Sharing & Caring Spring 2017

Sharing & Caring Volume 27 Number 4 • Spring 2017 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Serving en Español

From the President’s Desk

Reversing the mission

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aving had the priviin length, do however give lege and opportunity me an inkling of what people to travel in several difwho come to this country go ferent countries of the world through. Many come with over the past 50 years, I have their lives in disarray, fleeing a heightened sensitivity to the from destitution, violence and question of what enculturation lack of safety for themselves means. I’ve traveled in counand their families. They often tries where the language was do not know the language, primarily English and the custhe customs, the money; how toms of the culture were simito navigate transportation; lar enough to my American or find food that looks and experience not only to cope, tastes familiar. This dislocabut also to feel a bit at home. tion and helplessness can be However, in countries where overwhelming even when met English was only rarely spowith hospitality and generosken and when I was not able ity. Finding someone to speak to be with someone who spoke their language and help them the primary language of the understand new cultural country, I felt a disorientation, customs is like a lifeboat in a a dislocation and was unsure hurricane. of myself and what I should This is where it is wonderdo, no matter how hospitable ful to know that our Sisters those I encountered tried to be. over the years have tried to I can say “Good morning” or go beyond our English lan“please” and “thank you” in guage bias and our usual U.S. several languagcustoms and to es, but trying to Recognizing that learn another ask which gate language so many, if not most, I was supposed they could minto be at when ister to those people in other there was a gate who come here countries routinely change at the seeking digairport was far learn more than one nity of person beyond my caand life. This language made me pabilities. Even issue of Sharthe kindness of realize a different ing & Caring those trying to features several kind of poverty. help me could of those Sisters — Sister Joyce Lehman not erase the who stand as fact that I was representatives a stranger. Recognizing that of the many others who have many, if not most, people in also served those coming from other countries routinely learn Spanish-speaking countries. more than one language made In a wonderful turnabout, me realize a different kind of we find that besides what we poverty. can do for others, we, as a These experiences, only brief community, have been greatly 2

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enriched by both our Sisters who bring back their experiences to our gatherings and our visitors whose presence graces our houses from time to time. In gathering with them we are also deepened in our spirituality. Some call this dynamic “reverse mission”: those who come from other countries are truly missionaries to us, bringing the gifts and the word of God to us in new and exciting ways.

We are glad to highlight these Sisters and their service, as well as the many others who may not have known the language but who recognized their brothers and sisters and welcomed them in the Precious Blood of Jesus.

We thank them, surely, not only for all they have given to others, but also for all the many wonders of God they have brought to us. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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hen Sister Joan (M. Christine) DeChristopher attended a recent event at Nativity parish in Cincinnati, she had no idea she soon would be the center of attention for about 600 attendees.

At a Feb. 26 brunch celebrating the parish’s 100th anniversary, pastor Father Paul DeLuca began to talk about this year’s recipient of the parish’s “Lighting the Way” award.

During his remarks, he mentioned that the award recipient had served as grand marshal for the Golf Manor, Ohio, Fourth of July parade last year.

“That’s when I caught on,” Sister Joan said. “My eyes got like saucers, and I said, ‘That’s me!’”

The award is given to “individuals who have helped us ‘light the way’ as members of the body of Christ,” Father DeLuca said, adding that Sister Joan stood out as an appropriate choice for the award “because of her longtime connection to the parish, her kindness, generosity

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 editor.

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Sister Joan DeChristopher receives “Lighting the Way” award and Christ-like life.” The recipient receives a silver or bronze coin with a shield and star on one side and an image of Nativity church on the other.

Father DeLuca also said that Sister Joan “has long been a significant member of both the parish and the civic community. Her prayers for the needs of neighbors, her ear to listen to those sharing their troubles, her care for the sick and those in need are just some of the many ways she reflects the life of Christ. Sister is known by many and greatly loved and Sister Joan holds her "Lighting the Way" award respected in this community. from Nativity parish in Cincinnati. Michelle Bodine photo.

We are grateful for her witness to Christ, her prayers of Nativity parish and grew and unceasing care for our up in the nearby village of community."

Golf Manor. She received the Since Nativity parish began “Lighting the Way” award for giving the “Lighting the Way” a life of ministry that began in award in 2010, 16 bronze and 1954 as a young Sister teaching seven silver coins have been kindergarten in Fort Wayne, presented. Sister Joan received Indiana. After 17 years of the silver coin, which is the teaching, she earned a mashighest honor presented by the parish.

Sister Joan is a daughter Story by Mary Knapke 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) 275-0303 E-mail: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

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ter’s degree in religious education and spent a decade in that field before moving on to clinical pastoral education and becoming a chaplain.

