Sharing & Caring Winter 2017

Sharing & Caring Volume 27 Number 3 • Winter 2017 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Meet our Novices

From the President’s Desk

Lifting the veil

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his issue of Sharing & Caring lifts the veil a bit (no pun intended) on what goes into the “Making of a Sister.” We’ve probably all heard about novices (the people) and novitiate (the place or process). And we’ve probably all asked the question: What really happens? Hopefully, after you have read through this issue, you may have a better idea of what the women you meet or work with go through to finally be called Sister.

One of the words you may notice as you read the different articles is “discernment.”

For some people, discernment means a decision-making process where the pros and cons are weighed and a solution emerges. For others, it is a holy conversation with the Divine, asking for guidance to be open to where the Spirit of God is leading. The focus of these two definitions is totally different: the first focuses on the product, the decision; the second focuses on the process of listening and testing things out and of one’s relationship with God. The process of discovering our life’s vocation is the latter process. Discernment is the holy conversation with God that leads us to ever deeper union with our Lord and Savior. It starts by our asking the question: Where do you want me, Lord? If we want to make a good decision, we need to make a knowledgeable decision.

So when we find that ques2

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tion being asked within our hearts, our first step is to gather information.

For a woman considering religious life, especially if she does not know any Sisters personally, the first thing is to research and explore. The internet has become a great way for women to find out some things about a religious community, like what kind of ministries the members are involved in, where they are located, and most importantly what their spirituality is like. The next step in gathering information is getting to know some Sisters personally. A good way to do that is to participate in a service project with a community, make a retreat guided by a Sister, attend a day or weekend gathering to explore with other women what religious life looks like. All the time this is going on, the discerner is asking: Is this where you want me, Lord?

The most serious information gathering becomes a two-way street when the woman asks to begin the official formation process with a community. Now she may live with a group of Sisters, praying, ministering and sharing life with them.

At this time, the community also enters the discernment process and asks God: Is this woman a fit for us? Will she be able to live the vows and community life the way we live them? Does she have the inspiration of the charism of our community? Is her call

to ministry compatible with what we do?

When a woman asks to make a life commitment with the community, it is the moment when both the woman and the community say “Yes, this seems to be God’s will for all of us together” and “Thank you, God, for the gift of this woman’s life.”

All during that time this holy conversation is continuing. In the end, it is not about the decision of whether or not to become a Sister. It is, rather, the ongoing, life-long process of desiring to do the will of a God who wants only what is good for us. Hopefully this is what everyone finds as they search out their individual life call. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood members living in Dayton remembered the nine Sisters who have died in the last year with prayer and song during a memorial service on All Souls Day at the Salem Heights chapel.

About two dozen Sisters attended.

The evening service included the Lord’s Prayer, intercessions and Psalms 130 and 116:1-9.

Sisters Patty Kremer and Nancy Kinross read the well-known verses from Sisters sing and pray during the All Souls Day service in the Salem Heights chapel.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which talks of an appointed time for welcomed each one of them.” peace and joy in the Lord.” everything under heaven. The She also explained that she As the name of each deselection set the tone for the once heard purgatory likened ceased Sister was read, a chime service. to the foyer of a house. A place sounded and a candle was In her reflection, Sister Joyce where one can take off their taken from the altar and held Lehman said that despite death coat and boots, set down the by a Sister. Deceased members we take comfort in the fact that luggage and be free to enter of Precious Blood families and our Savior is waiting for us. the fullness of life. communities, victims of vio “It is the one who has con “Hold that image of the Sislence, war and natural disasquered death who greets us ters entering into that fullness ters, and all departed family from the other side,” Sister of life,” she said. “We’ll think members and friends were Joyce said. “Hold in mind about those Sisters and our those Sisters and loved ones also remembered.  loved ones and we’ll hold them who died this past year, recStory and photo by Dave Eck close to us and we’ll share their ognizing that it is Jesus who

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.

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.

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Media Specialist

Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426 Phone: (937) 275-0303 E-mail: mbodine@cppsadmin.org Printing Progressive Printers, Inc., Dayton, Ohio PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

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Sisters hold All Souls Day service

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Encounter of the Family of the Blood of Christ in Chile

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he weekend of January 13-15, 2017, was a memorable time for us in Chile. The three Congregations of the Precious Blood in Chile and representatives from the many groups of laity, who form Precious Blood reflection groups in Chile, met to renew their identity with Precious Blood Spirituality.

Part of the weekend was recalling the history of the Family of the Blood of Christ in Chile. Yes, calling to mind the five Seminars that took place between 1983 and 1990 and were the beginning of the Family of the Blood of Christ.

After the Synod of Bishops of Latin America met in Aparecida in Brazil, the Family of the Blood of Christ met to reflect on our mission to live out Precious Blood Spirituality as indicated by this great synod for Latin America. In the following years, from

2008 to 2016, we had annual encounters among the three congregations and their lay groups to share our spirituality. So once again it was time to meet with representatives of all these groups to discern what values of Precious Blood Spirituality we are called to live out in our areas of ministry today.

