# Sisters of the Precious Blood

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## Posts

- [October 25, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Loving: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/10/19/october-25-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-loving-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we have the last of four Gospel passages where Jesus faces his religious opponents. Last week we heard how the Pharisees tried to trap him by making him choose between Caesar his Jewish faith. This week it’s the Sadducees who try to trick him, wanting Jesus to choose which deserves the most love, God
- [October 18, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Giving to Caesar: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/10/12/october-18-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-giving-to-caesar-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): During the hype for the 250th anniversary of the USA, you may have heard the quote, “a republic if you can keep it.” Benjamin Franklin said that in 1787, just after the Constitutional Convention, when someone asked him, “Doctor, what have we got — a monarchy or a republic?” For the Jews of Jesus’ day,
- [October 11, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Invited: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/10/05/october-11-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-invited-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel parable from Matthew’s Gospel resembles last week’s parable. Both are directed toward the leaders of the Jews. Instead of last week’s landowner of a vineyard with his son, today we have a king who is giving a wedding banquet for his son. There are two mysteries in the story. The first is why
- [October 4, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Vineyards: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/09/28/october-4-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-vineyards-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The first words of last week’s Gospel, of this week’s Gospel, and of next week’s are almost the same: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people… . What follows these words this week is the parable of the “Violent Farm Workers,” and the figure in the story who represents God,
- [September 27, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Obedience: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/09/21/september-27-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-obedience-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel parable (Matt 21: 28-32) is about two brothers, one who promises but then does not obey his father, and another who stubbornly refuses to obey but then relents and complies. It reminds me of my mother, trying to get my five brothers to clean their rooms on Saturdays! On a human level, we’ve
- [September 13, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Forgiving: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/09/07/september-13-24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-forgiving-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once I attended the Hindu wedding of a niece of mine. At one point in that ceremony, a long chain of small beads or strung pebbles is placed over the bride’s head. These beads, pictured above, represent all the stresses, arguments and conflicts she will encounter with her beloved spouse over the course of their
- [September 20, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Generosity: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/09/14/september-20-25th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-generosity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Parables are teaching stories that are meant to disturb the listener. Today we hear perhaps the most disturbing of Jesus’ parables, the laborers in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-16a). It’s harvest time, and a vineyard owner must bring his crop in quickly before the grapes over-ripen. His ordinary employees need supplementing, so he hires extra day
- [September 6, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Red Flag: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/08/31/september-6-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-red-flag-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear Jesus’ explicit teaching about something common in his time and in ours: human conflict. Conflict destroys relationships, even those that begin in love; whenever we experience conflict, it is a spiritual red flag. Then we need to “stop, look and listen,” to be the “watchmen” that our second reading advises. So the
- [August 30, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Heroes: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/08/24/august-30-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-heroes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this Sunday, our lectionary pairs the Hebrew Scripture from Jeremiah 20:7-9 with Matthew 16:21-27. Both Jeremiah (unwillingly) and Jesus (with devoted willingness) had accepted a mission or vocation from God that would bring them suffering. In last week’s passage from Matthew, an enthusiastic and inspired Peter proclaimed that he understood that Jesus was the
- [August 23, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Stability: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/08/17/august-23-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-stability-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was baptized Catholic in August 2019 in a parish in Madeira, Ohio. In his 2026 memoir, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, he describes his faith journey as a search for deep tradition, stability, moral formation and belonging to a community of believers. Since Easter, our Sunday Scriptures have
- [August 16, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Change: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/08/10/august-16-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-change-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Older Catholics will remember how as kids, we were not allowed to associate with Protestants. Catholics who fell in love with Protestants could be married by the Church, but only in the rectory, not in the church building. We could not set foot in a Protestant church even for a wedding or funeral. All this
- [August 9, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Storms: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/08/03/august-9-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-storms-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In our Gospel today, the apostles are caught in a squall on the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus appears, walking on the water, Peter tries to do the same, but he sinks and has to be rescued by Jesus. Then, “after they got into the boat, the wind died down.” There is another Gospel story
- [August 2, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Meals: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/07/27/august-2-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-meals-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear the familiar Gospel story about the time when Jesus had compassion on a large crowd, gathered to hear him preach, and fed them. There are many lessons for us in today’s Gospel. Feeding people meets a basic human need, of course, but there is much more to it. Throughout all cultures, offering
- [July 26, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Precious: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/07/20/july-26-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-precious-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel, we hear three parables, each starting with Jesus’ introductory words: “The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” The first parable is only one long sentence. In it, someone accidentally digs up a pearl in a field. But because legally the pearl belonged to whomever owned the field, the finder reburies
- [July 19, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Weeds: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/07/13/july-19-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-weeds-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I do a lot of weeding! Where do they come from! I feel empathy for the man in today’s Gospel who says about his weed-choked wheat field, “An enemy has done this!” The growth images of last Sunday are present again this Sunday in three parables that Jesus tells. In the first, wheat survives the
- [July 12, 15th Sunday in Ordinary time, Success: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/07/06/july-12-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-success-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we begin several Sundays when our Gospels will be Jesus’ parables or teaching stories. Most of us are not farmers, but we’ve possibly planted grass seed at some point. Today’s parable is about a “sower” who is casting seeds, and the seeds fall on different kinds of ground. And guess what: Three-fourths of the
- [July 5, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, A hug: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/06/29/july-5-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-hug-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Intimacy might be the key idea in the Gospel for this 14th week of ordinary time. In our Gospel for today, Jesus is speaking to those who have come to believe in him. He speaks to them from out of his own relationship with his “Father.” He uses the word “Father” five times in the
- [June 28, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Family: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/06/22/june-28-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Matthew’s words, “whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” are actually softer than the same passage in Luke: “… if anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children… .” It helps to remember the audience Matthew is writing for. After the Romans destroyed the
- [June 21, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fear: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/06/15/june-21-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-fear-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In our Gospel today, we hear Jesus mention fear three times. “Fear no one … do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul … do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” In several post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus to his disciples, his first words also
- [June 14, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Outsiders: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/06/08/june-14-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-outsiders-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today and for the next three weeks, we’ll be hearing instructions to disciples and apostles from Matthew’s Gospel. There is an interesting puzzle in today’s Gospel passage, when Matthew insists that disciples should not preach to non-Jews. But we recently heard in Acts of the Apostles that Paul was preaching to gentiles, and he had
- [June 7, Body and Blood of Christ, In touch: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/06/01/june-7-body-and-blood-of-christ-in-touch-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood, you do not have life within you.” We hear these words proclaimed in our Gospel for this feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (John 6:51-58). When many Jewish listeners heard these words, many were scandalized — was
- [May 31, Trinity Sunday, Three Loves: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/05/25/may-31-trinity-sunday-three-loves-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): American theologian Thomas Rausch, S.J., in his book Systematic Theology, states simply: the doctrine of the Trinity is not in the New Testament, but there are trinitarian formulas in it. What our scriptures do reveal to us is a self-giving God who is love. The Nicene Creed we say during most Sunday Masses is a
- [May 24, Pentecost, Sent Forth: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/05/18/may-24-pentecost-sent-forth-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There is something different at Mass on Pentecost. After the second reading, and before we sing the Alleluia for the Gospel reading, we first sing together a special prayer hymn called the Pentecost Sequence. Unfortunately, we usually sing a version of it these days, but if your parish uses missalettes, the original hymn should be
- [May 17th, The Ascension, Faith & Doubt: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/05/11/may-17th-the-ascension-faith-doubt-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “The eleven disciples went to Galilee … When they saw him, they worshipped, but they doubted.” The Gospel begins with these words (Matt 28:16-17). How can the disciples still be doubting, even as Jesus gives them their great commission, to “make disciples of all nations”? Well, for Matthew, and even more in Mark’s Gospel, doubt
- [May 10, Sixth Sunday of Easter, The Advocate: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/05/04/may-10-sixth-sunday-of-easter-the-advocate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This “footsteps in the sand” Jesus picture has been consoling for many people. The single footsteps in the sand represent a complaint many believers make to Jesus at some point in their lives: Where were you, Lord, when I needed you? To which Jesus replies: “During your times of trial and suffering, it was then
- [May 3, Fifth Sunday of Easter, Living Stones: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/04/27/may-3-fifth-sunday-of-easter-living-stones-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The opening prayer for this Sunday asks the “almighty and ever-living God” that “those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit...” Perhaps many of you have attended a Holy Saturday Easter Vigil and seen the joy of adults and older children being baptized and confirmed.
- [April 26, Fourth Sunday of Easter, New joy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/04/20/april-26-fourth-sunday-of-easter-new-joy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In each of our three-year cycles of Sunday Scripture readings, on the Sundays after Easter our first Scripture reading is not from Hebrew Scripture. It’s from the Acts of the Apostles. That’s a lot of cumulative weeks, since sometimes there are as many as eight weeks between Easter and Pentecost. Yet we seldom hear preaching
- [April 19, Third Sunday of Easter, Perspective: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/04/12/april-19-third-sunday-of-easter-perspective-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once when I was the canonical parish leader, a very difficult situation arose, one that threw me for a loop, as they say. So I was venting exhaustively to the canonical pastor. He was a wonderful listener. When at length I finally fell silent, he said, “I think you need a different perspective.” In today’s
- [April 12, Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/04/06/april-12-second-sunday-of-easter-divine-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There’s an old church joke that goes something like this: Jesus dies, and the angels welcome him to heaven. But an archangel asks him: “Lord, what will happen to people now, without you there?” Jesus answers, “No problem. My disciples will carry on my work on earth.” After a rather lengthy pause the archangel asks,
- [April 5, Easter Sunday, Resurrection Faith: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/03/30/april-5-easter-sunday-resurrection-faith-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is a sorrowful Easter for me. Whatever your politics, in our name the country we love went to war. Thousands of Iranians died, and as they retaliated, thousands more in their neighboring countries died, together with a small number of our own citizens. This is a moment when we are called to believe that
- [Palm Sunday, March 29, Suffering: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/03/23/palm-sunday-march-29-suffering-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each year our Church invites us to hear two accounts of Jesus’ Passion. The first one is read on Palm Sunday, and the second on Good Friday. On Good Friday every year, the account is from the Gospel of John, but on Palm Sunday we hear the Gospel from the current liturgical cycle or “year.”
- [Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 22, Rising: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/03/16/fifth-sunday-of-lent-march-22-rising-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today our Hebrew Scripture is the end of the famous passage from Ezekiel 37 where dry bones come together. It is paired with John’s Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus. Ezekiel, however, was not prophesying about the resurrection of dead people. His image of newly inspirited “dry bones” referred to the nation of Israel
- [Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 15, Blindness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/03/09/fourth-sunday-of-lent-march-15-blindness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday’s Gospel is about the healing of a blind man. He’s a rather “mouthy” beggar, so the account has a humorous moment. Jesus heals him on a Sabbath, a sinful violation of the prohibition against work. So the educated, elite and powerful Pharisees interrogated the blind man to find out who dared heal him
- [Third Sunday of Lent, March 8, Living Water: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/03/02/third-sunday-of-lent-march-8-living-water-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This liturgical year, which began with Advent, is “Cycle A,” in which Matthew’s Gospel is often the Gospel reading. But on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, we hear three passages from the Gospel of John. On these Sundays, throughout the world Church, candidates for Easter sacraments are present for special ceremonies at
- [Second Sunday of Lent, March 1, Experience and Belief: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/02/23/second-sunday-of-lent-march-1-experience-and-belief-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Consider these examples: You start learning a new language; you learn to say “that’s good” when you eat something delicious — but you can’t say how you really experience the wonderful food because you don’t yet know enough words or grammar. Or you have a life-changing experience, like falling in love, but it isn’t until
- [February 22, First Sunday of Lent, Good-looking stuff: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/02/16/february-22-first-sunday-of-lent-good-looking-stuff-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): English is a very idiomatic language, so when I tutor adults learning English, I try to help them learn idiomatic as well as literal English. Here are some idioms that relate to our Scriptures this week: All that glitters is not gold; You can’t judge a book by its cover; Looks can be deceiving; Beauty
- [February 15, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary time, Reconciliation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/02/09/february-15-sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-reconciliation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Reconciliation is not an option. In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus speaking with his most firm voice: You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, “you shall not kill” … But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment … if you bring your gift to
- [February 8, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, This Little Light: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/02/02/february-8-fifth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-this-little-light-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Parents and teachers of young children know the song “This Little Light of Mine.” It’s a song that is easy to sing and inspirational, so it’s used worldwide in churches and schools, as a protest song, and in folk music. Who wrote it and when is somewhat unknown, but Jesus would have loved it because,
- [February 1, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Best Self: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/01/27/february-1-fourth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-best-self-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): For a number of years, people and advertisements and self-help literature have talked about “being your best self” or the “best version of yourself” or other similar expressions. It is aspirational language, and there is something attractive about it. But it also is ambivalent terminology. For what really is a “best self?” Is a best
- [January 18, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mission: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/01/12/january-18-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-post-jan-6mission-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Last week we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord as told in Matthew’s Gospel (3:13-17). Matthew recounted how, as Jesus came up from being immersed in the baptismal water of the River Jordan, a heavenly voice announced, This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased. Today’s Gospel is more reflection on that
- [January 25, 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Zigzag: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/01/19/january-25-3rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-zigzag-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today in our Gospel Jesus begins his ministry of preaching about the kingdom, and he starts recruiting helpers, his apostles. … he saw two brothers … Peter and his brother Andrew … He said to them, Come after me …. At once they left their nets and followed him … He … saw two other
- [January 11, Baptism of the Lord, Good fruit: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2026/01/05/january-11-baptism-of-the-lord-good-fruit-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Did you ever wonder why Jesus, who was sinless and did not need to repent, sought to be baptized by John the Baptist? Well, it seems that the early Christians wondered about that too! So in today’s reading (Matt 3:13-17, a passage unique to Matthew’s Gospel), John the Baptist asks Jesus why he needs to
- [January 4, Epiphany of the Lord, Good vs Evil: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/29/january-4-epiphany-of-the-lord-good-vs-evil-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel is the story of the three “Magi” or three “kings.” Matthew is using a “narrative” form of writing to introduce major themes of his Gospel. The visit of the Maji introduces us to the conflict between good and evil, a conflict which will lead to the life of Jesus not ending well. We
- [December 28, The Holy Family, Love: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/22/december-28-the-holy-family-love-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Presiders will need to choose between two Scripture themes today. The first is, of course, families. The Hebrew Scripture from Sirach (3:2-6, 12-14) describes what was considered ideal behaviors that governed relationships between husbands, wives and children in a family living around 200 years before Christ. Our second reading today is from Colossians 3:12-21. The
- [August 17, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Common Good: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/08/11/august-17-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-common-good-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Most people I know do not enjoy conflict and usually choose “peace at any price.” Today’s Scriptures are teaching that conflict is part of discipleship. Why? Because living by Jesus’ way, being “kingdom people,” inevitably conflicts with the ways of the world in which we find ourselves. In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks with his disciples
- [Thanksgiving](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/11/27/thanksgiving/): It was the first Thanksgiving since my aunt had passed away. As family gathered for our meal prayer, a certain heaviness hung in the air. My aunt’s physical absence was palpable. My aunt Terri had a “larger than life” personality. Her big hugs were like a favorite blanket, fully enveloping you, warming you to the
- [December 25, Christmas: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/22/december-25-christmas-a-sunday-scriptures-blog-2/): Once not long before Christmas, a group of young kids from a housing project across the street from the Church where I worked was visiting with me. I asked them what their Christmas was going to be like. Then I asked them a follow-up question: Why do we have Christmas? None of their families were
- [December 21, Fourth Sunday of Advent, Joseph: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/15/december-21-fourth-sunday-of-advent-joseph-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There is a quote attributed to Mark Twain that goes something like this: “All stories are true and some really happen.” We are in the story time of year as we listen to our Gospels just before Christmas and for some time after it. Today’s Gospel is part of Matthew’s story or “infancy narrative” about
- [December 14, Third Sunday of Advent, The Cousins: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/08/december-14-third-sunday-of-advent-the-cousins-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Matthew Gospel readings for the second and third Sundays of Advent (in Cycle A) are closely linked. In both, Matthew presents us with two men, John the Baptist and Jesus. It is clear that the two men are close, because they praise one another. Last week in our Gospel, John said about Jesus: ...the
- [December 7, Second Sunday of Advent, Peaceable Kingdom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/12/01/december-7-second-sunday-of-advent-peaceable-kingdom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! It was of him [John the Baptist] that the prophet Isaiah had spoken…” writes Matthew in today’s Gospel. Perhaps we might hear the word “repent” as referring to numerous personal sins. Biblical scholars suggest that repent really means the restoring of right relationships, a personal and
- [November 30, First Sunday of Advent: TIME, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/11/24/november-30-first-sunday-of-advent-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The seconds and minutes and hours and days and weeks and months of another liturgical year have passed. Where did that time go? Today we begin a new liturgical year, Year A, and a new liturgical season, the four weeks of Advent. Time plays a role in our readings today and actually in all of
- [November 23, Christ the King, No King? A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/11/17/november-23-christ-the-king-no-king-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This past October, millions of U.S. folks participated in “No Kings” rallies. Our country, born when our colonists protested against their perceived unfair treatment by King George III, associates the idea of a king with oppression and elitism. Our British friends, however, see their royal leader (king or queen) as more of a symbol, a
- [November 16, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hope: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/11/08/november-16-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-hope-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel (Luke 21:5-19) is grim reading. It speaks of destruction, wars between nations, famines and plagues. We think this Gospel was written around the year 80. When they heard it, early Christians would have thought of the history they had recently lived through. After Jesus died, things became politically much worse in Israel. Within
- [November 9, Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, TEMPLES: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/11/02/november-9-dedication-of-the-lateran-basilica-temples-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps when we think of the pope’s church, we think of St. Peter’s in Rome. Actually, it is St. John Lateran that is the pope’s church. The Emperor Constantine gave the Lateran Palace and its church to the pope sometime before 313, the date when we know the Council of Rome met in the Lateran
- [November 2, Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, Ofrenda: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/10/27/november-2-commemoration-of-the-faithful-departed-ofrenda-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today, the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time is replaced by this commemoration of those who have died. In Hispanic cultures, today is the Day of the Dead, when many families make small altars called ofrendas. On them are placed pictures and other “relics” of deceased family members, traditional foods, skulls or skeletons, and so on.
- [October 5, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Patience: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/09/29/october-5-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-patience-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Leafcutter ants carry up to 50 times their body weight in the leaves they cut to build their huge colonies and provide food for the nymphs who will live after them. Their purposeful and persistent life purpose is built into them by instinct. We humans have to work consciously toward our purposeful and persistent lives.
- [September 21, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, In Cahoots: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/09/15/september-21-25th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-in-cahoots-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday we get another of Jesus’ puzzling parables. A rich man’s steward (i.e., his chief financial officer) is being fired for mismanaging the money. So before the guy cleans out his desk, he forgives loans owed to his boss in return for payoffs that will support him for life. What puzzles us is that
- [October 26, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mercy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/10/20/october-26-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 1995, Pope John Paul II established the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, and the popes who have followed him have continued emphasizing God’s mercy. Perhaps it was this Sunday’s Gospel parable, more than any other Scripture, that inspired this new feast of our liturgical calendar. In it, a Pharisee and a tax
- [October 19, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Praying hands: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/10/13/october-19-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-praying-hands-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): During Mass at the Our Father, the celebrant priest or bishop or pope extends his hands in the orans position, palms open. This gesture goes back to the early centuries of Christianity. Figures standing with hands raised toward heaven are common in the Roman catacombs. We probably adopted this prayer gesture from the very first
- [October 12, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Outsiders: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/10/06/october-12-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-outsiders-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Outsiders, “others,” are prominent in our Sunday Scriptures this week. In Hebrew Scripture, many “outsiders” are part of Israel’s story, such as Melchizedek, Abimelech, Jethro, Balaam, Rahab, Ruth, Cyrus and, in today’s first reading, Naaman. Naaman was a Syrian military man who comes to the Hebrew prophet Elijah for healing from a skin disease, on
- [September 28, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Poverty: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/09/21/september-28-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-poverty-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Hebrew Scripture reading this Sunday is part of the prophet Amos’ diatribe against rich people, who feast while the poor starve. For our Gospel we have Jesus’ parable about the rich man ignoring the poor beggar Lazarus who is lying at his door. Jesus, we should note, was not against rich people. He had
- [August 24, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Narrow Gate: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/08/18/august-24-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-narrow-gate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.” For the last several weeks, the Sunday Gospels from our “Year C” cycle of readings have been challenging. The evangelist Luke has placed Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. When he gets there, he will be crucified for what
- [September 7, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, What’s the Plan? a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/09/01/september-7-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-post-sept-1-whats-the-plan-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Why would Jesus ever say, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children … and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25-26, our Sunday Gospel)? After all, he preached that we ought to love everyone, even enemies. Well, probably Jesus did not use exactly those
- [September 14, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sacrifice: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/09/08/september-14-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-sacrifice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s feast has ancient roots. In the year 313, the Roman emperor Constantine “legalized” Christianity by decriminalizing it and promoting religious tolerance throughout the empire. That ended the sporadic persecutions of Christians under a succession of prior Roman emperors. By 335, Constantine had erected churches at pilgrimage sites like Calvary and the Holy Sepulcher. According
- [August 31, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Humility: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/08/25/august-31-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-humility-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our late Pope Francis had the practice of washing feet on Holy Thursday, most often the feet of prisoners in Roman jails. Jesus, of course, washed the feet of those gathered at the Last Supper. He did it to show them that he was their servant and friend, not only their Lord. This week’s first
- [August 10, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Satisfied: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/08/04/august-10-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-satisfied-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” This line from our Sunday Gospel continues the message of last Sunday’s Gospel. It urges us not to store up worldly
- [August 3, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Stuff: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/07/28/august-3-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-stuff-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I can’t remember when storage locker facilities became part of every city and town. I do remember when I was a new young nun that we had to be able to put everything we owned into one train trunk — and it was doable! Vanity of vanities. All things are vanity, warns this Sunday’s Hebrew
- [July 27, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fire: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/07/21/july-27-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-fire-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our first (Hebrew Scripture) reading this Sunday is the story from Genesis (18:20-32) about how God decided to destroy the city of Sodom with fire and brimstone because of their sin. This Bible story is part of a longer passage (Genesis 18:16-19:29). Much discussion about this story, among both Jewish and Christian biblical scholars, centers
- [July 20, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Martha: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/07/14/july-20-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-martha-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday our Hebrew Scripture and Gospel both contain stories of guests coming for dinner. In the first, Abraham welcomes three strangers. He runs from his hospitality tent to greet them, for in the empty desert where he lived, good conversation was hard to come by. In the Gospel, Martha welcomes the iterant preacher Jesus
- [July 13, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Loving Acts: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/07/07/july-13-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-loving-acts-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A well-known social justice story goes something like this: One day some villagers, who lived by a river, noticed a body floating down it. With sorrow and respect, the villagers rescued it. The next day, more bodies began to appear. The villagers continued to act responsibly and compassionately. But they never investigated what was happening
- [July 6, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mother Church: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/06/30/july-6-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-mother-church-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Abundant breasts! They really are in today’s first reading (Isaiah 66:10-14). Jerusalem is pictured as a nursing mother, and those who love her are advised to suck fully of the milk of her comfort… [and] nurse with delight. … As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms … as a mother comforts her child,
- [June 29, Solemnity of Peter & Paul, Founders: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/06/23/june-29-solemnity-of-peter-paul-founders-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Little did we know, last year at this time, that we would have a new pope, Leo XIV, and a U.S. bishop at that! Perhaps you noticed that there was not a consecration service for him, like we have for bishops. That’s because as a bishop, he already had the “fullness of priesthood,” the third
- [June 22, The Body & Blood of Christ, Melchizedek: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/06/16/june-22-the-body-blood-of-christ-melchizedek-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek, we sing as our Psalm response today. This little-known biblical person is central in our Hebrew Scripture reading today. He visits Abram early in his faith story (before God changed his name to Abraham). Melchizedek is both “priest of God Most High” and king of
- [June 15, Trinity Sunday, Mystery: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/06/09/june-15-trinity-sunday-for-posting-june-9th-mystery-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday is an unusual feast day because it focuses on a central doctrine of our Catholic faith. And this year there is an additional specialness: 2025 is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. That gathering of bishops in 325 gave us the Nicene Creed that we say together at most Sunday Masses.
- [June 8, Solemnity of Pentecost, Unfinished: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/06/02/june-8-solemnity-of-pentecost-unfinished-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We Catholics won’t all hear the same Scriptures this Sunday. This solemn feast of Pentecost is so big that the vigil Mass (for Saturday) has its own readings. And both the vigil Mass and the Sunday Mass give the priest celebrant quite a few reading choices to use. In a way, I guess, this multiplicity
- [June 1, Solemnity of the Ascension, Joy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/05/26/june-1-solemnity-of-the-ascension-joy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The feast of the Ascension is celebrated this Sunday in most places in the United States. The account of Jesus’ Ascension is told twice in our Sunday readings, in our first reading from Acts of the Apostles, and then from Luke’s Gospel. Luke is the author of both of these books. One characteristic of Luke
- [May 11, 4th Sunday of Easter, Shifts: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/05/05/may-11th-4th-sunday-of-easter-shifts-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each Sunday between Easter and Pentecost, instead of hearing from an Epistle, we hear from the Acts “of the Apostles.” Actually it is mostly the “acts” of the apostle Paul, as written by “Luke,” author of the Gospel of Luke. Luke was probably a companion of Paul (there were others, like Barnabas), who sometimes accompanied
- [May 25, 6th Sunday of Easter, Remembering: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/05/19/may-25-6th-sunday-of-easter-remembering-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Memorial Day follows this Sunday; it’s a bit earlier than in some years. We have various memorials in our country, but the most moving one for me is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (pictured). Visiting that memorial begins with the “gathering storm” history of the geopolitical forces that led to Japan’s attack. Further
- [May 18, 5th Sunday of Easter, Promise-Keeping: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/05/12/may-18-5th-sunday-of-easter-promise-keeping-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): God is a promise-keeper. That quality of God is perhaps the central revelation of Hebrew Scripture. There God establishes a covenant with Israel, written in the blood of sacrifice, given assurance through saving actions like the exodus and the improbable begetting of descendants, and imaged in rainbows, abundance of life-giving water, and banquet tables. Today
- [May 4, Third Sunday of Easter, New: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/04/28/may-4-third-sunday-of-easter-new-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): During the Sundays between Easter and Pentecost, instead of a reading from Hebrew Scripture (the Old Testament), we hear passages from the Book of Revelation. This last book of the New Testament was written in the early 100s of the Christian Era (A.D.), and it is highly symbolic. One Scripture scholar says it is written
- [April 27, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/04/21/april-27-2nd-sunday-of-easter-divine-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 2000, Pope St. John Paul established the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. Every year we hear the same Gospel on this Sunday, the one in which the apostle Thomas encounters the Risen Christ. Thomas, who happened to be gone when Jesus appeared to the other apostles, had trouble believing them when
- [April 20, Easter Sunday, Risen: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/04/14/april-20-easter-sunday-risen-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” No one saw the resurrection; they saw that the body of the Jesus they had known had disappeared. And then a new experience began to happen to the disciples. They began to experience appearances of Jesus in a body
- [April 13, Palm Sunday, Final Words: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/04/07/april-13-palm-sunday-final-words-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 1970, as part of the liturgical renewal following Vatican Council II (1962-65), the Catholic Church began using a three-year cycle of readings for Sunday Eucharistic celebrations. We are in “Year C,” when the Gospel of Luke is read on most Sundays, and so we will hear Luke’s account of the passion of Jesus read
- [April 6, 5th Sunday of Lent, The New: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/03/31/april-6-5th-sunday-of-lent-the-new-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear the familiar story of the adulteress dragged before Jesus, who instead of condemning her as people wanted him to, forgives her. The story asks us to consider who we judge as not worthy of our acceptance and forgiveness. However, our Hebrew Scripture reading today also deserves our attention, and perhaps prepares us
- [March 30, 4th Sunday of Lent, Fairness: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/03/24/march-30-4th-sunday-of-lent-fairness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There was a famous 20th century psychologist named Lawrence Kohlberg. He said that moral development goes through stages — as does cognitive and physical development. But, he believed, most people stop at stage three, the “fairness” stage. There are lots of criticisms of his work, but I’ve found that fair/not fair figures prominently in everything
- [March 23, 3rd Sunday of Lent, Slow Work: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/03/17/march-23-3rd-sunday-of-lent-slow-work-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Jesus teaches two lessons about our journey to holiness in today’s Gospel. First he “debunks” an idea. In his day, people believed that when fatal tragedies happened (caused by humans or nature), it was because people had sinned. He tells them: No — actually, the only thing that causes true (eternal) death is not repenting
- [March 16, 2nd Sunday of Lent, Transfiguration: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/03/10/march-16-2nd-sunday-of-lent-transfiguration-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In all three cycles of our liturgical year, the Gospel for the second Sunday of Lent is the Transfiguration. The first Sunday of Lent focused on how our journey to holiness includes overcoming temptations and their resulting sins. This second Sunday presents our final goal, not only for Lent but for life itself. That goal
- [March 9, 1st Sunday of Lent, Temptations: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/03/03/march-9-1st-sunday-of-lent-temptations-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We begin our six Sundays of Lent with Luke’s Gospel account of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Mark’s short Gospel, written around 70 C.E. (Christian Era), only says that Jesus was tempted. But about 15 years later, Luke and Matthew expanded Mark’s account by describing three different temptations of Jesus in their Gospels. By doing
- [March 2, 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Wisdom: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/02/24/march-2-8th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-wisdom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There’s not, it seems to me, a central message in today’s Gospel. Instead, Luke the evangelist presents Jesus’ teaching by using a string of pithy parable-like sayings. In Hebrew Scripture, sayings like this are part of “Wisdom Literature,” and so our Year C lectionary pairs our Gospel with a passage from Wisdom Literature (Sirach) for
- [February 16, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, The poor: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/02/10/february-16-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-poor-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear Luke’s version of a time Jesus gave a famous sermon; in Matthew’s Gospel, it’s called the “sermon on the mount,” although in Luke’s account, Jesus stands on level ground. Both Gospels begin with “the beatitudes.” But Luke’s list of beatitudes is shorter than Matthew’s and more focused on the poor. The poor
- [February 9, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Discipleship: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/02/03/february-9-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-discipleship-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There are some interesting details in today’s Gospel about the miraculous catch of fish. Jesus got into Simon’s (Peter’s) boat because the crowd was pressing in on him so much that he could not make himself heard. He had Peter take the boat “a short distance from the shore” so he could continue teaching. Another
- [February 23, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Challenges: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/02/17/february-23-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-challenges-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel continues the verses from Luke’s version of the famous sermon Jesus gave — which is called the “sermon on the mount” in Matthew’s Gospel. It is a long Gospel and contains many of the most challenging of Jesus’ teachings. Maybe that’s just what we need, though, because Ash Wednesday is coming soon (March
- [February 2, Presentation of the Lord, More than meets the eye: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/01/27/february-2-presentation-of-the-lord-more-than-meets-the-eye-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It wasn’t easy for the apostles to figure Jesus out. At one point, Jesus even asked them: “Who do men say I am?” The Scriptures for this Sunday are answering that question by presenting Jesus to us in two ways. First, Jesus is a little human child. He is flesh and blood; he has parents
- [December 29, Holy Family: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/23/december-29-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Feast of the Holy Family was placed in the Sunday cycle of feasts around 1969. The Gospel is about how Jesus got separated (lost) from Mary and Joseph for three days, and then was found in the temple in Jerusalem. The evangelist Luke did not really intend this passage to teach lessons about family
- [January 26, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Tradition: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/01/20/january-26-third-sunday-in-ordinary-time-tradition-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Life is going along just fine for Tevye, a poor Jewish man in a Russian village in the early 20th century. Then things begin to fall apart as his daughters step out of their traditional roles and challenge the custom of arranged marriages. Not only does generational clash result, but it also is a time
- [January 19, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Wedding: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/01/13/january-19-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-wedding-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I lived in the Jerusalem area for 12 weeks, and when I attended my niece’s Hindu wedding, I experienced wedding celebrations that lasted several days! Monsignor Charles Pope, in his blog for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., says that in Jesus’ time, “weddings typically extended over a period of five to seven days. Autumn
- [January 12, Baptism of the Lord, Baptism: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2025/01/06/january-12-baptism-of-the-lord-baptism-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday is the first Sunday of “Ordinary Time,” the counted weeks of the liturgical year that are not part of liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter). Some “Ordinary Time” Sundays occur after Christmas — how many depends on whether Easter is early or late — and the rest are after Easter. The focus
- [January 5, Epiphany of the Lord, Gathering: A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/30/january-5-epiphany-of-the-lord-gathering-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Place matters. There are two close-by cities in the wonderful story that closes “the Christmas season” of our liturgical year. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,” proclaims Isaiah in our first reading. It is to Jerusalem that the three “wise men” first travel, following a star. Jerusalem is the “mountain of the
- [Did you know?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/25/did-you-know/): Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy Has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You kiss the face of God?*
- [God’s Compassion](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/24/gods-compassion/): In your love you have sent your Son, Your salvation for everyone; Word Incarnate, God’s compassion; Hope for humankind, hope for humankind.* “You don’t know what it’s like.” I don’t. I don’t know what it’s like to have cancer, to divorce, to have a failing heart, to be homeless, to lose a spouse or a
- [December 15, Third Sunday of Advent, Rejoice! A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/09/december-15-third-sunday-of-advent-rejoice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): What is your image of God? On this third Sunday of Advent, we are given a charming image of God in our first (Hebrew Scripture) reading: The Lord, your God, is in your midst … he will rejoice over you with gladness … he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.
- [December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent, This child: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/16/december-22-fourth-sunday-of-advent-this-child-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): All stories are true, and some of them really happen! This is a saying I developed for speaking with people about narrative types of writing in our Scriptures. This Sunday we have a piece of Luke’s “infancy narrative,” the account of the visit between the newly pregnant Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, also pregnant with
- [December 8, Second Sunday of Advent, Two Ladies: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/12/02/december-8-second-sunday-of-advent-two-ladies-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Evangelist Luke is quite dramatic in today’s Gospel. He strings together six sentences connected by commas — kind of like a drum roll — before the star enters in the seventh sentence. It is John the Baptist, a main Advent character, who enters crying out: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” “Prepare the way”
- [December 1, First Sunday of Advent, Journey: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/11/30/december-1-first-sunday-of-advent-journey-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we begin “Year C” of our Sunday Lectionary, when the Gospel of Luke is featured. Scripture scholars estimate that Luke’s Gospel, and its sequel The Acts of the Apostles, was written around the year 85. One of Luke’s sources was the earlier written Gospel of Mark, and Luke adopts Mark’s motif of a journey.
- [November 24, Solemnity of Christ, King, Kingdom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/11/18/november-24-solemnity-of-christ-king-kingdom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Psalm 93 is our responsorial psalm today: “The LORD is king, in splendor robed; robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.” There were other images for God in Hebrew Scripture, like shepherd and rock. But the image of king best captured how the Hebrews thought of God. For a king ruled over or
- [November 17, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Doom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/11/11/november-17-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-doom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It seems to me that every generation experiences times of danger, when it’s common to wonder if the world will end in a violent cataclysm of some kind. As I write this, we hold our breath lest one or another war expands to include nations with nuclear arms. Our first (Hebrew) Scripture reading is from
- [November 10, 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, The Widow: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/11/04/november-10-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-widow-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once Jesus asked his disciples: Who do people say I am? They answered, “… one of the prophets” (Mk 8:28). In our Hebrew Scripture from the book of Kings, we meet the prophet Elijah. He’s been driven into exile by Ahab, king of Northern Israel and devotee of the false god Baal. Jesus’ followers saw
- [November 3, 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hear: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/10/28/november-3-31st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-hear-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I lived in Israel for three months, I lived in Bethany, a Palestinian village up the hill from the Mount of Olives. I came to appreciate the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, broadcasted from the many mosques five times daily: “God is Great! God is Great! There is no God except the One
- [October 27, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Martin Luther: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/10/21/october-27-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-martin-luther-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today is Reformation Sunday, the Sunday before Reformation Day, Oct 31. Catholic representatives of the Pope will be attending various Protestant Reformation Sunday services, especially in Europe. Reformation Sunday remembers Oct 31, 1517, when Martin Luther posted a list of statements (The 95 “Theses” or grievances) against Catholic beliefs on the church door in Wittenberg,
- [October 20, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Competition: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/10/14/october-20-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-competition-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sunday’s Gospel is so very human. Two apostles, James and John, are trying to get to the head of the pack and sit at the right and left side of Jesus in the kingdom of heaven. When the other disciples hear about this, they get mad! Why them and not me? Don’t humans in groups
- [October 13, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Wealth: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/10/07/october-13-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-wealth-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Last Sunday we had a difficult teaching about being faithful and sacrificial in enduring relationships — without walking away from one another when things are tough by “divorcing” or excommunicating one another. Today we are challenged again as Jesus says: “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.”
