Sharing & Caring Fall 2019

Sharing & Caring Volume 30 Number 2 • Fall 2019 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Nourish the body, nourish the soul

From the President’s Desk

Dear friends and family,

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s Christmas quickly Noemi’s 10-year-old greatapproaches and the niece asked: “Is this violence words from Isaiah 9:6 never going to stop?” How — “A child has been born for many children in war-torn us, a son given to us” — echo countries ask the same quesin our hearts and minds, our tion? All our warm thoughts thoughts turn to the children are challenged by these realiof the world. We remember ties. the 60,000 or more children We also hear in the readings who came to our country this from Isaiah this Advent seayear from across the border. son: “The wolf will live with Some were separated from the lamb, the leopard will lie their parents and put into down with the goat, the calf detention centers. Our hearts and the lion and the yearling ache as we think of these together; and a little child little ones and how they have will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). been affected by this separaWe see these words coming tion. Thankfully that practice to life as we listen to Greta was stopped, but they are Thunberg, a 16-year-old from still placed in detenChildren and youth today are victims tion centers with their of war, violence and injustice — and parents. We they are calling us adults and leaders remember the pictures to open our eyes and to change our of refugee habits, our prejudices, our violence. children beThey are the witnesses to Emmanuel, ing washed up on shore God-with-us, who came to be among trying to us and to save us. flee with their par— Sister Edna Hess ents from war and violence. We think of the chilSweden, who began a movedren who lose their parents as ment to protect the environvictims of homicide. We think ment and bring attention to of the children being shot and climate change by protesting killed by a fellow student in every Friday. Thousands their schools. Closer to home of young people have been we think of all the children inspired by her. She spoke at who lost their parents in the the UN Climate Action Summass shooting in Dayton this mit criticizing politicians and summer. We also think of leaders of the world for not Chile, where we have three dealing with climate change Sisters, which has also been and leaving it up to youth affected by violence. Sister to save our planet. And then 2

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there are the youth from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida! Many teenage survivors have called for gun reform after having lived through tragic trauma.

Children and youth today are victims of war, violence and injustice — and they are calling us adults and leaders to open our eyes and to change our habits, our prejudices, our violence.

They are the witnesses to Emmanuel, God-with-us, who came to be among us and to save us.

May the Child Jesus along with Mary and Joseph bless each of you and your families this Christmas season. 

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Archives

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity celebrate their 150th anniversary

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n November 9, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, celebrated the 150th anniversary of their founding. Sister Marita Beumer and Archivist Sarah Aisenbrey represented the Sisters of the Precious Blood and attended the festivities at the Franciscan Sisters’ motherhouse, which included a Founders’ Day Mass and a program on the Congregation’s history. Also, Sister Marita presented Sister Natalie Binversie, community director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, with a card and donation for the Sisters’ ministry at San Xavier Mission School in Tucson, Arizona, in the name of the Congregation, as well as a card from the Sisters at Salem Heights.

In 1866, Father Joseph Albrecht, 15 Sisters of the Precious Blood, eight Brothers and several lay families left Mercer County, Ohio, for Rush Lake, Minnesota, to begin their own congregation. All of the Sisters, women and children remained near

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the Congregation and 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 communications coordinator.

Left, Sister Marita Beumer with Sister Georgiana Rank. Sister Marita and Sister Georgiana were in ministry together in the Tucson, Arizona, diocese from 1980 to 1989. Right, Sister Marita Beumer presents Sister Natalie Binversie, community director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, with a donation and cards from the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton.

St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, during that winter while Father Albrecht and the men went on to Minnesota. The next year, Father Albrecht came back for the Sisters, women and children. Three Sisters decided to stay in Wisconsin, forming the beginnings of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

Under the leadership of Father

Joseph Fessler, the small community moved to Manitowoc where a building containing a convent and school was erected. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were officially founded on November 9, 1869.  Story and photos by Sarah Aisenbrey

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.

phone: (937) 715-9580 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426

Printing

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Fall 2019

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Archives

CPPS history honored in Maria Stein

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bright and beautiful autumn day was the perfect setting for a special event held Oct. 20, 2019, at the Maria Stein Shrine, the Precious Blood Sisters’ first motherhouse in Maria Stein, Ohio. As the Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrate 175 years of ministry in the United States, numerous Sisters and friends of the Congregation gathered for a blessing of the Maria Stein Convent cemetery and a presentation on the Congregation’s Ten Foundations.

From 1878 to 1967, 291 Sisters were buried in the Maria Stein Convent cemetery. In 1931, the remains of 52 Sisters were transferred from the Himmelgarten Convent cemetery (near St. Henry) to Maria Stein in two mass burial plots.

In 1940, 58 Sisters buried at Mary’s Home Convent cemetery in Jay County, Indiana, were transferred to Maria Stein in unmarked individual burials. In 1951, the remains of 131 Sisters were transferred from the Gruenenwald Convent

Father John Tonkin gives a blessing at the prayer service for the cemetery.