The first night Sister Maria Luisa related the history of the seminars and Mario Cordova, secretary of the Family of the Blood of Christ, recalled and gave thanks for the eight Encounters with many laity. Saturday morning each lay group gave a brief history of its beginnings, its activities and its plans for the future. Father Emanuele Lupi, from the Generalate of the Missionaries in Rome, shared the history of the laity and the spirituality of the Precious Blood beginning with the Confraternity of the

From left, Sisters Rita Manriquez, Edna Hess and Maria Luisa Miller with the earthen vessels and the three founders. Contributed photo

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A banner from the encounter showing the three founders.

Precious Blood. Saturday afternoon we worked in groups discerning what values of Precious Blood Spirituality we are called to live out today. At the end of the day we decided the seven values we want to emphasize are: prayer, joyfulness, reconciliation, mercy, charity, vocation, and defense of life.

In our Sunday morning prayer we committed ourselves to making these values part of our lives and our ministry. Then each congregation met with their lay groups and each group made their commitment to live out one of these values during 2017. Our encounter ended with Eucharist and each group presenting Story by Sister Maria Luisa Miller

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their commitment and depositing it in an earthen vessel that had the name of the value to which they were committing themselves.

Finalizing the Eucharist, the participants congratulated our community for our 60 years in Chile. Our first Sisters arrived the evening of January 15, Mother Maria Anna Brunner´s entrance into eternal life. On January 16 they were permitted to descend from the ship, Santa Margarita, and touch Chilean soil. Gratitude fills our hearts for the many Sisters who have lived among us in Chile, many of whom are with God while others continue their mission in the U.S. May we continue this dream realized by our first Sister pioneers in 1957 as we continue to share our Redeeming Precious Blood Spirituality.

Everyone left the encounter with a lot of enthusiasm and renewed energy for making Precious Blood Spirituality a vital part of their lives and for sharing it with others. 

From left, Sisters Edna Hess, Rita Manriquez and Maria Luisa Miller with the chalice and the seven values as drops of blood. Contributed photo

Happy Birthday 8 8 12 16 18 19 24 28 28

FEBRUARY

Paula Gero Marjorie Huelsman Theresa Rizzo Regina Albers Barbara Ann Hoying Marita Beumer Eva Roehrich Verlina Mescher Margaret Zureick

1 4 5 6 12 13 23 27

MARCH

Claire Louise Sharpshair Irene Holz Jane Francis Hoffman Mary Lou Schmersal Nancy Kinross Dorothy Koenig Rose Margaret Broerman Martha Ann Bertke

7 9 11 13 13 15 17 20 20 22 24 27

APRIL

Rosemary Goubeaux Virgine Elking Alice Schoettelkotte Maureen Mangen Joyce Ann Zimmerman Mary Yarger Karen Elliott Kathleen Kelly Genevieve Volk Linda Pleiman Jean René Hoying Maryann Bremke Winter 2017

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Novices deepen relationship W

hen Novice Sister Bela Mis volunteered for a mission involving visiting inactive Catholic families in her Guatemala City parish inviting them to return to church, she couldn’t have known that was the beginning of her call to religious life. It turns out, that was the nudge.

Through the mission she met Precious Blood Sister Marifé Hellman, who was her partner in the parish ministry. She was also introduced to Sisters of the Precious Blood Terry Walter and Margo Young.

Through them, Sister Bela learned more about women religious and life as a Sister.

Meanwhile, her work in the parish mission was also playing a role.

“It was a really neat experience to meet with families and share with them our faith,” Sister Bela said. “To see families come back to the church and trying to live their faith and change their lives, I believe, was an impact in my life. I feel this was part of my call. The love of God needs to be proclaimed and each of us is called to do it. There are a lot of needs in our world.”

Sister Bela became better acquainted with the Sisters and eventually moved in with Sisters Marifé and Terry. She watched Sister Terry and Margo work with the poor and listened as Sister Marifé planned her dream of establishing a school for Mayan women in Guatemala. She saw the joy the Sisters had for their work and 6

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On the cover, Sisters Bela Mis, Mumbi Kigutha and LaKesha Church in the Salem Heights chapel; Dave Eck photo. Above, Sister Bela made Monkey bread for the breakfast that was served by the boys in the new storefront building the PBMR (Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation) leased in Chicago. Breakfast was served to the homeless. Contributed photo

their ministries were appealing.

English and further discern her She attended the first Come vocation. She entered the noand See retreat the vitiate in January Precious Blood Sis2016.

