Sharing & Caring Winter 2019

Sharing & Caring Volume 29 Number 3 • Winter 2019 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Gardening for Peace — Page 8

From the President’s Desk

“If you want peace, work for justice”

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ears ago, 1971 to be of one’s skin or the texture precise, Blessed Pope of one’s hair, the manner in Paul VI in his New which one dresses or carries Year’s Day Peace message to oneself, when food or customs the world proclaimed: “If you or country of origin drive a want peace, work for justice.” wedge between us rather than He was attempting to highunite us in sacred curiosity, relight that if our work to bring spect and appreciation. There about peace on earth does not is no peace because there is no build on a just society, it is justice, but rather suspicion, work for naught. Justice, he fear, rejection and exclusion. goes on to explain, is founded The Second Vatican Council in a deep respect for each hucalled the Eucharist the source man person, and for the right and summit of our lives. In relationships that allow huthe Eucharist we also find the man beings to work alongside source for a just world. The each other with regard for Eucharistic banquet is the each one’s dignity, with value table of unity, a place where for each one’s rights and with we are welcomed regardless an appreciation for the variety of how we look or speak or of gifts each one brings. dress, whether we are rich or We realize that the plagues poor, or what we do in life. of division, prejudice, hatred Our relationship with others is and exclusion stand no chance formed not in liking or dislikwhen our relationships with ing but in the spiritual foundaeach other, with God and with tion of the Body and Blood of God’s creation are built on the Jesus who died that all might understanding that all life is be saved. It is not only at the an unearned altar table gift from God that we need Our relationship with to practice and that all life is sacred. acceptance. others is formed not We have At the end of in liking or disliking only to look the liturgy around us we are sent but in the spiritual to know that forth strengthfoundation of the in so many ened by the Body and Blood of areas we do Word we have not have real heard and by Jesus who died that peace. We Jesus’ Body all might be saved. may have a and Blood, to lack of war, — Sister Joyce Lehman reach across but we do borders and not have the boundaries, lasting peace that is of God’s to go beyond likes and disreign. We recognize that we likes, to welcome and embrace are not in right relationship those who find themselves with each other when an acon the margins or excluded cent or language, the color from our circle of the people 2

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we are willing to accept. We are called not only to receive Eucharist but to become Eucharist for others.

When we open our eyes to see with the eyes of Jesus, we can see where the world is out of order, where relationships are fractured and where the virtue of justice is needed. And the starting place for justice is “just us” working in our families, our workplaces, our communities and our churches, wherever people are together and interact. Curiosity about dissimilarities, respect for differences, and appreciation for something other than what we know can help us build that just relationship that reflects the unity that Eucharist calls us to be. And peace can only follow. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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ince 2010, by presidential proclamation, January has been designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States.

The Sisters at Salem Heights attended a presentation on human trafficking on January 9, to better understand the $150 billion-a-year global trafficking industry (labor and sex), learn national and state facts and understand how young people get caught up in the web of trafficking.

The chairwoman of Aboli-

tion Ohio’s speaker’s bureau, Sheila Crane, delivered the informative presentation.

She told the 18 Sisters in attendance that the average age of young people entering the trafficking industry is 12-14 years. They are courted by “groomers” who can be older children themselves who gain the trust of the victim until they secure them through drug addiction, coercion or other methods. Over 1,000 Ohio teens are estimated to be trafficked for sex.

Some good news in the fight

against human trafficking came at the end of 2018. Congress and President Trump reauthorized the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which provides resources to combat and prosecute trafficking crimes and respond to victimization. And in Ohio, child marriage, a vehicle for some young people to enter into trafficking, was banned after the passage of House Bill 511. Ohio joins 32 other states that have set a minimum marriage age.  Story by Colleen Kammer

Left, Sheila Crane, chairwoman of Abolition Ohio’s speaker’s bureau, delivered the informative presentation to the Sisters; right, Sheila Crane, Colleen Kammer and Sister Ceil Taphorn. Michelle Bodine photos

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the Congregation and Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the Sisters’ mission.

