Mission and Ministry

The Division of Mission and Ministry is charged with clearly articulating and broadly communicating Santa Clara University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and character. In the diverse and dynamic region of Silicon Valley, this entails developing new strategies to meet the evolving needs of the campus, church, and local community, while strengthening Santa Clara University’s position as a nationally recognized Jesuit, Catholic university.

The Division of Mission and Ministry is comprised of Campus Ministry, the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, and the Mission Church. Building on a strong campus commitment to the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission, the Division oversees the development and implementation of initiatives to engage students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, alumni, and benefactors in deeper education and ongoing formation, helping these groups to make the mission their own and apply it concretely to their work and life. The Division will collaborate closely with the new vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and other Cabinet members to accomplish shared goals that allow Santa Clara University to live more authentically its Jesuit, Catholic mission.

Campus Ministry is engaged in the work of transforming our hearts and communities. Our Jesuit, Catholic identity informs our commitment to create a space where all are welcomed, recognizing that every member of our community is created in the image and likeness of God.

The Ignatian Center exemplifies and activates the Jesuit, Catholic character of Santa Clara University, encouraging our students, faculty, staff, and community to embrace Jesuit wisdom by inspiring awareness, thought, reflection, discernment, and action.

Historic Mission Santa Clara stands at the center of the campus’ religious and spiritual life, and it continues to welcome Roman Catholic liturgy, spiritual observance, and other activities appropriate to the University’s purpose as a Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher learning.

Mission Week 2023

We are excited to announce that the second annual Santa Clara University Mission Week will take place the week of October 21 - 28, 2023! Mission Week is a celebration of the mission of Santa Clara University. It is about a purpose - our purpose, as a Jesuit, Catholic university. It is why we tackle issues of justice. It is why we consider new perspectives. It is why we prioritize care for our common home and each other.

What Mission Looks Like at SCU

Making an Impact

DIVISION

DISTINCT UNITS

STAFF MEMBERS

1500+

STUDENTS IMPACTED ANNUALLY

Upcoming Events

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Engaging SCU's Mission

Mass of the Holy Spirit

On September 27, 2023, SCU celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit. JST's Dean Orobator, SJ, delivered the homily and closed with the blessing: "May the gentle breath of God's spirit fill the sails of our winds. May the spirit of God add gas to the fire of our aspirations and keep us always hungry for more." Watch the recorded livestream of the mass of the Holy Spirit, and pray with us, as we journey together in spirit and hope.

Holding on Together by Yesi Magdaleno-Solis Square

This is What Mission Looks Like

How does one define community? For Alison Benders, Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Santa Clara University, community is about shared values. While SCU’s values are inspired by our university’s foundation as a Jesuit Catholic institution, they have grown to welcome people of all backgrounds who want to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world.

SUSTAINABLE SCU
Leading Through Laudato Si'

Inspired by the Pope's encyclical Laudato Si': On Care For Our Common Home, the Center for Sustainability and Division of Mission and Ministry are embarking on the expansive planning process to set SCU's goals and strategies for building a more humane, just, and sustainable world through 2030.

BEYOND BAD APPLES
Bannan Forum

Last Spring, the Ignatian Center co-hosted a workshop for ministers, staff, and administrators in Catholic parishes and diocese led by Julie Hanlon Rubio (JST) and Paul J. Schutz (SCU), which presented new research on factors contributing to clergy sexual abuse and assess their implications for Catholic institutions.

ENCOUNTERING VATICAN II
Living Into the Council with Francis

This fall, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the convening of Vatican II, St. Ignatius Parish will host a six-part series inviting all of us to encounter this Council and its continuing effects for the Catholic community. The series is available both in-person for those in San Francisco, and livestream.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
From Fellowship to Full Time

As an Ignatian Fellow, Afton Burrell '21 spent the winter quarter of her senior year working with A Step Ahead Foundation. The experience was so fulfilling that she stayed on with the non-profit organization and upon graduation was offered her current position as Marketing Communications Manager.