hoying.

dough, she is kneading Michael, working with his stories, folding in lots of affirmation and stretching him beyond his imagination. In between, they sauté vegetables and do the dishes.

Each day Sister Carolyn welcomes Michael after school with a big hug and often takes him home so he will not be harmed on the way. She leaves him saying, “Michael, God bless your heart! See you tomorrow.”

Mother Brunner, hear our prayer! Do not let Michael be lost to the streets. May he experience his own coming out of the tomb – his Resurrection!  Story by Sister Donna Liette [Ed. note. This article first appeared in the May 2014 issue of The New Wine Press. Used with permission.]

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Ministering in

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n a stormy Friday evening last June in a parish in Santiago,Chile, a new mom opened up and shared

an innermost feeling: that while pregnant she began to sense she wasn’t loving the baby growing in her womb.

Through open discussion in a small parish group, she realized what was happening, forgave herself for not wanting her baby and ended up embracing the child. Another man explained that he had never felt love or appreciation or dignity. He never felt supported by anyone – until he started attending the small group.

One after another the stories came as people described the group’s effect on them.

Such is the power of the Precious Blood spirituality: living 8

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so intimately in Christ that the Precious Blood urges one to be a reconciling and life-giving presence to others. For nearly 60 years, that spirituality has been lived in Chile by Sisters of the Precious Blood.

They began their journey in Chile in 1957 responding to a request of Pope Pius XII to send missionaries to Latin America, and a petition by the Fathers of the Precious Blood to work with them in San Gaspar, an all-boys school they were starting. The Sisters’ first years in Chile were spent working in education with the Missionaries.

Then came Vatican Council II and the Latin American Bishop's council in Mendellin.

The documents of Mendellin were a grand awakening of a Church which had taken its theological basis from the European mentality. The Church of Latin America began a new birth searching for a pastoral program that would touch the reality of its people by deeply being in tune with the pain of the poor.

Here began a refocus of what being a missionary with the title Sister of the Precious Blood meant, from just a title or question to a flowing, moving,

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for 57 years loving force in their daily lives.

Sisters Maria Luisa Miller, Noemi Flores, Carmelita Monnin, and Dorothy Schmitmeyer participated on mission teams to form base communities.

They entered the homes of the Chilean people as they weekly shared the gospel message.

Mission became a sharing of faith as they created, formed, and were part of Christian base communities. Through a weekly breaking open of the Word, they touched and were touched by the risen, healing, forgiving Christ.

When the military took over the government in 1973, mission became a lived experience in the broken Christ. From here the question came forth "what does living Precious Blood Spirituality call us to in Latin America?” Thus at the end of the 1970's and during

the 1980's, the Precious Blood communities in Chile began to organize the first seminars for the communities with this title serving in Latin America.

Sisters and priests from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile shared what it meant to be an open Chalice for others.

These seminars continue to be offered about every four years.

From the experiences of these seminars and sharing in base communities, Precious Blood Groups were born. Sister Carmelita invited members of the Base Communities to share monthly on themes of Precious Blood Spirituality.

The Precious Blood groups meet monthly and all unite to share in a day-long retreat each year. Members often share their personal experiences of how the flowing life-giving blood of Christ healed them,

made them sense a God of love through the accepting love of others or opened up a reconciliation force within them.

During their monthly sharing with these Precious Blood groups, the Sisters share the life of their foundress, Mother Maria Anna Brunner, with whom the people could identify. She had no formal education and worked as a maid when she was young to help support her family. As a mother raising five children, she would give bread and milk to the poor, coupled with an intense devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Many have a picture or a statue of her in their homes and count on her to intercede for them. This has been the life and experience of many of the women that the sisters encounter daily.

Five sisters continue the mission in Chile, primarily focusFall 2014

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On the cover, Sisters Rita Manriquez, Edna Hess and Maria Louisa Miller with the Peruvian caretaker at San Alberto Hurtado parish, where Sisters Rita and Maria Louisa are in ministry.

Photo by Jean Giesige. Top: Sisters Rita Manriquez, Dorothy Schmitmeyer and Noemi Flores read Sister Dorothy's birthday cards. Middle: Sister Carmelita Monnin. Bottom: The organizational team of Family of the Blood of Christ, Chile, plans activities for 2015 and evaluates the 2014 activities among the three congregations. Contributed photos

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ing on preparing reflections for and guiding Precious Blood groups. In addition, they organize retreats and prepare lay retreat teams in the parishes.

