Mission Week
February 18th - 26th, 2023
Click below to be added to our email list and get the latest Mission Week Event information!
Live The Mission
Mission Week is a great opportunity for us as Hawks to come together and celebrate how we live out the collective vision for our institution. We hope you find this week inspiring and energizing!
Throughout Mission Week (Feb 18th - 26th) we encourage you to hold discussions and ask questions to learn about the mission of others and to understand how we all play a key role in the mission of our University.
In the schedule for the week, you will find a wide range of activities to aid in your exploration of SJU's mission. Activities include engaging conversations, community-building activities, and opportunities for service.
Professional Success
As Philadelphia's Jesuit Catholic University, we strive to prepare students for personal excellence, professional success, and engaged citizenship. During Mission Week, we have several exciting events to help us engage with this part of our mission including:
- Ignatian Student Leadership Conference (Saturday, Feb 18th)
- Career Fair (Wednesday, Feb 22nd)
- PCP Founders' Day (Thursday, Feb 23rd)
- Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society Inductions (Sunday, Feb 19th)
Find God in all Things
At SJU, we are called to find God in all things. Ignatian spirituality invites us to find God in every circumstance of life, not just in explicitly religious situations. During this week, we encourage you to find God in all things with the help of the following events:
- 40-day Lenten Reflection Newsletter (All Week)
- SJU Community Examen (Thursday, Feb 23rd)
- Senior Retreat (Saturday, Feb 18th)
- Ignite First-year Student's Retreat (Saturday, Feb 25th)
- Silent Contemplative Retreat (Saturday, Feb 25th)
Cura Personalis
Cura personalis comes from Latin meaning "Care for the [individual] person." This Jesuit tradition calls for us to care for each other while keeping in mind everyone's unique gifts, challenges, needs and possibilities. As Hawks, we strive to be an inclusive and diverse community that educates and cares for the whole person while encouraging lifelong commitment to making ethical decisions and pursuing social justice. Consider the following events to help engage with this aspect of our mission:
- Employee/Alumni Morning of Service (Friday, Feb 24th)
- Mission Week Book Discussion (Wednesday, Feb 22nd; Thursday, Feb 23rd; Friday, Feb 24th)
- Mission Week Donation Drive (All Week)
- Wolfington Friday (Friday, Feb 24th)
- Hot Dogs for Haiti (Tuesday, Feb 21st)
- PB&J Making Event (Friday, Feb 24th)
Schedule of Events
Week-long Activities
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300,000 kids in the Philadelphia Area live in poverty. Simple things like socks and underwear could make a world of difference. SJU has teamed up with "Cradles to Crayons" to help provide children with basic clothing essentials.
Between Feb 18th - Feb 24th, we will be collecting the following items:
- New socks and underwear
- New arts, crafts, and school supplies
- New hygiene items
- Unopened diapers, pull-ups and diaper wipes.
- New or gently used clothing and coats (infant to youth sizes 18/20 and adult sizes small & medium)
- New or gently used pajamas
- New or gently used shoes, boots and sneakers (infant/child size 4-13 and adult sizes 1-10)
- New or gently used books (for ages 0-12)
Offices and departments at SJU are welcome to organize a drive. If you wish to host a collection drive in your area, please contact Eric Thompson (ethompso@sju.edu) for item pick-up information (Hawk Hill and University City Campuses).
Donation Drive Printable Flyer
Location: Items can be dropped off in the first floor of Wolfington Center (Campus Ministry - building next to the Chapel on the Hawk Hill Campus)
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Grab some fresh air and reflect on your day with this unique adaptation of St. Ignatius's Examen. Throughout Mission Week, you will find reflection questions placed throughout our campus. These questions are adapted by the Examen, a form of prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyal (the founder of the Jesuits), where participants review the events of their day to help them identify God's presence.