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

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

phone: (937) 274-2707 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

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Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

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

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Winter 2019

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Peace, Justice & Ecology

Salem Heights Sisters gain awareness about human trafficking

Peace, Justice & Ecology

Social transformation: ‘Another world is possible’

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ew ways of thinking and acting, individually and congregationally, and collaborative action with other organizations are some of the ingredients needed for social transformation. With the growing divisiveness, instability and systemic violence that we encounter in the world and, admittedly, contribute to on some levels, we must utilize our “spiritual power” as a congregation of the Precious Blood to continue to act for justice and ecological responsibility. We must also be willing to dialogue with those who are different from us in order to foster community and connection and to bring about peace.

While this may be daunting at times, we look to Jesus as our inspiration and model.

The subject of social transformation was highlighted

the same values work together, they “bring about forces that ultimately change structures.” Transformation requires a commonality of perspectives — a new intentionality, social scientists call it. Thoughts about human identity, social purpose and relationships must be shared. It requires many people networking and collaborating, but acting in their spheres of influence according to their passions, talents and responsibilities.

Sunrise; Sister Janet Winandy photo.

Social scientists outline eight action roles and sharing. “Ordinary for social transformation. exchanges can foster positive People acting in these roles values, spreading light out of concern for the common rather than darkness, and good can bring a new world gradually shape new social order. The action roles for so norms.”

3. Choosing lifestyle con'The beauty of all Creation, divine teaching sciously — Recommitment to living simply and sustainthrough Scripture and tradition, and the ably and cultivating a sense goodness within so many human beings, of “enoughness” in our per sonal choices and desires. bear messages of undying hope.'

4. Initiating and nurturing — Rubem Alves alternatives — Addressing unmet social and environ mental needs through new last year in an article by Sister cial transformation are: ministries and by supportAmata Miller, IHM, in Oc1. Study and teaching — Keep ing existing ones. casional Papers, a publication ing informed about social 5. Transforming existing inof the Leadership Conference issues from various points stitutions from within — of Women Religious (LCWR). of view and sharing suc Self-reflection of our Here, I summarize what she cesses that foster hope. charism and Gospel values conveyed about the current 2. Building a new value sys with respect to diversity, thinking on this trend and tem — Women religious inclusion, dignity, etc. concrete ways to bring about strive to affirm alternative transformation. values. These can be effec All of us are practitioners tively conveyed though the — continued on Page 15 of justice and peace. When arts, teaching, social media, Story by Colleen Kammer disparate groups who share etc. to foster beauty, truth 4

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Vocations

The good news about vocations

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or as long as I can remember, the Catholic church has been praying for “an increase in vocations.”

As a millennial who attended public school, I never interacted with a sister or priest (outside of Sunday Mass) until college. I never knew a time when convents and seminaries were overflowing. So, I have always been under the impression that we have a priest shortage or vocational crisis in our church.

When I became a vocational coordinator, I was surprised to find that the statistics for those entering religious life proclaim good news. According to CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), 2018 saw the highest number of men and women making perpetual profession (240) since CARA’s analysis began in 2011! For the third year in a row, there have been over 200 men and women making final vows.

What does this mean? The number of religious vocations is growing! In fact, in less than 10 years, the number of perpetually professed has almost doubled!

Why am I sharing this?

First, I believe good news is worth sharing! Given the state of our church and culture, it is even more important to highlight the beautiful things in our faith. Even when the media headlines say “The Church is in Crisis,” more young people are making a permanent commitment to serve God in the church with a religious community. Their

commitment proves the Caththe Precious Blood. But I’ve olic faith remains relevant and also wrestled with how to the church is alive. pray for this. I do not want Second, I share this good just any woman to join the news about vocations with community. After all, a you because I believe our woman who is not genuinely prayers are working! Since called by God will not be the church continues to inhappy, nor will the commutentionally pray and work for nity, if she were to enter. I vocations, God has answered also do not want to convince those prayers! Religious life has never been for the masses; it has always been Religious life has never a unique vocation reserved been for the masses; it for those whom God calls. has always been a unique The process to enter religious life has become vocation reserved for more selective as well, those whom God calls. taking into consideration — Jenna Legg age, student debt, medical exams and a myriad of other information. Even given these circumstances, a woman meant for another there continues to be a rise in order to join us. Finding the the number of people entering right community is like findreligious life! ing a spouse — not all per Like many, I would love sonalities fit together well. to see the number of profes So, how do I pray? sions increase even more.

