Espresso Your Faith Week
celebrates the gift of God working in our lives
“Our call is to live lives of conviction, service, and faith, to stand out like Gasson Hall's tower at night—a light to the world."
WILLIAM P. LEAHY, S.J., UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
professor and Ascione Faculty Fellow, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development Free t-shirts!
TUESDAY, Sept. 26 7:00 pm
Hillside Cafe
Agape Latte, BC's popular coffeehouse faith storytelling series, launches this season on Tuesday, September 26 Hillside Cafe with featured speaker, Dr. Belle Liang, professor and Ascione Faculty Fellow in the the Lynch School of Education and Human Developement.
Agape Latte invites your favorite BC faculty, staff, and alumni to share powerful, personal stories about times they have seen God working in their everyday lives.
Belle LiangCampus Ministry programs
4Boston local,weeklyservice
4Boston is BC's largest weekly service organization. Volunteers serve four hours each week of the academic year with community partners in the social service, healthcare, or education sectors and engage in one hour of group reflection centered on community, social justice, and spirituality. Still accepting applications! Contact Joseph Citera at joseph.citera@ bc.edu for more information.
Appa spring break service-immersion
Appa Volunteers is an alternative spring break service-immersion program committed to working alongside underserved populations in the United States. More than 400 students travel coast-to-coast with us each year, encountering community and service in both urban areas (New Orleans, Detroit, etc.) and rural areas (throughout the South and the Appalachian regions). Accepting applications now! Contact Jake Blicharz at jacob.blicharz@bc.edu for more information.
Arrupe winter break international immersion
Named for the late Jesuit Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Arrupe International is one of Boston College’s hallmark service immersion programs, inviting students to a faith that seeks global justice and peace. Students commit to weekly community building, cultural education, and ongoing faith formation, culminating in a 7-10 day international encounter over winter break. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in the spring! Contact Emily Egan at emily.egan@bc.edu for more information.
CLC weekly faith sharing
The mission of CLC (Christian Life Communities) is to bring students together to engage in intentional conversations, explore tools of Ignatian Spirituality, and form meaningful relationships. Weekly small groups allow peers to open up in a supportive space about important topics such as spirituality as college students. Contact Christine Cichello at christine.cichello@bc.edu for more information.
Multi-Faith communities
Explore all multi-faith opportunities at bc.edu/multifaith. Here are just a few of the many groups on campus. Contact Reverend James M. Hairston at james.m.hairston@bc.edu for more information.
• Antioch Boston College
• Asian Baptist Student Koinonia
• Asian Christian Fellowship (InterVarsity)
• Athletes In Action
• Bahai Club
• Black Christian Fellowship (InterVarsity)
• Buddhism Club
• CCO (BC Alive)
• Chi Alpha
• Episcopal Community at Boston College (ECBC)
• Gratia Plena
• Hillel
• Knights of Columbus
• Latter Day Saints Student Association
• Muslim Student Association
• Orthodox Christian Fellowship
• Quiet Waters
• Saint Thomas More Society
• Sons of St. Patrick
• SOON Movement (KCCC)
KAIROS RETREAT
Kairos – meaning “God’s Time” in Greek –is a student-facilitated weekend retreat that allows for intentional reflection on relationships with God, self, and others away from the chaos of campus. Kairos is offered 12 times a year. Contact Luis De Dios at luis. dedios@bc.edu for more information.
Retreats
Learn more and register at bc.edu/retreats. Contact Kelly Hughes at kelly.hughes@bc.edu for more information.
• Pause and Pray Retreat Moments (Year-Round)
• Multi-Faith Retreat (Date TBD)
• Manresa Silent Retreat (January 10-14, 2024)
• Study by the Sea Retreat (December 9-10, 2023 & May 4-5, 2024)
• Ignite Retreat for First-Year Students (February 9-11, 2024)
Find More Campus ministry resources
in the back of the booklet!