'The love of ters held in Guate “For me to think mala and continued God needs to about religious life discerning religious was something I be proclaimed life. She was also never really had working during the and each of us in mind,” she said. week and taking I was workis called to do “When classes on weekends. ing in this mission it. There are a in my parish and Sister Bela graduated with a degree lot of needs in then to meet the Sisin social work. ters and to live with our world.'

Her plan was to them and see that use the social work – Sister Bela Mis their lives weren’t degree to help so different, makes women and chilme think that this is dren, but also knew she needed something God is showing me.” to seriously discern her call. She Arriving in the United States, continued to discern in Guatewhere she experienced a new mala for another year and in late 2013 came to Dayton to study Story by Dave Eck

with Congregation, God

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Maria Stein Shrine entrusted to laity

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fter 170 years of ministry in Mercer and Auglaize counties, the language andPrecious culture, helped Sisters of the Blood Sister Bela identify with are turning to the laity toearly Sisters the of the Precious secure future of theBlood landwho left Switzerland to mark Maria Stein Shrineminisof the ter in Relics. a developing country.

Holy “That really gives me aorgalot of A 501c3 not-for-profit inspiration makesresponme see nization willand assume how God is working in sibility and operation ofeach the of us,” sheonsaid. firstThe Sisters Shrine Jan.“The 1, 2017. sishad God in their hearts, trying ters are gifting the shrine and to do what God to was 24 acres of land theasking Mariaof them.”

Stein Shrine Corporation.

Like those pioneers, Sister In addition, the Legacy Fund Bela has experienced challenges has been created to raise the in moving to the United States, $6 million needed to generespecially the cold winters, ate adequate income for thebut knows God will the of remaintenance andprovide operation sources she needs to persevere. the shrine. The first $2 million Now entering year of minwas donated by athe Sisters of istry in the two-year novitiate, the Precious Blood. Nearly Sister Bela will volunteer $950,000 has been pledgedatand St. Vincent Charity donated from otherMedical sources, Center Cleveland with with aninanonymous donorSister Mary Ann Mozser and matching up to another $2 will later minister the Precious million.

The $2atmillion match Blood Ministry of Reconciliaextends to pledges and donation inmade Chicago.

There tions

by Dec. 31, will 2017.also be a visit to home.

“The German Catholic com As Sister Bela ancestors continues munity, whose to build community, learned much of theirshe spiriand Novice LaKesha tuality from Sisters the Sisters of the Church and Mumbi Kigutha Precious Blood, has demonencourage each other in theto strated a real commitment novitiate.

She appreciates that the shrine,” said Don Rosenthe novitiate is multi-cultural beck, president of Maria Stein as Sister LaKesha from LoShrine of the HolyisRelics.

“Just rain, Ohio, and Sister Mumbi as local parishes are involving is from the laityKenya. more and more, so “I love part because I too, will that the Shrine.” always believe thatestablished sharing with The shrine was others something that in 1846isas the Sisters of enriches the your life and I hope to enrich the Precious Blood original mothlives of them, she said. “I erhouse.

The too,” motherhouse think we learn from each was moved to Dayton inother.

1923, It’s aretired blessing with the opportubut Sisters continued nity weathave right now.” to live Maria Stein.

In  the

Sister Mumbi Kigutha ministers to a refugee family from the Congo who has been resettled in Dayton. Back standing from left, Gedeon Riziki, Sister Mumbi with Divine Mitamba and Kelly Mali. Front standing from left, Ephraim Mulindilwa and Desange Mitamba. Dave Eck photo

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hen it comes to serving those on the margins, Novice Sister Mumbi Kigutha works the front lines.

You won't likely find her setting policy or ministering in administration. She prefers walking hand-in-hand and one-on-one.

"I think that's where I can be most creative," she said. "Every day is different and you get to see the results faster, and it's the smiles on people's faces when you do something for them. It's the conversations you have. It's them ministering to me."

A native of Kenya, Mumbi entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood novitiate in September. Though her first novitiate year will mainly be spent in study, she works one

day a week with newly resettled refugees in Dayton. Many of the recent arrivals are from eastern Congo, with whom she shares a common language, Swahili.

She does everything from helping them acclimate to life in the United States through cultural orientation to finding their favorite African foods.

Through it all her passion for ministry shines.

When she encounters people in need, Mumbi seeks to bring hope, unconditional love and a listening presence. Be they refugees, prisoners, those engaged in prostitution or the poor, she tries to help them see that God is in control and won't leave them, despite trying times.

"That is what is key about Winter 2017

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my being a religious," she said. ters in Kenya. It was a year "I have been privileged to be that helped her realize even able to grow in my awareness more fully her desire to be a of the love of God that I need religious. to spread this message. Evan She had met the Sisters of gelization is key in whatever the Precious Blood through we do, but I believe it's not her former religious commuabout the preaching. It's how nity and had gotten to know you witness in the way you several Sisters, particularly live your life and what you do Sister Donna Liette, who also for people that will bring the works directly with the marmost change in the world." ginalized.