I pray that I am at the right I would love my schedule to be full of meetings with — continued on Page 15 young women interested in discerning life as a Sister of Story by Jenna Legg Winter 2019

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Ministry

Sisters aid migrants at the southern border

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rged 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. (CPPS Mission Statement) In November of 2018 the Congregation was sent a letter from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) telling about the need for volunteers at the southern border of the United States to help with the large number of the immigrants who are trying to enter the country. Most of them are from Central American countries and are seeking asylum in the U.S. They are fleeing violence and poverty in their own countries. In January, two CPPS Sisters, Sister Marita Beumer and Sister Ann Clark, went to El Paso, Texas, to volunteer for two weeks with Annunciation House. The mission of Annunciation House states: “In a Gospel spirit of service and solidarity, we accompany the migrant, refugee, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region through hospitality, advocacy, and education.” They are currently the connection with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the El Paso area.

Daily they are notified how many people will be released from detention. Annunciation House has had to open more shelters to accommodate the increased flow. One of these 6

Sharing & Caring

Sisters Marita (left) and Ann (right) work with volunteers in the kitchen, making sandwiches for the guests to take on the bus or plane with them; contributed photo.

is at the Diocese of El Paso Pastoral Center. A building on the grounds was given to Annunciation House to serve as a shelter. This is where Sisters Marita and Ann were assigned. Everyone working at the shelter was a volunteer.

Many of the short-term volunteers were women religious who were answering the call from LCWR. Some of these volunteers knew Spanish and some did not. Even if you did not there were always peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to make, travel packs to put together, helping out in the clothing room, or just helping with everyday tasks. Each day we helped to welcome the families. After they get off of the ICE bus they are welcomed and given a short orientation and a bed in the dormitory. After that they are most often given a meal.

Usually the meals were provided by parishes or parish

groups of El Paso. We were really impressed at how these meals would show up every day. They never knew how many people they would be feeding that day, but there always seemed to be enough to go around and for seconds.

Following the meal, we did “intake.” That meant to get their information from their immigration documents and to ask them a couple more questions. Most of those who arrived were parents with one or two or sometimes more children. One of the questions was about their health. Most of the children had colds, and some of the adults had other health matters. Several of them mentioned that they had seen a doctor while in immigration detention. The other question was if they had come alone on the jourStory by Sisters Ann Clark and Marita Beumer

Ministry Left, Sister Marita works in the clothing area; Sister Ann Clark photo. Right, Sisters Marita and Ann with Sister Cecilia, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word in charge of transportation at the shelter; contributed photo.

ney or if there were others who had come with them and are still being detained. That was the hard question since some of them had come with husbands, mothers, sisters, brothers, who were still being detained. Some of them asked if they would be released to our location the next day. All we could say is, “We don’t know.” After intake they would go to another location where phone calls would be made to their sponsors in the U.S. who would then arrange transportation for them to their next stop.

After that each person would be able to choose a new set of clothing. They were also given toiletries and a towel so they could take a shower. Some of them stayed in the shower a long time since it had been awhile since they had the opportunity to bathe. They all came out of the showers feeling much bet-

ter! Most of the guests were in and out of the shelter in a day and were on to their new home. We helped many of them along the way by taking them to the airport or bus station. As a matter of fact, we usually went to the airport in the morning and the bus stations in the afternoon every day. Probably the hardest thing we did while there was to take them to the airport or bus station and then have to leave them there. Most of them had not even been in an airport, much less in a plane.

