Sharing & Caring Summer 2012

Volume 23 Number 1

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Summer 2012

Maintaining a Lifetime of Ministry

By Dave Eck

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sing a white board, thin text books and plenty of encouragement, Precious Blood Sister Carlotta Lammers works one-on-one with Kelly, her adult student, as he figures out basic math problems. The two meet every Thursday for an hour at the Brunner Literacy Center in Dayton.

Another Precious Blood Sister, Rosalie Kastner, meets with Kelly each

Wednesday at the center to work on his reading.

The two long-time teachers, now retired, say Kelly has become motivated and focused on his studies. He has developed self-confidence. That kind of student progress is what they enjoy about their ministry, even though they haven’t been in front of a classroom in years.

“I’ve seen them grow all the way

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www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org

around and improving in their attitudes toward things and toward themselves,” said Sister Carlotta, who entered the community in 1948. “It’s always been important to me to see how people progress and grow and mature.”

Beyond the benefits of learning, however, the sisters show Kelly that “Maintaining a lifetime of ministry” — continued on page 6.

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Sisters continue to serve others The other day I watched one of our Sisters return from her weekly hour of tutoring. She was alive with energy after working with an adult who was learning to read. This Sister, who is only a few months shy of 90, tucks tutoring into a busy schedule which includes many hours spent before the Blessed Sacrament praying for the world.

She is not alone among our Sisters. We often tease that if we want to visit one of our “retired” Sisters, we have make sure we have an appointment. Otherwise it is hard to find them at home since they insist on staying as active as their circumstances allow.

Each of us is aware that we never really retire from our mission as Sisters of the Precious Blood. We are called by virtue of who we are to “proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.” Because of different needs, different circumstances, different times, different gifts, our mission during life takes each of us to diverse places and demands unique and creative responses from us.

Recognizing that we no longer have the numbers or the youth to be in as many places as we once were, we seek to fulfill our mission in new ways.

Recently, with assistance from our Communications Office, our Sisters are continuing to proclaim God’s life-

giving and reconciling love through our website. The Sisters offer prayer for the needs sent to them, share their stories of commitment and fidelity and reveal God’s gracious presence in their lives and work.

The mission of the Church will not be completed until the Reign of God is fulfilled. As Sisters of the Precious Blood, our mission follows the same timeline. Young or old, able or infirm, we will never be absolved from proclaiming God’s love.

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Grateful for my journey One of my favorite Christmas stories is that of the Magi journeying to meet the newborn Jesus. I’ve always been fascinated by the Star of Bethlehem leading them to the manger. It reminds me of my own journey and God’s role in it.

For much of the last 25 years, I have been a writer, primarily as a news reporter and editor. As a journalist on secular newspapers I covered everything from politics to crime to school and community news.

A little more than five years ago, God blessed me with a new direction in my journey and I became an editor at The Catholic Telegraph, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. There I wrote about the archdiocese and its various regions. I told the stories of the people - clergy, laity and religious - who make up the rich traditions of the local church.

It was through my work at The Catholic Telegraph that I came to understand and appreciate the Sisters of the Precious Blood. I shared the Sisters’ stories and helped spread the message of their varied ministries.

My previous interaction with the Sisters is why I’m so pleased to be their director of communications.

In addition to knowing the Sisters through my work, they have always had a role in my life. They taught my mother and aunt at Regina High

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School in Norwood, Ohio, in the 1950s, and today Precious Blood Sister Anne Schultz runs the school our children attend, Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary. I’m grateful that my family has been graced by Precious Blood spirituality. A blessing indeed!

Our primary focus in this business is storytelling; and the Sisters of the Precious Blood have such a rich trove of uplifting stories to be shared. In this issue of Sharing & Caring we share the stories of Sisters who have spent their lifetimes in ministry and continue to minister long past the traditional retirement age. We also detail the repurposing of Salem Heights, the renovation of the Generalate and bring updates from Sisters ministering in different locations.

Still, we ask for your help. Please give us your stories and ideas for Sharing & Caring and our other communications outlets. This is your newsletter and we want you to share in its success. Just send us your news and events, and we’ll write them, edit them and share them with the congregation and the wider community. With your help, we’ll take Sharing & Caring to the next level.

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Sharing Caring

THE SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

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DAYTON, OHIO

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.

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, Communications Technician Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 Phone: (937) 274-2707 E-mail: Communications@ PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org Printing Thomas Graphics, Dayton, Ohio PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Dave Eck Director of Communications

All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the editor at address above.

Sharing & Caring

Salem Heights repurposing brings apartments 51 new units to replace 90 bedrooms

By Dave Eck DAYTON — In their efforts to be good stewards of the environment, the Sisters of the Precious Blood make recycling, reusing and renewing items part of their daily life. Now a new buzzword is being used at Salem Heights: “repurpose.”

