MISSION AND MINISTRY ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Division of Mission and Ministry enjoyed a number of noteworthy accomplishments during the 2016-17 academic year. These included multiple new initiatives as well as the enhancement of numerous established offerings. Highlights of our work this year include: Liturgy. The Eucharist remains the source and summit of our ministry. The liturgical celebrations facilitated by Mission and Ministry are central to the efforts of our Division and to the life of the university. Each Sunday evening, Mass is celebrated at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. in Founders Chapel. Likewise, Mass is celebrated each weekday at 12:15 p.m. and every Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m. Altogether, Eucharist was celebrated in Founders Chapel more than 250 times throughout the academic year. Moreover, Mission and Ministry played a leading role in organizing large-scale, university-wide liturgies to mark special occasions in our community s life. These include the Mass of Welcome, the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the All Faith Service and the Baccalaureate Mass. We also celebrated Mass for other, special university occasions throughout the year, including: the Red Mass, Homecoming and Family Weekend Mass, Alumni Christmas Mass, Mid-Year Graduation Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, Farmworker s Mass, Law School Graduation Mass and the Graduate Schools Graduation Mass. At each of our Masses, the USD community is renewed and inspired by the real presence of Jesus encountered in the Eucharistic, the Word, the person of the presider and the community gathered. San Diego Immersion. Created in response to the university s new strategic plan and the Anchor Institution pathway as well as University Ministry s strategic plan (see Appendix A) the San Diego immersion took place across four days of January s intersession. The local immersion focused on issues of hunger, homelessness, affordable housing, veteran s services and access to healthcare. As with the other immersion programs we offer, the San Diego experience was based on the four values of social justice, spirituality, solidarity and simplicity. It incorporated relationship building, service, education and reflection. Catholic Charities, Father Joe s Villages, Our Lady s School and St. Paul s Senior Services were our key community partners. Summer Reflection Series. During the summer of 2016, we leveraged the Lift Up App (an iphone application developed by USD s Information Technology Services exclusively for University Ministry), to send out reflections on the Sunday readings. Thirteen current students composed these reflections which reached more than 500 of their peers. This approach allowed us to use technology in support of the faith development and spiritual growth of our students regardless of their geographic location. Grant from Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education. We applied for and received a $50,000 program grant from NetVUE, the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, a program of the Council of Independent Colleges. The grants are designed to foster vocational discernment in undergraduate college students. The funds received by USD will be dedicated to three primary projects: (1) a discernment retreat for student leaders, (2) church ministry internships and (3) a seminar for faculty members intended to help them integrate vocational reflection into their teaching and advising. Campus Liaisons. During the 2016-17 academic year, University Ministry instituted a new, more systematic approach to developing relationships with campus partners. While such outreach has long characterized our ministerial efforts, this year we formalized our approach by identifying seven campus populations with whom we partnered more intentionally and consistently. These groups included transfer students, international students, students in sororities, the Jewish Student Union, the Black Student Union, FUSO (the Filipino student organization), MEChA (a student organization for Latino students), and PRIDE
(the student organization dedicated to support students who identify as members of the LGBTQ community). The purpose of the campus liaison program was to make sure we prioritized relationship building with groups and individuals that may not otherwise have attended one of our liturgies, programs or events, to extend customized, personal invitations to those groups and individuals, and to offer ourselves as resources to assist the groups and individuals in navigating any challenges they faced. Support of Jewish Student Union The Jewish Student Union (JSU) was one of the groups identified for closer collaboration and support. University Ministry built on our established relationship with JSU by helping to facilitate three new programs: (1) a Sukkot display (commemorating the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles) on campus in October, (2) a lunch time event dedicated to the Butterfly Project, an arts-based educational experience focused on holocaust remembrance as well as a call to address anti-semitism and all forms of hate, and (3) an Interfaith Passover Seder Meal. Spirituality is Served Community Dinners. Held once a month, the purpose of the Spirituality is Served Community Dinners is two-fold: to invite students into a vibrant community of faith where they can feel a sense of belonging and develop meaningful relationships and