Sharing & Caring Spring 2018

Sharing & Caring Volume 28 Number 4 • Spring 2018 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Building Community

From the President’s Desk

Called to building and living community

A

s professed religious, living and building community is an integral part of our life of obedience, chastity and poverty. If we are to live these evangelical counsels faithfully as countercultural witnesses in our society today, we know we need the support of others who have made a lifetime commitment to live those values. That is one reason why living community is so important to us.

Human beings are said to be social animals, and though the building of community is part of our religious life DNA, it does not confine itself just to our commitment to one another. The skills that are part of living community manifest themselves in our ministry as well. It seems that wherever religious minister, the common good, which is a goal of community, is often front and center to the work. Even when it is not so obvious, community is often the skeleton, the network, the scaffold, the unintended consequence that supports a Sister’s ministry efforts.

In this issue of Sharing & Caring, we take a look at which skills are necessary to make a community out of a group of people, including: • Going from “I” to “we” — Many groups are fashioned around accomplishing a task.

Community is formed around the commitment to union with others. In the first, the focus is on getting something done; in 2

Sharing & Caring

the second, the focus is developing a deeper caring for those working on this task. It isn’t about what I can give or do better than others. Rather, it is about how I can empower others while giving my best to the common effort.

• Speaking our truth — Both in forming and living community, speaking comes from a deeper place than the casual conversation of strangers or even acquaintances. It comes from a place of truth and caring. Not everything needs to be — or should be — shared, but each individual in the community needs to speak from that place of truth which fosters union in the group.

When we speak our truth and accept another’s truth, the honesty strengthens the fabric of the union.

• Listening with reverence and respect — When another is speaking from their place of truth, it is important to receive that gift with gratitude. Words that express a person’s truth are gifts, and gratitude is an attitude that helps us recognize the divine in that person. Even when we think someone’s ideas are “off the wall,” we can still hold those ideas reverently as the expression of what the other believes and is willing to share. Both speaking and listening are acts of caring that are essential to the building of community.

• Recognizing where all this

is coming from and going to — As followers of Jesus, building community stretches us beyond the simple human dimension of being and doing with others. We recognize that God created each individual with whom we are living and working, that Jesus lived a life totally focused on doing God’s will and shed his blood to make sure we understood, and that the Holy Spirit was given precisely so that we have the grace to do what must be done. And finally, we demonstrate that building and living community, while never easy, is possible.

In a culture that seems to foster polarization, blame and divisiveness, the challenge of building and living community can seem almost impossible.

When we look around, however, we see the movement of individuals going beyond themselves and banding together to work for the common good. Like the Pentecost event, with the power of the Holy Spirit, a group becomes a community, caring for one another, speaking truth and listening reverently and revealing the reign of God among us. Men and women religious bring the unique skills of building community, skills that we share wherever we live or minister. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

A

t its annual banquet on April 15, the Marion Community Development Organization awarded its 2018 Distinguished Developer Award to the Sisters of the Precious Blood and Maria Stein Shrine.

The nonprofit organization coordinates planned development — including infrastructure, housing, family care, education, small business, recreation and agriculture — within Mercer County, Ohio.

Sisters Barbara Ann Hoying, Nancy Kinross, Mary Ellen Lampe and Ceil Taphorn, as well as Maria Stein Shrine President Don Rosenbeck, attended the luncheon.

In a thank you letter to the MCDO, Sister Joyce Lehman, President of the Congregation, said that the Sisters of the Precious Blood “have spent our 180-plus years here doing what we are called to be and do. We’ve been teachers, farmers, caretakers, spiritual directors, pilgrimage guides and many other things, responding to both spiritual and physi-

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

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

cal needs. … We are grateful that in tending to our mission we have also enhanced the Marion Community.”

