Office of Mission Programs

Office of Mission Programs

Welcome to Mission Week!

February 14 - 23, 2025
 

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Saint Joseph's University Students outside Foley sitting on the grass chatting

Explore the Week

Full Schedule of Events 🗓️
Mission Resources 📖
Join Mailing List ✉️

Learn, Reflect, and Serve

Mission Week is a time for our university community to come together and celebrate the heart of what makes Saint Joseph's special: our shared commitment to Jesuit values. This week features over 35 events offering opportunities to learn about our mission, engage in self-reflection (in true Ignatian style!), and give back to the community. Explore some of the featured events below to make the most of the week!

students studying outside
LEARN

Jesu-what?!

Keep hearing about "Ignatian values" or "Jesuits" and wondering who they are or why they matter at SJU? This is your chance to find out! Join us for events that will decode the Jesuit mission and show you how it shapes life at Saint Joseph's.

  •  Jesuit 101 Webinar: Learn the foundations of SJU’s mission and what it means to be part of a Jesuit institution. (Wednesday 2/19 | 12 pm)

  • Mission in Healthcare: Join a discussion focused on applying Jesuit values to the healthcare industry, with insights for nursing students. (Date TBD)

  • Java with a Jesuit: Grab a free coffee and engage in meaningful conversations with a Jesuit to hear their perspectives and ask any questions you may have! (Monday 2/17 | 11 am - 12:30 pm)

two female saint joseph's university students sitting next to each other outside
REFLECT

Take Time for yourself

Did you know that reflection is at the heart of Jesuit tradition? St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuits) taught that taking time to pause and reflect helps us find clarity, peace, and purpose. This week, we’re bringing that tradition to life with events designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect.

  • Chapel Open House: Visit the chapel on the Hawk Hill campus and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with calming music, soothing lighting, and reflection resources. A guided Examen will play automatically each day at 10 AM and 2 PM. (All Week)
  • Visit the Maguire Art Museum: Explore Ignatian inspired artwork during a self guided tour. (All Week)
  • Visio Divina: Sacred Seeing: Reflect on the theme of "Walking with the Excluded" by reflecting on works from the exhibit "Make or Break: Creativity as an Act of Survival". (Thursday 2/20 | 12 pm)
  • Video Reflection Group: Join a group discussion inspired by a short, thought-provoking video (topic to be announced). (Dates TBD)
Picture of SJU employees at Cradles to Crayons
SERVE

Hawks With and For Others

Mission Week calls us to live out our university’s mission by serving those in need. Whether it’s lending a hand locally or supporting global initiatives, these events are your chance to make an impact and embody the spirit of people "with and for others.”

  • Community Drive: Donation drive to collect items for local organizations, including those that benefit SJU students. (All Week)
  • PB&J Making Event: Help prepare sandwiches for individuals in need. (Date TBD)
  • Employee & Alumni Day of Service: Join employees and alumni for a service event at Cradles to Crayons. (Friday 2/21)
  • Haiti Partnership Initiatives: We have a number of events that will raise money for our Jesuit partnership in Haiti though Foi et Joie Haiti schools. The include:

Explore Week-Long Events & Initiatives

  • Reflections In the Chapel

    Chapel in the winter

    Stop by the Chapel of Saint Joseph anytime during mission week for a unique experience of soothing music, gentle lighting, and time for reflection—all designed to help you recharge and reflect throughout the week!

    An audio Examen will play at 10am and 2pm each day.

    Learn more

  • Embrace the Jesuit Mission at the Museum

    Inside a gallery of the Maguire Museum at Saint Joseph's

    Stop by the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum during Mission Week for a self guided tour of ignatian-inspired items throughout the museum!

    Museum Hours

  • Ignatian Practices for Everyday Decisions

    How can you live the mission in everyday life? Check out our video series featuring five SJU community members as they share Ignatian practices for everyday decisions. You can find the videos on SJU social media, by joining our mailing list or by using the link below.

    View Videos

  • Portal Through SJU

    Portal Art Exhibit in Philadelphia's Love Park

    We are proud to be united through our shared mission across three campuses. Visit the Hawk Hill Library Atrium, McNeil Science Center, or the Lancaster Atrium to connect with your peers on another campus through our "Portals" installation, inspired by the popular art exhibit "Portal" located at Love Park in Philadelphia, PA.

  • Lenten Reflection Email Series

    Reflect with the SJU community this Lent! Sign up to receive daily short reflections written by a member of our SJU community throughout Lent.

    Sign Up

  • Community Donation Drive

    Mission Week at Saint Joseph's University is an excellent reminder that when our community comes together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. During Mission Week we will be holding a collection that benefits multiple organizations. 

    Learn More

     

  • Spiritual Exercises

    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. For 50 years members of the SJU community, of any faith tradition (or none at all) have participated!

    Learn More

  • Walking Examen

    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.

    Learn More

  • Letters to Elders

    Help us make our elders feel loved this Valentine's season by sending them holiday cards. Solidarity and kinship are key values of Jesuit education. Small actions and interactions can leave a lasting impact on recipients!

    How to Participate

  • Go Move Challenge

    Calling all faculty and staff! It's not too late to sign up for the 2025 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!

    Learn More

Schedule of Events

Use the tabs below to switch between different days of Mission Week.

View Printable Schedule
View Week Long Initiatives
Join Mailing List

Mission Resources

Below are some resources and material you may find helpful with engaging with our mission.

What is your Personal Mission?

Share & Read Others'

Thank You!

Thank you for Living the Mission and engaging with Saint Joseph's University Mission Week! We'd also like to thank the following people who helped to shape Mission Week 2025.

List coming soon!

 

 

 

Questions? Contact Us

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