Sharing & Caring Summer 2013

Sharing & Caring Volume 24 Number 1 • Summer 2013 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Preserving the Past

President’s Message

Being present to the future

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he phrase, most commonly attributed to philosopher and essayist George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” reminds us that it is important to be willing to look at history in order to learn from it.

Albert Einstein’s saying that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” encourages us not to get stuck there. Though we may long for what made us comfortable in the past, we can’t help but to be drawn forward into the mystery that is the future, even when it is uncertain and sometimes downright scary.

Just like families keep heirlooms and photo albums of past days and generations, as a general rule most institutions have archives which hold the stories of their founding and progress, failures and successes. We are no different. We have letters, documents, photos and artifacts from various places and periods in our history. Today we can find pertinent historical names and places, see pictures and recall fondly (or not so fondly) events from our own past, and wonder at the bravery and courage of so many Sisters who answered God’s call. We admire our early Sisters who found themselves on foreign soil learning and speaking a different language and doing things they never would have imagined. Later generations went to other parts of this country and to other countries and did the same. As the stories unfold we see how 2

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they made do with very little for themselves and yet were able to build up schools, orphanages, nursing homes and networks of prayer and care.

While it’s fun to gather and tell stories of times gone by, to laugh at our blunders and missteps, and to wonder at how things happened and why, we are not meant to settle in the past. As our Community gets older (going on 179 years) and we discover that we are celebrating more diamond and platinum than silver jubilees, we can be tempted to yearn for the “good old days,” when we were young and vital and could make a difference in the classroom, in the parish, in the boardroom. Now looking behind us and seeing very few who are around to take our place, we can be tempted to circle the wagons and let the dreaming and imagining of a brighter future to others.

That temptation to self-absorption and gratification, along with all those other temptations that a self-indulgent culture tells us are ours by right of our age, needs to be exorcised right along with any temptation to “rest on our laurels.” The future begins every day we wake up, and it includes listening to what it is that God is asking of us for that day. One of the great gifts we have been given, and we are called to give in return, is our relationship to God expressed not only in action for the “least of these” but also in our daily prayer. While society values productivity, our Sisters value presence: to each person they meet and to the God they love

and who loves them.

Our Sisters are powerhouses of prayer. At Salem Heights, just outside chapel, is a prayer board where Sisters and anyone else can put up the names and intentions of those who want us to pray for them. On the website, www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org, is a place where those who visit can indicate their concerns and desire for prayer. The Sisters take these petitions seriously, bringing the needs to the attention of God. However God answers the prayer, the petitioner and the pray-er are changed by the very act of presenting the prayer and depending on God. As we recall the past, strive to be fully present in the present and anticipate a future where the reign of God is revealed, let us present ourselves and the needs of others to God, holding an abiding trust in Jesus who shed His Blood that we might have life and life eternal. 

Sister Joyce Lehman President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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n the PBS program Antiques Roadshow, local people bring in their antiques and family heirlooms for professional appraisal while a television camera records away. As the appraiser describes each item, the owner – and most of those watching the show – all have the same question as they eagerly await the bottom line: what’s it worth? The same can be seen on similar reality shows.

It’s the highlight of the presentation.

That’s a shame.

Too often, we base the worth of our treasures on their cash value and overlook what they really bring.

The real value of artifacts is found in the stories they tell and the lessons they teach.

There isn’t a better means of understanding previous generations than by looking through the possessions they left behind. Going through old journals helps us realize their struggles, fears and joys. We marvel at their accomplishments and lament their failures. Holding a centuries-old item transports

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the congregation, 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 editor.

us back to another time, connecting us to the past. It’s a physical presence that transcends the years.

In this issue of Sharing & Caring we meet Sister Noreen Jutte, whose job it is to bridge the generations of our community. As the congregational archivist, she maintains the community’s records and artifacts. We go inside the newlyconstructed, high-tech Archives space at Salem Heights and peer into some of the rich history of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. It is through these treasures that we can share the community's story – which has been unfolding for nearly 200 years.

