In 2016, an idea from St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumna Kay McKay Fitzmorris (Class of 1962) planted the seed for a way Dominican alumnae could honor women religious during the annual Catholic Sisters Week, observed the second week of March. Alumnae invited sisters to their homes for dinner and celebration.

March 2019 COVID pandemic restrictions stopped the dinners. The Dominican sisters encouraged alumnae to honor Catholic Sisters Week through community service. Since 2020, alumnae have brought meals to the residents and staff at Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) during Catholic Sisters Week. Covenant House is the only organization in the Greater New Orleans area providing 24/7 shelter and comprehensive supportive services to young people ages 16 to 22 experiencing homeless-ness. CHNO serves upwards of 900 young people annually, including parents with their children and trafficking survivors.

“This year, Dominican, Cabrini High School, and Mount Carmel Academy each selected one day their alumnae would bring 75 meals to Covenant House,” shared Celeste Anding, Dominican’s Alumnae Director. “There is a special place in my heart, and I know in the hearts of my fellow alumnae, for women who devote their lives to Christ! It is wonderful for us to honor the sisters and serve our community at the same time.”

“We are so grateful for the support we received from Dominican, Cabrini, and Mount Carmel during Catholic Sisters Week,” said Rheneisha Robertson, Covenant House Chief Executive Officer. “From visits, to volunteering, to food service, our youth felt the warm presence and positive impact from the team. Thank you to all who participated in the work to end youth homelessness at Covenant House New Orleans!”

Ready to serve meals at Covenant House during Catholic Sisters Week are, (from left), St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumnae Janet Emig Gaudet (’75), Emily Rosso Aucoin (’99), Jordan Ruppert Finney (’11), Celeste Shelsey Anding (’82), Cathy Maher Storm (’78), and Lauren Favret (’02). Not Pictured: Sally Russo (’04).

Visiting Covenant House to serve meals during Catholic Sisters Week are, (from left), Cabrini High School alumnae Jillian Wohlgemuth Martin (’16), Director of Alumnae Relations; Melissa B. Corseault (’85), Monica Chanel (’78), and Jillian’s father, Steve Wohlgemuth.