Grow: Spiritual Development
Saint Louis University’s Department of Campus Ministry offers many opportunities for SLU students to grow in their understanding and integration of the Christian faith and to participate more fully in the life of their faith communities.
Journey Spiritual Life Communities
Connect. Reflect. Transform.
- Who We Are: The mission of the Journey Program at Saint Louis University is to empower students to experience transformative spiritual growth through opportunities to connect and reflect in the Ignatian tradition.
- What We Do: Students of all walks of life and faith traditions gather each week in small intentional communities to reflect on the movement of God in their lives. Communities are led by campus ministers, Jesuits in formation, and experienced student leaders.
- Join Us if You Seek to:
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Belong to a life-giving spiritual community
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Breate genuine, lasting connections with others
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Cultivate a deeper relationship with God
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Learn how to integrate Ignatian spirituality into daily living
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Grow in self-understanding
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Experience transformative growth
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Discover new ways to pray, rest, serve and grow at SLU
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Journey Spiritual Life Communities are open to all SLU students on a rolling basis, and they start gathering weekly during the final week of August 2023.
To join is easy - simply go to a gathering! There is no required pre-registration process. Regular participation in The Journey Program satisfies SLU CORE requirements.
Questions? Email Campus Minister Becca at becca.muder@slu.edu
We also encourage you to follow us on social media for upcoming event information and important updates. @sluministry
Fall 2023 Offerings
Mondays: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Spring Hall Chapel with Campus Minister Michael Schreiner
michael.schreiner@slu.edu
Wednesdays: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Marguerite Hall Lobby with Student Leader David Kim
minwoo.kim@slu.edu
Wednesdays: 3-4 p.m., Griesedieck Hall 259 with Campus Minister Jim Roach
jim.roach@slu.edu
Wednesdays: 4-5 p.m., Wuller Hall, Starkloff Room with Campus Minister Julia Erdlen
julia.erdlen@slu.edu
Wednesdays: 4-5 p.m., Grand Hall 155 with Campus Ministers Nicole Armstrong and Becca
Muder
nicole.armstrong@slu.edu
Wednesdays: 8-9 p.m., Wuller Hall, Dorothy Day Room with Nick Leeper, S.J.
nick.leeper@slu.edu
Thursdays: 4-5 p.m., Wuller Hall, Dorothy Day Room with Alec Hufford, S.J.
alec.hufford@slu.edu
Thursdays: 6-7 p.m., School of Medicine, Caroline Hall 207 with Campus Ministry Graduate
Intern Sandra Dimitri
sandra.dimitri@slu.edu
Spiritual Direction
If you want to develop a more meaningful spiritual or religious life, you may find
a one-on-one relationship with a trained spiritual director beneficial. Spiritual
direction creates a space for you to honestly evaluate your life, seek the meaning
behind important decisions about the future and find a pathway to better understand
who God is for you … and who you are for God.
This process can be helpful whether you want to further develop a prayerful relationship
with God or if you struggle in your faith and need encouragement.
The time spent in spiritual direction is unique to you, but a typical session lasts
about 45-60 minutes and occurs about once a month. God works through all things, so
there are no limits to what can be shared. The director listens to you, and together,
you’ll seek to hear how God is working in your life.
Some directors may charge a small fee, so discussing this before meeting is best.
Please note: Some spiritual directors are trained pastoral or psychological counselors, but problem-solving or therapy is not the focus. The focus of a spiritual direction relationship is your experience of God. Therapeutic counseling is available through University Counseling at 314-977-8255.
Bereavement Ministry
"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." -C.S Lewis, A Grief Observed
“We are not adrift in chaos. To me that is the most fortifying, the most stabilizing, the most peace-giving thing that I know about anything in the universe. Every time things have seemingly fallen apart in my life, I have returned to those things that do not change. Nothing in the universe can ever change those facts. [Jesus] loves me. I am not at the mercy of chance.” -Elisabeth Elliott, Suffering Is Never for Nothing
“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” -St. Oscar Romero
"Jesus wept." -John 11:35
Sharing your grief — in a safe space with trusted people who have known similar sorrows — is one way to help make some sense of the complexity of thoughts, feelings and emotions that arise amidst a loss. If you’re a SLU student grieving the loss of a loved one and you’d like Jim to reach out to you, please click here to connect with him.