Jim Keller, MCDO president and coordinator, said the Precious Blood Sisters “truly have had a dynamic, positive impact on From left, Sisters Mary Ellen Lampe, Ceil Taphorn, Nancy Kinross this area and are and Barbara Ann Hoying, and Jim Keller; Sue Gehret photo. most deserving of the recognition ing people from everywhere we and this community have to come, pray and reflect. given them.” Keller also reIt appears that the arrangecalled some of his own family ment the good Sisters have memories of the Shrine, saycoordinated [with the transfer ing that his mother could, as of the Shrine to a nonprofit a young girl, watch from her corporation] assures us that front yard as Sisters pinned up the Shrine will remain a beatheir habits a bit to go out in con in our presence. This is the fields and shock up wheat. truly my hope and, I firmly While many changes have believe, the hope of our comtaken place at the Shrine munity.”  over the years, Keller said the Shrine “has continued to function as a beacon in Story by Mary Knapke our community, welcom-

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) 274-2707 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

Spring 2018

3

News

Precious Blood community recognized by Marion Community Development Organization

News

Sister Alice Schoettelkotte honored with MJC scholarship in her name

M

aria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has honored Sister Alice Schoettelkotte, a longtime employee and volunteer, with a scholarship program in her name.

Sister Alice (Rose Miriam) has served in various capacities at the Maria Joseph Center for 37 years. The Sister Alice Schoettelkotte Scholarship will provide grants to local high school students, as well as current employees of the Maria Joseph Center.

The scholarship is availFrom left, Nick Anderson and Sisters Alice Schoettelkotte and Joyce Lehman in the chapel at able to seniors at Trotwoodthe Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Michelle Bodine photo.

Madison and Northmont high schools who wish to pursue really important also.” ice’s years of dedication made studies for State Tested Nurse Sister Alice “embodies the naming the scholarship proAide (STNA) certification. MJC compassionate, listening presgram for her a “no-brainer.” employees who wish to gain ence one would hope for in a Originally from Cincinnati, further education in their field caregiver,” said Sister Joyce Sister Alice came to Dayton to and advance professionally Lehman, President of the join the Sisters of the Precious within the organization may Congregation.

“We hope that Blood in 1954. After serving as also apply. Grants will cover the recipients an elementary counselor, juboth tuition of the scholnior high school music teacher and test fees.

'We hope that the arships will and faith formation principal “I’m just so recipients of the progress not in the Cincinnati area, she pleased that only profesreturned to Dayton in 1980 they are doing scholarships will sionally, but to work at the Maria Joseph this scholarprogress not only also in their Center. ship,” Sister commitment She served as admissions Alice said. professionally, but and care for counselor and coordinator “We need also in their commitothers, inand director of spiritual care, good nursing spired by maintaining the facility’s assistants and ment and care for Sister Alice.” chapel, scheduling priests other workers others, inspired by

MJC and ministers for Masses and in our facilSister Alice.' administrator interdenominational worship ity. This gives services, visiting residents, people in the — Sister Joyce Lehman Nick Anderson said he holding Bible studies and doarea where we believes it is ing “whatever is needed for live an opporimportant to invest not only in spiritual care,” she said.  tunity to get additional trainthe center’s facilities, but also ing, and the support this gives its people — and that Sister Al- Story by Mary Knapke to the Maria Joseph Center is 4

Sharing & Caring

T

he Sisters of the Precious Blood were recipients of the United Theological Seminary Distinguished Ministry Award during a ceremony held May 17. Dr. Kent Millard, president of UTS, and James Tharp, chair of the board, presented the award to the Congregation, and Sister Ceil (Ellen Mary) Taphorn thanked them for the award, as well as for the seminary’s ministry of educating faithfilled servants for the church.

United Theological Seminary was founded in 1871 by Milton Wright, the father of the Wright Brothers. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it serves students from many Christian denominations and offers a range of degree programs in ministry and theological studies.

Millard noted that Sister Judy Niday has been a direc-

tor in the UTS spiritual formation program for more than six years. Sister Marita Beumer serves as a board member.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were From left, Sisters Mary Garke and Marita Beumer, Rev. Marla Sisters Mary Brown (second vice chair of the board of directors of UTS), Dr. Kent Millard (president of UTS) and Sisters Judy Niday, Ceil Garke and Joan Taphorn and Joan DeChristopher; contributed photo.

