Sharing & Caring Winter 2020

Sharing & Caring Volume 30 Number 3 • Winter 2020 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Changing lives with literacy

From the President’s Desk

Dear friends and family,

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he last time I wrote we were in the Advent/ Christmas season and now we are entering the season of Lent. For us Christians it is a time of conversion, a time of repentance, a time of fasting. Lent leads us to Holy Week, one of the principal celebrations of our Precious Blood spirituality.

We find in the first readings of this season the invitation to fasting and a call to our conversion. Many of us as children were encouraged to fast by giving up candy or gum during Lent. Maybe if we were an ice cream lover we gave up ice cream or all desserts.

However, Isaiah in chapter 58, verses six to eight, tells us what kind of fasting the Lord wishes of us: This is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, unty ing the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quick ly healed.

(Isaiah 58:6-8, Reading from the lectionary for Friday, February 28) 2

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How different these words of Isaiah, which invite us to look around and to help the disadvantaged, the suffering and the oppressed. It is not about us but about others.

In this edition of Sharing & Caring you will read about the Brunner Literacy Center, which was started by two of our retired educators, Sisters Maryann Bremke and Helen Weber. They saw the need of people who live in our Trotwood neighborhood for the opportunity to get their GED in order to get better-paying jobs, or maybe just to learn to read. They have lived out the invitation of God in the words of Isaiah. We do not have to begin something. Most of us will not do that, but during Lent and all year long we can reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

This Lent is a good time not only to deprive ourselves

to be persons of compassion and love. There is too much hate and division, too much individualism and not enough community.

Many blessings during this Lenten season and may we truly feel like resurrected persons on Easter morning

How different these words of Isaiah, which invite us to look around and to help the disadvantaged, the suffering and the oppressed. It is not about us but about others.

— Sister Edna Hess of something we love, but to take our gifts, our talents and to use them for the good of the poor and oppressed, the hungry and the homeless.

Giving of our time and our talents will help us to be light for our world. Today, more than ever, we Christians need

along with Jesus who came to save us! 

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Vocations

Join us in celebrating Catholic Sisters Week

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eginning on International Women’s Day, Catholic Sisters Week is a week of prayer and celebration highlighting the contributions of Catholic Sisters in our communities and in our faith March 8-14. Across the world, a variety of Catholic groups will be hosting educational events, prayer services and ad campaigns featuring women religious and the impact of their ministry.

As Sisters of the Precious Blood, we will be launching a social media campaign featuring some of our Sisters and their ministries. Our regularly scheduled women’s dinner will also highlight the many ministries to which our Sisters have contributed. Our week will conclude with efforts to invite other women to join us in this life of service.

We invite you to celebrate with us!

• Promote: Post a photo on line of your favorite mem ory, a picture of you and a Sister, or a ministry sup ported by Sisters that touched your life. Make sure

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.

to attach the hashtags: #CatholicSistersWeek and #DaytonHasSisters.

• Thank a Sister: Call a Sister you know, invite a Sister to coffee or lunch, or even visit our motherhouse to say hi.

Let a Sister know that you appreciate her ministry and her prayer.

• Invite a Sister: Many of our Sisters would love to speak to your class, campus, parish or small group. Invite a Sis ter to attend your regularly scheduled Bible study!

• Educate: Inform young

people about the joys of be ing a Sister. God is still call ing women to become Sis ters, so encourage young people to explore their vocation.

For more ideas on how to celebrate and more information on Catholic Sisters Week, please visit the website: www.catholicsistersweek.org.

So, how will you join us in celebrating, honoring and praying for these women who have changed our world and touched our lives?  Story by Jenna Legg

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

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

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

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

Printing

PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

Contributing writers: Colleen Kammer, Director of Peace, Justice and Ecology; Jenna Legg, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist

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News

Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman receives national recognition for liturgical scholarship

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he North American Academy of Liturgy has named Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman the recipient of the 2020 Berakah Award, which is given to liturgists in recognition of distinguished contribution to the professional work of liturgy.

Sister Joyce Ann received the award at NAAL’s annual meeting in January in Atlanta.

Founded in 1973, NAAL is an ecumenical and inter-religious association of liturgical scholars collaborating in research concerning public worship.

The Berakah Award — named for the Hebrew word meaning “blessing” — has been given annually since 1976. Sister Joyce Ann has been a member of the organization since 1987.

In her introduction of Sister Joyce Ann at the Academy’s annual meeting, the Rev. Dr. Lisa Weaver — assistant professor of worship at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia — highlighted Sister Joyce Ann’s writing, editing, teaching, professional leadership, and service to the NAAL. Weaver said Sister Joyce Ann’s earliest writings constituted “a journey into academic scholarship on liturgy and liturgical formation that grew into a robust catalog of publications that has enriched the Roman Catholic Church, significantly contributed to the body of liturgical scholarship, and advanced the ecumenical dialogue of the wider Church.”