The Department of Campus Ministry sponsors a student-only Grief Support Group get-together via Zoom from 4-5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. The meeting ID is 999 2474 2599. For more information, contact Jim Roach at jim.roach@slu.edu.
SLU Department of Campus Ministry, while having no affiliation with or responsibility for any content generated by the resources, recognizes that some of these may benefit those experiencing grief over losing a loved one. This list is not meant to be construed as exhaustive, merely suggestive. If you would like to suggest any platforms for SLU students, email Campus Minister Jim Roach at jim.roach@slu.edu to let him know.
- A Safe Place: "The Safe Place" Is a Minority Mental Health App geared towards the Black Community”
- Actively Moving Forward: “Actively Moving Forward (AMF) is a nonprofit whose mission is to help support, empower and connect grieving young adults from coast to coast.
- Annie’s Hope: Annie’s Hope is a St. Louis-based nonprofit serving kids, teens and their families who grieve a death.”
- Ayana Therapy: Online mental health therapy for marginalized and intersectional communities.
- Calm: “Take a deep breath. Train your mind to sleep more, stress less and live better.”
- Exhale App: “Cultivating brave spaces where biwoc belong.”
- Happify: “Overcome negative thoughts, stress and life’s challenges with science-based activities and games.”
- Liberate: "Liberate is the #1 meditation app for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community."
- Minds of the Culture: “Created and designed by therapist Chanda Reynolds, this mobile app is a tool to help the Black community cope with mental health.
- Red Bird Ministries: “We are a Catholic grief support ministry providing support for families who have had to face the unthinkable loss of a child.”
- Sanvello: “A place to feel better, wherever you go: Self-care, peer support, coaching and therapy. Download from the App Store or Google Play.”
- Shine: “We’re on a mission to make caring for your mental and emotional health easier, more representative and more inclusive — of all of our experiences.”
- [https://therapyforblackmen.org] Therapy for Black Men: "Strength still needs support."
- 7 Cups: “Remove the barriers, get the support. Community of kind, compassionate listeners who provide anonymous and free emotional support.”
- Yoga for Grief": "Relieve stress caused by trauma and bring loving awareness to guide the mind and heart to the present moment. This 26-minute session is designed to hold you and comfort you during times of grief or sadness."
Other Spiritual Guidance
SLU’s campus ministry staff members are available for individual conversations — these can be serious, light or anything in between. Appointments can be set up ahead of time by contacting a campus minister, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Campus ministers can assist you with transitions, evolving relationships and other life issues. They also foster prayer and faith development and discernment about your life direction, career or vocation.
St. Francis Xavier College Church can assist engaged couples in meeting church requirements for marriage preparation.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
If you are not currently a member of the Catholic faith, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which you may become a full member of the church. Full membership involves a committed formation process that culminates in the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.
This process involves a journey of faith and conversion through which you will be introduced to the beliefs, life, liturgy and apostolic work of the Catholic Church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation, or RCIA, is designed primarily for those seeking baptism. Because baptized Christians from other denominations may seek membership in the Catholic Church, the RCIA process is adapted to their needs as well. RCIA is also open to baptized but "unchurched" Catholics who want to complete their initiation by receiving confirmation.
Meetings are held on Sundays from 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Father Nick Smith at 314-977-1535 or nicholas.smith@slu.edu.
Faith and Leadership
You can grow as a leader in your faith community by applying through campus ministry to assist with immersion experiences, CLCs, retreat teams, liturgy planning and more. Formation opportunities focus on community, Ignatian spirituality, social justice and solidarity. Contact any campus minister to explore leadership opportunities.