Let not one drop of Precious Blood be shed in vain
At our Assembly last summer, when we elected leadership and set the directions for ourselves for the next four years, a theme that emerged in our conversation was a continued exploration and appreciation of our charism of Precious Blood spirituality. Perhaps because it was also in the middle of the bishop’s Eucharistic Revival initiative, our own foundation in the Eucharist was mentioned over and over again.
I like to say that Mother Brunner founded our Community in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Her commitment to that devotion inspired the women who worked with her in her son’s seminary to follow in her footsteps. After a pilgrimage to Rome and exposure to the preaching of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood there, she returned home with her heart burning with a shift in focus that made her adoration even more fruitful. The utter self-giving that the Precious Blood signified resonated with her own sense of what the Eucharist was meant to be for all of us. “That not one drop be shed in vain” was no fanciful idea. It was already how she had lived her life and would continue to do so until she breathed her last.
As a result of our Assembly conversations and the inspiration of Mother Brunner, a Eucharistic Explorations Committee was formed to provide us with resources, conversa-
tion starters, and opportunities for communal and private prayer resulting in a deeper appreciation of being rooted in Eucharistic prayer. The conversations have yielded a rich faith sharing; the readings have provided new insights, as well as confirmed lived experience and spiritual growth; and Eucharistic celebrations have enjoyed active participation and prayer. It is not as though there have been new, great or even different things happening, it is more that what might have been becoming commonplace is taking on greater vibrancy and meaningfulness.
At our upcoming summer gathering, we will continue these conversations and times for prayer, encourage that longing for greater intimacy with the God who calls us, and enkindle our desire to join ourselves to Jesus’ self-giving, unconditional love. Join us in appreciating the great gift that Jesus has given us.
In addition to the cover story, you will find that this year is the 35th anniversary of Sharing & Caring. Before this newsletter came to be, we had a variety of internal communications. Thirty-five years ago, it was decided that it would be good to share who we are and what we do with our families, friends, co-ministers, lay colleagues and others. Thus was Sharing & Caring born. We hope that you find inspiration in at least one thing in each issue as we share the living out
of our Precious Blood charism and our efforts at participating in the mission of Jesus in the Church and the world. Since June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, we want to share with you an adaptation of the traditional Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood written by our Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator, Jen Morin-Williamson. We thank Jen for capturing so beautifully the need for the healing and reconciling love present in the Blood of Christ for today’s world where violence in homes and schools and on the streets seems only to be increasing proportionate to the availability of weapons once used only in war. Please join us as we pray and work for an end to gun violence.
Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood
Treasures from The Wine Cellar
Reading is a gift that allows us to momentarily inhabit the minds of others. As the British author Malorie Blackman put it, “Reading is an exercise in empathy, an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” When we delve into the writings of our founders, Gaspar and Maria, or the wisdom figures from our communities who have preceded us, this sentiment becomes a tangible reality. We are granted the unique opportunity to momentarily walk in their shoes, drawing inspiration as we navigate our own paths of faith.
Several years ago, the Missionaries published The Wine Cellar, which gave readers the opportunity to again walk in someone’s shoes by reading the writings of others in our communities. Each edition of The Wine Cellar chose a topic and then gathered the writings of the different voices in the communities that make up our Precious Blood family to reflect upon it. The beauty
of these writings is that even though they were written several years ago, they are still relevant and can teach us something today.
As the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute, we have been making efforts to gather resources such as The Wine Cellar and offer them to the world who longs to learn about our spirituality. We have just digitized every version of The Wine Cellar that we have access to and are offering them on our website. You can view them by visiting www.pbspiritualityinstitute.org/the-wine-cellar. We also know that there are editions of The Wine Cellar that might not be listed. If you have copies that are not listed and would like them included, please contact the Institute at office@pbspiritualityinstitute.org.
We hope you enjoy reading these writings and walking in someone’s shoes as we share our spirituality.
Story by Vicky Otto Executive Director, Precious Blood Spirituality Institute
CPPS Mission Statement
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.
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. Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator
Editorial Content
Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant
Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426
phone: (937) 715-9580 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org
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Contributing writers: Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator; Teri Iverson, Vocation Ministry Coordinator
Sister Mi-Kyoung renews vows
On May 15, Sister MiKyoung Hwang renewed her vows of religious profession during Mass at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. Sister Mi-Kyoung made her first profession of vows in 2021.
In the brief ceremony, Sister Mi-Kyoung proclaimed: “I, Sister Mi-Kyoung Hwang, make to God my vow of chastity, poverty and obedience for two years, according to the constitution of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.”
Sister Joyce Lehman, president of the Congregation, responded: “By the authority entrusted to me, and in the name of the Church, I receive the vows you have taken in the Community of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. I earnestly commend you to God, that your gift of self, made one in the sacrifice of the Eucharist, be brought to perfection.”
Father Angelo Anthony, CPPS, presided at the Mass. “In your relationship with Jesus, He calls you now to consecrate yourself to Him as His beloved,” he said in the homily. “Living the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are countercultural. They stand as a witness to a life that exists beyond this world. … As St. Paul says, we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.”
