Come, Holy Spirit
Having recently celebrated Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room, we recognize a contemporary “Holy Spirit” moment with the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As he stood before the thousands in St. Peter’s Square and throughout the world, he exhibited the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his words: “We have to look together how to be a missionary church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love … We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”
In his words, Pope Leo reminds us that being a missionary does not necessarily mean going to another country to preach the Good News. Rather, being a missionary is an
our ability to listen deeply, to try to understand not only the words but the meaning as well as the feelings that lie therein. True dialogue is a discipline of sacred conversation, of speaking our truth with reverence and of listening without judgment. This respectful exchange of thoughts and feelings allows the Word of God to be preached not only through words but also through respectful affirmation of the person, even when differences of opinion could divide.
One of the titles given to the Pope is Supreme Pontiff. The word Pontiff comes from the Latin words pons (pontis), a bridge, and facere, to make. Pope Leo is calling all of us to be bridge builders as we walk together as a synodal church. A synodal church is not one that just talks about what we are supposed to be and do, but is one that acts as a result of sacred conversations among people which are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Pope Leo is calling all of us to be bridge builders as we walk together as a synodal church.
attitude of recognizing the dignity of each human person and relating to each person as sister or brother in Christ, rather than as a stranger to be feared or excluded. It is to recognize that God is already present in each person, so the way from exclusion to inclusion rests on
Bridge-building is an art and a skill. It requires both design and precision in execution, both function and beauty. Building a synodal church is also an art and a skill. It requires the art of opening one’s mind and heart to the mind and heart of Jesus and to the movement of the Holy Spirit in self and others. It requires the skills of listening to diverse voices, of discerning the voice and will of God in them, and of acting
with grace, compassion and a desire for inclusion. It also requires a great deal of hope and trust in the Holy Spirit who calls us all to union with each other and with God.
This is hard work! It is no wonder that, while the Church is in its third millennium, it is still dealing with how best to make the connections among diverse peoples and nations, among individuals with various needs and desires. Being missionaries at heart and bridge builders can and does make a difference, especially when we know we are not alone.
This issue tells some stories of those willing to take the risk to preach the Word of God (and using words when necessary, as St. Francis says) and to build bridges rather than walls.
Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood
Divine Mercy and the Death Penalty: Ohio must abolish capital punishment
On Sunday, April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday, an informative presentation regarding ending the death penalty in Ohio was held at St. Joseph Parish in downtown Dayton. The first speaker was U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Merz, who presented some of the history of the Catholic Church’s position and teaching on the death penalty.
The latest is: In 2018, Pope Francis and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith solidified the Church’s teaching through a historic Catechism revision, officially stating that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” Also, the revision included a call for the Church to work with determination for its abolition worldwide.
Kevin Werner, executive director of Ohioans to Stop Executions, was another
speaker. OTSE is the only single-issue death penalty repeal organization in Ohio. It represents millions of Ohioans who oppose the death penalty and is the lead organization in the #NoDeathPenaltyOH campaign to abolish Ohio’s capital punishment system. He spoke of the many ways they are working to make a difference on this important issue.
Sisters Judy Niday and Martha Bertke have opposed the death penalty for many years and continue to work to abolish the death penalty in Ohio. They attended this program, which was sponsored by the Holy Trinity Church Education and Social Action
Ministry, Knights of Columbus Council 500 and Marian Council 3754, and St. Gaspar Family of Parishes Right to Life Ministry.
At present 23 states have abolished the death penalty. Perhaps Ohio can be the 24th.
Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published triannually by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the Congregation and Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the Sisters’ mission.
All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the communications coordinator.
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.
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Contributing writers: Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator; Teri Iverson, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sheena McCormick, Administrator of Salem Heights
Story by Sister Martha Bertke
Fighting human trafficking at SOAP Up the First Four
For several years, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have been deeply committed to supporting The SOAP Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution), an organization dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and offering vital support to survivors. This mission speaks to our call to protect human dignity, and each year, our involvement with SOAP continues to grow.
This year’s outreach around the NCAA First Four basketball tournament in Dayton continued to be powerful. On March 8, during the SOAP Up the First Four event, about 75 volunteers came together to visit 88 area hotels. They distributed over 8,000 bars of soap and 3,000 makeup wipes — each one labeled with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number. The goal was simple but significant: to make lifesaving resources accessible to those who might need them most.
In the weeks leading up to the First Four, the Sisters at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, once again lent their hands and hearts to the effort. On February 4, they gathered to label soap bars with care and intention, continuing a tradition of quiet but meaningful service. Our outreach also extended into the wider community through events and partnerships that helped both raise awareness and build support. In January, the SOAP Planning
Team hosted outreach events at two local favorites — Fifth Street Brewpub and Dayton Beer Company. At Dayton Beer Company, volunteers gathered to label soap and share information about human trafficking. Meanwhile, Fifth Street Brewpub helped spread the word and joined the cause by donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds. A fun raffle featuring nine baskets full of donated items added to the energy, and the evening raised an impressive $600 to support future efforts. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, labeling also took place at LexisNexis and Carroll High School. These generous groups stepped up to prepare materials that would later be delivered to area hotels — a behind-the-scenes effort that made a big difference. While SOAP has used billboards in the past, this year marked a few firsts. For the first time, the team introduced bus signs and bar coasters as new ways to spread awareness in places where people might least expect but most need the message. And with continued media outreach, including a segment on Good Day Dayton, I had the chance to join Michelle James from Sidewalk Soldiers and Tony Talbott from the University of Dayton Human Rights Center to talk about the issue and highlight the collaboration that fuels this work. Each of these efforts — every bar of soap, every volunteer hour, every conversation
sparked — is a sign of what we can do when we work together. We are raising awareness about the reality of human trafficking, supporting survivors and continuing to take small but powerful steps toward change.
