We are pilgrims on a journey of hope
On May 9, 2024, Pope Francis declared that the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 would be “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).
Pope Francis, aware of the increasing struggles of human beings and the planet, wants us to remember that we who are disciples of Jesus are meant to be Pilgrims of Hope, carrying hope with us on our life’s journey. But what is hope? In high school I remember learning about the three theological virtues: faith, hope and charity. The explanation was rather simplistic for teenagers: Faith, symbolized by the cross, seemed easy to understand; it was taking the leap of believing in Someone or something that could not be intellectually comprehended. Charity, symbolized by the heart, seemed easy to understand; it was
Jesus is the model for our being a hopeful people. He came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10) in the Spirit.
recognizing that everyone was a child of God and was to be loved, respected and cared for. Hope, symbolized by an anchor, seemed far less easy to understand. The best I could do was try to understand it
by what it was not, by the two extremes of presumption and despair. Presumption was described as a Pollyanna attitude: “everything will be all right and I really don’t have to do anything about what isn’t.” Despite suffering, despite wars and destruction, despite hunger and sickness, just keep looking at the world through rose-colored glasses and if there was a problem, somebody else could take care of it. Despair, on the other hand, sounds a bit like Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Eeyore: “Could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.” Despair is to feel that nothing can improve a difficult situation; it is the complete loss of hope. Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Hope keeps us going when things look dismal. Married to courage, hope urges us to act in order to build up the reign of God on earth. Hope allows us to see signs of God’s action all around us and enables us to be creative in responding to the needs of God’s people and all creation. In hope, God is our anchor keeping us from drifting from the purpose for which God created each of us and all of us, i.e., to be in eternal union with God. Jesus is the model for our being a hopeful people. He came that we might have life
and have it abundantly (John 10:10) in the Spirit. He was born in Israel when it was occupied by the Romans, where the lives and religion of the Jews were circumscribed by the demands of the occupiers. It was a time of poverty for many; of alienation and exclusion for the different; of laws, both religious and secular, that limited many aspects of life. But Jesus preached the Good News of God’s unending love for each person, of liberation for those held captive by societal or religious expectations, of healing for all those who were suffering. Jesus calls us to do the same — to be a people of hope and action. In this issue of Sharing & Caring, you will find stories of our Sisters and others who follow Jesus, the Master of Hope and Love. There is no word or action which rises from hope that does not reveal God’s love.
Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood
Faith, hope and action in the Jubilee Year
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love and respect Pope Francis. He is a person of enormous faith and a bold leader, modeling how Jesus lived. As the head of the Roman Catholic Church, he carries the immense responsibility of guiding 1.376 billion people — a task I can’t begin to imagine. His tremendous relationship with Jesus gives him the direction, confidence and courage to lead believers from all corners of the world, embracing a multitude of cultures and backgrounds, toward a deeper relationship with God. He recognizes the complexity of the Creator, reflected in the evolution of humanity, and understands that the Church must respond thoughtfully, slowly and intentionally to these changes.
One way popes have historically inspired Catholics is through Jubilee Years, special periods of spiritual renewal and reconciliation. Pope Francis recently declared the 2025 Jubilee Year, outlined in his
Bull of Indiction, Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint). I took time to read it and highly recommend it. He emphasizes change rooted in the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, encouraging us to find hope not only in God’s grace but also in the “signs of the times” the Lord provides (7).
Pope Francis’ message extends beyond Catholics — it’s for the entire world. He addresses the epidemic of discord and violence many feel, calling us to embrace hope firmly rooted in faith and Scripture. He beautifully connects hope to patience, describing it as “both the daughter of hope and at the same time its firm foundation” (4). (His perspective on hope resonates deeply with me, as does Father Bryan Massingale’s inspiring work on the subject. You can watch a presentation by Father Massingale — search on YouTube for “Courageous Hope in Precarious Times,” along with his name.)
What stands out most in Spes Non Confundit is Pope Francis’ focus on justice and action. He offers a blueprint for addressing contemporary injustices, including peace, nonviolence, the abolition of the death penalty, care for creation, and fair, compassionate treatment of migrants and the poor. His emphasis on justice aligns closely with the work I help animate for the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In particular, his call to care for creation reminds us of our responsibil-
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Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published triannually 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.