Mumbi grew up in the Angli After leaving the UN posican Church, tion and but went to a moving to 'I remain an individual Catholic high Dayton to school in discern with within a collective. I Kenya. She the Sisters feel that I will always converted to of the PreCatholicism be seen and celebrated cious Blood, while still Mumbi has as Mumbi.' in school. found com– Sister Mumbi Kigutha fort. The An aunt was a relispirituality gious, which is similar to sparked Mumbi's interest in that of her previous commureligious life. nity. She finds motivation in Even so, Mumbi graduated Eucharistic adoration, the cenand began a career doing ter of the C.PP.S. spirituality. qualitative business research.

"I couldn't make it without She eventually earned a bachthe Eucharist and Eucharistic elor's and an MBA in marketadoration," she said. "These ing. The corporate world was are what compel me and exciting and constantly changstrengthen me every day.” ing, but it wasn't entirely She also likes that Precious fulfilling.

Blood Sisters are free to ex "I didn't feel I was touching plore different ministries, and the lives of people directly," that members' gifts and perMumbi said. "It's very comsonal talents are celebrated mercial and I've never been and encouraged to grow. driven by the commercial or She appreciates that the size corporate side of life." of the Sisters of the Precious So, she joined a religious Blood makes it a very fluid community in Kenya and was Congregation, which leads to there for nine years, includfaster decision-making and ing six years as a temporary quicker implementation of professed. Before making final ideas. vows, Mumbi opted to leave "I remain an individual the community and spent a within a collective," Mumbi little more than a year worksaid. "I feel that I will always ing for the United Nations at be seen and celebrated as the organization's headquarMumbi."  8

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Sister Ann Clark, Director of Novices

What role do you play in the formation process?

I am the Director of Novices.

The novitiate is a very intense time of preparation. The novices learn more about religious life, discern more about what they might be called to religious life, and learn whether they are being called. My purpose is to help them in that time. The first year of novitiate is called the canonical year. It's mandated by the church. We are part of an Intercommunity Novitiate program (ICN) with other congregations in the area who have novices. As part of that ICN program they attend classes. They are also expected to spend more time in prayer, getting to know themselves, getting to know God. They also do one day of volunteer ministry per week. The second year is spent in ministry or education in preparation for ministry.

During the novitiate I attend classes with the novices in the ICN program. I also introduce them to the Sisters of the Precious Blood, our history and charism, and Precious Blood Spirituality. During the canonical year I meet with the novices weekly to talk about how

What is the intercommunity novitiate?

We have joined with novices from the Cincinnati, Ohio area to study such topics as Scripture, Vatican II, Church History, Women in Christianity, Medical Ethics, Liturgy and Sacraments, to name a few. We have also attended ICN programs in St. Louis, Mo. and in Villa Maria, Penn. The programs in themselves are good, and the novices are making connections with others in formation.

What is the purpose of formation?

It is a time of discovering who you are as a person and the gifts you have to offer to the Church and the world, and discovering more about the congregation. It is a time of learning and training in theology, etc. It is also a time of discernment. Those in formation continue to discern if they are being called to religious life and especially to a specific congregation. The congregation also discerns if the person is a good fit with them.

How do you find formation ministry fulfilling?

I am constantly amazed how God works in people’s lives.

I also am privileged to get to know the novices and to see them grow. It also affirms my own call to life as a Sister of the Precious Blood. 

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s a Baptist growing up in Lorain, Ohio, LaKesha Church struggled with either remaining unmarried and taking care of family and friends or becoming a nun.

She settled on staying single because she wasn't Catholic and she didn't know much about women religious.

But God kept after her.

"I just kept hearing that nag that you haven't looked at the other side," LaKesha said. "I think if you want to be true to your options and what you are Sister LaKesha. Contributed photo called to do you need to look at both sides. I wanted to look at both sides to really believe women's religious communities why I wasn't going to become and ended up connecting with that nun. So I did."

Sister Mary Lou Schmersal.

Though LaKesha was a About the same time, LaKe"happy Baptist," that denomisha left for her volunteer sernation doesn't believe in the vice commitment to the Peace real presence of Christ in the Corps. She was stationed in Eucharist, but LaKesha did.

Botswana as a District Com"To be Baptist and to believe in munity Liaison between the the real presence was unique," District AIDS Coordinating she said. "It didn't make me office (a government office), feel bad, but it was unique." and local non-governmental Before entering the church, organizations. She continued LaKesha to discern had begun religious 'You're supposed to be the process life during always growing in faith her time in of contacting religious and having a moveBotswana communiand stayed in ment toward God or ties through contact with vocationsSister Mary you become stagnant. match.com.

