Ignatian Mission Initiatives
Uniting Head, Heart and Hands
Fordham University's educational and spiritual philosophy stems from the legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Our shared mission is centered on the person's holistic development of body, mind and soul. My role is to help our University community better understand, animate and operationalize this distinctive mission as contemplatives-in-action. Through workshops, training, shared meals, conversations, community service engagements, reflections and varied and diverse programming, we follow the nearly 500-year-old Jesuit tradition of engaging the head (intellect/curiosity/imagination), heart (beliefs/character/values) and hands (on-the-ground actions). This Ignatian charism of educating women and men for others works to transform the world by integrating intellect, spirituality, ethics, and public service for the betterment of all - one soul at a time. Check out our offerings below as a partner in our shared mission. Thank you.
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Share in our Spring 2025 Ignatian Programming opportunities that engage the head, heart, and hands. All are welcome!
Any Questions? Contact Robert Parmach ([email protected]), Director of Ignatian Mission
January
1-Hour Retreat: Multi-Faith Convo on Dealing with Adversity (3-4pm on Wednesday 1/22) (RH)
School Supply Service Project (2-3pm on Monday 1/27) (LC)
Winter Reflection with Jesuits at Murray-Weigel Retirement Home (3-4pm on Thursday 1/30) (RH)
Mission-in-Action Sandwich Making at St. Ignatius Middle School (1:30-4:00pm on Friday 1/31) (RH)
February
Story time with Neighborhood Kids (3:30-5:30pm on Friday 2/7) (LC)
Prayer & Humor in Daily Life (1-2pm on Monday 2/10) (RH)
1-Hour Retreat: Many Faces of Love (1-2pm on Tuesday 2/11) (LC)
Mission-in-Action Sandwich Making (11:30am-12:45pm on Wednesday 2/12) (RH)
Valentine’s Reflection with Jesuits at Murray-Weigel Retirement Home (3-4pm on Thursday 2/13) (RH)
Book Discussion: Putnam on America’s Social Crisis (6-7pm on Thursday 2/13) (LC)
1-Hour Retreat: Conflicting Loves (12-1pm on Wednesday 2/19) (RH)
Xavier Welcome Table Service Project in Chelsea (11:30am-4pm on Sunday 2/23) (LC)
March
Public Speaking Practice for Grad Students (12-1:30pm on Monday 3/3) (LC)
Story time with Neighborhood Kids (3:30-5:30pm on Wednesday 3/5) (LC)
Feast & Fasting Across the Faith Traditions (6-7pm on Friday 3/7) (LC)
Mission-in-Action Sandwich Making (11:30am-12:45pm on Monday 3/10) (LC)
1-Hour Retreat: Mid-Semester Check-In (1-2pm on Tuesday 3/11) (LC)
Staff & Faculty Retreat at Goshen NY (9am-4:30pm on Wednesday 3/12) (RH & LC)
St. Patrick’s Reflection with Jesuits at Murray-Weigel Retirement Home (3-4pm on Thursday 3/13) (RH)
April
1-Hour Retreat: Easter Hope (12:30-1:30pm on Wednesday 4/2) (LC)
Xavier Mission Clothes Sort (3:30-6pm on Thursday 4/3) (LC)
Music & Life Lessons at St. Ignatius Middle School (1:30-4pm on Friday 4/4) (RH)
Ignatian Day of Service: Manhattan (9am-2pm on Saturday 4/5) (LC)
5-Minute Jesuit Vocation Stories (1-2pm on Monday 4/7) (RH)
Easter Reflection with Jesuits at Murray-Weigel Retirement Home (3-4pm on Thursday 4/10) (RH)
Story time with Neighborhood Kids (3:30-5:30pm on Monday 4/14) (LC)
Public Speaking Practice for Grad Students (4:30-6pm on Wednesday 4/23) (LC)
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I also offer tailored Ignatian workshops and talks for a variety of Fordham University audiences (student groups, administrative departments, faculty, staff, alumni).
Some examples include:Ignatian Public Speaking Theory-in-ActionProfessional & Personal Development: Our Shared University MissionJesuit Leadership & Soft SkillsThe Ignatian Charism in Daily LifeNourishing the Interior Life: Some Life Lessons from Ignatius of LoyolaCivil Discourse & the Ignatian WayLeveraging Failure in Daily Life: Some Ignatian PerspectivesIgnatian Fitness & Mindfulness SessionIgnatian Practices for Good TeachingHead, Heart, Hands: Jesuit Education EssentialsFeel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you.
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Here are a few short articles that you might find interesting.
"That which makes you feel the most alive in what you do is where God is."
- St. Ignatius of Loyola