Story and photos by Jen MorinWilliamson
Volunteers at the Dayton Beer Company labeled soap and makeup remover wipes with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number, 1-888-373-7888.
Precious Planet Awards
n March 21, Sister Edna Hess presented the Congregation’s Precious Planet Award to Kayla Harris at Mother Brunner Catholic School. Kayla’s project “Biodegradation and Compost” explored compost-
ing banana peels. On April 2, Sisters Edna Hess and Terry Walter presented the Precious Planet Award to Jonathan Perez at St. Peter School. In his project “Cooking With the Sun,” Jonathan designed a solar oven
using a pizza box and foil. Congratulations, Kayla and Jonathan! And thank you to all the students who participated in the Precious Planet Awards this year.
Story by Mary Knapke
Left, Sister Edna with Kayla at Mother Brunner Catholic School; right, Sisters Edna (left) and Terry (right) with Jonathan Perez and his teacher at St. Peter School; Jen Morin-Wiliamson photos.
A busy season of bold witness for Gospel values
We have had several recent opportunities to publicly stand together in love and unity to create a visible expression of the Sisters of the Precious Blood’s core values, rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. These acts of solidarity affirm the inherent dignity of every person and lift up the voices of those living in poverty and pushed to the margins, and affirm the dignity of all our neighbors in the broadest and most inclusive sense.
In these tumultuous times, our most fervent prayer is that our elected officials, at every level of government, will represent all people — upholding human dignity, working for the common good, and defending the foundations of our democracy, as generations before them have done.
On Saturday, April 5, I joined Sisters Patty Kremer and Mary E. Wendeln — along with over 300 demonstrators — at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests. Despite the rain, the crowd remained resolute, holding signs and standing in solidarity. The Dayton protest was one of over 1,200 events held across all 50 states and internationally, organized by more than 150 groups including civil rights organizations, labor unions and LGBTQ+ advocates. These demonstrations opposed policies associated with the current administration, particularly those involving government downsizing, economic changes and human rights concerns.
Also on April 5, Sister Margo Young served on the medical services team at the Orange County Hands Off protest in California, where 3,000 people gathered peacefully under the challenge of the season’s first 90-degree day.
Then, on April 12, Sister Margo and Sister Terry Maher joined over 40,000 others at Bernie Sanders’ Fighting Oligarchy Tour in Los Angeles, a vibrant, respectful rally filled with hope, music and unity — a reminder, as one fellow traveler put it, that “it’s good to gather with others who believe in and have hope for a kinder, more just country and world.”
On Monday, April 14, nearly 30 Sisters, staff and friends gathered for a meaningful public witness in front of Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. With signs like “Health Care for All” and “We Stand with Immigrants,” we stood together in love and unity, grounded in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. Many passersby responded with supportive honks and waves, affirming the power of our public presence. Sisters who couldn’t join in person participated through prayer and on social media.
Many of the Precious Blood Sisters who demonstrated have lived 80 to nearly 100 years. In that time, they have expe-
rienced wars, depression and recessions, worldwide food scarcity, and prejudice due to race, economic situation or education. The Sisters know that the country prospers when the human dignity of all people is protected and promoted.
To amplify our message even further, we’re also working with local radio and TV outlets in addition to our social media presence — continuing to advocate for those on the margins and reflect the compassionate heart of our Precious Blood spirituality.
The Gospel calls us to be one with the poor and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We cannot remain silent on these issues — welcoming those seeking safety in our country, caring for the Earth, honoring the dignity and rights of all people, protecting essential services for the most vulnerable, standing for peace, and fostering kindness in our world — that cut to the very core of who we are as Catholic Christians.
Story by Jen Morin-Williamson
Sisters gathered with protesters on April 5 in downtown Dayton at Courthouse Square with the Abraham Lincoln statue in the foreground; Jen Morin-Williamson photo.
Linton’s legacy of faith
Hallowed Ground. That’s where it felt like I was walking when I went to Linton, North Dakota. One might ask why I would ever venture to this small town, in a state so far from my current home. Aside from the fact that it’s where I grew up, some Precious Blood Sisters are from that area, and many others ministered there over the years. And so, when I was scheduled to attend the Vocations Jamboree at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, I decided I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit.
