Welcome to Mission Week!

February 14 - 23, 2025

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

Schedule of Events 🗓️

Our Shared Mission 🤝

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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: Join Dr. Cheryl McConnell and Fr. Daniel Joyce S.J. as they discuss the foundations of SJU’s mission and what it means to be part of a Jesuit institution. (Wednesday 2/19 | 12:30 pm | Zoom)
Mission in Healthcare: How does our university mission relate to those in the healthcare industry? Join us for a discussion focused on applying Jesuit values to those interested in nursing and other related fields. (Thursday 2/20 | 4 pm | Zoom)
Java with a Jesuit: Grab a free coffee, donuts and engage in meaningful conversations with a Jesuit in the Lancaster Atrium. Meet & greet events with campus ministers will also happen on the Hawk Hill and University City campuses. (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 of Saint Joseph on the Hawk Hill campus to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with calming music, soothing lighting, and reflection resources. A guided Examen will also play automatically each day at 10 AM and 1 PM. (All Week)
Visit the Maguire Art Museum: Explore Ignatian inspired artwork in this student-created self-guided tour. Look for the SJU shield stickers throughout the galleries. (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)
Living with Depth & Praying with Presence: This one hour session explores two ways to engage your faith life: Seeing the divine in what is around you & Exploring your personal prayer practice. All faith journeys are welcome! The session will have invitations to share with the group, but sharing is not required for participation. (Zoom: Tuesday 2/18 9:30am | In-person: Thursday Feb 20 | 11 am)

Picture of SJU employees at Cradles to Crayons

GIVE BACK

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. (University City: Tuesday 2/18 - 12 pm | Hawk Hill: Friday 2/21 - 12 pm)
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 through Foi et Joie Haiti schools. The include:
- Book Signing (Monday 2/17 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm)
- Hot Dogs for Haiti (Tuesday 2/18 | 11 am)
- Employee Community Lunch (Thursday 2/13 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm)

Reflection In the Chapel

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 10 am and 1 pm each day.
Learn more
Visit the Maguire Art Museum

Explore Ignatian inspired artwork in this student-created self-guided tour. Look for the SJU shield stickers throughout the galleries.
Museum Hours
Jesuit Lingo

Magis, Cura Personalis, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – What Does It All Mean?! Throughout Mission Week, we’ll have posters defining these terms, videos on social media exploring their significance, as well as discussion questions on the whiteboards throughout the Lancaster campus. Discover how these Jesuit principles shape our mission!
Learn the Lingo
Portal Through SJU

We are proud to be united through our shared mission across three campuses. Visit the Hawk Hill Library Atrium, McNeil STC, 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.
Subscribe
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 on all three campuses.
Learn More
Influence of Jesuit Mission

How has our Jesuit Mission at SJU influenced our community members? We asked students, staff, and alumni to share how they’ve experienced the Jesuit mission in their lives. Their stories reflect the heart of our community!
Read their Stories
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. Small actions and interactions can leave a lasting impact on recipients! Please register with the link below to receive a confirmation with simple instructions on how to participate.
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
My Mission is...

How do we, as Hawks, live out our Mission? Explore responses from individuals across all our SJU locations!
Read Responses
Live the Mission Conversations

Throughout Mission Week, we invite everyone to reflect on and discuss our University's mission—whether in the classroom, the office, or over lunch. To help spark these important conversations, we’ve created resources for teachers and conversation leaders to use in any setting.
View Conversation Guide
Crafting for a Cause

We invite you to spend some time making a craft item to be donated to various organizations! Materials and supplies will be provided in the Great Hall of the Maguire Art Museum during all of Mission Week.
Learn More