Volume 23 Number 3
•
Winter 2013
Carrying on the Legacy www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org
True to their heritage, Sisters educate in the faith Oh, so many years ago, while studying Latin in high school, I learned that the word education comes from the two Latin words ex and ducere. Ducere means to lead and the preposition ex can be translated from or out of. Thus the etymology of education indicates that one is leading forth or out. The implication at the time was that the teacher was leading us out of ignorance into learning or knowledge. It also implied that each was being led into knowledge out from our own life experience. In the early years, our congregation had as one of its primary purposes the education of immigrant children. The early pioneer Sisters in the United States not only kept the day and night hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament as well as providing a subsistence living for themselves and the priests and brothers of the Precious Blood, they also helped the German immigrant parents in Ohio pass on their Catholic faith by teaching the catechism. Bishops of that era, as concerned as they are today about the religious formation of Catholic children, began a Catholic school system which eventually embraced the entire country and preserved the faith of many generations. In this extensive system Sisters taught the three Rs: reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic in addition to the fourth R: religion. Our Sisters taught not only in the classrooms of parish Catholic elementary schools, but also in some public school classrooms where Catholics predominated. Sisters taught both in parish and centralized Catholic High 2
Schools as well as colleges and universities. Eventually, for some, their experience and training in education began to shift away from the classroom to teaching in or coordinating parish programs for religious education, youth ministry and adult faith formation. Other needs presented themselves and Sisters began to teach in prisons, adult literacy centers, with atrisk youth and in spiritual care programs in hospitals and elder care facilities. Former teachers found themselves asked to give retreats and parish missions, and they aptly applied their skills of organizing and “leading forth” to sharing the beauty and wisdom of our Catholic faith story. Educating others in the faith is part of “telling a story,” and our Christian story is far less about “dos and don’ts” and much more about the morality that the Divine Love incarnated in the person of Jesus Christ impels us to do and say. We cannot authentically teach religion without having first encountered the One who was born in a stable in
Bethlehem and ultimately gave his life Blood that we might be saved for eternal union with God. And once we have experienced that encounter, everything we do is changed. Raising and teaching children, working with hands or minds, healing the sick, attending the dying or leading people out of ignorance to knowledge is done differently by those who know not only who they are but Whose they are. Once a teacher, always a teacher, one might say. The recent murder of 20 children, their principal and teachers, on December 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., struck a deep chord of grief with many. No more so than with our Sisters at Salem Heights, many of whom are retired teachers and principals. Recognizing the unspoken bond of solidarity with those who lost their lives and with those who must go on having experienced such violence prompted the Sisters to reach out with prayers, a donation and personal notes which were sent to the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic church in Newtown. To the world this may seem an insignificant gesture, accomplishing little. In light of the gift of the Precious Blood of Jesus, however, we are led from ignorance to the mystery of the life-giving and reconciling power that His Blood offers the world.
Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood Sharing & Caring
Sisters influence students, others As a history buff, I enjoy visiting the Congregation’s archivist, Sister Noreen Jutte, and talking about the Sisters’ ministries from years past. Often these discussions are about the Sisters’ work in education. Since they first arrived in America in 1844, Precious Blood Sisters have been shaping minds and sharpening the Catholic faith of their students. I’m a product of Catholic education. I’ll never forget the Holy Cross Sisters from grade school who not only taught us our ABC’s and math, but also to care for others. An all-school Mass every Friday and choir practice during the holidays helped me
develop a love of the Eucharist. At Moeller High School I spent hours in the school library engrossed in reading and conversation with the late Precious Blood Sister Rose Ann Winkeljohn (M. Robert), the librarian. The religious at Xavier University instilled ethics that have formed the basis of my adult life. That’s why it was so enjoyable to visit and write about the Precious Blood Sisters in education. Sister Paula Gero is light-hearted and keeps her classroom a fun place to learn; Sister Nancy Wolf engages her kindergarteners with non-stop activity; and Sisters Anne Schulz and Patricia Kremer bring a strong dose of academic achievement to the schools they lead as principals. At the college level, Sister Karen
Elliott maintains a caring relationship with the students in her religious studies classes at Mercy College in Toledo. In this issue of Sharing & Caring, we chronicle their stories. Watching these women interact with their students, it’s obvious that they love their ministry and were born to teach. We see their passion for learning and compassion for their students. But we also see them bring a commitment to religion to their students. They help make their Catholic schools Catholic. These ladies, like the hundreds of classroom Sisters who came before them, are truly a life-giving presence.