To be honest … I almost didn’t go. I had just spent three wonderful days praying, celebrating and talking vocations with hundreds of young adults. Even this extrovert was tired, and really, I just wanted to rest. But I had the afternoon free ... I’d already rented the car … and my flight wasn’t leaving until the next morning — so I hopped in the car and drove south. Because I was tired, I planned to grab a Diet Coke at a convenience store along the way, but 20 minutes into the 80-mile drive, I remembered something that 14 years in Ohio has allowed me to forget. The prairies of North Dakota are beautifully vast … they are quiet … and I saw not one single convenience store along the way. I guess I could have stopped at the roadside dairy I drove by … but milkflavored soda wasn’t what I was looking for!
I arrived on the outskirts of Linton to St. Anthony’s campus and parked my car. I
hadn’t called ahead and wasn’t even sure anyone would have time to talk to me, or if the church itself would even be unlocked. I should have known better. It is North Dakota after all, a state that is known for a people who are welcoming, helpful and faith-filled. I entered what I presumed to be the offices and introduced myself to the woman at the desk. When she discovered who I was and why I was interested in the parish, her eyes lit up! She showed me some older photos she’d collected and displayed, gave me a complete tour of what was once the “new school” where the Sisters taught, and gave me some wonderful insights into what it was like back then. She then encouraged me to walk the grounds and take a look at the church, and so I did. I saw the Quonset where the Knights of Columbus held activities. I saw the dips in the parking lot where the convent and original school once stood. I saw the exterior of the church against the backdrop of the brilliant blue North Dakotan sky on a crisp, cool late winter/early spring day. And I climbed the steps, opened the unlocked door (of course) and entered into the past. I took a long walk around the interior, looking at all the things, marveling at the church’s beauty, and taking countless photos, and when
my eyes had had their fill, I chose a pew toward the back of the sanctuary, and I sat. I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanksgiving for the space … the space where so many of our Sisters had walked and taught and ministered to the local people. In my mind’s eye, I saw them at the head of their classrooms, encouraging students to grow
— continued on Page 18
Story by Teri Iverson
Top, St. Anthony students with Sisters in Linton; middle, St. Anthony grounds with convent and school; archive photos. Bottom, interior view of St. Anthony; Teri Iverson photo.
Inside the CPPS Archives
Marian Hall recognized as a historic property
This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring
Marian Hall, a senior living home the Sisters ran from 1958 to 1987 in Flint, Michigan, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 2025. Over 35 Sisters worked at Marian Hall. They worked in dietary, nursing, housekeeping, bookkeeping, reception, administration, pastoral care, activity coordination and much more.
In January, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office approved Marian Hall for inclusion in the National Register because of its historic importance and location in downtown Flint. Communities First Inc., a Flint nonprofit, plans to restore Marian Hall and construct an addition for mixedincome housing and commercial space.
Marian Hall was originally the Flint Tavern Hotel, constructed in 1928 and aimed at business travelers. The Sisters purchased the property in 1958 and remodeled it to fit the needs of Flint seniors.
Over 99,000 properties across the United States have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of the end of 2024. This listing is the first step toward federal preservation tax credits, and can also promote tourism in the area.
Clockwise, from top right, Façade of Marian Hall; residents attend Mass in the Marian Hall Chapel, September 1972; residents enjoy a band in Marian Hall’s Sunshine Room, November 1975; residents lounge in Marian Hall’s Sunshine Room, February 1973.
Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection, Marian Star newsletter put out by Marian Hall residents.
TCreative 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.
hroughout the history of the Congregation, many Sisters have been prolific artists who taught and sold artwork; others are hobbyists, making artwork as a form of prayer or for fun. Sisters are also poets, lyricists and composers. At Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton, Sisters’ artwork is on display throughout the halls. This year, the Archives is also showcasing rarely seen art on the second-floor rotunda.
The following are highlights of the display. The next time you are at Salem Heights, stop by the second floor to view this artwork!
Ink, Paint, Charcoal, and Crayon
• Sister Vera Heile’s artwork stands out because of its size and detail. She completed charcoal drawings of famous Americans when she attended art school in the 1940s.
• Sister Annette Weihrauch completed one ink piece before she entered the Community – it is her only artwork.
• Sister Martha Clare Bond was known for painting huge murals in schools and churches, but she also produced several crayon drawings of families from different cultures in the 1980s.
• Sister Avita Klump combined Family Circus comics with hand-drawn artwork. She also painted many beautiful depictions of Mary.
Textiles and Pottery
• The Sisters made liturgical vestments and textiles for decades, including the two pieces on display. Sister Terentia Cordonnier was known for meticulous embroidery. The early Sisters were also known for their lace work.
• Sister Therese Pike designed several pendants in 1977 for St. Mark School in Phoenix, Arizona. They are hand-painted on felt.
Poetry and Lyrics
• Sister Paula Marie Will composed many songs for the Sisters. The one on display is from the 1950s.
• Sister Marcellian Walter was one of many poets in the Community. Some Sisters wrote poetry and won competitions with their pieces; others used it as a form of contemplation and prayer.
Story and
by Sarah Aisenbrey
photos
Display cases on the second floor rotunda at Salem Heights
A lasting legacy in Guatemala
In 1988, Precious Blood
Sister Rosalina Gonzales was the first member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood to serve in Guatemala — and over the past 37 years, the Sisters’ ministry grew to include health care, pastoral care and outreach, and teaching in seminaries.
