The Loreto Sisters are an active community of Roman Catholic women spreading the Gospel as "contemplatives in action." These are the priorities of the Sisters:

Inspired by Mary Ward's vision, they claim passionately and live radically their Ignatian spirituality and share it widely with those among whom they live and work.

They commit their energies and resources to promoting the dignity and liberation of all, particularly of women and children; to challenging unjust systems and structures; to standing with those on the edges of society; to showing reverent care of the earth and all creation.

They commit themselves to living as a multi-cultural international Institute, and challenging themselves to act as one body, with one mission and one purse.

The Loreto Sisters’ journey to Arizona began in 1954 when Father Paul Smith, the founding pastor of Ss. Simon & Jude, was seeking a group of nuns to establish a Catholic elementary school.  He contacted the Loreto Sisters in Navan, Ireland, who eagerly accepted the challenge.  Five apprehensive but brave pioneers arrived at Ss. Simon & Jude to begin a mission that has greatly affected the lives of children for over 50 years.

Today, there are sixteen Loreto Sisters at Ss. Simon & Jude, all highly educated, and always sharing Mary Ward’s core values: Freedom, Joy, Justice, Sincerity, and Truth.  Wherever they go, the Loreto Sisters immerse themselves in the entire life of the school and parish, especially the spiritual education of youth. 

Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary:  www.ibvm.org