to create a platform for catechesis to those gathered. Throughout the year, almost 300 students attended one of these dinners. Topics addressed included the canonization of St. Mother Teresa and Forms of Prayer as well as Church teaching on a number of pressing current events such as immigration. Especially poignant were the November dinner, titled Who is my Neighbor? The Gospel Call to Address Racism, as well as the April event which focused on Voices of Immigration. Through the thoughtful crafting and implementation of these dinner discussions, University Ministry provided faith formation while modelling respectful, civil discourse. Retreat Program. With eleven retreats offered throughout the academic year, our retreat program continues to thrive. These retreat provide students with unique opportunities to disconnect from technology; to enter into authentic relationships with their peers; to make sense out of their college experience; to discern their vocation; and to grow in their relationship with God. Our program includes retreats designed to meet the needs and interests of students along each stage of their four years in college. The retreats we offered include: the Pre-Orientation Retreat, First Year Student Retreat, Search (once each semester), Silent Retreat, Half Time, Founders Chapel Choir Retreat, Lenten Retreat, Men@USD Leadership Retreat and the Senior Seminar (once each semester). Altogether, more than 400 students participated in one of these experiences. In addition, many of our retreats involved student leaders; approximately 200 students served in a leadership role for one of the retreats facilitated by our office. Sacrament of Confirmation. On Sunday, May 7 th, 15 USD students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. San Diego Bishop Emeritus, the Most Reverend Robert H. Brom, celebrated the Sacrament with our community. The 15 students Confirmed more than doubled the number who received the Sacrament the previous year. The preparation process for the Sacrament was specifically designed for college students with the goal of helping them develop a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church. An intentional mystagogy process, following the Sacrament, included a dinner for the 15 newly confirmed with University Ministry student leaders. During the meal, the student leaders described a number of ways for those newly Confirmed to continue their faith development at USD. Finally, a short video was produced and distributed through all our communication channels in which the students who received the Sacrament spoke about their positive experience. This video serves as the starting point for promoting next year s Confirmation program. V Encuentro Throughout the academic year, University Ministry personnel have been actively involved in planning for the V Encuentro, a nation-wide process designed to support the New Evangelization and the integration
of young, second and third generation Hispanic and Latinos, in the life of the Catholic church. Two USD staff members served on the diocesan planning committee and USD agreed to host the Diocesan Encounter this October. Moreover, University Ministry held two focus groups with Hispanic/Latino students to listen to their experience with the Catholic Church and to gather from them ideas for how better we might foster their faith development. Strengthened Partnership with Catholic Relief Services. Through the formation of an Advisory Group for Global Solidarity, USD qualified for CRS highest level of partnership, the Global Campus designation. This advisory group met once each semester, bringing together administrators and faculty members, to discuss ways of enhancing the university s promotion of global solidarity. In addition, during the academic year we hosted two CRS speakers. In October, Feroz Arian, CRS Afghanistan field officer presented to more than 20 faculty and staff; and in March, Thomas Awiapo, from the CRS Ghana field officer, spoke to approximately 100 students during the Mass for Peace. Increasing connection with Catholic Charities. Building on last year s success, University Ministry expanded our Rachel s Night Shelter program to connect students to this Catholic Charities program once a month. Moreover, we worked in tandem with Catholic Charities staff on the implementation of the San Diego immersion. In November, USD hosted the Catholic Charities major fundraising event, the Matthew 25 Mass and dinner. Finally, a University Ministry staff member serves on the Corporate Board of Directors for the organization. Collaboration with Admissions. During the 2016-17 academic year Mission and Ministry continued to support the work of Undergraduate Admissions with a particular concern for promoting the university to Catholic families and/or prospective students from Catholic high schools. In March, we implemented a new initiative, an overnight experience for Catholic students. The program included a full afternoon of faith sharing and community development activities, including extended opportunities to speak with current USD students, designed to provide the prospective students with a sense of the full range of ministry opportunities available on campus. The afternoon concluded with Mass in Founders Chapel followed by an ice cream social. In addition to this overnight, we also worked closely with Admissions to once again sponsor a Come and See day visit for Catholic students and their families. Likewise, we created a web cast on USD s Catholic identity. Finally, as