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A Message from the Office for Mission and Identity on a New Advent Initiative

12/05/2017

Dear Saint Louis University Community,
 
As we enter into Advent, a season of attentive waiting and listening for the Word of God to come as one like us, I’d like to extend an invitation.
 
What if we, individually and collectively, made a commitment each Wednesday to take two minutes of silence at noon; put away our phones, leave our computers, set aside our paperwork, and be "contemplatives in action?"
St. Ignatius of Loyola asked his followers to take time each day and examine where God is present in the midst of the day’s activities. What might this look like? I think it could take many forms:
 
We are a big and complex institution. But each of us is capable of influencing our own circle of students, colleagues, community partners, to take up this challenge. Look for creative ways to remind yourselves of the goal. Start a grassroots social media campaign. Use an app to send yourself and others a reminder on Wednesdays at noon.
 
Please consider sending our office a note and tell us how you are hoping to be a contemplative in action. Think of ways to share these practices in the broader community. I hope this invitation can become a weekly practice for many of us who choose to make it so.
 
As we begin our third century of higher education at this Jesuit university, we find ourselves in one of the most distracted and busiest times of history. Let’s carve out a little space and renew ourselves in the mission we share. Let’s seek and find God in all things, be of service to humanity, and become more of who we are called to be and do.
 
Spread the word. Take up the challenge. Follow @SLU_Official on Twitter. Tweet your own comments and reflections using #SLUExamen and check Newslink on Wednesdays for prompts.
 
Happy Advent. Happy Bicentennial. And happy contemplating! Stay in touch and let us know how it goes!
 
Chris Collins, S.J.
Assistant to the President for Mission and Identity