Sisters also founded a secondary school called Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School, as well as a university residence, Casa Sofía.
Through all their ministries, the Sisters’ aim has remained constant: “advocating for justice and providing voices for the unheard, hope to the hopeless, and light to those living in darkness.”
Now, the Cincinnati nonprofit Cooperative for Education (CoEd) will take on the Sisters’ education ministries in Guatemala, continuing their legacy of advocacy and empowerment. CoEd will operate the school and Casa Sofía, with plans to grow enrollment at both.
On March 17, CoEd CoFounder and Executive Director Joseph Berninger visited Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton, to complete required paperwork. The ministries officially transferred to CoEd on May 1.
“It was a miracle to find Joe Berninger and an organization that is capable of taking over those projects, and taking them into the future and ex-
panding them,” said Sister Terry Walter, who began ministry in Guatemala in 1994.
Sister Mary Faye Hellman founded Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School in 2007. Now called the Center of Formation, it is a boarding school in San Raymundo where Mayan girls from rural villages can complete their high school education. It currently accommodates 42 boarders and offers classrooms, study areas, a kitchen, dining room, chapel, and sports field.
In 2015, Sister Terry and Sister Joyce Kahle established Casa Sofía in Guatemala City. Graduates of the Center of Formation who wish to continue their studies at the college level may live at Casa Sofía, in a safe and supportive environment. Several young women are currently in residence, studying and working in a variety of fields, including nursing, medicine, psychology and social work.
“We knew that providing safe housing and support for these young women to complete their education was a very important ministry meeting a great need,” Sister Joyce said.
Founded in 1996 by brothers Joe and Jeff Berninger, CoEd already has a strong and successful presence in Guatemala. Its efforts include a variety of programs in service of one mission: “breaking the cycle of poverty through education.”
The organization currently provides scholarships to over 800 students and has served over 295,000 students across
Stories by Mary Knapke
On the cover, members of CoEd visited Salem Heights to complete required paperwork. Back row, Sister Mary Faye Hellman, Liza O’Neal, Controller, CoEd, Sisters Joyce Kahle and Terry Walter; front row, Joe Berninger, Co-Founder and Executive Director, CoEd, and Sister Joyce Lehman; Michelle Bodine photo. Above, Sister Terry leads the opening prayer; next page, left, banner at the celebration for CoEd in Guatemala reads: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education; next page, right, Coco the dog at a meeting with Horacio from CoEd, Angélica, and Zonia; Sister Joyce Kahle photos.
the country through its Textbook Program, Computers Program, Spark Reading Program and Rise Youth Development Program.
“I share, along with Sisters Terry and Joyce, the same heart for serving deeply disadvantaged indigenous girls,” Berninger said in a letter to the
Congregation. “I feel very committed to helping assure that this ‘great good’ can continue. … What better way to manifest both of our missions.”
Creating a culture of hope
ADEFAGUA plays a vital role in mental health promotion in Guatemala
Mental health is a vital part of every person’s overall well-being. That fact may be widely known and accepted, but achieving and maintaining sound mental health remains a challenge for many people, regardless of their gender, location or economic status.
In Guatemala, where Sisters of the Precious Blood have ministered since 1988, Sister Terry Walter has worked to make mental health more attainable for people throughout the country.
“A person can’t be divided into body, mind, spirit and emotion. You can’t divide up a person,” Sister Terry said.
“There isn’t anything that happens in your body that doesn’t have an emotional connection.” So maintaining good mental and emotional health helps prevent physical ailments, she said — and it helps people “open up to their possibilities.”
Among many other ministries carried out by Sister Terry and other Sisters of the Precious Blood in Guatemala, the nonprofit health care association ADEFAGUA — Association for the Development of the Guatemalan Family — is a key legacy of the Sisters’ presence in the country.
But before ADEFAGUA, there was PROMAB, the Maria
Anna Brunner Mental Health Project. Sister Terry founded PROMAB in 2005 with a clinic in La Labor, northeast of the capital. The clinic was named for the Congregation’s foundress, Maria Anna Brunner, a widow and mother of six living in Switzerland in the 18th century.
In 2017, Sister Terry joined forces with Wendy Klingenberger, a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate in Guatemala City. Klingenberger had founded ADEFAGUA as a nonprofit civil association in 2015; the two projects continued under the ADEFAGUA name. Today, ADEFAGUA maintains five in-person clinics in
the capital Guatemala City and the surrounding area, as well as an online clinic.
As in any other part of the globe, ADEFAGUA clients’ concerns include anxiety, depression, grief or interpersonal conflicts. Some Guatemalans also continue to experience deep trauma following 36 years of the civil war that ended in 1996. The association is among just a few organizations that worked together to offer mental health resources during and after the war. And while there is sometimes a stigma associated
with mental health concerns, Sister Terry said “we had so much history of working in mental health in the area of La Labor — and there was some good support from the Sangre de Cristo Health Care Project, which the Adorers [of the Blood of Christ] started with Sister Dani Brought — that it became something acceptable. Lots of people came to us.”
