Probably the most significant thing we have learned from the various kinds of hospitality offered here in our 80 acres of wilderness/farm is the healing power of the land. In 1991 when a Franciscan priest friend brought up people with AIDS to enjoy the country air, an idea was born: Why not turn the unfinished Dondlinger/Whatford house into a respite/retreat space for people with AIDS or other terminal illnesses, and those involved in their care?

The house (Catherine's House) was finished in 2001. It is 1,975 square feet, handicapped accessible and accommodates small groups for overnight stays and larger groups for day meetings. This respite/retreat space is open to all regardless of their spirituality.

Today, we are excited to say that this vision has become a reality. We invite you to help us in our continuing effort to provide these services.

Well Update

Our well is dug! Thanks to all who have contributed. The second phase of our new water system is complete, and many of you, by your donations have helped to bring this about. The pipe has been laid and plumbed up to our three new 5400 gallon holding tanks and our old 8000 gallon fiber-glass tank. We are now operating off those tanks with a total of 24,200 gallons of water storage. The third phase is to install solar panels and a battery system. The forth and final phase will be the wiring to connect the houses.

Chris Montesano, the director for Catherine's House, has been here at the farm since it's establishment in 1976 and a Catholic Worker since 1968. He is responsible for fund raising and for the development and operation of the respite/retreat program. He also organizes outreach to the various Bay Area and Central Valley organizations to be serviced by Catherine's House

 WANTED: Volunteers to do outreach in the Bay Area for people with HIV/AIDS. This would involve visiting agencies who work with the population, meeting people who suffer from the epidemic, setting up retreat/vacation dates for our rural retreat program and scheduling folks for these dates. It could also involve assisting with transportation and being present at the retreats/vacations.

This person might live independently and have some time to devote to this; or might be interested in becoming a live-in volunteer at the Sheep Ranch Catholic Worker Farm. Live-in volunteers would receive room & board + $100 a month stipend. We are looking for live-in volunteers.

NECESSARY SKILLS: Ability to work independently; good telephone and interpersonal skills; nonjudgmental; ability to get along with people from all walks of life; good organizational skills.

CONTACT PERSON: Chris Montesano; (209) 728-2193 or 728-8271; 16777 Armstrong Rd, Sheep Ranch, CA 95246.