In March, construction crews began work at the Dayton building to create 51 apartments, replacing about 90 bedrooms. All the apartments will feature complete kitchens, full bathrooms, updated wiring and plumbing, and more living space, said Sister Judy Kroeger, administrator at Salem Heights and a member of the team overseeing the project. The apartments will feature one or two bedrooms, and several units will be efficiencies. The size of the apartments will vary, but each of them will offer more space than anyone living at Salem Heights has currently.

The first phase of the project began with the demolition of the interior walls in the two wings facing Salem Avenue. Construction of the apartments in those wings should be finished in mid-August. The project, which is scheduled to be completed in August 2013, is being undertaken in four phases.

Though living space is changing, amenities such as the library, fitness area, beauty salon, nurse office and parlors will remain. The dining room and chapel – centerpieces of Salem Heights – are not being disturbed. The

Sister Judy Kroeger and Chuck Carmack, director of maintenance, review samples with the architects and construction supervisors. Michelle Bodine photos

adoration chapel, however, is being enlarged to improve ventilation and accommodate more people.

Miller-Valentine Group is the general contractor for the project and Cole & Russell are the architects.

The project team consists of Sister Judy and Sister Florence Seifert along with Chuck Carmack, director of maintenance for the Sisters of the Precious Blood. A project advisory committee is made up of Precious Blood Sisters Martha Bertke, Deb Huss, Jane Francis Hoffman, Eleanor McNally and Charmaine Gril-

Left, construction fencing outside of the building, facing Salem Ave. Right, Renovations on the second floor stairwell, A Wing.

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liot. The construction cost of the project is $5.3 million plus $200,000 for ancillary expenses.

Dedicated to St. Joseph, the project began with prayer in the Salem Heights chapel. Sisters, employees and construction company officials came together to pray for a good project, the Sisters living at Salem Heights and the safety of the construction workers.

Several Sisters who don’t live at the motherhouse also attended.

The decision to repurpose the building was approved by the congregation at its 2011 Assembly. A strategic plan that studied community living for all members of the congregation was compiled about seven years ago, and Salem Heights was part of that plan, Sr. Judy said.

Converting the building into apartments will adapt Salem Heights to its fullest potential, create larger living spaces for sisters, provide a space to care for the sisters and maintain a facility in which the congregation can continue its spirituality.

“We could have made the decision that as we retire we would go on to an assisted living place or nursing home that’s managed by someone else, but “Salem Heights repurposing brings apartments” — continued on next page.

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— continued from page 3

then our lives would not focus on our spirituality and we would lose our traditions,” Sr. Judy said. “This way we can maintain those.”

With only 42 Sisters living at Salem Heights, the building was underutilized. All the apartments will eventually be filled as Sisters choose to move to there. It is anticipated that Sisters will use the majority of the space for much of the next decade.

As the housing needs of the Sisters decrease, however, the apartments could eventually be rented to people outside the congregation such as former sisters or family members.

Studies indicate there is an interest in the apartments among lay people connected with the congregation.

Among the challenges of the project is balancing the construction while keeping the building functional for the Sisters who live there, Sr. Judy said.

When one area of the building is shut down for construction, plans are in place to relocate affected activities and

amenities so they remain accessible to everyone. Every detail has to be addressed, even simple things, such as where to place the daily newspaper.

The project team shares updates and ongoing changes with the Sisters.

Regular emails are sent. Notices and photos are also posted on bulletin boards.

“The aspect of communication is a high priority for us,” Sr. Judy said.

“If the Sisters have any concerns or questions they are invited to ask them at any time and we try to make known whatever we can. If we don’t know, we’ve got to find out.”

The Salem Heights maintenance staff moves the Sisters’ personal belongings when the Sisters are relocated to temporary bedrooms because of the construction. The staff members know and appreciate the Sisters, which lessens the Sisters’ anxiety about the move.

“The goal is to respect and provide every Sister with a good transition,”

Sr. Judy said. “Moving is difficult for anyone. These Sisters have done an exceptional job with accepting the transitions.”

Despite the project team’s attention to detail, unexpected things sometimes occur. Among the more pleasant experiences was the uncovering of decorative artwork that no one knew existed in the top of the rotunda. The area was previously used as a chapel.

Other “surprises” aren’t so welcome. Water pipes in one section of the building were turned off for construction, which caused Sisters living in another part of the building to lose hot water. Such things are typical when working in an older structure, Sr. Judy said. Sections of Salem Heights date to the late 1920s.

“Those things pop up partly because it’s an old building and lines cross,” Sr. Judy said. “The attitude is we laugh about it and move on to the next thing.” 