And they continue to do so. In 2017, there were 215 appointments booked at the clinic; in 2024, there were 5,484 appointments across the five clinics and online. In the last two years, the organization has seen 66% growth. More than 60 psychologists provide services at the clinics, in addition to numerous clinic coordinators, volunteers and interns.
“As a psychologist,” Klingenberger said, “the moving force that has propelled me from the beginning is a firm belief that all human beings are entitled to mental health access and care — which is increasingly recognized as a human right, not a privilege — ensuring access to the best available care, respect for dignity, and protection from discrimination. … No one is beyond the love of God, and each person bears the responsibility to care for the other.”
Sister Terry didn’t initially set out to minister in Guatemala, but, true to Precious Blood Spirituality’s call to “proclaim God’s love by being a lifegiving, reconciling presence in our fractured world,” throughout her religious life, she has remained open to serving wherever she is most needed.
Originally from Rensselaer, Indiana, Sister Terry entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1967. She taught for a few years and then joined the retreat team at the Maria Stein Retreat Center in Mercer County. In the 1980s, she served as a director of religious education in Lima, Ohio, where she also volunteered for an emergency mental health hotline.
“Just talking to people on the phone that were in crisis and knowing how to refer them and all that kind of thing — that was pretty exciting,” she said. “I liked helping people with their problems. I liked listening to people. And I liked understanding why people act like they do.”
The experience inspired her to grow in the field of social work and mental health promotion. She earned a master’s degree in clinical social work and embarked on a ministry in psychotherapy that initially took her to Michigan City and South Bend, Indiana.
During that time, Sister Donna Liette invited Sister Terry to join a pilgrimage in Guatemala. The civil war was still ongoing, and the group visited places such as sites associated with Blessed Stanley Rother, the Oklahoma missionary priest murdered in Guatemala in 1981.
Father Barry Fisher, CPPS, a leader of the pilgrimage, had
Top, Wendy with client; middle, a little girl plays with toys; bottom, Psychologist's Day; contributed photos
“talked a lot about responding to the cry of the blood,” Sister Terry said. “And I heard the cry of the blood.”
She returned home to learn Spanish and discern her future ministry. In 1994, she arrived in Guatemala with Sister Joyce Kahle. Precious Blood Sisters Rosalina Gonzales and Mary Faye Hellman, along with three Adorers of the Blood of Christ, welcomed them — and the work began.
Sister Terry trained mental health promoters in Quiché and worked at a clinic in San Marcos run by the School Sisters of St. Francis. She taught pastoral psychotherapy in seminaries and joined projects sponsored by the government of Denmark to help communities recover from the war.
After founding PROMAB, she returned to the States for several years, in part to help care for her mother. In 2015, she and Sister Joyce Kahle went back to Guatemala to establish Casa Sofía, a residence for young women studying at the university.
“I discovered that my friend Guicela had been running PROMAB all that time, and it was blossoming,” Sister Terry said. She worked there as a psychotherapist; when Guicela passed away, Sister Terry and Klingenberger combined their efforts to move forward as ADEFAGUA.
In addition to personal therapy, the association offers family conflict resolution, couples counseling, grief therapy, and assistance for learning or behavioral issues. Workshops, vocational guidance and testing, and businessand school-based programs
are also offered. A new program, the Helping Hand Project, provides legal, economic and psychological support for migrants returning from the United States.
As ADEFAGUA remains committed to providing health care in poverty-stricken areas of Guatemala City, Klingenberger and her team continue to develop innovative fundraising and awareness programs.
The organization’s first Mental Health Run took place in October 2024, boasting 450 participants and raising over $2,500. And the ADEFAGUA Friends Club is composed of women who have come together to organize events to support the clinics. In 2024, the club raised enough funds to support 228 individual therapy sessions.
Now, as Sister Terry and Sister Joyce have returned to the U.S. and prepare to settle here for good, they know their ministries are in good hands.
As the Cincinnati nonprofit Cooperative for Education takes over the Sisters’ education ministries, Klingenberger will continue to direct ADEFAGUA.
“She’s really dedicated herself to this,” Sister Terry said of Klingenberger. “She’s not afraid to try things … and she has a lot of people involved
in ADEFAGUA. It isn’t just to get work done; it’s to create a culture that’s conducive to mental health.”
Sister Terry likened therapy to planting seeds of hope. “I always knew I could see more possibility in people than they could see,” she said. “It was a good choice to go into social work.”
Visit our website at preciousbloodsistersdayton.org for more information about ADEFAGUA, including the complete interview with Wendy Klingenberger.
You can also visit ADEFAGUA’s website at adefagua.org.
Top, Claudia with client; middle, Sister Terry gives a workshop to Psychologists; bottom, Renato with client; contributed photos
Sister Carmelita Monnin honored in Russia, Ohio
To all who knew Sister M. Carmelita Monnin, she was a tireless source of love, care and Christian devotion — and a model of the life-giving, reconciling presence that is at the heart of the Sisters’ mission.
On March 23, Sister Carmelita’s hometown of Russia, Ohio, honored her with its Légion d’honneur. According to the village, the program recognizes and honors “those persons, living or deceased, who through their character, contributions, and achievements, bestow upon the Russia community and Russia Local School a positive image, so that present-day students and community members can connect with the past and emulate these hallowed and virtuous persons in the future.”
