Sharing & Caring Summer 2017

Sharing & Caring Volume 28 Number 1 • Summer 2017 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Caring for Creation

From the President’s Desk

In the beginning

"I

n the beginning…”

Most of us recognize this famous opening line from the book of Genesis.

The creation story gives us a glimpse into the mind of God when creating the world and all that is in it as imagined by the early Jewish people. As Christians, we believe that these words are not only the words of human beings attempting to record history, but also inspired by God so that we might see our place in the grand order of things.

We know that God delighted in diversity, creating the creatures of the deep, of the lakes and of rivers, birds to fly in the sky and sing their unique songs, all kinds of animals to roam the land, and the biblically unnamed but nonetheless persistent creepy crawlies from spiders to mosquitoes to honey bees. When finished creating this good fertile earth and these wondrous beings, God entrusted it all to human beings. The Genesis speaks of subduing and having dominion over the earth. This does not mean, however, to plunder and abuse, but rather to protect, care for and be good stewards of. By the power and ingenuity of the human intellect we can control flooding by building dams, harness energy for the good of all, increase the yield of our harvests through good farming techniques, and generally ensure that all have the means for a healthy and whole life.

Today we see our responsibility of stewardship of the 2

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planet being tested as the air we breathe and the water that sustains us become polluted and the earth is stripped of its fertility from overuse or misuse. We can recognize the peril this puts us in, and we can also work to imagine and plan ways to move us back from the edge. But it takes more than imagination, it also takes commitment and action. As with so many of the great global problems, we can become paralyzed and helpless if we think we must address them all or all at once.

Where to start? Like charity, change begins at home. Small acts done locally and consistently make a difference. An early environmental slogan, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” gives us a plan of action as well as something to ponder. We can reduce just about everything we use on a daily basis, from water and electricity to the food we waste to the number of trips we take using fossil fuels. Reusing things such as plastic bags and containers, aluminum pie tins and Styrofoam dishes, and old sheets or towels, seems to have gone out of style. These are all things that can be reused or repurposed after their first incarnation, whether by the original user or by another person or organization. Schools especially like items that can be used creatively in classes: anything from a cardboard tube from paper towels to fabric scraps.

Recycling has become much more prevalent and practiced.

In the recent past, we had to

separate the different kinds of recyclables from each other and place them in the proper bins, which for some was annoying or burdensome. Now many recycling companies allow most all recyclables to be put together and collected at the same time. Landfills everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief as they are growing much more slowly because of recycling. Now if we could just figure out what to do with the plastic “puddle” the size of Connecticut that is floating in the middle of the Pacific!

God’s good creation is ours to enjoy, to use and most of all to care for. This issue of Sharing & Caring gives some idea of what the Sisters of the Precious Blood, individually and corporately, are doing to help respect, restore and rebuild the integrity of God’s good creation. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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n the bright sunny Saturday of May 17, four Sisters accompanied Sister Jeanette (M. Paul Agnes) Buehler to the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church to witness and support her receiving the Halo Award. Sister Jeanette was personally selected by Mary A. McDonald, the mayor of Trotwood, to be thus awarded. In receiving this award, Sister Jeanette is designated as an “Angel in Trotwood.”

In bestowing the award, Mayor McDonald proclaimed that Sister Jeanette is being particularly honored for her leadership in the Homicide Prayer Vigils effort. McDonald acknowledged that the homicide vigil effort is only one of the many endeavors to which Sister Jeanette has applied her organizational skills and dedication for the welfare of the city of Trotwood.

In receiving the award, Sister Jeanette humbly expressed her personal appreciation. She quickly diverted the attention from herself to the commitment the Sisters of the Precious Blood have to the city of Trotwood. Her comments revolved

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the Congregation and Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the Sisters’ mission.

All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the communications coordinator.

around the concept that the Congregation is “going nowhere” — it is in fact a stable element in the city and will remain so. She remarked that the Congregational leadership encouraged her involvement in the city’s projects, which further its mission.

The afternoon Top, from left, Mayor Mary McDonald, Sister Jeanette Buehler and Vice included a Mayor Bettye L. Gales. Bottom, Sister Jeanette with the full group of presentation recipients. David Young photos. by the City of Trotwood Mayors Communi- in the church gathering space.

Accompanying Sister Jeanette ty Choir. The Rev. Sylvia Mosewere Sisters Ceil Taphorn, Judy ley-Robinson was the keynote speaker. Nine women of the city Niday, Joan DeChristopher were given the Halo Award. and Mary Garke.  Following the awards, all present were invited to a reception Story by Sister Mary Garke

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) 274-2707 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

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

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News

Sister Jeanette Buehler receives Halo Award

News

IX Encounter of the Family of the Blood of Christ in Chile

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enewed in spirit — and in the challenge that the laity of the Precious Blood groups in Chile received in their annual meeting as members of the Family of the Blood of Christ — we three Congregations of the Precious Blood in Chile give thanks to the Lamb of God for revitalizing our groups on August 19.