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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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Contributing writers: Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist; Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice & Ecology Coordinator; Teri Iverson, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sheena McCormick, Administrator of Salem Heights
Story by Jen Morin-Williamson
Inspiring minds
In its second year, the Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum class at Mother Maria Anna Brunner Catholic School in Dayton is helping 6th, 7th and 8th graders connect with Pope Francis’ teachings on caring for creation.
On October 11, Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen Morin-Williamson and Vocations Ministry Coordinator Teri Iverson led the students through these important lessons, building a strong foundation that links faith with responding to climate change while encouraging personal action.
This class also prepares students for the Precious Planet
The third annual Precious Planet Award has grown this year, with five schools participating — two more than in previous years.
Award at the annual science fair, held in February.
The third annual Precious Planet Award has grown this year, with five schools participating — two more than in previous years. The award encourages students to explore environmental issues through science projects, fostering awareness of topics like climate change.
In the first year, we discovered that many students and their religion teachers were unfamiliar with Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for creation. To ad-
dress this, Jen, alongside her daughter Hannah, an educator, developed lesson plans to teach 6th, 7th and 8th graders about Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum in the hope that they will be inspired to create science fair projects focused on the environment. This year, Jen and Teri Iverson will visit the schools and teach 11 classes!
The students have been highly engaged in discussions about climate change and how they can contribute to solutions, reflecting a growing passion for environmental stewardship. Jen has been teaching at various schools, including St. Christopher School in Vandalia, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School in Dayton, St. Peter School in Huber Heights, and Mother Brunner.
On November 22, Sisters Regina Albers, Edna Hess, Judy Niday and Mary Lou
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Story by Jen Morin-Williamson
Top, Jen and Teri with the 6th-grade class at St. Peter School; contributed photo. Second, Sisters Mary Lou and Edna listen to a presentation by a 7th grade student at St. Christopher School; botttom, Sisters Judy and Regina listen to a presentation by a 7th grade student at St. Christopher School; Jen MorinWilliamson photos.
Vocations ministry in the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Planting seeds — so much of what we do in vocation ministry is just that. It’s why I will not turn down an opportunity to visit a school … to exhibit at a conference … to speak to parishes. Especially if I can bring a Sister along with me. People are hungry for the ministry of presence from vowed religious. It used to be that we all grew up surrounded by them as teachers, nurses, principals, parish staff and more. Not the case these days. In fact, many of the schools I visit and young people I speak with have never had contact with a Sister.
How, then, can young students ever realize religious life is an option for them if they’ve never met someone who lives it? Vocation ministers are on a mission to change that, and National Vocation Awareness Week is a big part of the effort. Once a year, usually at the beginning of November, the country celebrates vocations and makes a concerted effort to promote them. It’s a busy week for most of us in vocation ministry and this past November was no exception. I spent the last week of October in Washington, D.C. at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, where 1,800 young Catholics gathered. I had conversations with what felt like almost all of those students about faith, vocation and how they can discern what theirs might be.
Following my time in D.C., I traveled directly to the Twin Cities for the National Religious Vocation Conference’s biannual convocation. The convocation was full of networking, learning, rejuvenating, praying and spending time discussing best practices in our field. Vocation ministry can be challenging, and it’s wonderful to be among folks who have been doing it for quite a while. The wisdom in that room was fabulous!
Upon returning to the Dayton area, I spent time speaking to about 150 students at a parish in Chickasaw, Ohio, about women religious and was also honored to travel to Carthagena, Ohio, to represent the Sisters as they sponsored the 5K Run for Vocations. In addition, our vocations office had a 12-day social media campaign leading up to and including National Vocation Awareness Week, focusing on a different vocation each day. Sprinkled throughout these weeks was time spent meeting with women who are discerning religious life.
Depending on what you read, you might think that religious life is coming to an end — and for some Congregations, that may be the case. However, this past year, hundreds of women request-
ed information on religious life from our Congregation. I don’t know if that’s a large number or a small number; an increase or a decrease. Some might find it discouraging … but I find it hopeful! In a time when very few women have contact with women religious, they are still contemplating the life! They are exploring and asking questions and responding to seeds that were planted at some point in their lives (maybe even by a vocation minister at a conference or a school). Seeds that God cultivated and grew and the Holy Spirit encouraged. In this Jubilee year of HOPE, I choose to focus on that. I choose to believe that God is working and there will be a resurgence of women called to religious life. It takes time. It takes people willing to go out and plant those seeds, and it takes lots and lots of prayer!
