ABOUT US

Who we are

Loreto Ministries carries forward a mission shaped by history, yet unmistakably oriented toward the future - to steward a living tradition of Catholic education with integrity, clarity and purpose.

Governance

We provide principled governance and oversight for six schools, ensuring each ministry operates with integrity, transparency and fidelity to the Loreto charism.

Formation

We support principals, board chairs and staff to grow as leaders in the Mary Ward tradition through programs, resources and formation experiences.

Our Story

We steward the Loreto story, maintaining the heritage of Mary Ward and Gonzaga Barry while equipping our schools to respond to a changing world.


OUR STRUCTURE

Loreto Ministries is a canonical Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP). Its Steward Directors are also directors of Loreto Ministries Ltd (LML), a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee. Loreto Ministries holds both canonical and civil responsibilities for Loreto's education ministry in Australia.

LML has been in place since November 2015, when ownership of the school legal entities was transferred from the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Province of Australia and South East Asia. In 2023, Loreto Ministries MPJP was established as an autonomous ecclesial entity by decree of the Dicastery for Societies of Apostolic Life.

"Education is understood not merely as instruction, but as formation: shaping young people of courage, conscience, compassion and intellectual freedom."

The Sponsors Council of Loreto Ministries is comprised of at least five persons, two of whom must be members of the founding religious institute. The Sponsors appoint the Chair and Steward Directors of Loreto Ministries.

"Our vision is for an inclusive, flourishing Circle of Friends collaborating to steward our Loreto story of excellence in education into the future."

OUR PURPOSE

Continue the
Mission

Loreto Ministries continues the mission of Jesus Christ and assumes responsibility for the education ministries transferred to it by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with particular care for communities experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

Canonical Statutes 2.1

Ensure Faithful Governance

Loreto Ministries exists to ensure through its governance, policies and practices that each of the works for which it is responsible operates in conformity with the teaching, discipline and law of the Roman Catholic Church.

Canonical Statutes 2.2

Build on the
Charism

Loreto Ministries will build on the charism and educational traditions of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, sustaining what has been entrusted and strengthening it for those who will come after.

Canonical Statutes 2.3

OUR MISSION

Continuing the mission of Jesus as seekers of truth and doers of justice:

  • We offer excellent Catholic education within the Mary Ward tradition.

  • We provide leadership for vibrant and flourishing ministries.

  • We collaborate with others to build a just and sustainable world.

  • In a spirit of discernment, we act with freedom and integrity and we are people of joy.

Our Strategic Plan 2025-2029 sets the direction for the years ahead.

Five priorities guide everything we do.