Sharing & Caring Winter 2024

Motivated by our past; moving into the future

The day dawned sunny and already unseasonably warm for early October. The Sisters were glad to see the fortunate weather as Sunday, October 1, 2023, was the big celebration. That day happened to be the birthday of our foundress, Maria Anna Brunner, but it also was the day chosen to commemorate with others the 100 years since our Congregation had moved to Dayton, Ohio, from Maria Stein.

It started with a 2 p.m. Mass of celebration held across the street from Salem Heights, our present retirement center, at Precious Blood parish church. Over 200 people joined the Sisters in praising and thanking God for all the gifts received and given during those 100 years. Father Jeff Kirch, provincial director of the U.S. Province, and other Missionaries of the Precious Blood were present. Lay collaborators from many of the organizations that our CPPS Sisters had either started or ministered in over the years joined us. Members of the Trotwood City Council came. The reception following the Mass was a veritable banquet of goodness resembling in some ways the eternal banquet in the Kingdom of heaven: food, laughter, joy, as people from all walks of life mixed and mingled and thanked God for God’s generous goodness.

rience as participants stopped by tables where the Sisters sat and thanked them for their years of service and for the impact the mission of the Sisters of the Precious Blood has had on the city and elsewhere. For those 100 years, we rarely took the time to rejoice in the outcome of our service. When we had accomplished one thing, we just immediately went on to meet the next need before us. It is what women religious do regularly, always trying to anticipate where God’s Word should be preached, where the basic human needs of children, women and men must be met, where the joy of the Gospel might lift someone’s spirits.

Whether it is in Dayton, Maria Stein or New Riegel, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; Redlands, Califor-

experiences.

For those 100 years, we rarely took the time to rejoice in the outcome of our service. When we had accomplished one thing, we just immediately went on to meet the next need before us.

— Sister Joyce Lehman

It was also a humbling expe-

nia; Guatemala or Chile, our Sisters are called to give their lives in service to others. Each unique personality brings with her many God-given gifts as well as the skills and talents achieved through living fully. As with any person who allows God to lead them, each Sister experiences loving and being loved by those she serves, and grows in her love of God and others through her

As for the celebration of our 100 years in Dayton, although there was an afterglow of a job well done when we were back home after the party, we affirmed that that feeling is not the reason we do what we do — because we know that what we do, we do not do alone. Others have always ministered alongside us, inspiring us and helping us. Being appreciated is nice, but our mission “to proclaim God’s love by being a lifegiving, reconciling presence” is why the Sisters of the Precious Blood have existed, as of 2024, for 190 years. We hope to continue that mission in the years to come. God is good!

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

Justice and Advocacy

In June, my colleague Sarah Aisenbrey, who serves as the archivist for the Congregation, and I had the privilege of presenting at PechaKucha Dayton — an influential quarterly idea-sharing event for adults. Our presentation, titled "Gem City’s Precious Sisters," was inspired by the 100-year anniversary of the Sisters of the Precious Blood establishing their motherhouse in Dayton. Throughout our preparation, I was continually amazed at how their history is interwoven with countless others in our community, particularly in charity and justice work. Given the deep legacy of the Sisters, we decided to spotlight a Precious Sister gem from each decade. I feel very honored to participate in furthering the Sisters’ justice work, not only in Dayton but extending to the state, federal and international levels. The Congregation has been very intentional about adapting to the changes that have come about over time. I am one of many non-vowed people that the Sisters have hired to continue their good work that previously had been done by Sisters. As peace,

justice and ecology coordinator, I represent the Sisters in these areas of concern: environmental justice and climate change, gun violence, human trafficking, the death penalty, immigration and anti-racism. There is much justice work to do!

One way that we have advanced this work is to update part of our website to provide opportunities beyond our physical presence for others to learn about these issues and ways to take action. Advocacy and Justice (preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/) is the landing page where you can find these educational and advocacy opportunities. You can easily click on the areas that align with your concerns.

Also, I invite you to subscribe to our bimonthly online newsletter, This Good Work, which I curate. Each issue has four or five articles with a justice focus written by Sisters and guest writers. They are educational, spiritual and concise! Subscribe at preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/enewsletter-sign-up/. 

Story by Jen Morin-Williamson

CPPS Mission Statement

Address communications to:

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.

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.

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Michelle Bodine, Communications Coordinator

Editorial Content

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Office of Communications

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4000 Denlinger Road

Dayton, OH 45426

phone: (937) 715-9580

email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

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

Top, Jen and Sarah; contributed photo.