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Also at the NAAL annual meeting, Sister Joyce Ann delivered her response to receiving the award, in an address titled “The Relationality of Gratitude.”

“When NAAL President Bruce Morrill phoned me and invited me to receive the 2020 From left, John and Pat Zimmerman (Sister Joyce Ann’s brother and sister-in-law), Sisters Joyce Ann, Margo Young Berakah Award, of and Edna Hess; contributed photo. course I felt deeply honored. But even the death and Resurrection of more deeply, I felt great huChrist, and our entering into mility as I reflected on what this mystery.” receiving this award means,” Sister Joyce Ann is foundSister Joyce Ann said. “Gratiing director of the Institute for tude evolves in a community Liturgical Ministry in Dayton, of persons, especially in a an adjunct professor of liturgy, community of faith. No wortha frequent speaker and facilitawhile honor can rightly be tor of workshops, and a probestowed on someone who lific author, editor and collaboacts totally alone. Honoring rator. She holds a Doctorate in an individual is a tacit recogSacred Theology from St. Paul nition of all those others who University in Ottawa, Ontario, contribute to making a person and a Ph.D. in Theology from who she or he is.” the University of Ottawa.

In honoring the various com Over the past two decades, munities in her own life, she Sister Joyce Ann has also reacknowledged her family; the ceived awards from the FedSisters of the Precious Blood; eration of Diocesan Liturgical and the members of the North Commissions, Georgetown American Academy of Liturgy Center for Liturgy, Notre and friends.

Dame Center for Liturgy, and “Precious Blood spirituality the Catholic Press Association. and how I have theologically Her most recent book — How developed my understanding Deep the Mystery: Meditating of liturgy over the years are on the Words of the Mass — was perfectly meshed,” she said published in January by Litin a recent interview. “What urgy Training Publications.  Mother Brunner gave us with her devotion to the Eucharist is the fullness of what liturgy is about: the celebration of Story by Mary Knapke

News

UD scholarship recipients visit Salem Heights

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everal students from the University of Dayton, as well as faculty and staff members, recently visited Salem Heights to meet Sisters and learn more about the Congregation. The students were just some of the 22 recipients of the Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship this year.

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 meritbased, and assist students in education, music and pastoral ministry.

During the Jan. 24 reception, Sister Maryann Bremke gave a presentation detailing the Congregation’s identity and mission, and students, faculty and Sisters had time to visit in small groups. The students visiting Salem Heights were: • Benjamin Bingamon, middle childhood education • Lindsey Bronder, secondary Catholic religion education • Catherine Burgess, early childhood education • Itzel Fenton, music therapy • Stefani Giegucz, intervention specialist • Sierrah Howard, music • Caroline Matteson, interven tion specialist In student profiles provided by the University, the recipients described the scholarship’s impact on them. A few of the comments include: ✥ “Though my mind was already set on completing my

Top, from left, Benjamin Bingamon, Lindsey Bronder, Sierrah Howard, Stefani Giegucz, Itzel Fenton, Caroline Matteson, Annie Burgess; bottom, students talk with Sisters during the reception. Jenna Legg photos

goals in school, this gives me an extra sort of ‘push’ to continue, because I know someone out there cares enough about my success to invest in me.” ✥ “You didn’t just help me towards finishing my degree but you are helping me make a difference. I will now be able to become a teacher and help many students’ lives.” ✥ “In May 2020, I will become a first-generation college graduate, and if it weren’t for generous donors like you, I may not have had this chance at all.” ✥ “It is because of you that

I am able to attend UD, and I am so happy that I do.” ✥ “This scholarship has genuinely changed my life.”

The students were joined at the reception by Mary Lou Andrews, assistant dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences; Connie Bowman, chair of the teacher education department; Julia Randel, chair of the music department; and Valerie Mershimer-Mohr, director of donor relations.  Story by Mary Knapke

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News

Sisters attend Serra Club dinner

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ister Ann Clark, Sister Martha Bertke and Novice Sister Mi-Kyoung Hwang attended the annual dinner which the Serra Club of the St. Marys and Sidney deaneries held at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein on Friday, December 27, 2019.

Serra USA was formed in 1935 by a small group of lay people in Seattle who decided to form an organization to promote and foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. Also, they assist members to recognize and respond in their own lives to God’s call to holiness. Father Junipero Serra, the great missionary, was chosen as their patron and the organization was named Serra Club of Seattle. Now they are found around the world.

The Serra Club of the St. Marys and Sidney deaneries was established in 2010 when they received their charter

from Serra International and Serra USA. This local group meets on the second Thursday of each month at Holy Redeemer Church in New Bremen. Mass is at 7 p.m. with the meeting to follow. They provide various events and opportunities throughout the year.

For nearly 10 years, From left, Sisters Ann Clark, Mi-Kyoung Hwang and the Serra Club and the Martha Bertke; contributed photo.

