Manresa for Faculty and Staff
The term "Manresa" refers to the orientation programs specially designed to acquaint new personnel with Xavier's Jesuit heritage. It is offered in two formats each Fall semester: Manresa Overnight and Manresa on Campus, a three-part luncheon series. For more information about Manresa,
AFMIX
Assuring the Future Mission and Identity of Xavier (AFMIX) is a two-year educational process offering a comprehensive understanding of the Ignatian vision and how it can permeate learning environments inside and outside the classroom. Readings, lectures, and reflection are enhanced by weekly group discussions.
Click for program information
Click for participants
AFMIX is supported by a generous gift from Phil '68 and Beth '74 Gasiewicz.
Ignatian Mentoring Program
With a 2004 grant from the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts and subsequently endowed by the XU Jesuit Community, the Program fosters a profound understanding of Jesuit education and Ignatian pedagogy through guidance by senior faculty. The learning outcomes are clearly evident within the classroom setting and showcased, by discipline, in Teaching to the Mission.
Bible Study
The Center for Mission and Identity hosts a Bible Study during Advent and Lent for staff and faculty. Joe Shadle leads this brown bag lunch program for Bible study beginners and avid readers alike. Feel free to bring your Bible (or borrow one of ours).
Ignatian Retreats
Periodically the Center offers a day of retreat:
- 2019: The Principle and Foundation: The first consideration of the Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius
- 2018: Mission Living
- 2017: What Does it Mean to be a Mission Driven Institution?
- 2016: Our Way of Proceeding
- 2015: Ignatius Was Not Always a Jesuit
- 2012: The Psalms: A Pathway to Prayer
- 2011: Ignatian Retreat: A Walk with Mark
- 2010: Simple Prayer for Complex Living
- 2009: Ignatian Spirituality: It's Not Just for Jesuits Anymore
Mission Animators
The Center for Mission and Identity actively supports the work of other people and offices in animating the Jesuit tradition. See a list of semester events open to the campus and regional community.
2019: Women
Events
Grant Application
2017-18: Economic Justice
Events
Resources
2016-17: Immigration and Refugees
Events
Resources
Annual Pope Francis Presentation
Elected the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis is annually honored at Xavier with a community presentation on a theme relevant to his papacy.
Previous Presentations
6th Pope Francis: Womens' Leadership, 2019
5th Pope Francis: Reflections on the Pope, 2018
4th Pope Francis: An Ignatian Discussion on Immigration 2017
3rd Pope Francis: The 'Culture of Encounter' at Xavier, 2016
2nd Pope Francis: His Commitment to the Environment, 2015
1st Pope Francis: The Jesuit and Franciscan Legacy, 2014
3rd Pope Francis: The 'Culture of Encounter' at Xavier, 2016
2nd Pope Francis: His Commitment to the Environment, 2015
1st Pope Francis: The Jesuit and Franciscan Legacy, 2014
DeepMIX
In Fall 2017 we were pleased to offer a brief, engaging, in-depth program for faculty and staff who have completed a major professional development program in Xavier's Jesuit mission and identity: AFMIX, the Ignatian Colleagues Program, or the AJCU Summer Leadership Seminar. The goal is to provide a "next level" reflection on how we live out Xavier's six core values in our work.
Click here for program information.
Click here for a list of participants.
Supporting the President's Leadership Team
See the topics for each of the gatherings of the President's senior leaders.
Discernment Groups
Through communal discernment, education, immersion and spirituality, groups consider ways to deepen the Jesuit identity across the campus.
Discernment Group IV - as part of the strategic plan a group of 24 across the University have drafted ways to deepen the Universal Apostolic Preferences on campus.
Discernment Group III was charged by President Graham in Spring 2010 and serves as an advisory board to the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education. For a list of participants, click here.
Discernment Group II was charged by President Graham in Spring 2010 and is a council of associate vice presidents and associate deans working to deepen the Jesuit identity within the campus culture.
Discernment Group I (2007-2009). Xavier's first Discernment Group, comprised of 14 faculty and administrators, were charged by President Michael Graham, S.J. to outline a plan for the future of the Division of Mission & Identity. To see their Report to the President as well as a video about their immersion experience, click here.
Women's Ignatian Leadership Salon 
Strengthening capacities and confidence of women leaders through personal reflection, small group conversation, and peer support. Participant groups have included: Xavier faculty and staff and graduate students, local entrepreneurs, mission officers of the AJCU, and administrators of the Upper Midwest Province (read the Jesuit News Brief). See the companion Salon booklet, Mastery and Moxie in 31 Days: A Guide and Journal for Career Women.
The Spiritual Exercises / Direction
Opportunity is available to engage in Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercise and guidance.
Contact Brother Darrell Burns SJ for information.
Wisdom and Integration through the Spiritual Exercises (WISE), a year-long group experience of Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, is offered periodically for faculty. For more information, click below:
Special Events
Spirit Celebration
Held in early Fall for the entire campus community, this annual mass and lunch celebrates the beginning of the new academic year. For more information,
Celebration of Excellence
An event held every April offering a Presidential recognition of participants in the Center's major educational programs. For more information
Special Events/Masses
The Center assists the President's Office and Special Events in coordinating various mission-oriented events, such as the Advent Blessing, Baccalaureate Mass, and Family Weekend.
Specialty Seminars and Speaking Engagements
A variety of mission-related seminars are offered periodically, for instance, EntreLeadership Mastery and Moxie (2017), Xavier as a Community Engages University (2013), Sustainability and the Mission (2012), and the Jesuit Commons (2011).
Understanding Our Heritage, Living the Mission provides a brief overview about Jesuit heritage and education. Each section includes a two-minute video, selected readings and reflection questions. It is useful for helping to orient Xavier staff and students, faculty, and Board of Trustees members.
In addition, the Center's staff provide mission-related presentations as requested. Such presentations can help divisions, departments, or student groups better understand and reflect upon Xavier's mission.
Mission Mentoring Program for Senior Administration: Affirming excellence in teaching scholarship and mission consciousness.