Sharing & Caring Spring 2021

Sharing & Caring Volume 31 Number 4 • Spring 2021 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Our history at

Kneipp Springs

From the President’s Desk

Dear friends and family,

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e are at a new stage in overcoming COVID-19. Many people have been vaccinated, and many restrictions have been lifted. Yet we must continue to be careful, as it is still present in our world. How appropriate that at this time we look back to one of our ministries as Sisters of the Precious Blood — a ministry in which we attended to people who were sick, who were looking for an integral solution for their health problems.

In the central article of this edition, you will read about our 75 years of ministry at Kneipp Springs, Indiana. As I read the article by our archivist, Sarah Aisenbrey, memories came back of my time at Kneipp Springs. As a Fatima Hall girl — a student at the Congregation’s aspirancy high school in Dayton — in the early 1960s I spent time, over three summers, helping the Sisters who were working there. I assisted the Sister who was hostess of the dining room; I removed the tea cups the people drank before their meals; I helped roll out pie dough; I picked apples.

The “Kneipp Cure” developed by Dr. Sebastian Kneipp sought to cure or prevent illness by bringing together mind, body and spirit. It reminded me of the term “holistic” which is used today. When talking about a holistic approach, the overall health of a patient is considered, including their physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being.

What joy to think that Sister Margaret Schlachter (the first superior of Kneipp Springs) 2

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and Mother Ludovica Scharf (Mother General at the time) recognized already in the early 1900s the importance of treating the whole person. Over the years we have had Sisters who participated in health care in a variety of roles — physician, nurses, nursing assistants, mental health therapists. Many have carried out their ministry in professional roles and maintained longtime careers, while others have had informal roles as caregivers to family members or to their fellow Sisters.

Either way, I am sure the health ministry carried out by each Sister was a holistic one, in which body, mind and soul were all cared for.

Jesus himself recognized that healing was not only physical.

The Gospel of Luke 5:17-26 recounts the story of the day Jesus was teaching when some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. When Jesus’ first response is to forgive the man’s sins, the scribes and Pharisees in attendance are astonished. “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies?” they ask. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus responds, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?” Then, so that the scribes and Pharisees may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he tells the paralyzed man to stand up, take his bed and go home.

Jesus knew that the man’s paralysis was not only physical. Jesus’ first act was spiritual healing; then, he also healed him physically. For those who

witnessed this occurrence, the Scripture tells us that “amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe.”

Indeed we all can continue to be filled with awe if we remember to recognize and appreciate that through our flaws, our imperfections and our sin, we are blessed with the amazing gift of humanity: a mind to think and a heart to feel; our physical selves to use as we move through life; and souls that we can develop through prayer and fellowship to become ever closer to God. Just as with the paralyzed man, so it is for all of us. We need to attend to our whole person — not just our physical health, but also our psychological, social and spiritual health.

To be holy is to attend to each of these aspects in our lives. 

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Vocations

More than a career

I

'm inspired by the young people I meet today in my role as vocation ministry coordinator. As they look toward the future, they are seeking out a career that appeals to them — but beyond that, they are also going deeper and discerning their vocation. In other words, they are seeking ways to use their talents and interests for the glory of God, whether or not they work in a religious setting.

One of the misconceptions about religious life that I often correct is that all non-contemplative Sisters are teachers or nurses. Some young women I talk to are interested in religious life but aren’t familiar with modern sisterhood. They are usually excited to find out that women committing themselves to God can serve Him and His people in a variety of careers.

Sisters can pursue careers in education, law, medicine, parish ministry, social work and more.

However, in the context of religious life, these paths are much more than just careers — they are ministries. Recently, I have spoken with a woman who is interested in ecology;

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.

Sister Joanne Belloli works as a mental health/substance abuse therapist in Howell, Michigan; Rich Kalonick photo.

another in finance; and another in veterinary medicine.

All are intrigued by Precious Blood spirituality, which calls consecrated women to be a life-giving, reconciling presence and to serve wherever and however they are needed.

This spiritualty speaks to each individual and beckons her to a ministry where her gifts and others’ needs align.

I think women are also excited to find out that religious Sisters acknowledge the im-

portance of work in the secular world. Ministry within the church, as catechists, chaplains, musicians and pastoral ministers, is an important and vital part of religious life; Sisters can also bring the light of Christ into the world, regardless of their profession.

