Sharing & Caring Summer-Fall 2015

Sharing & Caring Volume 26 Numbers 1-2 • Summer-Fall 2015 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

A lasting influence in Ohio

From the President’s Desk

A summer of celebration, prayer and decisions

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he summer of 2015 has been packed with celebrations, lots of activity and times of serious discussion and decisions. Shortly after the first day of the summer season our Sisters gathered to celebrate jubilees. Two celebrated 50 years, 10 were honored for 60 years, and one Sister represented her diamond jubilarian class of 75 years. Another Sister, aged 101, was honored for her 85 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood in service to God’s people. You’ll have a chance to meet and learn more about these amazing women in the following pages.

Immediately after our Jubilee celebration, 79 Sisters went to the University of Dayton for the quadrennial General Assembly, known also as a Chapter. For a week, we prayed and worshiped together, discussed, worked hard, and concluded with directions for the next four years and the election of the Council or leadership team to hold us to our decisions. If there is one thing that is evident when we gather like this, it is that the Holy Spirit takes advantage of our openness to God’s will and takes us places we may have never imagined.

The day following the close of Assembly, quite a few Sisters traveled to the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics where they had the opportunity to participate in the blessing and dedication of the newly renovated Heritage Museum. The lead article will speak more about it, but as someone who has been part of the process 2

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from the beginning, I can say it was wonderful to see our history as Sisters told in a refreshingly new manner. It is all too easy for us to take for granted the sacrifices of the early Sisters and forget the great risks they took leaving home and family, immigrating to a foreign land as a response to a call and making a home here with the rest of those early pioneers.

If you get the chance, a visit to the Shrine’s museum is well worth your while, as is a stop in the Relic Chapel and in the Adoration Chapel for a bit of quiet prayer and inspiration.

During July the transition from one leadership team to another began, and at the beginning of August the new Council was installed. The following week we went to the National Assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious held in Houston, Texas. This annual gathering of the leadership groups of most of the congregations of women in consecrated life in the United States is always an inspiring event, and we were not disappointed this year. We experienced moving liturgies, inspiring speakers and time to connect with old friends and make new ones.

We came back early from the National Assembly to attend one of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood by St. Gaspar del Bufalo. Our “Blood” brothers do know how to celebrate and it was an honor to be with them and their thousand

plus followers for Mass, speakers and, of course, a meal. St. Gaspar had once prayed: “I wish I had a thousand tongues to endear every heart to the Precious Blood of Jesus.” Well, on August 15, 2015 he got that wish and more.

Now that the meetings and celebrations are over and things quiet down, we move forward in openness to where the Spirit is calling us. Summer will be “unofficially” over by the time you read this. School will have started, harvesting will soon begin, and we continue in Ordinary Time, both of the liturgical year and our work. If we keep ourselves open to hear the cry of blood in the poor and forgotten, and to hear the call of the Precious Blood to respond with healing and reconciliation, as Pope Francis invites us to do, there will be nothing “ordinary” about it. Glory to the Blood of Jesus! 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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arly one Sunday morning in January of 2007, I drove to Carthagena in west-central Ohio to cover the dedication of the St. Charles Senior Living Center, a former Precious Blood seminary that had been converted to apartments for seniors.

It was my first trip to the Land of the Cross Tipped Churches.

Driving among the cornfields and farms that appeared to have come straight off the pages of a Town & Country magazine, I noticed the spires.

In all directions, steeples arose in the distance, encouraging me to visit the historic churches. I stopped at St. Sabastian, built in 1904, and admired the beautiful interior that had recently been renovated. I silently prayed in the simple sanctuary at St. Aloysius and walked through the cemetery at St. John the Baptist.

With every step, every stop, I felt the influence of the Precious Blood sisters, brothers and priests who have formed the spiritual development of the entire area. Through their ministries in the parishes and

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the congregation, 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 editor.

schools they built a culture of hard work, strong morals and dedication to the Eucharist.