Dave Eck Director of Communications
Sister embroiders colorful artwork If you happen to see a colorful cross-stitched piece of embroidery hanging in a home, office or church around Dayton or beyond, there’s a chance that you’re viewing Sister Valeria Abele’s handiwork. For more than 45 years, Sister Valeria has been creating the colorful art depicting sayings, the Trinity and everything in between. She sells the artwork, typically to Sisters and employees. A retired nurse, Sister Valeria learned the embroidery style while recovering from foot surgery and was confined to a wheelchair for several months. She heard about the technique and figured that it would help her pass the time. “I was reading about it and I sent for the information and Winter 2013
started working nimble. on it right away,” The artwork she said. “It came comes in individual naturally.” kits that include the In addition to backing material, working at a fora needle, a pattern mer senior home design and colored Precious Blood floss. The finished Sisters operated in pieces are framed Flint, Mich., Sister before they are deValeria has worked livered. The artwork in hospitals and can take more than ministered in westa month to comern states. She was plete, particularly Sister Valeria Abele displays previously a teacher some of her artwork. She sells those with intricate the counted cross-stitch pieces patterns or numerand worked at to Sisters and employees. an orphanage the ous colors. Michelle Bodine photo Sisters operated in “I don’t charge for Dayton. my labor because I don’t call it She continued the crosslabor,” said Sister Valeria. “It stitching after moving to Salem gives me pleasure. If the buyers Heights. The work is enjoyable, can tell me what they want or fulfilling and keeps her fingers need, I try to fill it.” 3
Sister Benita Volk wins poetry contest, gets book published DENVER – Precious Blood Sister Benita Volk (M. Denis Anthony), who freely admits that she loves words and has been writing poetry for years, won first place in the 2012 Chapbook Contest sponsored by the Columbine Poets of Colorado. The contest is a statewide competition and winners were announced earlier this year. Her book of poetry, Leaning Toward the Invisible, was published in September as part of the winning entry. The book contains 21 poems, most of them using nature to reveal deeper thought. “I’ve always been a lover of nature,” said Sister Benita, who grew up on a farm in North Dakota and often hikes in the mountains of Colorado. “I grew
up in the midst of it.” She uses her experience in nature to develop her poetry. “Nature is very sensory,” she said. “There’s always something to see and hear and feel and touch. I believe that the more concrete poetry is the more accessible it is.” “In a world of much noise, Benita Volk’s poems in Leaning Toward the Invisible are quietly passionate,” poet Veronica Patterson wrote in a review of the book. “In a world of heavy flavors, these poems cleanse the palate, though they wake the tongue. And in a world of too much or too little, these poems embody their insights precisely as they probe and sing. “Poem after poem in Leaning Toward the Invisible follows
Robert Frost’s dictum, beginning in surprise and ending in delight. In a period when too many poets seem content with suggestive scraps, Volk provides us with wholly realized poems, and there are plenty of readers who will celebrate the many pleasures her words have to offer.” A retired English teacher, Sister Benita said she enjoys writing poetry because the genre is short and intense. She also appreciates how poetry enables people to connect with themselves. Leaning Toward the Invisible is available for $10 ($5 for Precious Blood Sisters). To order a copy send checks or money to Sister Linda Pleiman; 4000 Denlinger Road; Dayton, Ohio 45426.
Sister publishes new book on Precious Blood spirituality Precious Blood Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman (M. Karen Edward), who has written extensively on liturgy, recently published a book on Sisters of the Precious Blood spirituality. Entitled Red + Gold, A Spirituality of the Sisters of the Precious Blood for Everyone, the text is designed as a guidebook for readers to understand Sister Joyce Ann’s perspective on the Sisters’ unique expression of their spirituality. The publication is divided into five sections, each with four 2-page meditations. The meditations, which cover various elements of the spirituality, can be read independently. Each meditation ends with three statements that enable readers to reflect on how 4
the meditation is implemented in their own lives. In the book’s introduction, Sister Joyce Ann explains that the Sisters’ expression of Precious Blood spirituality is based on both Jesus shedding His blood on the cross as well as the Precious Blood that is given daily in the Eucharist. The Congregation’s rich tradition of Eucharistic adoration – which was the center of Congregational founder Maria Anna Brunner’s prayer life – shapes the Sisters. Some of the areas discussed in the book are spirituality, adoration, suffering, salvation, life, glory, sacrifice, self-offering, generosity and justice. “The book was directed to the laypeople we touch so if they
want to know more about what feeds and drives us, here is something they can use for prayer and meditation,” Sister Joyce Ann said. “The book is meant to lead to prayer and reflection.” The project came about during a discussion between Sister Joyce Ann and Don Rosenbeck, administrator at Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. They were talking about new merchandise in the Shrine’s gift shop when Sister Joyce Ann suggested a book on spirituality to help pilgrims to the Shrine gain a deeper understanding of why the Shrine is part of the Congregation’s legacy and ministry. The book is available at the Maria Stein Shrine Pilgrim Gift Shop. Sharing & Caring
Sisters move into Salem Heights apartments SISTERS LIVING AT Salem Heights began moving into their new apartments in October. Top left: Sisters Joyce Lehman (M. Leanne), left, and Gladys Marie Lowe (M. Bernetta); top center: Sister Margaret Morris (M. De Porres); Sisters Ann Catherine Lehmkuhl, left, and Rosemary Lindemann (M. Christa); bottom left: Sisters Marita Beumer, left, and Rosalie Kastner; bottom center: Sisters Carolyn Hoying (M. Agnese), left, and Bernice Krieg (M. Erwin); bottom right: Sister Canice Werner, left, and nurse Peg Gannon. Michelle Bodine photos.