The sisters minister in two areas of Santiago, the capital of Chile. One home is Our Lady of the Precious Blood parish in Cerro Navia, a heavily populated area in the northwestern section of the city. The parish has over 500 senior citizens and much of the population live on low incomes.

Forming community in a house located on the property of the parish are: • Sister Carmelita, who has been serving in Chile for 55 years and has been the moving force in beginning the Precious Blood groups, and until recently had been actively involved in different areas of pastoral work in the parish.

During her many years she was involved in education, parish work and giving loving care to children living in a government-run home.

• Sister Noemi entered the community in 1964. Most of her service has been as formation director for the Vicariate.

She was part of a team with formation directors of different congregations that organized an Institute of Studies for men and women entering religious life. During the 1990s, Sisters Noemi and Dorothy Schmitmeyer began giving the Enneagram personality workshop to formation directors, those in formation, and many congregations in Chile plus several Latin American countries. Until recently, she still gave this workshop in the parish and helped to guide the Precious Blood groups. She also partici-

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pated in many other pastoral activities in the parish.

• Sister Edna Hess has been serving in Chile since 1977.

She began serving in San Gaspar School in the pastoral department. She taught English and scripture to young men and women attending the Institute of Studies. In the parishes in which she lived, she created programs that help women discover their worth and dignity. In 1989 Sisters Edna and Maria Luisa formed the first lay retreat team to organize and give Ignatian weekend retreats for the laity.

After serving 26 years in Chile she was elected to the community council where she served for eight years. She returned to Chile in 2011 and is involved with the Precious Blood Groups and organizes loving pastoral programs for the many senior citizen groups.

The second area where the sisters live is in La Florida, in the southeastern part of the city. During the years the Sisters have served in four parishes. In this area of the Archdiocese of Santiago, the Sisters began forming lay retreat teams to conduct weekend popular retreats for the laity. They are currently living in San Vincente de Paúl Parish. Their home is located one block from a small chapel called Padre Hurtado where they have served since 1980.

• Sister Maria Luisa joined the Sisters in Chile in 1966 and began her ministry teaching in San Gaspar School. Having come at the end of the Second Vatican Council and the refocus of creating a Latin American church, Sister Maria Luisa, with Sisters Carmelita and

Top, Sisters Maria Luisa Miller and Carmelita Monnin at the Cerro Navia Convent, Chile. Bottom: Sister Dorothy Schmitmeyer with children in Chile. Contributed photos

Noemi, became part of teams to give missions in the parishes to form base communities. This began the most precious way to be acculturated both in the church of Chile and with its people. In the parishes where Maria Luisa lived, she guided the formation of laity in the catechetical program, and formed lay retreat teams. For over 20 years she worked in the mu-

'Wherever we've been, our footprints are there.'

– Sister Dorothy Schmitmeyer

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tual health department of the Conference of Religious where she helped organize a joint health security for the religious serving in Chile. Sister Maria Luisa continues to accompany and form lay retreat teams in the parishes in the eastern zone of the Santiago diocese, organizing many weekend retreats and also one day retreats for women prisoners.

• Sister Rita Manriquez entered the congregation in 1993 and during her professed life

has shared her giftedness in different pastoral activities for the youth in the parishes where she lived. She also served as secretary in the communication and vocational department of the Conference of Religious, and during the past seven years as executive secretary for nine pastoral departments in the Archdiocese of Santiago.

She is currently engaged in a year-long study sabbatical.

• Sister Dorothy formed part of this community until last

March, when she retired to Dayton for health reasons. She served 40 years.

“Wherever we've been, our footprints are there,” Sister Dorothy said. “You have to believe that the spark of God is within you and works through you, and that one is sacred. Then you awaken that in others.”  Story by Sisters Dorothy Schmitmeyer, Maria Luisa Miller, Edna Hess, Rita Manriquez and Noemi Flores

Retreat for Precious Blood Groups in Chile

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beautiful, sunny, spring day in Chile found around 50 members of the Precious Blood groups in Chile, united for their annual retreat day. These groups come from Cerro Navia, Our Lady of the Precious Blood Parish, Precious Blood Chapel of San Norbert Parish in Macul and San Alberto Hurtado of San Vincent de Paul Parish in La Florida. Comments were: “Thank you for inviting us!”

