Sharing & Caring Winter 2023

Dear friends and family,

Christmas has come and gone, and we are well into the first months of 2023! The new year is an opportunity to review the past and make resolutions for weeks and months ahead. In looking back and thinking about the new year and the main article of this issue of Sharing & Caring, I remembered the lives of two of our Sisters.

In December and January, we Sisters of the Precious Blood lost two of our outstanding missionaries, Sister Margie Zureick and Sister Maria Louisa Miller. Sister Margie served for many years the Appalachian people of Eastern Kentucky, and Sister Maria Louisa served the people of Santiago, Chile.

Sister Margie’s service included a lot of social work as well as parish ministry because many people who lived in Eastern Kentucky lived in poverty. Let us not forget the flooding in Eastern Kentucky this past year! When health problems called her home to Dayton, Margie did not stop being a missionary. She maintained contact with her friends in Kentucky and she became an avid supporter of the Brunner Literacy Center here in Dayton. Margie was aware of what was happening in our country as well as around the world.

Sister Maria Louisa began her 55 years of missionary service in Chile teaching at St. Gaspar’s School and later became involved in parish ministry and retreat work. Her passion was to share Precious Blood spirituality with lay

people in the parishes. When Sister Maria Louisa was diagnosed with liver cancer, she returned home for treatment. Her missionary heart led her to continue in mission by sending the daily Gospel readings to the spirituality groups and parish groups she had served in Chile.

Speaking of missionaries, in this issue of Sharing & Caring, Sister Joyce Kahle shares with us her and Sister Terry Walter’s missionary work in Guatemala with young Mayan women who are studying in the capital. I will let her tell their story! Most of us will never leave our own country to serve the Church or the people of another nation. Some of us never leave the place we were born and raised. However, in today’s world, experiencing different cultures, different customs, different races is becoming more and more common. Technology and the relative ease of transportation (when compared with generations past) allow people around the world to travel far from home, for both short and long periods of time. Therefore, as people move from place to place, mission sometimes comes to us, instead of us going to mission. Perhaps some of the words we have spoken so easily are now challenging us to be what we say. We say we are all brothers and sisters no matter who we are, what we wear, how we speak, who we believe in. Do we really believe that? If we do, then why is there so much hate, so much violence directed at the poor, migrants, Blacks, Asians?

As Pope Francis has said:

“The mission of the Christian in the world is a mission for all, a mission of service, which excludes no one; it requires great generosity and in particular the gaze and heart turned heavenward to invoke the Lord’s help. There is so much need for Christians who bear witness to the Gospel with joy in everyday life. The disciples, sent by Jesus, ‘returned with joy.’ When we do this, our heart fills with joy.”

Today our world needs missionaries so enamored of Jesus that we can’t keep from proclaiming God’s love and compassion for all, in the words we speak and in our actions. We believe as Jesus did that everyone is my brother, my sister. May Jesus make all of us His missionary disciples.

United in love,

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Precious Blood Spirituality Institute: Celebrating connections and differences

Ihave a large, extended family in Arizona. One of the things that always happens when we gather is one of the younger generations wants to hear the family stories. Storytime has become a cherished tradition of our family celebrations. The children are curious to know about how their parents acted as children. It is always funny when the stories get shared because they change slightly depending on whose version you are hearing. Everyone gets the basics of the story correct, but each teller adds a little embellishment to make their story unique. The one constant among all the stories is the love that is shared. That’s what makes this time special.

As a Precious Blood family, we come from a long line of storytellers. Our faith, Scriptures, and beliefs all began through the process of sharing our stories. Our sacred Scriptures came because the stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection were shared among

the community first by those who were the direct witnesses. The stories were passed on from generation to generation until written records were kept. The founders of our communities also began their journeys drawn to those sacred Scriptures. Like today, those messages propelled them in their journeys of faith and as they formed the communities that comprise our Precious Blood family. We now stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We are encouraged by the stories of Scripture and strengthened through our relationship with God. This encouragement propelled us to share our stories with the world today.

Precious Blood spirituality became known because our founders, Gaspar, Maria, Mother Theresa and Mother Brunner, recognized the wonder of this spirituality and shared it with others. I can only imagine what those early communities must have been like as they began embracing this spirituality,

especially because they didn’t have the benefit of a Google search! Yet they prayed, discerned, talked and challenged each other as everyone pushed to the next horizon. Throughout the centuries of our communities, these times continued as our spirituality was passed from generation to generation; it grew more substantial and profound. In each era, even to this day, the problems of the world seem enormous. Our ancestors recognized that Precious Blood spirituality could help in their times. Today we inherit that

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Story by Vicky Otto, Executive Director, PBSI

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please contact the communications coordinator.

Knapke, Communications Assistant

Contributing writers: Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator

Knights of Columbus 5K Run for Vocations

The 10th Annual 5K Run/ Walk for Vocations organized by the Knights of Columbus of Coldwater was Saturday, November 12, 2022, starting at 10:00 a.m. It was held at St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio. One hundred runners registered in various age groups starting at 10 and under to 65+. The proceeds gained from participants and the many sponsors help to financially support vocations.

After the run, the participants come into the St. Charles Center building and were able to replenish their energy with such food items as bananas, yogurt, donuts and drinks. Awards were presented for first, second and third in each age group. Pumpkin pies were also distributed to lucky winners.

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mission to share our spirituality in the hopes that it can be a balm for our fractured and battered world.