Story by Teri Iverson
Teri (bottom row, fourth from left) with the cohort group at NRVC; contributed photo.
Leaven Cluster adopts a family for Christmas
Meet the Kankundiye Family from Uganda! Somewhere in these pictures you can locate the mother, Scovia, and the father, Resasi. Then there are the nine children — five boys and four girls! There are the boys: Deoma (15), Ibrhem (10), Jacob (6), Baraka (2) and Christian (3 months). And follows, the girls: Esther (13), Miriam (8), Promise (4) and Christle (3 months). They all don’t stand still long enough to get the picture with the name!
Before arriving in Dayton, the Kankundiye Family spent a year in New Mexico followed by another year in New York and, at last, settled in Dayton. They are now renting a home on North Main Street not far from Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton. Their move to the Miami Valley was sponsored by an uncle already living in the United States. Sister Jean René Hoying and Nancy Frank, who work with immigrant families, have been helping supply Scovia with basic necessities to make her home livable for her family. Recently they received beds for the children from Planting Seeds, an organization in Springboro, Ohio. But the family still needed bedding. Enter Leaven Cluster.
There are several Clusters within the Congregation — small groups of Sisters who gather either in person or virtually for prayer, faith sharing and service to the local community. Wanting to en-
gage in the Christmas season of gift-giving and live our mission of being a life-giving presence in a concrete way, our Cluster, called Leaven Cluster, pooled money for the purchase of sheets, pillowcases, towels, etc. You can tell from the Cluster picture that we were able to purchase many household items to help the Kankundiye family.
Sister Jean René and Nancy Frank did our shopping and kept us informed of how we might become further engaged with such a worthy cause. Sometimes our giving does not involve money. The kids are in school and like it. They speak English more fluently than Mother or Dad. The older children serve as interpreters.
Check out the pictures. You can tell that Sister Jean René is putting her teaching skills to work. The kids seem to be enjoying the story.
In addition to studies at school, the children all seem to like the bus rides and going on the field trips. We can tell they are becoming Americanized. They love eating pizza and chips, to say nothing about ice cream cones, chocolate candy and soda pop.
Leaven Cluster realizes that reaching out to needy immigrants is one small way that we can live our Eucharistic presence, being “bread” for the hungry and “wine” for people who thirst. In addition, the spirit of the season invites
us to gift the world with our abundance.
Perhaps someday in the future, our Cluster members will meet the Kankundiye Family from Uganda in person.
Story by Sister Maryann Bremke
Top, Sister Jean René with members of the Kankundiye family; middle, Sister Jean René shares Christmas gifts with the family; bottom, the Leaven Cluster: Nancy Frank, Sisters Florence Seifert, Maryann Bremke, Noreen Jutte, Pauline Siesegh, Marla Gipson, Barbara Brown, Mary Ellen Lampe, Anna Maria Sanders, Beverly Bodnar and Rosemary Lindemann; contributed photos.
Warm caps … and warm hearts
For many years, Sisters have participated in knitting and crocheting caps, scarves, mittens and headbands for those in need. Again throughout 2024, knitting needles could be heard clicking as 10 Sisters and helpers handcrafted and delivered more than 750 caps and scarves. Yarn was generously donated for this collaborative project by many friends, families and local area parishioners.
The caps and scarves were given to the following community organizations for distribution:
• Boxes of Love
• Brunner Literacy Center
• Community Table
• East End Community Services
• Erma’s House
• Food for the Journey Project
• Homefull
• House of Bread
• Livingston County Catholic Charities
• Men’s Renewal and
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ity to respond to Laudato Si and Laudate Deum.
I was struck by Pope Francis’ bold appeal to wealthy individuals and nations to take definitive action for the most vulnerable, including migrants and the poor. As a U.S. citizen, I am part of the group he calls upon. WE are a part of that group. This is both humbling and challenging. Our actions — or inactions — are shaped not only by our faith but also by
Women’s Recovery
• Precious Blood Parish St. Vincent de Paul
• St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School
• St. Joseph’s St. Vincent de Paul & downtown churches
• St. Vincent de Paul Shelter for Women and Families
This year’s crafters:
• Sister Regina Albers
• Sister Beverly Bodnar
• Sister Maryann Bremke
• JoAnne Dole
• Sister Pat Gist
• Sister Jane Francis Hoffman
• Sister Anna Maria Sanders
• Sister Mary Lou Schmersal
• Sister Cecilia Taphorn
• Sister Mary E. Wendeln
May this yearlong effort be a blessing to all who benefit.
