Sister Kathleen Storms, SSND, has been appointed director of Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, a ministry of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM).
The appointment was announced by Sister Mary Rehmann, CHM president, and Sandra Frericks, board chair of New Horizons of Faith. The Prairie is located on a 200-acre native grass prairie woodland along the Wapsipinicon River just 40 minutes from downtown Davenport.
Sr. Kathleen most recently served in Mankato, Minn., on the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) congregational leadership team. She established the SSND Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry (CESRM) in 1996, and has companioned others on their spiritual journey for over 35 years. Her childhood on a Minnesota farm attuned her to the beauty and mystery of the earth which opened her to seeing the face of God in all creation. When she first drove up the lane to The Prairie, she exclaimed that she felt, “I have arrived. I am at home. This is where I have been called from the beginning.”
The Prairie has been a ministry of the Sisters of Humility for over 10 years with Sister Joann Kuebrich, CHM, having served as its director during those years. It is the fulfillment of a dream for a place of spiritual renewal in the Iowa heartland by a prayerful monk, a forward-thinking pastoral team, and a visionary religious community with a commitment to spiritual growth and care of the earth. Sr. Joann recently retired from this ministry.
On site are the original Victorian house, with a chapel, and Prairie Heights, a modern building with a large meeting space and overnight sleeping accommodations. The spacious grounds offer facilities to promote renewal and healing, including a labyrinth, walking trails, a Way of the Cross and a pond.
A variety of programs are offered throughout the year. Churches find The Prairie ideal for meetings of staff, clubs, guilds and Bible study groups. Other organizations use The Prairie for personnel orientation, strategic planning, renewal meetings and workshops. The facility is also a favorite place for knitters, quilters and writers. Up to 30 people can be accommodated for events of one day. Individuals are welcome to spend a day or several days with overnight lodging available for a reasonable cost.
Visit www.chmiowa.org to learn more about Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat and the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.