The theme of “The Vocation of the Laity of the Precious Blood” attracted around 100 members of the groups that unite to deepen their spirituality of the Precious Blood.

Santiago, Purranque, Valdivia and Pichilemú were the cities represented. At the same time, we celebrated 60 years of presence in the country for we Sisters of the Precious Blood; 70 years of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in Chile; and 130 years of the founding of the Chilean Religious Congregation of the Precious Blood. What a coincidence, all in years of seven: 1957, 1947 and 1887.

Andres Diamante, one of the members of the groups from St. Gaspar College, gave the opening conference to lead us to perceive the “Shouts of the Precious Blood” in our world today, where we feel we are called to respond. Many challenges were suggested. Many centered around the respect for the human rights of all people and openness to the many immigrants entering the country, principally from Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Also dis-

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Two young ladies represent the countries of Venezuela and Syria with their typical dress to plead for the end to the disasters in those countries.

cussed was respect for the life of the unborn, which is in Congress and the Constitutional Court of Chile at present. We also touched on respect for the elderly. Around 25 percent of Chile’s population is made up of senior citizens, but many suffer from low pensions and lack the necessities of life.

Several of the Haitian community from Our Lady of the Precious Blood parish were present. Some are here about two months, so the languages of Criolla, French and Spanish help us communicate. The aspect of the threat of war and unrest in so many countries was also a preoccupation. All these needs and challenges to PRAY and get involved in solidarity works with the above led us to celebrate the Eucharist to finalize the day.

At the offertory procession, children who have died and/ or live in government homes

for children were remembered.

Over 1,000 children have died in these homes in the past 10 or more years.

An elderly couple carried the image of the Baby Jesus, asking for respect for life for the unborn, and that the legislation of the country does not permit the abortion bill to pass. (The Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the abortion bill on Aug. 21.)

Two young ladies represented the countries of Syria and Venezuela with their typical dress to plead for the end to the disasters in those countries.

These and other petitions filled our hearts as we interceded that the Blood of Jesus protect us, save us and strengthen us for the challenges in our world today and in Chile.  Story and photo by Sister Mary Luisa Miller

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t Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado, an award has been established that will honor faculty members who exhibit “deep faith, love, devotion, humor, patience and limitless zeal for teaching.”

It also honors “an individual whose commitment exemplifies the Magis” — a concept central to Jesuit philosophy which means to do more, for Christ and for others.

And it bears the name of the retired faculty member who embodies all of those qualities: Sister Benita Volk.

“Sister Benita was my senior English teacher 30 years ago, before she was my colleague and fellow English teacher,” said Tim Bauer, assistant principal for faculty and curriculum at Regis Jesuit Girls Division. “It was quite a privilege for me to acknowledge, in a lasting way, her impact on my and so many others’ lives.”

The award’s first recipient, Mark Onstott, was honored May 4 at the school’s Underclass Awards Ceremony, where approximately 500 students, 50 faculty and staff, and 100 parents were in attendance. Onstott teaches Competitive Speech and Debate, Theatre, Interpersonal Communications and regular Speech and Debate. He also coaches the competitive speech and debate team.

“I was very honored to not only receive the award, but also to be the first recipient,”

Onstott said. “I am humbled to be considered in the same league when it comes to teaching as Sister Benita!”

Sister Benita (M. Denis Anthony) retired from Regis Jesuit in 2011 after serving as an English teacher, department chair, retreat director, literary magazine moderator and National Honor Society adviser. “Most importantly, though,” Bauer said, “Benita acted as a mentor and guide for generations of teachers and students.” She worked at the school from 1982 to 1990 and again from 2004 to 2011.

“I was both surprised and delighted when the Sister Benita Volk Award was established,” Sister Benita said.

“Surprised because I’ve been retired since 2011 and wasn’t expecting anything, and delighted because every year when the award is given to a faculty member at Regis Jesuit High School Girls Division, my time there will be remembered and honored.”

Jamie Dawkins, chair of the English department at Regis Jesuit Girls Division, said Sister Benita “was (and continues to be) a wonderful friend and mentor. She was one of the first English teachers at our school and practically built our British literature and poetry curriculum. She served as a mother and guide to us young ones as we started our careers. I am so lucky to have little treasures of hers in my classroom — most notably

News

High school honors Sister Benita Volk with award in her name

her plaque that says ‘Poetry is Prayer’ — and not a day goes by that I don't recall a nugget of wisdom she shared as she shepherded me through my first years of teaching. This honor is much deserved!”

Originally from North Dakota, Sister Benita entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood community in 1960 and taught grade school until the early 1970s, when she began teaching high school English in Denver. In 2011, Sister Benita was the recipient of the St. John Francis Regis Award, an outstanding service award at Regis Jesuit. She has also published a book of poetry, Leaning Toward the Invisible, which is available by contacting Sister Linda Pleiman.

“I love literature,” Sister Benita said. “It’s such a joy to share that with young people and, every once in a while, see someone get excited about literature also.”  Story by Mary Knapke; contributed photo

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Cover Story

“Green” burials encourage environmental sustainability

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hen a loved one passes away, the rituals and traditions that mark the end of life can bring comfort and peace to those who remain — but some of the processes used in modern burial practices also pose environmental concerns.