fall mass Schedule
Fall Mass, Reconciliation, and Prayer Schedule: bc.edu/Mass
Sundays Weekday Masses
8 am St. Mary's Chapel
9 am Lannon Chapel (below St. Ignatius)
10:30 am St. Ignatius Church (Parish Mass)
11 am St Joseph's Chapel
12:30 pm St. Ignatius Church
Spanish Mass (Parish)
5 pm St. Ignatius Church (Parish Mass)
5 pm St. Joseph's Chapel
8 pm St. Joseph's Chapel St. Ignatius Church Trinity Chapel
9 pm The Heights Room (Corcoran Commons)
Monday - Friday
8 am St. Mary's Chapel (Main)
12 pm St. Mary's Chapel (Main)
5:30 pm Lannon Chapel (below St. Ignatius)
Monday - Thursday
12 pm Trinity Chapel (Newton)
10 pm St. Joseph's Chapel (Upper Campus)
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri
12:15 pm Simboli Hall Chapel (Brighton)
Wednesday
11:30 am Conte Media Room
Thursday
12:15 pm St. Ignatius Church (Lower Campus)
Saturdays
8 am St. Mary's Chapel (Main)
4 pm St. Ignatius Church (Parish Vigil Mass)
Reconciliation (Confession)
Mon - Thu 9:30 pm St. Joseph's Chapel (Upper Campus)
Mon - Fri 11:45 am St. Mary's Hall Room 142 (Main Campus) Sat 3 pm St. Ignatius Church (Lower Campus)
COMMISSIONING FOR ALL LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Campus Ministry will commission new and returning liturgical ministers at all Catholic Masses on Sunday, September 24th. All lectors, Eucharistic ministers, musicians, greeters, altar servers and coordinators are encouraged to attend any Campus Ministry Mass that day to be acknowledged by the community for their service.
Sunday | September 24
CALLING ALL 21+ GRAD STUDENTS!
Looking for a young adult faith community?
Come by Mass & Mingle for food, drinks, and meaningful faith conversations.
Sunday, September 24th
5pm - Mass at St. Ignatius Church
6pm - Social at Vanderslice, Cabaret Room
Sunday evening | Yom Kippur BEGINS
5:30 pm KOL NIDRE | EVENING SERVICE GOING INTO YOM KIPPUR Multi-Faith Chapel, 66 Commonwealth Avenue Sponsored by BC Hillel
To learn more or to connect, email Hannah Taylor, BC Hillel Advisor, at htaylor@hillelcouncil.org or follow @bc_hillel on Instagram for updates.
Prayer Ribbon Project
Prayer ribbons will be handed out at all of the 8 pm Masses on campus.
Write prayers of joy, hope, and gratitude on your ribbon. We will collectively pray for these intentions as a BC community throughout the year. All are welcome.
8 PM MASSES
St. Joseph's Chapel (Upper)
St. Ignatius Church (Lower)
Trinity Chapel (Newton)
Monday | September 25
8 am
MASS
St. Mary's Chapel, Main Campus
8:15 am BOB THE BAGPIPER
Roaming Main Campus
Enjoy the celebratory songs of bagpiper Bob Cameron.
8:45 am PRAY THE ROSARY
Sponsored by the C21 Center
Blessed Mother Statue, Bapst Library Lawn
Come together with friends as we pray the rosary, a source of faith, guidance, and peace. Don't know how to pray the rosary? No worries — all are welcome!
9 am PRAYER RIBBON PROJECT LAUNCH
The fence outside of Bapst Library
Write prayers of joy, hope, and gratitude on a ribbon. We will collectively pray for these intentions as a BC community.
HOLY, HOLE-Y DONUTS & COFFEE SPLASH!
Sponsored by the C21 Center
Tree of Life Fountain, between Gasson Hall and O'Neill Library
Grab a donut, coffee, and more information about Espresso Your Faith Week!
10 am
"GATEWAY TO HIMALAYAN ART"
The McMullen Museum of Art, Brighton Campus
This exhibition introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art. It is on view through December 2023. Learn more at mcmullenmuseum.bc.edu.
12 pm
12-1 pm
MASS St. Mary's Chapel, Main Campus
FAITH FEEDS LUNCHEON: LESSONS IN FRIENDSHIP AMID POLARIZATION
Gasson 100
Enjoy lunch and meaningful conversation with members of the BC community about the light of faith amid polarization. RSVP at church21@bc.edu
Monday | September 25
Monday | September 25
12-3 pm SPIRITUALITY VISION BOARDS & SELF-CARE REFLECTION
Sponsored by the Center for Student Wellness
Gasson Library, Room 112
What does spirituality mean to you? Use magazine clippings, pictures, and markers to create a spirituality vision board for your dorm room. Reflections hosted by the Center for Student Wellness staff will be held at 12pm and 3pm.
3-4 pm
CORNHOLE & ICE CREAM WITH THE JESUITS
Sponsored by the Faber Jesuit Community and the C21 Center
The Plaza outside of O'Neill Library
Stop by for a game of cornhole and refreshing ice cream while getting to know some of the Jesuits in our BC community.