Congregational offices move to administrative building

By Dave Eck DAYTON — The Generalate, the Dayton building housing the Sisters of the Precious Blood council, was recently renovated to accommodate several additional congregational offices.

Living space in the upper level of the building was converted to offices for congregational councilors, while office space in the basement was renovated to create additional work space. The congregation’s communications, finance and vocations offices were relocated to the Generalate from Salem Heights, which is being repurposed into apartments.

Bringing the offices and council into the same building creates a true administrative center, said Precious Blood Sister Linda Pleiman, a congregational councilor who was responsible for the project.

Cole & Russell were the architects and Miller-Valentine Group was the general contractor for the project. The same firms are leading the Salem Heights repurposing. The budget for the Generalate project was $210,000.

Highlights of the project include converting the 2-car garage into storage space, the creation of a rear entrance to the building, the construction of a handicapped-accessible restroom on the first floor, construction of a ramp, and the conversion of several bedrooms to offices. The living room was converted to a conference room and new lighting and carpeting were installed in the building. The parking was enlarged because of the additional employees who moved into the structure.

The two Sisters living in the building moved to other housing.

The renovation began in late February and was completed at the end of April. 

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Top, the upstairs of the Generalate during construction.

Above, converting the garage into a storage space. Michelle Bodine photos

Sharing & Caring

 CINCINNATI – Sister Mary E. Wendeln (Dolores Marie) received the Cesar Chavez Award from Su Casa Hispanic Center of Cincinnati at the organization’s 13th annual awards dinner and silent auction on May 10.

The award recognizes a person who has a strong record of fighting for human rights and advocating for those less fortunate, said Jose Echeverria, a bi-lingual case worker at Su Casa.

Sister Mary E. Wendeln Now a volunteer with Su Casa, Sr. Ceil Taphorn photo Sister Mary works with people dealing with landlord issues related to living conditions in apartments. She advises tenants on how best to work with their landlords to address issues. She also works to resolve court cases involving undocumented persons, Echeverria said.

“She’s a good model to follow,” he said. “She’s a good leader. She inspires us to follow her steps on advocacy and raise a voice for the less fortunate.”

A longtime advocate for immigrants, Sister Mary spent 15 years with C.A.S.A. of Maryland in the Washington D.C. area working as a coordinator of volunteers and a food distribution program. She also spent a year with the Christian Peacemaker Team in the Old City of Hebron.

She has lobbied nationally to cut the military aid to El Salvador, to close the School of the Americas, and for the restoration and continuation of Medicaid and food stamp benefits for qualified immigrant families.

“I have been very fortunate since 1990 to have worked as service provider and an advocate to change the systems,” Sister Mary said. “I’ve just always tried to change policies so that immigrants would be included. I really feel the immigrant community is underrepresented in every institution and around every table.”  ST. HENRY – Precious Blood Sisters Martha Bertke and Elizabeth Westgerdes (M. Stephen Ann) recently participated in Cancer Society Relay for Life events. On May 11, the Sisters walked at the Wally Post Athletic Complex in St. Henry as part of Relay for Life.

Sisters Martha and Elizabeth then traveled to Brighton, Mich. to visit Precious Blood Sister Joanne Belloli (M. Annata), and the three Sisters participated in the May 19 Cancer Relay for Life event at Brighton High School.

A cancer survivor for 21 years, Sister Joanne has participated in Relay for Life for 19 of the last 21 years. At the Michigan event, survivors walked first, followed by caregivers and the general public.

Each year hundreds of Cancer Relay for Life events are held around the United States and abroad. In addition to raising money for cancer research, the events recognize cancer survivors for their courage.

Participating in the events and showing compassion for Summer 2012

cancer survivors enabled the Sisters to live out their mission.

“This is one way we were a life-giving presence for others,” Sister Martha said.  DAYTON – Joseph Thomas, an April G.E.D. recipient, is the From left: John and Carole Muhlenfirst client of the Brun- kamp, Sister Helen Weber, Joseph Thomas and Sister Maryann Bremke. ner Literacy Center Contributed photo to achieve this status.

Tutors and mentors gathered on April 3rd to congratulate and celebrate with the new grad. Joseph came to the BLC in April 2011 asking for assistance in reaching his goal. His two daughters attend Mother Brunner School and Joseph had learned about the literacy center through a flyer his children brought home.

Joseph saw an opportunity and took advantage of it.

He has worked weekly with two tutors, Carole and John Muhlenkamp. Tutor and client efforts through the year resulted in significant progress. By early February Sisters Helen Weber (M. Herbert) and Maryann Bremke (M. Veronica), co-directors of the Brunner Literacy Center, judged that Joseph was ready to attempt a G.E.D and arranged for a pretest. Results indicated that Joseph was indeed ready.