Though I have been to the area many times in the last eight years, I reflected on that first visit during the dedication of the renovated Heritage Museum at the Maria Stein Shrine in June.

Among the new galleries in the museum is one dedicated to the dozens of Catholic churches in the region. Visitors can learn about the churches, how they came to be built and what makes the entire area so inspirational.

The museum also tells the story of how the Sisters of the Precious Blood were founded and their expansion to Ohio and the lasting impact they’ve had on the people of Mercer and Auglaize counties. The six galleries lead visitors through that story so very well.

If you’ve never been to Maria Stein, or visited the churches, please, go. The peace and the prayer will nourish your faith.

In this issue of Sharing & Caring, we also introduce 14 Sisters who are celebrating 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.

Editor Dave Eck, Director of Communications Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Media Specialist

Editor’s Notes

The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches

milestone anniversaries this year. Congratulations!

You will learn more about the new community council, elected at the General Assembly. Thank you, Sisters, for giving your time and talents to leadership.

You can learn more about us on social media. Search for the Sisters of the Precious Blood on Facebook or find us on Twitter at PBSistersdayton. Our latest news is always on preciousbloodsistersdayton.org.

As always, if you have any questions or story ideas for future issues of Sharing & Caring, please call or email me.

Thanks for reading. 

Dave Eck Director of Communications Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 phone: (937) 274-2707 email: deck@cppsadmin.org Printing Progressive Printers, Inc., Dayton, Ohio PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

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News

Dayton Food Pantry renovated

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ribbon-cutting ceremony reopening the Choice Food Pantry in Dayton on June 3 after a 15week renovation held special significance for the Sisters of the Precious Blood, one of whom founded the pantry nearly 40 years ago.

Sister Mary Ann Smith joined the staff of Catholic Social Services in 1968 to help mothers and children in poverty with basic household chores. Noting a lack of food in some of these homes, Sister began collecting food for her clients. As the need grew, she was asked to begin a food pantry.

Operated by CSSMV, the pantry is one of the busiest in Montgomery County, fulfilling more than 18,500 food requests annually. In 2014, the pantry

served 16,667 unduplicated clients from 6,345 families. More than a quarter of the families served last year were request- Participants in the Choice Food Pantry’s official ribbon-cutting ing assistance for ceremony on June 3 were (L-R): Anna Jones Monnett, Board Chair; Laura Roesch, CEO; Connie and John Taylor; Ted Bergh, the first time.

Archdiocese of Cincinnati /CCSWO; Barbra Stonerock, Dayton Foundation; M. Maureen Maxfield, SC Ministry Foundation; The renovaFlorence Seifert, Sisters of the Precious Blood; Renee Purtion improves the Sister pus; Janet Grieshop; Bernie Fullenkamp, Immediate Past Board client experience Chair; Donald Grieshop; Glenn and Patricia Schimpf; and Ann with a more man- Becker. Contributed photo ageable traffic tal project. Sister Mary Ann flow through the facility and worked at CSSMV for 20 years. added refrigeration/freezing She was also active in other capability for food storage. A community efforts to provide key benefit was the construcfood and services to the poor tion of caseworker offices for in Dayton. Sister died in 1994. greater privacy during client Sister Florence Seifert is a consultation. board member and treasurer of The Sisters of the Precious CSSMV.  Blood were among the major Story by Dave Eck donors to the $560,000 capi-

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating Fall and Winter birthdays.

