Making space for Mission: Retreat Days across the Loreto Community
How do we keep the heart of Mary Ward’s vision alive as we lead, work and respond to change?
During September, Ignatian retreat facilitator Sarah Broscombe accompanied members of the Loreto community in Australia as we made space to explore this question. The retreat days brought school leaders, Steward Directors and colleagues into conversations about mission, leadership, faith and the relationships that sustain our work.
Each gathering had its own focus, shaped by the people present and the responsibilities they carry.
The Loreto school Principals gathered in Melbourne for a retreat exploring ‘Leading at the Intersections’. Time away from their schools offered an opportunity to pause, reflect on leadership and connect with colleagues who share a commitment to Loreto education.
The Directors of Mission then gathered at the same venue for a retreat centred on being ‘Nourished by freedom’. Sarah described the day as one of spaciousness, created together by those present. The theme invited reflection on a value central to Mary Ward’s vision and provided an opportunity for these key faith leaders in our schools to have their spirituality nourished.
At Abbotsford Convent, a significant first brought Loreto Ministries Steward Directors together with the Sponsors Council and the Mary Ward International Board for a shared retreat day.
For the Steward Directors, the gathering offered time to reflect on their responsibility for nurturing Mary Ward’s charism through the governance and stewardship of Loreto Ministries. Sharing the day with the Sponsors Council and the Mary Ward International Board also created an opportunity to strengthen relationships and consider a common question: in times of transition, how is charism shared, nourished and passed on with its heart still beating strongly?
Abbotsford Convent also hosted the Loreto Centre team, bringing Loreto Ministries, Loreto Province and Mary Ward International colleagues together to explore the year’s focus on the Mary Ward value of felicity. Through a creative process, the team contributed their diverse perspectives to a shared artwork expressing our sense of mission. With plans to have it framed, the artwork will serve as a reminder of the day and the mission that connects our work.
These gatherings formed part of Sarah’s wider time with Loreto in Australia, which also included retreats with the Loreto Sisters.
Across the different days, a common thread emerged: the value of making time to attend to one’s personal connection to mission. For people whose daily work involves leading, supporting and serving others, each retreat offered space to reflect on what gives that work meaning, and to strengthen the relationships through which Mary Ward’s vision continues to be lived.
Loreto Ministries thanks Sarah for accompanying our community with warmth, insight and care.