Treasures aren’t only found in the archives. Parishioners and students at Immaculate Conception Parish in Celina very much consider Sister Nancy Wolf a treasure. Sister Nancy ministered at the parish school for 30 years before retiring at the end of last school year. She was a kindergarten teacher for 27 of those years, helping to form thousands of young lives.

Likewise, Sister Joyce Kahle

Editor’s Message

Treasuring our treasures

left her mark on countless residents of Cincinnati as an outreach nurse for 17 years before retiring last June, and Sister Barbara Ann Hoying recently retired after spending the last 16 years of her 55-year ministry working at the Maria Stein Center. You will find more about these women in this issue.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines treasure as “something of great worth or value.” May we always appreciate the true value in the treasures we have. 

Dave Eck Director of Communications

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

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

Editor Dave Eck, Director of Communications

Printing Thomas Graphics, Dayton, Ohio

Layout and Design Michelle Bodine, Media Specialist

Phone: (937) 274-2707 E-mail: communications@ cppsadmin.org

PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER

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Sister Profile

Sister Gladys recalls her days at Mission San Luis Rey

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n a lounge at the Sisters of the Precious Blood central house in Dayton a few days after celebrating her 99th birthday on May 30, Sister Gladys Marie (M. Bernetta) Lowe reminisced about her life of ministry that has lasted for 83 years.

There were plenty of smiles and a few chuckles as she recalled stories of ministering at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, Calif., a place where warm ocean breezes kiss a history now more than two centuries old. Sister Gladys spent 19 years at then-San Luis Rey Academy and Old Mission Montessori School. She ran the Academy student lunch store and, later, at Old Mission Montessori School worked with the students. She also helped the needy through The St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Her favorite time, though,

was the annual summer fiesta, a 3-day extravaganza that was one of the largest in California.

Sister Gladys ran a booth that sold everything from trinkets to toys to jewelry. The items were donated.

“I loved the fiesta,” she said.

“It was fun.”

It’s also her legacy.

She was so popular that shoppers would often show up on Thursday, before the event opened, so they could get an early jump on shopping at Sister Gladys’ booth.

The annual event continues and the booth remains the Sister Gladys Booth.

“She was a fixture here for a number of years,” said Cyndi Ottle, an office manager at Old Mission Montessori School.

“She would collect items all year long. The teachers and the staff run that booth in honor of her because we love her so

Sister Gladys Marie with children in an undated photo. File photo

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Sister Gladys Marie Lowe today is in charge of promoting the recycling efforts at Salem Heights. File photo

much. It’s a booth that is near and dear to our hearts.”

Sister Gladys had already been a Sister for 33 years when she first arrived in California in 1966 to work at Immaculate Heart Seminary in San Diego.

She was there until the adjoining minor seminary closed in 1970, and then spent a year ministering at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver.

She returned to California in 1971 and went to San Luis Rey. Much of her work at the Academy and Old Mission Montessori was taking care of the younger students. She had lunch with them and monitored them on the playground after school until they were picked up by their parents.

Her impact was so strong that teachers and staff still remember her, and Sister Gladys occasionally sends notes to the school.  Story by Dave Eck. Contributed photos

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ou could say it was a family reunion with plenty of socialization and some business mixed in as Precious Blood Sisters from around the United States, Guatemala and Chile gathered at Salem Heights June 28 - July 1 for their annual Spirit Days.

With the Theme “Hope in a Time of Chaos,” the event enabled Sisters to reflect on where to find the hope to deal with today’s chaotic events in a positive and life-giving way that is still realistic. Chaos is found in the church, religious life and the world. Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Marlene Weisenbeck addressed the congregation and facilitated a day-long discussion of the topic on June 29.

Additionally, Sisters were welcomed by community President Joyce Lehman and participated in an opening prayer.

After a day of business meetings on June 30, the Sis-

ters enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship in recognition of six members celebrating milestone jubilees this year.

Marking 50 years of religious life are Sisters Nancy Wolf, Joanne Belloli, Pat Gist, Rita Rogier and Joyce Langhals.

Sister Mary Rose McCrate is celebrating 60 years of religious life. Each of the Sisters was honored with a lighthearted slideshow of photos.

The Jubilarians also opened gifts from the Community Council.