- [October 6, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Union: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/09/30/october-6-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-union-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday is one of the “difficult” Gospels. It is about divorce, and about the ideal of marriage between a man and a woman. Yet in every Sunday congregation, there will be divorced people and non-heterosexual people and people in difficult marriages. Marriages were challenging in Jesus’ day as they are also today. That’s why
- [September 30, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Embodied: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/09/23/september-30-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-embodied-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Oh dear! The language at the end of our Gospel today is so shockingly severe that we might well cringe. It’s the passage where we are advised to cut off our hands or our feet, or pluck out our eye, if they cause us to sin. Notice that these admonitions follow another first admonition, also
- [September 22, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Understanding Us: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/09/16/september-22-25th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-understanding-us-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): During this whole month, our second (New Testament) reading is from the Letter of James. We don’t know who “James” is, but his letter, written in Greek, circulated among the Christian communities located around the Mediterranean in the late first century. This letter (Epistle) focuses on behavior rather than theology or beliefs. It focuses on
- [September 15, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, The Cross: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/09/09/september-15-24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-cross-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In last week’s Gospel we met a very human Jesus who healed people by touching them with his hands and by talking with them. Today in our Gospel we get the ultimate revelation of his humanity. Like all of us, Jesus will die. Like some of us, he will die a violent death, martyred because
- [September 8, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Healing: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/08/31/september-8-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-healing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There are a couple of curious things in today’s Gospel. Jesus is preaching in “the district of the Decapolis,” 10 Greek cities outside the territory of Israel. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jews and non-Jews lived in these areas, and that Jewish healers were held in esteem. People bring Jesus a deaf and speech-impaired man to
- [September 1, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Religious Laws: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/08/26/september-1-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-religious-laws-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the Gospel passage from Mark that we hear today, Jesus is being accused of being too relaxed about following the laws of his Jewish religion. Why? Because some of his disciples were eating without first washing their hands. In the Jewish tradition, meals were a time for giving thanks. Washing hands was a traditional
- [August 11, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, The Way: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/08/05/august-11-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-way-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our second reading this 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time is from Ephesians 4:30-5:2. We Catholics today are aware that our religion has lots of beliefs, or doctrines. But in the first century of Christianity, the new religion was a way of living and a way of praising God. People were attracted to the new religion
- [August 25, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Commitments: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/08/19/august-25-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-commitments-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we complete the five weeks when our Sunday Gospel is from the “bread of life” discourse in John’s Gospel. The passage ends with Peter’s profession of faith as he says to Jesus: You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of
- [August 18, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Flesh and Blood: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/08/12/august-18-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-flesh-and-blood-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today is the fourth of the five Sundays when our Gospels are from the “Bread of Life” discourse in the Gospel of John (6:22-71). I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of
- [August 4, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Tests: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/07/29/august-4-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-tests-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Recently a friend was venting. After several months of ill health, this normally thoughtful and evenhanded woman found herself snapping at caregivers and well-intended visitors — much to her surprise and dismay. She said she had really learned something about herself, and also finally understood her deceased mother, who had done the same when tested
- [July 21, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Walls: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/07/15/july-21-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-walls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (the counted weeks of the liturgical year), the first Hebrew Scripture reading and the Gospel both speak about shepherds. So I expect we might hear homilies about this theme. But the second reading from Ephesians is especially significant for our Precious Blood family. This Epistle was written to
- [July 28, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Miracles: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/07/22/july-28-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-miracles-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our current lectionary cycle is B, in which Mark’s Gospel is frequently read on Sunday. But Mark’s is a short Gospel. So for five weeks in year B, we switch to the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, to hear the “bread of life” passages with their Eucharistic themes. Today in our Hebrew Scripture, we hear
- [July 14, 15th Sunday in Ordinary time, Walking Stick: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/07/08/july-14-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-walking-stick-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick …” — a simple walking stick — not the fancy manufactured poles we can buy in a sport goods store but just a wooden stick. It’s a humble thing. It’s a beautiful symbol for the commission we all have to bring the
- [July 7, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Rose Garden: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/07/02/july-7-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-rose-garden-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps you remember the classic country crossover song that begins: “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.” Imagine God the Father speaking these lines to Ezekiel, Paul and Jesus in our three Scriptures today. Ezekiel, in our Hebrew Scripture, is being sent to prophesy to the Israelites who are “hard of
- [June 2, Body and Blood of Christ, Memorials: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/05/27/june-2-body-and-blood-of-christ-memorials-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps you have had a chance to see a number of memorials, such as Holocaust memorials, Gettysburg, the 9/11 memorial or Pearl Harbor. Memorials use powerful symbols and narratives and even physical space to create a “you were there” experience. I remember the Pearl Harbor memorial. It ends with taking a viewing group in silence
- [June 30, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Women’s Bodies: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/06/24/june-30-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-womens-bodies-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday’s Gospel highlights a neglected topic when it is read from the experience and perspective of women. The Gospel is an account of a miracle within a miracle. In the middle of going to the aid of a dying young woman of 12, daughter of a synagogue official, Jesus heals another woman who had
- [June 23, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Seeing deeply: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/06/17/june-23-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-post-june-17-seeing-deeply-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In our Epistle today from Corinthians, we hear: “…from now on we regard no one according to the flesh … whoever is in Christ is a new creation…” Recently I read David Brooks’ book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. At one point, Brooks talks about
- [June 16, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kingdom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/06/11/june-16-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-kingdom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Many young people, as young as seventh and eighth grade, have feelings of hopelessness. Hey, so do I! Today we have Jesus explaining his idea of the kingdom, using the example of a mustard seed, “the smallest of all the seeds on the earth,” which grows large enough to shade the birds. Some commentators have
- [June 9, 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Family: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/06/03/june-9-10th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Who doesn’t know the song “We are Family”? That song has brought unity and joy into many human experiences, including during the 9/11 memorial concert. But in fact, families are complicated. In today’s Gospel, Jesus “came home with his disciples.” “Home” was Capernaum in Galilee, his preaching base. So many people immediately gathered to see
- [May 26, Trinity Sunday, Multi dimensional Love: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/05/20/may-26-trinity-sunday-multi-dimensional-love-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Richard Rohr reminds us that the Cappadocian Fathers (Greg of Nyssa, Basil of Caesarea, Greg Nazianzen and others) said: “Don’t start with the One and try to make it into Three but start with the Three and see that this is the deepest nature of the One.” But unfortunately, multiple early Church councils instead gave
- [Pentecost, May 19, The Spirit: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/05/13/pentecost-may-19-the-spirit-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I hope I get to be at the Vigil (Saturday) Mass on Pentecost. There are different readings for the Vigil of Pentecost than for the Sunday Masses, and they are wonderful indeed! I especially love the one from Ezekiel — the dead bones Scripture (Ezk 37:1-14). In it, the prophet Ezekiel, in a vision, sees
- [Ascension of the Lord, May 12, Forty: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/05/06/ascension-of-the-lord-may-12-forty-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Biblical writers had different conventions for writing than we do. For example, the chronological order in which things happened was not as important sometimes as the meaning
- [6th Sunday of Easter, May 5, Friends: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/04/29/6th-sunday-of-easter-may-5-friends-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Near the beginning of David Brooks’ book How to Know a Person, he confesses that he used to be a “sizer upper.” When meeting someone, he was, consciously or unconsciously, fitting them into descriptive categories, which prevented him from really encountering the person. We all do that, of course, and so did the people of
- [4th Sunday of Easter, April 21, Blessing: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/04/15/4th-sunday-of-easter-april-21-blessing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn 10:16). This Sunday is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday,” a time when we reflect on the call of our ordained leaders to be shepherds.
- [5th Sunday of Easter, April 28, Mutuality: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/04/22/5th-sunday-of-easter-april-28-mutuality-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Guinness World Record for the oldest known grapevine that still bears fruit is in Maribor, a town in Slovenia. It is more than 400 years old, and the bottles of wine made from its grapes are not sold but presented to VIPs by the government of Slovenia every year. Jesus uses the image of
- [3rd Sunday of Easter, April 14, Multi-faceted: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/04/08/3rd-sunday-of-easter-april-14-multi-faceted-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear one of the appearance stories from Luke’s Gospel. It starts when two disciples arrive where the apostles and other followers of Jesus are gathered. On hearing that the Lord has appeared to Peter, not to be outdone, the two disciples recount how Jesus has just appeared to them too, while they walked
- [2nd Sunday of Easter, April 7, Stream: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/04/01/2nd-sunday-of-easter-april-7-stream-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Witnesses — we meet them again this week. In Mark’s Gospel, the mourning companions of Jesus would not believe Mary Magdalene “when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her” (Mk 16:10). Today’s Gospel is the well-known episode where the apostle Thomas, unwilling to believe the witness of the others that
- [March 31, Easter Sunday: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/03/25/march-31-easter-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It’s pretty normal for any believer to have a crisis of faith, or maybe several, over a lifetime. One of mine happened when I was 22, taking a New Testament Scripture class. That’s when I heard that we really have almost no actual words of Jesus. What we have instead are remembrances, words of others,
- [Palm Sunday, March 24, Were you there? A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/03/18/palm-sunday-march-24-were-you-there-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each Holy Week, we hear two accounts of the Passion of the Lord. On Good Friday, we hear the Passion account from the Gospel of John. On Palm Sunday, we hear the Passion account from the year’s lectionary cycle, this year the Gospel of Mark. We all know the spiritual “Were You There (When They
- [March 17, 5th Sunday of Lent, Sacrifice: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/03/11/march-17-5th-sunday-of-lent-sacrifice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose I came to this hour.” Recently I heard a science guru remark that humans are the only species that will die for a cause. This quote from our Cycle B Gospel (John 12:20-33) shows
- [March 10, 4th Sunday of Lent, Darkness and Light: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/03/08/march-10-4th-sunday-of-lent-darkness-and-light-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In our Cycle B, today’s Gospel is John 3:14-21. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. … the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light … for everyone who does wicked things hates the light … but whoever lives the truth comes to the light… .”
- [March 3, 3rd Sunday of Lent, Coveting: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/02/26/march-3-3rd-sunday-of-lent-coveting-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Because there are special ceremonies for those preparing for Easter sacraments on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, the readings from Lectionary Cycle A may be used instead of the readings from this liturgical year, Cycle B. This reflection flows from the Hebrew Scripture reading of Cycle B. It is the account of
- [February 4, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Healing: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/29/february-4-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-healing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Things do not begin well in our first reading today. We hear about Job, a broken man. He has been assigned “months of misery” and “troubled nights,” and he laments that he “shall not see happiness again.” But Job is wrong, our responsorial psalm proclaims: Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted (Ps 147:3). And
- [February 25, 2nd Sunday of Lent, Sacrifice: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/02/17/february-25-2nd-sunday-of-lent-sacrifice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A priest friend told me that one day a woman asked to see him because, she said, she had lost her faith. It happened, she explained, when she read Dan Brown’s book The Davinci Code, so now she knew that the Church was evil. “Where did you get the book?” the priest asked. “In the
- [February 18, First Sunday of Lent, Buffed Up: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/02/12/february-18-first-sunday-of-lent-buffed-up-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Wizard of Oz, and the classic movie loved throughout the world, is called “The American Fairy Tale.” It’s a quest story. The quest is completed after Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion defeat evil (the witch of the West) and are rewarded by the Wizard of an ideal city, Oz. Before
- [February 11, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Outside the Box: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/02/05/february-11-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-outside-the-box-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.” This line from our Hebrew Scripture today describes how people with a skin disease had to live in Jesus’ time. Jesus heals a leper in today’s Gospel, and sends him to a priest for the required ritual cleansing. As I write this, a storm of
- [January 14, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Attention: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/08/january-14-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-attention-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This week and next, we have two Gospel accounts about the same event: the calling by Jesus of his first disciples. This Sunday we hear John’s account, and next Sunday Mark’s description. Today’s account begins when John the Baptist says to a couple of his disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God,” as he sees Jesus
- [January 28, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Holy Calls: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/22/january-28-4th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-holy-calls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Is the Bible biased? Today’s Epistle (1 Cor 7:32-35) shows us the bias of Paul the apostle. Clearly he thought that “adherence to the Lord without distraction,” being “holy in both body and spirit” and understanding how to “please the Lord” are all easier for an unmarried person than for a married one. I wonder
- [January 21, 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kairos Time: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/15/january-21-3rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-kairos-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We 21st century people are focused on chronological time. We have atomic clocks, AI-assisted instruments that can make nanosecond interventions, calendars on our cell phones. But sometimes we also think about time in a different way, as when we think about an era, a season, a lifetime or something that happened to us when “time
- [January 7, Epiphany, Newness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/01/january-7-epiphany-newness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our January 7th Gospel is the story of the three “Magi” or three “kings” from Matthew’s infancy narrative. The infancy narratives in Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels are teaching stories that introduce themes of the Gospel that follows. Matthew is writing for Jewish converts to Christianity. He uses his Magi story to connect his hearers with
- [December 31, The Feast of the Holy Family: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/26/december-31-the-feast-of-the-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We are in “Year B,” the reading cycle for the liturgical year that we began in Advent. Presiders can choose to read “Year A” readings, because the Year B readings really are not about family life. The first and second readings (Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Heb 11:8, 11-12,17-19) are about the people born from Abram (Abraham),
- [January 7: Epiphany](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/07/january-7-epiphany/): Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-6; Mt 2:1-6 On this feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of God is revealed to us in the life of a child “Jesus of Nazareth.” The prophet Isaiah tells us: “Arise and shine, for your light is coming…” We are inhabited by light. Let us shine in the same way Jesus
- [Christmas](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/25/christmas/): The twelve readings from the Hebrew Testament, the New Testament and Gospels for the various Masses for Christmas offer a rich and impressive collection of Scriptures for meditating on God’s incarnated desire for our redemption and salvation in Jesus. The Gospels for the Vigil, Midnight and Dawn all speak to the birth of Jesus, either
- [Christmas Midnight Mass: God’s grace has been revealed](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/24/christmas-midnight-mass-gods-grace-has-been-revealed/): The second reading for Christmas Midnight Mass starts with the phrase “God’s grace has been revealed…” Today we reflect, not only on the historical birth of Jesus of Nazareth, but also on the smaller moments of grace revealed in our lives and in our world. We reflect on the moments of our lives when we
- [Christmas Cards](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/08/christmas-cards/): The song "White Christmas" contains the line, “… with every Christmas card I write.” In the 1950’s, beginning in November, my mother would load our dining room table with cards, envelopes, stamps, and her address book. She would spend long hours at the table, smiling with satisfaction as she placed a check mark after the
- [January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2024/01/01/january-1-solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god/): In the second reading of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, we find the phrase: “The proof that you are children of God is the fact that God has sent forth into our hearts the spirit of the child who calls out ‘abba!’” (Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation (p.
- [December 31: Feast of the Holy Family](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/31/december-31-feast-of-the-holy-family/): Gen. 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Col 3:12-17; Lk 2:22-40 Abraham, Sarah, Mary, Joseph and Jesus of Nazareth are icons for each of us today as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. They are our examples of how to live our faith and how to be more human. We are one family as humanity, together with
- [Fourth Sunday of Advent: How Can This Come About](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/24/fourth-sunday-of-advent-how-can-this-come-about/): From the Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we read what Mary said to the angel: “How can this come about, since I am a virgin?” How many times do we ask similar questions? How can this come about since I am old? How can this come about since I am too young? How
- [Third Sunday of Advent](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/17/third-sunday-of-advent/): Is 61:1-2, 10-11; 1Thess 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 16-24 Today is the third Sunday of Advent, or “Gaudete” Sunday, which means “rejoice” or “be joyful,” as the second reading of this day reminds us. Therefore, may our life reflect joy and may we be able to spread it to others from our Christian faith. The first
- [Second Sunday of Advent](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/10/second-sunday-of-advent/): Is 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8 “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak to the heart…” This is how today’s first reading begins. In this time of Advent “comfort,” “speak to the heart” becomes an invitation and a mission for every Christian in a world where many lives are fragmented and wounded.
- [First Sunday of Advent: “Come Down!”](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/03/first-sunday-of-advent-come-down/): From the first reading of the First Sunday of Advent we read: “That you would tear the heavens open and come down. At your Presence the mountains would melt.” We pray for God to come down to end our warring, to feed our hungry, to bring security to everyone’s home and homeland, and to bring
- [December 24, 4th Sunday of Advent, Mary: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/18/december-24-4th-sunday-of-advent-mary-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We get cheated out of the last week of Advent this year! It begins with Saturday vigil Masses on Dec. 23 and ends after the last Sunday daytime Mass. Pity poor parish staffs as they scramble to prepare in just a few hours for the Christmas vigil Masses! We also get cheated of much focus
- [December 17, Third Sunday of Advent, Discerning: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/11/december-17-third-sunday-of-advent-discerning-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Like in last Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist is the focus of our Gospel today. When the priests, Levites and Pharisees asked the Baptist who he really was, he quotes Isaiah the prophet: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.” We might ask, why
- [December 10, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Prepare: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/12/04/december-10-2nd-sunday-of-advent-prepare-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “The beginning of the Gospel,” are the first words of our Gospel this Sunday. But we won’t hear anything about the birth of Jesus, or about the conception of the child announced by an angel. Why? Because we have just started cycle B, the Gospel of Mark cycle of Gospel readings. Mark’s is the first
- [December 3, 1st Sunday of Advent, Hope: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/11/27/december-3-1st-sunday-of-advent-hope-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Do you sometimes feel that God has left the scene? That God is missing in action? This is what the Hebrews are feeling and lamenting in this Sunday’s Hebrew Scripture reading. They had returned to the Jerusalem area from forced exile around the year 538 BCE. What they found, after 50 or so years of
- [November 19, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Risk: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/11/13/november-19-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-risk-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The other day I was listening to a rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond. One of the TV kids asked her TV Daddy: “If we are all going to heaven when we die, why do we have to spend time here on earth?” This weekend we have another parable about time, our lifetime on earth until
- [November 26, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Our Home: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/11/20/november-26-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe-our-home-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “…Grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service, and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.” [Opening prayer] When Pope Pius XI established this feast day in 1925, World War I had ended and the League of Nations was established. But left standing were many geopolitical stresses that eventually led
- [November 12, 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Time: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/11/06/november-12-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There are only a few Sundays left before the new liturgical year, and so we hear readings about time from Matthew’s Gospel. It was end time his community was interested in, when the Kingdom would arrive and the Lord would return in glory. Within that picture they were interested in judgment — the eternal destiny
- [November 5, 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Leading: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/10/30/november-5-31st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-leading-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday’s readings hit home. Surveys consistently report that we U.S. people distrust institutions. We distrust all branches of government including the Supreme Court, churches, and also our Church. We are scandalized, outraged or at least disappointed in them all. Jesus also was distressed by the religious leaders of his day. It was a persistent
- [October 29, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Imitation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/10/23/october-29-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-imitation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): St. Paul makes a startling statement in this Sunday’s second reading. St. Paul says to his converts: “You know what sort of people we were among you … and you became imitators of us ... so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia… .” Wow. I don’t think I could advise
- [October 22, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Giving to Caesar: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/10/16/october-22-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-giving-to-caesar-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In Jesus’ times, there were groups who wanted to overthrow the Roman occupiers of Palestine, other groups who resisted paying their taxes as a protest, and still others who used “Caesar” to accomplish their own ends — like getting rid of Jesus. Jesus himself seemed always to stay “apolitical.” He healed a centurion’s servant and
- [October 15, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Invited: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/10/08/october-15-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-invited-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Why would people not show up to a free banquet? Especially a wedding banquet? The Gospel parable raises this question. Well, of course, don’t we all refuse to “show up” when we get those little spiritual promptings? We put off responding to needs we know about in many small ways — like putting off making
- [October 8, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Vineyards: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/10/02/october-8-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-vineyards-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The collective, a vineyard, is the focus of this week’s readings. In Hebrew Scripture, the chosen people are often pictured as a vineyard, such as in Psalm 80, and in three prophets, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Isaiah (today’s reading). No wonder Jesus also uses that image in today’s Gospel. Both Jesus and Isaiah are cautioning their
- [October 1, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Giving All: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/09/27/october-1-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-giving-all-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A book club I belong to recently discussed the novel “Klara and the Sun.” Klara is an “artificial friend,” and the novel asks the question: what makes a human a human? Although Klara cannot “feel” like humans, or do some other human kinds of things, in the novel it is she, of all the characters
- [September 4, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Duped: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/08/29/september-4-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-duped-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped, says Jeremiah, in our first reading this Sunday. Jeremiah had resisted God’s call as a prophet, saying he was too young. When he eventually did surrender himself to God, instead of being held in honor as a prophet, he was treated with hostility by
- [September 17, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Forgiving: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/09/11/september-17-24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-forgiving-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the mega California Catholic parish where I was the leader, I asked the staff to observe a code of conduct. One item in it said that any staff person in conflict with another had 48 hours to resolve it — because reconciliation is not an option! But reconciliation is really tough. I think we
- [September 24, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Filled: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/09/18/september-24-25th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-filled-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I still remember my outraged seventh grade self. We went to Mass as a family, and I had matured enough to really absorb the Gospel for this Sunday. It’s the one about the workers who all get paid the same, no matter how long they worked — all day long, or only a few hours.
- [September 10, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Omissions: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/09/02/september-10-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-omissions-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I get to help immigrants learn English, and for them it’s like learning two languages, basic English, and then idiomatic English. According to Wikipedia, in English there are 25,000 idiomatic expressions of different kinds! Several I was thinking about as I read today’s Gospel: “Don’t rock the boat,” “See no Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak
- [August 20, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, One World: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/08/14/august-20-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-one-world-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A Canaanite woman is the main character in today’s Gospel from Matthew; Mark also has the story, but calls her a Phoenician. The Canaanites were historical enemies of the Hebrews, people who worshiped a popular false god named Baal. So this woman faced a hostile audience when she begs the Jewish rabbi, Jesus, to heal
- [August 27, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Power: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/08/21/august-27-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-power-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Hebrew Scripture reading today (Is 22:19-23) is about the Lord’s demotion of Shebna, “master of the palace,” and the ceremonial elevation of His chosen new official, Eliakim. Our Gospel is Jesus’ choice of Peter to lead “my church.” Note that in both readings, the authority given to Eliakim and to Peter is coming from
- [August 13, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Storms: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/08/07/august-13-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-storms-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Humanity has just come through a huge storm called COVID. Many nations are still struggling to overcome the disruptions to their economies that resulted from the long shutdowns. In our Gospel today, the apostles are caught in a squall on the “sea” of Galilee. When Jesus appears, walking on the water, Peter tries to do
- [August 6, Feast of the Transfiguration, Our Destiny: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/07/31/august-6-feast-of-the-transfiguration-post-july-31-our-destiny-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We need today’s feast. It gives us hope in what seems a very troubled world of multiple armed conflicts and a planet in trouble. The disciples and early Christians also lived in a troubled world. Perhaps that’s why the account of the transfiguration, our Gospel today, was so important to them that it was included
- [July 30, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Wisdom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/07/24/july-30-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-wisdom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A story is told about the late Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw. When he first met the priests of his new diocese, he came out to speak with them dressed like a waiter, aproned, and with a beverage towel over his arm. Bishop Ken was imitating Jesus who, in John’s Gospel at the Last Supper
- [July 23, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Where are you? A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/07/17/july-23-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-where-are-you-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Where are you? This is the question most often asked on cell phones, now that we hardly use landlines anymore! Today we hear three more parables from Jesus about the kingdom. Jesus talked so much about the Kingdom partly because he wanted us to understand clearly where we really are! We are in a landscape
- [July 16, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Thy Kingdom Come: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/07/10/july-16-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-thy-kingdom-come-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel, Jesus interprets for his puzzled disciples the parable he told them about seeds falling on different kinds of ground. The seed that falls on rocky ground, Jesus says, is like people who have no roots and so give up when difficulty comes along. The seed fallen among thorns represents people who don’t
- [July 9, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, The Yoke: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/07/03/july-9-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-yoke-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Gospel today is the same Gospel for the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 15). “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart: for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” These words might bring protest from us! Any of us
- [July 2, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hospitality: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/06/26/july-2-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-hospitality-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our first reading from 2Kings tells a story about “a woman of influence.” She persuades her husband to prepare a permanent place in their house where the prophet Elisa could stay during his preaching journeys. Jesus in our Gospel alludes to this story and asks his disciples and us to imitate this example of hospitality.
- [June 25, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Countercultural: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/06/19/june-25-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-countercultural-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps, like me, you remember these lines from the old Robert Frost poem: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood … and I — I took the one less traveled by… .” Part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be “countercultural.” We must not look at our world through rose-colored glasses. We
- [June 18, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Graciousness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/06/12/june-18-11th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-graciousness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): What is God like? Today’s Scriptures fill in that picture for us. In our Hebrew Scripture, we have the image of a God who bears up his holy nation on eagle’s wings, making this people “a special possession,” dear to God. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Christ acts when we are helpless, proving his
- [June 11, The Body and Blood of Christ, Eucharist: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/06/05/june-11-the-body-and-blood-of-christ-eucharist-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A year from now, about 70,000 U.S. Catholics will gather in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. The last one was 83 years ago; this one is July 17-21, 2024. Around the country, many dioceses are having their own local Eucharistic Congresses this summer. Why is all this happening? Consider a song we often
- [June 4, Most Holy Trinity, No Condemnation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/05/30/june-4-most-holy-trinity-no-condemnation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes I see a bumper sticker, or a little sign discreetly tucked away in a restaurant, with just “3-16.” It refers to John 3:16, the most loved and most motivating passage in Christian Scripture, which we hear in our Gospel on Trinity Sunday. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
- [May 21, Ascension of the Lord, Faith & Doubt: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/05/15/may-21-ascension-of-the-lord-faith-doubt-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “The eleven disciples went to Galilee … When they saw him, they worshipped, but they doubted.” The Gospel begins with these words (Matt 28:16-17). How can the disciples still be doubting, even as Jesus gives them their great commission, to “make disciples of all nations”? Well, for Matthew — and even more in Mark’s Gospel
- [May 28, Pentecost Sunday, Birthday of the Church: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/05/22/may-28-pentecost-sunday-birthday-of-the-church-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Happy Birthday, Church! Today we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit which birthed a church. We can catch the spirit of this solemn feast day from the opening prayer of Mass: … sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation … and with the grace that was at work when the Gospel was
- [May 14, 6th Sun of Easter, Intimacy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/05/08/may-14-6th-sun-of-easter-intimacy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): As we approach Pentecost, we listen this Sunday to a tender Jesus saying farewell to his disciples (John 14: 18-21). We’ll hear many words about the love bonds between the Lord and us, the intimacy of the God-and-us union. An advocate will be sent to be with us, to be “with you” and “in you.”
- [May 7, 5th Sunday of Easter, Living Words: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/05/01/may-7-5th-sunday-of-easter-living-words-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I enjoy doing literacy work with people whose first language is not English. A challenge of learning English is that many of our words have multiple meanings, and many words and phrases are not meant to be understood literally. English speaks in metaphors, figures of speech, proverbs, hyperbole, idioms. Liturgical and biblical language is much
- [April 30, 4th Sunday of Easter, Green Pastures: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/04/24/april-30-4th-sunday-of-easter-green-pastures-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Notice three intertwined images in Sunday’s Gospel about the Good Shepherd. There is the image of the sheep, who have such an intimate relationship with the shepherd that they can pick out his voice from among others and follow only him to safe pasture. There is the image of the shepherd, who contrasts himself to
- [April 23, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Glory: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/04/17/april-23-3rd-sunday-of-easter-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): And he said to them … was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? The disciples who met Jesus on the road and heard this question did not expect the Messiah to die. Indeed, why Jesus had to die is a question that has puzzled people throughout
- [April 16, Divine Mercy Sunday, Wounds: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/04/10/april-16-divine-mercy-sunday-wounds-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Why does the risen Christ, who appears to Thomas in Sunday’s Gospel, appear with His wounds instead of appearing in dazzling robes like the Transfigured Jesus? Jesus of Nazareth as fully human would have been wounded, just like we are, just from living a human life. I expect he spoke from experience when he advised
- [April 2, Palm/Passion Sunday, Indominable: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/03/27/april-2-palm-passion-sunday-indominable-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s Paschal Mystery. This “purpose statement” for Holy Week is from the opening prayer of today’s Mass. The “paschal mystery” we celebrate is the suffering, the death and the resurrection of Jesus, but it may seem that the
- [April 9, Easter, No body: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/04/03/april-9-easter-no-body-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): No one saw the resurrection. What Mary of Magdala and Peter and John saw in our Gospel today was an empty tomb. We so want more proof than an empty tomb. In our humanness, we want to cling to the historical body of Jesus instead of embracing the risen body of Christ. The women and
- [March 26, 5th Sunday of Lent, Rising: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/03/20/march-26-5th-sunday-of-lent-rising-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today our Hebrew Scripture is the end of the famous passage from Ezekiel 37, where dry bones come together. It is paired with John’s Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus. Ezekiel, however, was not prophesying about the resurrection of dead people. His image of newly inspirited “dry bones” was how he referred to the
- [March 19, 4th Sunday of Lent, Blindness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/03/13/march-19-4th-sunday-of-lent-blindness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday’s Gospel is about the healing of a blind beggar. The story has its humorous moments in some of the cheeky comments made by the beggar. The educated, elite and powerful Pharisees interrogate him to find out who dared heal him on a Sabbath, a sinful violation of the prohibition against work. They ask
- [March 12, 3rd Sunday of Lent, Living Water: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/03/06/march-12-3rd-sunday-of-lent-living-water-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This liturgical year, which began with Advent, is “Cycle A,” in which Matthew’s Gospel is often the Gospel reading. But on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, we hear three passages from the Gospel of John. Our Church places such importance on these three passages that they also may be used as the
- [March 5, 2nd Sunday of Lent, The Lord: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/02/27/march-5-2nd-sunday-of-lent-the-lord-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Consider these examples: You start learning a language; you can say “that is delicious,” but with your limited vocabulary, you can’t say more about a wonderful meal. Or you have a life-changing experience, but it isn’t until you hear a song that you hear words that express what you felt then. Or someone tells you
- [February 26, 1st Sunday of Lent, Temptation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/02/20/february-26-1st-sunday-of-lent-temptation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Many peoples have “origin stories.” Origin stories are told because, it seems, centuries ago humans asked questions we still ask. How did the world begin? How did we humans begin? Who controls what happens in the world? Are those “controllers” friendly or hostile? Why do bad things happen to us? Today our first reading is
- [February 19, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, The Whole Banana: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/02/13/february-19-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-the-whole-banana-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today is the fourth and final Sunday Gospel from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ description of what makes a good person, with its many teachings and examples about the moral life. In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus’ emphasis on going beyond the good behavior that is ordinarily expected by law or custom. Now
- [February 12, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Going farther: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/02/06/february-12-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-going-farther-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel is the third of four continuous readings from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Chapter 5). Jesus is summarizing for his listeners the moral life, describing for them what a good person looks like. Many early Christians in Matthew’s community were Jewish converts, so Matthew includes elements that were familiar and reassuring to them:
- [February 5 — 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Salt & Light: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/01/30/february-5-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-salt-light-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Last Sunday was the first of four Sunday Gospel readings from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Chapter 5), and we heard the beginning words: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and … He began to teach them.” Moses had climbed a mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God, and Matthew
- [January 29 — Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Best Self?: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/01/23/january-29-fourth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-best-self-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): For a number of years, people and advertisements and self-help literature have talked about “being your best self” or the “best version of yourself” or other similar expressions. It is aspirational language, and there is something attractive about it. But it also is ambivalent terminology, for what really is a “best self?” Is a best
- [January 22 — Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, The Road: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/01/16/january-22-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-the-road-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Gospel today is full of movement. Upon hearing that the Baptist has been arrested, Jesus goes into action. He leaves his hometown, begins to preach, and calls disciples to follow him around all of Galilee. Pope Francis comments that in contrast to the Baptist, Jesus chooses to be an itinerant prophet. He is always
- [January 15 — Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, New Year: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/01/09/january-15-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-new-year-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Notice two things about this Sunday’s readings. First, we are in “Ordinary Time I,” the seven counted weeks of the Church year between Christmas and Lent. Ordinary Time II is after Pentecost. Second, even though this is “Year A” when we read most often from Matthew’s Gospel, today we hear a passage from John. It
- [January 8 — The Epiphany of the Lord, Good vs. Evil: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2023/01/02/january-8-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-good-vs-evil-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our January 8 Gospel is the story of the three “magi” or three “kings.” This story is from Matthew’s infancy narrative. Infancy narratives are the teaching stories that the evangelists Matthew and Luke used to begin their Gospels and introduce main themes. A major theme in Matthew’s Gospel is the conflict between good and evil.
- [January 1 — Solemnity of Mary, God bearer: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/12/26/january-1-solemnity-of-mary-god-bearer-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the lectionary, the Church’s schedule of readings, the Gospel for the Christmas Mass at Dawn and the one for today are the same — the shepherds arriving at the manger. But today, one extra verse is added — Luke 2:21. It tells about Jesus receiving his name — Jesus, or Joshua, which means “savior”
- [December 25, Christmas: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/12/19/december-25-christmas-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once not long before Christmas, a group of young kids from a housing project across the street from the church where I worked was visiting with me. I asked them what their Christmas was going to be like. Then I asked them a follow-up question: Why do we have Christmas? None of their families were
- [December 18, Challenge: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/12/12/december-18-challenge-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The approaching birth of a child is the theme of the Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent. But Matthew does not tell us about the pregnancy from Mary’s perspective; Luke’s Gospel does that, in the account of the angel who announces her coming pregnancy. Matthew tells the approaching birth story from Joseph’s perspective. God
- [December 11: Rejoice, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/12/05/december-11-rejoice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today in the Gospel, the imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “are you ‘the one...or should we look for another?’” There is a bit of a puzzle here: Jesus and John are relatives whose mothers were cousins, and the story goes that Mary visited Elizabeth, John’s mother, when both were pregnant.