As Sisters conduct their endof-life planning, some are choosing “green” or “natural” burials in an effort to care for the Earth even after their own death.

During the Congregation’s 2015 Assembly, one of the directives articulated was to “act responsibly in the use and care of our planet’s resources.” The leadership team then considered how they could help Sisters fulfill that directive, said Sister Linda Pleiman, a congregational Councilor.

“One of the ways was to look at the spirituality of dying and all that goes with that, including funerals. So we have given our Sisters the option of ‘green’ funerals, which also helps in our care of the planet,” Sister Linda said.

According to the Green Burial Council, a Californiabased nonprofit organization that establishes industry standards for environmentally friendly burial practices, “green” or “natural” burial “is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of car-

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The cemetery and grotto at Salem Heights. Michelle Bodine photo

bon emissions, protection of worker health and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.” Biodegradable containers or shrouds are used instead of concrete burial vaults and metal caskets; the bodies of the deceased either are not embalmed or they are prepared using formaldehyde-free products.

The formaldehyde used in the typical embalming process can seep into the ground and affect the surrounding soil and waterways.

In her end-of-life planning, Sister Benita (M. Denis Anthony) Volk has chosen a full body burial without embalming because, she said, “I love the earth. The earth has nurtured me throughout my life, both physically and spiritually. When I die I would like to return to the earth as naturally as possible. I want to nur-

ture the earth with my flesh without adding unnatural substances like chemicals and metals. It’s comforting to me to imagine my body returning to the earth.”

For others, cremation is an option that is becoming increasingly common in endof-life planning. The Catholic church has allowed cremation since 1963, but ashes must be placed in an appropriate vessel — not separated or scattered, but laid to rest in a sacred place such as a cemetery.

Sister Nancy (M. Alan) Raley noted that cremation itself is not necessarily a “green” process because “it consumes energy and possibly pollutes the environment depending on the technology of the crematoria.” However, burying the remains in a bioStory by Mary Knapke

her parents’ burials. It also refully shaped such that it recalls the ashes received on Ash sembled an alabaster jar. When Wednesday, when the faithful buried in a plot, the rainwater are told, “From dust you were over the gravesite gradually created and to dust you shall dissolves the urn, allowing the return.” Sister Judy said her ashes to be part of the earth. ... brother made a maple wood This type of burial reconciles urn for her ashes; on the top, the ashes with God’s earth. It he affixed a plaque bearing her name, a '... The earth has nurtured Precious Blood symbol and a short verse me throughout my life, both honoring her. physically and spiritually.

“That touched my When I die I would like to heart so much,” she said. “I do try to live return to the earth as a simple lifestyle, naturally as possible. ...' and I think being cremated and using — Sister Benita Volk a biodegradable urn is the simplest thing I can do to let the earth be the is environmentally ‘healing,’ I earth.” believe.”

Sister Nancy (M. Rose Cath For Catholic laypeople in erine) Kinross also has chosen the Dayton area who are cremation, with the ashes interested in environmenplaced in a biodegradable urn. tally conscious burial options, “I witnessed this type of burial Calvary Cemetery features the in attending the funeral of a St. Kateri Preserve, a 5-acre friend’s adult son,” she said. conservation area with a lake, “The biodegradable urn was walking trails and area for made of salt and was beautinatural burial. 

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

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating summer and fall birthdays.

9 10 13 13 21 24 26 30 31

AUGUST

Noreen Jutte Jeannine Kloeker Edna Hess Margo Young Jeanette Buehler Judy Kroeger Bernice Krieg Ann Clark Joyce Kahle

8 8 11 11 12 16 22 29

SEPTEMBER

Nadine Kaschalk Ruth Ann Meyer Mary Ann Mozser Florence Seifert Noemí Flores Della Mae Meyer Rita Rogier Rosemary Laux

1 3 7 13 17 29

OCTOBER

Marie Kopin Beverly Ann Bodnar Nancy McMullen Teresa Maher Patricia Kremer Rosalie Kastner

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degradable urn or container “reduces the environmental impact and uses fewer resources for burial such as embalming fluid, casket and vault,” she said.

“We Sisters live a simple lifestyle and using fewer resources for burial seems to fit with this,” Sister Nancy added. “Also, I wanted my body to be useful in death by donating any needed organs if possible.

Precious Blood Spiritualty is being a life-giving presence in life and at death.”

For Sister Mary (Thomas Miriam) Garascia, cremation and a green burial means “the ‘stuff’ of my body will be recycled by the earth. There won't be concrete liners or metal in caskets or any other artificial things in the ground because of me,” she said, adding that “the simplicity of life that the vow of poverty asks us to live” also influenced her choice.

For Sister Judy Niday, choosing cremation carries on a family tradition that began with

Cover Story

Congregational buildings go green

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ur office is all abuzz today with excitement, and many of our Sisters are out on the patio at Salem Heights gazing at the sky. All are sporting their fashionable solar eclipse glasses. The first total solar eclipse since 1979 certainly has the attention of millions from coast to coast. Seems to be an apropos setting in which to write an article on “green energy”!