The highlight of Spirit Days was the July 1 Jubilee Mass and banquet. The Mass was concelebrated by Precious Blood Fathers Ralph Verdi and Angelo Anthony. The Jubilarians participated in the Mass as lectors and Eucharistic ministers.

There were plenty of laughs and good conversation at the banquet as Sisters continued to celebrate the Jubilarians. A

Community

Jubilee banquet, presentations highlight Spirit Days

Sister Ceil Taphorn speaks during Spirit Days. Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin photo

few Sisters snapped photos of friends during the toasts that were offered.

By mid-afternoon, goodbyes had been said, good wishes exchanged and embraces were over as Sisters headed back to their homes and places of ministry.  Story by Dave Eck

Left: Jubilarians open their gifts during the Saturday night gala. Dave Eck photo Right: Sisters sing in chapel. Sister Martha Bertke photo

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Community

Congratulations to our Jubilarians

50 years: (from left) Sisters Joanne Belloli, Joyce Langhals, Rita Rogier, Nancy Wolf and Pat Gist.

60 years: (far right) Sister Mary Rose McCrate. Michelle Bodine and Dave Eck photos

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating Summer and Fall birthdays.

AUGUST 2 5 9 10

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21 24 25 26

Carlotta Lammers Valeria Abele Noreen Jutte Mary Kathryn Gurren Jeannine Kloeker Edna Hess Margo Young Jeanette Buehler Judy Kroeger Angela Therese Ballard Bernice Krieg

30 31

Ann Clark Joyce Kahle

SEPTEMBER 3 8

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12 16 22

Cleophas Schumacher Nadine Kaschalk Ruth Ann Meyer Mary Ann Mozser Florence Seifert Noemí Flores Della Mae Meyer Rita Rogier

29

Rosemary Laux

OCTOBER 1 3 7 13 14 17 18 20 29

Marie Kopin Beverly Ann Bodnar Nancy McMullen Teresa Maher Dianne Skubby Patricia Kremer Mary Rose McCrate Luella Huelskamp Rosalie Kastner

Letters

I

am just saying hello after some 75 years of absence!

I was raised at San Luis Rey Academy in the 1930s by your order of nuns and have led a very happy and grateful existence since. My two sisters, who are now departed, were also raised there. I went on to study for 6

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the priesthood at Santa Barbara Mission but that didn't work out. Thanks for all that you have done for me in the past. I'll pray for you.

– Larry Bornhurst via Facebook Send your letters to: communications@cppsadmin.org

A sign at San Luis Rey Academy in an undated photo. File photo

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or nearly two centuries Sisters of the Precious Blood have ministered and lived in community, each Sister weaving her own contribution into the fabric of time. Their touchstones — ranging from routine reports to founder Maria Anna Brunner’s prayer book — enlighten and educate.

Together they tell the congregation’s story.

Cover Story

Caring for the Community's Legacy That story begins with an elderly widow in a Swiss castle in 1834, but the details are pieced together in the records of the congregational Archives, located in a newlycreated space at Salem Heights in Dayton. The records include annals, photos, news clippings, programs and other documents. There are individStory by Dave Eck; photos by Michelle Bodine

Cover photo: from left, Sister Noreen Jutte, Mary Beth Jutte and Melissa Schoenhofer in the newly-constructed Archives at Salem Heights.

Above left: congregational archivist Sister Noreen Jutte holds a 1933 document pertaining to the transfer of Mother Anna Maria Brunner's remains from their original burial site in Switzerland to Dayton. Right: a crucifix from Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland.

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Cover Story Left: a chalk drawing of Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland hangs in the office area of the congregational Archives in Dayton. Right: an illustration of Mother Maria Anna Brunner, founder of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

ual files on more than 1,800 living and deceased Precious Blood Sisters. Some of the records date to the community’s founding.

Among the unique items in the collections is a crucifix from Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland where Mother Brunner lived when she founded the community.

There is original paperwork from the sale of land that Father Francis De Sales Brunner bought for the congregation when it expanded to America, and blueprints of old buildings. Old annals chronicle decades of formation, professions, ministry assignments and deaths.