our experiences, education and culture. I can often feel paralyzed — afraid I will do the wrong thing. I do want to respond to these injustices while staying true to Church teachings. I find hope in his words: “The Christian community should be at the forefront in pointing out the need for a social covenant to support and foster hope , one that is inclusive and not ideological ” (9). I see this as a call to love and liberates me from dense
theological justification. As 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
This Jubilee Year offers us an invitation to reflect on our faith, strengthen our hope, and take meaningful action. It’s a call to align our lives with the Gospel’s values of love, justice and compassion, and I’m inspired to embrace it with hope and patience.
Story by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal
Top, caps; middle, scarves; bottom, Sisters Regina, Mary E., Mary Lou, Anna Maria, Pat and Jane Francis assemble the boxes of caps and scarves for delivery; Joyce Connell photos.
Food heals on the PBMR farm
Sister Carolyn Hoying serves as an urban farmer volunteer at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago.
Sister Carolyn and another volunteer, Mary, have led the charge in providing access to healthy, nutritious food in the Back of the Yards community.
For over a year, PBMR’s farm has been active and open to the public. With the help of volunteers and the constant support of our community, we were able to harvest over 6,000
pounds of produce last year. While this feat is an admirable one, we’re extremely grateful for the relationships we were able to cultivate throughout the year. Being in right relationship is a value that we hold close to our hearts.
This year, students from local Catholic Schools (St. Barnabas, Mt. Carmel High School and Christ the King) helped with the harvest. Many hands made the work a real act of community.
Fredo, who works in the farm all season, says, “I learned a lot of things from farming. There
are not a lot of grocery stores that sell fresh vegetables around here. We have people coming from blocks away for the things we harvest.” While there are many avenues of healing to address, PBMR is responding to our communities’ direct needs. As the year closed and our farming beds were put to rest, we felt gratitude for Sister Carolyn, Mary, Fredo and all our volunteers who help grow this bounty in our neighborhood.
Left, Mary and Sister Carolyn speak with a group of students; middle, Sister Carolyn works with students in the garden; right, the harvest; contributed photos.
SCreative 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.
ister Gerri McGeorge grew up in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the oldest of seven children. She describes her mother as an avid crafter: “crocheting, knitting, sewing clothes for us kids. She could do anything,” she said.
When Sister Gerri graduated from high school, she asked her mother for guidance in learning some kind of craft. So her mother introduced her to a type of crochet called hairpin lace.
“She said this would be the easiest thing to start on, because the whole thing is just one stitch right down the middle. She taught me how to do the stitching and make the rows. She said if I started with this, I could probably go on to learn something else, too.”
But it turned out that Sister Gerri was so happy making hairpin lace, she’s stuck with it all along.
“Even though it’s the same stitch and the same pattern, all the blankets I make come out a little different, with the various colors and sizes and types of yarn. It just brings joy to me to do this and share it with others.”
Sister Gerri estimates she’s made over a hundred hairpin lace blankets — large blankets, baby blankets and everything in between. She’s made them for her fellow Sisters, for coworkers, for people she’s lived with, for her family, and for staff members at the Maria-
Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
“It has special meaning for me when I know the person I’m making it for. There’s an element of prayer to it, definitely,” she said.
Sister Edna Hess often helps her coordinate the colors for each blanket. Sister Gerri then often works on a blanket while visiting with Sister Nadine Kaschalk, who also offers advice on how to arrange the colors.
“We have a lot of fun with it,” she said.
As coordinator of Sister residents at the Maria-Joseph Center, Sister Gerri spent a lot of time getting to know both staff and residents there. One resident in particular, Melvin, enjoyed sitting in the lobby or, in warmer weather, in front of the building.
“He was always there when I went in each morning,” Sister Gerri said. “He always greeted me. And he always had a
towel across his lap. So I made him a blanket, and he just loves it. To see the joy it brings him — it’s just really nice.”
As she finishes working on a blanket, Sister Gerri said she will sometimes buy yarn and start a new one without a particular recipient in mind. “But it’s just not the same,” she said. “It really has more meaning for me when I know who the blanket is for.”