OCTOBER 1 Marie Kopin 3 Beverly Ann Bodnar 7 Nancy McMullen 13 Terry Maher 17 Patty Kremer 18 Mary Rose McCrate 20 Luella Huelskamp 29 Rosalie Kastner 4 5 9 12

NOVEMBER Carolyn Henkenius Rae Marie Ratermann Rita Yahl Angeline Hoffman

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12 14 22 23

Maria Luisa Miller Charmaine Grilliot Ann Catherine Merkle Anna Maria Sanders

1 2 2 8 8 25 27 31 31

DECEMBER Barbara Brown Berenice Janszen Eleanor McNally Mary Garke Patricia Will Dolorosa Oen Gerri McGeorge Ritamary Bulach Donna Liette

JANUARY 2 Anne Schulz 3 Brendan Jordan 6 Nancy Raley 8 Joanella Whaley 10 Pat Gist 12 Madonna Ratermann 15 Margaret Daniels 17 Catherine Lett 17 Cecilia Taphorn 18 Mary Anne Schiller 19 Carolyn Hoying 20 Margaret Morris 24 Evelyn Monnin 29 Rosemary Lindemann

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t was a day of ceremony and tradition as the new Sisters of the Precious Blood Community Council was installed at a special Mass Aug. 2 at Salem Heights in Dayton.

Friends, family and other Precious Blood Sisters looked on as Sister Joyce Lehman, president, accepted a crucifix dating to the early 19th century as a symbol of the self-giving to which she is called in leadership. The crucifix was displayed in Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland when Maria Anna Brunner, foundress of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, lived there. As is tradition during the installation ceremony, former President Sister Florence Seifert presented the crucifix.

During the ritual of installation, Sister Joyce and Councilors Sisters Ceil Taphorn, Patricia Kremer, Nancy Kinross and Linda Pleiman recited their commitment to serve the community in leadership. All Precious Blood Sisters then

read aloud the community’s mission statement.

Missionary of the Precious Blood Father Ken Pleiman, Sister Linda’s brother, celebrated the Mass.

“This is a beautiful day for the Sisters of the Precious Blood as you install new leadership for four more years,” Fr. Ken said.

“This is about being called.”

In his homily, Fr. Ken spoke of the prophet Isaiah who responded to God’s call, much as the Sisters do today.

“We are a community of believers sent out into the world,” Father Ken said. “Regardless of where they are, Precious Blood Sisters minister to those in their midst. God calls us to serve in the here and now.”

Former Presidents Sisters Maryann Bremke, Charmaine Grilliot, Joyce Langhals and Florence served as ministers at the Mass. More than 130 people, including Precious Blood Sisters from across the United States and Chile attended the liturgy.

A reception for the new coun-

2015 Assembly

New leadership team installed

Above, President Sister Joyce Lehman accepts a crucifix from former President Sister Florence Seifert during the installation Mass for the new Community Council. The crucifix, which was displayed in Loewenberg Castle during the time Mother Maria Anna Brunner lived there, is traditionally presented to the new president by her predecessor at the Mass; bottom left, the new council.

From left back, Sisters Ceil Taphorn, vice president; Patty Kremer, councilor; Linda Pleiman, councilor; Joyce Lehman, president. Front, Sister Nancy Kinross, councilor.

Dave Eck photos

cil was held.

The new leadership team was elected during the community’s 2015 General Assembly in June. Sister Joyce was reelected president while Sisters Nancy, Ceil and Linda were re-elected to council. Sister Ceil was elected vice-president. Sister Patricia was elected to her first term on council.

Sister Patricia, a Cincinnati native, has been principal of St. Christopher School in Vandalia, Ohio, since 1993 and has ministered in education for more than 30 years.

A native of Ottoville, Ohio, Sister Joyce previously ministered at the Diocese of Toledo as director of pastoral planning and secretariat leader for pastoral leadership.

Sister Nancy, a Cincinnati native, has been a teacher and administrator, executive direcStory by Dave Eck

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2015 Assembly

tor of UNDA-USA, and has worked with non-profit programs providing services to under-served residents of the greater Cincinnati area. Sister Linda, who also serves as the congregation’s treasurer, is a former teacher and administrator. She was born in Sidney, Ohio. Sister Ceil, who grew up in Cincinnati, has been active in pastoral ministry, education, administration, and interfaith and justice and peace endeavors.

The team will serve until August 2019.

