If You Build It, They Will Come By Erin Reder
S.
Pat Hayden is familiar with a community garden. As the former vice president of mission integration at St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, Colorado, she saw the benefits to health and wellness that came from offering a place for people in the community to come, grow produce and plants in a community setting, and share with others. So as a resident on the Motherhouse campus, and as president of the Community, S. Pat was eager to offer something similar to others at Mount St. Joseph. This spring with the help of the Motherhouse ground crew and employees, the SC garden came to life. With hand-crafted raised beds and space for planting in the ground, the garden was a huge success amongst Sisters and employees. S. Dorothy William Englert has been gardening for years. Her first memories are traced back to being a young child during World War II when families were asked to grow “Victory Gardens” to help with the food supply while
Sisters of Charity gardeners include: (front) S. Kathryn Ann Connelly, (back row, from left) S. Jo Ann Martini, S. Annette Paveglio, S. Dorothy William Englert, S. Jean Miller, S. Marty Dermody, S. Pat Hayden, S. Domitille Ndayisenga, BM, S. Patrick Ann O’Connor, S. Carol Brockmeyer, and Nancy Witschger. Not pictured S. Mary Catherine Faller.
S. Pat Hayden was thrilled to bring the idea of a community garden to the Motherhouse property this year.
many farmers were away serving their country. She says her grandmother also had a large garden behind her home, and Sister has fond memories of helping her. When she learned of this new garden opportunity on campus, S. Dorothy William was thrilled to take part. She grew tomatoes, okra and corn, and also planted zinnias for her prayer space. Sister most enjoyed being out in the fresh air and the opportunity to eat fresh produce straight from the source. Never a gardener in the past, S. Marty Dermody heard about the SC garden and decided to give it a try in memory of her dear friend, the late Associate Rita Wesseling. Rita was a devoted gardener and always known to share her produce with others. S. Marty says she prayed often to Rita to help her garden grow – and the prayers worked! Kale, cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes all flourished and she was able to share them with other Sisters, the Motherhouse kitchen and food banks at Holy Family and the Good Samaritan Free Health Center. In addition she planted sunflowers to remind her of her friendship with Rita. “I learned God’s in charge,” she said. “It takes work, especially if you don’t have the rain. It is hard work, but productive. The benefits outweigh it all. It’s been a blessing – and it’s been fun to be able to share our produce amongst each other. We get to try the fruits of everyone’s labor.”
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