Sharing and Caring Spring 2026

Sharing & Caring Volume 36 Number 1 • Spring 2026 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Faith, Service,Connection

From the President’s Desk

Slowing down

A

s we pass from year to year, season to season, day to day, it can seem as though while everything changes, nothing really changes. Today while we rejoice in the generosity of others, of their courage and willingness to do the hard things, of their acceptance, love and care for strangers, the hungry and homeless, that joy is too often overshadowed by the darkness of war, oppression, greed and poverty. It is hard sometimes to keep bringing the same intention for things to change to our prayers.

But hope springs eternal!

Years ago, I saw a poster that has stuck with me. Like many pithy sayings, it can seem rather trite, but this one, I believe, has a real punch to it: “Prayer doesn’t change things; prayer changes people and people change things.” In other words, if I want changes to happen around me, I have to look within to see what in myself must change first.

A serious examination of consciousness might be in order as we see so much tragedy happening around us so we can become more peaceful, more just, more hopeful, more in line with being a follower of Jesus who shed his Precious Blood for the redemption of the world. Change of heart and action begins with little steps: who do I disagree with so much that I become upset or even outraged at them, maybe even see them as ignorant, or worse, evil? How might I begin to accept them 2

Sharing & Caring

as precious in God’s sight, as worthy of Jesus’ Precious Blood, as worthy of my respect, if not agreement. What one behavior can I change that will let someone I love know how much they mean to me? How can I bring a sense of respect for others into my workplace by my own willingness to tolerate disagreement without being disagreeable?

What little “put-down” (mental or spoken) might I eliminate in order to become open to the goodness of someone unlike me?

In 2000, I read Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything by James Gleick. He posits that technology, mobility and just about everything else is pushing us at a rate that does not allow time for reflection, deliberation or contemplation if we want to keep up, much less get ahead. How much truer that is today with

... if I want changes to happen around me, I have to look within to see what in myself must change first. all of the advancements that have been made over the last quarter century. Some days we find ourselves moving from one thing to the next with barely enough time to catch our breath or think a thought through to the end.

But we human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, are made for more than

just keeping up or catching up.

Integral to our being is the capacity for stepping back, slowing down and contemplating what is and what could be.

We are made for taking time when we can bring together mind, heart and will — what we know, how we feel, and the way we act. Being created with a free will allows us to be able to stand firm against the headwinds, to take time to shake off society’s “shoulds” and to be present to ourselves and to the One who so lovingly created us. If we want things to be different, then it seems prayer and reflection are in order. To do that we must intentionally slow down and listen carefully to God’s voice. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

F

or the third year in a row, from November 15–17, Vocations Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson and I traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ). Our Congregation has participated in this powerful gathering for many years, and returning each year feels both familiar and newly energizing. The teach-in’s roots trace back to the annual protests at the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia, where many of our Sisters stood in faithful public witness year after year. That same spirit of prayer, nonviolent resistance and advocacy continues to shape the teach-in today.

While the teach-in was last fall, we continue to utilize our experiences there daily as we work to support the Sisters’ mission of being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world. The teach-in’s theme, Pressing On, captured both the urgency and hope that marked the weekend. As the largest annual Catholic

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.

social justice gathering in the United States, the teach-in brought together nearly 1,800 participants from Catholic universities, high schools and parishes across the country.

Despite its size, the focus remained deeply personal: forming young people to connect faith, justice and action.

Throughout the weekend, Teri spoke with hundreds of participants, engaging young people and adults in conversations about vocation and justice. This year also marked my first time serving on the national planning team, which offered a meaningful behindthe-scenes view of the care and intention that shape the teachin experience.

One of the highlights for me was working with students from across Ohio as they prepared to meet with their legislators. Well before arriving in Washington, these students, guided by committed teachers, had already begun researching immigration and environmental justice issues,

Jen Morin-Wiliamson; Teri Iverson photo.

studying current legislation and grounding their advocacy in Catholic social teaching. The IFTJ Advocacy Team provides extensive, well-organized resources to support this preparation, including issue briefs, talking points and guidance on conducting effective legislative visits. As a result, students arrived organized and confident, presenting different aspects of each issue and connecting policy concerns to their own lived experiences. It was especially — continued on Page 4 Story by Jen Morin-Williamson

CPPS Mission Statement Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus the Christ and rooted in Eucharistic prayer, we Sisters of the Precious Blood proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

phone: (937) 715-9580 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

Peace, Justice & Ecology

Pressing On: Returning to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice

Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426

Printing

PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Contributing writers: Julia Grannan, Assistant Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator; Teri Iverson, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Maria Ollier Burkett, Spiritual Care Companion

Spring 2026

3

Vocations

Walking With Seekers of God’s Call

T

ears welled up in her eyes. She needed a hug and conversation and a chance to rest for a bit. I gave her a tissue and invited her to sit down in my extra, empty chair. We talked for a few minutes … well, she talked, and I listened. She’d been feeling a tug to something more and was overwhelmed.

The conversation wasn’t long … I didn’t say much … but I pressed a few prayer cards, as well as my business card, into her hands and told her she would be in my prayers.

That was just one of many encounters I had in early January while representing the Congregation at the SEEK Conference. We were present in all three locations: Sisters Ann Clark and Donna Liette in Columbus; Sisters Joyce Kahle and Benita Volk in Denver; and I was in Dallas.

Nearly 6,000 college students and young adults attended the Dallas location alone! These young people are part of a generation that has grown up with a cell phone in their hands at all times — and I have found that one-on-one, authentic, meaningful conver-

Left, Teri in Dallas with SEEK Conference participants; right, Sisters Ann and Donna in Columbus with SEEK Conference participants. Contributed photos

sations are where it’s at for them. I’m often asked why I spend so much time traveling and attending conferences. I’m asked if I’m “getting” anyone from those conferences.

But that’s not what it’s about.

Would I like it if each conference yielded a plethora of women clamoring to join our Congregation? You bet! Is it realistic? No! I attend conferences to plant seeds. It’s what we do in vocations ministry. We are present. We listen. We share information, and we encourage people to pray and to listen to where God is leading them. The young women I meet may or may not become Sisters with our Congregation; either way, we accompany

them on their journey. That’s the beauty of listening to God. God takes us places we never thought we’d be.

And that young woman I spoke of earlier? She reached out this week. She has been praying the discernment prayer we gave her — every night since the conference.

She was brave enough to take the first step … brave enough to listen to God’s voice … and brave enough to be open to where God might lead her.

It is my honor to accompany her on that journey, wherever it takes her. And knowing God, it’ll be a fun and wild ride! 

ment and protest songs echoed the conference theme, Pressing On, setting a powerful tone for meetings with national lawmakers and reminding participants that advocacy rooted in faith is both communal and hope-filled.

