- February 23, 2026 Mission Advancement
When Michael Pries' mother, Betty Preis, moved into Nazareth Living Center, one of the reasons she and Michael’s father chose the community was because 30 of the 100 units were occupied by Sisters of St. Joseph. For Michael, who had grown up knowing the sisters through his mother's parish and a family friend, Sister Marie Bauer, the move felt like coming home.
"There's such a feeling of wholesomeness and wonderfulness and joyfulness," Michael says about being around the sisters. "It's just that wonderful feeling that you don't get when they're not around."
That feeling of joy inspired Michael to find a unique way to support the sisters' mission, through handmade caramels.
After retiring from Anheuser-Busch in 2011, Michael pursued a longtime passion by enrolling in culinary school at Forest Park Community College. "I've just always been interested, and I thought it'd be a fun thing to do in retirement," he explains. Though he admits the three-year program was "much harder than I thought," he emerged with new skills in baking, bread-making and candy-making.
His caramel-making journey began simply: helping his three great-nieces raise money from a lemonade stand for a friend's daughter with special needs. "I thought, I can make candy," Michael recalls. "Well, it's not as easy as I thought, but I kind of mastered it."
This past Christmas season, Michael made over 3,300 caramels to support multiple causes, including the Sisters of St. Joseph's work with immigrants. When his mother suggested selling caramels at Nazareth, Michael saw an opportunity. "I asked one of the sisters if they have anything they want to raise money for, and all the caramel sales at Nazareth would go to the sisters."
Working with Sister Laura Gruber, they raised funds for the CSJ immigration coat drive while also supporting Emmaus Homes, a scholarship fund at Notre Dame High School, and other local charities, that totaled over $3,300 in donations.
Michael's process is precise: "I have it down to a science. People will say, 'Can we help?' and I say, really, no, because there's procedures I have to go through." He covers all ingredients and supply costs himself. "That's my donation," he says simply.
When asked what he'd say to someone looking for a way to make a difference, Michael's advice is straightforward: "If you have a little talent, use it, and if you can get a couple bucks out of it, great, and send it to a worthy cause."
His perspective on service aligns perfectly with the CSJ charism of serving the dear neighbor without distinction. "The need is never going away, ever, ever, ever," he says. "You just have to have an open heart."
And for anyone interested in supporting their own cause through caramel sales? Michael is ready to help: "If you can sell caramels, I'll make them."
If you'd like to connect with Michael about caramel fundraising opportunities, please contact Michael at [email protected].