Sharing the gifts and blessings of Precious Blood spirituality with the world is one of the goals of the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute. To be charged with keeping the gift of Precious Blood spirituality alive was somewhat daunting. This task did not seem as intimidating when it became apparent that we don’t do it alone; we do it together with all of you who make up our Precious Blood family. Like a kaleidoscope, we stumbled on the surprise

At the event, both the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the Sisters of the Precious Blood had displays of vocations materials along with a variety of items available for whoever wished to stop by the table and pick them up. This year, Father Steve Dos Santos and Brother Tim Cahill, as well as other priests and brothers, were present. Representing the Sisters were Sister Rita Rogier, Pauline Siesegh

of diversity. The unique ways we define our spirituality and the ways we join together are a joy to behold. To celebrate this and in the footsteps of our ancestors, we, too, believe that we need to come together.

As our Institute begins, we believe that we need to come together to pray, discern and challenge each other regarding the gifts of our spirituality. It is in that spirit that I invite you to join us for “Coming Together, Celebrating Connections and Differences.” This event will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Precious Blood Renewal Center in Liberty, Missouri. A panel of representatives

from our communities will offer different perspectives about our spirituality. There will also be opportunities for questions and discussions. Can’t make it to Kansas City? There are two other ways to view the event. You can join us via Zoom on March 18. The event will be recorded and available later on our website. Also, to learn more about this event and other activities of the Institute, I invite you to visit our website: pbspiritualityinstitute.org.

As our new year begins, may we go forth with the same conviction of our ancestors and share the graces and blessings of our spirituality. It is what our world needs.

Story by Sister Martha Bertke

Sisters Martha Bertke, Rita Rogier and Pauline Siesegh at their display of vocations materials; contributed photo. and Martha Bertke.

Inside the CPPS Archives

Sister Sisters

This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.

Throughout the history of the Congregation, there have been over 100 groups of “Sister sisters” — Sisters who are blood sisters. Here are three examples.

The Jaeger Sisters

Sisters Mary Friedburga, Mary Renata and Mary Rudolpha were born near Tettnang in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Sister Mary Rudolpha professed final vows in March 1909, Sister Mary Friedburga in August 1920 and Sister Mary Renata in August 1922.

Sister Mary Rudolpha worked as a seamstress at Maria Stein and Salem Heights for almost 60 years before retiring in 1966. Sister Mary Friedburga taught in Wapakoneta and Cloverdale and at St. Joseph Orphanage in Dayton. She was the directress at St. Joseph Orphanage for over 10 years before becoming directress and administrator at Maria Stein. She was instrumental in beginning the Maria Stein Retreat House. Sister Mary Renata taught in Ohio, Arizona and Missouri for over 60 years. When she retired, she translated German documents into English in the CPPS Archives.

The Wagner Sisters

Sisters Viola and Mary Regina Wagner were both born in New Riegel, Ohio, and they professed final vows at Maria Stein Convent on the same day, July 31, 1900. Throughout

their teaching careers, they taught in Ohio in Dayton, St. Marys, Wapakoneta, Maria Stein, Versailles, Cleveland, Ottawa, Bellefontaine, Cincinnati, Norwood, Miamisburg and Russia; in Tennessee in Nashville; and in Indiana in La Porte, Garrett and Wanatah.

The Griesey Sisters

Sister Mary Seraphine Griesey was born in Pulaski, Indiana, in 1899. After joining the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1915, she taught in Ohio schools for almost 50 years, including in Cleveland, Dayton, Wapakoneta, Coldwater, Russia, Minster, North College Hill, Cincinnati and St. Marys. Beginning in 1963, she taught the high school girls at Fatima Hall how to sew. Sister Rose (Mary Concetta) Griesey was also born in Pulaski in 1908. She joined the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1926 and served as a cook and in the domestic arts in Ohio, including in Cincinnati, Dayton, Wapakoneta, Celina, St. Marys, Canton and Maria Stein. Her last ministry before retirement was as cook at St. Anthony in Falls Church, Virginia, where she stayed for 10 years.

You can see more examples of Sister sisters and other information on the Congregation’s history on the CPPS social media pages — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — every week for our “Throwback Thursday” series. 

Story by Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.

Top, Sisters Mary Renata Jaeger (left), Mary Rudolpha Jaeger (middle) and Mary Friedburga Jaeger (right). Second, Sisters Viola Wagner (right) and Mary Regina Wagner. Bottom, Sisters Mary Seraphine Griesey (right) and Sister Rose (Mary Concetta) Griesey.

Yarning for God

The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty as earning less than $27,750 per year for a family of four. The Dayton Daily News recently reported that, in 2021, about 27.6% of Dayton residents live in poverty. That’s about 1 in every 3.5 people.

The article continued: “Last year, nearly one-third of Black and Latino Dayton residents lived below the poverty line, compared to less than one-quarter of their white counterparts.

“Children in Dayton are far more likely to live in poverty than other age groups.

“About 44% of kids under the age of 18 are impoverished, while less than a quarter of people 18 to 64 are in the same situation. Nearly 18% of seniors 65 and older are stuck in poverty.”

People living in poverty often do not have their basic needs met. In winter, this means figuring out how to pay higher energy bills to keep your home warm. Paying more for utilities then impacts some families’ ability to purchase adequate warm winter clothing.

With all this in mind, this year, the Sisters got busy! Nine Sisters made 419 hats and 63 scarves that they donated to nine social service agencies in the Dayton area.

Sister Beverly Bodnar shared her memories of the origins of this project:

In the late ’90s, as a pastoral associate at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gates Mills, Ohio, I had the privilege to bring the Eucharist to the homebound.