After last-session touch-ups Joseph was urged to sign up for the test, and his scores far exceeded the minimum requirements. We are happy for Joseph and wish him all the best in reaching, what he tell us, are now his college goals.  DAYTON – The Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated employee service anniversaries April 25 with a special lunch and recognition. Employees with 10 years of service posed with Sister Joyce Lehman CPPS president. From left, Sister Jeannine Kloeker (Leo Mary), Sister Joyce, Linda Hageman, Jean Marie Henderson and Sister Nancy Recker (M. Rachel). Michelle Bodine photo  DAYTON – The Sisters of the Precious Blood can be found on Facebook. The page is typically updated daily with the latest news and information from the congregation. You can also find additional news stories and photos of congregational events. Make sure to “like” the page, too! 

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people’s lives, helping them grow spiritually as well as physically and mentally,” Sister Carlotta said. “It helps me spiritually because I want to do what I can to keep our mission alive.”

Sister Rosalie, who entered the congregation in 1937, agrees.

“That’s part of our life. We’ve been in service for all of our years and we just want to continue that,” she explained. “As long as I’m needed, I want to do my part. I just feel like I should give my service as long as I can.”

That idea doesn’t stop with Precious Blood Sisters who volunteer at the Brunner Literacy Center. In different locations, Sisters continue to work and minister long past typical retirement age. They work in congregational positions, volunteer, do odd jobs at Salem Heights and the Maria Joseph Center, visit the sick, and pray. Some Sisters carry full workloads into their 70s and 80s before On the cover, Sister Carlotta Lammers works slowing down. with Kelly, a student at the Brunner Literacy Regardless of their age and Center. Dave Eck photo. Above, Sister Cleophas abilities, Sisters typically minister Schumacher. Michelle Bodine photos their entire lives. They are simply — continued from front cover fulfilling the pledge they made to they care about him and his wellserve and be Christ to others, they being. In turn, the tutoring enables say. It’s living out their mission them to continue the work they’ve of being a reconciling, life-giving done for decades. More importantly, presence. it provides them the opportunity to Precious Blood Sister Pat Dieringer continue ministering and living out (Agnes Claire), who entered the comthe congregation’s spiritualty. munity in 1960 after working in a cor “I think our spirituality is to make porate position for several years, spent the Precious Blood of Jesus visible much of her ministry in business. She some way in our lives and in other worked at several locations, including the Maria Stein Retreat House, the Maria Stein Shrine, and then-Regina High School.

She also worked at the Maria Joseph Center for nearly 24 years. Today she serves as the executive secretary for the Maria Anna Brunner Fund, is active at Precious Blood Parish in DaySister Rosalie Kastner sitting with Sister Ruth Ann Meyer at the gala for volton, and is the unteers of the Brunner Literacy Center in April.

administrative assistant and treasurer at Brunner Literacy Center.

Sister Pat still works about 60 hours a week, including weekends and evenings. The work helps keep her sharp, but it also enables her to continue her ministry.

“To me this is the way you can witness Christ,” she said. “That’s your whole life. You’ve entered and committed yourself to be of service to God and his people.”

For her, Mother Maria Anna Brunner, the congregation’s foundress, remains an inspiration. The elderly widow continued working late in life, and many Precious Blood Sisters today want to follow that model, Sister Pat said.

“There was just no end to it for her,” she said. “I think a lot of us, too,

Mainta

a lifetime of

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feel the same thing. She did it so why should we give up? Even at retirement age you still want to be of service.”

Perhaps nowhere is lifelong ministry more evident than at Emma Hall in the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton.

Emma is home to Sisters who need some assistance with daily living.

Despite health challenges, the Sisters who live there minister through prayer and socialization.

In brightly colored rooms and comfortable gathering places, the Sisters at Emma often pray for each other and people the world over, write to Sisters still in active ministry and socialize with other residents at Maria Joseph.

It’s a special ministry, and very much being Christ to others.

Precious Blood Sister Virgine Elking, a retired chaplain who entered the congregation in 1948, remains active at Maria Joseph. She is co-president of the center’s resident council, takes welcome packages to new residents, provides spiritual direction and volunteers at the center’s hospice unit.

She is also a member of two book clubs. An avid reader, she joined a Sharing & Caring

book club based at the center, and was asked to join a second club made up of Mormon women. Even her involvement in the book clubs helps her live her mission. In the case of the Mormon group, for example, Sister Virgine ministers to them by teaching about Catholicism while learning about the Mormon religion.

“It may sound strange for me to say that they’re ministry, but it is,” Sister Virgine said. “It encourages other people to get involved. It gives those people an opportunity to socialize and get out of their rooms.”

Through all her activities, Sr. Virgine uses her compassion and chaplaincy skills to connect with others in the building. At the same time, the activities keep her life full.

