AFMIX

Assuring the Future Mission and Identity at Xavier University

 

AFMIX, Xavier's cornerstone mission and identity orientation, is a 2-year program for staff and faculty. Participants meet weekly for an hour and a half during the academic year to discuss readings and listen to presentations from XU colleagues on topics associated with Ignatius Loyola, Ignatian spirituality, Jesuit education and the University.

Goal: To facilitate an increased understanding of the Jesuit identity of the University and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in one's work and career. All staff, faculty, and administrators--of whatever religious affiliation, if any-- are invited to participate.

Fall 1 Topics: Jesuit History, Spirit, and Education

  • The Life of Ignatius
     
  • The Founding of the Society
     
  • The Spiritual Exercises
     
  • Pedro Arrupe and the Contemporary Society
     
  • Characteristics of Jesuit Education
     
  • Xavier University's History

Spring 1 Topics: Theological Foundations for Spirituality (or We're All Theologians!)

  • The Christian Tradition
     
  • The Jewish Tradition
     
  • History of Jesus
     
  • The Gospels
     
  • Women's Spirituality
     
  • Discernment
     
  • Unique Personalities - Unique Forms of Prayer

Fall 2 Topic: The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius in Everyday Life

  • small group meetings

Spring 2 Topics: Ignatian Core Values in Education at XU

  • Social Justice via Dialogue on Gender
     
  • Peace and Justice
     
  • Mission-focused Leadership and Supervision
     
  • Campus Ministry and Prayer
     
  • Ignatian Pedagogy and the Ignatian Mentoring Program

Participants: A group of 23 "graduated" from the program in 2001, 27 in 2003, 23 in 2005, and 27 in 2007. The 5th cohort began in Fall 2007 with 30 participants.

Comments:
I have not so much learned something, as become engaged and enthusiastic about the things I have learned. I have a deep wish to pass this experience on to others here at Xavier.

My participation in AFMIX has helped me to be a better "me" - as an XU employee and interpersonally.

AFMIX has provided me with a great opportunity to strengthen spiritual ties with Xavier and the XU family. The Jesuit influence has become for me a more significant basis for my daily works. AFMIX is an experience that should not be a missed opportunity.

AFMIX has been a wonderful experience. It has awakened a new awareness in me. Everyday encounters I look at with new respect. I see the Ignatian spirit alive at Xavier and outside of Xavier. It truly has been a blessing to be part of it!