When a chaplaincy job came open at Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, “something inside me just leapt when I heard ‘children,’ because I loved, loved teaching,” she said. For six years, she ministered to children between the ages of 4 and 17, most of whom had suffered sexual abuse. “I’m not a morning person, but I couldn’t wait to go to work in the morning. I loved that job,” Sister Joan said, citing the children’s resilience as a constant source of inspiration.

Sister Joan expanded her chaplaincy ministry at Franciscan Behavioral Hospital.

In 1999, she “retired” for the first time.

After six years of retirement, the administrator at St. Margaret Hall, a nursing and assisted

living facility in Cincinnati, called Sister Joan to ask if she would work in pastoral care and “be a presence among the residents,” Sister Joan explained. “That was a real privilege. No one ever asked me to come to work before.” At the age of 71, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to go back to work again, but she made up her mind to go — and stayed for seven years.

At St. Margaret Hall, Sister Joan established and developed the facility’s pastoral care department and, among her other duties, trained archdiocesan seminarians and Dominican novices in pastoral care for the elderly.

In training, she imparted simple but deeply meaningful lessons, such as how to knock on the door gently and call the resident’s name, how to address residents, how to use family photos as conversation starters, and how to

build relationships with the residents.

She retired again in 2012; but even then, Sister Joan continued an active life of ministry.

She scours estate sales and garage sales for furniture and buys inexpensive pieces to take home for cleaning and repair. She then consigns them at Legacies, a Cincinnati resale store that donates its proceeds to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

“That is her post-retirement ministry, and I thought it was just wonderful that she did that,” said Sister Mary Garke.

“It uses her talents very well.”

“I just like to keep busy,” Sister Joan said.

After looking back on teaching, chaplaincy and even fixing up old, broken furniture, Sister Joan said she has a lot of good memories. “I loved everything I did,” she said. “I really did.” 

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.

3 6 11 11 13 20 22 22 23 23 30 4

MAY

Mumbi Kigutha Deb Huss Thelma Wurzelbacher Bela Mis Rose Helene Wildenhaus Arlene Hirsch Lou Ann Roof Benita Volk Mary Ellen Lampe Nancy Recker Gladys Marie Lowe Sharing & Caring

7 9 17 19 19 23 23 25 30

JUNE

Joanne Belloli Theresa Walter Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl Marifé Hellman Mary E. Wendeln Charlene Heidenreich Adeline Mertz Joan DeChristopher Joyce Lehman

2 2 3 4 8 9 14 16 22 22 24 27

JULY

Mary Garascia Rita Manriquez Patricia Dieringer Barbara Jean Backs Marla Gipson Elizabeth Westgerdes Nancy Wolf Laura Will Dolores Keller Judy Niday Helen Weber Joyce Langhals

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CPPS Heritage Mission Fund promotes Precious Blood Spirituality

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t one time, it was a place to store the instruments of war.

Now the Sisters of the Precious Blood are using the same space to promote peace and justice.

The Armory Building in Dayton was built in 1893 to house the drilling exercises of the city’s National Guard regiments. Today, in addition to a local law firm, the building is home to the office of the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund, a nonprofit corporation with the purpose of providing grants to nonprofit organizations that share the values set forth by the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

“God has been most generous by blessing the Sisters of the Precious Blood with financial stability, and we are able to share with others in need,” said Sister Mary Ann (M. Rose Michael) Mozser, President of the fund’s Board of Directors.

The CPPS Mission Fund Committee, composed of eight Sisters, has worked together since 2013. After extensive research, many meetings and intense prayer, the committee decided to establish a separate nonprofit corporation which will provide, through grants, financial support for “programs and projects that promote the values of Precious Blood Spirituality, dignity of all life, healing and reconciliation, solidarity with the poor, the common good and meeting the unmet needs of the

Members of the CHM Fund Board of Directors meet for orientation April 29. Sister Joyce Lehman photo.

time,” according to the fund’s website.

While the administrative work of the CHM Fund is done from the Armory Building office, the real purpose of the fund is to reach into the community and around the world to “support ministerial endeavors that reflect the spirituality, mission and values of the Sisters of the Precious Blood and to enable the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund to continue beyond the existence of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.”

“It’s a way of continuing our mission from all the different ministries that we’ve had over the years,” said Sister Marita Beumer, Vice President of the board and chair of the distribution committee. Sister Marita also explained that the

distribution committee has been formed to conduct two grant distributions each year.

The distribution committee will make recommendations to the board, which makes the ultimate decisions for grant approval.