Born Pauline Monnin in 1932, Sister Carmelita entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1950 and began teaching elementary students at Resurrection School in Dayton in 1953.
Five years later, she answered the call to be a missionary in Chile, where she remained until her death in 2015. In Chile, she formed Precious Blood Spirituality groups in the various locations where she served; ministered to homeless, abandoned children; and walked or rode on horseback for miles each Sunday to share the Word of God with rural families.
In the eulogy for Sister Carmelita, Sister Dorothy Schmitmeyer wrote that “Carmelita’s deep love of the Eucharist motivated her to make the
Eucharist an encounter with Christ and a real experience of the healing power of the Blood of Christ. Many wished to grow in an understanding of Precious Blood Spirituality.”
Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux, Edna Hess, Regina Albers and Marita Beumer, as well as Sister Carmelita’s relatives and
some former students, attended the March 23 celebration held at Russia High School. Also honored this year was Mary Jo Voisard, fiscal officer for the village. This was the third class of Légion d’honneur honorees.
Story by Mary Knapke
Top, award recognition wall in school hall; second, Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux, Edna Hess, Regina Albers and Marita Beumer with Sister Carmelita's two brothers, Tom and Dennis, her niece Jane Pierron and Tom's wife, Linda (in wheelchair); bottom, Monnins that attended the ceremony; Sister Judy Kroeger photos.
Ladies Interfaith group builds bridges
“The Making of Faith Leaders in Our Traditions” was the topic for the May meeting of the Ladies Interfaith group held at Omega Baptist Church in Dayton. Sister Jeanette Buehler attended the meeting as she has regularly for several years; this year, Sister Martha Bertke joined her for the first time. In the group, Jewish, Christian and Muslim women gather several times a year to further understanding of one another’s faith traditions. Each gathering is held at a different church,
synagogue or mosque, allowing participants to become acquainted with the particular site and the chief teachings of the different faiths. Socializing over a meal is part of the meeting. Respectful of different dietary restrictions, the women bring vegetarian dishes to share with one another.
A topic is chosen for the gathering, and a representative from each faith tradition shares how that topic is expressed in their religion. Ladies Interfaith builds bridges of understanding, respect and appreciation for the commonalities and differences of each faith tradition.
Congregational staff updates
We are proud to announce that CPPS Archivist Sarah Aisenbrey has been elected vice president/presidentelect of Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious, a professional organization founded in 1990. She will serve a three-year term starting in October. Congratulations, Sarah!
We are also happy to welcome Maria Ollier Burkett as spiritual care companion at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. Maria has served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and as a graduate assistant in Campus Ministry at the University of Dayton, in addition to roles in pastoral care, retreat ministry and more. Welcome, Maria!
Another new staff member at Salem Heights, Nancy B. Hutson, is an occupational therapist who has worked in the hospital, extended care facilities and home health settings for many years. Called to provide care and loving Christian service in a different capacity, she is now the life enrichment coordinator to the Sisters of the Precious Blood to continue the long tradition of learning, positive energy, joy and compassionate interactions among all associated with Salem Heights. We are happy to have Nancy on board!
And, finally, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Kim Jaynes, who served our Sisters as activity coordinator at Salem Heights for over 30 years. Hundreds of Sisters have enjoyed Kim’s outings, exercise programs, celebrations and, most of all, her companionship. As Sister Lou Ann Roof has said of Kim, “She has a way of knowing what every single Sister needs.” While we will miss Kim dearly, we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Story by Sister Jeanette Buehler
Omega Baptist Church; contributed photo.
New staff members Maria Ollier Burkett (top) and Nancy Hutson; contributed photos.
In Brief
Precious Blood Sisters were busy with a variety of events over the past few months. In all that we do, we strive to continue to fulfill our mission to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.
January 22-23 — Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha moderated a panel discussion, “Shifting Narratives and Storytelling,” at the Global Jubilee Conference with Religious Sisters, an invitation-only event organized by the Dicastery for Communication at the Vatican. The conference is available on the dicastery’s YouTube channel.
January 28 — Sister Paula Gero, Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson, and Precious Blood Father Angelo Anthony spent the day at Catholic Central School in Springfield for their annual Vocations Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to share vocation stories and invite young people to consider religious life.
January 28 — Sister Ann Clark visited Queen of Peace Catholic School in Hamilton to talk to students about vocations. We received a lovely thank-you note from Director of Missionary Discipleship Carrie Roell, as well as beautiful cards from the students.
January 29 — Sisters Marita Beumer and Edna Hess, along with Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson, visited the Dayton office of Rep. Mike Turner. They spoke with Field Representative Jake Jagels on a range of issues and were pleased to maintain open channels of communication and collaboration.
February 15 — Sisters Marita Beumer and Mary E. Wendeln, along with Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson, attended the open house for Dear Dinah’s new drop-in center for trafficked women, Victory House, located in Dayton’s Twin Towers neighborhood. Dear Dinah is an area nonprofit, faith-based outreach program for survivors of human trafficking.