During the General Assembly meeting held at the University of Dayton’s Virginia Kettering Hall Conference Center, Precious Blood Sisters set directions to guide them in the next four years.

President Joyce Lehman, back center, with former presidents Sisters Maryann Bremke, back left; Joyce Langhals, back right; Charmaine Grilliot, front left and Florence Seifert. Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo

These include initiatives related to promoting their charism of spirituality of the Precious Blood of Jesus, soli-

darity with the marginalized and fostering reconciliation, and acting responsibly related to our planet’s resources. 

Mercy College of Ohio promotes Sister Karen Elliott to professor

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ister Karen Elliott, chairperson of the Religious Studies Department at Mercy College of Ohio was recently promoted to full professor at the College.

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Sister Karen’s promotion in rank.

She was hired as an assistant professor of religious studies in 2004 and promoted to associate professor in 2009.

“I have always believed that none of us accomplishes anything alone,” Sister Karen said. “Foremost, I am grateful to the Sisters of the Precious Blood who have sup6

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ported me throughout all of my studies, especially at the doctoral level. Additionally, I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues at the College. I am inspired by my students who desire to deepen their own spirituality as they grow in their appreciation and understanding of the ministry of healthcare.”

A native of Dayton, Sister Karen graduated from Chaminade Julienne High School.

She holds a bachelor’s in education from Wright State University. She earned a master’s in Theology from St. Michael’s

Sister Karen Elliott. Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo

College in Colchester, Vermont and a Doctor of Ministry from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.

She has been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 35 years.  Story by Dave Eck

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n reading the biographies of the Precious Blood Sisters celebrating jubilees this year, Marianist Father Larry Schoettelkotte said he was struck by the many and varied paths the jubilarians have taken in responding to God’s call. Theirs are stories of long life and ministry with an overall sense of having served well, having been led by the spirit through the years.

Fr. Larry shared that reflection during his homily at a Mass in honor of the 13 Sisters who are marking 50, 60 and 75 years of religious life. The jubilee celebration was held June 24 at Salem Heights.

“You jubilarians are great witnesses to the Resurrection . . .a love that conquers all things, a love that sometimes doesn’t look romantic, but a love that day in and day out has said ‘I’m not going away,’” Father Larry said. “On a day like this we look to the past with gratitude, live in the present with passion and look to the future with hope.”

The chapel was packed as

Sisters of the Precious Blood from across the United States and abroad joined the jubilarians for the Mass. The occasion was particularly gratifying to the 60th jubilee class as Father Larry also celebrated their 25th and 50th jubilee Masses. The brother of classmate Sister Alice Schoettelkotte, Father joked that while he remembers their 50th jubilee, he has little recollection of their 25th.

“My good Sisters of the Precious Blood,” he said, “I hope God continues to bless you, not only on this day of great thankfulness and celebration, but throughout the rest of your lives.”

The jubilarians served as lectors, cantors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion during the Mass.

The day began with the traditional pinning of corsages onto the jubilarians’ lapels by their councilors. The sisters were then honored at a banquet following the liturgy. A reception and prayer service for the jubilarians was held the previous evening.

Jubilee

Jubilees celebrated with Mass, banquet

Above, Sister Brendan Jordan, who celebrated her 75th jubilee was a lector for the second reading during the jubilee Mass; below left, Sister Gladys Marie Lowe celebrated 85 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood this year; below right, Sister Joyce Lehman, president, hosted one of the tables at a reception for the jubilarians.

From left, Sister Angeline Hoffman, a 60th jubilarian; Sister Joyce; and Sisters Pat, a 60th jubilarian, and Laura Will.