The Board of Directors is composed of both Precious Blood Sisters and laypeople who bring to the table a variety of applicable skill sets, such as expertise in financial planning, legal issues, mission effectiveness or governance.

Nine Sisters and eight laypeople make up the board, which met for an orientation to the work of the CHM Fund on April 29. The board members have “a real sense of excitement about being a part of Story by Mary Knapke

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this mission,” said Sister Joyce Lehman, President of the Congregation.

The fund will support many different types of nonprofit organizations doing a broad range of works, but “the focus is on the values: Every person is precious in God’s sight; there’s no one beyond the pale of God’s love,” Sister Joyce added. “Our Sisters have always lived simple lives. The money’s not ours; it’s God’s gift, and we only have one purpose for having it, and that’s to give it away and to be responsible about doing that. That word ‘stewardship’ has been a key theme that we’ve talked about all along.

We need to be good stewards of what we’ve been given, whether it’s money or whether it’s time or skills or expertise — all of that, we need to be good stewards of it.”

With the CHM Fund becoming operational, the Maria Anna Brunner Fund had been discontinued. That fund was established in 1991 and awarded more than 1,500 grants to over 500 organizations throughout its history. Any organization that had applied for a Maria Anna Brunner grant within the last three years was provided with information about the new CHM Fund and encouraged to apply.

Organizations apply for CHM Fund grants in two steps. First, they submit a letter of inquiry, which was due May 1 for the current granting cycle. Sixty-five letters of inquiry were submitted, said Barb Clark, the fund’s executive secretary. For the next granting cycle, letters of inquiry are due Nov. 1.

The second step in the application process is the

grant application itself. Five grant types are available, in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. In this first grant cycle, grant applications are due June 20. All applications are submitted online, which Clark said applicants have found to be a smooth and efficient process.

For more information on the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund, visit cppsheritagemissionfund. org. 

Let's talk about race

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pproximately 50 participants attended a program April 22 at Salem Heights titled “Let’s Talk About Race: A morning to listen, share and reflect.” The morning was co-sponsored by the Anti-Racism/AntiDiscrimination Task Force of the Weavers of Justice (Dayton Catholic Social Action) and the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Adrienne Curry, the social action director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, set the tone for the day by focusing on Catholic social action teachings specifically related to racism. Following her 6

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presentation, participants entered into table conversations in which they reflected on two questions: When did you first become aware of racism?

How does your faith affect the way you feel or think about issues of racism and racial justice? For most of the program on April 22. Mark Moorman attendees, the sharing of Participants photo. personal experiences of racism and faith insights was received during the morning. the highlight of the morning.

A conversation titled “White The day ended with reflection Privilege” will be held at time so that participants could Salem Heights on Saturday, decide on any personal followAugust 26, from 9 to 11 a.m.  up action(s) they would like to take based on the insights they Story by Sister Jeanette Buehler

Wherever they may be, Sisters of the Precious Blood embrace and embody each value inherent in Precious Blood Spirituality as they work with individuals in Spanish-speaking communities. In sprawling cities or small towns, our Sisters who serve the Hispanic community help to meet a variety of needs, whether those needs are legal, medical, spiritual — or simply a calm presence and listening ear. “I work when the need arises,” Sister Regina Albers said.

As the hymn says, “Digo ‘Si,’ Señor.” I say, “Yes,” my Lord.

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hen Sister Regina Albers walks into Casa Lupita, a Mexican restaurant in New Bremen, Ohio, she is greeted by the workers with broad grins. One by one, they stop by her table to say hello, ask if she needs anything, and chat with her a while in Spanish. The same thing happens at Xcaret in St. Marys and La Carreta in Celina. The restaurants share similar atmospheres, with lively music and bright colors. Their menus also feature similar dishes — the tacos, burritos, and platters of rice and beans that have become familiar to most Americans.

But Sister Regina knows that at each restaurant are teams of workers that also share similar but unique stories that often are marked by struggle and uncertainty.

“My ministry is where there’s a need,” Sister Regina said. “I made up my mind: I’m going to do what I can do and not expect any result. If I see a result, I’ll be happy. Then hopefully, whatever I’ve done will have an effect somewhere in their lives.”

Many Hispanic immigrant families in West Central Ohio

come from remote mountain villages in Mexico; some villages are accessible only by horse or mule. The local pastor might be responsible for several towns and dozens of villages, so he arrives to celebrate Mass only once a year.

Some children miss out on celebrating milestone sacraments, and families mistakenly believe it’s “too late” to do it the cover, Sister Regina Albers with Jaquelin (left) and her sislater on. So Sis- On ter Mariela (right) for Baptism in March 2017. Above, Sister Regina ter Regina helps Albers celebrates with a girl in the northern part of the Cincinnati archdiocese. Contributed photos them prepare for Baptism, First Communion and Confirgrant workers who come to St. mation.

