Welcome Christina Garcia!

The Loretto Community welcomed Christina Garcia as a co-member in March and had a celebration in Denver on Aug. 11. Christina grew up in Denver where she and her seven siblings attended St. Cajetan Catholic Parish. A proud Mexican-American family, they have honored their traditions and the importance of family in many ways.

Christina is a middle school teacher at St. Mary’s Academy, and this is where she started her journey with Loretto. She first visited the Motherhouse in 2013 and knew then she wanted to be part of the Community. Christina teaches Spanish and assists Regina Drey in bringing Loretto traditions, history and connections to St. Mary’s students.

The lively co-membership celebration took place in Mary Helen Sandoval’s beautiful backyard. More than 10 members of Christina’s family attended, including her parents, siblings, husband, Manuel, and her two daughters, one a graduate of St. Mary’s and the other a junior. In addition, many Loretto Community members and teachers at St. Mary’s participated.

Christina is passionate about social justice. She is very proud of her Latina roots and stands up for what she believes in. In 2018 she attended a border trip with LACC and made lasting Loretto friendships. She has also joined Loretto Link and is looking forward to ways she can contribute to both the Loretto Community and Link.

I opened the celebration with the following quote from I Am the Way, “The basic desire to be united in love with God, with one another, with all people, and with all creation shapes this community of faith.” (IATW, 20). Marty Lally noted her respectful voice on matters of social justice and also claimed that anyone who can inspire 8th graders must be gifted. Sue Kenney welcomed Christina by reading her acceptance letter, written by Barbara Nicholas, to the Community. Mary Helen, with help from her family, welcomed everyone in English and Spanish and made the event welcoming and fun. I think I saw Michele Stimac and Christina dancing!

While Christina has felt part of Loretto for some time, she is grateful to be part of the Community and be present in new ways.