MAB Fund begins 2013 grants process Applications for the 2013 Maria Anna Brunner Fund grants were mailed to Sisters in early January and are due March 1. The fund will distribute $500,000 to projects this year. An information packet contains an application, letters to Sisters and applicants, a brochure outlining procedures for the application and an evaluation. As in previous years, a Sister Sponsor of the Precious Blood must be directly or indirectly involved with the project or program. Direct involvement means that the Sister Sponsor is serving as the Project Director or is actively involved in the project/program. Indirect involvement means that the Sister is very familiar with people who are applying for grant money, is knowledgeable about the project/program’s goals, objectives, and activities, and Winter 2013
is in continual contact with the progress of the project/program. The origin of the Maria Anna Brunner Fund dates to 1979 when the Sisters of the Precious Blood moved out of their Dayton, Ohio, motherhouse building and into a smaller adjacent building in order to provide a new place for a healthcare facility called the Maria Joseph Living Care Center (MJC). When in 1985 the MJC was well underway in providing needed levels of healthcare to the Dayton community, the MJC’s parent organization, the Samaritan Health Resources, purchased the building from the Sisters. Not long afterward the Sisters began a community-wide stewardship process leading to the decision of how to use the monies from the sale. The community-wide decision opted for designating the sale monies to
be invested. Sixty percent of the income earned from this investment then would be allocated toward programs that help the poor. The allocations would be in the form of grants and the fund was named after the Sisters of the Precious Blood’s foundress, Maria Anna Brunner, who was well known for her care of the poor. Today this Maria Anna Brunner Grant Fund continues to enrich the lives of the poor through funding various nonprofit agencies dedicated to the needs of the poor and underserved. Note: the history of the MAB Fund was researched and written by Sister Nancy Kinross (M. Rose Catherine) and reviewed and approved by Sister Florence Seifert (M. Antonine) who was Treasurer and later President at the time. 5
Sisters of the Precious Blood were among the dozens of vendors at the annual Fair Trade sale Nov. 30 at Bergamo Center in Dayton, one of the largest Catholic Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Rosemary Lindemann and Marita Beumer at the fair trade sales in Fair Trade sale. Dave Eck photo the United States. The Sisters staffed two tables of hand-crafted merchandise from Guatemala and Mexico. The sale of items from Guatemala, which were made primarily by Mayan women, benefitted Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School in Guatemala. On an adjoining table, a wide variety of jewelry and crafts, including those from child artisians, from Mexico were being offered. Proceeds from that sale benefitted The Corner Project in Malinalco, Mexico. About $250 was raised for each institution. This is the third year Precious Blood Sisters have participated in the Fair Trade Sale, said Sister Marita Buemer. “It helps spread the mission of the Sisters of the Precious Blood,” she added. The homepage of the Sisters of the Precious Blood website has been updated to make contents more readable and accessible. The page has been redesigned to include a prominent area for news stories and quick links that take visitors to special sections of the site. The rotating banners across the top of the page are smaller and information about the Congregation has been reformatted. Visit the website at www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org. The Purcell Marian High School Cavalier Newsline recently reprinted part of a Sharing & Caring story about the 1950 Regina High School class reunion held last June at Salem Heights. The newsletter is distributed to alumni of several former Cincinnati high schools including Purcell, Regina and St. Mary. 6
Families in Elkhorn City, Ky., had a brighter Christmas thanks to families from an elementary school more than 260 miles away. Students at MothMother Teresa Catholic Elementary er Teresa Catholic School students Sophie Bishop and Elementary School Mac McCloy help Precious Blood Sister Margie Zureick load clothes into in Liberty Towna van Nov. 14. Courtesy photo ship, Ohio, collected bags of gently-used clothes for St. Joseph the Worker Mission in Elkhorn City. The clothes were distributed through the mission, said Precious Blood Sister Margie Zureick (M. Loretta Rose), pastoral associate at St. Joseph the Worker. It was a case of one Precious Blood Sister supporting another in mission. Sister Anne Schulz (M. Jean Louise), principal at Mother Teresa, was cleaning out her closet and found some clothing that could be used by someone else. She thought of Sister Margie, who works with the poor in the Appalachian mountains in far southeastern Kentucky. Sister Anne put a notice in her school newsletter for additional clothing donations and school families responded. Margie visited the school to collect the clothes just before Thanksgiving. “We ended up with a whole van full of clothes,” Sister Margie said. The next day a family of four adults and nine children came to the mission looking for clothes. They found something for each of the kids and one of the adults found a jacket that he needs in the colder weather in the Mother Teresa donation. It’s an example of how simple donations can have a greater impact, and how Precious Blood Spirituality is expressed. “We pray every day for all those who help us,” Sr. Margie said. “We call them partners in ministry. We’re completely dependent upon our benefactors.” Sharing & Caring