- [December 4, Peace: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/11/28/december-4-peace-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Charles, a man I am blessed to do literacy work with, came to the U.S. from Rwanda three years ago because it was not safe in his country. A Tutsi, he was asked to spy on the Hutus. He refused, and so feared he would be killed. Rwanda is still recovering from the genocide of
- [November 27, Advent Anticipation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/11/21/november-27-advent-anticipation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Young children grow more and more excited as Christmas approaches. We who are older may be less easy to excite, maybe even a bit resentful about all the hype and extra obligations the season brings. That’s unfortunate, because having dreams, hoping for something good to happen, keeps us humans loving life. Our Hebrew Scripture reading
- [November 20, Becoming: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/11/14/november-20-becoming-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There is a clue for us in the last word of the official title of this Sunday’s feast day: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Perhaps in the past few months you have marveled as I have at the amazing pictures of our universe taken by the new Webb Space
- [November 13, End Times: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/11/07/november-13-end-times-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The God we meet in Hebrew Scripture is always opposed to evil. Evil does not have a future. It is like dry stubble that will catch fire as it draws near to the sun of God’s goodness. Good people, who endure suffering as they confront evil in themselves and in their times, will be made
- [November 6, Dedication: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/31/november-6-dedication-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I was on staff at a parish in Denver, I knew a woman named Margaret who had seven children. Her husband died, and she married another, but after a few years, he got cancer and also died. Then after that, two college-aged children were killed in separate car accidents. Two years later, a grandchild
- [October 2, Dedication: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/03/october-2-dedication-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” Jesus uses an example in our Gospel today of hard-working servants. Jesus affirms their master for not rewarding them because, after all, hard work is just their duty as servants. We might
- [October 9, Glory: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/07/october-9-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “One of them … returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” This person, of course, is the 10th of the lepers Jesus healed. We also hear this Gospel about the cleansing of the lepers on the Votive Mass for our U.S. Thanksgiving Day. Glory
- [October 30, Zaccheaus: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/24/october-30-zaccheaus-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday’s Gospel is Luke’s charming story of Zaccheaus, the short tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus coming down the road. Children love this story, as do catechists! At the end of his account, Luke gives us the lesson: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
- [October 23, Humility: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/17/october-23-post-oct-17-humility-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Through volunteering, I have met homeless people, at shelters or as patients at the county hospital. It surprised me how they almost never made excuses for themselves. They admitted freely to addictions, to lives marked by irresponsibility and even crime — that is, they were admitted sinners. At the same time, they often asked for
- [October 16, Pray Always: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/10/10/october-16-pray-always-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have two paired Scriptures. The Hebrew Scripture describes Moses with hands outstretched in prayer as his forces engage an enemy. When his arms get tired and he lowers them, the Hebrews begin losing the battle. So his assistants prop them up. The Gospel presents us with a
- [September 25, Equity: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/09/19/september-25-equity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Hebrew Scripture reading this Sunday is part of the prophet Amos’ diatribe against rich people, who feast while the poor starve. For our Gospel, we continue hearing from Luke’s chapter 16 where he also is talking about wealth. It is Jesus’ parable about the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus. Jesus, however, was
- [September 18, Mixed Bags: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/09/12/september-18-mixed-bags-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday we hear a troubling parable. A steward (like a property manager) is going to be fired for cheating his master. So he cuts deals with the master’s debtors and reduces their debts — and in return they help him out, maybe by giving him a cut from the money they save. The parable
- [September 11, Mercy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/09/05/september-11-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Blue Bloods, the CBS TV drama about a Catholic family of cops (and one prosecutor), has gotten renewed for a 13th season. Yeah! In many episodes, one or the other TV character is dealing with a bad-behaving person who has a good streak, and is cutting them a break or sometimes using their better nature
- [September 4, Planning: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/09/01/september-4-planning-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Maybe you’ve heard the admonition, “Don’t start what you can’t finish.” This wise saying helps make sense of our somewhat disjointed Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus is talking to his followers about discipleship. First he advises that being his follower means “hating” one’s family and even oneself. Of course Jesus does not mean that literally, but rather
- [August 28, Number One’s: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/08/22/august-28-number-ones-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “…People there were observing him carefully,” Luke tells us, when Jesus went to dine at the home of a leading Pharisee. But Jesus also was observing the people carefully! And what he observed is something we are very familiar with — high-status people and lesser-status folks. “All men are created equal” is a good theory,
- [August 21, Narrow Gate: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/08/15/august-21-narrow-gate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Great-grandparent Catholics can remember the days when Catholics thought maybe only they were saved, not “those Protestants.” At the time of Jesus, it seemed some of his Jewish people believed they also had an “in” on salvation, not “those Samaritans” or “those gentiles.” Today’s Scripture has someone asking Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people
- [August 14, Conflict: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/08/08/august-14-conflict-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Most people I know do not enjoy conflict and usually choose “peace at any price.” Today’s Scriptures are teaching that conflict is part of discipleship. Why? Because living by Jesus’ way, being “kingdom people,” inevitably conflicts with the ways of the world in which we find ourselves. In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks with his disciples
- [August 7, Things Unseen: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/08/01/august-7-things-unseen-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. This first line of Sunday’s second reading from Hebrews (11:1) is profound. It is counterintuitive — we operate ordinarily on proof, things we can see, figure out, measure. “Seeing is believing,” we say, like Thomas who wanted to see and
- [July 24, Unanswered Prayers: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/07/23/july-24-unanswered-prayers-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Gospel poses problems for preachers! It has two lessons about prayer. First, Jesus teaches his disciples the Our Father. It would be pretty safe to preach about that! Next he tells a parable about a person who arrives late, after all the town’s gates and doors are locked for the night. He needs food,
- [July 31, Treasures: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/07/29/july-31-treasures-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Do you think humans have advanced any morally since the time of Jesus? This weekend’s Scriptures make me wonder! They could be news stories from today’s world. Greed today, as in Jesus’ day, leads to embezzlement and Ponzi schemes, estrangements in families over inheritances, the inequity between the wealthy and the poor, graft and corruption
- [July 21, Welcoming: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/07/15/july-21-welcoming-a-sunday-scriptures-blog-2/): At one point in my life, I was in the Middle East with a study group, and we visited a Bedouin encampment in the sand desert. We got to see a hospitality tent — a very wide tent with its flaps pinned open, with cushions spread on rugs inside, waiting for visitors. Apparently it is
- [July 10, Political Love: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/07/04/july-10-political-love-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers), Pope Francis uses the parable of the good Samaritan, our Sunday’s Gospel, to unwrap his main teaching. The victim lying by the road is not just an individual in need of charity. It is humanity itself that lies there, broken and wounded — our culture, our world’s
- [July 3, Cities: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/06/27/july-3-cities-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 1630, John Winthrop urged his fellow Massachusetts Bay colonists to aspire to “be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us.” Later John Kennedy used Winthrop’s image to describe how he wanted his own administration to lead, and Ronald Reagan was also fond of it. In our Hebrew
- [June 26, Following Christ: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/06/20/june-26-following-christ-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I used to hike a lot, and it took me three tries to make it to the end of Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park. After exhausting switchbacks, the trail ended with portions of hand-over-hand chain stepping and then a narrow rock bridge, with 2,000-foot dropoffs on either side and nothing to hold on
- [June 19, We Are Family: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/06/13/june-19-we-are-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Recently someone told me about their family reunions. Because the grandparents were a farm couple with large numbers of siblings and children, the reunions are very large. So in addition to nametags, the different descendant branches of the family wear shirts of different colors! And there is some food provided, but each family also brought
- [June 12, Holy Trinity: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/06/06/june-12-holy-trinity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is Trinity Sunday. What does Trinity mean to you? The statement that God is love begins to be filled out as we see God’s works. God is a creating movement of love at each nanosecond of existence in the unfinished universe; God is a saving movement of love — a revealing, finding, leading-the-way, forgiving
- [June 5, Pentecost: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/05/30/june-5-pentecost-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When a baby is born, it must immediately transition from dependence on its mother for supplying oxygen to its cells and take its first breath. It is a powerful moment. Breath is a sign of life. In the creation account in Genesis (2:7), God blew the breath of life into nostrils, and the man formed
- [May 22, Finisher: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/05/17/may-22-finisher-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Finisher” is a term used in a variety of ways. It could be a relief pitcher in baseball, or the last person on the winning relay team. It could be tradespeople who put finishing touches on a new house, or the financial or corporate person who completes the last legal work that closes a complex
- [May 15, Glorified: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/05/09/may-15-glorified-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him (Jn 13:31). Jesus speaks these words right after Judas leaves to arrange his arrest. He is telling his disciples that his coming crucifixion and death is a beginning, not an end. Shakespeare’s line, “The evil that do lives after them; the good
- [May 8, Good Shepherd: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/05/02/may-8-good-shepherd-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is “Good Shepherd Sunday.” This Sunday’s Gospel is one of the shortest in our three-year cycle of readings. It describes the unity between Jesus, his Father, and his sheep. It gives us a feeling of security about our lives as we hear Jesus say, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they
- [May 29, Ascension: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/05/23/may-29-ascension-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Gladden us with holy joy, almighty God … for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope.” These words are from the opening prayer of the feast of the Ascension, celebrated this Sunday in most places in
- [May 1, The Lamb and the lambs: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/04/30/may-1-the-lamb-and-the-lambs-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): An animal is a central figure in readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Rev 5:11-14 and John 21:1-19). In Hebrew history, the lamb is the covenant animal; its blood smeared on their door posts saved Hebrew families from death in the Exodus story. In Jesus’ time and today, lambs are slaughtered for Passover, the
- [April 24, Divine Mercy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/04/18/april-24-divine-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 2000, Pope St. John Paul established the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. Every year we hear the same Gospel on this Sunday, the one in which the apostle Thomas encounters the Risen Christ. Thomas, who happened to be gone when Jesus appeared to the other apostles, has trouble believing them when
- [April 17, Easter: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/04/11/april-17-easter-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I wish everyone could hear the Gospel for the Wednesday after Easter (Lk 24: 13-35) preached on one of our Sundays after Easter. It is the Gospel about two disciples — we don’t know their names — who are walking toward a village called Emmaus. They are downcast because of what had happened to Jesus.
- [April 10, Palm Sunday: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/04/04/april-10-palm-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we begin Holy Week, a week when we hear the Passion Narrative twice. On Good Friday the Passion Narrative from John’s Gospel is always read, and on Palm Sunday we hear the Passion Narrative according to the liturgical year. This year it’s the Gospel of Luke (Year C). But the second reading on Palm
- [April 3, Forgiveness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/03/28/april-3-forgiveness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps some of you may hear the A cycle Gospel reading today, if you attend a Mass where there are catechumens. The rest of us will hear the C cycle Gospel about the woman arrested for adultery. The scribes and Pharisees and onlookers wanted to stone her to death in accord with Jewish law. When
- [March 27, Home: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/03/21/march-27-home-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this fourth Sunday of Lent, our Gospel is the story of the prodigal son. If you are like me, the story is so powerful that I miss how this Gospel starts. A mixed audience has gathered to hear Jesus speak — “tax collectors and sinners,” and “Pharisees and scribes.” The latter complain because Jesus
- [March 20, Good Fruit: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/03/14/march-20-good-fruit-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Sunday Gospel in our year C readings contains two examples of tragedy. In the first, some Galileans had been murdered by Pilate; in the second, 18 people were killed by a falling tower. These tragedies posed for Jesus’ listeners the question we all ask: Why must innocent people suffer? Jesus does not answer except
- [March 13, Glory: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/03/07/march-13-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In all three cycles of our liturgical year, the Gospel for the second Sunday of Lent is the Transfiguration. The first Sunday of Lent focused on our present journey to holiness which includes overcoming temptations and their resulting faults and sins. This second Sunday presents the final goal of life, our destiny. That goal is
- [March 6, Temptations: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/02/28/march-6-temptations-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We begin our six Sundays of Lent with Luke’s Gospel account of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Mark’s short Gospel, written around 70 C.E. (Christian Era), only says that Jesus was tempted. But about 15 years later, Luke and Matthew expanded Mark’s account by describing three different temptations of Jesus in their Gospels. By doing
- [February 27, Good Fruit: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/02/21/february-27-good-fruit-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Jesus grew up in Nazareth, in Galilee, the northern agricultural part of Israel. He lived in Joseph’s household, and Joseph was a carpenter. So today, as we finish Luke’s Chapter six, Luke gives us a parable that might have been told by a carpenter, and an agricultural analogy. They conclude the ethical teachings we heard
- [February 20, Ethics again: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/02/14/february-20-ethics-again-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we continue hearing from Luke’s Chapter 6. He is writing in about the year 80 C.E. for the new Christian communities scattered mostly around the Mediterranean. These communities were mixed — some members could draw from the ethical code of their Hebrew heritage, but most were from other religious traditions or from none at
- [February 13, Ethics: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/02/07/february-13-ethics-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In this Sunday’s Gospel, Luke pictures Jesus giving a significant sermon. It’s a sermon that summarizes things Jesus said during his preaching career about how his followers should behave, and we’ll hear another portion of it next Sunday. Over the years I’ve met a number of former Catholics who have left the Church because “they
- [February 6, Calls: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/31/february-6-calls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Last week, a Sister in the house I live in related a saying often attributed to St. Mother Teresa. It went something like this: “God never gives us more than we can carry. But I wish God didn’t trust me so much!” While Mother Teresa didn’t actually say this, it is nonetheless a sentiment we
- [Grief, Joy & Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/19/grief-joy-hope/): We had another funeral this morning. This was the seventh sister that passed away this year. Although I did not know Sr. Mary Anne Schiller personally, I always appreciate being able to attend a funeral with the Sisters. The first funeral I attended with the Sisters was a profound experience of Precious Blood Spirituality and
- [January 30, Prophetic Voices: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/24/january-30-prophetic-voices-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Prophets in Hebrew Scripture were like canaries in coal mines, alerting rulers, authorities or the Hebrew people when they were getting off track. Our first reading and our Gospel have Jeremiah and Jesus doing this. Jeremiah is trying to wake people up to the consequences of straying from their covenant with God and listening to
- [January 23, Body of Christ: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/17/january-23-body-of-christ-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, notice the second reading from 1 Corinthians 12. There Paul uses his signature metaphor: body of Christ. We Catholics are Eucharistic Christians, but unfortunately we often think only of the consecrated host as the body of Christ. In Paul’s day, the Eucharistic ritual was not fully developed. Instead
- [January 16, Wedding: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/10/january-16-wedding-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today our Gospel is the account of the wedding feast at Cana from John’s Gospel. John’s Gospel is the most “literary” of our four Gospels. The other three Gospels were in wide use at the end of the first century when “John” wrote a different kind of Gospel. He was more interested in the eternal
- [January 9, Baptism of the Lord: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/03/january-9-baptism-of-the-lord-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This Sunday is the first Sunday of “Ordinary Time,” the counted weeks of the liturgical year that are not part of the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas and Lent. Some “ordinary time” Sundays occur after Christmas — how many depends on whether Easter is early or late — and the rest are after Easter. The
- [January 2, Epiphany: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/12/27/january-2-epiphany-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Years ago just before Christmas, I took some mail to the post office in Scottsdale, Arizona. In those days Scottsdale was very upscale, and no African Americans lived there. In the long line was a mother and a young boy, perhaps 4 years old. In the line next to him was a tall, dignified Black
- [Promises, promises](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/12/25/promises-promises/): “I will never leave you!” “This is my last drink!” “If you come back, I promise never to hit you again!” “I will get you a doll for Christmas!” There are promises that we really want to believe. We become cynical eventually, though, after many disappointments. The Christmas Season is full of promises: “…you are
- [BLESS](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2022/01/01/bless/): Many times, we find ourselves thinking badly of people, judging, cursing, hating, and resenting. Our minds go down a negative path and we enact vengeance or rehearse the words to defeat our “enemy.” These thoughts continue until we horrify ourselves. We all have our favorite political target, our pet irritations, persistent resentments from childhood, or
- [December 26: Holy Family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/12/20/december-26-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Before there were any written Gospels or creeds, groups of believers had begun gathering to celebrate Eucharist together after Jesus’ resurrection. Praying and liturgy came first, and then written Scripture and belief statements. That’s why there is an ancient motto in our tradition: Lex orandi, Lex credendi, which roughly means: what is prayed is what
- [December 19: Service, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/12/13/december-19-service-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): No matter what liturgical year we are in, A, B, or this year’s cycle C, Mary always makes her appearance in the Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent. Cycle A’s Gospel has Matthew’s account of the Annunciation; Cycle B has Luke’s account of Joseph’s dilemma regarding Mary’s pregnancy; this Sunday we hear from Luke
- [December 12: Guadalupe, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/12/06/december-12-guadalupe-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This third Sunday of Advent occurs on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is the patroness of all the Americas, and the Gospel for her feast is the same as that for the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the U.S., whose feast day was last week. There is a link between this Guadalupe Lady
- [December 5: Joy, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/11/29/december-5-joy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes our Religion seems rather severe. And John the Baptist, the figure who appears today and next week in our Gospels, might seem severe too! But actually, even though the evangelist Luke says John is proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin — severe to our ears — Luke gives us a
- [November 28: Advent, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/11/22/november-28-advent-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): During the season of Advent, the Church prepares itself for the feast of the Nativity of Jesus, the “first coming,” but it also meditates on the final coming of Christ. “Advent,” the four Sundays before Christmas, was pretty well established by the late 6th century. But Advent was a penitential season when people fasted three
- [November 21: Christ the King, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/11/15/november-21-christ-the-king-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s feast day ends our liturgical year, and this year it opens the week of our U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Both feasts are the kind that pull us out of ourselves and our day-to-day concerns. In the opening prayer for this solemnity, we pray “that the whole creation … may render your majesty service and ceaselessly
- [November 14: End Times, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/11/08/november-14-end-times-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It’s that time of our liturgical year when we hear apocalyptic Scriptures. Today they are from the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of Mark. This highly imaginative and symbolic writing was meant to both warn and to reassure people who were facing death-dealing forces around them. So we are invited to do that, too.
- [November 7: The Widow, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/11/01/november-7-the-widow-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Church needs more widows like the ones in our Scriptures this Sunday! I had the experience of being in charge of three Catholic parishes, and let me tell you, finances are tough! People who drove me crazy included those well-intentioned volunteers who figured they did not need to give much to offertory because they
- [October 31: One God, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/10/25/october-31-one-god-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I lived in Israel for three months, I came to appreciate the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer. I lived in Bethany, up the hill from the Mount of Olives, and Bethany is a Palestinian village where there are many mosques that broadcast the chanted Arabic call to prayer five times daily. The first
- [October 24: Disciple, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/10/18/october-24-disciple-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): So why didn’t Bartimaeus go home? This blind beggar sitting by the Jericho road apparently was a common sight, because the crowd knew his name, this “son of Timaeus.” Bartimaeus was bold enough to ignore the bullying of the crowd that tried to silence him as Jesus is passed by. He had the courage to
- [October 17: Competition, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/10/11/october-17-competition-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sunday’s Gospel is so very human. Two apostles, James and John, are trying to get to the head of the pack and sit at the right and left side of Jesus in the kingdom of heaven. When the other disciples hear about this, they get mad! Why them and not me? Don’t humans in groups
- [October 10: Wealth, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/10/04/october-10-wealth-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once a wealthy man was regaling me with how many hours he spends opening the multitudes of appeals he gets in the mail — and the ways he decides among them. He gives several thousand dollars a week to various appeals. Then he added, with great seriousness, that a concern of his heart was whether
- [October 3: Union, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/09/27/october-3-union-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, ‘Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?’” They wanted to see if Jesus would support the permission for divorce that Deut 24:1-4 gave them, or would he find a way around it? Indeed, Jesus gave an unequivocal “no” to divorce, citing the older Scripture of Genesis
- [September 26: Soulful bodies, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/09/20/september-26-soulful-bodies-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Oh dear! The language at the end of our Gospel today is so shockingly severe that we might well cringe. It’s the passage where we are advised to cut off our hands or our feet, or pluck out our eye, if they cause us to sin. Notice that these admonitions follow another first admonition, also
- [September 19: Servant Leader, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/09/13/september-19-servant-leader-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice …. Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? We do not know for sure who James was, author of the letter we hear as
- [September 12: Follow me, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/09/06/september-12-follow-me-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In last week’s Gospel we met a Jesus who was very human. He healed people by touching them with his hands and by talking with them. Today in our Gospel we get the ultimate revelation of his humanity. Like all of us Jesus will die, and like some of us it will be a violent
- [September 5: Touch, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/08/30/september-5-touch-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Ugh! That might be our feeling on hearing in the Gospel how Jesus heals the deaf and dumb man by putting his fingers in the man’s ears and spitting and touching his tongue. This is Mark’s Gospel, the earliest Gospel, written just 30 or so years after Jesus’ death. So we get a little glimpse
- [August 29: The Heart, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/08/23/august-29-the-heart-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): What makes a person good? The legal system judges people good or evil by whether they keep laws. But it is easy to see the limits of that approach. A stingy person may well be keeping all financial laws. An honest person may never tell a lie but also never take a stand. External behavior
- [August 22: Choosing, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/08/16/august-22-choosing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes you hear this question: What is the hardest saying of Jesus? Is it the one about no divorce? Or about selling all you have and giving it to the poor? Or that we must die, like the grain of wheat, in order to live forever? Or that we must love our enemies and forgive
- [Doe and fawns](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/07/29/doe-and-fawns/): The other night, at the last light of dusk, the motion-sensor light on the garage came on, illuminating the backyard. Curious, I looked out to see what triggered it and saw a tawny doe with her twin fawns. The spots on the twins were just beginning to fade but were still distinct in the light.
- [August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/08/09/august-15-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Only rarely does this Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary fall on a Sunday during Ordinary Time, when the liturgical focus is on the teaching and ministry of Jesus. One of the churches I was in charge of had an impressive statue of Mary. It was suspended from the sanctuary ceiling and hung higher than
- [August 1: Bread, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/07/26/aug-1-bread-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): My Italian father insisted that there always be bread on the dinner table, no matter what the meal was! Bread is the “staff of life” in so many cultures. I’ve noticed that inflation in underdeveloped countries is often measured by a rise in the price of bread, and emergency food aid is often delivered as
- [August 8: Lament, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/08/02/august-8-lament-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In last week’s passage from Exodus, Moses is complaining to God. Even though God had provided the people with manna and quail, they were bitterly complaining about the food they were given. Moses said: “Why … [did] you burden me with all this people? Was it I who conceived all this people? ... I cannot
- [July 25: Loaves & fishes, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/07/19/july-25-loaves-fishes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our current lectionary cycle is B, in which Mark’s Gospel is frequently used as the Sunday Gospel. But Mark’s is a short Gospel. So for five weeks in year B, we switch to the Gospel of John and hear the “bread of life” passages from John, Chapter 6. Remember, John’s account of the last supper
- [July 18: Walls, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/07/12/july-18-walls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (the counted weeks of the liturgical year), the first Hebrew Scripture reading and the Gospel both speak about shepherds. So I expect we might hear homilies about this theme. But the second reading from Ephesians is especially significant for our Precious Blood family. This Epistle was written to
- [July 11: Walking Stick, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/07/05/july-11-walking-stick-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick. …” The simple walking stick — not the fancy, manufactured poles you can buy in a sporting goods store but a wooden stick — is a beautiful symbol for the commission we all have to bring the Good News to people. It
- [July 4: Our Country, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/06/28/july-4-our-country-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Remember that saying we learned as children? Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will ever hurt you. Probably you and I learned pretty early in life that this saying is not true! Rejection hurts. We all face rejection, often delivered with words. A special kind of rejection runs through all three of
- [June 27: Women’s bodies, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/06/21/june-27-womens-bodies-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When reading Scripture, we Catholics are taught first to look at the historical context of the passage, to understand the literary elements, the forms of writing, the purpose of the Evangelist or other writers, to consider the way this particular passage relates to other passages of Scripture, and so on. And then, using that learning,
- [June 20: New Creation, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/06/14/june-20-new-creation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Often a chance remark or a question gets me thinking and ends up jump-starting what I write. So I wonder, what inspired Paul as he wrote 2 Cor 5:14-17, today’s second reading? He is writing around the year 55, so just 20 years after Jesus’ death. I wonder if people were lamenting to Paul: “Some
- [June 13: Mustard seed, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/06/07/june-13-mustard-seed-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus is talking about the “kingdom of God,” a very different kingdom from kingdoms of worldly rulers. Jesus uses teaching images of seeds that sprout and grow of their own accord, and of the mustard seed, “the smallest of all the seeds on the earth,” which grows large enough to
- [June 6: Body and Blood of Christ, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/31/june-6-body-and-blood-of-christ-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Not too long ago I attended a wedding celebrated in the Hindu tradition. It was full of many symbolic actions. For example, the parents of the bride and groom were on the dais with the bride and groom throughout the ceremony, and the parents had certain parts in it — signifying not just the joining
- [Meal Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/26/meal-prayer/): Several times a day I check out the activity at the bird feeder to see which birds are showing up today. It is always a guessing game: Will it be the several cardinal pairs, the rufous-sided towhee, the various sparrows and finches, the mourning dove, the red-bellied woodpecker or all of the above? Whoever does
- [A Windy Day](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/19/a-windy-day/): Recently the readings after Easter included the one from the Gospel of John where Jesus tells Nicodemus that the “wind blows where it will,” cautioning him that he does not know where it comes from or where it goes. About that same time we were experiencing some blustery April winds, and I thought about how
- [May 30: Trinity Sunday, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/24/may-30-trinity-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Richard Rohr reminds us that the Cappadocian Fathers (Gregory of Nyssa, Basil of Caesarea and Gregory Nazianzen) said: “Don’t start with the One and try to make it into Three, but start with the Three and see that this is the deepest nature of the One.” When we speak of Trinity, then, we are speaking
- [May 23: Pentecost, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/17/may-23-pentecost-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I find a poignancy in these words of our opening prayer today: … with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers … ” The role of God as Spirit is to sustain the life that Jesus brought to the earth through
- [May 16: Ascension, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/10/may-16-ascension-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the United States, the Solemnity of Ascension is celebrated today. The opening prayer for Ascension puts into words the deepest meaning of this feast: … the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope. Jesus told his
- [May 9: Good Mothering, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/05/03/may-9-good-mothering-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It’s Mothers Day, and so how wonderfully coincidental that our Gospel from John is about love. John’s Gospel is a love Gospel. A couple weeks ago we had a quotable passage from John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not
- [May 2: The Vine and Branches, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/04/26/may-2-the-vine-and-branches-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, who is searching for Jesus’ body at the tomb (John 20:17), Jesus tells her, “don’t cling to me.” That is, she cannot find him anymore in his Jesus of Nazareth body. Instead she is directed to go to the gathered community where she will find him alive. In today’s
- [April 18: Risen Christ with Wounds, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/04/12/april-18-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our third Sunday of Easter has another Gospel account of a resurrection appearance; just like last week when Thomas touched the wounds on Jesus’ risen body, this account also features those wounds. The “eleven and their companions” at first believe they are seeing a ghost when Jesus appears suddenly in their midst. So Jesus says,
- [April 25: The Good Shepherd, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/04/19/april-25-the-good-shepherd-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There will be many, many people who won’t be receptive to our Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter precisely because of what Luke’s Jesus is talking about in it: bad shepherds. We all know people, some in our families, who have walked away because of what a priest, or priests, did. Most of the
- [Spring beauties](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/04/08/spring-beauties/): One of the Sisters I live with has taken to exclaiming each morning as she leaves the house: “Oh, the golden daffodils!” They are there every spring, but it seems this year they are getting more notice. Perhaps it is because of the long year of the pandemic where nothing seemed to be the “normal”
- [Palm Sunday, March 28: Were You There? A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/22/palm-sunday-march-28-were-you-there-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each Holy Week we hear two accounts of the Passion of the Lord. On Good Friday we hear the passion account from the Gospel of John. On Palm Sunday we hear the passion account from the year’s lectionary cycle, this year the Gospel of Mark. We all know the spiritual, “Were You There When They
- [April 11: Stream of Faith, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/04/05/april-11-stream-of-faith-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “… Kindle the faith of the people you have made your own … that all may grasp and rightly understand …” These words are from the opening prayer of Mass on this Sunday after Easter. The Gospel is the episode where the Apostle Thomas, unwilling to believe the other disciples telling him that Jesus was
- [Easter Sunday, April 4: Celebrate! A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/29/easter-sunday-april-4-celebrate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I love 1 Cor 5:6-8, one of the selections for the second reading of Easter day Mass. It is all about feasting. Yum! It is about yeast leavening dough — an image of how the kingdom grows, slowly, but inexorably, but also an image of how we gradually grow in holiness throughout our lives. Then
- [Tracks in the Snow](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/12/tracks-in-the-snow/): Much of the following blog was written shortly after the cold snap and significant snowfall we got in February. For some reason, it didn’t present a conclusion that felt quite right. Recently, during prayer, the tracks in the snow were illuminated for me. After the two snowfalls that carpeted the landscape in brilliant white, it
- [Lenten Glory](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/09/lenten-glory/): Several days of bright sunshine are the perfect invitation to get outdoors, even if the wind still carries the chill of late winter. I had accepted the invitation and was returning to the house after picking up some trash that littered the roadside. As I approached the front door my eye was caught by a
- [Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21: Glory, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/15/fifth-sunday-of-lent-march-21-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Glory” is a visible manifestation of God’s presence revealed to us. In today’s Gospel when Jesus prays, “Father, glorify your name,” a voice from heaven thunders: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The context is Jesus’ impending passion, and Jesus drives the lesson home by telling those who heard the voice that
- [Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14: Bumper Sticker Sunday, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/08/fourth-sunday-of-lent-march-14-bumper-sticker-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I still remember years ago seeing my first John 3:16 bumper sticker. Of course we cradle Catholics usually don’t know our Scriptures by heart, so after I had seen a couple more of these, I went to my Bible to see what this was about. Today in our Cycle B Gospel, we have those wondrous
- [Third Sunday of Lent, March 7: Clarity, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/03/01/third-sunday-of-lent-march-7-clarity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): These thoughts are based on Cycle B, our 2021 lectionary cycle. This Sunday’s Gospel is the account of how Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out the merchants selling things there. (Some Masses, where those preparing for Easter sacraments are present, may use the Cycle A Gospel.) I was thinking about cleansing and COVID. A year
- [Retreat, the Pandemic and Retirement](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/02/03/retreat-the-pandemic-and-retirement/): A year ago at this time, I was in the midst of a 30-day retreat at a retreat center in Colorado. The silence, the time for prayer, the opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of nature was healing and wholing (if that’s a word; if not, it should be). Two weeks after I returned,
- [Hope in Mid-Winter Darkness](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/01/29/hope-in-mid-winter-darkness/): We are now a little more than four weeks into the new year and the weather in the Midwest gives the impression that it is reflecting the mood of the nation. We have had far more cloudy and oppressive days than those that are bright and revealing. Nature seems to have captured the mood of
- [Second Sunday of Lent, February 28: Sacrifice, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/02/22/second-sunday-of-lent-february-28-sacrifice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I always feel sorry for preachers on this Cycle B second Sunday of Lent, because the first Hebrew Scripture reading is the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac. It’s a story that makes God look bad (why would God ask such a thing? Is God a tester?) and Abraham look worse (why would a
- [First Sunday of Lent, February 21: Treasure, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/02/15/first-sunday-of-lent-february-21-treasure-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Lent might seem a somewhat severe season, but our readings today are positive and uplifting. The opening prayer might be a purpose statement for Lent — that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ…. In the brief Gospel, Jesus leaves the desert to announce to us the good news: the kingdom
- [Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 14: Touch, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/02/08/sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-february-14-touch-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): After COVID, most of us may hear with heightened awareness this Sunday’s Gospel about Jesus healing a leper. The leprosy of our Gospel stories probably was not our Hansen’s disease, which is not very infectious, but more like fungal or parasitic skin infections which spread easily. So the result for victims was mandated social isolation.
- [Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 7: Healing, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/02/01/fifth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-february-7-healing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Things do not begin well in our first reading today. We hear about Job, a broken man. He has been assigned “months of misery” and “troubled nights,” and he laments that he “shall not see happiness again.” But Job is wrong, our responsorial psalm proclaims: Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted (Ps 147:3). And
- [Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 24: Call, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/01/18/third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-january-24-call-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel might sound like last week’s! Today is Mark’s version of Jesus calling his first apostles; last week we heard John’s account. In both Gospel versions the disciples respond immediately to Jesus. They leave everything and follow him without hesitation. But this week our Gospel is paired with a Hebrew Scripture passage from Jonah
- [Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 31: Anxiety, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/01/25/fourth-sun-in-ordinary-time-january-31-anxiety-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In our second reading this Sunday, Paul says, I should like you to be free from anxieties (1 Cor 7:32-35). We are still in our anxiety-driven COVID year. The disease itself has been bad enough, but its collateral damage is also hugely anxiety-producing — the economic consequences for many people, the grief, the isolation, the
- [Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 17: Christian Unity, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/01/11/second-sunday-of-ordinary-time-january-17-christian-unity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This week (Jan 18-25) is the Week of Christian Unity. Formerly called the Church Unity Octave, it is a week of prayer that begins with the feast of the Chair of St. Peter and ends with the feast of the Conversion of Paul. This year’s theme is “Abide in my love and you shall bear
- [Baptism of the Lord, January 10, Purpose: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2021/01/04/baptism-of-the-lord-january-10-purpose-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Many Native American tribes have ceremonies called vision quests, an Anglicized umbrella term. The ceremonies help young men find their purpose in life, their role in a community, and how they may best serve the People (the tribe). This is the liturgical year (B) when our Sunday Gospels often are from Mark. Mark does not
- [Epiphany of the Lord, January 3: Rebuilding, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/28/epiphany-of-the-lord-january-3-rebuilding-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we celebrate the feast called “little Christmas” — traditionally January 6, or the “12th day of Christmas.” Our liturgical calendar transfers Epiphany to the nearest Sunday, but in some parts of the world January 6 is still the day when gifts are exchanged — commemorating the gifts brought to the Child by Magi, those
- [Feast of the Holy Family, December 27: Family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/26/feast-of-the-holy-family-december-27-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Blood is thicker than water, the saying goes. Blood feuds, ethnic cleansing — world history is full of violence that comes of defending these sacred bonds of blood. Consider how revolutionary the Gospel of Jesus Christ was and is. It teaches that we are one because we all have the same blood — not by
- [O Radiant Dawn](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/21/o-radiant-dawn/): (“O” Antiphon for December 21) It’s nearly the winter solstice; days continue to grow shorter and sometimes the nights seem endless. Perhaps it seems more so this year with the mayhem that an uncontrollable virus has wreaked on us. Not too often do we experience the utter powerlessness that comes when something outside our control
- [Meditatio Spawned by COVID-19](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/16/meditatio-spawned-by-covid-19/): At my recent Medicare annual wellness visit, I was struck by how many times the nurse assistant and then my doctor came back to the issue of how I am socializing in the midst of this pandemic. After the doctor and I had a conversation about how COVID-19 has caused so much isolation of people
- [Second Candle](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/10/second-candle/): With evening prayer last Sunday we lit the second candle on our Advent wreath. There was something comforting about that added light in the midst of the winter darkness. It was almost as though it was saying, “All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well” (as
- [Last Rose of Summer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/09/last-rose-of-summer-2/): As we moved deeper into fall, I started hedging my bets. Every couple of days I picked one or two rose buds in the event that the fall’s first freeze would bring the bloom season to an end. This was a particularly advantageous summer for our pink roses. They bloomed in abundance, bringing us real
- [Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20: MARY, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/14/fourth-sunday-of-advent-december-20-mary-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The fourth Sunday of Advent in each lectionary cycle is a “Mary Gospel.” In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Angel is telling Mary that she will bear a son who will be both “son of the Most High” and also heir to the throne of David, that is, a member of the royal Jewish line. When
- [Third Sunday of Advent, December 13: LIGHT, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/07/third-sunday-of-advent-december-13-light-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Two weeks ago we began our new liturgical year (B) when the Sunday Gospel is often from Mark. But today we already depart from Mark and hear from the Gospel of John. Why? In our Gospel, some people are questioning John the Baptist as to who he really is. The Baptist quotes Isaiah: “I am
- [Second Sunday of Advent, December 6: SYSTEMS, a Sunday Scriptures blog           ](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/30/second-sunday-of-advent-december-6-systems-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Advent is the “expectant” liturgical season, expecting the birth of a child, expecting the coming of the kingdom. But I notice that Sunday’s readings have a penitential flavor. In Isaiah we hear that Israel must be comforted and her guilt expiated because she already has “received from the hand of the LORD double for all
- [First Sunday of Advent, November 29: PROLOGUE, a Sunday Scriptures blog ](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/22/first-sunday-of-advent-november-29-prologue-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “O Lord, you are our father, we are the clay, and you the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” Advent begins a new liturgical (church) year. This is “Year B” in our lectionary, and on Sundays we will often hear passages from the Gospel of Mark. Mark has no stories about Jesus’
- [Thanksgiving – Giving Thanks](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/12/02/thanksgiving-giving-thanks/): This Thanksgiving, it may have felt like there was little in 2020 to give thanks for: a record-breaking hurricane season; wildfires that have burned over 8 million acres of land in the United States, including homes and businesses; destructive flooding in other parts of the world; never-ending wars and conflicts and the resulting migration of
- [Remembering Our Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/17/remembering-our-sisters/): Look with love I recently finished researching a paper about the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, Ohio. Knowing about the Shrine in broad strokes, it was fascinating to learn about some of the particulars of how the Shrine, as it is today, came to be. Along the way in the
- [Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, November 22: Shepherd, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/16/solemnity-of-christ-the-king-of-the-universe-november-22-shepherd-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we close a church year. Next week Advent begins. Notice the title of this feast: Christ is named King of the Universe, not only of our world. In the Gospel a king says to his faithful followers, “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” At first Jesus’ disciples thought
- [33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 15: Risk, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/09/33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-november-15-risk-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The other day I was listening to a rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond. One of the TV kids asked her TV Daddy: “If we are all going to heaven when we die, why do we have to spend time here on earth?” This weekend we have another parable about time, the time until the Master
- [32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 8: Time, a Sunday Scriptures blog  ](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/11/02/32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-november-8-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There are only a few Sundays left before the new liturgical year, and so we hear readings about time. Matthew’s community was interested in the end time, when the Kingdom would arrive and the Lord would return in glory. Within that picture they were interested in judgment — the eternal destiny of the dead. So
- [Solemnity of All Saints, November 1: Mistakes, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/10/26/solemnity-of-all-saints-november-1-mistakes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Saints make mistakes. I just finished reading the historical fiction Wolf Hall trilogy. In it, St. Thomas More, of A Man for All Seasons movie fame, opposes Henry VIII’s divorce and ascension to head of the Church of England. But More also is portrayed, with some historical facticity, as condoning the execution of heretics as
- [29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 18: Denarius, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/10/12/29-sunday-in-ordinary-time-october-18-denarius-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): His opponents set a trap for Jesus in today’s Gospel. Rome had imposed a head tax on its Jewish subjects. Pharisees were OK with paying it, Herodians supported it, and nationalists opposed it, sometimes by fomenting rebellions. Who would Jesus side with? Would his answer brand him as an insurrectionist? Jesus upends their question with
- [Falling Out of Summer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/09/24/falling-out-of-summer/): Taking a Sunday afternoon walk around the Farmhouse property is one of my favorite things to do. I’m never quite sure which flora and fauna I’ll run into. Usually I do notice how many weeds have invaded the flowerbeds when I wasn’t looking. This past Sunday I found myself a bit wistful as I looked
- [30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25: Two Loves, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/10/19/30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-october-25-two-loves-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): One of the untrue and biased things we Catholics used to hear was that the Old Testament (and the Jewish religion of Jesus’ day) was based on law, while the New Testament was based on love. In today’s Gospel, Jesus answers this question: Which is the greatest commandment? Jewish rabbis had identified 613 laws or
- [28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11: Feast, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/10/05/28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-october-11-feast-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): What is your favorite food? If you were going to an expensive restaurant — with unlimited money — what would you choose to eat? Our first reading from Isaiah presents the image of God setting out a feast for us, of juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. Our Gospel reading is the parable about
- [27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4: Polemic, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/09/28/27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-october-4-polemic-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel (Matt 21:33-43) is a polemic passage — a text supporting one viewpoint over another. We hear a parable about a vineyard, whose tenant farmers try to take it over by killing the king owner’s son. This parable follows two other passages in Matthew 21: the cleansing of the temple, and the cursing of
- [Ordinary Time](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/21/ordinary-time/): During these extraordinary times, it might seem a bit confusing when we are reminded that we are living in Ordinary Time according to the church year. And while ordinary may sound like nothing special is going on, we are actually blessed during this time with the opportunity to get to know Jesus better by being
- [22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30: Duped, a Sunday Scriptures blog ](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/24/22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-august-30-duped-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped, says Jeremiah, in our first reading this Sunday. Jeremiah had resisted God’s call as a prophet, saying he was too young. When he eventually did surrender himself to God, instead of being held in honor as a prophet, he was treated with hostility by
- [21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23: Peter, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/17/21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-august-23-peter-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.… For Catholics, the Gospel of this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time is heard with reference to our Church and its leader, the Pope. Peter is a prominent figure in Matthew’s Gospel, written around 85 CE, about 25 years after Peter had died. His
- [A Pandemic Fog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/12/a-pandemic-fog/): On a recent morning I watched the mist gather over the corn and bean fields down the hill from our house. It didn’t take long for it to climb the hill and obscure most everything around us, muting colors, blending earth and sky, erasing the hard edges of buildings and fences. Along with the visual
- [26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27: Hands, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/09/21/26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-september-27-hands-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests but also for those of others (Philippians 2:3). How radical these words from our second reading are. Self-interest is the prime motivator in politics and commerce throughout the world,
- [25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20: Balloons, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/09/14/25th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-september-20-balloons-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I still remember my outraged seventh grade self. We went to Mass as a family, and I had matured enough to really absorb the Gospel, this one, about the workers who all get paid the same no matter how long they worked. “How can this be?” I proclaimed to my parents. “It’s not fair!” All
- [24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 13: Forgiving, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/09/07/24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-september-13-forgiving-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight,” proclaims Sirach, our first reading. Many of us have seen this up close and personal, in our own families, in friends and neighbors, in work groups. In pastoral work I have seen people hold on to wrath and anger even when it does
- [23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6: Right and Wrong, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/31/23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-september-6-right-and-wrong-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We are still reeling from watching George Floyd die before our eyes, and from the ongoing analysis of the systemic racism that sets up acts like that. Today’s Gospel message tells us that upholding the right is the work of a community. It is almost impossible to be a “moral man in an immoral society,”
- [18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2: Bread, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/07/27/18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-aug-2-bread-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the midst of a pandemic, our Sunday Scriptures console and reassure. Thus says the Lord:…come, receive grain and eat; come without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! (1st reading). What will separate us from the love of Christ? ... peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through
- [20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16: One World, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/10/20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-aug-16-one-world-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A Canaanite woman is the main character in today’s Gospel from Matthew; Mark also has the story, but calls her a Phoenician. The Canaanites were historical enemies of the Hews, people who worshiped a popular false god named Baal. So this woman faced a hostile audience when she begs the Jewish rabbi, Jesus, to heal
- [19th Sunday in Ordinary time, August 9: Storms, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/08/03/19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-august-9-storms-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel story, the disciples are in a boat, fishing at night, and being tossed about in a storm. We all have times in our lives when we are tossed about by waves, and when it is natural to wonder whether God is paying any attention, or why God has left us alone. I
- [What's on your tree?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/20/whats-on-your-tree-2/): As a kid I remember the anticipation and impatience of waiting for the adults to decide it was time for the Christmas tree. The impatience quickly turned to excitement as we went in search of the perfect tree. We always had real Christmas trees. Often, over the years, we had a live tree that would
- [March 11, Bumper Sticker Sunday - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/05/bumper-sticker-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I still remember years ago seeing my first John 3:16 bumper sticker. Of course we cradle Catholics usually don’t know our Scriptures by heart, so after I had seen a couple more of these, I went to my Bible to see what this was about. Today in our Gospel (Cycle B) we have those wondrous
- [17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26: Pearls, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/07/20/17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-july-26-pearls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the time of Jesus, there were no banks, and large wars and smaller regional ones were common. So people hid their treasures, and even today in the Middle East, ancient hordes are sometimes discovered. Today’s Gospel from Matthew begins with a parable about a man who discovers a treasure in a field. Perhaps he
- [16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19: Weeds, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/07/13/16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-july-19-weeds-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I do a lot of weeding! Where do they come from! I feel empathy for the man in today’s Gospel who says about his weed-choked wheat field, “an enemy has done this!” The growth images of last Sunday are present again this Sunday in three parables Jesus tells. The wheat survives the weeds and is
- [15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 12: Fertile soil, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/07/06/15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-july-12-fertile-soil-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Many of us, myself included, have learned to avoid certain conversations with people who are “in a different camp” than we are! Last Sunday we saw how Jesus’ teaching was rejected by “the wise and learned.” In today’s Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus why he teaches using parables. Parables are stories, and who might not
- [14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 5: Simple Gift, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/29/14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-july-5-simple-gift-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Most of us have heard the lyrics to the song “Simple Gifts”: ’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free, ’tis the gift to come down where we ought to be. And when we find ourselves in the place just right, it will be in the valley of love and delight.
