Ignatian Family Teach-In FAQ
Convened every fall, the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice has come to hold particular significance as the largest meeting place of individuals from U.S. Jesuit-affiliated institutions, gathering in a remarkable display of solidarity to bear witness to the legacy of faith in action. The event is a powerful experience, especially for students at high schools and colleges, who connect with their faith through education, liturgy and advocacy.
Though this gathering originated as an opportunity for the Ignatian family to gather prior to the vigil of the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, the Teach-In's focus has broadened. Other social justice issues considered are immigration reform, environmental justice, peacemaking and fair trade.
With November 16th, 2009 marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination of the six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her teenage daughter at the University of Central America in San Salvador, and the year 2009 also marking the 12th consecutive year that the Ignatian Family gathered in Ft. Benning, Georgia for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, the Ignatian Solidarity Network decided to relocate its annual November gathering.
The decision to bring closure to the Teach-In at Ft. Benning marked a significant turning point for the network and was rooted in practicality and programmatic opportunities. There was growing interest among ISN members to gather in new locations, in new ways, and to focus their energies on emerging issues that inspire them collectively just as the struggle to close the School of the Americas had galvanized them for so many years. As a Jesuit institution, we are committed to the ideals promoted by Father Pedro Arrupe, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, when he said, “The way to faith and the way to justice are inseparable ways. It is up this undivided road, this steep road that the pilgrim Church must travel and toil.” When we serve justice, we serve our faith and our God. At the forefront of this initiative lies collaboration from various members of the Loyola and Baltimore communities. The Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ) hires one student to be the student leader and organizer for the Ignatian Solidarity Network events throughout the year, in conjunction with a full time staff member from CCSJ. In addition, at least one person from the Campus Ministry staff assists in the planning and recruitment of the Fall Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice trip. The Loyola Jesuit Community, the Maryland Province of Jesuits and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps East are among the constituencies with which the Loyola delegation has collaborated over the years. - Send-Off Mass at Loyola
- Transportation
- Hotel Accommodations
- Some Meals
- Follow-Up Reflection and Activities at Loyola
- Registration form can be obtained online and is due on Tuesday, September 25th
- Preparation meetings prior to departure and a reflection meeting upon return are required
- $60 contribution per participant (Scholarships available if financial need is present)
- John Rohrer, Ignatian Solidarity Network Service Coordinator, ext. 2989
- Mike McKenna, Assistant Director of Poverty Concerns and Faith Connections at CCSJ, ext. 5352
- Jessica Pane, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, ext. 2883
Please join us – either in prayer or in person – this November to help express the Loyola community’s commitment to “the service of faith and the promotion of justice.” Spaces are limited, register early! | 