Sister Noreen Jutte, CPPS archivist emeritus, conducted research on the cemetery project and the early convents established in the area. “This entire project of updating the cemetery so that every Sister’s name is mentioned has been a goal of ours for a long time,” Sister Noreen said.

“This is a tremendous way to respect those who have gone before us.”

Sarah Aisenbrey, archivist 'This entire project of for the Sisters of the Precious updating the cemetery Blood, added: “The Congregation’s commitment to its histoso that every Sister’s ry is exemplified in this project; name is mentioned has honoring these Sisters in this been a goal of ours for way is a tribute to their legacy.

Thank you to everyone who asa long time.' sisted with this undertaking.”

— Sister Noreen Jutte As part of the blessing and prayer service, Father John Tonkin, rector of the Maria cemetery (near Cassella) to Stein Shrine, said, “Lord, You Maria Stein in one mass burial have made Your people a pilplot. Bronze plaques now list grim church, to be welcomed the name of each Sister.

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by you into its eternal home.

Bless our gathering in this cemetery as we remember all who are buried here. May this place, prepared in the sure hope of the resurrection, never cease to remind us of the life that we are to share in Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies to be like his in glory, for he is Lord for ever and ever.”

Father John credited the Sisters’ longtime practice of perpetual adoration with bringing “such a sense of peace, such a sense of holiness and sacredness to this area.”

Following the prayer service, Sister Maryann Bremke gave a presentation on the 10 convents — often called the Ten Foundations — established in America by Father Francis de Sales Brunner from 1844 to Story by Mary Knapke and Sister Noreen Jutte; Michelle Bodine photos

New bronze plaques list the name of each Sister buried in the cemetery.

Mark Brunner, a descendant of Mother Brunner, visits Salem Heights

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n September 25, Mark Brunner, the greatgreat-great grandson of Mother Brunner, visited Salem Heights. He attended Mass at the Chapel, enjoyed lunch with the Council and staff members, and had a tour. Highlights were a photo with the portrait of Mother Brunner in Grace Hall; the Archives, where Mark viewed the Brunner family tree and received a statuette of Mother Brunner; and a visit to Mother Brunner’s grave in the Salem Heights cemetery. In the tradition of Mother Brunner, Mark is involved with nonprofit work. He is the president of La Amistad, an organization

in Cincinnati which focuses on housing for refugees and immigrants.

Mother Maria Anna Brunner, foundress of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, had six children. Her third son, Joseph John BapMark Brunner at the gravesite of Mother Brunner in the Salem tist Brunner, Heights cemetery. Michelle Bodine photo married and had a family in Switzerland. His great-grandin ca. 1881. Mark Brunner is a son, Matthias John Brunner, descendant of this line.  left Switzerland and brought his family to the United States Story by Sarah Aisenbrey Fall 2019

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Archives

1856. Maria Stein Shrine is the last of the Ten Foundations in existence.

CPPS President Sister Edna Hess remarked on the Congregation’s 175th anniversary in the U.S. “A major portion of those 175 years have been spent here in Maria Stein and the surrounding area. I was raised in Carthagena, Ohio, and the Maria Stein Shrine and the [nearby] retreat house have been a part of my life forever,” she said. “As we celebrate these 175 years in the U.S. — and 172 of them here in Maria Stein — we are grateful for all that has been and for all that will be.” 

Archives

Sisters of the Precious Blood – n 2019, the Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated their 175th anniversary in Iarrival the United States. This timeline describes the events leading up to the Sisters’ in Ohio in 1844.

Clockwise from top left, Castle Loewenberg; Mother Brunner; the historical marker commemorating the Peru settlement was erected in 2001 at St. Alphonsus Church in Norwalk, Ohio, by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the Sisters of the Precious Blood and the Ohio History Connection; Father Francis de Sales Brunner.

1834 – Mother Maria Anna Brunner founds the Sisters of the Precious Blood at Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland. Mother Brunner’s 6

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deep devotion to the Precious Blood and her adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (especially at night) attracted two young women to join her in

forming a nighttime prayer group.

Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection

Archives

175 years in America: Timeline 1836 – Mother Brunner dies.

Father Francis de Sales Brunner, Mother Brunner’s oldest son, becomes the spiritual director for the steadily growing Community.

1838 – Father Brunner joins the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and continues to minister in Switzerland.

1843 – Father Brunner receives word from Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati that priests and Brothers are needed to minister to the German Catholic immigrants in Ohio.

Father Brunner, along with seven priests and seven brothers and students, prepared to travel to America. They arrive in December to Peru, Ohio, at St. Alphonse’s, the first settlement of the Precious Blood in America, about 45 miles northeast of New Riegel, Ohio.

Spring 1844 – Father Brunner writes to the Sisters at Loewenberg, indicating that they are also needed in America to assist with teaching the German immigrant children and to care for orphan girls.

July 22, 1844 – Three Sisters arrive in Peru at St. Alphonse’s. They are Mother Mary Ann Albrecht, Sister Rosalie Albrecht and Sister Martina Disch. Their first act upon arriving in Ohio is to assist at Mass, honoring the Precious Blood.

