Sharing & Caring Winter 2016

Sharing & Caring Volume 26 Number 3 • Winter 2016 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

our

history in

domestic arts

From the President’s Desk

Rich in Mercy

W

e recently celebrated the feast of the Incarnation, of God choosing to become human in Jesus.

For us, unlike for the secular world, Christmas doesn’t stop December 26 when the decorations come down, when you can no longer find Christmas music on the radio and when tired fir trees line the streets for recycling pickup.

For Catholics the Christmas season extends our contemplation of the mystery of God’s love incarnate in the innocent Child to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which this year was January 10. This extended celebration is meant to remind us that our God continues to be gracious and to draw near to us in Jesus.

God’s tender heart in Jesus is still evident in the ordinariness in our lives, among the people we meet, and in acts that are loving, forgiving and merciful.

On December 8, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s in Rome, which now becomes the Door of Mercy “through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instills hope” (Misericordiae Vultus, par. 3). This call to mercy prompts us to reflect both on the times others have been merciful to us and when we have been merciful to others. In doing so, we can begin to touch and be touched by the infinite mercy that God offers to us.

The Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are full of references to mercy, to God’s “lovingkindness” (Hebrew chesed). The various prayers in 2

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both the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours frequently include a recognition of our need of and desire for God’s mercy, the mercy of others, and our own willingness to accept gently our failed and frail selves. To be merciful, it takes a tender heart.

Back in high school, many of us studied The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

This section from Act 4, Scene 1 prompts reflection as Portia reminds Sherlock who wants, in justice, his pound of flesh: The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:

…

But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice …, Though justice be thy plea, consider this, That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy …

Our world today, in its polarization and need to assign blame, often misses the quality of mercy. Mercy recognizes that there is right and wrong, and then lovingly acknowledges that we are imperfect people who struggle to make sense out of life in an imperfect world.

Rigidity and a stony heart make for pain and exclusion.

Mercy takes a tender heart.

Mercy, when aligned with justice, allows for circumstances to be considered and then invites us to examine what we did and what the consequences are. Mercy gives the space and the time to engage in an examination of conscience. It does not judge a person’s intentions while at the same time recognizes that certain actions call for certain consequences.

In all this, the merciful recognize that “there, but for the grace of God, go I …”

Pope Francis is dedicating a year to reminding us that the lovingkindness of God does not exclude. God continues to gather in the lost sheep, the prodigal sons and daughters, as well as all who are faithful.

Mercy means redemption is available for all. We can deny the gift, avoid the gift, give the gift back, but it is always there, within reach held by a loving God. We are rich in mercy. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

L

istening to Bette Midler sing her classic song “Wind Beneath my Wings” has always been enjoyable. Not only is her voice absolutely incredible, but the lyrics are so inspiring and full of grace. They tell the story of a person acknowledging the support received from another. The sacrifice of one – working in the shadows – to the benefit of someone else.

That same thing happens in all walks of life. We often hear of one spouse putting a career on hold to help the other achieve their own goals and dreams. In the workplace, administrative staff support an executive who often ends up shining in the corporate spotlight. Parents make personal and financial sacrifices so their children have every opportunity to be successful.

None of us can do it alone.

For every accomplishment, there are people behind the scenes who helped along the way. They aren’t flashy or out front, but they are there and vital. They are the strength to

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.

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

another person’s glory.

I was thinking of this over and over during my interviews with the Sisters who spent their lives ministering in domestic arts. For decades, these Sisters worked in convents, seminaries, assisted living facilities and retreat houses. They were cooks, housekeepers and launderers.

They were often unseen and unheard.

Yet, they kept the church functioning, day by day.

Their stories are fascinating. They often learned on the job, relying on older Sisters to teach them the most basic skills. Some worked for bishops and a cardinal. Others served hundreds of seminarians three meals a day. They even fed an NFL team during training camp for many years.

The Sisters who served in this way lived quiet, spiritual lives, dedicated to the Eucharist and serving others. In that sense, they are the truest followers of Mother Maria Anna Brunner, foundress of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Mother Brunner went 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, Media Specialist

Editor’s Notes

A shout out to the ones who carried the church

to live in Castle Loewenberg to help with the domestic work in the seminary and brought with her a strong devotion to the Eucharist. Other women joined her, forming the community we have today.

Though now retired from active ministry, these Sisters continue to bake and cook for their own enjoyment or for social occasions. They laugh over stories of their days in the kitchens and laundries.

Though they were never in front of a classroom or an assembly in a cathedral, they are the unsung heroes who enabled others to fly, being the wind beneath their wings. 

Dave Eck Director of Communications Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 phone: (937) 274-2707 email: deck@cppsadmin.org Printing Progressive Printers, Inc., Dayton, Ohio PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

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Domestic

ministry

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From top, Sister Dolorosa Oen; Sister Jeannine Kloeker; Sister Eva Roehrich. Photos by Michelle Bodine

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hey toiled in the shadows, rarely seen or heard.