Most of the time they had to change planes in the Dallas, Atlanta or Chicago airports.

Some of those going by bus had to change buses several times. We did the best we could to explain to them what would be happening but until someone experiences it, they probably don’t understand.

We just hope and pray they all got to their destination. Since

no calls were received saying someone didn’t arrive, we assume that no news is good news. We were not really allowed to ask why the guests left their homes. Some of them readily told their stories. One woman from El Salvador told me, “I didn’t want to leave my country, but I had to. They killed my mother and they knew I was part of her family, so I had to leave.” Another said that her house was broken into and robbed. Her son was threatened that if he did not sell drugs he would be killed. These are some of the stories. There were many more that we did not know.

We felt that our Precious Blood Spirituality and our mission to “be a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world” called us to volunteer our time for two weeks to be with God’s people at the border. It was an experience we will never forget.  Winter 2019

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Cover Story

Gardening for peace: Community garden provides

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aising food on community plots can transform people — and connect them with the land they once called home. The Sisters of the Precious Blood are helping Congolese immigrants do just that.

After spending 15 years separated from his family while they lived in different refugee camps, Rumenge Mbonigaba is now working side-by-side with his parents at a community garden.

The garden is located on six acres of land in Trotwood owned by the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

“The gardeners working here spent between 10 and 20 years in Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania before being resettled in the Dayton region,” Mbonigaba said. “The cost of living in Dayton is affordable, and so many of them like it here.”

Mbonigaba and his parents were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They’re among many Congolese people who fled war and violence in their home country.

They’re also among many new Daytonians who are finding peace while working a piece of land, who are connecting with people while growing veggies.

Some, such as African eggplant, aren’t readily found in grocery stores. It’s smaller, rounder and more tart than the type usually grown and often mixed with tomatoes and onions when preparing African dishes.

“It will keep you strong and thin,” said Dieudone Makombe, who worked with farmers when he lived in Africa. During 8

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On the cover, Ana Nakinyana, Joseph Rugomagira, Yoramu Nyaboza and Sister Mumbi Kigutha. Above, Odia Nabiganza and friend.

the growing season, Makombe works in the Trotwood garden for a couple of hours before heading to his day job.

The land is one of nearly 100 community gardens located throughout Montgomery County that Five Rivers MetroParks supports through such tasks as tilling the land and providing compost.

“The gardens we support get people outside and active,” said Five Rivers MetroParks education coordinator Kaitlyn Lowry. “They also provide little oases of habitat and biodiversity throughout the region — all while growing food.”

While he was working as a translator for Catholic Social Services, Rumenge Mbonigaba met Sister Mumbi Kigutha, CPPS, who also was working at the agency.

“While working with newly resettled families, I realized that there was a need for fresh vegetables due to a number of fac-

tors,” Sister Mumbi said. “I did some research as to what similar programs looked like in the state and around the country.”

Sister Mumbi then wrote a proposal, with the encouragement of Sister Ann Clark, her novice director at the time, and Sister Joyce Lehman, the congregational president.

“Sister Joyce then shared the proposal with the leadership team, who approved it,” Sister Mumbi said. “That’s when I went looking for families to partner with.”

And that’s when she got in touch with Mbonigaba, who found the farmers who are working the land.

“Everything else grew from there,” Sister Mumbi said.

“We’ll be evaluating what we’ve learned and how to Story by Kristen Wicker; originally published in ParkWays, reprinted with permission. Photos by Josh Koenig.

Above, Rumenge Mbonigaba with his mother, Ana.

move forward. The land can for the Sisters of the Precious create plenty of food and alBlood. lows for socializing. Commu Sister Mumbi agreed, noting nity bonds have been formed. the community initially came “And gardening is very therto the Dayton area in the 1800s apeutic,” she added. “It’s good to help German immigrants. to see this land used instead of Everyone agrees the comsitting fallow.”