Lou. You should always be After a After wonderful finishing her transcending.' conversation – Sister LaKesha Church commitment with a vocato the Peace tion direcCorps. LaKetor who said, “Well, LaKesha, sha met with Sisters Mary Lou if you want to become a nun and Pat Gist. She attended then you have to become a Come and See, and began Catholic.” The wheels were set to feel comfortable with the into motion.

Sisters of the Precious Blood.

After becoming Catholic, The congregation's sense of LaKesha researched various Community was appealing.

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they are doing with community, prayer, their ministry, the classes, etc. I love the classes we have together on Precious Blood Spirituality and our community history. It is great to see their enthusiasm for these things and their desire to learn more about C.PP.S.

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She entered the community as a novice last September.

"It's good to be a novice," she said. "It's exciting in this place to be learning and to have this time to be quiet with God and to just be blessed."

Though her background is

in health care, LaKesha enjoys church ministry. Her family has always been active in the Baptist church. Her grandfather is a senior deacon while she has participated in the choir and hospitality ministry.

She feels drawn to the church

ministry as it helps her deepen a relationship with God. "You're supposed to be always growing in faith and having a movement toward God or you become stagnant," she said. "You should always be transcending." 

Sister Joyce Langhals, Director of Initial Formation What are your responsibiliand determining her suitability ties as Director of Initial Forfor further engagement in the mation for the Sisters of the discernment process. Then Precious Blood? there is an assessment of the My responsibility as Director readiness of the woman to live of Initial Formation is to coorin the Discernment House with dinate the discernment and the Amherst community. The formation process of a woman next step is determining her interested in entering the readiness to begin the candiCongregation, from the time dacy/pre-novitiate process. This of initial discernment through is done through regular meetfinal vows. I adapt the process ings. During this time I assist as necessary while trying to the candidate in preparing all of assure that a woman fulfills the the paperwork for application criteria of each phase of the to the novitiate. This application process. Mentor Sisters are is submitted to the president, also involved who with the primarily in consultative 'Each individual has her vote of her the discernment phase own special journey to council, gives of formation permission to come to know God and in order to the individual help familiar- how she might be to enter the ize the indinovitiate. effective in serving vidual with During the God’s people.'

C.PP.S. and time of noby meeting — Sister Joyce Langhals vitiate there and discussis a novice ing Stepping director who Stones: a Discerner's Journal is directly involved in that stage as well as by participating in a of formation. study group.

What are the specific steps Describe the formation proin formation? cess and what role the DirecINQUIRER: The coordinator tor of Initial Formation plays. of vocation ministry and/or a I respond to referrals from the mentor Sister meet regularly coordinator of vocation miniswith the individual to ascertain try by contacting the woman her interest in religious life.

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DISCERNER: The director of initial formation walks with the individual as she continues to discern whether her vocation is to our Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.). During this time she becomes more acquainted with our Precious Blood Spirituality and the responsibilities of the vowed life.

CANDIDATE: The director of initial formation assists the individual in her growth and discernment regarding becoming a Sister of the Precious Blood.

NOVICE: The novice director is primarily responsible for this two-year formal beginning of religious life as a C.PP.S. During the first year or Canonical Year, the novice participates in classes on religious life, spirituality, vows, prayer, liturgy,

TEMPORARY PROFESSED: The director of initial formation again relates directly with the newly professed Sister. During this time, which is ordinarily for a period of five years, the temporary professed Sister lives her commitment as a C.PP.S. as she continues in mutual discernment with the Congregation whether to make her final profession of vows, that is, a life commitment as a Sister of the Precious Blood.

What role does Canon Law have in the formation process?

The requirements of Canon Law are specifically addressed in Our Way of Life (Constitution of the Sisters of the Precious Blood). Primarily the requirements regulate acceptance into the Congregation (Novitiate, Temporary Profession, Final Profession) by the type of vote required by the President and her Council. In general, Canon Law makes various references to the novitiate and temporary and final profession of vows.

How did you get involved in formation ministry?

From 1977-82 I served as vocation/candidate director for the Congregation. In 2012, I was invited to serve as director of initial formation which now has a much broader scope.

What about this ministry do you find fulfilling?

I feel it is a special privilege to walk alongside a woman who is sincerely trying to discern God’s call in her life. Each

individual has her own special journey to come to know God and how she might be effective in serving God’s people.

If I can contribute in any small way to that effort it is all worth it. Also it is meaningful and rewarding to work as a team in various ways with Sisters Patty Kremer and Ann Clark.

In what ministries have you previously served and what skills from those ministries transfer to formation ministry?

I’ve had a varied ministerial background and some would say an unlikely journey to where I currently find myself.