- [Curbing COVID’s Separation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/05/curbing-covids-separation/): Since the arrival of the pandemic, our little local community of three has been separated. One of the Sisters I live with is the administrator of our senior center where our independent, elderly Sisters reside. The 40 individuals who live there range in age from mid-70s to 101. Although they have small apartments, they share
- [The Interloper](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/03/the-interloper/): Recently, while surveying our flower beds, I came across a most unusual plant. It was tucked in the corner where last year, in late autumn, delicate lavender-pink, fall-blooming crocuses bloomed. I couldn’t quite imagine what had been deposited there that would produce such a top-heavy, ungainly plant. So, I did what I often do when
- [Spring Anima Christi](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/27/a-poem-by-sister-joyce-lehman/): (Apologies and gratitude to St. Ignatius of Loyola who included the original Anima Christi prayer as part of his Spiritual Exercises and which was the inspiration for this reflection.) Dogwood flowers dance on the fingertips of branches at the touch of a breeze. Each mandala blossom turned skyward gazes into the naked eye of
- [12th Sunday Ordinary Time, June 21: Fear not, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/15/12th-sunday-ordinary-time-june-21-fear-not-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): After Pentecost we return to the counted Sundays called Ordinary time, and since this is year A of our lectionary, we will be hearing most often on Sundays from the Gospel of Matthew. Often in the Gospels Jesus said to his disciples, “fear not.” Matthew makes it specific: “fear no one … do not be
- [13th Sunday Ordinary Time, June 28: Family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/22/13th-sunday-ordinary-time-june-28-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Matthew’s words, “whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” are actually softer than the same passage in Luke: “…if anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children… .” It helps to remember who Matthew is writing for. After the Romans destroyed the city of
- [Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, June 14: Eucharist, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/08/solemnity-of-the-body-and-blood-of-christ-june-14-eucharist-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I hope we never have another feast of “Corpus Christi” like this one! This year many of us will continue to watch TV Masses and continue to fast from physical communion. The gift of our long fasting from Eucharist is that we have become truly hungry for it, deeply appreciative of its gift. I miss
- [Solemnity of the Trinity June 7: No Condemnation, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/06/01/solemnity-of-the-trinity-june-7-no-condemnation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes I see a bumper sticker, or a little sign discreetly tucked away in a restaurant, with just “3-16.” It refers to John 3:16, the most loved and most motivating passage in Christian Scripture, which we hear in our Gospel on Trinity Sunday. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
- [Solemnity of Pentecost May 31: Happy Birthday, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/25/solemnity-of-pentecost-may-31-happy-birthday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): … sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation … and with the grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers. … [opening prayer]. Today is called the birthday of the Church. … May the glory (the works) of the Lord endure forever;
- [Moonlight Madness](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/22/moonlight-madness/): The other night, or rather very early morning, I awoke in my turning and my eye caught a bright sliver of light cutting across my blanket. Because it enters my room differently, I knew it wasn’t the motion-sensor security light outside my window that the wind or an occasional deer might set off. Puzzled, I
- [May 10: Mother’s Day](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/10/may-10-mothers-day/): This Mother’s Day falls on my great-aunt’s birthday. Ella Dolan was “Auntie” to my mother’s generation and later to mine. Never married, she nursed my sickly grandmother and kept house for the family. She was the one who cooked Sunday dinner for the whole clan; made sure that, on someone’s birthday, the other children also
- [Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17: Explaining, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/11/sixth-sunday-of-easter-may-17-explaining-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A challenge is given us in our second reading this weekend: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Peter 3:15). Our society has become less explicitly religious in recent decades. Depending on the survey, “nones” —
- [Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24: Ascension, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/18/seventh-sunday-of-easter-may-24-ascension-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always … I will not leave you orphans.” What an insight into God’s character this passage gives! Our God loves us so much that he cannot bear that we might feel abandoned or orphaned. So we are given Divine
- [Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10: Stones, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/05/04/fifth-sunday-of-easter-may-10-stones-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today our second reading is a wonderful Scripture for Mother’s Day! In it we are invited to come to the Lord, a living stone, and to let ourselves “like living stones … be built into a spiritual house” (1 Pet 2:4-9). Both Hebrew Scripture and our Christian Scripture use rocks, cornerstones, stones and foundation stones
- [Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3: Green Pastures, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/27/4th-sunday-of-easter-may-3-green-pastures-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Notice three intertwined images in Sunday’s Gospel about the Good Shepherd. There is the image of the sheep, who have such an intimate relationship with the shepherd that they can pick out his voice from among others and follow only him to safe pasture. There is the image of the shepherd, who contrasts himself to
- [Nature comes to my door](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/22/nature-comes-to-my-door/): I noticed one afternoon a rustling in my pansy flower planter on my balcony porch. Out flies a wren. As I watched another wren appeared with a decomposing leaf. They are building a nest for their new family. So, what about my pansies? Do I try watering them carefully not disturbing the nest? Do I
- [Green Relief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/16/green-relief/): Here in the Northern Hemisphere, as spring seriously settles in, we are given a balm to soothe our weary, stressed and anxious souls. The COVID-19 pandemic can turn our days to a monochromatic drama of fear, uselessness and cabin fever. Our personal identity is often bound up with how many hours we work, how much
- [A meditation for the pandemic](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/11/a-meditation-for-the-pandemic/): be still and know that I am GOD in noise in hope in grief in family in faith in wisdom in who to trust in social distancing in financial worries in wellness in privilege in blessing of time in silence in betrayal in solitude in sickness in hope in disruption in community in trust
- [A New Lenten Fast](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/01/a-new-lenten-fast/): This is not the Lenten season any of us would have expected. Annually Lent is a time of grace, a time we choose to do some serious spiritual housecleaning. As one homilist put it: it is the spring training of our spiritual lives. A time to brush up on basic discipleship skills so that we
- [Third Sunday After Easter, April 26: Glory, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/20/third-sunday-after-easter-april-26-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): And he said to them … was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? The disciples who met Jesus on the road did not expect the messiah to die. Indeed, why Jesus had to die is a question that has puzzled people throughout Christian history. The traditional
- [Second Sunday after Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19: Faith, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/13/second-sunday-after-easter-divine-mercy-sunday-april-19-faith-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy… (1 Peter 1:8, 2nd reading for this Sunday). Faith is our puzzle for today. Our Gospel is about the apostle Thomas, struggling to believe because he
- [Easter Sunday, April 12: Earthquakes, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/04/06/easter-sunday-april-12-earthquakes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Earthquakes, fortunately mostly just small ones, were regular occurrences in California where I lived for 15 years. Matthew’s Gospel uses earthquakes like exclamation points! When Jesus dies, the earth quaked, rocks were split… (27:51). In our Easter Gospel, when the women approach the tomb to look for Jesus’ body, there was a great earthquake… (28:2).
- [Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, April 5: Hope, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/30/palm-sunday-of-the-passion-of-the-lord-april-5-hope-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Does it seem odd that during Lent, on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we hear the Gospel about the transfiguration of Jesus? In that story, Peter, James and John are given an energizing and inspiring vision of the Lord in glory. Today we read the Passion account of Matthew where Jesus asks these same three
- [Brain teaser](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/18/brain-teaser/): You know how you’re out taking a walk and your mind is on a million and one things, when out of the corner of your eye you catch sight of something intriguing, but then you are already past it. Your brain, however, that amazing creation, scans through thousands, maybe millions of images and presents you
- [The Good Lord Giveth](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/26/the-good-lord-giveth/): It was only March 3, but the daffodils were already pushing up through the ground: tender green shoots. Four days later and even though the temperatures had hovered near freezing for several nights, buds had appeared. A warmer winter and a south-facing flower bed had convinced these hardy harbingers of spring to do what they
- [Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/23/fifth-sunday-of-lent-march-29-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the film classic The Wizard of Oz, after the tornado dumps Dorothy’s house on the wicked witch of the East, the Munchkin coroner sings: I thoroughly examined her, And she’s not only merely dead, She’s really most sincerely dead! I always chuckle when I hear this Sunday’s Gospel about the raising of Lazarus. Everyone
- [Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22: Growing, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/16/fourth-sunday-of-lent-march-22-growing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): A number of times we hear Gospel accounts about Jesus curing a blind person, and we hear one of them on this fourth Sunday of Lent. Sometimes the shorter version is read, but in the full version (Jn 9:1-41), we get to hear how the blind man’s understanding of Jesus grows. When he is questioned
- [Third Sunday of Lent, March 15: Going Deeper, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/09/third-sunday-of-lent-march-15-going-deeper-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The story about how Jesus meets a woman at a well is our Gospel today. Notice it is a well whose water is still, not flowing water like that from the Jordan River. And it is “Jacob’s well,” the spot where the Hebrew patriarch Jacob met the love of his life, Rachael (Genesis 29:1-18). As
- [Second Sunday of Lent, March 8: Experience and belief, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/03/02/second-sunday-of-lent-march-8-experience-and-belief-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Consider these examples: You start learning a language; you learn to say “that is delicious” — but you can’t say how you really experience the wonderful food because you don’t have the words. Or you have a life-changing experience, like falling in love, but it isn’t until you hear a love song that you hear
- [First Sunday of Lent, March 1: All that Glitters, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/24/first-sunday-of-lent-march-1-all-that-glitters-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We all learn, painfully sometimes, the wisdom contained in the little aphorism, all that glitters is not gold. On this first weekend of Lent, our readings direct us to look at temptation. The first (Hebrew Scripture) reading is the Adam and Eve sin story. Of course the first thing to note is the word “story”;
- [Love is who we are and what we do](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/14/love-is-who-we-are-and-what-we-do/): Valentine's Day usually brings a month of pink hearts, delicious chocolates, and soft teddy bears. It's a day to celebrate love. But if you saw the New York Life commercial during the Superbowl or you've done some exploration on the topic of love, you know there are few types of love. I'd argue that for
- [A New Year - 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/16/a-new-year-2020/): It’s amazing how many references there are to looking at the new year and hoping that it will lead to 20/20 vision. Seeing perfectly is an ideal (glasses, contacts, surgery) and few of us have it, more so as we grow older. Perfect visioning is also an ideal; few have it, but unlike the solitary
- [The Tree and Seeing](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/29/the-tree-and-seeing/): A while back, a quiet early spring morning presented me with a doorway into a reflective moment. A group of us were having a meeting at a small retreat place situated just across a road from the Niagara River in Ontario only a mile or so from the Falls, close enough so that the roar
- [December 31: The Holy Family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/26/the-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Feast of the Holy Family is on Dec. 31 this year. Our Hebrew Scripture reading lifts up Abraham, willing to offer his only son Isaac to God, while our Gospel describes the parents of Jesus presenting him to the Lord in the temple in Jerusalem. This feast day was placed in our liturgical calendar
- [December 24: Mary, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/18/mary-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The fourth Sunday of Advent in each cycle asks us to consider Mary. In today’s Gospel, the Angel is telling Mary that she will bear a son who will be both “Son of the Most High” and also heir to the throne of David, that is, a member of the royal Jewish line. This scene
- [December 17: Rejoice, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/11/rejoice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called “Gaudete” or “Rejoice” Sunday, and wearing of rose-colored vestments is permitted. “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul,” proclaims our first reading from Third Isaiah. And who would not cheer for an Anointed who appeared like a bridegroom with
- [December 10: One Mightier than I, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/04/one-mightier-than-i-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Sunday Scriptures continue preparing us to receive a revelation of “one who is coming after me [who] is mightier than I,” in the words of John the Baptist. The Baptist echoes the sentiment of our first reading from Isaiah: “… the glory of the Lord shall be revealed … for the mouth of the
- [December 3: God Acts, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/27/god-acts-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” This is “Year B” in our lectionary, when on Sundays we read largely from the Gospel of Mark. Mark has no stories about Jesus’ birth like the Gospels of Matthew and Luke have,
- [November 26: Human Kindness, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/21/human-kindness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Next Sunday ends our liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King. Matthew paints a scene about a king on his throne, judging who is righteous and who is wicked, and banishing the wicked to “everlasting punishment.” An interesting point in this reading is that the righteous seem not to know they have been
- [November 19: Risking, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/13/risking-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Master, I knew you were a demanding person … so out of fear I … buried your talent in the ground. These are the words of the servant in the parable that we hear next Sunday, “The Parable of the Talents.” The context of this parable, from the eschatological section of Matthew’s Gospel, is the
- [November 12: Anxiety no, watchfulness yes! A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/06/anxiety-no-watchfulness-yes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The parable we hear this coming Sunday is the one about the 10 maidens waiting for the wedding party to arrive. Five of them did not anticipate that the bridal party might be delayed, so they did not bring enough oil. The early Christians did not know when Christ would come again and end time
- [November 5: Good and Bad Authority, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/30/good-and-bad-authority-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “The scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.” This is a metaphor, in next Sunday’s Gospel, for the teaching and ruling authority of Jewish leaders, but some actual “seats” have been found in remains of early synagogues. I got to see one when I visited Chorazin in Israel. Various priest members of our study tour
- [October 29: Our Neighbors, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/23/our-neighbors-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I was a kid, there was still hostility between Catholics and non-Catholics — including among the kids in my neighborhood. In next Sunday’s Gospel, a scholar asks Jesus: Which is the greatest commandment? Jesus builds his answer on passages in Hebrew Scripture and replies: “Love the Lord … with all your heart … and
- [October 22: Caesar and God, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/16/caesar-and-god-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In next Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is presented with a trap: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” If he says “yes,” he will anger the Pharisees because the coin had an image of Caesar on it, so using it would be a form of idolatry. If he said “no,” he
- [October 15: Your presence is requested, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/09/your-presence-is-requested-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This is the third week in which Matthew presents a parable dealing with his dismay over the rejection of Jesus by his own Jewish brethren. Today it is the parable of the king who gave a banquet to which those invited did not come. So others were invited, and even then one person disrespected the
- [October 8: Producing Fruit, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/02/producing-fruit-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel is the parable about the king’s son, sent by his Father to visit the vineyard they owned, who is murdered by the vineyard tenants. The parable expresses Matthew’s dismay over the rejection of Jesus by his own Jewish brethren. The tenants in the parable are the Jews who have rejected and killed Jesus.
- [October 1: Saying Yes to God, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/27/saying-yes-to-god-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today and for the next two weeks, we hear stark Gospels: today the rejection of the Father’s authority by the first son; next week the killing of the king’s son by the vineyard tenants; and in two weeks, the banquet to which those invited do not come. Gospel writers are editors. Matthew selected these parables
- [September 24: Going Beyond Fairness, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/18/going-beyond-fairness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Of all the parables Jesus told, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (today’s Gospel) is the hardest to love! It is so unfair! It seems that we inherit by birth a gigantic sense of fairness — parents and elementary teachers quickly learn to respect that inbuilt instinct in young children. The landowner in
- [September 17: Forgiving, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/11/forgiving/): Peter asks his famous question in today’s Gospel parable about the forgiven and the unforgiving servants: How often must I forgive? (Mtt 18: 21-25) Forgiveness is difficult, as we all know from our life experience. And isn’t it true that, like in the Gospel, when we owe something to someone else, we expect them to
- [August 6: Our Destiny, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/31/6645/): This year the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time gets bumped by the Feast of the Transfiguration — the time when Peter, James and John had a vision type experience of Jesus, transformed before their eyes. I’m a deeply invested cradle Catholic. I can’t imagine how wrenching it would be for me to switch to another
- [August 13: Our Little Faith, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/07/our-little-faith-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It’s about faith, today’s scripture for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary time: In the Gospel, Jesus has gone off to pray and the disciples are on the “sea” of Galilee at night, and they are being tossed about by the waves. Clearly we all have times in our lives when we are tossed about by
- [August 20: The Kingdom has no Borders, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/14/the-kingdom-has-no-borders-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is not too often that all three Sunday scriptures have a common reference point, but it happens this Sunday, the 20th week of ordinary time (the counted weeks of our liturgical year). In the first reading Isaiah proclaims that foreigners who join themselves to the Lord are welcomed into “my house … a house
- [September 10: Gospel Judging, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/05/gospel-judging-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes we hear quoted to us passages from Scripture about not judging, about forgiving 70 times 70, and about being merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. And all this is great advice! We will hear it next week! But today, in the first reading from Ezekiel and in our Gospel, we see that in
- [August 27: Upon this Rock, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/21/upon-this-rock-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church … For Catholics, the Gospel of this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time is heard with reference to our Church and its leader, the Pope. Somewhat like cosmologists looking back to the big bang to discover when the universe started, this passage opens a
- [September 3: Our Holy Body, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/28/our-holy-body/): In last week’s Gospel, Jesus asked Peter: Who do you say I am? In a burst of inspired enthusiasm and reverence, Peter makes a deep profession of faith: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In today’s Gospel, Peter’s enthusiasm is considerably lessened when he learns that Jesus must suffer for the
- [February 23, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Stretched, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/17/february-23-seventh-sunday-in-ordinary-time-stretched-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Challenging. That’s a one-word characterization of today’s Gospel. Last week we heard how Jesus upheld the commandments. This week we reflect on how he calls us to go way beyond them. Commandments and laws are important, but they are always minimal. They describe boundaries, really; they tell us what we can’t do, not what we
- [February 16, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Rules, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/10/february-16-sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-rules-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Gospels today, from the Sermon on the Mount, is about commandments. Jesus puts himself in the tradition of Moses, giver of commandments, and he says: Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Rules are not our favorite thing, are they? We want to be free, and
- [February 9, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: City on a Hill, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/03/february-9-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-city-on-a-hill-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The light image from last Sunday, and from our recent Advent and Christmas seasons, continues to inspire us today, but with an interesting U.S. twist. “A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where
- [February 2, Presentation of the Lord: Light, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/27/february-2-presentation-of-the-lord-light-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When I was on sabbatical in Palestine, I was surprised to see how small ordinary oil lamps were in Jesus’ time, about the size of your hand. Walls of the first century homes had periodic niches where they would be placed. Today’s feast is called “Candlemas,” and the tradition is to bless candles for use
- [Stuff](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/02/05/stuff/): While I was packing for a trip recently, I was reminded of a riff on “stuff” from the comedian George Carlin that I had heard years ago. He was talking about how, without even realizing it, we manage to collect all kinds of “stuff” around us in our homes. Then when we are going on
- [January 26th, Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: The Road, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/20/january-26th-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-the-road-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Gospel today is full of movement. Upon hearing that the Baptist has been arrested, Jesus goes into action. He leaves his hometown, begins to preach, and calls disciples to follow him around all of Galilee. Pope Francis comments that in contrast to the Baptist, Jesus chooses to be an itinerant prophet. He is always
- [January 1, Solemnity of Mary: God-bearer, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/26/solemnity-of-mary-january-1-god-bearer-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the lectionary, the church’s schedule of readings, the Gospel for the Christmas Mass at Dawn and the one for today are the same — the shepherds arriving at the manger. But today one extra verse is added — Luke 2:21. It tells about Jesus receiving his name — the name given him by the
- [January 12, The Baptism of the Lord: Pilgrims, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/06/january-12-the-baptism-of-the-lord-pilgrims-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Gospels were written years after Jesus’ death. During our 2020 liturgical year (the A cycle), we hear Sunday Gospels from the Gospel of Matthew, written around the year 80 A.D. or C.E., and sometimes passages from John’s Gospel, written around 100. This Sunday and for the next several weeks, the evangelists are looking back
- [December 25, Christmas: We are family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/23/december-25-christmas-we-are-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once, at this time of year, a group of young kids from a housing project was visiting with me. I asked them what their Christmas was going to be like, and then I asked them a follow-up question: Why do we have Christmas? None of their families were churched, and so the only reason they
- [January 19, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lamb of God, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2020/01/13/january-19-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-lamb-of-god-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): January 19 is the second Sunday of “ordinary time,” one of the counted weeks of the liturgical year that are not part of liturgical seasons like Advent and Lent. Some “ordinary time” Sundays occur after Christmas — how many depends on whether Easter, a movable feast day, is early or late; the rest of the
- [January 5, The Epiphany of the Lord: Good vs. Evil, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/30/january-5-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-good-vs-evil-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our January 8th Gospel is the story of the three “magi” or three “kings.” This story is from Matthew’s infancy narrative. Infancy narratives are teaching stories that serve as introductions to themes of the main Gospel which follows. A major theme in Matthew’s Gospel is the conflict between good and evil. That conflict is epitomized
- [Dec 29th: Solemnity of the Holy Family, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/24/dec-29th-solemnity-of-the-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In parishes, it is challenging to preach about the family on this feast day. In the pews are many people not living in families like the one that Jesus grew up in, the traditional nuclear family. But notice, the nuclear family is not the family that Jesus held up to us for admiration. In Luke
- [September 1, Number one’s: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/08/26/september-1-number-ones-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “…People there were observing him carefully,” Luke tells us, when Jesus went to dine at the home of a leading Pharisee. But Jesus also was observing the people carefully! And what he observed is something we are very familiar with — high-status people and lesser-status folks. “All men are created equal” is a good theory,
- [September 8, Mercy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/09/02/september-8-mercy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Slavery was part of the Greco-Roman world, and in Sunday’s second reading from the shortest Epistle, Philemon, we meet a slave named Onesimus. Apparently this slave had left his master because of some conflict, and he had come to Paul. Paul was in prison at the time, held for trial for causing trouble in Jewish
- [September 15, Lost: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/09/09/september-15-lost-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel contains three stories Jesus told: the man with one lost sheep; the woman with one lost coin; and the father with one lost son, whom we usually call the prodigal son. The shepherd risks his whole flock to look for his one sheep; the woman foolishly throws a party when she finds her
- [September 22, Checkered: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/09/16/a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” This Sunday’s Gospel is a jumble of practical wisdom including this lesson about the servant who, when fired, managed to turn things to his
- [September 29, Equity: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/09/23/september-29-equity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Hebrew Scripture reading this Sunday is part of the prophet Amos’ diatribe against rich people, who feast while the poor starve. It is paired with Jesus’ parable about the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus. Jesus, however, was not against rich people. He had wealthy friends and supporters of his ministry, and he
- [October 6, Service Needed: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/09/30/october-6-service-needed-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It seems to me that our culture is obsessed with praise. Of course there is all the hero worship of our adult media and sports stars. But even very young children seem to have praise heaped upon them — elaborate birthday parties they won’t even remember, pictures of their precocious selves on Facebook. By contrast
- [October 13, Outsiders: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/10/07/october-13-outsiders-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Outsiders, “others,” are prominent in Sunday Scriptures this week. In the Hebrew Scripture reading, we hear the ending of the Naaman story. He was a Syrian who comes to the Hebrew prophet Elijah for healing. The Gospel follows with the account of the curing of 10 lepers — themselves ostracized from society — and how
- [October 20, Hollering: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/10/14/october-20-hollering-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Our Gospel ends with this question. It is not easy being a disciple of Christ, and in Luke’s Christian community, some people had given up their faith because the second coming of Christ in glory had not happened as promised. Faith needs
- [October 27, Humility: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/10/21/october-27-humility-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): For several of the last years, I met homeless people, at shelters, or as patients at the county hospital. It surprised me how they almost never made excuses for themselves. They admitted freely to addictions, to lives marked by irresponsibility and even crime — that is, they were admitted sinners. At the same time, they
- [November 3, Hoarding: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/10/28/november-3-hoarding-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we hear the familiar story of Zacchaeus, the man in the tree. Our lectionary skips the preceding and contrasting story about the wealthy official who, unlike Zacchaeus, cannot give to the poor in order to follow Jesus. So clearly Zacchaeus, who is wealthy, has the internal freedom to give of his wealth. He is
- [November 10, Eternal life: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/04/nov-10-eternal-life-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There is an anecdote about Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. He was the Jesuit paleontologist and mystic (1881-1955) whose writings are the foundation of Catholic process theology. Teilhard was a stretcher bearer in the trenches of World War I. The story goes that someone there with him asked if he was afraid of getting shot and
- [November 17, Signs of the times: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/11/nov-17-signs-of-the-times-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel, Jesus is talking to his disciples about the times they are living in, and what might be coming. They ask him, “What sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” Before today’s young adults were born, Pope Saint John XXIII called Vatican Council II (1962-65). He called the
- [November 24, Christ the King: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/18/nov-24-christ-the-king-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today we end Year C of our lectionary, the year when we have heard the Gospel of Luke read on many Sundays. Today we hear part of Luke’s passion account. Jesus is on the cross, speaking with the criminals being crucified on either side of him. It is a suffering and seemingly defeated King we
- [Do what challenges you](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/05/do-what-challenges-you/): In college, I majored in Religious Studies, worked for campus ministry and led almost every retreat for my high school and college that I possibly could. I attended daily Mass and lived in a Christian community on campus. So it was probably no surprise to my peers when I chose to do a live-in with
- [Reconciliation, redemption and resurrection](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/21/reconciliation-redemption-and-resurrection/): Most Catholics have heard of the Franciscans, Dominicans and Benedictines. The Franciscans work for the poor and the Dominicans are preachers. Benedictines are known for their contributions to liturgy. Fewer Catholics have heard of “Precious Blood Spirituality” and even less know what it means. A year ago, I introduced our spirituality as a mystery. While
- [First Sunday of Advent: TIME, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/25/first-sunday-of-advent-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Action and urgency pervade our liturgy on this first Sunday of Advent. Grant your faithful, we pray almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ … (opening prayer); Come, let us climb the LORD’S mountain … (first reading); We will go up to the house of the Lord … (responsorial psalm); throw
- [Second Sunday of Advent: Together, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/01/second-sunday-of-advent-together-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We meet our familiar Advent character, John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel. He is “a voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” The original source of those words is Isaiah, a prophet who reassured Jewish exiles that God would lead them back to the
- [Third Sunday of Advent: Rejoice, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/09/third-sunday-of-advent-rejoice-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today in the Gospel, disciples are sent from John the Baptist to ask Jesus if he is “the one ... or should we look for another?” Jesus says yes he is, because he is doing that work which Psalm 146, our responsorial psalm, speaks about: The Lord … gives food to the hungry … gives
- [Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Child, a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/12/17/fourth-sunday-of-advent-the-child-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each year our lectionary presents a Gospel about Mary on the fourth Sunday of Advent, a Gospel about her response to her call and acceptance of her role in salvation history. Notice that Jesus is named twice in this year’s account from Matthew: “… You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his
- [On our way](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/11/01/on-our-way-3/): As we remember those who have gone before us and leaving us their example, I keep thinking that all of us are “on our way.” Just recently I attended a national conference which had as its thrust, “missionary discipleship.” For me these two themes fit together for several reasons. Since our baptism we have been
- [August 11, Time: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/08/05/aug-11-time-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): As a volunteer chaplain I visit a county hospital, and so each week I meet people who have just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. We all know theoretically that our life is finite, but when that knowing stops being theoretical, it is always a shock. When that happens to me, will I regret wasting
- [August 18, Fire: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/08/12/aug-18-fire-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Jesus said to his disciples, “I have come to set the earth on fire.” These startling first words of next Sunday’s Gospel are found only in Luke’s Gospel. They echo the great Hebrew prophet Elijah, who called down fire on the prophets of the false god Baal (1 Kings 18:36ff). Jesus’ message will cause division,
- [August 25, Narrow Gate: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/08/19/aug-25-narrow-gate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sometimes people say they think there is no hell, or if there is, no one is in it because the merciful God would never send anyone there. In Sunday’s Gospel someone asks Jesus if only a few are saved. Jesus answer, in the prophetic tradition, sounds severe. Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for
- [August 4, Stuff: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/07/29/august-4-stuff-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I can’t remember when storage locker facilities became part of every city and town. I do remember when I was a new young nun that we had to be able to put everything we owned into one train trunk — and it was doable! Vanity of vanities. All things are vanity, warns this Sunday’s Hebrew
- [July 28, Prayer: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/07/22/july-28-prayer-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): One of the most difficult and frustrating questions is “Why doesn’t God answer prayers?” It seems that today’s Scriptures assure us that God does! In the Hebrew Scripture reading, God listens to Abraham persuading him not to destroy a sinful city. In the Gospel, we have a double lesson on prayer — first the Our
- [July 21, Welcoming: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/07/15/july-21-welcoming-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): At one point in my life, I was in the Middle East with a study group, and we visited a Bedouin encampment in the sand desert. We got to see a hospitality tent — a very wide tent with its flaps pinned open, with cushions spread on rugs inside, waiting for visitors. Apparently it is
- [July 14, Compassion: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/07/08/july-14-compassion-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Familiar to everyone who is connected with social justice is the story of villagers by a river, which goes something like this: One day a body floats down the river, and the villagers rescue it. The next day, more bodies begin to appear. The villagers continue to act responsibly and compassionately. But they never investigate
- [July 7, Just Us: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/07/01/july-7-just-us-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Unique to Luke is today’s reading from his Gospel. The Lord appointed 72 others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs. It seems that the early Christian community enjoyed a wide array of lay leaders, men and women who were not apostles, who spread the good news. “Behold, I am sending you like lambs
- [June 30, Freedom: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/06/24/june-30-freedom-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): By a happy accident, this coming Sunday’s Epistle from Galatians makes a good meditation for the week of our 4th of July holiday. “For freedom Christ set us free,” St. Paul says, “but do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather serve one another through love … but if you go
- [June 23, Bread and Wine: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/06/17/june-23-bread-and-wine-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): You are what you eat — we hear this little aphorism in a variety of ways these days. It is pretty amazing, and mysterious to most of us, how the stuff we eat becomes us, our flesh and blood, our energy. It is the quintessential example of unity that we experience every day but seldom
- [June 16, Trinity: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/06/10/june-16-trinity-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is Trinity Sunday. What does Trinity mean to you? The statement that God is love begins to be filled out as we see God’s works. God is a creating movement of love at each nanosecond of existence in the unfinished universe; God is a saving movement of love — a revealing, finding, leading-the-way, forgiving
- [June 9, Pentecost Breath: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/06/03/june-9-pentecost-breath-a-sunday-scripture-blog/): When a baby is born, it must immediately transition from dependence on its mother for supplying oxygen to its cells and take its first breath. It is a powerful moment. Breath is a sign of life. In the creation account in Genesis (2:7), God blew the breath of life into nostrils, and the man formed
- [June 2, Ascension Sequel: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/05/27/june-2-ascension-sequel-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sequels. We know what they are! The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated today in the U.S., replacing the 7th Sunday after Easter. Ascension is a sequel feast. The main character of our salvation story, Jesus, is leaving the story, but the story is continuing. Luke, author of both his Gospel and of Acts of
- [May 19, Glorified: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/05/13/may-19-glorified-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him (Jn 13:31). Jesus speaks these words right after Judas leaves to arrange his arrest. He is telling his disciples that his coming crucifixion and death is a beginning, not an end. Shakespeare’s line “The evil that men do lives after them; the
- [Recipe for Discernment](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/05/15/recipe-for-discernment/): Last night, my foster son and I baked a cake. He read each step in the recipe, one by one, as we went along. From pre-heating the oven, to spraying the pan, and then adding ingredients, the steps were easy and we expected a fluffy, delicious cake as long as we followed the recipe. When
- [April 24, Easter Wednesday: Emmaus Imagined](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/24/april-24-easter-wednesday-emmaus-imagined/): “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) What Scriptures “that referred to him” might Jesus have opened? Which of these make your heart burn within you? The Lord God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you
- [May 26, Temples: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/05/20/may-26-temples-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Not long ago we watched in horror as the great cathedral of Notre Dame burned, shaking the very identity of the French people. The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by Rome in 70 C.E. was a huge shock for Jews and also for the Jewish converts to Christ. Our second reading today from Revelation
- [May 12, Good Shepherd: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/05/06/may-12-good-shepherd-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is “Good Shepherd Sunday,” but beware! There is a dark theme in the readings. In the first reading from Acts, Paul and Barnabas are treated with “violent abuse” and “expelled” from Antioch in Pisidia. In the second reading from Revelation, those standing before the Lamb in white robes “have survived the time of great
- [May 5, The Lamb and the lambs: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/29/may-5-the-lamb-and-the-lambs-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): An animal is a central figure in readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Rev 5:11-14 and John 21:1-19). This animal, a lamb, calls up and unites rich meanings of our faith. The lamb is a sacrificial animal in biblical Judaism, the covenant animal. When we speak of Jesus as the Lamb of God, we
- [April 21, Risen: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/15/april-21-risen-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” No one saw the resurrection; they saw that the body had disappeared. And then a new experience began to happen, appearances of Jesus in a body that seemed the same but also seemed very different. And not very long
- [April 28, Healing: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/22/april-28-healing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 2000, Pope St. John Paul established the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. Every year we hear the same Gospel on this Sunday, the one in which the apostle Thomas encounters the Risen Christ, who invites him to touch His wounds. In the first reading from Acts, Peter is doing what Jesus
- [April 14, Palms: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/08/april-14-palms-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I’m planning to move to Dayton in a couple months, and one thing I will miss is palm trees. Many of the 150 kinds of palm trees grow here in California and along the streets I walk. I will miss seeing the beautiful palm weavings our Hispanic vendors hawk outside our churches on Palm Sunday,
- [April 7, Forgiveness: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/04/01/april-7-forgiveness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Perhaps some of you may hear the A cycle Gospel reading today, if you attend a Mass where there are catechumens. The rest of us will hear the C cycle Gospel about the woman arrested for adultery, whom the leaders and onlookers want to stone to death in accord with Jewish law. When they ask
- [March 31, My Party: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/03/25/march-31-my-party-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The oldest son in today’s familiar “prodigal son” parable is easy for many of us to identify with! In many families, one child may feel that another child got more love and attention from parents than they did. And that actually may be the case, for example in families where boys are favored over girls,
- [March 24, Fig tree: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/03/18/mar-24-for-posting-mar-18-fig-tree/): This past Superbowl Sunday, a small plane crashed into a home here in California and killed five people watching the game. Why we have to suffer, and especially why innocent people suffer, is a question we all ask at some point in our lives. In today’s Gospel, people ask Jesus about a tragedy where innocent
- [March 17, Glory: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/03/11/march-17-glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In all three cycles of our liturgical year, the Gospel for the second Sunday of Lent is the Transfiguration. The first Sunday of Lent focused on our present journey to holiness which includes overcoming temptations and their resulting sins. This second Sunday presents our final goal, not only for Lent but for life. That goal
- [March 10, Temptation: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/03/02/march-10-temptation-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Lent is here again! Today’s Gospel from Luke is the familiar story of how Jesus is tempted by the devil. Luke took the very short version of Jesus’ temptations found in Mark’s earlier Gospel and expanded it to teach his Gospel listeners. Mark’s Gospel just says Jesus was tempted; Luke elaborates three distinctive temptations that
- [March 3, Speech: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/02/25/march-3-speech-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Do you like to read the advice columns or self-help columns in the newspaper? Parts of some Old Testament books called “wisdom literature” sound a little like them. These biblical writings give prosaic advice for ethical living in daily life. “Wisdom literature” was written in the centuries just before Jesus’ time. Jesus would have known
- [February 24, It's not fair!: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/02/18/february-24-a-scale-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I’ve noticed that a strong sense of fairness is closely connected with my sense of self. This observation seems supported by people like Lawrence Kohlberg and his successors who maintain that fairness is the basic moral sense and stance of most human persons. When I watch animal shows, I wonder if fairness is even rooted
- [February 17, You: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/02/11/february-17-you-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This week’s Gospel makes me feel a little guilty. I am a nun, but I have a comfortable life. Today we hear Luke’s version of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you who are poor for the kingdom of God is yours.” And that is paired with “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received
- [February 10, Calls: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/02/04/february-10-calls-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Last week we heard God calling Jeremiah the prophet. This week our Hebrew Scripture reading describes the call of another prophet, Isaiah. In our second reading from Corinthians, Paul marvels at his call. Then in our Gospel, Jesus affirms Simon by choosing his boat for the “miraculous catch of fish” and tells Simon that henceforth
- [February 3, Prophetic Voices: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/01/28/february-3-prophetic-voices-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Prophets in Hebrew Scripture were like canaries in coal mines, alerting rulers, authorities or the Hebrew people when they were getting off track. Our first reading and our Gospel have Jeremiah and Jesus doing this. Jeremiah is trying to wake people up to the consequences of straying from their covenant with God and listening to
- [Precious Blood Spirituality is Lived](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/01/04/precious-blood-spirituality-is-lived/): This blog is from the Precious Blood Spirituality Committee, a committee formed of representatives from the seven communities who are part of the Precious Blood Leadership Conference (PBLC). Over the past few years, I have shared my reflections on the spirituality of the Precious Blood a number of times, here in the U.S. and in
- [January 13, Fire: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/01/07/jan-13-fire-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): We start the Christmas Ordinary Time part of our Church year today — some weeks between the Advent and Christmas season and the beginning of Lent — “counted” weeks; the number will depend on whether Easter is early or late, which depends on the first full moon of spring. This year Easter is “late,” and
- [Jan 27, Body of Christ: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/01/21/jan-27-body-of-christ-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, it is worth considering the second reading from 1 Corinthians 12. There Paul uses his signature metaphor: body of Christ. We Catholics are Eucharistic Christians, but unfortunately we often think first only of the consecrated host as the body of Christ. In Paul’s day, the Eucharistic ritual was
- [Jan 20, Signs: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2019/01/14/jan-20-signs-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Some of our Protestant brethren do not use a lectionary. Instead their preachers select the text for preaching at the Sunday service. Catholics, and some non-Catholics like Episcopalians and Lutherans, use a lectionary, a selection of biblical readings arranged for a liturgical year. We Catholics have a three-year lectionary. This 2019 year is “Year C,”
- [Jan 6, Epiphany: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/31/jan-6-epiphany-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In 2019, the January 6th date of the Feast of Epiphany falls on Sunday; in other years the feast is “transferred” to the closest Sunday. Epiphany means a manifestation, an “appearance,” a mind-altering insight into something. The Gospel we read today is from Matthew’s “infancy narrative,” the story of the three Magi searching for a
- [Dec 30, Holy Family: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/24/dec-30-holy-family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated today. Our Gospel is the story, found only in the Gospel of Luke, about how Jesus was traveling with his family to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover and became “lost.” But as he explains patiently to his parents, he really was “found” because he was in
- [December 16, Joy: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/10/december-16-joy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): What is your image of God? On this third Sunday of Advent we are given a charming but challenging image of God in the first (Hebrew Scripture) reading: The Lord, your God, is in your midst … he will rejoice over you with gladness … he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings
- [Living Advent](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/06/living-advent/): Today’s Blog entry is written by Jenna Legg, who serves Vocation Ministry Coordinator for our congregation. Jenna offers a reflection on the struggle that often exists in responding to God’s call. While Advent is usually expressed as a season of “joyful hope” and preparedness, I also believe there is a somberness tangled with the expectation.
