Sharing and Caring Fall 2025

Sharing & Caring Volume 35 Number 3 • Fall 2025 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Season of Hope

From the President’s Desk

Weaving stories of joy and promise with threads of hope

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ust over a year ago, Pope Francis designated the Jubilee Year 2025 as a time of revitalization for the global Church, with hope as the Jubilee’s “central message.” As we enter the final few months of this Jubilee Year, we remember that hope is both gift and task.

It is not a mood we conjure but a theological virtue rooted in God’s promise of redemption. Pope Francis opened the Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 with the words of St. Paul: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).

Hope steadies us when times are uncertain and deepens our joy when we recognize the Spirit at work in daily, ordinary graces. In this sacred year, we are invited to notice where hope has taken root among us and to nurture it for others.

This summer offered our community a true season of hope, of joy. Four Sisters marked milestone anniversaries of entrance into the Sisters of Precious Blood. Their fidelity through decades of Eucharistic prayer, service and community life proclaims that perseverance itself is hope: a steady trust that God continues to shape us day by day.

We also rejoiced with Sister LaKesha Church as she professed her perpetual vows.

Her wholehearted “yes” reminds us that God still calls, and women still respond with courage. In her commitment, we glimpse both the foundations of our community and 2

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the future of religious life — anchored, as always, in the redeeming love of Christ.

Another sign of hope is the next step in constructing a shared archive for communities of women religious. This work of collaboration says to the Church and the world that our stories matter — not as nostalgia but as living witness.

We were also blessed to welcome newly installed Archbishop Robert Casey as he celebrated Mass at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. His prayerful presence reminded us that our life and mission are always in communion with the wider Church.

Finally, we rejoice with Sister Maryann Bremke on her induction into the Archbishop Carroll High School Hall of Fame. Such recognition shines light not on personal accolades but on a lifetime of planting seeds of faith and hope — in classrooms, hallways and hearts.

Seen together, these moments weave a tapestry: anniversaries that witness to a lifetime of faith, vows that herald new beginnings, collaborative memory that secures our history, ecclesial communion that strengthens our steps, and public recognition that magnifies humble service.

Each thread reveals the Spirit’s quiet work among us.

Our mission statement calls us to “proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured

world.” To live this mission is to practice hope — trusting that reconciliation is possible, that mercy can rebuild what is broken, and that God’s love creates a future where all may flourish.

This issue of Sharing & Caring lifts up those signs. In the pages that follow, you will meet Sisters whose daily fidelity, creativity and compassion make the Gospel visible — sometimes in public milestones, but often in quiet ways.

May their witness renew our confidence that the Holy Spirit continues to pour love into our hearts, and may this Jubilee Year teach us again to expect God, to look for God, and to say our own faithful “yes” with joy. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Peace, Justice & Ecology

Thank you, Sister Donna & Sister Carolyn!

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n June 8, the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation hosted a vibrant, festival-like celebration to honor Sisters Carolyn Hoying and Donna Liette, who moved from Chicago to Ohio this summer. The atmosphere was filled with joy, music, laughter and heartfelt connection as community members of all ages gathered to celebrate the Sisters’ 15 years of faithful presence and ministry at PBMR. PBMR was established as a nonprofit organization by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 2004. It serves communities on the south side of Chicago, offering support, presence and programming in the areas of communitybuilding, education, workforce development and community healing, among others.

Sister Carolyn served as a volunteer in the Urban Farm at PBMR, which produces over 6,000 pounds of fresh produce each year. Sister Donna ministered as the Family Forward

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published triannually 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.

Above, Sister Donna (second from left) and Sister Carolyn (fourth from left) celebrate with PBMR staff and community members. Right, Jen Morin-Wiliamson, Sister Donna and Sister Terry Walter.

Program Coordinator, serving the needs of mothers and grandmothers who have lost children to gun violence and incarceration.

In prayerful gratitude, we honor their ministry and lift up all who dedicate themselves to justice and to accom-

panying those most in need.  Story and photos by Jen MorinWilliamson

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

PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Contributing writers: Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator; Teri Iverson, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sheena McCormick, Administrator of Salem Heights

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Peace, Justice & Ecology

Hope, Justice, and Community: A Non-Vowed Perspective on LCWR 2025

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his year’s Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Assembly was a unique and deeply meaningful experience, particularly because the conference intentionally opened its doors to non-vowed individuals who work alongside the Sisters to continue their mission in the world. This inclusion is especially important at a time when many congregations are facing diminishing numbers, and the average age of vowed members is in the 80s. Being part of this Assembly offered a rare opportunity to witness, learn and contribute to the ongoing life and charism of religious communities in a very tangible way.

From the moment the Assembly began, it was clear that prayer and reflection would guide our time together. The schedule beautifully blended retreat, reflection and communal prayer, creating spaces to both ground ourselves and challenge our thinking. The prayers themselves were uplifting and energizing, while the Pilgrimage of Hope — even at 7 a.m. — was a particularly powerful experience. Walking with others, reflecting on the call to immigration, racial and environmental justice, and committing ourselves anew to mission reminded me that action and contemplation are inseparable.

The keynote speakers brought insights that were both profound and practical. Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ, invited us to embrace the complexity of 4

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our time as a doorway to God, recognizing both light and shadow in all things. Her reflections on holding tension as holy, rather than fearing it, and choosing love and kindness over cynicism, were grounding and inspiring. Sister Simona Brambilla, M.C., reminded us of the nature of charism in congregations, describing it as a Top, LCWR letters welcome participants to the conference. Bottom, participants at LCWR. Next page, participants of the Pilgrimage of Hope. unique energizing Spirit and deepen networks. Connecting encouraging us to see darkwith other justice promoters ness — literal or metaphorical was energizing, and engaging — as a space of creativity and more intentionally with our new birth. Her words painted own staff strengthened our a vision of possibility even in shared commitment. There the midst of challenge. Father was a tangible spirit of synoJames Martin, S.J., speaking dality — walking together, on the story of Lazarus, reinlistening deeply and discernforced the centrality of love in ing collectively. I appreciated both our faith and our work. being invited and included in He highlighted the importance meaningful ways, even as a of honesty in our relationship with God, acknowledging what non-vowed participant, and I felt the respect and value given is dead, and trusting the future to all who share in the mission while moving courageously and charism of congregations. forward. His reminder that Breakout sessions offered new life requires the support of both challenge and hope. community resonated deeply Presentations were honest, with me, underscoring the collaborative nature of our work.