Accountant, artist, chemist, engineer — anything is possible, and any path can be pursued for the glory of God.  Story by Jenna Legg

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

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PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Contributing writers: Jenna Legg, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist

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News

Salem Heights Sisters “go” on retreat via Zoom

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ur Sisters at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, attended a retreat in March titled “Hanging onto Hope in our Beautiful Yet Imperfect World.” The presenter was Sister Melannie Svoboda, SND, a Sister of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, for over 50 years.

Sister Melannie is a nationally renowned writer and retreat director. I first learned about her from one of our Sisters who said to me one day that I might like to try to get her for a retreat. I also read her reflections that are often in Living With Christ, which is a booklet with daily Scripture readings and reflections. I scheduled her three years ago, never realizing that this would be such an unusual year with the pandemic. We had hopes that just maybe we could do it in person, but it didn’t work, so we went with Zoom.

I knew that some of the Sisters here were not eager to

Sisters participated in the Zoom retreat in Grace Hall at Salem Heights; Sarah Aisenbrey photo.

joined us — from Chile, Denver, Michigan and others from Ohio.

Another advantage was that we could see Sister Melan'After listening to Sister Melannie nie’s facial expressions so in the retreat, I came away with well. Also, one the belief that hope has life and Sister who has breath, especially in this past year a difficult time hearing said, of pandemic.'

“I could hear — Sister Nancy Wolf every word, and it was the participate in a retreat over best retreat I ever had.” EvZoom, but it was a blessing eryone loved the retreat, even that we did not anticipate. By those who were skeptical of using Zoom, we were able to using Zoom. invite the Sisters that do not After listening to Sister reside at Salem Heights and Melannie in the retreat, I came so we had many others who away with the belief that hope 4

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has life and breath, especially in this past year of pandemic.

Hope has walked with us each day into the unknown and uncharted future we faced. Sister Melannie’s words, stories, videos and visuals helped each of us to find the beauty in creation, the love in friendships, the time of letting go as we age, the apron of service and messiness of life, the time to be playful and enjoy leisure and also to meet our God in the still quiet moments of retreat plus much more.

May the God of all creation who made us in His image continue to bless all of our Sisters.

Story by Sister Nancy Wolf

News

Retreatant’s view: Sister Genevieve Volk

W

hen Sister Nancy told us that Sister Melannie was unable to be with us in person but would give her presentations via Zoom, I was disappointed. But after her first talk, my misgiving and doubt vanished. Actually, I found that making a retreat with Zoom had some advantages. We were all able to see the speaker because the screen was elevated. And the volume was easily regulated so everyone could hear well. Sister Melannie herself was so personable, her manner so warm and inviting, it felt like she was present in the room and speaking only to you.

I also liked Sister Melannie’s use of music, art, poetry and story. Almost every session started with music, usually a choral group. The song introduced the content of her talk.

She managed to weave music, art and poetry in her talks throughout the retreat.

I appreciated each day’s subject, but what touched my mind and heart the most and has remained in my consciousness is the following quote about prayer: “Prayer is being with someone I love and who loves me.” Immediately I thought of our Centering Prayer Group. This is what we open ourselves to when we gather for Centering Prayer, a more contemplative prayer, a prayer without words or images but simply being in God’s presence. Being in the presence of the God who loves me. No words necessary. Just enjoying God and God enjoying me. Yes, in prayer, as in any relationship, there is a time to talk, there is a time to listen and there is a time to just

Sister Genevieve in 2008; Pat Morrison photo. Photo below by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal.

BE with. “Prayer is being with someone I love and who loves me.”

How grateful I am to God for bringing Sister Melannie with her gifts and joyful spirit into our lives here at Salem Heights.

Time to reflect

S

ister Melannie opened the retreat with a discussion on nature. You are invited to take a few moments to consider these questions and thoughts presented at the retreat: Why is it so important to love and respect creation?

How did you first get acquainted with nature?

How do we show reverence for creation?

On the day of Judgment, God will ask only one question: “Did you enjoy my world?”

—Traditional Jewish saying For further inspiration, you may wish to visit the Hubble Space Telescope website at https://hubblesite.org.  Spring 2021

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Palettes of Prayer

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.