Originally from South Korea, Sister Mi-Kyoung came to the U.S. in 2013 to earn a Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality degree at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She became acquainted with the Sisters of the Precious Blood after searching Vision Vocation Network — a publication of the National Religious Vocation Conference — for congregations where she could serve in reconciliation ministry.
Story by Mary Knapke
Top, Sisters Joyce and Mi-Kyoung; bottom, Father Angelo with Sisters Joyce and MiKyoung; Michelle Bodine photos.
Ongoing outreach in our vocations ministry
One of my favorite things to do is get out with the people and promote both vocations and the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In February, I had many opportunities to do that, and while it was sometimes difficult to be away from family, there were so many blessings as well.
In early February, CPPS sponsored the Exchange Conference. Exchange is put on by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and this year was held in Dallas. I set up a table of our materials, but much of my time was spent interacting and networking with other youth ministers and ministry professionals. I met some wonderful people and made connections that would prove useful later in the month. While I was at Exchange, I received word that I was accepted as the member area coordinator for the Lake Erie/Ohio River region of the National Religious Vocation Congress, the national professional organization. The leadership position means that I, along with the other coordinator, will organize and lead the area meetings two or three times per year and assist with the National Congress that is held bi-annually. I’m excited to take on this role, as I believe it will only assist me in becoming a better vocation minister.
In mid-February, we exhibited at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress that was held in Anaheim. Since
there were 14,000+ people in attendance, I spent all of my days talking with people and getting our information and giveaways into the hands of people. It was definitely worth the time and effort, as there were many people who hadn’t heard of our Congregation. It was nice to be able to let them know that we have Sisters living and ministering in the area. Following my time at the LA RE Congress, I traveled to Redlands, California, to spend some time with our Sisters there. It was wonderful to get to know Sisters Margo, Terry and LaKesha better! I was able to visit Sisters Terry and LaKesha at their places of work and all of the locations where Sister Margo had ministered.
While I was in Redlands, Sister Margo and I met with the youth program coordinator for the Diocese of San Bernardino regarding vocations, what we can do to collaborate together, and how we can work together to promote vocations to religious life within
the diocese. She seemed very open to working with us, so it was time well spent. One of my goals/dreams is to hold vocations events in the locations where we currently have Sisters already ministering. In between trips, I’ve been continuing to correspond with women who inquire about religious life, working with a few women who seem like they may be a good fit for our Community and continuing to learn and grow in this new ministry. I also accompanied Jen Morin-Williamson, the Congregation’s peace, justice and ecology coordinator, to a couple of schools to assist with her Laudato Si and Laudate Deum presentations. It’s always fun for me to be amongst students!
As we move into summer, much of my time will be spent working with the women who have expressed a greater interest in going deeper. Please pray for their discernment!
Story by Teri Iverson
Teri at a conference in February; contributed photo. The vocations table; Teri Iverson photo.
Sisters act to oppose the death penalty
Ohioans To Stop Executions (OTSE) is an organization founded in 1988, with the purpose to end the use of the death penalty in Ohio, through education and advocacy. Recently they invited many people to join fellow abolitionists on Thursday, March 21, for Postcard Delivery Day.
After meeting at the ACLU office in Columbus, participants and other members of the No Death Penalty Ohio Coalition planned to deliver over 1,500 handwritten postcards to Ohio legislators at the Statehouse.
When I received this invitation, immediately I sent an
email to OTSE and asked if they could provide postcards. The next day, a message came to me from Ignite Peace (formerly Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center), another group, based in Cincinnati, which educates and advocates for peace, challenges unjust systems and promotes the creation of a nonviolent society. They agreed to send me 60 postcards.
Sister Jeanette Buehler assisted me with encouraging the Sisters and others at Salem Heights to complete a card. For those who wanted to, all they needed to do was simply follow the instructions on the card and sign their name.
Nearly 50 cards were signed within a few short days. These were sent to Ignite Peace and then delivered to Columbus.
On Postcard Delivery Day, Thursday, March 21, 1,688 cards were taken to the offices of 89 legislators. It is the sincere hope that, through the efforts of these organized groups, Sisters of the Precious Blood and many individuals, the death penalty in the state of Ohio will be abolished.
Story by Sister Martha Bertke
We offer this prayer as we observe National Gun Violence Awareness Month in June. Prayer adapted by Jen Morin-Williamson.
Preserving our precious planet
For the second year, the Congregation’s Precious Planet Award program has been a successful way to share the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, both of which shed light on the importance and urgency of caring for our planet.
We collaborated with three area Catholic schools. Two eighth grade students with outstanding environmental science projects were each selected to receive a $500 scholarship to the Catholic high school of their choice.
We also expanded the program this year to include presentations delivered to eight classrooms, focusing on the critical messages of Pope Francis’ writings and the collective action required to mitigate climate change.
Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson and I visited St. Peter School in Huber Heights, where I taught a class on Laudato Si and Laudate Deum for the eighth grade students. This session was designed to lay the groundwork for the students’ environmental science projects.
