Center for Spirituality and Faith (CSF)

CSF supports the spiritual wellness of all students at SA国际传媒. Because we are grounded in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, we welcome people of all faiths, religions, spiritual identities, and those seeking a relationship and connection with creation, community, and self. 听- 听The team is committed to building a campus community and supporting the full humanity of all people by fostering spirituality, wellness, and belonging. In addition to six full-time spiritual leaders and guides, the office includes student ministry interns, spirituality facilitators in the residence halls, and desk assistants who foster hospitality.

What does CSF have to offer?

Catholic Worship and Worship in other Traditions: During the academic year, we sponsor three Sunday liturgies in the Mission Church, daily noon Mass, and annual Masses celebrating the University鈥檚 Catholic and Jesuit traditions. Throughout the year, the campus community is invited to participate in Misas en Espa帽ol, the sacrament of reconciliation, and prayer services across campus to mark religious and secular holidays across all faith denominations.
Interfaith听惭颈苍颈蝉迟谤测: This ministry supports a wide variety of cultural identity and faith-based student-led organizations. 听We also have intercultural celebrations in observance of events such as D铆a de los Muertos, Simbang Gabi, Las Posadas, la Virgen de Guadalupe, and Lunar New Year, as well as intercultural liturgies for heritage months. In addition, CSF facilitates and participates in Mosaic events, which are multicultural and multifaith gatherings of students. Mosaic gatherings include monthly dinners, wellness events, campus-wide socials, and sacred space tours.
Retreats: SA国际传媒 students are offered a number of retreat experiences over the course of the academic year. 听Some of these align with other programming, such as LEAD or Hurtado scholars; others are open to all campus community members, such as the Faith Formation retreats, Career Clarity retreat, and Awareness retreat..
Spirituality and reflection groups: CSF-organized Ignatian Life Communities are opportunities for students to explore spiritual practice and identity in small groups of their peers. 听Other opportunities include weekly Breaking Open the Word (reflection on the lectionary readings). 听Individuals and groups seeking support to form reflection groups are encouraged to come to Campus Ministry for assistance.
Creative and innovative spiritual exploration: Have an idea, practice, or activity that fosters a stronger sense of self and purpose? Let us know and help you make it happen! We pride ourselves on offering a full spectrum of opportunities to meet the full spectrum of needs of our students
Catholic Faith formation: Campus Ministry offers several opportunities for students to learn, reflect, and grow in regard to their faith through Scripture reflection, forums, seasonal devotions, and presentations. We also offer a year-long course of preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation in the Catholic Church (OCIA) in coordination with the Diocese of San Jose.
Social justice awareness and action: CSF works hand-in-hand with the Ignatian Center toCampus Ministry provides students with a variety of opportunities to live out a faith that does justice. Some key focus areas include participation in the annual Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice and service opportunities with local community organizations including, for example, Santa Maria Urban Ministry, Sunday Friends, Sacred Heart Community Center, and the Center for Farmworker Families.
Faith-based clubs: In partnership with the Center for Student Involvement, CSFampus Ministry aids in the mentoring and support of all faith-based registered student organizations, including, for example, the Muslim Student Association, Students for Life, the Jewish Student Union, College Catholics, 听and the Sikh Student Association.
LGBTQ+ Ministry: 听Our office celebrates, respects, supports, and cares for SA国际传媒鈥檚 LGBTQ+ community. Through joining advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ policies and programs, hosting community dinners, and partnering with the Rainbow Resource Center, we strive to provide our queer students a place of belonging and compassion. 听Additionally, we lead an annual delegation of students to attend IgnatianQ, a conference for LGBTQ+ students from Jesuit universities to 鈥渃reate community, develop spirituality, and build humanity.鈥� This conference has inspired the Ignatian Life Community 听Spiritual Queeries, a small group for queer students who are curious about the mysteries of the universe.
Residential Life Ministry: CSF is an integral part of the university鈥檚 Residential Life Community program, through collaboration and partnership with the Office of Residential Life and Faculty Directors. In the residence halls, graduate student Spirituality Facilitators provide spiritual accompaniment, offer student community wellness, and support the needs of residents as individuals and in community.
Sacred spaces: Throughout campus, there are spaces for prayer, meditation, and reflection, such as the Mission Church, the Multifaith Sanctuary in St. Joseph鈥檚 Hall, and the Meditation Room in Benson. 听All are welcome to find a place of rest in these sacred spaces.
Student Leadership Formation: We cannot do our work without our student leaders! They are ambassadors of CSF across the university: in their classes, their residence halls, and other co-curricular activities. Our interns work closely with the staff to plan and lead our programs, from liturgy and music to Catholic faith formation, to LGBTQ+ ministry, our interfaith Mosaic initiatives, as well as our justice and hospitality events. They听make Campus Ministry accessible and relevant to the broader SA国际传媒 community. To be strengthened for this work, our interns receive ongoing formation throughout the year from our staff, with retreats, reflection gatherings, and one-on-one mentorship.

We invite students to get involved with these ministries to explore their own faith, spirituality, and values. Additionally, students can develop their own leadership skills by serving and leading in all program areas, as volunteers, or as an intern.

Is CSF for Everyone?

Yes! College is a particularly rich time for learning about ourselves and our world and for practicing what it means to live our commitments of faith and justice in the world. Campus Ministry welcomes all SA国际传媒 community members to deepen their faith identities and spiritual practices, regardless of their tradition or personal stance.

鈥淭o be a whole person鈥攖o live fully鈥攐ne must develop an interior life that allows them to hear the voice of the Spirit and the cry of the poor. This spiritual dimension is not a separate compartment of our existence; it is the source that gives meaning to our studies, our work, and our relationships.鈥� Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, 2017.听