About Loretto Community

The experience of being called to Loretto expands the individual to a new awareness of God’s call, the gifts of Earth, the support of friends and Jesus’ invitation “to serve the suffering body of Christ.”

The Congregation of the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross was founded on the Kentucky frontier in 1812, making it one of the first Roman Catholic communities of women religious established in the United States. The Loretto Community is comprised of the Congregation of the Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Co-members. Co-members are people who share the values and mission of the Sisters of Loretto.

Today, our Sisters and Co-members continue to live out our mission to “work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us.”

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“It is very important for Loretto to be at the Foot of the Cross with Mary. To stand with the poor as Mary stood with Jesus.”

Maureen McCormack SL

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Faith & spirituality

Our faith and spirituality echo this Loretto prayer, “We give you glory, thanks and praise. O bless our works and guide our ways.”

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Artists and Authors

Loretto members’ artistic endeavors help to convey the joy and meaning of their work and life within the Community and beyond.

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Motherhouse

Our Motherhouse, located in the “Holy Land” of Kentucky, supports the faith life of the Community. All are welcome to visit!

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Leadership

For more than 200 years, Loretto has searched for balance, life’s rhythms and harmony among us. Loretto’s elected leaders know that the same Spirit that called our Community into being leads them today.

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Colorful banners reads, "Be light into darkness — The Loretto Community."

Mission & work

Loretto Community members work in many fields to promote justice and peace, including education, healthcare, elder care, environmental stewardship and advocacy. We serve throughout the United States, in addition to our missions and partnerships in Pakistan, Ghana and Guatemala.

Just like our founding sisters who called themselves Friends of Mary, today the Loretto Community stands at the Foot of the Cross as we strive to bring the healing spirit of God into our world. We commit ourselves to improving the conditions of those who suffer from injustice, oppression and deprivation of dignity.

  • How we serve

  • Justice & peace

  • Earth

  • Global Loretto

  • Education

Sisters and Co-members

Day by day we grow in awareness of God’s love for each of us because of our love for each other, for all of God’s people and for all of creation. It is a gift to walk side by side with so many people who have made the effort to live faith-filled lives. The Loretto Community has committed itself to engage in discernment concerning our path to the future.

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