Meet me at Loretto Motherhouse!

High school volunteers: All work and play

A group of five high school girls smile with a nun on a golf cart outside. — High school students tour the Motherhouse grounds with Eleanor Craig SL.
Photo: Giovana, Loretto Academy student

During the first week of June, students from Loretto high schools in El Paso, Englewood, Colo., and St. Louis volunteered at the Motherhouse. The 12 girls, four from each school, accompanied by four teachers, worked hard cleaning the Seven Dolor statues and various railings and porches; creating a new path in Loretto Woods Natural Cemetery; painting; weeding; and mulching. Oh my!

A group of 10 high school girls in mostly orange shirts hands on each others shoulders in a line laughing and smiling on a gravel path in the woods. — Students get their exercise while basking in the natural beauty of the woods at Cedars of Peace.
Photo: Tiffany Burton, St. Mary’s Academy teache

The students also had time for enjoying the beauty of the Motherhouse campus, making art, spending time with Community members and baking brownies. They spent their final evening sharing mutual gratitude and fellowship with
the Community.

Kids love day camp!

Two children in a grassy field learning holding butterfly nets and collecting bugs on a hot summer day. — On the hunt! Children learn about local
insect life. Photo: Will Myers

For the second year in a row, a successful “Where the Wild Things Are” summer camp was held at Loretto Motherhouse. The camp, led by New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future with the help of Loretto’s own Angela Rakes, enabled 50 kids, ages 6 to 12 years, to spend four fulfilling days learning from nature. They explored pond, native grassland, forest and farm habitats, seeking out all manner of species that call Loretto Motherhouse home. They even got to meet the animals when a mobile petting zoo visited the Loretto Living Center.

Three elementary school kids at a day camp pause and smile for a photo shoot. Two of the campers have butterfly nets. — Day campers pause for a photo during a busy day. Photo: Will Myers

Judy Popp SL; a Loretto Living Center resident; Michelle Essex, Living Center director; and Denise Ann Clifford SL delight in the animals. Photo: Will Myers

An elementary school aged child with brown hair and blue glasses holds a small turtle and is excited to show it off. — On the hunt! Children learn about local
insect life. Photo: Will Myers

The Nature Run: A rousing hit with locals

Four women in their 80s and 90s sit and stand outside near picnic tables under an awning and hold signs with cheer to encourage runners in a 5k race. The signs say "tap here to power up" "just keep running" and "don't stop - people are watching" — Motherhouse residents have a great time urging on the 5K/10K walkers and runners with homemade signs and good cheer. You’ve got this! Loretto Community members Mary Ann McGivern SL, Maria Visse SL, Johanna Brian SL and Martha Alderson CoL encourage participants as they go by.
Photo: Rachel Brahm

What a healthy way to spend a summer morning! More than 150 participants showed up in June for Loretto’s second annual Nature Run. The course wound through wooded areas, around a lake and along grassy trails and graveled paths. This year, runners and walkers were offered both 5K and 10K options. All funds raised support the missions of the Loretto Community at Loretto Motherhouse. We hope to see you next year!

Runners of all different ages in a crowd at the starting line of a 5k race. — Ready to start, the race participants gear up for a challenging and fun time.
Photo: Rachel Brahm

Two women smiling sitting at a table and one woman behind them laying out blue t-shirts on another table. They are ready to help 5k participants collect their numbers and t-shirts for a race. — Ready to help participants collect their numbers and T-shirts are Susie Lyvers, Paighton Livers and Susan Classen CoL. Photo: Rachel Brahm

An elementary school aged kid with pink sunglassess, a shirt with fruit on it and black shorts smiles after winning a 5k in her age category. She also wears a wooden medal on a blue string around her neck. — Two of the day’s winners in their age categories are happy at the accomplishment. Congratulations kids!Photos: Angela Rakes

An elementary school aged kid with a grey tank top and black shorts smiles after winning a 5k in his age category. He also wears a wooden medal on a blue string around his neck. — Two of the day’s winners in their age categories are happy at the accomplishment. Congratulations kids!Photos: Angela Rakes

Family fun abounds at Ag Bash 2026

A mom with her hair pulled back in a ponytail wearing a blue shirt holds her small son in a red shirt as they are enthralled looking at animals together at an event. — A mom and son are enthralled with the animals.
Photo: Dr. Jimmy Henning

More than 500 enthusiastic attendees enjoyed Ag Bash in August. Activities for kids — including a petting zoo — as well as adult activities, such as a farmers market and craft vendors, kept everyone engaged. Educational stations were popular with all ages. Kids even received free books; nearly 250 were handed out.