December 24, 1844 – The

Top, The St. John Neumann Prayer Center, a restored 19th-century cabin much like the one the Sisters of the Precious Blood lived in when they came to America in 1844, at St. Alphonsus Church, Norwalk, Ohio. Bottom, two Sisters with orphans in front of the New Riegel cabin in 1848.

(now 10) Sisters move into the log cabin built for them in New Riegel, Ohio; this was the Cradle of the Community.

For more information on the early Sisters of the Precious Blood, visit https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/12/Not-with-Silver-or-Gold-with-photos.pdf to read Not with Silver or Gold, the history of the Congregation from 1834 to 1944.  Fall 2019

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Vocations

How to talk about vocations during the holidays

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olidays can be times to gather with family and friends that we haven’t seen in a while. We find ourselves updating one another on the happenings in our lives — new jobs, new houses, maybe new significant others, etc. There are a plethora of articles out there offering advice on how to talk to loved ones about politics, career changes, the status of your relationship and more. But I doubt you’ll find many articles offering tips on how to discuss someone’s vocation!

When you are gathering with family and friends this holiday season, here are a few tips when you encounter young adults who may or may not be discerning a religious vocation: 1. It’s OK to ask. If a young adult is single, it is OK to ask politely if they have ever considered religious life. I do not advise asking them this if they’re in a serious relationship.

Do not be discouraged if they brush you off or just laugh. On average, a person needs to be invited to consider religious life at least three times. Your ask may be part of God’s plan.

2. Affirm. When speaking with a young person who is searching for their vocation, point out what you see as their gifts. You can do this in a card or verbally. Telling them what you admire about them without even mentioning a particular vocation is helpful for their discernment, whether they know it or not.

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3. Do not overwhelm.

Don’t sign anyone up for e-newsletters or a weekend retreat, or hand over a bunch of brochures.

You can mention that you saw something that made you think of them; talk to them about it. If they want whatever it is, they will ask. Another option: Mail them an article or brochure with a small note Jenna Legg; Michelle Bodine photo.

— “This made me think of you.” Don’t follow up; don’t ask for their thoughts. about how to encourage a Just let God do the talking. young person in their vocational discernment, pray. It 4. Create a space where all might seem obvious at first, vocations are welcome. Ofbut pray for them and pray for tentimes the holidays can be yourself. Pray that God might filled with mothers or granduse you to help them on their mothers wondering when journey. Pray for their future they will have a grandchild to spouse, whether it be a person spoil. While you may be wellor the church. meaning in these comments, it may not be welcoming for a Above all, do not be ofyoung person who is considerfended if someone doesn’t ing a vocation to religious life, want to talk about a relationordained life or the single life. ship or their vocation. The first Many young people worry stages of discernment can be about how their family and extremely personal. Do not friends will react if they do be offended if a young person discern religious life. doesn’t want to admit they are discerning or discuss their 5. Share. When it’s approprivocation. Things could be conate, share your story. Whether fusing and while they’re trying you’re married, single or a to sort out what they think, member of a religious commuthey might not need to know nity, share the stories of how what you think. Yet. There will you came to know your vocacome a time when they are tion. What helped you? What ready to share. Be patient. do you wish you would have Creating comfortable spaces known? By being open about for young adults to discern your discernment, you’re intheir vocation not only faciliviting others to be open about tates stronger families, but a their vocation as well. stronger church as well.  6. Pray. If you’re ever in doubt

Story by Jenna Legg

Vocations

Poster highlights vocations in the Cincinnati archdiocese

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gain this year, the Sisters of the Precious Blood communications office has teamed up with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Office of Consecrated Life and Office of Vocations, as well as other religious communities, to create a poster featuring men and women in formation for consecrated life.

The poster is distributed to Catholic high schools, university campus ministry programs, every parish in the archdiocese, and the major superior of each community represented on the poster. It is also on display in archdiocesan offices.

The poster was first produced in 2014 and at that time featured 13 men and women from eight religious communities. The 2019-20 poster

features photos of 77 men and women representing about 31 religious communities. Each person is either from a parish in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati or is in the archdiocese

for formation or work here.

Also included on the poster is each person’s name, religious community, stage in formation and home parish or diocese. 

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.

1 2 2 8 22 27 31 31

DECEMBER

Barbara Brown Berenice Janszen Eleanor McNally Mary Garke LaKesha Church Gerri McGeorge Ritamary Bulach Donna Liette

2 6 10 12 17 17 18 19 29

JANUARY

Anne Schulz Nancy Raley Pat Gist Madonna Ratermann Catherine Lett Cecilia Taphorn Mary Anne Schiller Carolyn Hoying Rosemary Lindemann

8 12 16 18 19 24 28 28

FEBRUARY

Paula Gero Theresa Rizzo Regina Albers Barbara Ann Hoying Marita Beumer Eva Roehrich Verlina Mescher Margaret Zureick Fall 2019

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Cover Story

Beyond eating right

Health and wellness fosters wholeness

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ost of us tend to indulge during the festive holiday season, and then start the new year by getting back on track with eating right and exercising.