“Life doesn’t end when you come

entered the congregation in 1944, visits with a Sister whose mind is failing. The two once taught together and the Sister brings up instances from the past. The connection is a grace for both of them.

Holy Hour in the Maria Joseph Center chapel, led by Precious Blood Sister “It always Jean Rene Hoying. makes me happy,” Sister Blood spirituality and how Jesus died Louella said. for us. It’s why she devoted her life “I know she knows me. She knows my face and then she’ll in being Christ to others, particularly to those most in need. It’s why she talk. I try to get her to continues ministering. remember different “It just means so much to me. That’s things.” what my life as a Sister of the Precious Sister Cleophas, who Blood is all about, dealing with others entered the congregabecause they were redeemed with tion in 1947, maintains the Precious Blood of Jesus. He didn’t a strong prayer minmake any exclusions on the cross,” she istry, praying at least said. “He died for each of us and so I 90 minutes daily. “I reach out in the way that I can.”  pray for everybody in the whole world,” she said.

That ministry of prayer is particularly powerful when a Sister at Emma is dying. A core group of Sisters spend time with the dying member praying for her, talking with her, and sometimes even singing to her. Each death is different, but they are all fulfilling. There’s a sense of peace when ministering to the dying, the Sisters said.

“There’s a special grace they receive when they are with a dying S ister,” said Precious Blood Sister Jean Rene Hoying, S isters’ Coordinator at Emma Hall. “There’s a presence in there. It just grips you and it’s overwhelming. It’s a life-changing experience.”

The Sisters at Emma maintain a strong desire to continue ministry, be it through prayer, compassion or simply taking action.

“It’s just such a part of them to be of service to others. If they see a need they’re going to fulfill it, or at least try,” Sister Jean Rene said. “Giving of self is what it all boils down to, just like Christ did.”

Sister Virgine sometimes gets Sister Adeline Mertz with her prayer cards and palm crosses. emotional when speaking of Precious

ntaining

me of ministry to Emma Hall. Ministry doesn’t end when you come to Emma Hall. It continues, perhaps in a different form.

There are many, many things you can do,” she said. “There’s a lot of life if you choose it. I want to be active. I want to be involved, and I am.”

Precious Blood Sister Adeline Mertz, who entered the congregation in 1944, does what she can to minister to others. While prayer is a large part of her ministry today, she also puts together and hands out packets of cards with psalms and Scripture readings printed on them. It helps spread her faith to residents and visitors to Maria Joseph, she said.

“We come to serve God and His people,” Sr. Adeline said. “We find little ways that we can help. It’s part of keeping yourself going. It helps to keep your mind more alert and keep your body moving.”

Precious Blood Sisters Cleophas Schumacher and Louella Huelskamp (M. Victor) enjoy their ministry of prayer and helping other Sisters at Emma.

Sister Louella, a former teacher who Summer 2012

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Sister Dorothy Kammerer (M. Fidelia) September 28, 1918 — March 19, 2012 A Memorial liturgy for Sister of the Precious Blood Dorothy Kammerer was held March 21 at Salem Heights. Sister Dorothy, 93, died at Maria Joseph Center. A Sister of the Precious Blood for 71 years, Sister Dorothy willed her body to science.

founded the House of Bread, The Other Place, and many more refuges. With the help of other Sisters she began the Dayton Homicide Prayer Vigils. An additional project was the adoption and support of a Vietnamese “Boat” Family.

The University of Dayton honored her and her ministries with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1997.

Sister Dorothy officially entered full time retirement at Emma Hall in February 2010.

A native of Norwood, Ohio, Sister Dorothy spent 26 years teaching business classes to high school students in Phoenix; Norwood; Sedalia, Mo.; and Lafayette, Ind. She then served as the treasurer of the community for 10 years.

Next she embarked on various projects helping the poor, homeless and hungry in Dayton and Central America. She

Sister Dorothy is survived by her sisters, Sister Elizabeth Kammerer, also a Sister of the Precious Blood, of Dayton, and Lois (Raymond) Wall of Plymouth, Mich., and by her sister-in-law, Augusta (William, deceased) Kammerer of Dublin, Ohio. She is also survived by her Vietnamese Family, her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sister Cecilia Ann Goldschmidt (M. Cecilianna) September 6, 1916 — March 4, 2012 A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Cecilia Ann Goldschmidt was celebrated March 7 at Salem Heights. Sister Cecilia Ann, 95, died at Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 73 years.

A native of Minster, Ohio, Sister Cecilia Ann received an education degree from the Athenaeum in Cincinnati and taught middle and upper grades in elementary schools for 33 years. Her assignments were in Fort Wayne and Rensselaer, Ind., as well as schools in Norwood, Hamilton, New Riegel, Maria Stein, Coldwater and Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1974 Sister switched to being a housekeeper at Maria

Stein Convent and later at Cardinal John J. Carberry’s residence in St. Louis, Mo. Later she became a postmistress for 17 years at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton.