We continue to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for

Justice because we believe deeply in its mission: educating young people about justice issues, inspiring them, praying with them and accompanying them as they take action. Year after year, the teach-in reminds us that faith-filled advocacy matters and that together, we must keep pressing on. 

Story by Teri Iverson

— continued from Page 3

meaningful to spend time with students from Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in my hometown of Dayton.

The legislative visits were framed by a peaceful, prayerful rally on Capitol Hill, where hundreds of students gathered in song, Scripture and testimony. Words of encourage4

Sharing & Caring

Juliana rom Feb. 13 to Feb. 15, three Sisters of the Precious Blood and six candidates of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood gathered at Salem Heights in Dayton, Ohio, for a formation gathering as members of the Precious Blood Family. This was the first time many of the Missionaries’ formation candidates visited Salem Heights, which is the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton.

It was a simple but very meaningful time for all of us. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere helped us to pray, reflect, and share freely with one another.

It allowed us to focus deeply on our vocation and what it means to live as one family in the Precious Blood.

Each year, the planning committee does its best to highlight one of the three Precious Blood Religious communities in our family: Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Even though the Adorers were not able to join us this year, we felt united with them in prayer and spirit.

We were also joined by Father Vince Wirtner III and Sister Marla Gipson, who supported us in our conversations.

Sister Joyce Lehman led the weekend on two topics: “Ministers not Messiahs” and “Our God Is a God of Community.” What made this weekend special was the sharing.

We laughed together, prayed

Vocations

A weekend of commitment in formation within the Precious Blood family

F

Three candidates from the Sisters of the Precious Blood and six candidates from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood with Sister Marla Gipson and Father Vince Wirtner III; contributed photo

together, and shared meals together. It reminded us that formation is not only about learning, but about growing together in the present and into the future.

Newton ormation gatherings are the product of discernment from past generations of formation, which led us to work to build a stronger inter-religious congregation by communing across community lines. Each year, each community participates by electing a volunteer to help with planning and organization. This year, Sister Juliana helped me to organize this wonderful weekend.

The weekend began with Friday and the bustle of driving to Salem Heights, Dayton.

Father Patrick Gonyeau drove from the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio. The rest of us came from the formation house in Chicago. The drive was a special time to sit and catch up with each other.

Sometimes the best bonding happens over a long drive.

F

A special gift to our formation gathering was the hospitality of Salem Heights. The Sisters were so warm and welcoming to us. Each candidate was welcomed to their room with a special name plate in front of their door, and I personally received the honor of eating lunch with a Sister who recently celebrated 50 years of faithful service.

In planning for this year, it was important for the planning committee to make sure that our materials and discussions would be accessible for nonnative English speakers. As our communities include more international candidates in formation, we wanted to make sure any obstacle to participation was at a minimum. Sister Joyce’s deep sharing opened my eyes to what is possible in these settings: she combined simplicity with depth and en— continued on Page 6

By Sister Juliana Wuur and Newton Lih, C.PP.S. Originally published by Missionaries of the Precious Blood U.S. Province, March 2026. Used with permission.

Spring 2026

5

News

Regis Jesuit hosts sendoff for beloved educator Sister Benita Volk

I

n early February, Regis Jesuit faculty and staff were privileged to welcome back one of the school’s most beloved educators, Sister Benita Volk, CPPS, for an informal lunchtime reception in her honor — and to send her forth with blessings as she prepares for her upcoming move to Ohio. The gathering offered a heartfelt moment to celebrate a woman whose influence has shaped generations of students and colleagues.

Sister Benita, often described as a true teaching legend, served the Regis Jesuit community with unmatched passion and expertise. She taught English in the North Denver campus from 1982 to 1990 before retiring. She rejoined the faculty when the Girls Division opened in the fall of 2003, teaching for another eight years until 2011. Across both divisions, her classroom became a space where literature came alive and where young people were encouraged to think deeply, write boldly and explore faith with openness and curiosity.

Known for her remarkable command of all literary genres — most especially poetry — Sister Benita inspired countless students to discover their own voices. Her love for language and learning has remained vibrant even in retirement, where she continues to cultivate community and creativity by hosting a neighborhood poetry club.

We are profoundly grateful for Sister Benita’s years of dedicated service, her excellence in teaching and her unwavering commitment to the Jesuit mission of forming young people with intellect and heart.

In recognition of her extraordinary legacy, an annual award bearing her name is presented to the faculty or staff member who best reflects her spirit of educational excellence — deep faith, love, devotion, humor, patience, and limitless zeal for teaching — and wholehearted support of the Regis Jesuit community.

We are truly blessed by the many ways she has shaped this school and the people within it. Sister Benita’s name

Sister Benita with English teacher Kristi Dindinger; contributed photo

— and her gentle, joyful influence — will always echo through the halls of Regis Jesuit.  Story by Gretchen Kessler, Regis Jesuit Alumnae Liaison Originally posted on the Regis Jesuit website. Reprinted with permission.

— continued from Page 5

couraged each member to ask the “hard questions” without resorting to complicated theological language.

I have to admit that when we invited Sister Joyce to be our speaker, I did not know she was the [current] president for the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Imagine my chagrin 6

Sharing & Caring

on instructing the president of our Sisters on how she should prepare her sharing!

Humbly, she humored me and was more than gracious and accommodating my foolish demands.

One takeaway I bring with me is from our new Tanzanian seminarian Joely Kashmiri.

In speaking of community, Joely encouraged me to make sure not to “suffocate in community, or you will breathe somewhere else.” This simple image of breath was a concrete and tactile metaphor, and I carry it with me.

This year was a wonderful formation gathering! 

O

ne day recently, I opened an email from Barb Clark, who is the wonderful executive secretary of CPPS Heritage Mission Fund, a grantmaking foundation with roots in Precious Blood spirituality. The email asked if any of the fund’s board members would like to go to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton’s Faith Build Dedication Ceremony and be the lucky one to hand over the keys to the new owner of a Habitat for Humanity home in Miamisburg. They had received a grant from the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund. I saw that there were no responses and told myself that I could easily do that. I asked Sister Linda Pleiman to go along since she will be a new board member. So off we went on a cold and windy Friday morning to Miamisburg.

When we arrived, I talked to David Mauch, who was the development director for this project. I asked if I could say a few words when I gave the keys to KaCey, the new homeowner — of course he said yes. So, when he called me to the microphone, I rattled the keys but said I wanted to tell her and all those gathered the story of the land where her new home is before I would give her the keys.