Sisters of the Precious Blood on June 5 hosted a liturgy and farewell dinner for Father Bill O’Donnell former pastor at Precious Blood Parish in Trotwood and a close friend of the Sisters. He was recently appointed pastor at St. Margaret of ScotFather Bill at Precious Blood parish. Pat Morrison land Parish in Chicago. photo Father O’Donnell was a familiar figure at Salem Heights celebrating Mass in the Salem Heights Chapel, visiting with Sisters and eating meals in the Salem Heights dining room. “The Sisters are very caring. They are very supportive,” he said. “That’s really a wonderful, wonderful gift that we share.” When Father Bill O’Donnell became pastor of Precious Blood Parish 12 years ago he identified main constituencies in the parish and naturally looked across the street to Salem Heights. In the Sisters of the Precious Blood he saw a key asset. He also understood the value of collaboration and that entities can’t accomplish things on their own. “That’s what established the relationship with the Sisters about inviting them into the parish and them inviting the people of the parish in,” he said. “It’s been an absolute blessing for everybody involved.” Partnerships between Precious Blood Parish, the Sisters and other church organizations have helped revitalize the Trotwood and the area around northwest Dayton. “It’s very clear that our neighborhood is deteriorating and has many challenges to face as it moves forward,” Father O’Donnell said. “I’ve always been proud of the fact that the Sisters and Precious Blood and other religious groups in this area have been the ones to invest in this area. The religious communities have stepped up to the plate, put money in their buildings and made a commitment that they’re staying.” Father O’Donnell is pleased with the impact the partnerships have made in the community. Winter 2013
“We are truly a Christian presence that makes a difference out here on the north side of Dayton,” he said. “The Sisters come from a history of being rooted and active in ministry. I think the parish and other ways in which we’ve come together have given the Sisters lots of ways in which they can be contributing to the community and the faith out here.” Sister Kathleen Kelly was puzzled when she was encouraged to attend the Tender Mercies annual meeting last October – and she was shocked when she was given the first Sister Kathleen Kelly Award at the meeting. Sister Kathleen Kelly with The award recognizes her award. Courtesy photo Sister Kathleen’s 25 years of service to Tender Mercies, a Cincinnati agency that provides housing, resources and outreach to homeless who are mentally ill. The award will be given to an employee or volunteer who meets three of the four following Tender Mercies criteria: community partner, neighborhood partner, employee of the year or volunteer of the year. Sister Kathleen began working for Tender Mercies in 1987 and spent much of her career there as a human services coordinator. She retired about five years ago and has worked as a full-time volunteer since. She normally volunteers in a building housing 12 women, helping them with appointments, transportation and other needs. The award embodies Sister Kathleen’s commitment to the agency, said Laura Kohus, development manager for the Tender Mercies. It also sets a high standard for future recipients of the award. “Sister Kathleen has given of herself not only to residents, but to staff and volunteers,” Kohus said. “The award was created out of the commitment and contribution Sister Kathleen has given to Tender Mercies as a past employee, community partner, neighborhood partner and volunteer for more than 20 years.” 7
‘It’s not just learning Story and photos by Dave Eck
In the doorway of Precious Blood Sister Nancy Wolf’s (Lisa Marie) kindergarten classroom at Immaculate Conception School in Celina, Ohio, is a colorful poster of Mark 10:16 “And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” The poster expresses the heritage of the Precious Blood Sisters, who have been educating Catholic children for more than a century. In Catholic elementary and high schools throughout the country, genera-
tions of students learned their core subjects for academic success, but they also learned how to be good, faith-filled people. The Sisters taught values, compassion for others, and a love of God and the Eucharist. Today, four Sisters - two principals and two elementary school teachers - carry on that legacy. In addition to Sister Nancy, Sister Paula Gero (Marilyn Kateri) is a fifth grade teacher at St. Pius X School in Flint, Mich.; Sister Patricia Kremer is principal at St. Christopher School in Vandalia,
Above: Sister Paula Gero helps fifth grader Marina Elia with an embroidery project at St. Pius X School in Flint, Mich. On the cover: top left, Sister Anne Schulz, principal at Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Liberty Township, Ohio, with fifth grade student Carmen Eck; top right: kindergarten teacher Sister Nancy Wolf works with Cora Schumm at Immaculate Conception School in Celina, Ohio; bottom left, from left: Tyanna Stewart, Natalie MacDonald, and Mariah Henderson with Sister Paula Gero at St. Pius X School in Flint, Mich.; bottom right, Sister Patricia Kremer, principal at St. Christopher School in Vandalia with third grade teacher Claudia Davis and Jacob Bridgett.