Continuing the legacy

“Sister Honeybunch” — that’s what we called her. I didn’t grow up Catholic, but my mom was the director of a day care center in a Catholic school, so I spent a lot of time with her there; in high school, I was part of a retreat program that held retreats at the nearby convent where Sister Honeybunch lived. Sister Albert — her real name — was a delightful woman who called everyone “honeybunch.”

At first, I thought it was just because she was so loving. But as I reflect back, I’m certain it was because she couldn’t remember anyone’s name, and she wanted each person to feel special regardless! She had a profound influence on my life, mostly because of her energy and love and kindness.

When I began my position here with the Precious Blood Sisters, one of the questions I asked each Sister I was fortunate to have a conversation with was, “What inspired you to become a Sister?” Almost every single time, the answer was, “I had teachers who were Sisters.” How wonderful it must have been for those young girls — young middle schoolers and high schoolers — to be surrounded by loving (and yes, there were most likely a stern one or two) and faith-filled servants of God. It is no wonder that during that time, vocations to religious life were bountiful. This year marks 100 years since the Sisters of the Precious Blood first called Dayton “home.” I reflect on how much things have changed since

then. Today’s young women are lucky if they’ve had ANY contact with a religious Sister. In fact, at one of my visits to a local Catholic school’s religion classes, some didn’t even know what a religious Sister is! Students today do not have the same type of constant contact with faith-filled Sisters, brothers and priests like they did in the previous couple of generations. No longer are they influenced and inspired on a daily basis. How can a woman be inspired to contemplate religious life when they have no experience with it?

We must adapt … we must pivot … we must find new ways to reach young women who might be contemplating the call. I don’t have all the answers, that’s for sure, but one of the things we can do is to make sure our Sisters get in contact with students and young adults on a regular basis. It’s why the vocations office is seeking schools that are willing to have the coordinator and Sisters come to speak to students about vocations; why we are encouraging our Sisters to share their stories with the people with whom they come into contact; and why the vocations coordinator has been and will continue to attend conferences around the country promoting religious life and the Sisters of the Precious Blood, and speaking to women who might be contemplating their vocations.

So far, Sisters and I have attended two conferences in Washington, D.C., visited a couple of local Catholic

schools, and participated in a run for vocations. Coming up yet this winter are more visits to Catholic schools, a conference in Dallas, a conference in Anaheim and time with our sisters in California working on how we can promote vocations out West.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood have done so much for Dayton and its surrounding communities over the past 100 years — too many things to mention here. But one of the things we must do is promote them — to remember the good they have done — to get the word out that we are a vibrant, active community that continues to live our spirituality in the world. We must encourage women that they, too, could find their “Sister Honeybunch” to touch their lives and inspire them to seek God’s vocation for their lives. I look forward, with our Sisters’ help, to letting young women know that they could find a place here. They could answer God’s call to become a Sister with us, and they can continue the legacy the Sisters of the Precious Blood began so long ago. 

Story by Teri Iverson

Reflecting on the Eucharist, our Spirituality and the Mass

This fall, Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman gave two presentations in the Salem Heights Chapel, at our central house in Dayton, on the Eucharist and Precious Blood Spirituality.

On Sept. 6, in “Eucharist as Self-giving,” Sister Joyce Ann explored “the times during Mass and in our lives when we are invited to give ourselves over to the God whom we love and the people whom we serve.”

On Sept. 20, in “Precious Blood Spirituality as Selfgiving,” she explored “the intimate connection of the Eucharist and our Precious Blood Spirituality as our unique call to self-giving.” Both presentations can be viewed on our YouTube page at @sistersofthepreciousblood8081.

In October, as part of the Fall Learning Series at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy

Relics, Sister Joyce Ann gave presentations on the introductory and concluding rites of Mass. Those presentations can also be viewed on YouTube, at @mariasteinshrineoftheholyr2410.

Sister Joyce Ann is the founding director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry in Dayton, an adjunct profes-

sor of liturgy, and a frequent facilitator of programs and workshops on liturgy. She has published numerous scholarly and pastoral liturgical books and articles.

Her most recent book, Waiting on the Beloved: The Eucharist as Self-Giving Love, was published by Liturgy Training Publications in January. 

of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating winter and spring birthdays.

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Left, Sister Joyce Ann during the Fall Learning Series part 2, The Concluding Rites, at Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics; YouTube screenshot. Right, Sister Joyce Ann's most recent book.