in past years, we cooperated to host a booth at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress to promote USD with a particular focus on our Catholic mission. Programs for Faculty and Staff. The Division of Mission and Ministry continues to offer programs for faculty and staff; these offerings are well attended and very well received. These programs include faculty/staff prayer breakfasts (offered once each semester), twilight retreats (presented twice each semester), a contemplative living group (one per semester), and tours of Founders Chapel. In addition, our division presents the Catholic identity, history, mission and core values to all new university employees through the New Employee Orientation hosted by Human Resources. Finally, each January we offer the annual All Faith Service. The theme of this year s service, A Call to Unity: Living with an Open Heart was especially timely as our nation and world wrestle with polarization and division. Mission Integration Institute. Working closely with the Division of Student Affairs, we implemented the fifth Mission Integration Institute. This year s gathering attracted participants from a diversity of Catholic Universities across the country as well as from Australian Catholic University. The 4 ½ day institute assists entry-level to midcareer professional administrators working in Catholic institutions of higher education in developing a deep understanding of the history, mission and purpose of Catholic higher education. Other emphases of the institute include fostering an understanding of faith and spirituality on Catholic campuses; how
contemporary social and moral issues manifest themselves in such campus communities; and how this generation of college students study, work and recreate. In addition to these newly developed initiatives, several continuing programs continued to achieve noteworthy success during the 2016-17 academic year. These include: Students for Life and, especially, L.I.F.E. Week. A University Ministry sponsored and advised student organization dedicated to promoting the dignity of human life and educating the campus community about the consistent ethic of life, Students for Life participated in a number of community events, hosted six campus wide service events and sponsored the annual L.I.F.E. (Living Is For Everyone) Week. The various events of L.I.F.E. week engaged more than 450 students and included a number of passive displays that were seen by countless more. This year s focus included suicide awareness, immigration, abortion, homelessness and domestic violence and sexual assault. In addition, Students for Life hosted a nationally known speaker on abolition of the death penalty. Graduate and law ministry. Our efforts to support graduate and law students continue to deepen and expand, highlighted by a remarkable collaboration with the School of Nursing. Across the year, we facilitated four Saturday mobile clinics for our partner communities in Tijuana staffed by nursing students and professors. These clinics provided basic health education and screening to more than 100 Mexican families. A second highlight of graduate and law student ministry were the monthly Theology on Tap sessions. This year s gatherings were especially meaningful in that we customized the sessions to address areas of special concern for each graduate school. We also hosted Dr. Harris as a speaker for one of the sessions. By inviting a current graduate student to co-host each Theology on Tap gathering, we continue to foster greater enthusiasm and participation across all the graduate schools and programs. Immersion experiences. As in recent years, our monthly Tijuana Day Trips were incredibly popular with far more students interested in participating than we had capacity for. In sum, 112 students were able to spend a day in Tijuana, assisting with a work project, developing relationships with various community partners, learning about the reality of the U.S./Mexico border and immigration and praying about the experience. These monthly, day trips were complemented by a week-long experience during spring break as well as by the East Los Angeles immersion held during fall holiday. Thriving in Business. Through this focused engagement with the School of Business, 204 students participated in an interactive presentation and conversation titled Transitioning from College to Career. The principal theme of the program was the critical importance of values and faith in discerning post-college directions. The continued excellence of Founders Chapel Choir. Comprised of approximately 50 students, the Founders Chapel Choir led our campus community in prayer at an extraordinary number of Sacramental celebrations and other sacred moments. In addition to offering high quality liturgical music, the Choir also engaged in several outreach and service events (i.e., singing at the women s prison and the psychiatric hospital) and provided the members a supportive, healthy community of faith. Plentiful opportunities for students to serve as liturgical ministers. Through learning about and serving in the roles of Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Altar Server and/or Minister of Hospitality, we have formed and prepared approximately 108 students to contribute to parish leadership in the future. Ongoing attention to marketing and promotion, especially to students not already involved in University Ministry programs, utilizing both new technologies as well as traditional flyers and posters.