“This retreat is so important for us!” “I am renewed in spirit and ready to go forward!”

Our retreat theme this year was centered on the testimony of Moses, “Abandoned and Liberator of His People.” Recognizing that Moses had a very difficult life and, “wounded from birth” by his experience in Egypt, followed by the recognition of how his people were being treated as slaves, he became rebellious. Moses did not recognize his own capabilities until God called him.

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We also experience difficulties and woundedness (hurts) in our lives, yet God continues to call us. In the afternoon we were invited to reflect upon the Mission that is hidden in our woundedness in life. Moses, before the burning bush, takes off his sandals for he is on sacred ground and begins to recognize in God´s call, in spite of his deficiencies, that God can use these to give him a mission.

Moses accepted his history, his sufferings and recognized his wounded life. Our lives have a double face, one with suffering and another with a special mission in life. Personal reflection and sharing in small groups were “sacred grounds” for each on this retreat day.

The themes for the day were prepared by Precious Blood seminarian, Diego Gallardo.

The Eucharist was the Center of the day with an excellent homily on Precious Blood Spirituality, presided by Father Claudio, a missionary of

Above: Sister Maria Luisa Miller with participants at the Oct. 2014 retreat in Chile.

Photo by Sister Edna Hess.

the Precious Blood. At the end of the Eucharist each person received a medal of Our Lady of the Precious Blood and St. Gaspar and renewed the commitment to live our spirituality in our daily lives. We Sisters in Chile express our gratitude to our Brothers in Christ who support our furthering of Precious Blood Spirituality among the people with whom we walk each day.  Story by Sister Maria Luisa Miller

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or Sister Joyce Lehman, the best thing about being a Sister of the Precious Blood is moving toward God in the company of other women who share the same conviction.

“It strengthens me. It supports me. It challenges me at times,” Sister Joyce said on a live podcast with A Nuns Life Ministry. “We’re all on the God-quest together. We’re committed to each other and we’re committed beyond ourselves to serve God’s people.”

Sister Joyce, president of the congregation, and Precious Blood Sister Della Meyer joined A Nun’s Life hosts IHM Sisters Maxine Kollasch and Julie Vieira for the hour-long podcast on Aug. 28 at Salem Heights. The conversation covered vocation stories, discernment, and the charism of the Precious Blood Sisters. Questions from the online audience were also discussed. The podcast and a video feed were streamed online as listeners participated

'We’re all on the God-quest together.

We’re committed to each other and we’re committed beyond ourselves to serve God’s people.'

— Sister Joyce Lehman

in a computer chat room facilitated by Precious Blood Sister Karen Elliott and Sylvania Franciscan Sister Julie Meyers.

In sharing her vocation story, Sister Della recalled that the Precious Blood Sisters who taught her, thought her older sibling, Marilyn, would make a good nun. Eventually, though, it was Della who went to then-Precious Blood High School, the former aspirancy of the community, and into the congregation. She found strength in the community, both as a postulant and later as a sister missioned in the western United States.

“What really kept me going were the other girls who were with me. That whole sense that we’re all in this together,” Sister Della said. “As life continued into my mission life I was blessed to live with wonderful Sisters. We had fun together. It’s a good community experience and it began in high school.”

The sisters fielded a question from a podcast listener who wanted to know the difference between a calling and a strong whim. Sister Joyce explained that whims don’t last very long, especially when they are tested, as they don’t have substance. Still, sometimes in a whim is the essence of a true calling, so it should be explored with a trusted friend or spiritual advisor, she continued.

In a discussion on discernment, Sister Joyce explained it is a continual process.

Ministry

Precious Blood Sisters participate in live podcast from Dayton

Above, Precious Blood Sister Joyce Lehman laughs during A Nun’s Life podcast.

“My sense of discernment is always being alert to the word of God. Always being alert to God’s voice, whether it comes through other people, what I’m reading, the experiences of my life or the teachings of the church. Vocation isn’t just one thing. It’s an ongoing being with God and listening for what it is God wants.”

The conversation also touched upon the community’s charism of Eucharistic adoration and being a reconciling presence to others.

Founded by Sisters Maxine and Julie in 2006, A Nun’s Life Ministry uses technology and social media to encourage people to understand their life as a vocation by engaging questions about God, faith and religious life. The ministry is currently traveling the country podcasting from central houses of women religious communities.