Her hobbies were reading, good music and gardening. She was well-known for her gardening, devoting all her time to her plot of ground each spring. She often planted onions, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce. Making grape jelly was also a specialty.

Sister Cecilia Ann is survived by her nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were all her siblings: Joseph, Victor, Josephine, Henry, Anthony, Clara, Gilbert, John, Sister Catherine Frances S.N.D., Frances and Paul.

Burial was in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Mary Ann Schroeder (Mary Albert) September 24, 1922 — February 22, 2012 A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Mary Ann Schroeder was celebrated Feb. 27 at Salem Heights. Sister Mary Ann, 89, died at Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 74 years.

A native of Columbus Grove, Ohio, Sister Mary Ann spent 30 years in domestic work in convents, homes and institutions in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. She also served for 25 years at Salem Heights (retirement home of the Sisters) in Dayton.

While she was admired as a cook, she was also eager to expand her horizons. She became a student of business and served others well as bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and secretary in Dayton. She also became medical supply coordinator

and later took charge of the Eucharistic host department.

In her retirement she first volunteered at St. Anthony’s Parish in Columbus Grove, spent time reading and helped wherever and whenever she was needed. Her final retirement years were at Salem Heights and Emma Hall.

Sister Mary Ann is survived by her sisters, Helen Clark (James) of Hagerstown, Md. and Marguerite Sebastian of Liverpool, N.Y. and her brothers, Harold (Ruth) Schroeder of Onsted, Mich. and Alvin (Dolores) Schroeder of Columbus Grove, Ohio, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers Urban, Leo, Louis, Alphonse and John and her sister, Rita Mae (died in infancy).

Burial was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.

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Sharing & Caring

Sister Mary Linus Bax

November 30, 1918 — February 3, 2012 Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Mary Linus Bax was held Feb. 8 at Salem Heights. Sister Mary Linus, 93, died Feb. 3. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 78 years.

nity, becoming well recognized in her field. She retired to Salem Heights in 1990, where she embraced a number of volunteer opportunities including some archivist activities. She kept the annals for Salem Heights. She continued her research and wrote about the children of Mother Brunner.

A native of Koelztown, Mo., Sister Mary Linus taught grade school and high school students in Ohio, Indiana, North Dakota, Arizona and California for 31 years. She also served as organist at several locations.

Sister Mary Linus is survived by her sisters, Sister of the Precious Blood Marie Bax of Dayton and Catherine Tenney of Magnolia, Texas. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers Joseph (died after birth) and Joseph Bax and sisters, Emma Troutman, Agnes White and Pauline Topper.

The next years of her life she taught adults Biblical Archaeology, escorted several tours abroad, and became a historian and archivist for her Precious Blood Commu-

Burial was in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Mary Lou Voisard (M. Leo) March 30, 1924 — January 26, 2012 A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Mary Louise Voisard was celebrated Jan. 30 at Salem Heights in Dayton.

Sister Mary Louise, 87, died Jan. 26 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 72 years.

A native of Russia, Ohio, Sister Mary Louise enjoyed teaching grade school for 14 years in Missouri and in Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland. She embraced the cloistered life for 21 years in New Riegel, Ohio. Sister Mary Louise later ministered for 20 years as a hospital chaplain in pastoral

care at Providence Hospital in Cincinnati, at Salem Heights, the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton, where she served her own Precious Blood Sisters. After retiring in 1997, she was active as a spiritual director, teacher of prayer and volunteer chaplain.

Sister Mary Louise is survived by her sisters, Elfrieda Borchers of Russia, Ohio and in religion, Sisters Yvonne Voisard and Carmen Voisard of Dayton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her sisters, Mildred Moorman, and Cecilia Borchers and her brothers Joseph Voisard and Raymond Voisard.

Burial was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Margery Schroeder (M. Juleen) June 30, 1932 — January 23, 2012

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Margery Schroeder was celebrated Jan. 27 at Salem Heights. Sister Margery, 79, died Jan. 23. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 62 years.

A native of Miller City, Ohio, Sister Margery taught school for 37 years in Arizona, Ohio and Indiana. She later earned a nursing license and ministered as a nurse for seven years at St. Teresa Home for the Aged and later at St. Margaret Hall, both in Cincinnati. She returned to teaching in Cincinnati, retiring from active ministry in

1997. She then became an active volunteer, taking care of the physical and spiritual needs of others. She was not shy in sharing her spirituality. She went to daily Mass, did spiritual readings, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours and made annual retreats.