Luckily, she said, “most of the time, it just seems that people tend to ‘show up’ — I’ll encounter someone else I can make a blanket for. Somehow, someone comes along. Some, I’ve known for years, and others, I’ve just recently met. It’s just a way to have a special connection with people.
“It brings me joy to see others enjoying what I’ve made. I just love to do something that will make others happy.”
Story by Mary Knapke
Left, Sister Nadine; right, Melvin; Sister Gerri McGeorge photos.
Cultivating
HOPE
Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha first visited South Sudan in February 2023 — and, coincidentally, arrived in the country on the same day as Pope Francis, who visited for six days on what he called an “ecumenical pilgrimage of peace,” accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
“So my first impression of South Sudan, of course, were the crowds,” Sister Mūmbi said. “People had come to Juba, the capital, from all over South Sudan. Many people, led by Bishop Christian Carlassare, MCCJ, made a pilgrimage by foot from the city of Rumbek, 250 miles away.
“As I traveled from the airport, crowds were gathered along the roads, waiting for the pope. They were dancing and singing, and many had a picture of the pope pinned on their clothing. It was incredible. And when you talk to people, you understand they have a real desire for peace. They are so hungry for peace, because many of them have never experienced it.”
Story by Mary Knapke
On the cover, Sister Mūmbi with midwifery and nursing students at the Catholic Health Training Institute in Wau; above, Sister Mūmbi with Sisters Scholasticah Nganda, RSM, and Winnie Njuguna, RSM, at CHTI; next page, Sister Mūmbi with midwifery and nursing students; contributed photos
in South Sudan
Friends in Solidarity provides advocacy and aid for the world's newest country
Over 12 million people call South Sudan home — the world’s youngest country. It has been a sovereign state since 2011, following decades of civil war and instability within Sudan.
Since 2013, just two years after independence, the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan has caused widespread displacement, human rights abuses,
and loss of life. Though the country is now governed by a coalition of formerly warring factions, issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, food scarcity, economic inflation, unrelenting heat waves, drought in some areas, and flooding in others continue to present challenges for the people who live there.
For each of those 12 million
South Sudanese, those challenges are so much more than abstract concepts. Each person in South Sudan has their own day-to-day life, their own story that is shaped by the world around them.
For Sister Mūmbi, those stories are what matter.
Sister Mūmbi has now visited South Sudan three times in her capacity as president of
Friends in Solidarity, an initiative of U.S. Catholic religious men and women in support of the organization Solidarity with South Sudan, made up of religious and laypeople working in South Sudan.
As president, Sister Mūmbi leads fundraising efforts in the U.S., including grant writing and parish mission appeals. It’s work that allows Friends in Solidarity, in partnership with Solidarity with South Sudan, to offer life-changing ministries for people in South Sudan — and it’s ministering to those people that keeps Sister Mūmbi motivated.
“For me, the joy of my work is meeting people on the ground. And that’s why I love going to South Sudan — to see who our work impacts directly. That’s what makes me
happy,” she said.
Friends in Solidarity has its roots in an appeal for missionaries made by the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference. It was difficult to find a religious congregation with the resources to begin a mission in South Sudan, so in 2008, the International Union of Superiors General and Union of Superiors General founded a collaborative organization, Solidarity with South Sudan, headquartered in Rome.
Friends in Solidarity was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2015 and is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Its mission focuses on garnering support for programs in education, health care, agriculture and pastoral work, in an effort to “build the capacity of the South Sudanese to eventually
be able to fully take charge of their own country,” Sister Mūmbi said.
One of the programs offered by Solidarity with South Sudan is the Solidarity Teacher Training College at Yambio, in southwestern South Sudan. Sister Mūmbi explained that students are recruited from every part of South Sudan — “because we also look at our projects as peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives.”
Many students make profound personal sacrifices to attend the college. Sister Mūmbi said she met a woman attending the residential college while her five children remained at home in another part of the country for the duration of the two-year program.
“That’s how hungry people are for education,” Sister
Left, midwifery student during her practical training at the Sikh Haddid outpatient centre run by the Salesian Sisters in Wau; right, CHTI student choir at Mass; next page, CHTI students at Mass; contributed photos
Mūmbi said.