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ver the past decade, “paint-and-sip” studios have become popular across the country — participants spend an evening with friends, learning how to paint while perhaps also enjoying a glass of wine, and go home with an original work of art. For Sister Judy Niday, an evening at a local paint-andsip studio was the beginning of a longtime interest in painting that continues to grow and evolve.

Sister Judy first visited a studio in 2014, on an evening out with co-workers from Siena Woods, a nursing care facility in Dayton where Sister Judy served as chaplain for 11 years.

“I’ve been dabbling in it ever since,” she said.

Not long after that first paint-and-sip visit, Sinclair Community College began offering painting classes at Siena Woods. While her first foray into painting had utilized acrylic paint, the Sinclair classes used watercolors, providing a somewhat different experience.

Regardless of the medium, Sister Judy embraces different types of artwork with enthusiasm. “I’m a person who loves to learn new things. Whether or not I’m good at it doesn’t make any difference,” she Story by Mary Knapke 6

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said. “I’m a lifelong learner; there’s nothing that I won’t at least put my hand in.”

In addition to acrylic and watercolor, she’s worked with pastel oil; painting on aluminum foil; ceramics; crochet; and embroidery. Using a current work-in-progress painting as an example, she explained how she layers colors or alters lines to transform mistakes or small imperfections — or changes shading to bring about a different feel. “I like learning the different skills and techniques, using different brushes, different strokes,” she said.

While most local art classes were suspended through the pandemic, Sister Judy has enjoyed gathering with friends to resume her interest as the world begins to open up again. She and Sister Mary Garascia currently take a painting class at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center; Sister Judy was also looking forward to learning diamond art (a type of jeweled mosaic) in an upcoming gathering with other residents of her apartment building.

“It’s something you can do with other people but still wear your masks and stay socially distanced,” she said. And while working on art projects allows her to get together with others, she said she also enjoys the activity as a meditative practice.

“The process of art takes me out of myself and allows the creativity to flow and free me from the rigidity that I probably place on myself. It gives me peace; I find myself not thinking about anything ‘out there,’” she said. “My focus is on the piece in front of me, which reminds me that my focus is on God. So God is with me when I am doing this. Especially if you’re painting a nature scene — that’s where I find peace.”  Page 6, top, Sister Judy participates in Pinot's Palette in 2014; remaining photos, Sister Judy and some of her paintings; contributed photos. Sister Judy explained that the watercolor of the windmill in the field (Page 7, top) was created with only three colors of paint.

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Palettes of Prayer

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.

Cover Story

Kneipp Springs F

Wellness in the Water

rom 1901 to 1976, the Sisters of the Precious Blood owned and operated Kneipp Springs, a health resort and spa with natural mineral springs outside of Rome City, Indiana, about 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne. Kneipp Springs, called Kneipp Sanatorium, Kneipp Sanitarium, and Kneipp Springs Health Spa throughout its history, was a destination for those seeking the “Kneipp Cure.” Developed by Dr. Sebastian Kneipp, a priest and philosopher living in Bavaria in the late 1880s, the Kneipp Cure sought to prevent or cure illnesses by bringing together mind, body and spirituality through hydrotherapy (water treatments such as hot and cold compresses, bathing in natural springs, etc.) and emphasis on natural foods, exercise and the use of herbal teas.

At its height, Kneipp Springs had over 20 buildings (including the main spa building, physical plant, farm buildings and residences for employees) and its own water tank visible from the highway. It was a working farm with orchards of fruit trees, dairy cows, cattle and hogs. A large garden supplied the herbs necessary for the herbal teas. They had over 1,500 visitors a year for decades. But how did it all begin?

How the Ministry Began

From the beginning of the Community in 1834, the Sisters of the Precious Blood prioritized above all else the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They also emphasized the care of the poor and of the sick. Their first Rule from 1835 states that the “Sisters endeavor especially to help the sick and disconsolate, to visit them, to console them, and in case they are poor, provide for the necessities remembering that what they do for the poor, they do for Jesus Himself.”