There also are records of the institutions where Sisters have ministered.

Documents and records come from the council and congregational events. The Archives also depends upon individual Sisters to contribute items to make the 8

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collections as complete as possible.

“I believe that the archives of the Sisters of the Precious Blood are records of God’s family in the church,” said Sister Noreen Jutte, congregational archivist since 1996.

“We are a special family in the church and we have records to support our life and ministry.”

The archives are housed in a bright, airy space that provides office and work areas.

The records themselves are stored in a climate-controlled environment with air temperature in the 60s and humidity in the 40s. The documents are filed in acid-free folders and acid-free boxes to help preserve them, Sister Noreen said.

The records could survive for centuries under the proper conditions.

The new area, which centralizes the records in one location, was created as part of the Salem Heights repurposing

‘Archives are lives that were lived. They are stories and summaries of God's blessings.’

- Sister Noreen Jutte

Cover Story Above: a framed copy of Father Francis De Sales Brunner's motto dates to the mid-19th century. Below: congregational archivist Sister Noreen Jutte reaches for a document in the Archives.

project. Previously, the records and artifacts were spread out among five different rooms at Salem Heights. In addition to the climate-controlled storage room and ultra violet ray protection, the Archives provides a convenient area for research. A computer database enables Sister Noreen to quickly locate specific records. The new space opened last November.

Sister Noreen succeeded the late Sister Mary Linus Bax, who became the congregation’s first archivist in 1975.

Prior to the creation of the Archives, records were maintained by the congregation’s council secretary.

The Archives staff also includes part-time secretary Mary Beth Jutte and volunteer Melissa Schoenhofer.

“I’ve always been enthused about working in the Archives, because archives are not just records or paper or storage material. Archives are lives that were lived,” she said.

“They are stories and summaries of God’s blessings.”  Summer 2013

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Ministry

Sister Barbara Ann retires after 16 years at Maria Stein

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s a child growing up in Carthagena, Ohio, Sister Barbara Ann (M. Emma) Hoying regularly visited the nearby Maria Stein Shrine with her family. It was through those visits that she grew to love the place and appreciate the spirituality of the Precious Blood Sisters who lived and worked there.

Those feelings deepened as Sister Barbara Ann grew up and entered the community herself, inspired by the Precious Blood Sisters who taught her in Coldwater schools. She began her ministry as a teacher, something she envisioned as a child, and later earned a master’s in religious education from Fordham University. She directed religious programs and taught religious classes in New Carlisle, ran the Maria Stein Retreat House and worked at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati.

Sixteen years ago, she was asked to return to Maria Stein

as director of the shrine, formerly called Maria Stein Center. For the last two years she served as director of mission and spirituality at the shrine, before retiring in June.

“It was important for me that visitors understood that the shrine was a very early place where the Sisters worked but also prayed,” Sister Barbara Ann said. “It was important for me to continue work in the spirituality and continue our legacy in the area.”

The Precious Blood Sisters came to Maria Stein in 1846, two years after they arrived in the United States. Parts of the shrine complex date to the late 19th century. Maria Stein served as the Sisters’ motherhouse until they built a new central house in Dayton in 1923.

“Maria Stein is a place of prayer and spirituality, of faith in God,” Sister Barbara Ann said. “It’s been very important to me to be a part of that.”

Through her various minis-

Sisters Nancy Wolf and Barbara Ann Hoying arriving at the 175th Anniversary celebration of the Sisters of the Precious Blood at Maria Stein Shrine in 2009. File photo

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Sister Barbara Ann Hoying in the chapel at Maria Stein Shrine. File photo

tries, Sister Barbara Ann has sought to help people recognize the action of God in their lives and pursue that in their personal growth.

While working at Maria Stein was a key part of her ministry, Sister Barbara Ann also enjoyed her years as a primary school teacher. She taught in Missouri, Cleveland and was then sent to Falls Church, Virginia, just across from Washington, D.C. She recalls President Kennedy’s assassination and his funeral in Washington. It remains a poignant memory.

In her retirement, Sister Barbara Ann plans to provide spiritual direction and to volunteer as needed. She is one of three Sisters who live in an intentional community in Minster. The Sisters live and worship together.

