A lot was happening in 1964: the Beatles debuted on The Ed Sullivan Show, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and Ford unveiled the Mustang. For Catholics, Vatican II was in its third session and Pope Paul VI traveled to Jerusalem to meet with Patriarch Athenagoras of the Greek Orthodox Church. That same year, Sister Paula Gero (Marilyn Kateri) entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood and became a novice at their motherhouse in Dayton.

For 60 years, Sister Gero has served the people of God and lived out the spirituality of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Founded in 1843 by Swiss widow Maria Anna Brunner, the congregation began serving in America when the Sisters arrived in 1844. One of their earliest ministries was providing education to local communities, and it is to this same ministry that Sister Gero dedicated 47 years of her religious life.

“I was taught by Precious Blood Sisters in St. Joseph, Missouri,” Sister Gero shared. “I wanted to be a teacher, and that’s what the Sisters were doing in those days.” Their example made such an impression on Sister Gero that she joined the Precious Blood Community, so she, too, could teach and mentor children.

Sister Gero spent most of her ministry in fifth or sixth grade classrooms throughout the Midwest.

“Join the convent, see the world,” Sister Gero jokes.

Assigned first in Dayton to fill in as a teacher at Precious Blood School, Sr. Gero moved at the end of that school year to Hartland, WI. Recalling rural Sts. Peter and Paul School in Ottawa, OH, as one of her favorite places to minister, she explained, “I have good memories of being with the people and teaching the kids.” At St. Pius X School in Flint, MI, she served her longest tenure, 37 years, then retired to Dayton to be closer to her congregation of Sisters.

Although officially retired nine years ago, the work of a sister is never done. Sister Gero continues to volunteer, helping both the Sisters and local community.

“My ‘main job’ is to be with the young sisters in … the formation house,” she said.

Living with three ladies who are discerning life with the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Sister Gero shares with them both her experience in religious life and the spirituality of the Sisters. Through her presence, they are helped to discern God’s call in their own lives.

In the local community, Sister Gero has tutored clients at the Brunner Literacy Center in Trotwood since her retirement began.

“I tutor people who [come from other] countries, helping them learn to speak English,” she said. Volunteering her time at the center twice a week to mentor and teach others continues the ministry she found fulfilling for nearly her entire consecrated life.

As Sister Gero celebrates 60 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood, the Church celebrates her life-giving presence. She mentored countless students in the classroom and girls in the scouting program, and even today continues forming people in her congregation and enriching those in her community. May her example inspire each of us in living our faith through our own vocations.

This article appeared in the November 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.