One of my favorite stops was with Theresa and Audrey Yacobucci. Theresa was always busy crocheting and often wanted to share her projects. When she showed me the winter caps she had been crocheting, I eagerly asked her if she would be willing to assist Sister Margie Zureick’s ministry in Kentucky. Hearing all that Sister Margie was doing for the poor, Theresa wanted to help. And the caps kept coming! We found ways to get the caps off to Dayton and then to Kentucky.

Following my move to ministry at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, I wondered if some of the Sisters could start the crocheting project there. Sister Frances Kleman was eager to participate, as was Sister Rose Ann Winkeljohn. They created beautiful caps, and for years contributed to a project by Regina High School alumnae in their Christmas outreach to the poor in Cincinnati, as well as supporting Sister Margie and some local projects. When Sister Frances retired and went to heaven, Sister Rose Ann said she could not keep this up alone. Not too many other Sisters were interested at that time, so I said I guess I could do it. And I got hooked, rarely seen at recreation without a crochet hook.

Soon Sister Rose Ann decided to travel to heaven also. So Sister Eva Roehrich became a great contributor to the cause.

She would do the finishing touches and attach the pompoms as well as find storage space and pack away the caps until the Christmas season. Different Sisters periodically made contributions. Besides continuing to support Sister Margie, we continued to find local areas of need.

Sister Mary Lou Schmersal described the next phase of the project:

I had organized Warm Cap Groups in several Toledo area parishes beginning in 2011. In 2021, I brought my experiences to the Dayton area. An increased number of Sister crafters added to the project, producing well over 400 scarves, caps and headbands for this year’s giveaway. In addition, folks were recruited to help make tassels and tags, as well as deliver to various agencies. A special “shoutout” of thanks also goes to the parishes and individuals who donated a great variety of yarn. 

Story by Sisters Beverly Bodnar and Mary Lou Schmersal and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson

Homicide vigils continue monthly

In 1994, Precious Blood Sisters first began coordinating prayer vigils at sites where homicides had occurred in the Dayton area. Following a hiatus of several years, in 2006 an ecumenical group — again led by the Precious Blood Sisters — resumed the work of this ministry.

Beginning in October 2022, our approach to homicide vigils has changed. The mission — belief in the preciousness of all life, public witness to that belief, and presence in the community — has not changed. The format of how we go about this is now slightly different.

Vigils are now held on a monthly basis at a consistent time and place. While holding vigils close to the time of a homicide and within specific neighborhoods was a blessing, attendance had begun to lessen for prayer members, family members and neighbors. COVID prevented gatherings, and we opted for monthly email notifications and prayer. After consulting with prayer leaders and others who share a belief

Happy Birthday

in the value of the vigils, a decision was made based on the preciousness of all life, public witness and presence. It is our hope that holding the vigils in a more central location and at a consistent time will encourage people throughout our community to join in prayer.

Vigils are now held at noon on the second Saturday of the month at McIntosh Park, 888 Riverview Avenue in Dayton. (McIntosh Park is near the Peace Bridge.)

We are also expanding our vigils to include violence throughout Montgomery County, Ohio. Violence is an issue not just in a few neighborhoods; it is a community epidemic. Let us come together as a community to realize that violence affects all of us

and, together, we can make a difference.

God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed our very selves, is destroying your creation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give us the strength to break the cycle of violence, to hear the cry of the blood, and make sacred again your earth stained by blood.

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.

5 Jane Francis Hoffman

Story by Sister Jeanette Buehler

Homicide vigil at McIntosh Park, October 2022; Michelle Bodine photo.

Congratulations, Sister Mumbi! Friends in Solidarity Appoints New President

Friends in Solidarity (FIS), the U.S. partner of Solidarity with South Sudan, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new president, Sister Mumbi Kigutha, CPPS. Sister Mumbi, a Sister of the Precious Blood from Dayton, Ohio, will begin her tenure with FIS in February 2023. She will be the second president of the organization, succeeding founder and president Sister Joan Mumaw, IHM. Sister Joan expressed her intent to retire as FIS president in February.

Sister Mumbi will be joining FIS as the organization continues to grow and increase its support of Solidarity. She believes strongly in Solidarity’s vision of capacity building in partnership with the Church of South Sudan and the South Sudanese people. She said, “I am very happy to be chosen to lead FIS. My educational background in business and theology coupled with many years of experiences in social sciences at the grassroots level in various African contexts will hopefully put me in good standing to succeed and flourish in this role.”

Sister Mumbi brings a wealth of skills and experience to her new role, including a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a Master of Business Administration degree, both with a marketing specialization, from the Catholic University of East Africa. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in justice ministry from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She served as an intern

with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and a consultant with the UN Population Fund before becoming a humanitarian affairs officer for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nairobi, Kenya. Sister Mumbi has been serving as the organizing secretary of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network, where she has supported its growth and development from an informal network to an organization with a nonprofit arm with more than 300 members. She has also continued to minister as a reconciliation consultant for various local and international entities including Jesuit Refugee Service.

"I welcome Sister Mumbi as the new president of Friends in Solidarity, and look forward to working with her in the new year to ensure a smooth transition for the organization and for her as the new chief administrative officer," said Sister Joan. "We are blessed to have someone with Sister Mumbi's experience and skills to assume this position."

When asked what excites her most about leading FIS into the future, Sister Mumbi replied, “It gives me the space to dream, innovate and create while collaborating with fellow religious and other supporters, in journeying alongside the people of South Sudan as

they shape their own future.”

Sister Mumbi will begin her work with FIS with a visit to South Sudan to meet the staff and familiarize herself with the projects of Solidarity with South Sudan in February 2023.