DeChristopher, who represented ed a grant from the CPPS HeriSalem Heights. Over the years, tage Mission Fund for virtual the Sisters have collaborated classroom technology, which with UTS so that the YMCA allows students to connect can provide a swimming with faculty and other stuprogram for area children, dents around the world. The and students and staff have Sisters have always had a corhousing at Salem Heights. Just dial relationship with United recently, the Sisters helped Theological Seminary, espewith a land transfer which was cially now that their campus mutually beneficial for both is our neighbor on Denlinger the Sisters and the seminary.

Road.  This spring, UTS was award-

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

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating summer birthdays.

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

9 10 13 13 21 24 26 30 31

AUGUST

Noreen Jutte Jeannine Kloeker Edna Hess Margo Young Jeanette Buehler Judy Kroeger Bernice Krieg Ann Clark Joyce Kahle

Spring 2018

5

News

United Theological Seminary honors CPPS

Peace & Justice

Peace is attainable — Just ask the birds

A

t a recent gathering of tens of thousands of people in northwest Ohio, I felt utter peace. Elements of the physical setting weren’t necessarily conducive to this state of mind — hundreds of people confined to a small space, standing on one’s feet for hours on end, limited restroom facilities, cold temperatures, rain and wind — but nonetheless, people experienced camaraderie, wonderment and tranquility.

The Biggest Week in American Birding festival draws 60,000 people to some of the best spring birding that North America has to offer. Over a 10-day period, bird-watchers from all over the world come to this hot spot to view feathered migrants, especially neotropical wood warblers. These very colorful, tiny birds, weighing no more than a few paper clips, travel from wintering grounds in South and Central America to their breeding grounds in the boreal forests of Canada.

The best area to view these birds is on a boardwalk that runs through a 13-acre woodlot on the shore of Lake Erie, east of Toledo. People who are crammed on the boardwalk manage to brush past each other quietly, inching their way down the one-mile tract, without an irritated glance or an unkind word spoken. Though the birders are intent on adding birds to their “life checklist” or seeing the more than 30 species of warblers and the other birds that come to Ohio 6

Sharing & Caring

each year, a spirit of helpfulness and respect pervades the boardwalk among this community of like-minded people.

“I can’t find the bird” one woman uttered aloud, as she scoured the greenery through her binoculars. A man next to her interrupted his viewing of the flame-orange-throated Blackburnian Warbler to painstakingly describe the location of the single branch, among more than a dozen trees, that the little bird was hopping around on.

At another juncture, a seemingly impossible parting of the crowd occurred when Bob, a man who is a fixture on the boardwalk each year, inched his way through the assembly on his motored scooter. Instead of annoyance, there were handshakes, greetings and love for the man who spends time helping novices identify the birds.

On one day when the cold and the winds drove the birds down from the high treetops to forage for insects at eye level, audible expressions of joy and awe were proclaimed en masse. The energy of the people was positive, focused and uplifting.

The phenomenon of bird migration in this area is a means for a different but remarkable ecological, humanitarian and spiritual experience for thousands of people each year.

It demonstrates how a temporary but peaceful community of people can be formed through the power of attitude, common goals and respect.

I contrasted this occurrence in Ohio to my experience of being in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem years ago. Though the subject that people were focusing on was different in these two places, the elements of large crowds and limited facilities also existed in the church — minus the cold and the rain, of course. But the outcome? Well, it was less than peaceful.

In the church, our group climbed the steps to Calvary, waiting for our chance to view the apex of the Rock of Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.

Other pilgrims pressed against us and pushed us with no apology. The Greek Orthodox priests, swinging thuribles, tried to process around the chapel that was packed with standing pilgrims. They shoved and shouted at people to get out of the way.

There were no smiles, there was no friendliness, no interStory and photo by Colleen Kammer, coordinator of peace, justice and ecology

peace and to build community starts by connecting with the peace inside of us — with God. When we do this, then our behaviors more easily fall in line with what Christ expects of us.