And while we all recognize that staying fit is important year-round, many Sisters

On the cover, JoAnne Dole and Sister Berenice Janszen look over Sister Berenice's medical report in the nurses' office at Salem Heights; left, Kim Jaynes calls out the Bingo letters for the Sisters in Grace Hall; right, Kim assists Sisters Regina Albers and Lou Ann Roof with their Christmas Luminaire projects. Michelle Bodine photos.

Kim Jaynes has served as the activity coordinator for the Sisters of the Precious Blood for 25 years, working primarily with the Sisters who live at Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton.

She researches and schedules outings — and serves as van driver — for day trips, shopping and scenic drives to see fall foliage and Christmas lights, coordinating with the Sisters’ religious lives to create a monthly activity calendar.

The role has evolved over the 10

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years. “When I first took this job, there were over 100 Sisters living at Salem Heights. Now there are fewer Sisters, but the age of the population is older and they have more ‘challenges’ because the Sisters are staying here longer or coming in at an older age,” Jaynes said. “So I, too, have had to adjust and reevaluate programs and the way some things are done.”

Jaynes has also developed exercise programs that focus on strength, flexibility, body mechanics, balance and proper

breathing — emphasizing to Sisters that “you must take care of yourself first so you may continue to help others and live as well as you can.” Some Sisters volunteer or do things for others, and regular exercise helps them feel stronger.

Sister Lou Ann Roof participates in Jaynes’ exercise classes five days a week. She said she thoroughly enjoys the general exercise class, but the Breathing & Balance class is much Story by Mary Knapke

Cover Story

and exercising: among Precious Blood Sisters

and staff members are dedicated to maintaining health and wellness to achieve a balance of physical, emotional and spiritual health that can also foster community building.

Left, Sisters leaving Salem Heights in the newly purchased van for a day trip with Kim; right, Sister Kathleen Kelly speaks with JoAnne in her room in Emma Hall, at the Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (former motherhouse of the Sisters of the Precious Blood); Michelle Bodine photos.

more challenging for her. “But I am determined to stay active and mobile, and this is the way to do that,” Sister Lou Ann said, adding that Jaynes is very encouraging, supportive and knowledgeable.

Sister Lou Ann said she also appreciates the activities and outings that Jaynes organizes, helping the Sisters stay mentally sharp and giving them opportunities to have shared experiences that deepen their bonds as Sisters. Because she has limited vision, Sister Lou

Ann said that without Jaynes’ programs and assistance, she wouldn’t be nearly as active as she is now. “She has a way of knowing what every single Sister needs,” she said.

“My biggest satisfaction is when Sisters tell me how much better they feel, or that they are able to do something they weren’t able to do in a while, such as genuflect,” Jaynes said. “And we all hear about the endorphins that exercise can release for better emotional health. I know from

my own experience of maintaining my personal exercise program that I am not only physically better, but emotionally as well.”

Most of all, Jaynes said, she feels grateful to be able to serve the Sisters, who she says “have helped me become who I am.

“I am grateful for where I am and that my life has been touched so drastically by these women,” she added. “I love them dearly, and their love, support and prayers for me and my family are priceless.

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Cover Story Left, Ana Nakinyana and Yoramu Nyaboza harvest their plants from the community garden; right, Sister Donna Liette at the Taco Fiesta Fall Fundraiser on October 14, 2018, at PBMR; contributed photos.

I give what I can of myself to them because they have given me so much.”

JoAnne Dole shared similar sentiments as she reflected on her first year working as health and wellness coordinator for the Sisters of the Precious Blood — she said “one of the awesome perks of being a nurse” is learning from those she aims to help.

As the Congregation’s first health and wellness coordinator, Dole’s work has included meeting with individual Sisters to discuss any health needs; establishing herself as a trustworthy resource for medical information and advice; accompanying Sisters on medical appointments as needed; visiting hospitalized Sisters; and serving as a health care “interpreter,” among many other tasks.

“I was and am continually impressed by the resilience the Sisters exhibit in the face of their various medical problems — whether they be acute or chronic,” she said. “They 12

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just don’t let health problems get them down. That beautiful Precious Blood Spirit shines through their difficult times every time in every Sister.”

In spite of those acute or chronic health issues, many Sisters are still active into their 80s and 90s. Dole said some of their secrets to longevity include staying active both physically and mentally, coupled with the “true treasure” of having a beautiful, safe place to live such as Salem Heights, where they have access to social events, activities and the company of their Sisters.

Other good habits include conscientious preventive maintenance. “I find that they take this aspect of health maintenance very seriously — I have taken them on as my role models,” Dole said. Regardless of age, one good rule of thumb is to stay hydrated, especially in preventing dizziness when going from sitting to standing, preventing urinary tract infections, guarding against colds and preventing dry and

itchy skin during the winter months.

And perhaps most of all, longevity comes from “never forgetting the healing benefit of a smile, a word of encouragement, or a hug — all of which I have witnessed and personally experienced over the past year,” Dole said.

