The Dominicans of St. Catharine, Kentucky, are the oldest active Dominican congregation in the United States, founded in 1822 in Springfield, Kentucky. The congregation includes Dominican Sisters and an active group of men and women Dominican Associates. We are proud of our diversity with African American, Vietnamese and Spanish-speaking sisters and associates and its involvement in an intercongregational multicultural committee.

Environmental issues are of particular concern. The farm at St. Catharine, the Earth Center, and Crystal Spring Learning Center all promote reverence for our planet and serve as models for others to do the same. Over the years, the congregation has taken many stances for and against certain policies, procedures or laws. These corporate stances serve as a way to let the public know what the Dominicans of St. Catharine believe. In one of these corporate stances, the congregation let it be clear the death penalty should be abolished. This stance is part of a larger campaign, “For Whom the Bells Toll.” This campaign, which encourages churches and other organizations to toll their bells whenever there is an execution, has become quite well known and adopted by many. Other corporate stances include a commitment to change structures of domination and promote multicultural values; and a pledge to encourage legislation which bans the possession of handguns by private citizens in our nation. Additional ministries of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine include education, health care, pastoral ministry, social services, legal services and pastoral administration.

For more information about the Dominicans of St. Catharine, visit their website.