Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley: Our Faith

Theological studies and preparation for ministry engage the whole person. The Jesuit School believes that this engagement is enriched when it takes place in a faith community of mutual support. The Office of Student Services attends to the Jesuit School community life, as well as to non-academic student needs. The Office of Student Services provides programs and services in the following areas:

Spiritual Direction
Student Services personnel are available to make recommendations to students seeking a spiritual director at any time during the year. The Office of Student Services recruits and maintains a list of qualified spiritual directors whose work is known to the school. A presentation is made early in the fall semester to introduce some of the directors.

Student Retreats
Student retreats are held in August and January, and others may be organized by the Office of Student Services as needed. A list of private retreat centers in the area is available for individuals or groups who wish to arrange their own retreat.

Liturgy and Prayer
The Jesuit School community celebrates liturgy Tuesday through Saturday. A Liturgy Committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students, plans school liturgies, and liturgical ministries involve the whole school community. Students are encouraged to join a local parish for Sunday liturgies. Prayer groups and prayer days are planned and scheduled by staff and/or students and may meet according to student interest.

Faith Sharing
At the beginning of each semester, groups are formed which meet weekly throughout the semester for faith sharing. Occasional evenings or days of reflection are scheduled according to student interest.

Lay Formation
The Office of Student Services plans lectures, panel discussions, workshops and other opportunities for addressing subjects such as Ignatian spirituality, collaborative ministry, spirituality and ministry, ministerial careers, and multi-cultural ministries.

Student Groups
Special interest groups, such as Life Matters, Forum for Catholic Women's Issues, Bread for the World and Pax Christi may be organized by students, usually in conjunction with the other Roman Catholic schools of the GTU.