Friends in Solidarity was founded in 2015 as the U.S. partner of Solidarity with South Sudan, an international network of Catholic sisters, priests and brothers, which focuses its ministry on building the capacity of South Sudanese to become teachers, registered nurses, midwives, sustainable farmers and pastoral agents. For more information, visit solidarityfriends.org. 

Story by Friends in Solidarity; Michelle Bodine photo.

Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation: Focused on healing

One by one, people walked to the front of the room, carrying wooden crosses with the names of their loved ones written on the front and sides. Holding their mothers, fathers, children, sisters, brothers, friends in their hands, each person spoke the name of their loved one aloud for all to hear and carefully placed their cross on the wall of remembrance.

I watched as a young girl, whom I have come to know quite well these past few years, walked up and spoke name after name into the microphone. She took her time, didn’t rush, and made sure to read every name carefully and with intention. Not yet 18 years old, and this little girl read upwards of 15 names. Hot tears streamed down my face.

One of my greatest joys of being at PBMR is working with the youth — particularly the young women. They are brilliant, strong, creative, wise individuals who never cease to amaze me day after day.

But in moments like these, I am reminded of the invisible, unbelievably heavy burden of trauma and pain that these young people carry. Because of the neighborhoods they’re born into, the dangers they face, and the color of their skin, they are burdened with a level of grief and loss that I will never fully understand. These kinds of wounds live beneath the surface — no one can see the trauma that another person carries — and yet our wounds are crying out for someone to see, touch and heal the broken pieces of our hearts. But where, when, and by whom can we let ourselves truly be seen? Is there anywhere or anyone safe enough to let our walls down and share our sorrow?

One mother spoke about how, before leaving the house, she puts on a full face of makeup in hopes of covering up the pain and depression that she battles daily. Here in this room, her tears wiped away this protective mask, and she shared

how losing her husband, sister and son, coupled with the stress of struggling to take care of her family, often feels like too much to bear. Folks in the front and back of the room nodded in understanding, communicating that they too feel what she feels. By sharing our wounds with one another, we didn’t sink from grief, but found community and solidarity which kept us afloat. There is a deep need and hunger for sharing our wounds in the context of community — to let down walls and unpack the hurt. I also believe that spaces safe enough for this type of healing are few and far between, especially for folks in our neighborhood. People have been hurt time after time, from such young ages. While safety is a basic

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Story by Holly O’Hara, Coordinator of Communications, Precious

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Left, one of the mothers at PBMR writes a name on a cross; right, Father Dave Kelly shares a reading at the Wall of Remembrance; contributed photos.

Abundant blessings: Our ministry in Guatemala

We were in the car driving back to Dayton from the Su Casa Hispanic Center’s annual banquet in Cincinnati, where our Sisters had received the Organization of the Year Award. It was April 9, 2014. Sister Theresa Walter and I were remembering our time in Guatemala, Sister Terry as a clinical social worker in La Labor and other areas, and me as a nurse helping to set up a clinic in a parish in Mixco. We had arrived in 1994. Two Sisters of the Precious Blood were there to greet us in La Labor. Sister Rosalina Gonzales had come to Guatemala in 1988 after many years in Chile to do pastoral work and spiritual direction in the parish with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; Sister Mary Faye Hellman followed her from Chile a few years later and taught theology in seminaries. Sister Margo Young followed us in 1995 and worked as a medical doctor in clinics in the parish. In 2014, Sister Mary Faye was the only CPPS Sister still in Guatemala. Around the year 2006, she had started a school where young Mayan girls from the interior of the country with limited resources could complete the equivalent of their junior high (básico) and high school (bachillerato) education. The school was flourishing with the financial support of our CPPS Congre-

gation along with donations. That night in 2014, in the car after the Su Casa event in Cincinnati, Sister Terry and I talked about the fact that some of those graduating from the school had dreams of continuing their education at the free university in Guatemala City but had no place to live there. Sister Terry and I had both been exploring new options for ministries, and at some point in the conversation that night, we looked at each other and simultaneously said, “Let’s go back to Guatemala and start a house for them to live in!”

That was just the beginning of the dream, but after sharing this idea with the CPPS Community Council and in various congregational gatherings,

along with a visit to Guatemala to explore the logistics of this with Sister Mary Faye and others, the Council gave us permission to move forward with their blessing and financial support. So, on September 1, 2015, Sister Terry and I moved to Guatemala City to start Casa Sofía.

For the first month, we stayed with Melvin and Cony, good friends of Sister Terry’s (and now mine) from her former years in Guatemala. Melvin is an architect, and he helped us find a large house to rent in the parish where the Precious Blood Missionaries were stationed and had their seminary. We lived

Story by Sister Joyce Kahle

On the cover: clockwise, from top left, Sisters Joyce and Terry, Magdalena Pedro Juan (Lena), Sindy Jacinto Borja (holding our dog, Coco) and Bernandina Matias Gómez (Berna) Zonia Garcia Reyes photo. Sisters Joyce, Terry and Mary Faye with Delma at her graduation ceremony in 2016; contributed photo.

there for five years and when filled to capacity, we had 10 young women living with us, mostly with two or three in a bedroom. In most of the bedrooms, that was a very tight squeeze! We developed friendships with many parishioners

lived in Guatemala the first time. She had worked with a psychologist friend, Guicela, to start PROMAB – Projecto Maria Anna Brunner, or the Maria Anna Brunner Mental Health Program — in 2006. When we returned to Guatemala in 2015,

relieve Sister Mary Faye, and taught some private clients at the house. Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and put a halt to many of these activities for at least a year due to strict curfews, travel restrictions, social distancing and masks.

who helped the girls find parttime cleaning or babysitting jobs to help with their personal expenses. For several months, I studied Spanish weekly with a member of the parish. (My Spanish is still lousy, but as the words to a song go, “I get by with a little help from my friends”! And the Guatemalan people are so very understanding and helpful!) We also participated in some spiritual programs in the parish and began to have prayer vigils with the Missionaries at homicide sites in the parish neighborhoods.

