Explore and Grow in Faith!
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 18.
- We will then gather each Friday during Community Period (12:15pm to 1:30pm) for the remainder of the fall semester and for a few weeks 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 21-23.
Applications for the class of 2028 First Year Leadership Team will be available in September.
Contact Tom Sheibley at tsheible@sju.edu with any questions.
ENGAGE - First Year Faith Communities
![students holding hands around a glowing fire](/sites/mergersjuedu/files/styles/wide_1024x/public/2024-06/Ignite%20bonfire%20picture%20cropped.jpg?itok=Gt_Lor1X)
Through the ENGAGE program, you can meet weekly with others in your first year residence hall to form friendships and explore your faith together! All students are welcome to attend -- whether you are strong in your faith or have lots of questions. Come as you are to experience the joy that can be found in community!
Contact: Julia Osęka jo750973@sju.edu & Matthew Clifford mc716793@sju.edu for more info.
CLCs - Christian Life Communities
![Christian Life Communities logo](/sites/mergersjuedu/files/inline-images/CLC.jpg)
What's a CLC?
- CLCs are weekly small groups of students that commit to growing in faith together. Groups meet to have intentional conversations, explore tools of faith exploration, and leave with friendships that span from what you had for dinner to your image of God. Because CLCs meet consistently, this sacred space provides students with a home on campus to help them through the highs and lows of college life
What is CLC like?
Weekly sessions are 1 hour on weekday afternoons or evenings. Sessions include the following:
- Opening Prayer
- Check-In
- Focus Experience
- Community Announcements
- Closing Prayer
Do you need to be at a specific place in your faith or spiritual life?
Literally, no. CLC is for anyone who wants to jump in. Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, you are encouraged to join CLC. While CLC is rooted in Christianity and Ignatian Spirituality, students of all faiths traditions and backgrounds are welcome.
![Pieces of paper with different words written on them scattered on a table](/sites/mergersjuedu/files/inline-images/IMG_5591.jpg)
How can I join?
- Show up or sign up!
- Here's the sign up link
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.
What's an Affinity CLC?
- Some of our groups are called Affinity CLCs -- these are groups of students who 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. Please note, not every session topic is specifically about those intersections, but it provides space for like minded and hearted people to gather at important intersections of identity
- Coming Out Spirituality CLC (Gender Identity & Faith/Spirituality)
- BIPOC CLC (Race & Faith/Spirituality)
- Men’s CLC (Manhood & Faith/Spirituality)
- Women’s CLC (Womanhood & Faith/Spirituality)
- Senior CLC (The class of 2025/discernment & Faith/Spirituality)
Information
Contact Tinamarie Stolz at tstolz@sju.edu with any questions, ideas, concerns or feedback
The Huddle
![young people in a circle with hands together in the middle](/sites/mergersjuedu/files/styles/wide_1024x/public/2024-05/faith%20community.jpg?itok=-cQKWZbO)
The Huddle is a faith community for student athletes at SJU. We meet each Thursday at 8pm in Wolfington Hall (Campus Ministry building). Varsity athletes from any team are encouraged to attend.
Contact Tom Sheibley tsheible@sju.edu for more information