The Assembly also offered Story and photos by Jen Morintime to build relationships and Williamson

constructive and hopeful. Past mistakes were acknowledged, and new openness to collaboration was evident. It was encouraging to see that justice work is now being embraced.

Clear communication, intentional collaboration and acknowledgment of the Sisters’ deep and longstanding commitment to justice emerged as

tain our shared work.

As I left the Assembly, I carried with me not only the wisdom of speakers and the insights of colleagues but also a renewed sense of hope and responsibility. This gathering reminded me that even in times of transition and change, the mission and charism of religious life continue through both vowed and non-vowed members alike. The work of contemplation, justice and community-building does not happen in isolation — it requires intentional collaboration, courage and trust in one another.

I am inspired to return to my ministry with a deeper commitment to walk alongside our Sisters, support their leadership and ensure that their vision for a more just and compassionate world continues to flourish. 

Growing Community, Growing Hope

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ur community garden, located near Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, continues to grow. Beginning this summer, new resources help support this initiative and help the roots of this project grow even stronger!

We’ve partnered with Trotwood urban farmer Donee Boykin and Alvin Wilkerson from Central State University’s urban agriculture program to assist volunteer farmer Rumenge and the Congolese gardeners who maintain the garden. Their guidance in crop

planning, organic weed control and farm management — while honoring the gardeners’ cultural practices — has been invaluable.

Over the past couple of years, we have provided an aboveground cistern, a gas-powered pump and other resources, thanks in part to our maintenance staff and the ongoing generosity of local residents David and Pat Diven, former Peace Corps volunteers with a deep connection to this work.  Story and photo by Jen MorinWilliamson

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essential to sustaining this work.

The Assembly named the reality for women religious congregations as changing and adapting, responding to the signs of the times.

In this transitional space, it is vital to meet, strategize and act together to support leadership and members in living out the charism and mission of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

There is comfort and strength in knowing that, even as we navigate change, we do so in community, with purpose, and with an intentional plan to sus-

Peace, Justice & Ecology

Sister Norma Pimentel: A Voice for the Dignity of Every Person

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ast spring, I attended the NACPA (National Association of Church Personnel Administrators) Convocation in Salt Lake City to further develop my human resources skills in the workplace. Sister Norma Pimentel, M.J., was a plenary speaker at the conference; her lecture was titled “Creating a Culture of Compassion and Kindness in the Workplace.”

Sister Norma is a member of the Missionaries of Jesus and oversees the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Her ministry has led her to being praised by, and later meeting, Pope Francis, as well as being featured on national TV, on social media and in newspapers around the world.

Grace and humanity have always been central to Sister Norma, which is what brought her to the NACPA Convocation.

During her speech, Sister Norma shared that Pope Francis said that we need to radicalize forgiveness and kindness above the laws and the church doctrines. When we do this, we treat people with dignity.

While working with immigrants in San Antonio, Sister Norma said she asked to go see the immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. There were children separated from their parents and families, and many were crying because they were scared. Sister Norma asked to go into the space where the children were being held so that she could pray with them.

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The ICE agents told her that she could not, but she did anyway and immediately began praying. She thought, ‘Who can stop a nun from praying?’

After she finished praying, she turned around to leave and even the ICE agent was crying.

Sometimes we forget our own humanity when trying to do our jobs.

Sister Norma explained Pope Francis’ affirmation that “We need to be willing to smell like sheep.” We need to make sure that we reflect that presence of God to others because we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We cannot leave anyone out; we must find a way to bring them along the way and to find ways to preserve human dignity.

Sister Norma paints portraits of the Central American families she encounters during her ministry. She brought four paintings to be displayed during her speech at NACPA and then one was given away through a random drawing.

She also sold her other paintings for a monetary donation that supports her position with Catholic Charities. I purchased two portraits, which will be displayed in the halls at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton.

One of the portraits was mentioned in an article by Simone Orendain for OSV News, published in Catholic Review: “That little kid is holding that backpack,” she told a priest in the audience who asked about a specific paint-

Painting by Sister Norma

ing. It depicted a girl in pink and lavender with her mouth slightly open, eyes looking to one side while holding a colorful heavy looking bag.

“She’s so happy because that backpack is filled with a lot of goodies and stuff, socks, hygiene items, toys, candies. …

But at the same time she’s sort of not knowing what to do.” (https://catholicreview.org/ sister-best-known-for-ministry-to-migrant-shares-her-artwork-that-tells-their-stories/) Take a few moments to reflect on these words shared by Sister Norma. While carrying out your daily tasks at work or home, have you forgotten your own humanity? If so, what are you doing to ensure you are bringing everyone along the way and preserving their human dignity? It is never too late to make a difference in someone’s life.  Story by Sheena McCormick

Vocations

Choose Hope

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here’s a rumor going around. Some people claim that vocations to religious life are dying and that people no longer seek out that life. While it’s true that there don’t appear to be as many as there were 75 years ago, saying that there aren’t ANY is not accurate. We can choose to focus on the decline, or we can choose hope. I, for one, have chosen the latter.

I experience hope when I attend a conference of young people who are so on fire for their faith. Many of them are feeling the call to religious life but are unsure how to proceed. Hope is found in their openness to have a conversation … to ask questions … to pray … and to seek God’s will in their lives. There is a freshness to them … a hopefulness in them. And their joy is evident.

I feel hope with the many women who fill out the inquiry form that they find on our Congregation’s website. It takes great courage to do that in a world that values getting ahead and material success. A woman who sets those priorities aside to contemplate a simpler, meaningful life of service is a breath of fresh air.

I see hope in the many women I work with. Women from all walks of life … from many different countries … who so desire to share the faith that God has given them. They bless others by using their gifts and talents to make their communities better places. They remain hopeful despite the challenges of immigration.

Teri Iverson and Sister Deborah Marie Borneman, SS.C.M., Director of Mission Integration, National Religious Vocation Conference, at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, July 2024; contributed photo.