In this tradition, the Sisters visited Kneipp Springs in 1901 after contact with the owner, Dr. Geiermann. He was ready to sell the 80-acre property (already operating as a Kneipp Cure facility) after it had become too much for him to handle on his own. The Sisters were familiar with the Kneipp Cure and “kneipping” as two 8

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of them had visited the original site of Dr. Sebastian Kneipp’s practice in Bad Wörishofen, Germany, in 1895. Sister Margaret Schlachter (the first superior of Kneipp Springs) and Mother Ludovica Scharf (the Mother General at the time) took the treatments and learned the techniques of the Kneipp Cure directly from the experts.

Because of this knowledge

and because of the promise of the ministry, the Sisters began researching the purchase of Kneipp Springs. A letter from then Mother General Mother Emma Nunlist to the Archbishop of Cincinnati on December 7, 1901, outlined the reasons for purchasing the Sanitarium: Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.

Cover Story On the cover, view of Kneipp Springs water tower. Page 8, the first building of Kneipp Springs which was torn down in 1908 to build a newer and better equipped building. The sign “Sanitarium” is visible on the second story balcony overhang. Left, Sister Mary Anthony Spacek picking cherries in the Kneipp Springs orchard, July 1946. Right, Sisters Beatrice Marie [Mary Elizabeth] Hafer Mary and Marcella Hinders standing in front of one of the buildings erected during a renovation to attract new visitors in 1964. Kneipp Springs became known as the “Florida of the North.”

“Intended use of the Sanitarium: 1) To establish as soon as convenient a House of Perpetual Adoration in honor of the Mother of Mercy, in lieu of Himmelgarten Convent [near St. Henry, Ohio], which was sold.

2) To establish an [orphanage] for poor, sick children in the time to come and afford them a home and a Christian education.

3) To possess a sanitary resort for infirm Sisters of ours wherein to recruit their impaired health.

4) On account of its mineral springs and established patronage to continue the sanitarium for the relief of suffering humanity and thereby practice charity.”

The archbishop gave his permission for the purchase, and the Sisters signed the deed on December 11, 1901.

The Sisters of Kneipp Springs

This unique ministry encompassed the talents of Sisters who were nurses, dining room attendants, hostesses, sacristans, dietitians, tea specialists, librarians, registrars, administrators and many, many other specialties.

The life of a Sister at Kneipp Springs was not easy; they were on their feet for up to 12 hours a day and continued to keep night hours of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament in their chapel until the early 1960s. The Sisters also kept up their traditions for feast days, including a procession to the Kneipp Springs Grotto every year for the Feasts of Corpus Christi and the Assumption; they also had annual retreats each year conducted by either their chaplain or a visiting priest.

Until the 1940s, retreats were

offered in both German and English.

Another unique challenge for the Sisters was their location and its proximity to the nearby railroad station and, later, the highway. In 1936, the state of Indiana rerouted a section of highway that ran straight through the Kneipp Springs grounds. The Sisters were compensated, but they had to make many sacrifices, including moving their cemetery, consecrated in 1914, to a new location.

During the almost 75 years of Kneipp Springs’ existence, the Mothers General of the Congregation had to make difficult decisions for the welfare of the institution. For example, Mother Aquinas Stadtherr had to make quick changes to keep up to date with state regulations between 1954 and 1966.

Many of the components of the physical plant were aging Spring 2021

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and had to be replaced; many buildings also had to be renovated. In 1955, Kneipp Springs received a grant from the Ford Foundation as part of its effort to give to private hospitals and health facilities which helped to offset some of the costs of the renovations. Also, during these years, many Sisters received degrees in nursing as RNs or LPNs from local colleges and universities, as well as degrees in dietetics. By March 1966 Kneipp Springs became a licensed comprehensive nursing unit.

Young aspirants, candidates and postulants from the Congregation made special visits during their summer breaks to help with the workload during the 1950s and 1960s.

They picked apples, assisted with preparing the herbal teas, helped to prepare meals and many other tasks. All the while they also attended summer classes.

The Sisters at Kneipp Springs also experienced what the rest of the Congregation experienced. Beginning in the late

1930s, many Sisters who were born in Germany were naturalized as American citizens due to the growing intensity of anti-German sentiment before and during World War II. In 1955, the Sisters switched from the black to the gray habit; a Sister from Dayton traveled to Kneipp Springs with all of the gray habits in tow to take measurements, and a group of Sisters made the necessary alterations. And in the late 1960s, they remodeled their chapels to reflect the liturgical changes of Vatican II.