8
Ohio; and Sister Anne Schulz (M. Jean Louise) is principal at Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Liberty Township, Ohio. “I hope I’m carrying on the legacy of my community,” said Sister Patricia, who was educated by Precious Blood Sisters in elementary school and at Regina High School. “The nuns that I had in grade school and high school clearly influenced my life.” The four Precious Blood Sisters say they still bring a strong focus on the faith to their students and schools. They plan Masses, celebrate the feast days and often work God into their lessons. While the laity does an admirable job in teaching religion, the Sisters said, a religious typically brings a stronger viewpoint. In Flint, for example, the diocese once sent out a list of prayers Catholic students should know. Sister Paula “ran with it,” parceling out the list and forming a committee to make sure the kids knew the prayers. “I think that my slant on education is probably colored by my feeling that this is a school that ought to be focused on Jesus. It ought to be focused on good behavior for the right reasons. Maybe I do that better Sharing & Caring
for learning’s sake’ than a layperson who has other priorities and other distractions and more constraints on their time,” Sister Paula said. “I hope that I bring a sense of religious values and I hope that I’m one of the people who keeps calling us back to our true calling.” A 45-year teacher, Sister Paula offers her students a light and airy disposition that makes learning enjoyable. One November morning, she ran through her academic lessons with song and gestures. She discussed Matthew’s Gospel 25 and how doing something for those in need is actually honor- Kindergarten teacher Sister Nancy Wolf helps Bridget Fullenkamp, left, and Kaitlyn Muhlenkamp during free time at Immaculate Conception School in Celina. ing God. Her lessons are short to keep the kids engaged. sure the students perform a need our boys and girls to see To help break up the day, she production for Easter as an Sister Paula. Her choice was to helped the kids with an emexpression of Precious Blood take this vow. She makes it very broidery project once the school spirituality. She is serious tangible to them.” work was finished. She also about teaching religion. A storyteller, Sister Paula’s pitches in with them whenever “She’s just instrumental in students “love her,” Kaplan she is needed. helping this said. His son came home one During the day and told his father he ‘I hope that I bring school be recent ChristCatholic believes in Jesus because of a sense of religious aschool,” mas pageant, said something Sister Paula said. She values and I hope a student got R.J. Kaplan, St. brings a gift of making her stusick so Sister Pius X princidents believe in Jesus, Kaplan that I’m one of the Paula took pal, who has explained. It’s something he people who keeps her place as a a son in Sister and his wife – a former student servant in the Paula’s class. of Sister Paula’s at St.Pius – calling us back to stable. “I hope “I think it’s want for their children. our true calling.’ the costume important that St. Pius is now celebrating its matches my 50th year. Precious Blood Sisters - Sister Paula Gero we show the eyes,” she said vocation of reopened the school and except with a chuckle. ligious life to our kids and have for a 3-year break have been Sister Paula also makes someone who is that person. We there since. Sister Paula has been Winter 2013
9
Once, Sister Nancy forgot to encourage them to talk with God and one little girl brought it up. It was then that Sister Nancy realized she had instilled prayer in the student. “To me the most important part of a Catholic school is being able to put Jesus and God into the everyday life,” Sister Nancy said. “It’s not just learning for learning’s sake, it’s because God loves (us). The children learn that and they know that prayer is an important part.” Sister Nancy’s energy and Sister Anne Schulz at her desk at Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School In Liberty Township. enthusiasm are evident as she teaching at the school since 1978, Blood High School and entered keeps her kindergarteners busy mostly teaching fifth grade. the community. When Sisters be- with their work. She diagrams A native of Missouri, Sister gan new ministries, Sister Nancy a sentence on a white board, Paula grew up wanting to be a remained in the classroom. reads to them, moves them teacher and a woman religious. “I love teaching,” she said. into groups to illustrate basic She originally planned to teach “That’s always been something math and plays music to help high school history. In college, I wanted to do and the students them recognize the alphabet. In however, her superiors encourjust keep you going. It’s a love discussing the Gospel story of aged her to focus on elementary and a gift.” the lost sheep, she uses a stuffed school teaching because of her She enjoys weaving Precious sheep as a prop. bubbly, upbeat personality. It Blood spirituality into her les “She presents a tremendous was the right decision and a sons, teaching children to love example to our children of livstrong fit. God and that He’s the center of ing out your vocation of love for “I enjoy the company of fifth their life. She often tells her stu- God,” Immaculate Conception grade children,” she said. “I dents to thank God for His gifts principal Polly Muhlenkamp feel it uses my talents well. as she discusssaid of Sister I’m quite intelligent and could es such things ‘I love teaching. Nancy. “It’s probably do something else, but as the environvery evident That’s always been I wouldn’t have used so many ment or human in everything something I wanted she does. She’s aspects of myself.” senses. In Celina, Sister Nancy is com- Then there such a superb to do and the stupleting her 30th year at Immacu- are the “little teacher. I think dents just keep you late Conception, 27 of which miracles” children feel have been teaching kindergarten. when she sees going. It’s a love and blessed to have Precious Blood Sisters opened the children been taught by a gift.’ the school in 1878 and have been embracing a Sister.” serving there since, except for a God in their - Sister Nancy Wolf In an era brief time in the 1970s. lives. At the of dwindling Growing up in Wapakoneta, end of each day the class prays religious working in CathoOhio, she wanted to be a teacher and Sister Nancy asks the kids lic schools, Sister Patricia said since the second grade. She to talk with God and tell Him working at St. Christopher is graduated from then-Precious what they liked about the day. important to her because she is 10
