Home » Features » Students volunteer at Loretto Motherhouse

Students volunteer at Loretto Motherhouse

Posted on September 18, 2024, by Loretto Community

A young black student with long braids, black sweatshirt and glasses works in Loretto's archives. She is seen going through papers.
A student lends a hand in Loretto Archives in June.
Photo: Rachel Brahm

On June 1, students from Loretto-associated schools — Loretto Academy in El Paso, Nerinx Hall High School in St. Louis and St. Mary’s Academy in Denver — arrived to spend a week at the Motherhouse. They enjoyed time with one another and Loretto Community members, took part in planned activities and worked hard.

They gardened, painted, cleaned, helped out in Loretto Archives, baked scones, cleared paths at the Nature Preserve Cemetery, built a wagon with Cody Rakes, manager of the Loretto Motherhouse Farm, and took care of numerous other tasks. Whew.

During their visit they participated in a Bioblitz led by New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future. A Bioblitz is a method for obtaining a count of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms in a particular locale. On their last day, they took a trip to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.

Back in April, the Outdoor Explorers Club from Nerinx Hall had journeyed to the Motherhouse, taking part in tours of Archives, the Motherhouse campus, Motherhouse Farm and Nature Preserve Cemetery. They even got to camp at Mary’s Lake!

Two older Sisters with white hair take a photo with another adult and three students as they take a break from gardening.
In June, Nerinx chaperone Samantha Coates (center, in purple) and students take a break from their gardening work with Mary Swain SL, far right, and Eleanor Craig SL, wearing black.
Photo: Rachel Brahm

This group also put in many work hours. Motherhouse staff member Rachel Brahm shares, “Community members and residents loved spending time with the girls during their meals, and everyone raved about their hard work and positivity. We look forward to having this group back in the future!”

The Motherhouse Community happily welcomes students whenever they arrive.

Eight students in a row leaning over a sturdy rock sign that says "Loretto Motherhouse" in black text and a white background
Nerinx Hall High School’s Outdoor Explorers Club members pose at the entrance to the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. They spent several days volunteering (and camping!) at the Motherhouse.
Photo courtesy of Jen Staed CoL

To read all of the articles in the fall 2024 issue, click here.

Avatar

Loretto Community

We are Sisters and Co-members who strive to bring the healing spirit of God into our world.
Cupola Cross 2-Icon

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cupola Cross 2-Icon

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!