Precious Blood communities honored at World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday is celebrated annually within the Catholic Church on the second to last Sunday of October. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, World Mission Sunday is an opportunity for every Catholic Church community worldwide to express solidarity with our brothers and sisters living in mission territories and to recognize the common responsibility for evangelization of the world.

Pope Francis invites us to set our hearts ablaze with faith and put our faith into action, serving God’s mission with joy, enthusiasm and tireless dedication. He encourages us not only to feel the faith but to act on it. It’s our mission to move, serve and spread the Good News, bringing God’s love and peace to all His children.

Each year, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, under the direction of Mike Gable, director of the Mission Office, has a special celebration. This year it was held Sunday, October 22, at Holy Redeemer Church in New Bremen, Ohio. A Mass to celebrate our multicultural Church was offered at 3 p.m. with Archbishop Dennis Schnurr as the presider and Father Jeff Kirch, C.PP.S., provincial director of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, as the homilist.

Prelude music was provided by the Filipino and Vietnamese communities of the archdiocese. The Scripture readings and the prayers of the faithful

Story by Sister Martha Bertke

were read in several languages to represent the richness in diversity of the people of God

and the unity in the Body of Christ. The collection at this Mass will support missionary efforts in various countries. At the conclusion of the liturgy, recognition was given to parish twinning relationships, that is, parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who “twin” with a parish or group in another country.

Also recognized were the Precious Blood Sisters, priests and brothers for their many, many years of service to the northern area of the archdiocese and their missionary spirit around the world.

Following immediately after the Mass, all were invited to enjoy a delicious meal in the parish hall and to continue the spirit of caring for one another.

Thirteen Precious Blood Sisters were present for the liturgy and prayed for all missionaries throughout our world. They were delighted at the wonderful meal which was provided and the enjoyable time conversing with other people. 

The following Precious Blood Sisters, who are living, served in Chile and Guatemala:

Chile

Sister Regina Albers —

1969-1981, 12 years

Sister Marita Beumer —

1966-1976, 10 years

Sister Noemi Flores —

1964-present, 59 years

Sister Mary Faye Hellman —

1978-1985, 7 years

Sister Edna Hess —

1977-1990, 1992-2003, 2012-2019, 31 years

Sister Rita Manriquez —

1992-present, 31 years

Guatemala

Sister Mary Faye Hellman —

1989-2021, 32 years

Sister Joyce Kahle —

2015-present, 8 years

Sister Terry Walter —

1995-2009, 2015-present, 22 years

Sister Margo Young —

1995-2007, 12 years

CPPS Sisters arrived in Chile in 1956 and have been in ministry in Chile for 67 years. At present, two Sisters live and serve in Chile: Noemi Flores and Rita Manriquez.

CPPS Sisters arrived in Guatemala in 1988 and have been in ministry in Guatemala for 35 years. At present, two Sisters live and serve in Guatemala: Joyce Kahle and Terry Walter.

Sisters Regina Albers, Marita Beumer, Edna Hess and Mary Faye Hellman live in Dayton. Sister Margo Young lives in California.

Sister Mary Faye chooses produce in Guatemala, 2015; contributed photo.

Opposite page, top, Liturgical dancers with the Vietnamese Choir of Sacred Heart Church, Dayton; second, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr presides at World Mission Sunday Mass at Holy Redeemer; bottom, people filled the parish hall for a festive meal after Mass; Jean Giesige photos. Above, from left, Sisters Edna Hess, Regina Albers and Marita Beumer were recognized at the Mass; Michelle Bodine photo.

Update from Guatemala

Sister Joyce Kahle and Sister Terry Walter are co-directors of Casa Sofia, our residence for university students in Guatemala City.

Last July, Sister Terry Walter and I visited the Center for Formation — formerly Holy Mary of the Most Precious Blood School, founded by Sister Mary Faye Hellman — for the official dedication of their newly completed cancha, or basketball and soccer field, complete with bleachers.

It started with a ceremony inside with a flag procession, the singing of the national anthem, prayers and some brief talks. Then we moved outside for the ribbon cutting and some exciting soccer games. The celebration ended with a delicious lunch together. 

Homicide vigils continue under new leadership

Sister Jeanette Buehler has retired as coordinator of the Community Homicide Prayer Vigil Group, an ecumenical initiative to pray for victims of violence and their families. Taking her place will be Jane Bohman, a member of the vigil group and St. Rita Church. Bohman also serves on the board of directors of Ohioans To Stop Executions.

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, vigils are now held at noon on the second Saturday of each month at McIntosh Park, 888 Riverview Avenue in Dayton.