The podcast will be archived at www.anunslife.org.  Story and photo by Dave Eck

Fall 2014

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In Memoriam

Sister Dianne (Daniel Marie) Skubby October 1937 — November 4, 2014

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Dianne Skubby, was held at the Salem Heights Chapel on Nov. 8, 2014. Visitation immediately preceded the liturgy. Sister died at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton, Ohio on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

One of four children, Dianne Mary was born in Cleveland, Ohio in October 1937 to Carl G. and Victorine (Hinkel) Skubby. On January 21, 1955 at the age of 17 she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In religious life she was known first as Sister Daniel Marie and later returned to her baptismal name. She was a Sister for 59 years.

“Because I have the encouragement and support of my Precious Blood Sisters,” wrote Dianne, “I can in some small way bring Christ to others, showing them that someone cares.”

Beginning in 1957, Sister Dianne taught in elementary schools for 14 years in Columbus Grove, Russia, New Riegel and Dayton, Ohio; in Escondido, Calif.; in Denver, Colo.; Sedalia,

Mo.; and Ft. Wayne, Ind. During those years she also served as organist, choir director, cantor and liturgist. Later she served full-time in parish music ministry for six years in Angola, Ind. From 1985-2003 she ministered as a pastoral associate in Kawkawlin, Mich.; and in Swanton, Parma Heights, Lorain, and Cleveland, Ohio.

Her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society lasted over 13 years, during which she served as the director of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry for the Diocese of Cleveland.

“Everyone needs care of the body, soul, mind and spirit,” said Dianne. “I believe we were put here to help each other.”

Sister retired to Salem Heights in 2013. Because of failing health she moved in 2014 to the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton.

Sister Dianne is survived by her twin brother Daniel, and sister, Marianne Sautter (Richard) as well as her nieces and nephews: Dave Skubby, Sue Hoefke (Paul), Rick Sautter (Kathy) and Karen Ponchak (Greg). Dianne is a great aunt of nine. Preceding her in death were her parents Carl and Victorine and brother David.

Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery. 

Sister Mary Kathryn (M. Palmarita) Gurren August 1915 — October 31, 2014

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Mary Kathryn Gurren, was held at the Salem Heights Chapel on Nov. 4, 2014. Visitation immediately preceded the liturgy. Sister died at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton on Oct. 31, 2014.

The oldest of two children, Mary Kathryn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 10, 1915 to James B. and Lenore (Bocklage) Gurren. She formally entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood on September 8, 1933 at the age of 18. In religious life she was known first as Sister Mary Palmarita and later returned to her baptismal name.

“I thank God,” said Sister four years earlier, “for the wonderful life I have had as a Sister of the Precious Blood.”

Beginning in 1936, Sister Mary Kathryn taught mainly math and science for 37 years to 14

Sharing & Caring

high school students in Norwood, Dayton, Celina and Ottawa, Ohio; in San Luis Rey, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Lafayette, Ind. From 19771983 Sister taught biology and genetics parttime at Saint Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati.

She branched out in her ministry for the next 24 years in Cincinnati, serving as Secretary of National Association of Permanent Deacon Directors, Pastoral Associate and working closely as a retired volunteer for 12 of those years with Vietnamese immigrants in Cincinnati.

“Every appointment and ministry I ever had was my ‘favorite’ while it lasted!” she said.

In 2007 Sister retired to Salem Heights in Dayton. Because of failing health she moved in 2008 to the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton.

Sister Mary Kathryn is survived by her nieces Nancy Kammer, Mary K. Kammer and Lois Hanselman. Preceding her in death was her sister, Helen Lenore Tower.

Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery. 

May 1921 — October 28, 2014

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Virginia Hebbeler was held at the Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Oct. 31, 2014.

Visitation immediately preceded the liturgy. Sister died at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton, on Oct. 28, 2014.

The second oldest of six children, Virginia Mary was born in Cheviot, Ohio, in May 1921 to Raymond C. and Mary I. (Bertram) Hebbeler.

She entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood on Aug. 14, 1939 at age 18. She was formerly known as Sister Mary Claudine.

“I am extremely grateful,” wrote Sister Virginia, “for the years spent as a member of this prayerful community and especially for the many happy times spent with our Sisters.”