Initially I worked as a high school teacher in Celina, Ohio and Flint, Mich. and then as assistant principal at Regina High School in Norwood, Ohio. It was after Regina closed when I was invited to serve as vocation/candidate director. I then went to the University of Dayton School of Law, passed the bar and worked as an attorney with Huffman, Landis & Weaks, LLC. After that I was elected vice-president and then President of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. After serving in congregational administration for 12 years, I worked as executive director of LowIncome Senior Housing in Dayton, for seven years. I then moved to Denver, Colorado and volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital. With counseling as the emphasis for my master’s degree, with openness and flexibility being a requisite part of every ministry, and with a genuine appreciation of our Congregation, it doesn’t seem so improbable to me that I am currently in this ministry. 

Sister Patty Kremer, Coordinator of Vocation Ministry

I am more than likely the first Sister that a woman would communicate with after making an inquiry either by email, phone call or other means.

Typically, I send them an introductory letter with a packet of information about the congregation. The letter offers to connect them with one of our Sisters on the Vocation Team.

We currently have four vocation team members located in different regions of the U.S. and one in Guatemala. In addition to responding to inquir-

'There is a great spirit of collaboration among vocation ministers, a real sense that we are all in this together.'

— Sister Patty Kremer ers, I am also available for school visits, vocation fairs or other events.

Once an inquirer’s name has been passed on to a Vocation Team member, that Sister begins a monthly communication with the individual. This comWinter 2017

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scripture, etc. The second year is devoted to various ministerial experiences.

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munication includes a letter and a reflection pertinent to that month. The reflection typically will reflect our Charism of Precious Blood Spirituality.

I have engaged in conversation with individual women via phone, email, personal visits, and most recently through web conferencing.

Inquirers are encouraged to join us for a Come and See Weekend. These retreats are rooted in Precious Blood Spirituality and how it is manifested through our prayer for and ministry to God’s people.

Inquirers also hear about our history and some of our dreams for the future. The sharing and conversation at a Come and See are led by different Sisters, representing different backgrounds, ministries and age groups. The sharing typically includes the telling of each Sisters personal call to religious life. This piece is usually of special interest to

the inquirers.

Women who attend a Come and See often comment on the welcoming and joyful spirit that they encounter at Salem Heights. They like the willingness of the Sisters to share their story. Women also comment on the fact that having Precious Blood Spirituality as our charism and not a specific ministry, frees us to respond to a wide range of needs through a variety of ministries.

I have enjoyed getting to know religious from other congregations. There is a great spirit of collaboration among vocation ministers, a real sense that we are all in this together.

I feel that I am being stretched personally and spiritually by this ministry. It has been an invitation for me to reconnect with aspects of my faith journey that have been on the back burner for a while.

Being in full time ministry, even if it is not far from the

heart of the community, there is a tendency to get lost in your own little world. Over the years, I connected with community through cluster meetings, Spirit Days, Jubilee celebrations and other gatherings. Being called to serve my community in this capacity has been a total immersion. Over the past year and a half I have learned a lot about myself, about the Sisters of the Precious Blood and about why I was called to be a Sister of the Precious Blood.

I have always had a sense of pride about being a member of this congregation. This ministry has called me to a deeper level of ownership for my own vocation as a woman religious and a deeper commitment to living that vocation as a Sister of the Precious Blood. I have been truly graced and inspired by the conversations I have had with my Sisters. This year and a half has been and continues to be pure gift from God. 

Sisters to be inducted into the Sacred Heart Hall of Fame

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rom 1882 to 1973, 148 Sisters of the Precious Blood served at Sacred Heart Elementary and High School in Sedalia, Missouri. In 2016, the School celebrated the 75th anniversary of the High School. As a result of the energy that celebration produced, the Sacred Heart School Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor the extraordinary accomplishments of the members of the School family. Inductees into the Hall of Fame would be hon12

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ored as those who can be looked upon as legitimate role models.

For its inaugural class five individuals, three couples and the Sisters and Priests of the Precious Blood Communities will be honored. The induction will be held April 30, 2017.

Sisters served there in a variety of positions: principals, teachers, staff. Those still living remember their time at Sacred Heart with fondness.

Five Sisters who served there are still living: Sister Jeanette

(Paul Agnes) Buehler, Sister Virgine Elking, Sister Joyce (M. Leanne) Lehman, Sister Anna Maria Sanders and Sister Laura (M. Clarus) Will.

Sister Laura ministered in the Elementary School as classroom teacher, principal and music teacher.

Story by Sister Joyce Lehman

December 1912 — February 19, 2017

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Mary Dolorosa Oen was held at the Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Sister died in Dayton on Sunday, Feb. 19. Sister Dolorosa, 104, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 80 years.

Monica Stella Oen was born in December 1912 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, one of 11 children and was baptized in St. Joseph Church, Wapakoneta on January 5, 1913. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Oen of Wapakoneta and Kathryn Dorsten of St. Marys, numerous nieces, nephews and her Precious Blood Community. She is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Wilhelmina (Fisher) Oen, her five brothers Leonard, Richard, Marvin, Wilbur and Leo and three sisters, Alodia, Sister Ruth (Sister M. Noemi),

and Dorothy.