Typically scheduled during the community’s annual Spirit Days, Jubilee was celebrated the day before the start of the congregation’s General Assembly this year.  Story by Dave Eck; Michelle Bodine photos

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Jubilee

2015 Jubilarians in their own words...

‘Teaching has been my passion. It was truly my stage and I tried to make it a good experience for the students. They have reciprocated over the years with thanks and more.‘ Sister Brendan Jordan - 75 years

‘What a gift to have lived so many seasons in such varied ways in responding to God’s call as a living presence for 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood. For all the seasons that I have been called to live and will be called to respond, I am deeply grateful to God, the congregation, my family and the people with whom I ministered for the loving support that is always there so that I am ‘inflamed with Jesus’ redeeming love.’’

Sister Marita Beumer - 60 years

‘My days are now filled with recognizing the moments of paschal mysteries shared in the lives of the residents (at St. Leonard). What a joy to help them experience the redeeming love of Jesus in their final journey.’

Sister Beverly Ann (M. Emmanuel) Bodnar - 60 years

‘God, the weaver of the tapestry of our lives, has made being a Sister of the Precious Blood the most bright, the most beautiful, the most glorious part of my tapestry. I know my community of Sisters has drawn forth from me more than I could ever hope or dream, and for this I am profoundly gratified. Today, with all my heart, I say ‘Yes, I would do it again.’’

Sister Angeline Hoffman - 60 years

‘If I had to it all over again I would follow the call just as I have done. The privilege of my major ministries of having taught the primary grades and as the C.PP.S. archivist are special joys.’

Sister Noreen Jutte - 60 years

‘It is such a blessing and privilege to serve my own Sisters in my retirement. For all of this I give praise and thanks to God our Creator!’

Sister Dolores (M. Michelene) Keller - 60 years

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Jubilee

‘I thank and praise the Lord for many blessings on my journey to develop a closer relationship to my God and am grateful to all who helped me along the way. As I look to the future, I remember God’s promise: ‘Fear not, for I am with you.’’

Sister Catherine (M. Ruth Ann) Nader - 60 years

‘Working at Salem Heights in direct service to the Sisters has become the culminating use of the skills and talents I have been given and have been encouraged to develop over the years. I am filled with gratitude to God and to my Sisters as I join in this jubilee celebration.’

Sister Rae Marie Ratermann - 60 years

‘Taking one day at a time, seeing each event of the day as God’s invitation to follow more closely in Jesus’ footsteps, opening myself to God’s call in the here and now, growing in ways I would otherwise not choose, and imperceptibly becoming who I am meant to be in God’s eyes are all part of the ongoing saga of life in these later years. May God be praised in all of it!’

Sister Alice (Rose Miriam) Schoettelkotte - 60 years

‘Retirement brings its challenges, too, but I’m happy to have more time for just being, for prayer, reading and helping out when called upon. Thanks be to God!’

Sister Florence (M. Antonine) Seifert - 60 years

‘Being involved in various assignments over the years has been a time of challenge and blessing. They have been ways of fine-tuning me to be what God is calling me to be.’

Sister Pat (M. Terence) Will - 60 years

‘I continue to be blessed with the beauty of nature surrounding me daily.’

Sister Barbara (M. Antonice) Brown - 50 years

‘I am grateful to God and to the Sisters of the Precious Blood for this incredible journey. In the words of a prayer my Precious Blood biking companions used, I hope to ‘just keep peddling’ for some time to come!’

Sister Joyce (Joyce Miriam) Kahle - 50 years

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Cover Story Renovated Heritage Museum at Maria Stein tells story of C.PP.S. Sisters in Mercer County

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On the cover, Sister Jane Francis Hoffman, center, looks at an exhibit during the dedication of the renovated Heritage Museum at the Maria Stein Shrine on July 2. Also pictured are Sisters Nancy Wolf, (back) and Charlene Heidenreich; above, Don Desch speaks during the dedication. Michelle Bodine photos

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s Don Desch and his late wife, Kit, traveled the globe visiting some of the world’s most treasured museums, inspiring religious sites and quiet churches, the Coldwater, Ohio, couple came to realize the gem in their own backyard.

The Maria Stein Shrine, the first American motherhouse of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, has been drawing visitors from around the world for generations.

