Summer at Loretto Motherhouse brims with community activities

In addition to the Seeking Home procession in June and an important Assembly, this summer saw Loretto visitors engaging in numerous family activities. These included Family Fun Day, the Heritage Center Open House, the Motherhouse Farm historic designation and Ag Bash. Check out photos below!

Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day in early June was enjoyed by all, with activities for kids that included hay rides and face painting as well as live music, hiking and fishing. The day was organized by Loretto Living Center Activities Director Stacy Ballard. Visiting volunteers from Loretto-affiliated schools helped make the event a success.

Heritage Center Open House

In July, 110 visitors were welcomed to the Loretto Heritage Center and Archives Open House. Guests joined a tour of the Motherhouse campus led by Heritage Center and Archives Director Reba Weatherford, visited the research room and collections storage spaces, viewed ornate vestments worn by Father Nerinckx, who founded the Sisters of Loretto in 1812 with Ann Havern, Mary Rhodes and Christina Stuart, listened to a Reginaphone — combination music box/phonograph from the early 20th century — and even participated in a scavenger hunt featuring the collection of nun dolls that emerged from storage especially for this occasion. Reba looks forward to planning future events.

Motherhouse Farm receives historic designation

In a summer full of exciting happenings, the Loretto Motherhouse Farm was officially named a Kentucky Heritage Farm. Anthony Mary Sartorius SL was an early proponent of including Loretto’s farm in the Kentucky Heritage Council registry that includes farms that have been in the same family or organization for more than 100 years. This year, Liz Perez SL suggested once again that Loretto pursue the designation.

Matthew Yagle shared, “Of all the applications I’ve processed, this was my favorite Heritage Farm experience.” He was grateful for the hospitality of everyone at the Motherhouse.

The application process was completed and the farm received its designation in July, just in time to celebrate Loretto’s 200th Anniversary on the Motherhouse property

Ag Bash offers families and friends a romping good time

On the first Saturday of August, the Loretto Motherhouse held its third annual Back To School Ag Bash with more than 400 visitors. Families enjoyed the activities and food, and little ones especially loved the petting zoo, equipment displays and grain sandboxes. As in the past, free kids’ books and goody bags were a hit. Nineteen community sponsors and more than 40 volunteers contributed to the event’s success.

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