- [December 23, This Child: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/17/december-23-this-child-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): All stories are true, and some of them really happen! This is a saying I developed for speaking with people about narrative types of writing in our Scriptures. This Sunday we have a piece of Luke’s “infancy narrative,” the visit between the newly pregnant Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, also pregnant with Jesus’ cousin John
- [December 9, All are Welcome: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/12/03/december-9-all-are-welcome-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The first part of our Gospel this Sunday is like the introduction to a book, which is great since this is only the second Sunday of our new liturgical year, Year C, the Gospel of Luke year. So we hear about characters who will turn up again later in Luke’s account of Jesus’ life: Pontius
- [December 2, Troubled Times: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/11/26/dec-2-troubled-times-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this first Sunday of Advent we begin a new liturgical year, Year C of our three-year cycle of Sunday Scriptures. This year many of our Sunday Scriptures will be from the Gospel of Luke. Today’s Lukan Gospel passage sounds frightening. Luke’s Gospel was written around the year 85 C.E. (Christian Era), after Jerusalem had
- [October 7, Union - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/10/01/oct-7-union-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s first reading from Genesis and the Gospel reading from Mark present an ideal image of union between a man and a woman. Later this beautiful image will be used by Paul to describe the union between God and the church. In the Genesis narrative we hear today, the woman is formed from the man’s
- [October 14, Wealth - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/10/08/oct-14-wealth-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Recently a wealthy man was regaling me with how many hours he spends opening the multitudes of appeals he gets in the mail — and the ways he decides among them. He gives several thousand dollars a week to various appeals. Then he said, with great seriousness, that a concern of his heart was whether
- [October 21, Competition – a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/10/15/oct-21-competition-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Sunday’s Gospel is so very human. Two apostles are trying to get to the head of the pack, and sit at the right and left side of Jesus in the kingdom of heaven. When the other disciples hear about this, they get mad! (Why them and not me?) Don’t humans in groups do this all
- [October 28, Discipleship – a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/10/22/oct-28-discipleship-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In Sunday’s Gospel, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, ignored by the crowd traveling with Jesus, is invited by Jesus to come forward. We catch a glimpse of his personality. He casts his cloak away — his most prized possession, the thing that kept him warm while sleeping rough at night and protected him from the
- [November 4, Hear: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/10/29/nov-4-hear-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Hear or listen, from our first reading (Deuteronomy 6:2-6) connotes “Always remember, never forget!” “Remember now!” What the people are to remember is that the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. This religious mantra unites Jews, Muslims and Christians. And this mantra is the context for the rest of the passage, the “greatest commandment”:
- [November 11, The Widow: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/11/04/nov-11-the-widow-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In the first (Hebrew Scripture) reading and the Gospel reading this Sunday, two widows illustrate one teaching. In the first reading, a poor widow living in the midst of terrible famine is making a final meal for herself and her son; the prophet Elijah asks her to share it. In the Gospel, a poor widow
- [November 18, End Times: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/11/12/nov-18-end-times-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It’s that time of year when we hear apocalyptic Scriptures, today’s from the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of Mark. This highly imaginative and symbolic writing was meant to both warn and reassure people facing death-dealing forces around them. So these Scriptures invite us to look at death-dealing forces around us today. What in
- [November 25, Christ the King: a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/11/18/nov-25-christ-the-king-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The Kingdom is the image Jesus used to speak about our true place, our true place both here on earth during our historical existence, and our true place after death. Above all it is one place, whether on earth or in heaven! It is a place that mirrors the goodness, truth and beauty of God.
- [Being a Meaning-Maker](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/11/21/being-a-meaning-maker/): At a recent liturgy, as I was reciting the familiar Trinitarian formula and signing myself, I became acutely aware of what I was actually doing. Too often these ritual signs become habitual and intentionality is lost. But this day I was struck by how an act of violence became a sign of unconditional love. In and of itself,
- [January 21, Relationship and Mission - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/15/relationship-and-mission-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Jesus says to Simon and Andrew, and probably also to James and John who also are called in today’s Gospel. I wonder if they were afraid? If Jesus was? Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had been arrested. They must all have known what the
- [April 15, Risen Christ with Wounds - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/09/risen-christ-with-wounds-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our Third Sunday of Easter has a third Gospel account of a resurrection appearance; just like last week when Thomas touched the wounds on Jesus’ risen body, this account also features those wounds. The “eleven and their companions” at first believe they are seeing a ghost. So Jesus says, “look at my hands and feet,
- [February 25, Total Giving - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/19/total-giving-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Two beloved sons appear in our Scriptures this weekend: Isaac, son of Abraham, and Jesus whom a voice from a cloud identifies: This is my beloved son. Listen to him. Our second reading (Romans 8:31b-34) gives us the link: God … did not spare his own Son … how will he not also give us
- [April 29, Vine and Branches - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/23/vine-and-branches/): If you visit the ancient basilicas in Rome, a few dating to the first half of the fourth century, you will find the motif of the vine and branches everywhere. It is on facades, on domes, on doors, climbing up pillars, in mosaic floors. It seems this motif was a major way that the often-embattled
- [May 6, Love, Sweet Love - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/30/love-sweet-love-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): If you were dying and someone asked you, “Do you have any last words?” what would your words be? The setting of today’s passage from John’s Gospel is the last supper, so we are hearing some of Jesus’ “last words,” the words the Evangelist thought were the most important of all the words Jesus said.
- [July 1, Healing & Faith - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/06/25/healing-faith/): Today is the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, but it is also July 1, the former Feast of the Most Precious Blood; a number of years ago, the present Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (formerly Corpus Christi, on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday) was placed in our liturgical calendar. So
- [July 15, Walking Stick - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/09/walking-stick-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick.… The simple walking stick — not the fancy, manufactured poles you can buy in a sport goods store, but a wooden stick — is a beautiful symbol for the commission we all have to bring the good news to people. It is a humble
- [July 22, The Wall - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/16/the-wall-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): On this 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (the counted weeks of the liturgical year), the first (Hebrew Scripture) reading and the Gospel both speak about shepherds. I expect we might hear homilies about this theme. The second reading is from Ephesians. In the context where we find ourselves as U.S. people, it is especially challenging.
- [July 29, Loaves and Fishes - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/23/loaves-and-fishes-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our current Scripture cycle is B, and Mark’s Gospel is used. But Mark’s is a short Gospel, so for five weeks in year B, we switch to the Gospel of John. We read the “bread of life” passages from John, chapter 6. Remember, John’s account of the Last Supper does not include Jesus breaking and
- [August 5, Instant Gratification - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/30/instant-gratification-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Parents and grandparents know how hard it is for children to wait. But actually, it is hard for all of us! Research tells us that computer games and casinos allure us by cleverly syncing with our brains to give us pleasure now! But a purpose-driven life is possible only if we don’t get stopped by
- [September 2, Law and Religion - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/08/27/law-and-religion-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In Mark’s Gospel passage, Jesus is being accused of being too relaxed about following all the laws of his Jewish religion. Jesus responds by reminding people that too often, religious people substitute human religious traditions for God’s laws. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition, he says. It seems we still do that
- [March 18, Glory - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/12/glory-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): “Glory” is a visible manifestation of God’s presence revealed to us. In today’s Gospel, when Jesus prays, “Father, glorify your name,” a voice from heaven thunders, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The context is Jesus’ impending passion, and John Evangelist has Jesus drive the lesson home as he tells his listeners
- [March 25, Anointed - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/19/anointed-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is Palm Sunday, and year B, so we read the passion account from the Gospel of Mark. I love the story, near the beginning of the narrative, of the woman of Bethany who crashes the dinner where Jesus was the invited guest, and anoints him with expensive perfume. What an amazing Gospel character! During
- [March 4, Holy - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/26/holy-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Each year on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, some congregations will hear the readings from Cycle A and others from Cycle B, the current cycle. Cycle A is used every year at Masses where there are people present who are preparing for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. These thoughts
- [January 7, Gifts - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/02/gifts-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The U.S. church celebrates the Feast of Epiphany on January 7. The story of the three mystery visitors is from Matthew’s Gospel, and they are “from the east.” An often-made point by preachers and Scripture scholars is that Matthew is introducing a main theme of his Gospel, that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Lord of
- [January 14, Lamb of God - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/09/lamb-of-god-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This week and next, we have two Gospel accounts about the same event: the calling by Jesus of his first disciples. This Sunday we hear John’s account, and next Sunday Mark’s description. John the Evangelist is writing at the end of the first century. Having lived as a believer and having reflected on faith for
- [January 28, Anxiety - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/22/anxiety-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The second reading for this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 Cor 7:32-35) always makes me giggle! Paul says, I should like you to be free from anxieties, and then in the rest of the passage he proceeds to list how everyone experiences anxieties — unmarried or married, men or women! Commentary says that first line about anxiety refers
- [February 4, Healing - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/29/healing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Healing is front and center in our Sunday Scriptures this week and next week. Today, in our first reading we hear the discouraged speech of Job, crushed by life’s reversals. In the Gospel, we hear how Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law and then went on to heal many other villagers. Next week, we will hear about
- [February 11, Home - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/05/home-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I always think of St. Francis of Assisi when I hear this Gospel (Mk 1:40-45). In it Jesus heals a leper, but he did it by actually touching him. St. Francis found lepers of his day particularly repulsive, his biographer reported, and one day, inspired by this very Scripture, he kissed one. The context of
- [February 18, Faithfulness - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/12/faithfulness-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is the first Sunday of Lent, and the Hebrew Scripture reading is the end of the flood story where God makes a covenant with Noah and his descendants. The rainbow is the reminder that God will be faithful to that covenant. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is led into the desert to be tempted. That
- [April 1, Celebrate! A Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/26/celebrate-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I love 1 Cor 5:6-8, one of the selections for the second reading of Easter day Mass. It is all about feasting. Yum! It is about yeast leavening dough – an image of how the kingdom grows, slowly, but inexorably, but also an image of how we gradually grow in holiness throughout our lives. Then
- [April 8, Unless I see - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/02/unless-i-see-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today’s Gospel is the well-known episode where the Apostle Thomas, unwilling to believe the other disciples telling him that Jesus was alive, demands the outrageous “proof” of being able to put his hand into the wound in Jesus’ side. It is difficult to hold on to faith. We always do want proof, and even though
- [April 22, The Good Shepherd - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/16/the-good-shepherd-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): There will be many, many people who won’t hear our Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Easter precisely because of what Luke’s Jesus is talking about in it: bad shepherds. As I visit “Catholics” in the large country hospital, I meet them — people who have walked away because of what a priest, or priests,
- [May 13, Ascension of the Lord - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/07/ascension-of-the-lord-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In most dioceses of the United States, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on this Seventh Sunday after Easter instead of on “Ascension Thursday.” The actual description of the Ascension is in the first reading today, from Acts of the Apostles. We are tempted to focus on the magical image of
- [May 20, Pentecost - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/14/pentecost-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): I lector at weekend Masses, and I get scheduled for different Masses. I hope I get to be at the Vigil (Saturday) Mass on Pentecost. There are different readings for the Vigil of Pentecost than for the Sunday Masses, and they are wonderful indeed! I especially love the one from Ezekiel — the dead bones
- [May 27, Trinity Sunday - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/21/trinity-sunday-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Richard Rohr reminds us that the Cappadocian Fathers (Gregory of Nyssa, Basil of Caesarea and Gregory Nazianzen and others) said: “Don’t start with the One and try to make it into Three but start with the Three and see that this is the deepest nature of the One.” When we speak of Trinity, then, we
- [June 3, Covenant - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/28/covenant-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): The whole world watched the wedding of Prince Henry of England and Meghan Markle, it seems! Their ceremony was filled with symbols — words said, rings exchanged, hands clasped and covered with a stole, and, of course, kisses. The symbols told us that we were watching a fundamental change taking place — from being single
- [June 10, Family - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/06/04/family-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus seemingly turns a cold shoulder on his mother and “brothers” (extended family). When told they were outside the house where he was teaching, Jesus says: “Who are my mother and my brothers? ... For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Note: The
- [June 17, Growth - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/06/11/growth-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): It is the middle of the growing season, and we have Scriptures about growth today. The first reading (Ezekiel 17:22-24) describes God’s power to make trees spring up for the birds of the air. Our Gospel (Mark 4:26-34) combines two parables, one about grain growing and the other about a mustard seed becoming a huge
- [June 24, John the Baptist - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/06/18/john-the-baptist-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): This year the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (the counted weeks of the liturgical year) gets replaced by the Feast of John the Baptist. It is such an important feast that it has its own vigil readings, so Saturday congregations will hear different Scriptures from Sunday congregations. Both Gospels, though, are about the conception and
- [July 8, Sticks and Stones - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/02/sticks-and-stones-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Remember that saying we learned as children? Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will ever hurt you. Probably you and I learned pretty early in life that it is not true! We all face rejection, often delivered with words, and it hurts. A special kind of rejection runs through all three of
- [August 26, Choosing - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/08/20/choosing-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Today is the last of the five Sundays when our Gospels are from John and are about the Bread of Life. But the bread is not really in this reading from the end of John, chapter 6. Instead, today’s reading describes the reaction of the disciples to hearing about Jesus being the bread of life
- [August 19, Flavor - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/08/13/flavor-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Once a poor woman shared her story with me. One part of it was that for a year, she was left in a remote rural area by her trucker husband with only a supply of pinto beans to eat. And, Sister Mary, she said, he did not even give me salt. When I visit people
- [August 12, Roots - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/08/06/roots-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Our second reading this 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time is from Ephesians 4:30-5:2. Today we modern Catholics are aware of our religion as having lots of beliefs, or doctrines, but at its beginning, Christianity was a way of living and a way of praising God; beliefs emerged later. In this passage from Ephesians, we are
- [September 16, The Cross - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/09/10/the-cross-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): In today’s Gospel reading, Peter reacts like we might! Jesus had been performing mighty acts, great miracles that had people suspecting Jesus was something greater than even a prophet. Peter himself professes that belief as he says, You are the Christ! But then Jesus tells his disciples that he must suffer and die. Peter responds
- [September 23, Service - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/09/17/service-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): When the late Bishop Kenneth Untener was appointed to the Saginaw Diocese, he asked to meet all his priests. He came into the room where they were assembled wearing an apron, and with a towel on his arm, and said: Hello! I’m Ken and I’ll be your waiter. The leader as servant is a strong
- [September 30, Eye - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/09/24/eye-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): If you were to make a list of sayings of Jesus that you wished were NOT in the Gospel, probably you would select some of the lines from this one today! If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off … And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off … and
- [September 9, Ephphatha - a Sunday Scriptures blog](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/09/03/ephphatha-a-sunday-scriptures-blog/): Geography matters in today’s Gospel. Jesus is preaching in “the district of the Decapolis,” 10 Greek cities. So it is Greeks who bring Jesus a deaf man to heal. And in the preceding healing, not read in this B cycle of readings, Jesus healed a Syrophoenician woman’s daughter. It seems the evangelist Mark is teaching
- [Transitions](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/06/transitions/): A morning walk in the woods reveals streaks of bright shining sunlight which illuminate a variety of areas scattered liberally throughout. Chipmunks, groundhogs and squirrels scamper and jump playfully in shadows and sunlight, navigating the contrasts and transitions with effortless ease and wild abandon. The wonder and awe of it all called me to reflect
- [May we hear the tiny whispering voice](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/07/03/may-we-hear-the-tiny-whispering-voice/): I was recently at a meeting where the opening prayer was the story of Elijah, to whom God says, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by” (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16). Elijah hears the wind, the earthquake, the fire and finally the “tiny whispering sound” which he
- [A higher law](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/18/a-higher-law/): On the news today I heard a story about a woman of color who had been insulted at a campus diversity rally. A reporter asked her, “How do you answer a person who says, as this person did, ‘Freedom of speech is my First Amendment right’?” I began to think about what I would have
- [Resurrection](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/05/03/resurrection/): A friend gives me an amaryllis every Christmas. They bloom beautifully, though not always on Christmas — one was a Valentine amaryllis — and then die back. That’s the end of my luck with them. I put them in the basement, with some vague thought about planting the bulbs outside “someday.” One day during Lent
- [O Lord](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/04/13/o-lord/): O Lord, in union with that divine intention with which you praised your Father to the shedding of your blood, I offer this day in adoration. This short “morning offering” which I say daily, urges me to see my day as an opportunity to do something more than simply “getting through it.” I offer it
- [Ready for Spring](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/27/ready-for-spring/): For those of us in Ohio, “I’m ready for spring!!!” is a refrain that is heard almost everywhere you go. This last snowfall seems to have tipped even the hardiest winter-lover over the edge into a longing for warm breezes, sunshine, long days and flowers and trees in bloom. For those of us with the
- [Both/And](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/03/08/bothand/): On a recent walk I noticed a sign posted in someone’s yard. My guess is that a police officer lives there or is a relative to someone who lives there. The sign read, “Blue Lives Matter.” Having a police officer in my family, I would have to agree. As I walked on, I offered a
- [Home](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/23/home/): My favorite TV channel is HGTV. One of my favorite shows is Fixer Upper. On this show a couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, remodel houses for their clients. When they reveal to the people their new home, Chip almost always says, “Welcome home!” Recently I have been thinking a lot about the word “home.” I
- [Council Retreat Day](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/14/council-retreat-day/): Four times each year, we as a Council step away from the office, the phone, email and the work we are attending to. We take a day and typically retreat to Kiser Lake, that lovely space in God’s creation that we are truly blessed to have. We give ourselves to some reading, some reflecting and
- [Horeb](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/02/02/horeb/): “Do not let me hear again, the voice of the Lord my God, nor look any longer on this great fire, or I shall die” (from first reading of fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Deut. 18: 15-20). We create layers of insulation between us and God. God seems dangerous, scary, threatening. We plead for a
- [New Year’s Super Moon](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2018/01/05/new-years-super-moon/): The first two nights of the New Year were crystal clear and the first supermoon of the month was out in all its supermoon glory. I had noticed it as it rose big and full over the horizon. Several hours later, I looked out a window again and was amazed to see that the moon,
- [God Moments](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/12/06/god-moments/): As I approached the double doors that always fling themselves open to welcome and invite me to continue my journey through the walkway that leads into Good Samaritan Hospital, I found myself looking through the glass at another woman who looked as confused as I felt. Clearly both of us had been propelled into a
- [Hooop Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/29/hooop-prayer/): Many months ago, I was asked to provide a chaplain visit for a woman in the emergency department who, I was told, could possibly miscarry her unborn child. When I entered this woman’s room, she appeared calm. She told me about her family and her hopes, all the while rubbing the abode where her unborn
- [Be Yeast](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/17/be-yeast/): Yeast is a tiny little plant, but very little is needed to make bread dough rise. Yeast is not something that commands dough to rise from outside, but becomes part of the dough, disappears in the dough, working from within to raise the dough. This little bit of yeast changes dough from something heavy and
- [Stand or fall](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/10/stand-or-fall/): In my years as principal of St. Christopher School, I loved to stop by the art room to feel the creative energy and enjoy the incredible masterpieces in the making. Coming into the room and leaving the room, my attention was often drawn to two stickers that hung on the side of a cabinet that
- [Parable of the Two Sons](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/11/03/parable-of-the-two-sons/): “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes,
- [Even religious types are invited](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/27/even-religious-types-are-invited/): Jesus was disappointed with the religious leaders of his time. Maybe he remembered the time in his childhood when he looked up to them for guidance and inspiration. The parable of the Two Sons was directed at them. It is still directed at us, religious people of our time. It must have been insulting for
- [The seed](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/19/the-seed/): He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the
- [A Sister is someone who notices the pearl in another](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/13/a-sister-is-someone-who-notices-the-pearl-in-another/): Sometimes people bother us, irritate us. Sometimes we have the grace to see the gift of the other person, her treasure, his pearl. Like all pearls and all treasures, you need to keep your eyes open to notice what’s special in people. I’ve read a couple novels lately by Fredrik Backman. One is titled Britt-Marie
- [Recognizing the Pearl](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/06/recognizing-the-pearl/): How many people walked by the pearl seller without noticing the special one? How many people tramped through the field without even imagining a treasure there? How many times do we watch the news without noticing the wonderful ways God’s Reign is manifesting. When NFL players show solidarity with people of color, there is God’s
- [Finding the Pearl](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/10/04/finding-the-pearl/): “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and
- [Reflection on LCWR 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/25/reflection-on-lcwr-2017/): As a child and as an adult, I have always had a fear of death. I really had not experienced death until my father passed in 2000, followed by the death of my mother in 2003. The past several years I have been blessed to be able to sit at the bedside of several of
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood Call for Congress to Act](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/09/07/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-call-for-congress-to-act/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood stand alongside other people of faith and of good will and compassion to urge Congress to protect the lives and futures of the DREAMERS* by passing the bi-partisan Dream Act of 2017. By no choice of their own these Dreamers were brought to the United States as young children
- [Water](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/18/water/): There is nothing more delicious than water in Alberta, Canada. It is from glaciers, rushing waterfalls, raging rivers. It has no flavor, no color, but that is what makes it special. To walk on the glaciers, boat and raft on the turquoise rivers and lakes makes drinking glacier water so delightful. Drinking this water is
- [Pieta](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/03/pieta/): There is a place that I know of on the south side of Chicago, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, an area plagued with poverty, gangs and violence. This place sits on the grounds where a Catholic church once stood and provided nourishment for those who came through its doors. Out of the ruins
- [Stinky situation!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/08/02/stinky-situation/): There are few things that keep me from enjoying my coffee as I ponder the Scripture of the day sitting in the beauty of our backyard. It's a nice backyard, lots of flowers, birds and various other wildlife including a plethora of cats. Recently, I have felt like a hostage in the morning as I
- [Memories of friendship](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/26/memories-of-friendship/): I’ve sat by the side of the bed of many Sisters over the years as they lay dying. Recently, however, it was a Sister whom I’ve known for almost all of my life in community and who became a fast friend over the years. With her death, I can’t help but ponder the richness of
- [Treasure seeking](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/24/treasure-seeking/): This is the final week of six Gospels which focus on instructions to disciples and descriptions of the kingdom setting where they are to work. So this Sunday’s Gospel (Matt 13:44-52) gives us three additional images and lessons about the kingdom: you have to want the kingdom bad enough that you search for it and
- [And a little child shall lead them](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/19/and-a-little-child-shall-lead-them/): Her name is Hannah and yet, many call her by her label, “Developmentally Delayed” or “Special Needs.” Hannah engages, deeply engages, with the people around her. She wants to know the person’s name and always asks, “are you okay?” Hannah is deeply empathetic and will approach anyone in a wheelchair, or using a walker, or
- [Where are you?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/17/where-are-you/): Where are you? It is the most often question asked on cell phones now that we hardly use land phones anymore! I wonder if Jesus talked so much about the Kingdom because he wants us to understand clearly where we really are? In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents us disciples with three kingdom pictures about where
- [Soaring](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/05/soaring/): I was walking outside when I observed a majestic red-tailed hawk soaring high above a field. It was so inspiring to watch this awesome bird glide and soar on the currents of the wind. Suddenly a tiny sparrow began to dive at the hawk and pick at it and then retreat, over and over again. I
- [Thy Kingdom Come](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/10/thy-kingdom-come/): Disciples, like Jesus had, and we who are their successors, have to have a long view of their discipleship. Today’s Epistle from Romans says “I consider the sufferings of the present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us … all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now
- [We’re in it together](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/07/03/were-in-it-together/): Intimacy might be the key idea in the Gospel for this 14th week of ordinary time. Being a disciple can be a daunting idea and task. This week we are given a “you can do it” hug. How? In the first reading from Zechariah we hear about a king who though meek can banish the
- [GPS](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/29/gps/): The other day I was driving home from an area of Los Angeles in which I am very unfamiliar. Getting home I used my GPS. Driving along the freeway the GPS informed me that I could save 28 minutes by taking another route. So, with my sense of exploration, I turned off the freeway and
- [The world is our oyster!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/27/the-world-is-our-oyster/): Last week’s focus — Jesus instructing his disciples for their mission of evangelization — continues in today’s Gospel and really in all the July Gospels. Remember, his instruction to his disciples is meant for us today! Vatican II lifted up the vocation of the non-ordained person by naming our mission: to make the world holy.
- [Calling all disciples](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/22/calling-all-disciples/): After the Easter Season and the great post Easter solemnities of Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we return today to the “counted weeks” of the liturgical year called “ordinary time.” In the Gospel for this cycle A, 12th Sunday of ordinary time (Matt 10:26-33), Jesus is instructing
- [Earthquakes](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/15/earthquakes/): Most of the tremors that happen in Guatemala I don’t notice. Last night I did. It woke me up. It was a tremor here, but in Tajamulco it was 6.9. Thanks be to God it was deep enough to not do horrible damage like the last earthquake they had there not too many years ago.
- [A bubble blessing](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/14/a-bubble-blessing/): Recently I was at a week-long training session in Chicago. The last day we had an integration/retreat day. After I had re-read all of the notes I had taken and reviewed the week in my mind, I decided to take a walk down to Lake Michigan, only about a 15-minute walk away. It was a
- [Food for life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/13/food-for-life/): “Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood, you do not have life within you, we hear proclaimed in the Gospel for this feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.” (Jn 6: 51-58) Many of the Jewish listeners were scandalized — was this cannibalism? They walked
- [One day!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/13/one-day/): The Spider Wort plant sends up tall stocks that produce what I would call a “fist full” of tiny buds. It is my observation that each of these buds burst open to reveal a trinity of deep purple petals held together by a golden crown of pollen producing stamen. Each of these small yet magnificent
- [Non-condemning love](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/06/13/non-condemning-love/): It’s bumper sticker Sunday next Sunday, AKA Trinity Sunday. John 3:16 seen frequently on bumper stickers clues me that this Gospel is one of the best loved and most motivating passages in Christian scripture. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might … have
- [Hidden treasure](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/31/hidden-treasure/): The other day while cleaning out an old tool shed, I found a quaint looking little glass bottle packed with what looked like dried mud. Having found it in a corner beneath lots of other “castaways,” I figured it may be have been there for a while. On the bottom was an H over A
- [Together](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/30/together/): Our administrative offices are housed in a building about a quarter of a mile down the road from Salem Heights, the “central house” of the congregation. We are blessed to have a chapel as part of our work place where we can go to recharge in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. During one of
- [Comfort](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/30/comfort/): Tenderness and Pentecost go together. In his farewell speech (John 14: 17-18, 25-27; 16: 7-8), a tender Jesus knows the loss his disciples will face when he dies. Jesus speaks for and with the Father to assure the disciples — and us today — that we will always have the presence of the Lord close
- [Moving on](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/30/moving-on/): Today in the U.S., we celebrate the feast of the Ascension. Dismay is a feeling that I always have when I hear the in the Ascension reading that “… as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.” Oh, no! And so wrenching was it for the
- [Fill ‘er up!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/18/fill-er-up/): I always check out gas prices as I drive along. One day I noticed the price had gone up at one station. I immediately pulled over and checked on my Gas Buddy app to see where the cheapest gas was near me. I really didn’t need it because my tank was only half empty (or
- [Eternal love](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/18/eternal-love/): “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always … I will not leave you orphans.” What an insight into God’s character this passage gives! Our God loves us so much that he cannot bear that we might feel abandoned or orphaned. So, we are given Divine
- [Robin’s Egg Blue](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/12/robins-egg-blue/): The window outside the room where we pray the Divine Office looks onto the porch of our old farmhouse. The porch wraps around two thirds each of the west and south sides and its roof is supported by brick pillars. Each of the four pillars has a ledge on the inside of the porch about
- [Living stones](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/12/living-stones/): In today’s Gospel, the community of John the Evangelist is struggling because Jesus seems absent. At the time he writes this Gospel, it is about 70 years since Jesus died, and many of those who knew him and shared their stories about him have also died. John gives his community words from Jesus about how
- [The Good Shepherd](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/05/05/the-good-shepherd/): “… the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them … the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.” It is so very hard to hear the voice of the divine Shepherd because of all the other voices in our lives: voices of friends and family
- [To open](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/04/27/to-open/): The month of April seems to be appropriately named. April finds its roots in the Latin Aprilis which is derived from the Latin aperire which means “to open.” As I walked through the yard last evening, I was amazed how in just a few short weeks our garden plants that were just peeking through the
- [A step at a time](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/04/25/a-step-at-a-time/): Today’s Gospel is the amazing story unique to Luke’s Gospel about the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). They are on another road, too, the road toward faith — as they share with a stranger they meet how they feel hopeless because of the sudden death of Jesus, the one they thought was
- [The Divine Mercy icon](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/04/18/the-divine-mercy-icon/): It is Divine Mercy Sunday, the most recent solemnity added to the Church’s liturgical calendar by Pope saint John Paul II. The opening prayer of Mass asks God to give us more grace so that “all may grasp and rightly understand in what font they have been washed, by whose Spirit … reborn, by whose
- [Mary Magdalene](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/04/10/mary-magdalene/): Among the many amazing details of the Easter account we are hearing this Sunday, notice Mary Magdalene. In Mark’s Gospel, written first, and in Matthew and Luke who used Mark as a source for their Gospels, Magdalene goes with other women to the tomb of Jesus. By the time John’s Gospel is written after 100
- [Living our memory](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/04/06/living-our-memory/): In the opening prayer at the beginning of the Palm Sunday liturgy, we hear: Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s Paschal Mystery. This “purpose statement” which begins holy week is rich! We are told that this week is to be done together —
- [Rising](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/28/rising/): We live in a culture that fears death. We are not even very good with little deaths of self-denial, delayed gratification, and the personal suffering that comes from staying the course of commitments we make. This Sunday all three readings speak of death as leading to rising. … when I open your graves and have
- [Seeing clearly](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/22/seeing-clearly/): It’s the fourth Sunday of Lent. In our parishes, it is the second (of three) weeks of “scrutinies,” the liturgical ritual that “examines” those preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil. It’s part of the Church’s formation program called the RCIA — the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults — and this little ritual presents
- [Snagged by the cross](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/17/snagged-by-the-cross/): The Claddagh ring is often given in friendship. In Irish tradition, it is a ring a mother gives to her daughter. The Claddagh can also be given as a sign of friendship, engagement and used as a wedding ring. The Claddagh ring I wear has a cross on top of the crown. I like my
- [A little less “mad”ness!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/17/a-little-less-madness/): “March Madness” is upon us! I love college basketball. I am an alumni of a Midwest Catholic university that happens to have a strong athletic program and is part of a strong NCAA conference. From November preseason games right through the craziness of March, I follow my alma mater religiously. Occasionally I am able to
- [Living water](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/17/living-water/): On this third Sunday of Lent, our Gospel is the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42). Volumes of commentary have been written about this passage! I think of my Aunt Rose who used to complain, “Why does the Church make us hear the same scriptures over and over?” It’s
- [Defiant and loving it …](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/09/defiant-and-loving-it/): Recently I had the opportunity to fly to Ohio. I love to fly. Since I was a little girl I have always been fascinated by flight. Once I wanted to be a pilot, but my dad said no. The best part of flying is take off. This, for me, is an act of defiance as
- [Experiencing the Lord](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/09/experiencing-the-lord/): Consider these examples: you start learning a language, and you can say “that is delicious” but you can’t say all that you experience as you eat the wonderful food because you don’t have the words; you have a life changing experience, but it isn’t until you hear a song that you hear words to express
- [Dead leaves?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/03/dead-leaves/): Today while looking out the window of my office and enjoying the beauty of a crisp, clear blue sky day, a rare treat in Ohio at the end of February, I noticed a tree that stood out from the other trees in the scene. Every other tree stood tall and bare while the tree in
- [Good looking stuff](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/03/good-looking-stuff/): Lent is here. On the first weekend of Lent, our readings direct us to look at temptation. The first (Hebrew scripture) reading is the Adam and Eve sin story. Of course, the first thing to note is the word “story;” we don’t think the first homo sapiens lived in a paradise, spoke in complete sentences,
- [Lent? To deny, to savor or both?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/03/lent-to-deny-to-savor-or-both/): Lent is coming. It’s always been a special time for me, as though the season itself provided me the courage to address those dark areas where God’s light was dimmed and grace was not completely at home. Those six weeks are better for aligning myself with grace than any New Year’s resolutions. As for what
- [A half full glass](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/03/03/a-half-full-glass/): The first words of this weekend’s readings are a lament: “the LORD has forsaken me, my LORD has forgotten me.” No matter what our situation in life, it is going to feel like that sometime! And some people have lives with much more than the average amount of suffering and difficulties. It is hard to
- [Rules of the heart](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/15/rules-of-the-heart/): On this seventh Sunday of Ordinary time, year A, the first words we hear in the first reading are striking: The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy …” This command to “be holy” is repeated by Paul (second
- [Sometimes hope is the fruit of beauty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/15/sometimes-hope-is-the-fruit-of-beauty/): Winter days can have a way of dragging a person down. Cold, windy, overcast. Yet on those days when the sun breaks through and the cold becomes brisk, the wind becomes bracing and the grey skies break to allow a shade of blue seen only on those days after the winter solstice, the spirit comes
- [Conversion](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/09/conversion/): Walking along the Great Miami River this past Sunday, I came to Poplar Creek and was awed by the beauty of the scene. After several days of deep freeze Ohio, this Sunday in February was a welcome treat with a temperature well into the 50s. As I stood and absorbed the scene, bare trees standing
- [Oh no, not rules!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/07/oh-no-not-rules/): We U.S. Catholics are a bit allergic to rules! “Too many rules” is one of the reasons people give for leaving the Church. This week and next, we are going to hear about commandments! Maybe we struggle to affirm the truth of the first line of our first reading: “if you choose you can keep
- [Consecrated life and the Amaryllis](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/07/consecrated-life-and-the-amaryllis/): This weekend the Catholic Church celebrates the “World Day of Consecrated Life.” A day to thank God for the call that many of us have received since the early days of the Church. Women and men have lived this call in all parts of the world and in all geographic areas. Many times, we think
- [Why unlit candles?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/03/why-unlit-candles/): On the Feast of St. Blaise back in 1950, the Church blessed throats with two crossed candles: lit crossed candles. I remember this because my mom approached the altar with our twins in her arms. With the tenacious grip of 8-month-olds, Richard and Joan grabbed the candles. Monsignor Brady wrestled; his vestments, mom’s scarf, St.
