In the spirit of reflection, we pose these questions as an opportunity to extend the conversation. We hope that by offering these ideas, the discussion continues on your campus— with colleagues, with students, and with your community.
How does your institution treat the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) – is it yet another challenge to add to the work you already do or is it a way of bringing a focus and renewed vigor to programs that already exist?
The UAPs are interconnected in such a way that, when focusing on one, you might discover you are really looking at several. Discuss the ways they are unique and the ways they build and support each other. What positive steps can the university play in ways to address the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church?
In what ways are the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian discernment manifest on your campus? Is group discernment used when making decisions about the future of the institution? Why or why not?
Are formal Spiritual Exercises regularly available on your campus to staff, faculty, students, and the community? Should they be? What might the benefits be of offering them more widely for each of these groups?
As the pandemic has forced separation, and classes, advising, and meetings are done remotely, how do you think the personal relationships that Jesuit institutions work so hard to build will change?
Who are the writers, thinkers, doers and artists whose works help you find God or become more spiritually aware? Why? Do you share their work with others? How?
Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ served as the launching point for many authors writing about “caring for our common home.” What do you think it is about this encyclical that is so inspirational?
Many Jesuit institutions in the United States may seem out of place and perhaps out of touch with the communities that surround them. What is your institution doing to build and sustain meaningful relationships with its neighbors?
In what ways does your institution incorporate climate change into the curriculum? Is it a topic only for science classes or is it something English or economics classes can address?
Research is such an important part of the work of many Jesuit institutions. How will this be challenged and changed by the pandemic?
We would love to keep the conversation going with your thoughts on these or other topics online at conversationsmagazine.org. Have an idea you would like to see on our website? Email conversamag@gmail.com.