September Highlights!

Welcome to the last day of September! We are in awe to the velocity of time, yet appreciative for the various enriching experiences gained this month.  Following are some of the experiences captured from our visits to Kentucky and Illinois, spiritual insight and joyful gatherings. September was certainly a memorable month and now, as we embrace the fall we are eager to continue our Dominican Collaborative Novitiate to October!

We began September with a trip to the “Holy Land” in Kentucky. As part of our Vowed Life class we learned of the important role that the brave religious men and women played in embracing uncertainty, relaying in God and going to the frontier.

We visited the historic grounds for the foundation of the first American Dominican Sisters and the various spiritual centers of Kentucky.  Their stories are filled with challenge, opportunity and a vibrant legacy that fuels our present!

In St. Catherine we visited with the Dominican Sisters of Peace, learned about their farm and various ministries! We also experienced St. Rose Priory Church, The Abbey of Gethsemani, the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Loretto, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and as part of the Bourbon Trail, Maker’s Mark.

Lovely hayride, great friends and amazing information!	Joye sharing historical information at the Valley!	Enjoying the hayride!
Breathtaking views at St. Catherine's Farm and Home!	Members of the St. Catherine's Farm.	The Lady of the Valley: The grounds of the first American Foundation for the Dominican Sisters.
Thank you Dominican Sister of Peace for your amazing hospitality!	Novices and members of Dominican Sisters of Peace in St. Catherine, KY.	Historic tour with Sr. Mary Louise

  

CDN at the Overview!	Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill	Apple and cider making machine at Shaker Village
Getting to ride the Dixie Belle at Shaker Village	Joye demonstrating the broom making style of the Shakers!	Getting ready for the Maker's Mark tour
Concluding our tour of Maker's Mark

We had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Land of Abraham Lincoln and the home of the Springfield Dominican Sisters! We learned about the value of celebrating our uniqueness, while contributing to our richness as a global community.  We concluded our trip in Springfield, Ill by visiting Jubilee Farm, a sponsored ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Part of our insight included an immersion in the natural beauty and a brilliant reflection by Sister Sharon Zayac, O.P.  

Thank You Springfield Dominican Sisters for a delicious dinner and wonderful welcome!	Wonderful tour by Sister Elyse Ramirez, O.P.

 

Dominican Brothers and Sisters were treated to "Brown Cows!"	Listening to our stories!	Thank you Sister Carla Mae Streeter, OP for your hospitality!
Margaret and Ana at the St. Louis Japanese Festival	We enjoyed great performances.	The festival showcased fabulous cultural insight.
OPA! We had a wonderful time at the St. Louis Greek Festival	The food was fabulous.	All were invited to celebrate in the culture and Greek heritage.