An Active Retreat at the Motherhouse

By Michael and Stacy Leard
Editor’s Note: Mike, a former Loretto Volunteer, and Stacy, a former LaSallian Volunteer, between jobs and wanting to contribute more volunteer service, spent a month at the Motherhouse this fall.

Driving up the hill, past Badin pond and Nerinx’s cabin on a beautiful October afternoon, we weren’t sure what our month of volunteering at the Motherhouse held in store for us. We weren’t wondering long, however, as we were greeted with warm smiles and a long list of exciting projects that needed an extra hand (or four) on the surrounding grounds.

From “playing” in the leaves – placing lumber wrap and leaves in front of the Namaste cabin at Cedars of Peace to eradicate invasive species – to getting our hands dirty re-plastering the south-facing wall of the cordwood house, we truly enjoyed the opportunities to work outside in the beautiful autumn weather. On a typical morning, you might find us removing nails from donated lumber to be used to offset the coal to heat the Motherhouse. After a hearty lunch (which we still haven’t gotten used to calling dinner!), we could be found spading gardens, trimming trees and vines, pulling weeds, painting or even repairing bicycles. Our work was as varied as conversations over meals in the dining hall.

Of course, our month in Loretto wasn’t all work. We were afforded several opportunities to explore the local Kentucky area, including a personal tour of Bernheim Forest with Naturalist and Co-member Wren Smith, and learning about the amazing work at Plowshares Farm Center with Co-member Bob Ernst and his wife, Sharon. Top it all off with attendance at a presentation on composting (thanks to Sister Anthony Mary), and our visit evolved into quite the environmental education opportunity!

We are just in the first phase of our co-membership process, but already we feel immersed in the spirit and history of Loretto. We felt deeply honored by the invitation to participate in the discernment retreat. We came away convinced that there is no better place to experience the fall foliage, cooling air and first frost, but it was the friendships made, fellowship and time spent with Sisters, Co-members, residents and staff at the Motherhouse that was truly enriching and unforgettable.