I later returned to St. Peter School with Sisters Regina Albers, Paula Gero and Patty Kremer to judge the students’ inspiring projects. It was a day of discovery and enlightenment as we evaluated the projects of the nine remarkable students who participated.
On February 28, Sister Judy Kroeger awarded certificates
to the St. Peter’s eighth grade students. Jayden Brown emerged as the winner with his impressive “Grow Algae” project.
The project’s momentum continued at St. Christopher School in Vandalia, where Teri and I, along with Sisters Regina Albers and Mary E. Wendeln, engaged with 17 seventh graders who presented their research on environmental issues. Despite their initial nerves, the students confidently shared their insights, earning them participation certificates and medals for their efforts.
Seventeen seventh graders and six eighth graders at Mother Brunner Catholic School in Dayton also participated in the program. In March, I was joined by Sisters Marita Beumer, Jeanette Buehler, Nancy Kinross and Mary E. Wendeln as judges for the students’ environmental science projects.
In April, Sister Ann Clark presented the Precious Planet Awards at Mother Brunner School. Louise Sango earned honorable mention for her presentation on poaching. The $500 Catholic high school scholarship went to Jennifer Unakalamba for her presentation on deforestation.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the teachers who facilitated this program, and to the students who participated and demonstrated their commitment to making a difference. They all did an excellent job in learning about environmental issues and presenting their research. The judges were thoroughly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and their ability to eloquently present their projects.
The importance of teaching
— continued on Page 19
Story by Jen Morin-Williamson
Sister Judy Kroeger awards certificates to the St. Peter’s eighth grade students. Jayden Brown emerged as the winner with his impressive “Grow Algae” project; Jen Morin-Williamson photo.
Update from Guatemala
Sister Joyce Kahle and Sister Terry Walter are co-directors of Casa Sofia, our residence for university students in Guatemala City.
Following the Christmas holidays, five students returned here to Casa Sofia in January:
Ana is beginning her third year of a five-year program in psychology at Mariano Gálvez University in Guatemala City. Andrea is in her second year of medicine at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala City. This year she is proud to wear a uniform as a medical student because one of her classes is at a hospital following a doctor on his rounds visiting patients.
Karla, who completed a technical degree in nursing from San Carlos, is in her last year of her licenciatura, similar to a bachelor’s degree, in nursing from Mariano Gálvez University. She continues to work as a supervisor in a public clinic.
Lena is taking classes in agronomy at the University of San Carlos. Her classes are in person this year, since the University campus finally opened again after over a year of being closed due to student and faculty protests.
Lety completed her program in chiropractic to supplement her training as a massage therapist, and she started work at CATAFI, a service center affiliated with the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security. She is now studying English every evening, Monday through Friday, and has begun a long, often eight-year process of le-
gally migrating to the United States to join her mother and other family members.
Frania has graduated from Rafael Landívar University with a degree in theology. At the Solemn Graduation, she received an Award of Excellence from the School of Theology. At her official graduation, she graduated summa cum laude. What a celebration! She now works at the Center of Formation (formerly Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School), the school founded by Sister Mary Faye Hellman in San Raymundo. But she stays with us every weekend to take a break from work and prepare for a university class that she is teaching in Antigua every Saturday.
completed her first year of social work at Landívar University in Antiqua. She also wanted to study international relations at the University of San Carlos and was accepted there. Her classes at San Carlos are during the week and at Landívar on Saturdays.
Our new students also started arriving in early January: Angélica left a religious congregation in the Dominican Republic and had spent several years in Guatemala previously. She is from Mexico but plans to settle here in Guatemala. She asked to live with us while she gets settled with her residency here, applies for dual citizenship, looks for a teaching position and finds another place to live. She fits in well with our ministry here and now is considering the possibility of also studying for her master’s degree in education.
Brenda is from Quiché and
Carmen is from Baja Verapaz and is studying computer engineering at Mariano Gálvez University. She is already very skilled at fixing computer and internet problems!
Jennifer graduated from the Center of Formation in October. She is from Chiquimula and began her studies in social work at San Carlos here.
Marilia, who also graduated from our Center in October, is from Petén and is currently studying English at a branch of San Carlos. She hopes to pass the entrance exam for law school at San Carlos next year. So, word of mouth has drawn young women from many places to our ministry in Casa Sofía. We are all blessed!
From top left, Angélica, Lety, Frania and Sister Joyce; contributed photo.
Story by Sister Joyce Kahle
Sister Mi-Kyoung looks back on her ministry in Chicago
Currently I face a new ministry in Columbus, Ohio, and I think it is good to reflect on the ministry I did in Chicago.
I had two ministries in Chicago. First, I began to share life with the core members of L’Arche Chicago in July 2022 as a volunteer. Second, I already committed to part-time work at Catholic Theological Union as an adjunct faculty member which was to begin in September. There, I facilitated theological reflection for a small group of students in the Field Education Program every Tuesday. In the beginning, I worked three days per week as a volunteer at L’Arche. Later, I worked four days per week after I got a work permit card as a Direct Service Professional, which enabled me to commit more deeply in sharing life with core members. Since I spent most of my time with L’Arche in my ministry in Chicago, I will focus on sharing my experience with core members at L’Arche.