Shortly after we were settled there, Sister Terry began doing counseling with patients in a separate room behind the house, and one day a week she went to the office where she had started a counseling program in La Labor when she

Guicela had been maintaining mental health services despite her own poor health. A psychologist in the parish in zone 16 had just started an association and was happy to take over and expand the mental health services, which now include five areas of Guatemala

One disadvantage of the location where we were renting was that it was far from the University of San Carlos (USAC), the free university where many of the students were studying. If they studied at a private university, their families helped to pay tuition, or they were working to pay for their education. In any case, they were often traveling on buses at night and had to transfer buses in unsafe neighborhoods. Sometimes it would take them two hours to get home. The students never complained, but I would worry like a mom until they arrived home safely. It was actually a relief for them in some ways when classes went virtual during the pandemic. They had more time for their studies rather than travel.

City. Sister Terry began teaching math one day a week at the school to relieve Sister Mary Faye of one of her multiple responsibilities there. I did some healing touch at the house and started teaching English at the school one day a week, also to

We knew that providing safe housing and support for these young women to complete their education was a very important ministry meeting a great need and that it had to continue. But we needed a house of our own for stability and one closer to USAC and bus lines. We also realized the importance of forming a new legal association

Sister Joyce checks in on Sindy and Lena painting mobiles in 2017; contributed photo.

... at some point in the conversation that night, we looked at each other and simultaneously said, “Let’s go back to Guatemala and start a house for them to live in!”

in Guatemala with a board of directors to include both the school and Casa Sofía so that these ministries could continue beyond the time when perhaps no CPPS Sisters were available to administer them. God was on our side when we found an old convent for sale with 13 bedrooms, two of which were large enough for two people. A few older Sisters from a Belgian congregation were still living there until new owners could be found. It was about a 10-minute bus ride to USAC and a short walk to the central hub of bus connections to other parts of the country. Other than being in need of many repairs, renovations, a larger cistern and stable internet in all the rooms, it was perfect!

We moved here to what is now our own Casa Sofía in October 2020. In April 2021, the Asociación para Mujeres la Preciosa Sangre was formed officially, and our CPPS Congregation purchased the house in the name of the Association. We formed a board of directors including CPPS Sisters and Guatemalans, and we

have an attorney friend who believes strongly in our ministry to help us with all the legalities involved.

At one of our first meetings, the board wrote the mission and vision statements for our new Precious Blood Association for Women. They read as follows:

Based on the Spirituality of the Precious Blood, giver of life and reconciling presence, our mission is to promote and accompany transformative processes for women in the areas of education and formation to achieve equality through change in the social structure.

Our vision is to promote empowered women who achieve their place in a gender-equal society.

Sister Terry and I share duties as co-directors of Casa Sofía. She does the banking, and I am the house treasurer. Sister Terry, as the president of the Association, had the nightmare of getting the bank account for the Association set up and

working smoothly. She is now on a first-name basis with several of the employees of our local bank! Now, in addition to our house account and our CPPS account, I also keep the financial records for the general association budget and extra donated money. Thank goodness we have an accountant, Manuel, who prepares the financial reports required by the government. I just need to see that he gets all the documents and receipts he needs regarding all our expenses.

Since last February, neither Sister Terry nor I teach at the school, now known as the Centro de Formación Multiple or simply the Center of Formation. It was getting too timeconsuming for both of us. Sister Mary Faye retired in April 2021 after almost 30 years in Guatemala and returned to the U.S. It took three people to replace her: Marjory, who was one of the teachers there, is now the director of education; Zonia, one of our students at Casa Sofía who graduated with a degree in theology, is now the general director of the Center; and Norma, also one of our students who is here writing her final document to defend for her degree in education, is Zonia’s assistant. The Center had beds for 32 students and this coming year, they are making plans to convert a room to hold six more students!

At present we have eight young women living at Casa Sofía. Three will be graduating soon if all goes well with defending their thesis or taking comprehensive exams: Sindy in social work, Berna in nursing, and Lety in theology. Sindy also recently joined the

Sister Terry teaching IGER math class in 2018; contributed photo.

board of the Association as an associate member. Four students are working full-time:

• Sindy, as office manager for the Núcleo de Mujeres, a group of women who are theologians who present conferences on women’s issues in the church and more.

• Berna, at an outpatient dental hospital as a surgical nurse assistant.

• Karla, as a technical nurse in the emergency room of a private hospital while studying for her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

• Keyla, who works in a business office while completing her third year for a degree in psychology.

Lena was studying agronomy at USAC until student protests against corruption closed that department, along with others, this past semester and probably for the next year. She has been teaching math at the Center four days a week. She uses her agronomy knowledge in taking charge of our raised vegetable and herb gardens on our roof

terrazzo. Ana and Zoila are new university students this year, Ana completing her first year in psychology, and Zoila, in math education and physics. Zonia and Norma each come here for some days off from their work at the Center. We live as a community with each person, students and Sisters, sharing responsibilities with cooking, cleaning and preparing the evening prayer as classes, work schedules and other commitments permit. Thelma, who lives up the street, comes two days a week to cook the main noon meal. The students are very good at helping out whenever needed. We all do grocery shopping: The girls go to the market within walking distance for fruits, vegetables and other foods, and Sister Terry and I drive to major shopping areas for more groceries, appliances, household items, etc. Terry continues to see clients for counseling and spiritual direction, and I help two students here with English.