Friends in Solidarity supports Solidarity with South Sudan to provide transportation, housing, meals and books for students at the Solidarity Teacher Training College. The organizations invest that same level of commitment to health care education; agriculture projects; pastoral ministries; and distant learning programs. That investment is paying off — 40% of trained nurses and midwives in South Sudan graduated from Solidarity with South Sudan’s Catholic Health Training Institute. In Riimenze, in southwestern South Sudan, the Solidarity Agriculture Project produces over 35 tons of food each year. “What happens in war is that people stop farming and they don’t produce enough food,”
Sister Mūmbi said. “We are teaching good agricultural practices and helping people diversify what they are planting.”
And in Juba, Solidarity’s pastoral team collaborates with the Religious Superiors Association of South Sudan to provide a center for retreats, workshops and conferences — The Good Shepherd Peace Center. The team also offers faith formation, trauma healing and peace and reconciliation workshops for dioceses throughout the country.
“There is so much tribal animosity,” Sister Mūmbi said. “For many of our students at the college, it’s their first time closely interacting with people from other tribes. They’ve been raised to think that people from certain tribes are their enemies.” Living and studying
together at the college allows students to break down the barriers of generational conflict.
“The first week I was in South Sudan, there was a Cultural Day celebration. I was visiting our school, and it was so nice to see the students performing dances from their tribes,” Sister Mūmbi said. But some tribes were represented by only two or three students. “So students from other tribes would join them to help them perform their dances,” she said.
“There are people who traditionally have been enemies, and now they are dancing together. It’s just beautiful to see what is possible.”
Visit solidarityfriends.org to learn more about South Sudan and the work of Friends in Solidarity.
Meet our new Salem Heights administrative secretary
Hello! I am Joyce Connell, the newly employed administrative secretary for Salem Heights, the Congregation’s central house in Dayton. I am overjoyed to be working in this Catholic community.
I have previous experience working in Catholic environments; I have worked at the St. Leonard retirement home in Centerville, Ascension Church in Kettering, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Centerville, and the University of Dayton.
I attended St. Albert the Great Catholic School and Archbishop Alter High School, both in Kettering, and I am
the proud mom of two Eagle Scouts, Joe and Tom. I am newly married to Gary Berning, and we live in Springboro, together with his two sons, Tyler and Spencer. Gary and I were married last April at Ascension Church. I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Precious Blood Sisters at their home in Dayton.
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Schmersal had the pleasure of visiting St. Christopher School in Vandalia, Ohio, to witness something truly inspiring. Dozens of bright and enthusiastic 7th-grade students presented their science fair poster projects, each tackling a research topic centered on environmental issues.
It was heartening to see how these young minds not only delved deeply into their topics but also thoughtfully connected their findings to Pope Francis’ encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum. To celebrate their hard work, each student received a Precious Planet participation certificate and a medal — a small token of encouragement for their continued conversation about care for creation.
We’re excited to see how these young leaders will apply what they’ve learned to inspire care for our common home!
Left, Joyce; right, Joyce's sons Tom and Joe; contributed photos.
Story by Joyce Connell
Gun Violence Prevention Statement – Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council
We, the Sisters of the Precious Blood, are deeply troubled by the growing violence in our nation. As women committed to nonviolence and inspired by our mission — Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus the Christ and rooted in Eucharistic prayer, we proclaim God’s love by being a lifegiving, reconciling presence in our fractured world — we urgently appeal for unity and action to achieve a dramatic reduction to gun violence in the United States. This is not only a public health crisis but also a moral crisis that is devastating lives, eroding dignity, and shattering peace across our country.
We recognize that preventing gun violence is a complex challenge requiring a mul-
In Sympathy
tifaceted approach. We also acknowledge the urgent need to address access to firearms as part of the solution. We are committed to addressing all forms of gun violence, including homicide, suicide, and unintentional shootings, while working to confront the root causes of violence in our society.
Compelled by our faith and our mission, we stand with those advocating for commonsense gun laws that can decrease the staggering number of deaths and injuries caused by firearms and help secure the right to personal safety for all people.
In the face of this crisis, we renew our commitment to being a life-giving, reconciling presence, fostering unity and healing in a fractured world.
This statement is published on our website: www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/ advocacy-and-justice/gunviolence/
We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one.
Sister Pat Dieringer on the death of her brother, James Dieringer, on Jan. 22, 2025.
Kim Jaynes, activity coordinator at Salem Heights, on the death of her mother, Mary Mobley, on Jan. 22.