Peacemaking involves learning the skills of nonviolent communication and conflict resolution. It calls us to take time with one another and to be attentive to others’ needs — to build relationships. And of course, it always involves forgiveness.

In any situation we find ourselves in, we know that there are opportunities to build

peace. It is our choice whether to engage in this work of the Kingdom or not.

The bird-watchers pump $30 million a year into Northwest Ohio’s economy. Though that is quite impressive and important, their real impact and achievement is the sharing and caring they exhibit toward one another and their reverence and connection with God’s creatures. I’m convinced that the birders leave the festival better, more patient and peaceful people, who then spread some of this goodness to others at home. And, I think the birds would agree with me. 

Sisters achieve Laudato Si recognition in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

T

he Sisters of the Precious Blood are part of the inaugural group of Laudato Si community recipients in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The CPPS Congregation is among 12 other parishes, congregations and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and to engaging community

members in creation care education.

The Congregation has made a number of recent changes in its practices and operations in order to reduce impact on the earth, including the installation of a geothermal energy system at the administrative offices and solar panels on three buildings. 

Clockwise from top right, solar panels on the Farm House garage; geothermal installation at the CPPS Administration Offices; solar panels on the Orchard House; Michelle Bodine photos.

Spring 2018

7

Peace & Justice / News

est of people in helping their fellow Christians achieve a peaceful moment at such a sacred site. I felt sad that the place where Christ spilled his blood for us did not engender more respect and compassion from people that day.

The tension that I felt in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is indicative of the tensions that occur in the holy city of Jerusalem every day. Though my time in the Holy Land was truly wonderful overall, I often think of that day on Calvary and wonder if peace ever settles there.

Our ability to be agents of

Cover Story

Compassion.

Fostering a sense of community through “Those who believe are never alone … faith tends to spread, as it invites others to share in its joy,” Pope Francis writes in Lumen Fidei, his first encyclical. “Those who receive faith discover that their horizons expand as new and enriching relationships come to life.”

Sister Martha Bertke: Building community through art

A

bstract paintings in bright colors. Beaded necklaces and earrings.

Striking photographs of scenes from nature. Pottery, wooden bowls, copper mugs, intricate beadwork and hand-blown glass. The artwork varies in form and style, but each piece represents the singular vision of the artist who created it. At Artistry Under the Dome, an annual juried art exhibit held at St. Charles Senior Living Community, the work also represents a community of artists who all reside in or hail from Mercer and Auglaize counties.

Thirty-four artists participated in this year’s exhibit, held April 6-8. While new artists join every year, many have been part of the show since it began in 2013. “They say it’s like family; once a year, they’re back together again,” said Sister Martha Bertke, who founded the event and continues to serve on the organizing 8

Sharing & Caring

committee.

For some, Sister Martha said, the work takes on deep spiritual significance. “As I work with some of the artists, they talk about experiencing God as they do that artwork. There’s a lot of beauty in our world. To be able to take that and put it on a canvas or to create something out of clay — there’s a real spiritual dimension to that.”

Sister Martha first began visiting art museums in the 1980s while serving in education and pastoral ministry; over the years, she became more and more interested in art and using art events to help create a sense of community in the northern part of the Cincinnati archdiocese.

The Lake Area Arts Group provides another avenue for that effort. Meetings are held every other month; workshops feature “Meet the Artist” gatherings on Friday evenings, with an instructional

Sister Martha at Artistry Under the Dome; contributed photo.

seminar the next day. For all the group’s events, the aim is to encourage camaraderie, promote art appreciation, and provide inspiration and opportunities for artists to continue to learn and develop. Selected artwork by group members is on display at libraries throughout Mercer County, as well as the city building in Celina.  Story by Mary Knapke

Precious Blood Spirituality Much of the work carried out by Sisters of the Precious Blood is built on forming new and enriching relationships. Ecology, interfaith dialogue, parish ministry or professional counseling — any setting can provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to guide us in building relationships with others.

Sister Jeanette Buehler: What does it mean to build community?