Spiritual Center have collent way to become acquainted laborated and hosted an with one another, to learn who annual appreciation dinner. is in formation and at what They invite seminarians and stage of formation individuals their parents, as well as priests, are, and most of all to encourbrothers and sisters who live age and support one another. in this area. Also, women who Two years ago, Sister Ann are in formation for religious attended the appreciation dinlife are invited, as well as ner along with Sisters Mumbi guests. Those in formation Kigutha and LaKesha Church, must be from one of the parwho were novices at that time. ishes in these two deaneries.

Now both of them have temThis dinner is held one evening porary vows as Sisters of the at the Spiritual Center, during Precious Blood.  the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It is a very Story by Sister Martha Bertke enjoyable event! It is an excel-

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

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MARCH

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

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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

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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t is a practice in many places around the world to publicly walk the stations of the cross on Good Friday not only to commemorate the sacrifice of our Lord, but to call attention and respond to our modern-day injustices.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood have been involved for many years in Good Friday walks for peace and justice in

walk for 24 years. She will be retiring from the committee after this year’s walk.

As a Sister of the Precious Blood, it’s been important to Sister Alice to contribute to the walk for peace and justice, an event that draws over 100 people each year. “Precious Blood is entwined with Jesus’ journey to Calvary,” said Sister Alice. She believes that we are all called to that journey, though “Precious Blood is really about not in the same way; we each have following the path of Jesus, different crosses to and it is lifegiving.” carry.

— Sister Alice Schoettelkotte What does Jesus’ sacrifice mean for us today? Sister Dayton and in other places Alice described two important where they minister. They have functions of blood in living participated as walkers, as creatures. Blood brings life to readers and writers of prayer the body and it carries away for the stations and as organizwhat is no longer needed. Jeers. Sister Alice Schoettelkotte, sus’ shedding of his blood was in particular, has served on the a life-giving action. “I have to interfaith organizing commitdie to myself in order to bring tee for Dayton’s Good Friday life to our world,” said Sister

Alice. “The Precious Blood has to be shed by me in some way today.”

Sister Alice understands the shedding of the blood to mean giving totally of herself to others, just as Jesus did. She does this in her volunteer ministry at the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dayton, a place where she worked in various capacities for 37 years until her retirement in 2018. Whenever a resident stops her in the hall these days or needs to talk, Sister Alice takes time for them, even though other tasks may be on her agenda.

We are grateful to Sister Alice for her willingness to emulate Jesus in her lifelong ministries, including her service for the Good Friday walk for peace and justice. According to Sister Alice, “Precious Blood is really about following the path of Jesus, and it is lifegiving.”  Story by Colleen Kammer

Left, from left, Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Rosemary Goubeaux, Paula Gero, Alice Schoettelkotte and Ceil Taphorn participate in the Good Friday Walk, 2018; Colleen Kammer photo. Right, Sister Alice at the Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Michelle Bodine photo.

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Peace, Justice & Ecology

Precious Blood brings life to the world

Archives

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

December 1891 issue of Back Woods

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he “Back Woods” Newspaper was written and illustrated by Sisters attending the Gruenenwald Convent Normal School (near Cassella, Ohio) between 1883 and 1892. The Normal School provided training for Sisters who were preparing to be teachers in the various schools where the Congregation taught. The issues in the CPPS Archives, from December 1890 and December 1891, give a glimpse into the lives of the pioneer Sister teachers in northwest Ohio.

The articles in the newspapers varied from how the Sisters celebrated Christmas, to updates on the students and superiors, to tips for teaching. Each issue has sections in English and German, as both languages were spoken by Sisters at the time.

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his is a rendering of the Gruenenwald Convent in the December 1890 “Back Woods” issue. On the lower right side of the drawing, a caption says “Green Wood 1891.” Gruenenwald in English means “Greenwood” and was named after the wooded area around where the Convent was built in 1850. On the bottom left side, Sisters are seen walking in front of the Convent in their habits.

Story by Sarah Aisenbrey 8

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Archives

“Back Woods” Newspapers T

his poem from the December 1890 issue was meant to be used in the classroom with primary school students to help them learn how to count.

“Primary Here is a bee hive Where are the bees Hidden away Where nobody sees Soon they come creeping Out of the hive One, two, 3, 4, 5” Additional instructions after the poem say, “This should be recited with fists doubled and at the [counting] line, the fingers are brought out one by one.”

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n the December 1890 issue, the Sisters wrote: “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members of our community! May the new year bring prosperity, enlargement and joy to each and every one. That every teacher may be more successful this year than last is the hearty wish of the ‘Back Woods.’”

