Purchase of the mobile kitchen was made possible by the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund, a nonprofit corporation with the purpose of providing grants to nonprofit organizations that share the values set forth by the Sisters of the Precious Blood. The trailer was built entirely from the fund’s donation.
CPPS Sister Jean René Hoying is a volunteer with FJP, serving Wednesday evening meals at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Dayton. “As a volunteer serving weekly meals to those in need, it’s rewarding to see the mobile kitchen as an expansion of offering food, respect and dignity to individuals and their families in the area. The mobile kitchen will serve the needy and marginalized that are unable to reach present FJP locations,” she said. “I’m proud of our Community for sponsoring such a needed service for Dayton and surrounding areas.”
The dedication happened to coincide with the 175th anniversary date — July 22, 1844 — of the arrival of the first Sisters of the Precious Blood in North America.
“The Sisters came from Switzerland at the invitation of Bishop John Baptist Purcell to help those in need. On this day, when we think about our foundress in Switzerland and her practice of giving bread and milk to the poor — and that on our anniversary day we see this mobile kitchen for the poor — I am touched to the core,” said Sister Noreen Jutte, the Congregation’s archivist emeritus. “The fact that these two events, the anniversary and the mobile kitchen, are on the same day is not an accident. For me, Mother Brunner’s spirit was truly present.”
The dedication of the mobile kitchen began with a prayer service by Sister Joyce Lehman. Each Sister was then invited to offer a special blessing by placing her hand on the mobile kitchen and offering a prayer for the safety and success of the project. An ice cream social followed and was enjoyed by all present.
Sister Joyce Lehman begins the dedication and prayer service; Michelle Bodine photo.