Global warming, like this solar eclipse, is certainly on people’s minds. From Pope Francis, who clearly understands the implications of not taking steps to reduce our “carbon footprint,” to those who would believe this to be a hoax, thus doing everything in their power to prove their point, global warming is a hot topic! No pun intended!

We Sisters of the Precious Blood at our 2015 General Assembly heard the cry of our fragile planet when we adopted the following statement as one of our Emergent Future Directives: “As religious women formed in and informed by the Spirituality of the Precious Blood we will . . . Act responsibly in the use and care of our planet’s resources.”

During this past year in response to this directive, the Leadership Team of the Congregation began the conversation and research that led to the adoption of “green energy” for two of our buildings. The administrative office building, known officially as

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Top, workers drill eight holes 150 feet into the ground in the first step of the geothermal installation; bottom, pipes are installed and connected to new equipment in the building.

the “CAO” and affectionately called the “White House,” is now equipped with geothermal energy that is using the Earth’s constant temperature of 65 degrees to cool my office, while panels on the roof are collecting the sun’s energy to power the computer on which I am creating this article. Our “Orchard House,” which provides housing for

four Sisters and office space for the novice director, has also been equipped with solar panels.

With the United States leading the way as the world’s top “carbon polluter,” we are rapidly surpassing dangerous benchmarks that move us toward the point of no return.

Story by Sister Patty Kremer, photos by Michelle Bodine

Left, solar panels were installed on the roof, on the front and back of the CPPS Administrative Offices (back of building shown here).

The grandeur of God

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tep into creation and see, touch, feel, hear the gift of God, the generosity and trust God has for humans. Take in all that is there and know the love of God. Fully absorb that love given in nature, and become one with God. Hold on to the gift and watch it flow right on through to others. United with the Creator we are “blessed” in the generative process desired

by God for “filling the earth” and taming it.

Watch the clouds, hold a leaf or flower, listen to the sound of a cricket and in that minute piece of nature be awed by the gift of God. Give place to the impulse to share it. Stand on the firm earth. Dig in its soil. Drop seed there.

Watch for its shell to break and a spear of life to appear. Honor the gift of sun and rain. Know the power of creation right there before your eyes. Note the beauty. Taste its fruit. Collect the seed and start all over again. Experience the multiplication of creation’s gift. Experience the Creator’s love. Step into nature and never be the same!

Story by Sister Barbara Ann Hoying Right, Sister Barbara Ann Hoying picks a tomato from her vegetable garden at Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. Lisa Fullenkamp photo

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A point that will no doubt leave a very dismal legacy for future generations. This planet has been entrusted to us by a loving and gracious God. The greatest gift we can offer in return is to protect this gift for those who come after us. This problem will not solve itself! It takes all of us to make a difference! If not now, when? If not us, who? 

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Community garden provides food and fellowship

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ed tomatoes, green cucumbers, golden butternut squash, white African eggplant: A plot of land near the Precious Blood Sisters’ administrative building bursts with color throughout the summer. Several months ago, novice Sister Mumbi Kigutha conceived of a project which would turn this piece of land into a bright, abundant vegetable garden. And with help from individual Sisters and members of the community, that idea has become a beautiful crop of fresh, organic vegetables for local families.

“I have never gardened in my life,” Sister Mumbi said.

But while living in the U.S. a decade ago, Sister Mumbi — a native of Kenya — realized that she had traded a traditional diet rich in vegetables for the prepackaged convenience foods and fast food ubiquitous in this country.

She was also walking less and driving almost everywhere.

“Growing up with parents who were a medical doctor and a nutritionist, I knew what I had done was not right,” she said.

So when she arrived in the U.S. last year to join the Precious Blood community, “I was very conscious that I was going to lose the weight that I had added in America the previous time and stay at a healthy weight.”

Sister Mumbi’s own experience was at the forefront of her mind when she began working with the Congolese community in Dayton. “I could see it within weeks of them settling down.

I would go to their homes and be offered pop all the time. I’m

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Members of Dayton's Congolese community work in the garden along Turner Road and display some of their harvest.

offered cookies all the time,” she said. “I kept telling them, you need to eat better, but can they really afford to eat better?

So I thought, if we could have a place where they could grow indigenous vegetables and lower the cost, that would help.”

Sister Mumbi became acquainted with members of the Congolese community in Dayton through her volunteer work with Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, which has helped resettle families coming from refugee camps around the world —

where some new Daytonians had lived for 10 to 20 years. For some members of that community, working in the garden has provided a time for fellowship, as well as an opportunity to grow items not easily found in the area. African eggplant, for example, is a small, white fruit that can be eaten either raw or cooked. Sister Mumbi said it did well in the garden this summer. “It’s something we also don’t eat in Kenya,” she Story by Mary Knapke; photos by Sister Mumbi Kigutha

Nehemiah, who works in the garden, said the group enjoys "the chance to interact, share and encourage one another."

added. “But the people from Congo are crazy about it.”