In brief, L’Arche is a community for intellectually disabled people who are the core members. L’Arche Chicago has three houses and a house in construction. I used to share life at the Angel House. There were four core members at the Angel House: Christianne, Anders, Davey and David. Christianne has been in L’Arche for around 20 years. She is funny and lovely. She loves to dance the Macarena. She blesses people and knows
how to entertain people. She loves to color and paint. She apologizes when she feels that she hurt others, as well as expressing her love. I wrote about her in the L’Arche yearly report about her childlike disarming humor. She has the gift of childlike innocence.
Anders has been working at Jewel-Osco for 10 years. He is very good at decorating the house for seasonal events. He writes cards for people for their birthdays and special occasions. He loves to walk and do gardening. He also cleans the house and takes the trash and recycling bins out. He values working hard to take care of the community, yet never tries to get attention for himself. He has a gift for building community.
Davey is interested in politics and books. He is good at doing jigsaw puzzles. He is interested in food and travel. He collects food recipes and likes to cook. Especially, he likes to eat different cultural foods like Greek, Thai or Korean. He likes to go out to explore and visit different places in the city. He has the gift of seeking something beyond where he is. David has a most beautiful smile. He is a good companion
for walking around the neighborhood. He is a good listener and easygoing with everyone. He recently has been working for a pickle-making organization. He is content wherever and whenever. He seems to appreciate the value of little things. He has the gift of peacemaking in the community. When I remember them, I am so glad that I shared life with them in L’Arche as they shared their life with me. We ministered to each other by sharing our vulnerabilities. Sharing life’s vulnerabilities was not always easy, smooth, comfortable, funny and colorful. However, I realized that sharing our vulnerabilities is the key to touch a glimpse of the sacredness in each of us, which is the truth of the Blood of Jesus. I thank God who allowed me to touch the sacredness of them.
Story by Sister Mi-Kyoung Hwang
Christianne and Sister Mi-Kyoung; contributed photo.
“Receive, Give Thanks, Break, Share”
The Eucharist has been at the heart of the Sisters’ spirituality since their founding by Maria Anna Brunner in 1834. Inspired by the book Our One Great Act of Fidelity: Waiting for Christ in the Eucharist by Ronald Rolheiser, Sisters of the Precious Blood recently undertook a variety of activities to “live out the Eucharist in daily life.”
Rolheiser’s book outlines a “spirituality of the Eucharist” in four phases: receive, give thanks, break, and share. A newly formed Eucharistic Explorations Committee within the Congregation called on small groups of Sisters, called Clusters, to determine action plans for living out the fourth phase: share.
Sharing the presence of God
Some Sisters collected blankets or donated money and supplies for immigrant families new to the area. Others decided to write letters to political figures and to Pope Francis to thank them for their courage in taking action in the face of resistance. Some Sisters visited the St. Vincent de Paul Dayton shelter to pray with staff and guests there.
Sisters also enjoyed special prayer times and Eucharistic adoration together and read books and articles to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and its relationship to Precious Blood spirituality, which can be expressed in the Sisters’ mission to be “a lifegiving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.”
Eucharistic Revival
Sister Joyce Lehman, president of the Congregation, explained that Sisters discussed the connections between spirituality and mission at last summer’s congregational Assembly.
“As our discussions on this topic during the Assembly progressed, the ‘Eucharistic Revival’ initiative of the United States Bishop Conference was referenced a number of times. Since we are a Congregation founded, in a sense, in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament with a focus on the redeeming blood of Jesus, it seemed appropriate to commit to exploring the Eucharist along with the Catholic Church in the United States,” she said.
She continued, “Shortly after Assembly, we invited
On the cover, top photo, the Prophetic Voices Cluster purchased household supplies for a family that has come to the Dayton area as refugees. Sisters Jean René Hoying, Nancy Kinross, Judy Niday, Cecilia Taphorn and Della Mae Meyer display their purchases. On the cover, bottom photo, the Leaven Cluster collected 18 blankets for families that live in Dayton as refugees. Sisters Noreen Jutte, Florence Seifert, Beverly Bodnar, Martha Eckstein, OSF, Barbara Brown, Anna Maria Sanders, Mary Ellen Lampe (seated) and Marla Gipson look at the blankets before donating them. Top, Sisters Anna Maria Sanders, Maryann Bremke, Marla Gipson, Jean René Hoying and Barbara Brown set out to deliver donated blankets. Bottom, the Sojourners Cluster shared a common hour of prayer from six locations; in addition, they collected household supplies for immigrant families. Sisters Rita Rogier, Mary Lou Schmersal, Patricia Gist, Linda Pleiman and Nancy Wolf display their purchases.
Story by Mary Knapke; contributed photos.
Precious Blood spirituality and the Eucharist at work in Sisters’ hearts and lives
participates in an hour
Additional resources
Sister Maryann Bremke to lead the charge. We invited her and the committee to provide various opportunities for Sisters, individually and in groups, to read about, reflect on, discuss with each other and others, and appreciate the role the Eucharist plays in our lives. They were encouraged to lead with heart and soul work rather than head. Obviously, they are fulfilling their mission.”