In seminaries and retreat houses. In Bishops’ residences and assisted living facilities.

From Cincinnati to Denver to Phoenix, generations of Precious Blood Sisters cooked, cleaned, did the laundry and kept house for more than a century. They lived in community in their own quarters, with their own chapel, often separated from the rest of the institution.

The work was challenging and physically demanding, yet they were dedicated to serving those who served the rest of us.

They were the backbone of the church.

"I just think those Sisters really supported the church in a very humble, simple way," said Father Joseph Beckman, remembering the Sisters of the Precious Blood who worked at then-St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati when he was there as a student and later as a teacher.

Sometimes they were young, newly professed Sisters who had to learn on the job.

Sister Eva (M. Lelia) Roehrich was assigned to St. Greg-

rich

ory to cook shortly after her formation. A farm girl from North Dakota, the kitchen was new to her.

"I had never cooked. Then I had to go and cook the priests breakfast," she said, laughing at the memory. "I didn't know what to cook. I didn't know how to fry bacon or pancakes. I didn't know anything about that."

The head cook, Sister Euthalia Boeke noticed Sister Eva standing in the kitchen and showed her young charge how to prepare the dishes. Soon Sister Eva was whipping up her own slices of heaven at mealtime.

Sister Eva went on to spend 23 years in kitchens in Cincinnati, Dayton and Colorado, including eight years in charge of food service at then-St. Thomas seminary in Denver.

She remembers the special dinners her staff prepared for the students at St. Thomas each month. One Thanksgiving they prepared one turkey for a table of 16, poured brandy on the bird and lit it so it would flame up. There were carving sets for each table and a cornucopia with fruit flowing Story by Dave Eck

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arts has a

history from it. Another dinner had a winter theme and someone brought in skis for decoration.

After leaving food service Sister Eva spent nearly 30 years as a receptionist in Dayton and Virginia.

Though now retired, the Sisters who served in domestic arts share with each other stories from their years of active ministry.

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ister Adeline Mertz worked in food service and housekeeping in Indiana and Ohio.

She recalls one day while working at a seminary, she noticed a cherry tree bursting with cherries. The next day the Sisters went to pick the cherries, but they were gone. They first thought the culprits were students, but the Sisters quickly realized a flock of birds had pilfered the fruit.

In 1956 Sister Adeline was assigned to St. Gregory Seminary when the building housing the kitchen was destroyed by fire. She was visiting in Dayton the night of the blaze and heard about it the next morning.

Sister Verlina (M. Benet) Mescher, food service supervi-

sor at St. Gregory then, remembers waking up that morning to see fire engines on the seminary grounds. The Sisters lost everything. Sister Verlina oversaw the relocation of the kitchen into the school’s auditorium. As the reconstruction progressed they moved their equipment four different times.

“It was something,” she said.

Sister Verlina and her staff fed hundreds of people three times a day during her 26 years of food service at St. Gregory, at the former Fatima Hall in Dayton, at the Sisters of the Precious Blood motherhouse, and Lourdes Hall and at then-St. Thomas Seminary in Denver.

“Everyone worked together,” she said. “We made everything from scratch.”

While making beef stew one day, Sister Verlina accidently threw macaroni into the stew.

“It turned out real beautiful,” she said. “They liked it, too. It was real tasty.”

Sister Verlina transitioned into working with the elderly in 1981 until retiring to Salem Heights in Dayton in 2014.

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rowing up on a farm near Ft. Loramie, Ohio, Sister

From top, Sister Adeline Mertz; Sister Ritamary Bulach Photos by Michelle Bodine; Sister Verlina Mescher. Photo by Dave Eck

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Maria Stein and Centerville, all in Ohio.

“I had to learn from scratch,” she said. “I really did.”

As food service director at the Maria Stein Retreat Center, Sister Jeannine planned the menus and ordered the food. Each year she packed away in a freezer all the packages of meat from a cow that they had butchered.

“Sometimes we worked from morning to night,” she said.

Business groups rented the center for seminars and requested certain dishes. One group wanted prime rib roasts. Sister Jeannine had never prepared the dish and was rather nervous about the order. The group had paid On the cover: Sister Joanella Whaley at the slicer in for the expensive beef. the kitchen of the former St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, C.PP.S. photo; above, the dining hall and “I worried about it all kitchen at the Athenaeum of Ohio, where some of night,” she said. “I didn’t the Sisters worked. Photos by Dave Eck sleep very well. I read the recipes and figured out how to Jeannine (Leo Mary) Kloeker do it.” had little use for the kitchen.

She followed the directions Her mom and older sisters did and held her breath. After the the cooking while she helped dinner one of the businessmen her dad with the farm chores. came into the kitchen and told Besides, there were grander her it was the best prime rib he dreams than learning how to ever had. cook. Jeannine wanted to be “I never worried about it a professional baseball player again,” Sister Jeannine said. for the Ft. Wayne Daisies of The center also hosted meetthe All-American Girls Profesings of the Catholic bishops sional Baseball League. from Ohio, Kentucky and Indi But after she finished grade ana. After one gathering thenschool, God intervened.

