Vision and Description

Solidarity In Christ

June 18-22, 2008
Denver, Colorado

In the summer of 2008, the Society of Jesus in the United States is hosting a gathering of social ministers from around the country to reflect on social ministry and God’s calling.
We envision around 400 people, mostly lay, attending the gathering.  We expect a range of social ministers to attend, such as the staff of Jesuit Volunteer Corps regions, college and university campus ministers, high school justice and religion teachers, parish social ministry coordinators, college and university social researchers, as well as those engaging in direct
service.

The gathering is structured around reflecting together on three key areas:

The program suggests back and forth movement between plenary sessions and small group work, with a coordinating team helping to bring input from the groups to the whole. The new Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who will be elected in the first months of 2008 during the 35th General Congregation, will be invited to offer his reflections, as well as another distinguished international speaker of spiritual depth and strong social commitment.
Other guests will include the international Jesuit social justice coordinators representing various parts of the Society’s presence around the globe, particularly the Global South.

Prior to the gathering, all groups who will attend are asked to reflect on their experience of being social ministers in community:


We will also reflect on where God is present and active, with the help of theological reflectors, guided by questions such as: How are we participating in God’s action in this ministry? How does this ministry help us participate in God’s plan for a world of justice and peace for all? Where have we resisted God’s action in our ministry? Where have we encountered resistance to God’s action in our ministry? How have we been affected by God’s action or presence in this ministry? How has our commitment to justice and peace transformed our faith? What aspects of our faith have become clearer or changed?

One full morning will include space for quiet prayer to reflect on where God might be calling us, followed by shared reflection on the questions:  What is the Spirit inviting me to do next? What is the Spirit inviting our ministry to do next?  What is the Spirit inviting us as the Ignatian community to do?