Old Traditions, New Directions

The Gonzaga Mission Statement:

http://www.gonzaga.edu/About/Mission/Mission-Statement/

A profusion of terms open to interpretation

The Mission Statement Gonzaga University belongs to a long and distinguished tradition of

humanistic, Catholic, and Jesuit education. We, the trustees and regents, faculty, administration and staff of Gonzaga, are committed to preserving and developing that tradition and communicating it to our students and alumni. 

As humanistic, we recognize the essential role of human creativity, intelligence, and initiative in the construction of society and culture.

As Catholic, we affirm the heritage which has developed through two thousand years of Christian living, theological reflection, and authentic interpretation.

As Jesuit, we are inspired by the vision of Christ at work in the world, transforming it by His love, and calling men and women to work with Him in loving service of the human community. 

All these elements of our tradition come together within the sphere of free intellectual inquiry characteristic of a university. At Gonzaga, this inquiry is primarily focused on Western culture, within which our tradition has developed.

Ex Corde Ecclesiae (John Paul II, 1990)

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_15081990_ex-corde-ecclesiae_en.html

Address to Catholic Educators (Benedict XVI, 2008)

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2008/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20080417_cath-univ-washington_en.html

Men and Women for Others (Fr. Aruppe)

http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/men-for-others.html

The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Social Justice

http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/justice.html

Ratio Studiorum, 1599  “It is the principal

ministry of the Society of Jesus to educate youth in every branch of knowledge that is in keeping with its Institute. The aim of our educational program is to lead men to the knowledge and love of our Creator and Redeemer.”

“…[T]he end of the Society and of its studies is to aid our fellowmen to the knowledge and love of God and to the salvation of their souls…”

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/GC35/

 “Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul. All other things on the face of the earth are created for man to help him fulfill the end for which he is created.”

Clear statements defining such terms as “Ignatian,” Jesuit, Catholic, etc.

Discussions with faculty on Church and Jesuit documents?

Lay faculty formation?

Spiritual Exercises for faculty?