10 students participated in the new San Diego Immersion, January 16 20, 2017. Held February 17 19, 2017, the Men@USD Leadership Retreat was attended by 35 students who spent the weekend reflecting and talking about who they are, the most significant relationships in their lives, their faith and what it means to be a servant leader.
LITURGY AND LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS Mass of Welcome: August 28, 2016 2,600 Participants Mass of the Holy Spirit: September 8, 2016 540 Participants All Faith Service: February 2, 2017 500 Participants Law School Graduation Liturgy: May 19, 2017 200 Participants Graduate School Graduation Liturgy: May 26, 2017 270 Participants Baccalaureate Mass: May 27, 2017 1,900 Participants SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS Daily Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation: Daily at 12:15 p.m. Mass for Peace: Every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. Communal Penance Services: December 12, 2016 and April 3, 2017 250 Participants at each Red Mass: October 3, 2016 150 Participants Homecoming and Family Weekend Mass: October 9, 2016 425 Participants Alumni Christmas Mass: December 10, 2016 250 Participants Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass: December 11, 2016 750 Participants Mid-Year Graduation Mass: December 16, 2016 275 Participants Mass for Cesar Chavez and Farm Workers Movement: March 30, 2017 100 Participants Opus Dei Evening of Recollections: Once a month Trustee Masses: Three times per year Founders Chapel Choir 56 Students
Liturgical Ministers 108 Students Eucharistic Adoration: September 27, 2016; December 5, 2016; and February 28, 2017 93 Students 61 Weddings and Preparations for Marriage 35 Baptisms On September 8, 2016, Bishop Robert W. McElroy presided at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition at Catholic colleges and universities dating back to the first European universities in the Middle Ages. During the liturgy we ask for the inspiration, guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit on all our campus activities throughout the year.
RETREATS Pre-Orientation Retreat: August 23 25, 2016 64 Participants 18 Student leaders First Year Student Retreat: September 30 October 2, 2016 34 Participants 18 Student leaders Senior Seminar: September 30 October 1, 2016 and February 3 4, 2017 38 Participants Silent Retreat: November 4 6, 2016 16 Participants Fall Search Retreat: November 11 13, 2016 74 Participants 75 Student leaders Half Time Retreat: January 22 24, 2017 18 Participants Men@USD Leadership Retreat: February 17 19, 2017 35 Participants Lenten Retreat: March 15 April 16, 2017 34 Participants Spring Search Retreat: April 7 9, 2017 65 Participants 105 Student leaders Pre-Orientation Retreat: August 23 25, 2016.
SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Rachel s Women s Center: September 15, October 3, November 17 and 21, 2016 and February 2, March 31, April 20 and May 1, 2017 Through a growing partnership with Catholic Charities at their downtown shelter for homeless women, USD students prepare a meal and spend time visiting with the clients of Rachel s Women s Center. Each evening concludes with reflection and prayer. 40 Participants East Los Angeles Immersion Experience: October 20 23, 2016 Offered during the fall holiday weekend, this immersion experience connects USD students with Dolores Mission Parish in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. In addition to assisting with the parish s various outreach programs, the students stay in the homes of parishioners, learn about the founding and ongoing work of Homeboy Industries (a well known nonprofit agency designed to promote the rehabilitation of formerly incarcerated gang members) and engage in daily prayer and reflection. The immersion experiences offered by our department are designed to help participants go deeper in their faith and make an enduring commitment to social justice. 10 Participants San Diego Immersion Experience: January 16 20, 2017 Created to support the new university strategic plan, especially the Anchor Institution strategic pathway, this local immersion focuses on issues of hunger, homelessness, affordable housing, veterans services and access to healthcare. Like our other Romero Immersion programs, this immersion is based on the values of social justice, spirituality, solidarity and simplicity. Participating students spent the week engaged in relationship building, service, education, reflection and prayer. The group stayed at Our Lady s School, a Catholic elementary school in Barrio Logan, and worked closely with Catholic Charities and Father Joe s Villages. 