_Loretto Volunteers are young women and men (ages 21-30) who work for a year in social justice organizations while living a simple, communal lifestyle with other volunteers. 

Loretto Volunteers serve in diverse ministries, both in direct service and advocacy roles.  They work in homeless shelters and immigrant legal clinics, in public radio and at the United Nations.  (See our full listing here.)  Each volunteer is paired with one organization that fits her skills and interests.

Loretto Volunteers live in community with other volunteers, or occasionally with sisters or co-members of Loretto.  In group living, volunteers develop meaningful relationships, share spirituality, and deepen their commitment to simple, sustainable living together.   We currently have one volunteer community in Mount Rainier, MD (Washington, DC area), as well as one volunteer in New York City.  We may expand to another city in 2012.

We are rooted in the creative spirituality of the Loretto Community – an order of Catholic sisters who have worked for justice and peace since their founding in 1812.  Though we have grown out of Catholic social justice teaching, we proudly welcome volunteers of any faith.  All volunteers must be open to exploring a variety of spiritual practices that reflect the group’s backgrounds and interests. 

The Loretto Volunteer Program is a welcoming organization for individuals of all races, classes, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and faiths.

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