On Dec. 11, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, the group also participated in the 33rd Annual Homicide Victim

Memorial Service, sponsored by the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Fifty-eight names were read aloud at the service, each a victim of violent crime in the Dayton area. 

Clockwise from top left, Sister Terry cuts the ribbon for the new cancha (basketball court and soccer field); teachers and students watch the games from the new bleachers; students playing basketball on the new court. Sister Joyce Kahle photos. Story by Sister Joyce Kahle

ICreative 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.

n the early 20th century, as the Sisters of the Precious Blood began to imagine a new home for the Community on Salem Avenue in Dayton, the new convent’s chapel was situated at the center of their thoughts and plans — just as it came to be situated in the center of the building itself.

Today, the building houses the Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and the chapel — a work of art in its own right — remains at the heart of spiritual care services for the center’s residents. With its soaring, vaulted ceiling, light blue walls and gold accents, statues of the Holy Family, and intricate stained glass windows, the chapel offers a transcendent space for reflection, prayer and religious services.

With plans to move the Community from Maria Stein, Ohio, to Dayton, Mother Emma Nunlist purchased a tract of 75 acres in 1912 — but various circumstances delayed construction of the new convent for nearly a decade. Danis, the construction company founded in Dayton in 1916, began construction on the building on Aug. 11, 1921. On Sept. 8, 1923, the chapel was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception by Archbishop Henry K. Moeller.

Anecdotes in Not With Silver or Gold, the Community’s historical record from 1834-1944, as well as correspondence

in the archives, indicate that Mother Emma was instrumental in the chapel’s design, in both its artistic elements and its liturgical symbolism.

The altar, made of marble and gold mosaics, was a gift from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and imported from Italy in 1923.

Decades later, Sister Eileen Tomlinson — who entered the Congregation in 1937 and passed away in 2010 — added her artistic contributions by designing the current podiums and front altar, and hand-carving six candle sticks, as well as two seven-branch candelabras.

In all its beauty, the real substance of the chapel — like all chapels and other houses of worship — lies in its purpose. Mass is celebrated in the chapel at Maria Joseph on the third Thursday of each month. Anyone

may attend, giving the center’s residents and the general public an opportunity to worship in the same sacred space that so many Precious Blood Sisters called home over the past 100 years.

For more information about monthly Mass, contact the spiritual care team at Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at 937-278-2692. 

Story by Mary Knapke

Top, postcard from 1941-1960; from the CPPS Archives collection. Bottom, chapel in 2009 during the 175th Anniversary Mass; Pat Morrison photo.

100 years!

Celebrating a century of community at our home on Salem Avenue

On Aug. 28, 1923, Sisters of the Precious Blood were welcomed with the pealing of bells upon their arrival at the new motherhouse on Salem Avenue.

Founded in 1834 in Switzerland by Maria Anna Brunner, Sisters of the Precious Blood first arrived in the U.S. in 1844 when three Sisters journeyed to northern Ohio to minister to German Catholic immigrants. Over the next 12 years, the religious community established convents throughout northern Ohio and Indiana; for nearly 80 years, the site of their motherhouse was Maria Stein in Mercer County.

By the early 1920s, Mother Emma Nunlist, the Mother General of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, was familiar with Dayton because the Sisters were already involved in min-

istry there. She felt that they needed to be closer to the amenities the city could provide, including health care and education. She also thought that being close to the city would allow the Sisters to find more volunteers to help with perpetual adoration of the Eucharist, a hallmark of the Sisters’ lived vocation since their founding.

She purchased 75 acres of farmland two miles north of Dayton, and construction began.

“The feast of St. Augustine, August 28, 1923, will go down in the annals as a memorable day for the community, since it marks the departure of the Sisters from the old motherhouse to the new,” reads the community’s historical record. “Knights of Columbus of Dayton offered to transport the Sisters to Salem Heights, where they were welcomed

with the pealing of bells and the greetings of the Sisters who had arrived earlier.”

The motherhouse on Salem Avenue now houses the MariaJoseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The Sisters’ central house is located next door in the building known as Salem Heights. It comprises a retirement center, chapel and gathering spaces for the community.

Over the past century, Sisters of the Precious Blood have been active in numerous ministries in the Dayton area, including education, parish ministry, food and domestic service, health care and social justice. Our Congregation evolves alongside the changing needs of our surrounding communi-

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

On the cover, the 100th Anniversary Mass at Precious Blood Church; Danny Schneible photo. Above, postcard image of Salem Heights 1923 –1979 In 1979, the Sisters moved to the former Maria-Joseph Home for the Aged which now serves as the Central House.

ties; we observe the signs of the times and serve wherever and however we are needed.