I hear hope in the buzzing of a multitude of conversations happening at the many tables of religious congregations at the various conferences I attend. One might wonder what kind of response one can get in a 5-minute conversation.

If congregations were simply concerned with quantity over quality, it could be viewed as a waste of time. However, the hopeful congregation realizes that these moments aren’t necessarily a time of recruitment; rather, they are a time of planting seeds, of meeting people where they are and walking beside them as they contemplate God’s plan for their lives.

In a day and age where people have so many options before them … so many opportunities to explore … so many choices to make, it’s understandable that fewer people

are potentially seeking out religious life. Seventy-five years ago, there weren’t the kinds of opportunities there are today.

But according to the Entrance Class report published by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, in 2024 there were 362 women and men who formally entered 123 religious institutes — a significant increase from 2023.

Over 300 men and women who are answering God’s call to religious life — that is FANTASTIC news! It’s hopeful news! And so … we must persevere … we must continue … we must trust that in this Jubilee Year of Hope, God is working. God is calling. And God, as always, has a plan. We must continue to choose hope in vocations!  Story by Teri Iverson

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Ministry

Formed for Healing Ministry

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n May, Maura Rocks earned her Master of Divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. But there was one more achievement that gave the degree the spiritual orientation for ministry she had discerned.

Maura became the first-ever graduate with the Certificate in Reconciliation and Restorative Justice. This is the signature program offered by the Schreiter Institute of Precious Blood Spirituality. It requires four classroom courses — Reconciliation: A Praxis of Salvation; Praxis for Intercultural Transformation; God and the Mystery of Human Suffering; and Reconciling Narratives — and two semesters of ministry practicum. All of this focuses on the work of accompaniment, reconciliation, compassionate encounter and seeking God’s justice through interpersonal and social healing.

The Robert J. Schreiter, C.PP.S. Institute of Precious Blood Spirituality was founded in 2022. It is a joint venture between the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute and Catholic Theological Union with the intention of encouraging the development of a practical theology of Precious Blood Spirituality in an academic setting while also educating a new generation of ministers in key themes like compassionate presence, accompaniment, reconciliation and social healing. The certificate program was developed by the director, Kevin Considine, with the guidance and blessing of PBSI and approved by all governing 8

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bodies of CTU. It now is an accredited program in its third year of operation.

The interest among students has increased every year; currently, six Maura Rocks (third from left) with PBSI staff and board members, including Sister Karen Elliott, CPPS (second from left); contributed photo. students are enrolled. learned in the classroom Maura was already a stuthrough her practicum work dent at CTU when she learned with integral ecology and about the certificate program food justice at an organization from her cohort in Pathways@ called Just Roots and later in CTU, a living-learning comher work as a chaplain-intern munity for young adults who completing one unit of Clinical are passionate about co-creatPastoral Education at the Level ing the Church of tomorrow.

1 trauma center at the UniverThe certificate was a new prosity of Chicago Medical Cengram that focused on exactly ter. A Level 1 trauma center where Maura was discerning receives emergency patients in her call to ministry: to acin the most dire straits. At company the most vulnerable this location, this often means in the work of justice and patients with gunshot wounds social healing. and other life-threatening She first was introduced bodily harm. to restorative justice while a Two other community partfull-time theology teacher and ners that were essential in justice minister with Christ the Maura’s formation were the King Jesuit College Prep on Precious Blood Ministry of the West Side of Chicago. As Reconciliation and Project she transitioned to life at CTU, FIRE at Firebird Community she appreciated how Precious Arts. The former is a wellBlood Spirituality offered scriptural foundations for restorative justice and showed — continued on Page 20 that both reconciliation and accompaniment were a work Story by Kevin Considine, Ph.D. of the Church that was always Director, Robert J. Schreiter, part of Jesus’ ministry.

C.PP.S. Institute of Precious Blood Spirituality Maura honed what she

t began with a gift of fabric. Sister Martha Bertke received a box full of fabric squares from Sister Mary Lou Schmersal, who encouraged her to create something with them. For some time, Sister Martha wasn’t sure where to start — until, eventually, she created a small centerpiece made with Christmas fabric.

A few years later, the Sisters received a large donation of more fabric. And once again, it sat waiting for someone to transform it. “Finally, I thought, I’ve got to try to work with it. So that’s how I got started,” Sister Martha recalled.

That first step led her to discover a new ministry, and a new way to show compassion: quilting.

Since then, Sister Martha has completed 10 quilts, each stitched together from fabric squares, with batting, backing and binding added to make them warm and durable. She has donated each one to the St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter for Women and Families in Dayton. According to 2 News (WDTN-TV), there is space at the shelter for 84 single women; at times — such as over this past summer — the shelter is at full capacity.

Sister Martha’s motivation for this work took root when her cluster — a small group of Sisters who gather either

in person or virtually for prayer, faith sharing and service to the local community — visited the shelter in January 2024. The Sisters prayed in adoration with Sisters Martha and Mary Lou with one of the quilts; Michelle Bodine some of the photo women in checking in on her progress. residence “She inspired me, and she and also had lunch with an keeps encouraging me,” Sister administrator, who shared Martha said. that nearly all the women at Practical challenges remain the shelter have painful histo— especially finding enough ries of various kinds of abuse, space to spread out the quilts often stretching back to childas she works. But she has hood. found that even when the Because she is not able to work comes in small steps, it is regularly visit the shelter in deeply meaningful. person, or volunteer there, “I enjoy doing it alone in Sister Martha began to think quiet times — it can be very of other ways she could offer prayerful,” she said. support — and she began to Her heart, long attuned to learn more about quilting. service through efforts like “I’ve always had a home,” Habitat for Humanity, now she said. “I’ve always had a finds a new expression in the bed at night. It’s hard for me quiet work of her hands. Each to imagine what it’s like not to quilt is both a blanket and a have even one room to call my blessing — a tangible sign of own. So if I can help a little bit, dignity and care for women at least that’s something.” who have endured so much.  Sister Mary Lou became her quilting coach and cheerleader, offering advice on color Story by Mary Knapke choices, lending books, and Fall 2025

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Palettes of Prayer

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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.