Cincinnati Archbishop Joseph “I felt the calling,” she said.

L. Bernardin came back and Sister Jeannine enter Fatima talked with each of the cooks.

Hall, the former aspirancy “I never forgot that,” Sister for the Sisters of the Precious Jeannine said. “He recognized Blood after eighth grade. After what we were doing.” profession she began a 40-year Sister Jeannine moved away career in food service in Dayfrom cooking and spent 11 ton, Burkettsvlle, Carthagena, 6

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years as the assistant coordinator for the infirmed Sisters living at the Maria Joseph Center.

She’s still a baseball fan, often wearing a Cincinnati Reds t-shirt and staying up late to catch a ballgame on television.

Though she never chased her own dream of professional baseball, Sister Jeannine feels she made the better choice in following God’s call.

“I just felt it was the right thing for me to do,” she said.

“I have to say I’ve been happy.

I really have.”

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he Sisters at each institution formed their own little communities. They worked, prayed and played together.

Mass in their private chapel was celebrated each morning.

At some places there was an afternoon rest. After evening prayer, the Sisters talked or played cards.

It was a quiet, holy life that brought them closer to God. “I think gradually we grew,” said Sister Adeline, who remembers feeding the Chicago Bears football team when they trained at St. Joseph College in Renselaer, Ind., in the 1950s. “I think we grew a little each day, each week and each year.”

“Your prayer life comes with what you put into it,” Sister Eva said. “No one else can put it in for you. You’ve got to build it up yourself.”

For Sister Ritamary Bulach work and prayer make up life.

Her work in food service at Lourdes Hall, the former Precious Blood Sisters infirmary, complimented her lifestyle.

“I loved it there,” she said. “I got to know the older Sisters continued on page 8

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Sisters of the Precious Blood ministered in domestic arts at these locations: ELDER CARE INSTITUTIONS

Indiana Ligonier – St. Vincent 1956-67 Rome City – Kneipp Springs 1901-76 Michigan Flint – Marian Hall 1958-89 Ohio Cincinnati – St. Theresa Home for the Aged 1920-36; 1985-88 Dayton – Maria Joseph Home for the Aged/Living Care Center 1930-85; St. Leonard Center

ORPHANAGES

Arizona Phoenix – 1903-46; St. Mary's Ohio Dayton – St. Joseph 1891-1967 Minster – 1852-1940 New Riegel – 1845-56 Thompson (Marywood) – 18561912

RESIDENCES OF CLERGY

Colorado Denver – 1931-73 Indiana Lafayette – Bishop 1949-65 Michigan Marquette – Bishop 1992-2009 Missouri St. Louis – Archbishop (Cardinal) 1968-89 Ohio Cincinnati – Archbishop; Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains 1956-2000; Chancery 1930-66; Secretary (archbishop) 1944-77 College Hill Columbus – Bishop 1965-68 Hyde Park – Bishop 1940-50 Norwood – Archbishop 1917-47 Toledo – Bishop 1940-67

Washington, D.C. Brady Hall – 1919-30

SEMINARIES

California San Diego – Immaculate Heart 1953-1970 Colorado Denver – St. Thomas 1950-86 Missionaries of the Precious Blood Brunnerdale – 1931-79 Burkettsville – 1896-1967 Carthagena – 1879-2002 Collegeville – 1896-1958 Ohio Cincinnati Mount St. Marys – 1926-60 St. Gregory – 1923-69

RETREAT HOUSE

Ohio Maria Stein Shrine – prior to 1962; Maria Stein Retreat House – 1962-97

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Ohio Cincinnati – Fenwick Club 1916-37 Sisters also worked in convents where there were a majority of teaching Sisters. Some of the major places were in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Norwood and Ottawa in Ohio, Oceanside, California, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Photos, from top: Sisters working in the kitchen at St. Joseph in Collegeville, Indiana; Sisters at St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, Colorado; Sisters working in the kitchen at Kneipp Springs in Rome City, Indiana; Sister Armella Schoenlein; Sisters Eva Roehrich and Theresa Rizzo at Maria Joseph Home for the Aged in 1973. Contributed photos

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and what they did. You got the spirit that way. They were just holy souls.”

She later worked in food service and housekeeping at Maria Stein Retreat House before returning to cooking at the MariaJoseph Care Center in Dayton.

Preparing food helped her fill her vocation.

“I was feeding people,” she said. “I was making people happy and what makes people happier than food?”

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rior to 1969, Sisters were assigned in ministry. In many cases Superiors of the Congregation chose the type of ministry a Sister would do, with or without dialogue before making the assignment.

The talents of the Sister and the needs of the time were considered in making the decision.

Sister Dolorosa Oen, who at 103 is the oldest living Sister of the Precious Blood, freely admits that she didn’t par-

ticularly enjoy school. So after profession, she was glad to be missioned to domestic work.