February 18-24 — Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson attended the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California. Sisters LaKesha Church and Terry Maher joined her in sharing information about the Congregation with many of those in attendance.
February 19 — Sister Karen Elliott was featured in the article “The history of Hope House” in The Courier, the Findlay, Ohio, newspaper. The article is available on thecourier.com. Sister Karen was a founder of the Hope House shelter, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Top, Sister Mūmbi; YouTube screenshot. Second, Sister Paula and Father Angelo; Teri Iverson photo. Third, Sisters Marita and Edna; fourth, Sisters Mary E. and Marita with a Dear Dinah representative; Jen Morin-Williamson photos. Fifth, Teri with Sisters LaKesha and Terry; sixth, Hope House; contributed photos.
February 25 — Teri Iverson joined Sisters Mary Lou Schmersal and Mary E. Wendeln to judge environmental science projects at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School in Dayton. This marked the school’s first year participating in the Congregation’s Precious Planet Award program.
March 12 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman presented “Mary in Scripture, Church, and Liturgy” at the Salem Heights Chapel. The session highlighted why Catholics venerate Mary, how frequently she is mentioned in Scripture and venerated at liturgy, as well as her importance in the life of the Church.
March 17-19 — Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha delivered the keynote address, “Embracing the Spirituality of Integral Ecology,” at the Justice Conference of Women Religious Convocation in Columbus. Jen Morin-Williamson also attended the convocation.
March 18-21 — Teri Iverson attended the Vocations Jamboree at University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she found that interest in vocations is very much alive!
March 18 & March 27 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman presented “Mary in Scripture, Church, and Liturgy” at the Maria Stein Shrine as part of its Lenten Learning Series. On March 27 at the Maria Stein Shrine, she presented “Liturgical & Devotional Prayer.”
March 25 — The Congregation’s Justice Committee participated in a workshop titled “Empowered to Use Your Moral Voice” led by Sister Eilis McCulloh, HM, grassroots education and organizing coordinator for NETWORK Advocates. The workshop focused on writing compelling letters to the editor and legislators.
March 29 — Sisters Ann Clark, Paula Gero, Edna Hess, Mary Lou Schmersal and Pauline Siesegh, along with Coordinator of Vocation Ministry Teri Iverson, attended a Vocation Night at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Waynesville. The group celebrated Mass with parishioners, enjoyed a carry-in dinner and participated in panel and group discussions.
April 3 — Sisters Joyce Lehman and Judy Kroeger attended the installation of Archbishop Robert G. Casey at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati.
April 18 — Jen Morin-Williamson joined Sisters Paula Gero, Patty Kremer, Pauline Siesegh, Mary Garascia and Mary E. Wendeln at the annual Good Friday Walk for Justice and Peace in Dayton. The event drew 125 participants.
May 17 — Sister Juliana Wuur graduated from Ohio Medical Career College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Congratulations, Sister Juliana!
Top, Sisters Mary Lou and Mary E. with students; Teri Iverson photo. Second, Sister Mūmbi; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Third, Teri; contributed photo. Fourth, Sister Joyce Ann; YouTube screenshot. Fifth, workshop participants; sixth, Sisters Pauline, Paula, Mary E., Mary and Patty; Jen Morin-Williamson photos.
Letter to the Editor
Hooray for Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha! Thanks, Mary Knapke, for a terrific, upbeat article about her. I really enjoyed her piece, “Cultivating Hope in South Sudan.” Great upbeat photos too. It was an important review of the terrible civil war. At the same time though, Mary offered very fine coverage of the start of “Friends in Solidary,” its goals and positive stories. Yes, these are wonderful examples of healing and empowerment of local people to become nurses and better farmers. This makes God smile in the midst of so much war and suffering. As a former Maryknoll lay missioner with my family and now the Mission Office director for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, I’m blessed to meet many outstanding missioners. One of them, of course, happens to be Sister Mūmbi. As I also teach college theology part time, I’m always on the
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and learn and become faithfilled children of God. I saw them laughing on the playground … saw them climbing the steps of the convent after a long day of work and sharing a meal together. And as I opened my eyes, I could see them sitting in the rows ahead of me … heads bowed … deep in prayer. And I rejoiced. I rejoiced for the call to religious life that each one of them answered. Their time in Linton was quite a while ago: The first Sisters arrived in 1945, and Sisters remained in ministry
outlook for engaging guest speakers. So I’m very grateful that she has shared her joy and commitment with my students three times now over the past few years. Her liberative and joyful approach to mission and her “Friends in Solidarity” certainly has had an excellent effect on them. I have several nursing students in my class so Sister Mūmbi’s faith and commitment was well received and empowering.
Just recently Sister Mūmbi “Zoomed” again into my class and so it was a terrific followup to receive Mary’s article and then to make copies for my students.
And I loved the last page of the Winter 2025 issue with Sister Mumbi supporting “Nuns & Friends on the Bus” in Washington, DC! Way to go! But I don’t want to forget the many other Sisters I admire in your community, like … Sister Regina Albers and Sister Edna
Hess. It was also a joy to meet your outstanding Sisters in Chile. You all make it easy for me to support your liberating efforts.
