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, lifts people from poverty, fosters understanding among cultures, inspires innovation, and opens opportunities. In and out of the classroom, we continue to be educators today.
Sister Karen Elliott
Sister Karen currently ministers as chief mission officer in the Office of Mission Integration at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. The Office of Mission Integration works to ensure that every aspect of university life remains grounded in its Catholic identity and the spiritual values of its founders, the Sisters of Charity.
Prior to her role at Mount St. Joseph, Sister Karen was Catholic campus minister at Wright State University in Dayton (2016-2017) and chair and professor of religious studies at Mercy College of Ohio in Toledo (2004-2016). While at Mercy College, Sister Karen also held the positions of interim director of graduate studies and director of curricular service learning. Read More
Sister LaKesha Church
Sister LaKesha teaches fourth grade at St. Adelaide Academy in Highland, California, and lives in community in Redlands with Precious Blood Sisters Mary Faye Hellman and Margo Young and Sister of the Guardian Angel Hortensia del Villar.
Sister LaKesha earned a master’s degree in early childhood education from Mount St. Joseph University; the degree prepares her to teach prekindergarten through grade 5. Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Sister LaKesha professed first vows with the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2018. She has also taught religion at Mother Brunner Catholic School and St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School in Dayton. Read More
Sister Paula Gero
I recently retired from teaching elementary school for 47 years, mostly at St. Pius X School in Flint, Michigan. There I was also involved in CCD, RCIA, and Girl Scouts.
I belong to the Salem Heights choir and assist with liturgy and sacristy work at the Maria Joseph Center. My main job is at the Brunner Literacy Center. At first I tutored several students and did secretarial work. Later, I became program coordinator at a new site on Brown Street, in cooperation with Catholic Social Services, for tutoring refugees in English. Now I coordinate the Riverview site, where we tutor adults in elementary education. Read More