Other crops didn’t fare as well — some were eaten by rabbits or deer — but the project is a learning process.

“I think what helps me is that I’ve never been scared of taking risks,” Sister Mumbi said.

“Things could go very wrong, but they could also succeed beyond expectation, and I think that set me free. And I got that same support from my leaders.

I work with Sisters Patty Kremer and Linda Pleiman, and they kept reassuring me, say-

ing, ‘Let’s see how it goes. If we don’t try, we will never know.’”

Some of the Congolese men and women who work in the community garden spoke with Sister Mumbi about their experience. “Fresh, organic vegetables are good for our health and allow us to eat food that we are familiar with,” said Kabwona.

Makombe added, “We are grateful to the Sisters of the Precious Blood for the opportunity to have this garden, as most of us were farmers in Africa.”

Truly a community effort, the garden was also possible

thanks to help from Jerry Rowe, who rents and farms CPPS farmland, who plowed the garden plot. A. Brown & Sons Nursery — the family of Sister Barbara Brown — tilled the land. The Salem Heights maintenance crew cut the grass surrounding the garden, constructed a tool shed and set up water barrels. The Precious Blood community — including this year’s jubilarians, who donated their gift toward garden needs — provided financial assistance.

Sister Mumbi said that, in the future, she hopes the garden will continue to grow not only in size, but also as an avenue toward peace and reconciliation. “My dream is that in five or ten years’ time, that garden will be a UN,” she said. “We’ll not just have people from various African countries; we’ll have Iraqis and Syrians, and anybody else who might be resettled in Dayton. I would love to see people there together. The bigger cities have succeeded in that.”

Ultimately, a basket of cucumbers or African eggplant can go beyond providing a healthy and delicious meal.

The efforts behind that harvest represent “bringing hope where there is no hope,” Sister Mumbi said. “For refugees who have lost their entire families, who thought their spouses were dead and were reunited years later, who had given up on everything before coming to America — and to see them at a baby shower, dancing and laughing. For me, that is the hope.”  Summer 2017

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Cover Story Sisters and their gardens Clockwise from top left, Sister Patty Kremer's flower garden in the courtyard at Salem Heights; photo by Sister Patty Kremer.

Sister Mary Lou Schmersal's flower garden; photo by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal. Sister Carolyn Hoying's vegetable garden at PBMR in Chicago; Sister Maureen Mangen's flowers in the courtyard at Salem Heights; Sister Donna Liette's flower garden at PBMR in Chicago; Sister Joyce Kahle's sweet basil and sage plants; contributed photos.

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Spirit Days 2017

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pirit Days 2017 focused on two directives that emerged from the 2015 Assembly: models of governance and assessing the areas of care services for our Sisters residing in Maria Joseph Center and at Salem Heights.

Donna Fyffe, who was the facilitator for Assembly 2015, facilitated the presentation and discussion of the two models of governance presented by the Government Committee.

The all-day process gave the Sisters a chance to understand and discuss the models in order to give the committee their feedback.

'Whatever happens, we all know that when we leave to go back to our ministries or volunteer services or lives of prayer, we go back enriched and renewed in our identity as Sisters of the Precious Blood.'

— Sister Joyce Lehman Sister Anna Marie Tag, RSM, with wide experience in elder care, chaired the CPPS LifeCare Assessment Committee and reported their findings and presented recommendations.

The time ended with the Sisters participating in a Communal Contemplative Dialogue in small groups on the findings and recommendations.

The in-between times allowed

Top, from left, Sisters Bela Mis, Carolyn Hoying and Donna Liette during the opening night of Spirit Days. Bottom, from left, Sisters Anna Marie Tag, RSM, Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Linda Pleiman and Jane Francis Hoffman during the second night of Spirit Days. Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photos

for catching up with each other’s lives and relaxation within delectable receptions and a variety of entertainment. And of course the celebration of the Feast of the Precious Blood took place within the special Mass on July 1.

Spirit Days 2017 began with an evening address from Sister Joyce Lehman who welcomed each of the Sisters and, us-

ing Scriptures and canon law, touched the import of the two directives. “Whatever happens,” she said, “we all know that when we leave to go back to our ministries or volunteer services or lives of prayer, we go back enriched and renewed in our identity as Sisters of the Precious Blood.”  Story by Sister Nancy Kinross

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Jubilee

Jubilarians honored at Mass and banquet

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hese are women whose dedication and faithfulness have mirrored the face and the love of Christ to everyone they’ve met. And so we ask Christ to continue to shine through them as women of hope and promise.”

With those words, Sister Joyce Lehman, president of the Congregation, toasted this year’s jubilarians as the Precious Blood community raised a glass to them at the Jubilee banquet. The gathering, held July 2 at Salem Heights, was the final event of this year’s Spirit Days and Jubilee celebrations, which began June 29 and centered on the theme of “Faithfulness Sustained by His Blood.” Precious Blood Sisters from across the United States and Guatemala gathered for the events.