As we reflect on our history, we honor our foundress Maria Anna Brunner, and

we remember with love and gratitude those Sisters who came before us, who gave their lives in ministry to communities in Dayton and beyond. And we remain firmly rooted

here on Salem Avenue, in the place that we are proud to call “home.”

Join us as we look back on the journey of love that brought us here.

1891: The Sisters begin ministry at St. Joseph Orphanage (now the site of the Glen at St. Joseph). The orphanage was founded by the Society of St. Joseph in 1849 to care for children whose parents died during the cholera epidemic.

1893: The Sisters begin ministry at St. Mary School. The parish was founded in 1859 for German Catholics in east Dayton.

1898: The first issue of the Dayton Daily News is published.

1912: Mother Emma Nunlist purchases 75 acres of land two miles north of Dayton for a new Motherhouse.

1913: The Sisters begin ministry at Holy Name School. The parish was founded in 1907 by the Holy Name Society for Hungarian Catholics in Dayton.

1913: The Great Dayton Flood lasts for several days in March.

1921: The Sisters begin ministry at Resurrection School.

1923: The Sisters move their motherhouse to Dayton from Maria Stein, Ohio.

Top, Central House 1979 - present. Michelle Bodine photo. Middle, St. Joseph Orphanage; bottom, the chapel from the "new" motherhouse.

1929: The Dayton airport is dedicated.

1930: The Sisters found the Maria Joseph Home for the Aged.

1930: The Dayton Art Institute is dedicated.

1932: St. Mary Parish numbers over 900 families.

1946: The Sisters begin ministry at St. Rita School. The parish was founded in 1922 for Catholics in northwest Dayton.

1948: Sisters donate land for what would become Precious Blood Parish. The first Mass is held in the Motherhouse basement.

1948: Wright and Patterson fields consolidate as WrightPatterson Air Force Base.

1949: Precious Blood School opens with 94 students and two Sister teachers.

1950s: Construction of U.S. 35 begins, causing families to move to the suburbs and lowering parish membership at St. Mary Parish.

1951: The Sisters begin ministry at Assumption School.

1953: Esther Price opens her candy shop on Wayne Avenue.

1961: The Sisters begin ministry at Carroll High School.

Top, The Maria Joseph Home for the Aged; middle, display case at St. Mary Parish; bottom, breaking ground at St. Rita School.

The faculty was composed of four priests and members of six congregations of women religious. CPPS Sisters taught in the science, math and home economics departments.

1961: Holy Name School is discontinued due to the lack of parishioners in the neighborhood.

1966: Race riots sparked by the drive-by shooting of an unarmed Black man on West Fifth Street cause many families and businesses to leave the neighborhood, and Resurrection parish numbers drop.

1967: The Sisters leave ministry at St. Joseph Orphanage due to a lack of available Sisters.

1970: Four years after the race riots, vigorous changes in Resurrection School’s curriculum and parish programs help raise enrollment to over 900 students.

1971: St. Mary School closes.

1971: Trotwood is incorporated as a city.

1979: Most Sisters leave ministry at Precious Blood School due to a lack of available Sisters, but some continue to live in the convent until 1995.

1979: The Sisters move to the former Maria Joseph Home for the Aged, which now serves as their Central House.

1970s: The Assumption Parish population drops due to an exodus from the Greenwich Village neighborhood of northwest Dayton. Assumption, St. Agnes and St. James schools consolidate and become Dayton Catholic Elementary School (closed in 2006). Sister Martha Schock was the last to leave in 1978.

1981: Sister Dorothy Kammerer and several other Sisters found the Community Help Center, a store located at the corner of Riverview and Summit (now Paul Laurence Dunbar) avenues. It aimed to provide food to low-income people in the neighborhood. While the store remained open for only eight months, it catalyzed several other lasting efforts in the area.

1982: Sisters leave ministry at St. Rita School due to a lack of available Sisters.

1983: Sister Maryann Bremke becomes the vice principal of Carroll High School, where she remained until 1999.

Top, The Civics Club at Resurrection Grade School, 19471948 school year; second, Precious Blood School; third, Dayton Daily News article features Sister Rose Helene; fourth, Sister Maryann at Carroll High School; bottom, House of Bread sign on their building.

1984: Sisters leave ministry at Resurrection School due to a lack of available Sisters.

1984: Sister Dorothy Kammerer and Joe Bettman found the House of Bread to offer a hot, nutritious meal to those in need seven days a week. Their mission continues, aiming to “prevent hunger and serve as a bridge to beneficial community resources.”