Henry, Ohio, each summer to “It just depends on what work in a canning factory — comes up, and I try to work had been married for 33 years; with them,” she said. Recently they asked Sister Regina to she helped prepare a 14-yearhelp them make arrangements old girl for First Communion to receive the sacrament of and her 9-year-old sister for Matrimony. Sister Regina has both Baptism and First ComStory by Mary Knapke munion. One couple — miSpring 2017

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Si, Señor

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restaurants to bike or walk.

“When I found that out, I thought, ‘Well, if they can’t get there, what would Jesus do?’

That was really my question. And I thought: Go where the people are. Where were the people? In the restaurants. So we have Mass in the restaurant,” she said. For several years, no Spanishspeaking priests were available on Sister Regina sings with other participants at the Cincinnati archdiocese's 2016 farm Mass in Mercer County.

Sundays, so Masses The Mass incorporated some Spanish-language elements so that Hispanic farm workers could more fully participate. Contributed photo were held on weekdays or special occasions such as the feast also helped coordinate parts of and to learn the best ways to of Our Lady of Guadalupe. the region’s annual farm Mass reach out to them. Eventually, Now, Father Juan Gonzaso that migrant workers could she found that simply showlez — originally from Puerto participate. ing up at the restaurants and Rico and living at St. Charles Sometimes her ministry being present and available to Center in Carthagena, Ohio is even more personal. One the workers was the best ap— is able to celebrate Mass on young woman at one of the proach. “I come past the rush the first Sunday of the month restaurants found out that time and get something to eat, at Casa Lupita, the second her father had been killed in and I eat slow. This is when Sunday of the month at Xcaret a car accident back in Mexico.

I do a lot of communication and the third Sunday of the “They called me from the with them,” she said. month at La Carreta. The restaurant and said, ‘Would A native of Auglaize County, Masses are held early in the you please come? We don’t Ohio, Sister Regina returned morning so the people can get know what to do with Isato this area in 2001 after minto work by 9 a.m. A weekly bel.’ She was just broken up,” istering to Hispanic commuSpanish Mass is also held each Sister Regina explained. “I nities in Michigan and Ohio, Sunday at St. Charles in Carcame and I thought the lake and spending over a decade thagena for those who do not would probably be the most in Chile. While working at the work on Sunday. calming place where we could Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Sister Regina’s own love of sit. We went to Grand Lake Relics and Maria Stein Herithe Mass is what continues St. Marys and just sat there. tage Museum, she also began to motivate her, along with She cried for 45 minutes, then her informal outreach to peo“knowing that God loves all we prayed the rosary and we ple working in Mexican respeople and His strength is talked, and she calmed down. taurants and the area. Initially, through the Eucharist. My bigThese are the kinds of things she tried to arrange Spanishgest thing in my own spiritualthat happen.” language Masses in local parity is Eucharist and the Pre It has taken some time for ishes, but she discovered that cious Blood. I want this to flow Sister Regina to build trust many people didn’t have cars; into their lives, too.”  with people in the community, they lived close enough to the 8

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century ago, the neighborhoods east of downtown Dayton were home to a vibrant community of German immigrants, many of whom were devoted Catholics who founded the city’s first parishes. On Xenia Avenue, St. Mary parish was founded in 1859 — and Sisters of the Precious Blood staffed the parish school for 76 years.

The Romanesque Revival church that was built in 1906 is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it still serves as a spiritual home to a vibrant community including immigrants — though today the immigrants do not come from Germany, but from Mexico, Guatemala and many other countries of the Spanish-speaking world.

For many Spanish-speaking Catholics that come to St. Mary’s, Sister Marita Beumer serves as a teacher and spiritual companion as she works to develop the parish’s RCIA process in Spanish and foster lay leadership. In 2012, she began work with the young adults preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.

“There’s a student that, every time he comes home, he has to come and say hi to me. He’s in medical school now. He always has to come back and say, ‘I’m just so appreciative of what I learned with you.’ He says he feels he now has greater motivation in his life to live like Jesus,” Sister Marita said of one of her former students.

“So, you never know who or how you’re touching them.”

Sister Marita described a recent RCIA session in which she was leading a discussion on Baptism. “What does the

Sister Marita Beumer with youth and adults in the RCIA process. They are also part of the Spanish-speaking community in St. Mary's Church, Dayton. Contributed photo

sacrament of Baptism do for you?” she had asked; one man responded, “It’s the beginning of a new way of life — the Christian Catholic way.”