I had learned that Andy’s Market was in that location, and children used to bring in pop bottles to earn their candy money — just ask our friend Nancy Frank, who

lived five minutes from there. Before the ceremony, a man told me about his experience during the Blizzard of 1978. He needed milk for his new infant daughter who was just a few days old. He lived just a few houses away from the market, but he could hardly see the store when he ventured out for the milk. Sure enough, the store was open and Andy was there to serve those in need! When Andy’s Market closed, it sat vacant for many years. Then it became the post office annex. The little girl who brought in her pop bottles was now a postal carrier and worked out of the building that was Andy’s Market for several years until the new post office was built. She liked being a postal carrier because she brought many happy messages to those on her 8-mile route each day!

So, you see, that ground is blessed! It was a welcoming place and a place of service for so many. All were welcome there!

KaCey’s new home has already been a welcoming place because of the hundreds of generous volunteers who helped her dream of home ownership come Top, Sister Nancy (with David Mauch) gives KaCey true. She also was a very the keys to her new home; bottom, KaCey's new hard worker and spent over home; Sister Linda Pleiman photos 350 hours working on her new home. She said that — continued on Page 9 this experience is invaluable because she learned so Story by Sister Nancy Wolf Spring 2026

7

News

Keep our eyes and ears open, because the Lord loves to surprise us!

News

A Home for Hope

I

n February, Sisters Jeanette Buehler and Marla Gipson attended the grand opening of Spaeth & Kelly Hall, a permanent supportive housing building in Cincinnati’s Overthe-Rhine neighborhood. The housing agency Tender Mercies administers the building, which is named for former Tender Mercies CEO Marcia Spaeth and our very own Sister Kathleen Kelly, who died in 2021.

The building contains 30 apartments to house adults with various mental illnesses, along with various services in place to help them. In addition to attending the grand opening, Sisters Jeanette and Marla toured a couple of the apartments and met some of

the residents. Sisters Jeanette and Marla also shared stories of Sister Kathleen with Spaeth, who in turn shared some stories of her own.

Sister Kathleen served at Tender Mercies for 25 years, beginning in 1987. After retiring as a full-time staff member, she became a full-time volunteer, helping clients with appointments, transportation and other needs. In 2012, she was the first recipient of the Sister Kathleen Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the accompanying photo, Sisters Jeanette and Marla are holding a picture of Marcia Spaeth and Sister Kathleen taken in the 1990s. A painting of the same photo hangs in the lobby of Spaeth & Kelly Hall. 

Letter to the Editor Marisa Ferrara is a student in the University of Dayton’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program and a recipient of the Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship at UD. As she prepares to graduate in May, she contacted the Congregation to share the impact the scholarship has had on her education.

An anonymous donor made a contribution establishing the endowed scholarship fund in honor of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2017. The scholarships are need- and merit-based, and assist students in education, music and pastoral ministry.

Marisa writes:

I

serve full-time in parish children’s formation and sacramental preparations,

8

Sharing & Caring

walking with about 100 adult volunteers, and 350 children each year as they prepare for First Holy Communion and deeper participation in the life of the Church. The education [that the scholarship] helped me afford transformed how I approach this work. Rather than treating sacramental prep as a checklist, I now help families discover their identity as members of the Body of the Christ. The children (and parents!) realize they belong to a living community.

Parents who once felt unsure now pray together. Children approach the Mass and sacraments (even Reconciliation!) with joy. … The impact has extend-

ed beyond children. I lead women’s retreats, accompany those in the catechumenate process and help adults grow as disciples. I have seen adults rediscover faith and families begin to live the rhythms of the church year together. … Every person I encounter in Christ is part of your legacy.

Your charism of [proclaiming the] reconciling love of Jesus continues to bear fruit … .

“I gave thanks to my GOD at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy … because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5) With deep gratitude — and affection in Christ, Marisa Ferrara 

W

omen religious around the world can draw wisdom from “living ancestors” — Catholic Sisters in Africa who have spent decades in vowed life and ministry. Their lived experience offers insights and unique perspectives for both women religious and for those considering a vocation, as well inspiration for the general population, with stories of faith and perseverance.

Now available as a free download in English and French, Living Ancestors, Volume I, is the first installment in an ongoing effort to gather and share the stories of Sisters across Africa. This volume features essays from 15 Sisters, who reflect on their vocation stories, their congregational charisms, lessons learned in ministry and their hopes for the future.

Living Ancestors is an initiative of Watawa wa Taa, founded and led by our own Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha. Originally

from Kenya, Sister Mūmbi established Watawa wa Taa to act as an incubator of ideas and inspirations of African Catholic Sisters and to create spaces of sharing and support that are intercongregational and intergenerational. Loosely translated from Kiswahili as “Consecrated Women of Light,” the name serves as an ode to the presence and works of women religious in Africa.

Sister Mūmbi also minis-

ters as president of Friends in Solidarity, a collaborative ministry that supports the people of Africa — especially in South Sudan — through a variety of initiatives. She also co-founded Kuibuka (Arise) with two friends that focuses on safeguarding African sisters by hosting workshops and research on the same.

To download Living Ancestors, visit https://watawa.org/ebooks/. 

much more arriving for KaCey’s new home!

David Mauch sent a thankyou note which read, “It was an incredible honor to have Sister Nancy and Sister Linda attend and assist with the ceremony. Sister Nancy, the stories you shared about the home’s history were amazing. It felt like you were meant to be at the event.” David also thanked us for “the incredible support and partnership in our work over many years. Because of partners like [CPPS Heritage

Mission Fund and Sisters of the Precious Blood], we can enhance lives in the Dayton region. We will be building many new homes in Trotwood and Dayton in the coming years and we would love your continued partnership. . . .”

So now we continue to keep our eyes and ears open to what God is calling us to do!

God continues to say to us: Surprise, Surprise! There are many ways to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who was the son of a carpenter! 

— continued from Page 7

much in how to care for her home and who to call when she may need some help.

KaCey was filled with gratitude on her day of celebration to receive her keys to her new home, which is also filled with lots of gifts: new beds from Secret Smiles of Dayton; food from Miami Valley Meals in the freezer; and multiple gifts of time, talent and treasure given by over 23 area churches and faith groups! What a surprise to see bedding, quilts, food, household supplies and

Spring 2026

9

News

Insights and inspiration from ‘Living Ancestors’

News

Antique hair wreaths come home to Pettis County From 1882 to 1973, 148 Sisters of the Precious Blood served in Sedalia, Missouri, as staff, teachers and principals at Sacred Heart Elementary and High School. Six sisters from Sedalia, daughters of Peter and Theresia Riffel, joined the Congregation: Sisters Mary Edith, Mary Alfreda, Mary Alarda, Mary Eleanora, Mary Corinne and Mary Pauline. The following article about the family appeared in the Feb. 26 issue of the Sedalia Democrat in Missouri.