A

mong her many social justice activities, Sister Jeanette Buehler coordinates prayer vigils at sites where homicides have occurred in the Dayton area. She is also part of the planning committee for the Women’s Interfaith Discussion group, in which “women of different religious groups come together in an informal, interactive session to break down barriers, learn about and understand each other, foster good relations and strengthen community ties.” She shared her thoughts about building community.

As I began to think about building community, I thought, “I don’t know if we build community at all when we do these projects.” That, in turn, caused me to rethink what my concept of community is. I got to thinking about that whole sense of “communion” — of being with others in some form of unity. What does it mean to build community? It’s a binding of heart

and soul in terms of something that is meaningful and important to you.

I’ve never identified some of our events and activities as a community in itself, but what is happening is that kind of thing.

We come together Above, Sister Jeanette; contributed photo. On the cover, Organizers of the Women's Interfaith Discussion - (clockwise for homicide vigfrom left) Sister Jeanette, Bushra Shahid and Phyllis Pavlofils, and one of the sky Allen; Michelle Bodine photo. prayers we use says that we will have the courage to stand week after with the other two women. week if necessary to witness to We’ve been averaging almost nonviolence. Yes, that is com80 women at our events now munity. the last couple of months.

In the Women’s Interfaith Many of them keep coming Discussion, I am on the planback, and other women come ning committee with Bushra for the first time, and that is Shahid from Dayton’s Fazla community — a desire to i-Umar Mosque and Phyllis know and understand one Allen from Beth Jacob Congreanother. To respect our differgation. The sharing that the ences, but also to discover the three of us do in the planning commonalities. It’s that desire is always so enlightening. I to build a better world that relearn so much just by being ally brings us together.  Spring 2018

9

Cover Story

Trust. Friendship.

Cover Story

Sister Joanne Belloli: The key is compassion

P

rofessionally, I facilitate three groups in a week.

The initial commonality is that the members of each group have a substance abuse issue that led them into treatment. Recently I asked one of the groups to identify words that describe community to them. Those identified were:

• forgiveness • safety • communication • working together • unity • sharing • camaraderie • church/religion • trust • loyalty • friendship

Overlaying all these words is bonding. I began to ask myself how I facilitate community among various groups.

The initial words that came to me were:

• respect • assisting • supporting

• encouraging • listening • challenging This group was time-specific. As members become comfortable within themselves and begin to trust the treatment process, they begin and Sister Joanne with a client in Howell, Michigan; contributed continue to interact photo. with one another, problems, it is, and has been, a supporting one another in delight to observe the commutheir recovery process and nity building that occurs over with the issues that affect their a longer period of time. lives on a daily basis — unem Precious Blood Spirituality ployment, employment, physiis evidenced as healing occurs cal health concerns, probation/ in the lives of the men and parole requirements, famwomen who come to respect ily relationships. They share themselves, forgive themselves their personal life transitions, and build a sense of communihopes, dreams, maintaining ty — evidenced in the interacsober living. My efforts are to tions with one another and in let their process of life evolve. their explanation of improved My role becomes providing relationships and self-respect. topics for discussion.

Compassion is a defining role In working with a group of in my interactions. I am grateprofessional men who are in ful to observe the healing, a three-, five- or seven-year forgiveness and reconciliation monitoring program given their history of substance use that occurs. 

Sister Terry Maher: Community — the Art of

T

here once were two monks who had lived together many years.

One day, the younger of the two realized that he and the older monk had never had an argument. So, one morning at breakfast, the younger said to the older, “In all the years we have lived together, we have never had an argument. I think 10

Sharing & Caring

we ought to have one.” The older monk replied, “Why?” To which the younger replied, “I just find it odd that we have never had an argument. I think we ought to try.” The older one replied, “OK, let us try.” The younger monk then grabbed a piece of bread, saying, “This piece of bread is mine.” The older monk replied, “Okay.”

Those of us who have lived in community may have chuckled at the above scenario.

However, in reality, was the older monk the wiser one by keeping peace in the house?

