Sharing & Caring Summer 2018

Sharing & Caring Volume 29 Number 1 • Summer 2018 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

A time of grace:

Saying ‘yes’ to the call of aging

From the President’s Desk

Aging is not for sissies

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etting old’s not for sissies” was an oft-repeated grumbling of my Dad as he aged into his 80s and 90s. He was reflecting how he was dealing with the aches and pains so often accompanying getting older. Those of us over the age of 50 are probably recognizing that the energy, the flexibility, the strength, the agility and the endurance that we enjoyed (without thinking or thanking) when we were younger is gradually slipping away. Even without traumatic medical incidents, the wearing away of the human body becomes more and more noticeable.

And we can really feel like this whole aging thing truly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

If we are not careful, though, we can think that getting older is only about what we are losing. That is only a part of the story and not even the most important part. If we but pay attention, we can notice that as our bodies diminish, our spirits are freed to expand, grow stronger, become more creative. And this is as it should be. St. John the Baptist, in speaking of Jesus as the Messiah, said that “He must increase; I must decrease.”

When we can no longer be as fully physically engaged in the world around us and our influence and presence decreases, our spiritual integrity can grow and deepen. The fact that we have more time to reflect, read and relax is an invitation to attend to our inner life.

Just like our bodies need to 2

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be fed with healthy food and exercised to maintain strength, our spirits need to be fed with time, quiet and spiritual sustenance to maintain our relationship and deepen our union with the God who loves us. We know that one of the primary tasks of aging is life review.

This brings to mind the story of the person who looked back on two sets of footprints in the sands of life and noticed that at times there was only one set. The subject of the story complains that when God was needed most the one set of footprints seemed to indicate that the person had to go it alone. God then reveals that when there was only one set of footprints it was not that the person was alone, but rather those were the moments when God carried the person through the event.

A life review entails looking back in all honesty at what we did and did not do, whom we loved and were loved by, where we brought life and where we allowed something to shrivel and die for lack of love or attention. If we focus only on the wrong we have done or the good we have not done and we fear what might happen after death, we’ve missed the point. The mostoften repeated phrase in Scripture is some variation of “fear not,” a message directly from God whether to one of the prophets or to the shepherds in the field the night Jesus was born. It is addressed to each of us as well.

In our aging we might more fruitfully seek out those mo-

ments when God carried us, was working in and through us, was loving us into forgiving another and was strengthening us at those times when we wanted to give in or give up. Now our spirits can expand, grow, increase in that attitude of gratitude that recognizes that all that we are and have been given has come from a loving God. We can revel in being loved and being able to love. Our spirits “younger” instead of “age” and they grow stronger and more agile, have more endurance and become more flexible in giving and forgiving, being more patient, accepting life as it comes. At last we grow into the true freedom of the daughters and sons of God. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood Council traveled to St. Louis in August for the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

Council is composed of Sisters Joyce Lehman, President; Ceil Taphorn, Vice President; and Councilors Nancy Kinross, Patty Kremer and Linda Pleiman.

Nearly 800 LCWR members, associates and guests attended the conference, whose theme was “Being in the Presence of Love: The Power of Communion.” The assembly focused on the urgent need to foster communion and connection in a world plagued by polarization, division and fractures of communion.

“We found the assembly to be very inspiring and nourishing,” Sister Ceil said. “The president’s address and all the keynote speakers were excellent — they gave us much to think about. It was also great to reconnect with other Sisters who are in leadership from numerous congregations throughout the U.S. and several other countries.”

The assembly unanimously

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.

recommitted to its 2016 assembly resolution, which states: In the presence of constant and painful reminders of the deep roots of racism in our country, we the Leadership Conference of Women Religious reaffirm the 2016 assembly resolution and pledge to go deeper into the critical work of creating communion, examining the root causes of injustice and our own complicity, and purging ourselves, our communities and our country of the sin of racism and its destructive effects.

Following the passage of the resolution, the participants demonstrated their commitment by leaving the meeting area and walking outside to the steps of St. Louis’ Old Courthouse, where Dred Scott sued for his freedom in 1846. There, the nearly 800 members stood in silent prayer to remember victims of racism and to pray for the systemic elimination of racism throughout the country and the world.

While in St. Louis, Council also gathered with other Precious Blood leadership teams

LCWR members gather at the courthouse in downtown St. Louis; Sister Patty Kremer photo.

for reconnection, stories and laughter.

Following the assembly, Sister Joyce attended the International Union of Superiors General annual meeting. Attendees were the major superiors of congregations with headquarters in the U.S. Highlights of the LCWR assembly, along with keynote addresses and other materials, are available online at lcwr. org/calendar/lcwr-assembly-2018. 

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

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News

Precious Blood Council attends LCWR Assembly

Jubilee

Eight Sisters celebrate milestone jubilees

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his is the happiest I’ve ever been. You have no idea how happy I am.”

Sister Deb Huss’ remarks were “short and sweet” as she spoke at this year’s Jubilee luncheon, but her sense of joy was both palpable and contagious as eight Precious Blood Sisters marked milestone anniversaries in the Congregation.

Other Sisters also shared their feelings of joy, love and gratitude. Speaking on behalf of her class, Sister Marifé Hellman said, “It’s been 50 years of being present with the women we love, and we all love you.”

Sister Berenice Janszen spoke on behalf of the class of 1943, sharing her memories of her early years as a Precious Blood Sister (see sidebar). Sister Eleanor McNally said, “I just want to thank God for the love that he has shown me through the years. … And I would like to thank all the Sisters who have loved me through the years, because that is the thing that has kept me going, that love.”

The Jubilee celebration began with a prayer service on the evening of June 30 at the Salem Heights chapel. The Jubilee Mass was held July 1 — the traditional Feast of the Most Precious Blood — at Salem Heights. The celebrant was Rev. Thomas Hemm, CPPS; concelebrants were Rev. Donald Thieman, CPPS, and Rev. Jack Kroeger.

Three Sisters celebrated their 75th jubilee: Berenice (M. Edward) Janszen, Kathleen Kelly and Dorothy (M. Angelista) Koenig. Three Sisters marked 4

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50 years in the Precious Blood community: Marifé Hellman, Judy Kroeger and Mary Yarger. Sisters Deb Huss and Rita Manriquez-Silva celebrated their 25th jubilee. Sisters Bernice (M. Erwin) Krieg and Eleanor (M. Thomas) McNally were also honored as they celebrated 85 years as Precious Blood Sisters.