A

fter more than a century, the antique hair wreaths of two Sedalia sisters have returned home to Pettis County, where their journey began.

Charlie Wise, a member of the Pettis County Historical Society, noted that the hair wreaths were made by members of the Riffel family.

“The family was originally from Morgan County, near Gravois Mills, before moving to the Sedalia area,” Wise said.

“Peter and Theresia Riffel had nine children — eight girls and one boy. Of the eight girls, six became nuns. At the time, women would cut off their hair upon joining a convent, and the story goes that two of the Riffel sisters made these hair wreaths upon joining the Sisters of the Precious Blood at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia. Five of the six sisters lived to see their Golden Jubilee, each serving for over 50 years.”

He added that the two hair wreaths eventually became part of Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence. The museum closed in Fall 2025 after its owner, Leila Cohoon, died.

Cohoon’s granddaughter, Lindsay Evans, said she was determined to find a home for her grandmother's collection.

“Her museum was passed 10

Sharing & Caring

Lindsay Evans with David Esser, a member of the Pettis County Historical Society. Evans presented Esser with two historical hair wreaths belonging to two Sedalia sisters who joined the Sisters of the Precious Blood in the 1800s. Photo courtesy of the Pettis County Historical Society

to myself and my younger brother and two cousins,” Evans said. “And we are not able to keep it open, unfortunately.

We would love to, but can’t.

So, I’ve been working for over a year now, rehoming all of these pieces. They will be seen and appreciated in museums, small Victorian home museums, and other places all over the country. I’m working with about 65 different historical societies and museums right now.”

During the course of rehoming the pieces, Evans found the two pieces belonging to the

Sedalia sisters.

“They were one of the favorite stories my grandmother loved to tell when people came into the museum,” Evans said.

“It was the story of those two pieces, and they’re from the Riffel sisters. They went into a convent in Sedalia, Missouri, in the 1800s. And in those days, when women went into the convent, they shaved their heads. So they were bald unStory by Faith Bemiss-McKinney Originally published in the Sedalia (MO) Democrat. Reprinted with permission.

Photo from an article about the five surviving Riffel sisters who joined the Congregation was published in the Sedalia Democrat on July 27, 1947. Photo courtesy of the Sedalia Democrat

der their habit.”

She added that when their heads were shaved, the nuns at the convent would create hair wreaths for the sisters.

“And they likely hung in their rooms there at the convent,” Evans said. “Then at some point, my grandmother came across them at an antique store. And she has had them as a part of her collection for decades. So what I’m trying to do in this rehoming process is, for sure, when I know where something is from, I'm trying to give it back to that place.”

Wise said Pettis County

Historical Society member Theresa Cline first heard about the pieces being impacted by the Independence museum’s closure via an NPR Radio Interview.

Cline brought the information, which included the connection to Sacred Heart, to Pettis County Museum board members.

They sought out the connection, which eventually led to museum board member David Esser retrieving the wreaths from the museum in Independence. They will be on display at the Pettis County Museum this summer.

Spring 2026 11

News

Evans said that when Esser came to pick up the pieces, she gave him and his daughter a brief tour of the museum, and they took photos.

“And then he took the wreaths back with him to live at the Historical Society,” Evans said. “Grandmother had a notebook full of information, so the gentleman who came up to pick up the wreaths took photos of all the pamphlets and handouts that we had.”

She added that the information was about the convent, Sacred Heart Church and the sisters.

“She (grandmother) had a lot of history and background on both sisters — a full family history, but then also on church, too,” Evans said. “So, it was really fun to have the pieces back where they belong.

I’m trying to keep my grandmother’s legacy alive. This was such a passion for her. And it’s breaking my heart that we had to close the museum … but I’m excited now that there are going to be all these homes for these pieces across the country. And people will see them that they might not have before and see her name next to it and know that it came from her collection.”

The Pettis County Historical Museum is located at 228 Dundee Ave. in Sedalia. It’s open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from June to September, as volunteers are available. The Pettis County Museum is maintained by the Pettis County Historical Society, a fully volunteer organization funded by membership dues and donations. Visit the Facebook page for more information. 

Cover Story

Sisters and Students: L

ast summer, we set out to create opportunities for high school students to volunteer at Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton. We wanted to build opportunities for mutual appreciation and growth; we wanted to be a place where genuine connection could take root and grow.

As relatively new staff members with the Congregation, we — Maria Ollier Burkett, spiritual care companion, and Nancy Hutson, life enrichment coordinator — were eager to collaborate to serve the Sisters at Salem Heights. After years of active ministry, the Sisters have earned a well-deserved rest in retirement, as their ministries were indeed very active! Whether Sisters ministered in education, chaplaincy, domestic work or pastoral care, they have led full, enriching, interesting lives as women religious. And while some may not be as busy with community and ministry activities as they once were, many Precious Blood Sisters are by nature outgoing and gregarious — always ready to welcome visitors and open to friendly conversation.

Our own backgrounds prepared us well to build relationships and connections for the common good. Nancy previously provided loving Christian service as an occupational therapist in hospitals, extended care facilities and home health settings. I worked as the inaugural director of community 12

Sharing & Caring

On the cover, CJ student Kirrah-Marie Draine with Sister Rosemary Lindemann during Fair Week; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Above, members of the CJ student choir (there are 29 total) with Sisters Arlene Hirsch, Rosemary Goubeaux, Regina Albers, Lou Ann Roof, Beverly Bodnar and Laura Will; Nancy Hutson photo.

service at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School and served as a consultant to area schools and nonprofits regarding community-engaged learning. And by providential coincidence, the current director of ministry and service at CJ, Jenna Legg, is already familiar with the Sisters, as the Congregation’s former vocations ministry coordinator. Our collaboration was meant to be!

So the three of us began discussing possibilities for bringing Sisters and students together in shared faith and moments of connection.

Fair Week

In August, right before CJ’s first day of classes, two students helped Nancy during Fair Week, when Sisters at Salem Heights enjoy a weeklong schedule of fair-related events.

Students helped during Carnival Day, setting up and running games, interacting with

Sisters and then cleaning up at the end of the day. It was good for the students to experience the Sisters’ fun and competitive spirit!

Connecting through Creativity

Caitlin Bennett, chair of CJ’s performing arts department, brought several students to Salem Heights for a concert. As she introduced the choir, she shared their gratitude for the opportunity to perform in a new setting, with a unique audience. Their beautiful voices and song selections connected faith and hearts in a memorable day for all.

Make A Difference Day

We were pleased to plan two volunteer projects in conjunction with CJ’s celebration of Make a Difference Day. InitiStory by Maria Ollier Burkett

A.J. Grimm and her four children with Sister Carolyn Hoying during the fall morning cleanup in the patio garden area at Salem Heights. Nancy Hutson photo

ated in 1992 by the Points of Light foundation and USA Weekend magazine, thousands of organizations across the country now mark Make a Difference Day each year on the fourth Saturday in October.