Sharing & Caring
carrying on her Sisters’ legacy. Precious Blood Sisters opened the school in 1959 and served there until 1974. Sister Patricia, a Norwood, Ohio, native, marked their return when she came as principal about 20 years ago. Like most Catholic schools, St. Christopher balances academic success with lessons about the faith and Precious Blood spirituality. “When they are finished here at St. Christopher I want them to be strong in the faith or at least well on their way,” she said. “I want them to have an excellent education that has prepared them to be responsible people in the world. I want them to leave here and go to any high school and be successful because they have a solid foundation.” The students attend an allschool Mass weekly, but Sister Patricia also wants her students be a life-giving presence to others. “They get a message like that every single day here at school,” she said. “I want them to constantly be working on being better people, being that face of Christ for others.” In Liberty Township, a burgeoning suburban area between Cincinnati and Dayton, Sister Anne has been principal of Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School since it opened in 1998. A Bristol, Conn., native, she enjoys the impact she can make on children. “Children are our future,” she said. “If you give kids a good, solid foundation, then you have strong adults. That’s why I stayed in education and really believe in it.” Winter 2013
Cities in which the Sisters of the Precious Blood taught elementary or high school Arizona – Mesa, Phoenix, Tuscon California – Alameda, El Cajon, Escondido, Manteca, Arvada Colorado – Arvada, Denver, Loveland Florida – Orlando Indiana – Bryan, Fort Wayne, Garrett, Indian Creek, Lafayette, La Porte, Renesselaer, Wanatah, Winamac. Iowa – Templeton Kansas – Beloit Michigan – Flint Missouri – Germantown, Montrose, St. Mary, St. Joseph, Sedalia North Dakota – Linton, Stratsburg Ohio – Alvada, Bellefontaine, Botkins, Burkettsville, Carthagena,
As a woman religious, she brings a strong focus on religion to the school, Sister Anne explained. The value of prayer is one. “One big thing I always stress with the kids is just give God five minutes,” Sister Anne said. “I give them a love of God. I gave my whole life to God so they can pray to God for five minutes.” While the Sisters realize that
Cassella, Celina, Centerville, Chickasaw, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cloverdale, Coldwater, Columbus Grove, Dayton, Fort Recovery, Fulda, Fryburg, Egypt, Glandorf, Himmelgarten, Liberty Township, Leipsic, Maria Stein, Marywood, McCartyville, Miamisburg, Millville, Minster, Monroeville, New Riegel, North College Hill, Norwood, Ottawa, Ottoville, Reed, Russia, Shelby, St. Francis, St. Henry, St. Marys, St. Stephen, St. Wendelin, Tippecanoe, Troy, Vandalia, Versailles, Wapakoneta Virginia – Falls Church Wisconsin – Hartland
laypeople do a good job in teaching the faith in Catholic schools, a woman religious brings a stronger focus on religion and vocations that isn’t easily replaced. “I do think my being a Sister means that I am conscious of prayer, liturgy and the reasons for good behavior,” Sister Paula said. “I think I can do more concerning the religious life of the children.”
Sister Patricia Kremer with Hannah Machuca at St. Christopher School in Vandalia.
11
Sister Karen brings compassion to college classes Story and photos by Dave Eck
to take emperical data and One morning last November make it a lived reality. a former student knocked on Sister Karen Elliott’s office door In her Death, Dying and Beat Mercy College of Ohio with a reavement class, for example, simple request: forgiveness. He Sister Karen requires students to create a living will by finding had stopped coming to school the document, getting it notortwo years earlier and failed his ized and actually talking with classes. He felt that he hadn’t given her his best, let her down the person with whom they are working. The exercise gives and wanted to apologize. They them an understanding of what prayed and he asked her to it’s like to walk with the sick keep in touch. and dying. Those are the moments that drive Sister Karen to keep teach- “I want to take it to a clinical experience,” she said. “How do ing and connecting with her you understand your patient students. because you’ve been through “It’s the inspiration of being involved in people’s lives,” Sis- this process?” Sister Karen brings a human ter Karen said. “I think people component and a passion for are inspiring and that’s what I student growth to her classes, get out of teaching these students. They are amazing people explained Karen Turpening, who is studying health care adand I feel blessed to be associministration. She advocates for ated with them.” A Dayton native, Sister Karen her students and wants them grow into strong, ethical and has been chairperson and asfaith-filled people. sociate professor of religious “I have grown so much from studies at Mercy College in what she has Toledo since taught me 2004. She pre‘I’ve brought God and what she viously served into their lives and stands for,” as director of religious edubrought God in such Turpening “In the cation at Most a way that they can said. health care Pure Heart of profession we Mary Parish in connect.’ need instrucShelby, Ohio, tors like that to really tell us and and as coordinator of youth ministry at St. Michael the Arch- to value what we’re doing today because it’s going to impact angel Parish in Findlay, Ohio. She also taught junior high at St. tomorrow.” Deneen Parker, a military Michael. veteran and student in the nurs Still, teaching college is her ing program, explained that love and true gift. For her, it’s when she started school she was more than theory. When devel“rough around the edges,” but oping an assignment she seeks 12
Sister Karen Elliott has been chairwoman and associate professor of religious studies at Mercy College since 2004.
