The retired Dominican Sisters of Peace and lay residents of Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, Ky., are getting out of the long-term care facility to explore the gardens, farmland and grounds of the St.Catharine Motherhouse in St. Catharine, Ky., with help from the Kentucky Colonels.
The organization provided a grant to fund an enclosed three-row golf cart, which is accessible for disabled passengers and can traverse the property of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, including a 605-acre cattle farm.
“More than just a recreational activity, these outings have a positive health benefit,”a ccording to a press release from the sisters, who operate the facility. “Sansbury Care Center Life Enrichment Coordinator Theresa Mattingly says the cart and all it brings has already prompted valuable cognitive awareness. The outings are awakening memories and prompting animated discussions among the sisters.”
In the release, 92-year-old Sister Maria Emmanuel Martinez offered praise for “the cart’s smooth ride.”
Sister Mary Louise Edwards, 82, said, “The trees are flowering. … Thank you for helping us get this!”
“Since the rides have shown great benefits in a short period of time, the word is that more excursions such as a sunset ‘cruise,’ a scavenger hunt, and a picnic are in the near future,” the release added.
The Dominican Sisters of Peace serve in 22 states and Nigeria. The congregation’s nearly 280 sisters serve in education, health care, spirituality, pastoral care, prison ministry, the arts and care of creation. There are also 300 lay women and men associated with the congregation.