The call to action for the Congregation comes within the context of the Church’s National Eucharistic Revival, which will culminate in the National Eucharistic Congress, held in July in Indianapolis.
In addition, many Precious Blood Sisters will attend the convocation “An Infusion with the Precious Blood of Christ: A Dynamic Force for a Lasting Eucharistic Revival,” held in June in St. Louis and hosted by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.
The essence of mission
In addition to Sister Maryann, committee members included Sisters Arlene Hirsch, Rita Rogier, Anna Maria Sanders and Nancy Wolf.
Sister Maryann emphasized the central role of Eucharist as “the essence of our mission as vowed religious women.”
“It is Precious Blood spirituality poured out as a lifegiving, reconciling presence wherever there is a hurt or need for birth in our fractured world,” she said. “Our recent Cluster explorations of the meaning and power of the Eucharist were meant to give direction to how and with whom we collaborate in mission. I believe it would be a common consensus that our study and recent activities related to these explorations have deepened our understanding of Eucharist immeasurably.”
In addition to the Rolheiser book, the committee also recommends these valuable resources:
• Waiting on the Beloved: The Eucharist as Self-giving Love by Precious Blood Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman (Liturgy Training Publications, 2024)
• Pope Francis on Eucharist: 100 Daily Meditations for Adoration, Prayer, and Reflection (Liturgical Press, 2023)
• Precious Blood Spirituality Institute website (pbspiritualityinstitute.org); click on “More” to access videos, prayers, articles and other resources
Top, Sisters Noreen Jutte, Florence Seifert, Beverly Ann Bodnar, Martha Eckstein, OSF, Barbara Brown, Maryann Bremke, Anna Maria Sanders, Mary Ellen Lampe (seated), Marla Gipson and Jean René Hoying prepare blankets for donating. Bottom, Sister Nancy Wolf
of common prayer.
Exploring the Eucharist and our spirituality
In September 2023, Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman presented two lectures for Sisters and staff highlighting Precious Blood spirituality as the gift of self. The presentations are available on the PBSI website.
In September 2023, Sister Anna Maria Sanders prepared and led a prayer service titled “Gift of the Eucharist.” Sisters and congregational staff members were encouraged to watch a video presentation on the Eucharist by Father Joe Nassal, CPPS. Presentations by Father Joe
and others are available on the PBSI website.
On Dec. 8, 2023, Sisters and congregational staff members enjoyed a prayer service titled “Woman of the Eucharist.”
On Feb. 16, a Lenten prayer service was held that focused on Precious Blood spirituality.
On March 10, the Sisters at Salem Heights watched a video of Sister Joyce Lehman’s presentation on Precious Blood charism and spirituality, which was delivered at the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute in Liberty, Missouri, in 2023. The presenta -
tion is available on the PBSI website.
In April, a retreat was held at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, directed by Father Joe Nassal, CPPS. The theme of Father Joe’s retreat was “The Crucible of the Blood of Christ: Communion and the Cross.”
At the Congregation’s Spirit Days, June 27-30, 2024, the Eucharistic Explorations Committee will hold an afternoon session of prayer, reflection, discussion and experiences focused on the Eucharist.
Left, many Sisters incorporated special prayer times into their action plan. Sisters Dorothy Koenig, Catherine Lett, Rae Marie Ratermann, Elizabeth Westgerdes and Berenice Janszen pray together in the Salem Heights Eucharistic Chapel. Right, some of the items donated to local immigrant families.
Left, Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman delivers a presentation at Salem Heights; right, Sister Joyce Lehman delivers a presentation at the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute.
Learning about the St. Vincent DePaul Society
In response to the call sent out by the Eucharistic Explorations Committee, our group of eight Sisters discerned opportunities to live out the Eucharist within the community. Inspired by a mailer insert that announced daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the St. Vincent dePaul Gateway Shelter for Women and Families in Dayton, we decided to pray with the women for an hour of adoration and Benediction.
Arrangements were made through Deacon Mark Danis, director of spirituality. Following the prayer time, the Sisters were joined by Roxanne, a security agent, to have lunch. Roxanne gave an overview of the services offered by the shelter, including help with securing funds, furthering educational opportunities and personal counseling. Among the many reasons women become homeless are abusive relationships and inadequate housing. We were also informed the women are considered “guests” rather than “residents” since the intent is for the women to stay only a short time. The Sisters were impressed with the shelter’s efforts to respect the confidentiality of the guests.
The St. Vincent dePaul shelter for women and families operates 24/7 and welcomes any woman with her children who has need for a place to be while addressing her concerns. On any given day, there may be 200–350 guests at the shelter. The children at the shelter attend school during the day.
St. Vincent dePaul also has a men’s shelter at a different location.
Learning about the shelters opened a whole bag of questions regarding the St. Vincent dePaul Society’s work. So as a follow-up, Michael Vanderburgh, executive director of SVDP in the Dayton area, was invited to address the Sisters at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. He also joined the local Salem Heights community for Mass and lunch.
