We Thank You!
Day of Giving
Thursday, January 23, 2025

Missed 1-23? Don’t Worry. Give Today!
(Donation directly supports retired Sisters.)

On behalf of the entire IBVM community, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity and support on Mary Ward Day of Giving. Thanks to you, the day was a success! Whether you gave financially, helped us spread the word, or reached out to the Sisters, your involvement in our Mary Ward Family is appreciated. Together, we are providing for the retired Sisters’ well-being and honoring their lifelong commitment to mission and the IBVM community.

– Sr. Mary Carton, IBVM, Megan Beutel, Juanita Rea-dorn, and Laura Schmidt
IBVM Development

The Significance of January 23

1—2-3 Go! And she did.

On January 23, 1585, Mary Ward, founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was born for great things. 438 years later, her Sisters all around the world as IBVMs and CJs (IBVM/Loreto and Congregation of Jesus) continue to carry her determined, joyful spirit.

On 1/23, we celebrate Mary Ward’s birthday and memory. We support her work, her mission and Christ’s mission of bringing God’s love to the world. “Mission is at the heart of who we are, and love is the driving force that urges us on.” This statement opens the chapter in the IBVM constitution on ministry, which has taken IBVM Sisters wherever the need is greatest, for the great glory of God.

Sr. Elizabeth Carey and Sr. Anne Fitzsimons

Day of Giving

“Mary Ward Day of Giving” is a day that holds special meaning for our community and allows you to directly support the retired Sisters who “went where the greater need was” and followed a dedicated life of joyful ministry. The Loretto Sisters are truly “Mary Ward Women.” Throughout retirement, many Sisters still devote their days to serving those in their living communities, spending time in local schools and parishes and praying for the many prayer requests that we regularly receive. 

We are so very grateful for the last two years of support.

All donations from the Mary Ward Day of Giving help our retired IBVM Sisters, supporting their immediate needs for wellbeing and safety.

The Sisters’ 2025 medical needs include:

Sr. Anne Hyzy and Sr. Therese O’Sullivan
  • LifeFone (Emergency alert system for Sisters to wear daily; $443.40/person/year)
  • Power lift chairs
  • Hearing aids (While over-the-counter hearing aid options can be purchased locally, we have found that these are often faulty, which can cause distress for the Sisters utilizing them. Due to this, we utilize the help of healthcare professionals to have hearing aids ordered, correctly fitted and adjusted. This comes at a higher out of pocket cost per Sister, per hearing aid needed – left/right.)

Join us, this year and every year on 1/23, in prayer and financial support! With a gift of $123, you can help us meet the needs of our IBVM Sisters who now need our support.