Sister Karen creates a comfortable classroom environment. “If I’m having a bad day she just seems to know the perfect message,” Parker said. “She can cite the perfect Bible passage. She can tell us right where to go because she just seems to know what message we need religiously. I just love that.” Blake Hart, a nursing student, said Sister Karen makes sure her students understand the material by using in-class discussions and relating it to personal experience. “She puts her students ahead of herself all the time,” Hart said. “She takes time to listen to us, our issues, even if it’s not concerning the class.” The passion she brings into her classroom reflects the Precious Blood Sisters’ charism of being a life-giving reconciling presence. “Passion is about being lifegiving,” Sister Karen said. “I want to always bring the enthusiasm that I have and love of God to the classroom.” Sharing & Caring
Prayer is a key part of her “My parents had a tremenher mind when she sees an inclasses. She prays before tests dous impact on me,” Sister justice. and students seek her out indiKaren said. “It was that whole “I will speak out for people, vidually for prayer. She prays sense of education and how im- even when I know it’s going for them to do well, not for to cause me a problem,” she themselves, but for the sake explained. “That’s what Jesus of their future patients. She did. I think there are things saves notes and emails that that if they don’t outrage you, students write thanking her there is something wrong with for praying with them. your soul.” “To know that prayer reSister of Charity Barbara ally matters, that’s one of Davis said Sister Karen’s real our major (Precious Blood) niche is teaching college. A charisms,” she said. “That’s natural teacher, Sister Karen is what Mother Brunner did, very caring, open, and honest, Deneen Parker, left, and Karen Turpening discuss a the praying hands. It’s real. but tough because she wants textbook with Sister Karen Elliott. Prayer really matters to these her students to grow, Sister people and it matters today. Barbara said. They come and ask me to pray portant that is. They always just “For many of our students,” with them so it means someencouraged us.” Sister Karen is maybe the first thing. It’s life-giving for me and Her parents also helped form women religious they’ve ever then I’m life-giving for them.” her compassion for others. They met” said Sister Barbara, who She doesn’t want her students taught her to never forget those has known Sister Karen for 30 to be brilliant theologians, but in need. Today, if Sister Karen years and has lived with her for she wants them to know more sees a person on a highway 20. “She brings such integrity about themselves and their rela- exit ramp asking for help, she’ll to what she does. The students tionship with God. often give a dollar. If it’s the see that what Sister Karen says, “It brings me great joy to be same person, she’ll give a dollar she does. able to use the intellect to give every day. For a teacher, success can people a framework for religion Her philosophy, which she be measured in grades, test and then use their hearts to get learned from her father, is that performance and other assessthem to understand that it’s if someone takes advantage of ment. For Sister Karen, success more than just words on a is listening to students and page,” Sister Karen said. “I’ve colleagues speak of the role brought God into their lives she plays in their lives. It’s and brought God in such a helping them grow into who way that they can connect.” God made them to be. It’s a Sister Karen’s passion for student going out of his way education was nurtured by to seek forgiveness. It’s formher parents, who sacrificed ing connections and making to send their four children to them better people. Catholic school. When her “It’s reaching them,” she mom was dying she learned said. “Its’ seeing them beSister Karen Elliott, center, meets with Linda Wheata new word and used it in a lieve in themselves because ley, left and Sister of Charity Barbara Davis at Mercy sentence, Sister Karen reI’ve seen them sitting in tears College. called, getting emotional. Her and helping them overcome father, a truck driver and later her charity and goodwill it’s failure. It’s lifting people back secretary/treasurer of the Team- on their conscience, but if she up when they’ve fallen down sters’ Union, was a deep thinker doesn’t help it’s on her’s. She’s and helping to mend a broken who cared about people. also well-known for speaking spirit.” Winter 2013
13
Sister Marie Bax (Sister M. Heloise) October 16, 1926 — December 27, 2012
A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Marie Bax (formerly known as Sister M. Hèloise), was held at Salem Heights in Dayton on December 31. Sister Marie, 86, died at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton on December 27. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 69 years. A native of Moberly, Mo., she was a grade
school teacher in Ohio and Indiana for five years. She then spent 20 years teaching high school in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and California. In 1971 she began serving as an accountant at Marian Hall in Flint, Mich., for 18 years. She then spent 17 years assisting the Congregation’s treasurer and finance officer. She retired in 2006 and moved to Salem Heights in 2012. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Tenney of Magnolia, Texas. Interment was in the Salem Heights Cemetery.
Sister Catherine Brickner (Sister M. Lucina) August 3, 1932 — December 23, 2012
A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Catherine Brickner (formerly known as Sister M. Lucina), was held December 27 at Salem Heights. Sister died December 23 at Emma Hall at Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 63 years. A native of Ottoville, Sister spent 23 years as a
teacher in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and Colorado. In 1976 Sister began a new ministry as activity director for the elderly in California and Ohio. She retired to Salem Heights in 2001. She moved to Emma Hall in 2004. She is survived by her sisters, Lauretta Schaffer; Rose Wenzlick and Carolyn Schimmoeller. She is also survived by her brothers, Walter J. Brickner; Ralph W. Brickner; Steven V. Brickner; and John N. Brickner. Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery.
Sister Mary Casilda Obringer April 17, 1924 — November 9, 2012
A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Mary Casilda Obringer, 88, was held November 13 at Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton. A Sister of the Precious Blood for 69 years, Sister Casilda died November 9 at Maria Joseph Center. A native of Burkettsville, Ohio, Sister Casilda worked in food service at seminaries, schools and senior living facilities. She served as a cook and food supervisor in Cincinnati, Canton and Dayton; Rensselaer and Rome City, Ind.; San Luis Rey, Calif.; Denver, Colo. and Flint, Mich.
She later learned the printing trade and worked as a printer for the Maria Joseph Living Care Center. In 1981, The Strathmore Paper Company Graphics Gallery recognized Maria Joseph Center for its stationery and letterhead and requested 2,500 copies of the stationery to be used as part of their marketing portfolio which was distributed around the United States and Canada. Sister Casilda is survived by her brothers, Edward, Jerome and Carl of Ft. Recovery, and Ralph of Coldwater. Her surviving sisters are Alvira Kaiser of Ft. Recovery and Dorothy Denney of Hamilton. Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery.