The Employees of Kneipp Springs

The Sisters employed laypeople for work at Kneipp Springs since its inception.

The employees worked as nurses, farmhands, gardeners, plumbers, contractors, doctors, housekeepers and much more. Three women — Mary Kolb, Eva Wunderle and Lena Weber — were a fixture at the Springs. Mary and Eva were briefly members of the Congregation after their immigra-

tion from Germany, but had to give up their membership due to health reasons. They stayed with the Sisters and, along with Lena, provided decades of service to the patients and visitors. They all died at Kneipp Springs and were buried in the Sisters’ cemetery there. Several other employees were also buried there over the years.

Beginning during the Korean War in the 1950s and through the end of the Vietnam War in the 1970s, Kneipp Springs was also a place where conscientious objectors found work. According to stipulations from the Selective Service draft regulations, these men were required to complete two years of work at a civilian institution. Because of the stigma surrounding conscientious objection, many of the men were turned away from other job opportunities; the Sisters took them on and were grateful for the extra help.

In 1971, the Sisters offered employees a pension plan. The first retiree under the pension

Left, cover of pamphlet made for celebration of Golden Jubilee, 1967. Right, employees of Kneipp Springs. Mary Kolb, Eva Wunderle and Lena Weber, three longtime employees, are identified. Ca. 1910. Page 11, aerial view of Kneipp Springs taken after 1936 highway work was completed.

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The Visitors of Kneipp Springs

Vacationers usually stayed in cabins on nearby Sylvan Lake and visited the Springs to take treatments for recreation which caused the summer months to be extremely busy for the Sisters and staff. The vacationers usually stayed for a few days up to a few weeks starting in June before returning to their jobs in early September.

Patients at Kneipp Springs who were there for medical treatment usually stayed on the grounds in the large spa building or in several available outbuildings. Some patients were there for a month; others were there for years,

even decades. Many of these patients were suffering from long-term physical or mental illnesses. Priests and bishops were frequent patients; they took the treatments to have a respite from the rigors of their daily duties. Members of the Sisters of the Precious Blood and many other congregations also took the treatments.

Many visitors came for Mass at the Mother of Mercy Chapel, the main chapel at Kneipp Springs. This chapel was the closest one available for many residents of the surrounding area of Noble County for many years. Local priests or the Kneipp Springs chaplain celebrated marriages, First Communions, confirmations and funerals there for the community. In 1957, due in part to the number of people attending Mother of Mercy Chapel, ground was broken for a new parish in Rome City, called St. Gaspar Parish.

The Sisters attended the parish’s dedication in December 1957 and many became active members.

A Ministry Closed, a Legacy Forged

By the 1970s, after a very successful period, Kneipp Springs began to decline in profits.

Visitors to a health spa of this type became fewer due to societal factors. Also, state regulations again changed and would force the Sisters to upgrade their buildings once more.

Finally, fewer Sisters were available to minister in the specialized jobs at the Springs.

It had become time to close the institution after 75 years.

On November 18, 1976, the Sisters sold Kneipp Springs to Theodore Leinsinger from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The property changed hands several times over the decades. In 2018 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Kneipp Springs Historic District which will help the site to be preserved for many years to come.

Mother Maria Anna Brunner, the foundress of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, sought to adore the Blessed Sacrament, to care for the poor and sick, and to spread Precious Blood Spirituality as far as it could go. In her spirit, the Sisters ministered to thousands of people over 75 years at Kneipp Springs. Today, we can remember Kneipp Springs as a vital part of the Congregation’s commitment to helping where they are needed, especially during these difficult times of the pandemic. Every time they administered a cold compress, prepared a meal, picked an apple, balanced the books or adored the Blessed Sacrament in Mother of Mercy Chapel, the Sisters of the Precious Blood were living out the legacy of Mother Brunner.  Spring 2021 11

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plan was John Hastreiter, a lawn maintenance worker. He had taken the treatments years before, and, because he could not pay at the time, he asked if he could compensate by working. He said, “I have never been out of work since,” and worked at Kneipp Springs for 44 years.

