Who is eligible to apply for a loretto volunteer position?

Loretto Volunteers are adults (ages 21-25) open to exploring spirituality, social justice, simple living, and life in community.  Most volunteers are recent college graduates - but that's not a requirement.  LoVos are interested in forming meaningful intergenerational relationships with Loretto Community members. They are ready to take on a full-time job AND put in the time outside of work to develop rich connections and form supportive, authentic community spaces

How Long is the volunteer commitment?

Volunteers commit to 11.5 months of full-time work - from August 9, 2019 - July 21, 2020. This includes at least 10 personal vacation days, 2-3 seasonal reflection days outside of the office, and three long retreats outside of their placement city.

I don't know if i can afford to do a volunteer year...

Okay, not a question, BUT this comes up so, so often in the application process. We understand that opting into a year of "simple living" is a privilege that some cannot afford, so we're working to build structures that make our program accessible to ALL. Loretto Volunteers receive:
​     - $3,000 Education Award for student loan repayment
     - $1,000 Unrestricted relocation assistance upon completion of a year of service
     - $350 travel home reimbursement during the service year
     - Health Insurance at no personal cost

Do volunteers have to fundraise?

​Nope. Our program is generously funded by the Loretto Community. We simply ask that volunteers cover their travel costs to arrive at their orientation site. We do occasionally have fundraising campaigns for education awards, service trips, and professional development opportunities, in which case we ask volunteers to help thank our donors through phone calls and letters.

What is the Loretto Community?

The Loretto Community is a congregation of Sisters and co-members "working for justice and acting for peace" because the gospel urges them. The community is known for its inclusivity, welcoming in folks from diverse faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, and more. They are also known for their engagement in social and political issues. Loretto is home to anti-war activists, feminist theologians, educators, protestors, spiritual directors, policy shapers, environmentalists, social workers, lawyers, hunger strikers, farmers, poets - you name it. The volunteer program is seen as an extension of the Loretto Community. As community members age and retire, Loretto supports young people going out into the world to do the work the Sisters and co-members have done since the early-1800s, continuing their mission for justice and peace. ​

Do you have to be catholic to do this program?

Absolutely not! Although our program is grounded in Catholic social teaching, we welcome people of all faith traditions, religious backgrounds and spiritual practices. 

How many retreats do volunteers go on each year?

Volunteers attend three retreats each year at the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, KY - a week-long orientation, a four-day midyear retreat, and a week-long closing retreat. Associated travel costs are covered by the program during the service year. Volunteers also have 2 - 3 Seasonal Days of Reflection to spend time together outside of their home and work places.

How do I apply?

Submit your application packet to lorettovolunteers@lorettocommunity.org with "Your Name - Application 2019-2020" in the subject line. Follow application directions here. 

When is the deadline to apply?

The priority deadline is February 4, 2019. That's when all the placement sites will be available to applicants. Our second round deadline is April 1, 2019. After that, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

What are the program's core values? 

Social justice. Simple Living. Intentional Community. Spirituality.

What professional development opportunities Do volunteers receive?

Outside of working 40 hrs/week on a team dedicated to social justice in one of its many forms, volunteers often have the opportunity to attend professional development opportunities outside of their placement cities. LoVos typically join Loretto delegations at the SOA/Border Encuentro, to US/Mexico Border Experience trips, or to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in NYC.  

Do Volunteers live with nuns? 

Nope! Volunteers live in community with each other. There are always Loretto Community members present in the LoVo's lives, through monthly dinners or outings about town, but the volunteer houses are just for volunteers. Sometimes LoVos are asked to host Loretto events, but they are always given plenty of notice and reimbursement for any supplies needed!

Do Volunteers get paid? 

Yes! Volunteers are paid a monthly stipend commensurate with their simple lifestyles. This stipend includes rent, groceries, transportation, and a small personal stipend. Volunteers also receive health care, reimbursement for one trip home (up to $350), a relocation stipend upon completion of their year of service, and an education award for student debt repayment.

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Loretto Volunteer Program 
lorettovolunteers@lorettocommunity.org
New York, NY | Washington, DC | St. Louis, MO | Denver, CO | El Paso, TX