Sister Margery is survived by her brother Omer of Lakewood, Colo.; her brothers Samuel (Ann) and Irvin (Sharon), and Delmar (Margaret); her sister-in-law Elaine (David) Schroeder — all of Columbus Grove, Ohio; and brotherin-law William (Mary) Koch of Glandorf, Ohio. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.

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Sister Janet Winandy (M. Nicholas) May 7, 1937 — January 18, 2012

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Janet Winandy was held January 23 at Salem Heights. Sister Janet, 74, died Jan. 18. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 58 years.

A native of Gary, Ind., she moved to Arizona at an early age with her family. She entered the congregation at age 19 and served in various ministries for 45 years. She was a innovative math and science teacher.

Former students in Denver and Arvada, Colo. recall her infectious love of learning. She served as teacher and/or principal at various elementary and secondary schools in San Diego, San Luis Rey, and El Cajon in California and in

Phoenix and Tucson.

When called upon to serve in leadership Sister Janet assumed the role of Director of the Congregation’s Western Region. More recently, Sister Janet served for ten years as Administrative Assistant to the Congregational Leadership Team in Dayton. In 2011 Sister retired in Dayton, where she volunteered in various capacities.

She is survived by her sisters, Susan Hatton (William) of Tucson and Roberta Miller of Oroville, Calif. and brother, Thomas Winandy of Phoenix and niece Marjorie Gibson and nephew Douglas Hatton.

Burial was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister M. Agnes Christine Mullen May 24, 1921 — January 3, 2012

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood M. Agnes Christine Mullen was celebrated Jan. 6 at Salem Heights. Sister Mary Agnes, 90, died Jan. 3 at Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 61 years.

A native of Indianapolis, Sister Agnes Christine was in active ministry for 46 years. For 23 years she served in the business and treasurer offices at the Sisters’ motherhouse in Dayton, and at Maria Stein Retreat/Shrine in Maria Stein.

For another 23 years Sister Agnes Christine took care of her

aging parents in Dallas while working part time at various offices in the Diocese of Dallas as secretary, typist, and bookkeeper. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Dayton.

Sister Agnes Christine retired in Texas in 1999. She moved to Salem Heights in 2004 and then to Emma Hall in 2007.

Sister Agnes Christine is survived by her sister, Joan Panzenbeck and three brothers, Rev. Bernard Mullen CPPS, Rev. Charles Mullen, CPPS and Robert H. Mullen and nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Salem Heights cemetery.

Sister Mary Wilfred Thobe

February 16, 1921 — September 16, 2011 A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Mary Wilfred Thobe was celebrated Sept. 20 at Salem Heights. Sister Mary Wilfred, 90, died at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 72 years.

A native of Osgood, Ohio, Sister Mary Wilfred was in active ministry for 50 years. She spent 39 years as a cook, seamstress and housekeeper at the Sisters’ Motherhouseand at St. Joseph Orphanage, both in Dayton; St. Charles in Carthagena, Ohio; St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati; Kneipp Springs in Rome City, Ind.; Lourdes Hall in Dayton; and Maria Stein Convent in Maria Stein, Ohio. For 11

years Sister Mary Wilfred worked part-time in the Altar Bread Department at Salem Heights. She also kept charities supplied with arts and crafts. She retired to Salem Heights In 1992.

An avid sports fan, Sister Mary Winfred enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She also heartedly cheered for the Cincinnati Reds. While at Maria Stein, she would often take her rod and a bucket to the retreat house pond after work and fished.

Sister Mary Wilfred is survived by her nephew, Virgil (Barbara) Thobe of Sidney, Ohio, and various cousins.

Burial was in Salem Heights cemetery.

For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.

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Sharing & Caring

Sister Clara Van de Beuken (M. Isodore) January 19, 1918 — September 12, 2011 A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Clara Van De Beuken was celebrated Sept. 15 at Salem Heights. Sister Clara, 93, died Sept. 12 at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 73 years.

A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Clara’s family moved to Phoenix when she was six. It was there that she came to know the Sisters of the Precious Blood. She attended St. Mary’s grade and high school in Phoenix. During high school she realized a vocation to religious life and entered the community in 1937.

For 17 years Sister Clara served as a cook and housekeeper at St. Charles Seminary in Carthegena, Ohio; San Luis Rey Academy, Calif.; Cure d’Ars Seminary in Denver, Colo.; St. Anne’s Rectory and Holy Trinity in Arvada, Colo. For 23 years Sister served as seamstress at St. Joseph Orphanage in Dayton; St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, the Chancery in Cincinnati; and Immaculate Heart Seminary in San Diego, Calif. She also ministered to the sick, shut-ins and elderly. She retired to Salem Heights in 2000.

Sister Clara is survived by her sister, Mrs. Marvin Beguhl of Salinas, Calif. and nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Salem Heights cemetery.

For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.