“Just with that, you knew he had internalized the meaning of Baptism,” Sister Marita explained. “When those kernels of truth come out, those are beautiful.”

A native of St. Peter parish near Fort Recovery, Sister Marita taught primary school in Burkettsville and Russia before being a missionary in Chile for 11 years. Building on that experience, she then ministered with farm workers in Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Somerton and San Luis, Arizona, a border town 200 miles southwest of Phoenix. There, she worked to help the Spanish-speaking community “build on their self-dignity and self-respect, and recognize that they are loved and accepted by the Church. And that was really a

struggle,” she said.

She then spent over a decade in California in pastoral parish ministry facilitating community life among the people of different cultures and languages.

She returned to Dayton in 2007 to serve as a Councilor for the Congregation; following her term, she started volunteering at St. Mary’s. Throughout her ministry, she said the Precious Blood charism has been a constant motivator. “My life is a reconciling, living presence wherever I go. So wherever I am, I try to be a reconciling presence. I try to be the living presence of Christ,” she said.

“The idea of reconciliation is very important. And I try to extend that to others so that they can be accepting of one another, respecting the dignity of one another. To me, that’s basic to Precious Blood Spirituality. That we’re all redeemed by the love of God. ...

That motivates me every day of my life, yes. And hopefully Spring 2017

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growth. I marvel that he can speak and write in English at that kind of level without ever formally studying English. And he continues to improve,” Sister Marita said. “His aim is to be a deacon, and in the Spanish-speaking community, that is From left, Sister Marita, Carlos and his wife. Sister Marita is a mentor to him, for the archdiocesan Lay Pastoral Min- a great need. He works istry Program. They are part of the Spanish-speaking comtwo jobs, then studmunity in St. Mary's Church, Dayton. Contributed photo ies on Saturday, and I think, ‘How do you do that motivation extends to the it, Carlos?’” Sister Marita said people I’m with.” she finds mentoring important Sister Marita also acts as a as it helps develop more lay mentor for Carlos, a St. Mary’s leadership within the Church parishioner currently parand within the Spanish-speakticipating in the archdiocese ing community in particular.

Lay Pastoral Ministry Pro In the wake of recent news gram. “It’s just a joy to see his

reports about a woman within the archdiocese who was deported to Mexico, Sister Marita also addressed the question of whether many of the Spanish-speaking St. Mary’s parishioners are in the country legally. “Someone asked me the other day if I work with undocumented people. I said, ‘I have no idea.’ I work with people who have a need,” she said. “I’ve worked with Spanish-speaking people for 30 years, and I’ve never asked them if they’re legal, if they have papers. Sometimes they’ll say it; sometimes by what they say, I can tell. I will support them and help them in their journey, but I’m not going to ask them.” 

tions that have become more urgent for many immigrants, in light of recent changes to immigration policy and an increased focus on deportation.

“It’s a very uncertain time,” said Sister Mary E. (Dolores Marie) Wendeln. “There’s a lot of worry.”

Sister Mary E. ministers to the immigrant community in Cincinnati as a BIAaccredited representative — someone who has the legal authority Sister Mary E. Wendeln reviews immigration papers with to assist immigrants Lakh Rai. Erin Bruemmer photo. with information and ho’s going to take advice on immigration care of my children? law and consular processing.

What’s in the bank Representatives are accredited account? by the Board of Immigration Who am I going to give power Appeals and must be affiliated of attorney to? with an organization recog Those are some of the quesnized by the U.S. Department

of Justice — such as Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, where Sister Mary E. serves as a volunteer in their office of immigration legal services (ILS).

“One of the greatest joys I have is seeing someone get a work permit,” she said, adding that a valid work permit can then lead to gaining a social security card, driver’s license and then perhaps a car.

“It’s the initial step for a lot of people to get papers, while before, they were living in the shadows.”

Catholic Charities’ ILS office helps unauthorized immigrants gain legal status in the U.S., provides deportation defense and assists with visa petitions. They also help refugees and asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking and anyone seeking naturalization.

“The Christian tradition calls us to look at people as our brothers and sisters. People

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Blood in 2014.

Catholic Charities established the ILS office last year, and sets fees on a sliding scale based on clients’ income.

