The Charism of Mary Ward and the IBVM Sisters
A great love of God, and desire to do good, an attitude of openness to all good works, a freedom to refer all to God, and a readiness to follow the way of Justice and Sincerity in lightness of spirit: this is the charism that Mary Ward desired to shine through all our words and works.
IBVM Constitutions 1.11
All Loreto schools and communities endeavour to live by the seven core values of Mary Ward, which are centred in God and rooted in the gospel. These values are the foundation of all we do at Loreto College:
- Justice: To be doers of justice, committed to building a better world, and to challenge the accepted notions and modes of society which are opposed to the values for which we stand.
- Sincerity: To develop relationships that are marked by a Christ-like respect and compassion.
- Freedom: To allow all to have the freedom to grow so that everyone can become their best self.
- Truth: To be seekers of truth who reflect critically and seek answers to crucial questions.
- Joy: To be a joyful community that recognises and celebrates the unique value of each individual.
- Excellence: To be ambitious for academic excellence, but equally to stretch hearts and minds in all areas of human possibility.
- Internationality: To be proud of the international network of Loreto schools and colleges and to play a full part in this network.
Chaplaincy at Loreto
Chaplaincy is central to our mission at Loreto College, and all staff and students are allowed to participate actively. Spiritual life at Loreto is rooted in the Ignatian tradition in which Mary Ward was steeped. St Ignatius believed that “all things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely and serve him more faithfully.” In short, God can be found in all things.
Our Chaplaincy Team is here to walk with students and staff on their diverse faith journeys, offering pastoral support and guidance if needed. We do this through our culture of welcome and the rich and varied provision, which includes:
- Mass, Collective Worship and Liturgy: The Chaplaincy organises Masses and liturgies to mark feasts and celebrations in the Liturgical Calendar. There are daily prayer and meditation opportunities, and students are supported to lead prayer and worship.
- Catholic Social Teaching in Action: Chaplaincy organises events that help students respond to the demands of Catholic Social Teaching locally, nationally and globally. This might be through collecting items for Cornerstone, fundraising for our sister Loreto institutions across the world, or facilitating the CAFOD Young Leaders Programme.
- Pop-up Chaplaincy: Though the Chaplaincy space is based in Ball Building, you’ll see the Chaplaincy represented in different areas of the campus each week, inviting students to explore a specific liturgical theme or current event.
- A Social Space: During part of each day, the Chaplaincy Lounge is available for students to drop in, chat with their peers and the Chaplaincy Team and have a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Our Chaplaincy space is on the first floor of Ball Building, Room B122.
The Chaplains’ office is next door in B123.
FAQs - Chaplaincy
Do I have to be Catholic to engage with the Chaplaincy?
No. Chaplaincy is for every member of the College Community, staff and students alike, of all faiths and none.
Do I have to get involved with everything?
No. The Chaplaincy is here to serve you. You are welcome to engage with as much or as little as you like. No pressure.
I have an idea for a project that the chaplaincy might want to run. Do you want to hear about it?
Yes. Chaplaincy works best when its users are keen, active and animated. If there’s something you’re passionate about, we want to hear about it.
Are there Prayer rooms at Loreto?
Yes, we have prayer spaces across the College campus that are open to students every day.