- [“… I was a stranger and you welcomed me!” – Matthew 25:35](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/03/i-was-a-stranger-and-you-welcomed-me-matthew-2535/): This was written on just one of the signs held high this past Sunday as hundreds of men, women and children gathered in downtown Dayton to protest President Donald Trump’s latest Executive Action banning refugees and migrants from seven Islamic nations. The crowd exceeded the expectations of the organizers who planned the gathering in front
- [Other power](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/02/03/other-power/): In our Gospel reading, Jesus uses two metaphors to describe us, his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world.” He asks a Socratic question — “if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?” Of course, salt could not lose its taste and still
- [What do I hoard?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/01/25/what-do-i-hoard/): Who are “kingdom people?” Our readings this 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time all describe specific behaviors and attitudes of Kingdom People, with humility perhaps being the common thread. Today, it being the “Matthew” year (cycle A), we hear his version of the beatitudes; Luke’s version is found in Lk 6:17ff. In our Congregation we have
- [Unity](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/01/17/unity/): The week of Christian Unity frequently does not start on a Sunday! It is always January 18-25 — so this coming third Sunday of Ordinary Time is right in the middle in of Christian Unity Week. This special week always ends on the feast of the conversion of St Paul (January 25). This year, an
- [Identity and mission](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/01/09/identity-and-mission/): January 15 is the second Sunday of “Ordinary Time,” one of the counted weeks of the liturgical year that are not part of liturgical seasons like Advent and Lent. Some “ordinary time” Sundays occur after Christmas — how many depends on whether Easter, a movable feast day, is early or late; the rest of the
- [Being stretched](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2017/01/04/being-stretched/): Our January 8th Gospel is the story of the three “magi” or three “kings.” This story is from Matthew’s infancy narrative. Infancy narratives are teaching stories that serve as introductions to themes of the main Gospel which follows. Matthew is writing for Jewish converts, and he is using his magi story to connect his hearers
- [What's on your tree?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/29/whats-on-your-tree/): As a kid I remember the anticipation and impatience of waiting for the adults to decide it was time for the Christmas tree. The impatience quickly turned to excitement as we went in search of the perfect tree. We always had real Christmas trees. Often, over the years, we had a live tree that would
- [Joy to the World](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/28/joy-to-the-world/): In our newspaper recently was an article that mentioned that the feast of Christmas and the feast of Hanukkah coincide this year. The first day of Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 24. Hanukkah celebrates that a small band of Jews, led by Judah Maccabees, defeated a much larger army and reclaimed the temple in
- [Madonna and child](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/28/madonna-and-child/): In the lectionary, the Church’s schedule of Sunday readings, the Gospel for the Christmas Mass at Dawn and the one for today are the same — the shepherds arriving at the manger. But today one extra verse is added — Luke 2:21. It tells about Jesus receiving his name — the name given him by
- [Small but mighty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/21/small-but-mighty/): This morning as I was getting creamer for my coffee, I was confronted with the overwhelmingly pungent odor of garlic. This aroma was coming from deep inside the meat drawer of the refrigerator. The culprit? The garlic Bologna purchased yesterday at the grocery. I love garlic but I know a little bit goes a long
- [We are family](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/19/we-are-family/): Once, at this time of year, a group of young kids from a housing project was visiting with me. I asked them what their Christmas was going to be like, and then I asked them a follow-up question: why do we have Christmas? None of their families were churched, and so the only reason they
- [Advent in Chicago](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/16/advent-in-chicago/): Recently, I found myself in Chicago. December and the arctic winds have once again found their way to this part of the world. It’s the Season of Advent, the season that struggles to make an appearance since the Season of Christmas is clearly in the air! Our consumer culture draws us onto the bypass highway
- [Open hands](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/14/open-hands/): Somewhere in my spiritual meandering I read or heard about praying with open hands; I’ve used this image ever since, especially during the Our Father of the Mass. It goes something like this: I open my hands. In my hands I place all my treasures: the people I love, my sense of myself, my work
- [Yes I will](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/14/yes-i-will/): The approaching birth of a child is the theme of the Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent. But Matthew does not tell about the pregnancy from Mary’s perspective, like Luke does, but from Joseph’s! God is an equal opportunity challenger! Joseph has to make a profound act of trust too, just like Mary did.
- [Welcome the stranger](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/14/welcome-the-stranger/): Today, and always, may all Christians live the Gospel message: welcome the stranger, take in the orphaned, tend to the widow, speak to the marginalized, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless ... honor the God who dwells in each individual that we meet on our journey. May we touch each person we meet and have
- [Rush Hour in Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/07/rush-hour-in-guatemala/): The other day I was driving home right at the beginning of rush hour, having visited a friend in the hospital. Most of the hour it took to get home was spent waiting in traffic. It could have been a competitive, angry mess of human frustration. It wasn’t though. Drivers were patient. They let me
- [Lead like JC](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/05/lead-like-jc/): Remembering that John the Baptist and Jesus are relatives (Jesus’ mother was cousin of John’s mother), we might assume they knew one another. So why would John send his disciples to question Jesus about who Jesus was? Didn’t John know? Some scripture scholars suggest that John was expecting a different kind of messiah than Jesus
- [Knock, wait and see, patiently](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/12/05/knock-wait-and-see-patiently/): At a recent workshop I attended, we were invited to choose from a variety of pictures that each had a different door on it. I chose a door that looked like it belonged to an outdoor corner apartment unit. It had no peephole and the door handle was obscure. We were then invited to pray
- [Thermostat Wars](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/30/thermostat-wars/): Have you heard of thermostat wars? You know, when one person in the office or the home is always cold and turns the air conditioning up in the summer as well as the heat in the winter? Or the other who is always warm and everyone else keep sweaters in their desks to accommodate for
- [Have Hope, Give Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/30/have-hope-give-hope/): Hope. The mission statement of the Diocese of San Bernardino ends with these words: Through the impact of the Gospel we seek to fill lives with hope. The readings of the Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle A) give us reason we must do this. In the Gospel, Jesus is introduced to us as “A voice
- [Time Matters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/23/time-matters/): Urgency about the end of time pervades the readings of the First Sunday of Advent in Cycle A, the “Matthew” year. Maybe this end-of-time theme is fitting since this Sunday, not January 1, is NEW YEAR’S DAY for the Church! In the first reading, first Isaiah (there are three authors writing in the book of
- ['Tis the Season](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/23/on-our-way-2/): It started already in September. Red and green and sparkly. First on just a few shelves, and then like mushrooms cropping up overnight occupying more and more space. You know whereof I speak … Christmas decorations, suggestions for the gift-giving season, boxes of candy and toys galore. We no longer have to wait all
- [On our way](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/on-our-way/): As we remember those who have gone before us and leaving us their example, I keep thinking that all of us are “on our way.” Just recently I attended a national conference which had as its thrust, “missionary discipleship.” For me these two themes fit together for several reasons. Since our baptism we have been
- [Beauty revealed](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/beauty-revealed/): I’ve been watching the leaves fall from the old apple tree outside my window. I’ve come to realize it’s not a very orderly process. They don’t fall all at once, nor do they fall slowly from different parts of the tree at the same time. Right now there are places where green leaves are still
- [Up ahead](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/up-ahead/): My phone, hence my camera is never very far from my reach. I love taking pictures! I have quite a collection of photos from many places, mostly nature! I just can't get enough of the great outdoors! I take the pictures but don't pay much attention to them at that moment. Eventually, maybe days later,
- [Civilize It](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/civilize-it/): Election Day looms soon. Almost buried under tons of divisive rhetoric, crude remarks, evasive maneuvers and all the rest of the unpleasantness, is our human desire for unity; for a common life that respects the dignity of each person: born and unborn, for inclusiveness; for peace; for welcome; for joy. Whatever happens as an outcome,
- [Murphy's Law](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/murphys-law/): This morning I was reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. There are a series of sayings of Jesus that follow this form: You have heard it said … but I say to you … I was thinking about some of the popular truths and cultural rules that I fervently believe. One
- [A Re-reading from the Book of Revelation on the Feast of All Saints](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/11/16/a-re-reading-from-the-book-of-revelation-on-the-feast-of-all-saints/): The finite one hundred and forty-four thousand, all washed clean in the blood of the Lamb, morphs, one sentence later, into a multitude which no one can count. The Lamb on the throne embraces such an infinite number beyond my self-righteous judgment of them that even I can be counted among the saved. -Blog entry
- [Where are we going?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/26/241/): Recently a friend and I were on our way to a meeting in another state. We put our destination in the phone and faithfully followed the directions. Finally, Siri proudly announced, “Your destination is on your left.” According to Siri, our destination was a small house sitting back off of a dirt road! Not the
- [Rainbow](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/rainbow/): Last night at supper my housemates and I saw a really marvelous rainbow. We have a picture of the Emmaus meal on our dining room wall. Because of the arrangement of windows and mirrors in our house, the rainbow appeared as a glowing circle centered on the face of Jesus. Sister Bela took a picture.
- [Active shooter drill](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/active-shooter-drill/): On the news last Wednesday morning there were scenes of the South Carolina school where parents were picking up their children after a 14-year-old started shooting. Why are children subjected to so much horror? How can 5-year-olds participate in active shooter drills? I remember that movie “Life is Beautiful” in which a Jewish father made
- [Reverencing Creation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/reverencing-creation/): Amid the cascading waterfalls, glacier-crested mountains and the plains of Southwest Canada is the quietness of absorbing the beauty of nature in God’s creation. The burnt trees and undergrowth speak of the fires that are needed for re-seeding and re-growth. But, above all of this, is the deep respect for the First Nation people and
- [Red cars](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/red-cars/): A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away) I lived in a parish convent and drove one of the two parish cars. One day I was running errands in the red car, noticed it was almost out of gas, and stopped to fill it up. That evening I ran out to the grocery
- [Peace Heroes](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/peace-heroes/): This past Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a good size crowd gathered at Riverscape in Downtown Dayton. We gathered to remember the more than 3,000 innocent lives lost that day to a senseless act of violence! We gathered to remember the courage of those first responders who put their lives on
- [From the Columbia Icefields](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/from-the-columbia-icefields/): A couple of weeks ago near Jasper, Canada I stood on the Athabasca Glacier at the only proven triple continental divide. At this point the water feeds the streams that eventually flow into the Artic, the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. What a moment to be at that source and inhale. Inhale not only the
- [Never talk to strangers!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/never-talk-to-strangers/): I like to watch Ted Talks. Once in a while one really inspires me. Today I watched Kio Stark talk about “Why you should talk to strangers.” Of course, everything I’d ever learned was about NOT talking to strangers. What would happen to the world community if strangers started up conversations, what if there were
- [Physics](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/physics/): The other day I read a physics book — one of those that are supposed to explain atomic mysteries to laymen. I read about quarks, loop quantum gravity, and statistical mechanics. Apparently, space curves. Time, which also curves, is an illusion depending on heat and probability. Electrons only exist when they are interacting with something.
- [What's on your bumper?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/whats-on-your-bumper/): One day last week, as I came to a stop behind a car waiting at a red light, my attention was drawn to the bumper stickers on the car in front of me. There were two bumper stickers! Within a matter of seconds I thought to myself, this person in front of me, who I
- [A piece of peace](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/a-piece-of-peace/): I just returned from a short visit to Chicago. Every time I am there I go for a visit to the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR). Two of our Sisters work at PBMR. It was founded by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Southside Chicago. Many
- [Humming along](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/humming-along/): As I've said before, I love morning! I live in what I consider a fairly active urban area, at the intersection of two major highways. Close enough for convenience to most anywhere I need or want to go, yet far enough away to not be annoyed by their presence. I am within walking distance of
- [Trouble](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/trouble/): On the first day of school I had a run-in with one of my fifth graders. I thought, “Oh, Tony is going to be trouble.” And he was. By the end of September I was at my wits end. Collapsing into a teachers’ lounge chair I sighed, “Somebody tell me something good about Tony.” “Sure,”
- [Our new home](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/our-new-home/): Today I attended the dedication of the new church in the parish where I had ministered for seven years. It was great to see so many people with whom I had worked over those years at such an exciting celebration. The church was packed. There was an excitement that was easily felt. It had been
- [Walking on water](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/walking-on-water/): There’s one in every crowd. The Apostles are peering through the dark at the person (hallucination? demon? ghost?) walking toward them over the water. Peter decides to resolve the debate by getting out of the boat! “Lord, if it is you …” Then, teetering on a wave, he panics: What if it isn’t? Who hasn’t
- [Rooted!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/rooted/): On a recent visit with family in Florida, I decided to take a picture of a beautiful Norfolk Pine that stands proudly in their back yard. This tree, four years ago, was part of a Christmas gift I gave my sister and brother-in-law. At that time it resided in a six inch plastic pot and
- [Seen and unseen](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/seen-and-unseen/): Today, a wild fire broke out near where I live. Well, actually, it is a good distance from where I live but the billowing smoke is visible. The fire is another reminder of how dry we are here in Southern California as the drought continues to manifest itself in many ways. However, today as I
- [All life is precious](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/all-life-is-precious/): The American Red Cross states: “There's an emergency need for blood. In just an hour of your time, you can help save up to three lives.” This week, once again, I donated blood to the American Red Cross. Eight donations is a gallon of blood. I have donated 136 times which is 17 gallons. All
- [Just as I am](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/just-as-i-am/): Today on my way to work I saw three people with impossibly red hair. People put on makeup, paint their nails, cover themselves with tattoos, and pierce their ears, noses, and tongues. I keep trying to curl my straight hair; others struggle to do the opposite. And who doesn’t at least think about dieting? God
- [Morning mystery](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/morning-mystery/): I love summer! I love morning, early morning, before daylight makes its appearance! Coffee in hand, I make my way to the patio. It's blessedly quiet. There in the darkness I become a silent observer of the waning moments of the nocturnal world. A small opossum makes its way along the back fence, then, as
- [Why?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/why/): I’m a closet archeologist. When National Geographic has an article on early humans, when PBS is digging up pottery shards and bones, I’m right in the front row. I think it is amazing what we can learn from the bones of a thousand-year-old child … Oh. A child. That means a weeping mother once asked
- [It’s okay to be cracked](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/its-okay-to-be-cracked/): I read this somewhere: there was once a man who went to the river every morning to fill two water jars. One leaked, and was always half empty by the time he reached home. One day the cracked jar apologized, suggesting that the man discard it and get a better jar. The man smiled and
- [Connectivity](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/connectivity/): For some strange reason the Internet gods decided to mess with us today. For no apparent reason the tech spirits that have faithfully sprung to life and launched us day after day into cyberspace moved to another orbit and left us woefully unconnected. This, is never good! This, precipitates long phone conversations! First with the
- [Callings](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/callings/): All during my life, God has been calling me, calling me to be more. It sounds like, “Oh, and would you mind doing this for me, too?” He never asks anything without providing the time, the ability, and the grace. He never gives me tasks meant for someone else. And whatever it is that I
- [Divine presence in the mega city](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/divine-presence-in-the-mega-city/): Having grown up in Cincinnati I pride myself on being able to drive in the "Big City!" Well, today I found myself navigating the streets of Chicago. Welcome to driving in the "Mega City!" I now understand why lane lines are optional on some streets in Chicago, this allows for three lanes of traffic, including
- [Let God's love shine through](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/let-gods-love-shine-through/): Sitting in a small chapel in downtown Chicago I found myself drawn to the wall of stained glass windows. It reminded me of a story I heard about a child, who standing before a beautiful stained glass window of a saint, was asked, "Who is a saint?" Without hesitation he responded, "A saint is someone
- [Puzzled](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/puzzled/): Today I did the six-star Sudoku in the morning paper. It took me awhile. I had to write possible numbers in the corners of the little squares and puzzle over the spots that could be right for two (or five) different numbers. I was rather stuck-up about finally getting 81 numbers in the right places.
- [Gentle giants](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/gentle-giants/): Today, as I drove along I-65 in northwestern Indiana I came upon gentle giants. Everywhere I looked, as far as the eye could see, there they were. They stood tall, rising out of the earth surrounded by what will soon become Autumn's harvest. Their outstretched arms reaching to the heavens, eager to receive God's breath
- [July 1, Feast of the Precious Blood!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/july-1-feast-of-the-precious-blood/): As I was sitting on the patio this morning my attention was drawn to the garden, specifically the dew laden bleeding heart. How appropriate! Blood is life! It carries life to every cell of the body, nourishing, hydrating, fighting disease, eliminating waste and so much more. Without blood, life ceases. Christ is life! Through the
- [July 3, Jubilee Sunday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/2016/10/25/july-3-jubilee-sunday/): Today is a rainy day in Dayton, Ohio. But inside our motherhouse there is a lot of sunshine. Today we celebrated our annual Jubilee Sunday. Each year we gather to celebrate our anniversaries in religious life. In a special way we celebrate those who have been in the community for 25, 50, 60, or 75

## Pages

- [Miscellaneous](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/miscellaneous/): LCWR Newsletter Archives Sisters - LCWR allows their newsletters to be downloaded from their website as a non-member. Here is the link: https://lcwr.org/publications/update Click on a link below to open a form or document.
- [Payroll](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/employee-portal/payroll/): Direct Deposit Form Form W-4 Federal Form IT-4 Ohio Form I-9
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- [Job Openings at Salem Heights and CAO](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/job-openings-at-salem-heights/): Media Specialist Position Overview Integrating Precious Blood Spirituality, the Congregation’s mission and Catholic Social Teaching, the Media Specialist helps bring the story of the Congregation’s mission and charism to life through creative, thoughtful, and engaging communications. This role blends digital media, design and storytelling to support congregational initiatives. This is an opportunity to use creative
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- [Video selections](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/video-selections/): Click the link below to access videos from our YouTube channel: Funeral Liturgy for Sister Dolores Keller Liturgy of the Eucharist and Rite of Perpetual Vows for Sister Juliana Wuur Funeral Liturgy for Sister Elizabeth Westgerdes Funeral Liturgy for Sister Mary Helen Weber Funeral Liturgy for Sister Pat Dieringer Salem Heights Strategic Plan Zoom meeting
- [Our Artwork](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/our-artwork/): The Spiritual Made Visual
- [Spring 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/winter-2025-2/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Media Coverage 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/): Inland Catholic Byte – August 2026 "Faithful Catholics in a World at War" by Sister Mary Garascia Friends in Solidarity – News from South Sudan – August 2026 Foreword by Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha, CPPS WTDN.com – July 21, 2026 Sisters of the Precious Blood endorse extension of TPS for Haitians Friends in Solidarity – News from
- [September 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/14946-2/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Coming Events](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/coming-events/): PBSI - Fight? Flight? A Third Option? April 25, 2026 - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Precious Blood Church, Dayton, OH
- [September 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/september-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/precious-blood-sisters-celebrate-jubilees-of-religious-life/)
- [This Good Work archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/): 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Sign up for our e-newsletters!
- [July 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [C.PP.S. News 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/): Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life A Call for Justice for Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters Precious Blood Sister Juliana Wuur professes perpetual vows Blessings for Sister Mi-sa Hwang! Job Openings at Salem Heights Renewal Center Seeks an Executive Director
- [Migration and Immigration](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/migration-and-immigration/): A Call for Justice for Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters An Issue Statement on Immigration – Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council
- [A Call for Justice for Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/a-call-for-justice-for-our-haitian-brothers-and-sisters/): A Call for Justice for Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters: An Ohio Sisters Justice Network Statement on Temporary Protected Status and Immigration Reform — July 17, 2026 Sisters of the Precious Blood Endorse Ohio Sisters Justice Network Statement Supporting Haitian Families
- [In Memoriam archives I-L](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives-i-l/)
- [In Memoriam](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/): Sisters are Forever There are many things that make our community of Sisters special. Our Precious Blood spirituality, our prayerful devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and the work we do to help the overlooked, downtrodden, and less fortunate members of society all combine to create a truly unique and impactful religious order. But community is
- [Spirit Days](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/spirit-days/): 2026
- [July 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/july-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [May 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Precious Blood Sister Juliana Wuur professes perpetual vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/precious-blood-sister-juliana-wuur-professes-perpetual-vows/): DAYTON, Ohio — Sister Juliana Wuur, CPPS, professed perpetual vows as a permanent member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood during a liturgy held May 23 at the chapel at Salem Heights, the community’s central house in Dayton. Attending the ceremony and celebrations were several of Sister Juliana’s family and friends, traveling from Columbus,
- [Where Orange Meets the Rainbow downloads](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/gun-violence/where-orange-meets-the-rainbow-downloads/): INVITATION: Where Orange Meets the Rainbow ~Jen Morin-Williamson, Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator, Sisters of the Precious Blood Each June, Pride Month and Wear Orange Day arrive side by side, inviting us to learn, pray, and reflect on the deep interconnection between these observances. Pride Month celebrates the resilience, gifts, and belovedness of the LGBTQ+
- [Gun Violence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/gun-violence/): Download the resources, prayers, and opportunities for reflection Sisters of the Precious Blood Sponsor Billboard to End Gun Violence Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood - hear the cry of the Blood in every gunshot
- [Fall 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [10 Years of Word and Witness](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/10-years-of-word-and-witness/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Sister Cecilia Taphorn on the death of her sister-in-law, Joyce Taphorn, on May 31. Sister Patty Kremer on the death of her sister Angeline Kremer on July 13, as well as the death of
- [Celebrating Rural Life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/celebrating-rural-life/)
- [A Ministry of Presence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/a-ministry-of-presence/)
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/in-brief/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall and winter birthdays.
- [Inside the CPPS Archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/inside-the-cpps-archives/): This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring. In the archives of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, I am continually surprised at what I find during my day-to-day work. Sometimes, it’s an amazing piece of artwork. Other times, it’s a photo I never knew about.
- [Sept. 20 — A Legacy of Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community-sept-20-a-legacy-of-hope/)
- [Aug. 24 — Faithful Presence Shared](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community-aug-24-faithful-presence-shared/)
- [July 22 — Preserving Our Legacy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community-july-22-preserving-our-legacy/)
- [July 12 — Hope in Commitment](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community-july-12-hope-in-commitment/)
- [July 1 — Honoring Our Jubilarians](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community-july-1-honoring-our-jubilarians/)
- [Moments of Joy: Celebrating Hope in Our Community](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/moments-of-joy-celebrating-hope-in-our-community/): Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring. — Pope Francis For over 700 years, the Catholic Church has marked special Jubilee years — times to re-establish relationship with
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Formed for Healing Ministry](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/formed-for-healing-ministry/)
- [Choose Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/choose-hope/)
- [Sister Norma Pimentel: A Voice for the Dignity of Every Person](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/sister-norma-pimentel-a-voice-for-the-dignity-of-every-person/)
- [Growing Community, Growing Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/growing-community-growing-hope/): Our community garden, located near Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, continues to grow. Beginning this summer, new resources help support this initiative and help the roots of this project grow even stronger! We’ve partnered with Trotwood urban farmer Donee Boykin and Alvin Wilkerson from Central State University’s urban agriculture program to assist volunteer
- [Hope, Justice, and Community: A Non-Vowed Perspective on LCWR 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/hope-justice-and-community-a-non-vowed-perspective-on-lcwr-2025/)
- [Thank you, Sister Donna & Sister Carolyn!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/thank-you-sister-donna-sister-carolyn/)
- [From the President's Desk - Weaving stories of joy and promise with threads of hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/fall-2025/from-the-presidents-desk/): Just over a year ago, Pope Francis designated the Jubilee Year 2025 as a time of revitalization for the global Church, with hope as the Jubilee’s “central message.” As we enter the final few months of this Jubilee Year, we remember that hope is both gift and task. It is not a mood we conjure
- [Sharing & Caring newsletter](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/palettes-of-prayer-2/)
- [Keep our eyes and ears open, because the Lord loves to surprise us!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/keep-our-eyes-and-ears-open-because-the-lord-loves-to-surprise-us/)
- [From the President's Desk - Slowing Down](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/from-the-presidents-desk-slowing-down/): As we pass from year to year, season to season, day to day, it can seem as though while everything changes, nothing really changes. Today while we rejoice in the generosity of others, of their courage and willingness to do the hard things, of their acceptance, love and care for strangers, the hungry and homeless,
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/scenes-from-salem-heights/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/happy-birthday-2/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/in-brief-2/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/inside-the-cpps-archives-2/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/in-sympathy-2/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood, Missionaries of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Former member Arlene (Goubeaux) Dougherty on the death of her husband, Michael, on Nov. 9. Sister Ritamary Bulach (deceased) on the death of her brother, Thomas, on Nov. 14.
- [Presence that Matters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/presence-that-matters/)
- [Sisters and Students: Sharing service, stories and faith](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sisters-and-students-sharing-service-stories-and-faith/)
- [Antique hair wreaths come home to Pettis County](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/antique-hair-wreaths-come-home-to-pettis-county/)
- [Insights and inspiration from ‘Living Ancestors’](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/insights-and-inspiration-from-living-ancestors/)
- [Letter to the Editor](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/letter-to-the-editor/): Marisa Ferrara is a student in the University of Dayton’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program and a recipient of the Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship at UD. As she prepares to graduate in May, she contacted the Congregation to share the impact the scholarship has had on her education. An anonymous donor
- [A Home for Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/a-home-for-hope/): In February, Sisters Jeanette Buehler and Marla Gipson attended the grand opening of Spaeth & Kelly Hall, a permanent supportive housing building in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The housing agency Tender Mercies administers the building, which is named for former Tender Mercies CEO Marcia Spaeth and our very own Sister Kathleen Kelly, who died in 2021.
- [Regis Jesuit hosts sendoff for beloved educator Sister Benita Volk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/regis-jesuit-hosts-sendoff-for-beloved-educator-sister-benita-volk/)
- [A weekend of commitment in formation within the Precious Blood family](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/a-weekend-of-commitment-in-formation-within-the-precious-blood-family/): Juliana From Feb. 13 to Feb. 15, three Sisters of the Precious Blood and six candidates of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood gathered at Salem Heights in Dayton, Ohio, for a formation gathering as members of the Precious Blood Family. This was the first time many of the Missionaries’ formation candidates visited Salem Heights,
- [Walking With Seekers of God’s Call](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/walking-with-seekers-of-gods-call/)
- [Pressing On: Returning to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/pressing-on-returning-to-the-ignatian-family-teach-in-for-justice/)
- [2025 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/)
- [From the President's Desk - Our work for justice has deep roots](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/from-the-presidents-desk/): Each year on Oct. 1, we Sisters of the Precious Blood of Dayton, Ohio, celebrate the birthday of our Foundress, Mother Maria Anna Brunner. We call her Mother not because she was our first Mother General or Major Superior, but rather because her six children called her Mother, as did many of her Swiss neighbors
- [From the President's Desk - Let not one drop of Precious Blood be shed in vain](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/from-the-presidents-desk/): At our Assembly last summer, when we elected leadership and set the directions for ourselves for the next four years, a theme that emerged in our conversation was a continued exploration and appreciation of our charism of Precious Blood spirituality. Perhaps because it was also in the middle of the bishop’s Eucharistic Revival initiative, our
- [From the President's Desk - Motivated by our past; moving into the future](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/from-the-presidents-desk/): 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
- [From the President's Desk - Come, Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): Having recently celebrated Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room, we recognize a contemporary “Holy Spirit” moment with the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As he stood before the thousands in St. Peter’s Square and throughout the world, he exhibited the gifts of the
- [From the President's Desk - We are pilgrims on a journey of hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/from-the-presidents-desk/): 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
- [Blessings for Sister Mi-sa Hwang!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/blessings-for-sister-mi-sa-hwang/): On Wednesday, May 13th, Sister Mi-sa Hwang renewed her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience to God and to the Sisters of the Precious Blood for one year. Sister Joyce Lehman received her vows professed in the presence of some of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. It was a lovely event which took place
- [May 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/may-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [March 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Renewal Center Seeks an Executive Director](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/renewal-center-seeks-an-executive-director/): Precious Blood Renewal Center, a spirituality and retreat center in Liberty, Missouri, a ministry of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, U.S. province, seeks an experienced administrator and pastoral worker/spiritual director as executive director. Learn more: https://www.pbrenewalcenter.org/blog/executive_director/
- [C.PP.S. News archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/)
- [C.PP.S. News 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2025/): Congratulations, Jubilarians! The Sisters of the Precious Blood welcome Pope Leo XIV Welcome Archbishop-designate Robert G. Casey! Cincinnati nonprofit to assume responsibility for Guatemala ministry founded by Dayton religious organization An Issue Statement on Immigration - Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council
- [Our Prayers](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/our-prayers/): Words of Faith and Hope Prayer is a central part of our Precious Blood Spirituality. It helps us to express our love for God and gratitude for Christ's immeasurable sacrifice on the Cross. Prayer is a channel to the Divine that, used alone or together, provides guidance and illuminates our hope for the world. Please
- [Our Writing](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/our-writing/): Transcendent Ideas and Matters of Faith
- [In Memoriam archives U-Z](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives-u-z/)
- [Media Coverage 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2025/): Vatican News – December 12, 2025 Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha was interviewed for the article, Living Ancestors:’ Voices of African Sisters are a testament of resilience Friends in Solidarity – News from South Sudan – December 2025 Foreword by Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha, CPPS Friends in Solidarity – News from South Sudan – November 2025 Foreword by
- [Employee Benefits](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/employee-portal/employee-benefits/): Health Insurance Medical and Prescription Summary Plan Description Summary of Benefits and Coverage Dental Insurance Schedule of Benefits Vision Insurance Benefit Sheet Life Insurance & Long-Term-Disability Insurance Life Insurance Summary Long-Term-Disability Summary Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation Change Form Life Insurance Summary Plan Description Long-Term-Disability Summary Plan Description Flexible Spending Account Summary Plan Description Healthcare FSA
- [Media Coverage archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/)
- [January 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [March 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/march-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Government Committee](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/government-committee/): Documents
- [January 2026](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/january-2026/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [November 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [In Memoriam archives A-D](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives/)
- [Other](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/other/): Seven offerings of the Precious Blood to prepare for the 2024 elections How Voter Suppression Works Today and What We Can Do About It
- [Poverty Inequities](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/poverty-inequities/)
- [Racism and Bias](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/racism-and-bias/)
- [Death Penalty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/death-penalty/)
- [Climate Change](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/climate-change/)
- [Human Trafficking](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/human-trafficking/): Reflection & Prayer to End Human Trafficking - January 11 – February 8, 2024 - St. Josephine Bakhita
- [International Ministries](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/international-ministries/): God’s love is global. So are we. Our mission is to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world, not in just one country. Our Precious Blood spirituality inspires us to look beyond our own national borders to see the suffering of our sisters and brothers everywhere; to adopt a
- [Sisters Portal](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/): Welcome, Sisters! Click any link on the menu to the left to open a forms or documents page; click on a link below to open the phone/address/email directory or the picture directory. 2025-2026 Directory 2022 Picture Directory
- [Sharing a gift](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/sharing-a-gift/): What’s the value of a surprise gift from an anonymous donor? The gift was a box containing a jigsaw puzzle of The Last Supper as originally painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495. The Last Supper is considered one of the Master works of human history. Information on the box lid displayed a picture of
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/in-sympathy-2/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Phil Hartke, a staff member with the Congregation, on the death of his grandfather. Christine Gehron, a nurse for the Congregation, on the death of her brother-in-law, William Rindler, on May 16. Father Harold
- [Letter to the Editor](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/letter-to-the-editor/): Hooray for Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha! Thanks, Mary Knapke, for a terrific, upbeat article about her. I really enjoyed her piece, “Cultivating Hope in South Sudan.” Great upbeat photos too. It was an important review of the terrible civil war. At the same time though, Mary offered very fine coverage of the start of “Friends in
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/in-brief-2/)
- [Congregational staff updates](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/congregational-staff-updates/)
- [Ladies Interfaith group builds bridges](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/ladies-interfaith-group-builds-bridges/): ”The Making of Faith Leaders in Our Traditions” was the topic for the May meeting of the Ladies Interfaith group held at Omega Baptist Church in Dayton. Sister Jeanette Buehler attended the meeting as she has regularly for several years; this year, Sister Martha Bertke joined her for the first time. In the group, Jewish,
- [Sister Carmelita Monnin honored in Russia, Ohio](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/sister-carmelita-monnin-honored-in-russia-ohio/)
- [Creating a culture of hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/creating-a-culture-of-hope/): ADEFAGUA plays a vital role in mental health promotion in Guatemala
- [A lasting legacy in Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/a-lasting-legacy-in-guatemala/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/palettes-of-prayer-2/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/inside-the-cpps-archives-2/)
- [Linton’s legacy of faith](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/lintons-legacy-of-faith/)
- [A busy season of bold witness for Gospel values](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/a-busy-season-of-bold-witness-for-gospel-values/): We have had several recent opportunities to publicly stand together in love and unity to create a visible expression of the Sisters of the Precious Blood’s core values, rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. These acts of solidarity affirm the inherent dignity of every person and lift up the voices of those living
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/happy-birthday-2/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.
- [Precious Planet Awards](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/precious-planet-awards/)
- [Fighting human trafficking at SOAP Up the First Four](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/fighting-human-trafficking-at-soap-up-the-first-four/)
- [Divine Mercy and the Death Penalty: Ohio must abolish capital punishment](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/spring-2025/divine-mercy-and-the-death-penalty-ohio-must-abolish-capital-punishment/): On Sunday, April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday, an informative presentation regarding ending the death penalty in Ohio was held at St. Joseph Parish in downtown Dayton. The first speaker was U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Merz, who presented some of the history of the Catholic Church’s position and teaching on the death penalty. The latest is:
- [November 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/november-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [September 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [July 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [September 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/september-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [In Memoriam archives S-T](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives-s-t/)
- [Congratulations, Jubilarians!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/congratulations-jubilarians/)
- [Welcome Archbishop-designate Robert G. Casey!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/welcome-archbishop-designate-robert-g-casey/): We welcome Archbishop-designate Robert G. Casey to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati!
- [July 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/july-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [May 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Winter 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/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
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/in-brief/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/inside-the-cpps-archives/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/in-sympathy/): 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
- [Meet our new Salem Heights administrative secretary](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/meet-our-new-salem-heights-administrative-secretary/)
- [Cultivating Hope in South Sudan](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/cultivating-hope-in-south-sudan/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating winter and spring birthdays.