Location: Around the Hawk Hill and University City Campuses
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For over 50 years, members of the SJU community of many faith traditions and those who have no particular tradition, have participated in doing a version of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. This is a 500-year-old process of reflection on daily life and considering the movement of God’s spirit.
The Spiritual Exercises are a method of speaking to and listening to God daily; an honest self-evaluation weekly with a person experienced in leading persons through meditation and contemplation. There are a few versions:
- 24 weeks - This is called the 19th Annotated Exercise
- 5 weeks
- Ignatian Exercises - The use of scripture for contemplation and the practice of the daily “examen” for greater integration of prayer and work. This is also called the 18th Annotated Exercises.
If you are interested in doing the Spiritual Exercises or have any questions, please contact the Office of Mission (officeofmission@sju.edu) or fill out this form and a member of the office will be in touch.
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Calling all faculty and staff! It's not too late to sign up for the 2023 Go Move Challenge occurring February 1st - 28th. Click here to signup now or to track your activity. Help determine which Jesuit institution in the nation is the most active by logging your physical activity minutes that get your heart pumping.
Weekly prizes are given away by Human Resources compliments of Independent Blue Cross and bragging rights go to the university which tracks the most minutes, the highest number of minutes per participant, and the highest average number of minutes per region.
Learn more about the Go Move Challenge here.
Hosted by: SJU Human Resources
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What does it mean to be an engaged citizen? What does it mean to care for the whole person? How can we "find God in all things"?
Throughout Mission Week, we encourage discussions just like this - in the classroom, in the office or at lunch! Please view the Conversation Guide below for more resources on encouraging discussions surrounding our mission.
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Join SJU's Center for Inclusion & Diversity in making cards that will be included with the Jewish Relief Agency's food donation boxes. These cards are a great way to send a little bit of sunshine into the homes of the individuals who the Jewish Relief Agency serves - many of who are struggling with isolation.
Stop by CID's Suite (Campion 210 on Hawk Hill and Whitecar 2400 on University City) between Feb 20th at 9 am - Feb 24th at 5 pm to grab supplies and start making cards!
Completed cards should be returned to the CID by 2/24 at 5 pm.
Location: Campion 210 on Hawk Hill and Whitecar 2400 on University City
Hosted by: SJU Center for Inclusion & Diversity -
What is your Mission? Share it with us and read about the mission of other members on our campus.
Location: TBA
Friday, Feb 17th
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Help us kick off Mission Week with a friendly competition and win cash prizes! We are searching for the best performance of the SJU Alma Mater. The top two finalists from 2/17 will battle off during halftime at the SJU Men's Basketball Game on Tuesday, 2/21 at 7:00 pm. First place prize is $800 and second place is $500!
Walk-ons are welcome, but registration ahead of time is encouraged!
You must be a current SJU student to compete.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Thompson (ethompso@sju.edu).
You can access a printable flyer for this event here.
Location: The Perch (Hawk Hill Campus)
SJU's Alma Mater
Sheet Music of the Alma Mater (PDF)
Saint Joseph's hail! In song we praise
our mother dear and fair.
In life's grim battle, we'll march on
With Faith and strength to dare.
For valiant deeds make stout our hearts
To prove your heirs are true.
So come rejoice and with one voice
pledge loyal love to you.Saint Joseph's hail! our blood runs proud
to hold tradition's fame,
for words of gold on history's scroll
shed glory on your name.
To honor God, to love God's world,
your champions for each fray,
Against the sky our colors fly,
Deep crimson folds and gray.
Saturday, Feb 18th
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During this student-centered conference, veteran student leaders will offer specialized workshops that share best practices and new insights into leadership skills and how to engage students at SJU.
Rising student leaders are invited to attend this unique conference via nomination. Lunch is included, and the first 50 people to arrive receive a special Jesuitical gift. Registration is required as spaces are limited.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Thompson (ethompso@sju.edu).
