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.
Employees may find out more about how to participate in Employee Voluntary Opportunities through Mission Leave —> Mission Leave for Administrators
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Summer 2026 Ignatian Programming opportunities that engage the head, heart and hands. Faculty, staff, and students are all welcome!
Questions? Contact Robert Parmach ([email protected]), Senior Director of Ignatian Mission & Education.
JUNE
Program: Summer Reflection at Murray-Weigel Jesuit Infirmary (RH)
Date & Time: Thursday, 6/11 | 2 - 3 p.m.
Description: Meet Jesuits from Murray-Weigel Hall community and share in a summer themed Ignatian spiritual reflection. Meet at 1:45pm at Bathgate Avenue security gate (near Finlay Hall).
Program: School Supply Packing Service Project (LC)
Date & Time: Monday, 6/15 | 1- 2:15 p.m.
Description: Make a school supply pack for a child in NYCHA housing and include a note of affirmation.
Program: Ignatian Silent Retreat for Faculty & Staff, Mariandale Retreat House (LC & RH)
Date & Time: Tuesday 6/16 - Thursday 6/18 | 2 p.m.
Description: Fordham Campus Ministry leads a three-day silent Ignatian retreat at the Mariandale Retreat House in Ossining, New York. Set goals midway through the calendar year and reflect on the spring semester over three days of silence, prayer, walking, journaling, yoga, swimming, and art making. Let the gifts of summer fill your soul by getting grounded and taking time to retreat in silence in community. Limited space available, and a commuter day on Wednesday is an option. Contact Carol Gibney for more information.
Program: One-Hour Lunch Retreat, Botanical Garden (RH)
Date & Time: Wednesday 6/24 | 12- 1 p.m.
Description: Participate in a summer guided spiritual reflection and conversation in the Botanical Garden. Lunch sandwiches provided.
Program: Harborview Community Park Clean-Up (LC)
Date & Time: Thursday 6/25 | 1 - 2:30
Description: Spend some time outdoors to help beautify a neighborhood park with fellow members of the Fordham community
JULY
Program: Learn & Lunch: St. Ignatius & Jesuit Education (LC)
Date & Time: Tuesday 7/14 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Description:This session introduces key themes in the life and work of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and the fundamentals of the Jesuit educational experience at Fordham University.
Program: Learn & Lunch: St. Ignatius & Jesuit Education (RH)
Date & Time: Thursday 7/16 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Description: This session introduces key themes in the life and work of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and the fundamentals of the Jesuit educational experience at Fordham University.
Program: Mission-in-Action Sandwich Making Service Project (RH)
Date & Time: Tuesday 7/21 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Description: Help make 225 meal packs for community fridges; we’ll conclude with a brief Ignatian reflection.
Program: One-Hour Lunch Retreat, Lowenstein Plaza (LC)
Date & Time: Thursday 7/23 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Description: Participate in a guided summer spiritual Ignatian reflection and conversation. Lunch sandwiches provided.
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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.
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"That which makes you feel the most alive in what you do is where God is."
- St. Ignatius of Loyola