As CJ’s director of community service in 1992, I reached out to UD’s Center for Social Concern so that we could collaborate and leverage our efforts for the first Make a Difference Day in Dayton. The House of Bread — co-founded in 1983 by Precious Blood Sister Dorothy Kammerer — was one of our first community partners for this special day of service. Our students, faculty and staff enthusiastically joined a nationwide movement to engage our local Dayton community through acts of service and kindness.

The following year, CJ students, faculty and staff took on more leadership by initiating and planning Make a Difference Day projects with

community partners. For over three decades, CJ students, faculty and staff have continued to put their faith into action on Make a Difference Day! It is currently a two-day event at the school. While participation is not required, many of CJ’s clubs and teams use these service opportunities for community building and as a catalyst for future service relationships.

Following our initial conversation with Jenna, Nancy and I wanted to make sure that we designed service experiences that would positively engage students and Sisters. Some guiding principles we utilized: • Make sure that we were meeting a need.

• Center our mutual values for faith and service.

• Assure that the experience allowed for students and Sisters to learn from one another, and to engage in meaningful conversation or activities.

Inviting CJ volunteer groups to share in the celebration of Mass then became the “anchor” for organizing the projects. And just as we gather around the Eucharistic table to share a sacred meal, we wanted to invite students to also join the Sisters for the noon meal and conversation. With this design, regardless of the service activity, volunteers and Sisters would have the opportunity to share stories and gain a broader perspective from a different generation.

We organized and hosted two service projects with CJ at Salem Heights: a fall morning cleanup in our patio garden area, and jack-o’-lantern carving in the afternoon.

For the fall cleanup in our patio garden area, Nancy Hutson and Sister Carolyn Hoying welcomed A.J. Grimm, a counselor at CJ, and her four children to help maintenance staff ready the patio garden for winter. Within two hours, dead and dried plant material was removed from the patio, tools and furniture were moved, and the patio was cleared. Many hands certainly made light work! The group concluded their day at Mass with the Sisters.

“I want my children to build a habit of service and also broaden their understanding of vowed religious,” Grimm said.

Sister Carolyn said she enjoyed working with the family.

“I was so impressed by the enthusiasm of these young volunteers,” she said. “It was Spring 2026 13

Cover Story

Sharing service, stories and faith

Cover Story

of the carving and decorating. Sisters and students joined their creative energies to produce beautiful jack-o’lanterns, gracing the dining room for the entire week of Halloween.

Jenna Legg, who oversees all the ministry efforts for students at CJ — including retreats, liturgies, service and Sister Mary E. Wendeln and CJ students work on the jack-o'lantern carving project. Nancy Hutson photo justice opportunities, faith-sharing and other prayer opportunities a very cold morning, but they — said that service-learning never complained; they knew remains a key element of the and could see what a great school’s curriculum. difference they were making “The phrase ‘service-learnto help us. … I gave praise to ing’ is important because it God for the Grimm family’s emphasizes the pastoral cycle self-giving love and muscle and that we are hoping stuthey gave to our Community.” dents do not just commit oneFor the jack-o’-lantern carvtime acts of service. The goal is ing in the afternoon, a group that students have service exof four students began their periences, which causes them day in the chapel, joined the to learn about justice issues or Sisters for lunch, and then set church teaching, which then up for the Halloween-themed leads them back to service,” event. Students did some of she explained. “Throughout the “messy work” of cleaning this process, there should be out the insides of the pumpopportunities for prayerful rekins, and during the activity, flection as well, for students to they assisted Sisters with some

pause and consider where and how God might be involved in the situation.”

All CJ students complete service projects throughout their high school career. In particular, Legg said, the service opportunities with the Sisters of the Precious Blood are special because “students do not have access to Catholic Sisters as much anymore. CJ no longer has any religious on staff, so many students only hear or read about religious life. Encouraging students to serve with the Sisters reminds them that there are Sisters out there; it opens their minds to a potential vocation.

“CJ is owned by the Marianists and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, so students are often immersed in those charisms. Introducing students to the Precious Blood Sisters shows them that there are even more ways to practice and live their faith!”

We look forward to continuing and deepening relationships with schools and parishes in our area — because when Sisters and students work together, service-learning takes root and community grows. 

Presence that Matters R

ecently I retired from active ministry but soon found myself being invited

by Teri Iverson, our vocations ministry coordinator, to participate in various events offering a Precious Blood presence and sharing stories of ministry and expressions of living our Precious Blood spiritual14

Sharing & Caring

ity — as Teri put it, “sharing our charism with our young Church.”

Sister Ann Clark and I attended the SEEK conference in Columbus, where 16,000 young people gathered to deepen their relationship with God and discern their call within the Catholic Church. I

was inspired by their searching for a way to be disciples of Jesus. I found them hungry for community; for a closer relationship with God; and for a way to pray and to serve, focusing on living their faith through worship, adoration Story by Donna Liette

of ministry and our personal calls to prayer and engagement in the world! Together we “broke bread,” laughed, cried, connected on many levels and ended an amazing evening by praying the Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus together in our Adoration Chapel and committing to pray for one another’s needs until we meet again!

All of these experiences have enriched me and energized me to continue to be present in our world — I see people, especially our youth, thirsting for spirituality, for community, for purpose, for redeeming love! 

Cover Story

and service.

For another outreach experience, Jenna Legg — director of ministry and service at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton — invited me to participate in their faith-based enrichment day.

Here, I spoke to approximately 30 students in a circle about my recent work at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) in southside Chicago. I shared the call I felt as a Sister of the Precious Blood to be where blood is being shed and where the cry for forgiveness and healing is loud and frequent!

Recently I also invited a group of young adults and their formator from the St. Gabriel the Archangel Family of Parishes to visit our home, Salem Heights, and interact with Sisters, to hear our stories

Sister Donna at the SEEK Conference with Carmen Badell Kestler of Ohio State University. Sister Ann Clark photo

In Sympathy We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood, Missionaries of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.

Former member Arlene (Goubeaux) Dougherty on the death of her husband, Michael, on Nov. 9.

Sister Ritamary Bulach (deceased) on the death of her brother, Thomas, on Nov. 14.

Carol Wirick, a health care professional for the Congregation, on the death of her sister-in-law, Janice Homan, on Nov. 27.

The family of Patricia Parker, a former member, who died Dec. 3.

Sister Terry Maher on the death of her brother, Tom, on Dec. 6.

Angela Isaac, a staff member with the Congregation, on the death of her husband, Donnie, on Dec. 6.

