Leadership in the Ignatian Tradition: Personal and Communal Discernment

Orientation Session 7
Leadership in the Ignatian Tradition: Personal and Communal Discernment

We continue with our orientation sessions on the Catholic, Jesuit character of Seattle University’s mission. The first session reviewed Ignatius’ life and the beginnings of the Jesuit educational mission. Session 2 provided a brief introduction to Jesuit spirituality. Session 3 focused on the articulations of the Jesuit educational mission coming from recent general congregations of the Jesuits. Session 4 spoke of a Jesuit university’s mission as “developing people of competence and compassion.” Session 5 focused on what it means to be a Catholic Jesuit university today. Session 6 took us on a tour of “Saints and Structures” that identify the campus with our Catholic Jesuit heritage. Session 7 treats the idea of leadership in the Jesuit tradition with a focus on the notion of discernment that is so integral to Ignatius’ idea of leadership.

Reading:

Ignatian Communal Discernment

Video:

  

Reflection Questions:

  • Do you agree that all of us are leaders in one way or another? 
  • Does the idea of leadership in the Jesuit tradition presented here make sense to you?
  • Can you identify ways in your own leadership performance where you practice discernment?