Michael spoke to us not only about the shelters, but also about the other services that the Society offers. He particularly described the services offered by the parish conferences that are often the first contact needy people have with SVDP. He said that it is through these parish conferences that food pantries are operated, where rent monies are distributed or electric bills paid. Volunteers offer their services at these parish efforts. Michael also told of the St. Vincent Hotel, which provides housing and counseling for men who have been substance addicted or have been incarcerated. The project prepares the men to enter the workforce and society. He described this effort as very successful and one that the Society is most proud of. One moment of serendip-
ity: In our conversation with Michael, we learned that he remembered Sister Martha Bertke when she served at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Sandusky. When Michael and his wife had their first son baptized at Sts. Peter and Paul, they became acquainted with Sister Martha and her service at the parish. It is a small world after all!
Sisters of the Precious Blood support the St. Vincent dePaul Society. The Sisters at Salem Heights were honored to offer accommodations for nearly three weeks for several women from Christ in the City, a group of young adult missionaries who give a year of service dedicated to knowing, loving and serving the homeless at various locations. During their time in Dayton, they served the staff and homeless guests at the local St. Vincent shelters.
Story by Sister Mary Garke
Roxanne, a staff member at the St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter in Dayton, with (back row) Sisters Regina Albers, Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Mary Garke and (front row) Sisters Mary E. Wendeln, Joan DeChristopher and Mary Faye Hellman.
Inside the CPPS Archives
Sharing & Caring Turns 35
This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.
In October 1989, the first issue of Sharing & Caring, then called CPPS Sharing & Caring, was published for the Sisters as an internal publication. The first columns included CPPS outreach projects, justice updates, vocation updates, prayer requests and obituaries.
The last column in the first issue read: “The Editorial Staff expresses appreciation to those Sisters who submitted suggestions for naming the CPPS internal communications piece. There were fifty entries from across the Congregation and Chile given to the five-member selection committee. The committee narrowed the name choices to three which were given to the editorial staff. We congratulate Sr. Della Mae Meyer for the winning entry: CPPS Sharing & Caring.” Sister Mary Cordelia Gast drew the first logo. The Sisters have had an internal newsletter since 1952: Ave Regina from 1952 to 1964, CPPS Dialog from 1964 to 1978, CPPS Communicator from 1982 to 1985, and Interim Times from 1987 to 1989. These newsletters spread information to the Congregation, which, at its height in the late 1950s, had over 800 members. Other newsletters were published within regions or specific ministries, such as Western Echoes, Southern Circle, and Chilegrams. The Sisters’ first newsletter sent to the public was In Touch, which ran from 1981 to 1986.
The Sisters’ longest-running publication, Sharing & Caring has been an important way for the Sisters of the Precious Blood to spread their good work to the communities they serve. The Sisters and staff appreciate all the readers who continue to join us on this journey!
At right, logos from the beginning. From top, 1989-1994, 1994-1997,1997-2000, 2000-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2006, 20062013, 2013-present.
Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.
OCreative pursuits of all types allow us to express thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Color, form, texture or sound can take us to a place beyond language as we continually seek transcendent experiences that elevate, challenge and inspire.
Many Sisters of the Precious Blood make art and crafts, and while the forms of their creations vary widely — carving, painting, quilting, singing and many more — they share in common a means of communion with others, and a way to reflect the beauty of God.
ur faith and tradition promise that angels guard and guide us throughout our lives. Likewise, the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that:
“… the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels” (334);
“In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God” (335); and
“From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life’” (336).
Angels come in a nearinfinite range of shapes and sizes — from paper cutouts to crystal figurines that sell for hundreds of dollars. Any angel can be a gift from the heart, but often those made by hand are the most special.
After retiring from full-time ministry, Sister Jean René Hoying decided to take on a “little project” to keep busy. She had learned to crochet in the 1950s, as a student at Precious Blood High School, the Congregation’s former school also known as Fatima Hall.
“I loved it,” she said. “I just like to make things. And with crochet, it’s like riding a bike — once you learn it, you’ll never lose it.”
After her retirement in 2014,
she saw a crocheted angel from a craft fair and thought, “I could do that.” A friend found instructions on Pinterest — and what began as a little project quickly evolved into the creation of 15 handmade crocheted angels made over a period of several months.
At Christmas that year, each angel was gifted to a friend or family member. One remains at Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton.
“Whenever I made one, I prayed for the person who would receive it the whole time — with every stitch,” she said. Some of the angels are best suited for display at Christmastime, with red and green ribbon and other seasonal flourishes. But others feature more neutral decoration and adorn family and friends’ homes all year long. As with most Sisters of the Precious Blood, Sister Jean René’s daily schedule in retirement has proved just as full as it was in active ministry — if not more so — and her roster of volunteer ministry projects precludes her from making more angels for now.
But when every stitch is a prayer, those 15 angels have brought with them a multitude of blessings that last throughout the year, and for years to come.
Story by Mary Knapke
In Brief
Precious Blood Sisters were busy with a variety of events throughout the winter and spring. 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.