“I fully embrace the vowed religious life and the ministry that flows from that commitment,” Sister Barbara Ann said. “I have gained so much.

It is humbling to be part of the life of God in others.”  Story by Dave Eck

L

ooking back on 46 years as a teacher, Sister Nancy (Lisa Marie) Wolf feels blessed, loved and full of gratitude. Not everyone is able to live out their childhood dreams of being a Sister and teaching God’s little ones.

“I did what I loved all those years, and I love teaching,” said Sister Nancy, who retired from Immaculate Conception School in Celina at the end of last school year. “That was part of my life, teaching little children to see God’s little miracles all around them.”

Sister Nancy spent 30 years as a teacher at Immaculate Conception, the last 27 teaching kindergarten. The Wapakoneta native realized in second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. Teaching was like “catching a star and letting it lead one to the future with new possibilities and explorations.”

She said, “Each day as I saw the children grow in wisdom, age and grace I knew that I was a part of many tiny miracles and blessings. Helping the little ones to learn and listening to them as they interacted with each other was always a new blessing for me.” For all of this she thanks God. Her room at Immaculate Conception was a non-stop buzz of activity as she moved from one subject to another while keeping the kids engaged. She previously taught in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Dayton and Arizona.

“Every day was different with the little ones,” she said.

“Children are so dependent on you and will do anything for you. We worked hard, but we also played. We had a fun environment. My goal was to make it a fun place to be because that’s when learning happens.”

Sister Nancy Wolf poses with her final kindergarten class at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina. Jean Giesige photo

She will miss her students and the satisfaction of helping them develop their relationship with God. At the end of each day she would ask them to talk to God and enjoyed their little prayers about the day and what was on their minds. God must have smiled as he heard all of them talking to Him at one time on some days.

“Those, to me, were blessing moments,” Sister Nancy said.

“You know you did the right thing and were leading them in the right direction.”

Immaculate Conception is a close-knit school with teachers who have been together for many years. Sister Nancy said she will miss them and the parents who make the school tick.

Volunteers often helped Sister Nancy and became friends.

“Sister Nancy has been a wonderful inspiration to everyone,” said Immaculate Conception principal Polly Muhlenkamp. “The way she lived out her vocation and her job of being with the children is a great inspiration. She brings an obvious commitment to living out the Gospel.”

The parish recognized Sister Nancy during an Aug. 4 Mass.

Twenty seven Precious Blood Sisters attended, along with the students from her final kindergarten class, family, relatives and friends. The students carried in flowers at the presentation of gifts and sang a special song to her after communion.

In his homily, Missionary of the Precious Blood Father Kenneth Schnipke, pastor of Immaculate Conception, wove stories of Sister Nancy’s tenure at the parish into his homily. continued on page 12

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Ministry

Sister Nancy finishes 46 years in the classroom

Ministry

Sister Joyce puts final touches on 17 years of outreach nursing

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or nearly 20 years Sister Joyce (Joyce Miriam) Kahle put the health of people in Cincinnati’s Clifton and Mount Auburn neighborhoods first. At celebrations last June, those she served thanked her.

Sister Joyce retired in June as an outreach nurse for TriHealth Cincinnati after 17 years. In addition to working with area residents, she served as a parish nurse for Holy Name Church in Mt. Auburn and Clifton United Methodist Church.

She was the honored guest June 23 at Clifton United Methodist as parishioners, friends from her small faith group at Bellarmine Chapel and several Precious Blood Sisters celebrated her years of ministry. There was plenty of laughter and a few tears as Sister Joyce spoke of her work with the parish community.

“It has just been a beautiful journey with this congregation from day one,” Sister Joyce

said. “I have grown so much in my own faith through this community.”

Parishioners said she helped them monitor their medical vital signs and educated them on staying healthy. She offered healing touch to people after surgery, helped residents get into nursing homes when necessary and assisted in getting them medical equipment.

“She has skills, but it was her heart that brought a special presence,” said Rev. Suzanne Fountaine, former pastor at Clifton United Methodist. “She had a passion for the people Jesus cared so much about.”

