Topic archive
Education
Our early foundresses, who settled in central Kentucky, recognized the needs of children in the areas of education and religious formation. As they responded to these needs, they found joy and meaning in their work and life together. Their vision continues in the numerous missions we carry out today. Learn more about how the Loretto mission of education continues today.
Loretto Teacher Immersion 2026
By Lucy Ewing Two weeks ago 11 teachers and staff from St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), Denver; Loretto Academy, El Paso; and Nerinx Hall High School, Webster Groves, Mo., took part in the annual trip for educators to the Loretto Motherhouse led…
Living Loretto: Meet St. Mary’s educator & Loretto Co-member Christina Garcia
“It is important that nothing in our lives cuts us off from other human beings. Rather, we try to live so that everything about us, our words and works and manner of living, promotes understanding and peace among ourselves and…
A bridge to love
Mary Catherine Widger SL tells the story of a child with an intellectual disability whose parents hoped would make his First Communion. This was in the late 1970s. Mary Catherine served in the special education office for the Archdiocese of…
Loretto legacy of excellence continues at schools
Escuela de Guadalupe Susan Swain SL and Joy Gerity CoL, who had been principals at St. Mary’s Academy in Denver, were members of Escuela de Guadalupe’s founding group in 1999. Teacher retention often reflects a school’s health and vitality. At…
St. Mary’s Academy’s vibrant Loretto beginnings
Excerpts from an article by Regina Drey SL on the school’s 150th anniversary. Click to read the original article as it appeared in Loretto Magazine, fall-winter 2014 Amid tearful farewells and prayers for a safe journey, three travelers left Santa…
Vacation time! Fun for all!
Early on, Sisters Mary Catherine Widger and Sue Rogers felt that the archdiocesan special ed staff should get to know their students apart from a classroom, and that the students should experience vacations, summer camp, eating out. Disneyland here we…
Loretto educates for the times – Donna Day SL: Learning along the way
The best teachers are the ones who show you how to use your heart.” * Donna Day SL shares this quote that reflects her deepest belief about teaching. To Donna, teaching and learning are intertwined. Like other teachers, she knows…
Loretto Magazine – Winter 2026
Read Loretto Magazine Loretto Spotlight Video – Mary Catherine Widger SL A Letter from President Buffy Boesen SL I have a small poster in my house that reads, “Take time to wonder, to give thanks and to praise!” As I…
Loretto Spotlight Video – Mary Catherine Widger SL
It’s a community of joy. Mary Catherine Widger SL Mary Catherine Widger SL has served those with intellectual disabilities for 50-plus years. In this issue of Loretto Magazine, read about the community she cofounded with the Rev. Larry Freeman and…
Catholic Schools Week: Loretto salutes its Loretto pre-K, primary school teachers
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela Catholic Schools Week should be more than one week out of the whole year! It is a celebration of academic excellence, faith formation, community…
Marian Middle School in St. Louis — Supporting Girls in Middle School and Beyond
By Barbara Roche SL One of my favorite things about Marian Middle School in St. Louis is their motto, “Once a Marian Girl, always a Marian Girl.” Marian, sponsored by seven communities of religious women, including Loretto, opened its doors in…
Opportunity knocks: A remarkable school built on faith and confidence
The Santa Fe Opportunity School 1937 – 1970 Have you ever seen a place where little children — poor, underprivileged, mentally and physically handicapped [sic] — can continuously knock at Opportunity’s Door? A place where patience and kindness take the place of…