January 23 — Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson represented the Congregation at the Ohio Council of Churches’ virtual worship service celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 25-28 — Sister Mi-Kyoung Hwang attended HopeEsperanza, a conference for Sisters under the age of 65. The gathering was held in Chicago and hosted by The Leadership Collaborative, an organization for women religious and associates.
January 30 — Sisters at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, enjoyed a presentation by the Mission of Mary Cooperative and learned about their impactful work in urban farming in Dayton’s Twin Towers neighborhood.
February 7 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman gave a presentation at Salem Heights for Sisters and staff members titled “Lent: Not Primarily about Giving Up Something.”
February 15 — Jen Morin-Williamson represented the Congregation at the first Gun Violence Prevention Summit at the Ohio Statehouse. Advocates from across Ohio gathered to push for legislation aimed at combating gun violence and promoting gun safety.
March — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman gave two presentations in the Lenten Learning Series at the Maria Stein Shrine: “The Liturgy of the Word” on March 5 and “The Liturgy of the Eucharist” on March 14.
March 9 — Again this year, Sisters and congregational staff members participated in the SOAP (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) event at the University of Dayton. SOAP provides advocacy, outreach and prevention of human trafficking in the Dayton area.
Top, advertisement for the Ohio Council of Churches’ virtual worship service celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Second, Sister Mi-Kyoung at the Hope-Esperanza conference hosted by The Leadership Collaborative; contributed photo. Third, Sisters Jane Francis Hoffman and Patty Kremer speak with a representative from Mission of Mary Cooperative; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Fourth, Jen at the Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Columbus, Ohio, with Corey Hall and Donta’ Greene Sr. of the City of Columbus Public Health department; contributed photo. Fifth, Sister Joyce Ann during one of her presentations in the Lenten Learning Series at the Maria Stein Shrine; YouTube screenshot.
March 11 — Author David Pepper — who has written extensively on the subject of democracy — spoke to Sisters at Salem Heights on the topic of Ohio’s political landscape and the pivotal role citizens play in upholding democracy. Later that evening, Jen Morin-Williamson and Sisters Patty Kremer, Madonna Ratermann, Mary Lou Schmersal and Mary E. Wendeln attended Pepper’s presentation at Dayton Metro Library, hosted by the Congregation and the League of Women Voters.
March 20 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman gave a presentation at Salem Heights for Sisters and staff members titled “Triduum: Three Most Sacred Days of the Year.”
March 29 — Sisters Paula Gero and Juliana Wuur took part in the annual Good Friday Walk for Justice and Peace in Dayton. The event brings members of the community together to reflect on contemporary issues through the lens of the Stations of the Cross.
April — Sisters LaKesha Church, Marla Gipson and Linda Pleiman enjoyed the Alpine Pilgrimage sponsored by the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. They visited many sites in Switzerland, Austria and Germany that are significant in the founding of Precious Blood communities.
April 5 — Twenty-six members and allies of the Ohio Sisters Justice Network (formerly Nuns on the Bus) gathered at Salem Heights for its annual in-person meeting. Those in attendance included co-hosts Jen Morin-Williamson and Sister Mary E. Wendeln, as well as Sisters Marita Beumer, Jeanette Buehler and Terry Walter.
April 10 — Jen Morin-Williamson and Sisters Marita Beumer, Mary Lou Schmersal and Mary E. Wendeln enjoyed meaningful conversation over lunch with Bishop Richard Cox, leader of the West Dayton Clergy Community Coalition and a retired AME bishop renowned for his social justice work in Dayton.
April 10-14 — Sisters Joyce Lehman, Judy Kroeger, Ann Clark, Marla Gipson and Terry Walter — the congregational Council — attended the New Leadership orientation hosted in Dallas by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
Sister Linda Pleiman
Father
Sister
Metzerlen-Mariastein
Top, Sisters Marita Beumer and Patty Kremer with Jen Morin-Williamson and Peg Birkemeyer during the SOAP event at UD; contributed photo. Second, author David Pepper speaks to the Sisters at Salem Heights; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Third, Sisters Paula Gero and Juliana Wuur at the annual Good Friday Walk for Justice and Peace. Fourth,
John Tonkin, Sister Marla Gipson, Father Armin Russi OSB,
and
LaKesha Church in front of the Mariastein Abbey in
in the Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. Previous groups of Sisters’ visits came to know Father Armin and he has visited us in Maria Stein and Dayton, Ohio. Fifth, Jen (third from left, bottom row) with the Ohio Sisters Justice Network at Salem Heights; contributed photos.
April 22 — The Congregation hosted the presentation “Downstream and Upstream with Plastics” with Deborah Burns, a volunteer for the organization Beyond Plastics. Sisters and online guests learned about the harm of plastics, especially single-use plastics, which cannot be, or typically are not, recycled.
April 29 - May 1 — Sister Terry Walter and Jen Morin-Williamson attended a gathering of leadership, communicators and justice promoters in Pittsburgh hosted by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. There were 242 attendees from all over the U.S., representing 60 congregations.