Sister Jeanette Buehler on the death of her sister, Judy Holman, on Jan. 18.
Father Timothy Guthridge, CPPS, and Father John Hoying, CPPS, died Jan. 13.
Sister Jean René Hoying on
the death of her sister, Marty Heitkamp, on Dec. 31, 2024.
Sister Eva Roehrich on the death of her sister, Isabell Klein, on Dec. 31.
Robin Hernandez, a staff member at Salem Heights, on the death of his father-in-law, Jody Johnson, on Dec. 27.
Margaret Bernadine Hutchinson, our former Sister Mary Elaine Niese, died Dec. 18.
Sister Rosalie McQuaide,
CSJP, our former Sister Timothy, died Dec. 10.
Sister Ritamary Bulach (deceased) on the death of her brother, Jim Bulach, on Dec. 9.
Sister Laura Will on the death of her sister, Clara Jane Ballweg, on Dec. 5.
Father William Miller, CPPS, died Nov. 10.
Lumen Johnson, a staff member at Salem Heights, on the death of her brother, Juanito, on Oct. 17.
Inside the CPPS Archives
Precious Blood Sisters love all of God’s creatures
This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring
Hidden among the general histories, awards, accomplishments, and pictures of celebrations and important events in the archives of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, you can find snapshots of Sisters’ everyday lives and their personal interests. This sometimes includes their interactions with their pets and other animals. Over the history of the Congregation, the Sisters have had many interactions with animals of all kinds. There have also been many pets that were well-loved in their hands.
Animals of the Past
Sifting through the many pictures in the archives, there are a few common themes in terms of animals. One of these is the many pictures of Sisters and camels, taken during various pilgrimages to the Holy Land. These images are a snapshot into the love of life and willingness to try new things the Sisters have, especially while in new places.
The Sisters out West in California and Arizona seemed to have a lot of run-ins with donkeys. This included tourist pictures at Knott’s Berry Farm in California and photos with pack donkeys.
The majority of these images, however, have been
Top, Sister Barbara Jean Backs, Holy Land, ca. 1990; middle, Sister Simplicia McGreevy, donkey, Arizona, ca. 1940; bottom left, Sister Clara Van De Beuken (Mary Isidore) San Luis Rey, California, Sam the dog, June 1967; bottom right, Sister Lucille in her cat-themed room, San Luis Rey, 1987.
Story by Julia Grannan, Assistant Archivist; photos from the CPPS Archives collection.
the plethora of pictures of various cats, dogs, goats and other animals that Sisters have taken over the years. These are either their own pets, friends’ pets, or animals they met throughout their lives.
Past Pets
Without even having met her, you can tell Sister M. Lucille Rotanzi was an animal lover, especially cats. Family members and other Sisters would give her cat-themed cards for special occasions. She loved to decorate her rooms with cat decorations, and she also had a large collection of pictures of cats, both of hers and others.
There have been many other pets that have happily lived with the Sisters in various houses, convents and apartments, keeping the Sisters company, with some being excellent mousers. These include many cats and dogs. Sister M. Alice Geers even had a bird or two.
Current Precious Blood pets
The finches have been a fixture of Salem Heights for the last 19 years. Their songs are a beautiful, calming presence when you walk by. Although they have no official names, they are certainly an important part of Salem Heights and its history.
Corey is the current dog in residence living with Sisters Madonna Ratermann and Patty Kremer. You may sometimes see her visiting Salem Heights with her human, Sister Madonna.
Top, from left, Sisters Katie Lett (Mary Herman Joseph), Eleanor McNally (Mary Thomas), and Mary Anne Schiller (Mary Carmela), with their dog Happy, San Diego, California, ca. 1992; middle, Corey, Dayton, Ohio, 2024; bottom left, Sister Jovita Thalheimer with convent cat, Spotty, 1966. Bottom right, finches in the aviary at Salem Heights; Julia Grannan photo.
In Brief
Precious Blood Sisters were busy with a variety of events over the past few months. 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.
January 17 — A prayer service was held at Salem Heights to honor Sister Dorothy Stang, SNdeN, the first American woman to be included in a permanent memorial in Rome for modern martyrs. Father Bill Stang, CPPS, nephew of Sister Dorothy, and two of her nieces were present. Sister Dorothy was murdered in Brazil on Feb. 12, 2005.