Monica entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood On September 8, 1936 and was given the name Sister Mary Dolorosa. Sister’s long career in the Domestic Arts found her cooking, cleaning and managing the household for seminarians, Bishops, Archbishops and a Cardinal in Norwood and Columbus, Ohio; Rensselaer, Indiana; and St. Louis, Missouri. Her quiet service to others did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. On the occasion of her 50th jubilee, Sister Dolorosa was honored to have then Cardinal John J. Carberry of St. Louis preside at her jubilee Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Botkins, Ohio. In his remarks, Cardinal Carberry commented “I pray that your example of humility, devotion and service will be an inspiration to all.”

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Mary Ellen (M. de Monfort) Andrisin April 1936 — January 10, 2017

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memorial Mass for Precious Blood Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton on Monday, January 30. Sister died in Dayton on Tuesday, January 10. Mary Ellen, 80, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 63 years.

The oldest of four children, Mary Ellen was born in April 1936 to John J. and Genevieve (Razdrh Bradley) Andrisin in Cleveland, Ohio.

On January 31, 1954 at the age of 17 she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In Religious life she was given the name Sister Mary de Monfort and later returned to using her baptismal name. “I am filled,” said Sister Mary Ellen, “with gratitude to my Sisters for the rich experience of living and ministering with them in diverse ways.”

Mary Ellen’s active ministry from 1956 to 1976 was mainly science education, being a teacher of middle school, junior high and high school students. She taught in Saint Joseph, Mo.; in Wapakoneta, Cincinnati, and Celina, Ohio; in Fort Wayne, Ind.; and in Strasburg and Linton, N.D.

Later on Sister was the Director of Religious Education in Independence, Ohio and ministered in Pastoral Care at the Maria-Joseph Center, Dayton and Saint Mary Parish in Wooster, Ohio.

As Director of Resident Life she ministered for nine years to her religious Sisters at their retirement center, Salem Heights in Dayton, Ohio.

She was an associate at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio and ministered at the Maria Stein Center, Ohio coordinating events and hospitality. “It is a joy,” said Sister, “to extend hospitality to many diverse people. Sharing faith and prayer with them is a blessing.”

She joined her Sisters in retirement at Salem Heights, Dayton in 2016 and later, because of deteriorating health, moved to the Maria-Joseph Center. In her life she “continued to experience God’s overwhelmingly abundant love, embodied in the Precious Blood.”

Sister Mary Ellen is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, her brother John (Sharon) Andrisin, her sisters Michele (Curt) Wittig and Danielle Hoffman (Jude Jones) and other relatives and friends.

Sister donated her body to Wright State University.

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In Memoriam

Sister Dolorosa Oen

In Memoriam

Sister Carmencita Voisard May 1922 — January 1, 2017

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Carmencita Voisard was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton, on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Sister died in Dayton on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017.

Carmencita, 94, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 79 years.

One of eight children, Anna Marie was born in May 1922 to Leo and Margaret (Marchal) Voisard in Houston, Ohio. On September 7, 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 Carmencita and later used only the name, Sister Carmen.

Carmen’s active ministry from 1940 to 1998 was education, being a teacher and principal.

She educated children in Dayton, Cincinnati, Saint Marys, and McCartyville, Ohio; in Rens-

selaer Ind. and Denver, Colo. She served as Supervisor of Schools in Denver, and also in a similar capacity for the Congregation’s Sisters in education ministry. During this time she served as General Councilor. In 1973 she opened and directed the Early Childhood Center in Dayton.

In 1998 she joined her Sisters in retirement at Salem Heights, Dayton. In 2011, because of deteriorating health, Carmen moved to the Maria-Joseph Center where she continued to be a person who always looked for the silver lining in every cloud.

Sister Carmencita is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers, Joseph, and Raymond Voisard and her sisters Mildred Moorman, Elfrieda Borchers, Cecilia Borchers, and Precious Blood Sisters Yvonne and Mary Louise Voisard.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Catherine (M. Ruth Ann) Nader June 1926 — November 25, 2016

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esurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Catherine Nader was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Sister died on Nov. 25, 2016. Catherine, 90, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 61 years.

Catherine Margaret was the youngest of 10 children born in June 1926 in Farrell, Penn. to Thomas and Thecla S. (Anton) Nader. On Feb. 2, 1955 at the age of 28, she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In religious life she was given the name of Sister Mary Ruth Ann and later returned to using her baptismal name.

In the six years before entering the convent Catherine taught in the primary grades in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a Sister of the Precious Blood from 1957-66 she taught students in grades 5-12 in Dayton and Wapakoneta, Ohio. For the next eight years she, as a guidance counselor, ministered at Central Catholic School in Lafayette, Ind. Her Sisters then called her to serve them in congregational administration. In 1980 she 14

Sharing & Caring

returned to what she loved so dearly, teaching, and did so in Ottoville and Wapakoneta, Ohio.