May 3 — Jen Morin-Williamson and Sisters Marita Beumer, Mary Lou Schmersal, Terry Walter and Mary E. Wendeln attended a fundraising event for Dear Dinah, a nonprofit, faith-based outreach program for survivors of human trafficking. A donation made by the Congregation helped to build the first tiny home in a proposed community for survivors.
Top, Bishop Richard Cox with Sister Marita Beumer, Sister Mary Lou Schmersal, Jen Morin-Williamson and Sister Mary E. Wendeln at Salem Heights; contributed photo. Second, "Downstream and Upstream with Plastics" presentation at Salem Heights; YouTube screenshot. Third, members of Dear Dinah at the tiny home with Jen and Sisters Mary Lou, Terry, Mary E. and
Welcoming spring with Sister Anna Maria
An old saying goes, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.”
As a young girl, I saw my first bed of pansies on my grandmother’s farm near Fort Jennings in northwestern Ohio. I was captivated by the brilliant colorful petals almost resembling a smiling human face, and I learned that pansies thrive in the cool spring temperatures. Certain varieties of pansies, planted directly into the ground, can even survive mild Ohio winters.
My grandmother’s yard sported other flowering plants as well. I remember seeing climbing roses, clematis, mums, petunias and hostas. But my favorite flower re-
mains the pansy, and now when spring arrives in Dayton, I find my way to a garden center to purchase and pot these lovely beauties.
Now retired after 45 years of active ministry as a Sister of the Precious Blood in education, administration and pastoral care, I share my joy with Sisters and staff as I grow and care for flowers. Memories are shared; questions are answered; photographs are taken — and some persons even feel encouraged to grow their own pots of pansies.
Marita; contributed photo.
Story by Sister Anna Maria Sanders; contributed photo
— continued from Page 7
children about environmental issues goes beyond the classroom, as it also reaches into their homes, encouraging a collective commitment to taking care of our planet. This initiative is a direct response to the call from Pope Francis in his encyclical to care for the Earth and continues the rich educational tradition of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. The Precious Planet Award program represents a unique opportunity to blend faith, science and environmental
stewardship, reinforcing our Catholic value of shared responsibility toward our common home.
We look forward to further expanding the program next year, as it will be open to all schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Applications opened on May 20, with a closing date of August 9.
There will again be a $500 scholarship offered to the eighth grade student with the top project at each participating school. Other participants
Sister Mary Yarger
April 1949 — May 3, 2024
AMass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister
Mary Yarger was held in Pala, California, on May 8 and in Dayton on May 13. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 56 years.
Mary was born in Fallbrook, California, to James and Marilyn (Stewart) Yarger and was the eldest of seven children. As members of the Luiseño Tribe, Sister Mary’s family was deeply rooted in their Native American heritage. She entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1967. In her life of ministry, she served in education as a principal; elementary, junior high and high school teacher; and educational specialist. For over 25 years, she served as a teacher and administrator at her former elementary
In Sympathy
will receive a certificate and medal. We began prioritizing school collaborations on June 3, aiming to integrate this enriching program into the upcoming academic year’s activities.
We hope not only to challenge students, but also to educate the community on the environmental crisis and ways to make a positive impact. Let us all work together to cultivate a generation of informed and committed caretakers of our planet.
school, Mission San Antonio de Pala School; her former high school, San Luis Rey Academy; and at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California, where she was the third generation of her family to be affiliated with the school.
Sister Mary felt especially honored to teach and interact with the children and grandchildren of her former classmates. She also served on the Congregation's leadership team and as coordinator of vocation ministry.
As of May 2024, Sister Mary joins her parents and brother Donald in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, two sisters, three brothers, and nieces and nephews. Her faith-filled determination and love will be missed.
Interment took place May 13 in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden in Dayton.
We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.
Peg Birkemeyer, congregational staff member, on the death of her mother, Mary Ann Leonard, on March 15.
Sister Jean René Hoying on
the death of her sister, Monica M. Boerger, on Feb. 18.
Sister Marjorie Schroeder (deceased) on the death of her brother, Delmar Schroeder, on Feb. 2.
Sister Rose Helene Wildenhaus (deceased) on the death of her sister, Elaine Clingman, on Jan. 29.
4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399
Welcome to new staff members!
Laura Valentine is the Congregation’s new director of food service at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. She joins the staff following the retirement of longtime employee Brenda Gabbard. Laura previously worked at the University of Dayton as a dining services supervisor and administrator. Julia Grannan is the Congregation’s new assistant archivist, also at Salem Heights. She joins Archivist Sarah Aisenbrey in recording and maintaining the history of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Julia recently worked in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park archives and as a librarian at the Kentucky Historical Society.
Scenes from Salem Heights
We are happy to have Laura and Julia on board at Salem Heights!
Left, Laura (bottom right) with her family; right, Sarah and Julia; contributed photos.
Left, Sister Berenice Janszen was crowned the Mardi Gras Queen of Salem Heights after she found the baby Jesus in the King Cake; middle, Sisters aged 90 and older enjoyed the Nifty Nineties party with Council; Michelle Bodine photos. Right, Sisters and staff watched the total solar eclipse at Salem Heights; Sheena McCormick photo.