After ministering in food service in Ohio and Indiana, Sister Dolorosa was assigned to the residence of then-Lafayette, Ind., Bishop John G. Bennett as a housekeeper. That was the beginning of a journey that took her to Columbus, Ohio, then St. Louis and even on a visit to Rome and an audience with Pope Paul VI. After Bishop Bennett died, Sister Dolorosa continued working for his successor, Bishop John J. Carberry. She followed him when he was named bishop of Columbus and again when he was appointed St. Louis archbishop. She accompanied him to Rome when he was elevated to cardinal in 1969.

She remembers driving the cardinal’s family members to see the sights in St. Louis when they came to visit. There were trips to the St. Louis Arch and rides on the excursion boat Admiral with music and dancing.

Sister Dolorosa spent 40 years working for Bishop Bennet and Cardinal Carberry before retiring to Dayton in 1989.

The Sisters provided companionship during the bishops’ downtime. The Sisters would sometimes eat with them.

“It was wonderful,” she said.

“I enjoyed it. They were both so kind. They had a hard job, working for the people.”

Though the bishops could have hired anyone to serve in their homes, they preferred Sisters because they brought with them a deep spirituality.

“Those Sisters were a living evangelization,” said Sister Joyce Ann (Karen Edward) Zimmerman, who remembers the Sisters working in the motherhouse when she was a postulant. “That’s what those Sisters contributed. They didn’t teach anything. They didn’t speak anything. They simply lived through the work of their hands. The prayer life, their love of God [is what] they embodied.” 

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating Winter and Spring birthdays.

FEBRUARY 8 Paula Gero 8 Marjorie Huelsman 12 Theresa Rizzo 16 Regina Albers 18 Barbara Ann Hoying 19 Marita Beumer 24 Eva Roehrich 28 Verlina Mescher 28 Margaret Zureick MARCH 1 Claire Louise Sharpshair 8

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4 Irene Holz 5 Jane Francis Hoffman 6 Mary Lou Schmersal 12 Nancy Kinross 13 Dorothy Koenig 17 Dorothy Schmitmeyer 23 Rose Margaret Broerman 27 Martha Ann Bertke APRIL 7 Rosemary Goubeaux 9 Virgine Elking 10 Mary Barbara Agnew

11 Alice Schoettelkotte 13 Maureen Mangen 13 Joyce Ann Zimmerman 15 Mary Charlene Yarger 17 Karen Elliott 20 Kathleen Kelly 20 Genevieve Volk 22 Elaine Becker 22 Linda Pleiman 24 Jean René Hoying 27 Maryann Bremke 29 Mary Ellen Andrisin

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isters Joyce (Joyce Miriam) Kahle and Terry Walter have been in Guatemala for three months. Part of their mission is to collaborate with Sister Marifé Hellman in providing housing to her graduates who want to continue studying at the “free” university. A house big enough for several students was found in Guatemala City. The Sisters are in a Precious Blood parish near the seminary.

Sindy Lorena Jacinto Borja moved in with Sisters Joyce and Terry on September 28.

She comes from Carrizal, a village of San Jacinto, Chiquimula. Sindy is the youngest of six children, with four sisters and a brother. Her father died a number of years ago and her mother is ill, supported by her children. Carrizal is a poor village and the young people there tend to be uninterested in studies.

Sindy’s sister Dora had a contact with another group of religious in the capitol who knew about Marifé’s school and referred them both there.

So Sindy started her three years at Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School in 2012. She appreciated learning about different persons and different cultures from the other students and from many visitors to the school. She feels she learned how to analyze and appreciate diversity and she learned how to exercise leadership among her peers.

When she graduated she chose social work as a career

and was accepted into the University of San Carlos after a long admission process. She has learned a lot about the social problems of Guatemala and how those were influenced by the armed conflict.

Sindy worked partSindy Lorena Jacinto Borja and Delma Leticia Botzoc Ical. time for six months Contributed photos doing housework with family to have hope in spite a group of sisters in another of problems, to take the good part of the city. She also took from problems and to never a course one Sunday a month give up the struggle. called “Healing and Wellbeing Delma arrived at Holy Mary of our Mayan Sisters.” of the Most Precious Blood Sindy’s message to the SisSchool in San Raymundo on ters is “Many thanks for the August 5, 2013. Through a opportunity you have offered friend of hers in her village she me to fulfill my dream to be a had contact with a Missionsocial worker. It has been diffiary of the Sacred Heart, Sister cult but, with the help of Jesus, Margarita, who contacted I will achieve it.” another Sister who worked at Delma Leticia Botzoc Ical Marifé’s school. Marifé invited moved in with Sisters Joyce her to come to the school. At and Terry on October 18. She the school Delma was studious is 18 years old and has just and did well in her studies. finished high school at Sister Social work is Delma’s choMarifé's school in San Raysen career because she wants to mundo, Guatemala. She is in be able to help people in villagthe middle of her process for es like the one she came from. getting into San Carlos Uni What Delma says to the versity.