Focusing on one aspect of health and well-being may naturally lead to a fruitful activity in another. Sister Mumbi Kigutha has noted that when she first came to the U.S. from Kenya, she found herself indulging in the prepackaged, processed food that is ubiquitous in this country. “Growing up with parents who were a medical doctor and a nutritionist, I knew what I had done was not right,” she said.

So she began to focus on making sure she eats plenty of vegetables, mimicking the diet she grew up with — and went on to start a community garden where new Daytonians from African countries can work together to grow pro-

Cover Story Left, the water fountain and Pietà in the Peace Garden at PBMR in Chicago; right, Sister Carolyn Hoying works with a volunteer at the PBMR Community Garden in Chicago; contributed photos.

duce that is not readily accessible in this area.

“My dream is that in five or 10 years’ time, that garden will be a UN. We’ll not just have new Daytonians from African countries — we’ll have Iraqis and Syrians, and anybody else who might be resettled in Dayton,” she said. “To see people there together is my dream.”

Sister Donna Liette serves as director of women’s programming at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, a center for building relationships, creating safe spaces and promoting restorative justice in Chicago. She also works in the center’s Peace Garden, where “women and families who have lost sons or daughters to gun violence can sit by the water fountain and contemplate the Pietà that is part of the fountain. Others can walk the labyrinth, or just sit in the meditation space and enjoy the beauty of the flowers, the trees, the birds and know God is present!

“It is a space that brings the

community together in prayer, in remembrance, in connecting with one another as they sit in the peace circle and share their stories,” Sister Donna added. And neighbors and the mothers who participate in programs at PBMR call the garden “a haven of peace in the midst of so much violence and chaos.”

And PBMR’s Community Garden serves as a symbol of hope, and the persistence of life — as well as a workforce program where participants learn valuable skills, and the community benefits from fresh, healthy produce.

Most everyone knows the value of a holistic approach to staying fit and active — the Archdiocese of Boston notes that “a person’s overall wellbeing is influenced by the measures of meaning, joy, hope, loving relationships, inner peace, purpose and fulfillment that are present. When a person is in good relationship with God, self, community and the global environment, it

can happen that God’s healing presence is made visible and a state of well-being exists.”

But, with a finite number of hours in each day, maintaining balance between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being can also feel like a tall order at times. With another new year on the horizon — and an opportunity to set new goals — Dole suggested making a list of what you do every day for a week or so, and then placing each item under the headings “physical,” “emotional” and “spiritual.” Look at where you have placed the majority of daily activities and where you may need to spend more (or less) of your daily time.

Dole said that “balance can be achieved by remembering that there is time for all things under heaven. It’s in the Bible!

(Ecclesiastes 3:1). … Most of all, I consciously recall that Jesus took time away to pray — so I claim that for myself, and I advocate for each of us to do the same.”  Fall 2019

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Peace, Justice & Ecology

Aligning our lives for solidarity

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eeing my beautiful doll lying in the box on a soft bed of tissue paper, my young self took one last look at her before I somewhat reluctantly closed the lid and sealed her image in my memory. My parents had encouraged me and my siblings to take stock of our toys and to consider parting with some of them in order to give Christmas presents to underprivileged children. Not able to fully comprehend it at the time, I also received a gift in doing this — a lesson in solidarity.

Our world offers us many opportunities to grow in solidarity with others and to restore dignity to the excluded, the exploited and the impoverished. During the Christmas season and in anticipation of a new year, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on how we might better align our lives with our brothers and sisters in Christ in order to achieve a

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

— Matthew 10:8 more just society and greater peace on earth.

We are reminded in Matthew 10:8, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” How can we die to self, diminish our individualism and sense of unlimited freedom so that we can better understand our interdependence and commit to the common good — to the benefit and the interests of all people?

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Jesus shows us the way. He became incarnate to be light for all people.

Jesus sought out those who people of his culture didn’t normally associate with — tax collectors, prostitutes, the afflicted, gentiles, etc. He modeled acceptance, right relationship and solidarity for others to witness. He spoke up against the establishment and challenged unjust laws.

He directed us to love one another as we do ourselves — teaching us that we have a responsibility Top, Sisters Marifé Hellman, Judy Niday, Marita Beumer, for one another; God Patty Kremer and Joyce Langhals at the December Catholic Social Action Fair Trade Sale at the University of Dayton; entrusts us to care bottom, Sister Helen Weber corresponds weekly with her for each other. elected representative.

Our Sisters of the the dignity and security of the Precious Blood, even in their laborers and the transportation retirement, continue to work of the goods should be considfor the common good in their ered. This is where sacrifice ministries, in their practices, and letting go of our personal in their prayer and in their preferences and desires for advocacy. In many of these more sustainable or socially same ways and in other daily responsible products, for exactions, the laity can make ample, help to meet the esseninroads toward greater human tial needs of others. and ecological solidarity, too.