They come to experience peace, pray with the saints whose relics are on display and learn about the Sisters who lived there.

The story of how the Precious Blood Sisters arrived in west-central Ohio from Switzerland and the impact they’ve had on the people of Mercer County is now told in a modern, cohesive style following a 6-month renovation of the shrine’s Heritage Museum. Desch, supported by his family, was a major benefactor of the $150,000 museum upgrade.

The Heritage Museum was re-dedicated July 2 with about 35 Precious Blood Sisters in attendance. After prayer in the chapel, they joined the Desch family and other guests in touring the galleries and viewing the artifacts. Desch cut the ribbon at the doorway to the exhibit space.

Story by Dave Eck

Cover Story With videos and short narratives, the museum’s six galleries guide visitors from the founding of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1834 to their influence on the spiritual development in Ohio.

The early days of the pioneering Sisters are recounted, as is their devotion to Eucharistic adoration. An entire gallery is dedicated to the Land of the Cross Tipped Churches, so named because of the doz-

'The Sisters brought with them a real culture, a real value system that is still here.

This was an influence not only on use in the community, but was evident throughout quite a wide area. We carried a different morality and work ethic.'

– Don Desch ens of historic Catholic churches that dot the cornfields of the region.

One of the highlights of the museum is a copy of a letter Postulant Karolina Rainer wrote home to her parents in 1858 describing her 45-day journey from Eu-

Top, Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin reads during the dedication ceremony. Michelle Bodine photo; bottom, Don Desch, a major benefactor of the museum renovation, cuts the ribbon leading to the exhibit space as his daughter Katie Simpkins, Father Richard Walling and daughter-in-law Sarah (Putnam) Desch look on. Dave Eck photo

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Cover Story Top, Sister Marla Gipson looks at an exhibit featuring Father Francis de Sales Brunner at the Heritage Museum; bottom, Don Rosenbeck, administrator of the shrine, talks with Sister Nancy Recker during the dedication. Michelle Bodine photos

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rope to Maria Stein. She describes her seasickness during 40 days on the ocean, but also of bountiful food and opportunities for good work at the convent.

Originally opened in 1982

by Sister of the Precious Blood Cordelia Gast, the museum displayed artifacts from the Sisters along with photos and documents. Desch, motivated by his trips to attractions abroad, felt that the museum could be modernized and the story expressed more clearly. “(Traveling) called our attention to the fact that we had something special at Maria Stein and we could showcase it in a brighter light,” Desch said.

“We believe in culture. Those things make life more exciting, entertaining and enjoyable.”

Desch, who was taught by Sisters of the Precious Blood while growing up in Coldwater, credits them for creating the strong work ethic and morals of the people in the region.

He felt the museum should express that heritage.

“The Sisters brought with them a real culture, a real value system that is still here,” he said. “This was an influence not only on us in the community, but was evident throughout quite a wide area.

We carried a different morality and work ethic.”

About two years ago, Desch took his wish of upgrading the museum to Don Rosenbeck, the shrine’s administrator.

“Without Don approaching me, we would not have been able to do this at all,” Rosenbeck said. “We never would have been able to embark on this journey without him wanting to make this happen.”

Cover Story

The Shrine-Museum Committee, made up primarily of laypeople, was consulted and involved in selecting a design team, assuring the renovation fit the overall mission of the shrine.

A second group that included several Precious Blood Sisters and museum professionals was formed to assess the project. They developed the story that the museum would tell. That narrative provided the themes for the galleries, Rosenbeck explained.

Construction crews gutted the museum space on the second floor of the shrine. Several walls were removed, along with plaster, to construct the galleries.

Much of the materials used in the new display cases was recycled from previous projects.

Meantime, narratives for the artifacts were being researched and drafted. A group of five Precious Blood Sisters, along with Rosenbeck and Allen Bernard from the study group agreed on the final text.

