News & Events

Murphy Center Programming Updates

“Faith is not a light that scatters all our darkness, but a lamp that guides our steps in the night.”
- Pope Francis

The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality is offering to provide support and spiritual connection for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and those in our surrounding communities:

One on One Spiritual Direction

The Center offering one on one virtual spiritual direction including over via Zoom, Skype and FaceTime. Please contact Colleen Gilbertson at cgilbertson@fairfield.edu for more information.

Ignatian Virtual Retreat

Every other Tuesday on Zoom 1 – 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday, September 15. This virtual retreat is open to anyone who is seeking prayerful connection and no prior experience of Ignatian spirituality is necessary. Participants join in for a one-hour presentation on Ignatian Spirituality and a companion prayer experience. For more information and to register, please contact Marcy Haley at mhaley1@fairfield.edu.

STAG Athlete Support

MCIS is coordinating with Athletics to provide spiritual support to all athletes. Student-athletes participate in retreats focusing on building an understanding of how God is at work in these uncertain times and the Center is reaching out to those who might be struggling with disappointment and loss. If you would like more information or a check in from MCIS, please contact Marcy Haley at mhaley1@fairfield.edu

50th Anniversary of Women at Fairfield University – The Inigas Series

The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University cordially invites you to celebrate 50 Year of Women at Fairfield University with two events this semester focusing on women and spirituality. In addition to our annual Advent Retreat, the Murphy Center and Alumni Relations will sponsor a webinar entitled, “Journey of Faith; A Conversation with Anne Gardner.” Anne Gardner is an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church and Chaplain at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact Marcy Haley at mhaley1@fairfield.edu.

Spirituality and Aging with Grace, Part IV

Fr. John Murray, S.J., and Elizabeth Hastings will once again offer a lecture series about spirituality and aging. All participants are invited to a reflective discussion on the text, “God and You,” by William Barry, S.J., exploring the nature of growing and deepening a personal relationship with God. This series will take place on Zoom and participants are responsible for purchase of text. To register, please contact Elizabeth Hastings at ehastings@fairfield.edu.

News & Announcements

Dear Friends of Rev. Charles Allen, S.J. and the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality,

As many of you know, we are planning a celebration for Fr. Charlie Allen in honor of his retirement and the James M. Bowler, S.J. Award from the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality.

It is a challenge to balance the shifting requirements of state health recommendations with our desire to honor our beloved Fr. Allen and welcome friends to be with him on campus at an event. While we hoped to have the dinner in the fall, the circumstances do not seem to be in our favor. Fairfield University is committed to the health and safety of Fr. Allen, our community, and our benefactors. Given the popularity of this event, it is unlikely we would be able to accommodate the number of people who are interested in attending.

Moving the dinner to the spring, after students have left campus, seems to provide the best scenario for the event. We should have a better understanding of protocols and procedures at that time. St. Ignatius says, “Love consists in sharing what one has and what one is with those one loves.” Fr. Allen deserves to share his love with those he loves, and we will find a way to make that a reality. We will be meeting again, in August, to revisit this decision and will communicate any updates to our committee members and supporters on a regular basis.

Please know how grateful we are for your support of Fr. Allen and MCIS and for your patience. Blessings to you and your loved ones as we find our way during this time of uncertainty.

Peace,

Rev. Gerry Blaszczak, S.J.

VP, Mission & Ministry

Peter and Jennifer Harding

Dinner Chairpersons

Table Sponsorship Form (PDF)