3:30-4 pm HOW TO LAND A JOB OR INTERNSHIP IN NONPROFITS AND SOCIAL IMPACT ORGANIZATIONS
Sponsored by the Boston College Career Center Higgins Hall, 310 Auditorium
Do you want to use advocacy, service, and leadership to make the world more just? We'll show you how to find that perfect internship or job and provide a few tips for making your resume and cover letter stand out!
4 pm
DISCOVERING ST. IGNATIUS THE SOLDIER
Sponsored by the Office of Veteran Programs and Services
Gasson Hall Rotunda
Stop by the statue of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of soldiers, to learn about St. Ignatius's military service from Mike Lorenz, Assistant Director for Veteran Programs & Services.
4-5:30 pm BARBIE AND THE LOSS OF PARADISE
Sponsored by the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life Stokes Hall South, Room S195
The Barbie movie seems to have nothing to do with theology. But as Cathleen Kaveny and Elizabeth Prodromou will discuss, bringing a theological lens to Barbie can be both illuminating and enjoyable.
To RSVP, email boisi.center@bc.edu
5 pm
ON THE ROAD EXHIBIT RECEPTION
Sponsored by the Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History & the School of Theology and Ministry Library
Theology and Ministry Library, Brighton Campus
Enjoy refreshments and explore this exhibition of world-renowned photographer Lü Nan's powerful images documenting the lives of Catholics in rural China.
6:30 pm PAUSE AND PRAY
Sponsored by Campus Ministry
Burns Library Lawn near the Labyrinth
Exhale, reflect, and be spiritually renewed at Pause and Pray!
All are welcome to join this free, outdoor "retreat moment" with Ignatian prayer, music, shared conversation, and dinner. Learn more at bc.edu/retreats.
7 pm
YOM KIPPUR HAVDALAH & BREAK FAST
Sponsored by BC Hillel
Gabelli Hall, Room 209
To learn more or connect, email Hannah Taylor at htaylor@hillelcouncil.org or follow @bc_hillel on Instagram for updates.
7:30 pm
LIGHT THE NIGHT
St. Mary's Chapel, Main Campus
The chapel will be lit with hundreds of lights. Stop by for peaceful prayer, followed by the 10 pm Candlelight Mass.
10 pm
CANDLELIGHT MASS
St. Mary's Chapel, Main Campus
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Candlelight Mass celebrated by Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J. All are welcome!
tuesday
8 am
MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
10-11am BC 101: IGNATIAN TRADITION WITH FR. CASEY BEAUMIER, S.J.
Sponsored by the BC Office of Employee Development
Walsh Hall Function Room
Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J., Director, Institute of Advanced Jesuit Studies and Vice President & University Secretary, shares the story of the origins of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and speaks to the primary characteristics of the Jesuit order, including being attentive to those moments which bring us joy as a way to live the “good life.”
For Staff & Faculty - learn more and register at www.
bc.edu/bc101
10:15 am
HOLY, HOLE-Y DONUTS, COFFEE, & CONVERSATION
Sponsored by the C21 Center Tree of Life Fountain, between Gasson Hall and O'Neill Library
Grab a donut, a cup of coffee, and a copy of the new Resources magazine, Journeying in Faith Amid Polarization.
11-12:30 pm
PINE MANOR INSTITUTE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS OPEN HOUSE
Sponsored by the Pine Manor Institute Bowman House, 72 College Road
Stop by to meet the staff of the new Pine Manor Institute and learn more about the year ahead. Enjoy some sweets and treats. All are welcome.
12 pm
MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
12 -1 pm
CHRISTIAN HOMELAND: EPISCOPALIANS AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Sponsored by the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life
24 Quincy Road, Boisi Center Conference Room
BECOMING FREE ON THE INSIDE: MAKING THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES WHILE INCARCERATED
Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality Heights Room, Corcoran Commons
Enjoy lunch while hearing from Fr. Dan Hartnett, S.J. Learn more and RSVP at estelric@bc.edu
1:30-3 pm
MULTI-FAITH FAIR
Sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
The Plaza outside of O'Neill Library
Meet representatives from multi-faith student organizations and learn about opportunities for faith expression on campus.
3 pm
COFFEE SPLASH WITH BALDWIN
Sponsored by BC Athletics and the C21 Center
The Plaza outside of O'Neill Library
Grab a cup of coffee or tea with Boston College's mascot, Baldwin, and learn about Agape Latte.
