WHO are Loretto Volunteers?
Loretto Volunteers are young women and men (ages 21-30) who are committed to social change.  The program is rooted in Catholic social teaching, but volunteers come from different faith traditions.  They are open to exploring spirituality, social justice politics, and community life.  Most volunteers are recent graduates of undergraduate or master's programs.  All Loretto Volunteers should be ready to form some meaningful intergenerational relationships with Loretto Community folk.

WHAT do they do?
Volunteers can work in a range of placements, from a gay-positive Catholic ministry to a women's transitional home to the United Nations.  Some positions are in organizations run by Loretto members; others are unaffiliated with the community.  We pride ourselves on placing volunteers at the front lines of struggles for equality and justice - through direct service and advocacy.  See our  full listing of sites. 

WHAT is the commitment?
Volunteers commit to 11 months of full-time work at their placement while also participating fully in community life - in the volunteer home and with Loretto Community members locally.  Intentional community takes time to build, so volunteers commit to include weekly house nights to explore the core values. additional regular house "business meetings," and attendance at monthly (or so) Loretto gatherings.

WHAT is the Loretto Community?
The Loretto Community is an order of vowed Catholic sisters and lay co-members, women and men who align themselves with Loretto values without taking formal vows.  Founded in central Kentucky in 1812, the Sisters of Loretto opened schools to serve the rural poor.  Two hundred years later, they are still committed to social justice through education, but have taken on many other causes as well.  Loretto Volunteers walk with the Community in their mission to "work for justice and act for peace."

WHERE do volunteers live?
Volunteers can work in a few cities around the country: Washington, DC, St. Louis, El Paso, rural Kentucky and New York City.  We operate a volunteer house near Washington, DC where Loretto Volunteers live together in community.  In New York, our volunteer lives in community with Mercy Volunteers.  In St. Louis, we plan to open a volunteer house in fall 2012.

WHEN do they serve?
In 2012-2013, the volunteer year runs from August 25, 2012 through July 31, 2013.   Some flexibility on end date may be available.

WHEN are applications due?
We accept applications on a rolling basis.  We begin accepting applications in January and will begin placing volunteers in February.  Apply early for the best chance!

DO volunteers get paid?
Loretto Volunteers explore the simple life by living on a small monthly stipend.  They are paid $125/month personal stipend, and an additional $105/month for food and house expenses, which they are asked to pool into a common pot with housemates.  Sharing food expenses builds community and helps keeps costs lower.  Volunteers are also given adequate funding to cover the cost of commuting to work, and are offered health insurance.  Volunteers often find that a lifestyle with minimal expenses can be challenging but also healthy, sustainable and life-giving. 

DO I have to be Catholic?
No.  Though rooted in the Catholic social justice tradition of the Sisters of Loretto, we proudly accept volunteers of any faith.  We do seek volunteers who are interested in engaging their spirituality - however they define  it - during their service year. 

My organization is interested in receiving a Loretto Volunteer.  What do I do?
Great.  We are interested in expanding our volunteer placement sites in Washington, DC and St. Louis.  Email Katie Jones for more information.

Loretto Volunteers
P.O. Box 91422  Washington, DC 20090  .  202-657-6467