10 Participants Tijuana Spring Break Immersion Experience: March 3 March 29, 2017 An extended encounter with the people of Tijuana, this immersion includes shared worship and prayer moments, service activities, cultural experiences, home-stays and educational workshops. Poverty, migration, global economics, trade, sustainability and community development are among the issues considered. 20 Participants 5 Student leaders Tijuana Day Trips Through service projects organized by and for the San Eugenio Parish and Community Center, sponsored by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, USD students experienced the reality of Tijuana. September 17, 2016: 18 Participants September 24, 2016: 13 Participants October 15, 2016: 18 Participants November 19, 2016: 14 Participants February 11, 2017: 15 Participants March 10, 2017: 6 Participants March 25, 2017: 23 Participants April 1, 2017: 19 Participants May 6, 2017: 8 Participants 134 Total Participants
During Tijuana Spring Breakthrough, 25 USD students spent the week living the values of spirituality, simplicity, social justice and solidarity alongside the members of the San Eugenio parish. During the East LA immersion trip, October 20 23, 2015, USD students visited many different parts of Los Angeles and served at a variety of nonprofits while staying with families of Dolores Mission parish.
FAITH FORMATION RCIA Sacraments of Initiation: April 23, 2017 3 students baptized 1 student received into full communion with Catholic Church Sacrament of Confirmation: May 7, 2017 15 students Spirituality is Served Community Dinners September 6, 2016: Mother Teresa and Other Saints, Official and Unofficial (85 participants) October 4, 2016: Ways of Prayer (61 participants) November 15, 2016: Who is My Neighbor: The Gospel Call to Confront Racism (55 participants) February 7, 2017: I Was a Stranger and you Welcomed Me: Global Migration and Social Action (110 participants) April 11 2017: Interfaith Passover Seder Meal (92 participants) April 25, 2017: Voices of Immigration (52 participants) 455 total student participants Faith Sharing Groups We formed and facilitated a faith sharing group in each residence hall on campus, as well as specially designed groups for student athletes and male students. Facilitated by a University Chaplain, University Minister or Resident Minister, these groups met weekly and involved prayer, sharing about life, discussion of a spiritual theme and/or Gospel text as well as a vibrant sense of community. On a regular basis, more than 100 students participated in one of these groups. In addition, groups were specially convened for student athletes (30 students) and for men (37 students). Pastoral Care and Spiritual Companioning In addition to the programs and liturgies sponsored by the Division, staff members are available for intentional, one-on-one conversation with students. These conversations include informal, spontaneous meetings designed to help students process a particular issue or concern as well as more structured and regular meetings which take place bi-weekly or monthly. In both forms, the pastoral care is intended to help students reflect on where God is moving in their lives by offering a compassionate presence and a committed listening. August: 124 hours September: 214 hours October: 227 hours November: 214 hours December: 161 hours January: 94 hours February: 199 hours March: 182 hours April: 232 hours May: 151 hours Total: 1,798 hours OTHER PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Los Angeles Religious Education Congress: February 24 26, 2017 12 Students 12 Staff members
LIFE WEEK Suicide Prevention Awareness: 111 participants at presentation by nationally known speakers Kevin Briggs and Kevin Hines. Voices of Immigration: 52 participants at dinner event featuring Fr. Patrick Murphy, C.S., from Casa del Migrante in Tijuana and Rosibel Manciallas-Lopez, immigration attorney. Praying for Life: 85 participants at Rosary for Life and Mass for Peace focused on abortion. Homelessness: 86 participants packed 315 lunches for Fr. Joe s Villages. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault: 26 participants created 50 care packages for women in domestic violence shelters. Photo Contest: 46 students submitted photos that highlighted the dignity of life. As a part of LIFE Week (April 24 28, 2017), Students for Life hosted a noon-time service event during which 86 students made more than 300 sack lunches that were delivered to Father Joe s Villages.