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Calling all Seniors! Join Campus Ministry, in a chance to reflect upon your years at SJU with those who have shared in your story. This will be an overnight retreat at the St. Raphaela Center in Haverford.
Registration is full. Contact Alexis Larios (mlarios@sju.edu) with any questions.
Location: Saint Raphaela Retreat House
Time: Feb 17th - Feb 18th
Hosted by: SJU Campus Ministry
Sunday, Feb 19th
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Over 100 students and members of our campus community will be inducted into the only international honor society that bears the name "Jesuit". These inductees will be recognized at our 11:00 am community mass with a ceremony to follow.
Location: Chapel of Saint Joseph
Time: Sunday 2/19, 11:00 am -
Join us as we kick off Mission Week! Presider and Homilist will be Fr. George Bur S.J.
Location: Chapel of Saint Joseph
Time: Sunday, 2/19 7 pm and 9 pm masses
Monday, Feb 20th
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Hear advice from teachers who just completed their first year of teaching. This panel is perfect for seniors about to enter the workforce or those interested in becoming an education major!
The event is free for everyone, and light refreshments will be provided! Click below to RSVP (optional) and suggest questions for our panel!
Click here for a printable flyer of the event.
Location: Foley Center (Hawk Hill Campus)
Time: Monday, February 20th at 6:00 pm
Hosted by: Alliance for Catholic Education (ACESJU)
Tuesday, Feb 21st
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Eat for a cause! Proceeds from Hot Dogs for Haiti will benefit Foi et Joie Haiti school communities which offer quality transformational education in underserved communities. Order online by 2/20 for delivery or stop by The Perch on Tuesday, 2/21 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.
$5 for students
$10 for everyone elseClick here for a printable flyer of the event.
Location: You can order online by 2/20 for delivery or stop by The Perch on Tuesday, 2/21.
Time: Tuesday, 2/21, 11:30 am - 1:30pm -
Learn about how the Jesuits adapted their style of education to meet the needs of the U.S. Hear from the author of the book "Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States" Michael T. Rizzi.
This lecture is open to everyone and will be held in Campion Doyle North (Hawk Hill Campus). This event will also be live-streamed via zoom. To receive the zoom link, RSVP below.
Click here for a printable flyer of the event.
Location: Campion Doyle North (Hawk Hill) or Live Streamed via Zoom (RSVP required for zoom link).
Time: Tuesday, February 21st at 3:30 pm -
Watch the SJU's Men's Basketball team as they take on VCU on February 21st at 7:00 pm in Hagan Arena. During this special Mission Week themed game, you can watch the finalist of our Alma Mater competition battle it out during halftime.
The Office of Mission is excited to offer special discounted tickets for the home basketball games occurring during Mission Week. This includes:
- SJU Men's Basketball vs. VCU on Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 pm for $15
- SJU Women's Basketball vs. Duquesne on Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 pm for $5
To redeem this special deal head to https://sjuhawks.evenue.net/ and enter the promo code MISSION at the top right of the screen. This deal is open to friends and family, so please feel free to share. Students can receive free tickets and we encourage you to do so during Mission Week! Click here for more information on how to redeem your free tickets.
Location: Hagan Arena
Time: February 21st at 7:00 pm
Hosted by: SJU Athletics -
Join Ignatian House Retreat Center for this online for this six-week series, Ignatian Foundations – a Six-Week Introduction to the Ignatian Worldview on Tuesday evenings from February 21 through March 28, 2023, from 7.30pm – 9pm:
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023Ignatian Foundations offers a deeper understanding of the Ignatian worldview by studying Ignatius’ life, the Spiritual Exercises, and Jesuit history. Sessions will be led by the pastoral staff of Ignatius House and St. Thomas More, addressing the Ignatian themes of prayer, discernment, and freedom.
This workshop takes place via Zoom. Login credentials will be sent to all registrants in advance.
Cost: $100 includes six sessions. Advance registration is required.