Nealeigh Design Group of Greenville, Ohio, designed the galleries. Architectural services were provided by Garmann/Miller & Associates of Minster. Nitro Roofing and Construction donated demolition services and construction of the new ceiling, and the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein donated housing and meals for the construction crews. Bill Wolters and Denny Mescher installed the electrical wiring.

Desch expressed his pleasure with the way the museum project turned out.

“It became more than what we had anticipated,” he said.

“I hope it’s here for many, many years, maybe even generations.” 

Top, An exhibit at the Heritage Museum features Mother Maria Anna Brunner and the founding of the Sisters of the Precious Blood; bottom, an exhibit in a gallery dedicated to the Land of the Cross Tipped Churches. Michelle Bodine photos

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Vocations

New lay members of Vocation Ministry Committee bring unique perspective

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ooking back to her days as a third grader at Precious Blood School in Dayton, Janet Huelsman recalls the influence of her teacher, Sister M. Florentia Kessler.

“She was one of those teachers who challenged me to do more than I thought I could do,” Huelsman said.

“She’s one of the reasons I have always wanted to be a teacher.”

Years later, as a youth minister at St. Mary Parish in Franklin, Ohio, Huelsman noticed how moved high school women were when Precious Blood Sister Ann Clark shared her vocation story with them.

Those are the types of interactions Huelsman wants to help facilitate as a member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood Vocations Ministry Committee. She joins Libby Hogan as one of the two new lay members on the committee. They replace Nathan Hess and Cindy Schmersal.

Consisting of four lay members and five Sisters of the Precious Blood, the committee advises the community council on vocations efforts.

Huelsman was raised in Dayton and often visited the Sisters' motherhouse, where she became acquainted with them and their charism. She earned a bachelor’s in sociology and sought to work with high school youth.

She eventually got involved in parish youth ministry, working at two Dayton parishes for a total of 13 years. She 14

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2015-16 Vocaton Ministry Committee. Back row from left, Janet Huelsman, Sister Ann Clark, Sister Terry Maher, Sister Marla Gipson, Missionary of the Precious Blood Bro. Juan Acuña, Libby Hogan; front row from left, Eillien Mendez, Sisters Amy Junk, Elizabeth Westgerdes, Mary Yarger.

is now a substitute teacher at Springboro High School and at Bishop Fenwick High School.

Strengthening the relationship between young women and the Sisters of the Precious Blood can help foster vocations, she explained.

“If we integrate the Sisters into women’s lives, that will have an impact,” she said. “I want to see what I can do to help increase that visibility.”

Huelsman lives in Springboro, Ohio. She and her husband, Tom, have two children and two grandchildren.

A native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Hogan is an area coordinator in residential life at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. She holds bachelor’s and MBA degrees from Holy Names University in Oakland, Calif.

Women religious have been part of Hogan’s life since she was young. Two aunts were Sisters of Mercy and she in-

teracted with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary while in college.“Women religious have role modeled to me the importance of servant leadership and servant spirituality,” she said.

“The gifts that each of us have are wasted if we do not share them with others.”

As a young, tech-savvy woman, Hogan can relate to women who are discerning a religious vocation.

“My perspective brings new ideas and opportunities to connect and engage with younger women worldwide in an interactive and public way,” she said. “Additionally, my interest and experience in diversity education will hopefully help the committee put forth recommendations that meet the needs of young women considering religious life.”  Story and photo by Dave Eck

June 1932 — June 20, 2015

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ister Carmelita died in Chile on June 20, 2015. In June of 2014 she was saying her goodbyes to her sister Pat knowing she would not see her again. She spent precious time with her brother Tom and his wife Linda, Gerald and Laurene, Dennis and Georgia, and Carl Barlage. Two siblings have passed away – Pat and Georgia, and little did she dream that soon she would join them.

Carmelita lived life with a passion rooted in a deep understanding of Precious Blood Spirituality and Mother Brunner’s call that not one drop of His Precious Blood be shed in vain.