1988: Sister Dorothy Kammerer founds The Other Place to help the homeless find places to stay during the day. In 2010, The Other Place changed its name to Homefull, which continues to take “a comprehensive approach to addressing poverty in general, which is the root cause of homelessness.”

1989: Sister Rose Helene Wildenhaus and Dick McBride found the St. Mary Development Corporation. The Corporation’s mission is to build “affordable apartment communities” and connect “residents to life-changing services that help them thrive.” The Corporation’s programs and building projects have provided support to over 5,000 people.

1992: Sister Anne Schulz becomes the principal of Precious Blood School, where she remained until 1997.

1993: Sister Dorothy Kammerer initiates Interfaith Action for a Violence-Free America, now called the Community Homicide Prayer Vigils. The group holds prayer vigils for area homicide victims and their families..

1995: Sister Mary Garascia serves as the pastoral administrator of Assumption Parish until 1998.

1995: The Dayton Accords are held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, ending the Bosnian War.

2002: Sister Rosemary Lindemann taught at St. Rita until 2009.

2011: Sisters Maryann Bremke and Helen Weber found the Brunner Literacy Center, which “provides flexible learning to meet the individual needs of adult students in pursuit of their personal or professional education.”

Top, logo for The Other Place; second, homicide vigil; third Sister Rosemary Lindemann at St. Rita School. Bottom, Sisters Helen Weber and Maryann Bremke at the new location of the Brunner Literacy Center on Shiloh Springs Road; Michelle Bodine photo.

1. St. Joseph Orphanage [today: The Glen at St. Joseph]

2. St. Mary Parish

3. Holy Name Parish [today: Kossuth Colony Historic District]

4. Resurrection Parish [today: St. Benedict the Moor Parish]

5. Salem Heights [today: Maria Joseph Center]

6. Maria Joseph Home for the Aged [today: Salem Heights]

7. St. Rita Parish

8. Precious Blood Parish [today: Mother Brunner School]

9. Assumption Parish [today: Miami Valley Child Development Center]

10. Carroll High School [today: Archbishop Carroll High School]

11. The Other Place [today: Homefull, in new location]

12. House of Bread

13. St. Mary Development Corporation

14. Brunner Literacy Center

Precious Blood Sisters were busy with a variety of events throughout the fall. 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 — Sister Terry Maher offered two workshops to nursing staff within the Providence health system in California: “Pediatric Trauma and Health Care” and “OB and Traumainformed Health Care.” Each workshop provided information on the grief process of trauma.

October — Citizens from throughout the state of Ohio gathered at the Statehouse to call for the death penalty to be abolished. Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson attended on Oct. 4, and Sister Patty Kremer joined her for a second gathering on Oct. 11. The Congregation is a member of the organization Ohioans To Stop Executions.

October 2 — The Congregation’s Justice Committee sponsored a presentation at Salem Heights by Mandy Reed, founder of Dear Dinah, a nonprofit, faith-based outreach program for survivors of human trafficking in Dayton.

October 2 — Sisters helped students at Mother Brunner School celebrate the birthday of our foundress, Maria Anna Brunner. They delivered cupcakes to the classrooms and spoke about Mother Brunner’s life and vocation. “Mother Brunner” herself even made an appearance — represented by Sister Judy Niday.

October 4 — Sister Mary E. Wendeln and Jen Morin-Williamson attended the 2023 annual gathering of Ignite Peace (formerly the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center). The event was held in Cincinnati and marked the organization’s first gathering under its new name.

October 6 — A Mass and festive lunch were held at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, in celebration of Mother Brunner’s birthday. Our foundress was born Oct. 1, 1764, in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland.

October 13 — Sisters Regina Albers, Patty Kremer and Mary E. Wendeln, along with Jen Morin-Williamson, attended the annual Su Casa gala in Cincinnati. The Congregation is a longtime supporter of Su Casa, which serves the Hispanic and Latino

Top, Mandy Reed from Dear Dinah speaks to the Sisters in Grace Hall; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Second, Sister Judy dressed as Mother Brunner; Teri Iverson photo. Third, Sister Mary E. and Sequoia Bowers-Griffin during the Ignite Peace gathering; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Fourth, Sisters Regina, Mary E. and Patty with Jen at the Su Casa gala; fifth, Sisters Pauline and Mi-Kyoung with Salvador Cerna Mendoza at ICD; contributed photos.

community in greater Cincinnati with case management, education services, family reunification and more.