Wednesday, Feb 22nd
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Join us for our Ash Wednesday services being held on both Hawk Hill and University City campuses.
Hawk Hill Campus (Chapel of St Joseph)
11:15 am - Prayer service with distribution of ashes
12:20 pm - Mass with distribution of ashes
1:50 pm - Prayer service with distribution of ashes
3:20 pm - Prayer service with distribution of ashes
5:00 pm - Mass with distribution of ashes
8:00 pm - Prayer service with distribution of ashes
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered all day in the Chapel of Saint Joseph from 10 am - 9:30 pm except during Mass times.
University City Campus (McNeal 145)
12:20 pm - Prayer service with distribution of ashes
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered 11:20-12:20 and 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join us for The Mission Week book club! We will be reading The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Greg Boyle, SJ. All are welcome to the discussion- even if you haven't read the whole book. There will be a specific chapter discussed at all sessions and copies of that chapter can be made available if the interest/availability lends itself to the abbreviated option.
There are there sessions:
- Wed. Feb. 22nd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at Hawk Hill in Wachterhauser Seminar Room- PLC 2nd floor
- Thurs., Feb 23rd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at UCity in Faith-Justice Institute in England Library 1st floor
- Friday, February 24th from 9am-10am on Zoom (register for link)
If interested, please register at the form below and you will receive more information!
More about Greg Boyle, S.J.’s The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness:
Boyle's moving stories challenge our ideas about God and about people, providing a window into a world filled with fellowship, compassion, and fewer barriers. Bursting with encouragement, humor, and hope, The Whole Language invites us to treat others- and ourselves--with acceptance and tenderness.
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Being prepared for professional success is one of the key aspects of our Mission statement. The semi-annual Career Fair represents employers from a wide range of industries and organizations recruiting students for full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, and volunteer/service opportunities. This fair is open to all SJU undergraduate and graduate students and alumni seeking opportunities in all fields apart from science and health.
Learn more about SJU’s Center for Career Development’s other events here.
Location: Athletics Center/Hagan Arena
Time: Wednesday Feb 22 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hosted by: SJU Career Center
Thursday, Feb 23rd
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Join your peers and fellow alumni in this lunchtime self-reflection Examen led by SJU Campus Minister and Theology Adjunct, Tinamarie Stolz. Please register to receive the zoom link.
The Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is a prayer method created by St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits. We encourage you to pray the Examen with us - whether this is your first time or you pray it daily. You can learn more about the Examen here.
You can access a printable flyer for the event here.
Location: Zoom (Register for link)
Time: Thursday, Feb 23rd 12:00pm - 12:30pm -
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join us for The Mission Week book club! We will be reading The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Greg Boyle, SJ. All are welcome to the discussion- even if you haven't read the whole book. There will be a specific chapter discussed at all sessions and copies of that chapter can be made available if the interest/availability lends itself to the abbreviated option.
There are there sessions:
- Wed. Feb. 22nd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at Hawk Hill in Wachterhauser Seminar Room- PLC 2nd floor
- Thurs., Feb 23rd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at UCity in Faith-Justice Institute in England Library 1st floor
- Friday, February 24th from 9am-10am on Zoom (register for link)
If interested, please register at the form below and you will receive more information!
More about Greg Boyle, S.J.’s The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness:
Boyle's moving stories challenge our ideas about God and about people, providing a window into a world filled with fellowship, compassion, and fewer barriers. Bursting with encouragement, humor, and hope, The Whole Language invites us to treat others- and ourselves--with acceptance and tenderness.
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All are invited to campus to celebrate PCP Founders' Day 2023 which commemorates the founding of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy on February 23, 1821. During this event, two newly created awards for PCP alumni and their recipients will be announced. Registration is required. You can learn more about the event and award recipients here.
The schedule of events will include:
- 6:00 pm Welcome and Registration
- We encourage you to stop by early! Student-led tours of Griffith Hall and the Marvin Samson Center for the History of Pharmacy will begin at 5 P.M.