In Sympathy We offer sympathy and prayer to the following Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members to death.

Sister Rose Margaret Broerman on the death of her brother, Julius Broerman, Jan. 1.

Sister Pat Dieringer on the death of her brother, Robert, Feb. 20.

Sister Margie Huelsman on the death of her brother, Louie Huelsman, Feb. 22.

Sister Eva Roehrich on the death of her brother, Leo Roehrich.

Sister Theresa Rizzo, on the death of her sister, Maryann Fonseca, March 25.

Sister Dorothy Koenig on the death of her brother, William J. Koenig, Jr., April 7.

Sister Helen Weber on the death of her brother-in-law, Michael Rahry, April 10.

Sister Elizabeth Westgerdes on the death of her sister, Mary Ann Sampson, April 24.

Sister Joyce Lehman on the death of her nephew, Eric Warnimont, May 3.

Sister Rita Yahl on the death of her brother, Bill Yahl, May 11.

Sister Martha DeBrosse on the death of her brother, Theodore DeBrosse, May 21.

Sister Valeria Abelle on the death of her brother, Jerry Abele, May 26.

Remembering…

Lorena Kessler, formerly Sister Gwendolyn, Feb. 7.

Peggy Camp, formerly Sister Maria del Rey. Missionary of the Precious Blood Father Larry Heiman (Cincinnati province), Feb. 26.

Donald Winkeljohn, brother of the late Sister Rose Ann Winkeljohn, April 29.

Bob Hemmelgarn, brother of the late Sister Laurene Hemmelgarn.

Happy Birthday As a new feature of Sharing & Caring we’re going to recognize sisters’ birthdays. Please join us as we celebrate and say a special prayer for our sisters who celebrate summer birthdays.

JUNE 2 4 7 9 16 17 19

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Joan DeChristopher Catherine Nader Joanne Belloli Theresa Walter M. Carmelita Monnin Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl Mary Faye Hellman Mary E. Wendeln Charlene Ann Heidenreich Adeline Mertz Mary Anne Westerheide

Summer 2012

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Joyce Lehman

1 2

3 4 8 9 14

JULY Marie Renee Hoehn Mary Garascia Rita Manriquez Patricia Ann Dieringer Barbara Jean Backs Marla Gipson Elizabeth Jane Westgerdes Amy Junk Nancy Wolf

16 21 22

24 27

Laura Will Marie Evelyn Moorman Dolores Keller Judy Niday Helen Weber Joyce Langhals

2 3 5 9

AUGUST Carlotta Lammers Catherine Brickner Valeria Abele Noreen Jutte

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21 24 25 26 30 31

Mary Kathryn Gurren Jeannine Kloeker Hedwig Mary Stammen Edna Hess Margo Young Jeanette Buehler Judy Kroeger Angela Therese Ballard Bernice Krieg Ann Clark Joyce Kahle M. Yvonne Voisard

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Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Vocations effort part of Spiritual Survivor 2012 in Maria Stein MARIA STEIN — Sometimes a fun event has a subtle vocations effort mixed in.

That was the case April 18 when Sisters of the Precious Blood Regina Albers and Mary Yarger operated a station during Spiritual Survivor 2012, which attracted more than 450 junior high school students. At the Sisters’ booth, students were given 10 questions on the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Points were awarded for correct answers.

The annual event, held on the grounds of the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, included 54 stations that challenged the students on their knowledge of religion and reliance on each other. The students, who were from parishes in the St. Mary’s and Sidney deaneries, accumulated points for correctly completing the challenges. Students from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Newport won the event and received a traveling trophy that they keep for a year.

While the event was fast-paced with little time for personal interaction, the mere presence of Sisters Regina and Mary helped raise an awareness of the congregation and vocations to religious life.

“For the children I think it was an effort to have them realize we Sisters are here,” Sister Regina said. “Doing something like this and having fun with it, and yet I’m sure these kids learned something doing this, is a wonderful way of working with the kids.”

Top, Sisters Mary Yarger, left, and Regina Albers, post at their station during Spiritual Survivor 2012 on April 18 at the Maria Stein Spiritual Center. The Sisters used the annual event to raise awareness of the congregation and vocations to religious life. Bottom, junior high students celebrate during the event. Contributed photo

DAYTON — Three sisters celebrated Jubilees May 6 with Mass and a special reception for family at Salem Heights. Sisters Rosalie Kastner and Carmen Voisard (Carmencita) marked 75 years of religious life and Sister Nancy Kinross (M. Rose Catherine) celebrated her 50th jubilee.

Celebrating Jubilees

Far left, Sisters Rosalie Kastner, left, Carmen Voisard and Nancy Kinross prepare for the jubilee Mass. Right, the sisters and their family members sing during Mass. Dave Eck and Michelle Bodine photos

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