We have a wonderful gardener, José, who was here for 10

years before we arrived. For several years he had been working only inside the house, helping the Sisters with cleaning, repairs and grocery shopping among other things. When we came, he returned to his gift of gardening and composting. He helped turn an insect-infested, overgrown mess into a flower lover’s paradise! On rainy days, he still helps us with things inside like carpentry work, hanging pictures, fixing a leaking faucet or doing some much-needed painting. He is definitely part of our community!

Last but not least is our sweet dog, Coco, who is two years old. He gets depressed when some of the students are gone. He loves to go for walks, but he cries and trembles when he gets in the car to go anywhere. We see his little face watching at the front window when we come home, and he runs to the door to greet us. He brings much life and laughter to a house of serious study.

God has blessed us abundantly and we trust that this ministry will continue with God’s grace.

Left, Sister Terry with Norma and Jen for their birthday celebration in 2021; right, Coco poses for his picture; contributed photos.

Welcome, Sister Pauline!

On Oct. 2, Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated the ritual for the Entrance into the Novitiate for Sister Pauline Siesegh. She has begun a year of active novitiate formation and ministry by meeting with Sister Ann Clark weekly, and reading and discussing The Pious Mother. In this first year of her novitiate, she will also:

• Continue to learn about our foundress Maria Anna Brunner and Precious Blood history and spirituality.

• Volunteer at Food for the

Journey Project.

• Take classes in the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation through the University of Dayton.

• Visit with Sisters at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton.

• Spend time in prayer.

Sister Pauline will also spend a few months with Precious Blood Sisters in California in order to experience a variety of ministries. Next year, her novitiate will continue with a religious formation program in Chicago.

Each novice is different, and we try to meet her needs, fulfill all of the “requirements” of the novitiate, and provide her with a meaningful experience. With the help of God, our foundress Mother Brunner, and all of our Sisters, this novitiate experience will prepare Pauline to be a faithful Sister of the Precious Blood.

The Congregation welcomes Sister Pauline and continues to pray for her and for all in discernment and formation. 

— continued from Page 9

human need, our youth, parents and families often lack safety of any kind — whether it be psychological, emotional, physical or spiritual. Nowhere and no one feels safe, and so people stay bottled up, wounded and alone, unable to heal or move forward.

And we wonder why things aren’t getting better.

This year, PBMR is focused

on healing — on creating more spaces and places where people can be vulnerable and allow love to touch their wounds. If we want to bring healing to the visible exterior in our community, we have to begin with the invisible interior. We have to begin with seeing, hearing and holding the hearts of those we love, and becoming vessels of love

and care for one another.

As the young woman placed her cross on the wall of remembrance, we began to see that all the crosses organically were forming the shape of a heart. The pain of loss and grief of our hearts was momentarily flooded with love, and for a second, we gained a glimpse of the yoke being easier and the burden light. 

Left, Sister Pauline receives her corsage from Sister Joyce Langhals; right, Sister Pauline with Sister Edna Hess during the ceremony.

Story by Sister Ann Clark; Michelle Bodine photos.

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.

Ifirst learned to make a basket when I was living on the Tohono O’odham reservation for a month in the early 1990s while helping a Sister nurse move off the reservation after retiring. The women there were very welcoming and eager to share their art form with me. I learned from them that the first basket a woman makes needs to be given away, so I gave it to one of our Sisters who was celebrating her Jubilee.

I then learned to make different types of baskets when I was on sabbatical at Springbank Retreat Center in South Carolina in 2013. They are baskets designed by the women there and sold in the markets in South Carolina and are the kinds that I make now.

I have always enjoyed making things by hand, like knitting and crocheting, and so making baskets is just another one of my pastimes. I can make a basket in just a couple of days and it’s fun to see it take shape. Each one turns out a little different, even if I’m following a pattern.

Unless it is just for our house here, each basket is made with a special person in mind and I give it to them for a special event like a Jubilee, a Christmas present, etc. The ones I’m making now are for graduation gifts for the young women here in Casa Sofía in Guatemala.

I also make baskets for our house. The round ones are used to hold tortillas and are used here every day. The others are meant to be hung on the wall and can be used for anything. Usually people put real or artificial flowers in them, but we use one in the kitchen to hold paper towels.

I also occasionally make afghans. The experience of making a basket or an afghan is always a prayerful time or like a meditation. They are made with the individual in mind who will receive it, and I put lots of love into each item I make. Making a hairpin lace afghan is especially a time of meditation because of repeating the same stitch over and over again. It’s a time to do centering prayer and reflection. 

Baskets and an afghan made by Sister Joyce Kahle.

Story and photos by Sister Joyce Kahle

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.

September — Since 1958, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have displayed a Nativity scene by Robert Koepnick, who served as the head of the sculpture department at the Dayton Art Institute for nearly 40 years. This past fall, our Council gifted the Nativity to the University of Dayton, where most of Koepnick’s art is held. The general public will now have more opportunities to view this work of art.

September 15 — Sisters Pauline Siesegh and Rita Rogier and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson attended the 15th anniversary celebration of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. The organization is a powerhouse in combating human trafficking, especially in the Cleveland area. Their services span from victim support and community education to legislative influence.