The Congolese garden'The gardeners work sideers are using only organic methods, growing food as by-side in the garden they did when in Africa. and have a communal “It was a big challenge place where they foster to adapt to the diet here,” said Sister Mumbi, who’s the spirit of taking care from Kenya. “It’s highly of one another that’s so processed, and the African diet is primarily green, culturally important.' leafy vegetables. I had my — Sister Mumbi Kigutha own struggles with weight gain, and organic food is expensive.” munity garden has incredible For the Sisters of the Prepotential and presents mulcious Blood, their support of tiple opportunities. this garden “helps the Sisters Dieudone Makombe envilive out the notion of welcomsions the land as a permanent ing the stranger right here,” location that includes a greensaid Colleen Kammer, director house and supports full-time of peace, justice and ecology jobs for the new Daytonians.

“This brings the community together to do something,” he said. “Once we get more supplies, materials and time, we can do even more. We can eventually feed our Congolese community and feed the Americans, too. We can all benefit from the organic food.”

Yet the community garden in Trotwood is about more than food.

“The gardeners work sideby-side in the garden and have a communal place where they foster the spirit of taking care of one another that’s so culturally important,” Sister Mumbi said. “They have agency in the garden that’s unique to their experience in Africa. They’re in charge in the garden, and they have a sense of freedom and purpose they often don’t feel in a predominately white society.”

Indeed, Rumenge Mbonigaba sees the garden as a place where people from different tribes, often separated or even at war in their home country, can learn to live and work in peace.

“There’s a lot of political division in Congo, but when we’re here in the garden, we focus on doing something together,” he said. “This builds social connections that go beyond the boundaries that separated us back in Congo.

“We will not be held back by our past,” added Mbonigaba, who thinks about one day returning to his homeland and applying American farming practices to fight against hunger — and anger. “We all saw tragedy, but we are safe now and can think beyond where we came from.”  Winter 2019

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Cover Story

food and fellowship for new Daytonians

News

Congregation welcomes new staff members

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n November, Sarah Aisenbrey joined the staff as CPPS archivist, charged with maintaining the Congregation’s historical records and artifacts. She continues to collaborate with Sister Noreen Jutte, who retired last year after serving as archivist for over two decades.

A graduate of Carroll High School, Aisenbrey was working as an archivist in Newark, Ohio, but returned to the area to be closer to family. A lifelong love of history led her to major in history as an undergraduate student and then complete the graduate program in public history, both at Wright State University.

She has a particular interest in learning about abolitionists during the Civil War era and also enjoys movies and genealogy. She said her interest in history stems from curiosity about personalities and people — “learning about why people made certain decisions and what influenced them.”

'I think if you’re open to what God wants for you, you know where you’re supposed to be. And this is where I’m supposed to be.'

— JoAnne Dole As she continues to settle into her new role with the Congregation, Aisenbrey said she is looking forward to the future: “learning more about 10

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the Sisters and their history and why they decided to be here.

And our archives is one of the best places, other than talking to the Sisters themselves, to learn their ‘why’ and hear their stories.”

“I’m really happy here,” she added. “Everyone is so welcoming.

Everyone just really wants you to succeed.”

In December, JoAnne Dole came on board as the Congregation’s health and wellness coordinator. Dole attended Badin High School and has been a registered nurse since 1985; she also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University. Dole spent the Top, Sarah; bottom, JoAnne. Michelle Bodine photos first two decades of her career in adult critical been in service to others. And I care, including surgical/carlove that. I’m thrilled that God diac intensive care units, open wants to use my gifts to help heart surgery recovery units the Sisters.” and general surgical recov Throughout her career, Dole ery room. Most recently, she has loved helping families and spent 12 years with Hospice said she feels honored to have of Dayton, where she worked been present for patients and in patient homes, in inpatient families as they navigate the units and finally as care team health care system. coordinator. In her role with “What I do isn’t a job; it the Congregation, she will really is a service,” she said. serve as a health care advocate “Whatever knowledge I have and resource person. is truly a gift, and I have to “I think if you’re open to give it back. And to be able to what God wants for you, you work with the Sisters — to use know where you’re supposed my knowledge to serve the to be. And this is where I’m servants of God — is really a supposed to be,” she said. privilege.”  “I’ve been incredibly fortunate as a nurse that I’ve always Story by Mary Knapke

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niversity of Dayton student and Sisters of the Precious Blood scholarship recipient Lindsey Bronder is called to teach students with obstacles to success — students like a fifth grader she recently tutored through UD’s El Puente Club.