5:30 pm
MASS OF WELCOME
STM Chapel, Simboli Hall, Brighton Campus
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry
Join the STM community in celebrating a Mass of Welcome hosted by Gaudete, the STM's LGBTQ+ graduate student group. Mass will be presided by Fr. John Baldovin, S.J.
7-8:15pm
Sponsored by the C21 Center & Campus Ministry
Hillside Cafe, Maloney Hall
BC's popular faith story-telling series kicks the year off with Professor Belle Liang, Ascione Faculty Fellow in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
8 pm
TAIZÉ PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD
Sponsored by Campus Ministry
Lannon Chapel, bottom floor of St. Ignatius Church
Taizé is a form of Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taizé in France. It involves reflective, candlelit prayer and song, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ's presence around and within us. It is a time to "come away and rest for awhile." This Taizé will be offered for the Synod.
9:45-10 pm EXAMEN
Sponsored by the Ignatian Society
Manresa House, 58 College Road
Join us for 15 minutes of peer-led prayer and reflection, recognizing God working in our lives.
10 pm
CANDLELIGHT MASS
St. Joseph’s Chapel, Gonzaga Hall, Upper Campus
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Candlelight Mass, celebrated by Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J. Following Mass, enjoy pizza and meet some of the women religious in the BC community.
8 am
MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
8:30-10 am
FYE POP-UP: DUNKIN' DURING TRANSITIONS
Sponsored by the Office of First Year Experience Rahner House, 96 College Road
Stop by for donut holes and a check-in on slowing down during times of transition. Don't forget to take a quote to hold with you during moments of pause in your daily life.
9 am-3 pm
WALK THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL
Sponsored by Intersections and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality
Bus from BC to Beacon Hill and back
Walk the Black Heritage Trail in downtown Boston and reflect on change, challenge, and transformation. For Staff & Faculty—first-come, first-served. To learn more & RSVP, email Victoria Garcia at garciavl@bc.edu.
11-12 pm
GRATEFUL ON THE HEIGHTS
Sponsored by the Center for Student Wellness Gasson Quad
Stop by the table to create a personalized gratitude jar for your dorm room.
12-1:30 pm
JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN TIME AFTER SUPERSESSIONISM: CAN CHRISTIANS COUNT BACK TO CREATION?
Sponsored by the Center for Jewish-Christian Learning McElroy 237, In-Person & Virtual Lecture by Professor Barbara Meyer. To learn more and RSVP email cjlearning@bc.edu.
12 pm
MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
4-4:15 pm
PRAY IT FORWARD
Sponsored by the C21 Center and the BC Alumni Association
Zoom virtual
Join our online community for just 15 minutes to pray, hear the Gospel, and offer up intentions. Learn more and register at bc.edu/c21.
5:30-7 pm
PATHWAYS TO HOLINESS: EARLY CHRISTIANITY AND ETHICS
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry
Continuing Education Program
Corcoran Commons, Heights Room
Canisius Professor of Theology Fr. James F. Keenan, S.J., describes spiritual practices in the Early Christian tradition. To learn more and RSVP visit bc.edu/stmreg.
5:30-6:30 pm
CURA PERSONALIS YOGA
Sponsored by BC Campus Recreation
Maloney Lawn, Lower Campus
Care for your whole self! Reconnect with your body and breath as we practice yoga outside as a community.
7 pm
SUZANNE SIMARD: FINDING THE MOTHER TREE
Sponsored by the Lowell Humanities Series
Gasson 100
Celebrate the gift of Creation with researcher Suzanne Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence. Learn more at bc.edu/lowell.
8-9:30 pm
MOONLIGHT MERCY—OUTDOOR CONFESSION
St. Mary's Hall Lawn (Rain location: Gasson Rotunda)
Experience the healing power of God's grace and unconditional love. Never been to confession before? No worries—all are welcome! Priests offering confession will be Fr. Juan Pablo Becker, S.J., Fr. Ron Tacelli, S.J., Fr. Matt Monnig, S.J., Fr. Henry Shea, S.J., Fr. Danny Gustafson, S.J., Fr. Paul McNellis, S.J., Fr. Claudio
Burgaleta, S.J., Fr. Michael Magree, S.J., Fr. Rob VanAlstyle, S.J., Fr. Gustavo Morello, S.J., and Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J.