This year’s jubilarians include Sister Rosemary (M. Columba) Laux, who is celebrating her diamond 75th jubilee. Seven Sisters are marking 60 years in the Precious Blood community: Irene (M. Florine) Holz, Elizabeth (M. Stephen Ann) Westgerdes, Barbara Ann (M. Emma) Hoying, Anna Maria Sanders, Rosemary (M. Christa) Lindemann, Nancy (M. Ann Patrick) McMullen and Donna (M. Dolorine) Liette. Sisters Linda Pleiman and Theresa Walter are celebrating their golden 50th jubilee. Sister Rosalie Kastner was also honored as she marks 80 years as a Precious Blood Sister.

Spirit Days culminated in a prayer service on the evening of July 1 at the Salem Heights chapel. Novice Sisters Bela 14

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Mis and Mumbi Kigutha added to the service with a prayerful dance, and jubilarians were presented with roses and gifts. Sister Maryann Bremke prepared a lighthearted slideshow featuring photos from each jubilarian’s childhood and years of ministry.

The Jubilee Mass was held July 2 at Salem Heights.

The celebrant was Father Mark Hoying, CPPS, the youngest brother of Sister Barbara Ann Hoying. Father Mark noted that he was with Sister Barbara Ann when she entered the Congregation in 1957 — but that he doesn’t remember anything from that day, since he was only 1 year old at the time.

“Jubilee is a joyTop, Sisters Rosemary Laux, 75 years, and Rosalie Kastner, 80 Middle, celebrating 60 years, clockwise from top left, ful time; it’s a time years.

Sisters Barbara Ann Hoying, Anna Maria Sanders, Elizabeth of memories. ...

Westgerdes, Donna Liette, Irene Holz, Rosemary Lindemann and Nancy McMullen. Bottom, celebrating 50 years, Sisters It’s nice to catch Terry Walter and Linda Pleiman. Michelle Bodine photos up and celebrate something special, and remem The concelebrant was Father ber we’re God’s children and Ken Pleiman, CPPS, the brother celebrate that,” Father Mark of Sister Linda Pleiman. Sisters said during his homily. “ConTerry Walter and Elizabeth gratulations to all of you. Not Westgerdes served as lectors, just the jubilarians, but all of and novice Sister LaKesha you. May you keep doing the Church cantored the psalm. biggest and the smallest of things in the name of the Lord.” Story by Mary Knapke

nion with one another, and collaboration in God’s reign.”

In her speech on behalf of the class of 1957, Sister Barbara Ann said, “‘Thank you’ goes to all of our Sisters, who have supported us and encouraged us in our 60 years of living and ministering in religious life as a Sister of the Precious Blood.

There were times when we fell. When things didn’t go so well, or we were hurting, and you all were there to pick us up and encourage us on. And we thank you for that. We are very grateful to be your Sisters

and to be ‘sistered’ by you.”

Sister Rosemary Laux wrote a speech that was read to the community by Sister Nancy Kinross. Sister Rosemary remembered each of her classmates from the class of 1942 and added that she has fond memories of her years of ministry, especially serving Archbishop Karl J. Alter and serving as head sacristan at Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. “God has blessed me so much through the years, and I am so grateful to Him,” she said. “I love you, Sisters.” 

Sunshine and Sisters

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bout 25 children and six Precious Blood Sisters exercised their creativity through painting, weaving and candle making at Sunshine and Sisters, held August 3 at Maria Stein Shrine.

The group also made communion hosts as the first Precious Blood Sisters would have, and enjoyed a nature walk on the shrine’s grounds. The day began with Eucharistic adoration in the chapel.

Story and photos by Mary Knapke Clockwise from top left, Sister Nancy Recker paints watercolors with a group of girls; Sister Laura Will teaches the girls to weave; Sister Charlene Heidenreich watches the girls make communion hosts; Sister Genny Volk makes candles with the girls.

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Summer 2017

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Jubilee / News

Sister Joyce Lehman led the Sisters in a renewal of their vows.

At the Jubilee banquet that followed Mass, Sister Terry spoke on behalf of the class of 1967, saying, “Thank you, Sisters, for your support, encouragement and prayer over 50 years. Linda and I appreciate how you formed us in Precious Blood Spirituality, taught us community living skills and encouraged us in mission. May God continue to bless us, the Sisters of the Precious Blood, drawing us into ever deeper intimacy in prayer, commu-

News

Bishops convene Catholic leaders for conversation, inspiration

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arly in July, the U.S. bishops invited “Catholic leaders” from all over the U.S. to gather for a convocation. Since this meeting overlapped with our Spirit Days and Jubilee, I was asked to attend for our Congregation.

Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America was held July 1-4 in Orlando, Florida. Also attending the meeting were more than 3,000 other delegates from each diocese in the U.S. Chosen by the bishops, some delegates were from parishes, Catholic organizations and religious orders, and more were from diocesan staffs. The purpose of the gathering, in the words of the convening documents, was to have a “strategic conversation” which focused on “forming missionary disciples to animate the Church and engage the culture.” The convocation also aimed to draw out “fresh insights from participation in strategic conversation about current challenges and opportunities informed by new research, communications strategies and successful models.”