“He was trying to multiply fractions and was struggling.

He felt despondent, like he just couldn’t learn math. After working with him, I realized that he didn’t even know what fractions are. It’s not that he couldn’t learn math ... there was just a critical gap in his knowledge.”

Bronder noted that many immigrant students move frequently, creating skill gaps

because of varying educational standards across the U.S. “Knowing that students could fall through the cracks through no fault of their own makes me sad, but it also inspires me to continue down my path toward teaching.”

Given traditional teacher salaries, Bronder had concerns about college debt, but she found breathing room thanks to the Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship. “It’s like a sign from God that I’m on the right path,” said Bronder.

An anonymous donor made a contribution establishing the endowed scholarship fund in honor of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2017. The scholarships are need- and merit-

News

Helping UD students answer their calling

Lindsey Bronder; contributed photo.

based, and assist students in education, pastoral ministry and music.  Story originally published by the University of Dayton. Used with permission.

Finance director retires

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taff member Steve Klosterman recently retired, after serving 10 years as the Congregation’s finance

director. The Sisters thank him for his dedicated leadership, and we welcome new finance director Phil Hartke. 

Bottom left, Steve cantors at his retirement Mass; bottom right, Steve's family attends the Mass and luncheon. Michelle Bodine photos

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News

A retirement reflection

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arb Maloney recently retired from Brunner Literacy Center after seven years of service. She began as a volunteer tutor when the center opened in 2011 and also served as program manager and site coordinator. Brunner Literacy Center was founded by Sisters Maryann Bremke and Helen Weber and provides literacy tutoring and GED preparation.

Maloney continues to serve as a volunteer tutor and said that sometimes her volunteer hours exceed the hours she was working.

“The Sisters have taught me well,” she said. “We may retire from being paid for our work, but we never discontinue our service to those who live on the margins of society.”

I was blessed with parents who believed in the value of an education. Mom and Dad sent my siblings and me to St. Joseph School in Wapakoneta, Ohio, their alma mater. It wasn’t easy for them to send all of their 19 children through Catholic school, but they managed to do just that. They sacrificed common luxuries to do what was necessary to raise a large family while never wavering on their commitment to help us realize our educational dreams.

My earliest recollections date back to sitting on Dad’s lap while he read us Bible stories and rocking with Mom as she recited Mother Goose rhymes.

As a young family we learned numbers by playing Steal-thePile and Seven-up. When we were 5, we learned strategy through playing a watereddown version of chess with Dad. In our primary school years, we learned all about the 12

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art of gardening long before science was introduced as a required school curriculum.

During the evening meal we learned civics as Mom and Dad argued the merits of their respective political parties: Mom, Republican; Dad, Democrat. By 10, Mom taught each of us how to follow a recipe so we had the pleasure of putting a meal on the table. As soon as we made our first dollar working outside the home, they no longer gave us our weekly allowance of 35 cents. With regular money coming in, they expected us to give weekly to the church, put money in the bank, and buy our own candy at Murphy’s Five and Dime.

Ah! What valuable lessons! Is it any wonder that in our free time we played church, school and army? And being the fourth oldest, I had the fortune of watching my younger brothers and sisters as the three oldest had more household and yard chores to attend. That’s when the role of teacher took hold of me from the outsidein. I went from teaching my younger brothers and sisters and the neighborhood kids in Dad’s garage to teaching in Catholic schools for 41 years.

When Sisters Maryann Bremke and Helen Weber opened the Brunner Literacy Center in 2011, I began my adult tutoring and program manager career.