She was also active at Holy Name. She was there most Sundays taking parishioners’ blood pressure readings and talking with them about how they were feeling.

“The mission of outreach nursing is to journey with and empower others as they move toward health and healing in body, mind and spirit,” Sister

Sister Joyce with Craig Johnson during her retirement party June 23 at Clifton United Methodist Church in Cincinnati.

Joyce said.

She has always shown compassion and concern for parishioners’ well-being, said Franciscan Father Paul Desch, sacramental minister at Holy Name.

“She took an active interest in the leadership of the parish and where we were going. She was part of that whole caring atmosphere we wanted to create in our parish,” Father Desch said. “We just knew her as a good friend.”  Story and photo by Dave Eck

continued from page 11

“Most of the treasures Sister Nancy received throughout the years have come in small packages, the little ones she taught for so many years,” Father Schnipke said. “Sister Nancy was also taught by the children - bringing her back to what is truly important each day, our blessings and love of a God who fills us with His life and love. The children remind us each day of something very important – who we are.”

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After the homily Sister Nancy and all the Sisters renewed their vows. The congregation extended their hands and Father Schnipke prayed a blessing prayer for Sister Nancy. Then a plaque was presented to Sisters Nancy and Joyce Lehman, President of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, commemorating the Sisters’ 132 years of service to the school.

Sister Nancy has no immedi-

ate plans. She is taking a sabbatical and moving to Dayton.

Still, part of her will remain in Celina in the generations of students she taught.

“She’s touched so many lives through the school and through the other ministries she has done,” Muhlenkamp said. “She’s a person who is filled with the joy that only comes from knowing God.”  Story by Dave Eck

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leven years ago, I was asked to be Coordinator for our Sisters at the Maria Joseph Nursing Facility. I had been an elementary teacher for 20 years and a physical therapy assistant for 10 years in various nursing homes in the Denver area. In my 30 years in Colorado, many friendships had been formed and memories collected. Yet after deliberate prayer, discussion and sharing, my answer to the Community request was an affirmative YES! The first months in Dayton were quite an adjustment for me because the sights and sounds of Colorado lingered in my being.

However, I experienced so much love, encouragement and assistance from all the Sisters, that the transition became easier by the

day. My ministry was with our 52 Sisters residing at the Maria Joseph Center — it had become a ministry of service and dedication to the total care of our elderly Sisters. No need was too great, no want unfulfilled. My life was centered around the Sisters 24/7.

With each passing day, week and year the energy and service was rewarded a hundredfold.

The graces and blessings I received daily from serving these holy women will always be a part of my life. God has truly blessed me throughout these 11 years with dedicated co-workers, generous and loving volunteers, a caring nursing staff, supportive and encouraging Councils and C.PP.S Sisters. My ministry at Emma Hall has been enriching and life-giving and I hope the

Ministry

Sister Jean René says goodbye to Emma Hall

Sister Jean René Hoying. Contributed photo

future holds many more gracefilled years of dedicated service to those in need.

I want to say a special thank you to all who have been a part of my life. You are truly a blessing to me!

— Sister Jean René Hoying Ed note: Sister Jean René Hoying resigned her ministry as coordinator of Emma Hall at the Maria-Joseph Center at the end of May.

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

Sister Bernice Krieg on the death of her sister-in-law, Ruth Krieg.

Sister Martha Bertke on the death of her sister-in-law, Rita.

Sister Ritamary Bulach on the death of her brother-inlaw, Louis.

Sister Jean Rene Hoying on the death of her brother-inlaw, Thomas Heitkamp.

Sister Valeria Abele on the death of her brother, James.

Sister Dorothy Koenig on the death of her brother, Julian.

Gerlach.

Bede Monnin, brother of deceased Sister Teresa Monnin and former Sister Lucy Monnin.

George Langdon, brother of deceased Sister Rose Margaret Langdon.

Former member Marilyn Pirkola, (Sister Mary Jeannine).

Former member Brenda Montiel (Sister Mary Geoffrey).

Former member Margaret Makley, (Sister Cyrilde).

Remembering Fred Benson, brother of Salem Heights chef Elton Benson.