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Moments of Joy: E

veryone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.

—Pope Francis

For over 700 years, the Catholic Church has marked special Jubilee years — times to re-establish relationship with God and with one another. In the Bull of Indiction Spes Non Confundit, announcing the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis designated the motto of the Jubilee as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Hope: the desire and expectation of good things to come — even in times of anxiety, of war, of

July 1 — Honoring Our Jubilarians

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our Sisters of the Precious Blood were honored as they celebrated milestone anniversaries of entrance into the community. All the Jubilarians were recognized at a Mass and banquet July 1 at Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton. Each Jubilarian also expressed what gives her hope: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood “I find hope in our Congregation as we continue to deepen a communal understanding of our call to mission as Sisters of the Precious Blood and to discern God’s will for us as we move forward into the future.”

—Sister Barbara Brown “Our mission, to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving presence, is certainly needed today, and I am hopeful that together, our loving presence can make a difference in our fractured country and world.”

—Sister Joyce Kahle Celebrating 75 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood “At Salem Heights, we have a special opportunity to pray for others and to support one another. I treasure praying together in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel.”

—Sister Lou Ann Roof Sister Katie Lett enjoys her Sisters’ company, provides a ministry of presence to her neighbors, and continues to pray for the causes she feels strongly about.

In celebrating our Jubilarians, we are filled with hopeful assurance that their lives and ministries have impacted the lives of innumerable people and helped to promote our mission of proclaiming God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

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Top, Sisters Joyce Kahle and Barbara Brown; middle, Sister Lou Ann Roof; Michelle Bodine photos. Bottom, Sister Katie Lett (fourth from left) celebrates her Jubilee with Sisters Judy Kroger, Genny Volk, Nancy Wolf, Mary E. Wendeln and Joyce Kahle; contributed photo.

Stories by Mary Knapke

famine. We may watch the news today and find ourselves thinking that we live in extraordinary times, when nothing is as it used to be. But discontent is found in every age — and with it, that one true constant: hope. The hope that we can do better, that we can be better. A relentless, constant striving for good, and a longing for the kingdom of God. Hope is all around us, if only we open our eyes and our hearts to it.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood enjoyed many occasions of hope over the past few months. Share in our joy, and join with us as we pray in faith, charity and hope that, as we close out this Jubilee year, all people may be transformed by the grace of God.

July 12 — Hope in Commitment

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ith the help of God, I have come to know in this religious community the difficulty and joy of a life completely dedicated to God. … I now ask to be allowed to make perpetual profession in this community of the Sisters of the Precious Blood for the glory of God and the service of the Church.”

With these words in a liturgy held July 12 at Salem Heights Chapel, Sister LaKesha Church requested to profess her lifelong vows, a commitment she had prepared for through years of prayer and discernment.

During the homily, Father Anthony Boseman, SSJ, likened the event to a spiritual mountaintop: “a mountaintop where we have an opportunity to witness a miracle” — the miracle of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, “where Jesus comes to us in his body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist.”

Drawing on the community’s Precious Blood spirituality, he continued, “We can celebrate as we reinvigorate ourselves on this spiritual mountaintop at this Mass of perpetual profession for Sister LaKesha Church, CPPS. … Pray with me on the fact that the blood continues to flow. Sacred Scripture gives us the call to share the fact that this blood, this precious blood, this holy blood, this sanctified blood continues to flow.”

Following the homily, Sister LaKesha professed her vows of chastity, obedience and poverty and vowed to spend her life “generously in the service God’s people.” The vows were affirmed as Sister LaKesha and members of the congregational council exchanged hugs and then signed the Congregation’s registry. Sister LaKesha then lifted up an emotional song of thanksgiving, “Done Made My Vow to the Lord” by John Wesley Work Jr. Sister LaKesha entered the community in 2016. She currently ministers in California.

On the cover, Sister LaKesha Church and Father Anthony Boseman, SSJ; top, Sisters Terry Walter, Ann Clark, Joyce Lehman and LaKesha; middle, Sisters Joyce and LaKesha; bottom, Sister LaKesha's cake; Michelle Bodine photos.

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Celebrating Hope in Our Community

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July 22 — Preserving Our Legacy

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his summer, the Women Religious Archives Collaborative Heritage Center came a step closer to reality with a groundbreaking ceremony at its site in Cleveland. The Heritage Center, the first independent heritage center in the country for women religious, will preserve and celebrate the unique histories and contributions of Catholic sisters.

WRAC is a nonprofit organization launched in 2022, led by Catholic sisters committed to ensuring the preservation of the sisters’ legacies. In September, our own Sister Judy Kroeger was elected to serve as president of the board of directors.

Currently, over 40 Congregations of women religious have joined the initiative. Their archives will be cared for in perpetuity in the 30,000-squarefoot facility now being constructed on a 1.5-acre parcel of land in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood. The center’s

Congregational leaders present at the ceremony pose for a photo; contributed photo.

opening is scheduled for 2027.

The groundbreaking ceremony included 100 representatives from WRAC’s partner organizations. Cleveland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost blessed the ground, and Sisters placed medals and relics within the soil.

“This project gives us hope that the legacy of Catholic women religious will be preserved, accessible, and relevant many years into the

future. We are grateful to be part of it,” said Sarah Aisenbrey, archivist for the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Read more about the groundbreaking in WRAC’s newsletter: https://archivescollaborative.org/august2025-newsletter/ We also wrote about WRAC in the fall 2024 issue of Sharing & Caring, available under “News & Events” on our website at preciousbloodsistersdayton.org.

Aug. 24 — Faithful Presence Shared

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rchbishop Robert Casey, 10th archbishop of Cincinnati, presided at Mass in the Salem Heights Chapel on Sunday, August 24.

Archbishop Casey was installed as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cincinnati earlier this year on April 2. The Sisters had invited the archbishop to preside for Mass during their recent Spirit Days — a time of prayer, renewal and celebration held each summer — but he was in Rome at the time.