Sisters of the Precious Blood: Delma is from Sepac, a town “You have learned how to belonging to the city of San help people we don’t know Fernando Chahal, county of but who needs our help. Your Alta Verapaz. She is the second of five children, with an great faith motivates you.”  older brother and three younger sisters. Her parents are [Ed. Note: Sisters Joyce Kahle and simple and humble, according Terry Walter moved to Guatemala to her, but both are leaders in in September to establish a home their community. Her famfor women who are studying at ily plants and harvests corn, the university.] beans and cardamom. She says that she has learned from her Story by Sister Terry Walter Winter 2016

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Ministry

Sisters Terry and Joyce begin new ministry in Guatemala

Ministry

Circling around the neighborhood opening doors

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t is December 8, 2015 and Pope Francis has just opened the Jubilee Door in Rome and proclaimed a year of Mercy! In Chicago, Peace Circles were being formed around the city as a way of participating in a “City-Wide Day of Healing.” Several years ago PBMR was one of the Chicago groups that initiated this City-Wide Day of Healing.

Continuing to seek healing around the city, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) offered seven healing circles throughout the day. In the early morning we gathered with women in the nearby shelter and listened to their stories of the pain of being forgotten, of being lonely, abused and left with all the responsibilities of parenthood. As they held the “talking piece” they shared their struggles of finding jobs and safe housing for their children. They cried for healing, for love, for the comforts of a home. I once read: “People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” We saw this in the faces of the women as we concluded the circle in the back room of the neighborhood shelter.

Due to the recent events in Chicago with videos and reports of police brutality, we invited our District 9 Police officers to join us at PBMR in a healing circle with the hope of “opening doors” to more positive relationships between police officers and our youth and their families. A circle of 15 very diverse people came together at PBMR with the three police officers. After the opening ritual and check-in, it 10

became a safe place where youth could speak of their experiences of racial profiling, where a woman of privilege could speak of her need to sit and listen to the woman next to her suffering from extreme poverty and fear, where police officers spoke openly of their struggles, as one said, “where do I Sister Donna Liette, right, and Kelsey Tarr lead a begin?” The police ofpeace circle at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconficers told of their being ciliation Center, Chicago, in 2013. Photo by Dave Eck mothers, wives, daugh– as Daniel pleaded, “lift us up ters, “Black” (African Ameri– don’t put us down.” can) before being “Blue” (po I felt the challenge of being lice officers). Mothers spoke of in this neighborhood where losing a child to gun violence; violence is an everyday thing another losing her son to years and people live in poverty and of incarceration when he was fear and isolation. Over and only 14; another spoke of losover from each of these circles ing her son to the streets. After we heard, “We needed this.”

90 minutes, we asked that each We walked a few more circle participant say a word or blocks to our PBMR art gallery two of how they were leaving and as we opened that door, – “inspired, honored, heard, we saw men and women gaththankful, hopeful, relentless ered, all who had experienced determination, healed.” the sentencing of their child Several minutes later, we to life imprisonment. Today knocked on the barred door the Rice family had a story to at the Corner Store, known tell – on December 1st, Gerald for drug activity and recent Rice, their son, who was sennearby killings, and it was tenced to “life without parole” opened to us and to the corner in 1985 at the age of 17, was neighborhood – gang memnow re-sentenced to 60 years, bers, mothers, dads and the which with good time he has neighborhood homeless, some to now serve only 30 years. in wheelchairs paralyzed from Gloria Rice, Gerald’s mother, gunshots. We stood in circle with a smile that stretched around Daniel in his wheelfrom ear to ear, announced chair and as the talking piece Gerald would be coming home (a wrapped cookie from the on February 18, 2016! Tears store shelf) went round the flowed as all of the family circle you could feel the group members were so overjoyed bonding, listening to one another’s fears, frustrations, continued on page 12 concerns for peace and healing. This is our neighborhood Story by Sister Donna Liette

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l Salvador is a small Central American country about the size of the state of Massachusetts with a population of over 6 million.

During 12 years of civil war from 1980-1992 there were many killings, massacres and martyrdoms.

I had been asked by our community council to consider being part of a delegation there from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5 in commemoration of 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, and lay missionary Jean Donovan of the Cleveland Diocese.

One of the days we were there we visited the wall (something like the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.) that contains the names of over 30,000 people who were murdered or disappeared during the Civil War. There was also a very long list of sites where massacres occurred. While there, SHARE held a press conference asking for justice for the women. Some of the soldiers who did the killing were tried, sentenced, and jailed but those who ordered the killings have not been brought to justice.

We also visited the crypt of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, who was shot to death while celebrating Mass in 1980. While at the garden of Romero’s house, we encountered a young man who told

us that he has been a follower of Romero since he was a child. He attended Romero’s funeral and was in the midst of the crowd when a bomb went off in Cathedral Square.