To close the December 1890 issue, Sister Mary Cecilia Lang (head of the Normal School at Gruenenwald from 1886 to 1892) wrote: “This paper costs a rosary. Sr. M. Cecilia.”  Winter 2020

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Ten years and counting

Brunner Literacy

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en years ago, Sister tion and local community moGED. Some students have atHelen Weber and Sister bilized with them, the Brunner tained U.S. citizenship. CountMaryann Bremke were Literacy Center opened its less others have achieved perrestless in retirement. As they doors in 2011. Since then, over sonal and professional goals. tried to find ways to make a 1,700 people have come to the All services are provided at no difference where they lived center, seeking assistance in cost to students. in northwest Dayton, they Adult Basic Education, pre Throughout the process of became aware that there was paring for the GED, learning establishing the center, “the a critical need for literacy in the area.

In responding to that need, they had at the forefront of their minds the mission of the Sisters of the Precious Blood to “proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.”

They recognized that illiteracy is at the root of many problems in a fractured society — joblessness, addiction, imprisonment, poverty — and that illiteracy is often passed on from generation to generation.

“Responding to the needs of the people, our own call to mission, and the recognition of the mission right here the cover, Sisters Helen Weber and Maryann Bremke, founders of BLC; above, tutors work with in northwest Dayton — it all On students one-on-one. came together,” Sister Helen said. “We recognized the English, or pursuing continumovement of the Spirit has problem, and we recognized ing education. been very evident and active,” our own capabilities. We were In 2019, 357 active students Sister Helen said. both lifelong educators, and — between the ages of 19 and “Every time we came to we were available.”

82, and from 32 different counan impasse, something just Sisters Helen and Maryann tries — logged over 11,600 put their call to mission into hours of instruction. Over 100 Story by Mary Knapke; photos by Michelle Bodine action and, with the Congregastudents have earned their 10

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Center

changes lives through literacy

opened up,” Sister Maryann added.

They knew they needed four things to get going; the first was funding. The Congregation provided a startup grant.

Precious Blood Sister Ruth Ann Meyer had experience as

the idea, the space — which is located just across the street from Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton — was donated to Precious Blood Parish, which allowed Sisters Helen and Maryann to use it for the center.

The inviting atmosphere helps students feel comfortable.

a math professor and grant writer at Western Michigan University; she wrote a number of grants for the center that provided funding in the early years.

Next, they needed a place.

Shortly after coming up with

At the same time, the Miami Valley Literacy Council, which had operated in downtown Dayton since the 1960s, closed its doors. Brunner Literacy Center obtained many of the organization’s items — tables, chairs, bookshelves, even the

whiteboard and the clock on the wall — and put them to use.

Next, they set out to find tutors. Sisters Helen and Maryann held a meeting within the Congregation to see who might be interested; about 30 Sisters came to the meeting and committed to serving as volunteer tutors. Many of them were also retired educators.

“I think we tapped the experiences of our Congregation very well,” Sister Helen said. “Some Sisters had taught primary grades.

Their experience was invaluable when somebody came in here who couldn’t read at all. They brought in those teaching skills. The support of the Congregation, in terms of people and their skills and encouragement, were critical in our development.”

“The Sisters supported our reaching out to the people in this way,” Sister Maryann said. “Because they felt that they knew what education does for a person. It’s the gift that they need to have a quality life.”

“Sister Rosalie Kastner was in her 90s, and she was still over here tutoring, because she had been a primary grade teacher,” Sister Helen added.

“A whole bunch of them did Winter 2020

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northwest Dayton over the age that. Some of them came over of 18 had not finished high here with walkers. It was very school. So Sisters Helen and much a community endeavMaryann knew students were or.” “out there” — they just had to “It sparked our energy to find them. say, ‘We can do something They distributed flyers adhere.’ And we knew a lot of vertising the center, but they Sisters were with us,” Sister didn’t seem to be very effecMaryann said. tive. “Then we realized people Very quickly, members of couldn’t read the flyers,” Sister the community followed suit.

Helen said.

Sisters Helen and Maryann ad “We had to be creative in vertised in the bulletin at Prethe way we advertised it cious Blood Parish and, Sister because we were appealing Helen said, “people came from all over when they realized that they had something to give. We felt that same thing: Somebody has a need; we have something to give.”

One member of the community stepped up as a volunteer tutor and ended up working full time at the center for a decade. Barb Maloney had taught for many years at St. Rita and Precious Blood schools. She started out coming over to the center for the afternoon after school let out. When she retired, she started working for the center full time, serving as program director and eventually establishing the center’s location at the Day Reporting Center (DRC), part of an incarceration center focused on Steve Dye with his tutor, Pat Henne. drug treatment. Now retired to an illiterate population,” from the center, she still serves Sister Maryann said. Word of as a tutor at the DRC. “She was an excellent teacher mouth proved to be the most successful way of getting the and brought that excellence word out. Sometimes someone here,” Sister Helen said. “She would stop in, thinking the could relate to people really center was a furniture store. well; she was an enormous When they found out it was a contribution to this place.” literacy center, “They would With funding, a space and say, ‘I know someone who tutors secured, the center was can’t read. I’ll let them know.’” ready to open to the local comOver time, the number of stumunity. The 2010 census had dents increased. indicated that 4,000 people in 12

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“It grew. It blossomed into something,” Sister Maryann said.