For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.
14
Sharing & Caring
Sister Magdalen Hutmacher (Sister M. Esther) March 29, 1920 — October 19, 2012
A Mass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister Magdalen Hutmacher, 92, was held October 24, at Salem Heights in Dayton. Sister Magdalen died October 19 at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was a Sister of the Precious Blood for 68 years. A native of Fayette, N.D., Sister Magdalen ministered in food service and domestic arts. She worked at Salem Heights and Lourdes Hall in Dayton, and at convents in California and
Colorado. She also worked at seminaries in Canton, Ohio and Denver, Colo. In 1983, Sister Magdalen began ministering in dietary service and as a seamstress at St. Leonard’s Center in Centerville. Sister Magdalen is survived by nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were all her 15 siblings, many of whom died of diphtheria and measles in their early years. Last to precede her were her brothers, Joseph and John of Gladstone and Bismarck, N.D. and her sister Elizabeth Hutmacher of Enderlin, N.D. Interment was in the Salem Heights Cemetery.
For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.
In Sympathy
We offer sympathy and prayer to the following Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members to death.
Sisters Laura and Pat Will on the death of their niece, Marion Diller. Sister Barbara Agnew on the death of her first cousin, Vincent Cashman, and Jack Keyes, his brother-in-law, both who died Dec. 10. Sister Katie Lett on the death of her niece, Janet Seaton, who died Dec. 4. Sister Margie Huelsman on the death of her uncle, Rudy Quinter, who died Nov. 26. Sister Carlotta Lammers on the death of her niece’s hus-
&
Sharing Caring
THE SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
■
DAYTON, OHIO
Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the congregation, Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the sisters’ mission. PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER
Winter 2013
band, James Landick. Sister Virgine Elking on the death of her nephew, Tom Lutz. Sister Marty Bertke on the death of her brother-in-law, Othmar Osterloh, who died Nov. 11. Sister Adeline Mertz on the death of her brother, Herb Quinter. Sister Della Mae Meyer on the death of her cousin, Joyce Schirack. Sister Hedwig Stammen on the death of her cousin, Algar Moeller. CPPS Mission Statement Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus the Christ and rooted in Eucharistic prayer, we Sisters of the Precious Blood proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world. Editor Dave Eck, Director of Communications Layout and Design Michelle Bodine Communications Technician
Sister Rosella Hess (deceased) on the death of her nephew, Marianist Father Francis Kenny, who died Sept. 25. Sister Barbara Ann Hoying on the death of her cousin, Kyle Rindler, who died Sept. 17.
Remembering...
Belinda White, our faithful employee, who passed away on November 21 after suffering cancer for 12 years. Frank Umphrey, husband of former member Helen Moorman. Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 Phone: (937) 274-2707 E-mail: Communications@ PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org Printing Thomas Graphics, Dayton, Ohio All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the editor at address above.
15
Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966
‘Stepping up the Call’ challenged, educated Story by Dave Eck
CARTHAGENA – Call it competed for prizes. The three ‘Jeopardy’ with a twist. teams with the most correct More than a dozen people answers received small medals. attended the annual ‘Stepping Participants were quizzed on up the Call’ pilgrimage at St. such things as the origin of the Charles Center vocation and its role Nov. 17 to test their in the church. Sisknowledge and ters of the Precious learn more about Blood, for example, vocations in the had a list of quesCatholic Church. tions on the history Representatives and charism of their from the Cincinnati Congregation. Archdiocese and In addition, speakaffiliated Catholic ers gave witness organizations set talks about the up stations to share vocation they repinformation and resented. Heather quiz participants’ Borchers of the knowledge about Serra Club of St. Precious Blood Sister Mary specific vocations. Yarger speaks during the StepMary’s/Sidney ping up the Call pilgrimage Nov. Groups included deaneries gave 17 at St. Charles Center. Dave Eck photo Precious Blood an update of the Sisters, Missionarclub’s mission and ies of the Precious Blood, the current events. Luke and Rene permanent deaconate, archdioc- Klosterman of Coldwater spoke esan priests, the Serra Club and of their marriage and the role the Knights of Columbus. There Christ plays in it. Father Kyle were also representatives from Schnippel, director of vocations married life. for the Archdiocese of Cincin In a new format, participants nati, and Precious Blood Sister formed teams to answer quesMary Yarger, coordinator of tions about each vocation and vocations, also spoke at the 16
event. Missionary of the Precious Blood Brother Hugh Henderson, associate of pastoral care at the Church of the Resurrection in Cincinnati, described the role of a religious brother, explaining that brothers focus on service and have numerous opportunities for outreach, social justice and service to those in need. In the past, pilgrimage participants walked to various churches in an effort to raise awareness of vocations. The new format was designed to educate people about all vocations. It was also shortened to better accommodate time constraints of the participants. “I like to emphasize the fact that all of us have vocations,” Brother Hugh said. “All of us are called to serve the church and serve humanity. If the church is to grow with vocations, you have to recognize all vocations. A church without all vocations is impoverished.” Sharing & Caring