- 6:30 pm Program and Presentation of Awards
- 7:00 pm Reception - heavy appetizers and an open bar
Location: Integrated Professional Education Complex (IPEX) building on the SJU University City Campus (formerly PCPS/USciences campus).
Time: Thursday, Feb 23 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - 6:00 pm Welcome and Registration
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Students are invited to pray the examen together at 9:15 pm this Thursday (and every Thursday) in Wolfington Center (Campus Ministry). This event is perfect for those who have never heard of the Examen or who practice it daily!
The Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is a prayer method created by St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits. We encourage you to pray the Examen with us - whether this is your first time or you pray it daily. You can learn more about the Examen here.
Location: Wolfington Center (HH) / Campus Ministry (building next to the chapel)
Time: Thursday 9:15 pm - 9:30 pm -
The Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is a prayer method created by St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits. We encourage you to pray the Examen with us - whether this is your first time or you pray it daily. You can learn more about the Examen here.
The Examen can also be prayed anytime you want using this video guide by Sr. Margaret Scott ACJ . The link is: sju.edu/examen
Friday, Feb 24th
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Alumni, faculty/staff, and students are invited to join us for The Mission Week book club! We will be reading The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Greg Boyle, SJ. All are welcome to the discussion- even if you haven't read the whole book. There will be a specific chapter discussed at all sessions and copies of that chapter can be made available if the interest/availability lends itself to the abbreviated option.
There are there sessions:
- Wed. Feb. 22nd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at Hawk Hill in Wachterhauser Seminar Room- PLC 2nd floor
- Thurs., Feb 23rd from 12:30pm-1:30pm at UCity in Faith-Justice Institute in England Library 1st floor
- Friday, February 24th from 9am-10am on Zoom (register for link)
If interested, please register at the form below and you will receive more information!
More about Greg Boyle, S.J.’s The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness:
Boyle's moving stories challenge our ideas about God and about people, providing a window into a world filled with fellowship, compassion, and fewer barriers. Bursting with encouragement, humor, and hope, The Whole Language invites us to treat others- and ourselves--with acceptance and tenderness.
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Calling all faculty, staff and alumni: Join your colleagues and fellow alumni for a morning of service at Cradles to Crayons on February 24th from 10 am to 12 pm! Service will vary but typically includes sorting, cleaning, inspecting, or packaging donated goods for children, or another type of warehouse activity.
Please fill out the form below if you would like to join us ASAP as space is limited!A few notes...
- Transportation is not provided (the location is 4700 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144).
- Remember to check with your supervisor or secure time off.
- After filling out this form, you will be emailed an online waiver from Cradles to Crayons that should be filled out prior to Feb 24th. If you don't receive it, please email Eric Thompson (ethompso@sju.edu).
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Thompson (ethompso@sju.edu).
If you wish to make a monetary donation to Cradles to Crayons you can do so here.Location: Cradles to Crayons (4700 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144)
Time: February 24th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm -
Join SJU CID as we make sandwiches that will be distributed to those in need around Philadelphia through The Food Connect. Peanut butter and grape jelly donations are welcome! Please fill out the form below to register.
You can view a printable flyer of this event here.
Location: Sunroom 1 Campion (Hawk Hill)
Time: Friday Feb 2/24 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm -
The Synod for communion, participation, and mission initiated by Pope Francis calls all of us around the world to journey and discern together our joys, challenges, hopes, and dreams for the future of the Catholic Church. Join us for a conversation with Becky McIntyre, '17, artist for Philadelphia Catholic Higher Education's participation in the Synod, and Julia Oseka, '25, who represented college students of the Philadelphia archdiocese at the Continental Stage of the Synod, which brought together Catholics from the U.S. and Canada for a series of discernment session, to learn about how YOU can contribute to this next phase of the synod. All are welcome to join in this exciting conversation.
You can view a printable flyer for this event here.