- [Food heals on the PBMR farm](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/food-heals-on-the-pbmr-farm/)
- [Warm caps … and warm hearts](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/warm-caps-and-warm-hearts/)
- [Leaven Cluster adopts a family for Christmas](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/leaven-cluster-adopts-a-family-for-christmas/)
- [Vocations ministry in the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/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
- [Inspiring minds](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/inspiring-minds/)
- [Faith, hope and action in the Jubilee Year](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/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
- [Winter 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/winter-2025/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Gun Violence Prevention Statement – Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/winter-2025/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 life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured
- [Sharing & Caring newsletter archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/)
- [In Memoriam archives E-H](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives-e-h/)
- [The Sisters of the Precious Blood welcome Pope Leo XIV](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/the-sisters-of-the-precious-blood-welcome-pope-leo-xiv/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood join with the global Church in offering prayers of gratitude for Pope Leo XIV — and we ask the Holy Spirit to grace the pope with the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and the boundless love of Christ as he leads us, Pilgrims of Hope.
- [Donate](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/donate/): Thank you for considering a donation to the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Please choose from the five categories below. If donation by mail is preferred, please send a check or money order to: Sisters of the Precious Blood Finance Office, 4000 Denlinger Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45426. In Loving Memory Chilean Ministries United States Ministries
- [January 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [March 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [May 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/may-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Vocations/Formation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/vocationsformation/): Click on a link below to open a form or document. State of Religious Life Overview of the Discernment & Formation Process Vocation View Resource materials
- [Communications Department](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/communications/): Click on a link below to open a form or document.
- [Assembly](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/assembly/): Click on a link below to open a form or document.
- [Education](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/education/): When the Sisters of the Precious Blood came to America in 1844, education – of German immigrants – was our first mission. That focus continued as we taught in rural areas and inner cities, Catholic and public schools, elementary and secondary institutions, and universities. We believe that educating our sisters and brothers, young and old,
- [Cincinnati nonprofit to assume responsibility for Guatemala ministry founded by Dayton religious organization](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/cincinnati-nonprofit-to-assume-responsibility-for-guatemala-ministry-founded-by-dayton-religious-organization/)
- [March 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/march-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Fall 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Sister Pauline Siesegh professes first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/sister-pauline-siesegh-professes-first-vows/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/palettes-of-prayer-2/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/happy-birthday-2/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall and winter birthdays.
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/in-brief-2/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/in-sympathy-2/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Father Bill Hoyng, CPPS, and Brother Theophane (Fred) Woodall, CPPS, died Sept. 28. Sister Dianne Skubby (deceased) on the death of her sister, Marianne Sautter, on Sept. 3. Father Alfred Naseman, CPPS, died July
- [Ensuring the future of our archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/ensuring-the-future-of-our-archives/): The Women’s Religious Archives Collaborative — of which the Sisters of the Precious Blood is a member — will establish a heritage center in Cleveland to preserve and celebrate the unique histories and contributions of 40 congregations of Catholic sisters. It will be the first independent heritage center in the country for women religious. The
- [Guests create special bonds at Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/guests-create-special-bonds-at-salem-heights/)
- [Lunch & Learn with the Trotwood Fire Department](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/lunch-learn-with-the-trotwood-fire-department/): During an inspection visit at Salem Heights last spring, Trotwood Fire Marshal Jeffrey Hilvers inquired about bringing the Trotwood Fire Department on a monthly basis to have lunch with the Sisters at Salem Heights. Not only does this allow the fire department to have a better understanding of the building layout in the event of
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Painting the Pioneers](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/inside-the-cpps-archives-painting-the-pioneers/)
- [Update from Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/update-from-guatemala-2/)
- [Seed of Life Dedication and Beyond](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/seed-of-life-dedication-and-beyond/)
- [Letters to the Editor](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/letters-to-the-editor/): All “my” Sisters have gone to their heavenly reward as I am old, 75. But, I want to share that they taught me well. From Algebra to Typing. But also “empirical testing” in biology that helped me as the mom of a very allergic child. And, needless to say, a very strong sense of patriotism
- [Vocations update - Congratulations, Sisters!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/vocations-update-congratulations-sisters/)
- [A gift of grace: My experience at the National Eucharistic Congress](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/a-gift-of-grace-my-experience-at-the-national-eucharistic-congress/)
- [Emmitsburg Pilgrimage Retreat](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/emmitsburg-pilgrimage-retreat/)
- [Joined together in the Precious Blood](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/joined-together-in-the-precious-blood/)
- [An Evening of Scripture, Silence and Song](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/fall-2024/an-evening-of-scripture-silence-and-song/)
- [Sister Pauline Siesegh professes first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/winter-2025-2/sister-pauline-siesegh-professes-first-vows-2/)
- [From the President's Desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2025-issues/winter-2025/winter-2025-2/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): Each year on Oct. 1, we Sisters of the Precious Blood of Dayton, Ohio, celebrate the birthday of our Foundress, Mother Maria Anna Brunner. We call her Mother not because she was our first Mother General or Major Superior, but rather because her six children called her Mother, as did many of her Swiss neighbors
- [2024 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/)
- [An Issue Statement on Immigration - Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/an-issue-statement-on-immigration-sisters-of-the-precious-blood-leadership-council/): As Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council, we are profoundly concerned for the well-being of our sisters and brothers here in the United States whose citizenship status may be uncertain or challenged. We stand in solidarity with immigrants and asylum seekers, as well as all those who advocate for their rights and dignity. Rooted
- [March 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [May 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [July 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [September 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [November 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [E-newsletter sign-up](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/e-newsletter-sign-up/)
- [January 2025](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/january-2025/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Sister Mi-Kyoung renews vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/sister-mi-kyoung-renews-vows/)
- [Sister Pauline Siesegh professes first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/sister-pauline-siesegh-professes-first-vows/)
- [Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/precious-blood-sisters-celebrate-jubilees-of-religious-life-2/)
- [OPEN POSITION AT SALEM HEIGHTS – SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/open-positions-at-salem-heights-sisters-of-the-precious-blood/): Kitchen Assistant – Full-Time; 5-days/week (10:15 am – 6:45 pm), including weekends & holidays Salem Heights is an independent living retirement community in Dayton that is currently seeking help in our Food Service department. The purpose of this position is to assist any position in the Food Service department as directed by the Food Service
- [Gun Violence Prevention Statement - Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/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 life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured
- [C.PP.S. News 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2024/): Gun Violence Prevention Statement - Sisters of the Precious Blood Leadership Council OPEN POSITIONS AT SALEM HEIGHTS – SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life Sister Pauline Siesegh professes first vows Sister Mi-Kyoung renews vows
- [Media Coverage 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2024/): Friends in Solidarity - News from South Sudan – December 2024 Foreword by Sister Mūmbi The Messenger – December 2024 Sister Donna Liette is pictured on the cover for the article, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation update. The Catholic Telegraph – December 2024 Sisters Joyce Lehman, Edna Hess and Paula Gero are featured in a
- [Collaborative Ministries](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/collaborative-ministries/): Brunner Literacy Center In 2010, two Sisters of the Precious Blood, Sisters Helen Weber and Maryann Bremke, both long-time educators, entertained a dream of establishing a literacy center in the northwest corner of Montgomery County. The literacy need among this underserved population is critical. Father William O’Donnell, pastor of Dayton Precious Blood Parish, supported the
- [Congregation sets new directives and installs leadership team](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/summer-2019/congregation-sets-new-directives-and-installs-leadership-team/): Left, the newly elected Council poses at Assembly: from left, Sisters Marla Gipson, Margo Young, Edna Hess, Patty Kremer and Ann Clark; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo. Middle, the Installation ceremony at Salem Heights: from left, Sisters Ann, Marla, Margo, Patty and Edna and Father Jeffrey Kirch; right, Sisters Edna Hess and Joyce Lehman during
- [Mother Brunner Justice Pilgrimage](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/mother-brunner-justice-pilgrimage/)
- [100 years! Celebrating a century of community at our home on Salem Avenue](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/100-years-celebrating-a-century-of-community-at-our-home-on-salem-avenue/)
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/scenes-from-salem-heights/)
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/scenes-from-salem-heights/): Many events took place at Salem Heights during the past few months. Here are just a few! From left, to mark our foundress Maria Anna Brunner's birthday on October 1, Sister Della Mae Meyer, pictured with Sister Pauline Siesegh, gave out bread during lunch at Salem Heights. Sister Della honored Mother Brunner in appearance —
- [Our History](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/our-history/)
- [November 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/november-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Mi-Kyoung Hwang enters the novitiate](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/summer-2019/mi-kyoung-hwang-enters-the-novitiate/)
- [Renewed commitments](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/renewed-commitments/)
- [Jubilee banquet, presentations highlight Spirit Days](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/summer-2013/jubilee-banquet-presentations-highlight-spirit-days/): Left, Sister Ceil Taphorn speaks during Spirit Days; Sister Mary Ellen Andrisin photo. Middle, Jubilarians open their gifts during the Saturday night gala; Dave Eck photo. Right, Sisters sing in chapel; Sister Martha Bertke photo. You could say it was a family reunion with plenty of socialization and some business mixed in as Precious Blood
- [Jubilarians celebrated at Mass, banquet during Spirit Days](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/summer-2014/jubilarians-celebrated-at-mass-banquet-during-spirit-days/): Left, Sister Maria Luisa Miller; photo by Dave Eck. Middle, Sister Amy Junk gives Sister Paula Gero her Jubilee rose; right, (from left) Sisters Maria Luisa Miller, Mary Ellen Andrisin and Madonna Ratermann enter the chapel for the Saturday evening prayer service during Spirit Days; photos by Sister Mary Lou Schmersal. As we recognize Sts.
- [Jubilee filled with gratitude and friendship](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2016/jubilee-filled-with-gratitude-and-friendship/): Left, Sister Linda Pleiman pins a corsage on Sister Margo Young's lapel before the jubilee Mass; middle, the 2016 Jubilarians, from left, Sisters Joanella Whaley, Rita Yahl, Mary Ann Mozser, Alene Hirsch, Margie Zureick and Margo Young; right, Sister Arlene Hirsch shares a laugh during the jubilee banquet. The best homilies often begins with a
- [Jubilarians honored at Mass and banquet](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/summer-2017/jubilarians-honored-at-mass-and-banquet/): Left, from left, Sisters Rosemary Laux, 75 years, and Rosalie Kastner, 80 years; middle, celebrating 60 years, clockwise from top left, Sisters Barbara Ann Hoying, Anna Maria Sanders, Elizabeth Westgerdes, Donna Liette, Irene Holz, Rosemary Lindemann and Nancy McMullen; right, celebrating 50 years, Sisters Terry Walter and Linda Pleiman. Michelle Bodine photos “These are women
- [Eight Sisters celebrate milestone jubilees](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/sharing-caring-summer-2018/eight-sisters-celebrate-milestone-jubilees/): Left, 25-year jubilarians Sisters Rita Manriquez and Deb Huss; second from left, clockwise from top, 50-year jubilarians Sisters Judy Kroeger, Marifé Hellman and Mary Yarger; third from left, 75-year jubilarians Sisters Kathleen Kelly, Dorothy Koenig and Berenice Janszen; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo. Right, 85-year jubilarians Sisters Bernice Krieg and Eleanor McNally; Michelle Bodine photo.
- [Congratulations, Jubilarians!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/summer-2019/congratulations-jubilarians/): Left, Sister Mary E. Wendeln speaks during the Jubilee Mass; middle, Sisters Jeannine Kloeker and Ceil Taphorn received their corsages; right, Sisters toast the Jubilarians during the banquet. Michelle Bodine photos Nine Precious Blood Sisters celebrated milestone Jubilees this summer. Jubilee activities began with a prayer service on June 22 and continued with Mass and
- [Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/precious-blood-sisters-celebrate-jubilees-of-religious-life/)
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/scenes-from-salem-heights/): Left, Sister Berenice Janszen was crowned the Mardi Gras Queen of Salem Heights after she found the baby Jesus in the King Cake; middle, Sisters aged 90 and older enjoyed the Nifty Nineties party with Council; Michelle Bodine photos. Right, Sisters and staff watched the total solar eclipse at Salem Heights; Sheena McCormick photo.
- [Welcome to new staff members!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/welcome-to-new-staff-members/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Peg Birkemeyer, congregational staff member, on the death of her mother, Mary Ann Leonard, on March 15. Sister Jean René Hoying on the death of her sister, Monica M. Boerger, on Feb. 18. Sister
- [Welcoming spring with Sister Anna Maria](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/welcoming-spring-with-sister-anna-maria/): An old saying goes, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” As a young girl, I saw my first bed of pansies on my grandmother’s farm near Fort Jennings in northwestern Ohio. I was captivated by the brilliant colorful petals almost resembling a
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/in-brief/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Sharing & Caring Turns 35](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/inside-the-cpps-archives-sharing-caring-turns-35/)
- [Learning about the St. Vincent DePaul Society](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/learning-about-the-st-vincent-depaul-society/)
- [“Receive, Give Thanks, Break, Share” - Precious Blood spirituality and the Eucharist at work in Sisters’ hearts and lives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/receive-give-thanks-break-share-precious-blood-spirituality-and-the-eucharist-at-work-in-sisters-hearts-and-lives/)
- [Sister Mi-Kyoung looks back on her ministry in Chicago](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/sister-mi-kyoung-looks-back-on-her-ministry-in-chicago/)
- [Update from Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/update-from-guatemala/)
- [Preserving our precious planet](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/preserving-our-precious-planet/)
- [Sisters act to oppose the death penalty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/sisters-act-to-oppose-the-death-penalty/): Ohioans To Stop Executions (OTSE) is an organization founded in 1988, with the purpose to end the use of the death penalty in Ohio, through education and advocacy. Recently they invited many people to join fellow abolitionists on Thursday, March 21, for Postcard Delivery Day. After meeting at the ACLU office in Columbus, participants and
- [Ongoing outreach in our vocations ministry](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/ongoing-outreach-in-our-vocations-ministry/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring, summer and fall birthdays.
- [Sister Mi-Kyoung renews vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/sister-mi-kyoung-renews-vows/)
- [Treasures from The Wine Cellar](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/spring-2024/treasures-from-the-wine-cellar/)
- [Sisters in Mission](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/): Putting Our Faith into Action Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus, the Sisters of the Precious Blood share that love through our ministries. Since we were founded on a spirituality rather than a ministry, our ministries are as varied as our members and respond to the needs of our world today. We speak out
- [Homicide Prayer Vigils](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/homicide-prayer-vigils/): (Where two or three are gathered in my name. . .) With roots going back to 1993, the Sisters of the Precious Blood held prayer vigils for homicide victims at the site of the homicides. During COVID restrictions, the on-site vigils were replaced by monthly e-mail notices. Aware of the continued violence in Montgomery County,
- [Ecology](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/ecology/): Sister Carolyn Hoying “When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.” — David Orr As we know, the climate crisis is impacting every corner of our world, but it’s important for us to see how the burden is being heavily placed on the poor. Here in the Back of the Yards — the Chicago neighborhood
- [Homicide Prayer Vigils](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/homicide-prayer-vigils-2/): For many years now the Sisters at Salem Heights have been an integral part of the homicide vigil ministry of our Dayton community beginning in 1993. In 1995 the Sisters received the People of Peace Prize for their leadership in holding Prayer Vigils. In addition, while the Sisters were praying at the Vigils on the
- [Volunteering](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/volunteering/): Sister Florence Seifert My volunteer ministry I am retired. My volunteer ministry involvement primarily revolves around membership on Boards and Committees: Brunner Literacy Center Board, member of the Executive Committee CPPS Heritage Mission Fund Committee, Board member and member of the Finance Committee Sister Marita Beumer Ministry with the Spanish speaking For the past few
- [Theology and Our Spirituality](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/theology-and-our-spirituality/): Our mission calls us, as Sisters of the Precious Blood, to “proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.” Some Precious Blood Sisters minister as theologians, chaplains, spiritual directors and pastoral advisers. Wherever and however we may be called, throughout our lives and our ministry, in all that we are
- [Health Care & Social Work](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/health-care-and-social-work/): Just as the Eucharist is a source of comfort and healing as an integral part of our Precious Blood spirituality, we are a source of care and comfort to people who are in pain or in need of help. Helping others achieve new life through self-giving and abundant love lies at the very heart of
- [Reconciliation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-in-mission/reconciliation-ministry/): Sister Donna Liette Our Precious Blood Spirituality calls us to go out into the world in a spirit of hope and reconciliation. Sister Donna Liette serves as Family Forward Program Coordinator at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, founded in 2004 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood to serve young people and families on
- [Vocations](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/vocations/): Everyone is called by God by virtue of their baptism! Our call to a particular state in life comes second to our baptismal call to be holy. The Church calls this our "Universal Call to Holiness," and this call can be lived out in a variety of ways. We invite you to explore our Vocation
- [Spiritual Resources](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/): The Beauty of Precious Blood Spirituality To celebrate our Precious Blood spirituality, we use specially written prayers and a variety of artistic faith expressions like music, artwork, and the written word. We honor God and inspire our sisters and brothers through the arts and by caring for important spiritual artifacts that provide a link to
- [Media Coverage 2013](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2013/): Orlando Sentinel — December 30, 2013 Sister Mary E. Wendeln is pictured in an article about Pope Francis mending relationships with U.S. nuns. The Catholic Sun - December 13, 2013 Sisters of the Precious Blood are mentioned in this article on the centennial of St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix. Dayton Daily News — November 5,
- [Our Music](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/our-music/): Music As Praise Music is universal. It moves us and elicits emotions that words alone cannot touch. We use music as a way to praise God, to remind us of the unique beauty of our Precious Blood spirituality, and to recognize the innate gifts that reside in each of our sisters and brothers. At right,
- [Do-it-yourself Discernment Retreat by the VISION editors](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/vocations/do-it-yourself-discernment-retreat-by-the-vision-editors-2/): What is known in vocation circles as the “process of discernment” is simply the time we take to identify our strengths and gifts and determine how they may best be put to use in joyful service to the church and the world. To that end, we offer this simple do-it-yourself discernment retreat, adapted from Take
- [News & Events](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/): What's Going On This is the place to find the latest information about Sisters of the Precious Blood news and events from our locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.
- [Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/)
- [Sister Noreen Jutte](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-noreen-jutte/)
- [Sister Carolyn Hoying](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-carolyn-hoying/)
- [Sister Barbara Ann Hoying](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-barbara-ann-hoying/)
- [Sister Marita Beumer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-marita-beumer/)
- [Sister Martha Bertke](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-martha-bertke/)
- [Sister Regina Albers](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/spiritual-resources/maria-stein-shrine-of-the-holy-relics/sister-regina-albers/)
- [About Us](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/): Since 1834 the Sisters of the Precious Blood have met the needs of the time. Inspired by our foundress, Maria Anna Brunner, and “that not one drop of his Precious Blood be shed in vain,” we try to see where the need is great and to respond. Mother Brunner spent nights praying before the Blessed
- [Our Foundress](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/our-foundress/)
- [Our Spirituality](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/our-spirituality/)
- [Quick Facts](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/quick-facts/)
- [Partner Communities](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/our-spirituality/partner-communities/)
- [E-newsletter sign-up](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/e-newsletter-sign-up/)
- [Our Leadership](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/our-leadership/): ASSEMBLY DIRECTIVES 2023 - 2027 SPIRITUALITY AND MISSION We commit to deepening our understanding of specific topics essential to religious life and our charism of Precious Blood spirituality. The fruit of our communal exploration gives direction to how and with whom we collaborate in mission. N.B. By communal we mean vowed members, members in formation
- [Joyful Jubilees](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/joyful-jubilees/)
- [“Best day ever!” Sisters Mumbi Kigutha and LaKesha Church profess first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/sharing-caring-summer-2018/best-day-ever-sisters-mumbi-kigutha-and-lakesha-church-profess-first-vows/): Left, Sisters Joyce Lehman, Mumbi, Ann Clark and Father Robert Schreiter, CPPS; Michelle Bodine photo. Second from left, Sister Mumbi after she received her ring; Sister Mary Lou Schmersal photo. Third from left, Sisters Patty Kremer, Linda Pleiman, Nancy Kinross, Ann Clark, Joyce Lehman, LaKesha and other CPPS Sisters; Michelle Bodine photo. Right, Father Ken
- [Sister Mi-Kyoung professes first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/sister-mi-kyoung-professes-first-vows/)
- [Welcome, Juliana!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/welcome-juliana/)
- [Shangilieni nami — Rejoice With Me!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/shangilieni-nami-rejoice-with-me/)
- [Welcome, Sister Pauline!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/welcome-sister-pauline/)
- [A Summer of Celebration - Celebrating Sister Juliana](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/a-summer-of-celebration-celebrating-sister-juliana/)
- [C.PP.S. News 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/): New PBSI website up and running! Colorado Springs statement Friends in Solidarity Appoints New President Welcome, Sister Pauline! Celebrating milestones PBSI Names Schreiter Institute Director Congratulations, Sister LaKesha! The Sisters of the Precious Blood condemn gun violence Vicky Otto to Lead New Precious Blood Spirituality Institute Precious Blood Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha professes perpetual vows PBSI
- [New Institute Will Share Precious Blood Spirituality, Message of Hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/new-institute-will-share-precious-blood-spirituality-message-of-hope/): January 3, 2022 —The Missionaries of the Precious Blood in the United States are partnering with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, Ohio, to create the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI). The PBSI will promote Precious Blood spirituality to the world, coordinating retreats and workshops,
- [Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI) Names Executive Director](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/precious-blood-spirituality-institute-pbsi-names-executive-director/): The Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI) has announced the hiring of its first Executive Director, Vicky Otto. Vicky is currently the Director of Companions (lay associates) for the Cincinnati and Kansas City Provinces of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. She will assume her new position on July 1. “It is an honor to serve
- [PBSI Board Meets to Dream and Plan](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/pbsi-board-meets-to-dream-and-plan/): The Board of Directors of the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI) gathered for our first annual planning retreat. The Board members represent the three sponsoring congregations, the Sisters of the Precious Blood-Dayton, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood This new collaborative ministry was created to coordinate the
- [Precious Blood Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha professes perpetual vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/precious-blood-sister-mumbi-kigutha-professes-perpetual-vows/): DAYTON, Ohio — Sister Mūmbi Kīgūtha, CPPS, professed final vows as a member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood during a liturgy held April 23 at the chapel at Salem Heights, the religious community’s central house in Dayton. Several of Sister Mūmbi’s family and friends attended the ceremony and celebrations, as did Sisters from
- [Vicky Otto to Lead New Precious Blood Spirituality Institute](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/vicky-otto-to-lead-new-precious-blood-spirituality-institute/): The newly formed Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI) has a lot to offer to people of faith, says its newly appointed executive director. One of the most valuable might be creating a space where people can meet each other in a place where all are valued, all can speak freely about their faith, and all
- [The Sisters of the Precious Blood condemn gun violence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/the-sisters-of-the-precious-blood-condemn-gun-violence/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood stand in prayer and solidarity with all who have lost loved ones to gun violence. In response to Buffalo’s mass shooting on May 14, we denounce white supremacist violence and hatred, and we stand with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious as they assert: “In the wake of the
- [Congratulations, Sister LaKesha!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/congratulations-sister-lakesha/)
- [PBSI Names Schreiter Institute Director](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/19834-2/): The Precious Blood Spirituality Institute (PBSI) is pleased to announce the hiring of the first director of the Schreiter Institute at Catholic Theological Union, Dr. Kevin Considine, Ph.D. Dr. Considine began his work July 2022. He returns to Catholic Theological Union (CTU) as an alumnus and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology. “It is an
- [Celebrating milestones](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/celebrating-milestones/): Five Sisters of the Precious Blood recently celebrated milestone anniversaries of entrance into the Congregation: Sister Mary Garascia 60 years Sister Carolyn Hoying 60 years Sister Nancy Kinross 60 years Sister Marie Kopin 60 years Sister Rosemary Laux 80 years All the Sisters were recognized at a Mass and banquet July 3 at Salem Heights,
- [Welcome, Sister Pauline!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/welcome-sister-pauline/)
- [Friends in Solidarity Appoints New President](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/friends-in-solidarity-appoints-new-president/)
- [Colorado Springs statement](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/colorado-springs-statement/): We, the Sisters of the Precious Blood, stand with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in their response to the November 19 mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As we are committed to being a life-giving, reconciling, Eucharistic presence of Christ in our fractured world, we are called to stand with those oppressed especially
- [New PBSI website up and running!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2022/new-pbsi-website-up-and-running/): We are proud to announce that our website is up and running! Please take a moment and visit pbspiritualityinstitute.org. On our home page, you can sign up for our mailing list to get information about the programs and events that are scheduled. If you have suggestions for resources for our site or have questions about
- [C.PP.S. News 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/): Thank you for Celebrating With Us! Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrate 100 years in Dayton Sister LaKesha renews vows Precious Blood Sisters formally install new leadership team Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life Sister Juliana Wuur professes first vows Sisters of the Precious Blood elect new leaders Sisters in Guatemala launch new
- [Sisters in Guatemala launch new website](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/sisters-in-guatemala-launch-new-website/): Check it out! Our Sisters in Guatemala recently launched a new website: www.mujeresdelapreciosasangre.org. Building on the ministry we first initiated in Guatemala in 1988, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have formed the Asociación Para Mujeres la Preciosa Sangre (Precious Blood Women’s Association) to ensure the continued success of our school and our student residence. Be sure to visit
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood elect new leaders](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-elect-new-leaders/)
- [Sister Juliana Wuur professes first vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/sister-juliana-wuur-professes-first-vows/)
- [Precious Blood Sisters formally install new leadership team](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/precious-blood-sisters-formally-install-new-leadership-team/)
- [Sister LaKesha renews vows](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/sister-lakesha-renews-vows/): On Aug. 19 Sister LaKesha Church renewed her vows of religious profession for two years. The Rite of Renewal took place in a prayer service at the home of CPPS Sisters Margo Young, Mary Faye Hellman, LaKesha Church and Hortensia del Villar, SAC, in Redlands, California. Sisters Mary Faye Hellman, Terry Maher and Margo Young
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrate 100 years in Dayton](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-celebrate-100-years-in-dayton/): DAYTON, Ohio —The Sisters of the Precious Blood are celebrating a century of presence at Salem Heights, located on Salem Avenue, the religious community’s central home since 1923. A celebration Mass will be held Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church. The Rev. Jeffrey Kirch, CPPS, will preside. A reception will follow
- [Thank you for Celebrating With Us!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2023/thank-you-for-celebrating-with-us/)
- [Winter 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [July 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/july-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [CPPS Resource Handbook](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/cpps-resource-handbook/): 2024 CPPS Resource Handbook A-1 LOCAL OPERATING BUDGET - by hand A-1 LOCAL OPERATING BUDGET - electronic A-2 SH RESIDENT BUDGET - by hand A-2 SH RESIDENT BUDGET - electronic A-3 DIRECTIVES FOR PREPARING LOCAL OPERATING BUDGET A-4 REQUEST FOR HOLDBACK FUNDS A-5 REQUEST FOR OUT-OF-BUDGET FUNDS A-6 INDIVIDUAL SALARY AND BENEFITS QUESTIONNAIRE A-7 CHARITABLE
- [Emergency Fund](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/emergency-fund/): Emergency Fund Guidelines Send completed form to Sister Gerri: Emergency Request Form
- [Sisters celebrate Christmas!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/sisters-celebrate-christmas/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/in-sympathy/): 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.
- [Thank you and best wishes!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/thank-you-and-best-wishes/)
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/in-brief/): 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.
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Homicide vigils continue under new leadership](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/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
- [Update from Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/update-from-guatemala/)
- [Precious Blood communities honored at World Mission Sunday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/precious-blood-communities-honored-at-world-mission-sunday/)
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating winter and spring birthdays.
- [Reflecting on the Eucharist, our Spirituality and the Mass](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/reflecting-on-the-eucharist-our-spirituality-and-the-mass/)
- [Continuing the legacy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/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
- [Justice and Advocacy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2024-issues/winter-2024/23678-2/)
- [End Gun Violence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/gun-violence/end-gun-violence/): Campaign Resources The Sisters of the Precious Blood, guided by their Catholic faith, are committed to promoting a culture that values life, peace, and the inherent dignity of every person. In collaboration with other Ohio Catholic religious congregations, they are sponsoring a billboard campaign in Dayton to raise awareness about gun violence and advocate for
- [TGW May 2024 draft](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/tgw-may-2024-draft/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Jubilee](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/jubilee/)
- [A legacy of faith: Celebrating our Jubilarians](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/a-legacy-of-faith-celebrating-our-jubilarians/)
- [Grassroots newsletter archives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/): 2019 2018 2017 2016
- [Grassroots newsletter - December 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/december-2018-issue/): December 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Prayer for the care of the poor World Day of the Poor Sister - coming to your local PBS station The Healing Garden at Mercer Health Practice gratitude Advent paths
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/december-2018-issue/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter - November 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-november-2018/): November 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives From: NCADP – National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Why participate in an Ethical Fair Trade Sale? On white privilege Racial justice prayer Re-tired Sisters label soap to abate
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-november-2018/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter – October 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-october-2018/): October 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Brigid's Path Centering Prayer Asylum story Disturbing the Peace Notes from Colleen National Association of Pastoral Musicians Mumbi's sharing Community garden
- [Grassroots newsletter - September 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-september-2018/): September 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Stories from around our CPPS world Peace Dayton White Privilege workshops The death penalty - both cruel and unnecessary National Honey Bee Day Twice blessed Being in communion, standing against
- [Grassroots newsletter - August 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-august-2018-issue/): August 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Brunner Literacy Center 5K 2018 Campaign Nonviolence Plastic pollution Sisters of the Precious Blood respond to immigration raid Do you know??? Mushroom madness Sisters rally in Dayton to keep families
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-august-2018-issue/assembly-directives-2-2/): We will... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive to effect reconciliation among God’s people • Act responsibly
- [Grassroots newsletter - July 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/july-2018/): July 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Precious Blood Sisters recognized as a Laudato Si community Around the table Say it with flowers Elevated gardens Sister Marie Kopin receives Chapter Woman of Distinction award Great joy Immigrant
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/july-2018/assembly-directives-2-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter - June 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-june-2018/): June 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Sisters of the Earth 2018 conference Sisters achieve Laudato Si recognition in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Guatemala - part 3 Sisters of the Precious Blood oppose the death penalty Have
- [Grassroots Newsletter - May 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-may-2018/): May 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Sisters of the Earth 2018 conference Electronic recycling Guatemala Play Hospital Gaudete et Exultate Michigan Nature Association dinner Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home) by Pope Francis Sisters
- [Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-may-2018/guatemala/): Our hats are off to Sister Marifé Hellman, who has served in Guatemala for 38 years. When Sister Rosie Goubeaux and I visited her, she quickly informed us that she was the first woman in Guatemala who taught theology in a seminary. That’s a great accomplishment! Recognizing the importance of education, Marifé began a school
- [Grassroots Newsletter – April 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-april-2018/): April 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Sisters of the Earth 2018 conference The climate is changing Is white privilege real? Have you heard? April 4 A.C.T. to End Racism Rally on National Mall Earth Day Campaign
- [Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-april-2018/guatemala-2/): Numerous hills, many volcanoes, lovely flowers and beautiful, gracious people — that’s Guatemala! Sister Rosemary Goubeaux and I spent six days there, March 6 through 14, and found it to be a very enriching experience which touched our hearts. To visit our three community members who live there — Sisters Terry Walter, Joyce Kahle and
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-april-2018/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots Newsletter - March 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-march-2018/): March 2018 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Brigid's Path update Sisters of the Earth 2018 conference Caring for others "One Border, One Body" Refugees LCWR and Social Justice Estimated decomposition rates A world without plastic pollution Sister
- [Grassroots newsletter - July 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-july-2019/): July 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Growing Mushrooms at Home Some great news from OTSE - Ohioans To Stop Executions Collaborative partnership is sponsored by Catholic Theological Union and the Religious Formation Conference Book review Helpful
- [Grassroots newsletter - June 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-june-2019/): June 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Isabella County Soup Kitchen (ICSK) Efforts to counter KKK rally Enjoy the rich, loving and compassionate diversity of Dayton World Refugee Day Intention for the Universal Prayer “If Nuns Ruled
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-june-2019/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter - May 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-may-2019/): May 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives A Walk for Justice and Peace Congratulations! Volunteers: an important piece of the puzzle Volunteers are appreciated BLC Spring news 2019 Sharing with others - another way to volunteer Intercultural
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-may-2019/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter - April 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-april-2019/): April 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Creation and the Cross The wonder of salvation Artistry Under the Dome “In nature, nothing exists alone.” — Rachel Carson, 1962 Spring – a poem by Sister Cordelia Gast Governor
- [Assembly Directives](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-april-2019/assembly-directives-2/): Enacted in our Assembly Directives 2015 - we will remember to... • Continue to articulate and integrate our Spirituality in our sharing among ourselves and with others • Increase our use of social media to promote Precious Blood Spirituality • Stand with the marginalized, make a collective commitment to promote and witness nonviolence, and strive
- [Grassroots newsletter - February 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-february-2019/): February 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Fun with fungi News from JCWR – Justice Conference of Women Religious Salem Heights book discussion JCWR Third National Convocation CPPS is helping immigrants World Day for Consecrated Life Salem
- [Earth Day 2019 — Protect our Species](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-february-2019/earth-day-2019-protect-our-species-2/): “In nature, nothing exists alone.” Rachel Carson, 1962 Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we
- [Grassroots newsletter - March 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter/): March 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives OTSE - Ohioans to Stop Executions Grassroots welcomes book reviews The Pope’s prayer intention for March is Evangelization – Christian communities News from Global Catholic Climate Movement Pre-Lenten treats Workshop:
- [C.PP.S. News 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2019/): We remember them all – a reflection by Sister Jeanette Buehler, CPPS Press Release – Dayton, Ohio Mass Shooting, August 4, 2019 Statement – Dayton, Ohio Mass Shooting, August 4, 2019 Mi-Kyoung Hwang enters the novitiate on August 2 Precious Blood Sisters celebrate jubilees of religious life Precious Blood Sisters from throughout the United States
- [Mi-Kyoung Hwang enters the novitiate on August 2](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2019/mi-kyoung-hwang-enters-the-novitiate-on-august-2/)
- [C.PP.S. News 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/): Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator position announcement Welcome, Juliana! CPPS Archives Internship position announcement Sister Mi-Kyoung professes first vows on June 26 Statement on violence against AAPI community As members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, we stand with the other more than 1300 leaders of Catholic sisters nationwide as we share this statement
- [Sister Mi-Kyoung professes first vows on June 26](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/sister-mi-kyoung-professes-first-vows-on-june-26/)
- [Media Coverage 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2023/): Our Sisters are often featured in local and national news organizations. Links to those articles are posted here. Friends in Solidarity - News from South Sudan – December 21, 2023 Message from Sister Mūmbi Friends in Solidarity - News from South Sudan – November 30, 2023 Hello dear friends Friends in Solidarity - News from South Sudan –
- [Grassroots newsletter - January 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/grassroots-newsletter-archives-2016-2019/grassroots-newsletter-january-2019/): January 2019 Issue Click any of the links below for the individual articles Click here to view the PDF of this issue Assembly Directives Combating malnutrition in Guatemala with organic farming Homicide Prayer Vigils Sounds of the Season Our Common Home Issues in Pauline Theology The Soul of the Earth Poem
- [November 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2021-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Supporting our community The Sisters of the Precious Blood are proud sponsors of a variety of events and organizations across the country throughout the year. Here are just two events held recently in the Dayton area: On Sept.
- [September 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2021-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Take Me Out to the Ballgame! The Sisters of the Precious Blood sponsored a Trotwood Baseball Little League team during the 2021 baseball season. A letter to the Congregation from Marcus Fletcher, president of Trotwood Baseball Little League,
- [July 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2021-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Traveling with Mary The Marian Pilgrimage commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati recently came to a close on June 19. It began May 16 with a Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in the
- [May 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2021-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Council visits Miami Valley Meals On March 25, Council made a visit to Miami Valley Meals, a nonprofit organization in Dayton that started as a result of the pandemic. Besides giving recently unemployed chefs a job, unused food
- [September 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2022-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Clean Water for Life By Jen Morin-Williamson Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator This summer, I was in Italy and Switzerland during the record-setting heat and drought. In Rome, it didn’t rain for more than 50 days, with temperatures
- [May 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2022-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Putting our money where our mouth is: Values-Based Investment I recently had the opportunity to chat with Sister Linda Pleiman and Sister Edna Hess about the intentional process that the Sisters take to ensure that the Congregation’s investments
- [January 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2022-2/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Voices of Faith Sister Mumbi Kigutha recently participated in “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: From Violence to Human Rights in the Roman Catholic Church,” a multi-part online series hosted by Voices of Faith. Sister Mumbi’s presentation
- [November 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2023-2/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [May 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2023-2/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [March 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2023-2/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [January 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2023-2/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [January 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [2023 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/)
- [Fall 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [More Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/more-scenes-from-salem-heights/)
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/in-brief/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Sisters in the Summer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/inside-the-cpps-archives-sisters-in-the-summer/): This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.