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Appreciating those who care for Sisters

M

aria Anna Brunner founded the Sisters of the Precious Blood by reaching out to those in her community who were most in need, and the Sisters’ history at Kneipp Springs is just one of countless examples of how the Sisters have continued that mission. Just as Sisters strive to help care for others in any way they can, they also support one another — and they are grateful for those who provide care for them.

Twenty-five years ago, Sister Arlene Hirsch was asked to serve as coordinator of Emma Hall, the section of the MariaJoseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where Sisters reside. More than 40 Sisters lived at Emma Hall at the time.

“I got to know a lot of Sisters I never knew because they’d been out West during their years of active ministry. And some of them had been my teachers, so it was interesting to get to know them better,” Sister Arlene said.

Her duties were “just to be there for the Sisters” and to serve as a liaison between Emma and the rest of the Community. She served in that capacity for over a decade.

Last fall, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, she began assisting current coordinator Sister Gerri McGeorge in the same capacity, going over to the Maria-Joseph Center a couple times a week to do whatever is needed. Today, there are eight Sisters in residence on Emma Hall.

“I see the beauty of these women who gave their lives 12

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Top, Sisters Arlene Hirsch and Adeline Mertz at Emma Hall, at the Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dayton, 2016; Dave Eck photo. Bottom, Nurse Christine Gehron administers medication to Sister Rosemary Laux at Salem Heights; Sister Maryann Bremke photo.

to ministry, and now they’re in need. I want to make their lives easier if I can,” Sister Arlene said. “Our Congregation proclaims God’s love — what better way to do that than to give care to the frail. I just want them to know the Congregation is grateful to them for all they have done.”

Just next door to the MariaJoseph Center and Emma Hall, the Sisters who live at Salem

Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton, turn to the Fidelity Home Health Care nurses working at Salem Heights for much of their health care. Christine Gehron has been at Salem Heights for a total of 16 years, with some time spent as an aide and the past two as an licensed practical nurse.

“While I worked at Salem Story by Mary Knapke

Nurse Velma Frei administers medication to Sister Barbara Ann Hoying at Salem Heights. Sister Maryann Bremke photo

Heights for 14 years as an aide, from time to time I would have a Sister plant the seed to continue my education and become a nurse. When I did decide to do this, Sister Catherine Nader [who passed away in 2016] helped me refresh my basic studies for my entrance exam for nursing school. It had

been 34 years since I had been in school,” Gehron said.

After completing a nursing program and gaining experience in a nursing home, Gehron returned to Salem Heights. “I am grateful for this awesome career working with such appreciative and caring Sisters, a wonderful supportive team of co-workers and

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 19 19 23 23 25 30

JUNE

Joanne Belloli Theresa Walter 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 30 31

AUGUST

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

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staff, and a great supervisor who understands nursing here because she also works here from time to time,” she added.

Velma Frei became licensed as a registered nurse in 1964 and has worked with the Sisters since 2000. She described the nurse team’s varied duties, such as preparing and giving medicine, completing lab paperwork, communicating with doctors’ offices, taking vital signs, updating records, delivering meals, and keeping in touch with Sister Nancy Wolf (coordinator of Sisters) and Sister Judy Kroeger (Salem Heights administrator). “In other words, we do whatever is necessary,” Frei said — just as Sisters of the Precious Blood serve wherever and however they are needed.

These are just three voices representing the many people — both lay people and Sisters — who contribute to Sisters’ health care. The Congregation is grateful for them all. 

In Brief

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

The Sisters of the Precious Blood are grateful for the wonderful staff members at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, who worked as essential employees throughout the duration of the pandemic “lockdown” period in Ohio. It is because of your steadfast loyalty, dedicated work ethic and uplifting spirit that we successfully endured this challenging period together.

The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics recently released a beautifully designed and well-researched book detailing the history of the Congregation, the shrine, the relic collection and the adoration chapel, as well as a relic directory and a wealth of information on a variety of related topics. The shrine is part of the Sisters’ former motherhouse. The book is available for purchase at https://pilgrimgiftshop.com.

The Congregation has created Facebook groups for alumni and friends of Regina High School, Fatima Hall, San Luis Rey Academy and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Michelle Bodine, communications coordinator, and Sarah Aisenbrey, archivist, created and manage the groups. Anyone interested in joining may find the groups on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PBSistersDayton.