In collaboration with Hillel San Diego and the Jewish Student Union, we hosted an Interfaith Passover Seder on April 11, 2017. Almost 100 students attended the dinner during which they learned more about the Seder tradition and enjoyed a kosher meal. The Half Time retreat was held January 22 24, 2017. The experience is designed to help sophomores reflect on the first half of their college experience while planning intentionally to get the most out of the remainder of their time at USD.
COLLABORATION WITH STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Presentation to Summer Bridge Students: August 23, 2016 78 participants PARTNERSHIP WITH DIOCESE School Teachers Day of Reflection: August 16, 2016 350 participants COLLABORATION WITH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: THRIVING IN BUSINESS Scott Schimmel, CEO of YouSchool: Transitioning from College to Career November 29, 2016 and April 20, 2017 204 participants COLLABORATION WITH DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Student Leader Dedication Ceremony: August 24, 2016 350 participants Student Success Steering Committee Sexual assault prevention task force Hiring committee for Residential Life Hiring committee for Counseling Center Hiring committee for the Women s Center COLLABORATION WITH CAREER SERVICES Co-sponsorship of two Adventures in Service events serving more than 100 students Two Senior Seminars Half Time Retreat COLLABORATION WITH CENTER FOR INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY Staff time dedicated to serving on the diversity and inclusion working group COLLABORATION WITH CHANGEMAKER HUB Staff time dedicated to serving on the Changemaker Hub Core Group Participation in Changemaker Fest Theology on Tap session or Graduate Students: Changemaking in a Divided Nation COLLABORATION WITH FRANCES G. HARPST CENTER FOR CATHOLIC THOUGHT AND CULTURE Saint Mother Teresa: A Musical Celebration in Honor of Her Canonization: September 25, 2016 The Most Rev. Paul Andrew Durocher: What is Pope Francis Doing to the Church: November 15, 2016 Lessons and Carols: December 9 and 11, 2016 COLLABORATION WITH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Representation on the Alumni Engagement Task Force Senior Salute, August 30, 2016: 310 participants Representation on Alumni board Alumni Christmas Mass: December 10, 2016 COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Representative on USD Magazine Advisory Board New fundraising initiative designed to support the Search Retreat COLLABORATION WITH HUMAN RESOURCES Performance Evaluation Review task force Leadership curriculum working group
GRADUATE AND LAW STUDENT MINISTRY Theology on Tap September 22, 2016: Finding Meaningful Community (co-facilitated by Mark Peters and Ariela Canizal, GA for Graduate Student Life), 22 participants October 18, 2016: Dinner with President Harris (co-facilitated by Amy Bowers, GSA President, and Mariann Sanchez, Coordinator of the Graduate Student Life), 25 participants November 17, 2016: Thanksgiving Lunch (co-facilitated by Law School Professor Linda Lane and Michelle Loakes and Evan Chritchlow, offices of the Christian legal Society), 37 participants February 23, 2017: Changemaking in a Divided Nation (facilitated by Mike Williams, Director of the Changemaker Hub), 23 participants 107 total student participants Service Events for Graduate and Law Students September 19, 2016: 1 student participant October 29, 2016: 3 student participants November 9, 2016: 1 student participant February 4, 2017: 19 student participants April 9, 2017: 5 student participants 29 total student participants Collaboration with School of Nursing in Tijuana, Mexico September 17, 2016: 20 student participants, 2 nursing professors, 1 ophthalmologist served 90 families November 12, 2016: 19 student participants, 2 nursing professors served 50 families March 3 5, 2017: 19 student participants, 2 nursing professors served 50 families 58 total participants Each Tijuana Day trip facilitated by our office includes time for intentional reflection and prayer about the day s activities. Here, group members share their thoughts at the beach alongside the U.S./Mexico border.