Sister Mary E. Wendeln on the death of her brother-inlaw, Gary Lee Woodall, on Dec. 16.

The family of Rosemary “Rosie” Monnin, a former member, who died Dec. 31.

Former member Bela Mis on the death of her sister, Maria, on Jan. 7.

The family of Betty (Heidkamp) Schwab, a former member, who died Jan. 15.

Sister Angeline Hoffman on

the death of her sister, Beatrice “Bea” L. Hensel, on Feb. 2.

Sister Dorothy Koenig on the death of her brother, Paul, on March 10.

Maria Ollier Burkett, a staff member with the Congregation, on the death of her mother, Nancy Ollier, on March 18.

Sisters Madonna Ratermann and Rae Marie Ratermann on the death of their sister, Donna Faulconer, on March 23.

The family of Father George “Yuri” Kuzara, CPPS, who died March 23.

The family of Father Jim Frank, CPPS, who died April 3.

Spring 2026 15

Archives

Inside the CPPS Archives

Cholera, Orphanages and the Sisters of the Precious Blood This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.

S

ince the very beginnings of this Congregation, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have been taking care of children, especially those who may not have anyone else to care for them. Our foundress Maria Anna Brunner took in girls, mostly orphans, while at her home in Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland. As the Sisters spread throughout the United States, they also started or worked in local orphanages and continued to care for orphaned children wherever they were. In many instances during the 1800s, children became orphans because of widespread disease, especially cholera. It was due to these epidemics that numerous orphanages were created, and it became a common occurrence that children were put into the care of the Sisters.

When the Sisters first arrived in New Riegel, Ohio, they began ministering to the local Ger16

Sharing & Caring

man-speaking residents and took orphans into their own convent, especially orphaned girls.

They not only taught these girls basic schooling with the other local children, but also other life skills deemed useful, such as sewing. Except for an eight-year period between 1856-1864 when they were moved to Thompson, Ohio, there were orphans at New Riegel until 1912. The children were then permanently moved to Minster, Ohio.

The orphanage in Minster, St. Mary’s Institute, was built in 1852 at the convent in response to the many children left orphaned by the 1849 cholera epidemic. During this epidemic, the disease raged through Minster, causing widespread death. Many of the Sisters also became Story by Julia Grannan; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.

Archives Previous page, left, original German letter from Fr. Brunner to Mother Kunigunda about two brothers being taken care of by the Sisters, Thompson, Ohio, 1848; previous page, right, English translation of the letter from Fr. Brunner to Mother Kunigunda, Thompson, Ohio, 1848; above left, two Sisters and two young girls in front of New Riegel Convent, New Riegel, Ohio, 1848; above right, Minster Convent, Minster Ohio, c.1911; right, Sisters and children on the lawn at St. Joseph Orphanage, Dayton, Ohio, 1930.

ill. It became so bad that for a time, the Sisters had to stop teaching at the local schools.

In Phoenix, Arizona, there was the St. Mary Orphanage, which began in the 1890s and continued into the 1900s. In the 1890s, a large cholera epidemic swept through Phoenix. This epidemic was a part of the much more widespread pandemic that occurred around the world during that time.

Because Phoenix was so new, there was not much documented nationally about the cholera outbreaks there or in other frontier towns. The Sisters came to work at this school and orphanage in 1903.

A little closer to home, the St. Joseph’s Orphanage, later called St. Joseph Home for Children, was run by the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton starting in 1891. This orphanage had been founded earlier to also care for children whose parents died during the 1849 cholera epidemic.

When the Sisters joined the orphanage, they

began offering school and other domestic and farming classes for the children. They stayed at St. Joseph until 1967.

Many children went through these institutions, whether as permanent residents or as quick stops when times became difficult in their families, including my own great-grandfather, who stayed at St. Joseph’s for a year when his mother died, most likely of the Spanish Flu. It must have been a bright spot for him in the middle of tragedy, as he moved to a house across the street from the orphanage, where he raised his family.

In many other cities where the Sisters served, whether they had a dedicated orphanage or not, they would continue to care for the children who had nowhere else to go. In many instances, the Sisters would take in children in their convents, just as they did in the very beginning at New Riegel.  Spring 2026 17

In Brief

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.

February 2 — Sisters Terry Walter and Mary E. Wendeln and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson attended Here We Stand: Faith Leaders for Immigration Justice and Family Unity, a day of prayer and solidarity with our Haitian neighbors in Springfield facing the termination of their immigration status.

February 10 — Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Paula Gero and Patty Kremer visited Mother Brunner Catholic School to judge eighth grade students’ science fair projects. The judges were impressed by the students’ preparation and thoughtful engagement with environmental issues.

February 12 — Sisters and staff members accompanied colleague Tatiana Petrova as she became a U.S. citizen at the Naturalization Oath Ceremony held at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering.

Tatiana works in the Food Service Department at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, and was one of 27 immigrants from 24 different countries at the ceremony. Congratulations, Tatiana!

February 19-22 — Sisters LaKesha Church and Terry Maher, along with Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson, participated in the Religious Education Congress sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and held at Anaheim Convention Center. We were honored to be invited by the archdiocese and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with many of the thousands of attendees.

March 9 — Sisters Jeanette Buehler and Mary E. Wendeln joined Jen Morin-Williamson in judging the environmental science fair projects at St. Peter School in Huber Heights. Again this year, they were impressed as they listened to the work of eighth grade students competing for the Precious Planet Award, a $500 scholarship toward the Catholic high school of their choice.

March 17-19 — Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson attended and exhibited at the Vocations Jamboree, held annually at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Over 50 congregations were represented, and many wonderful conversations, networking and prayer occurred.

March 23-27 — Sisters Joyce Kahle and Mary E. Wendeln, along with Jen Morin-Williamson, attended “A Spring Awakening,” a social justice gathering in Chicago organized by members of the Precious Top, Here We Stand: Faith Leaders for Immigration Justice and Family Unity; second, Precious Planet Science Fair at Mother Brunner Catholic School; Jen Morin-Williamson photos. Third, from left, Maria Ollier-Burkett, Laura Valentine, Sheena McCormick, Tatiana and Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher at the Nauralization Oath Ceremony; contributed photo. Fourth, Sister LaKesha with a participant of the Religious Education Congress; Teri Iverson photo. Fifth, Jen with students at St. Peter School; sixth, Teri with participants of the Vocations Jamboree; contributed photos.

18

Sharing & Caring

In Brief

Blood family, companions, and Vicky Otto, executive director of the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute.

March 28 — Sisters took part in No Kings Part 3, a nationwide day of action calling for democracy, accountability, support of immigrants and the protection of civil rights. Sisters Maryann Bremke, Carolyn Hoying, Joyce Kahle and Mary E. Wendeln, along with friend Nancy Frank and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson, participated in Dayton, while Sisters Terry Maher and Margo Young joined in California.