Sincerely in Jesus’ mission with you all,
Mike Gable Mission Office Director
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
there through 1976. But their presence can still be felt. The people of the area remember them … the ministry the Sisters shared with the locals lives on. Their legacy in North Dakota lives on in the classrooms … on the playground … in the sanctuary of the beautiful church and most of all, in the faith of the people. So often, ministry is mostly about planting seeds and getting out of the way so God can water them, nourish them, and encourage them to grow. The seeds planted by the Sisters who ministered in Lin-
ton, North Dakota, so long ago have flourished and grown into a legacy of faith that will continue to touch hearts and souls for centuries to come. What a joy it was to feel that legacy … to pray with those who came before … and to walk the same steps they walked long ago. What a joy it is to know that the seeds that are being planted now — the women who are answering the call to religious life now — will continue that legacy of faith. And what a joy it was indeed, to walk on Hallowed Ground.
Dr.
Dr. Mike Gable reconnects with Sisters Mūmbi, Regina and Edna to further learn about and appreciate their wisdom and missionary insights. Michelle Bodine photo
Sister Jean René Hoying
April 1941 — April 22, 2025
AMass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Jean René Hoying was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton on April 28. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 65 years.
Lucille Hoying was born in St. Patrick, Ohio, to Raymond Hoying and Ludwina (Meiring) Hoying. When Lucille was 10 years old, her mother died shortly after childbirth. Two years later, her father married Helen Koverman, and the family of seven grew to an instant 11. The blended family played together, prayed the rosary together and solidly grew in togetherness, faith and love. Lucille entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1960 and took the name Sister Jean René.
She began her ministry caring for children at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home in Dayton. She later received her bachelor’s in education and M.A. in individualized instruction, teaching in the primary grades for 25 years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Denver, Colorado. She then pursued studies in physical therapy and obtained a certificate as a physical therapy assistant. She worked at nursing homes in the Denver area for 10 years. In 2002, Sister
In Sympathy
Jean René left the mountains of Colorado and entered an 11-year ministry as the coordinator for the Sisters in Emma Hall at the Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dayton.
In 2013, Sister Jean René retired but remained as busy as ever as a volunteer. She ministered with several organizations in the Dayton area, including Brigid’s Path, which provides care for infants and families impacted by addiction; Food for the Journey Project, which provides free meals to those in need; and Planting Seeds, where she helped to deliver supplies to families new to the Dayton area who have arrived as refugees.
She gifted everyone she met with her joyfulness and playfulness, with her positive energy and her never-ending compassion.
Sister Jean René joins her parents, four sisters and four brothers-in-law in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, two sisters, two brothers-in-law, two brothers, two sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues, especially her closest friend and co-worker Nancy Frank.
Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.
We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.
Phil Hartke, a staff member with the Congregation, on the death of his grandfather.
Christine Gehron, a nurse for the Congregation, on the death of her brother-in-law,
William Rindler, on May 16.
Father Harold “Harry” Brown, CPPS, died March 22. Sister Nadine Kaschalk on the death of her sister-in-law, Joann Kaschalk, on March 19.
Jim Livingston and Sheree Neumann, staff members with the Congregation, on the death of loved one Marcia Livingston on February 10. Marcia was Jim’s wife and Sheree’s sister.
The Sisters join the universal Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. We also rejoice in gratitude for the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Church. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for Archbishop Dennis Schnurr’s years of service to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as we welcome Archbishop Robert Casey.
4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399
Sharing a gift
What’s the value of a surprise gift from an anonymous donor? The gift was a box containing a jigsaw puzzle of The Last Supper as originally painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495. The Last Supper is considered one of the Master works of human history. Information on the box lid displayed a picture of the painting, the size of the 2,000 enclosed pieces, the size of the completed puzzle 38” x 26”, and the name of the manufacturer, Buffalo Games Inc. Sisters Martha Bertke and Anna Maria Sanders looked at each other and agreed, “Let’s work on it together.” We would need a large table or two, good lighting, and an available space. We found what we needed in an unused corner in the dining room. We posted a sign on the bulletin board inviting other Sisters and staff to help build the puzzle picture.
As we worked on the puzzle, we learned or experienced the following values:
• Patience – the small, dark-colored pieces were hard to match and assemble.
• Encouragement – Sisters and staff kept stopping by saying, “You can do it; keep going.”
• Joy, celebration – over the little things, like finding the missing piece, completing a section.
• Community sharing – personal experiences of puzzle making, of teaching about da Vinci and other artists.
• Perseverance – commitment to complete the puzzle. Beyond the values of putting the puzzle together, we experienced the power of art to touch one’s inner being. The artist da Vinci depicted Jesus telling the Apostles that one among them would betray him. We felt the emotional impact of this moment even as we diligently worked to assemble their dynamic images. By the time we had finished putting
together the pieces of Jesus and the Apostles at the table, we were ready to celebrate as the essence of the scene was now visible. However, the rest of the environment called for us to continue assembling the puzzle to completion. Altogether we worked many hours on the puzzle, receiving and sharing the effort and joy of the activity with Sisters and staff.
Story by Sister Anna Maria Sanders and Sister Martha Bertke
Sisters Anna Maria and Martha; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo