Sharing & Caring Summer 2020

Sharing & Caring Volume 31 Number 1 • Summer 2020 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

A Century on Salem Avenue

Since 1923, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have been committed to the city of Trotwood; see Page 10

From the President’s Desk

Dear friends and family,

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ife has changed very little since my last communication with you. We continue to be in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, racial inequities demand attention, and the November elections lie ahead. In this issue, we are highlighting our history and relationship with the city of Trotwood, the municipality in which we are located.

It is a story that speaks to elements of racism found in other communities around our nation.

When our Community arrived on the outskirts of Dayton from rural Maria Stein, Ohio, the area was still primarily farmland. Little did the Sisters realize how the landscape would change.

The city of Dayton expanded

white, middle-class with strong ties to their churches for active social lives. In the mid- to late 1950s a shift occurred as Black people began to move from “across the river” into West side neighborhoods. Fueled by realtors who predicted a drop in the price of homes, white people began to move out. The nearby suburb of Trotwood saw an increase in population.

Trotwood had much to offer: new homes, good schools, restaurants, businesses, the Salem Mall, Hara Arena, access to Good Samaritan Hospital, etc. Black people in the inner city also desired these things for their families.

They too began to move into Trotwood. Once again, white people moved — some further north; others to southern

Precious Blood spirituality impels us to see every person as precious no matter the color of their skin, their ethnicity, culture or religion. We choose to be an active part of the community even as it is designated a food desert, restaurants and businesses close, schools struggle to improve, the hospital no longer stands.

— Sister Edna Hess northwest. Farmland gave way to housing development and infrastructure that would support businesses, churches, schools and other amenities.

Neighborhoods were largely

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suburbs. What role did implicit biases, white privilege and fear of “the other” play in this shift?

We Sisters of the Precious Blood have made a commit-

ment to stay in the Trotwood community. Precious Blood spirituality impels us to see every person as precious no matter the color of their skin, their ethnicity, culture or religion. We choose to be an active part of the community even as it is designated a food desert, restaurants and businesses close, schools struggle to improve, the hospital no longer stands. Like so many in Trotwood, we are committed to its vitality and revitalization. Through mutual respect and collaboration, together, we will make a difference.

Stay well and remember to vote: “I will vote for faith over fear, hope over hatred, love for all.” (Source: votecommongood.com.) 

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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n March, when we began the initial shutdown and I left the office to work from home, I never anticipated I would still be working from home in August. We postponed a few vocation events, thinking we’d simply reschedule them in the summer.

Initially when we realized in-person events were not feasible for the foreseeable future, I was discouraged. However, grace emerged in the form of creativity. Other vocation ministers shared their experiences with virtual discernment groups, “Zoom & Sees” (in lieu of the traditional Come & See discernment retreat), and a host of other virtual ways to connect with women discerning religious life.

So, in the last month, I’ve been using some creativity of my own to connect with women. Many of the conferences where I typically have an exhibit have been cancelled.

Some have joined the virtual world and hosted virtual exhibits. Last weekend, I set up a few

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.

call times and women interested in learning more about the Sisters of the Precious Blood stopped by our virtual booth by way of Zoom. A Sister and I answered questions, presented the Congregation’s spirituality and introduced them to religious life. Instead of the handful of women from a certain geographical area, we were speaking with women from Australia, the Philippines, Ireland and, of course, throughout the U.S. all at once!

Our virtual discernment group launched on Facebook in July. It is a private group for young adult women to build a community with whom to share their discernment journeys. We “meet” once a month to reflect on elements of discernment and Precious Blood spirituality.

Currently, there are almost 30 women from around the world who have joined our group. We also have a “Zoom & See” in the planning stages, which will invite women to get to know us without leav-

Vocations

Virtual vocations: Unexpected grace during a pandemic

Jenna Legg and Sister Karen Elliott speak via Zoom.

ing their homes.

Eventually, our world will come out of this pandemic and we will be able to resume our in-person events. However, I am embracing the opportunity now to encounter women who otherwise would not — continued on Page 15 Story by Jenna Legg

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

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

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

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

Printing

PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Contributing writers: Jenna Legg, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist

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Jubilee

Jubilarians look back

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ith the world upended in the COVID pandemic, the Congregation’s annual celebration of our jubilarians was put on hold until Sisters can gather safely together with their families and friends. Typically, our jubilarians are honored with a springtime event for Sisters who live at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, as well as a larger prayer service, Mass and banquet in conjunction with our Spirit Days and annual Assembly during the summer.

When we are finally able to be in one another’s presence to honor these blessed, steadfast women, it will truly be a celebration! Until then, please pray for them, for all our Sisters, and for the health and safety of all.

Celebrating 40 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood

Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood

Sister Terry Maher

Sister Benita Volk

“Celebrating 40 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood is truly a gift — a gift to witness the life of God flowing in those I have met. From the time I celebrated my 25th anniversary as a Sister of the Precious Blood I have had the opportunity in my ministry to journey with people through a variety of grief experiences, grieving health issues, impending death, or the death of one so loved. The last 15 years has added to the humbling awareness of how God moves in the lives of others.

The Blood of Jesus is flowing!”

Sister Karen Elliott

“Since 2004 my ministry has been in Catholic higher education. At Mercy College in Toledo, I earned the rank of full professor while serving as chair of the religious studies department. Currently I minister as director of mission integration at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. I continue to be inspired daily by our students who give witness to and grow in their faith as they seek to make a difference in our world. During my 40 years of ministry and for all of my future years of ministry, I pray it will be said of me that I ‘fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.’”

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Since celebrating her 50th Jubilee, Sister Benita Volk retired from teaching, published a book of poetry, and battled cancer twice. She is also a member of the Columbine Poets of Colorado and established a writing group at EarthLinks, a Denver nonprofit that creates opportunities for homeless people through environmental programming. “When I look back at my 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood, I am grateful for many things.

But the largest portion of my gratitude goes to the wonderful women who have supported, encouraged and challenged me throughout those 60 grace-filled years,” she said.

Sister Pat Dieringer

“As a Sister of the Precious Blood, I have dedicated myself to God and the Church through the Congregation. Our charism mandates me to be a ‘reconciling presence of God,’ to give hope to the hopeless through the acceptance of everyone whatever their race, culture, language, creed or nationality. I am grateful to be accepted by my Precious Blood community and that Precious Blood Parish appreciated my

Sister Jean René Hoying

Over the past decade, Sister Jean René Hoying completed her ministry at Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and “with an open mind and heart, I was offered golden opportunities to be a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world through various volunteer ministries in the Dayton area” including Brigid’s Path, Food for the Journey Project and in assisting families settling in the Dayton area from Africa.

“Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood is an amazing privilege and an awesome accomplishment! With God’s incredible graces supporting me daily, I’ve been blessed with good health, a supportive family and faithful friends,” she said.

Sister Mary Ellen Lampe

In the decade since celebrating her 50th Jubilee, Sister Mary Ellen Lampe retired from active ministry as the Congregation’s computer resource person and volunteered to tutor and help with computers at the Brunner Literacy Center, across the street from Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. “My cup of life has been filled to overflowing and greatly influenced by the people who have touched me and those whom I have been chosen to touch,” she said. “My life’s cup has also been

Jubilee

presence. The living and ministry aspects of my life are tightly intertwined and, hopefully, integrated. I am privileged to be both close to the heart of Jesus’ message and to the motivation that inspired our foundress, Maria Anna Brunner.”

filled with many opportunities to companion Sisters through doctor appointments, hospital visits and final days on Earth. God is GOOD.”

Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher Anniversary There’s a dizziness in my heart Spun from mission and a touch of madness To keep a single love this long.

There’s a gladness in my bones Strengthened by beauty, rest, and laughter.

There’s a richness in my blood Nourished by children, prayer, and promise.

There’s a fondness in my spirit Decade after decade of days Enjoying Embracing The Keeper of the vowed.

Sister Nancy Recker

In an essay she wrote for the Congregation’s newsletter a few years back, Sister Nancy Recker recalled that she was in the sixth grade when she first thought about becoming a woman religious. Then, in the eighth grade, when asked what she would like to be as an adult, she responded that she wanted to be a nun. “I really think that God was calling me. I always liked the Mass. I was very attracted to Eucharist,” she wrote. “The call never left me. I just knew that this is where God wanted me to be. … I can’t imagine being anything other than a Sister of the Precious Blood.” 

Page 4, from top, Sister Terry Maher, 40 years; Sister Karen Elliott, 40 years; Sister Benita Volk, 60 years; Sister Pat Dieringer, 60 years. Page 5, from top, Sister Jean René Hoying, 60 years; Sister Mary Ellen Lampe, 60 years; Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher, 60 years; Sister Nancy Recker, 60 years. Contributed photos

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Ministry

Lament and hope go hand in hand

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ay her name!” I yelled, and the crowds roared back: “Breonna Taylor!”

After days of protests of the death of George Floyd around the country, I had a gnawing feeling inside that yet again, a Black woman had been relegated to the bottom of the pile in the fight for social justice. So I was excited when my friend Sister Mary Therese, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, found a protest dedicated solely to agitating for justice for Breonna Taylor, the young Black woman shot and killed

by Louisville, Kentucky, police officers who entered her apartment with a no-knock warrant while she slept.

The organizer, Ashabi Owagboriaye, a young Nigerian American woman, was intentional about creating space for Black women at the rally in Chicago. She invited us to walk in front, to lead the

for me; the rallying cry had turned into a prayer of lament.

So far in 2020, we have witnessed the pain of the world as the pandemic has taken the lives of dear ones and watched as our society also ensured that many are unable to access their basic needs. We’ve seen that capitalism does not benefit people of color; it relies on their exploited labor to shore up white privilege. Thus, my prayers have consisted of a litany of “whys.”

This year, with its many universal and A protester holds up a sign calling for justice for Breonna Taylor at a Black Lives Matter protest in Atlanta. personal challenges, I Maria Oswalt/Unsplash photo. have found myself returning to my Protestant telling and retelling of history, roots, where praying out loud be it in the church, in science, is my go-to form, and I have or even in the struggle for civil frequently engaged in lamenand human rights. tation. Lament is also a part of The cry of lament to “say her Indigenous culture; it unites name” is not limited to Breoncommunities in sharing and na Taylor or Eleanor Bumpurs supporting each other or Alberta Spruill or Aiyana through grief.

My boldness grew with Stanley-Jones or any of the In his book Born from every call out to “say her Lament: The Theology and many Black women, trans or cisgender, who have died from Politics of Hope in Africa, name.” I realized this was police brutality or while in poEmmanuel Katongole sugnot only a catharsis for lice custody. We are lamenting gests that lament and hope me; the rallying cry had every Black woman, past and go hand in hand. When present, who has been forgotBlack women — myself inturned into a prayer of ten, sidelined and/or erased. cluded — called out “say lament.

What we as Black women her name” at the protest, it are asking and demanding — Sister Mumbi Kigutha was a personal and collective lament that as Black women we are sidelined, Story by Sister Mumbi Kigutha; originally published on the Global chants and, eventually, to adforgotten or sacrificed for Sisters Report website on June 26, dress the protestors. My boldsome “more pressing” social 2020: www.globalsistersreport. ness grew with every call out concern. Our identity is erased org/news/social-justice/column/ to “say her name.” I realized when our numerous contribulament-and-hope-go-hand-hand. this was not only a catharsis tions are not mentioned in the Reprinted with permission.

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ianism. I want our work to be acknowledged and compensated fairly instead of appropriated. I want our individuality and identity to be recognized and celebrated instead of obscured and erased.

Listen with me to the roaring response of the crowd, where both hope and yearning were expressed. Know that while we continue to lament the injustices we have endured for centuries, we hope that a new day is finally dawning for Black women, a day when our assertiveness and passion will no longer be dismissed as aggression and anger.

We will no longer be disingenuously praised as resilient and strong, which in turn allows society to continue to subjugate and ignore us. Our culture, our beauty, our creativity shall finally be celebrated, and you will know our names. You will know our names and those of our Black female ancestors whose contributions to the world have long been ignored. 

A Prayer for Peace, Justice and Goodwill Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Almighty God, you created us in your image and likeness, forming one human family.

In your enduring love, you have promised to never leave us.

In the midst of strife and turmoil in our land, we ask you for peace.

May victims of injustice be relieved of their suffering.

Help us, your children, to be people of goodwill, radiating the light of faith.

May the example of Mary, the Queen of Peace, move us to be more faithful disciples of your Son. Send your Holy Spirit to inspire us in word and deed, as we strive to bring about your kingdom here on earth.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

— From the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Pray a Minute initiative in which Catholics are dedicating one minute of daily prayer for peace, justice and goodwill each day from now until January 1. Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo.

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Black women have been sidelined, abused and ignored from the time of colonialism and slavery to the present, when our representation in leadership roles at parish, diocesan and even at the Vatican is minimal to nonexistent.

The church should also answer why its doors continue to remain closed to our LGBTQ sisters and why the church hesitates to join us in proclaiming that #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackWomenLivesMatter.

I am asking that religious congregations take A protester holds up a sign at a protest in Chicago; Max Bender/Unsplash photo. a long, hard look at their history and complicfrom you is to recognize us ity in perpetuating racism in first as imago Dei, made in their work with communities the image and likeness of God of color and to critically interand thus equal to every other rogate the absence of Black human being and deserving women and women of color in dignity and equality. I am also their ranks. I am demanding demanding from the church that we move from a place of an acknowledgement that tokenism to a place of egalitar-

Archives

Inside the CPPS Archives – This column will showcase a different artifact or document from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.

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ver 200 Sisters have served in the southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico since 1903. These Sisters were teachers, nurses, advocates and volunteers to citizens of several Native American nations (including the Apache, Hopi, Tohono O’odham, Pima, Zuni, Yaqui and Navajo), as well as Mexican Americans. The following photographs showcase a sampling of the Sisters’ ministries in the Southwest.

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Clockwise, from top left, (1) Sisters pose with a donkey in Phoenix, Arizona, ca.

1910s; (2) Sister Mary Electa Fleck (left) and Mother Agreda Sperber pose with students in Phoenix, Arizona. Their sign says “Hurrah!

For Sister Electa,” ca. early 1930s; (3) Sister Mary Renata Jaeger poses with her students in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1932. The fifth girl from the right in the top row is Sister Eleanor (Mary Thomas) McNally.

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Sisters in the Southwest

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Clockwise, from top left, (4) Sister Mary Luca Junk stands in front of her car, packed with supplies to give to the poor of Phoenix, Arizona, at the Immaculate Heart Parish, ca. 1960; (5) Sister Mary Gemma Koenig sits in front of a banner for the Christian Formation and Evangelization Center (which she helped to launch), Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, ca. 1977. This organization helped train teachers as well as provided Catholic education workshops; (6) Sister Mary Georgiana Pahl leads children of Guadalupe, Arizona, in their summer reading program at the Community Center Library, June 1981; (7) Sisters Marita Beumer and Ann Clark with Sister Cecilia, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, at Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas. Sisters Marita and Ann volunteered with other women religious to help migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in January 2019. They both previously ministered in the southwestern U.S. for many years.

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Community Connections With nearly 100 years on Salem Avenue, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have created close ties in the city of Trotwood

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fter Sisters of the Precious Blood first arrived in the United States in 1844, they worked tirelessly to forge a new life on the frontier. Everything they ate, used and wore had to be made by hand; they provided food and clothing for themselves and other missionaries while also opening schools and orphanages and caring for the sick.

For nearly 80 years, home was the motherhouse at Maria Stein, Ohio. But in the early 1920s, Mother Emma Nunlist purchased 75 acres two miles north of Dayton for a new motherhouse. She felt that the Sisters needed to be closer to the amenities the city of Dayton could provide, including

health care and educational facilities. She also thought that being close to a more populated city would allow the Sisters to find more volunteers to help with Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a hallmark of the Sisters’ lived vocation since their founding.

The building of the new motherhouse brought with it a tradition of employing local workers to complete construction jobs; the Sisters have provided work for hundreds of people throughout their time in Trotwood.

Thousands of Daytonians attended the “festival day” when the new motherhouse was dedicated; a bus service was offered to shuttle guests

from West 4th Street to Salem Heights and back. An excerpt from Not with Silver or Gold, a history of the Congregation that was published in 1945, explains that not all neighbors were welcoming at that time:

On September 8, 1923, the chapel was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception by Archbishop Moeller. This occasion brought many visitors to inspect the building — some of them interested relatives and friends, and others curious neighbors who were eager to verify the rumor that the convent was housing stores of ammuni-

Story by Sarah Aisenbrey and Mary Knapke

Above, early photo of the first Salem Heights building (now the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center); photo from the CPPS Archives collection. On the cover, Salem Heights faces Salem Avenue; Michelle Bodine photo. Inset photo - chapel inside Salem Heights (now the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center); photo from the CPPS Archives collection.

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Cover Story Celebration on the opening of the building that was originally the Maria Joseph Home for the Aged. Today it is Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton; photo from the CPPS Archives collection.

tion in the basement. The covered trucks conveying household goods from Maria Stein, which for weeks during the summer had been seen driving up at the convent in the early hours of the morning, seem to have given grounds for this suspicion.

The tale may have been started by members of the Ku Klux Klan, who, to arouse bigotry, made the Sisters out to be revolutionists liable to rise up in rebellion at any moment. One night, a few months after the Sisters were settled in their new home, a huge cross was burned on the lot directly opposite the building.

“In spite of the Sisters’ experience of being threatened in those early days, we never abandoned this area and its people,” said Sister Edna Hess, current president of the Congregation. “We have always been and will remain loyal partners with this community.”

Education for all

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he Sisters established deep roots as educators in the area. In 1924, the Sisters started a day school at Salem Heights for local Catholic children in grades one through eight. This school operated for 22 years. In 1946, the Sisters began teach-

ing at St. Rita School in Dayton and offered CCD classes for children there in 1948.

Also in 1948, the newly established Precious Blood Parish celebrated its first Mass in the Salem Heights basement.

The following year, the Sisters of the Precious Blood donated the property which is the current site of the parish. The site included a 75-year-old barn, which was renovated into a church and two classrooms, where the Sisters began to teach that same year.

In 2010, Precious Blood and St. Rita Catholic schools merged to form Mother Maria Anna Brunner Catholic School — named for the CongregaSummer 2020

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tion’s foundress — where today over 200 students are enrolled in prekindergarten through eighth grade, and Precious Blood Sisters often visit and volunteer.

The Sisters’ long tradition of ministering as educators includes adult literacy education with the Brunner Literacy Center. Founded by the Congregation in 2011, the center has assisted over 1,700 people with Adult Basic Education, preparing for the GED, learning English, or pursuing continuing education. In 2019, 357 active students — between the ages of 19 and 82, and from 32 different countries — logged over 11,600 hours of instruction. Over 100 students have earned their GED. Some students have attained U.S. citizenship. Countless others have achieved personal and professional goals.

Sister Helen (M. Herbert) Weber, who co-founded the center with Sister Maryann (M. Veronica) Bremke, has attributed the center’s success to support received from the Congregation, as well as the efforts of individual Sisters. “I think we tapped the experiences of our Congregation very well,” she said. “We had a meeting to see if anyone would be interested in it, and about 30 people showed up. Some Sisters had taught primary grades.

Their experience was invaluable when somebody came in here who couldn’t read at all.

They brought in those teaching skills. The support of the Congregation, aside from the money that has been available over the years, in terms of people and their skills were critical in our development.”

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Top, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr poses with students, staff and Sisters after the celebration Mass at Mother Maria Anna Brunner Catholic School in 2010; Pat Morrison photo.

Bottom, Sister Helen Weber congratulates the first class of GED graduates from the Brunner Literacy Center in 2014; Dave Eck photo.

Throughout the ongoing pandemic, Brunner Literacy Center has continued to provide education services at no cost to its students. Following a brief closure in accordance with state guidelines, the center reopened in May; tutoring services also continue through distance learning. The center is located on Salem Avenue across the street from Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton.

Caring for the sick and elderly

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he Maria Joseph Home for the Aged opened in September 1930; 10,000 people were on the grounds for the opening celebration. During the Great Depression, the Maria Joseph Home became a safe haven for destitute seniors.

Today, while the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation

services — have been cancelled. On March 19, Sister Alice began holding a service from the center’s chapel that was broadcast over its TV system; Pastor Walker held one the next day. Shortly thereafter, Sister Alice was no longer able to go to the center, so Pastor Walker continues an 11:00 service every day, Monday through Friday — and also ensures there’s a candle burning in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

“He’s been a real gift to Maria Joseph,” Sister Alice said of Pastor Walker. “He’s a good preacher; he brings the people in so that they can relate to his message. He’s very much welcomed by the people. He’s very gentle, though he can be quite a spirited preacher — and people feel comfortable with him.”

Precious Blood Sisters have been, and remain, active in the community in a range of activities, planting the seeds of cooperation and teamwork — sometimes literally. In 2017, Sister Mumbi Kigutha worked with individual Sisters and members of the local community to establish a community garden that allows new families settling in Dayton from refugee camps around the world to grow their own food, much of which are vegetables that aren’t readily available in the U.S., such as African eggplant.

Also in 2017, Sister Jeanette (M. Paul Agnes) Buehler was one of nine women to receive a Halo Award from the city of Trotwood, designating her as an “Angel in Trotwood.”

Trotwood Mayor Mary A. McDonald noted at the time that Summer 2020

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Alice, which is funded by the Congregation and provides grants to both local high school students and current employees of the center.

During her time at Maria Joseph, Sister Alice served as admissions counselor and coordinator and director of spiritual care, maintaining the facility’s chapel, scheduling priests and ministers for Masses and interdenominational worship services, visiting residents, holding Bible studies and doing “whatever is needed for spiritual care,” she said.

Until the onset of the pandemic, she served as chaplain at the center, along with Pastor Robert Walker of Unlimited House of Prayer in Dayton. “A few years ago, I had been looking to hire someone as chaplain. One day, I walked out to the lobby, and a man was talking with the woman at our front desk,” Sister Alice explained. The receptionist asked Sister Alice if she Top, Pastor Robert Walker and Sister Alice Schoettelkotte; contributed photo. Bottom, Sister could help the man — he Karen Elliott and a group of students from Mount was looking for a chaplainSt. Joseph University created cages for new trees to be planted throughout Five Rivers MetroParks; cy job and wondered if the Michelle Bodine photo. center had any openings.

“I threw my arms up in the air and said, ‘Thank you, Center is no longer owned or God!’” she said. operated by the Congregation, Sister Alice and Pastor Walkit continues the Sisters’ legacy er’s working relationship led of caring for the sick and elto the Congregation’s inviting derly. him to speak at Salem Heights Sister Alice (Rose Miriam) last year, telling personal stoSchoettelkotte is just one Sister ries of his own experiences of who has ministered at Maria racism.

Joseph; she served there in Throughout the pandemic, various capacities for 37 years. group gatherings at Maria In 2018, the center named a Joseph — including religious scholarship program for Sister

Cover Story

Sister Jeanette was chosen for the honor, in part, for her leadership in the homicide prayer vigils effort.

In 1993, the Sisters of the Precious Blood began holding prayer vigils at sites where homicides had occurred. The group prayed at 131 sites until May 1997. In 2006, the Sisters and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood brought together an ecumenical group that resumed the work of this ministry. Since March 2006, the Community Homicide Prayer Vigil group has organized over 500 homicide vigils in Dayton, Trotwood, and Harrison and Jefferson townships. Through prayer and advocacy, the group seeks justice for all victims and their families — listening to their stories and speaking out about the lives lost one by one.

The Congregation has also developed a significant relationship, characterized by collegiality and hospitality, with United Theological Seminary, the highly regarded United Methodist seminary in Trotwood. UTS

students and staff occasionally have housing at Salem Heights; individual Sisters have served at the seminary as board members; and Sister Judy Niday has served for the past seven years as a spiritual director and facilitator, working on a team of spiritual directors and facilitators from a variety of faith traditions to connect with and guide students as they assimilate theology, practical ministry skills, personal life and call exploration.

And when neighborhoods around Salem Heights were devastated by tornadoes on May 27, 2019, Sisters and congregational staff members lent a hand at the drop-in center operated by Precious Blood Parish, where local residents could pick up food and other necessities. In addition, Sister Karen Elliott organized a group of students from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati who devoted part of their spring break to tornado recovery for Five Rivers MetroParks, a public park system serving the greater

Dayton area.

Just over a decade ago, April 26, 2009, was declared “Sisters of the Precious Blood 175th Anniversary Day” by Darreyl D. Davis, mayor of Trotwood at that time. The proclamation read, in part, that “the Sisters of the Precious Blood came to Dayton, Ohio in 1923, and have become a part of the fabric of the Trotwood/Dayton communities.”

As the Congregation looks to the future, it remains committed to being a part of the fabric of the community, collaborating with the city and local agencies to serve wherever Sisters are needed in mission.

“The members of our Precious Blood Congregation are typically born and raised in other places, but this is our home,” Sister Edna said. “We Sisters deeply value the relationships we have here in Trotwood, and we will continue to build on those relationships to ensure that we may continue to work together for the good of all, and for the continued growth and revitalization of Trotwood.” 

From Mayor Mary A. McDonald, City of Trotwood

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood have remained a vital and integral part of the City of Trotwood’s community fabric. My hope for the Congregation and city into the future is to continue partnering together to be a voice for those that are underrepresented to have equal access to healthy food, healthcare, and shelter. The energy, commit14

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ment, and experience of the Sisters of the Precious Blood working in the community alongside us has been a tremendous blessing. We are forever grateful for having a partner like the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Sincerely, Mary A. McDonald Mayor, City of Trotwood

Sister Jeanette Buehler (center) received a Halo Award from the city of Trotwood in 2017. Pictured with Mayor Mary A. McDonald (left) and Vice Mayor Bettye L. Gales (right); David Young photo.

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ospital chaplaincy has been around a long time. I am one of many CPPS Sisters who have been involved in this ministry; they can share the blessings that come from this ministry as well as some of the misunderstandings. Chaplains are more than those folks you call when someone is dying or in need of prayer. Ministry to patients begins within the first 24 hours of admitting — well, ideally.

The ministry of chaplaincy is assessing the patient’s spiritual health, perhaps walking through life’s hurts and joys; family relationships, discussing end-of-life care, fears, joys, what gives a patient peace, etc.

We offer prayer and blessings, stand with a grieving family member, companion a caregiver who is stressed, provide a quiet presence when needed.

Our ministry is one title with many ways of being … not unlike lots of other ministries.

Once … just not long ago … working as a hospital chaplain had its usual signs. NPO meant “nothing by mouth,” so no Eucharist for the patient that day. A yellow cart outside the room indicated that one needed to “gown up” and

“mask up” before entering.

Sometimes one needed to put on shoe coverings and a nifty little hat as well.

Once … just not long ago … there was no pandemic …

Now our role has shifted. We continue to provide a presence to our caregivers who, in their caring, are tired and often stretched beyond limits, yet continue to offer their skills.

We are present to patients who cannot have visitors.

Families are not permitted to visit. Though chaplains can go into non-COVID patient rooms, we wear a mask and face shield. This can feel less personal. Prayer with touch is done with gloved hands.

Tele-Spiritual Health is what we try to do with patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are awaiting COVID test results. We stand at the door and offer prayer. If the patient is alert, conversation is from the door. We can use FaceTime or Skype to have family members “visit.” The personal is lacking. Yet, this is what a pandemic does.

Family members struggle when they know their loved one will die from COVID and those family members cannot

Ministry

The ministry of a hospital chaplain amid a pandemic

Sister Terry Maher

be at the bedside. The nursing staff does a great job sitting bedside, so no one dies alone.

Chaplains continue to provide a presence to family — even over the phone.

The chaplains who work with me share their tiredness and their concern about overextended staff members. They share their struggle to be present to patients and talk of fear for their own health.

As a Sister of the Precious Blood, I take to prayer the struggle to be a reconciling presence in the midst of this pandemic…

Once … not long ago …  Story and photo by Sister Terry Maher

— continued from Page 3

have heard of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, let alone visit us. Holding virtual retreats gives more women the opportunity to explore religious life without the time and cost of travel. The flexibility of virtual

events allows women to continue their school or work lives as well. There’s also less of a commitment level in sharing a video call than visiting for an entire weekend.

Eventually all of the virtual

encounters will hopefully lead to more actual visits when it is safe to do so. However, I think some of these virtual encounters will continue to benefit us even after we are allowed to gather in person.  Summer 2020

15

Scenes from Salem Heights

Scenes from Salem Heights

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n Aug. 5, the Sisters at Salem Heights celebrated Elton Benson, who served up countless tasty meals over the past 22 years at our central house in Dayton. Earlier this summer, the Sisters also bade farewell to Peg Ahlers, a nurse with Premier Health who served the Sisters at Salem Heights for 18 years.

Left, Sister Judy Kroeger, Peg and Sister Nancy Wolf; right, Sister Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl and Elton; Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher photos.

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isters at Salem Heights spent some time this summer labeling bars of soap with the national human trafficking hotline. The soaps are distributed to area motels, where trafficked and other vulnerable individuals may see the phone number and be able to seek help.

Left, Sisters Rosemary Goubeaux, Angeline Hoffman, Rose Margaret Broerman, Regina Albers and Joan DeChristopher; right, Sister Rosemary Goubeaux packs the boxes; Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher photos.

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uly is Women’s Motorcycle Month! The Sisters at Salem Heights learned about motorcycles from Sarah Dixon, who works in maintenance at Salem Heights and has also been racing flat track motorcycles for over 20 years. Sarah explained that although racing can be dangerous and expensive, “it has taught me that hard work gives results and taught me discipline, good values and — the most important to me — perseverance!”

Left, activity coordinator Kim Jaynes and Sarah give the presentation; middle, Sarah shows some of her gear to Sisters Jane Francis Hoffman and Noreen Jutte; right, Sarah and her motorcycle; Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher photos.

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Sharing & Caring

Left, Chuck with one of the new signs; Sister Judy Kroeger photo. Middle, the bench made by Chuck; Nick Dole photo. Right, the bench made at PBMR; Michelle Bodine photo.

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hrough the hard work and generosity of Tom and Mary Bulach, 36 dozen ears of delicious sweetness showed up at Salem Heights this summer! Our expert “Sister Shuckers” were Sisters Pat Dieringer, Rosemary Laux and Barbara Jean Backs (pictured), as well as Sisters Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl, Katie Lett, Jeanette Buehler and Barbara Ann Hoying.

From left, Sisters Barbara Jean Backs, Rosemary Laux and Pat Dieringer; Sister Patty Kremer photo.

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.

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 13 17

OCTOBER

Marie Kopin Beverly Ann Bodnar Teresa Maher Patricia Kremer

5 12 12 14 23

NOVEMBER

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

Summer 2020

17

Scenes from Salem Heights

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arlier this year, several people mentioned that our administrative offices had no identification and were hard to find, so Salem Heights Maintenance Director Chuck Carmack got to work! He custom built the framework and installed new signage produced by Northmont Signs.

Another new sign reflects a name change. Since the cemetery at Salem Heights recently underwent landscape renovations, it is now even more of a welcoming place to walk or rest, and is now known as the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.

Chuck also masterfully crafted a bench for the Memorial Garden. When the Memorial Day tornadoes wreaked havoc in our area last year, Chuck used one of the felled trees at Salem Heights to create an object that is both beautiful and useful. It will be enjoyed by Sisters and visitors for many years to come!

Another new bench at the Memorial Garden was created by young men in the carpentry program at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, where Precious Blood Sisters serve as both staff members and volunteers. The bench displays a quote by Mother Brunner: “I hope to contribute to this good work even in eternity.”

Reflection

All of creation is in the hands of God: A reflection This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: Rise up, be off to the potter’s house; there I will give you my message.

I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel.

Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.

Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the LORD. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

(Jeremiah 18:1-6)

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his was one of the Scripture readings for Thursday, July 30. When I was at Mass that day, as the celebrant gave his homily, he talked about the potter in Jeremiah; as he did so, he used his own hands as if working at a potter’s wheel.

It is a rather meditative experience to observe a potter working with clay. A lump of clay is placed on the wheel. If you simply turn the wheel, the lump spins in place, but it will remain as it is: a piece of earth, just a lump of clay.

But when the wheel spins and the potter puts his hands on the clay, before our very eyes, that clay glistens, spinning and moving and shaping in ways that didn’t seem possible before. With the potter’s gentle, almost imperceptible pressure of the hands, or a movement of the fingers, that lump of clay transforms into a vase; a mug; 18

Sharing & Caring

a platter; a pitcher — an item both useful and beautiful, that can help sustain a family and adorn a home.

Time and time again, the potter places a formless lump of clay on the wheel. It might become a vase or a platter — either is possible, but only the potter’s hands will make it happen.

At Mass that day in July, I thought of all this while the celebrant gave his homily. A thought and image flashed in my mind: God’s hands are around the whole earth, continuing to shape it. When God wishes to change it or improve it, a different shape is created.

Our earth — in fact, all of creation — is in the hands of God, who shapes it for the better.

Maybe during this pandemic, God is shaping our earth into something new. Perhaps each of us is being called to be co-creators with God, to put

our loving hands around the earth and help to refashion our world. Maybe we can learn what truly matters in life; that all life is precious. Can we diffuse hardships of whatever kind by mediating divine compassion in our world, through simple gestures of kindness?

Are we being urged to no longer live in emotional chaos and spiritual confusion, but rather to focus on a feast of sharing; that is, sharing the feast of God’s gracious love?

Will this pandemic wrap itself up, dissipate, and make space for something new? Do I have faith and the strength of character needed to sit at the potter’s wheel, co-create with God, and help shape a better world? Do I trust in the love of God that is making something new?  Story by Sister Martha Bertke; Pat Morrison photo

December 1942 — September 8, 2020

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Ritamary Bulach was held at the Precious Blood Church in Dayton on Thursday, September 10. Sister died in Dayton on Tuesday, September 8. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 59 years.

For her 50th Jubilee, Sister Ritamary wrote these words: “The aspect of religious life that has been most rewarding is that I like to think that I have been a witness to something other than what we have here on this earth. In this witness, I hope to have encouraged others to sanctify this life for the greater life to come.

Also, I like to think that the Lord will one day say to me: I was hungry and you gave me to eat; thirsty, and you gave me to drink.”

In December 1942, Ritamary was born Hilda Cornelia Bulach to Elizabeth and Victor Bulach, the second youngest of 11 children. She was born on a farm near Oxford, Ohio. Growing up on the farm, there was plenty of work but also time to play in the creek and the woods, and to fish and swim.

Sister Ritamary started her primary education in public school in the small town of Reily, Ohio. In the third grade she transferred to the Catholic school, Queen of Peace in Millville, where she met the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

She returned to public high school and it was during her time in secondary education that she felt a strong attraction to religious life.

Her life in ministry did span many years in food service, where she began in Dayton. Ritamary cooked at Lourdes Hall and the Motherhouse in the early to mid-60s. Later she served as a cook and housekeeper at the Maria Stein Retreat House. She returned to what is now the Maria Joseph Center in 1977, working full time in food service there for 32 years.

During her time at the Maria Joseph Center, she completed an associate degree from Sinclair Community College in dietetic technology, becoming a registered dietetic technician.

In her more recent years, Ritamary offered hospitality and a life-giving presence to guests at Salem Heights as a receptionist. She visited our Sisters in Emma Hall, and helped with the Salem Heights Chapel wash. But most of all, she enjoyed her time in her various outdoor and garden spaces outside Salem Heights, with great pride, taking pleasure in showing her flowers and vegetables to her family.

She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, 5 siblings and many nieces and nephews. Her gentle spirit will be missed.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

In Sympathy Sister Helen Weber on the death of her sister, Celeste Geise, on June 25.

Sister Noemi Flores on the death of her brother, Francisco, during the week of June 28.

Sister Nadine Kaschalk on the death of her sister-in-law, Lavetta Kaschalk, on August 7.

Sister Ritamary Bulach (deceased) on the death of her brother-in-law, Eugene Ramsey, on August 20.

Sister Barbara Ann Hoying on the death of her sister, Mary Therese Reilly, our former Sister Myra, on September 9.

Remembering Father Tom Schmidt, one of the chaplains at Salem Heights, died July 24.

Dorothy Winkeljohn, former Sister Rose Edna Winkeljohn, died August 23.

All the families suffering, especially in Chicago — over 200 children shot and 39 killed this summer. Pray for PBMR as they minister to these families and this community torn apart by fear and suffering.

The victims, their families and the city of Dayton as we

remember the first anniversary of the shooting in the Oregon District on August 4.

All who have died from the coronavirus and for those who have died from violence, that they experience God's loving embrace.

All students, school personnel, and parents that they be protected from COVID-19.

All those who lost their lives and those whose homes were destroyed by the wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington.

Summer 2020 19

In Memoriam

Sister Ritamary Bulach

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Creative pursuits of all types allow us to express thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Color, form, texture or sound can take us to a place beyond language as we continually seek transcendent experiences that elevate, challenge and inspire.

Many Sisters of the Precious Blood make art and crafts, and while the forms of their creations vary widely — carving, painting, quilting, singing and many more — they share in common a means of communion with others, and a way to reflect the beauty of God.

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ister Barbara Jean Backs shares her wonderful gift of art with great love. She makes a special drawing which depicts a theme for each week, incorporating that week’s antiphon from the Roman Missal.

These drawings are placed on the bulletin board in the hallway that leads to the chapel at Salem Heights.

Another gift of hers is woodcarving, which she started when teaching elementary students in Ottoville, Ohio. “There was an article in the county paper advertising the woodcarving club,” she explained. “I went down and asked if women can join, too — because at that time, there weren’t any other women there.”

She was welcomed into the club, and after she exhibited her work at a local art show, more women joined the club as well.

Over the years, she has created many beautiful wooden items. Along with Sister Mary 20

Sharing & Caring

Rose McCrate, for many years she belonged to the Dayton Carvers Guild in Tipp City, where she was able to develop her talent in weekly workshops.

Sister Barbara Jean’s interest in art began as a child when she “doodled” between lessons in the classroom, and at home. As an elementary teacher, she enjoyed decorating bulletin boards for her classroom to highlight lessons and capture students’ interest. She has never had formal training in art, but her gift is so evident, especially in the intricate features of people’s faces.

“To get an idea for artwork, you have to do some meditating first,” Sister Barbara Jean said.

She has found over the years

that creating art is a very prayerful experience, along with her other interests: backpacking, mushroom hunting and enjoying nature.

“Nature is such a teacher, and it is so beautiful,” she said. “Nature and artwork just go together.”

We are very thankful for this special gift which she has, and which she shares with so much love.  Story by Sister Regina Albers; contributed photo