Location: Chapel of Saint Joseph (Hawk Hill)
Time: Friday Feb 2/24 at 1:00pm to 2:00pm -
Join in community through this special Mission Week themed Wolfington Friday!
Wolfington Fridays are open to all students! Stop by Wolfington Center (Campus Ministry/ building next to the Chapel) from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a fun activity and good community!
Location: Wolfington Center (Hawk Hill)
Time: Friday Feb 24 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, Feb 25th
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Watch the SJU's Women's Basketball team as they take on Duquesne on February 25th at 2:00 pm in Hagan Arena. During this special Mission Week themed game, you can watch a video of our students explaining how they live out the SJU Mission.
The Office of Mission is excited to offer special discounted tickets for the home basketball games occurring during Mission Week. This includes:
- SJU Men's Basketball vs. VCU on Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 pm for $15
- SJU Women's Basketball vs. Duquesne on Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 pm for $5
To redeem this special deal head to https://sjuhawks.evenue.net/ and enter the promo code MISSION at the top right of the screen. This deal is open to friends and family, so please feel free to share. Students can receive free tickets and we encourage you to do so during Mission Week! Click here for more information on how to redeem your free tickets.
Location: Hagan Arena
Time: February 24th at 2:00 pm
Hosted by: SJU Athletics -
Join the CID as we visit The Colored Girls Museum (TCGM), a memoir museum founded in 2015 by Vashti DuBois, that honors the stories, experiences and history of ordinary Colored Girls. The first of its kind, the museum initiates the object—submitted by the Colored Girl herself—as a representative of an aspect of her story and personal history which she finds meaningful. These objects embody her experience and expression of being a Colored Girl.
TCGM distinguishes itself by exclusively collecting, preserving, honoring and decoding artifacts pertaining to the experience and herstory of Colored Girls. This museum is an equal parts research facility, exhibition space, gathering place and think tank. TCGM is located in the historic neighborhood of Germantown in Philadelphia, an area renowned for its complement of historic buildings and homes.
Time: February 25th at 1:30 pm
Hosted by: SJU Center for Inclusion and Diversity -
Have you taken time to reflect on your spiritual journey and life at SJU so far? Do you hope to build stronger friendships and get to know your fellow Hawks better? Do you take enough time out of your busy schedule to relax and be present? You can do ALL these things and MORE on the IGNITE RETREAT!
Registration is Full!
Location: Saint Raphaela Retreat House
Time: Feb 17-18th -
This weekend retreat, led by Fr. Paolo Gamberini, SJ, will be guided by the spiritual practice of absolute silence and loving attention, while also engaging in contact with nature. This retreat is hosted by the St. Raphaela Center and there is a cost to attend. You must register on their website.
Location: St. Raphaela Center (Off-Campus)
Time: Feb 24th 4:00pm - Feb 26th 6:00pm
Cost: $250
Sunday, Feb 26th
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February 26 is National Letter to an Elder Day and Love For Our Elders is an ideal way to give back this season. The organization is dedicated to helping people show love to those who need it. We’ve outlined how to send physical letters below, but visit their website for instructions on how to send a video letter as well.
Easy steps:
- Please sign up for our virtual service campaign and be counted as a participant. This helps us improve our service campaigns over time. Our campaign will run until 02/28/2023.
- Grab a blank card or piece of paper.
- Write a kind note or Valentine (start with “Hi there”, maybe tell a story or joke, and spread love!).
- Mail to:
Love For Our Elders
PO Box 24248
Cleveland, OH 44124
Questions? Contact us at alumni@sju.edu.
Hosted by: SJU Alumni Association
Time: All February! -
Join us as we "continue the mission!" Masses will be held on Hawk Hill and University City campuses.
Time: Sunday, 2/19 7 pm and 9 pm masses
As Hawks, we live the mission every day in our classrooms, in our offices, in the community, on the fields, and in the residence halls.
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