Sister Virginia originally wanted to be a nurse, but the community didn’t have a need for nurses at the time, so Sister trained as a teacher.

She taught primary grades in Sedalia, Mo., and Cincinnati and Minster, Ohio.

She maintained her interest in nursing and began nurse’s training in 1949 and ministered intermittently as a nurse and teacher of grades 3-8 for the next 26 years. She nursed in Dayton, Ohio, and Rome City, Ind. and taught in San Luis Rey and El Cajon, Calif.; in Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.; and in Denver and Arvada, Colo.

“I am grateful to our community for the

training and experience afforded me in both the teaching and the nursing fields,” she once wrote. “These were great assets when I began pastoral ministry.”

Beginning in 1975 she served as a pastoral minister and later pastoral assistant for 22 years at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix. She began as a bookkeeper, the vocation of her father. She attended the sick and needy as well as helping to prepare the data for becoming a basilica. She and the new pastor were a new team.

She enjoyed the symphony, opera, and musical plays. She and the pastor occasionally made a “pastoral visit” to the local theatre. She completed a course at the Phoenix Police Citizen’s Academy, where she learned to fire a revolver.

The highlight of her time in Phoenix was being selected to receive the Eucharist from Pope John Paul II during his visit to Sun Devil Stadium in September 1978.

“The happiest years of my religious life were spent in Phoenix, working with the Franciscan Friars of Santa Barbara Province,” she had said.

In 1997, Sister retired and lived at Salem Heights. Eventually, because of failing health she moved in 2014 to the Maria Joseph Center.

Sister Virginia is survived by her sister Anna Mae Fletcher of Reading, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers Raymond and Donald, and her sisters Clara Jane De Carlo and Rosemary Dineen.

Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery. 

In Sympathy Sister Carmelita Monnin on the death of her sister, Pat De Mange.

Sister Ann Merkel on the death of her sister-in-law, Kathleen.

Sister Eva Roehrich on the death of her brother-in-law, Vernon Eymann.

Sister Rose Margaret Broerman on the death of her brother-in-law, Bill McIntire.

Sister Ann Merkle on the death of her sister-in-law, Kathleen.

Remembering

Mary Ann Volk, formerly Sister Jean Bernadette, who died on September 9.

Helen Clark, formerly Sister William, died on September 20.

Susie Hatton, sister of our

deceased Sister Janet Winandy, who died on Oct. 8.

Bill Hatton, brother-in-law of deceased Sister Janet Winandy.

Marie Dresher was incorrectly identified as deceased Sister Canice Werner’s sister in the In Sympathy section of the Summer 2014 issue of Sharing & Caring.

We regret the error.  Fall 2014

15

In Memoriam

Sister Virginia (M. Claudine) Hebbeler

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

In Brief

Left: The plaque that the Sisters received from Grief to Grace in recognition for their work with the homicide vigils. Top right: A symbol from Love not to Hate, a Grief to Grace program. Bottom right: Sisters and other religious are celebrated during the Year of Consecrated Life.

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood were recognized for community service by the Grief to Grace Support Group in Dayton on April 25. The community was honored for the homicide prayer vigils the Sisters and others hold each time a person is killed by violence in Dayton, Trotwood and Harrison Township. Grief to Grace provides help, understanding and compassion for families and individuals who have lost a loved one 16

Sharing & Caring

through violence, abandonment or other form of loss.

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recious Blood Sisters will join the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, in union with the Catholic Church around the world, to celebrate members of religious orders and others in consecrated life during the Year of Consecrated Life called by Pope Francis from Nov. 30, 2014 to Feb. 2, 2016.

“Each of us has a call from

God, and discovering God’s call for us will bring joy to our life,” said the Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati. “Religious life/consecrated life is a viable option.”

The objectives he has approved for the Archdiocesan observance of the Year are to: • increase the visibility of religious life/consecrated life; • express appreciation; • highlight the joy experienced in this vocational choice; • educate about religious life/ consecrated life.

“The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has a long and rich history of welcoming religious communities,” Archbishop Schnurr said.

“Today 34 different Congregations of women and 12 different Congregations of brothers and priests minister in the Archdiocese – approximately 226 priests, 114 brothers, and 781 sisters. We are also blessed with the presence of Secular Institutes, public (Regnum Christi) and private associations (Children of Mary) of the faithful, and a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World.

All of those are examples of the consecrated life.” 