Two Dominican Communities
Learn from Each Other

One Year Since Katrina

ST. CATHARINE, KY August 28th, 2006, marked the one year anniversary of when the anguish of Hurricane Katrina ravished and destroyed parts of New Orleans. For many people, like the Eucharistic Missionaries of New Orleans, this is a date they will never forget, for it left their lives unsettled and full of uncertainty. It is indeed an important date that will not soon be forgotten. However, for the St. Catharine Dominican Sisters, it is the day when they warmly opened their arms and welcomed other Dominican Sisters into their home and became one.

On August 28th, 2005, 22 Eucharistic Missionary sisters from New Orleans came to St. Catharine Motherhouse for temporary refuge from Hurricane Katrina. Fifteen now call it their home.

A home can mean many different things. To some, it is simply a shelter over our heads, but for the St. Catharine Dominicans sisters and the Eucharistic Missionary sisters, it is a place full of friendships, security, good conversation, common bonds, and growth.

Since the Eucharistic Missionaries arrived a year ago, the sisters share meals together, pray together, attend seminars together, share scripture together and volunteer together. “Now that they have been here a year it feels like they belong and have always been here with us,” said Sister Grace Simms. During the year, many celebrations with the two communities have taken place. Each community has introduced the other to a unique and traditional celebration. The Eucharistic Missionary sisters threw a Mardi Gras Celebration for the sisters and the St. Catharine sisters threw a Derby Party. “The Mardi Gras Party was a binding force for me. Even though they had been through so much, they worked so hard to make the celebration a grand time for everyone.”

With two communities living under one roof, one would think many changes and adjustments would have to be made, both for the St. Catharine sisters and the Eucharistic Missionary sisters. Sister Dorothy Trosclaire, President of the Eucharistic Missionaries said, “Living in a large community as compared to living with two other sisters has been a change. It has taken some adjustment on my part.” “I had to adjust to not having guest rooms across from me, bit it is nice to have such good neighbors living near me,” said Elaine DesRosiers. Minor changes have been made by both communities, but after talking with the sisters, having more names to remember seems to be the biggest adjustment!

Celebrating an anniversary brings about the notion to look at the future. For many of the Eucharistic Missionary sisters, the future is un-foreseen. The sisters are scattered in several states and the frequent gatherings are no longer possible. However, their ministries continue despite Katrina. Some of the ministries include pastoral care, volunteer, spiritual direction, and social work. Many of the sisters live and minister in a city where life is hard. “They try to bring the hope of Christ to those they meet while they try to cope with changes in their own life,” said Sister Dorothy Trosclaire.

A year can be comprised of many things, but for the Eucharistic Missionaries and the St. Catharine Dominican sisters, this particular year was comprised of enlightenment. “What amazes me is the continuing generosity of the sisters. They have patiently understood our working our way through shock, emptiness, disbelief, homesickness, and the other emotions which Katrina evoked,” said Sister Jeanne Moore, Vice President of the Eucharistic Missionaries.

Ashley Smith
Kentucky Communications Coordinator