April 15 — Sisters at Salem Heights learned more about “zero waste” sustainability in a presentation from Linda Scharf and Diane Borchers from the Mother of God Family of Parishes.

Legislative Lunches Sisters at Salem Heights keep up on current events and engage in advocacy with a monthly Legislative Lunch, hosted by the Justice Committee. Sisters and staff gather to discuss various topics and write to legislators about current issues.

In January, Sisters and staff prayerfully wrote and mailed 20 handwritten letters to Governor Mike DeWine. We expressed deep gratitude for his decision not to allow any executions during his administration and shared our enduring convictions about the sanctity of all human life. Our letters encouraged him to use his influence to move legislation forward in the Statehouse to repeal the death penalty — or, at the very least, to commute the sentences of all those currently on death row to life imprisonment.

In February, Sisters contacted congressional representatives, urging them not to increase funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. Our goal is to encourage real immigration reform that protects life and upholds human dignity for all.

In March, participants learned more about the “SAVE America Act,” which would mandate in-person presentation of specific documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote or update voter registration. The Justice Committee prepared a letter to the editor expressing our concerns about the act, which could make voting significantly harder for many eligible citizens.

Fighting Human Trafficking January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We leaned into both awareness and action — but the fight doesn’t end when we turn the calendar page. Sisters and staff work with community partners throughout the year in an effort to bring human trafficking to an end.

Our friends at Oasis House organized the Jan. 8 Southwest Ohio Human Trafficking Conference at the University of Dayton. Oa-

Top, Sisters Joyce and Mary E. during "A Spring Awakening"; second, Nancy and Sister Maryann during No Kings Part 3; third, "zero waste" presentation; fourth, Sisters Mary Faye Hellman and Rita Rogier write to Governor DeWine in January; fifth, participants of the Southwest Ohio Human Trafficking Conference; Jen Morin-Williamson photos.

Spring 2026 19

In Brief

sis House walks alongside women survivors of human trafficking through safe housing, healing, sobriety support, mentorship and spiritual growth. Again this year, the Congregation was a proud sponsor of the conference, along with many area agencies, nonprofit organizations and churches. Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson and Peg Birkemeyer, executive assistant with the Congregation, attended. On Jan. 21, Sisters and staff welcomed Dona Pierce, executive director at Oasis House, to Salem Heights, to share more about the organization.

On Jan. 23, we visited the Dayton Beer Co. and on Feb. 12, we were at Fifth Street Brew Pub, hosting human trafficking awareness and soap-labeling events. The labels feature the National Human Trafficking Hotline number. Sisters also worked throughout February to label thousands of soap and makeup wipes for the nonprofit SOAP, which fights human trafficking.

In March, those items — 14,000 bars of soap and 4,000 makeup remover wipes — were delivered to 88 hotels and 14 organizations, including drop-in centers and agencies providing direct social services to people who may be experiencing exploitation or trafficking. SOAP Project Day brought together nearly 100 community members, volunteers and partners in mission in a hands-on effort to fight human trafficking and stand united with survivors.

Top, Sisters attend the presentation by Dona Pierce; second, volunteers label soap and makeup remover wipes at the Dayton Beer Company; Jen MorinWilliamson photos. Third, Sister Joyce Ann presents "Grace & Holiness" in the Salem Heights chapel. YouTube screenshot.

Also in March, the Congregation’s Justice Committee sponsored a presentation for Sisters at Salem Heights by Rebecca Rhoton from the nonprofit Scarlet Hope, a national ministry serving women in the adult entertainment industry. While not every woman in the industry is trafficked, vulnerabilities such as poverty, abuse, addiction and lack of options can create conditions where exploitation flourishes.

Learning with Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman Precious Blood Sister Joyce addressed specific aspects of Ann Zimmerman offers learnthe Holy Spirit in relation to ing opportunities to Sisters the Church and to us: the Holy and staff throughout the year.

Spirit is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity; the Holy Spirit In January, Sister Joyce Ann is the Presence of God within presented “Grace & Holiness,” us; the Holy Spirit is the giver in which she invited particiof many gifts; the Holy Spirit pants to rediscover the richis an article of our faith. ness of grace, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and holiness, In March, Sister Joyce Ann our acceptance of that gift of used as a foundation Pope divine Life.

Francis’ 2024 document Spes non Confundit (“Hope Does “Holy Spirit: Help!” was the Not Disappoint”) to examine theme of Sister Joyce Ann’s hope as our surrender to goodFebruary presentation. She ness “always and everywhere” 20

Sharing & Caring

and describe hope as it is presented in Sacred Scripture and key Church documents.

Sister Joyce Ann is the founding director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry, an adjunct professor of liturgy, and a frequent facilitator of workshops on liturgy. She has published numerous scholarly and pastoral liturgical books and articles.

Some of her recorded presentations are available on the website of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, where she is also a regular speaker.

Beyond Ripples Moments before I’m dead to the world, I feel caught between the day of done and the dive into tomorrow.

It’s easy going with backstrokes, solo, quick touches at both ends.

I splash through dreams floating under me carry those stuck to my skin like a well-worn suit.

I try to look smooth, be silent, slipping deeper in waters, invisible future.  Poem by Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher Previously published by the Ohio Poetry Association in Common Threads 2024. Used with permission.

Photo of Sister Thelma by Liz Miller, Aquatics Director, Kleptz YMCA.

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

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.

5 6 12 13 27 7 13 17 20 22 27

MARCH

Jane Francis Hoffman Mary Lou Schmersal Nancy Kinross Dorothy Koenig Martha Bertke

APRIL

Rosemary Goubeaux Joyce Ann Zimmerman Karen Elliott Genevieve Volk Linda Pleiman Maryann Bremke

MAY

3 6 11 20 22 22 23 23

Mumbi Kigutha Deb Huss Thelma Wurzelbacher Arlene Hirsch Lou Ann Roof Benita Volk Mary Ellen Lampe Nancy Recker

4 7 9

Juliana Wuur Joanne Belloli Theresa Walter

JUNE

19 19 23 25 30 2 2 8 14 16 22 22 27

Mary Faye Hellman Mary E. Wendeln Charlene Heidenreich Joan DeChristopher Joyce Lehman

JULY

Mary Garascia Rita Manriquez Marla Gipson Nancy Wolf Laura Will Dolores Keller Judy Niday Joyce Langhals Spring 2026 21

Palettes of Prayer

Creative pursuits of all types allow us to express thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Color, form, texture or sound can take us to a place beyond language — and in poetry, we can use language in unexpected ways — 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.