Was the younger monk perhaps exploring the possibility of deepening a relationship with the older monk so their community life together could

Sister Donna Liette: Practicing radical hospitality

C

ommunity is a safe place where all are welcome and respected despite differences. In our culture of individualism, community is unfathomable but possible. At Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) we strive to restore a community affected by violence, generational poverty and racial division. As a Restorative Justice Hub, we offer a safe place where peoples of diverse backgrounds can come together in circle and share their brokenness and their differences, and be heard and respected.

Monthly, women gather who have lost their children/ loved ones to gun violence and/or incarceration. They first gather at the table for food and laughter then into our sacred space to sit in circle and share their struggles, their fears and their reflections on life “in the hood” — suddenly they do not feel the isolation, the shame that they had experienced during the week. They feel a connection, a healing, a

transformation, a safe community.

Here as they say, “we are not judged as unworthy women.”

They struggle together, not against one another — victim and offender, black, Sister Donna in Chicago during the march to remember the 762 lives white and lost to gun violence in 2016; Father Denny Kinderman photo.

Hispanic, comforting and embracing one another. baggy pants and dreadlocks, All human emotions are welthe bisexual…) is brought come in the circle and are held close through the practice and as sacred. living of our Precious Blood To us, this is Precious Blood Spirituality.

Spirituality where radical One of our recent projects hospitality is offered to each is the creating of peace poles person who enters our doors. within the community because Each one is invited into our as people come together desacred space and honored as signing, building and painting redeemed and bought at a the poles, they connect, they great price. Anyone who feels lay aside differences and share far off (the returning citizen stories while producing a symfrom incarceration, the alcobol of hope for a nonviolent holic mother, the youth with community! 

Possibilities be more meaningful? Was the older monk not able to respond to the younger monk because of age difference, perhaps fearful to reveal some part of himself to the younger monk? Perhaps the younger monk came from a different culture and arguing was a way of learning about another.

How we live community

reflects well who we are. Are we open to new ideas, new members, new cultures, new hopes and new dreams? In community we may search for the ideal and then the reality of rubbing elbows can awaken us to who we can become if we can engage another with dignity, respect and hope — keeping God at the center of all we are about. 

Sister Terry at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in 2018; contributed photo.

Spring 2018

11

Cover Story

Cover Story

Sister Mary Garascia: A sense of mission is the starting point

E

kklesia and koinonia are Greek biblical words that are at the heart of what community means.

Ekklesia, from which we derive the word “church,” in Greek civil society meant a group gathered together for a purpose. In the New Testament, Paul began using ekklesia to designate that Spirit-animated group of witnesses to the good news and co-workers in the Kingdom. Koinonia or “community” is the bondedness or unity that comes from participating together in this mission and from experiencing that unity in a sacred meal (Acts 2:42-47). For me, these words sum up what I experienced as I built community among the folks whom I have served.

It has seemed to me that the sense of mission is the starting point; human persons are purposeful! From a sense of mission, unity of persons develops. In Dayton in the ’90s, men and women religious at the grassroots level were passionate about social justice, but there was no real focus or mission. I and a Sister of Charity convened a representative group. A specific need in a specific place was identified, a strong sense of a mission developed, and about eight congregations contributed annual funding for the Founders Family Center.

In the ’80s in my Denver parish, a group of families from the family faith formation program couldn’t get their schedules to match ours. So I 12

Sharing & Caring

suggested they meet in one another’s homes.

Each week several parents taught the children while the other adults did their own faith formation, Sister Mary (second from left, standing) with the Social Concerns Committee; contributed photo. using a small faith community model. Such strong would like to display things bonds developed from their they owned that reflected their mission of teaching their own African heritage. I set up two children that those parents display tables, and then I had continued meeting long after to set up more tables, and even they became empty nesters. more! That action, that little Sometimes there is a need mission they did together, first to build a sense of unity revealed to the residents their and trust. In Redlands, Calicommon unity, and after that fornia, I started by listening the house began to hum. to the hurts in a merged par At the Michigan parish I led, ish, which was in a state of people had drifted into pro rage and grief. But I also gave forma parish membership. The a clear call to reconciliation place was dead. The simple and specified behaviors and solution was to begin a social practices that made reconciliacommittee that invited peotion more likely. For example, ple to play together. Euchre staff members agreed to settle nights, garden tours, rummage any differences between them sales, picnics and pig roasts, by constructive conversation and “Guess Who’s Coming to within 48 hours.