FACULTY/STAFF PRAYER BREAKFAST The Most Rev. Paul Andrew Durocher Archbishop of Gatineau, Quebec The Psalms: Prayers for Our Lives November 15, 2016 67 participants Brother William Short, OFM Facing the Tears: Creating a Culture of Compassion March 23, 2017 60 participants FACULTY/STAFF TWILIGHT RETREATS Dr. John Gillman Moments of Challenge, Moments of Grace September 22, 2016 16 participants Dr. Margaret McCahill Reflection on Health Care Today through the Lens of Franciscan Tradition October 20, 2016 13 participants Sr. Anne Wente, RSCJ Assessing My Spiritual Core February 16, 2017 18 participants Fr. Gino Correa, OFM A Contemporary Way to the Cross April 11, 2017 18 participants CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING GROUP Fall 2016 (October 19 November 30, 2016) 7 participants Spring 2016 (February 15 April 5, 2017) 6 participants NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION All new staff and administrators are required by Human Resources to attend an orientation at which there is a presentation and discussion regarding the Catholic identity, mission, core values, history and heritage of the University as well as an explanation of Catholic social thought and its application. During 2015-2016, approximately 161 employees participated. TRANSFER STUDENT CONVOCATION A presentation is given to all transfer students regarding the history, Catholic identity, mission and core values including Catholic social thought. January 25, 2017: 80 students
TOURS OF FOUNDERS CHAPEL The tour includes the history and heritage of USD as well as an explanation of the art of Founders Chapel. August 27, 2016: 2 tours, 50 participants for each (Parent Orientation) November 1, 2016: 2 tours, 60 participants for each November 4, 2016: 15 participants November 7, 2016: 2 tours, 50 participants in each December 1, 2016: 8 participants February 23, 2017: 3 participants February 24, 2017: 35 participants (Grandparents Weekend) March 9, 2017: 3 participants April 12, 2017: 8 participants May 12, 2017: 15 participants 407 total participants 24 RD ANNUAL ALL FAITH SERVICE Call to Unity: Living with an Open Heart Shiley Theatre February 2, 2017 700 faculty, staff and student participants USD ALUMNI BOARD Mass before one Board meeting Prayer before every Board meeting Annual Christmas Mass in Founders Chapel Update on Mission and Ministry during Board meetings 34 Board Members On May 7, 2017, Bishop Emeritus Robert H. Brom joined us for the annual Confirmation Mass, celebrating the Sacrament for 15 students
CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Kathy Hendricks Finding Spiritual Balance in Off Kilter Times, Morning of Reflection for Educators in the Diocese of San Diego August 16, 2016 350 participants Fr. Gino Correa, OFM Franciscan Spirituality October 4, 2016 15 participants Maria Gaughan, Assistant Director, University Minister Welcoming in Advent Abundance : Day of Reflection for Youth Ministers in the Diocese of San Diego December 10, 2016 30 participants Kate Hennessy (Dorothy Day s granddaughter) March 14, 2017 22 participants Darleen Pryds, Ph.D., Beth Slevcove, and Rabbi Alexis Pearce, BCC Grief, Mortality and Loss: Working Through our Own and With Others March 18, 2017 50 participants 5 TH ANNUAL MISSION INTEGRATION INSTITUTE June 5 9, 2017 23 participants The Mission Integration Institute brought together 23 participants from Catholic colleges and universities around the country, as well as from Australia, for an extensive learning experience about the purpose, challenge and opportunity of Catholic higher education.