March 19 — Sister Margo Young, who is a physician, volunteered at a vaccination center for two days administering the Moderna vaccine. It was a drive-through event sponsored by Dignity Health. Thousands of people were vaccinated during the five-day clinic. Sister Margo commented, “It was long, tiring days but enormously gratifying.”

March 25 — The Congregational Council made a visit to Miami Valley Meals, a nonprofit that provides food to organizations that feed the hungry. The purpose of the visit was to see the group’s new walk-in cooler and freezer. The Congregation had given a donation for the cooler and freezer to provide more storage space for the meals. Council concluded that Mother Brunner — who provided loaves of bread to the needy in her Swiss village — would be very happy that we helped them get started.

April 9 — As asylum seekers continue to arrive at our country’s southern border — and as immigration officials permit the weary travelers to continue on their journey to various cities within the U.S. — Precious Blood Sisters in Dayton are greeting them with Top, Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics book. Second, Regina High School Alumnae Group page on Facebook. Third, Sister Margo administers vaccines in California; contributed photo.

Bottom, Miami Valley Meals; Michelle Bodine photo.

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Sharing & Caring

April 23 — In Guatemala, the Congregation has established a nonprofit association that is now responsible for Casa Sofia, our residence in Guatemala City where women may live without cost while continuing their education, and Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School in San Raymundo, which was established by Sister Marifé Hellman. Casa Sofia has also been purchased in the name of the nonprofit association.

April 29 — Sisters Carolyn Hoying and Donna Liette appeared in “A Time to Heal,” a live virtual event produced and broadcast by the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago. The video shares the many ways reconciliation and community building are practiced at PBMR, where Sisters Carolyn and Donna are in ministry. You can watch the video on YouTube at https://youtu. be/XFxIEJzXJNw. May 11 — Gem City Market, Dayton’s new full-service grocery co-op, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of its May 12 grand opening. In July 2018, the Sisters of the Precious Blood donated funds to GCM to help get the project started. The grocery is open to the public at 324 Salem Ave. in Dayton.

Top, Casa Sofia; Sister Ann Clark photo. Second, Gem City Market; Glenna Jennings photo. Third, Sister Ann Clark hands out workshop materials to the Sisters; Sister Maryann Bremke photo.

May 21 — Many Precious Blood Sisters participated in a weekend workshop titled “Breaking the Silence: Confronting Racism, Power and Privilege.” The workshop presenters, Notre Dame de Namur Sisters Anne-Louise Nadeau and Patty Chappell, were formerly with Pax Christi USA and are well-known leaders of anti-racism workshops.

In Sympathy We offer sympathy to Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members, and we offer prayers for our communities and the world.

Sister Edna Hess on the death of her sister-in-law, Eileen, on April 24.

Sister Casilda Obringer (deceased) on the death of her brother, Jerry, on June 1.

Remembering

dent of the Brunner Literacy Center board of directors.

Irma Hadley, mother of former employee Donna DeCamp, died on April 1.

Father Ralph Verdi, CPPS, died on May 10. He was a former chaplain at Salem Heights.

Sister Carol Bauer, SC, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, died on March 13. She was the presi-

For the asylum seekers at our

Prayers

borders and for those who are ministering to them.

For the children at the borders, separated from their parents and families, that our government finds a just and compassionate solution for these children.

For all who have died by violence in our city, our nation, and our world in the past few months.

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In Brief

information, assistance, water and snacks, diapers, hygiene items, blankets and coats. Many Sisters have also volunteered to prepare bags with snacks, diapers and baby wipes.

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Scenes from Salem Heights

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1) Activity coordinator Kim Jaynes celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the Sisters a week early (to accommodate their retreat). They played games, told stories, listened to festive music and drank “pot of gold” cows.

Clockwise from middle, Kim Jaynes, Sisters Lou Ann Roof (M. Charmaine), Laura Will (M. Clarus), Rose Helene Wildenhaus and Rose Margaret Broerman. Sarah Aisenbrey photo

2) The chapel on Holy Tuesday, decorated for Holy Week. Sarah Aisenbrey photo 3) The Sisters had an Easter egg coloring party in Grace Hall a few days before Easter. From left, Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux (M. Jean Therese) and Angeline Hoffman. Sister Maryann Bremke photo 16

Sharing & Caring

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