Dinner” changed the spirit of When Hoover Place senior the parish by helping people community in Dayton opened cross lines and get to know in the late ’90s, I found many one another. By the time I left, divisions among the resithe parish had adopted a misdents. It mattered what part sion outreach to a youth shelof the South you hailed from, ter and had helped establish what sorority you belonged the village farmers market. to, which African-American So there is no one starting church you attended. That Febpoint to building community, ruary, Black History Month, I asked the residents if they — continued on Page 13

I

see community as a working and living body of life and connectedness. I have been given a gift of building an “eco-spirituality” community here in Michigan. It all started with my family background from southern Poland, a land not too far from where Maria Anna Brunner lived.

My great-grandmother hunted mushrooms in the Polish Alps in what was termed “Austria” before World War I. She taught my dad in Genesee County, Michigan, and then he taught me as a little girl, and later much more after I moved back to Michigan to teach at Central Michigan University. I am now active with many individuals and clubs at the local, state and national levels.

This has been “unplanned,” more like taking advantage of opportunities when they arise — certainly the work of the Holy Spirit. After being networked with the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) through my dad, I joined the NAMA affiliate club in Michigan. After my retirement from CMU, I started leading forays and educational activities, which eventually

meant networking with many people.

I now work with our Isabella County Parks, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, Michigan Nature Association, Audubon local Sister Marie (far right) with members of the Michigan Mushroom Huntclub, Comers Club; contributed photo. mission on Aging, and Mount Pleasant ence in California. I work to city parks. Sometimes I add lead others to network and local garden clubs, state parks work together, forming comand other groups such as our munities with these groups by tribal-based Gathering Society assuming leadership roles in and our Great Lakes StewardNAMA, our Michigan Mushship conference. I’ve also done room Hunters Club and Delta intercommunity work with Kappa Gamma, an internathe Sisters of Mary Reparatrix tional teachers’ association. at their Full Circle EcoHouse It seems like the Holy Spirit of Prayer in Port Huron, and has kept offering me these with the Grand Rapids Doopportunities. How can I turn minican Sisters “brain trainthem down? They build all ing” program. I’ve taught kinds of new relationships about curriculum for fungi which keep spreading, just as at an international teachers’ the mycelium of fungi interact conference in Windsor, Onand spread and nourish all tario, and presented basics at living things — just as is done the Franciscan-based Sisters with the Precious Blood of of Earth (SOE) 2016 conferJesus. 

— continued from Page 12

but there is always something physical about community.

People have to spend time together, touch each other, hear each other’s voices, struggle together, laugh together and eat together. Community is not mental! Ekklesia and koinonia,

mission and the bonded love unity that flows from mission, entail opening our souls to one another. When the social concerns committee I chair meets, we always begin with faith sharing; then we get down to business. And it’s a great night

when one of the members brings warm banana bread!

When you think about it, Eucharist is about all this — being gathered for a mission, being united with others and the Lord in doing it, and eating! It’s really pretty simple, isn’t it?  Spring 2018

13

Cover Story

Sister Marie Kopin: Building community through eco-spirituality

Cover Story

Sister Maria Luisa Miller: Building community through Precious Blood Spirituality in Chile

C

ommunity implies sharing, loving, taking others into one’s heart and daily living, overlooking the difficulties that are part of life, and searching to enrich the lives of others through communion, dialogue, fidelity and forgiveness.

Our experiences as Sisters in Chile have led us to share in many lives in our pastoral ministries.

Many communities have been formed, and we would like to share with you some of these beautiful people who have entered into our lives, but first into the life of JESUS. During our 60-plus years in Chile we have “built communities” in many parishes and pastoral areas.

From the city to country areas, large and small parishes, the archdiocesan offices, the Conference of Religious, various schools (which includes the “first love” of many Sisters upon arriving in Chile) and St. Gaspar College of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. We are told that the Sisters made a marked impression upon the parents and students in St. Gaspar College. Even until today, we continue with contacts with the school through the Family of the Blood of Christ of Chile.