9:45-10 pm
EXAMEN
Sponsored by the Ignatian Society
Manresa House, 58 College Road
10 pm
OUTDOOR CANDLELIGHT MASS
St. Ignatius Statue, Higgins Lawn
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Candlelight Mass under the stars, celebrated by Fr. Michael Magree, S.J.
8 am MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
11 am COFFEE WITH COPS: COMMUNITY BUILDING WITH BCPD
Sponsored by the Boston College Police
The Plaza outside of O’Neill Library
Grab a coffee and get to know some of the BCPD officers in our community, including Chief William Evans.
11:30-12:30 pm EXPLORE A FUTURE IN MINISTRY
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry
The Plaza outside of O'Neill Library
Learn about post-grad opportunities at the School of Theology and Ministry. Staff members will be giving away St. Ignatius medals and prayer ribbons.
12-1 pm AGAPE LATTE CONVERSATION LUNCH
Heffernan House, 110 College Road
Experience Agape Latte's faith sharing through a casual lunch with peers.
12 pm
MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
12:15 pm
STM COMMUNITY MULTI-CULTURAL LITURGY
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry St. Ignatius Church, Lower Campus
Celebrate liturgy with the School of Theology and Ministry. All are welcome!
1 pm
FAITH FEEDS BOOK CLUB: INNER COMPASS WITH AUTHOR MARGARET SILF
Sponsored by the C21 Center
Zoom Virtual
Join author Margaret Silf live from England for a special online conversation about her book, Inner Compass: An Invitation to Ignatian Spirituality, as part of C21's Faith Feeds Book Club Series. Email church21@bc.edu to RSVP.
3-5 pm
HOW DO YOU SEE GOD?
Sponsored by the C21 Center Stokes Lawn
Express your faith through painting on canvas. Create your own decade rosary to have or give to a loved one.
5:30 pm
RED SHOE NIGHT
Sponsored by University Libraries, the English Department, and the C21 Center
O’Neill Library, Third Floor Reading Room
An extravaganza of poetry, music, and tributes celebrating Dominican-American poet Rhina Espaillat, featuring Dana Gioia, Julia Alvarez, Silvio Torres-Saillant, Nancy Kang, Alfred Nicol, and many more.
Free cold dinner buffet and beverages. All are welcome. RSVP not required. Invite your friends.
5:30-7:30 pm
FIFTY YEARS AFTER THE GOLPE DE ESTADO IN CHILE: THE CHURCH & HUMAN RIGHTS
WITNESSES OF YESTERDAY AND TODAY
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall, Room 100, Brighton Campus
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup on September 11, 1973. Please join us for a panel presentation centered on sharing memories of the church and its commitment to human rights during the dictatorship.
An American father travels to France to retrieve the body of his estranged son, who died while attempting the pilgrimage to Spain's Santiago de Compostela.
7:30 pm
MOVIE NIGHT—THE WAY
Sponsored by the C21 Center and the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
Vanderslice Hall, Cabaret Room
Enjoy popcorn and candy as you watch The Way.
10 pm
CANDLELIGHT MASS AND PIZZA
St. Joseph’s Chapel, Gonzaga Hall, Upper Campus
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Candlelight Mass, followed by pizza with Fr. Matthew Monnig, S.J.
8 am MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
9 am DEANS AND DONUTS
Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students
Maloney Hall, Room 450
Pop in and join the Office of the Dean of Students for donuts, conversation, and resources on your daily commute through the 4th floor of Maloney Hall!
10 am-5 pm
WELCOME CENTER OPEN FOR FAMILY WEEKEND
Sponsored by the Office of University Advancement Robsham Theater
10 am COFFEE SPLASH WITH
Sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
The Plaza outside of O’Neill Library
BC's Ever to Excel summer program brings together hundreds of high school students from around the world for an experience centered around Jesuit spirituality, intentional community, and personal formation. Learn how BC undergraduates can serve as mentors in the program and how you can refer the program to an interested high school student. For questions, visit bc.edu/evertoexcel.
12 pm MASS
St. Mary’s Chapel, Main Campus
12-1:30 pm
POETRY AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION
Sponsored by Boston College Libraries, the English Department, and the C21 Center
O’Neill Library, Third Floor Reading Room
A luncheon talk by Dana Gioia, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and Poet Laureate of California. All are welcome. Lunch provided.