Kenton Berchtold, brother of Salem Heights nurse Jane Plaskon.

Mary Neumeier, sister of deceased Sister Angelita

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In Memoriam

Sister Mary Louise Hoelscher September 1927 — July 9, 2013

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister of the Precious Blood Mary Louise Hoelscher (M. Gaspar), 85, was held July 13 at Salem Heights Chapel in Dayton. Visitation and sharing of memories pre-

ceded the liturgy.

Sister Mary Lou died July 9 at Maria Joseph Center. She had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 69 years.

A native of Dayton, Sister Mary Lou was the only girl and youngest of five children born to Louise and Henry Hoelscher.

She entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood after high school in 1944 and spent 46 years ministering in education.

Her first eight years were spent as an elementary school teacher at St. Mary School, Phoenix; Queen of Peace School, Mesa, Ariz.; St. Mary School, Dayton; Precious Blood School,

Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Christ the King School, Denver.

She spent 38 years as a high school math and science teacher at the Academy of the Little Flower, San Luis Rey, Calif.; Catholic Central, Lafayette, Ind., and Gerard High School, Phoenix.

She continued her teaching career at Window Rock, Sanders and Valley high schools at the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

She spent 10 years as vicar of religious for the Diocese of Gallup, NM. and taught in the deacon/lay ministry program for the diocese.

After retiring from teaching, Sister Mary Lou was chaplain at the Indian Health Hospital and Mckinley Manor Care Center in Gallup.

She also served as her community’s Regional Councilor for the West. She remained an active volunteer tutor in retirement while living in Phoenix and later moved to Ashley, Ohio. She moved to Dayton in 2012.

Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

Sister Mary Louise Barhorst April 1927 — June 4, 2013

Resurrection liturgy for Precious Blood Sister Mary Louise Barhorst, 86, was held at Salem Heights Chapel June 7.

Visitation preceded the liturgy. Sister died June 4 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton. Sister Mary Lou had been a Sister of the Precious Blood for 71 years.

The youngest of five children born to Louis and Caroline (Prenger) Barhorst, Louise was born in St. Patrick, Ohio in 1927. In August 1942, at the age of 15, she formally entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood and received the name of Sister M. Hilary. Later on she returned to using her baptismal name.

Through 46 years Sister Mary Lou minis-

tered in education as a dedicated, understanding and deeply religious teacher, principal and guidance counselor. She taught grades 3-8 in Arizona and Colorado.

She taught high school science in Ohio, Indiana, and Arizona. During the last 16 years of her ministry in education, she worked in Arizona as a guidance counselor who listened and guided with a gentle touch of compassion.

She retired in 1994 and served as a parish volunteer in Payson, Ariz. and later in Lebanon and Clayton, Ohio. In 2009, Sister retired to Salem Heights, in Dayton.

Sister Mary Lou is survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her sisters, Ann and Edna as well as her brothers, Raymond and Vernon.

Interment was in Salem Heights Cemetery.

For the full texts of the eulogies given at the sisters’ funerals, go to: www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org; click on About Us>In Memoriam.

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood have awarded grants to 63 social service agencies, schools and social programs from the congregation’s Maria Anna Brunner (MAB) Fund. The grants will support projects in 2013.

Founded in 1991, the fund supports agencies and programs that are sponsored by a Precious Blood Sister who is either actively involved with the program or is familiar with the people receiving the grant.

This year’s grant amounts range from $1,200 to the maximum of $20,000. The funded agencies are located in areas where Precious Blood Sisters minister including Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo in Ohio, and California, Michigan, Guatemala and Chile.

Some of the programs receiving MAB funds in 2013 are: • The tech-reach community outreach at Elder High School in Cincinnati, in support of a program in which Elder shares it’s technology and resources with its neighbors in need.

• Su Casa Hispanic Center in Cincinnati, for office space and equipment.

• The Mustard Seed in Dayton, to incorporate the A.C.E. (Assess, Correct and Evaluate) Process into services currently offered to help teen mothers achieve success.

• We Care Arts in Dayton; for art classes for people with physical and/or mental disabilities.