He remembers running when he heard shots being fired into the crowd. He and his brother both escaped unharmed, but 30-50 people were killed.

On December 2 we went to the site where the bodies of the four women were found, now the site of a beautiful chapel. We walked in silence part of the way down the road the women were taken after they were captured. Mass was concelebrated by several priests and bishops. The crowd kept growing. There was not room for everyone inside of the church, so many people were sitting or standing outside of windows and doors. Also at the Mass were family members of Sisters Ita and Maura. There was a representative from the Diocese of Cleveland. There was also present the daughter of Ambassador Robert White, who had taken up the cause of justice for the women. What a memorable day!

We visited the University of Central America, where six Jesuit priests and their housekeeper and her daughter were murdered in 1989. It seems to be such a peaceful place today, brimming with life.

Another memorable day was when we visited San

News

Delegation to El Salvador remembers martyred churchwomen

Photos of Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, and lay missionary Jean Donovan are displayed in a chapel in El Salvador.

Antonio de Los Ranchos and Guarjila in the department of Chalatenango. This area was home to sites of the first re-populations of refugees returning to their homes after the war. During their time in El Salvador, the churchwomen worked with these refugees. On the way there we stopped at the cemetery to visit the graves of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Carla Piette (who was caught in a flash flood and drowned).

The people there welcomed us warmly, led us into their chapel for Mass in honor of the women, then fed and entertained us. It was great to hear the stories of some of the women who have formed organizations to help other women.

There were really too many memorable experiences to recount. I am sure this trip will remain a part of me for many years to come. SHARE-El Salcontinued on page 12 Story and photo by Sister Ann Clark

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Precious Blood Sisters join walk for peace in Dayton neighborhood

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ore than 50 people took to the streets in northwest Dayton to call for peace Nov. 10 after a 5-year-old was shot while sitting in his living room and later died.

Sisters of the Precious Blood Jeanette (M. Paul Agnes) Buehler, Pat (Terence) Will, Judy Niday, and Ceil (Ellen Mary) Taphorn joined area residents, police officers and community leaders in a memorial walk for Maleki Parker.

The toddler was in his home on Nov. 7 when a bullet from a drive-by shooting entered the house and hit him. He died two days later.

Chanting “Don’t shoot, we want to grow up,” and other slogans, the marchers walked past the Parker’s home and around the block. The Sisters held hands and prayed during the walk.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley

From left, Sisters Jeanette (Paul Agnes) Buehler, Judy Niday, Pat (M. Terence) Will and Ceil (Ellen Mary) Taphorn prepare for a peace walk in Dayton on Tuesday night, Nov. 10.

stressed that city officials are focused on eliminating gun violence in the city.

For years, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have organized a vigil each time there is a homicide in Dayton. Friends or family members of the victim often join the Sisters and other residents at the location where

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vador is already planning the one for five years from now to commemorate the 40th anniversary. 

for Gerald and his family.

Gerald is now 47 and will soon be starting his new life outside prison walls. For 30 years Gerald’s family visited him, wrote him, supported him and never gave up hope and faith that someday Gerald would be home. Now “someday” is almost here!

It was a day of hope as we joined with those in Rome and throughout the city and world, opening doors, offering

[Ed note: Sister of the Precious Blood Ann Clark was part of delegation to El Salvador sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and led by SHARE-El Salvador to commemorate the 35th anniversary of four martyred. She shares this account of the experience.]

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the homicide occurred to pray for the person who died. The Sisters also host a memorial service at Salem Heights each January to remember those who were killed by violence in the community during the previous year.  Story and photo by Dave Eck

healing and mercy and tenderness. It is a jubilee year and as men and women of the Precious Blood, are we not even more challenged to heal and to offer tenderness in our broken world. OPEN DOORS!  Sister Donna Liette is a restorative justice practitioner at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) in Chicago.

This article originally appeared in PBMR’s New Creation column.

In Brief Left, Rita Thiron, FDLC executive director, Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman and Rev. Thomas Ranzino, chair, FDLC board of directors. Photo by Rev. Stephen Bird; middle, Sisters Marita Beumer, left, and Marife Hellman with a check for the net proceeds from the sale of items at the Dayton Fair Trade sale. The funds are used to support a school in Guatemala for young Mayan women that Sister Marifé founded and operates.

Contributed photo; right, handcrafted purses from Guatemala were among the items offered at the Fair Trade sale. Dave Eck photo

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ister Joyce Ann Zimmerman received the Frederick R. McManus Award from the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) on Oct. 9 at the organization’s annual meeting in Dallas.

Named after Msgr. Frederick McManus, the national award is presented annually to a person or organization who has made significant contributions to furthering liturgical renewal in the United States. Msgr. McManus (1923-2005) served as a peritus at the Second Vatican council and drafted significant portions of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. He also helped establish the FDLC. Sister Joyce Ann, founding director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry in Dayton, works with diocesan worship directors, students of liturgy, parishes, and others to help them come to a deeper understanding of the mystery we celebrate in liturgy – Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and self-emptying – so that we may live it.