Originally from Ottoville, Ohio, Sister Helen entered the Community in 1952 and served as a classroom teacher for several years before entering into educational administration. Sister Maryann, originally from Celina, Ohio, entered the Community in 1954 and also ministered as an educational administrator, including 23 years as an ele-

mentary principal and 20 years as assistant principal at Carroll High School. She also served as president of the Sisters of the Precious Blood for eight years. She continues to tutor at the Salem Avenue location and the Day Reporting Center.

Their backgrounds complemented each other, with Sister Helen working on the legal aspects of establishing a nonprofit organization and Sister

ter on Salem Avenue, it does feel warm and welcoming.

There are comfortable chairs, plants, quiet corners and, most important, several small tables to facilitate the one-on-one tutoring that makes the center unique. “In a one-on-one setting, you create a relationship as well as teaching, and that becomes a very important part of it,” Sister Helen said.

“When somebody walks in the door, the first thing we do is ask them what their goals

works for a cleaning and maintenance company in Dayton but would like to start his own janitorial business with his son. For over three years, he has visited the center twice a week to work on reading and studying for the GED. “I felt comfortable when I first walked in the door. I enjoy the teachers; I enjoy the people around me,” he said.

He likes reading the Bible, which he and tutor Pat Henne do together at the start of every session. They started at the beginning and so far, they have read over 150 pages — up to the Book of Numbers.

Henne has been volunteering as a tutor for about five years; she said she previously volunteered as a tutor at Precious Blood School and learned about the center there. “All my students have been delightful,” she said.

“Sometimes it surprises me, their reasons for coming.

One was a young woman from Kenya who spoke no English at all. One man was 80 years old and said he just wanted to learn to read before he died. Another man could read but wanted to read better, and he was reBack row, from left, Sherrè Collier, Del Mar Encore Fellow; Kateri Dillon, site coordinator for the BLC at the Day Reporting Center (DRC); Jan Hillman, chief development officer; Kathy Reed, site ally happy with the progress coordinator for the BLC at Salem; Joy Levett, new ventures & partnerships coordinator. Front row, from left, Ashley Lackovich, executive director; Bridget S. Hutt, community engagement manager; that he made.”

H. Clay White, GED proctor at the Day Reporting Center (DRC); Rose Irwin, volunteer receptionToday, the center is wellist from United Theological Seminary; Chelsie Truax, office coordinator. situated to continue serving the local community, with in a setting that didn’t look are. And then we respond to its students and about 150 like a school. “A lot of people that goal,” she said. “Their active volunteers supported have had a bad experience needs become the driving by a handful of administrawith school,” Sister Maryann force. The needs of the people tive volunteers and eight staff said. “We wanted to make it in this area became the drivmembers. inviting.” ing force of the foundation of Executive Director Ashley So, although the center is this literacy center. It’s still the Lackovich came on board situated in a former appliance same motivation.” in July 2019; previously, she store in a small shopping cen One student, Steve Dye, worked overseas with a variWinter 2020

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Maryann developing the curriculum.

They named the center for the Congregation’s foundress, Mother Brunner, who was noted for baking bread and giving it to the poor. In following her example, “the food that we are giving to the poor is the bread of literacy,” Sister Maryann said.

From the beginning, Sisters Helen and Maryann started with the idea that they wanted to help adults learn — but

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ety of international development and education agencies.

She considered this area a home base and was interested in returning “for the right opportunity.”

“I was interested in a position where I can bring something to the table while also continuing to learn, and serving humanity. This fits perfectly,” she said. In her new role, she hopes to enhance current programs as well as expand where there is a need, as funding allows.

An 18-member board of directors, led by Sister Carol Bauer, S.C., guides the center toward the future, while always keeping it rooted in its mission. Sister Carol has

served as president of the board since May 2017 and brings experience from a diverse professional background, working in education, parish administration and ministry, and hospital administration.

“One of the most significant things I learned from all of the people I ministered with in each of these diverse settings is how essential literacy is to success. There is no greater gift to offer another than an educational foundation,” Sister Carol said.

“The staff have committed themselves to the continuance of our mission,” Sister Helen said. “They have picked up the mission and integrated it into

what they are doing. It’s very evident when you talk to them.

And the board is behind it.”

“The mission was always front and center for who we were and what we were trying to do,” Sister Maryann said. “That’s what’s so great about this team we’ve got now.

They’re tuned into that. That group of people is invested in the mission. Living the mission into the future is part of the legacy of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, and we’re equipped to move into the future with the staff and the board of directors that we have.”