• St. Vincent de Paul, Pre-

cious Blood Conference, Dayton for living expenses of the poor of Precious Blood Parish and northwest Dayton.

• St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Mission in Elkhorn, Ky.; MAB funds will be used to supplement salaries and overhead expenses of the Thrift Shop and Laundromat, and to respond to requests for emergency monies for rent and utilities.

• Suicide Prevention Center, Inc.; MAB funds will help support the SPC crisis hotline.

The hotline serves the needs of the people in 24 southwestern Ohio counties whose lives are endangered by suicidal thoughts/behaviors or whose life problems put them at risk for suicide.

Precious Blood Sisters are asked to recommend agencies and programs for funding each January and applications are due in March. A board of three Sisters, three lay people and a chairwoman reviews the applications and identifies programs for funding. The recommendations were sent to the congregation’s council in May and the funds were distributed in June.

In evaluating applications, the board takes into account the program’s social impact and the impact the funding will have on the applicant’s mission, said Precious Blood Sister Ruth Ann Meyer, chair of the MAB Grant Fund Board.

The money cannot be used for capital improvement or con-

News

Sisters of the Precious Blood award grants to social service agencies, schools and programs struction projects.

Projects must address one or more of the following: support systemic change; provide service to those who suffer from poverty; create processes that facilitate reconciliation; promote the reduction of violence in society; and empower individuals to take their place in Church and society.

The origin of the Maria Anna Brunner Fund dates to 1979 when the Sisters of the Precious Blood moved out of their Dayton motherhouse building and into a smaller adjacent building in order to provide a new place for a healthcare facility called the Maria Joseph Living Care Center (MJC). When in 1985 the MJC was well underway in providing needed levels of healthcare to the Dayton community, the MJC’s parent organization, the Samaritan Health Resources, purchased the building from the Sisters.

Shortly thereafter the Sisters began a community-wide stewardship process leading to the decision of how to use the monies from the sale. The community decided to invest the sale monies. Sixty percent of the income earned from this investment then would be allocated toward programs that help the poor. The allocations would be in the form of grants and the fund was named after the Sisters of the Precious Blood’s foundress, Maria Anna Brunner who was well known for her care of the poor.  Story by Dave Eck

Summer 2013

15

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

In Brief

Left: Sister Mary Rose McCrate’s woodcarvings won first place and a Best of Group Award at the International Woodcarvers Congress in Iowa last June. Center: A plaque from the YMCA of Greater Dayton recognizing the Sisters’ support of the Strong Kids Triathlon 2013. Right: A partial view of the planned expansion of Mother Theresa Catholic Elementary School in Liberty Township, Ohio.

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ister Mary Rose McCrate was recognized with first and third place honors at the International Woodcarvers Congress in Maquoketa, Iowa, last June. She won a first place ribbon for her white Siberian tiger, as well as a Best of Group Award. Her Bengal tiger also placed third in her group.

The event included six days of seminars, a competition and a show that was open to the public.

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ister Jeanette Buehler and the Sisters of the Precious Blood were recognized by St. Margaret Episcopal Church in Dayton. The Sisters were among six groups/individuals from the 16

Sharing & Caring

Dayton community who were honored at the church’s 2013 Community Champion Awards Brunch on June 22. The community members were noted for their selfless devotion for the betterment of the community.

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he YMCA of Greater Dayton recognized the Sisters of the Precious Blood for the congregation’s support of the YMCA Strong Kids Triathlon 2013. The Aug. 3 race for children ages 5-12 consisted of swimming, biking and running.

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he August issue of the Catholic Chronicle newspaper in

Toledo featured Sisters Joanne Belloli, Joyce Langhals, Pat Gist and Rita Rogier in recognition of their 50th jubilee with photos and a brief biography. Sister Anne Schulz was featured in a Cincinnati Enquirer story about a planned expansion of the Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Liberty Township, Ohio, where she is principal. 

Let us hear from you!

If you have an item for Sharing and Caring, e-mail it to Dave Eck at communications@cppsadmin.org; mail it to 4000 Denlinger Road, Dayton, Ohio 45246; or call 937-274-2707.