During these last two years and four months I was the site coordinator at the Day Reporting Center for the BLC. Full circle from those early days!

I have been blessed with a rich educational history and a

Top, Barb; bottom, at the Brunner Literacy Center on Salem Ave. contributed photos.

vibrant faith, and I credit my parents and the Sisters of the Precious Blood for endowing me with the gift of teaching and believing. They have modeled with their lives the adage that to those who have been given much, much is required.

I do what I do to honor those who have given so much to me.

Our mission at the BLC is to serve those who have been less fortunate when it comes to education. These are the folks with whom we share the good news of reading, writing, math, civics and science. Their stories are far different from mine, and it saddens me to hear their struggles while growing up.

Story originally published online at www.brunnerliteracy.org/blog.

Reprinted with permission.

These struggles spilled over into their school experience, and their dreams were snuffed out at a young age. What we offer is a chance to dream again. And, that is what we see in their eyes when they successfully finish a textbook on adding and subtracting fractions or laughing while reading Dr. Seuss. And when they reach their final goal (no matter if it is to read, gain citizenship, land a job or earn a GED), the tears in their eyes tell a new story. ‘Someone believed in me and cared enough that I can now believe in myself.’

Helping a person achieve what was long forgotten or deemed impossible is the best gift we can give.

At the close of tutoring this past week, a successful week for students reaching milestones, I was reminded by my team of the joy that comes our way when students succeed.

We’d like to think our motives are purely noble, but in all honesty, we gain as much, if not more, from these adult learners.

Their determination empowers us to stay the course and not give up. I have received so much more from them than what I have given. For that, I am eternally thankful.

So yes, I retired at the end of 2018 from the Brunner Literacy Center as site coordinator for the DRC, but I will never retire from tutoring. I am looking forward to no more meetings ... just tutoring, just tutoring. And yes, maybe more time with my grandsons so I can teach them how to play Steal-the-Pile and read Mother Goose rhymes. 

News

Events Precious Blood Sisters have been busy with these recent events: • March 8 – U.S. bishops’ listening session on racism at the University of Dayton. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is one of the stops of the USCCB’s Committee on Racism, which is traveling across the country to hear personal testimonies from people who have experienced racism. This is a follow-up to the bishops’ pastoral letter “Open Wide our Hearts,” which was released in November 2018.

• March 9 – Annual Prayer Memorial – Our annual prayer memorial at Salem Heights is a time in which we come together to connect with one another and to remember the victims of homicide we have prayed for during the past year. A social follows the service.

• March 14 – Empty Bowls soup dinner benefitting the House of Bread, a community kitchen in Dayton. Our own Sister Paula Gero made some of the ceramic bowls that guests took home!

• March 16 – Soap Up the First Four, anti-human trafficking event. Sisters teamed up again with Chaminade Julienne High School, S.O.A.P. (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) and Abolition Ohio to distribute hotel soap and missing children posters to area hotels prior to the NCAA’s First Four basketball tournament.

• March 18 – Prayer service at Salem Heights chapel for anti-human trafficking success on the eve of the First Four tournament in Dayton.

Upcoming events include: • Women’s Dinner and Faith Sharing. Please feel free to join us on the second Tuesday of every month. For details, email Jenna Legg, vocation ministry coordinator, at jlegg@cppsadmin.org.

• Explore Your Call Dinner. A dinner for young women curious about religious life. April 10, 6-9 p.m., at St. Francis De Sales parish in Lebanon, Ohio. For details, email vocations@catholiccincinnati.org or call 513-4213131 ext. 2890.

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News

Nifty Nineties party Sisters at Salem Heights ages 90 and above (including two 100-year-olds) celebrated all of their birthdays on one day, which was also Valentine’s Day. The Sisters were joined by younger members of the Congregation as they told stories, prayed and enjoyed a special dessert.