For more information about Brunner Literacy Center, visit brunnerliteracy.org. 

One student’s story “Ava” prefers not to use her real name due to the sensitive nature of some of her personal history.

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fter years of doubting her abilities, Ava became a student at the Brunner Literacy Center’s (BLC) location at the Day Reporting Center, which operates as a partnership with the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. The BLC established this partnership on a full-time basis in January 2017 after a pilot run proved successful in the latter half of 2016. At the Day Reporting Center (DRC), the BLC offers individualized tutoring to students who are serving shortterm sentences (30-90 days) for low-level felonies. Since the beginning of this partnership, BLC staff and volunteers have 14

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helped more than 135 DRC students to earn GED credentials.

From the age of 15, drug addiction had eclipsed Ava’s view of her own brilliance and prevented her from creating positive goals. In the summer of 2019, Ava chose not only to pursue a brave recovery, but also to begin tutoring for the GED exam through the BLC. Ava was immediately reacquainted with her deep love of learning and desire to apply each piece of knowledge gained to her life. After just a few weeks of intensive tutoring, Ava became a GED graduate, defying her expectations for herself. Ava now approaches college with the same hunger for learning, eager to try out a variety of courses to help determine her career path. She reflects on acquiring her GED:

Sister Maryann Bremke at the Day Reporting Center, 2017; contributed photo.

“What I thought was impossible is now essential for my future.” Ava is articulate and insightful. Without a doubt, she will continue to inspire others with her words and her example. 

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he Sisters enjoyed Animals Alive! by returning presenter Alyssa from the Dayton Society of Natural History (aka Boonshoft Museum) on February 11.

Left, Alyssa holds the ornate lorikeet; middle, Sister Angeline Hoffman touches the Sonoran Desert tortoise; right, Sisters Rosemary Lindemann (M. Christa) and Verlina Mescher (M. Benet) interact with the domestic ferret; Kim Jaynes photos.

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ifty 90sˮ party! Ten Sisters recently celebrated birthdays in their 90s, along with one Sister celebrating her 101st birthday on February 12.

Happy Birthday to Sisters Pat Dieringer (M. Agnes Claire), Charlene Heidenreich (M. Charles), Irene Holz (M. Florine), Berenice Janszen (M. Edward), Kathleen Kelly, Dorothy Koenig (M. Angelista), Rosemary Laux (M. Columba), Eleanor McNally (M. Thomas), Adeline Mertz, Ruth Ann Meyer (M. Giovanni), and Mary Anne Schiller (M. Carmela).

The party included a special prayer, read by Sister Nancy Wolf; a special dessert; and lots of laughter!

Left, Sister Nancy Wolf kicks off the celebration with the Sisters and Council members; middle, Sisters Adeline Mertz and Kathleen Kelly, right, California girls! Sisters Eleanor McNally, Margo Young (Councilor) and Mary Anne Schiller; Michelle Bodine photos.

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he Sisters had a Mardi Gras celebration on February 25. Sister Nancy Recker found the baby Jesus in the King Cake, so she was crowned the Mardi Gras queen.

Left, the delicious King Cakes were made by Dorothy Lane Market; middle, the Sisters enjoyed playing bingo, right, the Salem Heights Mardi Gras Queen, Sister Nancy Recker; Michelle Bodine photos.

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Scenes from Salem Heights

Scenes from Salem Heights

In Brief

In Brief Precious Blood Sisters have been busy with a variety of recent events. In all that we do, we strive to continue to fulfill our mission to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

The residents of Casa Sofia, along with Sisters Joyce Kahle and Terry Walter, kept busy through the winter months with birthday and holiday celebrations, baking Christmas cookies and candies, and visiting friends and family. Casa Sofia is our residence in Guatemala City where women may live without cost while continuing their education. Some residents enjoyed extended visits at home, while others took intensive courses at the university in December and went home to visit their families after the holidays.

In December, Sister Mumbi Kigutha traveled to Africa as part of her ministry with Jesuit Refugee Services. In Nigeria at the Pan-African Catholic Congress on Theology, Society and Pastoral Life, she delivered an address on the sexual abuse of nuns by clergy. At the Adjumani refugee settlement in Uganda, she offered a workshop on reconciliation.

Sisters remembered 10 homicide victims in Dayton from December to February, as part of the interfaith Community Homicide Prayer Vigil Group. The Sisters began this ministry, which prays at the site of homicides, in 2006 under a different name.

December 3 — The Sisters of the Precious Blood’s leadership team toured Brigid’s Path in Dayton, a nonprofit where drug-exposed babies and their families get the personalized care they need. Brigid’s Path celebrated their second anniversary in December 2019. Sisters Jean René Hoying and Arlene Hirsch are regular volunteers at Brigid's Path, one of only two such nonhospital newborn recovery centers in the U.S. December 4 — The Sisters of the Precious Blood will be planting a prairie under and around their new solar arrays which are currently under construction. Colleen Kammer, peace, justice and ecology director, gave a presentation to the Sisters about the important ecological services that prairies provide for our and our planet’s health.