Sister Mary E. said it is possible for individuals to apply for DACA and other authorizations online, but most people prefer to get help from legal Sister Mary E. receives the Cesar Chavez award from Su Casa Hispanic Center for serving the Hispanic community in experts — and immigration attorneys’ greater Cincinnati, May 2012. Contributed photo fees can be out of reach. The ILS office includes miles south of Jerusalem. One Sister Mary E., another BIAsection of Hebron is controlled accredited representative and by the Palestinian Authority; an immigration attorney. Since in the other section of the city, 2012, they have filed approxithe Palestinian majority lives mately 300 initial and renewal under strict controls enforced DACA applications. by the Israeli military. But after “People have to have access working with the Hispanic to the system,” Sister Mary community in the U.S. for E. said. “To me, that’s what more than two decades, Sister being a Precious Blood Sister Mary E. drew many parallels is all about: working with the between her experiences. marginalized, working with “The undocumented are those people outside the gates demonized a lot; Palestinians to get them inside the gates. are also very demonized,” she We all have a right to be in the explained. “They have some system.” There are an estiof the same sort of barriers mated 20,000 unauthorized that our undocumented brothimmigrants in the Cincinnati ers and sisters have,” such as metro area. being restricted in their ability Sister Mary E. has worked to travel and living in mixedwith the Latino and undocustatus families. For that reason, mented communities since she wanted to experience living 1980, when she began miniswith the Palestinians, she said. tering in Somerton, Arizona.

“It’s important to highlight For 15 years, she worked with the plight of our immigrant CASA of Maryland, a Latino brothers and sisters, and the and immigration advocacy only way people’s hearts are organization. changed is to get to know She then took what might people,” Sister Mary E. said. seem an unrelated turn by join- “We have to use that moral ing the Christian Peacemaker imperative that we have as Teams organization in Hebron, women religious. We have a a divided West Bank city 20 lot of power.”  Spring 2017

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are fleeing violence; they are only coming here for a better life. We see people as human beings,” Sister Mary E. said.

“Relationships are more important. I know there’s immigration law, but there’s a higher law — a moral law — and we abide by that.”

Sister Mary E. spends much of her time helping people apply for or renew their DACA designation. The landmark immigration policy — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — was introduced in 2012 and allows some undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors to avoid deportation and obtain a work permit. Sister Mary E. points out that DACA “isn’t really a status”; it is not a permanent legal designation. Rather, it protects people from being deported for two years and is renewable. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, as of December 2016, a total of 1.5 million DACA requests had been approved; 1.1 million of those immigrants came from Mexico. The next largest immigrant group came from El Salvador, with a total of 54,000 approved DACA applications. Over 8,000 of those immigrants with DACA approvals — less than 1 percent — live in Ohio.

Initially, Sister Mary E., a volunteer attorney and one other BIA-accredited representative answered a need and processed DACA cases through the Su Casa Hispanic Center, which assists the Hispanic community in Cincinnati with a broad range of services.

Su Casa presented their Organization of the Year award to the Sisters of the Precious

Cover Story Sister Margo Young reviews medical information with Olivia Olivares at the Lestonnac Free Clinic in San Bernardino, California. Contributed photo

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ixty miles east of downtown Los Angeles, in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, lies the city of San Bernardino, California — just over an hour’s drive from both Hollywood and Disneyland. The city was home to the world’s first McDonald’s and served as a popular stopping point along Route 66, where iconic diners, fruit stands and motels lined the roadway.

It is also the second-poorest city of its size in the country, and 33 percent of its residents live in poverty. In this city of 209,000 people, 60 percent are Hispanic; half speak a language other than English at home. Nearly a quarter of the city’s population does not have health insurance.

The Pew Research Center estimates that 250,000 people in the greater metro area are unauthorized immigrants, ranking it in the top 10 in the nation.

This is where Sister Margo Young serves.

For nearly a decade, she 12

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has worked in advocacy and outreach to the San Bernardino community, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.

Hired as a community physician, she now serves as director of community health for St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino, both part of the Dignity Health hospital system. Sister Margo oversees two health education centers that include maternal-child health, support groups and other programs, as well as community health navigators — people who help connect uninsured individuals with medical services and social service agencies.

But Sister Margo says it is her work at the Lestonnac Free Clinic, across the street from St. Bernardine Medical Center, that “probably saves my soul.” She serves as attending physician there every Monday, tending to San Bernardino’s poor, homeless and undocumented residents.

“People are people, and they deserve to be cared for where

they are,” she said. “There was a woman at the clinic just yesterday who was homeless, and she’s been on my mind all day — just hoping she’s OK.” The woman had arrived late in the day, Sister Margo said, and refused to leave before being seen by a doctor. She had tried going to a different clinic, but she didn’t feel respected there; the staff had treated her differently from all the other patients. “So, we stayed open for her,” Sister Margo said. “If somebody comes in and they need to be seen, I don’t care who they are or where they’re from. People need to know you’re going to treat them with respect.”