Father Humberto, Pastor of Our Lady of the Precious Blood Parish, shared in his homily at her funeral what made Carmelita so special: “Carmelita [was] a woman who lived freely, one who enjoyed life, who made Chile her home, the people her family and for 58 years imbibed its culture and customs. Her joy and creativity became contagious. She had a way of inviting others to get on the train that led to a true relationship with Jesus, planting the seed of the life-giving power of the Precious Blood in Purranque (sur de Chile), Saint Gaspar School, Froilan Roa, La Florida, and Cerro Navia.”

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. In Purranque, before Vatican Council II, she sensed that a thousand families were deprived of the Eucharist, so she got on a horse or walked many miles each Sunday to share at least the Word of God with families in the farm areas.

In 1968, Carmelita returned to Santiago. After Vatican II, a new church was being born more in

tune with the culture of Latin America, made up of small base communities. Religious were asked to insert themselves in the poor areas. In 1979 the area called Froilan Roa, a base community of seven people, requested that a community of religious be present among them. Carmelita formed part of this community. Very soon several base communities were formed. From them, the first Precious Blood group was born in 1989.

They still exist today and here began the sharing of the healing power of the Precious Blood that flows through all. Wherever Carmelita set foot, Precious Blood groups were formed.

Carmelita introduced Mother Brunner to Chile and the wish “that not one drop of His blood be shed in vain” became her passion.

Her spirituality of the Precious Blood grew and was transmitted to each group she guided.

Father Umberto expressed that in her last days of suffering, she was a sign of resurrection and conversion for all of us, especially for her parish: “Her death is a grain of wheat that died so a new life may grow, and new vocations. We will miss you, but we know you continue the work of Mother Brunner and Saint Gaspar, and that your prayers to Mother Brunner cure the incurable. No longer do we try to answer the question of ‘What is Precious Blood Spirituality?’ but ‘How do we experience the life-giving power?’”

At the time of her death, Iris Marandio, the housekeeper of the priests shared this experience: “To a great woman, Sister Carmelita, always united in the Blood of Christ: thank you, Sister, for what you have planted in me. I am filled with joy for the marvels I have learned.

You motivated me to live the Eucharist in a profound way, and you taught me to discover and receive the Blood of Jesus in love and in pain."

— Sister Dorothy Schmitmeyer

In Sympathy Sister Paula Gero on the death of her sister-in-law, Pat Sister Judy Niday on the death of her brother-in-law, Jim Sister Brendan Jordan on the death of her brother, Bill

Sister Nancy Recker on the death of her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Recker

Remembering

Rita Wannemacher, sister of

our deceased Sister Ermelinda Burgei Irene Schroeder, sister-inlaw, of our deceased Sister Mary Ann Schroeder Summer/Fall 2015 15

In Memoriam

Sister Carmelita Monnin

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966

Sisters at Maria Joseph celebrate outgoing council

T

here were plenty of smiles and laughs on July 15 as the Sisters living in Emma Hall at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton celebrated council for its last four years of service to the Congregation with prayer and root beer floats.

Current council members also thanked the Sisters for their many prayers and good thoughts.

“I don’t think you realize just how much your prayers mean to us,” said Sister Joyce Lehman, president. “Your prayers carry us through some of the tougher times.”

The current council terms ended Aug. 1. The newly-elected council will serve through August 2019.  Story and photos by Dave Eck

Top, From left, Sisters Adeline Mertz, Cleophas Schumacher and Carmen Voisard enjoy their root beer floats prepared by Sisters Gerri McGeorge and Nancy Recker during a celebration for the outgoing council on Emma 3 at the Maria Joseph Center; bottom right, a display (created by candidate Bela Mis) from the Sisters in appeciation of the outgoing community council; bottom left, Sister Luella (M. Victor) Huelskamp enjoys a root beer float as Sister Joyce Lehman smiles during the celebration.

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