The landscape of the U.S. church has changed much in the last decades. So the questions behind the meeting were: • What does social analysis tell us about the “landscape” of the United States today?

• How can we respond?

• How does the call to mis sionary discipleship affect the way we structure church

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Sharing & Caring

programming?

• How do we witness to, live out and celebrate our faith in the public square?

• What is the spirituality of a missionary disciple and what does the communion of saints have to teach us?

• What does it mean for par ishes, dioceses and Catho lic organizations to go to the peripheries?

There were lots of bishops there. Many stayed for the entire four days. The structure of the days included large group keynote sessions, each followed by 22 simultaneous topical breakout sessions. Every breakout was chaired by a bishop and had a bishop on its panel. I was impressed by the commitment the bishops made to this meeting!

I found the keynote talks quite good. Hosffman Ospino, Ph.D. — associate professor of Hispanic ministry and religious education at Boston College — set the tone the first full day with his keynote address. He discussed cultures, both ethnic and religious, including the “nones” — the increasing number of people in the U.S. who say they have no religious affiliation, including many former Catholics. The “nones” are as high as 35 percent in some parts of the country. Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles was very pastoral, and he expressed dismay at the breakdown of our society and culture that has produced 60,000 homeless people in the Los Angeles

diocese. Carl Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, gave a talk impressive in its scope and depth of quotations from social teachings of the church, going back to great medieval thinkers and popes of the last three centuries. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. made me laugh to myself when he ended his talk with “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again” — Wuerl had strongly opposed the suppression of that acclamation when the GIRM was issued! And Bishop Robert Barron — who has produced The Catholicism Project, Catholicism: The New Evangelization and Word on Fire with Father Barron — gave a wonderful talk. In it he referenced the recurrent emergence of religious life in its different — continued on page 18 Story by Sister Mary Garascia

"D

o you want to go on a mission trip?”

It’s a simple question, and yet, if one responds “Yes,” it usually leads to a life-changing experience.

The amazing reality is that most of us embrace a mission in the hopes of helping others and making the world a better place. And yet, as is true of most spiritual experiences, what one learns through reflection and prayer is that the biggest change is in you.

One such life-changing experience was embraced by eight students from Wright State University and one from the University of Cincinnati. Sister Carolyn Hoying and I journeyed with them for a mission experience at St. John Bosco Boys’ Home in Mandeville, Jamaica, from May 1 to May 15. Two Sisters of Mercy, Sisters Mimi Krusling and Susan Frazer, minister to the boys and the staff which serves approximately 130 boys ages 8 through 18. Some of the boys are orphans and others come to St. John Bosco for a variety of other reasons.

The goal of St. John Bosco Boys’ Home is to prepare these young men to be able to learn skills that will enable them to support themselves when they leave the home. The boys complete skill assessments and then are placed in classes according to their skill levels for reading, English, math and science. Additionally, they are taught specific trades such as butchering and catering.

Sister Karen Elliott with two boys from the St. John Bosco Boys’ Home in Mandeville, Jamaica. Sister Carolyn Hoying photo

At the facility they raise, butcher and sell both chickens and pigs. They also run a restaurant which is open to the public every weekend.

The boys assist in the preparation of the food and also serve the meals. The active teaching of responsibility and pride in one’s work is demonstrated daily as each boy from the youngest to the oldest completes his duty of sweeping, cleaning, working in the kitchen, doing dishes and other chores necessary to the daily upkeep of St. John Bosco Boys’ Home.

The university students engaged with the boys for an extended period of time each day. They prepared and led classes in Scripture study, music and sports, especially soccer. Interacting with the boys in each of these endeavors was a profound experience for the university students as well

as the boys, who blossomed with the additional individual attention they received. Every evening during prayer, the students shared “God moments” and most often it was the interaction with the boys that provided the awareness of God’s presence!

The students who journeyed on this mission went to help and to make a difference — and they gained the insight that while they might be building, cleaning or teaching, they were the ones learning, growing and being nurtured into the people God has called them to be. The boys at the home changed our students, broadened their perspectives and contributed to their experience of the presence of God in humanity. Our students Story adapted from an article by Sister Karen Elliott published at cruxnow.com.

Summer 2017

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Ministry

Precious Blood Sisters journey to Jamaica with college students

Ministry / News

were graced with a deepened awareness of being brothers and sisters in Christ. Every evening, our group gathered for prayer and reflection incorporating sacred Scripture and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The students reflected a deepened appreciation of and gratitude for their families and for the educational opportunities they have been given.

As Sisters of the Precious Blood, Sister Carolyn and I

truly valued and embraced this opportunity to live our CPPS mission statement, which calls us to be “a lifegiving and reconciling presence” to the staff and boys of St. John Bosco. ALL of us are grateful to God for this opportunity to experience God’s presence in ALL of them! We truly have been graced with a deepened awareness of being connected to our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. 