For example, we can examine Another action we can take toward greater solidarity is and make changes to our puradvocacy — legislative or chasing habits. We should recotherwise. We can speak out ognize that procuring goods is against injustice and speak up always a moral act, not solely for others who don’t have the an economic act. Thus, it carsame privilege or resources ries a social responsibility. The that we do. We can convey goods of creation — the natural resources used to make a — continued on Page 15 product — are meant for all.

The manufacturing processes, Story and photo by Colleen Kammer

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n September 26, approximately 250+ people gathered to learn more about the all-important subject of human trafficking.

The main focus of this conference was how the transportation industry in the U.S. is a major player in the trafficking of human persons, most especially young women. Truckers in particular can be a mighty force in identifying and helping to rescue people caught up in the web of trafficking.

TravelCenters of America is the first major trucking company to understand that if their drivers are educated and trained to be on the lookout for signs of trafficking, they can be an all-seeing presence that discovers and disrupts human trafficking networks as they criss-cross the roads of our country.

TravelCenters of America and the Sisters of the Precious Blood were the major collaborators and sponsors of the conference CLE Unites to End Human Trafficking, hosted by

the organization Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. The organization was founded in Cleveland in 2007.

The sponsors’ generous contributions made this conference possible and helped Sister Mary Ann Mozser (fourth from right) pictured with some of to further raise the women from St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, who were the awareness seated at the table reserved for the Sisters of the Precious Blood; more than 250 people attended the event held in downtown of hundreds of Cleveland; contributed photo. people around this very imporRepresenting the Sisters of tant topic. the Precious Blood was Sister The keynote speaker at this Mary Ann Mozser. One Franevent was Kendis Paris, execciscan Sister, two Incarnate utive director and co-founder Word Sisters and five mediof Truckers Against Traffickcal personnel from St. Vining. She is an Ashoka Fellow, cent Charity Medical Center recognized by Ashoka, a globrounded out the group. Much al organization that identifies was learned at this conference, and invests in leading social and all attendees were most entrepreneurs. appreciative of the opportuThe Sisters of the Precious nity to hear more about this Blood provided a table for very important topic.  nine folks to attend. Four religious women and five Story by Sister Mary Ann Mozser laywomen shared this table.

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our desires to elected officials through a simple email, phone call or petition. We can engage in dialogue with those who differ with us in order to find consensus and a path forward, even if not perfect. With purpose, determination and love we should “reach across the aisle,” not cease communication with those who don’t agree with us.

For our common home, the

earth, that we share with humanity — past, present and future — we can make changes to our energy usage, transportation, land use, waste production, plastics use, etc. Again, sacrifice of convenience and personal preferences (that are often justified due to “busyness”) is necessary. Sustainable practices must be incorporated into our lifestyles, for we cannot achieve lasting peace with

the existence of great ecological, economic and social imbalances that exist in our society today.

Our prayer is so necessary in order to sustain our efforts, to know our path forward and to petition our Lord for those in need — itself an act of solidarity.

With faith and trust in God, our efforts to achieve greater solidarity will gift us with fresh eyes, new understanding and the joy of unity.  Fall 2019 15

Peace, Justice & Ecology

CLE Unites to End Human Trafficking

News

Sisters experience upheaval in Chile

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ear Readers of Sharing & Caring, Peace and social justice — we have heard these deep desires of Chile many times these past weeks since the October 18 uprise in Chile.

“THE CRY OF THE BLOOD TODAY.” Life in Chile, and her people, have changed in many ways.

The afternoon of October 18, I was on my way to help direct a retreat for the laity. I got to the last subway system to take a taxi to the retreat house and saw the Plaza of Maipú filled with police, people shouting and tear gas bombs.

Very quickly I got out of this disturbance and got to the taxi and to the retreat house.

There, about 65 people were gathered, each with their story of how they strived against odds to get to the retreat for the weekend. Upon finalizing a beautiful retreat on Creation and our part in God’s Work of Art in us, we returned to Santiago, where we saw some of the destruction that had taken place over the weekend.

Much destruction has taken place in these past weeks: a great amount of the subway stations were burnt and destroyed, as well as banks, hotels, supermarkets, small businesses, etc. Today 80 of the 116 subway stations are partially functioning. Others will not be operable until next April because of the damage. Many people have been experiencing three to four hours to get to their work without proper transportation. Many people have lost their jobs because 16

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of the destruction. Thousands of people have been hurt physically in the streets.

There have been 15 deaths. Over 200 have suffered from rubber bullets that hit their eyes. A few days ago, the government forbade the police from using this method in disturbances. Over 2,000 police officers have been hurt from rocks, Molotov bombs and other injuries. Many people are convinced that many of the disturbances and ransack- Sisters Noemi Flores, Rita Manriquez, Maria Luisa Miller and Hess with their dog Toby in front of their house in Cerro ing of supermarkets Edna Navia, Chile, in April 2019; Sister Ceil Taphorn photo. and other places are motivated by drug people get back on their feet dealers, or organized by other are the expressed desires of organizations from outside the the people. Congress accepted country. The deliquents and lowering their salaries to help some young people have been the situation. very involved in the organized The president of the country burnings of stores, hotels and announced the writing of a other places. We say “organew constituion for the counnized” because many fires are try. This will require many started in the same manner elected people and perhaps at the same hour in different some of Congress to dialogue parts of the city or cities. and rewrite the constitution, if Many countries of Latin that is accepted in a plebiscito America are suffering similar (primary election) for April. situations, among them Peru, After the constituion is rewritEcuador, Colombia, Venezuten, it will again be presented ela, Brazil, Bolivia and some in to the people of Chile to vote Argentina. into existence. A number of The majority of people with people have said they like the whom one talks do not approposal for a new constituprove of the violence and tion that former President destruction. Dialogue, peaceful marches and cooperation of the government to help their Story by Sister Maria Luisa Miller

News

Michelle Bachelet’s government worked on years ago; it never received approval.