October 15 — Sisters Mi-Kyoung Hwang and Pauline Siesegh attended a fundraiser for the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants, which provides essential goods and housing to asylum seekers, advocates for justice for immigrants and serves as a field education site for the ministry practicum at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

October 25 — A fall retreat for women, titled “A Walk in the Wilderness,” was held at Salem Heights. The planning team included Sisters Martha Bertke and Mary Lou Schmersal, as well as Sonnie Bernardi and Judy Carver, both members of St. Paul Church in Englewood.

November 7 — For the third year, inspired by CPPS Sisters who served as poll workers in the past, Sister Thelma Wurzelbacher volunteered as an election official.

November 8 — Sisters Paula Gero and Patty Kremer accompanied Vocation Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson to St. Christopher School, where they spoke to 6th, 7th and 8th grade religion classes about vocations and shared their vocation stories.

November 9-11 — Sisters Ann Clark and Marla Gipson attended the Religious Formation Conference Congress in Chicago, where one of the seminar sessions, “From Welcome to Inclusion,” was presented by Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha.

November 10 — The Congregation received the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year Award, along with commendations from Senator Sherrod Brown, Governor Mike DeWine, Montgomery County Treasurer John McManus, Trotwood City Mayor Mary McDonald and Trotwood Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Smith. Sisters Martha Bertke and Mary Garke accepted the award on behalf of the Congregation.

November 15 — Jen Morin-Williamson joined faith leaders from Dayton and the Miami Valley at the inaugural Unify Dayton Leaders’ Summit. The event drew over 100 attendees and provided a platform for prayer, networking and collaboration.

November 15 — Sisters Maryann Bremke, Jeanette Buehler, Mary Garke, Nancy Kinross, Judy Kroeger and Margo Young, along with Salem Heights Administrator Sheena McCormick, attended Homefull’s 35th anniversary celebration in Dayton.

Top, Sister Thelma volunteers as a poll worker; contributed photo. Second, Sister Patty speaks to students at St. Christopher School; Teri Iverson photo. Third, Sister Michelle Woodruff, ASC, Sisters Ann and Marla and Sr. Thi Mai, ASC at RFC; contributed photo. Fourth, Chamber President Deborah Smith, Sister Martha, Executive Director Marie Battle and Sister Mary; Charles Wheeler photo. Fifth, Jen (far right) with members of Unify Dayton; contributed photo.

Homefull was founded in 1988 by Sister Dorothy Kammerer.

November 16 — The Friends in Solidarity (FiS) Education Committee and FiS President Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha hosted the webinar “Hope Away from Home in South Sudan.” FiS is an initiative of U.S. Catholic men and women religious in support of religious working in South Sudan and beyond. The webinar can be viewed on YouTube at @FriendsinSolidarity.

November 16 — The Congregation’s Justice Committee sponsored a presentation at Salem Heights by Amy Cornelius of Sidewalk Soldiers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope, help and healing to individuals who have experienced sex trafficking and those at risk.

November 23 — Dayton Cooks, a culinary program at Grace United Methodist Church, provided a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless in downtown Dayton. Several Salem Heights Sisters volunteered their time by wrapping up blondie brownies that were distributed with the turkey dinners. It took several days to cut and wrap 3,150 brownies!

December 4 — Sister Mary E. Wendeln served as a panelist during a presentation at the University of Dayton addressing the situation in Israel and Palestine. The event was sponsored by UD’s Human Rights Center, Muslim Student Association and Campus Ministry.

December 13 and January 10 — Teri Iverson and Jen MorinWilliamson visited St. Christopher School in Vandalia. Jen taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes about Laudato Si and Laudate Deum in order to lay the groundwork for environmentally focused science fair projects that can be entered in our Precious Planet Award competition.

January — Homefull sent a heartfelt thank-you for the 508 caps and 97 scarves donated by the Congregation this winter. All the caps and scarves were hand-knitted by Sisters Regina Albers, Beverly Bodnar, Maryann Bremke, Pat Gist, Arlene Hirsch, Jane Francis Hoffman, Eva Roehrich, Anna Maria Sanders, Mary Lou Schmersal, Ceil Taphorn and Mary E. Wendeln.

January 30 — The Congregation’s Justice Committee sponsored a presentation at Salem Heights by Mike Schulz, executive director of Mission of Mary Cooperative, which transforms vacant land plots into vegetable gardens in Dayton’s inner east neighborhoods.