December 7 – CPPS Sisters staffed a booth featuring items for sale from Guatemala, where they serve in ministry, at the Catholic Social Action Fair Trade Sale at the University of Dayton.

December 14 — Sister LaKesha Church graduated from the University of Dayton with a Master of Arts in pastoral ministry.

Congratulations, Sister LaKesha!

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Sharing & Caring

Top, Sister Terry Walter bakes Christmas cookies and candies with Casa Sofia residents; Sister Joyce Kahle photo. Second, Sister Mumbi Kigutha presents at the PanAfrican Congress in Nigeria; Crux / Christopher White photo. Third, Sister Edna Hess, Colleen Kammer, Sisters Arlene Hirsch and Margo Young, Jane Snyder and Jill Kingston

— captions continued on Page 17

In Brief

January 14 & February 11 — Jenna Legg, vocation ministry coordinator, and various Sisters hosted women’s dinners and faith sharing. The monthly dinners aim at spreading Precious Blood spirituality and offering a faith community for women.

January 25 & February 22 — Sister Jeanette Buehler and the antiracism task force of the Weavers of Justice partnered with the Woodbourne Library in Centerville to conduct two out of three workshops titled “Culture and Race: What Divides and Unites Us?” Fifty participants were in attendance at each workshop.

January 27 — Sister Rita Rogier, along with Jenna Legg and Father Steve Dos Santos, CPPS, enjoyed lunch at Mother Brunner School during Catholic Schools Week.

February 4 — Colleen Kammer and Sisters Linda Pleiman, Jeanette Buehler, Marita Beumer and Mary Garascia attended the six-month anniversary prayer vigil for the victims of the mass shooting in the Oregon District. Held at the University of Dayton’s Fitz Center, the event also included speakers and panelists who addressed gun violence, its root causes and advocacy opportunities.

February 19 — Jenna Legg and Novice Sister Mi-Kyoung Hwang attended the archdiocesan Explore Your Call dinner in Dayton. Hosted by vocation directors from religious communities throughout the Archdiocese, the evening included discussion and prayer on discernment and vocation.

February 20 — Global Sisters Report, a project of National Catholic Reporter, published an online article by Sister Jeanette Buehler. Sister Jeanette wrote about the cumulative number of victims of Dayton’s individual homicides over the years, in addition to the recent gun violence victims of Dayton’s mass shooting on August 4, 2019. You can read the article on our website at: www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org under news and events, or search for “We remember them all” on our website.

March 7 — The annual Community Homicide Prayer Vigil Memorial Service was held at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. Each year, members of the Community Homicide Prayer Vigil Group gather to remember homicide victims from the past year in Dayton, Trotwood, Jefferson Township and Harrison Township.  — captions continued from Page 16 from Brigid's Path, Sisters Patty Kremer, Marla Gipson and Ann Clark; contributed photo.

Fourth, Sisters Marifé Hellman, Judy Niday, Marita Beumer, Patty Kremer and Joyce Langhals at the fair trade sale; Colleen Kammer photo. Bottom, page 16, Sister LaKesha Church graduates from UD; contributed photo.

Top, Sister Rita Rogier and Father Steve Dos Santos with students and teachers at Mother Brunner Catholic School; Jenna Legg photo.

Second, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley speaks at UD for the six-month anniversary prayer vigil for the victims of the mass shooting in the Oregon District; Colleen Kammer photo.

Third, Father Steve Dos Santos speaks at the Explore Your Call dinner; contributed photo.

Fourth, photo from Global Sisters Report - from left, Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Judy Niday and Ann Clark in the Oregon District; Flickr/Becker1999 photo.

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Palettes of Prayer

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

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

M

any artists call west central Ohio “home.”

Some have left the area to work as art professors, while others remain in Mercer and Auglaize counties. Some pursue their art full-time, while others work in another field or began working on their art in retirement. For all of them, there is a place where they can share their work close to home, thanks to Sister Martha Bertke.

While Sister Martha doesn’t create art of her own, what she does — dream, organize, encourage and inspire — has provided numerous arts events and opportunities near her home in Coldwater. The largest, Artistry Under the Dome, is the area’s premier juried art fair, bringing a variety of artists to the St. Charles Center in Carthagena. The event will be held April 17-19 this year.

While working as residential

people into the building,” Sister Martha said. She organized art exhibits, organ recitals, Advent programs and musical performances. In 2010, she coordinated an exhibit of The Saint John’s Bible, the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible in over 500 years.

St. Charles was the only site in Ohio to host the collection that year, and hundreds of people came to view the exhibit.

Sister Martha at Artistry Under the Dome in 2018; contributed photo.

