Name/Title
Letter Regarding the Effects of Proposal CEntry/Object ID
063.0023Scope and Content
Letter sent by the Marquette Diocesan Office of Education to superintendents, board presidents, pastors, principals and staff in the area of Sault Ste. Marie. It discusses the potential effects of Proposal C on Catholic schools in Michigan, steps being taking and guidelines for how to proceed. The proposal was an amendment to the state constitution which restricted public funding to non public institutions. Ultimately, this led to the closing of several Catholic schools in Sault Ste. Marie and the creation of a new religious education program.
In 1896, IBVM Sisters traveled to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to begin an education ministry at St. Mary's Parish. Three years later, Loretto Academy was constructed and opened as a convent, school and boarding house. In the following decades, the Sister's ministry grew to include additional schools and programs. Despite the closure of Loretto Catholic Central High School and St. Mary's Elementary School in 1971, the IBVM maintained an active role in local education into the 1980s.Context
Born in 1585 in North Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1609. Focused on education, the Sisters developed their ministry despite significant political, spiritual and material challenges. In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM established a presence in Illinois, and the following year, the IBVM North American Branch was created. In 1892, their ministry expanded into Chicago, and by 1896, the Sisters had opened a school in Michigan. Over the following decades, further growth resulted in ministries in California and Arizona, both of which began in 1949. In the 21st Century, the IBVM and its companions are active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, California and Arizona.Lexicon
Search Terms
Religion, Religious Organizations, Sisters of Loretto, MailArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
Nov 9, 1970Reproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.