Sister Carolyn Hoying with two boys from the St. John Bosco Boys’ Home. Sister Karen Elliott photo

questions. Generally speaking, I did not hear many of the “fresh insights ... informed by new research, communications strategies and successful models” that the convocation hoped to surface. Another dismaying element, at least for those of us in the San Bernardino delegation, were the Masses and the huge eucharistic procession. After all the talk

of a multicultural U.S. church, the liturgical music was mainly beautifully performed choir polyphonic, much in Latin.

As I reflect on the convocation as a whole, it seems to me that it was more motivational and inspirational than insightful about how to be a missionary disciple in today’s USA. And so, for that inspiration I am thankful I was there! 

— continued from page 16

forms during crisis periods of church history, and how the radical living of the Gospel by religious men and women is itself evangelization.

There were some downsides to the convocation. The breakout sessions used too much time for the panels, so there was not enough time for leaders to share their own expertise or probe and ask

Fatima celebration

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recious Blood Sisters Regina Albers, Barbara Ann Hoying, Jean René Hoying and Anna Maria Sanders were among about 2,500 people who attended the annual Fatima celebration at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein on Aug. 11. To commemorate the centennial of the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, Pope Francis blessed six statues of Our Lady of Fatima — one for each continent. North America’s statue toured Ohio during the month of August. Bishop Joseph R. Binzer presided at 18

Sharing & Caring

Mass at the Spiritual Center.

Following Mass, organizers distributed scapulars, and many participants stayed into

the evening for the rosary and a candlelight procession.

Story and photos by Mary Knapke

October 1935 — August 21, 2017

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esurrection liturgy for Sister Mary Rose McCrate was held at Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Thursday, Aug. 24. Mary Rose, 81, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 64 years.

The oldest of four children, Mary Rose was born in October 1935 to James E. and Martha R. (Simone) McCrate in Dayton, Ohio. On January 2, 1953, at the age of 18, she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In religious life she was given the name Sister Mary Blanche and later returned to using her baptismal name.

Mary Rose’s active ministry from 1955 to 1972 consisted of teaching all subjects in grades 2 through 6 in Wapakoneta, Cincin-

nati, Millville and Cloverdale, Ohio; and in St. Joseph, Mo. After earning a master’s degree in music education in 1974, Sister became a consultant in music education for the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, and later taught grade school music. Taking an interlude from music education from 1993 to 1997, Mary Rose ministered as director of activities at Twin Towers Place in Dayton, Ohio.

Mary Rose respected her creative side and took up woodcarving at which she excelled.

Preceding her in death was her brother James.

Sister is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, her sisters Patricia Gibbons, Kathleen Collins and sister-in-law Mary Eleanor McCrate and other relatives and friends.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Joanella (Mary Joanella) Whaley January 1919 — September 8, 2017

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esurrection liturgy for Sister Mary Joanella Whaley was held at Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Joanella, 98, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 76 years.

Born in Chicago in January 1919 and baptized Elizabeth, she was the only child of Patrick and Elizabeth (Keating) Whaley. Her mother died three days after giving birth and her father placed her in the home of Nellie and Julius Mendelson, her aunt and uncle who became her parents. After Nellie died, Elizabeth, at the age of 22, was able to answer her long-felt call to religious life and entered the Congregation

of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1941. In religion she was given the name of Sister Mary Joanella.

Sister Joanella served faithfully in food service in Calif. at San Luis Rey Academy; in Colo. at St. Thomas Seminary; and in Ohio at St. Gregory Seminary, Fatima Hall, St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Precious Blood Convent, Maria Joseph Center and Salem Heights.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Elizabeth and Patrick Whaley, and her adoptive parents, Nellie and Julius Mendelson. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

In Sympathy Don Rosenbeck on the death of his mother, Esther Rosenbeck, July 28. Don is the Administrator at the Maria Stein Shrine.

Sister Claire Sharpshair on the death of her sister, Phyllis

Cahall, July 19.

Sister Ellie McNally on the death of her brother, Johnny, June 14.

Remembering

Sister Jean René Hoying.

Tish Rawles, formerly Sister Tish Rawles.

Mary Ann Droesch, formerly Sister M. Lois Braun.

Bill Gels, brother-in-law of Summer 2017

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In Memoriam

Sister Mary Rose (Mary Blanche) McCrate

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Sisters and staff enjoy solar eclipse viewing party

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recious Blood Sisters and staff joined millions of other stargazers around North America in observing the solar eclipse on Aug. 21. The first eclipse in almost a century to cross the entire United States from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans created a buzz of excitement as people donned special eclipse glasses and turned their eyes toward the sun. At Salem Heights, Sisters and staff enjoyed “sun”dae ice cream treats and learned the science — as well as age-old folklore and myths — behind both solar and lunar eclipses. 

Story by Mary Knapke; photos by Michelle Bodine Clockwise from top left, Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux and Lou Ann Roof get ice cream “sun”daes made by Kim Jaynes, activity coordinator; Precious Blood Sisters and staff gather for the eclipse party at Salem Heights; Tammie Wortham, Angie Isaac, Tamiko Morrison and Sister Rosemary Goubeaux gaze at the sky during the eclipse.

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