Top row, Sisters Rosemary Laux, Eleanor McNally, Ruth Ann Meyer, Patty Kremer, Adeline Mertz and Judy Kroeger; middle row, Sisters Irene Holz, Berenice Janszen, Joyce Lehman, Bernice Krieg, Charlene Heidenreich and Mary Anne Schiller; bottom right, Sister Kathleen Kelly; Sister Nancy Wolf photos.

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.

1 4 5 6 12 13 23 27 7 14

MARCH

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

APRIL

Rosemary Goubeaux Sharing & Caring

9 11 13 13 15 17 20 20 22 24 27

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

3 6 11 13 20 22 22 23 23

MAY

Mumbi Kigutha Deb Huss Thelma Wurzelbacher Rose Helene Wildenhaus Arlene Hirsch Lou Ann Roof Benita Volk Mary Ellen Lampe Nancy Recker

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6. Strategizing for political and corporate change — Be ing agents of change through advocacy.

7. Resisting what is going in the wrong direction — Through prayer vigils, edi torials, marches.

8. Praying and living an inte grated spirituality — Bring ing our justice concerns into frequent prayer. “Shar ing our spiritual power more fully with all our brothers and sisters — digi-

tally, visually, creatively — will powerfully convey the resurrection message of Jesus Christ and foster social transformation.”

Certainly, there is much work to be done. No one can say that there is nothing that he or she can do! We must be visible as Christian communities, drawing upon our spirituality to stimulate and sustain creative engagement. Operating together in community is what will sustain the resistance and

effective action for social transformation over the long-term.

The Brazilian theologian Rubem Alves reminds us that hope is a sense that true reality is more complicated than what we understand, and that the actual realities we see before us are not the true limits of what is possible. “The beauty of all Creation, divine teaching through Scripture and tradition, and the goodness within so many human beings, bear messages of undying hope.” 

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place at the right time and that I am open to the Holy Spirit. I pray that God will lead me to the places where young women are and I constantly ask for the grace to guide them in their discernment.

Lately, I’ve also been very bold. I’ve bluntly asked God, “Will you call more women to be Sisters of the Precious Blood? The charism is needed in our world today. I know there are women that

can grow the history of the community into new radical love for the future. God, call them! And help me not to screw it up!”

I encourage you: Praise God for the gift of increasing vocations and be bold in your prayer with God. Ask Him to continue to call men and women to religious life, especially within the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Our faith and our statistics prove that God answers prayers! 

In Sympathy Sister Edna Hess on the death of her brother-in-law, David Kirksen, on December 23.

Sister Rosemary Goubeaux on the death of her brotherin-law, Norbert Riethman, on January 30.

Sister Jean René Hoying on the death of her brother-inlaw, Kenny Boerger, on January 20.

Remembering Priscilla Shirley Ann Cuervo-Colliers, our former Sister M. James Michael, died on December 28.

Dolores (Honey) Lorenz, our former Sister Joan Michael, died during the week of January 20-26.

Marilyn Kaufman (Hazelton), our former Sister M. Joel-

lyn, died during the week of February 3-9.

Father Bill Myers, one of the Chaplains at Salem Heights, died on February 5.

Maria Dues, former member, died during the week of February 10-16.

Joe DeAngelo, husband of Kathy (Gimpel) De Angelo, former member, died on February 24.

Winter 2019 15

Continued Stories

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

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Mother Maria Anna Brunner prayer service

O

n January 15, the staffs of the CPPS Administrative Office and Salem Heights were invited to a prayer service to honor our foundress, Mother Maria Anna Brunner, on the anniversary of her birthday into heaven. There was a short

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Sharing & Caring

presentation about her life, her purpose and how the Sisters of the Precious Blood continue her legacy. There was also a prayer service honoring her in chapel followed by breads and jam in the dining room. Mother Brunner was noted for giving bread

to the poor.  Top left, Sister Joyce Lehman gives a presentation on Mother Brunner; top right, prayer service honoring Mother Brunner in the chapel at Salem Heights; bottom, Sisters and staff enjoyed breads and jam in the dining room.

Contributed photos