“That’s the whole key to liturgy,” she said.

“Jesus’ whole life, his whole ministry was an act of self-giving.”

As a nationally-known liturgical theologian, Sister Joyce Ann has published more than 50 books and hundreds of articles, including many for Liturgical Press, Liturgy Training Publications, and the FDLC. She has conducted scores of workshops and holds six graduate degrees.

Receiving the McManus Award is an affirmation of the work God has done through her and her ministry, Sister Joyce explained.

“In a sense every award you receive is a very humbling moment,” she said. “All the good we do is not because of us. It’s because of God

working within us.”

The FDLC exists as a resource for diocesan worship directors and their commissions by offering publications, conducting workshops and providing a peer network. Sister Joyce has been a longtime supporter of the organization, said Rita Thiron, executive director.

“We are especially pleased that such a knowledgeable woman has been recognized. We wanted to acknowledge her prolific contributions to liturgical formation in the church,” Thiron said. “We have often called on her to do workshops and presentations for us at the national and diocesan levels. She’s well respected among her colleagues and in the academic world as well as by the bishops of the United States.”

The McManus Award was established in 1995 and first presented to Msgr. McManus. Other recipients include Archbishop Emeritus of Cincinnati Daniel E. Pilarczyk and Bishop Emeritus of Erie Donald W. Trautman.

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hopping at the Precious Blood Sisters’ booth during the 12th annual fair trade sale Dec. 5 in Dayton was brisk as Sisters sold handmade items and delicacies from Guatemala to benefit the Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School of Integral Formation for Church Leadership in Guatemala.

The donations raised from the sale generated nearly $1,200 for the school, which serves young Mayan women. Women living in the villages create the goods, which included purses and couch pillows. Terra cotta Nativity scenes were again very popular.

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In Brief / News

The sale is a win-win because the women who create the goods receive fair compensation for their work while net proceeds are used to help fund the school’s education programs.

"In the long run the benefit is for the people," said Sister Marifé Hellman, who founded and operates the school. “I've seen the children go to school and become teachers and affect positive change in the world.”

In operation for nine years, the school houses 32 young

women. Several students have gone on to university studies.

Precious Blood Sisters have been active in the fair trade sale since 2008 and try to update their array of items for sale each year to keep buyers coming back.

S

ister Marla Gipson was named Religious of the Year by the Knights of Columbus Council 2158 in Minster at their annual year-end banquet on Sept. 20.

Sister Marla is pastoral associate at St. Augustine

Church in Minster. She is active in adult faith formation, pastoral care and outreach in the area. Sister Marla is often found each Sunday at Heritage Manor Nursing Home bringing communion to the residents, and is a consultant at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

The award recognizes her passion and care for the community, said Grand Knight Tim Bertke.

“I just appreciated being recognized by the people of Minster,” Sister Marla said. “I am happy to serve in the area.” 

Fatima classmates gather for 50th year reunion

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ifty years may seem like a long time but for the C.PP.S. Postulant Class of 1965-66, it was just “like yesterday” as classmates gathered in Covington, Ky., for a reunion on Sept. 18-19. Eighteen of the 52 classmates arrived from eight Ohio cities along with travelers from Arizona, South Carolina, Michigan and Missouri. Joining the group on Saturday evening were also two former Fatima underclassmates who lived nearby.

Through Friday evening, all day Saturday and even through Sunday morning memories and good times from the days at Fatima through the Postulant year were shared. It was amazing how so many years had passed, but no one could tell from the way classmates recognized one another and laughed at the many memorable events of those years.

Classmates shared the latest news including careers, fami14

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Front row (from left), Rosemary Strub, Paulette (Wagner-Miller) Sommer, Connie (Meyer) Steinke, Rebecca (Partlow) Wilson, Anita Ruppert, Margie (Rinke) Ziolkowski, Mary Janice (Kee) Joseph. Second row (from left), Joan (Borchers) Glaser, Barbara Romanello-Wichtman, Martie (Hartz) Molitor, Rosemary Monnin, Sue (Hoying) Zielinski, Frances (Larger) Reboutlet, Celine (Woeste) Burnett, Sylvia (Golinski) Graham, Linda (Panyard) Cherry, Judy-Anita Goss.

Contributed photo

lies, travels and dreams for the future.

Eight classmates joined the event from heaven: Carmen Bauer, Pat Bockey, Mary Ann Foreman, Bernadette Daggett, Millie Lenhart, June Ann Meyer, Jane Purvis and Janice Reilly.

During the gathering items brought by classmates were auctioned off, with the proceeds going to a special lady

the classmates know and love.

One evening, 20 friends raised $1,006.

As tears were shed classmates clearly remembered why they were all so close and why they always have felt that the class was unique, special and a group of fantastic women.

Future gatherings are planned with the next reunion in 2-3 years at the same location. 

