Top, Sisters Jeannine Kloeker, Theresa Rizzo, Jeanette Buehler, Nancy Raley, Ceil Taphorn, Adeline Mertz and Charlene Heidenreich sing during Mass; bottom left, Sister Nancy Raley gives a reading during Mass; bottom right, the Sisters celebrate at the banquet.
Seven Precious Blood Sisters who live at Salem Heights, or nearby, were honored at a Jubilee celebration on May 19. Sisters Charlene Heidenreich and Adeline Mertz celebrated 75 years of religious life, while Sisters Jeanette Buehler, Jeannine Kloeker, Nancy Raley, Theresa Rizzo and Ceil Taphorn each celebrated 60 years. Friends and family joined the jubilarians for a banquet, Mass and reception. All Sisters in attendance also renewed their religious vows.
Presiding at Mass was Rev. James Dugal, CPPS, who served with many of the jubilarians at the retreat house in Maria Stein. During the homily, he reflected on the past, present and future.
In looking back over the past several decades, “we see changes in ourselves; we see changes in our communities; we see changes in the church over the years; and certainly in our world, we see a lot of changes. A lot of things keep changing, but I think it’s important to stay positive and keep hope in your heart,” he said. “God continues to make all things new, in good ways. We can live each day as a gift from God.”
He continued, “We’re part of something much larger than ourselves. Let’s thank God today for that great gift.”
The jubilarians also will be honored over the summer at a larger celebration which will include jubilarians living in other parts of the state.
– Story by Mary Knapke; photos by Michelle Bodine