September 18 — For the second year in a row, the Congregation cosponsored “Light in the City,” which wrapped up the free summer concert series at Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton. Sister Judy Niday and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson enjoyed the beautiful outdoor weather, a wonderful dinner and uplifting music from Christian artist Blessing Offor.

September 22 — The Office for Mission and the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati honored Sister Regina Albers for her years of missionary service in Chile, as well as her work with the Hispanic community here in the U.S. The Mission Office hosted a recognition party at the Do Good Restaurant in Osgood, Ohio.

September 24 — A group of Sisters and congregational staff members worked together to advocate for The SOAP Project (Save our Adolescents from Prostitution). They assembled information packets about human trafficking and distributed them to area hotels. The packets also contained soap and makeup removers labeled with the national human trafficking hotline number.

October 4 — Sister Patty Kremer and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson attended a prayer service honorTop,

Nativity scene by Robert Koepnick; Michelle Bodine photo. Second, Sister Pauline Siesegh, Jen Morin-Williamson and Sister Rita Rogier at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking; contributed photo. Third, Sister Judy Niday (far right) at the “Light in the City” concert; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Fourth, Sister Regina Albers (second row, fourth from left) at the recognition party at Do Good Restaurant; fifth, Peg Birkemeyer along with Sisters Mary Ann Mozser, Alene Hirsch and Rita Rogier assembled information packets for the SOAP Project; bottom, Jen Morin-Williamson and Sister Patty Kremer at the prayer service for Laudato Si Communities; contributed photos.

ing this year’s Archdiocese of Cincinnati Laudato Si Communities, St. Leo the Great Parish in Cincinnati and St. Peter in Chains Parish and School in Hamilton. The Sisters of the Precious Blood were honored as a Laudato Si Community in 2018.

October 6 — Sister Marie Kopin received the 2022 Bob Ball Award from the Chippewa (Michigan) Watershed Conservancy “for her tireless advocacy for the natural world.” Sister Marie wrote, “This is a work I fully enjoy. Not only is it ‘family heritage’ for me, but a chance to be in God’s outdoors with friends.”

October 13 — A representative from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters visited Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. About 25 Sisters and staff attended to learn more about issues on the ballot in Montgomery County and pick up a copy of the organization’s voter’s guide.

October 15 — Sisters Mary Garascia and Nancy Kinross attended the celebration at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish for consecrated Jubilarians of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Archbishop Schnurr celebrated Mass and attendees enjoyed a luncheon together.

October 18 — The Congregation co-sponsored a nonpartisan “Meet the Candidates Night” at Omega Baptist Church in Dayton. All Democratic and Republican candidates for over 20 state, county, judicial and Congressional district offices were invited to attend ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.

October 28 — John Buehler was honored on his upcoming retirement after 15 years as music director for the Congregation. The Sisters wish John all the best — and they welcome Jim Butler, who now serves as music and liturgy coordinator. Thank you both!

November — Novice Sister Juliana Wuur sends regular updates from the intercongregational collaborative novitiate program she is attending in Chicago. “Everyone who visits this new community is impressed by how we come from different ethnic groups and different congregations and are able to collaborate together,” she wrote in a recent message. “We have a busy schedule but it’s preparing us to meet the needs of the world today.”

December 9 — Sister Margo Young and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson attended the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity home in the area. Sister Margo was honored to present the house keys to homeowners Hakizayezu and Primi-Safari Daniel and their three children. 

Top, Bob Ball Award recipient Sister Marie Kopin holds her award with CWC President Marilyn Fosburg and Executive Director Mike LeValley; second, Sisters Mary Garascia and Nancy Kinross at the celebration for consecrated Jubilarians of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati; contributed photos. Third, Meet the Candidates flyer; fourth, John Buehler speaks during his retirement party; Michelle Bodine photo. Fifth, Sister Juliana Wuur at the intercongregational collaborative novitiate program Christmas celebration; contributed photo. Bottom, Sister Margo presents the house keys to the new homeowners; Jen Morin-Williamson photo.

Sister Maria Luisa Miller

November 1936 — January 2, 2023

AMass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister

Maria Luisa Miller was held at the Precious Blood church in Dayton on January 6. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 69 years.

Mary Louise Catherine Miller was born to Isidore and Florence Deitering Miller on a farm outside of Cloverdale, Ohio. Before she was a year old, her parents moved to Ottoville, Ohio. She was the oldest of eight children, four boys and four girls. From the earliest years, Mary Lou was expected to assist at home, becoming almost a second mother to her younger siblings. Her life was filled with school and work at home where, as in most farm families, all helped out. She went to the public school in Ottoville where Sisters of the Precious Blood were her teachers. From the time that she was very young, she knew she wanted to be a Sister. She confided in her eighth-grade teacher, Sister Leonita Westerheide, that she always felt that she wanted to be a Sister but did not know how to go about it. With Sister Leonita’s help, she went to Fatima High School, the aspirancy for the Sisters of the Precious Blood, in Dayton. She entered the postulancy in January 1954. When she became a novice in August 1954, she was

Sympathy

given the name of Sister Mary Thecla.

After teaching in Linton, North Dakota; St. Joseph, Missouri; Sts. Peter & Paul, Ottawa, Ohio; and Assumption, Dayton, Ohio, Sister was called in 1966 to Chile as a missionary. It was at this time that Sister Thecla changed back to her baptismal name, but in Spanish. Another reason for the change is that tecla in Spanish means “piano keys”! Since then, she has been known as Sister Maria Luisa. For 55 years, she cared for the people of Chile as teacher, pastoral minister, and retreat and spiritual director. She offered service to the Chile Conference of Religious, and in leadership to the sisters of the Chilean Vicariate.