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A living expression of the Jubilee call to rediscover hope in God’s nearness, Archbishop Casey’s visit with the Sisters of the Precious Blood demonstrated that hope is not an abstract concept: It is found in relationships

Clockwise, from left, Archbishop Casey with Sisters Judy Kroeger, Joyce Lehman, Ann Clark, Marla Gipson and Terry Walter. Jen Morin-Williamson photo.

and promises us great hope and fulfillment.”

In his homily, Archbishop Casey drew on his experiences of family road trips in his youth to illustrate the concept of keeping the faith on a long journey: “As we look at the journey of life, whatever that life may be … don’t lose heart. Keep the faith, especially when the journey seems quite long — when the road ahead is unknown — when it appears that there are going

to be a few detours and some potholes and maybe a few moments where we’re lost. …

This is where it helps to listen to Jesus in the Gospel.”

Following Mass, the archbishop and the Sisters, as well as congregational staff, family and friends, enjoyed dinner and fellowship in the Salem Heights dining room.

A recording of the Mass can be viewed on our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@ sistersofthepreciousblood8081.

Sept. 20 — A Legacy of Hope

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he Archbishop Carroll High School Alumni Association inducted Sister Maryann Bremke into the school’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, alongside six Carroll High School alumni. She received the Honorary Patriot Award.

According to Alumni Association materials, the award “honors those who are not Carroll graduates who have had a lasting and profound effect on Archbishop Carroll High School, its students, and its community through their commitment to Catholic education and their active involvement, leadership, and support of the school.”

Sister Maryann served at Carroll High School for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999. She taught Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, chaired the Theology Department, and also served as both assistant principal and dean of academics.

She spearheaded the renovation of the school’s chapel in 1995 and restructured the retreat program to the model

still used today, among many other initiatives.

Within the Congregation, Sister Maryann served as president for eight years. In 2010, she and Sister Helen Weber co-founded the Brunner Literacy Center, which today serves students in both north- Sister Maryann (bottom row, middle) with her fellow inductees. west Dayton and Carroll High School photo. downtown. Originally from Celina, portunity to present what she Ohio, Sister Maryann entered called a “teachable moment” to the Community in 1954. those in attendance. “Survival In remarks at the induction is what gives me, an older perceremony, Sister Maryann son, the right to encourage all acknowledged her family of of you here this evening to live Sisters of the Precious Blood in in hope, to know that the chalattendance and noted that “We lenges facing us at the present stand on the shoulders of 19 moment, no matter what diother great women, Sisters of the mensions they contain, are not Precious Blood who taught at the end of the world, or of the Carroll previous to my time of country, or of our lives,” she tenure. Those of us here this evesaid. “There is always resurrecning give tribute to these great tion in each of our lives; we just women on this special occasion.” have to believe in it and give Continuing, she took the opourselves to its coming.”  Fall 2025 13

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of faith, in the Eucharist, and in the assurance that the Church remains one body in Christ.

In opening comments, the archbishop thanked the Sisters for inviting him to say Mass and noted that “As we gather this day, we are reminded that each time we come for Eucharist, it is to give thanks. It is to awaken in our hearts that gratitude for God’s ever-abiding presence in our life — a presence that leads us along life’s journey

Archives

Inside the CPPS Archives Sisters and the Stars

This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.

I

n the archives of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, I am continually surprised at what I find during my day-to-day work. Sometimes, it’s an amazing piece of artwork. Other times, it’s a photo I never knew about. Recently, though, I’ve found an amazing collection of letters written to Sisters by some of the most influential people in American history. Whether they had a personal connection to a Hollywood star or wanted to express support or criticism of politicians, the Sisters have paid attention to important cultural and political figures for decades.

The following letters are a sampling of correspondence written to the Sisters by some of these well-known people.

Presidents and Other Political Figures Letter from (then-Senator) John F. Kennedy to Sister Mary Juanita Hayden, January 13, 1961, written on the occasion of his election as president of the United States.

Letter from Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy to Sister Patricia Will (Mary Terence), April 8, 1964, written in appreciation of condolences on President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Letter from President Ronald Reagan to Sister Mary Luca Junk, September 12, 1985, written for her 80th birthday and her accomplishments in her ministry in Phoenix.

Letter from President Bill Clinton to Sister Eileen Kane (Mary Maxine), May 18, 1994, written in gratitude for her support.

First Ladies Letter from First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to Sister Eileen Kane (Mary Maxine), August 19, 1964, written in gratitude for Sister Eileen’s donation to Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.

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Archives Fall 2025 15

Archives

the Kennedy Library Fund, which was used to create the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

Letter from First Lady Hillary Clinton to Sister Eileen Kane (Mary Maxine), October 18, 1994, written in gratitude for Sister Eileen’s encouragement.

Hollywood Letter from Frank Capra (director of It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

to Sister Valerie Marie Stuchal (Mary Virgila), April 19, 1982, written in appreciation of her note about his recent American Film Institute Award.

Letter from Doris Day to Sister Mary Anaclete Kirwan, July 27, 1983, written in appreciation of Sister Mary Anaclete’s previous letter. Doris mentions St. Mark’s, which refers to St. Mark Parish in Cincinnati. Before she became famous, Doris Day attended school there, and Sister Mary Anaclete was one of her teachers. 

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 3 13 17

OCTOBER

Marie Kopin Beverly Bodnar Terry Maher Patty Kremer

NOVEMBER

5 12 23

Rae Marie Ratermann Angeline Hoffman Anna Maria Sanders

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DECEMBER

1 8 22 27 31

Barbara Brown Mary Garke LaKesha Church Gerri McGeorge Donna Liette

10 12 15

Pat Gist Madonna Ratermann Pauline Siesegh

JANUARY

17 17 19 29 8 16 19 24

Katie Lett Ceil Taphorn Carolyn Hoying Rosemary Lindemann

FEBRUARY

Paula Gero Regina Albers Marita Beumer Eva Roehrich

Precious Blood Sisters were busy with a variety of events over the past few months. 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.

May-June — Again this year, the Sisters at Salem Heights enjoyed hosting women from Christ in the City, an apostolate church that serves St. Vincent de Paul shelters. Five missionary women stayed at Salem Heights, while six men stayed elsewhere but visited our central house for dinner and Mass. The Sisters and the young missionaries all enjoyed their time together!