We participate with the three congregations of the Precious Blood in Chile in deepening our Precious Blood Spirituality with the laity. Every two years we have a Precious Blood seminar to share 14

Sharing & Caring

Sisters Rita (far left, standing) and Maria Luisa (at table, standing) with facilitators for circles in Circle Training. They are laity and members of the three congregations. Contributed photo

formation in Precious Blood Spirituality, the last being in 2017, sharing the community experiences of many of the groups formed in the spirituality in Chile. Did you know that Precious Blood Spirituality began in Rome in the 1800s, with laity?

Our next seminar will be in January 2019, “The Spirituality of the Blood of Christ in Defending Life and Creation.”

This seminar will be based on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. With the Spirit of God guiding us, we have participated for years in forming communities who share with each other their lives and challenges, pains and joys. Among these past two years of pastoral activities, Sister Edna Hess is coordinating the community activities with the many Haitian people who have come

into Chile and some in our parish. Sister Maria Luisa Miller accompanies the area of catechists and preparation for the sacraments.

Sister Noemi Flores coordinates the Precious Blood groups in the parish and communion ministers. Sister Rita Manríquez-Silva began the coordinating team for fraternal help to the needy, among whom are many of the Haitian people. She also accompanies the youth group in the parish.

Today we are in Our Lady of the Precious Blood Parish with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. We endeavor to share quite a bit with the Fathers in the pastoral areas and accompanying the Precious Blood community in the parish. May this Saving Precious Blood enrich and bring new life to many people. 

S

isters of the Precious Blood attended the Legacy Fund donors Mass of Thanksgiving at Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics on April 12. The Legacy Fund was established in 2016 to help support and continue the ministries at the Shrine. Sister Joyce Lehman, president of the Congregation, has called the fund “the hope of the future.” 

Left, 26 Precious Blood Sisters; right, Sister Nancy Wolf with Tom and Betty Leininger, their daughter Kathryn and her husband Craig Kennedy, and children Ian and Whitney Kennedy; Diana Russell photos.

Employee Service Awards

T

he Sisters of the Precious Blood recognized employees April 5 at the annual service awards ceremony with a special luncheon at Salem Heights. Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries of service are (from left) Sister Deb Huss, receptionist, five years; Shereé Neumann, benefits specialist, 20 years; Sister Ritamary Bulach, receptionist, five years; Tammie Wortham, housekeeping, 15 years; Sister Gerri McGeorge, bookkeeper, 15 years. Michelle Bodine photo 

In Sympathy Sister Rosalie Kastner on the death of her sister, Lucille Fischer, on March 21.

Sister Barbara Jean Backs on the death of her sister, Ruth Brown, on March 26.

Sister Ceil Taphorn on the death of her brother, Andy Taphorn, on April 3.

Sister Judy Niday on the

death of her brother, David, on April 27 in Baltimore.

Sister Dolores Keller on the death of her brother-in-law, Walter, on May 11.

Remembering Paul Lenhart, husband of our former Sister Janet

Weiging, on May 4.

Marjorie Fahey Harris, former Sister Jostella, on May 6.

The remains of Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin were inurned in the Salem Heights cemetery on May 10. Sister donated her body to science and her funeral was held, without the body, shortly after her death.

Spring 2018

15

News

Legacy Donor Mass held at Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School brings Easter baskets to the Sisters

S

tudents and staff from Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Liberty Township, Ohio, visited with Precious Blood Sisters at Salem Heights on April 9.

They brightened an unusually cold spring day with warm Easter blessings.  Clockwise from top left, Sister Rosemary Laux with Joseph derBoghossian, a first grader; Sister Ruth Ann Meyer with Colin McManiman, a kindergartner; Carter Enslein (standing), a 6th grader, is with Avinne Kiser, an MTCES parent and founder and moderator of the Random Acts of Kindness Club at MTCES. Contributed photos

16

Sharing & Caring