The four pillars of Loretto reflect the vision and energy of the Community

As you read the following reflections from a few members, you will learn how these members have “let their lives speak” as they engage in mission and fidelity to the call of the Gospel.

The Education Pillar

Mary Catherine Widger writes, “I do religious education and sacramental preparation with children and adults with special needs. Knowledge on any level supports the human spirit to quality life and action. I have been doing this work at the Bridge Community for 40 years. The women here experience themselves as valued members of society and Church.”

Catherine Darnell tells us, “I am involved in St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) in Denver, serving on the board, assisting with planning. I am grateful for all that I do. This is my primary ministry — to further the ministry of SMA.”

Kim Klein writes, “I work with Loretto Link’s Just Loans Program. I am helping people understand finances, and I work with the Loretto Community Investment Committee. I also do homilies for the Motherhouse.”

Mary Nelle Gage writes, “I am working with Vietnamese adoptees. I help with educating them about their roots and finding material about volunteer service in Vietnam. I help with healing for those in the adoptee experience. I also work with the preservation of Loretto Heights College in Denver and am working with the owner for redevelopment of the historical buildings.”

Jeannine Gramick shares with us, “I work with the LGBTQ+ ministry. I believe that education paves the way for people’s hearts and minds to be open to transformation.”

The Advocacy Pillar

Concha De La Cruz tells us, “I work in Hispanic ministry with my people. All four pillars fit them as they have many needs as new people in the U.S. The people come with many problems, such as: the leaving of their homeland with hopes to be accepted in the U.S., studying English and adjusting to a new environment.”

Claudia Calzetta writes as formation director for the Pakistan Community in the U.S.: ”I work in all four pillars. I help our Pakistani young women learn to find their voices in a new country, becoming educated and loving vowed members of Loretto. I offer support to each person, and I work to provide the tools for their safety in America.”

Rosemary Casey tells us, “Advocacy is the most concrete aspect of my faith. I live in Hawaii but collaborate with members of my Community Group to support Loretto values. We are reading and exploring Loretto’s past history and are currently reading Cecily Jones’s poetry.”

Kathleen Corbett writes from El Paso, “At this point my work seems to be immigration matters. We still have occasions to provide transportation for immigrants.”

Sandra Hareld writes, “Why am I doing this? It is my calling in life. I do advocacy through collaboration with justice entities by contacting federal legislators.”

The Healing Pillar

Jane German writes, “I am involved in action. I don’t know if I do a lot of healing but I do relationship building and leadership participation by serving on committees and the Forum. I also do volunteer work assisting the St. Vincent DePaul committee at my parish.”

The Spirituality Pillar

Johanna Brian writes, “My reflections fit under all the pillars, but I now have a growing awareness that my every thought and action has a positive or negative repercussion throughout the whole universe. I live the Prayer of St. Francis as I work with people struggling with addiction.”

Barbara Hagan tells us, “This is what Jesus asks of us — love your neighbor as yourself. Advocate for others to make the world a better place.”

Helen Santamaria shares, “Whatever I do reflects different aspects of promoting spirituality to others, as well as organizations who promote justice and peace. I do spiritual direction and offer spiritual counsel. I am a director of retreats.”

Alicia Ramirez writes, “I’ve been working on my spirituality since I came to the Motherhouse. I try to be faithful to daily prayer and sometimes I fast. People’s spirituality is completely unique and different. I like to know what’s happening with the issue of immigration.”

Mary Ellen McElroy writes, “I am a spiritual director. That means walking with another who wants support and encouragement for her spiritual journey. The Spirit helps all of us — my work with an individual and in sessions with other directors.

Mary Gutzwiller shares, “I work in pastoral care by serving as a presider at Communion services and by providing spiritual direction to others.”

JoAnn Gates tells us, “My ministry is the care and tending of Knobs Haven retreat center. I welcome the guests who come with the intention and desire of deepening their relationship with God.”