May-August — This summer, a billboard stood along I-70 East with the message: “I was an immigrant and you welcomed me” — a reimagined version of Matthew 25:35. The Congregation sponsored the billboard as a show of solidarity specifically with the Haitian community in Springfield, so that they may know that they are valued and welcome.

May 13 — Sister Edna Hess received a Pamela Fenn Outstanding Volunteer Award from Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley. Sister Edna volunteers at the front desk at the Center for Families among other activities, and she is a member of the board of directors.

May 20 — Several Sisters and congregational staff members visited the Randolph & McCulloch Freedom’s Struggle Complex in Piqua, where they learned about the nearly 400 formerly enslaved people who migrated from Virginia to the Miami Valley. Those in attendance included Sisters Regina Albers, Jeanette Buehler, Edna Hess, Noreen Jutte, Mary Lou Schmersal and Mary E. Wendeln, along with staff members Nancy Hutson, Julia Grannan and Jen MorinWilliamson.

May 30 — A group of Sisters visited the International Peace Museum in downtown Dayton. Following an orientation by museum staff, they explored the exhibits, which highlight global peacebuilders, the history of nonviolence, and local efforts for justice and reconciliation.

June 1-5 — Vocations Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson attended the Catholic Campus Ministry Association’s Called Conference at Top, women and men from Christ in the City at Salem Heights; contributed photo. Second, billboard on I-70 West, Clark County, Ohio; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Third, from left, Shay Augustin, New Americans Volunteer Coordinator, Sister Edna Hess and Laura Roesch, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley; contributed photo. Fourth, Father Tom Hemm, CPPS, with Sisters at the Randolph & McCulloch Freedom’s Struggle Complex; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Fifth, (clockwise, from top left) Nancy Hutson, Jen Morin-Williamson with Sisters Regina Albers, Martha Bertke, Maryann Bremke, Rosemary Goubeaux and Edna Hess; Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher photo. Sixth, Vocations booth at the Called Conference; Teri Iverson photo.

Fall 2025 17

In Brief

In Brief

In Brief

the University of Notre Dame. The Congregation was also a sponsor of the event.

July 22 — Sister Joyce Kahle and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson gathered with a large crowd at Holy Angels Church in Dayton for the Solidary Walk for Immigrants, an evening that was both prayerful and profound — a powerful witness of solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters.

July 23 — Precious Blood Sisters, as well as congregational staff with families and friends, enjoyed a great night out at Day Air Ballpark to watch the Dayton Dragons play the South Bend Cubs. Unfortunately, the Dragons lost 6-2, but we had fun!

August 2 — Sister Katie Lett received two blue ribbons for her artwork at this year’s Greene County Fair. Congratulations, Sister Katie!

August 11-15 — Sisters and staff attended the 2025 assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, titled “Hope Unbroken: Journeying in God’s Promise.” The conference drew approximately 560 LCWR members and 300 collaborators to Atlanta. Precious Blood Sisters in attendance were Sisters Joyce Lehman, Judy Kroeger, Marla Gipson, Ann Clark and Terry Walter, along with staff members Phil Hartke, Jen Morin-Williamson, Michelle Bodine and Peg Birkemeyer.

August 21 — Sister Mi-Kyoung (Mi-sa) Hwang graduated from her residency in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with the OhioHealth system in central Ohio. She will now serve as a staff chaplain at OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital in the Columbus area as she pursues the requirements to become a board-certified chaplain. Congratulations, Sister Mi-sa!

August 28 — About 25 Sisters and congregational staff gathered for a presentation by Brunner Literacy Center, founded in 2011 by Sisters Maryann Bremke and Helen Weber. We were pleased to hear about the center’s current projects and ways in which their team anticipates future growth.

August 29 — Thank you, Liz! Housekeeping Supervisor Liz Miller retired this summer. We are grateful for the compassionate care she gave to our home and the nurturing relationships she fostered among the Sisters.

September — Teri Iverson helped plan and lead an in-person meeting of the National Religious Vocation Conference held Sept. 9-11 at Top, Jen Morin-Williamson with Sister Joyce Kahle and Jackie Doss, Housekeeping Supervisor at Salem Heights; contributed photo. Second, Dayton Dragons sign welcomes the Sisters; Phil Hartke photo. Third, Sister Katie's artwork; Sister Judy Kroeger photo. Fourth, LCWR conference in the Grande Hall; Michelle Bodine photo. Fifth, Sister Mi-Kyoung with her fellow CPE graduates; contributed photo. Sixth, Brunner Literacy Center presentation at Salem Heights; Jen Morin-Williamson photo.

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September 3 — Sister Mumbi Kigutha delivered an address at the second African Women Theologians Conference, held at Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya. Sister Mumbi currently ministers as president of Friends in Solidarity as well as director of Watawa wa Taa, which co-hosted the conference.

September 9 — Sisters Joyce Kahle, Mary Lou Schmersal and Terry Walter, along with Jen Morin-Williamson, met with U.S. Rep. Mike Turner’s staff member Jake Jagels to share concerns about immigration enforcement in Ohio. Jagels told us that he’s been receiving postcards from our Sisters on important issues in our communities — an encouraging sign that our collective voice is being heard.

September 10 — Sisters at Salem Heights enjoy a monthly Legislative Lunch, hosted by the Justice Committee. Sisters and staff gather to discuss various topics and write to legislators about current issues.

September 13 — The Sisters of the Precious Blood, along with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and Archdiocese of Cincinnati Social Action Office, sponsored A Pilgrimage for Racial Justice. Participants visited sites associated with Black history in Mercer County and learned about the Randoph Freedpeople.

September 17 — Sisters Joyce Kahle and Mary E. Wendeln, along with Jen Morin-Williamson and several other Sisters and justice promoters, visited U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno’s office. They met with a staff member to share their concerns about immigration enforcement in Ohio.

September 25 — Jen Morin-Williamson led a virtual pilgrimage for Sisters highlighting meaningful places in Dayton connected to the legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, who was martyred in Brazil in 2005.  Top, Liz Miller; second, Teri with members of NRVC; third, Sister Mumbi at the African Women Theologians Conference; fourth, Sister Mary Lou Schmersal, Sister Joyce Kahle, Jen MorinWilliamson and Sister Terry Walter outside Rep. Mike Turner's office; contributed photos.

