In addition to the volunteers who come to the monastery to work, many individuals create quilts at their own parish halls or homes and bring the finished products to the monastery. The quilts are not just made by volunteers. Many sisters give their time and work on them when they can. There is a small group of sisters who get together every Tuesday night to work on the quilts, including Sister Dolorita. These sisters play music, listen to the news, and just enjoy each other’s company.

Sister Dolorita, the other sisters, and volunteers have a goal of “45-plus” quilts in mind for the Summer Social. They are pushing for their goal, but it takes hours upon hours to complete just one quilt.

They have many quilts already completed, and they are proud to have a few old-fashioned quilts among them. For instance, they have some with dresden plate and appliqué patterns. The completed quilts will be raffled off using a wheel that is spun. There are also a couple special quilts that will be given away in particular raffles.

Sister Dolorita says she enjoys quilting because “it is a hobby and I can specialize in it. I taught sewing for 20 years at Mater Dei High School, and am confident in my quilting ability because of this background.” Another interesting thing is that Sister Dolorita meets a number of women at quiltings whom she taught in high school. Quilting is an art form. It takes precision and patience, and Sister Dolorita seems quite happy that she was able to pass this along to so many people who will carry on the tradition.

—Evan Daunhauer