First Year Students
Retreats
Spark
Spark is an overnight retreat in the early fall which is designed to help First Year Hawks. This retreat is exclusively for first year students.
Ignite
Take a moment to reflect on your new life at Saint Joseph's University at our Ignite retreat. This event is also exclusively for first year Saint Joseph's students.
First Year Leadership Team
First Year Leadership Team is an opportunity for first-year students to:
- Develop leadership skills for ministry and service
- Take a more active role in Campus Ministry in your first year
- Build friendships and community in a context of faith
- Complete your required THE 154 course together in the Spring, taught by a campus minister
What happens in FYLT?
- Once you are accepted onto the team, we will meet for an opening evening "retreat" on Friday, October 20 from 5pm to 8:30pm
- We will then gather each Friday during Community Period (12:15pm to 1:30pm) for the remainder of the fall semester and into the spring semester. We will explore various leadership topics and skills through fun and interactive activities while building a sense of community and friendship with other members of the team.
- In the spring semester, those who did not take their required intro theology course in the fall will take part in THE 154 together, taught by a campus minister. (Those who cannot take the class can still be a part of FYLT).
- We will take part in a full weekend retreat February 16-18.
Applications for the class of 2027 First Year Leadership Team are now closed. If you are still interested in being a part of the First Year Leadership Team, please contact Tom Sheibley at tsheible@sju.edu
Contact Tom Sheibley at tsheible@sju.edu with any questions.
Christian Life Communities
Christian Life Communities (CLCs) are groups of students that do life together! Groups meet weekly to build community and explore faith and Ignatian Spirituality. This sacred space provides students with a home on campus to help them through the highs and lows of college life. Don’t do life alone, journey with a CLC. There are 3 ways to get involved:
1. Engage is an opportunity for first year students to build a community that explores and grows in faith through Ignatian Spirituality. All are welcome to come as they are, discover a deeper sense of purpose, and find God's presence in everyday life. Create authentic friendships through intentional community time in large and small groups.
2. Affinity CLCs navigate faith and spirituality at specific intersections of identity. Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality, groups meet weekly for conversation, reflection and prayer, taking pause together in sacred space.
- Coming Out Spirituality CLC (Gender & Faith/Ignatian Spirituality)
- St. Joe Bakhita CLC (Race & Faith/Ignatian Spirituality)
- Men’s CLC (Manhood & Faith/Ignatian Spirituality)
- Women’s CLC (Womanhood & Faith/Ignatian Spirituality)
- Bible Study CLC (Scripture & Faith/Ignatian Spirituality)
3. Christian Life Communities (CLCs) are intentional faith-sharing communities rooted in Ignatian Spirituality and built on the pillars of faith, community and mission. Participants desire to deepen their awareness of self, others and God. Groups meet weekly for conversation, reflection and prayer, taking pause together in sacred space.
Program questions can be directed to Tinamarie Stolz at tstolz@sju.edu.
Meeting Format
Weekly meetings are one hour on weekday afternoons and evenings. Meetings follow this structure:
- Opening Prayer
- Check-In
- Focus Experience
- Community Announcements
- Closing Prayer
Participants
Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, you are encouraged to join CLC. All participants have a unique spirituality. Students of all faiths traditions and backgrounds are welcome.
Foundation
CLC is rooted in the Christian faith, with a rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality. Living gospel values through friendship is at the heart of the program.
Registration
Groups form at the start of each semester, and bond quickly. During the semester, you can join the program at any time by emailing Tinamarie Stolz to explore options for groups accepting new members.
Information
Contact Tinamarie Stolz at tstolz@sju.edu with any questions, ideas, concerns or desires.
Weekly Service
Serve once a week with one community partner organization in our local Philadelphia or Camden communities. Register by 9/13.