Martha Crawley CoL

Martha Crawley CoL, a 1969 graduate of Loretto Heights College and a former Sister of Loretto, has been involved with Loretto through all those years, demonstrating against the Vietnam War, praying at Rocky Flats and going on annual retreat with Loretto friends. An occupational therapist, Martha has worked and volunteered in numerous social agencies. She resides in Denver.

Six women outdoors on a sunny day wearing sunglasses and hats while standing next to and holding a large poster stating: Taxes for Peace People Planet.

Denver Community members protest federal tax policy

We stood on the corner of two busy streets with a sign that suggested we use our tax dollars for peace, for the people, for the planet. Holding banners and signs to communicate values that support life has long been…

Martha Crawley CoL
May 1, 2024

Seven diverse women smile together for a group selfie inside.

Journey to Montgomery

In mid-February, 12 Loretto Link members and friends took a journey to Montgomery, Ala. The trip was initiated and orchestrated by members of the Loretto Link Good Trouble Working Group, especially Carolyn Jaramillo, Eleanor Craig and Paulette Peterson. We connected…

Martha Crawley CoL
April 1, 2023

The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription for Long-Term Thinking

This is how things come to be: A while back, in a Community Group, Kitty Madden mentioned this book, “The Good Ancestor,” by Roman Krznaric. Jessie Rathburn picked up on it, invited a group to read and discuss it and,…

Martha Crawley CoL
September 1, 2021

Banner designed by Robert Strobridge with starburst and phrase "Be Light Into Darkness."

Money and Justice/Just Money

About 20 Loretto Community members and friends met Nov. 9, 2019, with Joel Koerner and Andy Loving from a Louisville, Ky., investment firm called Just Money. We had learned about this socially responsible company from Loretto friends in Kentucky who…

Martha Crawley CoL
February 1, 2020

Loretto Link Thanks Transition Board, Elects New Board at August Gathering

One of the first orders of business of the Loretto Link gathering was to applaud the outgoing transitional board: Libby Comeaux, Eileen Custy, Sally Dunne, Kim Klein, Karen Knoll, Anna Koop, Maureen O’Connell and Paulette Peterson. They took to the…

Martha Crawley CoL
October 1, 2019

Link Considers Structure and Spirituality

Mary Ann McGivern opened the first day of the August Loretto Link gathering relating a story from her novitiate days that taught her that solemn times can include the delight of friendship and celebration. By the last day we knew…

Martha Crawley CoL
September 1, 2019

Two women smiling together for a picture in dress clothes while displaying a framed piece of sheet music indoors.

LHC Honors Elaine Prevallet

The Spirit of Loretto Awards are given annually to outstanding alumnae, former faculty and staff of Loretto Heights College (LHC) in recognition of personal achievement, substantial contribution of service to others and a commitment to the promotion of social justice…

Martha Crawley CoL
September 1, 2017

An Idea for a Collaborative Sustainable Community

Over the past 18 months, Beth Blissman, Jean East, Anna Koop, Lisa Reynolds, Mary Helen Sandoval and I have been considering the possibility of a future project in Denver — a values-based, intergenerational sustainable community. The idea was initially presented…

Martha Crawley CoL
June 1, 2017

A woman with red hair is pictured candidly while speaking into a microphone at an indoor event.

April 3 Celebration of Co-membership Gift to Jessie, Loretto

The following quote from “A Meditation on Community” by Henri Nouwen is on the inside page of Jessie Rathburn’s celebration program. I did not notice it well until I paused to write this article. “Community is first and foremost a…

Martha Crawley CoL
June 1, 2016