Spiritual life & Chaplaincy
“Be lovers of truth and doers of justice.”
-Mary Ward
When you join Loreto College as a student, you join a worldwide organisation which has an outstanding pedagogical tradition, rooted in the key values of Excellence, Freedom, Internationality, Joy, Justice, Sincerity and Truth.
Loreto schools are to be found all over the world, from the cities of Kolkata and Lima, to the remote areas of Sudan and Ghana. The education offered moves from three-year-old infants in Australia to university students in Toronto. Loreto education reaches out beyond boundaries to include young people of all cultures, faiths and social class.
The Chaplaincy is a space for all students at Loreto, whether you’re striving for a better world; need a break from the hustle and bustle of life; want to make time for God and the spiritual in your life; need someone to chat to if times are hard; if you fancy a natter or whether you need a quiet space to go where you don’t have to worry about things.
Our aim is to help you flourish, and while the Chaplaincy supports the academic side of the college, it is a place you can grow in other ways to help you to fully grow into the person you’re meant to be.
The Chaplaincy is around to help and support you, so if you ever need a chat please do pop in.
Activities
Lourdes: A week volunteering at the pilgrimage site of Lourdes in the south of France, helping sick and disabled children and young people to experience faith in new ways whilst at the shrine to Our Lady. Students come along from all walks of life, and from all faiths and none- being a Catholic is not a requirement.
We travel with HCPT: a registered charity offering pilgrimage holidays, to Lourdes in the south of France, for disabled and disadvantaged people from around the UK and further afield. Every Easter over 1,000 disabled and disadvantaged children travel with HCPT and enjoy a fun and safe week in Lourdes, staying in hotels with their volunteer helpers.
Rome: We spend 4 nights just outside of Rome in Villa Palazzola. On the trip there will be one retreat day, an audience with Pope Francis, chances to explore Rome and its connection to our own Mary Ward as well as your own free time.
Tea & Biscuits: Free tea and biscuits every break time (10:15) in the Chaplaincy Room and toast on Thursdays.
Romero Justice & Peace Group: Promoting Justice and Peace in College, our local community and the wider world.
Pop Up Chaplaincy: Taking Chaplaincy out into the other areas of the college campus, not just Ball Building. We have tea, biscuits and a warm welcome, along with plenty of information about how you can get involved with Chaplaincy.
Morning Prayer: Every morning at 8:30 in the Chaplaincy Room (B122) all students and staff welcome.
Fairtrade Group: Volunteer and get involved in activities and help run our stalls.
Mass: Celebrated every Thursday at 1.05pm.
Mary Ward, our inspiration
Mary Ward was, and still is, the inspiration of the Loreto Sisters, and all of the Loreto schools throughout the world. Her remarkable life has inspired thousands to live more authentic and fulfilling lives.
She lived at a time when Catholics were persecuted in this country, some people in her family responded to this by participating in the Gun Powder plot. Mary Ward however refused to be involved in violence and always lived in the hope of a better world.
Her heritage lives on as the Loreto Sisters now work in over 24 countries across 5 continents, places you may get the chance to visit while here at Loreto.
Loreto Worldwide
During your time at Loreto, you could be one of a group of students who will travel to Kolkata in India on a two week visit to Loreto’s sister school. During the day the students will help in English lessons and deliver Physical Education sessions.
In the evening they’ll work with the Rainbow Children, delivering a wide variety of sports sessions. The Rainbows are the orphans who live on the roof of the school and, just like a rainbow brings happiness, so do the children when they appear at the gates.
What our students have to say:
‘Chaplaincy is like a small piece of heaven on earth. It is the heart of Loreto College’
‘Forget exams, my time at Loreto has been more than any piece of paper could ever mean. Thank you so much for everything Chaplaincy has done for me’
‘Chaplaincy and Loreto has enabled me to be part of so many amazing things that have given me passion to help change others’ lives for the better!’