APPENDIX A University Ministry Strategic Plan
UNIVERSITY MINISTRY Mission Statement: University Ministry is committed to promoting the integration of personal and informed faith, the principles and practice of Catholic Social Thought, and the knowledge and experience of Christian living for the entire USD community. Vision: We facilitate opportunities for students to feel an authentic sense of belonging; to explore, deepen and grow in their belief; and to become the people God has created them to be. 2016 2021 Strategic Plan: 1. Gather students for evangelization Especially for Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations; with particular attention to first and second year students; and ongoing outreach to particular groups and populations. 2. Faith Formation A positive experience of being a part of a Christian community; vibrant relationship with Jesus; an interior life and an expanded prayer life; an active involvement with the poor and others on the margins; a commitment to caring for our common home; increased appreciation for richness and relevance of the Catholic tradition; better understanding of the world s religions. 3. Leadership Development Understanding of and experience with servant leadership; ability to make and keep commitments; confidence in their ability to contribute to parish projects, endeavors and groups; propensity to step forward to assist when appropriate. 4. Vocational Discernment Understanding of vocation as calling; particularly as the intersection of deep gladness and world s deep needs; familiarity with the practice of discernment; openness to church ministry, including vowed religious life, lay ministry and/or parish leadership. 5. Send students Equipped with understanding of their particular gifts and talents; prepared to take up servant leadership in parishes; dedicated to a life-long commitment to solidarity; and inspired to make the world more just, humane and sustainable.
APPENDIX B Assorted Photographs
On August 28, 2016, more than 2,000 people attended the Mass of Welcome, a highlight of New Student Orientation. The Mass concludes with a special blessing of the new students by their family members. On the last Sunday of each semester, the Founders Chapel community celebrates a special candlelight Mass. This wonderful USD tradition allows us to give thanks for the blessings of the semester and to experience a vivid sense of Christ s presence during the stress of finals.
Held each August, the Pre-Orientation retreat connects first year students to the University Ministry community before the start of classes. It is designed around the theme of Belong, Believe and Become! The First Year Student Retreat is offered in October to provide an opportunity for new students to engage more deeply with University Ministry and to reflect on the first six weeks of their USD experience.
Held November 4 6, 2016 at Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, the Silent Retreat was attended by 16 students. During the September Tijuana Day Trip, USD students assisted with a work project designed to help rebuild a Chapel staffed by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
One of the most powerful aspects of Tijuana Spring Breakthrough is the relationships that develop between USD students and members of the San Eugenio parish community who generously host them in their homes for 2 nights. Tijuana Spring Breakthrough also includes multiple visits to the U.S./Mexico border as well as reflections based in Catholic social thought on immigration and other issues related to the international border.
Offered once each semester, the Search Retreat is one of our most popular programs. More than 140 students participated and another 175 served as student leaders. The core of the Search Retreat is a series of witness talks given by student leaders addressing the themes of prayer, Jesus, discipleship, reconciliation and body of Christ. After each talk, participating students have individual time to reflect and then share their reactions in small groups.
At the conclusion of each small group sharing, student leaders lead their group in prayer. Search includes a Walk to Emmaus activity during which students talk in pairs about their faith journey, prayer life, questions and relationship with God.
Throughout the year, Students for Life organizes service and educational events designed to promote the dignity of life. A highlight each year is their work with the Christ Child Society to make baby blankets for families of newborns in need. During this spring s LIFE Week, more than 50 students attended a dinner focused on The Voices of Immigration.
In October, Students for Life hosted a nationally known speaker, Scott Langley, who works to raise awareness about the death penalty. 75 students attended his presentation. The September Spirituality is Served Community Dinner addressed the canonization of Mother Teresa. In addition to presenting the most notable aspects of her life and explaining the canonization process, students were invited to reflect about their spiritual heroes and role models.
The October Spirituality is Served Community Dinner focused on Prayer. Three students shared ways they especially like to pray: With music, Lectio Divina and in nature. The February Spirituality is Served Community Dinner was titled I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: Global Migration and Social Action. More than 100 students attended the event which included a presentation from a member of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Staff.
Each year, approximately 100 students are trained to serve in a variety of roles as liturgical ministers, including as lectors. With more than 50 members, Founders Chapel Choir provided music at each of the Sunday night Masses as well as at special liturgies throughout the year.
Baccalaureate Mass: May 27, 2017. One of the most cherished USD traditions is the blessing that families extend to their daughters and sons at the end of the Baccalaureate Mass. Just as they did four years prior at the Mass of Welcome, families extend their hands in blessing to once again ask for God s blessing as their children transition into the next chapter of their lives.