“Our participation in the eucharistic ministries is full when we daily give our own body and pour out our own life’s blood, our energy, our time, our love for others,” Father Tom said during his homily. “This is what we honor in a special way today: the celebration of especially 25, 50 and 75 years of self-giving Top, 85-year jubilarians Sisters Bernice Krieg and Eleanor love of our jubilarMcNally; bottom, clockwise from top, 50-year jubilarians Sisters Judy Kroeger, Marifé Hellman and Mary Yarger; ians. As each of us Michelle Bodine photos. in turn renews our Following Mass, a banquet love of Jesus and our was held in the Salem Heights resolve to be his faithful discidining room. Sister Joyce ples, to give generously of our Lehman, President of the Conbodies, pour out our blood, gregation, toasted the jubilaritoday we’re reminded that the ans, saying “We thank God for Precious Blood calls each of the gift that they have been to us to a continuing conversion us for all those many years. We and transformation by daily wish them a good life, a long contemplation of God’s word life here and now and in the and celebration of the Euchahereafter — a life filled with rist — just as our life in compeace, joy and the knowledge munity invites us to a continuof our love for them.”  ing conversion, challenging us to respond more fully to the Story by Mary Knapke mystery of redemption.”

Jubilee Left, 75-year jubilarians Sisters Kathleen Kelly, Dorothy Koenig and Berenice Janszen; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo. Right, 25-year jubilarians Sisters Rita Manriquez and Deb Huss; Michelle Bodine photo.

A look back: Sister Berenice Janszen’s recollections Sister Berenice Janszen, one of three Sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee, spoke on behalf of her class and shared some of her memories with those assembled at the Jubilee luncheon.

There are three of us in this group, and we started out with nine young women.

And we were young. Many of those young people [in our class] were in their early 20s.

There were a few even in high school. But we all felt we knew the world; that we knew everything there was to know; that if there was a problem, we could solve it. But we had one idea: We all wanted to be Sisters of the Precious Blood. So we all came to Dayton to learn how to do that. And when we came, we learned very quickly that we did not know it all. There was much, much to learn.

That was 75 years ago; that was 1943. Many of those that came were experiencing World War II. Friends and relatives had to go to war. The hit song

of that year was “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.” The stage show was Oklahoma! Some of the movies that were popular at that time were The Song of Bernadette and This Is the Army.

The young women who came to the Congregation were excited about who they were and what they had to give. In the ’40s, the church was very concerned about what the liturgy was all about. We had to learn what that word meant. We had to learn what you had to do to make a good liturgy. So we had lots to learn. And at the same time, the church was telling us that many of us did not know enough about the Gospels. I remember when I was a postulant, that was the first time I received my own personal little Bible of the Gospels. And so we got to learn who Jesus was. We were told to read and meditate.

We got to learn what meditation was all about, and that was a whole new thing for many of us.

And as we were doing that,

we found out that not only did we have to learn about the Gospels, but we also had to learn how to share it with others. So we began going to small group meetings to share it and it was then that we learned that we didn’t know much about ourselves. What kind of persons were we? And so as time went on, we became introduced to the Myers-Briggs personality indicator; the Enneagram became really important to us; we talked about temperaments and what that had to do with us. So we were busy people.

And then after we learned all that, we discovered that we also had to become proficient in a ministry. And that meant opening up whole new areas of going to a university and workshops, and that was exciting, too. Then during all that, we discovered that we really could not learn how to excel in our ministry unless we knew continued on Page 19

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Vocations

“Best day ever!” Sisters Mumbi Kigutha and LaKesha Church profess first vows

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wo women professed their first vows as Sisters of the Precious Blood during separate ceremonies this summer at Salem Heights, the congregational residence in Dayton.

Sister Mumbi Kigutha professed first vows in a warm and vibrant Mass and ceremony on July 28. Precious Blood Sisters from around the U.S. attended the celebrations, along with women religious from a variety of congregations, and Sister Mumbi’s family and friends.

Sister Mumbi grew up in Njoro, a small town in Kenya, where her mother was a professor at the local university and her father worked as a doctor. She worked for the United Nations, providing assistance to refugee communities, before becoming acquainted with the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2008.

Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman delivered the reflection at the Mass, remarking on the courage required to follow God’s call: Like many biblical figures, Sister Mumbi has left her homeland, family and culture.

But “in fact, hearing God’s call and leaving all that is familiar and comfortable is the easy part!” Sister Joyce Ann said.

“The hard part lies in unwavering fidelity. But we are never alone on our faith journey.”

Father Robert Schreiter, CPPS, presided, joined by concelebrants Fathers Sébastien Abalodo, S.M.; Bertrand Buby, S.M.; Dennis Chriszt, CPPS; Steve 6

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Top, Sisters Joyce Lehman, Mumbi, Ann Clark and Father Robert Schreiter, CPPS; Michelle Bodine photo. Bottom, Sister Mumbi after she received her ring; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo.

Dos Santos, CPPS; James Smith, CPPS; Cyriaque Sounou, SVD; and Francis Tandoh, C.S.Sp. Sister Mumbi’s family and friends were active participants in the Mass: her friend Michelle Kiigi and her brother Henry Karongo Kigutha proclaimed readings in Swahili, and other friends and family brought up the bread and wine, as well as

symbolic gifts of an unfinished clay chalice, a tree seedling and pictures of family.

“I am grateful for [Congregation founder] Mother Maria Anna Brunner and all Sisters of the Precious Blood, past and present, for their faithfulness and dedicated service,” Story by Mary Knapke

Top, Sisters Patty Kremer, Linda Pleiman, Nancy Kinross, Ann Clark, Joyce Lehman, LaKesha and other CPPS Sisters; Michelle Bodine photo. Bottom, Father Ken Pleiman, CPPS, and Sister LaKesha. Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo.

Sister Mumbi wrote in a message printed in the ceremony program. “I am especially thankful that this community welcomed me with open arms, and over the course of the past couple of years has loved me, prayed for me and contributed in countless ways to helping prepare me for the step in faith I’ve taken today.”

“Joy” was the theme of the day as Sister LaKesha Church pronounced first vows as a Sister of the Precious Blood on Aug. 25.

During his homily, Father Ken Pleiman, CPPS, identified three words from the day’s readings that caught his attention: “Jesus,” “others” and “you.”

“The first letter of each of those words spells ‘joy.’ You

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are Sisters of joy. You want people to come into contact with you, to know you, to see you, to hear you, to laugh with you. You desire to feel the joy of being a Sister of the Precious Blood and everything that entails,” Father Ken said. “It is a joy that has come to know the heart of Jesus. A joy that knows how to love. A joy that knows how to be a peacemaker. A joy that knows how to be a person of compassion. A joy that knows how to forgive.

The word “joy” itself spells out for your life and community and ministry who you are.”

Sister LaKesha is from Lorain, Ohio. Although she grew up within the Baptist church, she felt a calling to vowed religious life. She became Catholic, earned a degree in health care management and served in the Peace Corps in Botswana — and continued to discern her vocation.

She became acquainted with the Sisters of the Precious Blood after researching various religious communities online and entered the novitiate in September 2016.

“Thank you to all who have been a part of God’s plan for me,” Sister LaKesha wrote in a message printed in the program for the profession ceremony. “Thank you for walking the journey with me and for being one of the many conductors (helpers) along the way. I thank God for all of you and pray that you will continue to walk the journey with me because it isn’t over yet!”

At the end of the day, as she was leaving Salem Heights, Sister LaKesha’s joy was still evident.

“Best day ever!” she exclaimed. 

Vocations

Gospel reflection at the first profession of Sister Mumbi Kigutha, CPPS July 28, 2018 Joyce Ann Zimmerman, CPPS [Gen 12:1-4a/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9/Eph 1:3-14/John 15:1-8]

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od said to Abram, “Go.” And he went.

He listened to an as yet unknown God, for whom he had been searching. He went.

He left his homeland, wealth, heritage, prestige, security. He went, taking with him only his immediate family and enough possessions for a journey to an unknown land. By any standard of society, Abram was a little bit crazy!

God said to him, “Go.” And he went. He faithfully obeyed his Father’s will, leaving aside even his very divinity. He went, emptying himself of all that was his from before the foundation of the world, to become one with us humans in all things, even suffering and death, all things except being unfaithful to his Father’s will. He went. By any standard of society, he was a little bit crazy, too!

God said to her, “Go.” And she went. She listened to a God whom she knew, but desired to know and serve more deeply. She went, leaving her own homeland, tribe, family, culture, security. She went, taking with her only a few personal items to discern God’s call among a Congregation of women as yet largely unknown to her. By any standard of society, Mumbi, you’re just a little bit crazy, as well!

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Sisters Ann Clark, Joyce Lehman and Mumbi Kigutha listen to Sister Joyce Ann's Gospel reflection; Michelle Bodine photo.

In fact, hearing God’s call and leaving all that is familiar and comfortable is the easy part! The hard part lies in unwavering fidelity. But we are never alone on our faith-journey. Through baptism we are branches grafted onto Christ the vine. Through baptism we become one with him in his suffering and death, and by espousing his self-emptying, we become one with him in risen Life. This is the demand of fidelity: letting go of self, allowing God to prune us of anything that puts distance between the divine will and us, so that we remain attached to the true Vine that is Christ.

And by that attachment his sap of Life, that is, his Precious Blood, courses through us, enabling us to bear the fruit of love and hope, compassion and mercy, forgiveness and fullness of redeemed Life.

Herein lies the mystery we celebrate today: Mumbi’s First Profession of vowing her life to God as a Sister of the Precious Blood doesn’t change her baptismal covenant with God, doesn’t make her life any easier, certainly doesn’t show her any clearer the new landscape to which God is calling her and that God will show her more and more each day.

No, her First Profession makes of her — like all of us Sisters of the Precious Blood — a living, ecclesial, public icon of being redeemed by Christ’s Precious Blood. By this Precious Blood we are bought back from the slavery of selfimportance, self-satisfaction, self-indulgence; we are bought back from clinging to that which is familiar, comfortable, and home to us, bought back for the inviolable freedom to empty ourselves of anything

love by the grace of the Holy Spirit given us, is no less than remaining in Christ in all we are and do so that our fruit is richly plenteous. Eucharist is the source and summit of our consecrated life. It is the sure promise that our true home, the one from which we need never go forth, is in Christ Jesus for the glory and praise of God. Our fidelity, our self-giving, our embrace of the Gospel promise are themselves the journey toward fullness of Life God promises those who are faithful.

We sang a moment ago “Taste and see the goodness of the LORD.” We taste the

The demands of hearing God’s call and allowing God to lead us and show us where we are to be is never easy. goodness, the sweetness of the risen Christ’s gift of Self in the Eucharist. We see the blessings of community and ministry, of prayer and resting in the Lord, of being chosen and sent. The goodness of the Lord consists in the call to be grafted onto Christ, to remain in him, to be pruned so abundant fruit might blossom forth. The goodness of the Lord is tasted and seen in the blessing of being destined to be the Presence of the risen Christ in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. We rejoice and are glad in Mumbi’s three-year commitment to hear God’s call as a Sister of the Precious Blood.

All of us — Sisters, family,

friends — are bid to support her, pray for her, love her, appreciate her, walk with her so her journey of discernment is honest and true and ends where only God can lead her.

May her commitment today challenge each of us to be open to whatever pruning we still need to listen faithfully for God’s voice, to follow where he calls, to bless God for the divine goodness bestowed on each of us.

By any standard of society, living the Gospel is a bit crazy. Living a consecrated, ecclesial life is even crazier!

But as St. Paul reminds us, we are all fools for Christ (cf.

1 Cor 4:10). Our blessing of wisdom does not come from this world, but from the goodness of God’s Spirit poured forth so abundantly upon us.

We choose values and a way of life that does not have as its core making money, controlling others, exalting self. All of us who are baptized into Christ are called to live, suffer, die like he did — for the sake of others. And we know when we do that, when our life is lived in and as his Presence, then we rise with him to new Life — now and in the fullness of Life to come. The demands of hearing God’s call and allowing God to lead us and show us where we are to be is never easy. But when we hear, answer, and are faithful to God’s call, the fruits taste ever so sweet, the wine brings such inebriating joy, the journey is so satisfying. In this privilege of living total selfemptying, our cry can only be “Praised be the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.”  Summer 2018

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that takes us away from God, to be filled with the courage to embrace the wisdom tradition of the Church, to live our consecrated life as disciples unveiling for others God’s goodness, blessings, and lifegiving promises.

To be consecrated means to be dedicated to God, to be set apart to be sacred, to be Godlike. We are faithful to this consecration only when we are faithful to the listening for God’s voice that is obedience, the self-emptying kenosis that is poverty, the expansiveness of self loving all others that is celibacy. Our religious vow to God, interpreted by our Way of Life, specifies how we live being God-like. And by our faithful, consecrated living, we invite others to pursue being God-like in their own ways.

Our unique expression of Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Eucharistic celebration and adoration, defines our very being as Sisters of the Precious Blood.

We eat his Body and drink his Blood so that the Life of the true Vine is our Life as the many branches. While Mumbi is entering into a special period of discernment of God’s call to be a Sister of the Precious Blood, the Eucharist reminds us that all our lives are a discernment of how we are daily to be given over for spiritual food and poured out for Life-drink. The Eucharist is the risen Christ’s continual Self-giving calling us to embrace that same self-giving. The mystery of Christ’s Life-giving Blood is no less than a complete surrender of self for others, is no less than pouring forth divine

Vocations

Precious Blood Sisters welcome new vocation ministry coordinator

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s Pope Francis has said, “Each vocation in the Church has its origin in the compassionate gaze of Jesus, who forgives us and calls us to follow Him.” Helping young people discern that vocation — whatever it may be — is the goal of the Precious Blood Sisters’ new vocation ministry coordinator, Jenna Legg.

Legg has served in ministry for almost 10 years, working with teenagers and young adults in campus ministry at the University of Dayton, Wright State University and Catholic Central School in Springfield.

As a campus minister at Wright State University, she became acquainted with Sister Marita Beumer, who occasionally stopped by to drop off vocation flyers. “And then one day, she told me that she’d nominated me to join the Precious Blood vocation committee,” Legg said. “I felt honored that she had nominated me, so I thought I would try it out.”

She served on the committee for the past two years. The congregational Council recently decided to refocus vocation discernment efforts, replacing the committee with a full-time vocation ministry coordinator. “It seemed timely to hire a young, vibrant person to be present where we are, for the most part, no longer. That is, with young adults who are discerning where God is calling them. Through Jenna we hope to offer the vowed life as a 10

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Sister Maryann Bremke and Jenna at the Brunner Literacy Center; contributed photo.

viable option among many for living a healthy, holy life in service to others,” said Sister Joyce Lehman, President of the Congregation. “Jenna’s successful experience working with young adults, her love of engaging them in the deeper conversations about their lives and her appreciation for religious life seemed to make her the perfect candidate for this position.”

Legg grew up in Mason, Ohio, and holds bachelor’s degrees in religious studies and psychology, and a master’s in theology, all from the University of Dayton. Between her undergraduate and graduate studies, she spent a year in volunteer service with the Capuchin Franciscans in New York.

She said some people might be surprised to learn that a married layperson is heading up the Congregation’s vocation ministry, but she sees her

new role as a seamless transition from her previous campus ministry work.

“I want to help people, especially young women, discern a vocation, whatever that is — married life, single life, religious life as a part of our Congregation, or religious life with another community,” she said. “I can talk to young adults; that’s what I like to do.

I like to help them figure out what in the world God is calling them to,” she said.

After just a few days in the office, Legg left for Chicago, where she spent two weeks at the National Religious Vocation Conference, learning the ins and outs of being a vocation coordinator. She studied alongside vocation directors from all over continued on Page 19 Story by Mary Knapke

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n Friday, July 13, the statue of Our Lady of the Precious Blood — which had been in front of the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from the time it was our motherhouse — was moved to Salem Heights.

The present MJC administrator, Nick Anderson, understood the statue’s significance for us and was willing to let it go. We offered, and he accepted, the statue of Mary that has been on what had been the main entrance to the Maria Joseph Home for the Aged since we moved there in the early 1980s.

It had been outside the library window on the second floor.

Since nothing ever goes smoothly, we were not surprised when the statue would not let go of its pedestal (remember, it was Friday the 13th after all). So instead of just the

News

Our Lady of the Precious Blood comes home after 35 years statue making its way to Salem Heights, both statue and pedestal were moved. A new pedestal is on order for the statue of Mary which is now in front of MJC. You may notice that the picture of Our Lady of the Precious Blood at Salem looks brighter. She was power washed along with the east-facing side of the building. The entire Salem Heights is undergoing a much-needed facelift of power washing, tuckpointing, foundation repair and cupola repair and Our Lady of the Precious Blood in front of the library painting. Since the inside at Salem Heights. is already so bright with the joy and hospitality of our Sisters, and the grounds are in good repair for the future.  so carefully tended, it seemed timely to tend to the “skin” of Story and photo by Sister Joyce the building, making sure it was Lehman

Sister Bernice Krieg celebrates 100 years

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n the day she was born, Woodrow Wilson was president of the United States, and a loaf of bread cost about 10 cents. The infamous “Spanish flu” pandemic was raging across the globe, and World War I was still underway.

Sister Bernice receives Eucharist from Sister Elizabeth Westgerdes; Sister Bernice; her gifts and birthday Sister Bernice (M. cake; Sister Noreen Jutte photos.

Erwin) Krieg has lived through these and entered the Congregation in cious Blood. many other historic events in 1933 and has lived 85 years in Happy Birthday, Sister Berher hundred years of life. She ministry as a Sister of the Prenice!  Summer 2018

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Cover Story

“Grow old along with me!

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ach summer, Precious Blood Sisters gather at Salem Heights in Dayton for Spirit Days, a busy week of business meetings, presentations, fellowship and celebration. This year’s presenter was Sister Ann Billard, OLM, Ph.D., a certified grief recovery specialist with graduate degrees in pastoral counseling. She travels extensively to women religious communities, providing spiritual direction, lectures, workshops and retreats on grief recovery and the spirituality of aging.

“God has a purpose for us, and that purpose does not cease when we are no longer part of active ministry.

Sister Eleanor (M. Thomas) McNally

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row old along with me! The best is yet to be….” Hold it right there, Mr. Robert Browning, poet laureate of Great Britain! Best is yet to be? I’m pushing 100 and I am challenging that. Here I am struggling with loss of hearing, becoming rather forgetful, developing aches and pains, grieving over lost family and friends, and probably in the end losing my independence.

That’s no fun, Mr. Browning.

Aging takes a lot of faith!

Speaking of faith, it used to be so easy. As a child, I accepted without question whatever the catechism or Mom and Pop said to me. But then the years

rolled by. I traveled through a lot of ups and downs; I grew through education and experience; many a time I stumbled and then got up. In it all, FAITH finally became what it really is: “Belief, Trust without certainty.” That’s tough!

And then you tell me, Mr. Poet: “The last of life, for which the first was made.”

I think I’m getting it. The beauty of nature and a friend’s face, my eyes can still behold.

I think my mind hasn’t departed me altogether. Each new day becomes a reward.

So many good things that I enjoyed in my youthful years have now become a more

meaningful and deeper reality.

The goodness of my Lord truly laces my years of aging.

And when my days are done, death becomes my gateway to Heaven.

Meanwhile, Robert Browning continues, “Our times are in His hand.” And then, with God’s grace, my final act of faith: “My God, I wish them there.”

(Robert Browning, “Rabbi Ben Ezra” and W.F. Lloyd, “My Times Are in Thy Hand”)

time. I could not understand what God was asking of me at the time, but I have always believed that anything that happens in my life is God’s will, and happens for a reason. I have learned to surrender myself to the will of God, knowing that God will provide me with the grace(s) I need to accept whatever

comes my way.

Over the years, my prayer life has deepened, and this has been instrumental in deepening my faith.

Listening to the homilies at liturgy and other spiritual

Sister Adeline Mertz

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entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood when I was in my 20s. I found my faith being deepened through the hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. This has continued to deepen my faith throughout my entire religious life.

When I was in my 30s, I went through a very difficult 12

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The best is yet to be …”

There is still meaning and purpose in this contemplative part of life,” Sister Ann has said. “We are called to share in the mission of Christ by baptism, so we never really retire from that. When we retire from active ministry, we still say yes to our call every day.”

We asked some of our Precious Blood Sisters to reflect on Sister Ann’s presentation and share their perspectives on how their own experience of spirituality has grown and changed over time.

Stories compiled by Mary Knapke

talks on the TV have also been a source of inspiration for me today. As I see how God is working in and through other people, I am called to look at the ways God is working in my own life at this time.

The Eucharist is VERY im-

portant to me, and has enabled me to change my outlook on life. Those things that may seem very difficult are manageable because I see God’s hand at work, both in me and through me. Even though I am 94 years old, and my days of active ministry are over, God

continues to work in me and through me. I will strive to be that life-giving presence to all those who are a part of my life each day — caregivers, other residents and visitors — until the day the Lord calls me home to the banquet feast of heaven.

Sister Pat (M. Agnes Claire) Dieringer

J

ust a week after high school graduation I entered the “work world.” After several years of work, help of a spiritual director, much prayer and attending daily Mass, I felt a call to enter religious life.

I was all of 30 — in those days considered “an older vocation”! After professing my vows, I began years of ministry, all of which enabled me to use my business and accounting background in various places.

Although I’m formally retired, my plate is as full as ever.

I’m actively involved in Precious Blood Parish in Dayton where I serve as Eucharistic minister and treasurer for the

parish parishioners who need financial help. Helping to serve the poor of our area through the parish’s St. Vincent DePaul Society is one of my favorite activities. I also help our retired Sisters when needed.

Believe it or not I am also an avid sports fan and would love to see my Cincinnati Reds win another World Series.

My first and foremost priority of ministry is daily Eucharist, striving to deepen my prayer life, reading and meditating on the Scripture. This is what energizes me and supports all my activities. It makes every day a new challenge.

I’m happy that God allowed

me to dedicate myself to Him and His church through the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Our Precious Blood charism and the inspiration of Mother Maria Anna Brunner, our foundress, urges me to be a reconciling presence: to give hope to the hopeless through the acceptance of everyone, of every race, culture, creed and nationality.

I’ve been blessed to be a Sister of the Precious Blood. And I’m immensely grateful.

On the cover, clockwise from top left, Sisters Rose Margaret Broerman, Eleanor McNally, Pat Dieringer, Nancy Raley, Joan DeChristopher, Pat Gist, Laura Will, Alice Schoettelkotte, Rosemary Goubeaux and Della Mae Meyer; Michelle Bodine photo.

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Sister Laura (M. Clarus) Will

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s I recall events of my life, I realize this spiritual journey began with baptism, followed by the guidance of a loving mother and father, a man of great faith. The Morning Offering which I pray each morning now is the same as we prayed at our family breakfast table many years ago.

As a young Sister teaching young children, spiritual reading, religious education, theology classes and participating in annual retreats helped to deepen my faith.

Music, hymns and playing the organ also gave me a sense of God’s presence in my daily life. Special saints were called upon in times of need. St. Jo-

seph’s protection was needed, especially during my travels.

The power of the Holy Spirit was important in helping me through difficult times. Being born on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, devotion to Mary has always been part of my daily prayer.

Accompanying others on their journey of aging — giving time and presence, listening to life stories, and hearing of their deepest spiritual values, has helped me as I now experience similar needs.

Changing from “doing” to more of just “being” is increasing awareness of my own aging personality in relation to Jesus. With Him, it is easier to speak from my heart than

from the head and know that He understands.

While using Scripture now, I feel being a part of the scene that “comes alive.”

As I enjoy this time of grace, I am grateful for all who have gone before me, living Precious Blood Spirituality; that is, applying the merits of the Precious Blood in all we say, pray and do. With God’s grace, I will continue to live the Paschal Mystery, using more of the potential God has implanted in my spiritual DNA.

Sister Rose Margaret Broerman

W

hat a flood of memories this task evoked — Ministries. Personalities. Locations.

Experiences!

Through these more than 65 years in religious life, I have witnessed many changes in all aspects of life — community, church, society, lifestyles, values, etc. Each change required that I process its impact and assess how it promoted or discouraged growth in my understanding of what was happening around me.

Education, study, presentations on spiritual and other appropriate subjects broadened my faith and prayer life.

Rote and devotional prayers lessened as I found greater riches in Scripture and spiri14

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tual books. Precious Blood Spirituality, prayer, Eucharist and liturgy, while always mainstays, gained greater importance as years passed.

New insights into these areas aided transitioning from intellectual to experiential knowledge.

From early days to present times, within the CPPS community and outside, I benefited from individuals who served as mentors, shared wisdom and modeled how I wanted to age. Keeping an open mind, a positive attitude and a sense of humor proved helpful in negotiating the “ups and downs” of a rapidly changing world. Prayer coupled with Precious Blood Spirituality and lots of PA-

TIENCE kept me moving forward to embrace the changes.

At Spirit Days the presenter, Sister Ann Billard, OLM, offered some new insights and confirmed others acquired through the years. I especially appreciated the list of qualities of the “Transcendent Elder” — one who has said “yes” to the call of aging by living in the promise of the resurrection while surrendering to the losses of aging.

See the blessings in each new day and know the peace, joy and richness they add to your life.

Sister Joan (M. Christine) DeChristopher

H

ow has my spirituality grown through life?

The faith life of the Italian Catholic family impacted me from my earliest childhood.

It was through this influence that I developed loving relationships and bondedness to family and community. I carry these same attributes to my religious Congregation and ministries. Nurturing relationships and friendships has continued throughout my adult life. Being aware of another’s needs and feelings has been an especially strong motivator for me.

My introduction to the Sisters of the Precious Blood came with my attendance at Regina High School. It was through the Sisters in the music department that I entertained the idea of a vocation.

The Sisters were caring and inviting; I wanted to share in their life. During the novitiate I was under Sister Claire Trimbach’s tutelage. She and I shared an appreciation of the fine art of music. She offered an introduction to classical music that complemented my mother’s singing and my dad’s violin playing. This relationship continued to nurture me.

My faith life was strengthened during my formation

through the quiet time of night hour adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. It was here that the purpose of being a religious woman was fostered.

It was here that I understood that Jesus died for all, that He redeemed all creation through the shedding of His Blood.

During this time I was deeply impressed with the works of Caryll Houselander. Her books were instrumental in helping me see God’s image in all peoples. This insight of inclusiveness inspired all my ministries.

My ministry in education, kindergarten through sixth grade, offered another expression of nurturing and caring for the children. I was aware that I was companioning them in their own life development.

My purpose was always greater and beyond the immediate lessons I taught.

As I changed ministries to pastoral care I had the opportunity to discover that spiritual growth and self-growth were complementary. Again, in being sensitive to the feelings — fears and sorrows, shame and guilt — of the other, I trusted my God to guide my words and actions. These people were seeking God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. I had the

awesome task of offering comfort and reassurance. I was privileged to accompany them in their journey.

When I left formal ministry, I struggled to find my niche. Gradually it became the “neighborhood.” I fostered relationships among the residents of the little village, attending funerals and welcoming new families. I participated in the efforts to make the village safe and became friends with the police and government officials. It was a heartwarming experience — the people knew us as “the nuns.”

And so now, in my elder years, I find myself at Salem Heights. Institutional living remains challenging. Living with 40 other women takes its own skill set. I feel invited to nurture the relationships of a lifetime, to share my assistance and gifts with those who can use the help, to be a listening ear, to share life. I desire to be open to the graces others have to offer me. I know my Redeemer lives in and through me and with those with whom I live.

Sister Rosemary (M. Jean Therese) Goubeaux

I

can’t refer to my growth in spirituality without crediting my Mother and Dad, who laid the foundation for me.

Both my parents modeled for me what it means to live each day with faith and trust

in God. No matter how busy we were with the farm chores, Mother and Dad always found time to lead us in prayer to thank God for the gifts of the day. We knew it would be the rosary, and my Mother added

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helped me to feel that God was always close by and was watching over us.

When I entered the convent, I was comfortable with the Hours of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, since most of our prayers were vocal. However, when it came to meditation, I felt lost and often fell asleep during that early morning hour. As a Congregation, we began Precious Blood discussions using Scripture. I was eager to learn more and often took summer classes or workshops on Scripture and theology. I was gradually experiencing a new approach to prayer. This led to a directed retreat, which during this silent, gracedtime with God proved to be a life-changing event. It was

here that I realized that God is present in every facet of my life and I developed a personal and deeper relationship with God. The Eucharist has always been an integral part of my life. And since Vatican Council II, we have focused not so much on reparation, atonement and sin, but on the Life-giving aspects of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Hence the Redeeming Love of Jesus is my inspiration which is rooted in Eucharistic prayer. I share that Love by being a lifegiving, reconciling and healing presence. One of the ways I witness to the preciousness of all life is by participating in the homicide prayer vigils held throughout the city of Dayton.

“Death is our greatest Gift” is the theme that really resonates with me. The call of aging is the call to completion. It is a series of surrendering to our limitations each day until our final “letting go” in death.

Having served as a chaplain at a hospital for years, I had the privilege of being at the bedside of many persons who drew their last breath. What a gift this has been for me!

While many tears were shed, there was often a deep interior peace as a patient surrendered her or his life into the arms of a Loving God. I pray I can live these final years of my life with deep faith and a loving trust in our Merciful Savior, surrendering all that I am, so My Death will be my Greatest Gift.

Sister Alice (Rose Miriam) Schoettelkotte

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ging is a very gradual process. Little by little my body fails to respond as it once did. Eyesight and hearing are diminished. Limbs are less agile and less responsive to accomplish manual tasks. The body generally slows down.

For many of us, the mind also slows down, becomes more forgetful. The mind says, “I’m not the person I once was.” Instead of putting forth energy to minister to those in need, I find much of my time taken up with doctors’ appointments and follow-ups.

But as the body and mind slow down, what is happen16

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ing spiritually? I find that prayer is much simpler than it used to be. Prayer becomes not words, but presence before God, a presence of deep thanksgiving, a presence of listening for God’s word, God’s direction, a presence of being loved unconditionally and loving in return, a presence in which God reveals the divine self as one who loves and sustains every person while respecting the right of each person to make decisions, to choose.

I have come to believe that we are not meant to be separated by race, nationality, ethnic background or beliefs.

When Jesus prayed at the

Last Supper “that all may be one” (John 17:21), he meant just that. Precious Blood Spirituality certainly calls me to that oneness as well as to the total gift of self, down to the last drop of blood (Mother Brunner).

Age has also brought greater wisdom. It’s OK to wait on God. It’s OK when nothing seems to be happening.

It’s OK simply to respond to whatever life presents. It’s no longer my agenda that matters; it’s God’s.

M

y spirituality started in a family environment of faith where Mass and the rosary were very important. It continued and was enriched by having Sisters of the Precious Blood teach me in grade school. There again the Mass, rosary and many devotions were very important. The Sisters shared their love of God with us in so many ways.

I was very fortunate to have some saintly Sisters as part of my early formation.

I went to Fatima Hall, our community high school, and continued my formation with daily Mass, rosary and an introduction to the Hours of Adoration. In those days perpetual adoration was our rich tradition. I entered our community in 1954, and what had begun in my youth continued with an addition of religious instructions, spiritual reading, Precious Blood devotions plus the experience of making retreats.

By 1960, I was a very busy teacher trying to be prepared for classes while also try-

ing to keep up with all my prayers and devotions. It was at that time our community decided that we were apostolic rather than a monastic community. The change put the emphasis on being in the world but not of it. Community life on the missions began to change and we engaged with the laity by sharing our faith and working in ministries together.

The Second Vatican Council brought a big change to our church and to our community life and prayer. I am happy I am old enough to have lived the old style and young enough to enjoy all the changes. The big change in community life was sharing our faith with each other. We started with Gospel discussions every week. It is at that time that I can say the Gospels entered my life in a big way.

The Gospels were a big part of my spiritual life. New translations of the Bible finally gave us a better understanding of the Word of God always revealing a new face of God’s

love and plans … always moving and never static.

Getting a master’s degree in religious education from Marywood College was a great gift because I had the time to study, pray and be stretched.

In the 1980s and ’90s, my ministry was giving to others what I received.

By 2001, I had to start letting go of what gave me meaning. A kidney transplant consumed my attention and reshaped my prayer life; my attitude of planning got down to living one day at a time and knowing that life could end very fast. Coping with losing friends who have died, letting go of the need to feel important and finding out how grateful I am for this precious gift of time is my spirituality of aging.

Eucharist and my relationship with God and others is my strength.

Sunday. The Akron Dominican Sisters did a great job of impressing that in my conscience.

After college I took a position as a first grade teacher in a Catholic school with the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. That is when I “woke up” to the faith that had been part of my life from preschool through 12th

grade. Not only the Sisters but the lay teachers had a profound influence on my decision to enter religious life. I also realized that in order to teach religion I had to live my faith every day.

Sister Pat Gist

I

have to admit that growing in my faith during my early 20s was not a top priority. I was in college and more interested in having a date for the weekend and getting my grade-point average up. My image of church at that time was “pray, pay and obey” and stay out of trouble. However, I took seriously going to Mass every

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Sister Della (Miriam Cecile) Meyer

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The principal asked, “Pat, have you ever considered religious life?” I answered “NO!” She said, “Well, you ought to.” I took her seriously and entered in 1963.

I only became familiar with CPPS when I began the reli-

I also realized that in order to teach religion I had to live my faith every day.

— Sister Pat Gist gious studies program at the University of Detroit. By then I was teaching high school and in charge of the religion pro-

gram. I became friends with some of the Sisters and that led to coming to the Diocese of Toledo. I began to experience community life in a broader perspective. The CPPS community in the Toledo area was welcoming and inclusive. In 1986 I began the process of transferring to the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

My sense of spirituality grew to understand that yes, the blood that Jesus shed and shares with us in every Eucharist gives life, and the challenge is, how can I — and do I — share that life with others?