During these past weeks, the government has proposed many possiblilities of raising minimum salaries to the equivalent of about $625 a month.

Other decisions involve the price of public transportation and promises to improve the health system. Another great problem is the retirement system and its benefits. This area needs a great renovation. Many of the poor and middle class receive around $138 a month.

Almost every other day, marches and protests continue.

Some are peaceful; others are destructive when the delinquents enter.

When we prepared our CPPS directive statements in Assembly, we never anticipated how soon they would be “tested” in our country of Chile.

We Sisters and the People of God are most grateful to all of you, our Sisters and readers

Sisters Maria Luisa and Edna participating in the Family of the Blood of Christ in Chile, March 2019; contributed photo.

of Sharing & Caring, for your constant intercession to God for our country.

We are in the month of Mary, and many more people are in the Marian services and Eucharist, praying with great fervor.

May peace return to Chile and those who have caused so much unrest and destruction be converted and work for true

social justice and peace. May Mary Inmaculate, whose feast we celebrate next Sunday, intercede for Chile. All parishes are urged to have processions this day, and consecrate anew Chile to Our Blessed Mother.

Unite with us from afar for this blessing.

God bless all of you for your love and prayers. 

Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher on the death of her brother-inlaw, Louis (Pinky) Broermann, on October 18.

Sister Marita Beumer on the death of her sister-in-law, Eugenia “Jean” Beumer, on November 6.

Sister Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl on the death of her brother, Alfred Lehmkuhl, on November 15.

Sister Dorothy Koenig on the death of her sister-in-law, Sharon A. Koenig, on November 18.

Sister Carmelita Monnin (deceased) on the death of her

sister-in-law, Lurene Monnin, during the week of December 1-7.

In Sympathy Sister Donna Liette on the death of her brother-in-law, Cyril O. Frantz, on September 12.

Sister Jean René Hoying on the death of her sister, Lois Mae Drees, on October 1.

JoAnne Dole on the death of her mother, MaryAnne Hudek, October 8. JoAnne is the health and wellness coordinator for Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Sister Eleanor McNally on the death of her brother, Thomas (Mack) McNally, October 12.

Sister Martha Bertke on the death of her brother, Stanley Bertke, on October 18.

Remembering

Mary Jo (Pucke) Krekeler, former member of the 1961 class, died the week of November 3-10.

Shelva G. "Jenny" (Deitering) Ritzel, formerly Sister Laurene, died on November 13.

Richard Waluk, husband of our former member, Loretta Weldon, died the week of December 1-7.

Fall 2019

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In Brief

In Brief Precious Blood Sisters have been busy with a variety of recent events. In all that we do, we strive to continue to fulfill our mission to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood are the recipients of the 2019 Foundress Award from EarthLinks, a nonprofit organization in Denver, Colorado, that provides a work program for people who are homeless and low-income to learn skills and create Earthfriendly products that sustain people and the planet.

The residents of Casa Sofia are enjoying the bounty from four new raised organic garden beds on the front terrazzo, thanks to the efforts of Lena, a student resident studying agronomy. Buen provecho!

(Bon appetit!) Casa Sofia is our residence in Guatemala City where women may live without cost while continuing their education.

September 16 – Several Sisters and Colleen Kammer, peace, justice and ecology director, heard Dr. Ibram X. Kendi speak at the University of Dayton on the topic, “How to be an Antiracist.” Dr. Kendi is a New York Times bestselling author and the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University.

September 17 – Colleen Kammer and Sisters Edna Hess, Helen Weber and Jeanette Buehler met with U.S. Senator Rob Portman’s staff to discuss topics and desired legislation.

September 17 — Pastor Robert Walker from Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center spoke at Salem Heights, telling personal stories of his own experiences of racism. He serves as chaplain, with Sister Alice Schoettelkotte, at Maria Joseph and is also the pastor at Love Unlimited House of Prayer in Dayton.

September 18 — An article titled “Solar Sisters: A religious community goes green in Trotwood” appeared in the Dayton Daily News, describing our solar power and geothermal HVAC upgrades over the past two years, as well as our plans to add two solar fields on our property on Salem Avenue. The solar array was approved by Trotwood City Council on Oct. 7.