November 1921 — December 2, 2015

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Carolyn Henkenius, was held at the Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Dec. 7, 2015. Visitation immediately preceded the funeral. Sister died at the Maria Joseph Center in Dayton.

Carolyn had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 78 years.

The third oldest of 10 children, Carolyn was born in Fort Wayne, Ind. to Charles and Emma (Forsythe) Henkenius. On Jan. 21, 1937 at the age of 15, she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In religious life she was given the name Sister Mary Fabian and later returned to using her baptismal name.

“Sharing,” said Sister Carolyn, “in all the prayers talents, rewards and activities of the Sisters means a lot to me.” She usually had a big smile and lots of enthusiasm as she lived out her favorite motto, “All for Jesus through Mary.”

For 24 years Sister ministered as a school teacher of music in Cincinnati, Norwood, and Cleveland, Ohio; in Rensselaer and Ft. Wayne Ind.; in Phoenix Ariz.; and in Falls Church, Va. For another 25 years Sister Carolyn ministered in parish liturgical music and gave private music lessons. In 1989 she retired to Salem Heights and played the organ at Masses there and in the Maria Joseph Center while continuing to give

private lessons.

After some illness, when Carolyn was no longer able to play the organ at Mass, her ministry was to live community at Salem Heights, pray for world missions and accept patiently her pain and suffering. In May, 2015 after increased health issues and occurrences of memory loss, she was moved to Emma Hall as a permanent resident.

Music was the love of Carolyn’s life. In 1957 she received a bachelor’s in music education at the Athenaeum of Ohio and in 1964 a bachelor’s in liturgical music at St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind. “Playing the organ for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for me is a special privilege,” she once wrote. "Music enables people to sing and pray together to honor and praise God.” In 1993 Carolyn was privileged to take a tour to Austria, Germany and Paris. In 2002, she was invited by Father Charles Kanai, a friend and former chaplain of the Maria Joseph Center, to visit his home country of Kenya, Africa. That trip was truly a highlight of her life!

Sister Carolyn is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, her brother, Neil Thomas and sister, Charlene Frieburger, both of Ft. Wayne, Ind. as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her sisters, Ruth, Mary, Rita, Jean, Emma Jane and her brothers Leo, and Glenn.

Interment was in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

In Sympathy Sisters Laura and Pat Will on the death of their brother, Viro E. Will, Sept. 20.

Sister Maria Luisa Miller on the death of her sister-in-law, Mary Miller, Oct. 18 Sister Rosemary Lindemann on the death of her brother, Charles, Oct. 29 Sister Rita Rogier on the death of her brother-in-law, Vince Wasserman, Nov. 8

Sister Judy Niday on the death of her mother, Josephine, Nov. 22 Sister Rosemary Goubeaux on the death of her brother, Joseph, Dec. 24

Remembering

Nancy Rausch, formerly Sister Marie Richard Anne Marie (Holland) Scott, formerly Sister Martin

Therese Rose Marie Simpkins, formerly Sister M. Arthur Haveman Mary Ellen Winkeljohn, former novice known as Sister Joellen Lucille (Torres) Mendoza, formerly Sister Rose Virgine Mary Loy, twin Sister of our deceased Sister Mary Ann Westerheide Winter 2016 15

In Memoriam

Sister Carolyn Henkenius

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Christmas at Salem Heights and Emma Hall

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here was plenty of Christmas spirit at Salem Heights and Emma Hall as Sisters celebrated the birth of Christ with prayer, song and decorations.

Things kicked off on Dec. 10 when the Sisters at Salem Heights held their annual tree decorating in the dining room.

More than 30 Sisters strung ornaments, prayed and shared stories over cookies and egg nog. A special reading detailed how the Christmas tree helps us understand the paschal mystery and symbolizes the light of Christ.

Christmas music played in the background as Sisters enjoyed

their refreshments.

The Sisters at Salem Heights also decorate their home with Christmas trees, figurines and nativity scenes throughout the building.

On Dec. 19 Santa and his helpers made their annual visit to Emma Hall to hand out cookies and peanuts to the Sisters who live there. Roaming the halls with a booming ho-ho-ho, Santa left smiles on the faces of Sisters and staff alike.

For nearly 40 years the Knights of Columbus chapter 4587 from Our Lady of Good Hope Parish in Miamisburg, Ohio, have brought Santa to visit the Sisters at Emma

on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Stebelton family has been part of the tradition from the beginning. Randy Stebelton now plays Santa, a job that he inherited from his late father, Roger, who was Santa for years.

This year three generations of Stebeltons were part of the visit.

Good Hope parishioners bake the cookies Santa hands out.

After leaving Emma, Santa and his helpers moved over the Salem Heights where they were greeted by the Sisters and serenaded by “We wish you a Merry Christmas.”  Story and photos by Dave Eck

From left, Sister Virgine Elking with Santa and his helper; Sister Ruth Ann Meyer prepares ornaments for the Christmas tree; Sisters Gladys Marie Lowe and Mary Ellen Andrisin receive gifts from Santa.

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