2 pm
"HELLO FRIEND" FR. NEENAN CELEBRATION
Sponsored by the Office of the University Secretary
The Plaze outside of O'Neill Library
Enjoy a cupcake and learn more about the legendary Jesuit, William B. Neenan, S.J., whose Catholic faith was lived through encounter. His infectious welcome,"Hello, Friend," was an invitation to talk, learn, and love others. His beautiful mind and love of books celebrated the Catholic intellectual tradition. Learn more about his legendary "Dean's List" of books and the Neenan Lunches, hosted in his memory during the year.
3 pm
ST. IGNATIUS MEDALS BLESSING
Sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies and the C21 Center
St. Ignatius Statue, Main Campus
Receive a free St. Ignatius medal for your faith journey, blessed by Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J., to celebrate Espresso Your Faith Week.
3 pm
4-5 pm
FAMILY WEEKEND KEYNOTE ADDRESS Robsham Theater
FAMILY WEEKEND PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS: FR. WILLIAM P. LEAHY, S.J. Robsham Theater
Sunday | October 1
10 am
FAMILY WEEKEND LITURGY
Conte Forum; Brunch to follow
Join us for Mass to celebrate the conclusion of Family Weekend 2023. Open to all faiths all are welcome!
Mission & Ministry Resources
center for ignatian spirituality
At Boston College, formative education is essential for students. In addition, the University also provides formative programs and practices for professors, administrators, and staff. Learn more by finding Intersections and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality on the University Mission and Ministry Website www.bc.edu/umm.
Order of christian initiation for adults
Adults interested in joining the Catholic Church do so through a process called the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), formerly RCIA. The OCIA is a journey of faith which allows you to explore the Catholic Church and be formed in faith by reflecting on God’s Word and the Catholic community’s life, liturgy and beliefs; it culminates for those desiring with the reception of the sacraments of initiation.
The OCIA program at Boston College is a joint program between the Office of Campus Ministry and St. Ignatius Parish and meets every other Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. Those interested can find more information on the Campus Ministry website or by contacting Ellen Modica at modicae@bc.edu.
Spiritual Direction Program
Spiritual direction is a one-on-one conversation between director and directee in a quiet, private setting. The focus of the meetings is the directee's relationship with God within all aspects of life. The directee leads the direction of the conversation.
Current BC undergraduate or graduate students interested in spiritual direction can find more information by contacting Ellen Modica at ellen.modica@bc.edu or (617) 552-4665 with any questions.
vocations
Boston College’s Jesuit, Catholic tradition is rooted in the idea that God is always calling us to something more, something different, something that is authentic to our being and to who God has made us to be. For some, this may mean taking on a deeper calling of service to Christ and the Church. This can take many forms, particularly to the priesthood, religious life for women and men, and lay ecclesial ministry.
Manresa House, BC’s vocation house, exists to help students consider and discern where they feel God might be leading them. You can learn more on their website, or contact them at ministry@bc.edu. If you are discerning a vocation to the Jesuit order, email Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J., at beaumier@bc.edu.
pastoral counseling Resources
For interest in any of the following resources, contact Rick Rossi, LICSW, at rick.rossi@bc.edu or (617) 552-6592. Learn more at bc.edu/pastoral.
Individual Pastoral counseling
Clinical Pastoral counseling is counseling therapy for those who would like therapy to take place in a spiritual context to address whatever they’re finding challenging in their lives. Rick is a licensed clinical social worker, campus minister, and confidential resource who addresses a range of issues for BC undergrad and graduate students. Rick works with a social work graduate student who is also available to meet. Contact Rick (information above) by email, phone, or in-person to set-up an initial conversation or to refer someone.
Axios
Axios is an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ and questioning undergraduate students to reflect, in an ongoing community, on the intersection of sexuality and spirituality in their lives. In Greek, Axios means “worthy of.” Axios is a place where queer students can come to understand God’s love as people who are “wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). Sponsored by BC Campus Ministry, Axios makes God’s love known to members of the LGBTQ+ community, through community.
together
Together is a student-centered grief support group at Boston College. It’s an opportunity for anyone carrying grief at BC to discover they are not alone in this experience. Participants meet weekly in small groups in a private setting to listen and share whatever they’d like with each other about their experience of grief, guided by a facilitator. Carrying grief in college can feel so isolating; sharing it can help. Groups meet six times throughout the semester, according to people’s schedules.
Center
Center is a 6-week spiritual mindfulness group. With guidance and support, each week we’ll learn a distinct and accessible meditative practice and spiritual outlook to deepen our relationship with each other and ourselves. Any/all spiritualities, faith backgrounds, and levels of spiritual interest are welcome. Whether you’ve been practicing meditation for years or are looking to try it out for the first time, join us.