Renew Hope and Joy Through Encounter

Mission Engagement and Community Service During the Holiday Season

“Isolation and withdrawal into one’s own interests are never the way to restore hope and bring about renewal. Rather, it is closeness; it is the culture of encounter.” —Pope Francis (2020)

The winter holidays invite us to spiritual renewal, a time many of us celebrate the joy of family and God’s love for humanity and the earth. We are aware of those experiencing isolation or who are unable to realize their dreams for their families or communities, especially refugees, migrants, and unhoused neighbors. We invite all faculty and staff to embrace these opportunities for encounter — to connect with one another and deepen bonds with the larger Bay Area community.

Opportunities

  • Tuesday, Dec. 2: University Ministry Annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 4:30–7 p.m.
    Enjoy holiday treats, community celebration, and a sing-along led by the choir and President Aceves. We will also be joined by a choir from Good Shepherd School in Pacifica. University Ministry will give out ornaments to the first 100 attendees.
  • Sunday, Dec. 7: University Ministry Advent/Christmas Liturgy at 7 p.m. in St. Ignatius Church
    This is the final student liturgy of the semester. All are welcome to join in the spirit of joyful anticipation. Music will include both Advent and Christmas selections.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10: Interfaith Prayer Service at 3 p.m. in McLaren Conference Center
    A small reception with wine and cheese will follow.
  • Get involved in a community service project.
    You may participate in a service project as a team, as an individual, or by continuing a commitment you already have. Note: Staff may use Service and Mission Engagement hours for this if they choose to participate.

Resources for Reflection

  • Consider how the Ignatian pedagogical tradition encourages awareness, reflective action, and evaluation in your approach to community engagement.
  • Engage the Examen, a core practice in the Ignatian spiritual tradition that invites us to reflect deeply on our experiences to discern how God is at work in our lives. This may be a useful tool as you reflect on your service experience — what brings you gratitude and joy, and where you find challenge. How are you being invited to respond?
  • Reflect on the “Danger of a Single Story” (Adichie, 2011). Research shows that community service without thoughtful preparation or reflection can reinforce negative stereotypes (Eby, 1998; Jones, 2002; Mitchell & Perotti, 2023). We encourage you to examine your assumptions, approach service with humility, value every individual and community, and set aside the belief that you can “fix” communities or individuals.

Questions and Answers

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No. This is not a requirement for faculty or staff. Consider this an invitation to connect with each other and to deepen bonds with the larger community of San Francisco, or with your home community wherever you are.

Yes. Everyone is encouraged to reflect on activities they are already doing with their families and communities. You might consider sharing your reflections with colleagues as a way to build connection around what is most meaningful to you. If your program, department, center, or office already has a service or advocacy commitment, consider this an opportunity to invite others to join or learn with you.

There are several ways to get involved:

  • You may continue any service or advocacy project you are already part of.
  • Search for volunteer opportunities through Idealist, Volunteer.org, or HandsOn Bay Area, or review the resources on the McCarthy Center website.
  • Explore the McCarthy Center’s list of community partners that USF currently works with.

You can search for volunteer opportunities based on your location and interests on Idealist.

We encourage all faculty and staff to step away from their daily work periodically to reflect and build community through the Community Service and Mission Engagement benefit. You should contact your supervisor directly to make arrangements to participate in any activities this winter.

As we face the realities of our current budget and prioritize student learning and employee needs, we have decided to reduce this expense. While the President’s Office will not host a Christmas party this year, we encourage smaller celebrations that honor your work and the work of your colleagues.