Mission and Identity Programs

Ignatian Mentoring Program program information
Ignatian Mentoring Program participants
Taking Time to Reflect

Ignatian Retreat for Faculty Research and Writing

This program is for Xavier tenured and tenure track faculty, teaching professors and senior teaching professors to have a concentrated time to research and write on a topic of their choice. Participants are welcome to work on a current project, begin researching a new topic of interest, or develop a new course that will be offered.

Program Information

Bible Study 

The Center for Mission and Identity hosts a Bible Study during Advent and Lent for staff and faculty. Feel free to bring your Bible (or borrow one of ours). 

Bible Study program information

Supporting the President's Leadership Team 

• See the topics for each of the gatherings of President Hanycz senior leaders
• See the topics for each of the gatherings of President Graham senior leaders

The Spiritual Exercises / Direction

Opportunity is available to engage in Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercise and guidance. 
Contact Tim Sundrup for information.

W.I.S.E. 

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:

• WISE current program information
• WISE previous cohorts

Special Events

Mass of the Holy Spirit

At the beginning of each new academic year, the Xavier community gathers for this annual Mass and campus-wide celebration.

In 2023, the Mass of the Holy Spirit will be held on Thursday, September 28 in Bellarmine Chapel.

For information on past Masses of the Holy Spirit.

Celebration of Mission Excellence

An event held every April offering a Presidential recognition of participants in the Center's major educational programs. For more information,  Celebration of Mission Excellence program 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.

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.

• 2020: Racial Healing
  
  • Grant Application
• Take It On 2020
  
  • Grant Application
• 2019: Women
  
  • Events
  • Grant Application 
• 2017-18: Economic Justice 
  • Events
  • Resources
• 2016-17: Immigration and Refugees 
  • Events
  • Resources

Specialty Seminars and Speaking Engagements

A variety of mission-related seminars are offered periodically, for instance,

1. 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.
2. 2020 UAP Mission Seminar for Campus Leaders

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.

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.
• 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.

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.  See the companion Salon booklet,  Mastery and Moxie in 31 Days: A Guide and Journal for Career Women .

Sustainability and the Mission

Xavier's Seminar on Ignatian Leadership 

Xavier’s Seminar on Ignatian Leadership will focus on animating Ignatian principles and practices throughout campus. Weekly sessions include presentations and discussions on principles of Ignatian leadership, personal and communal discernment, and Jesuit education. Practical models and practices will be shared that may be adapted by participants for use in their own areas. Participants will complete a Capstone Reflection/Project at the end of the program which may be based on one of the practices or models shared during the sessions.

Program Information