One of several Lestonnac free clinics in Southern California, the San Bernardino branch opened in fall 2015, funded in part by a grant from the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

The clinic serves primarily Hispanic clients, Sister Margo said, many of whom are undocumented immigrants. “If we really, truly believe what we say as Christians, we are called to do the same as Jesus.

We are called to advocate for those who don’t have a voice or don’t know how to use their voice. That’s beyond politics,” she said.

The clinic receives no federal or state funding and is not affiliated with a major hospital; its doctors, nurses and specialists all volunteer their time. In 2016, the combined Lestonnac Free Clinic branches treated 8,000 patients in 25,000 visits and provided services in cardiology, oncology, diagnostic imaging, and dental, eye, chiropractic and behavioral health care.

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hile she was living in Dayton and discerning her call to religious life, Sister Bela Mis — who entered the novitiate in January 2016 — learned that Sister Marita Beumer was working with the Hispanic community at St. Mary parish.

“How can I help?” she asked.

It’s a question that seems to guide Sister Bela’s life. At St. Mary’s, she initially helped with the parish youth group, but soon found herself as its leader. She developed relationships with parishioners between the ages of 15 and 21, many of whom were part of Spanish-speaking immigrant families. The youth helped lead the children’s liturgy, held a bake sale to raise money for the Hispanic Festival, discussed various topics each month and went on retreat to Maria Stein. There were nearly 30 young adults in the group.

“I really enjoyed that time there. Every Sunday was something new,” Sister Bela said.

“Not only were the youth affected by the activities that we had, but also their families.”

Since January of this year,

with a medical mission. She graduated from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in 1990 and is the Congregation’s only physician.

“When I came back from Guatemala, I decided I was going to take care of the poor,” she said. “I love being able to walk with people, which makes my world a whole lot bigger — and makes my own concerns a whole lot smaller.” 

Cover Story

“So people are using it, and they’re coming back. It’s a place of hope for people,” Sister Margo said. “Yesterday, I saw 13 patients in four hours.

You have to educate people and establish trust. So you don’t do the 15-minute visit.”

Sister Margo’s work with the Hispanic community builds on her background in education and chaplaincy, as well as 13 years in a “little bitty village” in Guatemala, which she now visits annually

Sister Margo treats patient Olga Zendejas at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. Contributed photo

Sister Bela has volunteered at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland with Sister Mary Ann Mozser; in June, she will begin a threemonth ministry experience at the Precious Sister Bela Mis (center) and participants at a leadership forum for HisBlood Ministry panic youth at the University of Dayton in 2015. Contributed photo of Reconcilianeed to do anything — only be tion in Chicago. there and give a word of hope Throughout her ministry to them. This is a hope that the experiences, Sister Bela said world needs.” she continues to draw inspira Sister Bela graduated from tion from the Precious Blood the Universidad Mariano charism. “During my canoniGálvez de Guatemala with cal year, I thought a lot about a bachelor’s degree in social Precious Blood Spirituality,” work, a field that she says also she said. “Something that gives her inspiration, energy struck me is to see how we and motivation. are united in Christ’s suffer “As a social worker, you can ing, his dying and his resurask how you are able to help. rection. I see this every day, How can you see things in a in people who suffer in body different way? Each person is and in soul. I can help take unique, and you can focus on that weight off, by listening, each person,” she said. “Mayby hearing them and by greetbe I can help them improve ing them. It’s a sign. You can their lives. That gives me hapshow them you see Christ in piness.”  them. ... Sometimes you don’t Spring 2017

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News

Scenes from Salem Heights Nifty Nineties Sisters who are in their 90s were honored during the annual event on April

19. The Sisters shared stories from their ministries and enjoyed a special dessert. Below left, Sister Joyce gives a toast. From left, Sisters Berenice Janzsen, Mary Anne Schiller, Joyce Lehman, Kathleen Kelly, Linda Pleiman and Ann Merkle. Center, Sister Rosemary Laux with her dessert. Right, Sister Ellie shares a story. From left, Sisters Rosalie Kastner, Patty Kremer, Ellie McNally and Bernice Krieg.

Michelle Bodine photos

Egg-cellent Tea Party The Sisters celebrated Easter with games, light snacks and tea.