In Memoriam

Sister Pat (Patricia Ann) Dieringer July 1929 — November 2, 2025

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Pat Dieringer was held at Salem Heights Chapel on November 6. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 65 years.

Sister Pat was born in St. Marys, Ohio, to Frank and Wilhelmina (Wieser) Dieringer. One week after high school graduation, she began working in the accounting department at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in St. Marys, before entering the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She returned home to St. Marys after the novitiate to care for her ailing parents and resumed her job at Goodyear.

After several years of discernment, she entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1960.

She began her ministry a few years later at the Maria Stein Retreat House and Shrine. She then worked as the office secretary at Regina High School in Norwood, and as the secretary for the CPPS Southern Region Director in Dayton.

In 1976, she began a ministry of over 20 years at the Maria-Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dayton, where she held the titles of bookkeeper, payroll/Medicare assistant, office manager, director of business operations, and

director of reimbursement and audits.

Sister Pat retired in 1997 to Salem Heights in Dayton, where she served the Congregation as the executive secretary of the Maria Anna Brunner Fund (the Congregation’s former grant foundation), and the Dayton community as the coordinator of Eucharistic Ministers at Precious Blood Parish, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Committee, a board member for the Suicide Prevention Center of Montgomery County, and a volunteer at the Brunner Literacy Center. She also assisted her Sisters at Salem Heights in any way she could, including balancing their checkbooks and driving. High on Sister Pat’s list was prayer and finding time to watch her favorite sports teams, especially the Cincinnati Reds.

Sister Pat joins her parents; siblings Rose Agnes Ziegenfelder, William Dieringer, Robert Dieringer, Lawrence Dieringer, and James Dieringer; and sisters-in-law Joan (Helmsing) Dieringer and LaDonna (Moon) Dieringer in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, sister-in-law Beverly Dieringer, and many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

Sister Mary Helen Weber July 1933 — February 20, 2026

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Mary Helen Weber was held at Salem Heights Chapel on Feb. 25. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 75 years.

Sister Helen was born in Ottoville, Ohio, to Frank X. and Mary (Honigford) Weber. She attended Ottoville Public Schools, where her teachers were Sisters of the Precious Blood. She entered the Congregation in February 1952, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Herbert.

She then began successive teaching ministries in Falls Church, Virginia; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Denver, Colorado, where she was principal for seven years.

22

Sharing & Caring

Throughout her ministry, she continually furthered her own education. She earned a B.S. in education from the University of Dayton and an M.A. in curriculum and school administration from the University of Colorado.

In 1979, Sister Helen earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of California, San Diego. In 1985, she was awarded an M.A. in theology from the University of Notre Dame.

After her 16-year ministry in elementary education, she became a curriculum consultant for the Archdiocese of Denver and then moved on to be a director of education for the Colorado Council of Churches. This led her to the Paulist Press, where she was a consultant for educational films. Following this endeavor, Helen

Gene and his wife Eileen; her sister Mildred and husband Mike Rahrig; her sisters Lucille Fuchs and Celeste Geise; her brother Ken; sister-in-law Audrey Weber; and brother-in-law Jim Spieles in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and by Art and Connie Weber, Rev. Herb Weber, Judy and Vern Fischer, Don Weber, Dolores Spieles, Len and Margie Weber, Larry and Fran Weber, Bettie Weber, Roger Geise, Frank Fuchs and numerous nieces and nephews and friends and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

Sister Elizabeth Westgerdes July 1936 — March 30, 2026

A

Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Elizabeth “Liz” Westgerdes was held at Salem Heights Chapel on April 7. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 69 years.

Sister Elizabeth was born in St. Henry, Ohio, the youngest of seven children of Edward and Helen (Wenz) Westgerdes. She entered the Congregation in January 1957, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Stephen Ann. She was a teacher for almost 15 years, first serving in Phoenix and then in Ohio in Dayton, North College Hill (Cincinnati), Cleveland and Ottawa. Sister Elizabeth then began a ministry of over 40 years in Ohio parishes, serving as a religious education coordinator at St. Mary Parish in Van Wert, Immaculate Conception Parish in Ottoville and St. Michael Parish in Findlay; as a director of religious education and pastoral associate at St. Mary Parish in Leipsic; as a pastoral associate at Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Ottawa; and in part-time ministry at Holy Trinity Parish in Coldwater. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and later a Master of Arts

in Religious Education with several summers of continuing education units in religious studies.

She also earned various other certifications for ministry.

Some of Sister Elizabeth’s favorite ministries included director of religious education ministry, teaching high school religion, coordinating sacramental programs with parents and children, coordinating the process for adults becoming Catholic, planning funeral liturgies, officiating funeral services in the funeral home and coordinating Scripture study.

She retired in 2015 to Salem Heights, where she was the sacristan in our chapel for many years. She also enjoyed prayer, reading, puzzles and going on walks.

Sister Elizabeth joins in heaven her parents and siblings Ed and Lucille Westgerdes, John and Virginia Westgerdes, Bob and Norma Westgerdes, Ray and Rita Westgerdes, Mary Ann and Bernard Sampson, and Vincent Westgerdes.

She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, many nieces and nephews, friends, and former students and colleagues.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden. 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Spring 2026

23

In Memoriam

went on to be the director of project impact, a National Values Project funded through a Lilly Endowment.

Next, Helen became associate director of education in the Saginaw, Michigan, diocese and finally, she moved to the position of secretary of Christian formation and a member of the bishop’s cabinet in the Diocese of Toledo .

In 2011, she was co-founder, with Sister Maryann Bremke, of the Brunner Literacy Center in Dayton. In retirement, Sister Helen enjoyed reading, teaching CPPS community history to Sisters in formation, writing books and praying.

Sister Helen joins her parents; her brother

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Scenes from Salem Heights

C

atholic Sisters Week was March 8-14. The staff gave thanks and celebrated with the Sisters throughout the week. There was also a special blessing at Mass on Tuesday, March 10. Sisters aged 90 and older celebrated at the Nifty Nineties party on March 23. They told stories and enjoyed a special dessert made by the kitchen staff. 

Clockwise from top left, Catholic Sisters Week, Sisters Juliana Wuur, Donna Liette and Beverly Bodnar place their flowers on the garden poster; candy bars given to the Sisters; thank you notes created by students from Queen of Peace School, Hamilton, Ohio; Teri Iverson photos. Nifty Nineties, Sister Joyce Lehman gives a toast; clockwise, from top left, Sisters Mary Garke, Rosemary Goubeaux, Regina Albers, Genny Volk, Jane Francis Hoffman, Angeline Hoffman, Laura Will, Dorothy Koenig, Eva Roehrich and Lou Ann Roof; Michelle Bodine photos.

24

Sharing & Caring