September 18 — Sister Patty Kremer and Colleen Kammer attended the Gem City Market’s ceremonial groundbreaking at the future site of the member-owned grocery store in one of Dayton’s food deserts. The Sisters support the market which will bring sustainable jobs to the city.

October 1 — Happy Birthday, Mother Brunner! October 1 marked the 255th birthday of our foundress Mother Maria Anna Brunner. She was present in spirit (represented by Sister Joyce Lehman) at the noon meal at Salem Heights, where she served 18

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Top, Lena takes care of the gardens at Casa Sofia; Sister Joyce Kahle photo. Second, Pastor Robert Walker; Colleen Kammer photo.

Third, Solar panel installation at Orchard House; Sister Patty Kremer photo. Fourth, Sister Patty Kremer and Colleen Kammer at the Gem City Market’s ceremonial groundbreaking; contributed photo.

In Brief

dinner rolls to all. She also visited Emma Hall at the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jenna Legg, vocation ministry coordinator, and Sisters Marita Beumer, Rosemary Goubeaux and Madonna Ratermann visited Mother Brunner School where they served birthday cake to staff and students during lunchtime.

October 5 — Several Sisters attended and cheered on participants in the Brunner Literacy Center 5K Run/Walk, and the Congregation sponsored the event. This year marked the seventh annual 5K to promate adult literacy education in Dayton. Brunner Literacy Center was founded by the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2011.

October 12 — Congratulations to Sister Carolyn Hoying and the garden crew at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation!

They won a Chicago Excellence in Gardening Award in the vegetable category. Sixty-eight awards and 31 honorable mentions were presented to some of the finest gardens in the city.

October 18 — Shelby Borchers, family advocate supervisor for Brigid’s Path in Dayton, came to Salem Heights to talk about the wrap around services the organization provides for drug exposed babies and their families. Srs. Arlene Hirsch and Jean Rene Hoying are regular volunteers with this nonprofit, one of only two such non-hospital newborn recovery centers in the U. S. November 3-9 — The Congregation marked National Vocation Awareness Week with a number of events. Jenna Legg represented the Sisters at a vocation fair at Marian University in Indianapolis and gave presentations at St. Albert the Great and St. Christopher schools in the Dayton area. She also joined Sister Martha Bertke and Father Steve Dos Santos at the Knights of Columbus Run for Vocations in Carthagena, Ohio.

November 5 — Inspired by CPPS Sisters who served as poll workers in the past, Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher volunteered as an election official in Englewood, near Dayton.

November 17-18 — Jenna Legg attended the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C. “I met tons of wonderful men and women who are interested in living lives of justice,” Legg said. “This is a great event for meeting young people and letting them know who we are.”

November 20 — Colleen Kammer attended the ninth annual Montgomery County (Dayton, OH) Food Summit. They unveiled a comprehensive food equity plan encompassing various sectors in the community with the mission of decreasing food waste and food insecurity and increasing availability of healthy, affordable local food. 

Top, Sister Joyce Lehman (as Mother Brunner) laughs with Sister Regina Albers; Michelle Bodine photo. Second, Sister Carolyn Hoying and the PBMR garden crew; contributed photo. Third, Sister Arlene Hirsch and Shelby Borchers from Brigid's Path at Salem Heights; Colleen Kammer photo. Fourth, Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher volunteered as an election official; contributed photo.

Fall 2019

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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Creative pursuits of all types allow us to express thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Color, form, texture or sound can take us to a place beyond language as we continually seek transcendent experiences that elevate, challenge and inspire.

Many Sisters of the Precious Blood make art and crafts, and while the forms of their creations vary widely — carving, painting, quilting, singing and many more — they share in common a means of communion with others, and a way to reflect the beauty of God.

S

ister Regina Albers jokes that a Christmas craft she started making this year is rather extravagant. “I use very expensive materials; I don’t know how many more of these I can afford to make,” she said, laughing.

In fact, Sister Regina is quite frugal in her crafting. She uses everyday, throwaway items — toilet paper rolls and direct mail catalogs — to create charming, festive candy holders. She wraps the rolls in white paper and decorates them with angels, Nativity scenes, snowmen and other holiday images cut from the pages of catalogs and newspaper advertisements.

She’ll give the candy holders as Christmas gifts this year, and she also used them at a recent birthday gathering at Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton. During the birthday luncheon, each Sister was invited to share a story of how some 20

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Sister, now in heaven, was a gift to them. Then the small candy holder was given to them as a “gift of love” from that Sister. Her small gift became a symbol of the gift of Sisterhood.

Sister Regina’s memories were of Sister Julie Link, who was the superior and also principal of St. Mary’s School in St. Joseph, Missouri. “I was just 18 years old when I started teaching,” Sister Regina explained. “You didn’t have to have a full degree to teach in those days, and I taught first and second grade, as well as music up through eighth grade. My biggest fear was that the eighth graders would find out I was only four years older than they were!

“Sister Julie was just so understanding and so caring,” she continued. “We just ‘clicked,’ and with her guidance and care, she made my new work and my

living with the other four sisters a joy.”  Story by Mary Knapke; Michelle Bodine photos; Jenna Legg logo