Until the last couple of weeks of her life, she sent the daily Scripture readings to people in Chile with whom she had ministered. Sister Rita Manriquez recently told Maria Luisa that, just like Mother Brunner, she was still needed to serve the Congregation and the people of God from heaven.

Sister Maria Luisa joins her parents, one brother and 2 sisters-in-law in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, 2 brothers-in-law, 1 sisterin-law, nieces and nephews. Her holy presence and gentle, missionary spirit will be missed. Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.

We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who have recently lost family members to death.

Sister Pat Dieringer on the death of her sister-in-law, Joan, on November 10.

Bill Werling, a volunteer to the homicide vigils in Dayton for nearly 16 years, died on November 20.

Sister Maryann Bremke on the death of her brother, Paul, on November 21.

Sister Mumbi Kigutha on the death of her grandmother, Mumbi, during the week of

November 27.

Sister Dorothy Schmitmeyer (deceased) on the death of her twin brother, Donald, on November 29.

Sister Lou Ann Roof on the death of her brother-in-law, Carl Brinkman, on November 29.

Sister Regina Albers on the death of her brother-in-law, Urban Gehret, on December 6.

Sister Jean René Hoying

on the death of her sister, Mary Jean Heitbrink, on December 12.

Sister Ann Clark on the death of her sister, Patti Kemper, on December 19.

Former Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31.

Jan Brinkpeter-Bennet, former Sister Marciel (class of '59), died on January 13.

Father Jim Dugal, CPPS, died on January 20.

Sister Margaret Zureick

February 1937 — December 1, 2022

AMass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister

Margaret Zureick was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton on December 5. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 66 years.

Cincinnati’s census grew by one in February 1937, as Richard and Grace (Merkt) Zureick welcomed their first child, Margaret, into their family. As Margaret (Margie) was just about to turn four, the family grew once more with the addition of Richard. Nearly dying at birth, Richard gave the family quite a scare, but also won for him an earthly guardian angel: his big sister Margie, who “always looked out for him!”

The Catholic faith was very important to the Zureick family and very influential in Margie’s life. She loved to go to church and was so inspired that she “made several small shrines” of her own on the hills behind her grandparents’ house. Using Necco Wafers, she loved to play Mass. Of course, Margie “always wanted to be the priest.”

One of the most “important decisions” of Margie’s life was to attend Regina High School. It was at Regina at age 14 that she met the Sisters

Sister Rosemary Laux

September 1923 — October 19, 2022

AMass of Christian Burial for Precious Blood Sister

Rosemary Laux was held at the Salem Heights chapel in Dayton on October 24. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 80 years.

Rosemary Laux was born at home on the family farm in Bryant, Indiana, in September 1923 to Frances and Joseph Laux. Rosemary joined the family as child number eight in a family of nine children. Rosemary enjoyed life on the farm. At a very young age she learned to milk the cows and was also responsible for bringing the cows home from the pasture.

The family farm was more than a mile from Holy Trinity Church where Rosemary would first come in contact with the Sisters of the Precious Blood, who taught at the two-room (four grades in each room) parish schoolhouse.

of the Precious Blood for the first time.

Soon after graduating from Regina in 1955, Margie entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood. She began her life in ministry as an elementary teacher in North Dakota, California and Ohio. Three years at St. Paul in McKee, Kentucky, as pastoral minister and social worker reawakened her missionary spirit. She was called for eight years to serve the Congregation on the formation team. Sister Margie felt privileged to return to Kentucky for another 18 years serving the people of Berea, Beattyville and Campton. When she returned to Dayton for health reasons, Sister Margie continued to care for others at the Twin Towers Food Mart and Mercy Manor. Her missionary spirit called her back to St. Joseph the Worker Mission in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, for another 10 years.

Sister Margie joins her parents in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters and brother, Richard. May Margie’s joy-filled and hopeful spirit that embraced each person with love and respect be how she lives on in each of us.

Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.

In 1942, Rosemary was welcomed into the Precious Blood Congregation by her older sister, Sister Mary Agnella Laux. Rosemary was given the name Sister Mary Columba. Over the years, her skills in the domestic and culinary arts would take her near and far, serving at Salem Heights; St. Joseph Orphanage in Dayton; Brunnerdale Seminary in Canton, Ohio; Archbishop Alter’s residence in Cincinnati; St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado; Maria Stein Retreat House; and St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. During her retirement, she engaged in volunteer ministry to Alzheimer’s patients in Lourdes Hall at Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Sister Rosemary joins her parents and eight siblings in heaven. She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, nieces and nephews. Her gentle spirit and dry wit will be missed. Interment took place in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Scenes from Salem Heights

Many events took place at Salem Heights during the past few months. Here are just a few!

Clockwise from top left: To mark our foundress Maria Anna Brunner's birthday on October 1, Sister Della Mae Meyer, pictured with Sister Pauline Siesegh, gave out bread during lunch at Salem Heights. Sister Della honored Mother Brunner in appearance — and in calling to mind her selfless service to the poor through handing out loaves of bread.

Photo by Sister Patty Kremer. Nearly 40 varieties of homemade treats were made by the Sisters for the Christmas tree trimming event on December 13. Photo by Brenda Gabbard.

Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald, pictured with Sister Jeanette Buehler, came to Salem Heights on January 24 to speak to Sisters and staff about events happening in our city of Trotwood. Photo by Sister Martha Bertke.

The Sisters planned a surprise party for Father Ken Baker, pictured with Sister Maryann Bremke, on December 16 to congratulate him for his 60 years of service. Photo by Brenda Gabbard. 