CoLs
For more than 40 years, Loretto Co-members have enriched the life of Loretto. Their presence is reflected in relationships, service on committees, financial support and participating in the many missions of Loretto. Learn more about the Co-Members of Loretto.
I grew up in a small town in rural Illinois, one of two children of older parents and grandparents. My father’s family were Catholics. All his family siblings married non-Catholics. I attended public schools and universities. In high school I spent a year in Beaver Dam, Ky. There I learned a lot about my faith…
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By Sister Anndavid Naeger SL The dawning sun sent rays to color the stratus clouds in the wake of its coming. We walked out into a crisp 46-degree morning into a day that would contain a ceremony for a new co-member. Karel Disponett was born in St. Louis, the only child of John and Ennerd…
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Evelyn Donohoo Evelyn Donohoo as told to Mary Ann McGivern Evelyn Donohoo was sitting at her place in the dining room, waiting for her tablemates Rita and Sheila, reading a pamphlet, “God’s Faithful Provision,” when I arrived to interview her. She said she is trying to keep up with her Bible study, along with environmental…
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By JoAnn Gates * Knowing our human need for security, I vow ongoing conversion toward rootedness in God. * Knowing our human longing for connection and generativity, I vow ongoing conversion toward a living communion. * Knowing our human propensity to control and dominate, I vow ongoing conversion toward cooperation with all life. Nov. 4,…
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I am so blessed that my job as a professor at the University of Denver was not only my job but also my vocation. I retired in June 2018 from a position in which my job and my vocation joined to teach and mentor others, primarily young women, to work for social justice, change and…
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Karel Disponett was accepted into the Loretto Community as a new co-member on Sept. 29. Karel lives in Lexington, Ky., and is very active within Loretto. In fact, she recently returned from Belgium where she attended a celebration honoring Father Nerinckx! More information about Karel will follow her co-membership celebration, which is being planned for…
Read MoreOn this All Souls Day, we remember…
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By Vicki Schwartz June 28 several Loretto Community members joined more than 100 other supporters in celebrating Jan Belle’s retirement as executive director of the Southwest Improvement Council (SWIC). She originally founded the organization in 1987 to clean up yards, alleys and graffiti; however, it quickly expanded to address youth education and employment, elder wellness…
Read MoreBy Mary Lou Pierron Several years ago I was asked to perform psychological evaluations of two elementary school-aged children whose undocumented mother was in danger of being deported back to Brazil, where she hadn’t lived for 15 years, had no family and where she would have no means of supporting her family or of getting…
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By Kathy Santopietro Weddel Peter Urban “happened” to the Roman Catholic priesthood May 31, 1958, and the Church hasn’t been the same since. That “happening” continues as he lives his sacred promises each day that welcomes his generous smile. In 60 years people of all ages and stations in life have benefited from his decision…
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By Angela Bianco and Kay Carlew It all began with a good idea and a question — why don’t we …? And then it came together. Kay Carlew did her capable networking and the Loretto City Council made the Senior Center available three mornings a week; the City Council approved monies for snacks; Corwin’s flooring…
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By Stacy Fitzwater “Madam, Madam!” Children ages 5 to 15 clamored for our attention. Come, play on the dirt field. Come, ride my bike, see my classroom, walk to the water hole. Welcome, we are glad you are here! As we stepped foot into Kpaachiyili village in Ghana for the first time, my five traveling…
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