The experience planted a seed in of the artists return year afSister Martha’s mind — and ter year; each year, there are since 2013, Artistry Under the also new artists participating.

Dome has provided a space “This helps to bring an added for local artists to present and dimension, new talent and 'I often pray this: ”‘Spirit of God, joy is among vibrancy to the event,” Sister Martha said. your many gifts to us. Bless artists of every The event begins with an opening reception on Friday kind, all who lift up our hearts and fill the evening, with wine, cheese and world with beauty and light.’” homemade cookies for all who — Sister Martha Bertke attend. A team of about 50-60 volunteers — residents at the senior living community, CPPS manager at St. Charles Senior sell their work. About 30 artpriests and brothers, ComLiving Center some years ists participate in the art fair ago, “I was always thinking each year, along with students of all kinds of ways of getting from local high schools. Some Story by Mary Knapke 18

Sharing & Caring

share the love of Christ. Being involved with various artists and their works is a way to be together in harmony, and to serve with humility. Sharing life and love with others is being faithful to living the Gospels,” Sister Martha said.

“In the book I use for morning prayer, I often pray this: ‘Spirit of God, joy is among your many gifts to us.

Bless artists of every kind, all who lift up our hearts and fill the world with beauty and light.’”

Sister Martha’s own interest in art began decades ago, while serving in ministry as a director of religious education and pastoral associate. Any time she had the opportunity to travel, she made Sister Martha at the 2016 Artistry Under the Dome at St. sure to visit a loCharles with artist Doug Fiely. Over 30 artists participated and cal art museum. each one had an 8' booth to display their items. Over 1,200 people were in attendance; contributed photo.

Over the years,

as her visits spanned from Detroit and Chicago to Boston and New Orleans, her knowledge of — and appreciation for — all kinds of art grew and deepened.

“Art touches people’s soul.

It’s very spiritual. When you think of churches and temples and synagogues, they all have artwork in them,” she said.

“Art connects to the spiritual part of our being.”

Artistry Under the Dome showcases a broad spectrum of artwork: painting, photography, sculpture, woodworking, jewelry, pottery and many more. “Many of the visitors are truly so appreciative of the number of artists in the local area and the tremendous talented people who are so creative and devoted to their particular type of art.

The camaraderie and enthusiastic spirit for the weekend is wonderful,” Sister Martha said.

To keep up with updates about this year’s fair, and to see photos from years past, visit the event’s Facebook page, “Artistry Under the Dome.” 

In Sympathy Sister Martha Bertke on the death of her sister-in-law, Rita Marie Bertke, on December 23.

Sister Ritamary Bulach on the death of her sister, Dorothy Schulte, on January 6.

Sister Patty Kremer on the death of her sister-in-law, Joyce Jean Kremer, on January 16.

Sister Anne Schulz on the death of her brother, Robert

Louis (Louie) Schulz, on January 16.

Sister Mary E. Wendeln on the death of her sister-in-law, Joyce Wendeln, on January 20.

Sister Eva Roehrich on the death of her sister-in-law, Barbara Roehrich, on January 25.

Sister Carmelita Monnin (deceased) on the death of her brother, Jerome Monnin, on January 26.

Sister Maryann Bremke on the death of her sister-in-law, Donna Bremke, on January 28.

Remembering

Phyllis Kittel, former Sister M. Harold, died December 4.

Dave Chamberlain, husband of our former Sister Edie Hoffman, died the week of January 5-11.

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Palettes of Prayer

panions of the Precious Blood Missionaries, and people of the local area — help before and during the event with whatever is needed. Over 1,000 people attend the fair each year.

“Each of us has responsibilities in life that vary. However, our purpose is the same — to

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

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

Lenten reflection “Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again. And when you go to confess your sins, believe firmly in his mercy which frees you of your guilt. Contemplate his blood poured out with such great love, and let yourself be cleansed by it. In this way, you can be reborn ever anew. Jesus’ Pasch is not a past event; rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit it is ever present, enabling us to see and touch with faith the flesh of Christ in those who suffer.”

— Pope Francis, Lent 2020

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op row, Kim Jaynes (activity director) and some of the Sisters at Salem Heights created almost 60 Valentine’s Day cards for hospitalized children, which were delivered to Dayton Children’s Hospital; bottom row, Sisters live out Precious Blood spirituality in a variety of ways. See inside for stories.

Top three photos, Valentine's cards; Michelle Bodine photo. Sisters Regina Albers and Jane Francis Hoffman writing cards; Jenna Legg photos. Bottom three photos, all from this issue, Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman with members of her family and Sisters Margo Young and Edna Hess; contributed photo.

Sisters Pat Dieringer and Berenice Janszen with UD students; Jenna Legg photo. Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Rosemary Goubeaux, Paula Gero, Alice Schoettelkotte and Ceil Taphorn participate in the Good Friday Walk, 2018; Colleen Kammer photo.

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