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Mission Week Logo

October 20 - 26, 2024

On Mission - In Solidarity

The mission of Santa Clara University emerges from our Jesuit, Catholic tradition and finds expression in ever new ways, drawing on the richly evolving diversity of our community. 

Our shared mission is why we tackle issues of justice in the conscientious, constructive, and prophetic way that we do. Our Ignatian vision is why we consider new perspectives with openness and a desire for dialogue and shared learning. Our Santa Clara spirit is why we prioritize care for our common home and each other, especially through our embrace of Pope Francis’ prophetic words in Laudato Si’.

In a particular way this year, our mission has a special resonance. This Fall marks the 35th anniversary of the assassination of six Jesuits, their housekeeper, and her daughter at the Jesuit university in San Salvador in 1989. They had made the Universidad Centroamericana a voice for justice and peace in the midst of civil war; they had literally put their lives on the line to address the most pressing issues in their day and life world. 

Join us the week of October 20 - 26 for this annual tradition as we embrace our values and celebrate our collective mission-driven work. 

Sunday  |  October 20


Join us for the opportunity to celebrate Catholic Mass in the context of Mission Week, as we pray together as the Bronco community.  We will reflect on the readings for Sunday, and expand on them to highlight the SCU mission in Jesuit education and the formation of our students. All are welcome!

5 PM Student Mass
8 PM Student Mass

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 Monday  |  October 21


4:15 - 5:30 PM
Benson Parlors B & C

Join us for a panel discussion featuring faculty and students from SCU’s Department of Religious Studies, Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries, and Jesuit School of Theology: Dr. Paul Schutz, Dr. Julie Rubio, Dr. Bryson White, Dr. Nicholas Hayes-Mota, Denae Rivera '25, Dr. Christopher Tirres, Hydeia Wysinger '25.

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Tuesday  |  October 22


5:00 8:00 PM
Locatelli Center

This event engages the newest members of SCU’s staff and faculty in community and SCU’s Jesuit, Catholic mission. We do so by celebrating their presence, breaking bread, and engaging in conversation. This event is by invitation only for new Faculty and Staff.

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 Wednesday  |  October 23

Donuts close up
Navigate here to Coffee & Donuts

9:00 -11:00 AM
Campus Ministry
105 Benson

Java, juice and sweets! Come join us for our weekly “Coffee and Donuts” in Campus Ministry. It is an opportunity to wake up, enjoy some conversation, meet new people and old friends, and exchange ideas about our shared experience of the mission of Jesuit education at SCU.  All are welcome.  

office people sitting in a circle meeting
Navigate here to CAFE Ignatian Pedagogy

11:45 AM - 12:45. PM
Varsi Hall 222

Join us for an interactive session to learn more about Ignatian Pedagogy and how you can implement the values into your teaching.

Salvadoran Martyrs artwork
Navigate here to Salvadoran Martyrs Panel

4:00 - 5:15 PM
Williman Room, Benson

Join us for a panel discussion about the lives of the six Jesuit Priests and two lay people who were murdered in El Salvador on November 16, 1989. Panelists include: Mariel Caballero ’02, Deputy Director, Probation Department County of Santa Clara; Fr. Luis Calero, SJ; and Dr. Laura Nichols. The panel will be moderated by Fr. Matt Carnes, SJ.

Thursday  |  October 24


12:05 PM
Mission Church

Join us for Thursday Noon Mass in the Mission Church during Mission Week!  The Mission Church stands at the heart of our campus and it represents the heart of our mission as a Jesuit university— a community of learning and belonging, a place to grow in our humanity and in our call to a deeper faith that leads us to seeking justice for all in the world. All are welcome. We invite you to join us in the Mission Gardens for a pizza lunch after Mass.

 

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Friday  |  October 25


12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM
Mission Room

Join us for this dynamic event where you'll learn how critical issues such as migration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental policies intersect with state and federal ballots. This is a space for meaningful conversations, empowering you with tools to research and understand how these topics show up in elections. Together, we can foster informed humane and compassionate engagement with the political process.

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Saturday  |  October 26

Zen Meditations rocks stacked
Navigate here to What to do with Fear | A Zen-Ignatian Retreat

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Multi-faith Sanctuary
St. Joseph’s Hall

Dr. Sarita Tamayo-Moraga, Teaching Professor in Religious Studies, and Tony Cortese, Director of Ignatian Spirituality, will lead a one-day retreat for faculty and staff who are interested in the benefits of Zen and Ignatian spiritual practices. The retreat will explore how Zen and Ignatian spiritual practices can help build courage in a time of fear and unrest. Topics include how to practice with fear, how to discern the difference between false and real fear, building a stable, strong heart, and wisdom and equanimity.

SF Urban Plunge Tenderloin mural
Navigate here to Faculty, Staff & Student Urban Plunge

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tenderloin, San Francisco
$25 per person (financial aid available upon request)
Transportation to/from campus provided

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join in this Urban Plunge, a one-day immersion where participants have the unique opportunity to engage with a community that is different from their own. Participants are able to spend the day with Faithful Fools learning about houselessness, community, and accompaniment, and reflect on what keeps us separated and what still connects us. For more information, email immersions@scu.edu.

Weeklong Events

dry goods
Navigate here to Bronco Pantry

An SCU program for students who are experiencing food insecurity.

Items Needed:
Rice, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, microwavable meals (vegetarian friendly), granola bars, dishwashing sponges and dish soap, paper towels, and toilet paper. No homemade items. Financial support is greatly appreciated. Donation bins will be available in Campus Ministry (Benson) and the Ignatian Center (Nobili Hall) all week long. 

Bucky's closet thrift store shopping
Navigate here to Bucky's Closet

An SCU program for students who need professional attire.

Items Needed:
Bucky’s Closet, a student-run store, offers its wares for free with the option to give financial donations to help keep the store running. The store’s focus is on business attire, with a wide variety of items. Donation bins will be available in Campus Ministry (Benson) and the Ignatian Center (Nobili Hall) all week long.