Top, screenshot of "Hope Away from Home in South Sudan"; second, Sidewalk Soldiers speak with the Sisters in Grace Hall; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Third, clockwise from left, Sisters Deb Huss, Beverly Bodnar, Mary Lou Schmersal, Pat Gist and Eva Roehrich; fourth, Sister Mary E. (bottom left) at UD; contributed photos. Fifth, Jen (far left) with students at St. Christopher School; Teri Iverson photo. Sixth, caps and scarves created by the Sisters and donated to Homefull; contributed photo.

Thank you and best wishes!

Brenda Gabbard recently retired as food service director at Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. While she served as a staff member for nearly 25 years, her association with the Sisters of the Precious Blood began in 1969 with her first after-school job: making trays

for residents of Emma Hall, where Sisters receive skilled nursing care. Under Brenda’s direction, the Sisters have enjoyed delicious and beautifully presented meals for many years. Thank you, Brenda! We also share our appreciation for Velma Frei, a Fidelity Home Health nurse who also

In Sympathy

has worked with the Sisters for nearly 25 years. In 2021, Velma was honored, along with Sister Nancy Wolf, as an outstanding caregiver at the Caregiver Mass at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. We wish you all the best! 

Story by Mary Knapke

We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.

Carol Lang, a former member (Sister Arne Roe), died in May 2023.

Sister Regina Albers on the death of her brother, Tony Albers, on Sept. 28, 2023.

Father Leon Flaherty, CPPS, died Sept. 29.

Sister Judy Niday on the death of her sister, Tricia, on Oct. 20.

Sister Judy Kroeger on the death of her brother-in-law, Mike Beumer, on Oct. 31.

Sister Martha Bertke on the death of her brother, Urban

Bertke, on Nov. 9.

John Buehler, the Congregation’s music director for 15 years, died on Nov. 14.

Sister Claire Sharpshair (deceased) on the death of her brother, Lou Sharpshair, on Nov. 25.

Alvin Dues, a benefactor of Maria Stein Shrine for more than 50 years, died Dec. 1.

Sister Jane Francis Hoffman on the death of her brother, Donald Hoffman, on Dec. 14.

Father Donald Thieman, CPPS, died Dec. 19.

Sister Mary E. Wendeln on the death of her sister Connie Grosjean on Dec. 23 and the death of her sister Carolyn Frantz on Jan. 5.

Father Juan González, CPPS, died Dec. 31.

Denise Cozart, a former member (Sister Mary Joyce Cozart), died Jan. 4.

Cindy Blevin, a staff member at Salem Heights, on the death of her brother, Thomas Grieshop, on Jan. 20.

Left, Brenda with her gifts, cake and cupcakes; Michelle Bodine photo. Right, Velma and Sister Nancy in 2021; contributed photo.

Sisters celebrate Christmas!

Salem Heights was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The the staff’s stockings were hung on the new fireplace, and the Nativity silhouette is a new addition to the entrance on Salem Ave.

The Sisters had their annual tree trimming and cookie exchange party on Dec. 12. There were 36 tasty treats to choose from, and 21 Sisters were bakers this year! Plates of candy and cookies were wrapped up for the priests who

celebrate Mass in the Chapel. Council, along with Sisters Gerri McGeorge and Arlene Hirsch, visited with Sisters Alice Schoettelkotte and Nadine Kaschalk on Dec. 14 at Emma Hall. After sharing an afternoon meal, Sisters Nadine and Alice opened their Christmas gifts amidst a lot of humor. They said they didn’t realize they were so good all year!

Sisters Ann Clark, Judy Kroeger and Marla Gipson visited with

Sister Barbara Ann Hoying at Otterbein St. Marys SeniorLife Community on Dec. 19. Sister Barbara Ann enjoyed seeing photos of Sisters attending the many recent events in the community. She especially enjoyed her annual gift of pumpkin bread from Sister Ann and other gifts from Council. She was also proud to point out a pretty poinsettia in her room which was a gift from the Sisters at Salem Heights. 

Clockwise, from top left, fireplace at Salem Heights; nativity scene on Salem Avenue; photos by Sheena McCormick. Sisters trimming the Christmas tree; Sister Eva Roehrich with the Christmas treats; contributed photos. Council visits Emma Hall residents, clockwise, from top left, Sisters Marla Gipson, Judy Kroeger, Gerri McGeorge, Ann Clark, Alice Schoettelkotte, Nadine Kaschalk, Arlene Hirsch and Terry Walter; Sister Joyce Lehman photo.

From left, Sisters Ann Clark, Judy Kroeger, Barbara Ann Hoying and Marla Gipson; contributed photo.