In 1997 she retired and moved to Salem Heights. Believing “one never retires, just gets ‘recycled,’” Sister started an elementary math tutoring program for students in Precious Blood School in Dayton, and later began tutoring adults. In 2012 she realized that, “The Lord has slowed me down in some activities, but has invited me to live a more contemplative life.”

In November 2015, realizing she needed skilled nursing care, she moved to the Maria-Joseph Center. Grateful that God and her Sisters helped her along her journey in life, she looked to the future, remembering God’s promise: “Fear not, for I am with you: Be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Sister Catherine is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her brothers, Anise, Anthony and John Nader; and her sisters Mother Mary of the Cross CP, Sister M. Thecla WS, Tafla, Raja, Budder and Sister Genevieve, C.PP.S. Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

July 1942 — November 20, 2016

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esurrection liturgy for Sister Amy Junk was held at Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Amy, 74, had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 55 years.

Born in Fort Wayne, Ind. in July 1942, Ann Marie was the oldest of 11 children born to Edward Junk and Maryellen (Christle) Junk.

She is survived by her brothers Thomas, James, Michael, Stephen, and Richard and her sisters Susan, Rose, and Kathleen. After graduating from Fatima Hall in 1960, she entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood at the age of 19. Ann Marie was given the name Sister Amy Marie, which she decided to keep since it was so similar to her baptismal name.

Music was a special gift in Amy’s life. In 1967 she received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in music. For 12 years Amy taught music in elementary schools in Ft. Wayne, Ind.; St. Joseph, Mo; Linton, N.D.; and Kalida, Ohio.

In 1979 she studied at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind. and graduated with a Masters in Liturgical Music. She then served five years as a pastoral team member and director of music and liturgy in Saginaw and Clarkston, Mich. as well as in Sylvania, Ohio.

Amy wrote in an issue of Sharing and Caring, “Each day brings a different challenge, a new insight or a new way to grow – letting God work through me so that the people I serve can see how God is working through them.”

“Music helps with communication, Sister Amy said. “Singing also helps with relaxation and breathing.” She has found that music therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia and long term memory loss. From 2010-2012 she served as a volunteer and GED instructor at Cherry Street Missions Ministries in Toledo, Ohio where she was a gentle and loving presence to the poor and homeless. She had a deep spirit of prayer and compassion and conscientiously tried to be open to where the Spirit was leading her. Creating a balance of leisure, prayer, and work was always important to Amy. Friends describe Amy as kind and gracious and as one whose own needs are simple. At times those needs are very special, like the organ bench needing to be cut down to allow the feet of this five-foot musician to reach the organ pedals.

After Amy moved to the Orchard House in 2015, she continued to use her skills in music therapy at Emma Hall where she enriched the lives not only of our elderly Sisters but also the lay residents by sharing her gifts of music in her own special way.

In the last several years Amy was actively involved in Vocation Ministry through being a mentor sister, working on committees, doing social media and correspondence as well as participating in C.PP.S. vocation events. A Franciscan Sister from Sylvania, Ohio recently commented on Amy as being a very gifted woman with a huge heart.

Interment took place in the Salem Heights Cemetery.

In Sympathy Sister Rosemary Laux on the death of her sister, Esther, Nov. 6.

Sister Jeanette Buehler on the death of her brother, Joe, Nov. 13.

Sister Rose Margaret Broerman on the death of her brother-in-law, Tom Eulitt, Dec. 16.

Sister Margo Young on the

death of her brother-in-law, Donald Boerdenkercher, Jan. 14.

Sister Margo Young on the death of her sister, Shirley Boerdenkercher, Feb. 4.

Remembering Rachelle Cordonnier, formerly Sister Rachelle, Nov. 27.

Linus Monnin, brother of our deceased Sister Evelyn Monnin , Dec. 9.

George Neargarder, brother of deceased Sister Jacinta Neargarder, Dec. 19 Jim Bonifas, brother of deceased Sister Catherine Bonifas, died during the week of Jan. 8.

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In Memoriam

Sister Amy Junk

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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Scenes from Salem Heights

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he Sisters at Salem Heights know how to celebrate!

They had a Valentine's Day Friendship Tea on Feb. 14, with tea, cookies, scones and other desserts, along with sharing stories about love and friendship. On Feb. 28 they had a Mardi Gras celebration. Sister Bernice Krieg found the baby Jesus in the King Cake, so she was crowned the Mardi Gras queen. They also played a detective game while enjoying some coffee.  Story and photos by Michelle Bodine

Clockwise, from above, the Valentine's Day Friendship tea; the Mardi Gras queen, Sister Bernice Krieg; Kim Jaynes serves King Cake to Sisters Katie Lett, Rosemary Goubeaux and Mary Rose McCrate.

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Sharing & Caring