- [Fair Week at Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/fair-week-at-salem-heights/): Kim Jaynes, activity coordinator, organized Fair Week for the Sisters in August. The Sisters enjoyed a petting zoo with farm animals, a carnival and a magician! Top row, from left, Kim holds her card, with magician “The Amazing Cindini”; the rabbit in the hat; Sisters enjoy petting the rabbit; Cristen Allen photos. Second row, from
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who experienced the death of a loved one. Carol Trainor-Eyerman, former Sister Mary Rose Ellen, died May 26. Sister Edna Hess on the death of her brother, Carl Hess, on May 29. Sister Ritamary Bulach (deceased) on the death of her brother-in-law,
- [A Summer of Celebration - Celebrating Sister LaKesha](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/a-summer-of-celebration-celebrating-sister-lakesha/)
- [A Summer of Celebration - Celebrating the journey ahead](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/a-summer-of-celebration-celebrating-the-journey-ahead/)
- [A Summer of Celebration - Celebrating our Jubilarians](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/a-summer-of-celebration-celebrating-our-jubilarians/)
- [Images of hope](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/images-of-hope/)
- [Update from Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/update-from-guatemala/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall and winter birthdays.
- [Letter to the Editor](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/letter-to-the-editor/): I read with great interest your opening letter in the most recent edition of Sharing & Caring. I was most pleased to read your comment about younger priests seeking to celebrate liturgy the old way, i.e., in Latin and backs to the wall. As a convert, I never knew the pre-Vatican II liturgy. What a
- [Visitors from Fulton, Maryland](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/visitors-from-fulton-maryland/): What a surprise! I was delighted to welcome David Bird and his wife Mary when they came to Salem Heights for a visit last May. When I was teaching and putting on plays at Regina High School in Norwood, Ohio, I had featured David in the lead male role in Brigadoon in 1962 and then
- [Enjoying each season of life](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/enjoying-each-season-of-life/): Summer is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it … the colorful flowers, the sudden thunderstorms, the smell of fresh cut grass, the endless sunshine and many cookouts. The September days remind me that summer’s days are soon to be memories and fall is coming. I enjoy the cool, crisp fall days
- [Meet our new Vocation Ministry Coordinator](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/meet-our-new-vocation-ministry-coordinator/): The Congregation recently welcomed Teri Iverson to the role of vocation ministry coordinator. Iverson grew up in Valley City, North Dakota. She was active in her faith as a member of the Lutheran church, serving throughout her school years as a choir member, lector, usher, Vacation Bible School helper, youth group president and more. She
- [Continuing this good work in Dayton: Dayton Organic Farming Community Garden](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/continuing-this-good-work-in-dayton-dayton-organic-farming-community-garden/)
- [From the President's Desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/fall-2023/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): Wow, was everyone busy this summer! There was the culmination of the months of preparation for our nearly weeklong Assembly, where we set our directions for the next four years and elected the Sisters who would lead us in this stage of our journey. That gathering was bookended by the celebration of Sisters’ jubilees and
- [In Memoriam archives M-R](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-archives-m-r/)
- [Precious Blood Sisters and staff honored as caregivers](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/precious-blood-sisters-and-staff-honored-as-caregivers/)
- [Advocacy and Justice](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood have a long history in advocacy and justice work. In response to the digital nature of our culture our engagement in working towards justice (against injustice) includes a supportive, educational role. On this web page and our social media, we will provide information from reliable sources, supporting and amplifying
- [January 2024](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/january-2024/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [November 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Response on Gun Violence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/gun-violence/response-on-gun-violence/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, Ohio, stand in support of all the people in our nation who are affected by gun violence and all forms of violence and abuse. Having served as educators in numerous schools, we are especially heartbroken by the school shootings that have claimed so many lives in our
- [Death Penalty Prayer Vigil 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/death-penalty/death-penalty-prayer-vigil-2023/): THE MOST BASIC HUMAN RIGHT IS THE RIGHT TO LIVE! December 10 marks Human Rights Day, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For seven decades, the Declaration has aimed to foster equality, fundamental freedoms, and justice globally. It serves as a guiding framework for laws and policies at international, national,
- [CPPS Corporate Stand for the Abolition of the Death Penalty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/death-penalty/cpps-corporate-stand-for-the-abolition-of-the-death-penalty/): We, the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton Ohio, publicly condemn the use of capital punishment in the United States and in the World. We believe the use of capital punishment is responding to violence with violence and perpetuates the cycle of violence and revenge. We believe that every life is sacred from conception to
- [Centro de Formación Multiple la Preciosisima Sangre](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/centro-de-formacion-multiple-la-preciosisima-sangre/)
- [C.PP.S. News 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2018/): Sharing & Caring article wins CPA award Sharing & Caring received a first place award from the Catholic Press Association for the article “Si, Señor,” which appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of the newsletter. Precious Blood Sister LaKesha Church professes first vows Sister LaKesha Church pronounced first vows as a Sister of the Precious
- [Response on gun violence](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2018/response-on-gun-violence/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, Ohio, stand in support of all the people in our nation who are affected by gun violence and all forms of violence and abuse. Having served as educators in numerous schools, we are especially heartbroken by the school shootings that have claimed so many lives in our
- [C.PP.S. News 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news/): Sister Bela Mis professes first vows The Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated the Rite of First Profession of Sister Francisca Belarmina Mis Guamuche on Saturday, December 9. LCWR condemns racism in all forms A statement from Joan Marie Steadman, CSC, Executive Director, Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Jubilarians honored at Mass and Banquet The
- [C.PP.S. corporate stance on the death penalty](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news/c-pp-s-corporate-stance-on-the-death-penalty/): The 1999 Assembly approved the following statement on taking a corporate stand: “To empower the Leadership Team to make a corporate stance in the name of the Congregation on major human rights violations and to encourage all Sisters to be public witnesses for non-violence.” Individual Sisters were asked about their acceptance of the corporate stance.
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood oppose new rule for energy production](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2018/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-oppose-new-rule-for-energy-production/): August 2018 The sisters of the Precious Blood stand with the US. Bishops, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and other catholic organizations in opposing the Trump Administration’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule that was proposed on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. ACE significantly weakens the 2014 Clean Power Plan (CPP) who’s aim is to
- [C.PP.S. News 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2020/): Donation helps build a home in Trotwood Statement on the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery
- [Statement on the Deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2020/statement-on-the-deaths-of-george-floyd-and-ahmaud-arbery/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood are deeply saddened over the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. We condemn the ongoing violence amassed against our black brothers and sisters. Through our prayer and advocacy, we seek justice for them and too many others who have been targeted and treated unfairly as people of color.
- [Media Coverage 2011](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2011/): Michigan Live - December 7, 2011 Sister Paul Gero is mentioned in a story on the Christmas Play at St. Pius X School in Flint, Mich. Management Monthly Newsletter for Educators - October 2011 In the Trenches with Sister Karen Elliott, C.PP.S. Catholic Times — September 4, 2011 Sisters of the Precious Blood were featured
- [C.PP.S. News 2012](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2012/): Namesake award recognizes Sister Kathleen Kelly Sister Kathleen Kelly was puzzled when she was encouraged to attend the Tender Mercies annual meeting last October – and she was shocked when she was given the first Sister Kathleen Kelly Award at the meeting. Congratulations to the 2012 jubilarians Sister publishes new book on Precious Blood Spirituality
- [C.PP.S. News 2013](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/c-pp-s-news-2013/): Trotwood Chamber of Commerce recognizes congregation The Trotwood Chamber of Commerce named The Sisters of the Precious Blood the 2013 Large Business of the Year at a November 7 banquet at Friendship Village in Trotwood. Precious Blood Sisters celebrate milestone anniversaries in religious life A substance abuse therapist, a formation director, a former pastoral associate
- [September 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Spring 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [The Sacrament of Love - How the Eucharist motivates and sustains us](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/the-sacrament-of-love-how-the-eucharist-motivates-and-sustains-us/)
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/scenes-from-salem-heights-2/): Sisters and staff enjoyed many events these past few months. Clockwise, from top left, Sister Regina Albers found the baby Jesus in the King cake and was crowned the Mardi Gras Queen of Salem Heights; Nifty Nineties party for Sisters aged 90 years or older; Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School students delivered 40 Easter baskets
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/in-brief-2/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/palettes-of-prayer-2/)
- [Unwavering faith: the unforgettable history tour](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/unwavering-faith-the-unforgettable-history-tour/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/in-sympathy-2/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who have recently lost family members to death. Margaret (Mouzin) Robbeloth, former Sister M. George (class of 1950), died Sept. 29, 2022. Marilyn (Schwieterman) Moeder (class of 1951 aspirancy) died Feb. 5. Jaclyn “Jackie” (Kerns) Monahan (class of 1959 aspirancy and postulancy)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Sisters and the Eucharist](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/inside-the-cpps-archives-sisters-and-the-eucharist/): This column showcases different artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring. Since the founding of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1834, the Congregation’s devotion to the Precious Blood through the Eucharist has been central to their ministries and prayer lives. The photos here depict the Sisters
- [Gathering on “The Front Porch”](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/gathering-on-the-front-porch/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/happy-birthday-2/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.
- [Be a part of our good works](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/be-a-part-of-our-good-works/)
- [New Words](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/new-words/): Do you remember the first time you saw the shark? It is hard to imagine, but it has been almost 50 years since one of the most iconic movies of our time was released, Jaws. As I was preparing to write this article, a line from the movie kept popping into my head: “You are
- [EVs “spark” our interest!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/evs-spark-our-interest/)
- [From the President's Desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/spring-2023/from-the-presidents-desk/): Spring moving into summer seems to have finally arrived after winter’s multiple returns. Nature speaks of new life everywhere we look. The birds are singing, and babies are being born. All shout “Alleluia” to Jesus who is risen from the dead. Holy Week with the remembrance of Jesus gifting us with His Body and Blood,
- [July 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Contact](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/contact-2/): We want to hear from you! Looking for vocational guidance or information about the Sisters of the Precious Blood? Have questions about our spirituality, ministries, sisters, or operations? We want to hear from you. Please use the information provided to reach us and we will do our best to help you find what you need.
- [May 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Homicide vigils continue monthly](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/homicide-vigils-continue-monthly/)
- [Winter 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [In sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who have recently lost family members to death. Sister Pat Dieringer on the death of her sister-in-law, Joan, on November 10. Bill Werling, a volunteer to the homicide vigils in Dayton for nearly 16 years, died on November 20. Sister Maryann Bremke
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/in-brief/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Abundant blessings: Our ministry in Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/abundant-blessings-our-ministry-in-guatemala/)
- [Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation: Focused on healing](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/precious-blood-ministry-of-reconciliation-focused-on-healing/)
- [Congratulations, Sister Mumbi! Friends in Solidarity Appoints New President](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/congratulations-sister-mumbi-friends-in-solidarity-appoints-new-president/): Friends in Solidarity (FIS), the U.S. partner of Solidarity with South Sudan, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new president, Sister Mumbi Kigutha, CPPS. Sister Mumbi, a Sister of the Precious Blood from Dayton, Ohio, will begin her tenure with FIS in February 2023. She will be the second president of the organization,
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating winter and spring birthdays.
- [Yarning for God](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/yarning-for-god/): The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty as earning less than $27,750 per year for a family of four. The Dayton Daily News recently reported that, in 2021, about 27.6% of Dayton residents live in poverty. That’s about 1 in every 3.5 people. The article continued: “Last year, nearly one-third of Black and Latino Dayton residents
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Sister Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/inside-the-cpps-archives-sister-sisters/): This column showcases different artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.
- [Knights of Columbus 5K Run for Vocations](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/knights-of-columbus-5k-run-for-vocations/)
- [Precious Blood Spirituality Institute: Celebrating connections and differences](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/precious-blood-spirituality-institute-celebrating-connections-and-differences/): I have a large, extended family in Arizona. One of the things that always happens when we gather is one of the younger generations wants to hear the family stories. Storytime has become a cherished tradition of our family celebrations. The children are curious to know about how their parents acted as children. It is
- [From the President's Desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2023-issues/winter-2023/from-the-presidents-desk/): Christmas has come and gone, and we are well into the first months of 2023! The new year is an opportunity to review the past and make resolutions for weeks and months ahead. In looking back and thinking about the new year and the main article of this issue of Sharing & Caring, I remembered
- [November 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2020/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Milestone at Brigid’s Path Since 2013 I’ve volunteered at Brigid’s Path, a facility that improves the health of newborn babies and mothers impacted by addiction. Brigid’s Path offers grace for the past, support for the present and hope
- [September 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Healing and Hope Just over one year ago, on Aug. 4, 2019, 10 people (including the perpetrator) were killed in a mass shooting in Dayton’s Oregon District. On Aug. 4 this year, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood
- [August 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/august-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values The life-giving power of the blood comes at great price We have experienced the power of the Precious Blood. It is redeeming power; it is life-giving power; it is healing power; it is cleansing power; it is reconciling power;
- [July 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values A spark of light and a feeling of joy As I reflected on the beginnings of this pandemic, I had no idea how long it would last. No one knows! For certain, I recognized my daily schedule needed
- [June 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/june-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Letter from Guatemala: Sharing our Precious Blood spirituality as we shelter in place “Life as usual” in Guatemala came to a halt in mid-March when the first citizen with coronavirus arrived back in the country after visiting Italy.
- [May 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Living Laudato Si at the 5th anniversary of the encyclical: CPPS property to produce more solar energy As part of the Congregation’s guiding principles, the Sisters of the Precious Blood cherish life in all of its manifestations —
- [April 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/april-2020/): Monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Spring break mission experience Amidst all of the divisive rhetoric about young people and older people not being able to connect, it was a tremendous blessing to watch a group of nine Mount St. Joseph University (MSJ) students
- [May 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2021/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Council visits Miami Valley Meals On March 25, Council made a visit to Miami Valley Meals, a nonprofit organization in Dayton that started as a result of the pandemic. Besides giving recently unemployed chefs a job, unused food
- [July 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2021/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Traveling with Mary The Marian Pilgrimage commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati recently came to a close on June 19. It began May 16 with a Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in the
- [September 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2021/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Take Me Out to the Ballgame! The Sisters of the Precious Blood sponsored a Trotwood Baseball Little League team during the 2021 baseball season. A letter to the Congregation from Marcus Fletcher, president of Trotwood Baseball Little League,
- [November 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2021/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Supporting our community The Sisters of the Precious Blood are proud sponsors of a variety of events and organizations across the country throughout the year. Here are just two events held recently in the Dayton area: On Sept.
- [November 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/november-2022/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated by
- [July 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/july-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Gun Violence Statement In May, in the wake of mass shootings in New York and Texas, the Sisters of the Precious Blood issued a statement condemning gun violence and white supremacist violence and hatred. We continue to pray
- [May 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/may-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Putting our money where our mouth is: Values-Based Investment I recently had the opportunity to chat with Sister Linda Pleiman and Sister Edna Hess about the intentional process that the Sisters take to ensure that the Congregation’s investments
- [March 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Meet our peace, justice and ecology coordinator Hi friends! My name is Jen Morin-Williamson and I am the Congregation’s new peace, justice and ecology coordinator. Even though my first day was just a few weeks ago, I know
- [January 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Voices of Faith Sister Mumbi Kigutha recently participated in “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: From Violence to Human Rights in the Roman Catholic Church,” a multi-part online series hosted by Voices of Faith. Sister Mumbi’s presentation
- [March 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [January 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/january-2023/): “This Good Work” is the Congregation's bi-monthly e-newsletter to give witness to Precious Blood Spirituality through the lens of social justice, rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching. In it we share real, legitimate information and ways Sisters are thinking about and living out many issues of peace, justice and ecology. This is curated
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood – 175 years in America: Timeline](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/fall-2019/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-175-years-in-america-timeline/): In 2019, the Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated their 175th anniversary in the United States. This timeline describes the events leading up to the Sisters’ arrival in Ohio in 1844. Left, Castle Loewenberg; middle, Mother Brunner; right, Father Francis de Sales Brunner. Left, the historical marker commemorating the Peru settlement was erected in 2001
- [Media Coverage 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2022/): Our Sisters are often featured in local and national news organizations. Links to those articles are posted here. The New Wine Press - December 2022 Sister Donna Liette is mentioned in the article You're in the Right Place Inland Catholic Byte - November 2022 Why do we have a cycle of readings at Mass? by
- [Virtual Homicide Vigil copy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/virtual-homicide-vigil-copy-2/): Our lives are affected by the violence around us, whether it be from watching the news or from the death of someone close to us in an act of brutality. The Sisters of the Precious Blood want to express our solidarity with those who have lost a loved one to violence by praying for your
- [On sadness and depression](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/on-sadness-and-depression/): Sister Joanne Belloli recently wrote this article for Catholic News Service. She works as a mental health/substance abuse therapist with Livingston County Catholic Charities in Howell, Michigan. Recently I met a 57-year-old woman who indicated that she was depressed, which for her occurred every March and into April. I listened as she told the story
- [The ways we pray](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/the-ways-we-pray/): Maria Anna led a busy life imbued with the depth of love for her God. Prayer was a part of the family’s day. She attended Mass daily whenever possible and received Holy Communion frequently, contrary to the custom of the times. Maria Anna also had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She made
- [Fall 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [In sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/in-sympathy-3/): We offer sympathy and prayer to Sisters of the Precious Blood and friends who have recently lost family members to death. Father Joseph Rodak, CPPS, died on May 18. Sister Teresa Monnin (deceased) on the death of her sister-in-law, Doris, on May 19. Sister Donna Liette on the death of her sister, Barbara Ann Koverman,
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/in-brief-3/)
- [The Soul of Chile during September, the month honoring our country](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/the-soul-of-chile-during-september-the-month-honoring-our-country/)
- [Explosion of Grace](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/explosion-of-grace/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/palettes-of-prayer-3/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives – Pioneering Pilgrimage: The Ten Foundations Tour](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/inside-the-cpps-archives-pioneering-pilgrimage-the-ten-foundations-tour/): This column showcases different artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/happy-birthday-3/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall and winter birthdays.
- [Responding to the Cry of the Blood](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/responding-to-the-cry-of-the-blood/)
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/fall-2022/from-the-presidents-desk-3/): Summer is fading, another school year is beginning, and life continues. What life will bring we do not know. We may have lots of plans, yet some or many of them may never be realized. Life is a journey, a journey we as Christians believe leads us from our earthly home to our eternal home
- [2022 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/)
- [Advocacy and Justice](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/advocacy-and-justice/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood have a long history in advocacy and justice work. In response to the digital nature of our culture our engagement in working towards justice (against injustice) includes a supportive, educational role. On this web page and our social media, we will provide information from reliable sources, supporting and amplifying
- [Retirement Fund for Religious](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/coming-events/retirement-fund-for-religious/): The annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious is taken up each December in most U.S. Catholic parishes and helps hundreds of religious communities provide for the current and future needs of senior members. In good times and bad, senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have served our Church and world. For
- [Assembly prayer card 2023](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/sisters-portal/assembly/assembly-prayer-card-2023/): English Spanish
- [November 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/november-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Signs of the Precious Blood All Around Us By Sister Rita Rogier, CPPS One recent morning, my day started by attending part of the run/walk for the Brunner Literacy Center, which was co-founded by two Precious Blood Sisters,
- [September 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/september-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Clean Water for Life By Jen Morin-Williamson Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator This summer, I was in Italy and Switzerland during the record-setting heat and drought. In Rome, it didn’t rain for more than 50 days, with temperatures
- [As members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, we stand with the other more than 1300 leaders of Catholic sisters nationwide as we make this statement:](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/as-members-of-the-leadership-conference-of-women-religious-we-stand-with-the-other-more-than-1300-leaders-of-catholic-sisters-nationwide-as-we-make-this-statement/): The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) joins with the world in praying for peace after witnessing the violence and lawlessness yesterday in our nation’s capital. We are deeply concerned about the state of our country and the future of our democracy. Our hearts ached as we watched these despicable actions that threaten not only
- [The Sisters of the Precious Blood of Dayton, Ohio, congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/the-sisters-of-the-precious-blood-of-dayton-ohio-congratulate-president-joe-biden-and-vice-president-kamala-harris-on-their-inauguration/): In this time of division and unrest in our country, we pray for our country and for our elected leaders. May division become unity and the unrest lead to peace with reconciliation. This is a daunting task to be accomplished over time, with each person doing their part. We must all begin today. Not to
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood condemn gun violence; urge gun safety legislation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-condemn-gun-violence-urge-gun-safety-legislation/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood of Dayton, Ohio, once again voice our profound sorrow, concern and anger in the wake of another series of mass shootings across the U.S. At least seven shootings in which four or more people were shot took place in the U.S. between March 16 and March 22 alone. We
- [CPPS statement on Chauvin verdict](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/cpps-statement-on-chauvin-verdict/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood affirm the decision of the jury to find Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. We are grateful that the defendant has been found accountable in this case, and we resolve to continue to strive for justice and equality for all. As a Catholic women’s religious congregation,
- [As members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, we stand with the other more than 1300 leaders of Catholic sisters nationwide as we share this statement:](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/as-members-of-the-leadership-conference-of-women-religious-we-stand-with-the-other-more-than-1300-leaders-of-catholic-sisters-nationwide-as-we-share-this-statement/)
- [Statement on violence against AAPI community](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/statement-on-violence-against-aapi-community/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood are deeply troubled by reports of continued, and increasing, violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. As a Catholic women’s religious congregation, we believe in the fundamental and profound truths that human life is sacred, and each and every person has dignity and deserves respect.
- [CPPS ARCHIVES INTERNSHIP POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/cpps-archives-internship-position-announcement/): MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Mounts a small exhibit using materials from the CPPS Archives. 2. Utilizes PastPerfect Museum Software to maintain and update the CPPS Archives collections digital database. 3. Inventories, researches, and evaluates books contained in the CPPS Archives. 4. Assists with writing column in Congregation’s quarterly newsletter. 5. Participates in other archival
- [Welcome, Juliana!](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/welcome-juliana/)
- [Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator position announcement](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/c-pp-s-news-2026/c-pp-s-news-archives-2/cpps-news-2021/peace-justice-and-ecology-coordinator-position-announcement/): Position Summary Promotes the Mission of the Sisters of the Precious Blood “to be a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world” through education, advocacy and action on issues of justice according to the circumstances of our time. Represents the Sisters of the Precious Blood by networking and participating with local, state, and national organizations
- [2021 Issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/)
- [Winter 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2013](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/winter-2013/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [In sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy and prayer to the following Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members to death. Sister Joyce Kahle on the death of her sister-in-law, Renee, during the week of December 26. Marie Weber Lubeley, (former Sister Louis Therese Weber) died on December 28. Sister Joyce Kahle on the death
- [In brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/in-brief-2/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Indigenous peoples in the U.S.](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/indigenous-peoples-in-the-u-s/): Racism was a topic the Precious Blood Sisters reflected on during the last year, and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious Virtual 2021 Assembly also discussed it. This complex topic continues to need attention, so this piece continues our conversation about race. Sister Eleanor McNally, who has Cherokee ancestors in her family tree, was born
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring and summer birthdays.
- [Reflection on the Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus through the lens of ecological justice](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/reflection-on-the-seven-offerings-of-the-precious-blood-of-jesus-through-the-lens-of-ecological-justice/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives - Prayers from the past](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/inside-the-cpps-archives-prayers-from-the-past/): This column showcases different artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.
- [Calling creative and courageous women](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/calling-creative-and-courageous-women/): Over the last two decades, many religious communities have undergone intense discernment about their future. The number of women in religious life is drastically different than it was a century ago and thus communities have been exploring what these consequences might mean for the future of religious life. In a *very* basic summary, communities have
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2022-issues/spring-2022/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): As we celebrate this Easter season, I wish each and every one of you the blessings and joy that come from walking with Jesus during Lent, Holy Week and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Probably for most of us, Holy Week had a special significance this year as we listened to the news about Russia’s
- [Sharing and Caring newsletter](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter-2/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/summer-2020/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/spring-2020/): Click below to view the PDF: 
- [Winter 2020](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/winter-2020/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/fall-2019/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/summer-2019/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/sharing-caring-spring-2019/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2019](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/winter-2019/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/sharing-caring-fall-2018-issue/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Vocation Awareness Week](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/sharing-caring-fall-2018-issue/vocation-awareness-week/)
- [Summer 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/sharing-caring-summer-2018/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/spring-2018/): Click below to view the PDF: 
- [Winter 2018](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/winter-2018/): Click below to view the PDF: 
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/fall-2017/from-the-presidents-desk-2-2/): Having had the privilege and opportunity to travel in several different countries of the world over the past 50 years, I have a heightened sensitivity to the question of what enculturation means. I’ve traveled in countries where the language was primarily English and the customs of the culture were similar enough to my American experience
- [Fall 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/fall-2017/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/summer-2017/): Click below to view PDF:
- [Spring 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/spring-2017/): Click below to view the PDF: 
- [Winter 2017](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/winter-2017/): Click below to view the PDF: 
- [Fall 2016](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2016-issues/fall-2016/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2016](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2016-issues/summer-2016/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2016](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2016-issues/spring-2016/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2016](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2016-issues/winter-2016/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer-Fall 2015](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2015-issues/summer-fall-2015/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2015](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2015-issues/spring-2015/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2015](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2015-issues/winter-2015/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2014](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/fall-2014/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2014](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/summer-2014/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Spring 2014](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/spring-2014/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2013](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/summer-2013/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [In brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/summer-2013/in-brief-2/): 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; Michelle Bodine photos. Middle, 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
- [Spring 2013](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/spring-2013/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Winter 2014](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/winter-2014/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Fall 2012](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/fall-2012/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Summer 2012](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/summer-2012/): Click below to view the PDF:
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/summer-2012/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 birthdays.
- [Editor's notes](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/summer-2012/editors-notes/): One of my favorite Christmas stories is that of the Magi journeying to meet the newborn Jesus. I’ve always been fascinated by the Star of Bethlehem leading them to the manger. It reminds me of my own journey and God’s role in it. For much of the last 25 years, I have been a writer,
- [President's message](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/summer-2012/presidents-message/): The other day I watched one of our Sisters return from her weekly hour of tutoring. She was alive with energy after working with an adult who was learning to read. This Sister, who is only a few months shy of 90, tucks tutoring into a busy schedule which includes many hours spent before the
- [2012 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2012-issues/)
- [2011 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2011-issues/)
- [2010 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2010-issues/)
- [2009 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2009-issues/)
- [2020 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/)
- [2019 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2019-issues/)
- [2018 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/)
- [2017 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2017-issues/)
- [2016 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2016-issues/)
- [2015 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2015-issues/)
- [2014 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2014-issues/)
- [2013 issues](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2013-issues/)
- [July 2022](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/july-2022/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Gun Violence Statement In May, in the wake of mass shootings in New York and Texas, the Sisters of the Precious Blood issued a statement condemning gun violence and white supremacist violence and hatred. We continue to pray
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/happy-birthday/)
- [Leaving a legacy of good works](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/leaving-a-legacy-of-good-works/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy to Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members, and we offer prayers for our communities and the world. Sister Regina Albers on the death of her sister-in-law, Wilma Albers, on September 22. Sister M. Julian (Mary Adeline Moeder, deceased) on the death of her brother, Jerry Moeder, on
- [Sister Mary Elise Calmus remembered](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/sister-mary-elise-calmus-remembered/)
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/in-brief-2/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [CPPS Through a Different Lens: Who Would Mother Brunner Be Today?](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/cpps-through-a-different-lens-who-would-mother-brunner-be-today/)
- [Precious Records: art and accompaniment](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/precious-records-art-and-accompaniment/): In our last staff meeting, Holly, our circle keeper, prompted us to reflect on accompaniment. She asked: What does it mean to accompany someone, and when have we been accompanied in our past? As we passed the talking piece, I heard an hour’s worth of stories detailing how PBMR staff have either walked alongside participants
- [Congregations collaborate to create Precious Blood Spirituality Institute](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/congregations-collaborate-to-create-precious-blood-spirituality-institute/)
- [Sister Mumbi Kigutha elected to CTU board of trustees](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/sister-mumbi-kigutha-elected-to-ctu-board-of-trustees/)
- [Flowers in the Casa Sofia garden](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/flowers-in-the-casa-sofia-garden/): Sister Joyce Kahle shared some photos of the beautiful flowers in their garden from September. From left, cream-colored rose, Fortnight Lily, pink rose and Tiger Iris.
- [New association formed in Guatemala](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/new-association-formed-in-guatemala/)
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/fall-2021/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): Here we are in the time of Advent, Christmas and New Year’s with all the emotions, feelings and desires that surround this time, especially for us Christians. Words like peace, joy and love fill our hearts and our minds. Lights and Christmas decorations inside and outside our homes speak to this special time of year.
- [Orphanages](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/orphanages/): The Sisters of the Precious Blood have a tradition of taking in orphans and caring for the poor. In the 1830s, Mother Brunner and her son took in orphans at Loewenberg Castle in Switzerland. One of the early Sisters would have taught young orphan girls how to read and write. When the Sisters came to
- [Media Coverage 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/media-coverage-archives-2/media-coverage-2021/): Our Sisters are often featured in local and national news organizations. Links to those articles are posted here. Global Sisters Report - December 8, 2021 Sister Mumbi Kigutha is featured in the article Voices of Faith examines discrimination, past and present, in Catholic religious life The Courier - December 3, 2021 'Hope' in her Heart
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood history timeline - vertical](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-history-timeline/)
- [Sisters of the Precious Blood history timeline - horizontal](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/about-us/sisters-of-the-precious-blood-history-timeline-2/)
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): By now, we Sisters of the Precious Blood, myself included, were hoping that most people would be vaccinated against COVID-19 and that masks would be a thing of the past. However, a large percentage of the U.S. population refuses to be vaccinated and the delta variant is causing us to rethink putting away our masks
- [Send-off for Chilean Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/send-off-for-chilean-sisters/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [In Sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/in-sympathy/): Sister Theresa Rizzo on the death of her sister, Josephine Rizzo, on June 11. Sister Laurene Hemmelgarn (deceased) on the death of her brother-in-law, Ralph Link, during the week of July 4. Sister Diane Skubby (deceased) on the death of her brother-in-law, Richard Sautter, on July 16. Sarah Aisenbrey, Congregational Archivist, on the death of
- [Happy Birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall birthdays.
- [13 cries for "Mama"](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/13-cries-for-mama/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives — Chaplains in the History of the Sisters of the Precious Blood](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/inside-the-cpps-archives-chaplains-in-the-history-of-the-sisters-of-the-precious-blood/)
- [At the heart of health care: Precious Blood Sisters in chaplaincy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/at-the-heart-of-health-care-precious-blood-sisters-in-chaplaincy/)
- [Journey with Mary](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/journey-with-mary/): This summer, a Marian Pilgrimage commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It began May 16 with a Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in the northern part of the archdiocese and continued for 33 days, making stops at parishes in every deanery. A group of pilgrims carried a special statue of
- [Sisters attend school addition dedication in Ottawa, Ohio](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/sisters-attend-school-addition-dedication-in-ottawa-ohio/)
- [Mission, mercy, and memory in California: Sister LaKesha and Sister Hildebertha](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/mission-mercy-and-memory-in-california-sister-lakesha-and-sister-hildebertha/)
- [Rural-Urban Farm Mass](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/summer-2021/rural-urban-farm-mass/)
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/scenes-from-salem-heights/): Left, activity coordinator Kim Jaynes celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the Sisters a week early (to accommodate their retreat). They played games, told stories, listened to festive music and drank “pot of gold” cows. Clockwise from middle, Kim Jaynes, Sisters Lou Ann Roof (M. Charmaine), Laura Will (M. Clarus), Rose Helene Wildenhaus and Rose Margaret
- [In sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/in-sympathy/): We offer sympathy to Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members, and we offer prayers for our communities and the world. Sister Edna Hess on the death of her sister-in-law, Eileen, on April 24. Sister Casilda Obringer (deceased) on the death of her brother, Jerry, on June 1. Remembering Sister
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/in-brief-2/)
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/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 birthdays.
- [Appreciating those who care for Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/appreciating-those-who-care-for-sisters/)
- [Kneipp Springs - Wellness in the Water](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/kneipp-springs-wellness-in-the-water/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [Salem Heights Sisters “go” on retreat via Zoom](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/salem-heights-sisters-go-on-retreat-via-zoom/)
- [More than a career](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/more-than-a-career/)
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/spring-2021/from-the-presidents-desk-2/): We are at a new stage in overcoming COVID-19. Many people have been vaccinated, and many restrictions have been lifted. Yet we must continue to be careful, as it is still present in our world. How appropriate that at this time we look back to one of our ministries as Sisters of the Precious Blood
- [Scenes from Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/scenes-from-salem-heights_3_21/): 1) February 9 — Because our Sisters living at Salem Heights have been in quarantine for the past year, they are still able to gather together for activities, prayer, meals and, occasionally, even special events like the Nifty Nineties party. Sisters in their 90s recently celebrated together — including Sister Laura Will (M. Clarus), a
- [In sympathy](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/in-sympathy_3_21/): We offer sympathy and prayer to the following Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members to death. Sister Ann Merkle (deceased) on the death of her sister, Rosemary Dillon, on December 19, 2020. Sister Adeline Mertz on the death of her brother, Bernard Mertz, on December 20, 2020. Sister Patty Kremer
- [In Brief](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/in-brief_3_21/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/palettes-of-prayer_3_21/)
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/happy-birthday_3_21/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring birthdays.
- [“Very beautiful years” - Sisters of the Precious Blood continue ministry in Chile](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/very-beautiful-years-sisters-of-the-precious-blood-continue-ministry-in-chile/)
- [Rotunda Display at Salem Heights](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/rotunda-display-at-salem-heights/)
- [Inside the CPPS Archives – CPPS Travel to the Roots of the Congregation](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/inside-the-cpps-archives-cpps-travel-to-the-roots-of-the-congregation/)
- [Genuine Love](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/genuine-love/): Before coming to the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, I lived in areas with socioeconomic privileges. During my first weeks here, I remember a sort of culture shock. I tried to wrap my mind around meeting a single mother who was trying to take care of her children, find childcare so she could
- [Mount St. Joseph University receives gift from Sisters of the Precious Blood](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/mount-st-joseph-university-receives-gift-from-sisters-of-the-precious-blood/): Mount Director of Mission Integration Sister Karen Elliott’s religious community, the Sisters of the Precious Blood, have made a significant monetary gift to Mount St. Joseph University. The gift supports the University’s providing additional staffing and increased programming for the evolving Mission Ambassadors Program, as the number of mission ambassadors increases with each incoming freshman
- [Christ’s Precious Blood knows no boundaries](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/christs-precious-blood-knows-no-boundaries/): When I took this job a few years ago, I did not expect to learn about African cultures or how to obtain a U.S. visa. I never thought I would follow the news on travel bans so fervently, or use Google Translate so much. I assumed I would be working with women in the United
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2021-issues/winter-2021/from-the-presidents-desk-3-21/): As I sit down to write my column today for Sharing & Caring while staring out the window, observing the snow falling and the beauty of the ground covered with sparkling snow, I can’t help but think about the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. I love nature, especially flowers, and I enjoy contemplating the
- [March 2021](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/advocacy-and-justice/this-good-work-archives/march-2021/): Bi-monthly e-newsletter giving witness to our Precious Blood Spirituality, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values Updates from Sister Jean Rene Hoying I enjoy golden opportunities to be a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world through various volunteer ministries in the Dayton area. For the past four years, I and three dedicated friends
- [Sisters promote mission in Guatemala with handcrafted products](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2018-issues/winter-2018/sisters-promote-mission-in-guatemala-with-handcrafted-products/): On the cover, Sisters Ann Clark, Bela Mis, Marita Beumer and Patty Kremer at the Catholic Relief Services Ethical Trade Sale in Dayton; left, Hand-loomed cloth and pillows from Guatemala; right, Sisters Bela Mis and Marita Beumer help customers with their purchases. On Dec. 2, the Sisters of the Precious Blood participated in the Catholic
- [Looking Back to Move Ahead](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/media-coverage-2026/looking-back-to-move-ahead/)
- [Palettes of Prayer](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/palettes-of-prayer/)
- [From the President's desk](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/17281-2/): As I write these words, we find ourselves in a recurring surge of COVID-19 with the hope of a vaccine coming soon. All of our lives have been affected in many ways these past months. Significant among them is communication. In this issue of Sharing & Caring we share how we, both young and not-so-young,
- [Virtual vocations: Reaching out globally](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/virtual-vocations-reaching-out-globally/)
- [Setting the table](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/setting-the-table/)
- [Happy birthday](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/happy-birthday/): In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating fall and winter birthdays.
- [Memorial trees offer peace](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/memorial-trees-offer-peace/)
- [I can’t see tomorrow](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/i-cant-see-tomorrow/): I know, for many, the statement “Black Lives Matter” can be controversial or problematic. I often hear the counter response, “All Lives Matter” or among police “Blue Lives Matter.” And, of course, all are true. But if we are honest, and truly want to understand what is behind the statement that Black lives matter, we
- [Inside the CPPS Archives – Early Communication: Snail Mailing Sisters](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newsletter/sharing-caring-newsletter-archives-2/2020-issues/fall-2020/inside-the-cpps-archives-early-communication-snail-mailing-sisters/): This column will showcase a different artifact or document from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring. During the pandemic, we have all had to be creative with how we communicate with each other. Luckily, we have email, Zoom and other ways to connect electronically. In the early days of the history
- [Sister Margo recognized as outstanding health care professional](https://www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org/news-and-events/sharing-and-caring-newslett