During Spirit Days this year, the presentation on “the spirituality of aging” resonated

with me in terms of the transition — the letting go of what was and embracing what can be. This to me is an everyday challenge — not just personally but also in community life.

The question is not just “What do I (we) need to let go of but what can I (we) do in the present (the future)?" Life is not static.

Through my parish ministry I have encountered and ministered to the elderly in their homes, nursing homes and hospitals. The majority of the time, I have found an acceptance — “I am at peace with where I am now. I rely on the grace and strength of God to be with me every day.”

Sister Nancy (M. Alan) Raley

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pirituality comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning “breath” of life, and has been described as our vital core which gives meaning to life.

I believe that everyone has a spirit, whether life-giving or destructive. For me, spirituality involves a relationship to God under the symbol of the Precious Blood.

The related concept of transformation is often seen as the key to becoming an emotionally content older adult. It means to evolve to a desired way of being — a person who accepts life as it has been lived and chooses to live fully in the present.

Transformation can be seen in the Paschal Mystery represented by Christ dying on the cross and rising from the 18

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dead on Easter. In a sense, when we are transformed we undergo some kind of symbolic death and are reborn to new life.

As I reflect on my unique experiences and relationships, sometimes I have flashes of

I am moving from the ministry of “doing” to that of “being.”

— Sister Nancy Raley insight and moments of healing. I grieve what has been lost and find myself embracing a new reality. I try to be open to the fullness of this experience and the wisdom that comes.

As an older adult, I find I

am redefining what gives me meaning and satisfaction. My body experiences physical decline which requires frequent adaptation. Yet I still desire to be self-sufficient. I still want to be of service to others.

Becoming dependent is one of the challenges of getting older and frailer.

I believe that the process of aging is designed to bring me into the realm of the Spirit. God is with me in my journey of letting go of independence, health and dreams. I am moving from the ministry of “doing” to that of “being.”

A

s a teenager, I was a very active participant in the Baptist church. I was a member of the youth choir, usher board, hospitality, VBS and Sunday school, and I sang solos for meditation period. My participation in these ministries helped me to form communal relationships but always helped me to grow closer to God. The more I sang about God, talked about God, worshiped God and served God’s people, the more I wanted to grow and be nurtured in God’s word and his unconditional love.

As a young adult, I moved from home to attend college.

I didn’t know anyone who went to church and I did not know about any of the churches in the area or where they were until much later. It was a very unusual time for me. I was looking for God in a place that I had yet to realize that I needed to find him there (and “there” meaning the Catholic Church). So even though I couldn’t find God in a church, I found him in my car because it was where I was all the time. So in my car I would listen to worship ser-

vices or gospel music and my car would then become my oratory.

There I would pray, worship, sing and talk to God. There was never a long enough trip.

In my now years, my spirituality has become one of meditative reflection. A slower journey of that transcendence toward God so I don’t reach God before I’ve had time to get my act together! 

Page 12, photo of Sister Adeline by Pat Morrison; above, photo of Sister LaKesha by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal.

continued from Page 5

something about the Precious Blood. And so the charism, our charism, became a part of whatever ministry we were involved in. And that was the beginning of opening whole new realms of who we were as Precious Blood Sisters: What did that mean to us and to all the world?

And so we were really busy in those days, and they were

wonderful years. And we are so grateful today for all the people that helped us grow. I think of the many Sisters who have died. They’re up there in heaven today, and I hope they know that we appreciated their patience with us, and their effort to help us grow and learn what they had learned.

We really want to thank all of our Sisters who have been

with us, who have helped us mature in our vocation. We hope that you will continue working for the spirit of the Precious Blood, helping us to keep growing in what that charism means, because every day, there are new things to embody what that means.

So we are grateful. We thank every one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

As she continues to settle into her new role, she is taking time to interview Sisters in an effort to get to know them, and to understand Precious Blood Spirituality so that she can articulate it to other people.

She has also created vocationspecific social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and has reached out to local religion teachers, campus

ministers and youth ministers.

“I want to allow high schoolers, college students and young adults to meet the Sisters, whether virtually or in person,” she said. “Our Sisters are doing so much good work, and I want to share our Sisters’ stories and their ministries — because when people know about their work, then they’ll start asking questions.” 

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the world and a variety of religious congregations, networked with fellow vocation ministers and began brainstorming and developing a support system.

While in Chicago, she also spent time at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation with Sisters Donna Liette and Carolyn Hoying, as well as Missionaries of the Precious Blood and PBMR volunteers.

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Sister LaKesha Church

Peace, Justice & Ecology

Religious gather to share earth wisdom and spirituality

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he Sisters of Earth conference, July 12-15, drew nearly 100 women religious from the United States and Canada to Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati with the theme “Sharing the Wisdom, Shaping the Dream: Creating the Future We Want.”

Sisters Marie Kopin and Mary Wendeln and peace, justice and ecology director, Colleen Kammer, attended the biennial conference.

Sisters of Earth, an informal, international network of women formed in 1994, are women who share a deep concern for the ecological and spiritual crises of our time and support one another in work toward healing the human spirit and restoring Earth’s life-sustaining systems.

The conference theme was explored through the teachings of Joanna Macy, a respected voice in the peace, justice and ecology field. As an eco-philosopher, author, activist and a scholar of Buddhism and general systems theory, Macy created a theoretical framework for personal and social change, as well as methods of learning and action.

Macy engages others in her work, known as the “work that reconnects,” through a four-step process: gratitude, honoring the pain, seeing with new eyes and going forth. Through videos, group discussion, activities, song and movement, conference attendees explored Macy’s 20

Sharing & Caring

Top left, Sisters of Earth women visit the gravesite of earth prophet/futurist Sister Paula González, S.C.; bottom left, Sister Joyce Richter, S.C., with Sister Marie Kopin during the conference; top right, women holding hands in the circle; bottom right, Sister Marie Kopin, Colleen Kammer and Sister Mary E. Wendeln.

teachings, including topics in her book (with Chris Johnstone) Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in Without Going Crazy.

Several congregations shared their commitment and work in sustainability. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, the informal hosts for the conference, said that they chose care of creation

as the focus for their congregation in 1999. They talked about the late Sister Paula González, S.C., known as the “Solar Nun,” who worked for three decades to promote sustainable living, especially concerning energy use. She Story by Colleen Kammer, director of peace, justice and ecology; Sue DiTullio photos

Peace, Justice & Ecology founded EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, an environmental learning center near their motherhouse in Cincinnati.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN), Bardstown, Kentucky, impressed the conference attendees with their goal of net zero living. This means that the water, energy and waste systems that they use will be sustainable or reusable, similar to the way

resources are used in nature.