Fifth, Legislative lunches flyer. Sixth, Sister Rosemary Goubeaux (far right) with participants of the Pilgrimage for Racial Justice; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Seventh, below left, Jen MorinWilliamson with Sisters Mary E. Wendeln and Joyce Kahle outside Senator Bernie Moreno's office; contributed photo. Eighth, below right, Season of Creation Virtual Pilgrimage flyer.

Fall 2025 19

In Brief

the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein. She then attended a gathering of area coordinators held Sept. 15-18 in Darien, Illinois.

News

A Ministry of Presence

F

or eight years, Sister Mary Garke showed up at Trotwood City Council meetings each month. She didn’t come with an agenda or a list of demands; she came to listen.

The congregational Council asked Sister Mary to take on the role not long after she moved into Salem Heights, our central house. Situated northwest of Dayton, the village of Trotwood was incorporated in 1901 and merged with Madison Township in 1996. The city is now home to over 23,000 people — including the Sisters of the Precious Blood, who established Salem Heights on Salem Avenue over 100 years old.

The purpose of attending the city council meetings was to keep the congregational Council informed about current events and developments in city, Sister Mary explained. Yet she quickly realized that what mattered most was simply her presence.

By being there, she represented the Congregation, showing city leaders that the Sisters are part of the community’s fabric and eager to build relationships for the common good.

Sister Mary said that, for her, the first seeds of civic engagement were planted when she and Sister Joan DeChristopher

lived in community in Cincinnati. “I have to give Joan lots of credit,” Sister Mary said, citing Sister Joan’s ease at connecting with others as the model that shaped her understanding of how important presence and relationships are to building strong community ties. After moving from Cincinnati to Salem Heights, Sister Mary and Sister Joan often attended the city council meetings together.

As a result, “You get to know who the council members are.

They have come here for dinner, and they’ve given talks to the Sisters about various topics,” Sister Mary said. One of the smaller neighborhood councils has also held meetings at Salem Heights, and Sisters often attend — “just to meet people and be aware of what’s going on in the surrounding neighborhoods.”

“The idea is to maintain a

Top, Trotwood City Council meeting; YouTube screenshot. Bottom, Sister Mary Garke; Michelle Bodine photo.

presence so that the city council knows that the Sisters are there,” she continued. “It isn’t so much about your personal presence.

It’s ‘the Sisters’ who are there.”

Sister Mary and Sister Joan have now entrusted their role to Sister Martha Bertke and Sister Mary Garasica, who carry forward the ministry of presence and the work of weaving personal connections within the community.  Story by Mary Knapke

— continued from Page 8

known ministry in Chicago founded by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and the latter is a secular organization that focuses on trauma healing with young people through glassblowing.

Maura recently returned 20

Sharing & Caring

from pilgrimage with her husband on the Camino de Santiago. She now begins full-time ministry as a chaplain resident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She will be serving patients and families alongside the amazing

staff there while completing her final three units of Clinical Pastoral Education in preparation for board certification.

“I’m excited to put my amazing education to work as I accompany folks from all over our great city,” she said. 

News

Celebrating Rural Life

O

n the beautiful summer evening of August 13, we, Precious Blood Sisters Carolyn Hoying, Martha Bertke and I, joined hundreds of farmers from the northern part of the archdiocese to celebrate Eucharist and the gift of the farmlands.

As we gathered at the David Hoying farm with the farmers, their families and friends, we felt joy, pride, solidarity and a deep sense of togetherness in their faith and their care for the earth. It was a grace-filled evening as Father Mark Hoying, CPPS, presided over the liturgy and gave a very visual homily stressing the values deeply rooted in the farmers and their families — hard work, commitment, trusting God, supporting neighbors and prayer!

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ honors farmers who work from sunup to sundown, take care of the land and livestock, and provide food for families, for the poor, and the world. Here they were!

Each year at this Farm Mass, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Rural Life Committee of St. Mary’s and Sidney deaneries honors families who have farmed and nurtured the same land for 100 years or more!

This year, nine families were given this Catholic Century Farm Award.

We, three farmers’ daughters, were reminded of our childhood and the good old days on the farm! We met relatives and old friends and made new friends while enjoying the smells of the farm and eating home-baked cook-

Photos by Andrew Musgrave, Director of the Catholic Social Action Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

ies, with milk from the Dairy Farmers of America and yogurt from Dannon!

We were invited to bring back to our homes a bag of soil and holy water as a reminder of the earth and God’s gifts of creation! We left singing “Glory and Praise to our God” with

the choir from St. Michael’s Church still in our souls.

Driving back to the city, our hearts were full of gratitude for our past, for family, for farms and all the blessings of the evening on the Hoying farm.  Story by Sister Donna Liette

Fall 2025 21

In Memoriam

Sister Barbara Ann Hoying February 1938 — May 30, 2025

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Barbara Ann Hoying was held at Precious Blood Church in Dayton on June 4.

She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 68 years.

Barbara Ann, the first of 17 children, was born in Celina, Ohio, to Herman and Henrietta (Schmitmeyer) Hoying. She entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1957, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Emma.

She began her ministry teaching in Missouri, Ohio and Virginia. She later received her M.A. in religion, serving as the parish coordinator of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish in New Carlisle, Ohio. She then became a retreat team member, then program director, at the Maria Stein Retreat Center while simultaneously serving as one of the Congregation’s Southern Region Councilors.

In 1988, Sister Barbara Ann began a new ministry as director of field education at Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Cincinnati, where she served for almost nine years. During this time, she again served the Congrega-

tion as a formation team member and initial formation director, and she received her Clinical Pastoral Education certification. Beginning in 1997, Sister Barbara Ann began her ministry at the Maria Stein Shrine, holding the positions of director, mission effectiveness/pastoral activities coordinator, and director of mission and spirituality. She retired in 2013 and began serving as a volunteer at the Shrine.

Sister Barbara Ann joins her parents; siblings Norman, Mary Therese Reilly, Helen, Kenneth, and Beverly; and brothers-in-law Ralph Guggenbiller and Jerome Rindler in heaven.

