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.
The four pillars of Loretto reflect the vision and energy of the Community
Education. Advocacy. Healing. Spirituality. Loretto’s four areas of focus reflect the vision and energy of the Community. These values connect the Community as a bridge for all to cross, leading to mission in its various forms. The values, represented by…
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…
Cover Crop Field Day at Loretto Motherhouse
Cover Crop Field Day May 2, 9am-12pm at Loretto Motherhouse in the Old Tobacco Barn, 515 Nerinx Rd, Nerinx, KY 40049 Join Cody Rakes, Loretto Motherhouse Farm Director, and Dr. Erin Haramoto, University of Kentucky, for an in-depth look at…
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…
Calling all eco-explorers: Join us for “Where the Wild Things Are” Day Camp!
“Where the Wild Things Are” Day Camp is back! Where: Loretto Motherhouse When: June 9-12 Time: 9am-3pm Who: 6-12 year olds New Pioneers is excited to announce our 2026 summer camp in collaboration with the Loretto Community: Where the Wild…