As one example, their motherhouse will be a zero-waste facility, meaning that all of its refuse will either be recyclable or compostable.

Sister Susan Gatz, SCN, president, said that the congregation feels very strongly about sustainability and decided to stake their lives and their livelihood on making changes in this regard. Sister Susan said, “When we articulate something, we begin to move in that direction either consciously or unconsciously.”

She further added, “We feel that our biggest impact as a congregation is being a role model for others.”

The Sisters of Earth also learned about the late Father Thomas Berry, C.P., and his belief of the four sources of wisdom that he expects to guide humanity in the 21st century: women, religious traditions, collective science and indigenous wisdom. Indeed, listening to one another’s stories of experience, knowledge, tradition, pain, sorrow

and joy is what will lead us to respond to our societal and environmental difficulties with resilience and creative power.

We cannot have peace on earth unless we have peace with the earth.

Joanna Macy’s assistant, Anne Symens-Bucher, spoke to the group via videoconference.

Referring to Macy’s teachings and work, she said that active hope equals active nonviolence. She posed the questions, “Where is my heart when I speak to someone?

We cannot have peace on earth unless we have peace with the earth.

How can I open my heart to hear the other?” She followed that by saying, “When you have an open heart, you always speak the truth with love.” From that position, we can best fulfill our role in the transition to a loving, life-sustaining society.  Summer 2018

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Peace, Justice & Ecology

Archdiocese celebrates CPPS Sisters, a Laudato Si community

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood, along with 12 other congregations and parishes, participated in a Laudato Si prayer service at the Community of the Good Shepherd in Cincinnati on June 18. The inaugural event, led by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, celebrated each participant’s commitment to creation care and sustainability and their distinction of becoming archdiocesan Laudato Si communities.

The Sisters received this distinction by virtue of meeting qualifications in the new archdiocesan Laudato Si communities program. The

'Let us sing as we go.

May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.'

- Pope Francis, Laudato Si

qualifications included completing facility and household green assessments, beginning or improving upon sustainable practices and educating members on creation care topics.

Participants were recognized Sister Patty Kremer, Sister Mary E. Wendeln, Sister Ceil Taphorn and Colleen Kammer; contributed photo. for their individual achievements in sustainability by of Cincinnati. The banner is Tony Stieritz, director of the currently displayed in the dinCatholic Social Action Office in ing room at Salem Heights in the Archdiocese. The CPPS SisDayton. It serves as a source ters received acknowledgment of pride for all that the CPPS for energy improvements to have achieved in this area, as their buildings through the use well as a reminder to continuof geothermal and solar techally strive to care for the earth nology, in particular. and its resources on which we The Congregation was preall depend.  sented with a banner identifying them as a Laudato Si Story by Colleen Kammer, director community in the Archdiocese of peace, justice and ecology

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

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall birthdays.

SEPTEMBER

8 8 11 11 12 16 22 29

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

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1 3 13 17 29

OCTOBER

Marie Kopin Beverly Bodnar Terry Maher Patty Kremer Rosalie Kastner

5 12 12 14 23

NOVEMBER

Rae Marie Ratermann Angeline Hoffman Maria Luisa Miller Charmaine Grilliot Anna Maria Sanders

November 1922 — July 12, 2018

R

esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Rita (M. Melania) Yahl was held at the Salem Heights chapel on Monday, July 16. Sister Rita died at the Maria-Joseph Center in Dayton on Thursday, July 12. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for over 75 years.

Rita was a gifted person who loved life. She loved being with her family, her Sisters and her many friends.

The daughter of Joseph and Martha (Greve) Yahl, Rita was born in St. Marys, Ohio, in November 1922. She was the oldest of 12 children.

Her family were members of Holy Rosary Parish and all the children attended Holy Rosary School.

On August 3, 1941, Rita entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood and as a novice received the name of Sister Mary Melania (many years later she returned to using her baptismal name).

Rita received a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Dayton and a master’s in education with a major in home economics and a special concentration in vocational home economics from St. Louis University.

Sister Rita taught 17 years in elementary schools in Arizona, North Dakota and Ohio.

Then she enjoyed 25 years teaching home economics at Marion Local High School in Maria Stein and also served as principal for two years at St. Patrick School in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

While teaching at Marion Local, Rita assisted in the ministry at the Retreat House and Shrine.

She made numerous baptismal gowns and doll clothes as well as other creative items.

Sister Rita retired in 1986 and volunteered at the Shrine continuing with her sewing skills, friendly hospitality and prayer. Rita remarked that she found these years grace-filled — still serving and sharing life and prayer with her Sisters. In 2006 Rita moved to Salem Heights and was grateful for her life with her Sisters which included daily Mass, prayer and companionship. She admitted to being competitive and very much appreciated card games with her Sisters and family in spite of her diminishing eyesight. She also enjoyed fishing and traveling. One of Rita’s favorite memories was when she spent a month in the house of prayer at St. Joseph Center in Tiffin.

In August 2016, when Rita celebrated her 75th jubilee, she received numerous congratulatory and grateful messages on Facebook, many of those from her students who fondly remember her.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her brothers and sisters: Rose Braun, Irene Doseck, Jerome Yahl, Mary Braun, William Yahl, Anthony Yahl and Emma Clements. She is survived by her Precious Blood Sisters and her family: Joe and Connie Yahl, Gene and Janice Yahl, Bob Yahl, Clara Lenhart and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

In Sympathy Sister Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl on the death of her sister, Mary Lou Sweida, on August 22.

Sister Charlene Heidenreich on the death of her sister, Mary Lee Roberts, on August 23.

Remembering Roger Schumacher, brother

of our deceased Sister Cleophas Schumacher, on June 7.

Marianist Father Ed Jach, one of our chaplains at Salem Heights, on June 7.

William Jones, one of our cooks at Salem Heights, on June 23.

Nicholas Schumacher, brother of our deceased Sister Cleophas Schumacher, on

July 15.

Norbert Moeder, brother of our deceased Sister Julian Moeder, on July 11.

Marilyn (Beene) Wortman, former member and sister of our deceased Sister Virginia Beene, on July 31.

Sister Corinne Staub, O.P., former administrator of Salem Heights, on August 9.

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In Memoriam

Sister Rita (M. Melania) Yahl

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Celebrating summer at Salem Heights Carnival Day

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isters enjoyed games and prizes at Carnival Day on July 24. Kim Jaynes, activity coordinator, recruited staff members to help with the lively midsummer celebration.

Everyone also enjoyed candy, popcorn, cotton candy and soft drinks — as well as the opportunity for fellowship and laughter.  Clockwise from top left, Sister Regina Albers plays fish bowl frenzy while Angela Isaac looks on; Sister Lou Ann Roof knocks over cans with a bean bag while Tammie Wortham looks on; Sister Jeanette Buehler plays the duck pond game with help from Tony Jaynes; Kim makes the cotton candy; Michelle Bodine photos.

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