penn community, Atlanta

If you were ever wondering what the words “Southern hospitality” meant, visit the Penn Community of Atlanta, Georgia.  On a regular basis you’ll find four Dominican sisters, one or two volunteers, and maybe even a couple of houseguests, as weekends are commonly sprinkled with visiting sisters, family members, or old friends.  Needless to say, this large urban house is rarely empty and always filled with conversation, shared meals, and laughter.  Located on Penn Avenue in Midtown, Atlanta, the community is minutes from the city’s beautiful Piedmont Park and downtown.  Currently, two of the sisters (Patty Caraher and Nora Ryan) and two volunteers (Laura Reher and Kt Martwick) work at the International Community School, which is a public charter school dedicated to meeting the needs of Atlanta’s large refugee population.  The five year-old school was co-founded by community member Sr. Patty.  Sr. Marie Sullivan keeps rather busy as the Executive Director of the Sullivan Center, a facility offering assistance to the homeless and individuals in crisis.  In a stained glass workshop behind the house you can usually find Sr. Liz Sully crafting her latest work of art.  When members aren’t occupied with their ministries, you can usually find them watching movies together, ushering at a local theater, or singing along with the amazing gospel choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.