The Living out the Jesuit, Catholic Mission: Diverse Perspectives Series program provides a welcoming space for employees of all backgrounds and faith traditions to share how they incorporate the Ignatian tradition into their professional and personal lives.
Diverse Perspectives Series
Goals
Focuses on how employees of various backgrounds (race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, etc.) and faith traditions (religion) incorporate the Jesuit tradition within their work at Boston College and into their personal lives. Members of the faculty, staff and administration will be invited to share how they experience 51茶馆鈥檚 mission, which is influenced by the Jesuit mission and the Ignatian vision, by responding to the following questions:
To what extent have you incorporated and live out the 51茶馆 mission in your work at the University?
How do you to articulate the Jesuit mission as it relates to the mission of Boston College?
How has the Ignatian vision enhanced your personal world view?
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Past Programs
Spring 2024 - St. Ignatius on the Magis, True Humility, and a Holy Work-Life Balance
Barton Geger, S.J., Assistant Professor of the Practice at the School of Theology and Ministry, led the session "St. Ignatius on the Magis, True Humility, and a Holy Work-Life Balance." Fr. Bart discussed Ignatius' ideas on work-life balance, acceptance of personal gifts and limitations, and being spiritually free. Of the 23 attendees, 10 rated the session "Excellent." Participants joined to learn about spiritual approaches to work-life balance and rethinking priorities. Key takeaways included the importance of self-care, making thoughtful decisions, and understanding the difference between false and genuine humility.
Fall 2023 - Blessed is the Fruit: 20 Years of Faith Resources from the C21 Center
Karen Kiefer, Director of the Church in the 21st Century Center, led the session "Blessed is the Fruit: 20 Years of Faith Resources from the C21 Center," engaging 21 participants on the importance of faith, friendship, and community renewal. Attendees joined to learn about the Jesuit mission and the history and resources of the C21 Center. Key takeaways included insights into the past two presidents of Boston College and the importance of incorporating the Jesuit mission into daily life.
Spring 2023 - Messina College: Advancing Transformative Jesuit Education
Erick Berrelleza, S.J., founding dean of Messina College, presented on how this new residential college will advance transformative Jesuit education offered at Boston College. Eighty five percent of survey respondents rated this session as excellent, and ten percent rated it as good. The majority of participants signed up to learn more about the vision and goals of Messina College. Participants enjoyed learning more about Messina College, and it helped people think about how their work and how it can support current/future Messina students, 鈥淚 would love to revisit this topic, along with the Pine Manor Institute in a year or two. Having a progress update on graduation rates and student feedback will be important for all of us to hear,鈥� 鈥淰ery exciting opportunity for future students and I see many ways Messina college can collaborate with the Chestnut Hill Campus鈥�
Fall 2022 - The Samurai & The Cross: The Jesuit Enterprise in Early Modern Japan
This event, led by M. Antoni J. Ucerler, S.J., Director of the Ricci Institute, explored the cultural, linguistic, and religious challenges that Jesuit missionaries faced, and opened the floor for more curiosity and questions about the work and unique resources for the study of Asia that the institute has brought to Boston College. Eighty nine percent of survey respondents rated this session as excellent, and eleven percent rated it as good. Participants signed up for various reasons, including interest in what the Ricci Institute has going on throughout the year, wanting to learn more about Christianity in Japan, and wanting to explore more about Jesuit history. Feedback included, 鈥淢y key takeaway from the session is that humanity transcends the religious barriers humans sometimes build up against one another. Moving forward I will leverage this understanding to maintain more inclusive environments,鈥� 鈥淚 was thoroughly impressed by the presentation, structure of the event, and venue where it was held. I would most certainly attend a part II鈥