Below left, from left, Sisters Berenice Janzsen, Ellie McNally, Pat Dieringer, Irene Holz, Lou Ann Roof and Mary Anne Schiller. Center, Activity Director Kim Jaynes explains the rules of a game to the Sisters. Right, from left, Sisters Barbara Jean Backs, Jane Francis Hoffman, Charlene Heidenreich, Eva Roehrich and Rosemary Goubeaux. Michelle Bodine photos

Employee Service Awards

The Sisters of the Precious Blood recognized the employees April 26 at the annual service awards ceremony with a special luncheon at Salem Heights. Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries of service are (bottom row, from left) Sister Noreen Jutte, 20 years; Mary Beth Jutte, five years; Sister Nancy Recker, 10 years; (top row, from left) Linda Hageman, 15 years; Sister Judy Kroeger, five years; Bill Caripides, 10 years; Sister Nancy McMullen, five years. Not pictured, Chuck Carmack, five years. Michelle Bodine photo 14

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n the evening of May 2 Salem Heights hosted the Organizing for Action: Spring 2017 Fellows Capstone Event. The theme for the event was “Climate Change: How Will It Affect Us?” Sister Jeanette Buehler coordinated the evening.

Four presentations wrapped around the topics of climate change’s impact on the economy, on health care and on refugee resettlement, and Ohio State University’s educational efforts toward agricultural needs and ways to increase production. The presentations focused on the effects of the increase of water due to polar cap melting. An often-overlooked effect is the displacement of islanders — some 400 million to 750 million — whose habitats would be inundated. Where will they go? Which countries will wel-

News

Salem Heights hosts discussion on climate change come them?

When asked what could be done now, the panel suggested an awareness of changing weather patterns — the hotter and drier summers, the warmer and wetter winters From left, OFA Fellow Tim Benford; Jeff Paul (Citizens' Climate — and the effect on Lobby) spoke about climate change and economics; Erin McKenzie spoke about climate change and refugees; Dr. Donald food production Nguyen (Doctors for America) spoke about climate change and distribution; and health; Suzanne Mills-Wasniak (OSU) spoke about climate change and agriculture. Josh Clark photo the outbreaks of disease and health on the EPA (Environmental issues related to climate and Protection Agency) and its acthe personnel and money that tions. Contact your legislators, will be needed to combat such; House representatives and and the need for each of us to senators, regarding matters on live in a sustainable manner, that is, buy what you need, use which you want action.

This was a very educational, what you buy, waste little and motivating and enriching replace what you can. event!  In the last minutes, participants were strongly encourStory by Sister Mary Garke aged to keep a watchful eye

In Sympathy Sister Noemí Flores on the death of her mother, Rosa Amelia Arratia, May 28.

Sister Maureen Mangen on the death of her sister-in-law, Julia Mangen, May 28.

Sisters Rita Yahl and Barbara Jean Backs on the death of their brother-in-law, Francis Brown, March 19. He was also a nephew of our deceased Sister Dolorosa Oen. Sister Barbara Ann Hoying on the death of her brother, Norman, May 14.

Sister Carolyn Hoying on the death of her brother-inlaw, Robert Prenger, May 14.

Sister Virgine Elking on the death of her sister, Sister Paulette Elking MMS, May 19.

Remembering Charles Scotch, husband of Ann Marie Holland, formerly Sister Martin Therese.

Elvira Goldschmidt, sisterin-law of our deceased Sister Cecilia Ann Goldschmidt and

cousin of our deceased Sister Cleophas Schumacher.

Martha Melzer DeBonny, formerly Sister Jane Marie.

Patricia Yahn, sister of our former Sister Rose Moira (Mary Kelly).

Dewey Cordial, father of Patty Buehler (Sister Jeanette Buehler's sister-in-law).

Shirley Snapp, formerly Sister Ann Clement Goubeaux.

Carol Ann Muller, formerly Sister Marie Jose.

Spring 2017

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Trip to Franklin Park Conservatory

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ight Sisters visited “Blooms & Butterflies,” a new exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, on March 21. Located in the Pacific Island Water Garden, the exhibit features newly emerged butterflies which are released by staff during educational presentations every day.

The Sisters were able to see both emerging and newly emerged butterflies before entering the garden to watch them be released.

The beautiful and exotic butterflies were from many parts of the world and not indigenous to our area. The Sisters who were wearing bright colors were delighted when some of the butterflies landed on them!

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens. On this trip, the group visited the indoor gardens, which are separated into different regions and ecosystems of the world. The Sisters enjoyed all of the gardens and ate lunch at the Conservatory’s café, which featured some fresh items from its own gardens.

The Sisters also visited the gift shop, the art gallery, and the 16

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Chihuly Collection, a display of blown glass artwork.  Story and photos by Kim Jaynes Clockwise, from right, Sister Mary Ellen Lampe looks through a kaleidoscope at plants; Sisters Nancy Recker, Joan DeChristopher and Pat Will admire the flowers; Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux, Joan DeChristopher, Eva Roehrich and Irene Holz walk through the Palm Room; a piano key butterfly from Central/South America.