She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and family members Connie Guggenbiller, Linda Hoying, Janice Rindler, David Reilly, Diana and Dennis Siefring, Fred and Martha Hoying, Sue and Stan Zielinski, Ron and Theresa Hoying, Richard and Zinnia Hoying, Lois and Robert Hartings, Mike and Pam Hoying, Rev. Mark Hoying, CPPS, Cindy and John Hamberg, nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

Sister Alice Schoettelkotte April 1936 — July 10, 2025

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Alice Schoettelkotte was held at Salem Heights Chapel on July 14. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 70 years.

Born and raised in the Deer Park area in Cincinnati, Alice was the oldest child of Albert and Virginia (Stoeckl) Schoettelkotte. She attended St. John the Evangelist Grade School and Regina High School, and then entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1955, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Rose Miriam.

She studied education at the University of Dayton and began her ministry as a teacher in Denver; Escondido, California; Vandalia, Ohio; and Falls Church, Virigina. While in Vandalia, she initiated a perceptual motor training pro22

Sharing & Caring

gram to help students maximize their learning potential. She then ministered for 10 years at St. Margaret Mary School in North College Hill. There she was involved in elementary school counseling and guidance and served as a junior high music teacher and elementary CCD principal.

In 1980, Sister Alice shifted from education to health care. She began working at the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as admissions counselor, then resident representative, pastoral care associate and director of pastoral care. After nine years as director, Sister Alice began ministry as the Maria Joseph Center’s pastoral and spiritual care coordinator, and, in retirement, continued as a volunteer. In 2018, she was honored with a scholarship program in her name. Sister Alice served at the Maria Joseph Center for

Sister Alice joins her parents, her sister, Ruth, and her brother Dan in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and her brother Father Lawrence Schoettelkotte, S.M., as well as nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

Sister Berenice Janszen

December 1925 — August 15, 2025

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Berenice Janszen was held at Salem Heights Chapel on Aug. 19. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 82 years.

Born in Cincinnati, Berenice was the only child of Edward and Lillian (Bossert) Janszen.

She attended St. Mark Grade School and Regina High School, both served by the Sisters of the Precious Blood. She entered the Congregation in 1943, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Edward.

She began her ministry teaching in St. Joseph, Missouri, before receiving a B.A. in education, English, and Latin from The Catholic University of America. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. She continued teaching for over 20 years at Precious Blood/Fatima Hall in Dayton, Regina High School in Norwood, and Immaculate Conception in Celina, Ohio, as well as Powers High

School in Flint, Michigan. She was known for the high school plays and musicals she directed.

Sister Berenice also served her Congregation several times as a Southern Region Councilor, Northern Region Councilor, and director of the Office of Life Development.

After finishing coursework in Clinical Pastoral Education, she began new ministries in parish administration and pastoral care, and as a chaplain in hospitals and hospices. She ministered in these capacities in Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky for almost 25 years.

In 2004, Sister Berenice retired and again served her Congregation as the Salem Heights librarian, a ministry she continued until 2020, at the age of 95.

Sister Berenice joins her parents and other family members in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, cousin Gary and Imelda Emenaker, and many friends, former students and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

In Sympathy We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.

Sister Cecilia Taphorn on the death of her sister-in-law, Joyce Taphorn, on May 31.

Sister Patty Kremer on the death of her sister Angeline Kremer on July 13, as well as the death of her sister Mary

Ellen Ohr on Aug. 25.

The family of Sister Marie Langhals (deceased) on the death of her brother, Elmer Langhals, on July 27.

Sister Edna Hess on the death of her sister, Martha

“Martie” Hoying, on Aug. 12.

Father Phillip Ray Smith, CPPS, died Aug. 24.

Angie Cox, a staff member with the Congregation, on the death of her mother, Shirley Ann Stella, on Sept. 16.

Fall 2025

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In Memoriam

over 40 years.

During her life, Alice was passionate about social justice issues. She was on the board of PowerNet, a group that helps those released from prison with their reintegration in society. She was also on the interfaith organizing committee for Dayton’s Good Friday Walk for 24 years.

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

10 Years of Word and Witness

S

ince 2015, Sister Mary Garascia has provided reflections on the Sunday readings to be shared on our website at www. preciousbloodsistersdayton.org.

Her wisdom and prayerful insight open up the Sunday Scriptures with clarity and warmth, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar passages. To mark a decade of faithfilled writings, we share one of Sister Mary’s recent blog posts, from the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Sister Mary, thank you for your constancy and the blessing of your thoughtful reflections.

Patience Leafcutter ants carry up to 50 times their body weight in the leaves they cut to build their huge colonies and provide food for the nymphs who will live after them. Their purposeful and persistent life purpose is built into them by instinct. We humans have to work consciously toward our purposeful and persistent lives. So, not surprisingly, there will be times when our resolve dissolves. We lose hope and perspective about why we 24

Sharing & Caring

are carrying such burdens.

That is the situation the prophet Habakkuk finds himself in during our first reading (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4). How long, O Lord? I cry for help but you do not listen!

I cry out to you, “Violence,” but you do not intervene. Habakkuk the prophet lived between about 626 and 609 BCE, when his own society was violent and unjust, and as Habakkuk realized, God’s solution was to send an even more violent and unjust enemy to conquer them. There are times when things have to get worse before they get better, it seems, in our individual lives or in our worlds. Then we also ask, “How long, O Lord?”

Our Gospel parable seems to provide a solution: faith, even that as small as a mustard seed, is needed. And that small faith is helped by having awareness of our limited powers to change things.

For we are merely “unprofitable servants” doing what we are obliged to do. Perhaps you know someone living in a “from bad to worse” situation; perhaps it is you carrying 50 times your body

Leafcutter ant; Scott Bauer photo

weight in burdens right now.

Leafcutter ants don’t work alone but in work teams. We know that God works to bring good from evil, but we also know that God’s work is “slow,” gradual. So we badly need support from others during times of trouble. We also need their support when it is time to call the question, something today’s readings don’t address.

Let us pray this week for people we know or know about who are living amid terrible troubles, and offer support to them as we can.  Introduction by Mary Knapke