Manresa for New Faculty and Staff
The term "Manresa" refers to the orientation programs specially designed to acquaint new faculty and staff with Xavier's Jesuit heritage and educational tradition.
For information on this year’s Manresa, see Manresa for New Faculty and Staff program information
AFMIX
AFMIX (Assuring the Future Mission and Identity of Xavier) is Xavier's flagship professional development program focusing on the mission and identity of the University. It is a 2-year program for faculty, staff, and administrators of any religious affiliation, or none at all. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the Ignatian vision and how it is integrated throughout Xavier inside and outside the classroom.
AFMIX program information
AFMIX 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.
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.
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).
Bible Study program information
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.
Present and Previous Presentations
- 2024 - Laudato Si Action Platform at Xavier University, Tim Sundrup
- 2023 - Honoring 10 Years of Pope Francis' Papacy
- 2022 - A Look At His Leadership Through Thick and Thin, Fr. Jim McCann SJ
- 2021 - Whole Earth Living: Reconnecting Earth, History, Body & Mind, Dr. Kathleen Smythe
- 2020 - How We Build the Culture of Encounter, Dr. Marcus Mescher
- 2019 - Women's Ignatian Leadership, Dr. Debra Mooney
- 2018 - Reflections on the Pope, Fr. Dan Hartnett SJ
- 2017 - An Ignatian Discussion on Immigration, Dr. Christine Anderson
- 2016 - The 'Culture of Encounter' at Xavier, Drs. Crable, Ariyachandra & Zascavage
- 2015 - His Commitment to the Environment, Dan Misleh '82
- 2014 - The Jesuit and Franciscan Legacy, Drs. Gillian Algren & Chris Pramuk
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 Fr. Jim McCann, S.J. 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:
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
- Take It On 2020
- 2019: Women
- Events
- Grant Application
- 2017-18: Economic Justice
- 2016-17: Immigration and Refugees
Specialty Seminars and Speaking Engagements
A variety of mission-related seminars are offered periodically, for instance,
- 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.
- 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 .
Xavier's Seminar on Ignatian Leadership
Thursdays from January 18 – May 2, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
at the Center for Mission and Identity
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.
This first cohort will focus on senior leaders and administrators. The program will fulfill requirements to be recognized as a Province Ignatian Educator of Distinction.
Email Joe Shadle with any questions.
How to Participate: To nominate someone for the program (including self-nominations) please complete the form below.
National and Regional Mission Programs