January 17 — Samantha Searls, program director at Ignite Peace, visited Salem Heights and delivered the presentation “Conflict & Community: Using Nonviolence in Our Lives,” based on the Engaging Nonviolence Study Program from Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service.
January 15 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman delivered a presentation titled “From Old to New: Covenant in Sacred Scripture” at the Salem Heights Chapel. The video is available on the Sisters of the Precious Blood YouTube channel.
January 11 — Our SOAP Planning Team hosted its very first labeling event at the Dayton Beer Company. We aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking in our community and label bars of soap while also inviting people to volunteer for our upcoming SOAP Up the First Four event on March 8. To learn more, visit soapproject.org.
December 18 — Sisters Paula Gero, Mary Faye Hellman and Rita Rogier, along with Salem Heights Receptionist Christine Gilbert, attended the Christmas program at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School, where Sister Pauline Siesegh is a teacher.
December 17 — Sisters and staff wrote Christmas cards to every person on death row in Ohio — all 118 individuals. Every card offered words of kindness, hope, and God’s love, reminding the recipients that they are not alone and that Christ’s love reaches even the darkest places.
November — Several Sisters sent postcards to government officials to advocate for two critical issues. First, Sisters wrote
Top, Sister Dorothy Stang, SNdeN; contributed photo. Second, flyer for the presentation “Conflict & Community: Using Nonviolence in Our Lives.” Third, Sister Joyce Ann during her presentation “From Old to New: Covenant in Sacred Scripture;” contributed photo. Fourth, SOAP labeling event at the Dayton Beer Company; Jen Morin-Williamson photo.
to President Biden, urging him to commute the death sentences of the 40+ individuals on federal death row. They also reached out to state legislators in support of Senate Bill 101 and House Bill 259, both aimed at abolishing the death penalty in Ohio.
October 30 — The Congregation’s Justice Committee hosted a beautiful prayer service in the Salem Heights Chapel that focused on peace and unity during the election season.
October 27-28 — Coordinator of Vocations Ministry Teri Iverson and Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator Jen MorinWilliamson attended the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., which brought together 1,800 attendees, primarily high school and college students. The young people courageously shared their personal stories and confidently made specific requests to legislators on issues like climate change and immigration.
October 21 — Jen Morin-Williamson and Sister Mary E. Wendeln met with Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. to discuss support for his work in reducing gun violence in the city. They were also joined by two representatives from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
October 8 — Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman delivered a presentation titled “Signs and Symbols” at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. The video is available on the Shrine’s YouTube channel.
October 1 — Happy Birthday, Mother Brunner! A group of Sisters and staff celebrated our foundress’ birthday with students at Mother Brunner Catholic School. Sister Rosemary Goubeaux, Sister Mary Faye Hellman, Sister Edna Hess, Archivist Sarah Aisenbrey, Assistant Archivist Julia Grannan and Teri Iverson visited classrooms to share cookies with the students, and share the story of Mother Brunner’s life.
October — Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha participated in the 2024 Nuns on the Bus & Friends “Vote Our Future” tour in Arizona, Nevada and California. Participants visited the southern border, met with local community leaders, and learned about the history of the farm workers labor movement, among many other activities.
Top, Sisters Paula, Mary Faye and Rita, along with Salem Heights Receptionist Christine, attend the Christmas program at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School; contributed photo. Second, Christmas cards were sent to every person on death row in Ohio; third, Sister Jeanette Buehler writes postcards to be sent to government officials; Jen Morin-Williamson photo. Fourth, Archivist Sarah Aisenbrey, Assistant Archivist Julia Grannan, Sisters Rosemary, Edna and Mary Faye with Teri at Mother Brunner Catholic School; fifth, Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha during a stop in Washington, D.C., with Nuns on the Bus & Friends; contributed photos.
Scenes from Salem Heights
Clockwise from top left, Sister Maryann Bremke provides her annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service to all employees and Sisters living at Salem Heights; the Sisters at Salem Heights enjoyed the annual Christmas Tree trimming party on December 12. The cookies and other treats were baked by Sisters and staff; Sheena McCormick (Salem Heights administrator) brought her dog, Mayze, to Salem Heights for a visit and to wish Sister Pat Gist a “happy birthday!” Mayze is pictured with Kim Jaynes (activity coordinator), center and Sister Pat Gist, left.